DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY NEAR MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE
DEA Ref: 12/12/20/1778/1
External Environmental Compliance Audit Report of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), in accordance with Regulation 54(A) of the EIA Regulations (2017)
December 2019 External project EMPr environmental compliance report December 2019 Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province
Prepared for:
Dorper Wind Farm (RF) (Pty) Ltd P.O. BOX 163 Newlands Cape Town 7725
Prepared by:
Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019
REPORT DETAILS
DEA Reference No. : 12/12/20/1778/1;
Environmental Karen Jodas and John von Mayer (Savannah Environmental) Assessment Practitioner (EAP)
: External Environmental Compliance Audit Report of the Environmental Title Management Programme (EMPr), in accordance with Regulation 54(A) of the EIA Regulations (2017) for the Dorper Wind Farm, Molteno, Eastern Cape
Authors : Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Gideon Raath
Internal Review Jo-Anne Thomas
Client : Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd Mr Arthur Mcunukelwa
Report Revision : Revision 1
Date : December 2019
When used as a reference this report should be cited as: Savannah Environmental (2019) External Environmental Section 54 Compliance Report for the Dorper Wind Farm, Molteno, Eastern Cape.
COPYRIGHT RESERVED This technical report has been produced for the Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd. The intellectual property contained in this report remains vested in Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd. No part of the report may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd or the Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd.
Report Details Page i Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
I, Gideon Raath , declare that:
» I act as the independent environmental auditor for the environmental compliance audit (December 2019). » I have performed the work relating to the audit in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant. » I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work. » I have expertise in conducting independent environmental audits, including knowledge of NEMA, the 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 326) and any guidelines that have relevance to the activity. » I have complied with NEMA, the 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 326) and all other applicable legislation. » I have no, and have not engaged in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the audit. » I have undertaken to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing – any decision to be taken with respect to the project by the competent authority; and – the objectivity of any report, plan or document prepared by myself for submission to the competent authority. » All the particulars furnished by me in this report are true and correct. » I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of Regulation 48 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of the Act. » I do not have and will not have any vested interest (either business, financial, personal or other) in the project other than remuneration for work performed.
December 2019 Signature Date
Declaration of Interest Page ii Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CAA Civil Aviation Authority CMO Community Management Officer DEA Department of Environmental Affairs (National) DEDEA Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (Eastern Cape) DWS Department of Water and Sanitation DoE Department of Energy EA Environmental Authorisation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner ECO Environmental Control Officer EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMPr Environmental Management Programme GHG Greenhouse Gas GIIP Good International Industry Practise I&AP Interested and Affected Party IPP Independent Power Producer MW Megawatts NEMA National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) NEM:BA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) NHRA National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) NWA National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) O&M Operations and Maintenance OEMPr Operational Environmental Management Programme OHS Occupational Health and Safety SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency WEF Wind Energy Facility WUL Water Use License
Acronyms and Abbreviations Page iii Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE REPORT DETAILS ...... i DECLARATION OF INTEREST ...... ii ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... iv 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.1. Project Background ...... 1 2. OBJECTIVE OF THE AUDIT ...... 2 3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE ...... 3 4. OVERVIEW OF THE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITORS ...... 3 5. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ...... 4 6. APPROACH TO CONDUCTING THE AUDIT ...... 4 6.1. Pre-audit planning ...... 4 6.2. Conducting the Audit ...... 4 6.3. Post Audit ...... 5 7. FINDINGS OF THE AUDIT ...... 5 8. AUDIT RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 35 8.1. Overview of Audit Findings ...... 35 8.2. Conclusion ...... 35 9. EVALUATION OF THE EMPR ...... 35 9.1. Ongoing impact avoidance, management and mitigation ...... 36 9.2. Closure impact avoidance, management and mitigation ...... 36 9.3. Ensuring compliance with provisions of the EMP ...... 36 10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 36 11. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ...... 37 11.1. Notification of all potential and registered interested and affected parties ...... 37
APPENDICES
Appendix A: CVs of Independent Auditor/s and Report Reviewer Appendix B: Location and proof of site notices Appendix C: Notification to registered Interested and Affected Parties
Table of Contents Page iv Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Section 54(a)(3) of the EIA regulations (GNR 326, 7 April 2018) states:
(3) Where an environmental authorisation issued in terms of the ECA regulations or the previous NEMA regulations is still in effect by 8 December 2014, the EMPr associated with such environmental authorisation is subject to the requirements contained in Part 3 of Chapter 5 of these Regulations and the first environmental audit report must be submitted to the competent authority no later than 7 December 2019 and at least every 5 years thereafter for the period during which such environmental authorisation is still in effect.
In accordance with these regulations, Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd has been appointed by Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd to undertake an external environmental compliance audit on the project EMPr and prepare an external environmental compliance audit report in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 54(a) of the EIA Regulations, 2014, as amended, for the Dorper Wind Energy Facility (WEF) located near Molteno, Eastern Cape Province. The external environmental compliance audit was conducted to demonstrate Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd’s compliance with the EMPr applicable to the project.
1.1. Project Background
Dorper Wind Farm RF (Pty) Ltd received authorisation for the Dorper Wind Energy Facility in May 2011 (DEA ref: 12/12/20/1778). The authorisation for the first phase of the Dorper Wind Farm project was received following an amendment to the authorisation (i.e. splitting of the project into phases) in November 2012 (EIA Ref No: 12/12/20/1778/1). This wind energy facility comprises 40 wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 100MW, a substation with a 33kV/132kV yard footprint and associated infrastructure. Construction commenced in January 2013 and commercial operation date (COD) was achieved in August 2014. The wind energy facility is currently operating. The Dorper WEF is located within the jurisdiction of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, occupying the following properties:
» Portion 1 & 3 of Farm Uitkeyk 67; » Remaining extent of Farm 68; » Portion 3 and 4 of Farm 68; » Portion 5,6 and 7 of farm Cypher Gat 69; and » Farm 96;
During construction, compliance monitoring was conducted by the Environmental Control Officer (ECO) appointed to the project, Mr Graham de Lange (Savannah Environmental). A number of annual environmental compliance audits have been conducted to date. The most recent environmental audit conducted for the project was conducted by Mr Danie Brummer (Savannah Environmental) for the February 2018 to February 2019 annual period, during which the project was fully operational, and is therefore focused on assessing the facility’s compliance with those aspects of the EA (DEA Reference No.: 12/12/20/1778/1) and EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018) (DEA Reference No.: 12/12/20/1754/1/MP1) which are applicable to the operation of the project, and ensuring that the findings of the previous audit have been adequately addressed.
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2. OBJECTIVE OF THE AUDIT
The objective of this environmental audit as contained in Appendix 7 of the 2014 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (GNR 326) and Regulation 54(a) is to:
» Report on: The level of compliance with the conditions of the EMPr. The extent to which the avoidance, management and mitigation measures provided for in the EMPr, achieve the objectives and outcomes of the EMPr. » Identify and assess any new impacts and risks as a result of undertaking the activity. » Evaluate the effectiveness of the EMPr. » Identify shortcomings in the EMPr. » Identify the need for any changes to the avoidance, management and mitigation measures provided for in the EMPr.
This Environmental Audit Report has been prepared in accordance with Appendix 7 of the 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 326). An overview of the contents of the Environmental Compliance Audit Report, as prescribed by Appendix 7 of the 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 326), and where the corresponding information can be found within the report is provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Summary of where the requirements of Appendix 7 of the 2014 EIA Regulations (GNR 326) are provided in this Environmental Compliance Audit Report. Requirement Location in Report (a) Details of the – (i) Independent person who prepared the environmental audit report. Refer to Section 4 (ii) Expertise of the independent person that compiled the environmental audit Refer to Appendix A report. (b) A declaration that the independent auditor is independent in a form as may be Refer to Declaration of Interest specified by the competent authority. Refer to Section 4 (c) An indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the environmental Refer to Section and 3 audit report was prepared. (d) A description of the methodology adopted in preparing the environmental audit Refer to Section 6 report. (e) An indication of the ability of the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan to – (i) Sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the undertaking of the activity on an on-going basis. Refer to Section 10 (ii) Sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the closure of the facility. (iii) Ensure compliance with the provisions of environmental authorisation, EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan. (f) A description of any assumptions made, and any uncertainties or gaps in Refer to Section 5 knowledge. (g) A description of any consultation process that was undertaken during the course Refer to Section 11 of carrying out the environmental audit report. (h) A summary and copies of any comments that were received during any Refer to Section 11 consultation process.
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Requirement Location in Report (i) Any other information requested by the competent authority. N/A
3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Environmental Audit has been conducted to determine the Dorper Wind Farm (RF) Pty Ltd’s compliance with applicable environmental management requirements, as per the requirements of Section 54(A)(3) of the EIA Regulations, GNR 326 of 2017. The scope of the Environmental Audit is confined to an assessment of those environmental management requirements contained within the most recent project EMPr (EMPr Revision 3 - June 2018).
4. OVERVIEW OF THE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITORS
Dorper WEF was initially authorised through Karen Jodas of Savannah Environmental as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner. Subsequently, the Environmental Control Officer roles has been fulfilled by Graham de Lange (during construction) and, most recently, Danie Brummer (during operation). This independent environmental compliance audit was undertaken by Gideon Raath (refer to Table 2), and reviewed by Jo- Anne Thomas (refer to Table 3).
Table 2: Details of the Independent Environmental Auditors for this Section 54 audit report. Name: Gideon Raath Position: Senior Consultant Company: Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Qualification: M.Sc. Geography and Environmental Studies Professional Registration: Professional Natural Scientist (117178) (SACNASP) Experience: 5.5 years Contact: 011 656 3237 Email: [email protected]
Table 3: Details of the Report Reviewer. Name: Jo-Anne Thomas Position: Project Manager and Director Company: Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Qualification: M.Sc. Botany Professional Registration: Professional Natural Scientist (400024/2000) (SACNASP) Experience: 22 years Contact: 011 656 3237 Email: [email protected]
A signed Declaration of Interest confirming the auditors’ independence is included in this Environmental Audit Report. CVs of the Independent Environmental Auditor and Report Reviewer are attached as Appendix A to this report.
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5. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
The following assumptions and limitations are applicable to this Environmental Audit Report:
» It is assumed that the information provided during the site visit was accurate and true at the time of conducting the site visit. » It is assumed that all information contained within the environmental files maintained onsite was accurate and true.
6. APPROACH TO CONDUCTING THE AUDIT
6.1. Pre-audit planning
Prior to undertaking the audit, the scope and objectives of the audit were determined through a review of relevant information applicable to the project.
Following the review of existing information, an audit checklist was prepared for use as a tool during the audit to identify any issues of non-compliance and / or areas where action plans may be required to be implemented to address any identified issues of concern.
The audit checklist was prepared based on the management specifications contained within the project EMPr. As the Dorper WEF is currently in operation, all conditions barring those related to the decommissioning of the facility are applicable to this audit. The checklist therefore contains all those specifications applicable given the current status of the project, i.e. pre-construction, construction and operation phases (where these conditions apply).
6.2. Conducting the Audit
A site visit was conducted on the 12th and 13th of November, 2019, and included:
» A survey of the Dorper WEF and associated infrastructure. » A review of on-site documentation and procedures. » Interviews with Dorper’s Environmental and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Contractors, Nordex Energy South Africa (RF) (Pty) Ltd
The following parties were present during the site visit:
» Gideon Raath – Savanah Environmental’s Independent Auditor; » Arthur Mcunukelwa – Site Manager for Dorper WEF; and » Clint Kruger – Lead Technician for Acciona.
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6.3. Post Audit
Following the site visit, an Environmental Audit Report was compiled based on the findings of the audit. A copy of this Audit Report was submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in accordance with the requirements of Section 54(A)(3), prior to the 7th of December 2019.
7. FINDINGS OF THE AUDIT
Compliance ratings were provided for each element of the audit checklist using the 4-point rating scale described below:
Compliance status Rating Description of compliance Compliant 3 Compliant with no further action required to maintain compliance Compliant 2 Compliant apart from minor or immaterial recommendations to improve the strength internal controls to maintain compliance Compliant 1 Compliant with major or material recommendations to improve the strength of internal controls to maintain compliance Non-Compliant 0 Does not meet minimum requirements
Table 4 through Table 7 provide details of the findings of the audit.
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Table 4: Design Phase audit checklist for Compliance with the Conditions Contained in EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018) (DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/1754/1/MP1).
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING CHECKLIST FOR THE DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NEAR MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE:
PERIOD: December 2019
SITE: DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY COMPLETED BY: Gideon Raath Environmental Management Programme Requirements for Design Phase
EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility (page) Yes No action OBJECTIVE P2: To ensure effective communication mechanisms Compile and implement a grievance mechanism procedure for the public to be implemented during both the construction and operational A grievance mechanism has been phases of the facility (refer to implemented and communicated to the generic grievance mechanism municipality during the construction phase. A 30 ✓ 3 included within Appendix I). This complaints register was observed on file at procedure should include details the reception of the facility. No complaints of the contact person who will had been registered to date. be receiving issues raised by interested and affected parties, and the process that will be followed to address issues.
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility (page) Yes No action
Develop and implement a grievance mechanism for the A grievance mechanism has been construction, operational and implemented and communicated to the closure phases of the project for municipality during the construction phase. A 30 all employees, contractors, ✓ 3 complaints register was observed on file at subcontractors and site the reception of the facility. No complaints personnel. This procedure had been registered to date. should be in line with the South African Labour Law.
OBJECTIVE P4: Initiate Bird Monitoring Programme
Bird monitoring is ongoing. Bird observer on Appoint advising scientist and site, bat specialist visits the site twice a year 33 agency to conduct pre- and ✓ 3 for roosts and collect carcasses. Carcasses post-construction monitoring observed in freezer on site. No bat frequency monitoring is ongoing, only carcass searches.
Pre-construction and operational monitoring Review report on the full year of has been used to update the monitoring pre-construction monitoring, and frequency required in the EA and EMPr, 33 integrate findings into ✓ 3 through the latest update of the EMP (version construction EMP and broader 3). This update was observed by the auditor mitigation scheme and the updated EMP is available on site.
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Table 5: Construction Phase audit checklist for Compliance with the Conditions Contained in EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018) (DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/1754/1/MP1).
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING CHECKLIST FOR THE DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NEAR MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE:
Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
OBJECTIVE C1: Securing the site and site establishment Access control observed at reception, three Secure site, working areas and tiers of access throughout site depending excavations in an appropriate 30 ✓ 3 on your security clearance as observed and manner, as agreed with the discussed during induction. No construction Environmental Officer. or excavations observed on site Where necessary to control access, fence and secure area 34 ✓ 3 As above (especially relevant to no-go areas). Fence and secure Contractor’s The entire office complex is securely fenced 35 ✓ 3 equipment camp. with no unauthorised access permitted Perimeter fencing around the broader site/ farm portions for the wind energy facility (which is clearly indicated with flags) to No disturbance outside the demarcated be implemented. All deep footprint was observed during the audit. In excavations must be addition, perimeter fencing was observed 35 ✓ 3 adequately protected. There is along all boundaries to the site, with clearly to be no unauthorised marked gates internally used throughout disturbance outside the the site. demarcated development footprint. Any activities outside the development footprint to
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
be authorised by the Owner’s Representative. OBJECTIVE C4: Noise control A grievance mechanism has been implemented and communicated to the municipality during the construction phase. A complaints register was observed on file Establish a line of at the reception of the facility. No communication and notify all complaints had been registered to date. In stakeholders and sensitive 39 ✓ 3 addition, a landowner Whatsapp group receptors of the means of was observed by the auditor showing registering any issues, communication between the site office complaints or comments. staff and all landowners. Finally, a CMO has been appointed to liaise between the municipality and various stakeholders and with the Dorper staff When any noise complaints are received noise monitoring should be conducted at the Verified complaints register present on site; 39 ✓ 3 complainant, followed by no complaints received feedback regarding noise levels measured OBJECTIVE C5: Management of dust, emissions and damage to roads Haul vehicles moving outside the construction site carrying No haul vehicles observed on site during the 40 material that can be wind- ✓ 3 audit. blown will be covered with tarpaulins. No recorders in cars and therefore currently Ensure staff Vehicles should be fitted with no way to know if any is speeding on site. are aware of 40 recorders to record when ✓ 0 Dorper Wind Farm No complaints to date were confirmed the speed vehicles exceed the speed limit. regarding speeding however. limit, and
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
potential offenses are warned or fined as appropriate Ensure that damage to agreed No agreement in place for public roads; all construction access roads / external roads are to be maintained by the 40 public roads are repaired ✓ 2 government. Internal roads are well before completion of maintained and observed to be in good construction phase order. OBJECTIVE C6: Soil and rock degradation and erosion control, water quality management Stockpile topsoil for re-use in rehabilitation phase. Maintain stockpile shape and protect No stockpiles were observed on site or from erosion. All stockpiles must 42 N/A determined to be required during the be positioned away from operational phase drainage lines. Limit the height of stockpiles to reduce compaction. Any excavation, including those 42 for cables, must be monitored N/A No excavation was observed on site or inspected by the ECO. All cable trenches, etc., through No trenching was observed on site, with all sensitive area should be dug 42 N/A previously trenched areas having been carefully in order to minimise subject to successful rehabilitation damage to surrounding areas. Disturbance of vegetation and No disturbance of vegetation was observed 42 topsoil must be kept to a ✓ 3 during the audit. minimum. Rehabilitate disturbance areas Ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident 42 as soon as construction in an ✓ 3 at turbine crane pads during the audit. area is completed. Further success would be achieved with the
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
onset of improved rainfall in the region, which is currently still experiencing a drought. Revegetation was observed to be sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. Maintenance must be Erosion control measures: Run- Armourflex and gabions had been installed undertaken off attenuation on slopes (sand at Turbines 5 and 7 where erosion was prior to or bags, logs), silt fences, evident. These measures were determined during the 42 ✓ 2 Dorper Wind Farm stormwater catch-pits, shade to be moderately successful but would next rainfall nets or temporary mulching require maintenance prior to or during the event to over denuded areas. next rainfall event to prevent further erosion. prevent further erosion. Particular care should be taken in the design of road drainage Armourflex was observed at drainage line line crossings in order to ensure crossings with no visible steppe. No 42 there is no step in the channel ✓ 3 constriction or obstruction to flow was bed, substrate continuity is observed. maintained and no undue constriction of flow takes place. Control depth of excavations 42 and stability of cut N/A No excavation was observed on site faces/sidewalls Gravel traps adjacent the electrical infrastructure at the site office will allow for Capture runoff from roofs in dispersal of runoff from the impervious rainwater tanks or disperse surfaces, however heavy rainfall was absent 42 ✓ 3 runoff from impervious surfaces prior to or during the audit and would thus onto adjacent areas. need verification during a rainfall event. No ponding or standing water at the office complex was observed.
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
Mitre drains observed at regular intervals Use mitre drains to deflect water along the access roads. No water present 42 from roads onto adjacent ✓ 3 during audit so the efficacy thereof remains slopes. untested. Compile a comprehensive stormwater management plan A stormwater management plan was 43 ✓ 3 as part of the final design of the present and observed in the site file. project Water velocity from Rock gabions observed, mitre drains and precipitation and runoff must be Armourflex employed in addition to gravel reduced and diffused before traps near electrical infrastructure. Where 43 water is returned to natural ✓ 3 erosion features were evident (Turbine 5 systems. Erosion features must and 7), these had been stabilised using the be immediately stabilized, if above methods. they develop. OBJECTIVE C7: Minimisation of development footprint and disturbance to topsoil Construction activities must be No construction activities outside of restricted to demarcated areas demarcated areas as per the approved 44 ✓ 3 so that impact on flora and facility layout was observed during the fauna is restricted. audit. Ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident Rehabilitate any disturbed at turbine crane pads during the audit. areas immediately after Further success would be achieved with the 44 construction in that area is ✓ 3 onset of improved rainfall in the region, complete in order to stabilise which is currently still experiencing a landscapes drought. Revegetation was observed to be sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. OBJECTIVE C8: Limit Damage to wetland areas and drainage lines Align underground cables and No underground cables were visible during internal access roads as much the site audit, with no exposed trenches. 45 ✓ 3 as possible along existing The facility had been constructed in infrastructure & disturbances. accordance with the approved facility
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
layout, including the alignment of cabling with roads as far as possible. For any new construction, cross All observed watercourses were crossed 45 watercourses perpendicularly to ✓ 3 perpendicularly. minimise disturbance footprints Ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident at turbine crane pads during the audit. Further success would be achieved with the Rehabilitate any disturbed 45 ✓ 3 onset of improved rainfall in the region, areas as quickly as possible which is currently still experiencing a drought. Revegetation was observed to be sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. Rock gabions observed, mitre drains and Armourflex employed in addition to gravel Control stormwater and runoff traps near electrical infrastructure. Where 45 ✓ 3 water erosion features were evident (Turbine 5 and 7), these had been stabilised using the above methods. Obtain a permit as required in A General Authorisation was provided to terms of the National Water Act the auditor showing authorisation for 21a,c 45 ✓ 3 from DWA to impact on any and i activities, issued in 2012. None of these wetland or water resource. water uses were evident during the audit. An appointment letter was observed by the Appoint an independent auditor for the, as well as an environmental environmental control officer manager being appointed with which during construction and an liaison occurred during the audit. 45 environmental manager during ✓ 3
operation whose duty it will be In addition to evidence of prior ECO audits to minimise impacts on contained in the site environmental file for surrounding sensitive habitats the entirety of the construction phase. OBJECTIVE C9: Protection of vegetation / control alien invasive plants
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
Avoid creating conditions in No areas of disturbance, or earthworks was which alien plants may become observed during the audit. In addition, established: ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident » Keep disturbance of at turbine crane pads during the audit. indigenous vegetation to a 46 ✓ 3 Further success would be achieved with the minimum onset of improved rainfall in the region, » Rehabilitate disturbed areas as which is currently still experiencing a quickly as possible drought. Revegetation was observed to be » Do not import soil from areas sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. with alien plants Establish an on-going monitoring programme to detect and quantify any alien The working on-site fire team comes species that may become through annually to clear alien vegetation. established and identify the There was also an invasive species problem species (as per management plan in the environmental file Conservation of Agricultural observed on site. A very minor amount of 46 ✓ 3 Resources Act, Act 43 of 1983). weeds were observed on the fringes of The plan must include mitigation crane pads along several turbines, however measures to reduce the these would be controlled effectively by invasion of alien species and the next control event given the small ensure that the continuous extent invaded. monitoring and removal of alien species is undertaken. Areas affected by Immediately control any alien alien plants plants that become established As above. These areas may benefit from may benefit 46 using control methods (such as ✓ 2 immediate control aside from waiting for Dorper Wind Farm from mechanical, chemical and/ annual control events. immediate biological methods). control aside from waiting
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
for annual control events Ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident at turbine crane pads during the audit. A site rehabilitation programme Further success would be achieved with the 46 must be developed and ✓ 3 onset of improved rainfall in the region, implemented. which is currently still experiencing a drought. Revegetation was observed to be sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. OBJECTIVE C10: Protection of fauna & avifauna Baseline data collected and Bird monitoring ongoing. Bird observer on documented during the survey site, bat specialist visits the site twice a year must be shared with EWT and for roosts and collect carcasses. Carcasses 47 Birdlife SA, for a better ✓ 3 observed in freezer on site. Bat fatality understanding of the distribution searches as per the monitoring report and behaviour of priority requirements. species. The extent of clearing and disturbance to the native vegetation will be kept to a 47 ✓ 3 No clearing was observed on site. minimum so that impact on fauna and their habitats is restricted. Ongoing passive rehabilitation was evident at turbine crane pads during the audit. A site rehabilitation programme Further success would be achieved with the 47 must be compiled and ✓ 3 onset of improved rainfall in the region, implemented. which is currently still experiencing a drought. Revegetation was observed to be sufficient to bind soil suitably in most areas. OBJECTIVE C11: Protection of fossils and sites of heritage value
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
If a heritage object is found, work in that area must be No heritage resources were observed stopped immediately, and during the audit, and interviews confirmed appropriate specialists brought none were found during the construction 49 ✓ 3 in to assess the site, notify the phase either. The staff remain aware of the administering authority of the obligation towards heritage features item/site, and undertake however (confirmed via interview). due/required processes. OBJECTIVE C13: Appropriate handling and storage of chemicals, hazardous substances and waste and avoidance of veld fires The storage of flammable and combustible liquids such as oils An oils storage container was observed with will be in designated areas a recently fixed bund near the flammable 51 which are appropriately ✓ 3 liquid store. A file was also kept on site with bunded, and stored in all the MSDSs of the various flammable and compliance with MSDS files, as hazardous chemicals stored. defined by the EO. Any spills will receive the necessary clean-up action. Bioremediation kits are to be kept on-site and used to remediate any spills that may occur. All working areas must A mobile spill kit comprised of a bin and a have spill kits. Appropriate shoulder bag was observed in the workshop 51 ✓ 3 arrangements to be made for area, which is used for all spills at the office appropriate collection and complex of the facility. disposal of all cleaning materials, absorbents and contaminated soils (in accordance with a waste management plan).
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
Any storage and disposal permits/approvals which may No permits required - waste disposal slips be required will be obtained, 51 ✓ 3 observed for both hazardous and non- and the conditions attached to hazardous waste were observed on site. such permits and approvals will be complied with. When repairs of vehicles must take place, an appropriate drip No vehicle repairs were observed on site, tray / impermeable sheet will be and no oil spills or leaks detected from any 51 used to contain any fuel or oils. ✓ 3 of the vehicles present. All vehicles No machinery to be serviced presented in good condition. with in 100m of a wetland / water course. No transport of hazardous substances was Transport of all hazardous observed during the audit. All hazardous substances will be in materials were stored in an appropriately 51 ✓ 3 accordance with the relevant locked, bunded and access controlled legislation and regulations. container on site, in accordance with the EA and EMPr conditions. Waste disposal records will be Waste disposal slips were observed on site 51 ✓ 3 available for review at any time. and produced on request Waste management plan as well as Construction contractors will hazardous waste management plan, along provide specific detailed waste 51 ✓ 3 with separation of wastes (solid and liquid, management plans to deal with as well as hazardous and non-hazardous) all all waste streams. observed on site Specific areas will be Clear separation of wastes (solid and liquid, designated on-site for the as well as hazardous and non-hazardous) temporary management of 51 ✓ 3 was observed during the audit, with specific various waste streams, i.e. skips being reserved for both general and general refuse, construction hazardous waste, along with bins allocated waste (wood and metal scrap)
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
and contaminated waste. for both hazardous and non-hazardous Location of such areas will seek waste at the site office complex. to minimise the potential for impact on the surrounding environment, including prevention of contaminated runoff, seepage and vermin control. Where possible, construction and general wastes on-site will be reused or recycled. Bins and skips will be available on-site for 52 ✓ 3 As above collection, separation and storage of waste streams (such as wood, metals, general refuse etc.). Disposal of waste will be in All wastes are removed from site by accordance with relevant licenced contractors to the respective 52 legislative requirements, ✓ 3 disposal sites. No overflowing containers including the use of licensed were observed during the audit. contractors. Hydrocarbon waste will be Oils and other hydrocarbon waste were contained and stored in sealed observed on site to be stored within a 52 ✓ 3 containers within an separate oil bin, which was kept in a bund appropriately bunded area. of sufficient size. Waste and surplus dangerous goods will be kept to a Oils and other hydrocarbon waste were minimum and will be observed on site to be stored within a 52 ✓ 3 transported by approved waste separate oil bin, which was kept in a bund transporters to sites designated of sufficient size. for their disposal.
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
Documentation (waste manifest) will be maintained Waste slips show the quantity of the 52 detailing the quantity, nature ✓ 3 materials being disposed of, as observed and fate of any regulated and produced on request on site waste. A grievance mechanism has been implemented and communicated to the An incident/complaints register municipality during the construction phase. 52 will be established and ✓ 3 A complaints register was observed on file maintained on-site. at the reception of the facility. No complaints had been registered to date. Place clearly visible Hazardous and non-hazardous skips were signage on Hazardous and non-hazardous provided on site, with clear separation of the skips and waste shall be separated at the wastes being practices as evidenced bins to ensure source. Separate waste by the contents of each skip. In addition, no mixing of 52 collection bins must be ✓ 2 bins were provided on site for the storage of waste and Dorper Wind Farm provided for this purpose. These wastes at the office complex, however, the that all staff bins must be clearly marked bins were not clearly marked at the office are notified of and appropriately covered. complex and needed to have notices which bins placed to ensure no mixing of wastes. are intended for which type of waste All solid waste collected shall be disposed of at a registered All wastes are removed from site by waste disposal site. A certificate licenced contractors to the respective 52 of disposal shall be obtained ✓ 3 disposal sites (which are licenced). No and kept on file. The disposal of burning of waste was observed on site waste shall be in accordance with all relevant legislation.
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
Solid waste must not be burnt on site. All wastes are removed from site by Supply waste collection bins at licenced contractors to the respective 52 construction equipment and ✓ 3 disposal sites. Sufficient quantity and type of construction crew camps. waste bins were present on site for the various waste streams Construction equipment will be refuelled within designated No refuelling was observed on site. refuelling locations, or where Interviews with staff indicated all machinery 53 ✓ 3 remote refuelling is required, is refuelled in Molteno (off-site) at the petrol appropriate drip trays will be station utilised. All stored fuels to be maintained All fuels kept on site were stored within the within a bund and on a sealed hazardous materials store, which was surface and must be stored 53 ✓ 3 appropriately bunded (had a built-in bund 350m away from any water on the container) and was observed to be course, wetland or water body 350m away from any water course. as per the EA Condition 107. All fuels kept on site were stored within the Fuel storage areas will be hazardous materials store, which was inspected regularly to ensure 53 ✓ 3 appropriately bunded (had a built-in bund bund stability, integrity and on the container). The store was observed function. to be in a good condition during the audit. No construction machinery was observed Construction machinery will be on site during the audit. Only the bowser 53 stored in an appropriately ✓ 3 was seen on site at the site office, which sealed area. was kept parked behind the access controlled and lockable site office gates. Oily water from bunds at the 53 ✓ 3 No spills observed – all bunds clean substations will be removed
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
from site by licensed contractors. Spilled concrete will be allowed to dry and removed as soon as possible. Hardened concrete can either be recycled at a No concrete works or cement bags 53 crushing facility or batching ✓ 3 observed on site during the audit plant, disposed of as spoil, or be disposed of at a general waste landfill site as waste. This excludes dry cement powder. Corrective action must be undertaken immediately if a complaint is made, or potential/actual leak or spill of polluting substance identified. No oil spills or contaminant leak observed This includes stopping the on site during the audit. No public 53 ✓ 3 contaminant from further complaints were registered in the escaping, cleaning up the complaints register either. affected environment as much as practically possible and implementing preventive measures. In the event of a major spill or leak of contaminants, the No oil spills or contaminant leak observed relevant administering authority on site during the audit. An emergency 53 ✓ 3 must be immediately notified as response procedure was evident in the per the notification of environmental file on site. emergencies/incidents. Implement an effective Interviews confirmed that weekly startup of 53 monitoring system to detect any ✓ 3 generator was done to see if it is still working leakage or spillage of all and in good order. In addition, the
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
hazardous substances during hazardous materials store was visited every their transportation, handling, two days, the bowser used once weekly or use and storage. This must inspected visually once weekly, and include precautionary measures ongoing daily inspections of the facilities to limit the possibility of oil and (site office) occurred during the course of other toxic liquids from entering the environmental officers' duties. the soil or storm water systems. Leakage of fuels must be No spills or contaminant leak observed on avoided at all times and if site during the audit. An emergency 53 ✓ 3 spillage occurs, it must be response procedure was evident in the remediated immediately. environmental file on site. Any contaminated/polluted soil No spills or contaminant leak observed on removed from the site must be site during the audit. An emergency 53 disposed of at a licensed ✓ 3 response procedure was evident in the hazardous waste disposal environmental file on site. facility. OBJECTIVE C14: Ensure disciplined conduct of on-site contractors and workers Contractors will use chemical toilets/ablution facilities situated All ablutions were observed to be in good at designated areas of the site; order, located within the office complex in no abluting will be permitted 55 ✓ 3 the containerised offices. No chemical outside the designated area. toilets were on site as construction is These facilities will be regularly completed. serviced by appropriate contractors. No cooking or open fires were observed on No cooking and no open fires site. Microwave reheating of food occurring 55 ✓ 3 allowed on site. in confined and controlled area (the staff room) at the site office A health and safety file was observed in the Implement Health and Safety 55 ✓ 3 environmental file on site, with Plan (Appendix J) implementation evident through the various
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
toolbox talks held, and the safety signage evident throughout the site Interference with public safety communication systems (e.g. No interference observed during the site 55 ✓ 3 radio traffic related activities) audit must be avoided All litter will be deposited in a clearly marked, closed, animal- All litter was collected by cleaning staff proof disposal bin in the daily and removed to the designated bins 55 ✓ 3 construction area; particular at the office complex, with no visible litter at attention needs to be paid to the remainder of the site food waste. No one other than the ECO or personnel authorised by the No flora or fauna disturbance evident or 55 ECO, will disturb flora or fauna ✓ 3 observed during the site audit outside of the demarcated construction area/s. OBJECTIVE C19: To monitor the performance of the control strategies employed against environmental objectives and standards. A monitoring report will be compiled by the ECO on a monthly basis and must be submitted to DEA for their records. This report should Monthly ECO audits were conducted during include details of the activities construction and reports communicated to 60 undertaken in the reporting ✓ 3 the auditor. A construction close out audit period, any non-conformances report was conducted by the appointed or incidents recorded, ECO and observed by the auditor. corrective action required, and details of those non- conformances or incidents which have been closed out.
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Compliance EMPr If no, location Condition Score Comment Responsibility Yes No corrective (page) action
A final environmental audit report must be submitted to DEA upon completion of the construction and rehabilitation activities. This report must A construction close-out audit report was indicate the date of the audit, 60 ✓ 3 conducted by the appointed ECO and the name of the auditor and observed by the auditor. the outcome of the audit in terms of compliance with the environmental authorisation conditions and the requirements of the EMP.
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Table 6: Rehabilitation Phase audit checklist for Compliance with the Conditions Contained in EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018) (DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/1754/1/MP1).
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING CHECKLIST FOR THE DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NEAR MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE:
PERIOD: December 2019
SITE: DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY COMPLETED BY: Gideon Raath Environmental Management Programme Requirements for Construction Phase
EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action OBJECTIVE R1: To ensure rehabilitation of disturbed areas All temporary facilities, No temporary facilities, equipment and 61 equipment and waste materials ✓ 3 waste materials observed or evident on will be removed from site. site during the audit. All temporary fencing should be No temporary fencing currently being 61 removed once the construction ✓ 3 used on site as observed during the audit phase has been completed. maintenance must be Necessary drainage works and Armourflex and gabions had been undertaken anti-erosion measures will be installed at Turbines 5 and 7 where erosion prior to or installed, where required, to was evident. These measures were during the 61 minimise loss of topsoil and ✓ 2 determined to be moderately successful Dorper Wind Farm next rainfall control erosion. This should be but would require maintenance prior to or event to done with reference to erosion during the next rainfall event to prevent prevent management plan. further erosion. further erosion. Disturbed areas will be Ongoing rehabilitation observed during 61 ✓ 3 rehabilitated/re-vegetated with the audit, with road verges and laydown
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action appropriate natural vegetation areas having been revegetated and/or local seed mix. Re-use sufficiently. Further regrowth will occur native/indigenous plant species and better coverage achieved should the removed from disturbance area experience regular rainfall again. areas in the rehabilitation phase. Re-vegetated areas may have to be protected from wind Rehabilitated areas observed exhibited erosion and maintained until an sufficient vegetation cover, although acceptable plant cover has 62 ✓ 3 further regrowth will occur and better been achieved. This should be coverage achieved should the area done according to the experience regular rainfall again. specifications from vegetation rehabilitation plan. On-going alien plant monitoring and removal should be undertaken on all areas of natural vegetation on an annual basis. Annual audit of project area and immediate surroundings by qualified Interviews conducted confirmed that the botanist. If no species alien are working on-site fire team is on site once a detected, then this can be year to conduct alien invasive species stated. If any alien invasive clearing. Very little presence of alien 62 ✓ 3 species are detected then the species observed on site - the efforts are distribution of these should be probably sufficient at this point in time and mapped (GPS co-ordinates of given the low rains and slow vegetation plants or concentrations of growth on site plants), number of individuals (whole site or per unit area), age and/or size classes of plants and aerial cover of plants. The results should be interpreted in terms of the risk posed to sensitive
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action habitats within and surrounding the project area. The environmental manager should be responsible for driving this process. Reporting frequency depends on legal compliance framework.
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Table 7: Operation Phase audit checklist for Compliance with the Conditions Contained in EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018) (DEA Reference No. 12/12/20/1754/1/MP1).
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING CHECKLIST FOR THE DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NEAR MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE:
PERIOD: February 2019
SITE: DORPER WIND ENERGY FACILITY COMPLETED BY: D Brummer Environmental Management Programme Requirements for Operational Phase
EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action Objective OP1: Limit impacts on bats All monitoring requirements have been Implement an environmental met by the appointed specialist. The bird monitoring programme to 64 ✓ 3 and bat monitoring reports were available monitor the impact on bat on site, with the representative of the bird species. specialist observed on site during the audit In compliance with this requirement. No lights at the facility except for those Minimize the use of artificial required by the Civil Aviation Authority. All 64 ✓ 3 lighting at night lights were observed to face downwards and were selectively placed to reduce overall night-time light Lights should be hooded In compliance with this requirement. No downward and directed to lights at the facility except for those minimise horizontal and required by the Civil Aviation Authority. All 64 skyward illumination. Minimise ✓ 3 lights were observed to face downwards use of high intensity lighting, and were selectively placed to reduce steady burning, or bright lights overall night-time light such as sodium vapour, quartz,
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action halogen, or other bright spotlights. In compliance with this requirement. No All internal turbine nacelle and lights at the facility except for those tower lighting should be required by the Civil Aviation Authority. All 64 ✓ 3 extinguished when lights were observed to face downwards unoccupied. and were selectively placed to reduce overall night-time light Care should be taken to ensure that the bat carcasses are All the carcasses collected are stored in collected and stored in the accordance with the specification 64 ✓ 3 correct way so as to allow provided by the specialist in a freezer at analysis and reporting when the site. required. Data should be analysed and The bird specialist monitors all the fatality reported on as and when results and reports on this at the moment. 64 ✓ 3 deemed necessary by the Fatality results were observed on request specialist and/or DAFF during the audit. Should the fatality rates for any species increase at any point for the eagle and vulture mitigation programme, a Monitoring of fatality rates are a 64 mitigation strategy must be ✓ 3 continued process at the Dorper wind implemented as soon as farm. possible, based on robust data and understanding of the relevant issues. Another 12 months of bat carcass searching should be Bat carcass searching is an ongoing 64 conducted in year 5 of the ✓ 3 activity at Dorper at the moment. operational phase to assess if there is any change in the
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action situation and make adaptive recommendations. There are two teams consisting of two persons for carcass searching. In addition, and eagle observer was confirmed as being on site during the audit, with Consider stopping operation at selected shutdown being practiced key times when bats are where vulnerable avian species are 64 vulnerable, as determined ✓ 3 observed. The bat monitoring programme through the monitoring also did not require further mitigation, programme. stating carcass searching was sufficient. As such, the monitoring programme outcomes are being implemented on site for both birds and bats. Objective OP2: Protection of avifauna and determine the impact of the operating facility on priority bird species A site monitoring programme will be implemented for Operational monitoring was implemented, surveying bird movements in and reports were available on site. A 65 relation to the wind energy ✓ 3 fatality register was also being kept. An facility and fully documenting eagle was observed was on site during all collision / electrocution the audit. casualties. Ensure all dead stock are removed from the land (and This is currently being implemented. During perhaps relocated to safe induction, visitors are also requested to ‘restaurant’ area for vultures at report any dead stock to the facility least 20 km from the site, and 65 ✓ 3 manager. The appointed avian that all landowners within a monitoring employee is also monitoring wide radius (>10 km) of the this specification. Dead stock are facility are asked to do the removed by the landowners. same. This should reduce the numbers of vultures attracted
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action to the area and lower collision risk. The eagle and vulture mitigation programme currently underway should be continued indefinitely. It is a priority for the eagle observer to spend as The eagle observer is permanently onsite. 65 much time as possible outdoors ✓ 3 Any fatalities are reported to the gathering flight data, and DWF specialist. should facilitate and manage this. The specialist should be notified of any future eagle or other Red List species fatalities. In Compliance – annual reports are Data should be analysed and provided to Dorper Wind Farm reported on as and when 65 ✓ 3 summarising the analysed bird activity deemed necessary by the data. Annual reports were evident in the specialist and/or DWF. environmental file on site. The local population of Verreaux Eagles should be Increase monitored during breeding specialist season for the lifespan of the nest searches DWF, to measure any impacts The specialist conducts monitoring sessions to three Dorper Wind Farm 65 of fatalities at DWF on this ✓ 2 twice annually to determine nest activity annual visits and the specialist population. This will require at and location. during the least three (3) visits to the nests period June in the period June to October to October each year, by a suitably qualified person. The Cape Vulture Food Carcass removal takes place across the 66 Management (carcass ✓ 3 site according to the specifications at the removal) plan must be moment.
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action continued and adhered to for the lifespan of the project. Should the fatality rates for any species increase at any point in this programme, a mitigation Monitoring of fatality rates is a continuous 66 strategy must be implemented ✓ 3 process at the Dorper wind farm. as soon as possible, based on robust data and understanding of the relevant issues. OBJECTIVE OP3: Minimisation of visual & noise impacts Aviation warning lights will be mounted on turbine hub or such measures required by the Civil Aviation Authority. Indications are that the facility Lights have been fitted according to CAA 85 may not be required to fit a ✓ 3 requirements for the facility light to each turbine, but rather place synchronous flashing lights on the turbines representing the outer perimeter of the facility. Maintain the general The facility was observed to be neat and 85 appearance of the facility in an ✓ 3 tidy aesthetically pleasing way. Undertake regular Implemented - no broken light fixtured 85 ✓ 3 maintenance of light fixtures. were observed during the audit Add additional noise monitoring points at any No complaints had been received up to 85 complainants that registered a N/A the date of the audit noise complaint relating to the operation of the facility. OBJECTIVE OP4 : Appropriate handling and management of hazardous substances and waste
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action Hazardous substances must be All Hazardous substances are stored within stored in sealed containers 86 ✓ 3 the container provided. The container within a clearly demarcated ensures spill containment and ventilation. designated area. Leakage of fuels must be Spill kits are available and use of fuels is avoided at all times and if limited. No spills observed during the site 87 ✓ 3 spillage occurs, it must be visit. An emergency response procedure remediated immediately. was observed in the environmental file. All structures and/or components replaced during Licenced waste contractors have been maintenance activities must be appointed. Disposal facilities are also appropriately disposed of at an 87 ✓ 3 suitably licenced and lawful appropriately licensed waste accommodate the type of waste disposal site or sold to a disposed of. recycling merchant for recycling. Waste handling, collection and disposal operations will be Licenced waste contractors have been 87 managed and controlled by a ✓ 3 appointed. waste management contractor. The hazardous waste skips were inspected and contained just hazardous waste Hazardous waste (including during the audit. No mixing of hazardous hydrocarbons) and general or general waste was noted in the bins 87 ✓ 3 waste will be stored and used, and separate waste disposal slips disposed of separately. were provided indicating the disposal of hazardous waste and general waste was appropriate, and at separate locations. OBJECTIVE OP5: Benefit for tourism in the area. Maximise local employment and business opportunities during operation Identify local members of the Three (3) Employees from the client 88 community who are suitably ✓ 3 (DORPER) on site are all from the local qualified or who have the community. From the contractor (Nordex),
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EMPr Compliance If no, location Condition Score Comment corrective Responsibility Yes No (page) action potential to be employed full there are Seven (7) technicians that are time. also from the local area. The three (3) Dorper contractors also consist of local employees (Human waste removal/carcass searching/cleaning services). Appointed CMO is running the programmes and communicating with the Liaise with representatives from local municipality and residents. Engaged the Inkwanca Municipality and with Sterkstroom and Molteno 88 tourism organisations to raise ✓ 3 communities in 2018, to inform them on awareness of the wind energy the programmes that the facility Molteno/Sterkstroom trust will be involved in. Further engagements over phone when and where issues arise.
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8. AUDIT RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1. Overview of Audit Findings
The following recommendations are made for the Dorper WEF:
» It is recommended that broken Armourflex and gabions be repaired and reinstated where relevant, to ensure adequate measures remain place for erosion protection should rains return to the site. » Ensure staff are aware of the speed limit on site and potential offenses are warned. Where clear indication of speeding was observed a fine may be imposed. » Ensure visible signs are placed at both the skip waste area and on the individual bins at the site office to ensure that all waste receptacles are appropriately labelled. These signs must be fixed and not removed when the waste is collected. » Increase specialist nest searches to three annual visits during the period June to October. » Areas affected by alien plants may benefit from immediate control aside from waiting for annual control events
8.2. Conclusion
Although some instances were identified as being less than 100% compliant with the conditions of the EMPr, these were considered to be minor. Overall the site was found to be well-managed and operated and maintained in an environmentally sound manner.
Overall the Dorper WEF was found to be generally entirely compliant with the conditions of the EMPr Revision 3, to varying degrees (refer to Table 8), although some instances of partial non-compliance were recorded and one non-compliance only recorded. The facility is 93% fully compliant with the conditions of EMPr Revision 3 (with 6% of the compliance conditions requiring minor strengthening, to achieve full compliance). Only 1% non-compliance was recorded.
Table 8: Overview of the Dorper WEF overall compliance. Compliance Rating Description of compliance EMPr status Results % Compliant 3 Compliant with no further action required to maintain compliance. 98 93% Compliant 2 Compliant apart from minor or immaterial recommendations to improve 6 6% the strength internal controls to maintain compliance. Compliant 1 Compliant with major or material recommendations to improve the 0 0% strength of internal controls to maintain compliance. Non-Compliant 0 Does not meet minimum requirements. 1 1% TOTAL: 108 100%
9. EVALUATION OF THE EMPR
As per Appendix 7 of the EIA Regulations, GNR 326 of 2017, an external audit report on the project EMPr must include “an indication of the ability of the EMPr to:
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(i) sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the undertaking of the activity on an on going basis; (ii) Sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the closure of the facility; and (iii) Ensure compliance with the provisions of the EMPr;”
9.1. Ongoing impact avoidance, management and mitigation
Based on the audit outcomes and results reported above, the auditor is satisfied that the EMPr is sufficient and able to provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of the environmental impacts associated with the undertaking of the activity on an ongoing basis, and that no further amendment or alteration to the EMPr is required in order to maintain this reliability of the EMPr.
9.2. Closure impact avoidance, management and mitigation
The facility is currently in operation and will not be decommissioned or closed in the foreseeable future, and therefore no decommissioning activities are applicable to this audit. However, based on the audit outcomes and content of the EMPr, the auditor is satisfied that sufficient provision has been made for the decommissioning of the facility through the requirement contained in the EMPR for all activities to be compliant with contemporary regulation at the time of decommissioning, and the same conditions for construction being applicable to that of decommissioning. Consequently, no further amendment or alteration to the EMPr is required in currently.
9.3. Ensuring compliance with provisions of the EMP
Based on the audit outcomes and results reported above, the auditor is satisfied that the EMPr is sufficient and able to ensure compliance with the provisions of the environmental authorisation and EMPr, and that no further amendment or alteration to the EMP is required in order to maintain this reliability of the EMPr.
Furthermore, no additional impacts were identified during the course of this audit, and no additional mitigation is deemed necessary by the auditor.
10. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This Chapter provides an overview of the results and recommendations of the environmental audit of the Dorper WEF with the specifications of the project EMPr.
It should be noted that no significant non-compliances were recorded as part of the independent external environmental compliance audit on the project EMPr. As a result, recommendations have been provided for all license conditions which received a Compliance Rating of less than 3 (i.e. any license conditions or environmental management requirements which were less than 100% compliant with no further action required to maintain compliance).
It is the opinion of the independent auditor that EMPr Revision 3 (June 2018), and its supporting documentation sufficiently provides for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental
External project EMPr environmental compliance report Page 36 Dorper Wind Energy Facility Eastern Cape Province December 2019 impacts associated with the project, and ensures compliance with the provisions of EA (DEA Reference No.: 12/12/20/1778/1) and the subsequent amendments thereto.
11. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
11.1. Notification of all potential and registered interested and affected parties
In accordance with the requirements of Section 34(6) of the EIA Regulations (GNR 326 of 2017), the following consultation must form part of the audit report submission:
» Within 7 days of the date of submission of an environmental audit report to the competent authority, the holder of an environmental authorisation must notify all potential and registered interested and affected parties of the submission of that report, and make such report immediately available: (a) to anyone on request; and (b) on a publicly accessible website, where the holder has such a website.
In order to be remain compliant with these requirements, all potential and registered interested and affected parties have been notified of the submission of the external compliance audit report on the EMPr by:
» The placement of a site notice along the project boundary (Please refer to Appendix B for proof of site notice and precise location); » A notification letter will further be distributed to all registered interested and affected parties on the 6th of December 2019, indicating the release of the report and the public access thereof on the Savannah Environmental website; and » Uploading the audit report onto the Savannah Environmental website for download upon request.
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APPENDIX A: CVS OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND REPORT REVIEWER
1st Floor, Block 2, 5 Woodlands Drive Office Park Woodlands Drive, Woodmead Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: [email protected] Tel: +27 (11) 656 3237
CURRICULUM VITAE OF GIDEON RAATH
Profession : Environmental and Permitting Consultant
Specialisation: Environmental Impact Assessments, Water Use Licencing, Waste Licencing, Environmental Compliance Officer, Ecological Specialist, Wetland Specialist, GIS, MPRDA permitting Work Experience: 4.5 years’ experience in environmental management, National Water Act, Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, ECO and compliance auditing, wetland and ecological specialist reporting
VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gideon holds an MSc (Geography and Environmental Management; SU), a BSc Honours (Ecology and Environmental Studies - Cum laude; Wits) and a BSc (Geography and Environmental Management; UJ). His MSc thesis focused on the hydrological impact on the spatial distribution of invasive Eucalyptus trees along the Breede River, while his honours thesis evaluated ethnobotanical relationships around the Rio Tinto copper mine in Phalaborwa. Most recently he has worked as an Environmental Consultant at EOH Coastal and Environmental Services (EOH CES), conducting environmental authorisations applications (NWA, NEMA, MPRDA), Public Participation Processes, GIS specialisation as well as Ecological and Wetland specialist studies. Previously, Gideon worked as the Monitoring & Evaluation Project Manager for the City of Cape Town's invasive species unit (Environmental Resources Management Department).
Gideon’s GIS background includes the management of the City of Cape Town invasive species GIS database, involving the storage, management, recall and quality control off all sightings, clearance visits and known infestations. Further experience include mapping for various consulting projects, boundary verification through ground-truthing and the spatial mapping and delineation component of this MSc research. Gideon has further attended public participation workshops, and has been involved with IAP identification, translation, public meetings and engagement for a variety of projects, mainly within the Afrikaans speaking Northern Cape. Gideon is interested in invasion ecology, treatment of groundwater pollution through phytoremediation, botanical and wetland specialist studies, GIS application for ecology and environmental management, and the EIA processes in general.
SKILLS BASE AND CORE COMPETENCIES
• Environmental Management • GIS data manipulation, storage, management and mapping • EIA Impact Assessments and Basic Assessment • Environmental Management Programmes • Environmental Compliance Monitoring • Mining Rights, Mining Permits, Prospecting Rights (and renewal) applications (MPRDA & NEMA) • Public and Stakeholder Engagement (NEMA) • Ecological/Botanical Specialist Studies
• Wetland Delineation, Functional and Impact Assessment studies • Water Use Licence Applications (NWA) • General Authorisations (NWA)
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STATUS
Degrees:
• M.Sc. Geography and Environmental Science (2014), Stellenbosch University (2014) • B.Sc. (Hons) Ecology, Environment and Conservation (Cum Laude), University of the Witwatersrand (2011) • B.Sc. Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Johannesburg (2010)
Short Courses:
• GroundTruth SASS5 competency course, GroundTruth Aquatic Consulting (2017) • DWS 21C&I GA training workshop, Department of Water and Sanitation (2016) • IAIAsa Public Participation Process Workshop, IAIA South Africa (2016) • EIA Theory and application, EOH Coastal and Environmental Services (2015) • Water Safety Training, City of Cape Town Environmental Resources Department (2014) • Herbicide safety and application for weed control, City of Cape Town Environmental Resources Department (2014) • Snake awareness training, City of Cape Town Environmental Resources Department (2014) • Habitable Planet Workshop, Applied Centre for Climate & Earth Systems Science, Cape Town (2011)
Professional Society Affiliations:
• Golden Key International Honour Society – University of the Witwatersrand Chapter • South African Council for Scientific Natural Professionals (SACNASP): Certified Natural Scientist – Pr.Sci.Nat. (Membership No.: 117178) • IAIAsa (Membership No.: 3619)
Other Relevant Skills:
• GPS use, spatial data capturing and ground truthing
EMPLOYMENT
Date Company Roles and Responsibilities October 2018 - Current: Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Environmental and Permitting Consultant
Tasks include: Undertaking environmental impact assessments, basic assessments, environmental management programmes (EMPrs), environmental amendments, water use license applications, general authorisations, wetland assessments, botanical/ecological assessments, mining rights and permit applications, prospecting rights applications, environmental compliance officer audits and reporting, Ensuring environmental compliance on permitting processes, client liaison and relationship management.
Date Company Roles and Responsibilities February 2015 – EOH Coastal and Environmental Senior Environmental Consultant September 2018 Services (Pty) Ltd Tasks included: Undertaking environmental impact assessments, basic assessments, environmental management programmes (EMPrs), environmental amendments, water use license applications, general authorisations, wetland assessments, botanical/ecological assessments, mining rights and permit applications, prospecting rights applications, environmental compliance officer audits and reporting, Ensuring environmental compliance on permitting processes, client liaison and relationship management, public participation processes for environmental authorisations. March 2014 – February Invasive Species Unit (ISU), Professional Officer 2015 Environmental Resources Management Department (ERMD), Tasks included: Managed the Monitoring & City of Cape Town Evaluation project portfolio, entailing the establishment of an invasive species monitoring & evaluation system for the ISU, as well as GIS database management, quality assurance and reporting thereof. Position required managing a small staff compliment (dealing directly with GIS database management), managing time and budgets for the monitoring division, conducting monitoring trials and research, writing species management plans as well as handling the GIS database, quality control, verification and integrity for the ISU. January 2012 – March University of Stellenbosch Departmental Assistant 2014 Tasks included: Technical editing of academic reports. Formatting of PhD and MSc reports on a weekly basis, with short turnaround time and good quality feedback. January 2011 – January University of the Witwatersrand Departmental Assistant 2012 Tasks included: Responsible for practical tutorials and marking of 1st year medical students. Included zoology and botany. January 2006 – Codeon Networking CC Co-founder and web developer November 2010 (part time) Tasks included: Small business owner, responsible for all facets of the business. Self-taught HTML, CSS, PHP and MySQL. Won and produced two medium enterprise websites serving the gaming community. Websites required user profiles & permissions, CMS system and automated payment options as functionality. Development
Date Company Roles and Responsibilities and maintenance of a user database and account management system.
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project experience includes project management, EIA, BA and EMPr documentation development, integrated water use license applications, general authorisations, specialist botanical and ecological impact assessments, specialist wetland delineation and impact assessments, GIS applications and mapping, compliance auditing and monitoring, vegetation rehabilitation and monitoring plans, integrated waste management plans and waste licencing, mining right & permits, as well as prospecting rights applications.
Industry experience includes the waste sector (IWMP’s and waste licencing), road and rail infrastructure (BAR, S&EIR, WUL/GA, Waste Licence), ports and harbours (management plans), private sector clients across varying industries (various permits), mining sector (BAR, S&EIR, mining permits and rights, prospecting rights), conservation sector (biodiversity plans), renewable energy industry (BAR, S&EIR) as well as the gas and oil industry (biodiversity reports).
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS: SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role Enel Paleisheuwel Solar compliance auditing, Enel Green Power RSA (EGP Environmental consultant Paleisheuwel, Northern Cape RSA)
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS: WIND ENERGY FACILITIES
Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Programmes Project Name & Location Client Name Role G7 Brandvalley S&EIR, Matjiesfontein, Northern Cape G7 Renewable Energy (Pty) Environmental consultant Ltd G7 Rietkloof S&EIR, Matjiesfontein, Northern Cape G7 Renewable Energy (Pty) Environmental consultant Ltd
Basic Assessments Project Name & Location Client Name Role G7 Renewable Energy 132kV BAR & EMPr, G7 Renewable Energy (Pty) Project Manager, Matjiesfontein, Northern Cape Ltd Environmental consultant, Public Participation
Compliance Advice and ESAP reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role Biotherm Energy Golden Valley Wind Energy Facility Biotherm Energy Pty Ltd Environmental consultant ESAP, Bedford, Eastern Cape
Amendments Project Name & Location Client Name Role
Mosselbay Energy EA Amendment, Mosselbay, Mosselbay Energy IPP (Pty) Environmental consultant Western Cape Ltd
GAS PROJECTS
Screening Studies Project Name & Location Client Name Role iGas integrated biodiversity screening, Saldanha, Central Energy Fund - iGas Environmental consultant, Western Cape (subsidiary) Faunal specialist (assistant)
MINING SECTOR PROJECTS
Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Programmes Project Name & Location Client Name Role Triton Minerals Limited Ancuabe and Nicanda Hills Triton Minerals Ltd Environmental consultant EPDA, Ancuabe, Cabo Del Gado Province, Mozambique Ancuabe graphite mine Environmental and Social Grafex Limitada Mozambique Environmental consultant Impact Assessment (ESIA), Cabo Del Gado Province, Mozambique
Basic Assessments Project Name & Location Client Name Role SANRAL material sourcing BAR (DMR), Hendrina, SANRAL SOC Ltd & Leo Project Manager, Mpumalanga Province consulting engineers Environmental consultant, Public Participation SANRAL Bierspruit R510 Borrow Pit authorisation, SANRAL SOC Ltd & Royal Project Manager, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province HaskoningDHV South Africa Environmental consultant, Ecological specialist, Public Participation Almenar tin prospecting BAR, Carnarvon, Northern Almenar Property Investments Environmental consultant Cape (Pty) Ltd
Rehabilitation Studies Project Name & Location Client Name Role Ancuabe baseline vegetation monitoring Grafex Limitada Mozambique Botanical specialist assessment and programme, Ancuabe, Cabo Del Gado Province, Mozambique Prospecting pit rehabilitation programme, Ancuabe, Grafex Limitada Mozambique Botanical specialist, Cabo Del Gado Province, Mozambique Environmental consultant Mayfield Quarry rehabilitation plan, Grahamstown, Mayfield Quarry Environmental consultant Eastern Cape
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role Construction monitoring and DMR environmental SANRAL SOC Ltd & Leo Project Manager, ECO, authorisation, Hendrina, Mpumalanga Province consulting engineers SANRAL Caledon N2 Section 3 road upgrade ECO JG Afrika Engineering Project Manager, ECO Audits and Reporting, Caledon, Western Cape Province
Environmental Permitting, S53, Water Use Licence (WUL), Waste Management Licence (WML) & Other Applications Project Name & Location Client Name Role VMC Mining permit renewal application, Rust De Vergenoeg Mining Company Environmental consultant Winter, Gauteng (Pty) Ltd Zirco Resources Kamiesberg heavy mineral sand Zirco Roode Heuwel (Pty) Ltd Environmental consultant mine water use licence, Kamiesberg, Northern Cape
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (BRIDGES, PIPELINES, ROADS, WATER RESOURCES, STORAGE, ETC)
Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Programmes Project Name & Location Client Name Role S&EIR authorisation for the SANRAL Zandkraal- SANRAL SOC Ltd & SMEC Project Manager, Windburg N1 road upgrade, Windburg, Free State Consulting Engineers Environmental consultant, Province Public Participation Thabazimbi Local Municipality Integrated Waste Thabazimbi Local Environmental consultant, Management Plan, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province Municipality & Anglo Public Participation American Plc
Basic Assessments Project Name & Location Client Name Role SANRAL Masekwaspoort N1 Road Upgrade BA, Louis SANRAL SOC Ltd & Knight Project Manager, Trichardt, Limpopo Province Piésold Consulting Environmental consultant, Public Participation SANRAL Polokwane N1 Ring Road Upgrade Basic SANRAL SOC Ltd & KBK Environmental consultant Assessment, Polokwane, Limpopo Province Engineers Boshoek Loop Rail Upgrade BAR, Rustenburg, North- Transnet SOC Ltd Project Manager, West Province Environmental consultant, Wetland specialist, Public Participation Heysterkrand Loop Rail Upgrade BAR, Rustenburg, Transnet SOC Ltd Project Manager, North-West Province Environmental consultant, Public Participation SANRAL Bierspruit R510 road upgrade Basic SANRAL SOC Ltd & Royal Project Manager, Assessment, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province HaskoningDHV South Africa Environmental consultant, Ecological specialist, Public Participation Barberton IAPS Waste Water Treatment Works Umjindi Local Municipality Project Manager, development BAR, Barberton, Mpumalanga and Rhodes University Environmental consultant, Province Public Participation SANRAL Caledon N2 Section 3 road upgrade project JG Afrika Engineering Project Manager, Basic Assessment, Caledon, Western Cape Province Environmental consultant, Ecological specialist, ECO
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role Construction Monitoring and DMR environmental SANRAL SOC Ltd & Leo Project Manager, authorisation, Hendrina, Mpumalanga Province consulting engineers Environmental consultant, ECO
Environmental Permitting, S53, Water Use Licence (WUL), Waste Management Licence (WML) & Other Applications
Project Name & Location Client Name Role Water use licence for the SANRAL Zandkraal- SANRAL SOC Ltd & SMEC Project Manager, Windburg N1 road upgrade and quarrying, Consulting Engineers Environmental consultant, Windburg, Free State Province Public Participation SANRAL Masekwaspoort N1 road upgrade water use SANRAL SOC Ltd & Knight Project Manager, licence application, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Piésold Consulting Environmental consultant, Province Public Participation Boshoek Loop Rail Upgrade water use licence Transnet SOC Ltd Project Manager, application, Rustenburg, North-West Province Environmental consultant, Wetland specialist, Public Participation SANRAL Bierspruit R510 road water use licence, SANRAL SOC Ltd & Royal Project Manager, Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province HaskoningDHV South Africa Environmental consultant, Ecological specialist, Public Participation Barberton IAPS Waste Water Treatment Works water Umjindi Local Municipality Project Manager, use licence and SASS 5 assessment, Barberton, and Rhodes University Environmental consultant, Mpumalanga Province Aquatic specialist, Public Participation SANRAL Caledon N2 Section 3 road upgrade water JG Afrika Engineering Project Manager, use licence and specialist reports, Caledon, Western Environmental consultant, Cape Province Ecological specialist, Public Participation
HOUSING AND URBAN PROJECTS
Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Programmes
Project Name & Location Client Name Role Scoping and EIR authorisation, Water Use Licence, Frances Baard Local Project Manager, for the Ganspan tourism facility development, Jan Municipality Environmental consultant, Kempdorp, Northern Cape Public Participation
Basic Assessments Project Name & Location Client Name Role Basic Assessment for the office complex South African National Project Manager, development within the Pretoria National Botanical Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Environmental consultant, Gardens, Pretoria, Gauteng Public Participation, ECO Corner Berg and Drooge Street township Ramotshere Moiloa Local Project Manager, development BAR, Zeerust, North-West Province Municipality Environmental consultant, Public Participation Corner Kort and Bree Street township development Ramotshere Moiloa Local Project Manager, BAR, Zeerust, North-West Province Municipality Environmental consultant, Public Participation Hope Village township development BAR, Door of Hope Charity Project Manager, Johannesburg, Gauteng Organisation Environmental consultant, Public Participation ACSA Jones Road Filling Station Basic Assessment, Airports Company South Project Manager, Johannesburg, Gauteng Africa SOC Ltd Environmental consultant, Public Participation
Screening Studies Project Name & Location Client Name Role Kibler Park Church Development ecological Riverside Community Church Project Manager, assessment, Johannesburg, Gauteng Ecological specialist DEA Quoin Point dune specialist assessments, Department of Environmental Project Manager, Gansbaai, Western Cape Affairs (national) Environmental consultant
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role Transnet Depot and Siding compliance auditing Transnet SOC Ltd ECO programme, Johannesburg, Gauteng & Rustenburg, North-West Province Environmental compliance monitoring for the office South African National Project Manager, complex development within the Pretoria National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Environmental consultant, Botanical Gardens, Pretoria, Gauteng Public Participation, ECO
Environmental Permitting, S53, Water Use Licence (WUL), Waste Management Licence (WML) & Other Applications Project Name & Location Client Name Role Atmospheric Emissions Licence, Section 24G for the ER Galvanizers Pty Ltd Project Manager, ER Galvanizing plant and operations, Johannesburg, Environmental consultant, Gauteng Public Participation City of Johannesburg nature reserve proclamation City of Johannesburg SOC Project Manager, (Phase II), Johannesburg, Gauteng Ltd Environmental consultant, Public Participation, Botanical specialist Hope Village township development water use Door of Hope Charity Project Manager, licence, Johannesburg, Gauteng Organisation Environmental consultant, Public Participation Diamond Park Township Development Section 24G, Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Project Manager, Kimberley, Northern Cape Environmental consultant, Public Participation Boschendal Wine Estate hydro-electric power station Boschendal Wine Estate Environmental consultant Water Use Licence and S24G application, Stellenbosch, Western Cape City of Johannesburg nature reserve proclamation City of Johannesburg SOC Environmental consultant boundary verification (Phase I), Johannesburg, Ltd Gauteng PRDW Cape Town harbour breakwater rehabilitation PRDW Engineering Project Manager, EMPr, Cape Town, Western Cape Environmental consultant PRDW Bushman's Estuary dune encroachment PRDW Engineering Environmental consultant project management, Kenton-on-sea, Eastern Cape Corner Berg and Drooge Street township Ramotshere Moiloa Local Project Manager, development water use licence application, Municipality Environmental consultant Zeerust, North-West Province Corner Kort and Bree Street township development Ramotshere Moiloa Local Project Manager, water use licence, Zeerust, North-West Province Municipality Environmental consultant Bloekombos (Kraaifontein) hospital water use Western Cape Provincial Project Manager, licence application, Cape Town, Western Cape Government (PGWC) Environmental consultant, Botanical specialist, Wetland specialist
SPECIALIST STUDIES
Project Name & Location Client Name Role Boshoek Loop Rail Upgrade BAR and Water Use Transnet SOC Ltd Wetland specialist Licence, Rustenburg, North-West Province City of Johannesburg nature reserve proclamation City of Johannesburg SOC Botanical specialist (Phase II), Johannesburg, Gauteng Ltd SANRAL Bierspruit R510 road upgrade Water Use SANRAL SOC Ltd & Royal Ecological specialist Licence, Basic Assessment, Thabazimbi, Limpopo HaskoningDHV South Africa Province Kibler Park Church Development Ecological Riverside Community Church Ecological specialist Assessment, Johannesburg, Gauteng Barberton IAPS Waste Water Treatment Works Umjindi Local Municipality Aquatic specialist development BAR, water use licence and SASS 5 and Rhodes University assessment, Barberton, Mpumalanga Province Wijnberg Trust Dam 2 expansion Aquatic Impact Wijnberg Trust Aquatic specialist Assessment SANRAL Caledon N2 Section 3 road upgrade project JG Afrika Engineering Ecological specialist Basic Assessment, Water Use Licence and Specialist reports, Caledon, Western Cape Province City of Johannesburg nature reserve proclamation City of Johannesburg SOC GIS specialist boundary verification (Phase I), Johannesburg, Ltd Gauteng iGas integrated biodiversity screening, Saldanha, Central Energy Fund - iGas Faunal specialist (assistant) Western Cape (subsidiary) Bloekombos (Kraaifontein) botanical baseline and Western Cape Provincial Wetland specialist impact assessment, Cape Town, Western Cape Government (PGWC) Botanical specialist
1st Floor, Block 2, 5 Woodlands Drive Office Park Woodlands Drive, Woodmead Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: [email protected] Tel: +27 (11) 656 3237
CURRICULUM VITAE OF JO-ANNE THOMAS
Profession: Environmental Management and Compliance Consultant; Environmental Assessment Practitioner Specialisation: Environmental Management; Strategic environmental advice; Environmental compliance advice & monitoring; Environmental Impact Assessments; Policy, strategy & guideline formulation; Project Management; General Ecology Work experience: Twenty one (21) years in the environmental field
VOCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Provide technical input for projects in the environmental management field, specialising in Strategic Environmental Advice, Environmental Impact Assessment studies, environmental auditing and monitoring, environmental permitting, public participation, Environmental Management Plans and Programmes, environmental policy, strategy and guideline formulation, and integrated environmental management. Key focus on integration of the specialist environmental studies and findings into larger engineering-based projects, strategic assessment, and providing practical and achievable environmental management solutions and mitigation measures. Responsibilities for environmental studies include project management (including client and authority liaison and management of specialist teams); review and manipulation of data; identification and assessment of potential negative environmental impacts and benefits; review of specialist studies; and the identification of mitigation measures. Compilation of the reports for environmental studies is in accordance with all relevant environmental legislation.
Undertaking of numerous environmental management studies has resulted in a good working knowledge of environmental legislation and policy requirements. Recent projects have been undertaken for both the public- and private-sector, including compliance advice and monitoring, electricity generation and transmission projects, various types of linear developments (such as National Road, local roads and power lines), waste management projects (landfills), mining rights and permits, policy, strategy and guideline development, as well as general environmental planning, development and management.
SKILLS BASE AND CORE COMPETENCIES
• Project management for a range of projects • Identification and assessment of potential negative environmental impacts and benefits through the review and manipulation of data and specialist studies • Identification of practical and achievable mitigation and management measures and the development of appropriate management plans • Compilation of environmental reports in accordance with relevant environmental legislative requirements • External and peer review of environmental reports & compliance advice and monitoring • Formulation of environmental policies, strategies and guidelines • Strategic and regional assessments; pre-feasibility & site selection • Public participation processes for a variety of projects • Strategic environmental advice to a wide variety of clients both in the public and private sectors • Working knowledge of environmental planning processes, policies, regulatory frameworks and legislation
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STATUS
Degrees: • B.Sc Earth Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1993) • B.Sc Honours in Botany, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1994) • M.Sc in Botany, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (1996)
Short Courses: • Environmental Impact Assessment, Potchefstroom University (1998) • Environmental Law, Morgan University (2001) • Environmental Legislation, IMBEWU (2017) • Mining Legislation, Cameron Cross & Associates (2013) • Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM), International Finance Corporation (2018)
Professional Society Affiliations: • Registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as a Professional Natural Scientist: Environmental Scientist (400024/00) • Registered with the International Associated for Impact Assessment South Africa (IAIAsa): 5601 • Member of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)
EMPLOYMENT
Date Company Roles and Responsibilities 2006 - Current Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Director Project manager Independent specialist environmental consultant, Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and advisor. 1997 – 2005 Bohlweki Environmental (Pty) Ltd Senior Environmental Scientist at. Environmental Management and Project Management January – July 1997 Sutherland High School, Pretoria Junior Science Teacher
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project experience includes large infrastructure projects, providing technical input for projects in the environmental management field, specialising in Strategic Environmental Advice, Environmental Impact Assessment studies, environmental permitting, Public Participation, Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Programmes (EMPrs), environmental policy, strategy and guideline formulation, and integrated environmental management; with a key focus on strategic assessment, and providing practical and achievable environmental management solutions and mitigation measures.
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS: PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO and bi-monthly auditing for the construction of Enel Green Power Project Manager the Adams Solar PV Project Two South of Hotazel, Northern Cape ECO for the construction of the Kathu PV Facility, REISA Project Manager Northern Cape ECO and bi-monthly auditing for the construction of Enel Green Power Project Manager the Pulida PV Facility, Free State
Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the RustMo1 SEF, North Momentous Energy Project Manager West ECO for the construction of the Sishen SEF, Northern Windfall 59 Properties Project Manager Cape ECO for the construction of the Upington Airport PV Sublanary Trading Project Manager Facility, Northern Cape Quarterly compliance monitoring of compliance REISA Project Manager with all environmental licenses for the operation activities at the Kathu PV facility, Northern Cape ECO for the construction of the Konkoonsies II PV SEF BioTherm Energy Project Manager and associated infrastructure, Northern Cape ECO for the construction of the Aggeneys PV SEF BioTherm Energy Project Manager and associated infrastructure, Northern Cape
Compliance Advice and ESAP Reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role Aggeneys Solar Farm, Northern Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Airies II PV Facility SW of Kenhardt, Northern Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Kalahari SEF Phase II in Kathu, Northern Cape Engie Environmental Advisor Kathu PV Facility, Northern Cape Building Energy Environmental Advisor Kenhardt PV Facility, Northern Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Kleinbegin PV SEF West of Groblershoop, Northern MedEnergy Environmental Advisor Cape Konkoonises II SEF near Pofadder, Northern Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Konkoonsies Solar Farm, Northern Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Lephalale SEF, Limpopo Exxaro Environmental Advisor Pixley ka Seme PV Park, South-East of De Aar, African Clean Energy Environmental Advisor Northern Cape Developments (ACED) RustMo1 PV Plant near Buffelspoort, North West Momentous Energy Environmental Advisor Scuitdrift 1 SEF & Scuitdrift 2 SEF, Limpopo Building Energy Environmental Advisor Sirius PV Plants, Northern Cape Aurora Power Solutions Environmental Advisor Upington Airport PV Power Project, Northern Cape Sublunary Trading Environmental Advisor Upington SEF, Northern Cape Abengoa Solar Environmental Advisor Ofir-ZX PV SEF near Keimoes, Northern Cape Networx S28 Energy Environmental Advisor
Due Diligence Reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role 5 PV SEF projects in Lephalale, Limpopo iNca Energy Environmental Advisor Prieska PV Plant, Northern Cape SunEdison Energy India Environmental Advisor Sirius Phase One PV Facility near Upington, Northern Aurora Power Solutions Environmental Advisor Cape
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS: CONCENTRATED SOLAR FACILITIES (CSP)
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the !Khi CSP Facility, Abengoa Solar Project Manager Northern Cape ECO for the construction of the Ilanga CSP 1 Facility Karoshoek Solar One Project Manager near Upington, Northern Cape
Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the folar Park, Northern Kathu Solar Project Manager Cape ECO for the construction of the KaXu! CSP Facility, Abengoa Solar Project Manager Northern Cape Internal audit of compliance with the conditions of Karoshoek Solar One Project Manager the IWUL issued to the Karoshoek Solar One CSP Facility, Northern Cape
Compliance Advice and ESAP reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role Ilanga CSP Facility near Upington, Northern Cape Ilangethu Energy Environmental Advisor Ilangalethu CSP 2, Northern Cape FG Emvelo Environmental Advisor Kathu CSP Facility, Northern Cape GDF Suez Environmental Advisor Lephalale SEF, Limpopo Cennergi Environmental Advisor Solis I CSP Facility, Northern Cape Brightsource Environmental Advisor
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION PROJECTS: WIND ENERGY FACILITIES
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the West Coast One Aurora Wind Power Project Manager WEF, Western Cape ECO for the construction of the Gouda WEF, Blue Falcon Project Manager Western Cape EO for the Dassiesklip Wind Energy Facility, Western Group 5 Project Manager Cape Quarterly compliance monitoring of compliance Blue Falcon Project Manager with all environmental licenses for the operation activities at the Gouda Wind Energy facility near Gouda, Western Cape Annual auditing of compliance with all Aurora Wind Power Project Manager environmental licenses for the operation activities at the West Coast One Wind Energy facility near Vredenburg, Western Cape External environmental and social audit for the Cennergi Project Manager Amakhala Wind Farm, Eastern Cape External environmental and social audit for the Cennergi Project Manager Tsitsikamma Wind Farm, Eastern Cape ECO for the construction of the Excelsior Wind Farm BioTherm Energy Project Manager and associated infrastructure, Northern Cape External compliance audit of the Dassiesklip Wind BioTherm Energy Project Manager Energy Facility, Western Cape
Compliance Advice Project Name & Location Client Name Role Amakhala Phase 1 WEF, Eastern Cape Cennergi Environmental Advisor Dassiesfontein WEF within the Overberg area, BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor Western Cape Excelsior Wind Farm, Western Cape BioTherm Energy Environmental Advisor
Great Karoo Wind Farm, Northern Cape African Clean Energy Environmental Advisor Developments (ACED) Hopefield Community WEF, Western Cape African Clean Energy Environmental Advisor Developments (ACED) Rheboksfontein WEF, Western Cape Moyeng Energy Environmental Advisor Tiqua WEF, Western Cape Cennergi Environmental Advisor Tsitsikamma WEF, Eastern Cape Cennergi Environmental Advisor West Coast One WEF, Western Cape Moyeng Energy Environmental Advisor
Due Diligence Reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role Witteberg WEF, Western Cape EDPR Renewables Environmental Advisor IPD Vredenburg WEF within the Saldanha Bay area, IL&FS Energy Development Environmental Advisor Western Cape Company
CONVENTIONAL POWER GENERATION PROJECTS (COAL)
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the Camden Power Station, Mpumalanga Eskom Holdings Project Manager
Compliance Advice Project Name & Location Client Name Role Thabametsi IPP Coal-fired Power Station, near Axia Environmental Advisor Lephalale, Limpopo
GRID INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the Ferrum-Mookodi Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager Transmission Line, Northern Cape and North West of Eskom EO for the construction of the Gamma-Kappa Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager Section A Transmission Line, Western Cape of Eskom EO for the construction of the Gamma-Kappa Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager Section B Transmission Line, Western Cape of Eskom EO for the construction of the Hydra IPP Integration Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager project, Northern Cape of Eskom EO for the construction of the Kappa-Sterrekus Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager Section C Transmission Line, Western Cape of Eskom EO for the construction of the Namaqualand Trans-Africa Projects on behalf Project Manager Strengthening project in Port Nolloth, Western Cape of Eskom ECO for the construction of the Neptune Substation Eskom Project Manager Soil Erosion Mitigation Project, Eastern Cape ECO for the construction of the Ilanga-Gordonia Karoshoek Solar One Project Manager 132kV power line, Northern Cape MINING SECTOR PROJECTS
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO
Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO for the construction of the Duhva Mine Water Eskom Holdings SoC Limited Project Manager Recovery Project, Mpumalanga External compliance audit of Palesa Coal Mine’s HCI Coal Project Manager Integrated Water Use License (IWUL), near KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga External compliance audit of Palesa Coal Mine’s HCI Coal Project Manager Waste Management License (WML) and EMP, near KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga External compliance audit of Mbali Coal Mine’s HCI Coal Project Manager Integrated Water Use License (IWUL), near Ogies, Mpumalanga Independent External Compliance Audit of Water Tronox Namakwa Sands Project Manager Use License (WUL) for the Tronox Namakwa Sands (TNS) Mining Operations (Brand se Baai), Western Cape Independent External Compliance Audit of Water Tronox Namakwa Sands Project Manager Use License (WUL) for the Tronox Namakwa Sands (TNS) Mineral Separation Plant (MSP), Western Cape Independent External Compliance Audit of Water Tronox Namakwa Sands Project Manager Use License (WUL) for the Tronox Namakwa Sands (TNS) Smelter Operations (Saldanha), Western Cape Compliance Auditing of the Waste Management PetroSA Project Manager Licence for the PetroSA Landfill Site at the GTL Refinery, Western Cape
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (BRIDGES, PIPELINES, ROADS, WATER RESOURCES, STORAGE, ETC)
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role ECO and bi-monthly auditing for the construction of Department of Water and Project Manager the Olifants River Water Resources Development Sanitation Auditor Project (ORWRDP) Phase 2A: De Hoop Dam, R555 realignment and housing infrastructure ECO for the Rehabilitation of the Blaaupan & Storm Airports Company of South Project Manager Water Channel, Gauteng Africa (ACSA) Due Diligence reporting for the Better Fuel Pyrolysis Better Fuels Project Manager Facility, Gauteng ECO for the Construction of the Water Pipeline from Transnet Project Manager Kendal Power Station to Kendal Pump Station, Mpumalanga ECO for the Replacement of Low-Level Bridge, South African National Project Manager Demolition and Removal of Artificial Pong, and Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Reinforcement the Banks of the Crocodile River at the Construction at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Gauteng Province External Compliance Audit of the Air Emission PetroSA Project Manager Licence (AEL) for a depot in Bloemfontein, Free State Province and in Tzaneen, Mpumalanga Province
HOUSING AND URBAN PROJECTS
Compliance Advice and reporting Project Name & Location Client Name Role Kampi ya Thude at the Olifants West Game Reserve, Nick Elliot Environmental Advisor Limpopo External Compliance Audit of WUL for the Johannesburg Country Club Project Manager Johannesburg Country Club, Gauteng
Environmental Compliance, Auditing and ECO Project Name & Location Client Name Role Due Diligence Audit for the Due Diligence Audit Delta BEC (on behalf of Project Manager Report, Gauteng Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA))
APPENDIX B: LOCATION AND PROOF OF SITE NOTICE
Site Notice placed: 13 November 2019, at 31°27'29.23"S (Latitude) and 26°25'42.53"E (Longitude).
APPENDIX C: NOTIFICATION TO REGISTERED INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES
06 December 2019
Dear Registered Interested and Affected Party,
NOTICE OF AN EXTERNAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT (SECTION 54) AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS:
DORPER WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT, MOLTENO, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Notification of Submission of Section 54(A)(3) Audit Reports to the Competent Authority
As a registered Interested and Affected Party for the Dorper Wind Energy Facility, please be advised that in terms of Section 54(a)(3) of the EIA regulations (GNR 326, 7 April 2018), Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd has undertaken an external environmental compliance audit and prepared an external environmental compliance audit report assessing Dorper Wind Farm RF (Pty) Ltd’s compliance with the EMPr applicable to the project.
Dorper Wind Farm RF (Pty) Ltd received authorisation for the Dorper Wind Energy Facility in May 2011 (DEA ref: 12/12/20/1778). The authorisation for the first phase of the Dorper Wind Farm project was received following an amendment to the authorisation (i.e. splitting of the project into phases) in November 2012 (EIA Ref No: 12/12/20/1778/1). This wind energy facility comprises 40 wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 100MW, a substation with a 33kV/132kV yard footprint and associated infrastructure. Construction commenced in January 2013 and commercial operation date (COD) was achieved in August 2014. The wind energy facility is currently operating. The Dorper WEF is located within the jurisdiction of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, occupying the following properties:
» Portion 1 & 3 of Farm Uitkeyk 67; » Remaining extent of Farm 68; » Portion 3 and 4 of Farm 68; » Portion 5,6 and 7 of farm Cypher Gat 69; and » Farm 96;
In terms of Section 54(A)(3) of the EIA Regulations 2014 of GNR 326, an independent external compliance audit (“S54 Audit”) is required to verify compliance towards the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for the project. This notification hereby notifies all potential and registered interested and affected parties, including organs of state with applicable jurisdiction as well as the competent authority, of the submission of the external compliance audit reports to the competent authority. These reports are available at https://www.savannahsa.com/public- documents/other/ for 14 days from date of this notification.
Please direct any queries, information requests or comments to the DEA compliance directorate, at the following:
• Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Legal Authorisations and Compliance Inspectorate
• E-mail: [email protected]
Kind regards
Nicolene Venter Public Participation and Social Consultant Email: [email protected]