ESKOM MELKSPRUIT to ROUXVILLE 132Kv - PART TWO AMENDMENT : ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

ESKOM MELKSPRUIT TO ROUXVILLE 132kV - PART TWO AMENDMENT : ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

MOTIVATION REPORT FOR A PART TWO AMENDMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 38 KILOMETRE 132KV OVERHEAD POWERLINE FROM THE MELKSPRUIT SUBSTATION IN ALIWAL NORTH (WALTER SISULU MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE) TO ROUXVILLE SUBSTATION (MOHOKARE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, FREE STATE).August 2020

Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE PART TWO AMENDMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE 132kV OVERHEAD POWERLINE FROM THE MELKSPRUIT SUBSTATION TO ROUXVILLE SUBSTATION IN THE WALTER SISULU AND MOHOKARE LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE EASTERN CAPE AND THE FREE STATE PROVINCES

Prepared for:

Eskom SOC Ltd Eskom Distribution Free State Operating Unit 120 Henry Street Centre First Floor Bloemfontein 9301

Prepared by:

GA Environment (Pty) Ltd P.O. Box 6723 Halfway House, Midrand 1685 Tel. No.: (011) 312 2537 Fax. No.: (011) 805 1950 e-mail: [email protected]

Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

PROJECT INFORMATION

Title: Environmental Management Programme for the Part Two Amendment of The Environmental Authorisation For The 132kV Overhead Powerline From The Melkspruit Substation To Rouxville Substation In The Walter Sisulu And Mohokare Local Municipalities Within The Eastern Cape And The Free State Provinces.

Competent Authority: Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF)

DEFF Reference No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/487/AM

Applicant: Eskom SOC Ltd

Environmental Assessment Practitioner: GA Environment (Pty) Ltd.

Compiled by: Dirk Prinsloo Reviewer: Nkhensani Khandlhela

Date: 10 December 2020

When used as a reference this report should be cited as: GA Environment (Pty) Ltd (2020), Environmental Management Programme for the Part Two Amendment Of The Environmental Authorisation For The 132kV Overhead Powerline From The Melkspruit Substation To Rouxville Substation In The Walter Sisulu And Mohokare Local Municipalities Within The Eastern Cape And The Free State Provinces.

COPYRIGHT RESERVED This technical report has been produced by GA Environment (Pty) Ltd for Eskom SOC Limited. No part of the report may be copied, reproduced, or used in any manner without written permission from Eskom or GA Environment (Pty) Ltd.

Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

DOCUMENT HISTORY AND QUALITY CONTROL

Revision Revision Date Revision Comments Originator Reviewed By

0 24 November 2020 Final Dirk Prinsloo Nkhensani Khandlhela

SIGNING OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT Original Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by Date: Name: Name: Name: 25 November 2020 Dirk Prinsloo Nkhensani Khandlhela Nkhensani Khandlhela

Version 0 Signature: Signature: Signature:

DISTRIBUTION LIST (KEY PARTIES)

Name Organisation Email Thabelo Mugwedi Eskom SOC Ltd [email protected]

Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 5 TABLE OF FIGURES ...... 5 ABBREVIATIONS ...... 6 DEFINITIONS ...... 7 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EMPr ...... 9 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 11 1.1 Specialist Studies ...... 12 1.2 Specific Mitigation Measures ...... 12 1.3 Purpose and objectives the document ...... 13 2. PREPARATION OF THIS SUPPLEMENTARY EMPr ...... 13 3. KEY APPLICABLE LEGISLATION ...... 14 4. REPORTING, MONITORING AND REVIEWING ...... 15 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 16 5.1 General planning and Construction phase (A) ...... 16 5.2 Operational phase (B) ...... 33 6. REFERENCES ...... 35

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Locality Map ...... 12 Eskom Melkspruit to Rouxville Part 2 Amendment Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

ABBREVIATIONS

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner ECO Environmental Control Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EO Environmental Officer CA Competent Authority CBA Critical Biodiversity Area DEFF Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMPr Environmental Management Programme NEMA National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

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DEFINITIONS Aspect - Element of an organisation’s activities, products or services that can interact with the environment. Auditing - A systematic, documented, periodic and objective evaluation of how well the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) is being implemented and is performing with the aim of helping to safeguard the environment by facilitating management control which would include meeting regulatory requirements. Results of the audit help the organisation to improve its environmental policies and management systems, while keeping track of their compliance with the Environmental Authorization. Clearing of vegetation - Clearing refers to the removal of vegetation through permanent eradication and in turn no likelihood of regrowth. ‘Burning of vegetation (e.g. fire- breaks), mowing grass or pruning does not constitute vegetation clearance, unless such burning, mowing or pruning would result in the vegetation being permanently eliminated, removed or eradicated. Corrective (or remedial) action - Response required in addressing an environmental problem that is in conflict with the requirements of the EMPr. The need for corrective action may be determined through monitoring, audits or management review. Degradation - The lowering of the quality of the environment through human activities, e.g. river degradation, soil degradation. Developer– Entity which applies for environmental approval and is ultimately accountable for compliance to conditions stipulated in the EA (Environmental Authorisation) and EMPr. Environment - The surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of land, water and atmosphere of the earth, micro-organisms, plant and animal life: or any part or combination of the two and the interrelationships among them, the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that influence human health and well-being. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) refers to the process of identifying, predicting and assessing the potential positive and negative social, economic and biophysical impacts of a proposed development. The EIA includes an evaluation of alternatives; recommendations for appropriate management actions for minimising or avoiding negative impacts and for enhancing positive impacts; as well as proposed monitoring measures. Habitat - A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant, or other type of organism. It is the natural environment in which an organism lives, or the physical environment that surrounds a species population. Impact - A description of the potential effect or consequence of an aspect of the development on a specified component of the biophysical, social or economic environment within a defined time, space, magnitude and intensity. Indigenous species - Flora and Fauna species that are naturally found in an area. Infrastructure - The network of facilities and services that are needed for economic activities, e.g. roads, electricity, water, sewerage, etc.

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Integrated Environmental Management- This is a philosophy used in the assessment of and management of the environment, during all actions, plans, activities, etc. that could affect the environment. Its aim is to ensure sustainability. Mitigation - Measures designed to avoid, educe or remedy adverse impacts. Actions that limit, stop or reverse the magnitude and/or rate of long-term effect on the environment. Natural environment - Encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species. Climate, weather, and natural resources that affect human survival and economic activity. Policy - A set of aims, guidelines and procedures to help you make decisions and manage an organisation or structure. Policies are based on people or an organisation’s values and goals. Process - Development usually happens through a process - a number of planned steps or stages. Resources - Parts of our natural environment that we use and protect, e.g. land, forests, water, wildlife, and minerals.

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LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EMPr

The table below provides the Requirements for an Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations (Appendix 4) with reference to the relevant sections of this report or where these requirements are addressed.

Section Content Reference in report An EMPr must comply with section 24N of NEMA and include- 1(a) Details of Section 2 (i) the EAP who prepared the EMPr; and (ii) the expertise of that EAP to prepare an EMPr, including a curriculum vitae; 1(b) A detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the EMPr Section 5 as identified by the project description; 1(c) A map at an appropriate scale which superimposes the proposed activity, its Section 1 associated structures, and infrastructure on the environmental sensitivities of the preferred site, indicating any areas that any areas that should be avoided, including buffers; 1(d) A description of the impact management objectives, including management Section 5 statements, identifying the impacts and risks that need to be avoided, managed and mitigated as identified through the environmental impact assessment process for all phases of the development including- (i) planning and design; (ii) pre-construction activities; (iii) construction activities; (iv) rehabilitation of the environment after construction and where applicable post closure; and (v) where relevant, operation activities; 1(e) A description and identification of impact management outcomes required for Section 5 the aspects contemplated in paragraph (d); 1(f) A description of proposed impact management actions, identifying the manner Section 5 in which the impact management objectives and outcomes contemplated in paragraphs (d) and (e) will be achieved, and must, where applicable, include actions to – (i) avoid, modify, remedy, control or stop any action, activity or process which causes pollution or environmental degradation; (ii) comply with any prescribed environmental management standards or practices; (iii) comply with any applicable provisions of the Act regarding closure, where applicable; and (iv) comply with any provisions of the Act regarding financial provisions for rehabilitation, where applicable; 1(g) The method of monitoring the implementation of the impact management Section 5 actions contemplated in paragraph (f); 1(h) The frequency of monitoring the implementation of the impact management Section 5 actions contemplated in paragraph (f);

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1(i) An indication of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of Section 5 the impact management actions; 1(j) The time periods within which the impact management actions contemplated in Section 5 paragraph (f) must be implemented; 1(k) The mechanism for monitoring compliance with the impact management Section 5 actions contemplated in paragraph (f); 1(l) A program for reporting on compliance, taking into account the requirements as Section 4 prescribed by the Regulations; 1(m) An environmental awareness plan describing the manner in which- Section 5 (i) the applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which may result from their work; and (ii) risks must be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment; and 1(n) Any specific information that may be required by the competent authority. None Required

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1. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), now known as the Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), issued an Environmental Authorisation (EA) on 13 June 2018 (14/12/16/3/3/1/1847) for the proposed construction of the 132kV overhead power line from the Melkspruit substation to the Rouxville substation in the Walter Sisulu and the Mohokare Local Municipalities within the Eastern Cape and Free State Provinces.

The authorised power line route is deviating from its initial alignment and assessment corridor for about 6 kilometres as land rights cannot be obtained for a portion of land in the approved development corridor. The site centre coordinates for the powerline route deviation are 30°38'32.71"S; 26°42'23.52"E. Starting point coordinates are 30°39'50.38"S, 26°40'51.09"E and end coordinates are 30°38'5.87"S, 18° 26°44'38.37"E. The proposed distribution line will thus deviate from its approved alignment and requires that Eskom conduct a Part 2 Amendment process in line with The National Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014 as amended.

In terms of Regulation 31 and 32 of the 2014 National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, Eskom wishes to apply for a substantive amendment to the EA issued. Regulation 31 (Part 2) of the 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations. A Reference Number, 14/12/16/3/3/2/487/AM was provided by DEFF for this Part 2 Amendment.

It is important to note that the 2018 NSTV Consultants EMPr, is the primary reference document and this EMPr is a supplementary document. This EMPr is only for the mitigation and management of potential impacts of the power line route deviation from its initial alignment and assessment corridor, as assessed by this Part 2 Amendment process.

The mitigation measures as provided in the EMPr undertaken by NSTV Consultants (Environmental Management Programme for Eskom FSOU 132kV Power-Line Construction (Eastern Cape-Free-State) DEA Reference Number: 14/12/16/3/3/1/1847) as well as the additional mitigation measures identified during the Part 2 Amendment Process, shall be adequate to manage any of the potential impacts identified.

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Figure 1: Locality Map

1.1 Specialist Studies

Specialist studies, to identify potential impacts, were undertaken for this Part 2 amendment, and included: • Floral Assessment; • Wetland/Riparian Delineation and Functional Assessment; • Avifaunal Assessment; • Palaeontological Assessment; and • Phase 1 Heritage Assessment.

1.2 Specific Mitigation Measures All recommendations made by the specialists and all mitigation measures proposed by the specialists in their assessments, as incorporated in the EMPr must be implemented and adhered to; and all other conditions, monitoring and mitigation measures as provided in the EMPr must be adhered to. Some

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specific recommendations and mitigation measures from commenting Authorities such as SAHRA have been included into this EMPr.

1.3 Purpose and objectives the document This EMPr is supplementary to the main output of the Basic Assessment process and has been compiled in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) legislation and Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) philosophy which aims to achieve a desirable balance between conservation and development (DEAT, 1992).

The purpose of this supplementary EMPr is to provide a framework within which the environmental risks and liabilities identified during the Basic Assessment process are managed for the duration of the project lifecycle. This document further provides mitigation measures to ensure legal compliance and environmental best practice during the construction of the proposed project. The EMPr has the following key objectives:

• To ensure compliance of the with applicable environmental legislation; • To communicate environmental expectations and requirements of the project; • To ensure that the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in the implementation of the EMPr are clearly outlined; • To reduce adverse environmental impacts as a result of the project activities; and • To ensure continuous improvement in terms of the environmental performance of the project.

2. PREPARATION OF THIS SUPPLEMENTARY EMPr

In accordance with the Regulation 13 of the EIA Regulations (GN R982 of 2014) as amended, the proponent is required to appoint an independent registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for any activities regulated in terms of the NEMA. As such, Eskom SoC Ltd, appointed GA Environment (Pty) Ltd an independent consulting firm to undertake the Part 2 Amendment Process. Both GA Environment and associated specialist are not subsidiaries of the proponent or have vested interested in the proposed activity.

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Table 1 below provides the details of the project proponent and EAP:

Table 1: Application details

Applicant’s representative Environmental Assessment Project Reviewer Name: Thabelo Mugwedi Name: Dirk Prinsloo Name: Nkhensani Khandlhela Designation: Environmental Designation: Environmental Designation: Environment and Authorisation Contact Person Impact Assessment Practitioner Sustainability Manager

Tel: 051 404 5031 Tel: 021 462 6047 Tel: 011 312 2537 e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

This supplementary EMPr was prepared by Dirk Prinsloo, an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) employed by GA Environment. Dirk is a Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner who holds a Master of Environmental Management. He is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (2019/471) with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA). Dirk has extensive knowledge of environmental and biodiversity management and has been involved in various environmental projects in Africa.

3. KEY APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

The management and mitigation of the environmental impacts during construction is governed by environmental legislation. It is of utmost importance that this project is constructed in compliance with all relevant environmental legislation whether; National, Provincial and/or Local. This EMPr has thus been compiled as per the requirements of Appendix 4 of the NEMA EIA Regulations 2014, as amended and in terms of Section 24N of the NEMA.

It is understood that any development during its various phases is a dynamic activity within a dynamic environment. The common list of legislative references contained herein is by no means exhaustive but is applicable to the general principles of this document: • Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No. 108 of 1996); • National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998); • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004); • National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999); • National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998); and

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• Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993);

In addition to the above, other provincial and municipal legislation by relevant to the proposed development must also be adhered to.

4. REPORTING, MONITORING AND REVIEWING

The 2018 Environmental Management Programme for the Eskom to Melkspruit 132kV overhead powerline (NSTV Consultants,2018) details the reporting, monitoring and reviewing requirements for the project, and also guides the reporting, monitoring and reviewing requirements of this Part 2 Amendment supplementary EMPr.

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5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 General planning and Construction phase (A)

PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY

A1 PART 2 AMENDMENT: FLORAL IMPACTS

i. The positioning of project infrastructure in relation to areas a. Loss of Floral Prevent impacts such as: Weekly/daily • Contractor of increased ecological sensitivity should be considered environmental Habitat • Clearing of vegetation, Minimise vegetation during the pre-construction and planning phases of the inspections and • Developer topsoil stripping and clearing. project. checklists. preparing surface areas • ECO ii. The positioning of infrastructure and pylons within areas for construction. indicated to be of increased ecological sensitivity, such as the • EO Prevent encroachment. Besemkaree Dolerite Koppies and surrounding rocky habitat, • Encroachment of

and watercourse vegetation units must be avoided where construction activities possible. Access to these areas by construction and beyond the extent of the operational vehicles and personnel must be restricted. proposed project development footprint, iii. Placement of pylons and infrastructure within close leading to loss of habitat proximity to erosion gulleys, a significant impacting feature within areas of increased in the area, should be avoided. ecological sensitivity. iv. Storm water must be diverted away from the construction • Compaction of soils due works to prevent further erosion and siltation of Prevent or minimise to movement of watercourses. compaction of soils. construction vehicles v. The development and disturbance footprint areas for pylon and construction infrastructure must be kept as small and compact as possible, personnel. and the loss of indigenous vegetation must be limited as much as possible. No areas should be cleared of natural • Disturbance to soils Prevent increased erosion vegetation if not required for construction and operational leading to further erosion and formation of purposes. gulleys near vi. The exposure of bare soils must be minimised through watercourses. limiting areas of vegetation and topsoil removal to only what is required for construction. • Dumping of litter and construction or waste

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY material outside of vii. Pylons should be positioned as far apart as possible and as No litter few as possible pylons implemented to limit clearance designated areas. footprints. • Alien invasive species viii. Vehicle access beyond the designated project footprint areas proliferation leading to should be prohibited and disturbance of natural areas loss of floral habitat in Management of invasive adjacent to the study area should be avoided. the surrounding areas. alien plants to prevent • Uncontrolled fires during ix. Maintenance roads and servitudes should follow existing proliferation. roads and tracks and utilise existing access points as far as construction. possible to prevent clearing of additional areas. • Dust generation during No uncontrolled fires x. The maintenance corridor/ power line servitude must not construction. involve complete clearance or removal of vegetation, but

rather be limited to cutting and trimming of vegetation only Sufficient dust where necessary. suppression xi. Edge effects from construction and operational activities, such as further erosion and alien floral species proliferation and the spread of these within disturbed areas, should be managed throughout all the development phases through the implementation of erosion control measures where required and the implementation of an alien and invasive species management programme. The implementation of erosion management measures, such as berms, geotextiles and gabions must be implemented as required. xii. Construction camps, contractors’ laydown areas and other temporary infrastructure are to be placed within areas that have already been modified. (Please note that it might not be possible to locate a modified area in close proximity to the works areas. Eskom has committed to ensure minimal impact to the environment and commit to re-habilitate sites where required.) xiii. No littering or dumping of waste and construction material within natural areas beyond the project footprint areas may be allowed.

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY xiv. Appropriate sanitation facilities must be provided for the duration of the proposed construction activities and any waste removed to an appropriate facility. xv. No indiscriminate fires should be allowed within the construction areas. xvi. Dust suppression measures must be implemented. xvii. Any disturbed and compacted areas outside of the project footprint areas must be ripped, reprofiled and revegetated with indigenous plant species naturally growing within the area (refer to Section 5.3 and Appendices A & C of Specialist Study). Prior to revegetation, it must be ensured that sites are appropriate sloped and reinstated in such a manner to simulate the pre-construction landscape and to avoid contributing to erosion and gulley formation. i. Harvesting or collection of floral species by construction or b. Loss of Floral Loss of floral species Weekly/daily • Contractor operational personnel should be strictly prohibited. diversity may take place environmental Species Diversity ii. The positioning of project infrastructure in relation to areas during the construction and inspections and • Developer of increased ecological sensitivity should be considered operational phases of the checklists. • ECO during the pre-construction and planning phases of the project as a result of the

project. project activities outlined • EO below. iii. The positioning of infrastructure and pylons within areas indicated to be of increased ecological sensitivity, such as the • Construction Phase Besemkaree Dolerite Koppies and surrounding rocky habitat, and watercourse vegetation units must be avoided where • Clearing of vegetation, Minimise clearing of possible. Access to these areas by construction and topsoil stripping and vegetation operational vehicles and personnel must be restricted. preparing surface areas

for construction. iv. Placement of pylons and infrastructure within close

proximity to erosion gulleys, a significant impacting feature • Construction of in the area, should be avoided. infrastructure and v. Storm water must be diverted away from the construction potential access and Ensure impacts to natural works to prevent further erosion and siltation of maintenance roads areas are minimise watercourses. through natural areas.

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY • Encroachment of vi. The development and disturbance footprint areas for pylon infrastructure must be kept as small and compact as possible, construction activities, and the loss of indigenous vegetation must be limited as and movement of construction vehicles much as possible. No areas should be cleared of natural No encroachment outside beyond the extent of vegetation if not required for construction and operational of demarcated areas purposes. the proposed project development vii. The exposure of bare soils must be minimised through footprint, leading to limiting areas of vegetation and topsoil removal to only what loss of species diversity is required for construction. within areas of viii. Pylons should be positioned as far apart as possible and as increased ecological few as possible pylons implemented to limit clearance sensitivity, such as the footprints. Besemkaree Dolerite ix. Vehicle access beyond the designated project footprint areas Koppies, Rocky Karroid should be prohibited and disturbance of natural areas Grassland and adjacent to the study area should be avoided. Watercourse x. Maintenance roads and servitudes should follow existing vegetation units.

roads and tracks and utilise existing access points as far as • Uncontrolled fires due possible to prevent clearing of additional areas. to increased human

xi. The maintenance corridor/ power line servitude must not activity that may involve complete clearance or removal of vegetation, but impact on floral rather be limited to cutting and trimming of vegetation only communities. No open fires allowed where necessary. onsite • Disturbance to soils xii. Edge effects from construction and operational activities, leading to further such as further erosion and alien floral species proliferation erosion of Minimise disturbance and the spread of these within disturbed areas, should be watercourses. managed throughout all the development phases through outside demarcated areas. • the implementation of erosion control measures where Compaction of soils required and the implementation of an alien and invasive and loss of topsoil species management programme. The implementation of reducing efficiency of floral re-establishment erosion management measures, such as berms, geotextiles Minimise disturbance in areas the project and gabions must be implemented as required. outside demarcated areas. footprint. xiii. Construction camps, contractors’ laydown areas and other

temporary infrastructure are to be placed within areas that

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY have already been modified. (Please note that it might not be • Dumping of litter and

possible to locate a modified area in close proximity to the construction or waste works areas. Eskom has committed to ensure minimal impact material outside of No litter onsite and to the environment and commit to re-habilitate sites where designated areas. sufficient waste bins. required. • Alien invasive species

xiv. No littering or dumping of waste and construction material proliferation leading to

within natural areas beyond the project footprint areas may loss of floral habitat in be allowed. the surrounding areas. No increase in invasive xv. Appropriate sanitation facilities must be provided for the species. • Dust generation. duration of the proposed construction activities and any Sufficient dust waste removed to an appropriate facility. • Illegal harvesting of suppression if required. xvi. No indiscriminate fires should be allowed within the floral species with a construction areas. limited representation No harvesting of any xvii. Dust suppression measures must be implemented. within the study area plants or gathering of or region. wood. xviii. Any disturbed and compacted areas outside of the project footprint areas must be ripped, reprofiled and revegetated with indigenous plant species naturally growing within the area (refer to Section 5.3 and Appendices A & C of Specialist Study). Prior to revegetation, it must be ensured that sites are appropriate sloped and reinstated in such a manner to simulate the pre-construction landscape and to avoid contributing to erosion and gulley formation.

i. All construction and operational personnel must be educated c. Loss of Floral SCC, Loss of potential floral SCC Weekly/daily • Contractor in environmental awareness and be made aware of the Protected Species and provincially protected environmental importance of floral SCC and protected species. • Developer and Tops-Listed floral species recorded inspections and ii. The loss of floral SCC and protected species must be actively within the study area during checklists. Species • ECO avoided, and such species and their habitat should ideally be the field assessment may

conserved in situ. No floral SCC were recorded within the occur during both the • EO study area, but should such species be present, they are construction and operational

more likely to be present within rocky area, and as such phases of the project as a development within the Besemkaree Dolerite Koppies and

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY rocky karroid grassland areas should be avoided as far as result of the project activities

possible. outlined below Limit clearing of iii. Provincially protected floral species are known to occur Construction Phase within the study area with their locations coinciding in some vegetation to pylon instance with the pylon footprint areas. Where avoidance of • Clearing of vegetation footprint within areas of such species is not possible, a permit has to obtained from the Free State Province DESTEA in order to destroy, remove increased ecological or relocate such species. Where possible and depending on sensitivity with an the habit and growth form of the species, relocation to increased probability Limit clearing of adjacent habitat outside the development footprint is of providing habitat for vegetation to pylon recommended (refer to Section 6.4). potential floral SCC. footprint iv. Provincially protected species with medicinal value, such as • Clearing of vegetation

Helichrysum spp., that may not be feasible to relocate could within areas known to be made available to the local communities and traditional provide habitat for No harvesting of plants medical practitioners for use. provincially protected allowed with permits. v. Should any floral SCC, protected or TOPS-listed species be species.

encountered within the development footprint area during • Illegal harvesting of construction, the necessary permits or licences have to be floral SCC and floral obtained from the relevant authorities prior to proceeding species with a limited with site clearance. representation within Limit disturbances to vi. No harvesting of firewood or collection of floral species from the study area and pylon footprint natural areas surrounding the project footprint should be surrounds. allowed by construction workers and high ecological sensitivity vegetation unit should remain off limits for • Loss of floral species construction and operational vehicles and personnel. providing ecosystem goods and services vii. Terrestrial ecological monitoring should take place during the (including medicinal construction and operational phases of the proposed project species) due to in order to identify and address unforeseen negative impacts, disturbance within and and to ensure the efficacy of mitigation measures. These beyond the project monitoring measures should be incorporated into the footprint area. Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for the project, together with the mitigation measures proposed in this report.

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY viii. An independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) should be appointed to undertake the necessary monitoring and include the findings in monthly reports (as required) submitted to the relevant authorities. The following monitoring activities should be undertaken once off prior to commencement of construction: ix. The ECO will be responsible for ensuring that all the required permitting is in place to destroy, remove or relocate provincially protected floral species in terms of the FSNCO (No. 8 of 1969). x. It must be ensured that relocation of provincially protected floral species, where required, is undertaken prior to commencement of construction. The following monitoring activities should be undertaken during the construction phase of the proposed project on a monthly basis for the duration of construction: xi. All development and pylon footprint area must be monitored to ensure that the footprint areas do not exceed approved areas. xii. Natural areas surrounding the study area must be inspected to ensure that these remain in a natural state and that no clearing, dumping or excavations take place beyond what is required for the project. xiii. It must be ensured that topsoil is suitably stockpiled for use in revegetation. xiv. Should any floral SCC not recorded during the current study be confirmed within the study area, authorities must be informed, and the necessary permits applied for in order to remove such species. xv. The development and pylon footprint areas must be monitored for emergent alien invasive species as a result of

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY disturbance and these must be manually removed before establishment and spread can take place. xvi. Erosion gulleys in the vicinity of pylons footprint areas must be monitored to ensure that the proposed project does not exacerbate existing gulleys. It must be ensured that the required erosion control measures are put in place and additional erosion is rectified as soon as it is noted.

A2 PART 2 AMENDMENT: AQUATIC IMPACTS

i. All Pylons should be placed outside delineated watercourses a. Changes in Limosella (2020) described Prevent sediment entering Weekly/daily • Contractor and their associated buffer zones. (Please note that sediment the potential impacts related and exiting the system by environmental subsequent to the Limosella (2020) specialist report and • Developer entering and to changes in sediment means implementation of inspections and mitigation measures, the final tower positions have been entering and exiting the mitigation measures. checklists. exiting the system • ECO moved as per the recommendations while considering system. This could occur impact engineering constraints). during Construction and • EO ii. Prevent access of heavy vehicles and machinery in the operational activities due to

wetlands or riparian areas earthworks and soil iii. Rehabilitation plans must be submitted and approved for disturbance as well as the rehabilitation of damage during the construction phase and removal of natural that plan must be implemented immediately upon vegetation. This could result completion of construction. in the loss of topsoil, sedimentation of the iv. Cordon off areas that are under rehabilitation as no-go areas wetland and increase the using danger tape and steel droppers. If necessary, these turbidity of the water, areas should be fenced off to prevent vehicular, pedestrian particularly where pylons are and livestock access. constructed in or in close v. Implementation of best management practices proximity to watercourses. Possible sources of impacts include:

• Earthwork activities;

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY • Disturbance of soil surface including soil compaction;

• Disturbance of slopes through creation of roads and tracks adjacent to the watercourses; and

• Creation of additional access roads.

i. Prevent access of heavy vehicles and machinery in the b. Changes in Water Limosella (2020) describes No changes to water flow Weekly/daily • Contractor delineated watercourses Flow Rating the nature of the impact as rating environmental ii. Rehabilitation plans must be submitted and approved for Changes in water flow in inspections and • Developer rehabilitation of damage during construction phase and that wetlands directly affected as checklists. • ECO plan must be implemented immediately upon completion of well as downstream construction. watercourses. Any activities • EO that change the iii. Cordon off areas that are under rehabilitation as no-go areas using danger tape and steel droppers. If necessary, these characteristics of the areas should be fenced off to prevent vehicular, pedestrian catchment of a watercourse and livestock access. will affect the way in which water enters into the iv. Implementation of best management practices watercourse. This has an effect on water flow volumes as well as energy. Possible sources of the impacts include:

• Soil compaction through movement of heavy vehicles

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• Disturbance of vegetation cover through trampling

• Creation of additional access roads

• Any activities within the delineated watercourse

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY i. Implement an Alien Plant Control Plan c. Introduction and Potential impact of No increase in invasive Weekly/daily • Contractor spread of alien ii. Retain vegetation and soil in position for as long as possible, Introduction and spread of alien plants. environmental • Developer vegetation removing it immediately ahead of construction / earthworks alien vegetation. Any inspections and in that area and returning it where possible afterwards. activities that damage the checklists. • ECO iii. Monitor the establishment of alien invasive species within natural vegetation cover will • EO the areas affected by the construction and maintenance and result in opportunistic invasions after disturbance take immediate corrective action where invasive species are observed to establish. and the introduction of seed in construction materials and iv. Rehabilitate or revegetate disturbed areas on vehicles. Invasions of alien plants can impact on hydrology, by outcompeting natural vegetation and decreasing the natural biodiversity.

i. Provision of adequate sanitation facilities located outside of d. Changes in water Potential impact of changes No change in water quality Weekly/daily • Contractor the watercourse or its associated buffer zone during quality due to in water quality due to as a result of construction environmental construction. • Developer foreign materials foreign materials and activities. inspections and ii. Implementation of appropriate stormwater management increased nutrients. checklists. and increased • ECO around the excavation to prevent the ingress of run-off into Construction and nutrients the excavation and to prevent contaminated runoff into the operational activities may • EO watercourse. result in the discharge of

iii. The development footprint must be fenced off from the solvents and other industrial watercourses and no related impacts may be allowed into chemicals, leakage of fuel/oil the watercourse e.g. water runoff from cleaning of from vehicles resulting in the equipment, vehicle access etc. loss of sensitive biota in the rivers and a reduction in iv. After construction, the land must be cleared of rubbish, watercourse surplus materials, and equipment, and all parts of the land shall be left in a condition as close as possible to that prior to use. v. Maintenance of construction vehicles / equipment should not take place within the watercourse or watercourse buffer.

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY vi. Treatment of pollution identified should be prioritized.

A3 PART 2 AMENDMENT: AVIFAUNAL IMPACTS

i. The sections of line and towers that need to be mitigated are a. Avifauna AFC (2020) described that Fitment of bird flapper as Weekly/daily • Contractor indicated in Appendix 1 of Avifauna Specialist Report collisions and the 2017 Basic Assessment required by avifaunal environmental • Developer electrocution ii. The ESKOM Distribution Bird Collision Prevention Technical Specialist Report described report. inspections and Bulletin must be complied with that avifaunal migratory checklists. Use of 7649 steel • ECO routes and zones have been iii. The 7649-steel monopole structure is designed with monopole where identified along the • EO suspended insulators and diagonal supporting cross arms, engineering design allows. alignment, and that the which make perching uncomfortable while ensuring that vultures are clear of the live phases. The use of this structure fitment of bird flappers must is strongly supported as it will ensure that the potential be undertaken within these electrocution impact is low. areas to mitigate against fatalities due to collisions

with the overhead line. The 2020 deviation was assessed, and recommendation made regarding the fitment of bird flappers.

A4 PART 2 AMENDMENT: PALAEONTOLOGICAL IMPACTS

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY i. Chance Find Protocol to be followed if fossils are uncovered a. Possible during excavation as discussed in Chapter 12 of Specialist Although no fossiliferous Implementation of chance Weekly/daily • Contractor destruction of Report (Banzai, 2020). outcrop was identified in the find procedure. environmental • Developer fossil heritage planned development inspections and footprint during the site visit, checklists. • ECO well-preserved fossils may be found during excavations • EO and care must be taken to

preserve them- see protocol for finds.

A5 PART 2 AMENDMENT: HERITAGE RESOURCES IMPACTS

i). General project area a. Impact on PGS Heritage (2020) Preconstruction Phase 2 During construction • Contractor Heritage Implement a chance to find procedures in case where possible described that the study mitigation process Weekly/daily heritage finds are uncovered. area occurs within a greater environmental • Developer Resources historical and archaeological inspections and • ECO site as identified during the checklists. ii). Possible graves desktop and fieldwork • EO No loss of Heritage The sites at 505, 509, 514, 515 and 517 should be demarcated with phase. Soil clearance for resources. a 30-meter buffer and the site should be avoided if any infrastructure as well as the construction is to happen close to it a consultation with local proposed reclamation communities must be done to ascertain. If any infant burials are activities, could uncover the present. following:

• High density iii). Structures concentrations of For site 505 (impacted by pylon MR45) and site 517 (impacted by stone artefact; pylon MR26) a Phase 2 mitigation process must be implemented and for this site that will include: • unmarked graves 1. An application for a mitigation permit from SAHRA;

2. Documentation of the site through excavations to expose the extent of the structures and then through formal plan drawings.

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY 3. A destruction permit from SAHRA will be then applied for by the client with the backing of the mitigation report

iv). Identified archaeological sites In the event that any of the identified archaeological sites at 507 and 511 are to be impacted, a Phase 2 archaeological mitigation process must be implemented. This will include, surface collections, test excavations and analysis of recovered material. A permit issued under s35 of the NHRA will be required to conduct such work. It is further recommended that construction activities between point 507 and 516 is monitored by an archaeologist.

v). Archaeological sensitive areas It is further recommended that construction activities between point 507 and 516 is monitored by an archaeologist

A6 PART 2 AMENDMENT: SAHRA REQUIRED MITIGATION MEASURES

38(4)b – The recommendations of the specialists are supported a. Impact on The comments are made as a No impact on heritage Weekly/daily • Contractor and must be adhered to. Further additional specific conditions heritage requirement in terms of resources environmental are provided for the development as follows: section 3(4) of the NEMA inspections and • Developer resources • The vertebrate fossil fragment must be cordoned off with a Regulations and section checklists. • ECO 3m buffer maintained around it. 38(8) of the NHRA in the Contact relevant SAHRA • 38(4)c(i) – If any evidence of archaeological sites or remains format provided in section staff if resources are • EO 38(4) of the NHRA and must (e.g. remnants of stone-made structures, indigenous found. ceramics, bones, stone artefacts, ostrich eggshell fragments, be included in the Final charcoal and ash concentrations), fossils or other categories report and EMPr: of heritage resources are found during the proposed development, SAHRA APM Unit (Sityhilelo Ngcatsha/Phillip Hine 021 462 5402) must be alerted as per section 35(3) of the NHRA. Non-compliance with section of the NHRA is an

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule; • 38(4)c(ii) – If unmarked human burials are uncovered, the SAHRA Burial Grounds and Graves (BGG) Unit (Thingahangwi Tshivhase/Mimi Seetelo 012 320 8490), must be alerted immediately as per section 36(6) of the NHRA. Non- compliance with section of the NHRA is an offense in terms of section 51(1)e of the NHRA and item 5 of the Schedule; • 38(4)d – See section 51(1) of the NHRA; • 38(4)e – The following conditions apply with regards to the appointment of specialists: • If heritage resources are uncovered during the course of the development, a professional archaeologist or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of the finds, must be contracted as soon as possible to inspect the heritage resource. If the newly discovered heritage resources prove to be of archaeological or palaeontological significance, a Phase 2 rescue operation may be required subject to permits issued by SAHRA; The Final Motivation Report and EMPr must be submitted to SAHRA for record purposes; The decision regarding the EA Amendment Application must be communicated to SAHRA and uploaded to the SAHRIS Case application.

A7 PART 2 AMENDMENT: OPENSERVE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY

a. Possible damage The following conditions are required prior to construction • Prevent damage to Finalise all • Developer commencing and during the construction phase: to Openserve Openserve contractual No damage to Openserve • Openserve i. Any changes/deviations from the original planning during or infrastructure arrangements prior infrastructure infrastructure prior to construction must immediately be communicated to to construction . this office. commencing.

ii. Approval is granted, subject to the following conditions, as Ongoing during per attached drawings supplied, our Client (Openserve) construction infrastructure will be affected as indicated in BLUE. Our Client (Openserve) infrastructure must be regarded as approximate only. We did our utmost to ensure that we indicate our route as accurate as possible and should you discover any of our cables that is not on the sketch please stop and contact us immediately to arrange a site meeting. In the event that our cables are exposed and damaged/stolen by a third party the damages will be repaired at the customer’s account. Please make use of pilot holes in order not too damage our infrastructure. Therefore any damages occurred during construction of work will be repaired at the customer’s account. iii. Mr Greg Green must be contacted at telephone number 081 401 1746. Two (2) weeks prior to commencement of proposed work. It’s important that all services are shown on site before construction starts. iv. The crossings of supply lines or overhead service mains directly above or adjacent to communication poles must be avoided if possible. If not a clearance of 3.2 meters must be provided. v. Aerial Plant — At points of crossing, the overhead power lines should cross above the overhead communication lines in accordance with, and clearances stipulated in the Occupational Health and safety Act no 85 of 1993, Machinery regulations 20 — Crossings, and Electrical machinery Regulations 15 —Clearances of Power Lines. If the specifications could not be met, all deviation costs will be for

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY the applicant's account. We also refer to section 25 of the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. vi. In order to minimize noise induction into the telecommunication systems, the angle of crossing between the overhead power line and all communication lines, should be as near to a right angle as possible - the following deviation from the right angle being permitted at:

Power voltage of 48 kV and higher - 30 degrees Power voltage of lower than 48 kV - 45 degrees SWER must be as near as 90 degrees as possible

vii. Paragraph 2.4.1 of the Code of Practice stipulates the minimum acceptable horizontal separation between power and the communication lines and where this cannot be met, the design of the power line is also stipulated. This could apply between the attached plans and these requirements should strictly be adhered to. viii. Calculations have shown that an earth fault on the high voltage Power lines will induce excessive low frequency induction into the Communication lines. As a result of this, the cost to deviate / alter the communication lines to prevent this induction will be for the power provider. ix. Approved on condition that, should it later be found necessary to deviate the existing communication line due to existing noise interference or any other reason whatsoever, the cost of such remedial action shall be repayable. x. Relocations of Openserve's plant will be done at customer's request and will be a repayable project. xi. On completion of this project please certify that all requirements as stipulated in this letter have been met. Please note that should any of our Client (Openserve) infrastructure has to be relocated or altered as a result of your activities the cost for such alterations or relocations will

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY be for your account in terms of section 25 of the Electronic Communications Act. xii. Should our Client (Openserve) infrastructure be damaged while work is undertaken, kindly call the Toll free number 0800203951 immediately xiii. All of our Client (Openserve) rights remain reserved.

A8 PART 2 AMENDMENT: FREE STATE PROVINCE ROADS DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

b. Possible impacts The following conditions are required prior to construction Operational Phase Finalise all • Developer commencing and during the construction phase: contractual related to • Prevent damage to No damage to Openserve i. Eskom must adhere to the conditions stipulated in the arrangements prior Provincial and Openserve infrastructure agreement between the Department and Eskom. to construction SANRAL roads infrastructure ii. The proposed 132kV power line affects the national road N6 commencing. . that is under the management of the South African National Ongoing during Roads Agency (SANRAL), P.O. Box 100410, Scottsville, 3209 construction and the application must be submitted to them for consideration and approval. iii. Drawings indicating the exact position of where the power line will be installed must be submitted to the Department for consideration and approval.

5.2 Operational phase (B)

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PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT: OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT MEASURABLE OUTCOME FREQUENCY OF RESPONSIBLE POTENTIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES OBJECTIVES TARGETS ACTION PARTY

B1 PART 2 AMENDMENT: FLORAL IMPACTS

a. Loss of Floral SCC, The following monitoring activities should be undertaken during Loss of potential floral SCC Inspection every 6 • Developer the operational phase of the proposed project according to the Protected Species and provincially protected months for 2 years. time frames indicated: and Tops-Listed floral species recorded i. It must be ensured that revegetation takes place through within the study area during Species reseeding of disturbed areas with an indigenous grass species the field assessment may

mixture if bare areas are noted in the vicinity of the project occur during both the footprint area (as a result of the project) after one growing construction and operational season. phases of the project as a

ii. The project footprint area and immediate surrounds must be result of the project activities monitored for alien invasive floral species every six months outlined below once construction has been completed for a period of two Operational Phase years. Where encountered, such species should be eradicated, and control measures put in place if required. • Illegal harvesting of No harvesting of plants floral SCC, protected iii. The study area and immediate surrounds must be monitored allowed with permits. species and floral for additional erosion and undercutting in the vicinity of species with a limited pylon footprints every six months once construction has representation within been completed, for a period of two years, and where the study area. encountered, immediate rectification must take place. • Movement of operational vehicles Limit vehicle movement to through areas of existing tracks as far as increased ecological possible sensitivity known to provide habitat for floral SCC and protected species beyond the project footprint area.

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6. REFERENCES

DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), 1992. Integrated Environmental Management Guideline Series, Volumes 1-6, Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria.

DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), 2004. Environmental Management Plans, Integrated Environmental Management, Information Series 12, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), Pretoria.

DEAT/DEFF (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism), 2019. Guidelines On The Administration Of Incidents: As described in section 30 of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998

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