HERPETOLOGICAL SENSITVITY SCAN FOR PROPOSED ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE HERPETOLOGICAL HABITAT SENSITIVITY SCAN FOR THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE BETWEEN THE PROPOSED NEW ANDERSON SUBSTATION AND THE EXISTING DINALEDI SUBSTATION (BRITS); NORTH WEST AND GAUTENG ROVINCES Compiled for NEMAI ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL CONSULTING by: Mr C.L.COOK (MSc. Zool. U.P) Pr.Sci.Nat 400084/08 Faunal Consultant: Specialist Giant Bullfrog Consultant Cell No. 082 688 9585
[email protected] SUBMITTED: SEPTEMBER 2012 1 HERPETOLOGICAL SENSITVITY SCAN FOR PROPOSED ANDERSON-DINALEDI 400kV TRANSMISSION LINE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Eskom Holdings Limited is proposing the construction of a new 400kV Transmission Line as part of their Tshwane Strengthening Scheme Project. The proposed powerline will be approximately 40km in length and will run between the proposed new Anderson Substation, which will be located to the north of the N4 highway), located in Hartebeespoort, to the existing Dinaledi Substation which is located approximately 8km North East of Brits. The proposed powerline will be constructed in the following two Municipal Areas: Madibeng Local Municipality (North West) and the City of Tshwane Local Municipality (Gauteng). The proposed substation is earmarked for construction within the Madibeng Local Municipality. The Dinaledi Substation is located on Portion 843 of the Farm Roodekopjes of Zwartkopjes 427 JQ, which is located approximately 8km North East of Brits. Three alternative powerline routes have been identified for the proposed transmission lines. A 1km buffer area has been placed around each alternative route, which will form the study area/corridor to be investigated. According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006), the North West Province encloses two major biomes, viz.