Zitholele Consulting Reg. No. 2000/000392/07
PO Box 6002 Halfway House 1685 South Africa Thandanani Park, Matuka Close Halfway Gardens, Midrand Tel + (27) 11 207 2060 Fax + (27) 86 674 6121 E-mail : [email protected]
AMENDED FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT
PROPOSED PONGOLA-CANDOVER 132kV POWER LINE AND ASSOCIATED MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING PONGOLA 132/22kV SUBSTATION AND CANDOVER SWITCHING STATION
Report No : 12722-Basic Assessment Report 1
Submitted to: Department of Environmental Affairs Environment House Corner of Steve Biko Road and Soutpansberg Road Pretoria 0001
DISTRIBUTION: 5 Copies - Department of Environmental Affairs 1 Copy - Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd – Library
13 October 2014 12722
Directors: S Pillay (Managing Director); N Rajasakran (Director); Dr AM Van Niekerk (Director) BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION ...... 5 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 5 2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ...... 10 3 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY ...... 17 4 SITE ACCESS ...... 17 5 LOCALITY MAP ...... 18 6 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN ...... 19 7 SENSITIVITY MAP ...... 19 8 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ...... 19 9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION ...... 20 10 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION ...... 20 11 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES ...... 26 12 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT ...... 29 13 WATER USE ...... 31 14 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ...... 31 SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ...... 32 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE ...... 33 2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE ...... 33 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE ...... 33 4. GROUNDCOVER ...... 34 5. SURFACE WATER ...... 35 6. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA ...... 37 7. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES ...... 38 8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER ...... 38 9. BIODIVERSITY ...... 39 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...... 42 1. ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE...... 42 2. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES ...... 42 3. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES ...... 43 4. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT ...... 56 5. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION ...... 57 6. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ...... 59 SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...... 60 1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 60 2. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT REGISTER ...... 80 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ...... 93 SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER ...... 96 SECTION F. APPENDICES ...... 98
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LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Maps Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility Illustration Appendix D: Specialist Reports (Including Terms of Reference) Appendix E: Public Participation Appendix F: Impact Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix H: Details of EAP and Expertise Appendix I: Specialist Declaration of Interest Appendix J: Additional Information
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(For official use only) File Reference Number: Application Number: Date Received:
Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended. Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for. 2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority 3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing. 4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report. 5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision. 6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations. 7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority. 8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. 9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature. 10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner. 11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process. 12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed. 13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted. 14. Two (2) colour hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the report must be submitted to the competent authority. 15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority.
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SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for the specialist appointed and attach in Appendix I.
1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for a) Background and Context Eskom Distribution’s - KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit, is presently upgrading the electricity infrastructure on the Makhathini Flats in northern KwaZulu-Natal. With the proposed construction of three new 132/22kV substations for the supply of the greater Makhathini area viz. Ndumo Substation, Skhemelele, Gezisa Substation, Manguzi, and Mbazwana substation, Mbazwana, the existing Pongola-Candover 132kV power line will be overloaded by 2013. Should the existing Pongola-Candover 132kV power line be out of service, for whatever reason, then Makhathini, Gezisa, Ndumo and Nondabuya Substation loads will be shed resulting in an inevitable loss of supply on the greater Makhathini area and an unacceptable service to customers. As a solution Eskom proposes to construct infrastructure to strengthen and upgrade the network in the Pongola, Mkuze and Golela areas. The objective of the proposed construction of a second 132kV overhead distribution line between the Pongola Substation and Candover Switching Station is to increase the reserve capacity in the existing lines, while providing additional capacity to supply anticipated load growth on the Makhatini Flats in the Jozini and Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipalities.
In order to accommodate the second Pongola-Candover 132kV power line, modifications to the existing Pongola 132/22kV substation and the existing Candover switching station will have to be undertaken. In addition, a proposed 132kV power line and substation will be required to tee-off the existing Mkuze-Pongola 132kV power line to feed a proposed Golela substation to be located on the MR8 road which leads to the Golela border post with Swaziland. The proposed project activities will accommodate future electrical loads for proposed developments at the border post and localised 22kV networks.
Construction and operation of the above 132kV power lines and Golela substation are subject to Basic Assessments (BA) in terms of Section 14 of the National Environmental Management Act, No 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended. In fulfilment of this requirements, Eskom has appointed Zitholele Consulting to act as the independent environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) and to undertake the BA process.
b) Project Description This proposal, as part of the electrification of the greater Makhathini area, includes the following principal activities for which authorisation is sought. Activity 1: Construction of a second 132kV power line within a 36 m wide servitude from the existing Pongola substation to the existing Conover switching station. The estimated length of the power line will be approximately 50 to 60km long depending on the option adopted. Activity 2: Modification of the existing Pongola Substation and Candover Switching Station to accommodate the second Pongola-Candover 132kV power line; Activity 3: Location of a new 132/22kV substation on the secondary road to the Golela border post; Activity 4: Construction of two 132kV power lines either as single or double circuit
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configuration to supply the proposed Golela Substation.
Although the BA for all the above activities has been conducted simultaneously due to their overlapping study areas, the results of the BA will be reported in two separate Basic Assessment Reports (BAR) covering the above activities as follows: Basic Assessment Report 1 (this report): o In this BAR Activities 1 and 2 – Proposed new Pongola-Candover second 132kV Power line and associated modifications to the existing Pongola substation and Candover switching station will be dealt with. c) Study Area The study area where the proposed activity is to take place is located to the west of the N2 National Road and between Mkuze and Pongola Towns in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. The study area falls within the uPhongolo Local Municipality area which forms part of the Zululand District Municipality. The study area is currently dominated by game farms, Nature Reserves and some agriculture. The proposed power line will run from the existing Candover switching station, located approximately 10 km north of Mkuze town, in a westerly direction to the existing Pongola substation, and located 6 km south of Pongola town. (See Locality Plan in Appendix A.1). d) Substation and Switching Station Both the existing Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station will need to be renovated and upgraded to accommodate the extra receiving bays for the proposed new 132kV power line. This also includes the construction of a 15m high repeater mast at Pongola substation and a 30m high mast at the Candover Switching Station. This will all take place within the existing Eskom-owned substation and switching station properties and therefore do not require authorisation. e) 132kV Power line The proposed 132kV power line will consist of three separate conductors or phases capable of distributing 132kV, overshadowed above this by a thinner shield wire, connected by a series of pylons which can be constructed out of various materials such as steel or concrete.
Figure 1: Views of the existing power line
f) Servitude Clearance Requirements
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High voltage power lines require a large clearance area for safety precautions. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) provides for statutory clearances.
Table 1: Electrical Clearance Specifications (Eskom) Clearances Minimum Clearance Distance (m) Ground clearance 6.3 Building structures not part of power line 3.8 Above roads and in townships, proclaimed roads 7.5 Telecommunication lines 2.0
Table 2: Minimum Clearance Chart for Power lines from Roads (132kV – KZN Region) National Roads: any part of structure greater than 60m , from road reserve boundary KZN Main Roads: (any part of structure) greater than 35m from centre line of road or 15m from road fence KZN District roads: (any part of structure) 20m from central line of the road g) Access Access is required during both the construction and operation/maintenance phases of the power line’s life cycle. Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established during the construction phase. New access roads will not exceed a width of 8m and will therefore not trigger any activities listed in the EIA Regulations R.543, R.544 and R546. Access roads will enable the transportation of construction material as well as construction teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the power line has been constructed. h) Foundations The type of terrain encountered, as well as the underlying geotechnical conditions as well as the pylon type required determines the choice of foundation. The actual size and type of foundation to be installed will depend on the soil bearing capacity (actual sub-soil conditions). Foundations will be mechanically excavated where access to the site is readily available. Access to each structure position will be required for the movement of vehicles to excavate and install foundations, deliver materials and to erect the structures. They cannot be lifted by hand. The option of using screw anchors will be considered for the steel lattice towers, depending on cost comparisons with conventional type concrete foundations. The 253 and 259 type steel monopole structures are planted directly into the ground and have a concrete collar cast around the base thereof. Hence, such structures cannot accommodate the use of screw anchor type foundations. All foundations are back-filled, stabilised through compaction, and capped with concrete at ground level. i) Towers The pylons (towers) can be located approximately 300m to 400m apart on level ground, but the span length can be increased by up to 1300m when crossing valleys and depending on the terrain. It is proposed that the following two types of steel lattice tower structures will be used: Guyed Suspension Tower (273A, 273E); and Self-supporting Tower (255C).
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The area to be cleared for a pylon, varies according to the type of tower to be used, but should not exceed 1600m2 for guyed suspension towers. The pylon also differs in structure to accommodate increased strain when a bend is made in the power line. The pylons will be approximately 18m high (which varies depending on terrain) and require a 36m wide servitude i.e. 18m either side of the centre line of the power line. Drawings and photographs of the proposed pylons to be used are presented in Appendix C. Approval is sought for a corridor 500m wide for the power line to allow for deviations within the approved corridor once a final route has been negotiated with landowners. j) Telecommunications Tower / Mast A radio mast will be placed at both the Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station. The radio masts will serve to transmit and receive radio signals from the radio antennas that are mounted on the structure. It has been determined by Eskom SOC Limited that a telecommunication mast / tower with a height of 30 metres will be required. The height of the telecommunication mast / tower (i.e. 30 metres) is essential to ensure that radio signals of the Eskom Telecommunication Radio Site are picked up on. This will furthermore also eliminate the need for a new radio site. The details of the proposed Telecommunications Towers is provided in Table 4.
Table 4: Details of Telecommunications Towers Location of Tower Associated Station Tower Height including Antenna (Coordinates) 31º38’20.980”E Pongola Substation 15 meters 27º26’53.437”S 31º59’14.825”E Candover Switching Station 30 meters 27º32’57.097”S k) Power line Design Phase, Construction Phase and Operational Phase Activities The following activities will be undertaken during the Design Phase: Environmental survey of study area; Selection of alternative power line corridors; Determination of technically feasible alternatives; o EIA input into route selection and obtaining government authorisation; and o Negotiation of final line route and servitude with affected landowners. To ensure that all site specific sensitivities are avoided a route survey and corridor walk- down will be done. During this process the exact co-ordinates of the proposed towers will be established. All specialists will be provided with a plan showing the proposed locations of the towers, and will be required to point out probable problematic areas or sensitive areas to be visited by the specialists during the pre-construction walk-down; and Final design of line and placement of towers.
The Construction Phase for the proposed project will take 60 months to complete (from the time Environmental Authorisation has been received). The Construction Phase for the proposed project will include the following activities: Construction camps will be sited in areas where the least disturbance to potentially sensitive environments will be caused; If Ready-mix concrete is not available, small mobile batching plants will have to be established in
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the area close to the power line; Access will have to be created in places to allow for large construction vehicles to gain access to the proposed servitude; A 36 metres wide servitude is required for the proposed 132kV power line. Trees and shrubs will be cleared where required along the entire length of the servitude for access, erection of the pylons and stringing of the conductor (the vegetation will also be maintained by Eskom during the Operational Phase); During construction the route will be surveyed, pegged and the soil nominations excavated for each and every pylon foundation; Foundations will be laid for the footings of the pylons. The first step is the excavation of the pylon foundations, the reinforcing thereof and finally the concreting of the foundations. The equipment required to excavate the foundations can be manual labour, a Tipper Loader Backhoe (i.e. TLB). In the case of hard rock a drilling rig or blasting may be required to excavate the foundations. The concrete will be transported via concrete trucks to the required locations; The towers will be erected in piece-meal; that is to say in segments. After the foundations and footings have been installed the construction team will transport the various steel parts of the towers to the site and either assemble the pylons lying down on the ground or from the base upwards. This process again requires a lot of manual labour and mobile cranes are used to assembly towers which have been assembled lying down; Once the towers have been assembled, the conductors and shield wire/s will be strung between the towers. Once stringing and tensioning is complete the line is considered constructed, where after it will be tested prior to being commissioned; Rehabilitation of disturbed areas and protection of erosion sensitive areas; and Testing and commissioning.
During the Operational Phase and Maintenance Phase of the project, Eskom SOC Limited requires access to the servitude for maintenance activities which may include repairs and replacement of various hardware on the towers and the conductor and, in very rare cases, repairs to the foundations. .
During the Decommissioning Phase the following activities will be carried out: The physical removal of the power line infrastructure would entail the reversal of the construction process; A rehabilitation programme would need to be agreed upon with the landowners (if applicable) before being implemented; and Materials generated by the decommissioning process will be disposed of according to the Waste Hierarchy i.e. wherever feasible, materials will be reused, then recycled and lastly disposed of. Materials will be disposed of in a suitable manner, in a suitably licensed facility.
All of the aforementioned decommissioning activities would be subject to a separate Environmental Authorisation Process at the appropriate time. l) Expansion of the existing Pongola Substation and Candover Switching Station This expansion of these two facilities will involve expanding the foundation of the substation and the erection of additional bays to take in the new line: Expansion of fence line; Construction of terrace and foundations; Assembly and erection of new bays;
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Rehabilitation of disturbed areas; and Testing and commissioning.
m) Overview of Environmental Features of the Study Area The topography of the study area is predominantly rolling hills, but relatively high escarpments traverse the study area from north to south. Game farms and cattle farms, game reserves and some sugar cane are the predominant land uses in the study area. The vegetation consists of Zululand Lowveld and Northern Zululand Bushveld and is very dense in the central and south eastern portions of the study area.
The mountainous terrain and dense vegetation generally coincide and will impose access constraints and poses challenging conditions for undertaking the necessary construction activities. According to the Local Municipalities’ Integrated Development Plans for the uPhongolo Area some important conservation areas require careful management in the unfolding development pattern. These conservation areas include the Pongolapoort Dam and nature reserve, the area surrounding the Mkuze river as well as the area between the R66 and the N2 Roads.
b) Provide a detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as applied for
Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545 Description of project activity and 546
GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 10(i) The construction of facilities or infrastructure Construction of a 132kV transmission line for the transmission and distribution of between the existing Pongola substation electricity and Candover switching station. (i) Outside urban areas or industrial Upgrades to the Pongola Sub-station and complexes with a capacity of more than Candover Switching Stations. 33 but less than 275kV. GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 11(xi) The power line structures may have to be The construction of infrastructure or structures placed within 32 meters of a water within a watercourse or within 32 meters of a course/wetland, where unavoidable. watercourse. GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 26 The Pongola / Mkuze area is known for its Any process or activity identified in terms of environmental sensitivity. This activity will only Section 53(1) of NEM: Biodiversity Act, 2004 apply if such sensitive areas may be affected. An Eskom Telecommunication Tower / Mast will be constructed at both the Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station. The GN R.546, 18 June 2010 Item 3(a) vertical height of the proposed towers will be 15m and 30m respectively therefore exceeding 15 metres. GN R546 18 June 2010 Item 13 (a) (c) ii The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more Clearing vegetation along servitude will occur of vegetation where 75 % or more of the and will exceed 1 ha in totality. vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation.
2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to—
(a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;
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(b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity.
Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co- ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. Please Note that the alternatives are named as follows: Alternative A1 – Northern Corridor Alternative A2 – Central Corridor Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor.
Identification of Reasonable Corridor Alternatives The three alternatives specified above were identified during site and routing investigations undertaken in the greater study area by Eskom SOC Limited representatives, the Environmental Assessment Practitioner with input from Ecological, Visual, Surface Water, Heritage and Avifauna Specialists.
a) Corridor alternatives In the case of linear activities:
Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative A1 – Northern (preferred) Starting point of the activity 27° 26' 53.437" S 31° 38' 20.980" E Middle/Additional point of the activity 27° 24' 44.040" S 31° 50' 30.528" E End point of the activity 27° 32' 57.097" S 31° 59' 14.825" E Alternative A2 (Central) Starting point of the activity 27° 26' 53.437" S 31° 38' 20.980" E Middle/Additional point of the activity 27° 31' 12.640" S 31° 49' 33.486" E End point of the activity 27° 32' 57.097" S 31° 59' 14.825" E Alternative A3 (Southern) Starting point of the activity 27° 26' 53.437" S 31° 38' 20.980" E Middle/Additional point of the activity 27° 32' 1.670" S 31° 50' 1.610" E End point of the activity 27° 32' 57.097" S 31° 59' 14.825" E
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For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A.
b) Lay-out alternatives “Layout alternatives” in the context of this application refers to the spatial configuration or alignment of the proposed power lines corridors. All three potential route alignments are shown on the layout map in Appendix A2. Alternative 1 (preferred): Northern Corridor Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) An existing vacant 132kV registered power line servitude falls within this corridor and runs parallel to the existing 132kV power line on its western and southern side. This corridor intersects settled land, game farms and agricultural land. Alternative 2: Central Corridor Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) This corridor traverses from the existing Candover switching station in an east to west direction. It intersects with the R69 and follows a north westerly direction to the Pongola Substation. This corridor traverses game farms/reserves in the southern and central portions of the corridor, grazed areas, informal settlement and agricultural land. Alternative 3: Southern Corridor Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS) This corridor traverses in an east to west direction. It intersects with the R69 which is a rural road which divides the study area. The corridor then intersects the R66 before running parallel to it in a northerly direction to the Pongola substation. The corridor intersects mainly game farms/reserves in portions to the north as well as in the southern parts of the study area. Informal/rural settlement occurs centrally along this route.
c) Technology alternatives Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) – Single Circuit Overhead Power line The use of single circuit overhead power lines to distribute electricity is considered the most appropriate technology and has been designed over may years for the existing environmental conditions and terrain as specified by Eskom Specifications and best international practice. Based on all current technologies available, single circuit overhead power lines are considered the most environmentally practicable technology available for the distribution of power. This option is considered appropriate for the following reasons: More cost effective installation cost; Less environmental damage during installation; and More effective and cheaper maintenance costs over the lifetime of the power line. Alternative 2 – Double- and Multi-circuit Overhead Power line Where sensitive environmental features are identified, and there is sufficient justification, Eskom will consider the use of double circuit (placing 2 power lines on either side of the same tower structure) or multi-circuit (placing a 132kV line and a 22kV power line on the same tower structure)
12 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT to reduce impacts. However, the use of double- or multi-circuiting has a number of technical disadvantages: Faults or problems on one power line may mean that the other power line is also disabled during maintenance, and this will affect the quality of supply to an area; Installation of the multi-circuit or double-circuit power lines requires dismantling the existing power line at great cost. Constructing a double-circuit line will mean clearing and constructing in separate servitude and subsequently dismantling the existing the line. This exercise will initially double the disturbed area and cost 3 times as much as the construction of an additional single- circuit line. If the double-circuit line has to be constructed in the existing servitude i.e. break and build, then power supply to customers will be disrupted for a lengthy and unacceptable period of time critically and negatively affecting business and households over a vast area; and Larger and taller towers as well as more towers are required for double- and multi-circuit power lines.
Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion Below follows a summary of the implications associated with placing additional power lines on an existing single circuit power (i.e. Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion).
The most significant implications of converting the existing single-circuit power line to a double- circuit power line, thereby essentially dismantling the existing tower to place two circuits on a single structure, includes the following: a) In the case where two new 132kV power lines are required, the operational phase working area and footprint associated with each of the two power lines can be reduced by placing both power lines on a single structure (i.e. double-circuit power line). Constructing a double-circuit (i.e. placing two power lines of the same voltage on a single structure) however poses a number of disadvantages. Due to the high voltage and proximity of the two power lines to each other, carrying out maintenance activities on either of the power lines, may necessitate “switching both of the power lines off” and therefore breaking the electricity supply for the duration of the maintenance activities. Taking the aforementioned into account in the event of a failure or breakdown of one of the power lines, both the circuits may also be affected; b) Dismantling the existing power line to construct a double circuit power line within the same working area will result in the termination of supply between the two points for the duration of construction (varies depending on the length of the line being built and difficulties associated with construction). If electricity to the furthest point of supply from the source cannot be redirected from elsewhere (i.e. from another existing point of supply) all customers at the end would lose the supply of electricity. In the case of Pongola-Candover to supply sufficient power to Candover from its southern link via Mkuze substation from Empangeni is not feasible as this network is already constrained; and c) Dismantling the existing single-circuit power line, to construct a double-circuit power line in its place will effectively double the construction footprint and working area, when compared to constructing an additional single-circuit power line alongside the existing power line. The larger construction footprint associated with converting a single-circuit to double-circuit power line is largely due to the activities associated with the dismantling of the existing power line followed by the construction of the double-circuit power line.
Taking the aforementioned into account it is preferred to construct an additional 132kV power line alongside the existing power line within the existing servitude, as opposed to converting the existing single-circuit to double-circuit power line. Constructing an additional 132kV power line along the existing power line within the existing servitude will ensure continued supply of electricity during the Construction Phase of the proposed project. Maintenance activities which are carried out on one of the single-circuit power line may not necessarily affect the adjacent power line.
Note: The use of a single circuit is preferred to prevent common cause failure (i.e. one structure common to both power circuits). Furthermore a single circuit is easier to maintain and restore in
13 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT emergency conditions as compared to the double circuit. Double circuit structures are larger and will occupy a larger surface area and therefore marginally increase the area to be cleared for construction and maintenance. Material requirements are doubled for a double-circuit power line compared to a single-circuit line and therefore construction activities are increased. A larger crane and concomitantly more vehicle activity is required during a double-circuit line’s construction.
Alternative 3 – Underground Cabling Underground cabling of high voltage power lines over long distances is not considered a feasible or environmentally practicable alternative for the following reasons: Underground cabling will incur significantly higher installation and maintenance costs see Appendix J; It is more difficult and takes longer to isolate and repair faults on underground cables; There is increased potential for faulting at the transition point from underground cable to overhead power line; Underground cables require a larger area to be disturbed during construction and maintenance operations and hence have a bigger environmental disturbance footprint; and Underground cabling requires the disturbance of a greater area when it comes to agriculture and other compatible land uses as the entire servitude becomes available for use as opposed to just the area around the towers.
Comparative Analysis of Underground Cabling versus Overhead Power Lines A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining whether to opt for underground cabling or overhead power lines. The table below provides a summary of the key considerations which are taken into account by Eskom when deciding on whether to use overhead power lines or underground cabling.
Comparative Analysis No. Aspect Underground Cabling Overhead Power Line A working are of approximately 15m wide is required to allow adequate space for: The surface area covered by the Excavating material from the trench tower base will require a working (approximately 1 – 2m deep); area of approximately 40mx40m; Disturbed 1. Stockpiling of excavated soil; and An area of 12m3 will be Area Accommodating a service road for the excavated to place and secure full length of the cable and movement the self-supporting steel of vehicles during the Construction structures. Phase.
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Comparative Analysis No. Aspect Underground Cabling Overhead Power Line Vegetation will only be cleared at the specific tower locations, estimated to be placed every 350m in relatively flat areas; and Vegetation within the demarcated Vegetation Vegetation along the entire length of the 2. access tracks will be cleared. Clearing cable will be removed. Where the power line extends across steep and inaccessible terrain alternative means of constructing access tracks will be used. Active rehabilitation (e.g. management of Owing to the limited disturbance and alien and invasive species) of the vegetation clearing required for 3. Rehabilitation disturbed area will be required throughout placing the towers, the area to be the Operational Phase. rehabilitated may be reduced. The use of copper and insulation increases the cost associated with Shorter repair time for overhead underground cabling; power lines as opposed to the Subject to the site specific soil repair time required for under conditions, the costs associated with cables; the trenching required for placing No additional infrastructure underground cabling is high; required; and Technical 4. Cables require additional infrastructure Implications Excavations will only be required in the form of a “Sealing end at the locations of the towers substation” that is used as an interface along the route alignment, between cable and overhead lines; thereby reducing the costs and associated with excavating Cables have a longer repair time due foundations. to fault finding and trenching to repair the fault. Excavated topsoil will be used for rehabilitation of the disturbed area; Large volumes of spoil will be generated and 5. Spoil by trenching. Minimal spoil is generated by the excavations done for placing the towers.
15 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT d) Other alternatives – Tower Design Alternatives Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) – Steel Lattice Towers The steel lattice towers provide the following advantages over the other tower types available: Enables multipath earthing which enhances the overall electrical performance of the power line; Is visually less obtrusive than the mono-pole options; and Is more practicable than other options i.e. more cost effective and more practical to construct and maintain.
Photos and drawings of the lattice towers are presented in Appendix C. Alternative 2a – Steel Monopoles & Alternative 2b - Cement Structures The steel monopole and cement poles are considered less suitable than the steel lattice towers for the following reasons: Are visually more intrusive than the lattice towers as more are required; Are more expensive than the lattice towers; Monopoles require more steel than the lattice towers; Requires a crane to erect and the terrain does not always allow access for vehicles necessitating construction by hand. Only steel lattice towers in these circumstances can be assembled and erected by hand. The use of twin-bladed heavy lift helicopters to lift steel monopoles and cement structures in inaccessible terrain is prohibitively costly; and Is not as safe to work on as the lattice towers.
Comparative Analysis between Lattice and Monopole Towers A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining whether to opt for monopole towers or lattice towers. The table below provides a summary of the key considerations which are taken into account by Eskom when deciding on whether to use monopole towers or lattice towers.
Comparative Analysis No. Considering Factor Lattice Tower Monopole Tower Monopole can use an (8.5m X Lattice can use micro piles and 8.5m X 1m) = 55.25m3 concrete 1. Foundations caps which is (1.5m X 1m X 1m) X foundation. Excavation 4 legs = 6m3 concrete foundation implications are significant. Lattice towers costs are 60% more Monopole towers costs are 60% 2. Cost than that of monopoles. less than that of lattice towers. Monopoles are more difficult to vandalise and remove members 3. Security - and is therefore preferred in high theft areas. Closer to tower, at a distance less than 100m able to see through the At distances greater than 100m, 4. Aesthetics lattice tower, monopole towers monopole becomes less visible. much more visible.
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Delta Towers
Delta towers have been identified by the avifaunal specialists and by eKZN Wildlife as posing a high risk to bird electrocutions due to the distance between the conductor support arms. After discussions with the appropriate parties, it was confirmed that Eskom would either:
Use an alternative tower configuration with proven reduced risk of bird electrocution, or Will amend the design of the delta configuration to allow for a greater distance between conductors and therefore reduced risk of electrocution; and/or Will include bird diversion mitigation to the selected tower configuration to discourage roosting on the towers.
e) No-go alternative The ‘No Go’ alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line would not be constructed. If the power line does not go ahead, the negative environmental impacts which have been identified if it does go ahead would not occur. However, if the power line is not constructed and commissioned, the region would be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity (basic service) which would inhibit future development in Northern Zululand and would jeopardise the success of the regions Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks, all of which identify the lack of electrical services as inhibitors to future development and quality of life. Therefore, the need for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential negative impacts to the surrounding environment. It is thereby concluded that the „No-go‟ option is not a viable or acceptable option, and should therefore be discounted.
Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative. 3 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Length of the activity: Alternative A1 (preferred) – Northern ± 43 700 m Corridor Alternative A2 – Central Corridor ± 40 700 m Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor ± 43 300 m
b) Indicate size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur):
Alternative: Size of the site/servitude: Alternative A1 (preferred) – Northern (36 m wide) 1 573 200 m2 Corridor Alternative A2 – Central Corridor (36 m wide) 1 465 200 m2 Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor (36 m wide) 1 558 800 m2
4 SITE ACCESS Alternative A1 – Northern Corridor Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built 4 500 m
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Alternative A2 – Central Corridor Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built 8 000 m
Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built 7 000 m
Describe the type of access road planned: Alternative A1 (Northern Corridor): The existing Pongola-Candover 132kV power line is located within the Northern Corridor and the existing access to this power line servitude will be used to gain access to construct the proposed new 132kV power line. Thus, minimal construction of new access roads / tracks will be required. However, at some tower positions and along the servitude, it may be necessary to cut routes using a bulldozer or Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) over rough terrain to permit access for large construction vehicles.
Alternatives A2 (Central Corridor) and A3 (Southern Corridor) - There are no pre-existing servitude tracks along these corridors and hence new access tracks will have to be created off public roads and private farm tracks for approximately 8km and 7km respectively. Access in the form of an informal single truck-width driven track will be required at various points accessing the servitude from public roads and other existing tracks. Typically for the construction of power lines, access is generally created by repetitive passes of the construction vehicles along the same tracks to create a rough driveable track. However, often cutting thick bush to a width of 6 – 8m and de- stumping may be required. At some tower positions and along the servitude, it may be necessary to cut routes using a bulldozer or TLB over rough terrain to permit access for large construction vehicles. Dongas may need to be filled, rocks removed, trees de-stumped and streams crossed to create access. A portion of approximately 2m of the corridor that is common to both the central and southern corridors will have to be strung and constructed with the use of helicopters.
5 LOCALITY MAP An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map must indicate the following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any; indication of all the alternatives identified; closest town(s;) road access from all major roads in the area; road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s); all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and a north arrow;
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a legend; and locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection).
See Appendix A.1.
6 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site; the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives); servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude; a legend; and a north arrow.
See Appendix A.1.
7 SENSITIVITY MAP The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to: watercourses; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and critical biodiversity areas.
The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A.
See Appendix A.3.
8 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. See Appendix B.
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9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.
See Appendix C.
10 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):
1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land
use rights? Please Alternative A1 (Preferred) – Northern Corridor YES NO Explain Provided the Environmental Authorisation is granted, the proposed Pongola-Candover 132kV Power Line will be placed immediately adjacent to the existing Pongola-Candover 132kV power line within the existing Eskom SOC Limited owned servitude. A number of land use rights and / permits for the properties associated with the existing servitude are in place. Please Alternative A2 – Central Corridor YES NO Explain If the power line is constructed in this corridor, the power line will pass through lands that are zoned as private and community owned game reserves, agricultural or open space, game farms etc. where no registered servitude exists and hence a servitude will have to be registered to permit the construction of the power line. The land use will however largely remain unchanged. Please Alternative A3 – Northern Corridor Yes NO Explain If the power line is constructed in this corridor, the power line will pass through lands that are zoned as private and community owned game reserves, agricultural or open space, game farms etc. where no registered servitude exists and hence a servitude will have to be registered to permit the construction of the power line. The land use will however largely remain unchanged. 2. Will the activity be in line with the following? Please (a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO explain The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Spatial Development Framework has identified that one of the primary Provincial Growth and Development Strategies is to grow the economy and that growing the economy is reliant on the provision of reliable and affordable services by government. Such services include, amongst others, the provision of electricity. If electricity cannot be provided the economic potential of the province will not be realised. The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Spatial Development Framework recognises that electricity supply is under stress in the province and that this is hindering development in all sectors. Please (b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO explain Not Applicable – Linear servitude outside built environment.
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(c) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the Local Municipality Please (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise YES NO explain the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?). The uPhongola Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has identified that one of its main developmental challenges is the poor to non-existent physical infrastructure to deliver basis services such as electricity to the expanded areas, predominantly those areas located outside the boundaries of the former TLC. Both the IDP and Spatial Development Framework have identified that electrification within the Local Municipality is one of the Lead Projects for the region and that one of the limitations is the lack of electrical capability in the region along with a decent distribution network. Please (d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO explain The approved Structure Plan of the municipality has identified that tourism and agriculture are major economic development potentials in the region and that the development of these sectors without reliable electricity supply will be hindered. (e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing Please YES NO environmental management priorities for the area and if explain so, can it be justified in terms of sustainability considerations?) The approval of this application will not compromise the integrity of the Environmental Management Framework for the area, especially if the northern corridor is approved as this route is already developed for power distribution and hence not impact further on any environmental management frameworks. Please (f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) YES NO explain uPhongolo Local Municipality Tourism Management Plan also highlights the need for better electrification in the region to enhance the tourism potential. 3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental Please NO authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the YES explain projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)? One of the objectives of the uPhongolo Integrated Development Plan is to provide infrastructure and basic services to the expanded areas predominantly outside the former TLC boundaries and this project will assist in achieving that objective in the next 2 – 5 years. 4. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to Please the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a YES NO explain national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)
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With the construction of three proposed new 132kV substations for the supply of the greater Makhathini area viz. Ndumo, Gezisa (Manguzi) and Mbazwana substations, the existing Pongola- Candover 132kV line will be overloaded by 2013. Should the existing Pongola-Candover 132kV line be out of service for whatever reason then Makhathini, Gezisa, Ndumo and Nondabuya loads will be shed resulting in an inevitable loss of supply to the uPhongola and greater Makhatini areas and an unacceptable service to customers’. Without this new 132kV power line, it will not be possible for the region to achieve the electrification and economic objectives it has set in the IDP. 5. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional Please capacity be created to cater for the development? YES NO (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must explain be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.) The operation of the power lines do not need any municipal services other than access roads for maintenance of the power line; and the site is easily accessible via existing roads. The Proponent will be responsible for the design and construction of required access roads. 6. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on Please the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and YES NO placement of services and opportunity costs)? (Comment by explain the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.) Not Applicable - This project is an infrastructure upgrade project for Eskom and does not impact on the infrastructure planning of the municipality. Please 7. Is this project part of a national programme to address an YES NO issue of national concern or importance? explain Electricity shortage, the growing demand for electricity and the need to provide basic services to all communities is a national concern and priority. 8. Alternative A1 – Northern Corridor Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the Please activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the YES NO explain contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.) In the instance of the Northern Corridor alternative, there are already existing power lines in the proposed corridor connecting the Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station. Thus, a new power line will be erected in an area where a 132kV power line have already been integrated into the natural environment for over 20 years and structure design has been optimised to minimise visual intrusion and the cumulative effect of an additional power line. 8. Alternative A2 and A3 – Central and Southern Corridors Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the Please activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the YES NO explain contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.) There are currently no high voltage power lines running in the entire areas associated with the Central and Southern Corridor Alternatives but 22kV and 11kV (medium and low voltage) overhead power lines do occur in some areas of these corridors. Thus, the construction of overhead power lines in these areas may not be considered favourable land use by the landowners and by organisations such as the Wildlife & Environmental Society of Southern Africa (WESSA) and Ezemvelo-KZN Wildlife.
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9. Alternative A1 – Northern Corridor Please Is the development the best practicable environmental option YES NO explain for this land/site? In the instance of the Northern Corridor alternative, there is already an existing 132kV power line parallel to an adjacent vacant servitude connecting the Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station. Thus, a new power line will be erected in an area where a 132kV power line has already been integrated into the natural environment for over 20 years and structure design has been optimised to minimise visual intrusion and the cumulative effect of an additional power line. 9. Alternatives A2 & A3 –Central & Southern Corridors Please Is the development the best practicable environmental option for YES NO explain this land/site? There are currently no high voltage power lines running in the areas associated with the Central and Southern Corridor Alternatives and hence the construction of overhead power lines in these areas may not be considered favourable land use by the landowners and by organisations such as WESSA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Please 10. Will the benefits of the proposed land use/development YES NO outweigh the negative impacts of it? explain The negative impacts of the development are all of low to moderate significance following mitigation (see Section D) in all three corridors and the main benefit of the development i.e. improved reliability of electrical supply and increased supply to the region resulting in economic growth and alleviation of poverty is of high significance. Please 11. Will the proposed land use/development set a precedent for YES NO similar activities in the area (local municipality)? explain The upgrade of electrical supply is not for profit gain, but is to provide essential services to an area and hence will not set a precedent. Additional upgrades will only occur in the region if the demand for the basic service requires it. Please 12. Will any person’s rights be negatively affected by the proposed YES NO activity/ies? explain The vacant servitude within the Northern Corridor has already been procured by Eskom and should additional servitudes be require then these will be secured through a willing landowner principal (similar to willing buyer willing seller principal). No relocation of people will be required. All processes have followed an extensive stakeholder consultation process and therefore no juristic or natural person’s right will be adversely affected. Please 13. Will the proposed activity/ies compromise the “urban edge” as YES NO defined by the local municipality? explain This is a linear activity that will fall well outside the defined “urban edge” and is considered an isolated activity that will not encourage further urban development along its servitude or in association with its servitude. Please 14. Will the proposed activity/ies contribute to any of the 17 YES NO Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS)? explain This Project in support of the following SIPS: SIP 9: Electricity Generation to support socio-economic development; and SIP 10: Electricity Transmission and Distribution for all. 15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local Please explain communities?
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The potential benefit of the proposed power line to the Northern Zululand region lies in the stimulation of the local economy (specifically tourism and agriculture) through the supply of reliable electricity to improve service delivery to all sectors. Furthermore there will be some employment benefits during the construction phase of the project. 16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed Please explain activity? Improving the network reliability may reduce the number of communities reliant on domestic fires for their cooking and heating requirements which in turn will have the following benefits: Reduction in the harvesting pressure on natural woodlands in the region; and Improved health of persons in these communities through the reduction in the inhalation of smoke fumes. 17. How does the project fit into the National Development Plan for 2030? Please explain The National Development Plan for 2030 has a vision that South Africa will have an energy sector that promotes economic growth and development through adequate investments in energy infrastructure and the provision of quality energy services. 18. Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account. This proposed 132kV power line development has been adequately assessed by competent Environmental Assessment Practitioners and discipline specialists. All potential impacts that may have a significant impact on the receiving environment have been identified and adequately assessed as required by the NEMA 2010 EIA regulations and mitigation measures developed and the impact significance reassessed. The conclusions of the environmental impact assessment have been concisely summarised to adequately inform decision-making by the competent authority. A comprehensive Public Participation Process was also undertaken, which conformed to requirements in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Furthermore, all Interested and Affected Parties will be given ample time (as per the requirements of the EIA Regulations) to review and comment on all documents and reports and the affected landowners will be empowered to be able to state their concerns and issues adequately.
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19. Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account. The primary objective of the project is to provide a stable electricity supply to the Northern Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal. The provision of a stable electricity supply with spare capacity will encourage future development in the area and will potentially improve the economic situation through job creation. The social, economic and environmental impacts have been identified and rated by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) with the assistance of numerous specialists.
The environmental impact of power lines is well understood and the tower structures selected for this development have been chosen to reduce visual impacts, impacts on cultivated land and impact on avifauna. A heritage survey, surface water and wetlands assessment as well as an ecological study were also undertaken as part of the basic assessment process and recommendations made by all the specialists for inclusion in the EMPr.
Three alternative corridors were identified and assessed as part of the Basic Assessment and a single corridor route was found to be more environmentally suitable than the other two based on ranking the significance of each aspect identified by the relevant specialist.
The Environmental Basic Assessment was advertised and members of the public were given the opportunity to register as I&AP as described in Section C: Public Participation and the issues and responses report (See Appendix E).
Most of the negative impacts associated with the project will occur during the construction phase. Where negative impacts are unavoidable they will be mitigated according to stipulations in the EMPr. Those impacts that can be addressed during the design phase have been identified and the mitigations recommended will form part of the design. The impacts of the proposed power line on wetlands and sensitive vegetation will be reduced by on site placement of towers to avoid placing them in wetland areas or in sensitive vegetation.
Recommendations and mitigations presented in the EMPr will reduce the disturbance to ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity. Where negative impacts are unavoidable, strict management and rehabilitation is recommended to minimise the potential negative impacts. The use of potentially polluting substances will be managed according to requirements in the EMPr. The EMPr will hold the developer responsible for any unnecessary negative impacts of the development on the environment.
The EMPr will include a rehabilitation plan and the cost to of rehabilitation required due to pollution or unnecessary environment degradation resulting from the activity will be the responsibility of the developer.
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11 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:
Title of legislation, policy or guideline Applicability to the project Administering authority Date
The Constitution paves the way for the protection of the natural Constitution of the Republic of South South African environment and heritage resources through the recognition of the right 1996 Africa, 1996 (108 of 1996) Government to a health and safe environment. NEMA is the key environmental management legislation and states in Section 2(4)(k) that "the environment is held in public trust for the National and Provincial National Environmental Management Act, people, the beneficial use of resources must serve the public interest Department of 1998 1998 (107 of 1998) and the environment must be protected as the people’s common Environmental Affairs heritage” thereby paving the way for EIA process to assess developments that may have a harmful impact on the environment. Under section 38(1) of the NHRA any person who intends to construct a power line or other linear development exceeding 300m in length South African Heritage National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 must notify the responsible heritage resources agency of its intention. Resources 1999 (25 of 1999) The responsible heritage resources authority may require a heritage Agency/AMAFA impact assessment where power lines are being proposed The EIA regulations describe the EIA process to be followed including National and Provincial NEMA (1998) Environmental Impact the public participation process, and the listed activities that may have Department of 2010 Assessment Regulations 2010 a harmful impact on the environment and must be assessed. Environmental Affairs The Biodiversity Act provides for the management and protection of the country’s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. It National and Provincial provides for the protection of species and ecosystems in need of Department of National Environmental Management: protection, sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and Environmental Affairs 2004 Biodiversity Act, 2004 (10 of 2004) equity in bio-prospecting. Some Critical Biodiversity Areas and And Ezemvelo KZN vulnerable and endangered ecosystems have been identified by the Wildlife vegetation specialist in the study site. National and Provincial The Protected Areas Act provides for the protection and conservation National Environmental Management: Department of of ecologically viable areas representative of the country’s biological Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act 57 of Environmental Affairs 2003 diversity, its natural landscapes and seascapes. The proposed 2003) and Ezemvelo KZN alternative routes runs through a non-statutory protected area. Wildlife National Forests Act, 1998 (84 of 1998) The development of the proposed project may result in damage or Department of 1998
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Title of legislation, policy or guideline Applicability to the project Administering authority Date
destruction of a tree under the National Forests Act Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries The implementation of the National Veld and Forest Fires Act, 1998 (101 of 1998) (NVFA) is aimed at preventing and combatting veld, forest and mountain fires. The following incidents, associated with the operation of the proposed power lines as well as the supporting infrastructure, poses a fire risk hazard: Flashovers between the conductor and vegetation; Department of National Veld and Forest Fires Act, 1998 Falling trees; and Agriculture, Forestry 1998 (101 of 1998) Poor servitude maintenance. and Fisheries
Eskom is therefore required to implement preventative measures intended to reduce the risk of fires, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the NVFA (1998).
The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (2 of 2000) gives effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by the state, as well as information held by another person that is required National Department Promotion of Access to Information Act, for the exercise or protection of any right. As the Basic Assessment of Environmental 2000 2000 (2 of 2000) Report as well as all supporting documentation (e.g. Specialist Studies) Affairs have been placed for public review, all I&APs were given access to these documents. In addition, all registered I&APs will be notified of the decision made by the DEA on the Application. This Act provides for the protection and management of water resources. A Water Use Licence Application is made to authorise water use activities pertaining to the altering of the bed and banks of a Department of Water National Water Act, 1998 (36 of 1998) 1998 watercourse and diverting the flow of water in a watercourse. A WULA Affairs may be required on this project for the construction of tower structures within 500m of a watercourse. In terms of Section 6 of the Act, the Minister may prescribe control measures with which all land users have to comply. The control measure may relate to the regulating of the flow pattern of run-off Conservation of Agricultural Resources Department of water, the control of weeds and invader plants, and the restoration or 1983 Act, 1983 (43 of 1983) Agriculture reclamation of eroded land or land which is otherwise disturbed or denuded. This act will regulate construction activities to prevent the spreading of invasive species and to ensure successful rehabilitation of
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Title of legislation, policy or guideline Applicability to the project Administering authority Date
the receiving environment.
The OHSA governs and ensures the protection of employees in the workplace. A number of permanent and contract skilled and semi- skilled workers will be involved in the construction of the different Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 aspects of the project. Their appointment and work periods will be Department of Labour 1993 (85 of 1993) subject to the provisions of the OHSA. This act and its regulations also govern the design and operation of power lines. This act establishes a national regulatory framework for the electricity supply industry; and provides for licences and registration as the National Energy Electricity Regulations Act, 2006 (4 of manner in which generation, transmission, distribution, reticulation, Regulator of South 2006 2006) trading and the import and export of electricity are regulated. The Africa erection of new electricity distribution infrastructure is thus regulated in terms of this act. The Act allows for the regulation and maintenance of security of energy supply in South Africa. The act empowers the energy regulator to South African National National Energy Act, 2008 (34 of 2008) invest in the maintenance of energy infrastructure, which includes the Energy Development 2008 installation of electrical infrastructure in area where the grids is Institute operating at near maximum. National Environmental Management: Requires sustainable integrated waste management and Department of 2008 Waste Act, 2008 (59 of 2008) implementation of the waste hierarchy. Environmental Affairs The primary objective of the uPhongolo Local Municipality Indigent uPhongolo Local Municipality Indigent uPhongolo Local Relief Policy is to ensure the provision of basic services to the 2014 Relief Policy (2014 / 2015) Municipality community in a sustainable manner. The current by-laws which have been adopted by the Jozini Local Jozini Local Jozini Local Municipality By-Laws - Municipality have no bearing on the proposed project. Municipality The current by-laws which have been adopted by the Umhlabuyalingana Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality have no bearing on the proposed - Local Municipality project.
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12 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT a) Solid waste management Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ± 6 m3 How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? Waste generated during the construction phase will be collected in designated areas, in facilities designed to safely store the waste. Waste separation for reuse and recycling will take place. Once sufficient volumes of waste have been collected, or once a month, whichever occurs first, the waste will be transported to the nearest suitably licensed/acceptable solid waste disposal facility waste facility. Care will be taken to ensure that no forms of secondary pollution results from the disposal of refuse. Receipts / waybills will be obtained from the facility for record purposes. All waste generated by the Construction Activities associated with the proposed project will be disposed of in a manner which will not cause health risks, surface or sub-surface water pollution.
Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)? General waste will be disposed of at a municipal landfill site. Waste Disposal Slips will be readily available as confirmation of the disposal of solid waste at a landfill site.
Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?
If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site will be used. Solid waste will be disposed of at the Pongola Landfill Site or Mkuze Landfill Site.
Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)? Not Applicable If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.
Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the YES NO NEM:WA? If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application. b) Liquid effluent Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a YES NO
29 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT municipal sewage system? If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m3 Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of onsite? YES NO If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another YES NO facility? If YES, provide the particulars of the facility: Facility name: N/A Contact N/A person: Postal N/A address: Postal code: N/A Telephone: N/A Cell: N/A E-mail: N/A Fax: N/A
Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any: N/A c) Emissions into the atmosphere Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and YES NO dust associated with construction phase activities? If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:
d) Waste permit Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the YES NO NEM:WA? If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent authority.
30 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT e) Generation of noise Will the activity generate noise? YES NO If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level: Construction Phase: Noise control regulations and SANS 10103: Short term noise impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project relating to the operation of heavy machinery. It is however anticipated that the noise will be localised and contained within the construction site. The applicant must adhere to the relevant provincial noise control legislation (if any) as well as SANS 10103. Working hours should be restricted to 07h00 to 18h00 Monday to Friday excluding public holiday.
Operational phase: A corona can be produced from water droplets forming on the conductor and crackling noise being formed from the breakdown of air molecules. (Eskom GFS 0009 Revision 2 Document, May 2004)
13 WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es): Municipal Groundwater River, stream, The activity will not Construction Water board Construction Other Phase phase dam or lake use water
If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural 20 000 litres feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use YES NO license) from the Department of Water Affairs? If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs.
14 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient: The entire power line design has been optimised over the years to prevent or reduce energy losses between the point of generation and use and hence is considered to be energy efficient. Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any: No alternative energy sources have been taken into account.
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SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes: 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan. Section B Copy No. (e.g. A): 2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative.
3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO
If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. Property Province KwaZulu Natal description/physical District District 26 Municipality address: Local uPhongolo Local Municipality Municipality Ward Number(s) 14 Farm name and See Appendix J number Portion number See Appendix J SG Code See Appendix J
Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above. See Appendix J for Property Description List and Property Boundary Map for each of the three Alternative Routes.
Current land-use zoning as per local Agriculture and Open Space. municipality IDP/records: In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this application.
Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? Not for any of YES NO the alternatives.
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1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE
Indicate the general gradient of the site.
Alternative S1 – Northern Corridor: Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper 5% of 80% of 10% of than 1:5 corridor corridor corridor 5% of corridor Alternative S2 – Central Corridor: Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper 10% of 80% of than 1:5 corridor corridor 10% of corridor Alternative S3 – Southern Corridor: Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper 10% of 80% of than 1:5 corridor corridor 10% of corridor
See Appendix A4 for Topography Map for all 3 Corridors
2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site:
Alternative S1 – Northern Corridor: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront Alternative S1 – Central Corridor: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley x 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront Alternative S1 – Southern Corridor: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills 2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront
See Appendix A4 for Topography Map for all 3 Corridors.
3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE
Is the site(s) located on any of the following?
Alternative A1: Alternative A2 (if Alternative A3 (if any): any): Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO YES NO YES NO
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Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO YES NO YES NO Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO YES NO YES NO Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose YES NO YES NO YES NO soil Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) YES NO YES NO YES NO Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more YES NO YES NO YES NO than 40%) Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO YES NO YES NO An area sensitive to erosion YES NO YES NO YES NO
If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted.
4. GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Alternative A1- Northern Corridor Natural veld - Natural veld Natural veld good conditionE with scattered with heavy alien Veld dominated by aliensE infestationE Gardens E alien species 80% of Corridor 10% of Corridor 5% of Corridor Cultivated land Building or other Sport field Paved surface Bare soil 5% of Corridor structure
Alternative A2- Central Corridor Natural veld - Natural veld with Natural veld with good conditionE heavy alien scattered aliensE Veld dominated by infestationE Gardens E alien species 5% of Corridor 90% of Corridor Cultivated land Building or other Sport field Paved surface Bare soil 5% of Corridor structure
Alternative A3- Southern Corridor Natural veld - Natural veld Natural veld good conditionE with scattered with heavy alien Veld dominated by aliensE infestationE Gardens E alien species 50% of Corridor 20% of Corridor 5% of Corridor Cultivated land Building or other Sport field Paved surface Bare soil 15% of Corridor structure
If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise.
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See Appendix D.1 for Ecological Report for all 3 Corridors and Appendix A.5 for the Land Use Map.
5. SURFACE WATER Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites? Alternative A1 – Northern Corridor Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE
Alternative A2 – Central Corridor Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Permanent Wetland – 100 % altered by anthropogenic activities YES NO UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE
Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE Permanent Wetland– 100 % altered by anthropogenic activities YES NO UNSURE Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE
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If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse.
Alternative A1: Northern Corridor The Northern Corridor traverses across 23 non-perennial, intermittently inundated, seasonally saturated channelled valley-bottom streams.
Plate 1: View typical non-perennial stream in the study area
Alternative A2: Central Corridor The Central Corridor traverses across 25 non-perennial, intermittently inundated, seasonally saturated channelled valley-bottom streams and one wetland. The non-perennial stream reflected in the photo in Plate 1 above is also typical of the non-perennial streams traversed by this corridor. The one wetland is located at the eastern end of the corridor and is shown in Plate 2 below. This wetland has been totally altered by anthropogenic activities.
Plate 2: View of the wetland at the eastern end of the Central Corridor and Southern Corridors
Alternative A3: Southern Corridor The Southern Corridor traverses across 29 non-perennial, intermittently inundated, seasonally saturated channelled valley-bottom streams and one wetland. The non-perennial stream reflected in the photo in Plate 1 above is also typical of the non-perennial streams traversed by this corridor. The one wetland is located at the eastern end of the corridor and is the same wetland as shown in Plate 2 above as the eastern stretch of the Central and Southern Corridors is shared.
The Surface Water Specialist Study is presented in Appendix D.2.
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6. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA
Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application:
Alternatives A1 – Northern Corridor, Alternative A2 – Central Corridor & Alternative A3 – Southern Corridor Natural area Dam or reservoir Polo fields Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H Medium density residential School Landfill or waste treatment site High density residential Tertiary education facility Plantation Informal residential A Church Agriculture Retail commercial & warehousing Old age home River, stream or wetland Light industrial Sewage treatment plantA Nature conservation area Medium industrial AN Train station or shunting yard N Mountain, koppie or ridge Heavy industrial AN Railway line N Museum Power station Major road (4 lanes or more) N Historical building Office/consulting room Airport N Protected Area Military or police Harbour Graveyard base/station/compound Spoil heap or slimes damA Sport facilities Archaeological site Quarry, sand or borrow pit Golf course Other land uses (describe)
The maps showing the land use for all three corridors is presented in Appendix A.2. The Map showing the Conservation Areas associated with all three corridors is presented in Appendix A.6.
If any of the boxes marked with an “N “are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity?
N/A
If any of the boxes marked with an "An" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:
N/A
If any of the boxes marked with an "H" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:
N/A
Does the proposed site (including any alternative sites) fall within any of the following:
Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) YES NO Core area of a protected area? YES NO Buffer area of a protected area? YES NO Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? YES NO Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? YES NO Buffer area of the SKA? YES NO
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If the answer to any of these questions was YES, a map indicating the affected area must be included in Appendix A.
A map showing the Protected/Conservation areas in the region relatives to all 3 Alternative Corridors is presented in Appendix A6.
7. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES
Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in YES NO section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including Archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the Uncertain site? If YES, explain:
If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist: A specialist was appointed to undertake a heritage site survey of all 3 alternative corridors. The Heritage Report is presented in Appendix D.3. The report identified a number of potential heritage sites located within or close to each alternative corridors. However the report concludes that the sites are not extensive and if identified prior to tower siting and final line alignment, these sites can be avoided and protected.
Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources YES NO Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)? If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority.
8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER a) Local Municipality Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated.
Level of unemployment: According to the 2012- 2013 uPhongolo IDP, an estimation of 52.18% of the entire population is economically active. Only 26.61% of this population group is employed which means that the unemployment rate is as high as 73.39% for the area.
Economic profile of local municipality: The economy of uPhongolo is largely based on agricultural activities and tourism. Construction work is periodic construction work. The local economy is further characterised by the absence of beneficiation strategies. Raw products are transported to other industrial centres for further processing and this result in the erosion of the job creation potential of the area. The Public Sector remains the dominant provider of employment opportunities. This has a significant economic impact to the small number of employees in this sector. The informal sector is, however, expanding, primarily based on the taxi industry, informal financial services and taverns (uPhongolo IDP 2012- 2013).
Level of education: In 2007, 22.41% of the total adult population in the Municipality had no formal education, whilst a
38 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT further 39.23% only had some primary education. Only 3.73% of the adult population had higher education (Census, in the 2012- 2013 uPhongolo IDP).
b) Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R 74,121,670-00 What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the N/A activity? Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and ± 50 - 100 construction phase of the activity/ies? What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development Unknown and construction phase? What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Eskom BEE and affirmative action policies’ will be enforced How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the ± 2 - 5 operational phase of the activity? What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 R unknown years? What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Eskom BEE and affirmative action policies’ will be enforced
9. BIODIVERSITY Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix D to this report.
a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category) If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category selection in biodiversity plan Ecological Other No Natural Critical Support Natural Area Biodiversity Area Area Remaining Area (CBA) (ESA) (ONA) (NNR)
b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site Percentage of Description and additional Comments and Habitat Condition habitat Observations
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condition (including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor class (adding land management practises, presence of quarries, up to 100%) grazing, harvesting regimes etc). The vegetation on site can be subdivided into three main Natural 90% types i.e. Zululand Lowveld, Northern Zululand Sourveld and Shokwane-Hlane Basalt Lowveld. Near Natural (includes areas with low to moderate level % of alien invasive plants) Degraded (includes areas % heavily invaded by alien plants) Transformed Patches of agricultural land can be found on the (includes cultivation, extremities of the study area. The land is used by the 10% traditional authorities and people for grazing of cattle and dams, urban, goats, while the non-traditional areas are mostly used for plantation, roads, etc) game farming/hunting farms. c) Complete the table to indicate: (i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.
Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems Ecosystem threat Critical Wetland (including rivers, status as per the Endangered depressions, channelled and National un-channelled wetlands, flats, Estuary Coastline Environmental Vulnerable seeps pans, and artificial Management: Least wetlands) Biodiversity Act (Act Threatened YES NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO No. 10 of 2004)
The Ecological Specialist Report is presented as Appendix D.1 of this report.
40 BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats)
The study area according to Mucina and Rutherford (2007) and the spatial information provided by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) indicate that two vegetation units, namely Zululand Lowveld and Northern Zululand Sourveld are considered “vulnerable” in terms of their conservation status, while the habitat within the region, is noted as being of significance in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (NEMBA), being part of the Black Rhino Expansion Range.
Zululand Lowveld Zululand Lowveld is an acacia dominated woodland with a number of vegetative forms including closed canopy tending towards thicket, as well as open woodland. Where lower lying, poorly drained soils occur, primarily to the east and north of the area, Acacia xanthophloea can form the dominant vegetative consocies, with Phoenix reclinata and Gymnosporia senegalensis being common, particularly following disturbance of the land. This vegetation unit is the dominant vegetation form within the study area and dense, closed canopy areas are located centrally within the study area. Also common to the site is Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea divinorum and Acacia nigrescens which form dense stands where burning or overgrazing has been prolific. Open woodland forms comprising of low canopy cover and sporadic clustering of woody species which include Acacia karoo, Bolusanthus speciosa and Sclerocarrya birrea is notable, particularly to the west and south of the study area (Fig. 5). Open pure grassland patches, with occasional woody specimens are also apparent within the study areas, where Themeda triandra, Panicum maximum and P. deusteum prove to be dominant.
Northern Zululand Sourveld Northern Zululand Sourveld is a vegetative form comprising of open wooded grasslands tending towards, pure grassland, particularly where the land lies above, +/-500m amsl. This vegetation form comprises primarily of Themeda triandra and Hyparrhenia hirta graminoid species, grading to a more open Acacia dominated woodland form at lower elevations. The pure grassland stands are not particularly diverse, from a botanical perspective, however such areas offer a significant variation in habitat within the region and act as an important driver of diversity within the greater region. Such grasslands are of significant habitat value to larger avian species. In the study area, the Zululand Lowveld vegetation prevails while Northern Zululand Sourveld is more limited in terms of its extent. Thus, at a regional level, it thus follows that these areas the Northern Zululand Sourveld, particularly the graminoid dominant areas, are of local significance.
The ecological report concludes that the most suitable route appears to follow that of the existing line (the northern line route), while the option of pursuing line routes either through the southern or central corridor options are less desirable in terms of impacts of an ecological significance.
The Ecological Report is presented in Appendix D.1.
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SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE
Publication name a. Natal Mercury b. The Zululand Observer c. Vryheid Herald Date published a. 22/02/2012 b. 24/02/2012 c. 24/02/2012 Site notice position Latitude Longitude See Appendix E1. Date placed 10-12 August 2012
Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E1.
Copies of the advertisements placed in the newspapers and photographed locations of the site notices are presented in Appendix E.1.
2. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES
Provide details of the measures taken to include all potential I&APs as required by Regulation 54(2)(e) and 54(7) of GN R.543.
Key stakeholders (other than organs of state) identified in terms of Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543:
Title, Name and Surname Affiliation/ key stakeholder status Contact details (tel number or e-mail address)
Please see Appendix E.2 for a complete list of the Key Stakeholders.
Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E2. This proof may include any of the following:
e-mail delivery reports; registered mail receipts; courier waybills; signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority. Proof of Notification of Key Stakeholders is presented in Appendix E.2.
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3. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES
No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP Potential for proposed new power line to have a direct negative These issues have been noted and have been assessed as part of this impact on portions of the Pongola Game Reserve (Registered as a Basic Assessment. The findings are reported on in this report under 1. Nature Heritage Site No 127). Concerned about the potential the specialist studies and in the final Environmental Impact Assessment impact that the project will have on the Natural Heritage Site section. registration and the game ranching and ecotourism industry. This Final BAR reports on the findings of all the specialists on the three potential 132kV power line routes between the Candover Switching Station near Mkuze and the Pongola substation to the south of Pongola. The following specialists were appointed to carry out the investigations: Sustainable Development Projects CC – Ecological Assessments including avifauna, vegetation and terrestrial fauna The area is one which is not densely populated suggesting that Jones & Wagener – Surface Water, Wetlands and visual 2. there are areas of ecological value which would need to be assessments considered. PGS Heritage and Grave Relocation Services – Archaeology and Heritage assessments Zitholele Consulting – Land Use Mapping and Impact Assessment Their terms of reference were to assess the impacts of the proposed 132kV Power line on each of the proposed routes and to make a recommendation regarding which would be the most suitable route for the construction of a 132kV power line. This BAR clearly records those findings. Spoornet raised issues concerning the crossing of the railway line None of the proposed power line corridors will cross over the Spoornet 3. and requested notification of the proposed crossing points. railway line. The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined Objection to having a second 132kV power line running through 4. than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no property that is a game farm and is considered sensitive. such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also pass through game reserves/farms areas as well. The maintenance of these facilities has been included in the EMP. Maintenance of the power line and substation has to be improved Eskom must make a commitment to complying with the requirements 5. and this needs to be addressed in the EMP. as stated in the EMP. If Eskom does not comply with the EMP, the affected parties have the legal right to report to the Department of
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP Environmental Affairs. The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no Landowners where the existing 132kV power line traverses have such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also pointed out that the infrastructure acts as a visual deterrent to 6. pass through game reserves/farm areas as well. The specialists have prospective visitors and tourists and lowers the aesthetic value of recommended that in order to ensure that the additional line does not the farm. increase the negative impacts, the new power line tower positions should be in line with the existing tower positions in order to reduce any additional visual impact. The maintenance of these facilities has been included in the EMP. Landowners with the existing 132kV power line traversing their Eskom must make a commitment to complying with the requirements 7. properties have reported that servitude maintenance must be as stated in the EMP. If Eskom does not comply with the EMP, the improved to reduce the negative impacts they are experiencing. effected parties have the legal right to report to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Landowners with existing 22kV power lines traversing their 8. properties have indicated that they frequently experience electrical A technical response from Eskom to this issue is awaited from Eskom. surges which blow out the plug sockets in the house. One landowner gave the opinion that the route followed by the 9. Comment noted. existing 132kV power line should be used for the new power line. Landowners with 22kV power lines across their properties indicated The issue is noted and has been included in the EMP for the proposed that they experienced issues with the Eskom maintenance crews new power line. Landowners must open criminal cases when they 10. poaching and wounding of animals by these crews. Stated that believe that Eskom maintenance crews have committed a crime on Eskom must notify the landowners whenever Eskom wanted to their properties. access the properties, Existing 22kV power lines have fallen down frequently (sic) and are The issue of regular and timeous maintenance will be included in the 11. a danger to animals and humans. EMP. However, incidences of force majeure cannot always be avoided. When making decisions for the new power line alternatives along These existing servitudes have been taken into consideration and have 12. the R66 and R69 route, take into consideration existing power line formed part of the feasibility assessment of each of the proposed servitudes. corridors. The construction of the proposed new power line will not specifically Eskom tariffs currently are very high and how will the new power 13. affect the Eskom tariffs. These tariffs are set at a National level in line affect these tariffs? consultation with the National Energy Regulator. Wherever it is practicably possible, the alignment of the proposed new 14. Power line routes should adhere to farm boundaries. power line will adhere to farm boundaries.
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no The owner of Leeuwkop Farm has stated that he would not be such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also happy if the proposed new power line were to run through his farm pass through game reserve/farm areas as well. The specialists have 15. as he already feels the impact of the existing 132kV power line recommended that in order to ensure that the additional line does not which traverses through his game farm. The increase in the increase the negative impacts, the new power line tower positions servitude would affect his farm. should be in line with the existing tower positions in order to reduce any additional visual impact. The specialists have also recommended that the new power line should run parallel and as close as safely possible to the existing line to reduce all impacts. The issue of a fully cleared servitude was raised. Landowner requested that wherever possible trees be kept in the existing Eskom has a substantial Bush Clearing procedure which allows for 16. servitude and are only trimmed to maintain the safe clearance such clearing to occur under 132kV power lines. distances. The possibility for visual screening can be investigated. Use of existing roads is considered far more feasible for Routes essentially following the R66 and R69 have been investigated 17. maintenance access and therefore routes following the R66 and as part of this assessment and the results are contained in this report. R69 should be investigated. The power line positioning and design will take these safety issues into The issue of safety of operating two 132kV power lines in parallel 18. account and the lines new line will be located with significant space was raised. between it and the existing line to prevent such potential safety issues. The issue of hunting and conflict with line construction and line maintenance has been taken into account and ways of planning 19. Accessing game farms during hunting season. construction and maintenance around these periods will form part of the EMP. Once a final line route has been approved, the Eskom negotiators will meet with each of the affected landowners to negotiate consideration should a new servitude require acquisition. Both the southern and central corridors will require acquisition of a new servitude, but the The issue of compensation for the additional 132kV servitude northern corridor is a vacant servitude that that has already been 20. across the effected properties was raised. acquired by Eskom and hence these landowners will not receive further
compensation for the servitude, but may be compensated for crop losses during construction. Standard formulae and procedures are in place for this negotiation process and will be made available to the affected landowners. Numerous small aircrafts fly in the area and would need to be The Civil Aviation Authority will be notified of the alignment of the new 21. notified of the existence of a new power line. power line.
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP Human settlements should be taken into consideration when Noted. Wherever possible, the design team of new power lines avoids 22. planning the routes. human settlement. Grazing land will be diminished only by the footprint area of the towers. How will the power line affect cattle grazing? 23. Grazing in the remainder of the servitude can continue as normal and
may even be improved by bush cleared areas under the power line The use of underground cables for the power line has been investigated The possibility for an underground power line should be as an alternative to the overhead power lines as part of this 24. investigated and if that is feasible then that would work better. assessment. However, underground cabling has not proved to be a
practicable solution for 132kV power lines. Maintenance and access to the existing power line will have a Noted and will be included in the Operational EMP for the proposed 25. separate agreement to the new power lines. This needs to be new power line. aligned so that maintenance agreements are consistent. The power line has a negative visual and aesthetic impact which will affect tourism. The Pongola Game Reserve is a protected site This issue has been noted and has been imparted to the specialists to 26. and will be incorporated into the future development of a larger incorporate into the specialist studies. trans frontier project. There needs to be mitigation measures dealing specifically with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will be requested to have input into this process 27. vulture breeding. The Pongola Nature Reserve is run by KZN and into including mitigation measures for vulture protection in the final Wildlife and can assist with this. EMP. This is a possibility and it has been investigated as one of the alternative technologies in this report but has been found to be unsuitable for the following reasons: 2.9 times the cost to do so; Faults or problems on one power line may mean that the other power line is also disabled during maintenance, and this will affect the quality of supply to an area; Is it possible to build a new double circuit power line from Pongola Installation of the multi-circuit or double-circuit power lines requires 28. to Candover and decommission the old one so that there is only dismantling the existing power line, and this will disrupt electricity one power line servitude going through their farms? supply and necessitate load shedding in an area with an existing paucity of supply; and Larger and taller towers as well as more towers are required for double- and multi-circuit power lines.
These options may be implemented if sensitive environmental situations (where mitigation through other options is not possible) are encountered. 29. The South African Heritage Resources requested that the location Zitholele Consulting responded to Bernadette Pawandiwa on 16 April
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP of the proposed developments be mapped out in order for the whole 2014 via onto the South African Heritage Resources Information length of the development to be seen. The map is required to reflect System Website by indicating the all three alternative routes for the / show the whole area of the proposed development area and not proposed 132kV Power Line for the Pongola-Candover-Golela Basic just the heritage sites. This comments was loaded onto the South Assessments (BA1 and BA2) have been mapped out. The response African Heritage Resources Information System Website by also stated that the most northern route is the preferred corridor and Bernadette Pawandiwa on 11 April 2014. have been indicated as such to the Department of Environmental Affairs. In correspondence dated 09 May 2014 received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, the following recommendations were made: Alternative 1 (Northern Corridor) is indicated as the preferred The preferred Alternative 1 (A1 – Northern Corridor should be alternative in the final Amended Basic Assessment Report (BAR). The 30. approved, in the event that the Department of Environmental EAP therefore concurs with Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife that Affairs decide to grant Environmental Authorisation, but must be Alternative 1 is the most preferred power line route alignment. subjected to all further recommendations provided. An existing vacant 132kV registered power line servitude falls within this corridor and runs parallel to the existing 132kV power line on its western and southern side. Provided that an additional 132kV single- The alignment of the preferred alternative must follow the existing circuit power line is constructed, as opposed to a double-circuit power 31. 132kV power line as closely as possible, as Ezemvelo cannot line, all activities will remain within the existing servitude. To reduce support a new corridor within this sensitive environment. the extent of the disturbance caused by the construction and operation of the power line, the working area within the servitude area will be confined to minimal required area. During the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014 (refer to Appendix E6a), the implications associated with placing additional power lines on an existing single circuit power (i.e. Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion) was discussed. The following explanation of the implications associated with the conversion of a The alignment of the preferred alternative, within the protected Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line have been taken from the environments, as described above (and as illustrated within amended final BAR (page 13): Appendix 1), must be placed on a double-circuit, as cannot “The most significant implications of converting the existing single- 32. Ezemvelo cannot support a further increase of the existing circuit power line to a double-circuit power line, thereby essentially servitude within this landscape. It would however be Ezemvelo’s dismantling the existing tower to place two circuits on a single preference that the power line avoid all proclaimed nature reserves. structure, includes the following: d) In the case where two new 132kV power lines are required, the working area and footprint associated with each of the two power lines can be reduced by placing both power lines on a single structure (i.e. double-circuit power line). Constructing a double- circuit (i.e. placing two power lines of the same voltage on a single
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP structure) however poses a number of disadvantages. Due to the high voltage and proximity of the two power lines to each other, carrying out maintenance activities on either of the power lines, may necessitate “switching both of the power lines off” and therefore breaking the electricity supply for the duration of the maintenance activities. Taking the aforementioned into account in the event of a failure or breakdown of one of the power lines, both the circuits may also be affected; e) Dismantling the existing power line to construct two additional power lines within the same working area will result in the termination of supply between the two points for the duration of construction (varies depending on the length of the line being built and difficulties associated with construction). If electricity to the furthest point of supply from the source cannot be redirected from elsewhere (i.e. from another existing point of supply) all customers at the end would lose the supply of electricity. In the case of Pongola-Candover to supply sufficient power to Candover from its southern link via Mkuze substation from Empangeni is not feasible as this network is already constrained; and f) Dismantling the existing single-circuit power line, to construct a double-circuit power line in its place will effectively double the construction footprint and working area, when compared to constructing an additional single-circuit power line alongside the existing power line. The larger construction footprint associated with converting a single-circuit to double-circuit power line is largely due to the activities associated with the dismantling of the existing power line followed by the construction of the double- circuit power line.
Taking the aforementioned into account it is preferred to construct an additional 132kV power line alongside the existing power line within the existing servitude, as opposed to converting the existing single- circuit to double-circuit power line. Constructing an additional 132kV power line along the existing power line within the existing servitude will ensure continued supply of electricity during the Construction Phase of the proposed project. Maintenance activities which are carried out on one of the single-circuit power line may not necessarily affect the adjacent power line.”
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP Eskom SOC Limited has indicated that the use of a flat horizontal configuration is considered as an alternative to using the steel monopole delta configuration. Proposed mitigation measures to reduce Delta Pylons must not be used, as it has significant impacts on 33. the risk of bird electrocution associated with either the flat horizontal vultures. configuration or delta structure includes: Placing bird guards on each of the cross arms to reduce the probability of large birds flying in to roost and to generate streamers. Emanating from the discussions held at the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the following amendments have been The recommendations of the ecological assessments (dated made to the specialist studies: April 2013, March 2013 and March 2012), which do not conflict with Drawing a clear distinction when referring to the various terms such 34. the above mentioned recommendations must be adhered to and as the servitude area vs working area to ensure that the terms are included into the conditions of the Environmental Authorisation not used interchangeably; and should it be granted. The Terrestrial Ecology Report will be amended to make reference to Eskom SOC Limited’s vegetation management programme. Emanating from the discussions held at the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the following amendments have been made to the specialist studies: The recommendations of the Avifaunal Assessment (dated Drawing a clear distinction when referring to the various terms such July 2013), which do not conflict with the above mentioned as the servitude area vs working area to ensure that the terms are 35. recommendations, must be adhered to and included in the not used interchangeably; and conditions of the Environmental Authorisation should it be granted. Amending the Avifaunal Report to indicate that placing the towers out-of-step placement of the towers is preferred, but in the event where this is not feasible that additional mitigation measures to increase the visibility of the power line are implemented. As agreed by Eskom SOC Limited during the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the avifaunal specialist will be provided Appropriately qualified avifaunal specialist must guide the with a plan showing the proposed locations of the towers, and will placement of towers within the approved corridor and advise on the be required to point out probable problematic areas or sensitive 36. most effective bird diverter mechanism and location on both the areas to be visited by the specialists during the pre-construction towers and power line. walk-down. The minutes of the meeting that was held between Zitholele Consulting, Ezemvelo and Eskom SOC Limited is included as Appendix E6a of the amended final BAR.
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP A meeting was held between Zitholele Consulting, Ezemvelo and Eskom SOC Limited on 10 July 2014. In response to the letter that Should any of the recommendations provided by Ezemvelo was received from Ezemvelo on 09 May 2014, a meeting was KwaZulu Natal Wildlife not be considered as feasible, Ezemvelo 37. convened to discuss the comments and issues which have been requested that a meeting be convened with the applicant and /or raised by Ezemvelo and to determine a feasible way forward. The Competent Authority to discuss a way forward? minutes of the meeting is included as Appendix E6a of the amended final BAR. The following action items emanated from the discussions that took In response to the action items which emanated from the discussions place during the meeting held during the meeting with the that took place during the meeting held during the meeting with the Department of Environmental Affairs on 25 March 2014: Department of Environmental Affairs on 25 March 2014 the following Commenting Authorities amendments to the final Basic Assessment Report and supporting Comments from Key Organs of State, including Ezemvelo documentation have been made: KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, have not been included in the FBAR. Commenting Authorities Comments from all key stakeholders, including Ezemvelo Comments that have been received from the South African Heritage KwaZulu Natal Wildlife should be provided. Should Ezemvelo Resources Agency and Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife have been KwaZulu Natal Wildlife not submit written comments on the included in Section 3 of this final Basic Assessment Report, where FBARs, then the DEA will have to rely on the Ecologist’s report applicable the EMPr (refer to Appendix G) as well as the Comments and this report will have to be more detailed and accurate as and Response Report (refer to Appendix E). was submitted for the DEA to make an informed-decision. Listed Activities Listed Activities Information relating to the proposed telecommunication towers / The Listed Activities relating to telecommunication masts / masts have been included in Section 1(a) and Section 1(b) of this towers which have been included in the Application for final Basic Assessment Report. Mitigation measures relating to all 38. Environmental Authorisation Form should be revisited. These activities included in the Application for Environmental Authorisation activities must be fully assessed and addressed in the EMPr. Form have been addressed in the EMPr. Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests It must be ensure that Specialist Details and Declaration of The completed and Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests Interests for each of the Specialist Studies is included in the for all Specialist Studies have been included in Appendix I of this amended final Basic Assessment Report. final Basic Assessment Report. Access Roads Access Roads Substantial details relating to the access roads have not been Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to provided in the Application for Environmental Authorisation gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no Form and final Basic Assessment Report. The following access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be information must be provided in the amended final Basic negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established Assessment Report: during the construction phase. New access roads will not exceed a o When will temporary road be constructed? width of 8m and will therefore not trigger any activities listed in the o Length of road. EIA Regulations R.543, R.544 and R546. Access roads will enable o Approximate width i.e. 9 metres wide. the transportation of construction material as well as construction
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP o Midpoint of road. teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the Commenting Authorities power line has been constructed. In terms of the PPP, the DEA pointed out that the Department Commenting Authorities requires proof of consultation and follow-ups with the following All Organs of State specified by the DEA during the meeting on 25 Organs of State for their comments on the proposed project: March 2014, were approached by Zitholele Consulting to provide o Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife comment on the proposed project. Comments were however only o Department of Water Affairs. received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife and SAHRA (refer o Local Municipalities. to Appendix E2). Comments were not received from the following o District Municipalities. Organs of State: o Provincial Heritage Agency. o KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Specialist Studies Affairs. More detail regarding anticipated impacts on sensitive o Department of Water Affairs. biodiversity including Avifauna, Freshwater, Heritage and o Pongola Local Municipality. Ecology must be provided to the DEA. o Zululand District Municipality. I&APs Communication All communication sent to the Organs of State requesting comment The following steps will be undertaken with the submission of have been included in Appendix E2 of this amended final Basic the Amended final Basic Assessment Report: Assessment Report. o Registered I&APs will be informed of the rejection of the final Specialist Studies Basic Assessment Report and will provided with a copy of the All Specialist Studies that were conducted for the proposed project rejection letter issued by the DEA. have been included in the Basic Assessment Report. The mitigation o Outstanding Declaration of Independents will be included in measures relating to Avifauna, Ecology, Surface Water, Wetlands, the Amended final Basic Assessment Report. Visual Impacts and Heritage Resources have been included in the o It is anticipated that the amended final Basic Assessment Basic Assessment Report and EMPr. Report will be submitted to the DEA at the end of April 2014 or I&APs Communication latest 2nd week in May 2014. o On 24 April 2014 all registered I&APs were notified of the rejection o I&APs, including affected Land Owners, will have an of the Basic Assessment Report by the DEA. Letters were sent via opportunity to review the Reports and all comments from the registered mail to all registered I&APs (refer to Appendix E7). stakeholders on the Amended final Basic Assessment Report o The completed and Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests should be submitted to the DEA and a copy to Zitholele for all Specialist Studies have been included in Appendix I of this Consulting. amended final Basic Assessment Report. o The amended final Basic Assessment Report will be submitted to the DEA on date to be included. o All I&APs were notified of the availability of the amended final Basic Assessment Report from 11 September 2014 to 23 October 2014. The amended final Basic Assessment Report was made available at the Jozini Public Library, Ncotshane Public Library and Pongola Public Library for the duration of the public review period.
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP In the letter received from the DWA on 14 May 2014, in which Various steps have been taken to ensure that all comments which the DWA provided comment on the final Basic Assessment have been raised by the DWA are addressed and to ensure that the Report, the Department requested the submission of a number Department’s requirements are duly met. Below follows an overview of supporting documentation, additional information and the re- of both the specific and general comments as well as the manner in submission of a number of maps which were included in the which these comments have been addressed and where applicable final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) and Specialist Studies. incorporated into the final BAR and supporting documentation. The The following comments were received from the DWA: following responses to the comments made by the DWA were Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report: provided to the DWA: Preferred Technology Alternative – Alternative 1 Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report: Preferred It was indicated in that the DWA supports the construction of a Technology Alternative – Alternative 1 single circuit overhead power line. The construction of a single The alternative referred to by the DWA have been indicated as the circuit overhead power line is included as Alternative 1 in Preferred Technology in the final BAR reviewed by the Section 2(c): Technology Alternatives of the final BAR. Department. The sentiments of the DWA and the Environmental Alternative 1 is regarded by the DWA as the most Assessment Practitioner with regards to the preferred Technology environmentally practicable technology available for the Alternative are therefore aligned. distribution of electricity. Technology Alternative – Alternative 2 Technology Alternative – Alternative 2 The context within which the reference to sensitive environmental The DWA indicated that in the description provided for features were made, was to point out that in the event that 39. Alternative 2 (Section 2(c): Technology Alternatives of the BAR) sensitive environmental features are identified, Eskom will indicates that sufficient justification of sensitive environmental consider the use of double circuit (placing two power lines on features exist but that these features are not discussed. The either side of the same tower structure) or multi-circuit (placing a Department requested that more information relating to the 132kV line and a 22kV power line on the same tower structure) to sensitive environmental features are provided. minimise impacts. This alternative will however be considered only Technology Alternative – Alternative 3 if the sensitive environmental feature in itself provides justification The DWA indicated that if Alternative 3 (Underground Cabling) for the double- and multi-circuit overhead power line. is pursued, a geo-hydrological study should be done. The geo- Technology Alternative – Alternative 3 hydrological study should indicate the behaviour of the The recommendation that a geo-hydrological study be carried out underground water resources and threats that underground in the event that EA is granted for Alternative 3 (Underground cabling may pose to these resources. Cabling), shall be included in Section E: Recommendation of Locality Map Practitioner of the final BAR. The department has difficulty reading the locality map (Project Locality Map Code 12722, Ref No Version 1, Date Drawn 2011/07/18, A colour copy of the Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is Author: K. Kruger), as a black and white copy of the Locality included as Appendix B of the letter. Map was included in Appendix A of the final BAR. A colour copy Sensitivity Map of the Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as A colour copy of the Sensitivity Map, referred to by the DWA, is Appendix B of the letter. included as Appendix C of the letter. Sensitivity Map Environmental Management Programme
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP The department has difficulty seeing the watercourses on the The amended EMPr to include all specialists’ recommendations is Sensitivity Map (12722-Sensitivitymap-Rev1-5may2013.pdf) as included as Appendix D of the letter. a black and white copy of the Sensitivity Map which was Alternatives Locality Map included in the final BAR as Appendix A3. A colour copy of the Alternatives Locality Map, referred to by the Environmental Management Programme DWA, is included as Appendix E of the letter. In Section 10: Activity Motivation of the BAR it is noted that the Visual and Surface Water Report recommendations which are made by the specialists will be Subsequent to granting of Environmental Authorisation by the included in the Environmental Management Programme Competent Authority (i.e. DEA), the proponent (Eskom) will (EMPr). The DWA requested that the EMPr which includes the approach DWA to determine any Water Use Authorisation specialists’ recommendations is submitted to the Department. requirements for the alternative approved by the DEA. Due to the Alternatives Locality Map following, it is the Environmental Assessment Practitioner’s The DWA indicated that the Department had difficulty reading understanding that the DWA may be referring to the maps which the perennial and non-perennial streams of the Black and White were included in the Wetland Report: copy of the Alternatives Locality Map included as Appendix A2 o No figures (maps) are shown on page 1 of the Wetland Report of the BAR. An A3 sized colour copy of the Alternatives Locality nor the Visual and Surface Water Report. Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix E of the o The figures included on pages 12 – 14 of the Visual and letter. Surface Water Report shows the Visual Impact of the Visual and Surface Water Report corridors. Therefore a colour copies of the following maps It is indicated in the Visual and Surface Water Report that the which are included on pages 12-15 of the Wetland Report bulk of the streams in the study area are non-perennial with the have been included as Appendix F – H of this letter: exception of the Pongola and Mkuze rivers, which are the major o Figure 6: Wetlands, Streams and Rivers on site on page 12 of rivers in the study area and also along with the Jozini Dam the the Wetland Report (included as Appendix D2 in the BAR). only perennial water sources in the study area. As the Golela o Figure 8: Crossing of the Pongola River on page 14 of the corridor will be passing through the Pongolo River, the DWA Wetland Report (included as Appendix D4 in the BAR). indicated that this activity triggers Section 21(c) and (i) Water o Figure 9: Wetland Crossing by Southern and Central Corridor Uses and therefore a Water Use License Application must be on page 15 of the Wetland Report (included as Appendix D4 submitted to the Department. Furthermore the Central Corridor in the BAR). also cross over a wetland in the South West of the study area. Draft Wetland Report The crossing of the wetland constitutes Section 21(c) and (i) o The updated Wetland Report which includes this information Water Uses and therefore a Water Use License is required is included as Appendix I of this letter. before these activities can continue. Subsequent to granting of o A full colour copy of this figure is included as Appendix F of Environmental Authorisation by the Competent Authority (i.e. this letter. DEA), the proponent (Eskom) will approach DWA to determine GENERAL COMMENTS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF any Water Use Authorisation requirements for the alternative WATER AFFAIRS approved by the DEA. The general comments made by the DWA regarding Solid Waste Draft Wetland Report Management, Sewage and Wastewater Management, Storm o The DWA stated that it is indicated in Section 2.1: Data Water Management and erosion control will be included as
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP Collection and Methodology of the Wetland Report that the mitigation measures in the Environmental Management surface water data was obtained from the National Programme. Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area’s (NFEPA) database from SANBI (2011). The data used included catchments, river alignments and river names. It is furthermore also indicated in the report that this information will be ground truthed during the specialist investigation. Furthermore it is also indicated in the Wetland Report that the site was investigated for the occurrence / presence of wetland and riparian areas. The DWA requested the submission of information that has been gathered from the ground trothed investigation as well as the wetland delineation be submitted to the Department. o The DWA indicated that a black and white copy of Figure 6: Wetlands, Streams and Rivers onsite shown on page 17 of the Wetland Report was submitted to the Department. GENERAL COMMENTS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AFFAIRS The general comments made by the DWA regarding Solid Waste Management, Sewage and Wastewater Management, Storm Water Management and erosion control will be included as mitigation measures in the Environmental Management Programme.
The following comments on the Amended Final Basic Assessment a) As is indicated in the Amended Final BAR, Alternative A1 – Report dated August 2014 proposed conditions to be included in Northern Corridor has also been identified as the Best the Environmental Authorisation (EA), provided that EA is granted, Practicable Environmental Option by the EAP and is therefore were also provided by KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife: put forward as the preferred route alternative; a) The Preferred Alternative (A1 – Northern Corridor) be b) A summary of the implications associated with placing additional approved, should the department decide to grant power lines on an existing single circuit power (i.e. Single-Circuit Environmental Authorisation, but must be subject to the to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion) is provided in 40. remaining recommendations listed below; and Section 2(c) of the Amended Final Basic Assessment Report. b) The alignment of the preferred alternative must be follow the The environmental consequences which are likely to result from existing 132kV power line as closely as possible, as Ezemvelo the activities required to convert a single-circuit power line to a cannot support a new corridor within this sensitive double-circuit power line deems the alternative less favourable as environment. opposed to constructing an additional 132kV power line c) All mitigation measures and recommendations outlined within alongside the existing power line within the existing servitude. the Ecological Assessment (dated august 2014, Revision 4), Furthermore a means of reducing the extent of the disturbance
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No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP the Avifaunal Assessment (dated August 2014) and the Final caused by the construction and operation of the power line, the Basic Assessment Report (dated 22 august 2014) must be working area within the servitude area will be confined to minimal adhered to. required area; and c) Provided that EA is granted by the Competent Authority, thereby allowing the proposed project to proceed, the holder of the EA will be required to: Conform to all conditions included in the EA; Ensure the implementation of all mitigation and management measures provided in the approved Environmental Management Programme (EMPr). All mitigation and management measures which are included in the specialist studies carried out for the proposed project have been taken forward and integrated in the Amended Final BAR and therefore also the EMPr.
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Note: In the rejection of the final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) letter received from the Department of Environmental Affairs dated 24 March 2014, the Department requested that copies of the written comment received from the Zimanga Game Reserve received by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner on 09 September 2013, 01 October 2013, 22 October 2013, 02 December 2013 and 11 December 2013 be included in the amended final BAR. Copies of the written comments received from the Zimanga Game Reserve on the specified dates have been included in Appendix E.2 of this report.
The Department also requested that comments be obtained from the Zululand District Municipality, Somkhanda Nature Reserve, Manzini Game Ranch, Pongola Game Reserve and Hlambanathi Game Reserve as well as Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife and be included in the amended final BAR. Comments were however only received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife (refer to Appendix E.2) and have been included in the Comments and Response Report. Proof of the follow-up requests by Zitholele Consulting to the Zululand District Municipality, Somkhanda Nature Reserve, Manzini Game Ranch, Pongola Game Reserve and Hlambanathi Game Reserve requesting comment on the proposed project has been included in Appendix E.2.
4. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments received from I&APs and respond to each comment before the Final BAR is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to the Final BAR as Appendix E3.
The I&AP Comment and Response Report is presented in Appendix E3.
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5. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders: Contact person Authority/Organ of State (Title, Name and Tel No Fax No E-mail Postal Address Surname) Chief Director: KZN Region Department of Water Affairs Department of Water and [email protected] P O Box 1018 Sanitation Mr T. Badenhorst (031) 336-2783 (031) 307-7279 Durban 4000
Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs Department of Co-operative Private Bag X9078 Governance & Traditional Mr S. Buthelezi (034) 312-5380 Pietermaritzburg Affairs 3200
Head of Department Economic Development and Tourism Department of Economic Ms C. Coetzee (033) 264-2500 (033) 264-2580 [email protected] Private Bag X9152 Development and Tourism Pietermaritzburg 3201 Municipal Manager (035) 874 5589 Zululand District Municipality Zululand District Municipality Mr J. de Klerk (035) 874 5500 [email protected] /91 Private Bag X76 ULUNDI3838 Principal Conservation Planner, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Ms D. Thambu (033) 845-1425 (033) 845-1499 [email protected] P O Box 13053 Cascades 3202 Municipal Manager uPhongolo Local Municipality uPhongolo Local Municipality Mrs F. Jardim (034) 413-1223 (034) 413-1223 [email protected] P O Box 191 Pongola 3170
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Contact person Authority/Organ of State (Title, Name and Tel No Fax No E-mail Postal Address Surname) Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (KZN) Mr M. Mdamba (035) 780 6700 (035) 789-0662 [email protected] Forestry and Fisheries 65 Victor Street Dundee
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Include proof that the Authorities and Organs of State received written notification of the proposed activities as appendix E4. The proof of notification of Authorities and Organs of state is presented in Appendix E4.
In the case of renewable energy projects, Eskom and the SKA Project Office must be included in the list of Organs of State.
Note: In the rejection of the final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) letter received from the Department of Environmental Affairs dated 24 March 2014, the Department requested additional engagement with specific Organs of State and requested that written comments received from these Organs of State be included in the amended final BAR. Following engagement with these Organs of State by Zitholele Consulting comments were only received from the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Proof of the follow-up requests by Zitholele Consulting to the Department of Water Affairs, Pongola Local Municipality and the KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs requesting comment on the proposed project has been included in Appendix E4.
6. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for any activities (linear or other) where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that sub-regulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Application for any deviation from the regulations relating to the public participation process must be submitted prior to the commencement of the public participation process. A list of registered I&APs must be included as appendix E5. A list of registered I&APs is included in Appendix E5.
Copies of any correspondence and minutes of any meetings held must be included in Appendix E6. Copies of correspondence and meetings are included in Appendix E.6.
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SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts.
1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES Provide a summary and anticipated significance of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. This impact assessment must be applied to all the identified alternatives to the activities identified in Section A(2) of this report. The detailed Environmental Impact Assessment Report is presented in Appendix F and the findings are summarised in the following tables:
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1.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation Significance Impact Statement A1 A2 A3 A1 A2 A3 Select route within corridor least Heritage sites of various significance likely to impact on heritage sites. were identified in close proximity to all the Direct impacts: Damage to Appoint heritage specialist at proposed corridor alignments. However, heritage and archaeological design phase to assist with L- L- M- L- L- L- implementation of the proposed sites as a result of position of identification of sites and mitigation measures will result in the the towers. placement of towers. Avoid potential negative impact being of LOW location of towers on or near significance for all 3 corridors. Heritage Sites heritage sites Ensure access plan detailing Heritage sites of various significance Direct impacts: Damage to exact access routes is developed were identified in close proximity to all the heritage sites and prior construction. Appoint proposed corridors. However, the archaeological sites as a result M- M- M- heritage specialist to review L- L- L- implementation of the proposed of the alignment of access proposed access plan and routes mitigation measures will result in the roads. to verify that they do not pass potential impact being of LOW through or close to heritage sites. significance for all 3 corridors.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance The exact locations of the Bird activity is not expected to vary from towers along the power line one corridor to another due to a uniform route alignment within the habitat distribution across all the corridor should be determined corridors. However, the advantage of the in consultation with an northern corridor is that there is an appointed Avifauna Specialist; existing power line to which resident birds An Avifauna Specialist should have become adapted to its presence in be advised regarding the the landscape. proximity of the power line route alignment to habituated A parallel second power line would feeding sites (i.e. Vulture increase the visibility of this hazard to Restaurants); flying birds and thus it would be expected Factors taken into account to result in lower rates of bird collisions when selecting the tower particularly if additional mitigation design must include the risk of measures were applied. Furthermore, the electrocution of birds posed by central and southern corridor routes pass each tower design; through and adjoin areas where a power It is recommended that line hazard to flying large raptors reflectors with LED lights presently does not exist. should also be used particularly near nest sites and Also the resident large bird species on the western and eastern populations would be unaware of the risk posed to their lives should such a power Direct impacts: Interference routes that lie in relatively close proximity to water. and line be constructed and pass through with bird flight paths and Avifauna H- H- H- Appoint an avifauna specialist M H- H- their home ranges. In addition the central increased potential for bird route lies far to close or may even pass collisions with conductor. to provide recommendations regarding the placement of through a highly sensitive breeding site Bird diverters. comprising at least 12 nests of three For the northern route, pylons endangered vulture species and thus should preferably be constitutes a high risk through positioned so as to alternate disturbance, collision and or electrocution with those of the existing to both adult breeding and newly fledged power line (i.e. out-of-step) birds. The central and southern areas and not be placed opposite currently constitute safe habitat for one another (in-step). This foraging and breeding large raptor mitigation will increase the species and thus should not be interfered visibility of both sets of power with by the proposed power line lines to flying large raptors development but remain in its present and the birds may then be in a protective state. better position to take timely collision avoidance action. Where the possibility or risk of a 'flash-over' might occur it is then essential that additional mitigation measures that 62 would increase the visibility of the power line be instituted should towers be positioned 'in-step'. BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT
Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Ensure tower design and type is best for preventing the electrocution of birds and discourages the roosting of birds on the structures. It must be The advantage of the northern corridor is ensured that suitable bird repelling that there is an existing power line to Direct impacts: Bird structures, such as bird guards Avifauna M- H- H- M- M- M- which resident birds have become electrocutions. are considered in the design. adapted to its presence in the landscape Ensure that the cross arms of the and the risks that it poses. tower structures in areas of heavy bird activity (such as wetlands and vulture nesting grounds and vulture restaurants) are all fitted with anti-roosting spikes. There is slightly more area under agriculture along the northern corridor Direct impacts: Loss of Where possible the placement of and hence a slightly higher probability of agricultural land due to area L- L- L- towers within crop lands must be L- L- L- towers being placed in agricultural land occupied by the towers avoided. but the potential negative impact remains
low due to the small area that will be impacted upon. The northern corridor scores slightly lower in terms of magnitude because the impact already exists and those tourism facilities are currently assimilating the Social and negative impact whereas these will be Position towers in such a way to Socio-economic Direct Impacts: Negative totally new negative impacts to the be sensitive to tourism venues. In visual and “sense of place’ central and southern corridors. Most the case of the northern corridor, impact on tourism venues biophysical impacts compound one keep tower positions in same primarily consisting of H- H- H- H- H- H- another, however in the case of visual alignment as existing tower nature/game reserves / farms impact, often stakeholders prefer to have positions. In case of the central with lodge accommodation. impacts in areas of existing impact. In and southern corridors, site the case of the Pongola-Candover line, towers out of view of lodges. the visual impact of one or two lines against the backdrop of the bushveld vegetation will not significantly increase the visibility rating above what currently exists.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Select corridor and route least An estimated 4.27 km of natural bush will likely to impact on indigenous require clearing along the northern vegetation. Where possible locate corridor for the servitude and 4.5 km for towers and alignment in areas of new access roads. 19.44 km of natural Direct impacts: Increased least dense indigenous bush and bush will require clearing along the potential for loss of indigenous tree cover to minimise the amount central corridor and 8km for new access Vegetation vegetation due to alignment of L- M- M- of bush clearing required. Also L- L- L- roads. 21.93 of natural bush will require power line and position of attempt to select a route where clearing along the southern corridor and towers. minimal bush clearing is required 7 km for new access roads. Hence a total for the purposes of access. of 18.77 km of natural bush will be cleared on the northern route compared to 27.44 for the central route and 28.93 for the southern route Direct impacts: Increased Where possible locate towers and The ecological report has shown that potential for loss of species alignment in areas identified as species biodiversity is expected to be biodiversity due to alignment consisting of species typical and lower in the northern corridor due to Vegetation of power line and position of L- M- M- numerous in the area. Make use L- M- M- higher level of anthropogenic activity and towers of specialist during alignment and the more common Zululand Bushveld identification of access routes to dominating on this corridor as opposed to achieve this. the other two corridors. Direct Impacts: Increased Use specialist to identify rare and The ecological report has shown that potential for loss of rare or endangered species and to assist species biodiversity is expected to be endangered species due to in aligning power line and lower in the northern corridor due to Vegetation alignment of power line and L- M- M- placement of towers within L- M- L- higher level of anthropogenic activity and position of towers. corridor to reduce potential for the more common Zululand Bushveld impact on rare endangered dominating on this corridor as opposed to species. the other two corridors.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Where possible avoid placing towers in the view of sight from front of homesteads, lodges; Keep towers below escarpments or hills to ensure visual obscuring. In the case of the northern corridor tower spacing should match existing Due to the number of existing tourism line; and homestead facilities overlooking all 3 The placement of towers in Direct Impacts: Increased corridors, the negative visual impact is static view areas, where the potential for visual impacts to ranked equally. However, the facilities relationship between the lodges, homesteads and other along the northern corridor route have Visual H- H- H- proposed power line and the M- H- H- tourism operations based on been accustomed to the impact due to landscape remains power line alignment and the presence of the existing 132kV power unchanged should be position of the towers. line and therefore the magnitude of the avoided. Examples of static negative impact along the northern is views includes views from a rated a little lower. farmhouse, lodge and homestead; and Provided that EA is granted for the Northern Corridor, the new towers should be placed adjacent to the existing towers to reduce and confine the visual impact to the disturbed area. Select corridor and route least likely to require habitat Habitat transformation is likely to be less transformation though of an impact along the northern corridor excessive bush clearing or because transformation for the Direct Impacts: Increased platform cutting (soil construction of the existing 132kV power potential for habitat disturbance); and line has already occurred. This corridor Ecological transformation due to M- M- M- L- M- M- Where possible towers along has also been subjected to greater inappropriate aligning of the the power line route alignment impact by anthropogenic activities than power line. should be placed in areas the central and southern corridors. Also where the habitat has been use of already existing servitude access transformed and / or will prevent further transformation. disturbed.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Select route within corridor Further habitat transformation as a result that requires least amount of of road construction is likely to be less invasive road construction along the northern route where access Direct Impacts: Increased works. Access plan to be along the existing servitude exists for potential for habitat determined prior to most of the line route but requires repair. Ecological transformation due to the need M- H- H- construction to ensure best M- M- M- 4.5 km of road is required to be repaired to construct access roads to access routes are selected to or constructed for the Northern Corridor, difficult areas. keep cutting to a minimum. 8 km of new road will be required along Repair existing access routes the central corridor and 7 km of new road before making new access will be required along the southern routes. corridor. The approximate percentage of the Northern, Central and Southern power line corridor routes that traverse game farms and or Nature Reserve are as follows: Direct Impacts: Increased Select corridor and route least Northern – 53.6%; potential for impact on Conservation likely to introduce new impact Central – 79.5%; and conservation areas due to M- M- M- L- M- L- Areas in previously non-impacted inappropriate aligning of the Southern – 48 %. conservation areas. power line. Although conservation areas are present on all corridor alternatives, the fact that a power line already exists in the northern corridor favours this route to prevent introducing new impacts to otherwise pristine areas. Use findings of specialist study to Both the Central Corridor and Southern select route within corridor with Corridor will cross a wetland as well as a least potential to impact on water number non-perennial streams, along the Direct impacts: Potential for sources and to assist in power line route alignment. The Northern physical damage to water Surface water placement of the towers to avoid Corridor will not cross any watercourses. resources due to the alignment H- H- H- M- M- M- and wetlands these features. Ensure wetland However, due to the nature of the power of the power line and the assessments undertaken to line, impact on all watercourses can be position of the towers. position towers outside required avoided by careful route selection and legal buffers. tower placement and hence the mitigated impact for all three corridors is low. Direct Impacts: Introduction Select corridor and route within The fact that a power line already exists of a non-compatible land use corridor least likely to introduce in the northern corridor favours this route Land Use into an area due to M- M- M- new incompatible land use into L- M- M- to prevent introducing incompatible land inappropriate alignment of the new areas. use to other more pristine areas. power line.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance The new 132kV Power line must Cumulative Impacts: be constructed to achieve this Strengthening of the will assist with Strengthening of the grid will result in the region and to ensure improving economic development in the Economic ensure uninterrupted electricity H+ H+ H+ the success and efficiency of all H+ H+ H+ region, alleviating poverty and assist with Development supply in Northern Zululand. the other grid strengthening provision of basic services to all - HIGH activities that are being planned in POSITIVE IMPACT the region.
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1.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation Significance Impact Statement A1 A2 A3 A1 A2 A3 Ensure all identified sites are Heritage sites of various significance clearly demarcated prior to were identified in close proximity to all the construction and that all proposed corridor alignments. However, persons on site are sensitised implementation of the proposed to the issue and the mitigation measures will result in the Direct impacts: Damage to or significance; potential negative impact during destruction of archaeological and Stop work if new construction being of LOW significance Heritage Sites L- L- M- L- L- L- heritage sites as a result of archaeological or heritage site for all three corridors. construction activities. exposed during construction; and Notify the provincial heritage authority of the discovery of any exposed archaeological or heritage site. Identify areas where known nesting grounds are located There will be some disturbance to bird life and avoid taking access roads during construction but this can be near these areas; reduced by implementing simple Ensure that the Environmental mitigation measures. The central corridor Awareness Training provided lies close to a highly sensitive breeding Direct impacts: Disturbance of to the employees address the site comprising at least 12 nests of three birds, damage to nests or nesting required measures to prevent Avifauna H- H- H- M- M- M- endangered vulture species and thus grounds disturbance of the breeding constitutes a high risk through activities of birds; disturbance. The central and southern Ensure all construction areas currently constitute safe habitat for remains in minimal working foraging and breeding large raptor area; and species and thus should not be interfered Ensure access roads clearly with by construction activities. marked and adhered to at all times.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Negotiate access to agricultural lands with landowner. Sensitise Direct impacts: Damage to There will be some damage to crops employees to issue. Ensure all agricultural lands by construction during construction but this can be L- L- L- construction remains in agreed L- L- L- activities. reduced along all 3 corridors by footprint area. Ensure access implementing the mitigation measures. roads clearly marked and adhered to. Direct Impacts: Negative visual Negotiate access to Construction will have a negative impact and “sense of place’ impact on agricultural lands with on tourism especially in terms of the tourism venues primarily landowner; nature reserves and game farms but the consisting of nature/game Ensure that all construction impact can be minimised through reserves with lodge activities remains within the planning. The impact is expected to be accommodation as a result of M- M- M- minimum required working M- M- M- greater along the northern corridor as construction activities. area; and there are a greater concentration of Social and Ensure access roads clearly tourism activities associated with this Socio- marked and all vehicle corridor. economic movement is restricted to the demarcated access roads. The impact on hunting concessions by Design and time construction construction (and vice versa) will be activities in association with greater along the northern corridor where landowners to minimise the Direct Impacts: Interference with commercial hunting concessions are interference effects; and hunting activities on hunting M- M- M- M- L- L- more numerous. However, the area that Landowners can arrange concession game farms. the construction of the power line will tourism activities to avoid affect is restricted to the servitude and construction area for duration agreed access routes and hence the of contract. impact can be managed. Construction phase will create temporary Cumulative impacts: Creation of Contractor to employ as many jobs for unskilled labour and drivers. This temporary jobs during L+ L+ L+ local labourers as is feasibly L+ L+ L+ will result in a significant moderate construction possible. positive impact in the area. Ensure specialist identifies If no controls are in place then there is a presence and location of rare and chance that some rare or endangered Direct impacts: Loss of rare and endangered species prior to species will be damage during these Vegetation endangered species due to bush H- H- H- M- M- M- construction. Carry out search and activities. The potential for realisation of clearing and access activities. rescue at all sites – appropriate this impact is the same across all the routing of vehicle access. corridors.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Clearing of an incorrect servitude or Ensure competent bush clearer access route can cause unnecessary appointed to clear alignments. Direct impacts: Loss of clearing of vegetation but can be Ensure only required clearing is indigenous vegetation due to bush M- M- M- L- L- L- prevented through implementation of undertaken. Ensure area to be clearing and access activities mitigation measures. Impact potentially cleared is properly and clearly greater along central and southern routes demarcated. due to more bush requiring clearing Bush clearing through riparian areas must be kept to a minimum Direct Impacts: Bush clearing and must permit access on foot Poor management of construction vehicle through riparian and riverine M- M- M- only i.e. clearance of a narrow L- L- L- access can result in the development of vegetation may result in the loss strip only and selective trimming multiple tracks on a servitude. of riparian and riverine vegetation. for the purposes of maintaining electrical clearances. Ensure access routes are planned, clearly demarcated and suitable for the vehicles that will be using them; Direct Impacts: Uncontrolled Ensure drivers are sensitised Poor management of clearing the vehicle access can result in and disciplined to the issue; servitude through riparian and riverine Vegetation M- M- M- L- L- L- unnecessary loss of indigenous and vegetation can result in unnecessary and riparian vegetation. Vehicle access through damage to these sensitive environments riparian or wetland system should as far as possible be limited to pre-existing formal access routes. Alien vegetation, as well as indigenous invasive species such The bush clearing and invader species as Dicrostachys cinerea must be Direct Impacts: Control of management policies of Eskom controlled and eliminated on a Vegetation invader species along servitude M+ M+ M+ M+ M+ M+ encourage clearing and management of regular ongoing basis along the and access roads. invader species in the entire project area cleared working area within the - POSTIVE IMACT servitude during the operational life of the power line.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Alien vegetation, as well as indigenous invasive species such Indirect Impacts: Bush clearing as Dicrostachys cinerea must be The clearing of indigenous vegetation along servitude and access routes controlled and eliminated on a creates an opportunity for encroachment Vegetation M- M- M- L- L- L- may increase the risk of invader regular ongoing basis along the by invader species in to areas that are species encroachment. cleared working area within the relatively pristine. servitude during the operational life of the power line. Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming; Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided; and Suitable erosion measures must Indirect Impacts: Vegetation be implemented in areas prone If the servitude, access routes and Vegetation removal can increase erosion M- M- M- to erosion and should include: L- L- L- construction areas are denuded, there potential. o Vegetation clearance within will be a significant increase in erosion. the working area should be undertaken within and restricted to an 8m vegetation clearance path; o Remove vegetation only as it becomes necessary for work to proceed; and o Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation. Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming; No scalping or ploughing is permitted; and If the servitude, access routes and Indirect Impacts: Vegetation construction areas are denuded, there Vegetation removal can result in the loss of M- M- M- Topsoil removed from L- L- L- will be a significant increase in erosion topsoil foundation sites or drum stations must be removed and and loss of topsoil stored for rehabilitation and protected from erosion during storage.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Indirect Impacts: Hardening of All hardened surfaces will be soil surfaces by construction ripped during the rehabilitation Hardening of soil surfaces will prevent Vegetation activities can prevent the re- M- M- M- L- L- L- phase to assist with rapid the re-establishment of vegetation. vegetation of an area and promote vegetation re-establishment. erosion. Must be limited by minimising Indirect Impacts: Construction clearance wherever possible; by Activities during construction will divide Ecological activities will cause fragmentation M- M- M- ensuring good discipline of vehicle L- L- L- up the continuity of habitats and prevent of habitats during construction. movements on site and staying on natural movements. one track. Bush clearing through riparian areas must be kept to a minimum and must permit access on foot only i.e. clearance of a narrow strip only and selective trimming for the purposes of maintaining electrical clearances; Ensure all wetlands and Direct impacts Physical damage streams along the power line If unplanned and uncontrolled, these Surface water to wetlands and streams through route are identified; activities may impact negatively on the M- M- M- L- L- L- and wetlands encroachment by construction Access routes, laydown area, perennial wetlands and streams within all activities. drum stations etc. will not be the corridors. permitted within the buffer zones of any wetland; and The stockpiling of soil, topsoil or any other material will not be permitted within the watercourse, riparian area or within the 1:100 year flood line, so as to prevent the impediment of surface water flow.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming; Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided; Suitable erosion measures must be implemented in areas prone to erosion and should include: o Vegetation clearance within the working area should be undertaken within and restricted to an 8m vegetation clearance path; Direct Impacts: Bush clearing o Remove vegetation only as it Poor bush clearing practices can result in Storm Water can result in increased storm M- M- M- becomes necessary for work L- L- L- increased storm water flow and soil water run-off and soil erosion to proceed; erosion. Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation; De-stumping of trees on stream and river banks will not be permitted; The site should be graded to ensure the free flow of run-off and to preventing the ponding of water; and Drainage must be controlled to ensure that runoff from the site will not culminate in off-site pollution or cause water damage to surrounding properties.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance All machinery to be maintained and fitted with equipment to reduce noise levels; Operations should occur during acceptable working hours; All noise complaints shall be recorded, investigated and rectified immediately; Unless agreed to by the Direct Impacts: Operation of particular landowner, Noise levels will increase at the Noise construction equipment and L- L- L- construction camps and L- L- L- construction areas only. vehicles will increase noise levels. batching plants must be sited outside of conservation / game farms / nature reserve areas; During hunting season, negotiations to keep hunting concessions away from work areas will be required; and Contractor employees to be sensitised to requirement to keep all noise to a minimum. Where sensitive environments are identified or complaints received dust suppression must be Direct Impacts: Movement of implemented. Vehicle speeds Dust will be generated at construction Air Pollution vehicles on unpaved roads may L- L- L- must be limited to slow speeds on L- L- L- sites and along access roads. generate dust. gravel roads and tracks. Dust complaints must be recorded, investigated and addressed immediately. No open fires will be permitted on site. Smoking may only occur Direct Impacts: Movement of during controlled breaks at a vehicles through dry grassland designated smoking area with Risk of fire is high during the winter Fires can cause fires. Work forces M- M- M- appropriate fire protection L- L- L- months and requires risk management. increase the risk of fire in an facilities. Long grass to be areas. trimmed or flattened along access routes. Contractor to join the local fire protection association.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance Direct Impacts: Construction will Construction vehicle drivers must The number of vehicles is not expected result in increased traffic flow in Traffic M- M- M- be considerate to all other road L- L- L- to increase flow volumes on provincial specific routes in the region which users at all times. roads substantially. may impact on other users Ensure vehicles are not overloaded. Repair damage caused by construction vehicles to private roads immediately. Adhere Indirect Impacts: Deterioration to speed limits Travelling on the Movements of construction equipment on Traffic of public and private roads due to M- M- M- roads during wet periods should L- L- L- construction roads can cause damage. passage of construction vehicles. be as far as possible restricted. Ensure that photographs of access routes and roads of all routes prior to construction is taken.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance All vehicles and equipment must be in good working order. Equipment/vehicles with permanent leaks must be removed from site. Drip trays must be available with all vehicles and all areas where hazardous substances are being used. Measures should be put in place to ensure that all ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, rivers) are protected during a spill event. The potential for spills of hazardous Direct Impacts: Spillage of Hazardous substances may not substances from leaking fuel tanks, diffs Operations hazardous substances into the H- H- H- M- M- M- be stored within the 1:100 year and from handling errors exists but can natural environment flood line area. be managed. Precautionary measures specific to the storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials must be formulated and implemented. In the event of an event resulting in the pollution of surface / groundwater resources the Department of Water Affairs must be contacted. Furthermore measures must also be put in place to contain the spill.
All management and mitigation measures specific to waste management which have been included in the Environmental Management Programme must be Direct Impacts: Poor waste Waste stringently adhered to. Poor waste management can lead to soil, management can cause L- L- L- L- L- L- Management Chemical toilets and / or any water and air pollution. environmental damage effluent treatment facilities may not be placed within the 1:100 year flood line and should be regularly emptied by a professional service provider.
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Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Proposed mitigation Impact Statement Significance Significance The new 132kV power line must be constructed to achieve this Cumulative Impacts: Construction phase will create temporary result in the region and to ensure Economic Strengthening of the grid will jobs for unskilled labour and drivers. This H+ H+ H+ the success and efficiency of all H+ H+ H+ Development ensure uninterrupted electricity will result in a significant moderate the other grid strengthening supply in Northern Zululand. positive impact in the area. activities that are being planned in the region.
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1.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation Significance Impact Statement A1 A2 A3 A1 A2 A3 Routine inspection and Fires do occur on occasion as a result of Direct impacts: Ignition of veld maintenance should be carried conductor failure. However, design has Fires due to conductor failure or flash L- L- L- M- M- M- out to ensure the integrity of the been optimised to prevent such events overs power line. wherever possible During routine inspections it must This impact will be low during operation be ensured that all these bird due to the placement of bird diverters to Direct impacts: Electrocution of diversion structures are in working increase the visibility of the conductor. avifauna and collisions with the order. If an increase in bird Avifauna H- H- H- M- H- H- The tower structure to be used reduces conductor strikes is observed, then bird the probability of bird electrocutions and diverter and bird guard placement bird guards will be implemented where may have to reviewed and required. improved. Eskom to ensure that the This impact has been rated moderate Direct Impacts: Overgrown Servitude vegetation clearance and line due to the number of issues raised by servitude and associated electrical M- M- M- L- L- L- Maintenance maintenance occurs as per landowners in the area relating to poor clearance problems Eskom Policies. servitude maintenance. Eskom to ensure that the access This impact has been rated moderate Direct Impacts: Poor maintenance occurs as per due experience of other Eskom lines Servitude maintenance of access tracks M- M- M- Eskom Policies. Suggest L- L- L- where maintenance of the access tracks Maintenance results in erosion of these tracks. cooperating with landowner to is non-existent and significant erosion maintain access tracks. features have developed Indirect Impacts: Poor lock Eskom to ensure that the access This impact has been rated moderate management on Eskom servitude maintenance servitude gates and due experience of other Eskom lines Servitude gates exposes landowners to locks occurs as per Eskom M- M- M- L- L- L- where lock management on servitude Maintenance illegal trespassers and provides Policies. Suggest cooperating gates has assisted criminal access to access to criminals and creates a with landowner to maintain private land. poaching risk. security. Indirect Impacts: Faulting The implementation of the This impact has been rated Low as the causing Loss of stable electricity Provision of proposed project will contribute to commissioning of this proposed power supply i.e. outages which impacts L- L- L- L- L- L- electricity ensuring a stable supply of line will reduce the risk of faulting and negatively on businesses electricity. power outages in the region. hospitals, schools etc. Strengthening of the will assist with Cumulative Impacts: improving economic development in the Economic Strengthening of the grid will H+ H+ H+ No mitigation measure required for Positive Impact. region, alleviating poverty and assist with Development ensure uninterrupted electricity provision of basic services to all - HIGH supply in Northern Zululand POSITIVE IMPACT.
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1.4 NO GO OPTION Pre-mitigation Post-Mitigation Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation Significance A1 A2 A3 A1 A2 A3 Biophysical Direct impacts: Environment remains in the current L+ L+ L+ No mitigation measure required for Positive Impact. Environment status quo Indirect impacts: The current unreliable supply of electricity in the region and the lack of capacity to supply Socio- planned economic growth and delivery of basic services Construct the proposed 132kV power line between the Economic will negatively impact the socio-economic growth of the H- H- H- H+ H+ H+ Pongola substation and Candover switching station. Environment region resulting in failure of the Provincial, District and Local Municipalities to achieve the stated IDP targets and objectives.
The complete impact assessment methodology and ranking tables are presented in Appendix F
A complete impact assessment in terms of Regulation 22(2)(i) of GN R.543 must be included as Appendix F.
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2. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT REGISTER All environmental aspects as well as environmental impacts that are associated with the Proposed Pongola Candover 132kV power line and associated modifications to the existing Pongola 132/22kV Substation and Candover Switching StationProject is tabulated below. An environmental aspect is defined as an “element of an organization’s activities or products or services that can interact with the environment” while an environmental impact is defined as “any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting form an organization’s environmental aspects” (ISO114001:2004). The table below considers all Environmental Aspects and Environmental Impacts throughout the Project Lifecycle of the proposed project.
Table 1: Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register
Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase The towers may be placed on or extend through areas in which heritage and / or archaeological Select route within corridor least likely to impact on resources may be found. As the study area and heritage sites; Determining the location of each Planning and surrounds have a rich historical and Appoint heritage specialist at design phase to assist 1. tower along the power line route Design Phase archaeological history, the construction of the with identification of sites and placement of towers; alignment. towers and access roads may in result in and damage to burried and / or unexposed heritage Avoid location of towers on or near heritage sites. and / or archaeological resources. The access roads may be extend through areas in which heritage and / or archaeological Ensure access plan detailing exact access routes is resources may be found. As the study area and developed prior construction; and Planning and Determining the alignment and surrounds have a rich historical and 2. Appoint heritage specialist to review proposed Design Phase location of access roads. archaeological history, the construction of the access plan and routes to verify that they do not towers and access roads may in result in pass through or close to heritage sites. damage to burried and / or unexposed heritage and / or archaeological resources.
1 ISO: International Standards Organisation
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Select the route within corridor that requires least amount of invasive road construction works; Access plan to be developed prior to the The natural habitat along the entire length of the Planning and Determining the alignment and commencement of construction as a means of 3. access road will be transformed largely by the Design Phase location of access roads. ensuring that only access routes which will require removal of vegetation. minimal cutting; and Repair existing access routes before establishing / constructing new access routes. The exact locations of the towers along the power line route alignment within the corridor should be determined in consultation with an appointed Avifauna Specialist; An Avifauna Specialist should be advised regarding the proximity of the power line route alignment to habituated feeding sites (i.e. Vulture Restaurants); Factors taken into account when selecting the tower design must include the risk of electrocution of birds posed by each tower design; It is recommended that reflectors with LED lights should also be used particularly near nest sites and on the western and eastern routes that lie in The positioning of the towers and power lines in relatively close proximity to water; Planning and Determining feasible alternative areas where high bird activity has been recorded 4. Design Phase power line route corridors. will amplify the risk of bird electrocution and Appoint an avifauna specialist to provide collisions with the conductors. recommendations regarding the placement of Bird diverters; and For the northern route, pylons should preferably be positioned so as to alternate with those of the existing power line (i.e. out-of-step) and not be placed opposite one another (in-step). This mitigation will increase the visibility of both sets of power lines to flying large raptors and the birds may then be in a better position to take timely collision avoidance action; and Where the possibility or risk of a 'flash-over' might occur it is essential that additional mitigation measures that would increase the visibility of the power line be instituted should towers be placed. Planning and Determining feasible alternative The routing of the power line through areas Ensure tower design and type is best for preventing 5. Design Phase power line route corridors. which are known as suceptable to electrocution the electrocution of birds and discourages the
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase or collision, will increase the possibility of death roosting of birds on the structures; and / or injury of birds by electrocution and / or It must be ensured that suitable bird repelling collisions with the power line. structures, such as bird guards are considered in the design; and Ensure that the cross arms of the tower structures in areas of heavy bird activity (such as wetlands and vulture nesting grounds and vulture restaurants) are all fitted with anti-roosting spikes. As the working area and footprint of the tower Where possible the placement of towers within crop Determining the location of each cannot be utilised for any other use whilst the lands must be avoided; and Planning and 6. tower along the power line route tower structure remains, the possibility of The construction footprint must be confined to the Design Phase alignment. utilising the land for agricultural purposes will be smallest require area, not exceeding a width of lost. 16 meters. Where possible avoid placing towers in the view of sight from front of homesteads, lodges; Keep towers below escarpments or hills to ensure visual obscuring. In the case of the northern corridor tower spacing should match existing line; The placement of towers in static view areas, where The visibility of the power line may give rise to a the relationship between the proposed power line Planning and Determining feasible alternative 7. visual disturbance on tourism route / operations and the landscape remains unchanged should be Design Phase power line route corridors. and residential homes. avoided. Examples of static views includes views from a farmhouse, lodge and homestead; and Provided that Environmental Authorisation is granted for the Northern Corridor, the new towers should be placed adjacent to the existing towers to reduce and confine the visual impact to the disturbed area.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Select corridor and route least likely to impact on indigenous vegetation; Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas of least dense indigenous bush and tree cover to minimise the amount of bush clearing required; Also attempt to select a route where minimal bush clearing is required for the purposes of access; All indigenous vegetation as well as endangered Where possible locate towers and alignment in / protected species within the selected corridor areas identified as consisting of species typical and and construction footprint will be cleared thereby numerous in the area. Make use of specialist Planning and Determining feasible alternative during alignment and identification of access routes 8. resulting in: Design Phase power line route corridors. to achieve this; Loss of species of conservation importance; Select corridor and route least likely to require Habitat loss and degradation; and habitat transformation though excessive bush Habitat fragmentation and transformation. clearing or platform cutting (soil disturbance); Where possible towers along the power line route alignment should be placed in areas where the habitat has been transformed and / or disturbed; and Use specialist to identify rare and endangered species and to assist in aligning power line and placement of towers within corridor to reduce potential for impact on rare endangered species. Select corridor and route least likely to introduce new impact in previously non-impacted conservation areas; The power line extending through a If possible, the selected power line corridor route conservation, ecological sensitivity and / or should bypass / avoid any a conservation, Planning and Determining feasible alternative protected area will negatively impact on the 9. ecological sensitivity and / or protected areas; and Design Phase power line route corridors. pristineness of the area and introduce adverse environmental impacts such as the loss of Where the selected power line corridor route cannot vegetation within the working area. bypass / avoid any a conservation, ecological sensitivity and / or protected areas the working area and extent of the power line must be confined to the absolute minimum area. Introduction of a non-compatible land use into an Construction Determining feasible alternative Select corridor and route within corridor least likely to 10. area due to inappropriate alignment of the power Phase power line route corridors. introduce new incompatible land use into new areas. line.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase The new 132kV power line must be constructed to Conducting the Basic Assessment Strengthening of the grid will ensure strengthen the grid of the region and to ensure the Construction Process for the proposed project as 11. uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern success and efficiency of all the other grid Phase part of the Environmental Zululand. strengthening activities that are being planned in the Authorisation Process. region. Ensure all identified sites are clearly demarcated prior to construction and that all persons on site are sensitised to the issue and the significance; Damage to or destruction of archaeological and Construction Stop work if new archaeological or heritage site 12. Excavation of the pylon foundations. heritage sites as a result of construction Phase exposed during construction; and activities. Notify the provincial heritage authority of the discovery of any exposed archaeological or heritage site. Identify areas where known nesting grounds are located and avoid taking access roads near these areas; The movement of construction Ensure that the Environmental Awareness Training vehicles and construction activities provided to the employees address the required Construction 13. may disrupt breeding activities and Disturbance of breeding activities of local birds. measures to prevent disturbance of the breeding Phase alter the specific conditions for activities of birds; breeding within the area. Ensure all construction remains in minimal working area; and Ensure access roads clearly marked and adhered to at all times. Negotiate access to agricultural lands with landowner; Vegetation clearing surrounding towers will Ensure that all construction activities remains within Construction Construction of towers within 14. result in the loss of crops within the construction the minimum required working area; and Phase croplands. footprint. Ensure access roads clearly marked and all vehicle movement is restricted to the demarcated access roads. Design and time construction activities in The visibility of the construction of the power line association with landowners to minimise the Construction 15. Construction of power line. may give rise to a visual disturbance on tourism interference effects; and Phase route / operations and residential homes. Landowners can arrange tourism activities to avoid construction area for duration of contract.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Design and time construction activities in association with landowners to minimise the interference effects; and Construction activities undertaken Landowners can arrange hunting activities to avoid Construction during the hunting season and in Disturbance to hunting activities on hunting construction area for duration of contract or can 16. Phase close proximity to hunting concession game farms. arrange with contractor to work elsewhere while concession game farms. hunters are on the property i.e. an operation plan to minimise impacts on the hunting season between May and October can be developed to suit landowner and contractor. Construction Employment of local labour for the Contractor to employ as many local labourers as is 17. Creation of temporary jobs during construction. Phase duration of Construction Phase. feasibly possible. Prior to the commencement of the Construction Phase an ECO should carry out a survey of the final route alignment to determine / identify specific sites along the route alignment where vegetation species of conservation importance (Red List and protected) are found; Prior to commencement of the Construction Phase, permits to remove all protected species within the route alignment must be applied for and obtained Construction Clearing all vegetation within the Loss of rare and endangered species due to 18. from the relevant national and/or provincial Phase construction footprint. bush clearing and access activities. authority; and The relevant national / provincial authority must be consulted to determine any specific requirements which the authority may have and authorisations / permits required for the management of all species along the power line route which have been categorised by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered species. Ensure competent bush clearer appointed to clear alignments; Construction Clearing of all vegetation within the Loss of indigenous vegetation due to bush 19. Ensure only required clearing is undertaken; and Phase construction footprint. clearing and access activities Ensure area to be cleared is properly and clearly demarcated.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Bush clearing through riparian areas must be kept to a minimum and must permit access on foot only i.e. clearance of a narrow strip only and selective trimming for the purposes of maintaining electrical clearances; Selected alternative power line Placing the towers within the riparian area will Ensure all wetlands and streams along the power Construction route corridors may extend through alter the characteristics of the associated line route are identified; 20. Phase or within close proximity to the watercourses and require the removal of riparian Access routes, laydown area, drum stations etc. will extent of the riparian area. vegetation. not be permitted within the buffer zones of any wetland; and The stockpiling of soil, topsoil or any other material will not be permitted within the watercourse, riparian area or within the 1:100 year flood line, so as to prevent the impediment of surface water flow. Ensure access routes are planned, clearly demarcated and suitable for the vehicles that will be using them; Movement of construction vehicles Uncontrolled vehicle access can result in Construction Ensure drivers are sensitised and disciplined to the 21. outside of the demarcated access unnecessary loss of indigenous and riparian Phase issue; and roads. vegetation. Vehicle access through riparian or wetland system should as far as possible be limited to pre-existing formal access routes. Clearing of natural vegetation may Alien vegetation, as well as indigenous invasive species create conditions conducive to the such as Dicrostachys cinerea must be controlled and Construction establishment and colonisation of Establishment of exotic and / or declared 22. eliminated on a regular ongoing basis along the cleared Phase exotic and/or declared CARA Category 1, 2 and Category 3 invader species. working area within the servitude during the operational Category 1, 2 and Category 3 life of the power line. invader plants.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming; Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided; Suitable erosion measures must be implemented in areas prone to erosion and should include: o Vegetation clearance within the working area The bare ground will be prone to erosion as a should be undertaken within and restricted to an Construction Clearing of all vegetation within the result of the vegetation clearing. Increased 8m vegetation clearance path; 23. Phase construction footprint. velocity of runoff across bare soil surface may o Remove vegetation only as it becomes result in soil erosion. necessary for work to proceed; Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation; De-stumping of trees on stream and river banks will not be permitted; The site should be graded to ensure the free flow of run-off and to preventing the ponding of water; and Drainage must be controlled to ensure that runoff from the site will not culminate in off-site pollution or cause water damage to surrounding properties. Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming; Removal of topsoil within No scalping or ploughing will be permitted; and Construction Vegetation removal can result in the loss of 24. construction footprint during Phase topsoil. Topsoil removed from foundation sites or drum excavations. stations must be removed and stored for rehabilitation and protected from erosion during storage. Hardening and compaction of soil can prevent All hardened surfaces will be ripped during the Construction Movement of construction vehicles 25. the revegetation of an area and promote rehabilitation phase to assist with rapid vegetation re- Phase across cleared areas. erosion. establishment. Vegetation clearing must be limited by minimising Construction Clearing of all vegetation within the Construction activities will cause fragmentation clearance wherever possible; and 26. Phase construction footprint. of habitats during construction. The movement of all construction vehicles must be confined to demarcated access roads.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase All machinery to be maintained and fitted with equipment to reduce noise levels; Operations should occur during acceptable working hours; All noise complaints shall be recorded, investigated and rectified immediately; The operation of equipment and Unless agreed to by the particular landowner, Construction 27. implementation of construction Increased ambient noise levels. construction camps and batching plants must be Phase activities which generate noise. sited outside of conservation / game farms / nature reserve areas; During hunting season, negotiations to keep hunting concessions away from work areas will be required; and Contractor employees to be sensitised to requirement to keep all noise to a minimum. Where sensitive environments are identified or Exhaust emissions from construction vehicles complaints received, dust suppression must be and equipment as well as the dust generated by implemented; Construction Vehicle and construction equipment 28. the movement of vehicles across bare soil Vehicle speeds must be limited to slow speeds Phase activity. surfaces thereby adversely impacting on the (less than 30 km/h) on gravel roads and track; and ambient air quality. Dust complaints must be recorded, investigated and addressed immediately. No open fires will be permitted on site; Smoking may only occur during controlled breaks at a designated smoking area with appropriate fire Movement of vehicles through dry Construction Damage to receiving environment (e.g. loss of protection facilities; 29. grassland and workers starting open Phase vegetation, injury to fauna) caused by fires. Long grass to be trimmed or flattened along access uncontrolled fires. routes; and Contractor to join the local fire protection association. Movement of construction vehicles Construction will result in increased traffic flow in Construction Construction vehicle drivers must be considerate to all 30. to and from the Site Camp and specific routes in the region which may impact Phase other road users at all times. construction area. on other users. The frequency and number of trips taken by Movement of construction vehicles Construction Deterioration of public and private roads due to construction vehicles on public roads to and from the 31. to and from the Site Camp and Phase passage of construction vehicles. Site Camp and construction area should be kept as low construction area. as possible. Construction Storage and use of hazardous Spillage of hazardous substances into the All vehicles and equipment must be in good working 32. Phase substances. natural environment order;
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase Equipment/ vehicles with permanent leaks must be removed from site; Drip trays must be available with all vehicles and all areas where hazardous substances are being used; Hydro-carbons should be stored in a bunded storage area; All hazardous materials inter alia paints, turpentine and thinners must be stored appropriately to prevent these contaminants from entering the environment; Spill-sorb or similar type product must be used to absorb hydrocarbon spills in the event that such spills should occur; Precautionary measures specific to the storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials must be formulated and implemented; and In the event of an event resulting in the pollution of surface / groundwater resources the Department of Water and Sanitation must be contacted.
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase An integrated waste management plan must be compiled during site establishment and must be implemented continuously throughout the construction phase; Demarcated areas where waste can be safely contained and stored on a temporary basis during the construction phase should be provided at the hard park; When adequate volumes (not more than 1 month) have accumulated all waste is to be removed from site and disposed of at a licensed facility; Waste may not to be buried on site; Construction 33. Poor waste management. Pollution of receiving environment. Hydro-carbons should be stored in a bunded Phase storage area; All hazardous materials inter alia paints, turpentine and thinners must be stored appropriately to prevent these contaminants from entering the environment; Spill-sorb or similar type product must be used to absorb hydrocarbon spills in the event that such spills should occur; and Chemical toilets and / or any effluent treatment facilities may not be placed within the 1:100 year flood line and should be regularly emptied by a professional service provider. The new 132kV power line must be constructed to Conducting the Basic Assessment Strengthening of the grid will ensure strengthen the grid of the region and to ensure the Construction Process for the proposed project as 34. uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern success and efficiency of all the other grid Phase part of the Environmental Zululand. strengthening activities that are being planned in the Authorisation Process. region. Conductor failure or flash overs Operational Ignition of veld due to conductor failure or flash Regular line inspections to ensure the integrity of the 35. caused by bird streamers and / or Phase overs line. lightning strikes. Ensure that all bird diversion structures recommended by the specialist remain in working Electrocution of avifauna and collisions with the Operational order at all times; 36. Avifauna collisions with power lines. conductor Phase Bird diverter and bird guard placement may improve
the electrocution and collision percentage; Use an alternative tower configuration with proven
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Project No. Lifecycle Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Phase reduced risk of bird electrocution, or Amend the design of the delta configuration to allow for a greater distance between conductors and therefore reduced risk of electrocution; and/or Will include bird diversion mitigation to the selected tower configuration to discourage roosting on the towers. Eskom to ensure that the vegetation clearance and line maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies; The width of the power-line corridor where vegetation is actively maintained during the operational phase must be kept at an absolute Operational Overgrown servitude and associated electrical minimum that permits safe operation of the power 37. Overgrown servitude. Phase clearance problems line, as per Eskom’s Vegetation Management and Maintenance within Eskom Land, Servitudes and Rights of Way Standard (240-70172585); and Ensure that as much natural vegetation as possible is retained within the corridor once the servitude is cleared to ensure visual screening. Movement of vehicles must be confined to established access tracks; and Operational Poor maintenance of access tracks results in 38. Poor maintenance of access tracks. Suitable erosion management measures as per Phase erosion of these tracks. Eskom’s maintenance programme should be implemented. Poor lock management on Eskom servitude Operational Poor management on Eskom gates exposes landowners to illegal trespassers Eskom to ensure that the access maintenance occurs 39. Phase servitude gates. and provides access to criminals and creates a as per Eskom Policies. poaching risk. Faulting causing loss of stable electricity supply Operational The implementation of the proposed project will 40. Electrical faulting. i.e. outages which impacts negatively on Phase contribute to ensuring a stable supply of electricity. businesses hospitals, schools etc.
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3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts. Based on consideration of the specialist assessment reports of the preferred and alternative route options and the assessment of all identified impacts as presented in the Impact Assessment section of this report, the critical impacts of the preferred and alternative corridors are summarised in the following table:
Impact Assessment Summary Table Significance Points and Impact Ranking After Mitigation Impact Type Discussion Northern Central Southern Corridor Corridor Corridor The potential impact to heritage sites is the same along all three corridors and can 14 14 14 Heritage Impacts readily be mitigated by careful sighting of the LOW LOW LOW towers with the assistance of a heritage specialist. The development of the power line along the northern corridor has a potentially lower impact to bird life due to the fact that there is an existing power line to which resident 36 60 60 Avifauna Impacts birds have become accustomed to. A MODERATE HIGH HIGH parallel second power line would increase the visibility of this hazard to flying birds and thus it would be expected to result in lower rates of bird collisions. The development of the power line along the northern corridor has a potentially lower impact to social and socio-economic Social and Socio- 27 34 34 activities because the impact already exists economic LOW MODERATE MODERATE and the activities in this area are currently Impacts assimilating the negative impact whereas these will be totally new negative impacts to the central and southern corridors A total of 18.77 km of natural bush will be required to be cleared along the northern corridor compared to 27.44 km along the central corridor and 28.93 km along the Vegetation 11 33 26 southern corridor. Species diversity is Impacts LOW MODERATE LOW expected to be higher along the central corridor and hence a greater impact can be expected along this corridor while the least impact is expected along the Northern Corridor. The potential for the establishment of a 9 26 26 power line to impact negatively on surface Wetland Impacts LOW LOW LOW water resources along all three corridors is considered low.
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The potential for the establishment of a power line to impact negatively on visual outlooks is considered moderate for all 3 corridors. The northern corridor scores slightly lower because the impact from the existing 132kV power line already exists and those tourism/homestead facilities in the area currently assimilating the negative impact whereas these will be totally new 36 42 42 Visual Impacts negative impacts to the central and southern MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE corridors. Most biophysical impacts compound one another, however in the case of visual impact, often stakeholders prefer to have impacts in areas of existing impact. In the case of the northern corridor, the visual impact of a second power line against the backdrop of the bushveld vegetation will not significantly increase the visibility rating above what currently exists. Habitat transformation is likely to be slightly less along the northern corridor because transformation for the construction of the Ecological 30 44 44 existing 132kV power line has already Impacts MODERATE MODERATE MODERATE occurred. This corridor has also been subjected to greater impact by anthropogenic activities than the central and southern corridors. The approximate % of the Northern, Central and Southern power line corridor routes that traverse game farms and or Nature Reserve are as follows: Northern – 53.6% Impact on 20 39 30 Central – 79.5% Conservation LOW MODERATE MODERATE Southern – 48 % Areas Although conservation areas are present on all corridor alternatives, the fact that a power line already exists in the northern corridor favours this route to prevent introducing new impacts to otherwise pristine areas. The fact that a power line already exists in 22 34 32 the northern corridor favours this route to Land use Impacts LOW MODERATE MODERATE prevent introducing incompatible land use to other more pristine areas. The impact on hunting concessions by construction (and vice versa) will be greater along the northern corridor where Impacts on commercial hunting concessions are more Hunting by 45 14 14 numerous. However, the area that the construction MODERATE LOW LOW construction of the power line will affect is activities restricted to the servitude and agreed access routes and hence the impact can be managed. 25 33 31 Overall Ranking LOW MODERATE MODERATE
Based on the information presented in this table and the overall cumulative impact ranking, the Northern Corridor is the preferred corridor, from an environmental management perspective, in which to construct and operate a 132kV power line in this study area. However, should failure to secure this corridor for this purpose become an issue, there is no environmental reason that precludes development of a 132kV power line along either of the alternate corridors
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investigated.
No-go alternative (compulsory) The ‘No Go’ alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line would not be constructed. If the power line does not go ahead, the negative environmental impacts which have been identified if it does go ahead would not occur. However, if the power line is not constructed and commissioned, the region would be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity (basic service) which would inhibit future development in Northern Zululand and would jeopardise the success of the regions Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks, all of which identify the lack of electrical services as inhibitors to future development and quality of life. Therefore, the need for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential negative impacts to the surrounding environment. It is thereby concluded that the „No-go‟ option is not a viable or acceptable option, and should therefore be discounted.
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SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in YES NO the view of the environmental assessment practitioner)?
If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment).
If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application. The Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) therefore recommends that the Preferred Alternative (A1) – Northern Route, which follows the existing 132kV power line between Candover Switching Station and Pongola Substation, as described in this Basic Assessment Report, be authorised. In the opinion of the EAP derived from specialist input, the proposed activity is not fatally flawed and all potential impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Apart from the general mitigation measures included in the EMP, the following should form specific clauses in the authorisation: The proposed 132kV power line route must be located as close as technically safe to the existing 132kV power line route to allow the two power lines to share a portion of their corridors to reduce the overall cumulative impact; For the northern route, pylons should preferably be positioned so as to alternate with those of the existing power line (i.e. out-of-step) and not be placed opposite one another (in-step). This mitigation will increase the visibility of both sets of power lines to flying large raptors and the birds may then be in a better position to take timely collision avoidance action. Where the possibility or risk of a 'flash-over' might occur it is then essential that additional mitigation measures that would increase the visibility of the power line be instituted should towers be positioned 'in-step’; The tower positions of the proposed 132kV power line must, as far as is technically possible, line up with the existing towers to maintain the existing level of visual impact; During the Construction Phase the working area within the servitude must be confined to 8 meters except for the working areas associated with the pylon / tower bases where the working area should be confined to a surface area of 40mX40m; Micro-siting of towers must occur in consultation with the affected landowners to ensure that their concerns are addressed as far as is practically possible; The Environmental Management Programme for the operation of the power line must include specific access and bush clearing requirements as specified and agreed with each landowner by Eskom; Input into the siting of the towers and the use of bird diverters and bird guards must be obtained during the design phase from an avifauna specialist; A management plan providing details the management of wastewater so as to prevent groundwater and surface water pollution must be submitted to the Department of Water Affairs prior to the commencement of the Construction Phase; In the event that EA is granted for Alternative 3 (Underground Cabling), a geo-hydrological study be carried out; and The clearing of bush along the servitude during construction and maintenance must not be for the entire 36 m servitude, but must be only for that required for the purposes of access, construction and safe operational working.
YES NO Is an EMPr attached? The EMPr must be attached as Appendix G.
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SECTION F. APPENDICES
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