Caledon Wind Farm Final Scoping Report Aug2010

Caledon Wind

Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm, Western Cape Province

Final Environmental Scoping Report

Arcus GIBB Project Number: J29164

DEA Reference Number: 12/12/20/1701

Date: August 2010

PROJECT INFORMATION

Title: Final Environmental Scoping Report for the Proposed Caledon Wind Farm, Western Cape Province

Environmental Authority: Department of Environmental Affairs

DEAT Reference No.: 12/12/20/1701

Applicant: Epsispan (Pty) Ltd trading as ‘CaledonWind’

Environmental Consultants: Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd

Date: August 2010

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

Epsispan (Pty) Ltd, trading as ‘ CaledonWind’ is proposing to establish a commercial Wind Farm and associated infrastructure on a site near Caledon in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. The proposed Caledon wind farm is expected to generate 300 MW and will comprise of up to 166 wind turbines. Associated infrastructure will include powerlines connecting the turbines to the existing overhead transmission lines, a new substation, access roads to the various turbines and upgrading of the Eskom Houwhoek Substation to increase capacity.

This proposed project will be registered with the United Nation’s Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) Programme. Caledon Wind acknowledges this project as a ‘green’ initiative and have decided to, where possible, commit to making environmentally favourable decisions in respect of the project as a whole.

In terms of the EIA Regulations, an application of this nature has to undergo both Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd (Arcus GIBB) have been commissioned by Caledon Wind, who is the project developers, to undertake the EIA process.

This EIA will consider the potential positive and negative environmental and social impacts associated with the establishment of the proposed wind farm and will propose measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the proposed project on the receiving environment and community.

Location The proposed project is situated within the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. A study area of approximately 3 500 hectares, approximately 16 km west of Caledon and 7 km east of Botrivier, is being considered within which the proposed wind farm and associated infrastructure will be established.

The land proposed to be leased for the project, comprises privately owned farms, all located adjacent to one another, was identified as a prime site for wind energy generation by a team of leading international Wind Engineers. A map indicating the farms and the location of the proposed site is provided in Figure 1 below.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 1: Locality map for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm within the Theewaterskloof Municipality

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Project Description

• Wind Farm The wind farm is proposed to have a generating capacity of up to 300 MW and will comprise of up to 166 wind turbines, each of which will be between 1,8 – 3,6 MW generating capacity. International wind modelling and micro-siting expertise is being utilised to determine the exact layout of the wind turbines, according to the optimum wind speeds and directions identified. 1 • Access Roads Access roads will be required for the delivery of the turbines to their assembly positions during construction as well as to a temporary laydown area. • Powerlines The turbines and wind farm will be connected to the existing Overberg transmission powerlines through a medium voltage feeder power line. • Proposed new Substation and Houwhoek Substation Upgrade Where the lines connect to the existing Overberg powerlines a substation will be built and after the first phase of the project, Eskom’s Houwhoek Substation’s capacity will need to be upgraded. • Temporary Construction Laydown Area A temporary laydown area will be utilised during the construction phase of the project. • Staff Housing The project engineers will be housed on site in four new housing facilities to be constructed adjacent to the laydown area. These facilities will be converted into Tourism & Educational facilities after final commissioning of the Wind Farm. Labourers, including security guards, employed from the surrounding communities, will commute to the site daily. • Wind Farm Control Room A control room will operate from an office in an existing building in Caledon. • Transport Turbine components and some of the construction materials will be delivered to the site by road along the N2 and R43. Where possible, existing farm roads will be upgraded for transport within the proposed site, to the future benefit of the farm owners.

A schematic diagram reflecting the description is provided in Figure 2 below.

1 At the outset of the project, 2 MW turbines with hub heights of 80 m and blade lengths of 40 m were initially discussed for consideration for the wind farm. Subsequently, varying turbine sizes have been considered to provide alternatives to be investigated in terms of environmental impacts associated with the different sizes.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 2: Schematic representation of the Proposed Caledon Wind Farm Project

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Benefits of a wind farm Renewable energy, produced from sustainable natural sources such as wind, provides incremental energy security and financial resources to stimulate sustainable development within the area where established. Furthermore, it will contribute towards South Africa meeting its international commitments, made in respect of limiting green house gas emissions, as well as government’s objectives, set out in the 2002 White Paper on Renewable Energy, and President Jacob Zuma’s commitments during the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change to the United Nations.

Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, clean, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, when it replaces fossil-fuel derived electricity. It is thus attractive to governments, industry, and communities. As most of the sources are indigenous and naturally available, Wind energy is more secure in that it is not subject to disruption by international crises or limited supplies, nor fluxuations in the cost of raw materials, as experienced during the 2008 spike in oil costs, being naturally available. The location of the proposed wind farm in the Western Cape will also mean a reduction in line losses, associated with up to 70% of the Western Cape’s energy “imports” from Mpumalanga, as the wind farm will be located close to the customer load demand.

Typical benefits associated with wind farms are:

• Wind energy is renewable, clean and non-polluting, and does not produce by- products (atmospheric contaminants, Nuclear Waste or thermal pollution) that could be harmful to humans and the environment; • Wind farms are well suited to rural areas and therefore have a reduced impact on agriculture compared to other electricity generating options. Wind turbines can also contribute to economic growth in these regions; • Wind turbines make use of well proven & reliable technology in terms of design and construction; • Wind energy is competitively priced compared to other renewable energy sources, and does not require additional “input” materials such as Coal and Water; • Localized production of energy reduces transmission line losses associated with transmitting electricity over long distances; • The use of wind turbines displaces the use of coal and other fossil fuels with their associated emissions of Green House Gases; and • Wind Farms improve energy security for South Africa and the Western Cape, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels. • Wind Energy does not use water in the production of Energy, whereas fossil-fuel based production uses 1.19L / KwH.

Environmental Study Requirements In terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), certain listed activities as set out in Government Notices R386 (activities that trigger Basic Assessments) and R387 (activities triggering Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment processes or full EIAs) require environmental authorisation before they can proceed. The following activities have been identified as part of the proposed project:

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Relevant Activity Describe each listed activity: Notice: No (s) Basic Assessment No. R. 7 The above ground storage of a dangerous good, including 386 petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in 21 April containers with a combined capacity of more than 30 2006 cubic metres but less than 1 000 cubic metres at any one location or site. No. R. 12 The transformation or removal of indigenous vegetation of 386 3 hectares or more or of any size where the 21 April transformation or removal would occur within critically 2006 endangered or an endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). No. R. 14 The construction of masts of any material or type and of 386 any height, including those used for telecommunication 21 April broadcasting and radio transmission, but excluding – 2006 (a) masts of 15 metres and lower exclusively used (i) by radio amateurs; or (ii) for lightning purposes (b) flag poles; and (c) lightning conductor poles No. R. 15 The construction of a road that is wider than 4 metres or 386 that has a reserve wider than 6 metres, excluding roads 21 April that fall within the ambit of another listed activity or which 2006 are access roads of less than 30 metres long.

Scoping / EIA No. R. 1 (a) The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including 387 associated structures or infrastructure, for (i) the 21 April generation of electricity where the electricity output is 20 2006 megawatts or more; or (ii) the elements of the facility cover a combined area in excess of 1 hectare. No. R. 1 (l) The transmission and distribution of above ground 387 electricity with a capacity of 120 kilovolts or more. 21 April 2006 No. R. 2 Any development activity, including associated structures 387 and infrastructure, where the total area of the developed 21 April area is, or intended to be, 20 hectares or more. 2006

It is anticipated that the activities associated with the proposed project described above may have both positive and negative potential impacts on the receiving environment and community, and these will be assessed within this EIA and through the following specialist studies:

• Flora Impact Assessment • Fauna Impact Assessment • Avifauna Impact Assessment • Agricultural Potential Impact Assessment • Baseline Geotechnical Study • Social Impact Assessment • Heritage Impact Assessment • Noise Impact Assessment • Traffic Impact Assessment

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report • Visual Impact Assessment

Role Players

Applicant ‘ CaledonWind’ is the applicant for the proposed Wind Farm development. Caledon Wind is a joint venture between leading Swiss wind energy development firm, Genesys Wind (AG), listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Thuthuka Group Limited, a multi disciplinary engineering firm with an extensive footprint across Africa.

Environmental Assessment Practitioner Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd. (Arcus GIBB) is an integrated group of highly trained scientists, project managers and engineers providing cost-effective solutions and specialist services in a wide range of disciplines, including environmental services.

Competent/Relevant Authority The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) will act as the competent authority and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) as the commenting authority for this application. The mandate and core business of the DEA is underpinned by the Constitution and all other relevant legislation and policies applicable to the government of the Republic of South Africa.

Detailed Project Description: Technical Details

How exactly does wind energy work Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as electricity, using wind turbines. Wind power is non-dispatchable, meaning that for economic operation, all of the available output must be taken when it is available. The wind turbine consists of the following major components, as shown in Figure 3 below:

• The rotor / blades; • The nacelle / generator; • The tower; and • The foundation unit.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 3: Components of a Typical Wind Turbine

Infrastructure Requirements The proposal is for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a wind farm comprising the following components:

• Up to 166 wind turbines (including tower foundations). • Internal access roads from the R43 to the operations area. • Transmission line from a point on the proposed wind farm connecting to the national grid through existing Eskom transmission lines within the proposed study area (Parcel No. 1/264). • Underground/ overhead (to be determined) cables to carry electricity from the turbines to the existing overhead transmission lines. • Substation at the connection point to the existing transmission lines. • Control center compound in an existing building in Caledon. • Upgrade of the Eskom Houwhoek Substation to accommodate the additional capacity.

Construction phase The wind farm is expected to be constructed in phases over a period of approximately 4-5 years and is anticipated to produce electricity for approximately 20 years or more. In 2010, the roads, substation, transmission lines, and turbine foundations would be constructed within the proposed site, and in 2011 the towers and turbines would be erected and brought into operation. The following activities are expected to undertaken during the construction phase of the project:

• Transportation of components • Temporary works and laydown area • Construction of substation and ancillary infrastructure • Access roads to the temporary works and wind farm • Transmission line connecting to the national grid • Temporary on-site road for the self propelled crane • Turbine assembly • Turbine foundations

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 9 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Operation phase The proposed wind farm will begin generating electricity in 2011 following installation and testing of the turbines. Operational data will be monitored 24 hours per day in the control center which will be based in Caledon. In general, there will be no daily traffic to and from the site.

It is anticipated that technicians will visit each turbine on at least a quarterly basis for routine inspection and maintenance. In addition, turbines will require other periodic maintenance, including changes of lubricating oils. Routine road maintenance will include blading and smoothing as necessary to maintain the road surface, as well as inspecting and repairing stormwater controls as necessary to ensure their proper functioning to control erosion.

When operational, there will be some noise from each of the turbines. Noise will be generated by the gearbox and generator in the nacelle, and by the rotors passing through the air. The former will be largely contained by insulation, and reduced further at ground level. Rotor noise will depend on the speed of the wind and rotors, and can reach 35-40 dB at ground level at a distance of about 350 m from the tower base.

In general, land disturbance will be confined to areas on and around where various site components were constructed, with no additional disturbance of otherwise undisturbed lands.

Decommissioning phase At present, it is not possible to describe the activities at the end of the operational life of the wind farm. It is intended that Caledon Wind will replace turbines, extend the period of the lease, and continue to generate electricity, in which case decommissioning may be postponed for years or decades. When electricity generation finally ends, the proponent may wish to leave at least some of the roads and/or transmission lines. Regardless, activities will be in compliance with national and local government requirements.

Project Alternatives

In terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), feasible and reasonable alternatives have to be considered within the Environmental Scoping phase. All identified, feasible and reasonable alternatives are required to be identified in terms of social, biophysical, economic and technical factors.

The ‘do-nothing’ or ‘no-go’ alternative The ‘do-nothing’ or ‘no-go’ alternative is the option of not establishing a wind farm in Caledon in the Western Cape Province.

The electricity demand in South Africa is placing increasing pressure on existing power generation capacity. South Africa will require additional capacity if it is to meet the growing demand for electricity. The 'do nothing' option will, therefore, contribute to these electricity demands not being met.

The construction of the proposed wind farm will also aid South Africa in meeting its commitments to reduce green house gas emissions, made in terms of the United

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 10 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997) and the Kyoto Protocol (2002) The “do-nothing” alternative will not assist the country in meeting these renewable energy targets or aid in reducing the Western Cape Province’s dependence on imported electricity.

The “do-nothing’ alternative is therefore not considered to be the preferred alternative. The “do-nothing’ alternative however will be represented by the status quo, against which the proposed project will be compared in detail during the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

Location alternatives In determining the most appropriate sites for the establishment of a new wind farm within South Africa, various options were investigated by Caledon Wind during a pre- feasibility study. The pre-feasibility site selection process has to consider particular criteria suitable to the development of a wind farm. The criteria, which resulted in the selection of the proposed study area included following:

• Topography • Wind conditions (renewable resource) • Extent of site • Connection to the national transmission system • Environmental considerations • Site access • Local labour and economic stimulus

It became evident through the complex and detailed study completed by leading international wind engineers, that two of the three sites investigated ranked significantly lower than the selected site, and would not be viable alternatives for consideration within an EIA. From the pre-feasibility studies, the proposed Caledon site was therefore identified as ideal for a wind farm. No further sites are therefore considered in this EIA process. Other alternatives in respect of the proposed site, however, have been identified through the Scoping phase and are discussed below. Detailed investigation of these alternatives will be undertaken within the Impact Assessment phase of the project, with respect to the environmental issues identified during this Scoping phase.

Layout and design alternatives

• Arrangement of the wind turbines The arrangement of the wind turbines will be determined by Computational Fluid Dynamics during the micro-siting process. • Size / Generating Capacity of wind turbines Turbines ranging between 2 – 3.6 MW will be investigated during the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the project. • Transmission power lines Due to the need for power to be connected from the turbines to the substation, and then to the national transmission system, it is necessary to identify potential alignments for the power lines. Alternative alignments for the 11 - 22 kV Transmission lines will be assessed in the Impact Assessment phase. The EIA will investigate whether power lines should be above or belowground cables, or a combination thereof. • Access roads Access roads will be required in order to ensure access from the main road to wind farm; to connect the turbines within the proposed site, and to connect the

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 11 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report turbines to the substation. These access road alignments will therefore have to be further investigated in the Impact Assessment phase once the layout and design alternatives have been selected.

Planning and Legislative Context

The legislative framework applicable to this project is potentially diverse, and consisting of a number of Acts, Regulations and Treaties which must be considered. A list of some of the key legislation is provided hereunder.

• The Constitution (Act No. 108 of 1996) • National Energy Act (Act No. 34 of 2008) • The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act No. 3 of 2000) • The Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No. 2 of 2000) • The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) • Environmental Conservation Act (Act No. 73 of 1989) • National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) • World Heritage Convention Act (Act No. 49 of 1999) • National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) • Water Services Act (Act No. 108 of 1997) • Aviation Act (Act No. 74 of 1962) • Waste Act (Act No. 59 0f 2008) • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Act No. 45 of 1965) • National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004) • National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) • National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act No. 57 of 2003) • National Forests Act (Act No. 84 of 1998) • Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983) • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993) • The Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 (“LUPO”)

Policy and Planning Context

• White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa • Energy Security Master Plan – Electricity (2007-2025) • National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (“NSBA”) • Draft National Strategy for Sustainable Development

A comprehensive discussion of legislation and guidelines considered in the preparation of this Scoping Report is included in Chapter 5

EIA Process and Methodology

An EIA is a legislative tool that is used to ensure that potential impacts that may occur due to the proposed development are avoided or mitigated (minimised). In South African legislation the environment includes social, economic and bio-physical aspects and the EIA must assess these equitably.

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The EIA procedures are based on the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) which, in short, comprise pro-active planning, informed decision making, a transparent and participatory approach to development, a broad understanding of the environment, and accountability for decisions and the information on which they are based.

The EIA process is controlled through Regulations published under the Government Notice No. R. 385, R. 386 and R. 387 and associated guidelines promulgated in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998).

The EIA process can be divided into 4 distinct components:

• Application and initial notification • Submit an EIA application to the DEA • DEA acknowledgement of the EIA application (within 14 days), • Notify the public of the proposed development through inter alia , newspaper adverts, notification letters, BIDs and notice boards.

• Scoping phase • Investigate and gather information on the proposed study area in order to establish an understanding of the area; • Establish how the proposed project will potentially impact on the surrounding environment; • Identify Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and relevant authorities by conducting a Public Participation Process (PPP); • Identify potential environmental impacts through investigation and PPP; and • Describe and investigate the alternatives that may be considered.

• Impact Assessment phase • Detailed specialist assessment of all issues and proposed alternatives identified in the Scoping phase; • Identify mitigation measures and recommendations to reduce the significance of potential impacts; • Compile an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which will prescribe environmental specifications to be adhered to during the construction and operational phases of the project; and • As with the Scoping phase, the PPP is an integral and important part of the Impact Assessment phase.

• Environmental Authorisation • Environmental Authorisation (EA) issued to Caledon Wind once DEA has made a decision regarding the proposed project; and • Decision may be positive or negative based on inter alia, information received in the Scoping and Impact Assessment phases.

The full EIA Process and timeframes are discussed in further detail in Chapter 5.

A comprehensive Public Participation Process (PPP) was implemented as part of the Scoping Phase of the EIA. The PPP aims to:

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• Ensure all relevant stakeholders have been identified and invited to engage in the scoping process; • Raise awareness, educate and increase understanding of stakeholders about the proposed project, the affected environment and the environmental process being undertaken; • Create open channels of communication between stakeholders and the project team; • Provide opportunities for stakeholders to identify issues or concerns and suggestions for enhancing potential benefits and to prevent or mitigate impacts; • Accurately document all opinions, concerns and queries raised regarding the project; and • Ensure the identification of the significant alternatives and issues related to the project.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm is comprised of two main phases, namely the Scoping phase and Impact Assessment phase. To date, tasks that have been completed include the:

• Identification of stakeholders or I&APs; • Notification of I&APs of the proposed development by distribution of a Background Information Document (BID); • Advertisements concerning the proposed development, the availability of the Draft Scoping Report for review and notification of public meetings; and • Compilation of a comments and responses report relating to the information supplied in the Background Information Document, and finalisation of the Scoping Report.

Tasks which are currently underway include:

• Ongoing consultation and engagement.

The Draft Scoping Report was released for public review and comment from 10 December 2009 – 27 January 2010 . During the review period a public participation process (PPP) was undertaken, allowing Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and Key Stakeholders from government and the private sector to engage with the project proponents and independent environmental consultants. The PPP consisted of key stakeholder workshops (two), focus group meetings (seven), public meetings (two) and one-on-one interactions. Issues raised by I&APs and key stakeholders during the public participation process were documented and included in this Final Scoping Report (See Appendix E).

The relevant authorities required to review the proposed project and provide an Environmental Authorisation were consulted from the outset of this study, and have been engaged throughout the project process. These supervisory authorities include the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), who are the lead authority for this project. The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) is noted as a key commenting authority. In addition, a number of other authorities have been consulted. For a comprehensive list see Chapter 6.

The Scoping phase of an EIA serves to define the scope of the detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed project and to identify alternatives to the proposed activity that are feasible and reasonable. The Environmental Scoping phase

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 14 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 108 of 1998), as read with Government Notices R 385 (Regulations 27-36), 386 and 387 of the NEMA and the IEM Information Series (DEA, 2002). The objectives of the Scoping phase are to:

• Ensure that the process is open and transparent and involves the Authorities, proponent and stakeholders; • Identify the important characteristics of the affected environment; • Ensure that feasible and reasonable alternatives are identified and selected for further assessment; • Assess and determine possible impacts of the proposed project on the biophysical and socio-economic environment and associated mitigation measures; and • Ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

Description of the Baseline Environment

The description of the baseline environment details the various biophysical and socio- economic factors as described by the various specialists involved in the project. The biophysical aspects include: geology and spoils, topography, groundwater, agricultural potential, the climate of the study area, regional vegetation, ecological corridors, land cover, faunal species of conservation importance and bird habitat in the study area. The socio-economic aspects include: baseline demographic processes, economic growth potential, heritage resources and noise climate. More information regarding these factors can be located in Chapter 7.

Potential Issues and Impacts

Specialist studies were undertaken to identify potential impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed project. The studies undertaken are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Specialist studies undertaken within the Scoping Phase of the project Specialist Study Name of Specialist Flora Impact Assessment Nick Helme of Nick Helme Botanical Surveys Fauna Impact Assessment David Hoare of David Hoare Consulting CC Avifauna Impact Assessment Chris van Rooyen of Chris van Rooyen Consulting Agricultural Study Garry Patterson of ARC Geotechnical Study Jon McStay of WSP Social Impact Assessment Tony Barbour of Tony Barbour Environmental Heritage Impact Assessment Dr. Lita Webley/ Tim Hart of UCT Noise Impact Assessment Barend van der Merwe of DBAcoustics Visual Impact Assessment Tanya de Villiers of CNdV Africa Traffic Impact Assessment Nuran Nordien of Arcus GIBB

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 15 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Terrestrial Flora The study area presents a viable opportunity for the construction and operation of a wind farm that will not have major negative botanical impacts, provided that the important botanical constraints identified in this study are observed.

If >95 % of the development footprint can be restricted to areas of low sensitivity the direct impact on natural vegetation will be minimised. The 5 % of the development footprint that may have to take place within high sensitivity areas is part of the powerline connecting the proposed facility substation to the existing Eskom powerlines, and some relatively short sections of access road on the eastern ridge.

Development within high sensitivity areas (i.e. areas of natural vegetation) is not recommended, as it will result in permanent loss of Critically Endangered or Vulnerable vegetation, and the potential impacts cannot be effectively mitigated. The only exception concerns parts of the transmission line that will be necessary to connect to the Eskom 132 kV line in the Hawston View road area, as this could cross areas of natural vegetation, but the potential impacts of this can be minimised (overhead lines rather than underground lines) so that overall impacts can be restricted to low negative.

Most of the natural Renosterveld patches in the study area should ideally be formally conserved and managed for conservation, as part of the mitigation for this development. This would be best achieved by the landowners signing Stewardship Program contracts with CapeNature, and this will be clarified at the Impact Assessment phase. If this forms part of the project proposal to be assessed at the Impact Assessment stage it could in fact be a significant positive impact of the proposed development, as this would help achieve a significant portion of the Cape Lowlands Renosterveld Project 20 year vision. For this to take place there should be in principal agreements in place between the landowners, Project Developers and CapeNature as part of the Impact Assessment phase.

Detailed construction and operational phase mitigation will be required in order to safeguard the vegetation in the sensitive areas during development and the operational phase, the details of which will depend on the road, turbine, substation and powerline layouts assessed. This should be outlined by the botanist at the Impact Assessment phase. Standard Impact Assessment methodology should be used for rating potential impacts, and all potential impacts identified in the current Scoping study should be assessed, along with any others that may become apparent. It is unlikely that an additional field visit will be necessary at the Impact Assessment phase of the EIA, unless infrastructure is proposed within or very close to (within 30 m of) areas of natural vegetation.

Fauna An evaluation of the habitat on site in association with the potential occurrence of species of conservation concern indicates that only a small number of species are likely to be negatively affected by the proposed infrastructure. These include the Honey Badger, four species of bats and two species of frogs.

Potential impacts due to the proposed wind farm affect habitat for species or affect individuals of species directly. Different infrastructure has different potential impacts, each of which affects the potentially sensitive species in different ways.

The Honey Badger is unlikely to be significantly affected by the construction of the wind farm. The site is small in comparison to its overall range and it is likely to be able to continue using the site once operation of the wind farm is underway.

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The two species of frogs will only be affected if they occur on site, which is unknown at this stage. If they do occur on site then their habitat is likely to be localized and potential impacts on such areas could be managed through re- location of infrastructure to avoid such sites.

Bats are the species most likely to be affected by the operation of a wind farm. Bat mortality associated with wind turbines is reported to be quite high. The impact is through direct collisions with turbine blades or barotrauma caused by moving turbine blades leading to mortality. The potential significance of this impact depends on the identity of species of conservation concern that occur in the area. There are four species of concern that have been assessed as having a high probability of occurring on site or in the surrounding areas.

Based on the assessment of these factors, it is recommended that surveys are undertaken in the field to identify which species of bats and frogs of conservation concern occur on site or may use the site for foraging. This will provide the background information to make a more informative assessment of the potential impact of the wind farm on animal species of conservation concern.

Avifauna The following impacts are potentially associated with the wind farm itself:

• Disturbance of breeding birds during the construction phase, particularly Red listed Blue Crane and possibly Denham’s Bustard. • Sterilisation of breeding and foraging habitat by the operation of the wind farm, particularly for Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard. • Collisions with the wind turbines once operational, particularly raptors of several species and possibly Red listed Agulhas Long-billed Lark.

These aspects will be further explored in the Impact Assessment phase report, and appropriate mitigation measures will be suggested, where and if necessary/possible.

The following impacts could potentially be caused by the associated infrastructure:

• Potential impacts of the lighting on the wind turbines. The potential for collisions with the wind turbines due to presence of lights is not envisaged to be significant, primarily because the phenomenon of mass nocturnal migrations is not a feature of the study area, and secondly because the type of light, namely a constant red light, is not known to be a high risk attractant to birds.

The following impacts could potentially be caused by the proposed transmission line (should this be constructed as an overhead structure):

• In the Overberg, power line collisions have long been recorded as a major source of avian mortality (Van Rooyen 2007). Most numerous amongst power line collision victims are Blue Crane and Ludwig’s Bustard (Shaw 2007). It has been estimated that as many as 10 % of the Blue Crane population in the Overberg are killed annually on power lines, and figure for Denham’s Bustard might be as high as 30 % of the Overberg population (Shaw 2007). These figures are extremely concerning, as it represents a possible unsustainable source of unnatural mortality.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 17 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report • The impact of overhead power line collisions is potentially much bigger than that of the wind farm itself, and will require further investigation during the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

Agricultural Potential The effects on agriculture are not likely to be severe, and the absence of any large component of high potential soils supports this. No “fatal flaw” issues were identified.

Geotechnical Study There are no predictable geological or geotechnical impacts associated with the construction or operations of the wind turbines.

Ground conditions are stable, there are no severe soil erosion and slope stability problems that require unusual or special construction measures to be used.

Geotechnical constraints are minor and relate to the presence of shallow rock over much of the area. In terms of foundation conditions this is a highly favourable site condition.

The hard ridges of sandstone and small outcrops are clearly visible and often support patches of indigenous vegetation. These areas can be avoided during the specific location of individual masts to reduce potential impacts due to rock blasting.

The overall geotechnical assessment is that this site is highly favourable for the operation of a wind farm and that detailed geotechnical investigations are not required for the assessment of environmental potential impacts but should be undertaken to provide detailed information for engineering design once final locations and routes are confirmed.

Social The key conclusions of the Scoping phase specialist study are the following:

• The establishment of wind energy facilities are supported at national, provincial and local levels; • The proposed wind farm site is compatible with the spatial development vision of the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (LM); • Key potential construction phase issues for further investigation, during the Impact Assessment phase, relate to the recruitment and on-site management of construction labour and the management of potential impacts on local roads; • The establishment of the proposed wind farm will create local job opportunities during the construction and operational phases. • The establishment of a new tourism sector (Green Tourism) to the benefit of the industry within the area.

Heritage Resources Indications are that in terms of archaeological heritage and built environment the proposed activity is viable, potential impacts are expected to be limited and controllable.

In terms of the natural cultural landscape qualities of the site, potential impacts are expected which are potentially severe, especially since the proposed activity is situated in a prominent and scenic area, in a region valued for its historical rural character (Baumann, Winter and Clift in prep). The degree and nature of the impact is going to depend on how the wind turbines are arranged on the landscape, and the

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 18 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report ability of the topography to absorb their presence which is an issue which will require close attention during the course of the EIA.

The area has a cultural heritage / significance as being “The Origin of Wind”, and the lives of all inhabitants / communities are touched daily by the omni-presence thereof.

The Impact Assessment phase study needs to fulfill the requirements of heritage impact assessment as defined in Section 38 of the NHRA. This means that the assessment has to cover the full range of potential cultural heritage as defined by the term “culture” contained in the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999.

The proposed study area needs to be subject to a detailed survey by an archaeologist who will need to walk a pattern of transects over the site recording details and locations of any heritage material found. The significance of each find will need to be assessed along with the potential impacts of the proposed activity. Mitigation measures will need to be identified.

Proposed routes of linear infrastructure (access roads, underground services, power lines) will need to be ground-proofed to establish the potential impacts of the proposed activity and determine where mitigation (if any) will be required.

The colonial period historical significance of the site will need to be established through archival and deeds surveys and the assessment and grading of the built environment by an (accredited professional) in the study area and within a radius of 2 km from the boundaries of the study area. Lost historical significance (if any) will need to be identified and the proposed action assessed to determine if it presents any potential impacts to the historical significance of the “place”. In terms of cultural landscape, more research is required into determining what would be best practice on terms of South African Landscapes, and it is the intention to gather information in this regard to inform the future EIA process. Close co-operation with the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) specialist will be required.

Follow up heritage work such as monitoring of excavations by a palaeontologist or archaeological sampling is likely to be a requirement of the Environmental Management Plan.

Noise The wind turbines will be situated on the highest ridges of the (wind farm) proposed area, historically avoided by many successive generations of inhabitants for occupation, whereas the residential properties on the farms are situated in the valleys, surrounded by artificially planted “Wind-break lines” / Trees in order to get protection against the prevailing winds. The trees, surrounding the farm houses, create a secondary noise problem in high wind speed circumstances.

The wind turbines only operate when the wind is blowing and the prevailing ambient noise level is increased according to the wind speed and some vertical structures in and around the study area. A preliminary noise survey conducted at ground level, during a wind of 15 m/s, revealed that the prevailing noise level generated by the wind was 75.4 dBA and at a wind-speed of 7.7 m/s the noise level was recorded at 67.6 dBA and at a wind speed of 5.0 m/s at the farmhouse, the ambient noise level was 57.6 dBA. These are typical noise levels expected in an industrial area only related to natural wind.

The noise spectrum of the wind turbine, when in operation, will be plotted in order to determine the impact the noise of the wind farm may have on the environment.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 19 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Furthermore, the noise created as a result of the wind blowing through the trees, planted as windbreaks around the houses road usage, agricultural activity etc will also be investigated.

Visual The proposed wind farm will visually affect an extensive area, that is currently largely agricultural in nature, but also contains several routes that have limited significance to tourism at present, such as the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon and the R43 between the N2 and Villiersdorp. Particular emphasis will be placed on visibility from these routes. It is however envisaged by TWK LED representatives, that the Visual Impact could in-fact become a future Tourism Attraction, thereby encouraging tourism to the area.

As the site is large enough to be flexible in the placement of the turbines, and because the size of the turbines makes them difficult to screen, the main visual mitigation measure will be their optimal placement as well as to limit the visibility of the access roads and transmission lines.

The Visual Impact Assessment will be based on broad-based computer modelling which will make the assessment and comparison of various scenarios possible. The primary work of mitigation will therefore have to be undertaken during the design stage and in consultation with the technical team.

Traffic The following is concluded from the traffic study:

• The extension and possible upgrade of the off-road vehicle tracks will be required. • The traffic impact of the relevant intersections will be further investigated. • The aviation line network in the area will be further investigated

Conclusions

Based on the specialist studies no environmental fatal flaws have been identified to date. However, a number of potentially significant environmental impacts, both positive and negative have been identified as requiring further in-depth study. Therefore, a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment is required to be undertaken in order to provide an assessment of these potential impacts and recommend appropriate mitigation measures, where required.

The terms of references for the detailed specialist studies required in the Impact Assessment phase of the project are included in the Plan of Study for EIA ( Chapter 10 ).

Through the Scoping phase it has become evident, during the scoping studies, that detailed geotechnical investigations are not required for the assessment of environmental impacts, but should be undertaken to provide detailed information for engineering design once final locations and routes are confirmed.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 20 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report THE PROPOSED 300 MW CALEDON WIND FARM AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Description Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1-1

1.1 Project Location 1-1

1.2 Project Description 1-4

1.3 Need and Justification for the Project 1-7 1.3.1 Legal Framework for Renewable Energy in South Africa 1-7 1.3.2 International Commitments 1-10 1.3.3 Benefits of a Wind Farm 1-10

1.4 Environmental Study Requirements 1-11

1.5 Summary of the EIA Process 1-13 1.5.1 EIA Process 1-13 1.6 Way Forward 1-16

2 DETAILS OF ROLEPLAYERS 2-1

2.1 Introduction 2-1

2.2 Details of Applicant 2-1

2.3 Details of Independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner 2-1

2.4 Details of Competent / Relevant Authority 2-2

3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: TECHNICAL DETAILS 3-1

3.1 Introduction 3-1

3.2 Wind Energy: How it Works 3-1

3.3 Infrastructure Requirements 3-3

3.4 Construction Phase 3-3 3.4.1 Transportation 3-3 3.4.2 Temporary Works 3-5 3.4.3 Construction of Substation and Ancillary Infrastructure 3-6 3.4.4 Access Roads 3-7

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3.4.5 Transmission Line from Site to National Grid 3-7 3.4.6 Temporary On-Site Road for self propelled crane 3-8 3.4.7 Turbines 3-8 3.4.8 Use of Services and Resources during Construction 3-11

3.5 Operational Phase 3-12

3.6 Decommissioning Phase 3-12

3.7 Conclusion 3-13

4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4-1

4.1 The ‘do nothing’ Alternative 4-1

4.2 Location Alternatives 4-2

4.3 Layout and Design Alternatives 4-3 4.3.1 Arrangement of the Wind Turbines 4-3 4.3.2 Size of Wind Turbines 4-3 4.3.3 Transmission Power Lines 4-3

4.4 Associated Infrastructure 4-4 4.4.1 Access Roads 4-4

4.5 Conclusion 4-4

5 LEGAL AND POLICY CONTEXT 5-1

5.1 Introduction 5-1

5.2 Legislative, Policy, Planning and Guideline Context 5-1 5.2.1 The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) 5-1 5.2.2 Western Cape Guideline Series for EIA (2005) 5-6 5.2.3 Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Integrated Environmental Management Guideline Series 5-6 5.2.4 Other Acts/Regulations/Policies/Guidelines Relevant to the Project 5-7 5.5 Conclusion 5-11

6 EIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY 6-1

6.1 Introduction 6-1

6.2 Scoping Phase 6-1 6.2.1 Consultation with Authorities 6-1 6.2.2 Consultation with other Relevant Authorities 6-2 6.2.3 Identification of potentially significant environmental impacts 6-2 6.2.4 Draft Scoping Report 6-3 6.2.5 Plan of Study for EIA 6-3

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6.3 Public Participation Process 6-3 6.3.1 Identification of Key Stakeholders and I&APs 6-3 6.3.2 Notification and Advertisements 6-4 6.3.3 Background Information Document (BID) 6-5 6.3.4 Environmental Scoping Phase Meetings 6-5 6.3.5 Ongoing Consultation and Engagement 6-6 6.3.6 Public Review of the Draft Environmental Scoping Report 6-6 6.3.7 Final Environmental Scoping Report 6-7

6.4 Conclusion 6-7

7 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT 7-1

7.1 Introduction 7-1

7.2 General Study Area 7-1 7.2.1 Regional context 7-1 7.2.2 Administrative context 7-3

7.3 Biophysical Environment 7-5 7.3.1 Geology and soils 7-5 7.3.2 Topography 7-5 7.3.3 Groundwater 7-6 7.3.4 Soils and agricultural potential 7-6 7.3.5 Climate 7-10 7.3.6 Regional vegetation 7-10 7.3.7 Ecological corridors 7-11 7.3.8 Land cover 7-13 7.3.9 Faunal species of conservation importance 7-14 7.3.10 Bird habitat in the study area 7-17 7.3.11 Bird habitat in the study area 7-18

7.4 Socio-economic environment 7-19 7.4.1 Baseline demographic processes 7-19 7.4.2 Economic growth potential for the proposed study area 7-22 7.4.3 Heritage resources 7-24 7.4.4 Noise climate 7-24

8 POTENTIAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS 8-1

8.1 Introduction 8-1

8.2 Biophysical Environment 8-1 8.2.1 Terrestrial Fauna 8-1 8.2.2 Terrestrial Flora 8-4 8.2.3 Avifauna 8-5 8.2.4 Agricultural Potential 8-14 8.2.5 Baseline Geotechnical Study 8-15

8.3 Socio-Economic Environment 8-16

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8.3.1 Social Environment 8-16 8.3.2 Heritage Resources 8-18 8.3.3 Noise 8-21 8.3.4 Traffic 8-24 8.3.5 Visual 8-26 8.4 Conclusion 8-28

9 CONCLUSIONS 9-1

9.1 Introduction 9-1 9.1.1 Project Background 9-1

9.2 Findings and Recommendations of the Specialist Studies 9-2 9.2.1 Flora 9-2 9.2.2 Fauna 9-3 9.2.3 Avifauna 9-4 9.2.4 Agricultural Potential 9-4 9.2.5 Geotechnical Study 9-5 9.2.6 Social 9-5 9.2.7 Heritage Resources 9-5 9.2.8 Noise 9-6 9.2.9 Visual 9-7 9.2.10 Traffic 9-7

9.3 Alternatives for Evaluation in the Impact Assessment Phase 9-7

9.4 Conclusions and Recommendations 9-8

10 PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA 10-1

10.1 Introduction 10-1

10.2 Purpose of the Plan of Study for EIA 10-1

10.3 Detailed Impact Assessment Phase 10-2 10.3.1 Introduction 10-2 10.3.2 Impact Assessment Methodology 10-3 10.3.3 Consideration of Alternatives 10-7 10.3.4 Assessment of Potential Impacts 10-7 10.3.5 Public Participation Process (PPP) 10-11 10.3.6 Environmental Impact Report 10-11 10.3.7 Draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 10-11 10.3.8 Public Review of EIR and EMP 10-13 10.3.9 Consultation with the DEA 10-13 10.3.10 Proposed Project Programme for the EIA 10-14

10.4 Terms of Reference for Specialist Studies 10-14 10.4.1 General Terms of Reference for all Specialist Studies 10-14 10.4.2 Specific terms of reference 10-15

10.5 Conclusion 10-23

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Proposed farms for the Caledon Wind Farm ...... 1-1 Table 2.1: Details of the applicant...... 2-1 Table 2.2: Details of the Independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) ... 2-2 Table 2.3: Details of the relevant competent authority ...... 2-3 Table 3.1: Turbine components and transportation details...... 3-4 Table 3.2: Breakdown of Workers / Skills levels...... 3-6 Table 5.1: Activities requiring Basic Assessment...... 5-4 Table 5.2: Activities requiring Scoping and EIA...... 5-5 Table 5.3: Brief review of other relevant policies, legislation, guidelines and standards applicable to the Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-7 Table 6.1: Specialist Studies...... 6-2 Table 6.2: List of newspapers and dates in which the adverts were published...... 6-4 Table 6.3: Key Stakeholder Workshop...... 6-5 Table 6.4: Public Meetings...... 6-5 Table 6.5: Focus Group Meetings...... 6-6 Table 7.1: Land types occurring (with soils in order of dominance) ...... 7-8 Table 7.2: Mammals of conservation importance within the broader study area ...... 7-14 Table 7.3: Amphibians of conservation importance within the broader study area ...... 7-15 Table 7.4: Reptiles of conservation importance within the broader study area...... 7-16 Table 7.5: The percentage of each quarter degree square in the study area that is classified as each vegetation type according to ASAB (Harrison et al ., 1997)...... 7-17 Table 7.6: Red listed species recorded in 3419AA and 3419AB (Harrison et al , 1997) .7-18 Table 7.7 : Population for Botrivier and Caledon...... 7-19 Table 7.8 : Botrivier and Caledon age distribution...... 7-20 Table 7.9 : Botrivier and Caledon education levels (population 15 years and older)...... 7-20 Table 7.10: Botrivier and Caledon employment levels (15 – 64 year age group)...... 7-21 Table 7.11 : Household income (by head of household) ...... 7-21 Table 7.12: Sectoral contribution to employment ...... 7-22 Table 7.13: Growth potential of urban communities in vicinity to proposed Wind Farm ...7-23 Table 8.1: Agricultural Potential Impact Significance...... 8-14 Table 8.2 : Estimated community/group response when the ambient noise level is exceeded...... 8-23 Table 8.3: Recommended noise levels for different districts...... 8-24 Table 9.1: Specialist studies undertaken within the Scoping Phase of the project...... 9-2 Table 10.1: Impact Assessment Criteria and Rating Scales...... 10-5 Table 10.2: Convention for Assigning a Consequence Rating ...... 10-6 Table 10.3: Convention for Assigning a Significance Rating ...... 10-6 Table 10.4: Summary of issues which require further investigation in the Impact Assessment phase...... 10-7 Table 10.5: Specialist Studies to be undertaken during the Impact Assessment phase of the project...... 10-14

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report v

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Locality map for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm within the Theewaterskloof Municipality ...... 1-3 Figure 1.2: Typical wind turbine structure...... 1-4 Figure 1.3: Schematic representation of the Proposed Caledon Wind Farm Project ...... 1-6 Figure 1.4: Environmental Impact Assessment Process ...... 1-15 Figure 3.1: Components of a typical wind turbine...... 3-2 Figure 3.2: Comparison of varying turbine sizes ...... 3-2 Figure 3.3: Specialist Transport for Blades: 20t MAX, 3 loads per turbine (Length up to 55m) ...... 3-4 Figure 3.4: Specialist Transport for Towers, 80t MAX, 3 Loads per turbine. (Length 40m) ...... 3-5 Figure 3.5: Temporary Compound and Laydown Area during Construction ...... 3-6 Figure 3.6: Foundation Dimensions ...... 3-9 Figure 3.7: Side View of Turbines ready for erection...... 3-10 Figure 3.8: Top View of Turbines ready for erection...... 3-10 Figure 3.9: Distant View of Turbines during Erection...... 3-11 Figure 7.1: View from R43 between Villiersdorp and N2, looking east towards Caledon . 7-2 Figure 7.2: View looking north from R 43 that links the N2 with Genadendal and Greyton. The site is located west of R 43...... 7-3 Figure 7.3: Overview of the Theewaterskloof Municipality...... 7-4 Figure 7.4: Photograph showing the topography within the study area...... 7-6 Figure 7.5: Soils map for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm study area...... 7-9 Figure 7.6: Extract of the SA Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford 2006), showing that most of the site would have originally supported Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld, with Greyton Shale Fynbos in the northeast sector...... 7-10 Figure 7.7: Map of western parts of study area showing extant natural vegetation, approximately 50% of which is considered to be a High Sensitivity or Conservation Value. All unhatched areas are of Low sensitivity, and are mostly cultivated lands or homesteads...... 7-12 Figure 7.8: Map of eastern parts of study area showing extant natural vegetation, approximately 30% of which is considered to be a High Sensitivity or Conservation Value. All unhatched areas are of Low sensitivity, and are mostly cultivated lands or homesteads...... 7-13 Figure 7.9: Noise receptors within Caledon wind farm study area...... 7-25 Figure 7.10: Farms abutting the Caledon wind farm study area ...... 7-25 Figure 8.1: Radar tracked movement of ducks and geese relative to an offshore wind farm in Denmark. Scale bar = 1000m. (Desholm and Kahlert 2005)...... 8-9 Figure 8.2: The development of turbine size since the 1980’s – European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)...... 8-10 Figure 8.3: The noise source in the rotor plane averaged over several revolutions is projected on the picture...... 8-22 Figure 8.4: Aerial photo showing the existing and proposed new access points...... 8-25 Figure 8.5: Approximate viewshed of the proposed project...... 8-27 Figure 9.1: The spectrum analysis of the different wind speeds as measured at the wind farm...... 9-7

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: DEA Application Acknowledgment Letter Appendix B: Curriculum Vitae of Project Team Appendix C: Pre-feasibility Study Summary Appendix D: Interested and Affected Party Database Appendix E: Issues and Response Report with Copies of I&AP Correspondence Appendix F: Advertisements and Site Notices Appendix G: Background Information Document Appendix H: Flora Specialist Study Appendix I: Fauna Specialist Study Appendix J: Avifauna Specialist Study Appendix K: Agricultural Potential Specialist Study Appendix L: Geotechnical Study Appendix M: Social Impact Specialist Study Appendix N: Heritage Specialist Study Appendix O: Noise Impact Specialist Study Appendix P: Visual Impact Specialist Study Appendix Q: Traffic Impact Specialist Study Appendix R: Minutes of Scoping Phase Meetings

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS

Arcus GIBB Arcus GIBB Pty (Ltd) BA Basic Assessment BID Background Information Document BUND German Friends of the Earth BWE German Wind Energy Association CaBEERE Capacity Building in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy CARs Civil Aviation Regulations CDM Clean Development Mechanisms CO Carbon Monoxide CO 2 Carbon Dioxide CR Critically Threatened dBA decibel DD Declining DoE Department of Energy (Previously the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME)) DSR Draft Scoping Report WC DEA&DP The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The environmental authority in the Western Province. DEA The Department of Environmental Affairs. The national environmental authority. DWAF Department of Water Affairs and Forestry EA Environmental Authorisation EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner. The EAP – in this instance, Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd - undertakes the EIA on behalf of the applicant. (The applicant is the person, body or organisation applying to undertake the activity. The applicant in this case is Eskom Holdings Limited (Eskom), a State Owned Enterprise, with the Government of South Africa as the only shareholder ECA Environment Conservation Act, 73 of 1989 EIA Environmental Impact Assessment process. This process is required by law if a project/activity has been listed in the EIA regulations (either in terms of the preceding ECA EIA regulations or the superseding NEMA EIA regulations). This process involves a phase of issues identification/scoping phase (i.e. identification of impacts that may arise as a result of the project) and a phase of impact assessment, whereby studies are undertaken to determine the significance of any potential impacts. The outcomes of the scoping phase are recorded in the Scoping Report and the results of the impact assessment are recorded in the Environmental Impact Report, the final of which is submitted to the relevant environmental authority for decision making. EIR Environmental Impact Report EMP Environmental Management Plan EN Endangered EWEA European Wind Energy Association EWT Endangered Wildlife Trust (Southern Africa wildlife conservation organization) FGMs Focus Group Meetings FSR Final Scoping Report GDP Gross Domestic Product GDPR Gross Domestic Product per Region GHG Green House Gases. Gaseous emissions of these type are responsible for global warming. GWh / GWhr Gigawatt hours

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Ha Hectare (10 000m 2) IEM Integrated Environmental Management IFC International Finance Corporation of the World Bank I&AP(s) Interested and Affected Party(ies). The public, stake holders, key role players/authorities or any person interested in and/or affected by the proposed activity. IDP Integrated Development Plan IRR Issues and Response Report. This report contains any issues received from Interested and Affected Parties with regards to the project and is included in the Scoping Report and EIR. ISEP Eskom’s Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan KSWs Key Stakeholder Workshops LM Local Municipality LUPO The Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 MEC In this scoping report means the Member of the Executive Council to whom the Premier has assigned responsibility for environmental affairs. MW Mega watt NABU German Society for Nature Conservation NEMA National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) NERSA / National Energy Regulator of South Africa Nersa NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999 NIRP National Integrated Resource Plan. The first plan (NIRP1) was completed in 2002 and an updated plan (NIRP2) was completed in 2004. NIRP3 is currently being developed by NERSA. NT Near Threatened NWCC National Wind Co-ordinating Committee ODM Overberg District Municipality OEMP Operational Environmental Management Plan NOx Nitrogen Oxides PGWC Provincial Government of the Western Cape PSDF Provincial Spatial Development Framework PAIA Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) PAJA Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No. 3 of 2000) PGDS Provincial Growth and Development Strategy Green Paper POS Plan of Study, either for EIA (POS EIA) or for Scoping. The POS for EIA is a document outlining the method of impact assessment to be undertaken in the Impact Assessment phase of the project - the results of which are recorded in the Environmental Impact Report. PPP Public Participation Process. This process is required by law and forms an essential part of the EIA process. I&APs are encouraged to engage in the project and to comment on, provide their views on, or identify/put forth any issues they may have with the project. Issues identified by I&APs must be responded to / assessed as part of the EIA. I&APs also have the right to view and comment on the Scoping Report and EIR before they are submitted to the authorities for decision making. All comments received from I&APs are recorded in the Issues and Response Report for public record. REFIT South Africa Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff SABAP Southern African Bird Atlas Project SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency. A statutory organisation established under the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999, as the national administrative body responsible for the protection of South Africa’s cultural heritage. SANParks South African National Parks

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SANRAL South African National Roads Agency Limited SANS South African National Standards SDF Spatial Development Framework SDPs Spatial Development Plans SIA Social Impact Assessment SOx Sulphur oxides TOR Terms of Reference TWh Tera Watt Hours UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention for Clean Energy VIA Visual Impact Assessment VU Vulnerable

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Term Definition Alternatives Different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to – location, type, design, technology of operational aspects of the activity. Ambient Surrounding / the immediate surroundings. e.g. Ambient temperature is the temperature surrounding a given point. (Also ambient air; ambient temperature, ambient sound). Anomaly Any departure from the norm, which may indicate the presence of mineralization in the underlying bedrock in geological terms. Anthropogenic Originating from the activity of humans Aquifer A geological formation capable of yielding economic quantities of water. Borehole A borehole is a deep and narrow shaft in the ground used for extraction of fluid or gas reserves below the earth's surface. Cape Fold Belt The folded sedimentary sequence of rocks in the Western Cape Province. The rocks are generally sandstones and shales, with shales forming the valleys and the erosion resistant sandstones forming the parallel mountain ranges, reaching a maximum height at Seweweekspoortpiek at 2325m. Climate Change i.t.o Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the (Global Warming) average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans. Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane and ozone. The largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth a part of the heat radiation, which would otherwise be lost to space (greenhouse effect. The higher the concentration of green house gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more heat energy is being reflected back to the Earth. The effects of global warming include an increase of the temperature on the earth and rise of sea levels. Competent Authority Competent Authority, in respect of a listed activity or specified activity, means the organ of state charged in terms of NEMA with evaluating the environmental impact of that activity and, where appropriate, with granting or refusing an environmental authorisation in respect of that activity. Critically Endangered The status of a species that has satisfied the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), also known as the World Conservation Union, criteria that indicate that it faces as an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Cultivated (of land or No longer in the natural state; developed by human care and for fields) human use. Cumulative impacts Cumulative impact, in relation to an activity, means the impact of an activity that in itself may not be significant but may become significant when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse activities or undertakings in the area. dBA Environmental noise measurements are measured in terms of dBA.

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The A weighting aims to correspond to the frequency sensitivity of the human ear Endangered The status of a species that has satisfied the IUCN criteria that indicate that it faces as a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Endemic In biology and ecology, endemic means exclusively native to the biota of a specific place. Environment The surroundings within which humans exist and include biophysical, social and economic aspects. Environmental The authorisation, by a competent authority, of a listed activity or Authorisation specified activity applied for in terms of NEMA. Environmental Impact A positive or negative change to the environment that results from the effect of a construction activity. The impact may be a direct or indirect consequence of a construction activity. Fault A fault is a fracture or fracture zone, along which movement has taken place. Sudden movement along a fault produces earthquakes. Slow movement produces a seismic creep. A fault is a tectonic structure along which differential slippage of the adjacent earth materials has occurred parallel to the fracture plane. It is distinct from other types of ground disruptions such as landslides, fissures and craters. Fossil fuel A hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from living matter of a previous geologic time and used for fuel. Greenhouse gases Gases that increase the temperature of the earth’s surface as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which include inter alia chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Groundwater flow The movement of water through openings and pore spaces in rocks below the water table i.e. in the saturated zone. Groundwater naturally drains from higher lying areas to low lying areas such as rivers, lakes and the oceans. The rate of flow depends on the slope of the water table and the transmissivity of the geological formations. Heritage site A site that contains either archaeological artefacts, graves, buildings older than 60 years, meteorological or geological fossils etc. Kinetic energy The energy possessed by a body because of its motion. Near Threatened The status of a species that does not satisfy the IUCN criteria for Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered, but is close to qualifying, or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future. Palaeontology The study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils. Pollution The introduction into the environment of any substance by the action of man that is, or results in, significant harmful effects to man or the environment. Ratify To approve, express consent and give formal sanction to; to sign. Red Data/Red List species The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. Founded in 1984, it is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. Renewable resources A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable to its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Resources such as solar radiation, tides, and winds are perpetual resources that are in no danger of being used in excess of their long-term availability.

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Stone Age The earliest technological period in human culture when tools were made of stone, wood, bone, or antlers. Metal was unknown. The dates of the Stone Age vary considerably from one region to another. Taxon A means of referring to a set of animals or plants of related classification. Plural form of taxon is taxa. Threatened Term used in its formal sense to denote one of the three categories of threat, as defined by the IUCN, viz., Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable. Topography Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map, indicating their relative positions and elevations. Vulnerable The status of a species that has satisfied the IUCN criteria that indicate that it faces as a high risk of extinction in the wild. Wind Farm /Wind Energy A power plant that uses windmills or wind turbines to generate Facility electricity. Wetland Lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor determining the nature of soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil and on its surface.

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1 INTRODUCTION

Epsispan (Pty) Ltd, trading as ‘ CaledonWind’ is proposing to establish a commercial Wind Farm and associated infrastructure on a site near Caledon in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. The proposed Caledon wind farm is expected to generate 300 MW and will comprise of up to 150 wind turbines. Associated infrastructure will include, on-site transformers and control equipment buildings, powerlines connecting the turbines to the existing overhead transmission lines, access roads to the various turbines and upgrading of the Houwhoek Substation to increase capacity.

This proposed project will be registered with the United Nation’s Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) Programme. Caledon Wind acknowledges this project as a ‘green’ initiative and have decided to, where possible, commit to making environmentally favourable decisions in respect of the project as a whole.

In terms of the EIA Regulations, an application of this nature has to undergo both Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd (Arcus GIBB) have been commissioned by Caledon Wind, who is the project developers, to undertake the EIA process.

This EIA will consider the potential positive and negative environmental and social impacts associated with the establishment of the proposed wind farm and will propose measures to mitigate the negative impacts of the proposed project on the receiving environment and community. A 50 m tall wind test mast has been erected on site and is considered under a separate basic assessment process (DEA Reference Number 12/12/20/1539) and is not considered under this EIA process.

1.1 Project Location

The proposed project is situated within the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. A study area of approximately 3500 hectares, approximately 16 km west of Caledon and 7 km east of Botrivier, is being considered within which the proposed wind farm and associated infrastructure will be established.

The land proposed to be leased for the project comprises privately owned farms, all located adjacent to one another, and is identified as a prime site for wind energy generation. Only ploughed areas within each of the farms will be considered for the placement of the turbines, so as not to affect any natural vegetation as far as possible. The identified farms are listed in Table 1.1 below.

Table 1.1: Proposed farms for the Caledon Wind Farm

Farm Name Parcel No. Owners Name Warmoeskraal 1/259 Klipfontein Trust Riet Fontein 3/259 Klipfontein Trust Riet Fontein 7/259 Klipfontein Trust Riet Fontein 8/259 Klipfontein Trust Farm 9/259 G Le Roux Pty Ltd De Vleytjes 261 G Le Roux Pty Ltd

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Farm Name Parcel No. Owners Name Lang Road 3/263 G Le Roux Pty Ltd Warmoeskraal 1/263 Klipfontein Trust Warmoeskraal Re/263 Klipfontein Trust Goedvertrouw 4/264 J S Maree Trust Hawston View 1/271 J S Maree Trust Hawston View 3/271 J S Maree Trust Windheuwel 1/354 Klipfontein Trust Farm 744 G Le Roux Pty Ltd Farm 749 Klipfontein Trust

A map indicating the farms and the location of the proposed site is provided in Figure 1.1 below.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 1-2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 1.1: Locality map for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm within the Theewaterskloof Municipality

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1.2 Project Description

This section provides an overall description of the proposed wind farm. Further technical details relating to the project is provided in Chapter 3 of this report. A schematic diagram reflecting the description is provided in Figure 1.3 below.

Wind Farm The wind farm is proposed to have a generating capacity of up to 300 MW and will comprise of up to 166 wind turbines, each of which will be between 2 – 3,6 MW in generating capacity and placed on the highest parts of the ridges, where it is anticipated maximum wind speeds will be experienced (This will be confirmed through International wind modelling and micro-siting expertise). The hub height will be between 80 and 100 m and the turbine blade length between 40 and 58.5 m. Construction of the wind farm will be phased, with 50 MW being constructed per phase *. The first phase will take approximately 12 months to complete and the remaining 250 MW will take an additional 36 - 48 months. The wind farm can operate continuously for approximately 20 years. A typical wind turbine, illustrating the hub height and blade length, is depicted in Figure 1.2 below.

Figure 1.2: Typical wind turbine structure

Wind modelling and micro-siting expertise will be utilised to determine the exact layout of the wind turbines, according to the optimum wind speeds and directions

* At the outset of the project, 2 MW turbines with hub heights of 80 m and blade lengths of 40 m were initially discussed for consideration for the wind farm. Subsequently, varying turbine sizes have been considered to provide alternatives to be investigated in terms of environmental impacts associated with the different sizes.

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identified. The turbine layout will further be guided by the specialist studies undertaken during the EIA process. This exact positioning will be determined during the Impact Assessment Phase of the project once the modelled results are received and the detailed specialist studies have been undertaken.

Access Roads Access roads will be required for the delivery of the turbines to their assembly positions during construction, as well as for access during the operational phase. Separate to the wind farm access routes, will be an access road to a temporary laydown area where vehicles and materials will be stored during the construction phase.

Powerlines The turbines and wind farm will be connected to the existing Overberg power lines through a medium voltage feeder power line, which will be constructed above ground, according to the recommendations from the Environmental Impact Assessment.

Proposed New Substation and Houwhoek Substation Upgrade Where the lines connect to the existing Overberg powerlines a substation will be built within the proposed area as required, and in accordance to the NERSA Grid Code Standards, to feed electricity into the national grid. After the completion of the first phase of the project, Houwhoek Substation’s capacity will also need to be upgraded.

Temporary Construction Laydown Area A temporary laydown area will be utilised during the construction phase of the project. This area will be used to store machinery and equipment as well as consist of facilities such as diesel storage facilities, toilets, showers, eating facilities.

Staff Housing Some of the project engineers will be housed on site in four proposed new housing facilities to be constructed adjacent to the laydown area. These facilities will be converted into Tourism & Educational facilities after final commissioning of the Wind Farm. Labourers, including security guards, employed from the surrounding communities, will commute to the site daily.

Wind Farm Control Room A monitoring & control room, could operate from an office in Caledon or inland (as to be determined) and the Houwhoek Substation will be increased in size by an additional transformer.

Transport Turbine components and some of the construction materials will be delivered to the site by road along the N2 and R43. The turbines will be delivered directly to their point of assembly on site. Where possible, existing farm roads will be upgraded for transport within the proposed site, to the future benefit of the farm owners

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Figure 1.3: Schematic representation of the Proposed Caledon Wind Farm Project

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It is anticipated that the activities associated with the project described above may have, both positive and negative, potential impacts on the study area, and these will be assessed within this EIA and through the following specialist studies:

• Flora Impact Assessment • Fauna Impact Assessment • Avifauna Impact Assessment • Agricultural Potential Impact Assessment • Baseline Geotechnical Study • Social Impact Assessment • Heritage Impact Assessment • Noise Impact Assessment • Traffic Impact Assessment • Visual Impact Assessment

1.3 Need and Justification for the Project

1.3.1 Legal Framework for Renewable Energy in South Africa

Electricity generation and provision is a strategic sector of the South African economy underpinning growth and developmental objectives set out by the Government. Over the next few years, the country is expected to experience continued growth in electricity demand, driven by growth in the industrial, mining, commercial and domestic consumer sectors.

Several key policies, departments and institutions are responsible for energy planning in South Africa. In terms of energy planning, the South African Energy Policy (December 1998) published by the Department of Energy (DoE) †, firstly identifies five key objectives:

• Increasing access to affordable energy services; • Improving energy sector governance; • Stimulating economic development; • Managing energy-related environmental impacts; • Securing supply through diversity; and • International Climate Change Commitments under the UNFCCC

In order to meet these objectives as well as the developmental and socio-economic objectives in South Africa, the country needs to make optimal use of available energy resources. The DoE secondly performs Integrated Energy Planning to identify future energy demand and supply requirements. Thirdly, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) performs National Integrated Resource Planning to identify the future electricity demand and supply requirements.

Within a policy framework, the development of renewable energy in South Africa is supported by the White Paper on Renewable Energy (November 2003), which has

† Previously the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME)

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set a target of 10,000 GWh renewable energy contribution to final energy consumption by 2013. This has now been promulgated in the form of the IRP1 (Integrated Resource Plan 1, dated 31 December 2009). The target is to be achieved primarily through the development of wind, biomass, solar and small-scale hydro. DME’s macroeconomic study of renewable energy, developed under the now completed Capacity Building in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (CaBEERE) project, has established that the achievement of this target would provide a number of economic benefits, including increased government revenue amounting to R299 million, increased GDP of up to R1 billion per year and the creation of an estimated 20,500 new jobs. In addition, the development of renewable energy beyond the 10,000 GWh target holds further employment benefits and would maximise the number of jobs created per TWh.

“South Africa is well endowed with renewable energy resources that can be sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Thus far, these have remained largely untapped. Government’s long-term goal is the establishment of a renewable energy industry producing modern energy carriers that will offer, in future years a sustainable, fully non-subsidised alternative to fossil fuels. To get started on a deliberate path towards this goal, the Government’s medium-term (10-year) target is:

10 000 GWh (0.8 Mtoe) renewable energy contribution to final energy consumption by 2013, to be produced mainly from biomass, wind, solar and small-scale hydro. The renewable energy is to be utilised for power generation and non-electric technologies such as solar water heating and bio-fuels. This is approximately 4% (1667 MW) of the projected electricity demand for 2013 (41539 MW).” (White Paper on Renewable Energy (2004))

The 1667 MW projected renewable energy demand for 2013 would be base load energy at 100 % availability, and in terms of wind energy is equivalent to approximately 4000 MW installed wind plants at +/- 25 – 30 % availability.

Furthermore, wind energy is highly desirable in terms of minimising the impact on the environment and offers a number of socio-economic benefits. These impacts are detailed in the South Africa Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) Regulatory Guideline published by NERSA (26 March 2009) and include:

• Increased energy security: The current electricity crisis in South Africa highlights the significant role that renewable energy can play in terms of supplementing the power available, particularly the role of cogeneration technologies in providing additional base load or peak load support. In addition, given that renewables can often be deployed in a decentralised manner close to consumers, they offer the opportunity for improving grid strength and supply quality, whilst reducing expensive transmission and distribution losses. Grid connected renewable energy can also provide an important source of backup power to critical installations such as emergency services, traffic lights and security apparatus in the event of a centralised power failure. Support in this regard includes the continued operation of key facilities such as social service centres, schools, clinics, telecommunications, and small businesses and other such facilities vital for poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.

• Resource saving: Conventional coal fired plants are a major consumer of water during their requisite cooling processes. It is estimated that the achievement of the targets in the Renewable Energy White Paper will result in water savings of approximately 16.5 million kilolitres, where compared with wet cooled conventional power stations. This translates into a revenue saving of R26.6 million. As an

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already water stressed nation, it is critical that South Africa engages in a variety of water conservation measures, particularly as the detrimental effects of climate change on water availability are experienced in the future.

• Exploitation of our significant renewable energy resource : At present, valuable national resources, ranging from biomass by-products, solar insolation and wind energy through to tidal currents, remain largely unexploited. The use of these energy flows will not only strength energy security through the development of a diverse energy portfolio, but reduce price shocks associated with conventional fuels.

• Pollution reduction : The release of oxides of nitrogen, sulphur and carbon is a major byproduct of fossil fuel burning for electricity generation. NOx, SOx, CO and CO 2 have a particularly hazardous impact on human health, contributing to the formation of smog and exacerbating the spread of respiratory illness, as well as contributing to the development of acid rain and ecosystem degradation.

• Climate friendly development : The uptake of renewable energy offers the opportunity to address energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner, contributing to the mitigation of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. South Africa as a nation is estimated to be responsible for 1% of global GHG emissions and is currently ranked 9th worldwide in terms of per capita CO2 emissions. The development of proper incentives to promote renewable energy is a key component in taking ambitious actions to mitigate climate change, an objective put forward by the South African delegation to the Bali Conference of the Parties in December 2007.

• Support for international agreements and enhanced status within the international community : The effective deployment of renewable energy provides a tangible means for South Africa to demonstrate its commitment to its international agreements under the Kyoto Protocol, and subsequent Copenhagen Agreement, and for cementing its status as a leading player within the international community.

• Employment creation: The sale, development, installation, maintenance and management of renewable energy facilities has significant potential for job creation in South Africa, particularly given that many of these technologies are labour intensive in comparison to their conventional counterparts. It is estimated that the achievement of the targets within the Renewable Energy White Paper will result in an additional 20,500 jobs being created, both directly and indirectly, in comparison to the development of conventional coal based technologies. In addition, the development of renewable energy beyond the 10,000GWh target holds further employment benefits and would maximise the number of jobs created per TWh.

• Acceptability to society : Renewable energy offers a number of tangible benefits to society including reduced pollution concerns, improved human and ecosystem health and climate friendly development. Increasing awareness amongst national leaders and general populations alike of the importance of playing at least some part in combating climate change, highlights the role of renewable energy in supporting energy futures that are considered socially acceptable and just to future generations.

• Support to a new industry sector : The development of renewable energy offers the opportunity to establish a new industry within the South African economy. The

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development of this industry also makes available a variety of export and service led commercial opportunities, not simply in South Africa but within Sub-Saharan Africa also.

• Protecting the natural foundations of life for future generations : Actions to reduce our disproportionate carbon footprint can play an important part in ensuring our role in preventing dangerous anthropogenic climate change; thereby securing the natural foundations of life for generations to come.

According to REFIT (2009), South Africa is some way off from exploiting the diverse gains from renewable energy and from achieving a considerable market share in the renewable energy industry. South Africa’s electricity supply remains heavily dominated by coal based power generation, with the country’s significant renewable energy potential largely untapped to date. Currently, a significant contribution of renewable energy to primary energy supply occurs though the use of traditional biomass (resulting in large-scale indoor air pollution and often occurring through unsustainable deforestation practices).

South Africa has high levels of renewable energy potential, including an abundant wind resource which is particularly strong along coastal areas. The Darling Wind Farm, the first Independent Power Producer (IPP) in South Africa, has also recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply green electricity to the City of Cape Town, with the facility supplying 5.2 MW of power in its first phase (REFIT 2009).

1.3.2 International Commitments

Emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, from the use of fossil fuels has led to increasing concerns worldwide, about global climate change. These concerns were articulated at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and a corresponding commitment to promote renewable energy in all the participating nations was made in the Johannesburg Declaration. Correspondingly, it is the intention of the South African Government to make South Africa’s due contribution to the global effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

By ratifying the UNFCCC (1997) and the Kyoto Protocol (2002), South Africa has made international commitments to reduce green house gases emissions so as to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

1.3.3 Benefits of a Wind Farm

Renewable energy that is produced from sustainable natural sources will provide incremental financial resources to stimulate sustainable development. Further, it will contribute towards the country meeting its international commitments made in respect of green house gas emissions (Copenhagen Accord), as well as government’s objectives set out in the White Paper on Renewable Energy.

Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces fossil-fuel derived electricity. It is thus attractive to many governments, organizations, and individuals. As most of the sources are indigenous and naturally available, Wind energy is more secure in that it is not subject to disruption by international crises or limited supplies, being naturally available. The location of the proposed wind farm in the Western Cape will also mean a reduction in line losses as the wind farm will be located close to the customer load demand.

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Typical benefits associated with wind farms are:

• Wind energy is renewable, clean and non-polluting, and does not produce by- products (atmospheric contaminants or thermal pollution) that could be harmful to the environment; • Wind farms are well suited to rural areas and therefore have a reduced impact on agriculture compared to other electricity generating options. Wind turbines can also contribute to economic growth in these regions; • Wind turbines make use of relatively simple technology in terms of design and construction; • Wind energy is competitively priced compared to other renewable energy sources; • Localized production of energy reduces transmission line losses associated with transmitting electricity over long distances; • The use of wind turbines displaces the use of coal and other fossil fuels with their associated emissions of greenhouse gases; and • Wind Farms improve energy security for South Africa and the Western Cape, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels. • Access to international funding for energy projects. • Access to technology for creation of manufacturing industry within the renewable energy technology sector.

1.4 Environmental Study Requirements

In terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), certain listed activities as set out in Government Notices R386 (activities that trigger Basic Assessments) and R387 (activities triggering Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment processes or full EIAs) require environmental authorisation before they can proceed.

This proposed wind farm development comprises several activities listed in terms of the EIA Regulations (2006), which should be covered in a single application for authorisation.

These listed activities are:

Government Notice 387, 1 : The construction of facilities or infrastructure, including associated structures or infrastructure, for (a) The generation of electricity where – (i) the electricity output is 20 megawatts or more; or (ii) the elements of the facility cover a combined area in excess of 1 hectare; (b) The transmission and distribution of above ground electricity with a capacity of 120 kilovolts or more.

Government Notice 387, 2 : Any development activity, including associated structures and infrastructure, where the total area of the developed area is, or is intended to be, 20 hectares or more.

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Government Notice 386, 7 : The above ground storage of a dangerous good, including petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of more than 30 cubic metres but less than 1000 cubic metres at any one location or site.

Government Notice 386, 12 : The transformation or removal of indigenous vegetation of 3 hectares or more or of any size where the transformation or removal would occur within critically endangered or an endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

Government Notice 386, 14 : The construction of masts of any material or type and of any height, including those used for telecommunication broadcasting and radio transmission, but excluding (a) masts of 15 metres and lower exclusively used (i) by radio amateurs; or (ii) for lighting purposes

Government Notice 386, 15 : The construction of a road that is wider than 4 metres or that has a reserve wider than 6 metres, excluding roads that fall within the ambit of another listed activity or which are access roads of less than 30 metres long.

Caledon Wind requires authorisation from the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in consultation with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) for undertaking the proposed Project. In order to obtain authorisation for this project, comprehensive, independent environmental studies must be undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations.

An Application Form was submitted to the DEA on 23 October 2009. The application was subsequently acknowledged by the DEA in a letter dated 11 November 2009 (Appendix A ). The application has been assigned the DEA reference number 12/12/20/1701 .

Caledon Wind has appointed Arcus GIBB (as independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)) to manage the application and to undertake environmental studies together with a team of specialists. Through this process Arcus GIBB and the relevant specialists will identify and assess all potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed Project.

The environmental studies will follow a two-phased approach in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) i.e.:

• Phase 1: Environmental Scoping Study • Phase 2: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

This Environmental Scoping Study identifies and describes potential environmental impacts associated with all aspects of the proposed Project. In terms of the EIA Regulations, feasible and reasonable alternatives have been discussed within the Scoping Study (Chapter 4 ). Recommendations regarding the detailed studies required within the Impact Assessment phase of the project have been made in Chapter 10 .

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1.5 Summary of the EIA Process

1.5.1 EIA Process

An EIA is a legislative tool that is used to ensure that potential impacts that may occur due to the proposed development are avoided or mitigated (minimised). In South African legislation the environment includes social, economic and bio-physical aspects and the EIA must assess these equitably.

The EIA procedures are based on the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) which, in short, comprise pro-active planning, informed decision making, a transparent and participatory approach to development, a broad understanding of the environment, and accountability for decisions and the information on which they are based.

The EIA process is controlled through Regulations published under the Government Notice No. R. 385, R. 386 and R. 387 and associated guidelines promulgated in terms of Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998).

The EIA process can be divided into 4 distinct components:

1. Application and initial notification • Submit an EIA application to the DEA • DEA acknowledgement of the EIA application (within 14 days), • Notify the public of the proposed development through inter alia , newspaper adverts, notification letters, BIDs and notice boards.

2. Scoping phase • Investigate and gather information on the proposed study area in order to establish an understanding of the area; • Establish how the proposed project will potentially impact on the surrounding environment; • Identify Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and relevant authorities by conducting a Public Participation Process (PPP); • Identify potential environmental impacts through investigation and PPP; and • Describe and investigate the alternatives that may be considered.

3. Impact Assessment phase • Detailed specialist assessment of all issues and proposed alternatives identified in the Scoping phase • Identify mitigation measures and recommendations to reduce the significance of potential impacts. • Compile an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which will prescribe environmental specifications to be adhered to during the construction and operational phases of the project • As with the Scoping phase, the PPP is an integral and important part of the Impact Assessment phase.

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4. Environmental Authorisation • Environmental Authorisation (EA) issued to Caledon Wind once DEA has made a decision regarding the proposed project. • Decision may be positive or negative based on inter alia, information received in the Scoping and Impact Assessment phases.

The full EIA Process and timeframes are discussed in further detail in Chapter 6 .

The EIA process and appeal process as legislated in terms of NEMA is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1.4 below.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TASK ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS (PPP) AUTHORITIES

• Submit application to authorities including declaration Authority to of interest, application fee and consent of acknowledge receipt landowner(s) within 14 days

PPP

• Notice boards • • Landowners Conduct public participation process • • Ward Notify relevant authorities and landowners Councilor • Municipality • Other authorities • Newspaper

adverts

• Gazette • Prepare Draft Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA

PPP 40 day comments • Solicit comments on Draft Scoping Report. Authority to reply in 30 period days • Accept report • • Prepare Final Scoping Report and submit to Reject report • authorities Require amendments

• Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), draft EMP and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

PPP Authority to decide 40 day comments • Solicit comments on the Draft EIR / EMP period within 60 days to • Accept report • Refer for reviews • Request amendments • Prepare Final Environmental Impact Report. Submit • Reject report to aut horities

Within 45 days of PPP Decision acceptance authority Advise I&APs of must grant decision authorisation or refuse

Figure 1.4: Environmental Impact Assessment Process

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1.6 Way Forward

The Draft Scoping Report (DSR), including the Plan of Study (PoS) for EIA, was distributed for public comment for a period of 30 calendar days. All comments received on the DSR were considered, and a response thereto provided within an Issues and Response Report (IRR), attached as Appendix E. The report has now been finalised and is submitted to the DEA and the WC DEA&DP for their consideration.

It is protocol that WC DEA&DP will provided comment to the DEA on the adequacy of the Environmental Scoping Report, and that the DEA will consider these comments prior to making a decision on this report. If the report is adequate then the DEA will instruct the EAP to continue on to the next phase of the EIA process.

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2 DETAILS OF ROLEPLAYERS

2.1 Introduction

The following subsection of the FSR provides the particulars, including contact details, of the applicant, the EIA consultant and the relevant authority. Details of the specialists appointed to undertake the relevant specialist studies are provided within the respective specialist study reports attached within Appendices H – Q.

2.2 Details of Applicant

Epsispan (Pty) Ltd, trading as ‘ CaledonWind’ is the applicant for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm development. Caledon Wind is a joint venture between leading Swiss wind energy development firm, Genesys Wind (AG), listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and Thuthuka Group Limited, a multi disciplinary engineering firm with an extensive footprint across Africa.

The details of the applicant are shown in the table below.

Table 2.1: Details of the applicant

Name of Applicant: CaledonWind Contact person: Mr. Dion Wilmans/Mr. Hans Boer Postal Address: P.O. Box 6013, Halfway House, 1635 Tel: 0861 848 848 or 0823214191 Fax: 011 448 5972 E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]

2.3 Details of Independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd. (Arcus GIBB) is an integrated group of highly trained scientists, project managers and engineers providing cost-effective solutions and specialist services in a wide range of disciplines. The multi-disciplinary consulting, management and design approach allows for the execution of projects in a holistic way, as this is believed to be the best approach to fully meet the needs of our clients.

Specific to environmental management, Arcus GIBB has a team of specialists comprising environmental scientists, environmental engineers, geologists and geo- hydrologists that form the national Environmental Team. These specialists have broad experience in terms of working on a range of environmental projects within the public and private sector. The Environmental Services Division has a formidable track record and comprises highly qualified and experienced technical staff. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Project Director and Project Leader are available in Appendix B. Specialist CV’s are included within the individual specialist reports.

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Table 2.2: Details of the Independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)

Name of Consultant: Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd

Contact person: Ms. Jaana-Maria Ball / Ms. Rebecca Thomas Postal Address: P.O. Box 2700 Rivonia 2128 Tel: +27 (0) 11 519 4600 Fax: +27 (0) 11 807 5670 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] Expertise to conduct this Ms. Jaana-Maria Ball - MSc (Botany); MBA; PrSciNat; is a EIA: Professional Environmental Scientist, Ecologist and Botanist. She is a Director of Arcus GIBB with 13 years experience in the environmental field, having been the Project Manager or Director of many high profile projects in Southern Africa. Jaana is currently the Discipline Leader of Arcus GIBB’s Environmental Services Discipline. She specialises in strategic and operational planning as well as the management of complex Strategic Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, co-ordination and execution of public involvement processes, Integrated Development Planning, environmental auditing and the management of large, multi-disciplinary project teams.

Ms Rebecca Thomas - Bachelors in Environmental Science (BSc) - is a Senior Environmental Scientist with 6 years experience in the environmental field. Rebecca specialises in Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Plans. Her key experience includes the assessment of environmental impacts associated with large industrial facilities specifically with regards to power generation and transmission.

2.4 Details of Competent / Relevant Authority

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) will act as the competent authority and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) as the commenting authority for this application. The mandate and core business of the DEA is underpinned by the Constitution and all other relevant legislation and policies applicable to the government of the Republic of South Africa.

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Table 2.3: Details of the relevant competent authority

Name: Department of Environmental Affairs

Contact person: Ms. Lene Grobbelaar Case Officer: Mr. Mogole Mphahlele Address: Private Bag X447 Pretoria 0001 Tel: +27 (0) 12 310 3004 Fax: +27 (0) 12 320 7539 E-mail: [email protected]

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 2-3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 3 DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION: TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 Introduction

Caledon Wind has secured approximately 3500 hectares in Caledon in the Western Cape Province, and proposes to construct and operate a wind park and associated infrastructure to generate up to 300 MW of electricity for the national grid. This chapter describes the project in sufficient detail to allow an evaluation of the potential impacts that could result from project construction and operation, and to allow development of appropriate mitigation measures for such impacts. The potential impacts associated with the project are being evaluated within the environmental studies and are discussed in Chapter 8.

3.2 Wind Energy: How it Works

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as electricity, using modern and highly reliable wind turbines. Wind power is non- dispatchable, meaning that for economic operation, all of the available output must be taken when it is available.

Wind Turbines, like windmills currently utilised on farms across South Africa, are mounted on a tower to capture wind energy. The kinetic energy of the wind is used to turn the blades of the turbine to generate electricity. At 30 m or more above ground they can take advantage of the faster less turbulent wind. Usually, 2 - 3 blades are mounted on a shaft to form a rotor. The nacelle, which sits at the top of the hub, contains the generator, control equipment, gearbox and anemometer for monitoring the wind speed and direction. The mechanical power generated by the rotation of the blades is transmitted to the generator within the nacelle via a gearbox and drive train. The generator converts the turning motion of the blades into electricity.

The wind turbine consists of the following major components, as shown in Figure 3.1 below:

• The rotor / blades; • The nacelle / generator; • The tower; and • The foundation unit.

Turbines are able to operate at varying wind speeds, dependant on site specific characteristics. The amount of energy a turbine can harness depends on both the wind velocity and the length of the rotor blades. It is anticipated that the turbines utilised for the Caledon Wind Farm will have a hub height of 80 - 100 m and a turbine blade length 40 – 58.5 m, with a generating capacity of between 2 MW and 3.6 MW each. Wind turbines typically start generating electricity at wind speeds of between 10 km/hr to 15 km/hr (2,5 m/s -4 m/s). This is called the cut-in speed , the minimum wind speed at which the wind turbine will generate usable power. Nominal wind speeds required for full power operation vary between 45 km/hr and 60 km/hr (11 m/s to 15 m/s) dependant on the International Energy Council (IEC) wind Classes. At very high speeds, typically over 100 km/hr, the wind turbine will cease power generation and

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stop. The wind speed at which shut down occurs is called the cut-out speed . This is a safety feature which protects the turbine from damage. Normal wind turbine operation usually resumes when the wind drops back to a safe level.

A turbine is designed to operate continuously, and with low maintenance, for more than 20 years. Once operating, a wind energy facility can be monitored and controlled remotely, with a mobile team for maintenance when required.

Figure 3.1: Components of a typical wind turbine

Tower Height 80m 100m 100m Blade Length 40m 47m 58.5m Power Output 2MW 2.5MW 3.6MW Figure 3.2: Comparison of varying turbine sizes

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3.3 Infrastructure Requirements

Caledon Wind is in the process of finalising the type of turbine to be procured and the micro-siting / placement to determine the exact positioning of the turbines. Some specifications of the final project could be somewhat different than described here. However, differences are expected to be relatively minor and should not result in increased impacts.

The proposal is for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a wind farm comprising the following components:

• Up to 150 wind turbines (including tower foundations). • Internal access roads from the R43 to the operations area. • Transmission line from a point on the proposed wind farm connecting to the national grid through the nearest existing Transmission lines within the proposed study area (Parcel No. 1/264). • Underground/overhead (to be determined) cables to carry electricity from the turbines to the project sub-station, then to the existing overhead transmission lines within the project boundaries. • Substation at the connection point to the existing transmission lines. • Control center compound in an existing building in Caledon. • Upgrade of the Houwhoek Substation to accommodate the additional capacity

The wind farm will be integrated with the national transmission system via new transmission lines and a substation will be constructed at the point where the transmission lines will connect with the existing transmission lines.

Alternatives identified as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process are discussed in Chapter 4 of this report.

3.4 Construction Phase

The wind farm is expected to be constructed over a period of approximately four years and is anticipated to produce electricity for approximately 20 years or more. In 2011, the roads, substation, transmission lines, and turbine foundations would be constructed, and in 2011 the towers and turbines (for the first phase) would be erected and placed in operation. The following subsections describe transportation of workers, materials, and equipment to the site, the temporary works to be used during construction, and the construction of the various project components.

3.4.1 Transportation

The wind turbines will be transported in sections to the installation site. In addition, other materials needed for the foundations & grid-connection, will be transported separately.

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Table 3.1: Turbine components and transportation details Product Quantity Vehicles needed Weight & Dimensions 3 per turbine on 3 Loads 54 tonnes to 68.4 tonnes Turbine Tower (Special Vehicles up to 80t) Length: 27 m to 33 m Section Diameter: 5.5 m to 6.5 m 3 blades per turbine on 3 6.5 tonnes to 10.5 tonnes Blades (from 40m Loads (Special Trucks, 20t) Length: 40 m to 58.5 m to 55m) Radius: 3.2m Nacelle 1 to 3 loads per turbine 35 to 88 tonnes (Generator) depending on model 5.8m x 4.7m x 3.0m Electrical Cable & 1 x 20 tonne truck Cable: 4 tonnes Transformers Transformer: 6 tonnes 15 to 25 Loads per foundation 305 to 500 m3: Batching on-site, with Bulk Concrete deliveries of aggregate & cement in 20 tonne trucks Re-Enforcing 20 tonne on 1 load Standard 20 tonne truck Steel

In total, each turbine will require 16 loads / trips, comprising of the specification and load characteristics in the column above.

Turbines will be transported from Cape Town or Saldanha harbours in 20 to 80 ton trucks on roads connecting to the N2 Highway and then along the R43 Regional Road to the construction site. Construction and foundation materials will be transported from nearby Quarries & Suppliers in Villiersdorp and Botrivier respectively, in 20 to 50 ton trucks.

Figure 3.3: Specialist Transport for Blades: 20t MAX, 3 loads per turbine (Length up to 55m)

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3-4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 3.4: Specialist Transport for Towers, 80t MAX, 3 Loads per turbine. (Length 40m)

3.4.2 Temporary Works

Temporary works used during the construction period will consist of a temporary compound and staging area (refer Figure 3.5) located within the site (Farm De Vleytjes 261). The main compound will include a parking area, a generator with fuel storage, and temporary buildings to provide accommodation and support facilities for managers, secure storage, site offices, and welfare and first aid facilities. During the construction period, the temporary works will be sufficient to support approximately 80 people, including approximately 20 for road construction, 20 for control center and substation construction, 10 to15 for underground and aboveground transmission line construction, and 20 for turbine foundation construction. Construction of the various components will proceed concurrently, after the access road has been laid out and begun to be built. Construction will take place predominantly in daylight hours. The project engineers will be housed in four new accommodation units on to be constructed on-site and laborers will commute in daily from the surrounding communities. In addition, the camp will include a kitchen, fuel storage area, and a temporary warehouse to store materials and equipment. Kitchen and other wastes will be collected / recycled and transported to the nearest licensed waste site. During both construction phases, electricity will be provided from existing national grid via a 11 kV line and diesel generators. During the second year, about 15 to18 workers will be required to erect the towers and turbines

During the entire construction period, land disturbance will be kept to a minimum, and in accordance to recommendations from the EIA process Both the access road and the on-site roads will be laid out and marked at the outset of the construction season, and passenger vehicles, trucks, and construction equipment will keep to these roads and not create new tracks across the steppe. Should wet conditions cause the temporary roadways to deteriorate, gravel will be used to improve the temporary route pending completion of the permanent road, rather than having vehicles create a new track across undisturbed steppe.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3-5 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 3.5: Temporary Compound and Laydown Area during Construction

Table 3.2: Breakdown of Workers / Skills levels Function Number of Workers Skills Breakdown Roads 20 2 Skills 2 Semi-Skilled 16 Un-skilled Foundations 20 2 Skills 2 Semi-Skilled 16 Un-skilled Cabling & Sub-Station 20 2 Specialists 4 Skilled 4 Semi-Skilled 10 Un-Skilled Turbine Assembly & Erecting 14 8 Specialists 4 Skilled 2 Semi Skilled

3.4.3 Construction of Substation and Ancillary Infrastructure

An electrical substation will be located to connect transmission lines from the turbines to the existing Eskom line that will convey the electricity to the national grid.

Other equipment will include excavation and other heavy construction equipment as well as passenger vehicles. All materials and equipment will be transported to the site in heavy trucks via existing and new access road.

Aboveground tanks to store small quantities (500 - 1000 liters) of diesel fuel, 1,000 liters of hydraulic oil, and 200 liters of lubricating oil will be placed in the laydown area. An impervious surface (concrete or asphalt or other impermeable membrane) will be laid under the tank area and an earthen berm with an impermeable inner surface will be constructed around the tanks, sized so as to be able to hold all of the

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3-6 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

contents of the tanks in case of spills. In addition, a structure to hold absorbent materials for cleanup of possible spills will be placed near this storage area. The fuel tanks and spill containment area will be constructed early in the overall construction process so they can support the remainder of the construction effort as well as future operations. Any refueling that is necessary will take place over the impervious area.

3.4.4 Access Roads

Existing roads will be upgraded, and new access roads will be constructed to connect the turbines within the proposed site and to connect the turbines to the existing grid. The total length of these roads will vary depending on the arrangement of the turbines. The roads will be constructed with specifications, including roadway preparation, stormwater controls, and placing gravel where needed. The access road will be laid out and construction will begin early. The road will be three to four meters wide two track roads, covered with gravel. Where possible, gravel taken from areas of excavation (cut) will be used to provide material where more is required (fill) and to surface the road. If additional gravel is needed, it will be transported from a nearby quarry. To the maximum extent possible, all equipment and disturbance will be confined to the roadway route itself, even before the entire road is constructed. In addition, to the extent possible, construction will take place under dry conditions. When that is not possible, appropriate methods will be used to control stormwater, measures to impede run-off and prevent erosion.

Where roads have to cross existing erosion features or ephemeral streams, drainage features will be incorporated into the design to control overland flow and minimize erosion. If there are major gullies or other erosion features to be crossed, culverts will be installed to convey stormwater under the road. The uphill side of the road will have a small excavated channel to convey water parallel to the road and prevent it from flowing onto and across the road; culverts will be placed to take water under the road when the road switches back or curves away. These constructed channels on the uphill side will have appropriate features to slow flow. The downhill side of the road will have a small berm where necessary to prevent stormwater from eroding into the hillside as it leaves the road surface.

Typical road construction specifications would include excavating topsoil and subsoil, grading to desired slope and grade using cut-and-fill methods, placement and compaction of gravel where needed, excavation of a drainage ditch along uphill sides where appropriate, and placement of low berms on downhill sides where necessary. Any surplus topsoil will be stockpiled and protected from erosion, for use in future reclamation. For at least some of the distance, the road will follow an existing unimproved vehicle track which in some demonstrates serious erosion. Any such areas will be stabilized for road construction, and used for future farming activities

All off-road areas disturbed by construction equipment will be reclaimed by planting seeds of indigenous vegetation or Feed-stock, where applicable. In addition, during the remainder of the construction season after the road is complete, and possibly the next season, of indigenous vegetation will be established in any soil-based channels that are constructed alongside the road.

3.4.5 Transmission Line within the Site to the National Grid

Electricity is transported along power lines from the power stations to substations located in areas where the power is required. The distances between the power stations and areas where the power is required, necessitates the transmission of electricity at high voltages to compensate for the losses that occur during

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transmission over long distances. The transmission of high voltages also limits the number of power lines. Transmission power lines usually consist of overhead conductors suspended from transmission towers.

The overhead power lines transmit electricity at voltages ranging from 11 kV up to 765 kV. Conductors are made of aluminium, copper and steel in various combinations and in various shapes and sizes. Aluminium is used because it is a good conductor of electricity; steel is used to add strength. The electricity transmitted to substations must be reduced to a voltage that is suitable for the consumer. Transformers step-down the voltage and feed the electricity into the grid via distribution lines, which distribute the power to the end users. A variety of tower designs exist and the type to be used for this project will be determined during the detailed design phase.

3.4.6 Temporary On-Site Road for self propelled crane

A self-propelled crane will be used to erect the towers and turbines. This crane will need to travel from one turbine location to the next. The crane will require a wider road, up to 10 meters wide.

The wider roads will be required during assembly of the turbines. Immediately after towers and turbines are erected and the crane is no longer needed, the width of these roads will be reduced to about three to four meters, two - track roads, with wider areas around bends and junctions. Where roads are made narrower, soil will be replaced from the stockpiles and of indigenous vegetation will be reestablished.

3.4.7 Turbines

During the construction phase, foundations for the turbines will be constructed. Figure 3.6 below shows the dimensions of the typical foundation. This figure illustrates that the bulk of the foundation will be below ground level and out of sight with only a relatively small pedestal of approximately 5,5m diameter protruding above ground level. The proposed project would place the turbines on hilltops within the proposed area. This is to allow for maximum exposure to wind resources. Chapter 7 provides a detailed description of the baseline environment in which the wind farm is proposed to be constructed. Turbines will be placed at least 150 meters apart, with distances ranging up to a kilometer or more depending on topography and their relative orientation to the prevailing wind direction. Optional layouts with regards to the placement of wind turbines will be determined from the micro-siting and the EIA process being undertaken. The findings of the environmental studies being undertaken will also provide a synopsis of opportunities and limitations for considerations in the determination of the most appropriate sites and layout options to be implemented. Project alternatives are discussed further in Chapter 4 of this document.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3-8 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 3.6: Foundation Dimensions

Construction would involve excavating to a depth of at least 2.5 meters, then using steel, gravel and concrete to construct the foundations. Before each foundation is excavated, topsoil and subsoil will be salvaged and stored nearby. The topsoil will be stripped and stockpiled separately and protected from wind and water erosion.

Following foundation construction, soil will be backfilled in the same stratigraphic sequence and indigenous vegetation will be re-established, except for the access road and a small parking area at the base of the tower. As part of the foundation, an underground electric line will connect the transformer to the powerline line that will carry electricity to the projects’ substation.

During the second construction season, the wind-generating equipment will be installed. A total of about 15 to18 workers will be required to install the towers and turbines. Typically, a self-propelled “crawler” crane is transported to a site by truck and assembled at the first turbine location. The tower is placed on the foundation, then the nacelle, hub, and rotors are lifted and placed. Figure 3.8 shows a crane lifting a rotor blade at a tower. Following installation of the turbines, any disturbed areas outside the roadway and small parking area will be reclaimed and revegetated with feed-stock.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 3-9 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 3.7: Side View of Turbines ready for erection

Figure 3.8: Top View of Turbines ready for erection

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Figure 3.9: Distant view of Turbines during erection

3.4.8 Use of Services and Resources during Construction

The following services or resources will be required during construction.

Water

Water will be required for potable use and in the construction of the foundations for the towers. Water will be piped in from a municipal source through a temporary water pipeline. Applicable authorisation and usage licenses from relevant Water Authorities will be applied for during the EIA.

Sewage

A negligible sewage flow is anticipated for the duration of the construction period. On site treatment will be undertaken through the use of chemical toilets. The toilets will be serviced periodically by the supplier.

Roads

Existing informal roads will be used / upgraded as far as possible during construction. The use of the roads will be negotiated with the landowners. Access roads will be constructed where necessary.

Stormwater

Stormwater will be required to be managed. Stormwater will be managed in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that will be compiled for the construction phase. A stormwater management plan will be drafted in consultation with the relevant specialists.

Solid waste disposal

All solid waste will be collected at a central location at each construction site and will be stored temporarily until removal to an appropriately permitted landfill site in the vicinity of the construction site.

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Electricity

Diesel generators will predominantly be utilised for the provision of electricity during construction.

3.5 Operational Phase

The wind farm is proposed to begin generating electricity in 2011 following installation and testing of the turbines. Operational efficiency will be monitored 24 hours per day from the manufacturers head-offices in Europe, as well as in the control center which will be based in Caledon. In general, there will be no daily traffic to and from the site.

It is anticipated that technicians will visit each turbine on at least a quarterly basis for routine inspection and maintenance. In addition, turbines will require other periodic maintenance as prescribed and performed by the equipment manufacturer, including changes of lubricating oils. Routine road maintenance will include blading and smoothing as necessary to maintain the road surface, as well as inspecting and repairing stormwater controls as necessary to ensure their proper functioning to control erosion.

When operating, there will be some noise from each of the turbines. Noise will be generated by the gearbox and generator in the nacelle, and by the rotors passing through the air. The former will be largely contained by insulation, and reduced further at ground level. Rotor noise will depend on the speed of the wind and rotors, and can reach 35-40 dB at ground level at a distance of about 350m from the tower base.

In general, land disturbance will be confined to areas on and around where various site components were constructed, with no additional disturbance of otherwise undisturbed lands.

3.6 Decommissioning Phase

At present, it is not possible to describe the activities at the end of the operational life of the wind farm. It is possible that Caledon Wind will replace turbines, extend the period of the lease, and continue to generate electricity, in which case decommissioning may be postponed for years or decades. When electricity generation finally ends, the proponent may wish to leave at least some of the roads and/or transmission lines. Regardless, activities will be in compliance with national and local government requirements.

When the site is ready to be decommissioned, the turbines will be dismantled. Steel and other useful materials will be recycled. One or more buildings may continue to be occupied, and the transmission line may continue to be used. Where not required, they will be dismantled and metals recycled. Inert materials that cannot be re-used or recycled will be taken to a suitable landfill. Any contaminated material such as oil storage tanks will be taken to a suitable disposal site. On-site roads that will no longer be used will be reclaimed and vegetated with indigenous vegetation.

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Foundations and other belowground inert structures will be buried and covered with soil. Land no longer being used will be revegetated with indigenous vegetation. All these reclaimed areas will be monitored and maintained until no further attention is required to ensure long-term survival of vegetation.

3.7 Conclusion

This chapter describes the various infrastructure and technology requirements for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm, its associated infrastructure, transmission lines and substation in the Caledon area of the Western Cape Province. The power station is proposed to generate up to 300 MW. Up to 150 wind turbines, between 2 – 3,6 MW each in generating capacity, will be constructed within approximately 3500 ha area. The arrangement of the wind turbines will depend predominantly on technical requirements, and on the topography and their relative orientation to the prevailing wind direction. The findings of the environmental studies being undertaken will also provide a synopsis of opportunities and limitations for considerations in the determination of the most appropriate sites and layout options to be implemented.

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4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

In terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), feasible and reasonable alternatives have to be considered within the Environmental Scoping phase. All identified, feasible and reasonable alternatives are required to be identified in terms of social, biophysical, economic and technical factors.

A key challenge of the EIA process is the consideration of alternatives 1. Most guidelines use terms such as ‘reasonable’, ‘practicable’, ‘feasible’ or ‘viable’ to define the range of alternatives that should be considered. Essentially there are two types of alternatives:

• incrementally different (modifications) alternatives to the Project; and • fundamentally (totally) different alternatives to the Project.

Fundamentally different alternatives are usually assessed at a strategic level, and EIA practitioners recognise the limitations of project-specific EIAs to address fundamentally different alternatives. Electricity Generating alternatives have been addressed as part of the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) published by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and the Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan (ISEP) undertaken by Eskom. Environmental aspects are considered and integrated into the NIRP and ISEP using the strategic environmental assessment approach, focussing on environmental life-cycle assessments, water-related issues and climate change considerations. The Environmental Scoping phase, thus, only considered alternatives considered in terms of the proposed new 300 MW Caledon Wind Farm in the Western Cape Province, and did not evaluate any other power generation options.

4.1 The ‘do nothing’ Alternative

The ‘do-nothing’ or ‘no-go’ alternative is the option of not establishing a wind farm in Caledon in the Western Cape Province.

The electricity demand in South Africa surpassed existing power generation capacity in 2008, causing nation-wide black-outs and load shedding. The crisis has temporally been averted through the forced reduction of use to the mining industry by 10%, causing vast job-losses in its wake. South Africa requires additional capacity if it is to meet the growing demand for electricity. The 'do nothing' option will, therefore, contribute to these electricity demands not being met. Not meeting the growing electricity demand will have major adverse impacts on economic activity and economic growth in South Africa, which in turn will have an adverse impact on socio- economic development in South Africa. Additional electricity generation options will contribute to meeting this energy demand. The recent increase in oil prices, the exhaustibility of fossil fuels and the urgent need for stable, reliable, non-polluting sources of electrical energy that are indispensable to a modern industrial economy focuses attention on alternative energy, such as renewable energy sources.

1 In terms of the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R385 of 21 April 2006 in terms of Section 24 (5) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), the definition of “alternatives” in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity which may include: (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; and (e) the operational aspects of the activity.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 4-1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report The construction of the proposed wind farm will also aid South Africa in meeting its commitments to reduce green house gas emissions, made in terms of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997) and the Kyoto Protocol (2002) The “do-nothing” alternative will not assist the country in meeting these renewable energy targets or aid in reducing the Western Cape Province’s dependence on imported electricity.

The “do-nothing’ alternative is therefore not considered to be the preferred alternative. The “do-nothing’ alternative however will be represented by the status quo, against which the proposed project will be compared in detail during the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

4.2 Location Alternatives

In determining the most appropriate sites for the establishment of a new wind farm within South Africa, various options were investigated by Caledon Wind during a pre- feasibility study. The pre-feasibility site selection process has to consider particular criteria suitable to the development of a wind farm. The criteria, which resulted in the selection of the proposed study area included following:

Topography The Theewaterskloof Municipal region is ideal for wind energy, characterised by an elevated plateau and numerous hillocks/ridges for the placement of turbines. These topographic features intensify the localised wind by causing a funnelling effect.

Wind conditions (Renewable resource) Wind monitoring studies undertaken during the initial feasibility studies have shown the local wind conditions to be ideal for the placement of a wind farm.

Extent of site The large extent of the properties available allows for a substantial installed capacity in one central location.

Connection to the National Transmission System An existing Transmission network runs across the western portion of the site (Parcel No. 1/264), thus allowing for connection to the grid.

Environmental Considerations No environmental fatal flaws were identified during the initial feasibility stages. Construction and operation of the wind farm would not restrict the current farming/grazing activities on the site. Further detailed environmental potential impacts are investigated through both the Scoping phase and Impact Assessment phase of this EIA.

Site Access The proposed site is dissected by the R43 making access to both the western and eastern portion of the site fairly easy. Furthermore, the R43 provides access to the N2. With a few access routes, the site can therefore be easily connected to these major routes making for easy accessibility for the transport of infrastructure and personnel.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 4-2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Local Labour and Economic Stimulus Wind farms are well suited to rural areas as agricultural activities can continue around the wind turbines. In a number of cases, wind farms have led to an increase in tourism as they are considered by many to be a tourist attraction. Additionally, tourism accommodation will be utilised during the construction phase by project staff. The site is located in relatively close proximity to the towns of Caledon and Botrivier, which will act as a source of local labour. Caledon Wind, as part of the ‘Green’ initiative, will also use local resources, when and where possible, including materials and labour.

A summary of the results of the pre-feasibility study are included in Appendix C, and it became evident through the study that two of the three sites ranked lower than the selected site, and would not be viable options for consideration within an EIA. From the pre-feasibility studies, the proposed Caledon site was therefore identified as ideal for a for a wind farm. No further sites are therefore considered in this EIA process. Other alternatives in respect of the proposed site, however, have been identified through the Scoping phase and are discussed below. Detailed investigation of these alternatives will be undertaken within the Impact Assessment phase of the project, with respect to the environmental issues identified during this Scoping phase.

4.3 Layout and Design Alternatives

4.3.1 Arrangement of the Wind Turbines

The arrangement of the wind turbines will be determined by complex Computational Fluid Dynamix by leading international wind experts. It is critical the end arrangement is in the right position (i.e. according to wind), such that maximum capacity is produced by the wind farm. The positions determined through the micro-siting will however have (limited) latitude to move within the identified optimal wind resource to mitigate for any particular environmental potential impacts identified within the layout region.

4.3.2 Size of Wind Turbines

The selection of turbines (based on highly specialised and scientific processes and procedures, executed by 3 independent and internationally experienced parties, shall guide the audited selection criteria) will follow International Wind Generation Best practices. The final selection choice of turbine will therefore be guided by the principles of minimising impact versus maximising output. Turbines ranging between 2 – 3,6 MW will be investigated during the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the project. The different turbine sizes will have different hub (generator) heights and different blades lengths, with these increasing from 80 m to 100 m for the hub height and 40 m to 58.5 m for the blade length as one moves from a 2 MW turbine to a 3,6 MW turbine. The number of turbines required, however, will decrease as the size increases (i.e. 150 x 2 MW turbines to 83 x 3,6 MW turbines). The various turbines will be considered by the specialists in the detailed Impact Assessment phase and the size used in the end will depend on which will result in the least environmental impact on the proposed study area.

4.3.3 Transmission Power Lines

Due to the need for power to be connected from the turbines to the substation, and then to the national transmission system, it is necessary to identify potential

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 4-3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report alignments for the power lines. Network integration, planning and design studies for the integration of the transmission line into the national network are still being finalised, and will also require input from Eskom. These will be informed by the understanding the local power requirements. Alternative alignments for the 11 - 22 kV powerlines will be assessed in the Impact Assessment phase. Transmission lines will follow existing or proposed roads as closely as possible so as to reduce the need for additional points of access and minimise potential environmental impacts. The EIA will investigate whether power lines should be above or belowground cables, or a combination thereof.

4.4 Associated Infrastructure

4.4.1 Access Roads

Access roads will be required in order to ensure access from the main road to the wind farm; to connect the turbines within the proposed site and to connect the turbines to the sub-station, and ultimately the national grid. The access road routes will ultimately depend on the layout of the turbines, as well as the size of the turbines, which will in turn determine where the roads will be required to go and how many roads will be required. These access road alignments will therefore have to be further investigated in the Impact Assessment phase once the layout and design alternatives have been selected.

4.5 Conclusion

This chapter discussed the various project alternatives involved with the proposed wind farm. The selection of the location for the proposed wind farm is discussed, as well as the various layouts, associated infrastructure alternatives and technology. The various criteria for the selection of the above alternatives are discussed in detail in the chapter.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 4-4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 5 LEGAL AND POLICY CONTEXT

5.1 Introduction

This section of the Scoping Report details applicable legal provisions and the policy context for the EIA. It provides a review of relevant international legal instruments as well as national legislation, regulations and policy documents, which are applicable to (or have implications for) the proposed wind farm development in the Republic of South Africa.

One of the main foci of this section is on the provisions of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). NEMA is the primary South African legislation governing the requirements for environmental impact assessment. In the context of Caledon Wind’s initiative to build the required infrastructure for electricity generation, the provisions of NEMA and associated EIA Regulations (regarding scoping and EIA) are of fundamental relevance. This chapter also describes other legislation relevant to constitutional and administrative legal precepts in South African law, as well as environmental legislation of specific relevance inter alia to water resources; heritage; biodiversity and land use planning.

The activities associated with the project have the potential to trigger the South African requirements for EIA, and are likely to require a number of particular consents and authorisations. An analysis of the range of consents and authorisations required for the operation of the project will be the subject of a detailed legal (including environmental) analysis. This chapter does not provide such an analysis. Rather, this chapter provides a preliminary input at the Scoping phase of the EIA process by describing the environmental and other legislation that may be relevant during the undertaking of the project.

5.2 Legislative, Policy, Planning and Guideline Context

The legislative framework applicable to this project is diverse and consists of a number of Acts and Regulations which must be complied with. A summary of the key environmental legislation and relevant policies and/or guidelines is provided in the following sections:

5.2.1 The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA)

1 NEMA is the most significant single piece of legislation dealing with environmental management in South Africa. The stated purpose of NEMA is, amongst other things, “to provide for co-operative environmental governance by establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment, institutions that will promote

1 NEMA applies throughout the territory of the Republic of South Africa which effectively means that it applies throughout the terrestrial area of the Republic and seaward beyond the low-water mark, to the outer extent of the territorial waters (which extend for 12 nautical miles from the low-water mark or specifically demarcated baselines – see the provisions of the Maritime Zones Act, 15 of 1994 in this regard).

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report co-operative governance and procedures for co-ordinating environmental functions 2 exercised by organs of state...”

NEMA takes the form of “framework” legislation. It establishes a set of 18 principles which apply throughout the Republic to the actions of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment and -

“a) shall apply alongside all other appropriate and relevant considerations, including the State's responsibility to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the social and economic rights in Chapter 2 of the Constitution and in particular the basic needs of categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination; b) serve as the general framework within which environmental management and implementation plans must be formulated; c) serve as guidelines by reference to which any organ of state must exercise any function when taking any decision in terms of this Act or any statutory provision concerning the protection of the environment; d) serve as principles by reference to which a conciliator appointed under this Act must make recommendations; and e) guide the interpretation, administration and implementation of this Act, and any other law concerned with the protection or management of the 3 environment.”

The following principles contained in section 2 of NEMA are of particular relevance in that they potentially impact on any decisions that may be taken by organs of state in relation to the authorisation of the construction of electricity transmission infrastructure in South Africa:

• “Environmental management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concern, and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural and social interests equitably.” 4 • “Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.”5 • “Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the following:

(i) That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied; (ii) that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied; (iii) that the disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nation's cultural heritage is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimised and remedied;

2 Long title of NEMA. Section 239 of the Constitution defines an “organ of state” as: (a) any department of state or administration in the national, provincial or local sphere of government; or (b) any other functionary or institution- (i) exercising a power or performing a function in terms of the Constitution or a provincial constitution; or (ii) exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of any legislation, but does not include a court or a judicial officer. 3 Section 2(1) of NEMA. 4 Section 2(2) of NEMA. 5 Section 2(3) of NEMA.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report (iv) that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and re-used or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner; (v) that the use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource; (vi) that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardised; (vii) that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions; and (viii) that negative impacts on the environment and on people's environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they 6 cannot be altogether prevented, are minimised and remedied.”

• “The participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance must be promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to develop the understanding, skills and capacity necessary for achieving equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured.”7 • “The social, economic and environmental impacts of activities, including disadvantages and benefits, must be considered, assessed and evaluated, and decisions must be appropriate in the light of such consideration and assessment.” 8 • “There must be intergovernmental co-ordination and harmonisation of policies, legislation and actions relating to the environment.” 9 • “Global and international responsibilities relating to the environment must be discharged in the national interest.”10

NEMA also contains provisions on the creation of environmental management plans and environmental implementation plans and stipulates the respective organs of state responsible for doing so, as well as what such management and implementation plans are to include 11 .

Chapter 5 of NEMA, entitled “Integrated Environmental Management” establishes the environmental impact assessment regime in South Africa. Since 3 July 2006, the procedural and substantive requirements for undertaking EIAs in South Africa have been regulated in terms of the provisions contained in section 24 of NEMA and the NEMA EIA Regulations 12 . The NEMA EIA Regulations identify lists of activities which require either “basic assessment” 13 or “scoping and environmental impact assessment” 14 ; and prescribe the procedural and substantive requirements for the undertaking of EIAs and the issue of environmental authorisations.

6 Section 2(4)(a) of NEMA. 7 Section 2(4)(f) of NEMA. 8 Section 2(4)(i) of NEMA. 9 Section 2(4)(l) of NEMA. 10 Section 2(4)(n) of NEMA. 11 Chapter 3 of NEMA (Sections 11-16). 12 Published respectively in Government Notices R385, 386 and 387 in Government Gazette 28753 dated 21 April 2006, as amended. 13 GN R386 in Government Gazette 28753 dated 21 April 2006. 14 GN R387 in Government Gazette 28753 dated 21 April 2006.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Activities identified in terms of section 24(2) (a) and (d) of NEMA, which may not commence without environmental authorisation from the competent authority and in respect of which the investigation, assessment and communication of potential impact of such activities must follow the procedure as described in regulations 22 to 26 of the NEMA EIA Regulations. If the activity is listed in GN R386 or GN R 387, an applicant applies for authorisation either by undertaking a basic assessment or a scoping and EIA process, respectively.

(a) Activities requiring Basic Assessment

The activities that apply to the Caledon wind farm project and oblige basic assessment are set out in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1: Activities requiring Basic Assessment Activity Identification of competent Activity description number authority 7. The above ground storage of a dangerous good, [In the case of the Caledon including petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas or wind farm EIA DEA is the paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity or competent authority for more than 30 cubic metres but less than 1 000 cubic purposes of a decision on metres at any one location or site. activities listed in terms of section 24 of NEMA .

The legal basis for DEA’s role as competent authority is reflected in the provisions of section 24C of NEMA. It 15 provides that the Minister (and by implication, delegated authorities and/or officials within the DEA) must be identified as the competent authority in terms of section 24C(1) if the activity is undertaken, or is to be undertaken, by a statutory body, excluding any municipality, performing an exclusive competence of the national sphere of 16 government. ] 12. The transformation or removal of indigenous vegetation of 3 hectares or more or of any size where the transformation or removal would occur within a critically endangered or an endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004). 14. The construction of masts of any material or type and of any height, including those used for telecommunication broadcasting and radio transmission, but excluding- (a) masts of 15 metres and lower exclusively used (i) by radio amateurs; or

15 Section 24C(2). 16 Section 24C(2)(d)(iii).

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Activity Identification of competent Activity description number authority (ii) for lighting purposes (b) flag poles; and (c) lightning conductor poles. 15. The construction of a road that is wider than 4 metres or that has a reserve wider than 6 metres, excluding roads that fall within the ambit of another listed activity or which are access roads of less than 30 metres long.

(b) Activities requiring Scoping and EIA

17 In terms of the list of activities identified in terms of sections 24 of NEMA and GN R387, the following activities may not commence without an environmental authorisation from the competent authority ( Table 5.2). Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment procedures contained in the NEMA EIA Regulations must be 18 complied with before such an authorisation can be issued . The table indicates the activities that apply to the proposed construction of the Caledon wind farm:

Table 5.2: Activities requiring Scoping and EIA Activity Identification of competent Activity description number authority 1. The construction of facilities or infrastructure, [In the case of the Caledon including associated structures or infrastructure, for- wind farm EIA DEA is the competent authority for (a) the generation of electricity where- purposes of a decision on (i) the electricity output is 20 megawatts or activities listed in terms of more; or section 24 of NEMA . (ii) the elements of the facility cover a combined area in excess of 1 hectare; The legal basis for DEA’s role ... as competent authority is reflected in the provisions of (l) the transmission and distribution of above ground section 24C of NEMA. It electricity with a capacity of 120 kilovolts or 19 provides that the Minister more; (and by implication, delegated authorities and/or officials within the DEA) must be identified as the competent authority in terms of section 24C(1) if the activity is undertaken, or is to be undertaken, by a statutory body, excluding any municipality, performing an exclusive competence of the

17 Published in Government Gazette 28753 of 21 April 2006 as amended by GN R614 in Government Gazette 28938 of 23 June 2006. 18 The legal implications of triggering activities on both lists must be borne in mind, as such a situation arises in the context of the on-going environmental assessment for the proposed project. The situation is regulated by the provisions of Regulation 21(2) of the NEMA EIA Regulations which stipulate that scoping must be applied to an application if the “application is for two or more activities as part of the same development and scoping must in terms of paragraph (a) or (b) be applied in respect of any of the activities”. In other words, if a single activity requires scoping and EIA before authorisation, then each activity that requires approval must also be subject to this assessment methodology. 19 Section 24C(2). 20 Section 24C(2)(d)(iii).

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-5 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Activity Identification of competent Activity description number authority national sphere of 20 government. ]

2. Any development activity, including associated structures and infrastructure, where the total area of the developed area is, or is intended to be, 20 hectares or more.

5.2.2 Western Cape Guideline Series for EIA (2005)

The Western Cape DEADP has developed various guidelines relating to environmental assessment and management, and the EIA process. The guidelines aim to inform participants and increase the effectiveness of the environmental assessment and management processes. The series currently includes:

• Guideline for Determining the Scope of Specialist Involvement in EIA Processes; • Guideline for the Review of Specialist Input into the EIA Process; • Guideline for Involving Biodiversity Specialists in EIA Processes; • Guideline for Involving Heritage Specialists in EIA Processes; • Guideline for Involving Visual and Aesthetic Specialists in EIA Processes; • Guideline for Involving Economists in EIA Processes; • Guideline for Involving Hydro geologists in EIA Processes; • Guideline for Environmental Management Plans; and • Guideline for Involving Social Assessment Specialists in EIA Processes.

Those specialists involved with the proposed Caledon wind farm project must be aware and make use of these guidelines as appropriate.

In addition, the following guidelines are currently available in draft format only and will be finalised after the amendments to NEMA and the EIA Regulations have been promulgated:

• Guideline on Transitional Arrangements • Guideline on Public Participation • Guideline on Alternatives • Guideline on Exemption Applications • Guideline on Appeals

5.2.3 Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Integrated Environmental Management Guideline Series

The DEA has developed a series of guidelines to assist environmental assessment practitioners, potential applicants and interested and affected parties in understanding the roles, responsibilities and Regulations associates with the EIA process. The series currently includes:

• Guideline 3 : General guide to the EIA Regulations • Guideline 4 : Public participation • Guideline 5 : Assessment of alternatives and impacts • Guideline 6 : Environmental management frameworks

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5.2.4 Other Acts/Regulations/Policies/Guidelines Relevant to the Project

Several other Acts, Plans, Policies and Guidelines have also informed the project. Table 5.3 below provides a brief review of other relevant policies, legislation, guidelines and standards applicable to the Caledon Wind Farm EIA. A more detailed review of legislative requirements applicable to the proposed project will be included in the Impact Assessment phase.

Table 5.3: Brief review of other relevant policies, legislation, guidelines and standards applicable to the Caledon Wind Farm EIA Legislation Details/Applicable Sections National Legislation The Constitution of the Republic of South The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is Africa (Act 108 of 1996) the supreme law of South Africa and is the statute against which all other law (both statutory instruments and the common law) must be measured. To the extent that other laws conflict with the Constitution, they are as a general rule invalid, subject to the provisions of the limitations clause contained in section 36.

• The Bill of Rights forms the cornerstone upon which the constitutional dispensation in South Africa is built. It applies to all law, and binds the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and all organs of state. (Chapter 2, Section 7 – 39): • Environmental Rights i.e. “Everyone has the right to an environment which is not harmful to their health or well-being; and to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other measures (Section 24) • Rights to Freedom of Movement and Residence (Section 22) • Property rights (Section 25) • The Right of Access to Information (Section 32) • The Right to Just Administrative Action (Section 33) • Enforcement of Rights (Section 38 of the Constitution). • Limitations of Rights (Section 36) • Provincial Competence (Section 44 and 104) • Local Authority Competence (Section 44, 104, 154, 156 and Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5)

National Energy Act (Act 34 of 2008) • The Act is aimed to ensure that diverse energy resources are available, in sustainable quantities and at affordable prices, to the South African economy in support of economic growth and poverty alleviation, taking into account environmental management requirements and interactions amongst economic

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-7 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report sectors. • The Act also provides for energy planning, increased generation and consumption of renewable energies, contingency energy supply, holding of strategic energy feedstocks and carriers, adequate investment in, appropriate upkeep and access to energy infrastructure. • The act also establishes an institution to be responsible for promotion of efficient generation and consumption of energy and energy research; and to provide for all matters connected therewith. The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act • Definitions (Section 1) (Act 3 of 2000) • Procedural Fairness (Section 3, 4 and 6) • Right to Reasons for Decisions (Section 5) • Judicial Review (Section 6 and 8) Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 • The purpose of the Promotion of Access to of 2000) Information Act (“PAIA”) is to give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by the State and any information that is held by another person and that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights, and to provide for matters connected therewith. Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of • Waste disposal practices (Section 20) 1989) • National Noise control Regulations (GN R154 dated 10 January 1999) National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of • Stipulates assessment criteria and 1999) categories of heritage resources according to their significance (Section 7) • Provides for the protection of all archaeological and Palaeontological sites, and meteorites (Section 35) • Provides for the conservation and care of cemeteries and graves by SAHRA where this is not the responsibility of any other authority (Section 36) • List activities which require developers to notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development (Section 38) • Requires the compilation of a conservation management plan as well as a permit from SAHRA for the presentation of archaeological sites as part of tourism attraction (Section 44) National Environmental Management: • Provides for the MEC or Minister to list Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004 ecosystems which are threatened and in need of protection (Section 52) (none published as yet) • Provides for the MEC or Minister to identify any process or activity in such a listed ecosystem as a threatening process (Section 53) (none published as yet) • A list of threatened and protected species has been published in terms of Section 56(1), Government Gazette 29657

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-8 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report • Three government notices have been published, i.e. GN R150 (commencement of Threatened and Protected Species Regulations, 2007), GN R 151 (Lists of critically endangered, vulnerable and protected species) and GN R 152 (Threatened or Protected Species Regulations). Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Act No. • Part IV: Dust Control 45 of 1965) • Part V: Air Pollution by fumes emitted by vehicle emissions National Environmental Management: Air • Measures in respect of dust control Quality Act (Act No 39 of 2004) (Section 32) (no regulations promulgated as yet) • Measures to control noise (Section 34). (no regulations promulgated as yet) Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act • Prohibition of the spreading of weeds (Act No. 43 of 1983) (Section 5) • Classification of categories of weeds and invader plants (Regulation 15 of GN R1048) and restrictions in terms of where these species may occur • Requirement and methods to implement control measures for alien and invasive plant species (Regulation 15E of GN R1048) National Water Act (Act No 36 of 1998) • National Government is the public trustee of the Nation’s water resources (Section 3) • Entitlement to use water (Section 4) • Duty of Care to prevent and remedy the effects of pollution to water resources (Section 19) • Procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency incident which may impact on a water resource (Section 20) • Definition of Water Use (Section 21) • Requirements for registration of water use (Section 26 and Section 34) • Definition of offences in terms of the Act (Section 151) Aviation Act (Act No 74 of 1962) • 13th amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) 1997 • The Minister of Transport has under Section 22(1) of the Aviation Act, 1962 made the regulations in the Schedule hereto. • Obstacle limitations and marking outside aerodrome or heliport – CAR Part 139.01.33 Waste Act (Act No 59 0f 2008) • Waste Management Measures • Regulations and schedules National Forests Act (Act No. 84 of 1998) • Protected Trees • Forests Provincial Legislation The Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 • The purpose of LUPO is to regulate land (“LUPO”) use planning and incidental matters in the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-9 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Municipal by-laws

This chapter, which considers the potentially relevant national and provincial environmental legislative dimension of the project, does not include discussion on relevant municipal by-laws. However, it is possible that certain municipal by-laws will be relevant to the project and these will be discussed further during the impact assessment phase of the EIA.

Policy and Planning Context White Paper on the Energy Policy of the The Energy Policy governs development within the Republic of South Africa energy sector in South Africa, and has five policy objectives: • Increased access to affordable energy services; • Improved energy governance; • Stimulating economic development; • Managing energy related environmental and health impacts; and • Securing supply through diversity.

It also identifies: • The need to undertake an Integrated Energy Planning process, while also taking into account health, safety and environmental parameters. • The need for the implementation of a National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP). Energy Security Master Plan – Electricity • Addresses all aspects of the electricity (2007-2025) sector including generation, transmission and distribution as well as Demand Side Management and energy efficiency initiatives for the period 2007-2025. • The Master Plan also considers standards for ensuring security of supply. National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment • The NSBA establishes protection and (“NSBA”) conservation priority status for terrestrial, inland water, estuarine and marine ecosystems at a 1:250,000 scale nationally and suggested implementation options for priority areas. It provides the national context for development of biodiversity plans at the sub-national and local scale. Draft National Strategy for Sustainable • The (draft) National Strategy notes that the Development nation’s biodiversity provides critical ecosystem services on which socio- economic systems depend. Although still in development, the final product is set to be used by government and stakeholders to enhance South Africa’s long term planning capacity. It would specifically influence national and provincial development strategies. Integrated Development Plans (IDP) • Overberg District Municipality IDP (Revised IDP 2006/2007) • Theewaterskloof Local Municipality IDP (IDP 2005/2006) The Western Cape Provincial Spatial The stated purpose of the WCPSDF is to: Development Framework (“WCPSDF”) • Be the spatial expression of the Provincial

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-10 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS); • Guide municipal (district, local and metropolitan) Integrated Developments Plans (IDPs) and Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and provincial and municipal Spatial Development Plans (SDPs); • Help prioritise and align investments and infrastructure plans of other provincial departments, as well as national departments and parastatals plans and programmes in the Province; • Provide clear signals to the private sector about desired development directions; • Increase predictability in the development environment, for example by establishing “no-go”, “maybe” and “go” areas for development; and • Redress the spatial legacy of apartheid.

Guideline Documents South African National Standards (SANS) • Prediction of impact that noise emanating 10328, Methods for environmental noise from a proposed development would have impact assessments in terms of NEMA. No. on occupants of surrounding land by 107 of 1998 determining the rating level. • Noise limits are based on the acceptable rating levels of ambient noise contained in SANS 10103 Strategic Initiative to Introduce Commercial • Regional methodology for the siting of wind Land Based Wind Energy Development to the energy facilities within the Western Cape Western Cape – Towards a regional (Report 5) methodology for Wind Energy Site Selection • Project level methodology for assessing wind energy facilities within the Western Cape (Report 6) Draft Guidelines for the Granting of Exemption • Outlines the rules and conditions which Permits for the Conveyance of Abnormal Loads apply to the transport of abnormal loads and for other events on Public Roads and vehicles on public roads and the detailed procedures to be followed in applying for exemption permits

5.5 Conclusion

This legal review has provided a preliminary overview of the key aspects of environmental policy and the key environmental legal framework relating to the project. It provides a preliminary identification and review of the most relevant international, national and provincial environmental legislation as well as relevant international standards and guidelines. It must be noted that this preliminary review does not include all potentially relevant laws, policies, standards and guidelines.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 5-11 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 6 EIA PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

6.1 Introduction

The EIA process for the Caledon Wind Farm project is comprised of two main phases, namely the Scoping phase and Impact Assessment phase. This report documents the tasks which have been undertaken as part of the Scoping phase of the EIA. These tasks include the public participation process and specialist studies.

The Scoping phase serves to define the scope of the detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed project. Scoping has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Government Notices R 385 of 2006 (Regulations 27-36), and the IEM Information Series (DEA, 2002). The objectives of the Scoping phase are to:

• Ensure that the process is open and transparent and involves the authorities, proponent and stakeholders; • Identify the important characteristics of the affected environment; • Ensure that feasible and reasonable alternatives are identified and selected for further assessment; and • Determine possible impacts of the project on the environment.

6.2 Scoping Phase

The Scoping phase of an EIA serves to define the scope of the detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed Project. The Environmental Scoping phase has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998), as read with Government Notices R 385 (Regulations 27-36), 386 and 387 of the NEMA and the IEM Information Series (DEA, 2002). The objectives of the Scoping phase are to:

• Ensure that the process is open and transparent and involves the Authorities, proponent and stakeholders; • Identify the important characteristics of the affected environment; • Ensure that feasible and reasonable alternatives are identified and selected for further assessment; • Assess and determine possible impacts of the proposed Project on the biophysical and socio-economic environment and associated mitigation measures; and • Ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

6.2.1 Consultation with Authorities

The relevant authorities required to review the proposed Project and provide an Environmental Authorisation were consulted from the outset of this study, and have been engaged throughout the project process. These competent authorities include the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), who are the competent authority for this Project. The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) is noted as a key commenting authority.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 6-1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Authority consultation included the following activities:

• Pre-Application Meeting with DEA on 22 October 2009; • Submission of an application for authorisation in terms of NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) on 23 October 2009. • Submission of a copy of the application for authorisation to WC DEA&DP on 9 November 2009.

Following the submission of the application for authorisation DEA acknowledged receipt thereof in the form of an Acknowledgement of Receipt letter from DEA (dated 11 November 2009 (Appendix A) and issued EIA reference number 12/12/20/1701 .

6.2.2 Consultation with other Relevant Authorities

Background information regarding the proposed Project was provided to the other relevant authorities, together with a registration and comment form formally requesting their input into the EIA process. The authorities include inter alia :

• Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, • Overberg District Municipality, • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), • Department of Agriculture, • Department of Energy, • South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), • Heritage Western Cape, • Civil Aviation Authority, • South African National Parks (SANParks), • South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL);

A full list of keystakeholders consulted during the Environmental Scoping phase is included in the I&AP database included in Appendix D. Authority consultation will continue throughout the remainder of the EIA process.

6.2.3 Identification of Potentially Significant Environmental Impacts

Potential positive and negative direct and indirect environmental impacts associated with the proposed project were identified within the Scoping phase and have been evaluated through desktop studies and a one day site visit. In evaluating the potential impacts, studies were provided by the following specialists:

Table 6.1: Specialist Studies Specialist Study Specialist Name Appendix Nick Helme of Nick Helme Botanical Flora Impact Assessment Appendix H Surveys David Hoare of David Hoare Consulting Fauna Impact Assessment Appendix I CC Chris van Rooyen of Chris van Rooyen Avifauna Impact Assessment Appendix J Consulting Agricultural Study Garry Patterson of ARC Appendix K Geotechnical Study Jon McStay of WSP Appendix L Tony Barbour of Tony Barbour Social Impact Assessment Appendix M Environmental Heritage Impact Assessment Dr. Lita Webley/ Tim Hart of UCT Appendix N Noise Impact Assessment Barend van der Merwe of DBAcoustics Appendix O Visual Impact Assessment Tanya de Villiers of CNdV Africa Appendix P

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Traffic Impact Assessment Nuran Nordien of Arcus GIBB Appendix Q

6.2.4 Draft Scoping Report

The Scoping report represents the findings of the Scoping phase of the proposed project and the purpose of the report is therefore to document these findings in the form of a Draft and Final Scoping Report. The report documents the issues identified through the site visit, the Public Participation Process (PPP) as well as through the professional input of the relevant specialists and the Arcus GIBB team.

All public comment on the DSR was captured in an updated Issues and Response Report (IRR) ( Appendix E), which has been submitted to DEA as an appendix to the Final Scoping Report (FSR). Correspondence has been sent to all I&APs registered on the I&AP database, thereby informing them of the availability of this FSR, submitted to the DEA, in order for the public to note how their comments were addressed.

6.2.5 Plan of Study for EIA

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for specialist studies are outlined in the Plan of Study (PoS) for EIA, presented in Chapter 10 . The results of the specialist studies will form part of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which will be compiled during the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process.

6.3 Public Participation Process

A comprehensive Public Participation Process (PPP) has been implemented as part of the Scoping phase of the EIA. The PPP aims to:

• Ensure all relevant Key Stakeholders and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) have been identified and invited to engage in the Scoping phase; • Raise awareness, educate and increase understanding of stakeholders about the proposed project, the affected environment and the environmental process being undertaken; • Create open channels of communication between Key Stakeholders and I&APS and the project team; • Provide opportunities for Key Stakeholders and I&APS to identify issues or concerns and suggestions for enhancing potential benefits and to prevent or mitigate impacts; • Accurately document all opinions, concerns and queries raised regarding the project; and • Ensure the identification of the significant alternatives and issues related to the project.

6.3.1 Identification of Key Stakeholders and I&APs

The identification and registration of I&APs will be an ongoing activity during the course of the project. Please note however that only registered I&APs are entitled to comment, in writing, on all written submissions made to the competent authority by

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the applicant or the EAP managing an application, and to bring to the attention of the competent authority any issues which that party believes may be of significance to the consideration of the application, provided that comments are submitted within the timeframes that have been approved or set by the competent authority or any extension of a timeframe agreed to by the application or EAP. Arcus GIBB will develop, maintain and constantly update an electronic I&AP database for the Project (see Appendix D). The I&APs to date for the project were identified using the following:

• Existing I&AP databases obtained from the client; • Existing I&AP databases for other projects within the study area, • Placement of newspaper advertisements in five newspapers ranging from national to regional and local newspapers. The advertisements were placed between the 18 th and 19 th of November 2009; • Placement of site notices at the proposed site locations; • Placement of site notices in venues in the surrounding towns; • Distribution of Background Information Documents (BIDs); • Discussions with community leaders and relevant ward councillors; and • Completed comments sheets.

6.3.2 Notification and Advertisements

In accordance with the requirements of the NEMA EIA Regulations, the project was advertised in a number of newspapers and site notices. The purpose of the advertisement and site notice is to notify the public about the proposed project and to invite them to register as I&APs (see Appendix F). The relevant advertisement dates are listed in Table 6.2 below.

Table 6.2: List of newspapers and dates in which the adverts were published Newspaper Publication Date Language The Argus 18 November 2009 English Die Burger 18 November 2009 Afrikaans Caledon Kontreinuus 19 November 2009 Afrikaans Overberg Venster 19 November 2009 Afrikaans Hermanus Times 19 November 2009 English

The project and environmental assessment process have been widely announced with an invitation to the general public to register as I&APs and to actively participate in the PPP. This was achieved using:

• Print media advertisements in English and Afrikaans that were placed in regional and local newspapers for the Project; • Identified Key Stakeholders were contacted telephonically and informed of the project and the EIA process; • A letter of invitation was faxed to identified Key Stakeholders inviting them to Key Stakeholder Workshops as well as informing them of the project and inviting their participation in the EIA process. Follow up contact was also made telephonically; • A personally addressed letter of invitation written in English and Afrikaans was sent to identified I&APs announcing the project and opportunities for participation; • A Background Information Document (BID) and comment sheet were produced in English and Afrikaans detailing the proposed Project and explaining the EIA process. The BID was mailed to I&APs on the database and delivered to identified

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strategic public venues; • Copies of the BID were made available to I&APs as and when requested. Public documents were also made available in public libraries and other local public venues.

6.3.3 Background Information Document (BID)

The Background Information Document (BID) that briefly describes the proposed project was compiled in English and Afrikaans and was distributed to all identified and registered I&APs. The BID introduces the proposed project and contains background information on the project, the proponent, consultants and proposed process to be followed. It also includes a locality map and a registration/comment sheet inviting I&APs to submit details of any issues, concerns or inputs they might have with regards to the proposed Project. The BID was placed at local public libraries and municipalities. A copy of the BID is included in Appendix G.

6.3.4 Environmental Scoping Phase Meetings

There are various forms of public meetings. These include Key Stakeholder Workshops (KSWs), Focus Group Meetings (FGMs), Public Meetings with different public sectors, organisations and individuals, as well as one-on-one interactions. The purpose of these meetings is to present I&APs with information pertaining to the project and the process being followed, as well as to document and discuss any issues which the public wishes to raise.

A Key Stakeholder Workshop to discuss the issues around the proposed power station and transmission lines was held as shown in Table 6.3. Key Stakeholders that were invited to the workshop are representatives of relevant sectors.

Table 6.3: Key Stakeholder Workshop

Province Area Venue Date Western Cape Caledon Caledon Town Hall 11 January 2010

In addition, invitations to Public Meetings were extended in letters, telephone and public notices. Table 6.4 provides a list of the dates and venues where the public meetings were held.

The purpose of the Public Meetings was to provide an appropriate platform to enable I&APs to raise issues and have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the applicant and the EIA Project Team, either in English or Afrikaans. Presentations and poster displays were given at the public meetings.

Table 6.4: Public Meetings

No. Province Area Venue Date 1 Western Botrivier Botrivier Town Hall 11 January 2010 2 Cape Province Caledon Caledon Town Hall 12 January 2010

One-on-one interactions were held with individuals and representatives of relevant sectors. These interactions were particularly useful in identifying key issues and other relevant stakeholders.

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For groups with significant common interest around a particular issue or geographic area, meetings were held with these interest groups. Interaction with members of various Focus Groups will continue throughout the EIA process. Additional Key Stakeholder Workshops will also be held if required.

Details of Focus Group Meetings held during the Scoping phase are provided in Table 6.5.

Table 6.5: Focus Group Meetings

Province and Area Stakeholder Group Dates Western Cape: Caledon Conservation Groups 12 January 2010 Western Cape: Caledon Landowners 13 January 2010 Western Cape: Caledon Agricultural Unions 13 January 2010

Minutes of all meetings held with I&APs were taken and were forwarded to the attendees for verification of their issues. The minutes of the consultation are included within this Final Scoping Report ( Appendix R). The comments raised during the public participation process described above, were recorded in the updated Issues and Response Report (IRR) and are included in this Final Scoping Report as Appendix E .

6.3.5 Ongoing Consultation and Engagement

In addition to the public documents distributed to I&APs, there will be ongoing communication between the applicant, the EIA team and I&APs. During the scoping phase, these interactions included the following:

• In addition to the project announcement letters, a letter will be sent out to all registered I&APs providing them with an update of the project; • Interactions with I&APs will take place in English and Afrikaans where required; • Feedback to Key Stakeholders, individually and collectively; • Written responses (email, faxes and letters) will be provided to numerous I&APs acknowledging issues and providing information requested (dependent on availability); • Special attention will be paid to consultation with affected and potentially affected landowners within the study area.

The consultation with all Key Stakeholders and I&APs will continue into the Environmental Impact Assessment and EMP phase. Consultation will continue and will include:

• Distribution of all project information and findings to I&APs; • EIA feedback open days and public meetings; and

6.3.6 Public Review of the Draft Environmental Scoping Report

The Draft Environmental Scoping Report was made available for review from Thursday 10 December 2009 to Wednesday 3 February 2010. As the proposed review period fell over the December period a core period of 30 days was provided from Thursday 10 December until Tuesday 15 December (6 days) and from

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Monday 11 January to Wednesday 3 February 2010 (24 days) . The report was made available at the following public locations within the proposed study area:

• Botrivier Library • Caledon Library • Genadendal Library • Greyton Local Library • Villiersdorp Local Library • Theewaterskloof Municipality

All registered I&APs were notified of the availability of the report in writing. Comments received during the review period were included in this Final Scoping Report, which has been submitted to the authorities for decision-making.

6.3.7 Final Environmental Scoping Report

The final stage in the Environmental Scoping phase entailed the capturing of responses and comments from I&APs on the Draft Scoping Report in order to refine the Environmental Scoping Report, and ensure that all issues of significance are addressed. This Final Environmental Scoping Report has been submitted to DEA for review and decision-making.

6.4 Conclusion

This chapter discussed the various tasks that have been undertaken as part of the Scoping phase of the EIA process. Two of the main components include the Public Participation Process and the identification of the impacts that will be assessed in the detailed specialist studies, completed as part of the Impact Assessment phase. The Environmental Scoping phase has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 108 of 1998), as read with Government Notices R 385 (Regulations 27- 36), 386 and 387 of the NEMA and the IEM Information Series (DEA, 2002).

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7 DESCRIPTION OF THE BASELINE ENVIRONMENT

7.1 Introduction

This section provides a description of the baseline environment in the study area, which may be affected by the proposed project. The receiving environment was described in terms of biophysical and socio-economic environmental factors, those which could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by the project, or which could themselves, affect the proposed project. This information was extracted from the various specialist studies undertaken during the Scoping phase for this EIA study as well as readily available information for the study area.

7.2 General Study Area

7.2.1 Regional context

This information was obtained from the Social Impact Study ( Appendix M). The study area is located in the western portion of the region of the Western Cape traditionally known as the Overberg. The term “Overberg” historically referred to the inland region to the east of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains (and thus “across the mountain” relative to Cape Town). Today the term is most commonly used to refer to the region circumscribed by the Hottentots-Holland Mountains to the west, the Langeberg range to the north, the lower Breede River to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The interior Overberg is traditionally a farming area. Sheep farming and the cultivation of cereal crops have traditionally been dominant. In more recent times, the area has also become established as a major producer of canola (oil seed crop).

The Overberg is bisected by the N2 running east-west. The N2 provides a link between the City of Cape Town to the west, and the scenic Garden Route (Mossel Bay and beyond) to the east. The Garden Route is an established tourist route of major significance. Although not forming part of the Garden Route, tourism has become established as a major industry in the Overberg, often as an economic diversification strategy to agriculture.

In that regard, the proposed site is traversed by the R43 linking the N2 with the scenic area of Villiersdorp and the Franschhoek Valley ( Figure 7.1). In addition, the R406 runs approximately 2.5 km to the east of the site. The R406 intersects with the N2 at locations approximately 40 km apart, respectively to the west and east of Caledon, describing an arc, at the apex of which are located the touristically important settlements of Greyton and Genadendal ( Figure 7.2). Due to the road’s alignment, the section of the road passing close to the proposed site carries the bulk of primary traffic from the City of Cape Town, as well as a significant portion of additional traffic accessing the towns from the east and then progressing onto Cape Town in the west. The section of the R406 passing along the site may therefore be described as of considerable scenic significance. This importance is further reinforced by the fact that tourism constitutes a key asset to the relatively isolated and historically

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report disadvantaged Genadendal community. Genadendal is located approximately 20 km (linear) from the proposed site.

The landscape comprising the relevant part of the Overberg in which the study area is located consists of gently undulating hills against the backdrop of distant mountains in all directions. The Theewaterskloof dam is located approximately 6 km north of the northern most point of the proposed site, beyond the intervening Eseljagberg. The scenic fruit growing area around Elgin and Grabouw is located approximately 20 km due west of the site, also screened from the site by the intervening mountains. The Overberg is relatively sparsely settled. The nearest town to the proposed site is the small town of Botrivier, located approximately 6 km to the south of the western extremity of the site. The larger and regionally more significant town of Caledon is located approximately 10 km to the east of the south-easternmost extremity of the site.

Figure 7.1: View from R43 between Villiersdorp and N2, looking east towards Caledon

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.2: View looking north from R 43 that links the N2 with Genadendal and Greyton. The site is located west of R 43

7.2.2 Administrative context

In administrative terms, the proposed site is located within the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (LM), which, in turn, is one of four LMs that make up the Overberg District Municipality (ODM). The administrative headquarters of the ODM are located in Bredasdorp. The remaining three LMs are comprised by the Cape Agulhas LM (Bredasdorp), Swellendam LM (Swellendam) and Overstrand LM (Hermanus).

The Theewaterskloof LM is comprised of 12 wards. The site proposed for the wind farm straddles Wards 4 and 7.

The Theewaterskloof LM is the largest of the four municipalities constituting the ODM, both in terms of geographical size as well as population. It covers approximately 3 248.3 km², and was estimated to have a population of 103 281 1 in 2007 (43.5 % of the ODM’s population) (Provincial Treasury, 2007).

1 This figure is disputed in the Theewaterskloof 2009 IDP. The Theewaterskloof LM’s own estimate for 2007 is around 135 000 people. This higher figure is based on what is perceived to be significant and continuous in- migration into the fruit-growing areas around Grabouw and Villiersdorp.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.3: Overview of the Theewaterskloof Municipality Source : Theewaterskloof 2009 IDP Revision

The most recent available data indicates that the Theewaterskloof’s economy accounted for 40.6 % (R1.47 billion) of the ODM’s GDPR in 2005, and 0.98 % of that of the Province. Of the four constituent LMs in the ODM, it had the slowest recorded growth rate in the period 2004-2005 (viz. 3.4 %). Agriculture has traditionally been, and continues to be, the main provider of employment opportunities and contributor to GDPR in the Theewaterskloof. The LM’s economy is essentially built on agriculture, agri-processing and tourism (Provincial Treasury, 2007). Tourism is strongly linked to the agricultural sector, primarily with regard to the scenic landscapes associated with its main agricultural activities (e.g. picturesque orchards in the Grabouw valley and around Villiersdorp; rolling wheat and canola fields and pastoral scenes associated with small stock grazing in for instance the area between Caledon and Botrivier).

With the exception of land use associated with the fruit producing area around Grabouw in the LM’s extreme west, the settlement pattern is relatively sparse, and is mainly comprised of open space, farms and smallholdings. Of the entire municipal area (3 248.3 km² = 324 830 ha), only 3 246 ha (=1 %) is constituted by demarcated urban land use. Caledon constitutes the largest town in the study area, and is of regional significance as a service centre to the surrounding hinterland. Other urban settlements in the LM include Botrivier, Riviersonderend, Greyton, Genadendal and Villiersdorp.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

7.3 Biophysical Environment

7.3.1 Geology and soils

This information was obtained from the Baseline Geotechnical Report (Appendix L). The area is underlain by interbedded siltstones, shales, mudstones and fine sandstones of the Klipbokkop Formation and Wagensdrift Formation of the Devonian age Bokkeveld Formation. The rocks are folded into a broad syncline which produces a topography consisting of ridges and valleys. The tops of the ridges are formed by a hard resistant sandstone layer. The rocks dip at approximately 25 degrees along a regional developed south-west north-east strike.

The regional geology is part of the Cape Fold Belt. The area lies between two major fault zones which define the Botrivier valley which has formed along the south-west- north-east upthrown block of Bokkeveld shales and is bounded by the more resistant quartzite sandstones of the mountain-forming Table Mountain Group. This fault bounded valley provides an important topographic depression that controls wind direction and wind speed in the area.

There may be some faulting in the study area with bedding parallel thrusts developed along the northern limb of the syncline and minor normal faults occurring along a south-east north-west trend of tensional stress.

Soils are relatively thin particularly on the hillsides where a silty hillwash layer overlies weathered shaley rock. In the low lying areas a residual clay layer of up to 1m thick may be encountered and ferricrete is developed in areas subject to poor drainage and seepage of groundwater. In the location of the wind turbines the shallow rock condition is likely to be encountered. This is also likely to be the case for the bulk of the cable trench routes.

The soils tend to have high sodium content and thus their agricultural potential is low. They require extensive lime addition for growing crops and thus the bulk of the farms in this area are used for grazing sheep. The thin soils and high sodicity can give rise to soil erosion problems particularly if over-grazed. However, no examples of soil erosion were observed on the site visit.

7.3.2 Topography

This information was obtained from the Fauna Scoping Study ( Appendix I ). The study site is dominated by a ridge running in an east-west direction from the central part of the study area, rising towards the east. These are the foothills of the Riviersonderendberge and there is a ridge running parallel to and to the south of the Donkerhoekberge, an off-shoot of the Riviersonderendberge. Around the base of this ridge are low undulating hills that characterise the remainder of the study area. The topography drops towards the north-west of the site, which is where the Botrivier runs. Slopes on site vary from moderately sloping to steeply sloping.

The elevation on site ranges from 551 m at the top of the ridge in the north-east to 116 m in the river valley in the north-west. The hills in the southern half of the site vary in height from 190 to 330 m. The topography is generally undulating, with slopes of between 4 % and 25 %, although some of the steeper areas have slope angles up to 40 %.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-5 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.4: Photograph showing the topography within the study area.

7.3.3 Groundwater

This information was obtained from the baseline Geotechnical Report ( Appendix L). The Bokkeveld Formations are best described as being poor quality regional aquifers. Groundwater yield are generally low and water quality can be moderately to highly saline. With a relatively low annual rainfall the groundwater resources of the study area are considered to be poor with limited opportunities for the drilling of successful abstraction wells.

7.3.4 Soils and agricultural potential

This information was obtained from the Soils and Agricultural Potential Impact Study (Appendix K). Existing information was obtained from the map sheet 3319 Worcester (Jacobs et al., 1994) from the national Land Type Survey, published at 1:250 000 scale. The soils are classified according to MacVicar et al. (1977).

The area under investigation is covered by five land types, as shown on the map in the Figure 7.5, namely:

Fa206 (Shallow soils, usually non-calcareous) Fa207 (Shallow soils, usually non-calcareous) Fb106 (Shallow soils, may be calcareous) Fb110 (Shallow soils, may be calcareous) Ib113 (Shallow soils with much rock)

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-6 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report It should be clearly noted that, since the information contained in the land type survey is of a reconnaissance nature, only the general dominance of the soils in the landscape can be given, and not the actual areas of occurrence within a specific land type. Also, other soils that were not identified due to the scale of the survey may also occur.

A summary of the dominant soil characteristics of each land type is given in Table 7.1 below and illustrated in the soils map in Figure 7.5.

The distribution of soils with high, medium and low agricultural potential within each land type is also given, with the dominant class shown in bold.

As can be seen from the information contained in Table 7.1, very little of the area contains high potential soils, and all land types are dominated by low potential soils.

Much of the study area consists of either:

• Structured, clay soils (mainly Swartland and Sterkspruit soil forms) of low to moderate potential, • Shallow lithosols (Mispah, Glenrosa) of low potential, or • Rock.

However, the low rainfall in the area means that there is limited potential for arable agriculture in the area and that the soils are suited for extensive grazing at best. The grazing capacity of the area is moderately low, around 14-20 ha/large stock unit

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-7 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Table 7.1: Land types occurring (with soils in order of dominance) Land Dominant soils Depth Percent of Characteristics Agric. Type (mm) land type Potential (%) Fa206 Rock - 28% - High:4.5 Mispah 10 50-250 25% Brown, sandy topsoils on hard rock Mod: 1.6 Cartref 20 50-250 21% Grey-brown, sandy topsoils on hard rock Low: 93.9 Fa207 Glenrosa 13/16/19 250-450 41% Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on weathering rock High:4.6 Mispah 10 50-250 27% Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on hard rock Mod: 16.8 Swartland 300-500 15% Brown, loamy topsoils on brown to red-brown, blocky structured Low: 78.6 11/12/31/32 clay subsoils on rock Fb106 Glenrosa 13/16 200-400 42% Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on weathering rock High:1.6 Swartland 31/32 350-600 16% Brown, loamy topsoils on brown, blocky structured clay subsoils on Mod: 26.7 Mispah 10 50-150 14% rock Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on hard rock Low: 71.7 Fb110 Glenrosa 13/16 250-450 30% Brown, loamy topsoils on weathering rock High: 4.1 Cartref 11/12 250-450 21% Grey-brown, sandy topsoils on hard rock Mod: 3.8 Mispah 10 50-150 15% Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on hard rock Low: 92.1 Ib113 Rock - 79% - High:0.0 Mispah 10 50-150 9% Grey-brown, sandy/loamy topsoils on hard rock Mod: 3.0 Low: 97.0

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-8 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.5: Soils map for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm study area .

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-9 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 7.3.5 Climate

This information was obtained from the Soils and Agricultural Potential Impact Study (Appendix K). The climate of the area (Monnik and Jacobs, 2002) is characterised by a rainfall pattern of all-year-round rainfall, with a definite peak in the winter months. Average long-term annual rainfall is between 384 mm in the lower areas, rising to around 534 mm in the higher areas.

Temperature ranges from an average daily minimum and maximum of 15.5 oC and 28.6 oC to 5.6 oC and 17.7 oC for January and July respectively. The extreme maximum temperature recorded was 41.4 oC (presumably in “berg wind” conditions) with the extreme low of -2.0 oC. Frost occurs occasionally (on 8 days per year on average) between mid-June and early September.

7.3.6 Regional vegetation

This information was obtained from the Flora Impact Study ( Appendix H). As can be seen from Figure 7.6 there were originally two vegetation types in the study area, and these two are both still present, although much reduced in extent due to extensive agriculture. Note that Figure 7.6 shows the original vegetation patterns, prior to human influence. About 80 % of the site supports Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld, and in the northeast is a portion of Greyton Shale Fynbos (Mucina and Rutherford 2006). In my opinion the latter has been overmapped, and its true extent is more restricted, occurring only on the mixed sandstones and shales of the upper ridge and upper north slopes (pers. obs.).

Figure 7.6: Extract of the SA Vegetation Map (Mucina and Rutherford 2006), showing that most of the site would have originally supported Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld, with Greyton Shale Fynbos in the northeast sector.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-10 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Western Ruens Shale Renosterveld has been very heavily impacted by agriculture within the region where it occurs (Botrivier to Bredasdorp) and today less than 13 % of its original extent remains (Rouget et al. 2004). The vegetation type is regarded as a Critically Endangered vegetation type, with an unachievable national conservation target of 29 %, and only 1 % conserved (virtually all of this in private reserves; Rouget et al. 2004). Intact examples of this vegetation type are typically home to a high number of rare and threatened plant species, many of which are endemic (restricted) or near endemic to the vegetation type. About 75 % of the remaining vegetation in the study area is of this type. Greyton Shale Fynbos is here at its western end, and occurs in the region up to Riviersonderend, usually on the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mts. Some 30 % of this vegetation type has been lost, with a conservation target of 30 %.

However, only 0.8 % is formally conserved, with a further 5.8 % in private reserves (Rouget et al . 2004), and the unit is thus classified as Vulnerable on a national basis. Both vegetation types are shrublands, typically dominated by low shrubs, herbs and grasses, with a high diversity of bulbs (geophytes) and succulents common in rocky areas. Small trees and larger shrubs often occur in moist gulleys and in fire protected areas. The vegetation is most visually attractive in the first few years after a fire, when the greatest percentage of the flora blooms simultaneously.

7.3.7 Ecological corridors

Ecological corridors are regarded as key elements of a “living landscape” and of ecological process, in that they allow for animal and plant movement across the partly fragmented landscape. Insects and birds are key pollinators of many plant species, and it is important that they be able to move from one patch of natural vegetation to the next relatively easily, without having to cross large areas of hostile, barren terrain with little or no natural vegetation. These corridors also allow for seed movement, which may be by means of animals or by the wind. Existing ecological corridors can be inferred wherever there is natural vegetation, and thus one should not take a single line on a map too seriously – in reality it is more like a web than a corridor, with numerous lateral connections and interconnections, and it is important to maintain as many of these as possible, and the broader and more numerous the links the better.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-11 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.7: Map of western parts of study area showing extant natural vegetation, approximately 50% of which is considered to be a High Sensitivity or Conservation Value. All unhatched areas are of Low sensitivity, and are mostly cultivated lands or homesteads

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-12 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.8: Map of eastern parts of study area showing extant natural vegetation, approximately 30% of which is considered to be a High Sensitivity or Conservation Value. All unhatched areas are of Low sensitivity, and are mostly cultivated lands or homesteads.

7.3.8 Land cover

This information was obtained from the Fauna Impact Study ( Appendix I). Most of the study site consists of cultivated lands. There are some significant patches of remaining vegetation along the upper parts of the ridge in the north-eastern part of the site and overlooking the Botrivier in the north-western part of the site. Other natural vegetation consists primarily of drainage lines between cultivated fields and small patches scattered throughout the site. Secondary fynbos has developed on some of the fields on the north-west of the site, otherwise most of the site appears to be under active cultivation.

The significance of the high degree of cultivation of the site is that there is little natural vegetation remaining which could support indigenous fauna. Some species of conservation concern, especially birds, may make use of cultivated fields for foraging, but this is generally the exception for most other animal species.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-13 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

7.3.9 Faunal species of conservation importance

This information was obtained from the Fauna Impact Study ( Appendix I). There are a number of species of conservation concern that have a geographical distribution that includes the study area. These are listed in the tables below:

Table 7.2: Mammals of conservation importance within the broader study area Common Taxon Habitat Status Likelihood of name occurrence Black Diceros Wide variety of habitats. CR NONE, only occurs in rhinoceros bicornis game reserves bicornis White-tailed Mystromus Highveld and montane EN LOW, previously recorded rat albicaudatus grassland, fynbos, requires in neighbouring grid, but sandy soils with good cover substrate properties on site not considered to be suitable for this species Bontebok Damaliscus Used to inhabit renosterveld. VU NONE, only occurs in pygargus Now only in reserves. game reserves pygargus Honey Mellivora Wide variety of habitats. NT HIGH , previously recorded badger capensis Probably only in natural in neighbouring grid, habitats. confirmed record east (adjacent) to study site Lesueur’s Cistugo lisueuri Rock crevices in fynbos. NT HIGH , previously recorded Wing-gland in neighbouring grid and bat there may be suitable habitat available on site. Schreiber’s Miniopterus Fynbos, savanna, woodland. NT HIGH , previously recorded long-fingered schreibersii Caves and sub-terranean in two neighbouring grids. bat habitats. Temminck’s Myotis tricolor Caves in forests, shrubland, NT MEDIUM, site within hairy bat savanna, grassland distribution range, but no records in grid or neighbouring grids. There may be suitable habitat on site. Cape Rhinolophus Caves and subterranean NT HIGH , previously recorded horseshoe capensis habitats; fynbos, shrubland in neighbouring grid and bat and Nama-karoo. there may be suitable habitat on site. Geoffroy’s Rhinolophus Caves and subterranean NT HIGH , previously recorded horseshoe clivosus habitats; fynbos, shrubland in neighbouring grids and bat and Nama-karoo there may be suitable habitat on site. Fynbos Amblysomus Lowland fynbos and Knysna NT LOW, previously recorded golden mole corriae forest, also in urban areas. in neighbouring grid to the Prefers sandy soils with deep south, but substrate litter layer. properties on site not considered to be suitable for this species. Water rat Dasymus Semi-aquatic, occurring in NT LOW, site just within incomtus various wetland types distribution range, but no records in grid or neighbouring grids. African Poecilogale Moist grassland or woodland DD MEDIUM, previously

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-14 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report weasel albinucha with more than 700 mm recorded in neighbouring rainfall per year and where grid, but habitat on site flourishing populations of may be too degraded small rodents occur. Grassland, scrub woodland. Cape Golden Chrysochloris Subterranean habitats; DD LOW, previously recorded Mole asiatica arable land; urban areas; in neighbouring grids, but renosterveld; fynbos and substrate properties on strandveld succulent karoo; site not considered to be sandy soil suitable for this species. Reddish-grey Crocidura Wide variety of habitats. DD MEDIUM, previously musk shrew cyanea recorded in neighbouring grid Greater musk Crocidura Wide variety of habitats. DD MEDIUM, previously shrew flavescens recorded in neighbouring grids Forest shrew Myosorex Wide variety of vegetation DD MEDIUM, previously varius types, usually primary. recorded in neighbouring Terrestrial habitats adjacent grid to wetlands; forest Lesser dwarf Suncus varilla Broad habitat tolerance. DD MEDIUM, previously shrew Widespread in Africa and recorded in grid South Africa. Reliant on termite mounds.

Table 7.3: Amphibians of conservation importance within the broader study area Common Species Habitat Status Likelihood of name occurrence Micro frog Microbatrachella Found in undisturbed seasonal CR LOW, found in quads capensis vleis in acid fynbos. Highly just to south (3419AD threatened by alteration of and 3419AC), but is a hydrological cycle and direct coastal species habitat transformation. Very occurring below 80 m sensitive to disturbance of habitat. a.s.l. and within 10 km of the coast. Cape Xenopus gilli Found in seepages in flat areas EN LOW, found in qds platanna where fynbos occurs on acid just to south (3419AD sands. Highly threatened by and 3419AC), but is a alteration of hydrological cycle and coastal species direct habitat transformation. occurring below 140 m a.s.l. and within 10 km of the coast. Western Bufo pantherinus Mostly associated with sandy EN LOW, previously Leopard coastal lowlands found in qds just to Toad south (3419AD), but substrate properties on site not considered to be suitable for this species Cape rain Breviceps Inhabits gently sloping well drained VU HIGH , found in qds frog gibbosus ground, where it burrows. Foothills directly west of study of mountains and low isolated hills. area (3418BB) and Threatened by direct habitat substrate and habitat destruction, such as intensive properties on site are ploughing, but can be found in suitable for this disturbed areas and is adaptable species and fairly resilient to disturbance. Most localities where species is found have fine-grained, heavy

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-15 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report substrates derived from shales or granites. Cape Capensibufo Inhabits seepage zones and VU HIGH, occurs in all mountain rosei shallow pools in fynbos on neighbouring grids. toad mountains above 500m a.s.l. Breeds in small shallow temporary pools, usually dominated by restios. Cape Cacosternum Occurs in flat, low-lying areas, in VU MEDIUM, Occurs caco capense Renosterveld or cultivated lands west of 3419AA in the formerly covered by this adjacent grid, vegetation. Heavy, poorly drained Substrate and habitat clay and loamy soils. Spends most properties on site are of the year buried underground, suitable for this emerging in the wet winter to species, but it has not breed in shallow pools. previously been recorded this far east. Montane Poyntonia Marshy areas, shallow seepage NT MEDIUM, previously marsh paludicola zones and shallow streams along recorded in qds to frog rock outcrops in Mountain Fynbos. west of site, but atlas Found from 200 - 1800 m. data considered to be incomplete.

Table 7.4: Reptiles of conservation importance within the broader study area Common Species Habitat Status Likelihood of name occurrence Geometric Psammobates Inhabits coastal Renosterveld EN MEDIUM, found in tortoise geometricus in south-western Cape. qds west and north- Threatened by habitat west of study area destruction. (3418BB). Yellowbellied Lamprophis Old termitaria and under NT MEDIUM, house snake fuscus stones, underground. Most previously recorded likely to occur in mountain in neighbouring grid fynbos in study area, although (occurs in the grid secondary grassland may also to the north be suitable habitat. Found adjacent to throughout more mesic parts 3419AA) of South Africa (Cape, east coast, Highveld) Hawequa flat Afroedura Narrow cracks in sandstone Restricted 1, MEDIUM, occurs in gecko hawequensis boulders in shady conditions in NT 2 grid directly north of the mountains of the south- 3419AA and AB. western Cape. Mesic montane fynbos. 1Status according to Branch 1988. 2Status according to Groombridge 1994.

NT – Near Threatened EN – Endangered VU – Vulnerable CR – Critically Threatened DD - Declining

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-16 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Based on habitat requirements, there are a number of species that were considered to have a high possibility of occurring on site or making use of habitats available on site. These are the following:

• Honey Badger (Near Threatened) • Lesueur’s Wing-gland Bat (Near Threatened) • Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat (Near Threatened) • Cape Horseshoe Bat (Near Threatened) • Geoffroy’s Horseshoe Bat (Near Threatened) • Cape Rain Frog (Vulnerable) • Cape Mountain Toad (Vulnerable)

7.3.10 Bird habitat in the study area

This information was obtained from the Avifauna Impact Study ( Appendix J). The study area comprises an area which overlaps with 2 quarter degree squares (i.e. 1:50 000 maps), and comprises 15 farm portions, with an overall surface area of about 3750 hectares.

It is widely accepted that vegetation structure is more critical in determining bird habitat, than the actual plant species composition (Harrison et al ., 1997). The description of vegetation presented in this study therefore concentrates on factors relevant to the bird species present, and is not an exhaustive list of plant species present. The description of the vegetation types occurring in the study area makes extensive use of information presented ASAB (Harrison et al., 1997). The criteria used by the ASAB authors to amalgamate botanically defined vegetation units, or to keep them separate were (1) the existence of clear differences in vegetation structure, likely to be relevant to birds, and (2) the results of published community studies on bird/vegetation associations. As can be seen in Table 7.5, the natural vegetation in the quarter degree squares where the study area is located are predominantly classified as fynbos vegetation.

Table 7.5: The percentage of each quarter degree square in the study area that is classified as each vegetation type according to ASAB (Harrison et al ., 1997).

Vegetation type Fynbos Afromontane Forest 3419AA 100% 3419AB 99% 1%

Fynbos is dominated by low shrubs and can be divided into two categories, fynbos proper and renosterveld, the latter being more common in the study area. Despite having a high diversity of plant species, fynbos and renosterveld has a relatively low diversity of bird species. The only Red Data species that are closely associated with fynbos in this study area, are the Black Harrier Circus maurus (which may breed in fynbos), (Harrison et al., 1997) and the Denham’s Bustard (H. Lötter pers. comm., Harrison et al., 1997). Other Red Data species that sometimes use this habitat are Secretarybirds which are sometimes found in fynbos and renosterveld (pers. obs.), and Martial Eagles on occasion forage in this habitat. Much of the fynbos and renosterveld in the study area have been transformed for agriculture. Whilst this obviously resulted in substantial natural habitat being destroyed, several species have in fact adapted well to this transformation. One such species, which is highly relevant to this study, is the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus . This species has thrived on the grain lands and pastures in the southern and western Cape.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-17 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Afro-montane forest occurs marginally in 3419AB, but is of no relevance for the present study.

7.3.11 Bird habitat in the study area

The study area comprises two quarter degree squares, 3419AA and 3419AB. Within these two squares, a total of 13 Red listed bird species have been recorded during the bird atlas period. Table 7.6 below lists the Red listed species that have been recorded in the study area by ASAB. It also states the conservation status, habitat preferences as well the primary potential type of impact that the proposed wind farm and associated power line (collisions, habitat destruction and disturbance) could have on the species.

Table 7.6: Red listed species recorded in 3419AA and 3419AB (Harrison et al , 1997) Conservation Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Requirements Status Cliffs for roosting and breeding, and rivers and dams for foraging. Could be present at some of the Black Stork Ciconia nigra NT larger dams in the study area. Grassland, old lands, open woodland. Most likely to be Sagittarius encountered in fynbos, pastures Secretarybird serpentarius NT and fallow lands in the study area. Large cliffs for breeding and roosting, open woodland and grassland. Roosts on transmission lines. Unlikely to be Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres VU encountered in the study area. Diverse habitats, from open grassland and scrub to woodland. Typically found in flat country. Polemaetus Could be an occasional visitor to Martial Eagle bellicosus VU the study area. Large permanent wetlands with dense reed beds. Sometimes forages over smaller wetlands and grassland. Unlikely to be African Marsh- regularly recorded in the study Harrier Circus ranivorus VU area. Highest densities in remnant patches of renosterveld. Present Black Harrier Circus maurus NT in the study area. A wide range of habitats, but cliffs (or tall buildings) are a prerequisite for breeding. May Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus NT occur from tine to time. Generally prefers open habitat, but exploits a wide range of habitats. Could be an occasional Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus NT visitor to the study area. Summer migrant most likely to be encountered hunting over agricultural areas in the study Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni VU area.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-18 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report Cereal crops, old lands, pastures, wetlands, dams and pans for Anthropoides roosting. Common in the study Blue Crane paradiseus VU area. Denham’s Cereal crops, fynbos and Bustard Neotis denhami VU pastures in the study area. Great White Pelecanus Large dams. Unlikely to be Pelican onocrotalus NT encountered in the study area. Fallow and recently ploughed fields, sparse shrubland Aghulhas Long- Certhilauda dominated by renosterveld. Most billed Lark brevirostris NT likely present in the study area.

7.4 Socio-economic environment

7.4.1 Baseline demographic processes

This information was obtained from the Social Impact Study ( Appendix M). The proposed site comprises quite an extensive area. It is located in a rural area, traditionally used for sheep raising and wheat cultivation. The nearest town to the proposed site is the small town of Botrivier, located approximately 1 km to the south of the western extremity of the site. The larger and regionally more significant town of Caledon is located approximately 3 km to the east of the south-easternmost extremity of the site. Presentation below focuses on these two towns.

According to Census data, the total population of Botrivier was 4 052, and that of Caledon 10 647 in 2001. The majority of inhabitants in both towns were Coloured (79 % and 68 % respectively). In absolute terms, the White population group was the second most numerous in the study area, although it was of less relative importance than the Black group in the smaller town of Botrivier. Afrikaans is traditionally spoken by the Coloured and White communities as first language, and is the dominant language in both towns.

Table 7.7: Population for Botrivier and Caledon Botrivier Caledon Population Group Number % Number % Black African 564 14 648 6 Coloured 3 202 79 7 204 68 Indian or Asian 9 <1 33 <1 White 277 7 2 762 26 Total 4 052 100 10 647 100 Source: Census 2001

As may be seen in Table 7.8 below, Census 2001 indicated that the dependency ratio 2 for Botrivier was 47.5, and that for Caledon 45.3. Of significance, more than a quarter

2 The dependency ratio is calculated as the number of 0 to 14-year olds, plus the number of 65-year olds and older (i.e. sum of people to young and too old to work), divided by the number of people in the 15 to 64-year (i.e. working age) cohort, times 100. This provides a rough indication of dependency in a community, but does not account for working age adults not participating in the economy, or for household income derived from pensions.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-19 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report of the population of both towns was younger than 15 years. As a result, there is a strong youthful component to the dependency ratio, and consequently a large need for educational facilities, especially within the Coloured and African population groups. Table 7.8: Botrivier and Caledon Age distribution Age Group Botrivier % Caledon % 0-4 8.9 7.4 5-9 9.2 8.6 10-14 8.5 9.6 15-19 9.4 11.2 20-24 9.2 8 25-29 8.9 8.4 30-34 8 9 35-39 8 8.4 40-44 7.4 7.3 45-49 5.3 5.4 50-54 4.1 4.6 55-59 3.8 3.5 60-64 3 2.7 65-69 2 2 70-74 2 1.6 75-79 1 1 80 and over 0.6 1 Source: Census 2001

As seen in Table 7.9 below, according to Census data, approximately 23.3 % of the population of Botrivier aged 15 and older was estimated to be functionally illiterate/ innumerate. The relevant percentage for Caledon was somewhat lower, namely 18.4 %. Given the strong correlation between education and skills levels, it may be assumed that a significant portion of the study area’s working age population have only sufficient skills for elementary jobs.

Table 7.9: Botrivier and Caledon education levels (population 15 years and older)

Description Botrivier % Caledon % No schooling 4.8 3.6 Some primary 18.5 14.8 Complete primary 12 8.3 Some secondary 43.2 42.3 Std 10/Grade 12 16 23.2 Higher 5.5 7.8 Source: Census 2001

A value of 100 theoretically indicates one person of working age to every person of depending age; a value of 50 two to one, one of 33 three to one, etc. Thus, the lower the value, the greater the number of potential providers to probable dependents.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-20 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report The employment statistics presented in Table 7.10 below indicate that in 2001 50 % of the Botrivier population was employed, and 52.5 % of that of Caledon. Botrivier had a significantly higher unemployment rate (viz. 17.5 %) than Caledon (10 %). The recorded unemployment rate of Botrivier was comparable with the Provincial average for 2001 (viz. 17 %), while that for Caledon more than twice as low. As a result of rationalisation in the provincial agricultural sector during the past decade, and in the light of the current global economic downturn, current unemployment rated is likely to be significantly higher.

Table 7.10: Botrivier and Caledon Employment levels (15 – 64 year age group) Description Botrivier % Caledon % Employed 3 50 52.5 Unemployed 17.5 10 Not Economically Active 4 32.5 37.5 Source: Census 2001

Census data for 2001, presented in Table 7.11 below, indicated that a significant portion of households in the relevant towns were living below the R1 600/ month minimum subsistence level. In that regard, the breadwinners of 45.9 % of Botrivier households, and 34.9 % of Caledon households had no access to formal income, or earned less than R1 600/ month.

Table 7.11 : Household income (by head of household) Income per month Botrivier % Caledon % No formal income 10.4 7.8 R 1 – R 400 1.9 2.8 R 401 – R 800 14.2 9.9 R 801 - R 1 600 19.4 14.4 R1 601 - R 3 200 25.9 21.9 R 3 201 – R 6 400 18.3 20.6 R 6 401 – R 12 800 7.5 14.6 R 12 801 – R 25 600 1.6 6 R 25 601 and higher 0.8 2 Source: Census 2001

Table 7.12 below provides an overview of proportional employment per economic sector by head of household for the relevant towns. As may be seen, the profiles for Botrivier and Caledon are very dissimilar. Specifically, employment in the primary agricultural sector was the most significant for Botrivier (27.4 %), followed by wholesale and retail trade (26.3 %). Together, more than 50 % of all household heads were employed in either of the two sectors. Manufacturing (14.9 %) and Service- related activities (14.8 %) constituted other significant sectors. This profile is closely

3 Census 2001 official definition of an unemployed person : “A person between the ages of 15 and 65 with responses as follows: ‘No, did not have work’; ‘Could not find work’; ‘Have taken active steps to find employment’; ‘Could start within one week, if offered work’.” ( www.statssa.gov.za ).

4 The term “not economically active“ refers to people of working age not actively participating in the economy, such as early retirees, students, the disabled and home-makers.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-21 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report related to Botrivier’s rural setting, its function as agricultural service center, and the processing of agricultural produce. Caledon’s function as seat of the Theewaterskloof LM is reflected by the primacy of Service-related activities (31.3 %). Retail and wholesale trade (20.9 %) also accounted for a significant proportion of employment. Surprisingly, primary agriculture (6.8 %) and manufacturing (10.2 %) played relatively minor roles. Nevertheless, the importance of the agricultural sector to the local economy should not be underestimated, as the town, as regional service centre, to a large extent cater for the retail and services needs of its rural hinterland.

Table 7.12: Sectoral contribution to employment Description Botrivier % Caledon % Agriculture, hunting, 27.4 6.8 forestry and fishing Mining and quarrying 0.3 0.2 Manufacturing 14.9 7.3 Electricity, gas and water supply 0.8 1.7 Construction 8 10.2 Wholesale and retail trade 26.3 20.9 Transport. Storage and 2.6 3.6 communication Fin., real estate and bus. Services 2.9 9 Community, social and personal 14.8 31.3 services Other and not adequately defined - - Private households 5 2.1 9.1 Source: Derived from Census 2001

7.4.2 Economic Growth Potential for the Proposed Study Area

This information was obtained from the Social Impact Study ( Appendix M). A study (Centre for Geographical Research, 2004) of the growth potential of the towns in the Western Cape was commissioned by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape) to provide the Department with a better understanding of the developmental potential and challenges of the Western Cape The Study was undertaken within the context of the strategic requirements as pointed out in the National Spatial Development Perspective. The findings of the Study played a crucial role in informing the drafting of the PSDF.

The Study investigated 131 towns in the province with regard to assessing their development potential for infrastructural investment, as well as assessing their human need with a view to social investment in their people. The study also investigated and diagnosed rural-urban development issues faced by the province, and made recommendations towards improving the status quo.

Two investment types ‘Town/Infrastructural investment’ and ‘Social/People investment’ were used as points of departure in order to identify the appropriate investment type which is best suited to stimulate economic growth and social investment for each of the relevant urban communities/ towns:

5 This category mainly comprises domestic workers and gardeners.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-22 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report • High Need/Low Development: Social investment required ; • Low Need/High Development: Town investment required ; • High Need/High Development: Social and Town investment required ; • Low Need/Low Development: Minimal investment required .

The assigning of development potentials to specific towns included quantitative (survey of existing infrastructure, retail and services providers, etc) and qualitative aspects (based on the self-perception of its inhabitants). The following five qualitative categories were defined:

• “Very Low ” and “Low” growth potential : Towns with a proven track record of growth, but wishing to retain their present character and therefore rejecting major development; or towns with limited economic and human resources, devoid of the potential to stimulate the urban economy. • “Medium” growth potential : Consistent and moderate growth prevails in these towns and certain sectors of the economy show signs of growth, or have the potential for it; • “High” and “Very High” growth potential : Towns displaying sustainable growth combined with an established and proven track record to operate as ‘regional leaders’. Potential to grow at a sustainable and powerful rate in line with the capacity of their resources and to operate as service providers to a relatively extensive hinterland. The difference between ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ status only lies in the diversity and intensity of the town dynamics (Centre for Geoscience Research, 2004,)

An overview of the Study’s findings with regard to the urban communities of particular relevance to the proposed Caledon wind farm is provided in Table 7.13 below. Given the proposed site’s location in proximity to the R406, the touristic settlements of Genadendal and Grayton have also been included.

Table 7.13: Growth potential of urban communities in vicinity to proposed Wind Farm Town Human Development Potential Economic Place Needs Quantitative Qualitative Base Identity Botrivier Medium Low Very Low Agricultural Overberg service rural town centre 6 Caledon Very Medium Medium Agricultural Hot springs low service and casino centre Genadendal Medium Low Low Tourism/ Historical Residential mission station Greyton Low Low Low Retirement/ Victorian Second village with homes serene lifestyle Source: Growth Potential of Towns in the Western Cape (2004)

6 Agricultural service centre: “ Traditional central place towns serving the daily needs of a surrounding farming community, e.g. providing educational, religious, shopping and professional services.” ( Growth Potential of Towns in the Western Cape (2004).

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-23 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

7.4.3 Heritage resources

This information was obtained from the Heritage Impact Study ( Appendix N). The study area is situated in the rolling wheat lands of the Overstrand region between Caledon and Botrivier. The site is reached via the R43 turnoff 8 km east of Botrivier. The study area includes portions of 24 farms which incorporates a high ridge which is the focus of the proposed activity. Being elevated above the surrounding rolling hills landscape, this feature is where the highest wind velocities are to be obtained. Initial indications are that much of the site has been subject to generations of agriculture and has low biodiversity in most areas. The steeper parts of the ridge still contain indigenous vegetation. The area has aesthetic values being situated on the scenic route (R43) to Villiersdorp close to the junction of the R43 and the rural gravel road via the Riviersonderend Valley to Genadendal and Greyton. The entire surrounding area is rural and agricultural with wheat and stock farming being the primary activity taking place. The area is of tourism importance as it is adjacent to one of the scenic routes to Greyton, a popular “getaway” and residential town situated in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountains. The historic Moravian mission settlement of Genadendal is a significant National Heritage Site in the area.

7.4.4 Noise climate

This information was obtained from the Noise Impact Study ( Appendix O). This is a typical agricultural area with flowing hills and ridges and the sheep and wheat farming is taking place on most of the farms. The ground is covered with either natural grass or wheat during the winter periods and a part of summer after which the ground is covered with weeds and/or grass.

The noise study will be done in the study area as can be seen in Figure 7.9. This will be the prevailing ambient noise level at the boundary of the study area and at the different noise sensitive areas within the study area.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-24 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 7.9: Noise receptors within Caledon wind farm study area

The area marked in Green as in Figure 7.10 is the different farms next to the wind farm study area marked in Turquoise. A noise survey will be done at each of the farmhouses.

Figure 7.10: Farms abutting the Caledon wind farm study area

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 7-25 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 8. POTENTIAL ISSUES AND IMPACTS

8.1 Introduction

This proposed project will be registered with the Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) Programme. Caledon Wind considers this project as a ‘green’ initiative and have decided to, where possible, commit to making environmentally favourable decisions in respect of the project as a whole.

During the Scoping phase of the project, Caledon Wind have demonstrated the above commitment through the following initiatives:

• Campaigning that the proposed landowners register their natural Renosterveld vegetation with the CapeNature Stewardship Programme; • Developing and campaigning with South African Development Institutions for the local community to acquire a sizable portion of equity in the project. The expected resulting dividends are planned to be used for social infrastructure projects such as health care, education and energy efficiency projects in term of the existing Integrated Development Plan. • Considering underground transmission lines from the turbines to the existing overhead transmission lines compared to the traditional overhead lines; • Utilising local materials and labour, where possible, for the construction of the wind farm; and • Avoiding the placement of wind turbines within Renosterveld vegetation occurring within the proposed study area.

The potential issues and impacts associated with this project were identified and described by the various biophysical environmental and socio-economic environmental specialists. The findings of these various studies are set out below. The identified potential issues will be investigated in detail within the Impact Assessment phase of the project with respect to the alternatives discussed in Chapter 4 . Potential issues and impacts associated with the naturally occurring Renosterveld vegetation will be eliminated in the Impact Assessment phase, through Caledon Wind’s commitment as set out above.

8.2 Biophysical Environment

8.2.1 Terrestrial Fauna

The following information was obtained from the Fauna Specialist Study included in Appendix I .

A number of direct risks would result from construction of the proposed Caledon Wind Farm, as follows:

• Clearing of land for construction; • Construction of access roads; • Establishment of borrow and spoil areas;

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-1 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

• Chemical contamination of the soil by construction vehicles and machinery; • Operation of construction camps; and • Storage of materials required for construction.

Possible issues include the following:

• Potential impacts on habitats or resources important for species of conservation concern. This may be from clearing of land or from indirect impacts that affect sensitive habitats, e.g. runoff from hard surfaces leading to potential erosion impacts on down-slope areas; and • Direct loss of individuals of species of conservation concern through factors that cause mortality, e.g. aerial animals flying into infrastructure.

Based on the species of concern that could occur on site and the available habitat types on site, these can be translated into assessable impacts, as follows:

• Loss of terrestrial habitat (fynbos and/or renosterveld); • Loss of wetland habitat; • Change in runoff and drainage leading to soil erosion and increase in silt loads and sedimentation; • Displacement of animals due to construction disturbance (noise, dust and general disturbance); • Fragmentation of populations of species of conservation concern; and • Loss of individuals of bat species through collision with wind turbines.

300 MW Windfarm, Associated Powerlines and Infrastructure

i. Loss of terrestrial habitat

Construction of the wind farm will lead to loss of habitat directly under each wind turbine (of approximately 36 m 2 to 47 m 2, dependant on final model chosen) as well as where access roads are located. There are some small patches of natural habitat remaining on site. The condition of this is unknown. This vegetation potentially provides habitat for the Honey Badger and the Cape Rain Frog. The potential value of this natural habitat for species of conservation concern is affected by the following factors:

• The Honey Badger is widely distributed in South Africa; • There is not much habitat remaining intact on site; and • Construction of wind turbines will probably only affect a small proportion of remaining natural habitat on site.

It is considered unlikely that the site constitutes important habitat for the Honey Badger and that loss of some of this habitat during construction is unlikely to have a significant impact on this species. The value of the site for the Cape Rain Frog can only be evaluated once it has been established whether the species occurs on site or not. If this frog species does occur on site, it is likely to be restricted to specific areas, which can be avoided once identified.

ii. Loss of wetland habitat

Construction of the wind farm will lead to loss of habitat directly under each wind turbine as well as where access roads are located. There are a number of drainage lines on the proposed site in which seasonal wetland vegetation may occur. This

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-2 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

wetland vegetation potentially provides habitat for the Cape Rain Frog and the Cape Mountain Toad. The potential value of this natural habitat for species of conservation concern is affected by the following factors:

• Construction of wind turbines may affect a small proportion of remaining natural habitat on site; and • There are legislative issues with development within a wetland which will probably lead to turbines being positioned elsewhere.

The occurrence and associated impact on the Cape Rain Frog and the Cape Mountain Toad can only be evaluated once it has been established whether the turbine positioning will impact on any wetland habitat supporting their presence, and as wetland habitat has to be avoided by legislative process, it is likely that impact on these species will be avoided.

iii. Change in runoff and drainage

Any hard surfaces constructed on site will cause increased overland flow and reduced infiltration. This may lead to increased erosion, changed hydrology and increased siltation in wetlands and drainage areas. Construction of the wind farm will lead to establishment of hard surfaces directly under each wind turbine as well as where access roads are located. If these areas are located up-slope of wetlands and/or drainage lines then this may cause potential impacts on habitats that are of potential value to frog species of conservation concern.

As mentioned above, the occurrence and associated impact on the Cape Rain Frog and the Cape Mountain Toad can only be evaluated once it has been established whether the turbine positioning will impact on any wetland habitat supporting their presence, and as wetland habitat has to be avoided by legislative process, it is likely that impact on these species will be avoided.

iv. Displacement of animals

Construction activities will create noise, dust and general disturbance which may cause animals to move away. The species most likely to be affected are the Honey Badger and the four species of bat that could occur on site. The potential value of the site for the Honey Badger is affected by the following factors:

• The Honey Badger is widely distributed in South Africa; • There is not much habitat remaining intact on site; and • Individuals may return once construction activities are completed.

This impact is therefore not likely to be significant in terms of its effect on the Honey Badger.

The bat species may be affected quite differently. Many bat populations utilize the same site for roosting from one year to another. Displacement of a population may therefore have severe potential impacts on that population. The value of the site may also be reduced following construction and returning bats may be negatively affected by the infrastructure (see last impact) or they may never return to that site.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-3 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

v. Fragmentation of populations

Construction activities cause available habitat to be fragmented in some way. Any of the species listed as potentially occurring on site may be affected by fragmentation. The potential value of the site for the Honey Badger is affected by the following factors:

• The Honey Badger is widely distributed in South Africa; • There is not much habitat remaining intact on site; and • Individuals may return once construction activities are completed.

This impact is therefore not likely to be significant in terms of its effect on the Honey Badger.

The bat and frog species may be affected quite differently. Many bat populations utilize the same site for roosting from one year to another and frog populations are often restricted to a particular site. Fragmenting of a population may therefore have severe potential impacts on that population. The value of the site may also be reduced following construction and returning bats may be negatively affected by the infrastructure (see last impact) or they may never return to that site. The potential for fragmenting frog populations depends on whether they occur on site and also whether other populations of the species are likely to be located. It is important to establish whether the site constitutes important habitat for any of the bat or frog species and to evaluate whether it is an important linkage between different populations before the potential significance of this impact can be evaluated.

vi. Loss of bats through collisions with turbines and barotrauma

Bats have been found to be particularly vulnerable to being killed by wind turbines. It has long been a mystery why they should be so badly affected since bat echo-location allows them to detect moving objects very well. A recent study in America has found that the primary cause for mortality is a combination of direct strikes and barotrauma (bats are killed when suddenly passing through a low air pressure region surrounding the turbine blade tips causing low pressure damage in the bat's lungs, Baerwald et al . 2008). The relative importance of this impact on bat populations depends on which species are likely to be affected, the importance of the site for those species and whether the site is within a migration corridor for particular bat species. Additional information is required before this impact can be properly evaluated, but it is likely to be the most important impact on threatened animal species associated with the construction and operation of the wind farm.

8.2.2 Terrestrial Flora

The following information was obtained from the Flora Specialist Study included in Appendix H .

In terms of the construction of a wind farm on the site the following possible negative generic ecological issues have been identified, and will require assessment at the Impact Assessment phase:

• Direct loss of vegetation during the construction phase (tower installation requires special cranes on heavy tracks; substations; access roads; concrete mixing sites); • Temporary (but often long term) loss of vegetation at the construction phase (laydown areas; cabling; disturbance around towers; building material storage areas; powerline access and footing placement); and

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-4 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

• Potential indirect ecological impacts at the operational phase (introduction of invasive alien ants and plants; disruption of natural fire regimes; fragmentation of natural habitat and ecological corridors).

The extent of these potential impacts is largely dependant on the location of the infrastructure – if only or very largely in cultivated areas then many of the above potential impacts will be minimised.

The following potentially positive ecological impacts have been identified:

• Opportunity to formally conserve significant priority areas of natural habitat in the study area (basically on-site offsets), preferably as Contract Reserves with CapeNature’s Stewardship Program for private landowners; and • Opportunity to fund and implement an Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) throughout the site, focussing on alien vegetation control, fire management and grazing impacts (livestock).

8.2.3 Avifauna

The following information was obtained from the Avifauna Specialist Study included in Appendix J .

One of the main functions of a scoping study is to identify the various potential impacts associated with the development that will need further investigation during the Impact Assessment phase. These potential impacts are discussed below. The significance of impacts will be explored in more detail in a subsequent report in the Impact Assessment phase.

300 MW Wind Farm

i. Disturbance of breeding birds during the construction phase

The activities and noise associated with the construction of the proposed wind farm (including access roads) has the potential to disturb breeding birds, which in turn could lead to breeding failure.

The Renosterveld in the study area is utilised by the Red listed Denham’s Bustard and Black Harrier for breeding purposes (Harrison et al. 1997). Bustards are very sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances and will readily take flight at the sight of humans (pers.obs.).

The Red listed Blue Crane has very specific site selection criteria, which was well analysed in a recent study by Bidwell (2004). He identified the following criteria:

• Cranes prefer pastures over cereal crops, and generally avoid nesting in natural vegetation; • They select fields that are far from buildings and tar roads, and closer to natural vegetation; • They also choose fields that are larger and contain more natural vegetation; • Within fields containing nests, cranes select nest sites that are significantly further from buildings and farm tracks and closer to natural vegetation, horizons and sources of water than are random sites; • They choose north-facing and upslope sites; and

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-5 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

• Cranes did not appear to choose fields or nest sites with respect to the distance to the nearest fence, dirt road, or power line.

Actual breeding data for Blue Cranes in the study area was not available at the time of writing, but it is known that several pairs could be breeding in the area. At least one pair was observed during the field visit, breeding in a wind row in a cereal crop field. More information on actual breeding pairs will be required to properly assess the potential impact of the construction activity. Important though is the finding of Bidwell (2004) that they actively avoid buildings and roads, indicating their sensitivity to human disturbance.

ii. Sterilisation of breeding and foraging habitat by the operation of the wind farm

The activities and noise associated with the operation of the proposed wind farm has the potential to sterilise otherwise suitable habitat for certain species. As was pointed in the section above, Blue Cranes actively avoid areas of human activity when selecting for breeding areas. Bustards are also very sensitive to human disturbance and readily take flight at the sight of humans (pers. obs.). It is highly unlikely that these species would continue to breed or even forage in the area that is occupied by the wind turbines. This would amount to habitat loss for these species. No studies have been done in this regard in South Africa, therefore this statement is admittedly speculative, but it has been found that at a wind farm in Germany the Great Bustard Otis tarda avoids the wind farm in a radius of up to 1km around the farm (Langgemach 2008). Presumably, similar behaviour could be expected from a related species such as the Denham’s Bustard. Cranes do not feature prominently as wind farm collision victims in literature, presumably for the same reason, i.e. that they avoid the area entirely.

iii. Collisions with the wind turbines during the operational phase

The following section provides a background to the interactions between wind energy facilities and birds and describes the issues that are likely to be encountered with the proposed project. It is critical to understand the various issues and factors at play, before an accurate assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed wind farm on the birds of the area can be conducted. By necessity, the following description is based almost entirely on international literature, primarily from the United States. The reality is that the South African experience of wind energy generation has been extremely limited to date. Most of the principles that have been learnt internationally can be applied locally to a certain extent. However, care will be taken in this study to adapt the existing international knowledge to the local bird species and conditions. Much of the work cited below has also been published in proceedings of meetings and conferences. Very little has been published in formal peer reviewed journals. The implication of this is that the information needs to be used with some degree of caution, particularly when drawing comparisons, as the methodologies used are not standardised. The discussion below focuses largely on the impact of collision of birds with wind turbines. It is important to remember that wind facilities also impact on birds through disturbance and habitat destruction, and by means of their associated infrastructure. Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed wind farm will take all of these factors into account.

A relatively recent summary of the available literature entitled “Wind Turbines and Birds, a background review for environmental assessment” by Kingsley and Whittam (2005) and the Avian Literature Database of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (www.nrel.gov) have been used extensively.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-6 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Concern for the potential avian impacts of wind facilities first arose in the 1980’s when raptor mortalities were detected in California (US) and at Tarifa (Spain). The Altamont Pass site in California, and Tarifa in Spain were the sites of some extremely high levels of bird mortalities. These mortalities focused attention on the impact of wind energy on birds, and subsequently a large amount of monitoring at various sites has been undertaken. According to Kingsley and Whittam (2005), “With a few important exceptions, studies that have been completed to date suggest very low numbers of bird fatalities at wind energy facilities. The observed mortality caused by wind energy facilities is also very low compared to other existing sources of human caused avian mortality on a per structure basis”. Curry and Kerlinger (www.currykerlinger.com) also state that it appears now that the situation at Altamont Pass is an anomaly. Documents comparing wind energy mortalities to other forms of human induced mortality are numerous (for example Crockford 1992, Colson and Associates 1995, Gill et al. 1996 and Erickson et al. 2001) and all point towards the relatively low numbers of birds killed by wind turbines. It must be stressed that the purpose of this report is to assess the potential impacts of the proposed wind farm on birds, not to compare the effects to other sources of mortality. In some threatened species, any additional causes of mortality should be avoided at all costs. Naturally, as more monitoring was conducted at different sites, a need arose for a standard means of expressing the levels of bird mortalities – in this case, number of mortalities per turbine per year. The following is a brief summary of some data that has emerged internationally. When examining mortality rates at wind energy facilities, it is important to note that searcher efficiency (and independence) and scavenger removal rates need to be accounted for. Additionally, although the rates may appear relatively low – it is important to note that it is the cumulative effect of a wind farm that is really important. In other words, the absolute number of birds killed by a wind farm in a year is far more meaningful, than an average per turbine. In addition, for some species, even a minute increase in mortality rates could be significant (e.g. for long living, slow reproducing species such as many of our South African Red listed species).

• USA The National Wind Co-ordinating Committee (NWCC) estimates that 2.3 birds are killed per turbine per year in the US outside of California – correcting for searcher efficiency and scavenger rates. However, this index ranges from as low as 0.63 in Oregon to as high as 10 in Tennessee (NWCC 2004) illustrating the wide variance in mortality rate between sites. Curry and Kerlinger (2000) found that 13 % of turbines at Altamont Pass, California were responsible for all Golden Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk collisions.

• Australia In Australia the recorded collision rates range from 0.23 to 2.7 birds per turbine per year (Australian Wind Energy Association webpage – Wind Turbines). However, the monitoring site for this data consisted of only three wind turbines and one wind mast, so the results must be viewed with caution.

• New Zealand It seems that wind power in New Zealand is relatively new, and the only reference to bird mortalities is that there are no reports of rare, threatened or endangered species mortalities (New Zealand Wind Energy Association webpage – Climate change and the environment Fact sheet)

• Spain At the Tarifa site, Janss (2000) estimated 0.03 birds killed per turbine per year. At the same site, collisions have also been found to be non-randomly distributed between turbines, a study by Acha (1997) found that 28 of the 190 turbines killed 57 % of vultures at Tarifa.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-7 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

• Germany The German Wind Energy Association (BWE) reports that German Friends of the Earth (BUND) estimates an average of 0.5 bird deaths per turbine or a total of 8000 per year. The German Society for Nature Conservation (NABU) collated information from 127 case studies and concluded that only 269 birds were found to be killed by turbines across Germany since 1989. By extrapolating, they estimate approximately 10 000 birds and bats dying per year.

• South Africa To date, only three wind turbines have been constructed at a demonstration farm at Klipheuwel in the Western Cape. These turbines were only installed in 2002 and 2003. A monitoring program was put in place once the turbines were operational and conducted by Jacque Kuyler (2004) – this report was obtained from Eskom Peaking Generation. This involved site visits twice a month to monitor birds flying in the vicinity of the site, and bird mortalities. Important findings of his monitoring conducted from June 2003 to January 2004 are as follows:

• Between 9 and 57 % of birds observed within 500m of the turbines were at blade height – there was great variation between months. • Between 0 and 32 % of birds sighted were close to the turbines defined as “between turbines or within outer router arc” and again showed great variation between months. • Five bird carcasses were found on the site during this period. Two of these, a Helmeted Guineafowl and a Spotted Dikkop were determined to be killed by predators. A Horus Swift and a Thick-billed Lark were determined to have been killed by collision with turbine blades. A Cattle Egret was found with no visible injuries and was allocated to natural causes. • If these two mortalities in eight months are expressed as number of mortalities/turbine/year, the result is 1.00 mortalities per turbine per year. • Experimental assessment of the searcher efficiency revealed that 7 out of 9 (77 %) carcasses placed in the study area were detected by the searcher. • These nine carcasses were scavenged at between 12 and 117 days after their placement.

A number of factors influence the number of birds killed at wind farms and these can be classified into three broad groupings: bird related factors; site related factors and facility related factors.

• Bird related factors Bird species and number present in the area has an influence on the risk. Although only one study has so far shown a direct relationship between number of birds present in an area and number of collisions (Everaert 2003, Belgium) it stands to reason that the more birds flying through the area of the turbines, the more chance of collisions occurring. The particular bird species present in the area is also very important as some species are more vulnerable to collision with turbines than others. This is examined further below. Bird behaviour and activity differs between species – with certain hunting behaviour rendering the species more vulnerable. For example a falcon stooping after prey is too focused to notice other infrastructure. There may also be seasonal and temporal differences in behaviour, for example breeding males displaying may be particularly at risk. These factors can all influence the birds’ vulnerability.

A controlled experiment with homing pigeons was undertaken to examine their flight behaviour in the proximity of turbines (Cade 1994). Pigeons released near turbines

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clearly recognize the turbines and adjust their flight as required – of about 2270 pigeon flights near turbines, three collisions occurred. In a radar study of the movement of ducks and geese in the vicinity of an off shore wind farm in Denmark, less than 1 % of bird flights were close enough to the turbines to be at risk. This is graphically shown in Figure 8.1, where it is clear that the birds avoided the turbines effectively (Desholm and Kahlert, 2005).

Figure 8.1: Radar tracked movement of ducks and geese relative to an offshore wind farm in Denmark. Scale bar = 1000m. (Desholm and Kahlert 2005)

International experiences in terms of the different broad groupings of species, and their vulnerability, reveals that water birds i.e. species such as herons, ibises and waders are not very vulnerable to collisions. The same goes for waterfowl . Diurnal raptors on the other hand are a class of birds that shows definite vulnerability to collisions with wind turbines under certain conditions. At Altamont Pass in California, six seasons of monitoring of 16 % of the turbines (approximately 5000 total) revealed 183 mortalities, 119 or 65 % of which were raptors. Fifty five percent of the raptors killed were killed through collision with turbines, the remainder dying on associated infrastructure (Orloff and Flannery 1992). At the same site, from 1998 to 2000, 256 birds were found killed, 139 or 54 % of which were raptors (Erickson et al. 2002, Hunt 2002). However, in the US outside of California, raptors only accounted for 2.7 % of mortalities (Erickson et al. 2001, Kerlinger 2001). It seems then the situation varies drastically between different sites, and even in different seasons. At Tarifa in Spain, 106 raptors were found in one year, almost all collided with turbines on high visibility days (Marti and Barrios 1995). At the same site Janss (2000) found only two raptors killed in two migration seasons worth of monitoring. The situation clearly also varies from year to year. No data is available on nocturnal raptors. Songbirds comprise 78 % of fatalities in US (Erickson et al. 2001). A group of species particularly at risk is grassland species with aerial courtship displays – such as the Horned Lark (Kerlinger and Dowdell 2003). It can therefore be speculated that the Agulhas Long-billed Lark could be at risk of collisions with the blades in the study area (interestingly, Kuyler reported a Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris as one of only two collision victims at the Klipheuwel experimental facility). Notably, at the Klipheuwel demonstration facility, a pair of Blue Cranes has bred successfully within close proximity to the facility for several years now (Ian Smith pers comm.).

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• Site related factors Landscape features can potentially channel or funnel birds towards a certain area, and in the case of raptors, influence their flight and foraging behaviour. Elevation, ridges and slopes are all important factors in determining the extent to which an area is used by birds in flight. High levels of prey with favourable wind conditions will attract raptors, increasing the time spent hunting on the wing, and as a result reducing the time spent still hunting from a perch. Weather patterns on site can have a decisive influence on the risk. If, for example, if fog moves in off the sea at night and early morning it could be an important factor. At Mountaineer Wind Energy Centre in Tucker County (US), 30 songbirds collided unexpectedly with a turbine, during thick fog conditions in May 2003 (Cumberland Times). Very few collisions had been recorded prior to this weather incident. Birds fly lower during strong headwinds (Hanowski and Hawrot 2000; Richardson 2000; pers.obs.). This means that, when the turbines are functioning at their maximum speed, birds are likely to be flying at their lowest – a perilous combination. Strong winds are common in the study area, which could increase the risk of collisions.

• Facility related factors The scale of the facility will have an influence on the risk. According to Kingsley and Whittam (2005), “More turbines will result in more collisions”. Although only two mortalities have been recorded at the experimental site at Klipheuwel, the difference between the 3 turbines at Klipheuwel and the up to 150 turbines at the proposed site is significant. Larger facilities also have greater potential for disturbance and habitat destruction. The rotor design and dimensions also play a role. To date it has been shown that large turbines kill the same number of birds as smaller ones (Howell 1995, Erickson et al. 1999). This means that with newer technology and larger turbines, fewer turbines are needed for the same power generation, possibly resulting in less mortalities altogether (Erickson et al. 1999). Tubular towers have less perch space than the lattice type. Figure 8.2 below shows the development of turbine size since the 1980’s (European Wind Energy Association - EWEA).

Figure 8.2: The development of turbine size since the 1980’s – European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)

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One of the reasons suggested for bird collisions with turbine blades is ‘motion smear’, a term used to describe the phenomenon whereby rapidly moving objects become less visible the closer the eye is to them. Another name for it is retinal blur. The retinal image can only be processed up to a certain speed, after which the image cannot be perceived. It stands to reason then that the slower the blades move, the less motion smear – and this should translate into less collisions. Painting patterns on the blades has been tested to reduce motion smear and this is discussed further below. Interestingly, it is believed that at night there is no difference between a moving blade and a stationary one in terms of number of collisions (Kingsley and Whittam 2005).

Spacing between turbines at a wind farm can have an effect on the number of collisions. Some authors have suggested that paths need to be left between turbines so that birds can move along these paths. For optimal wind generation, relatively large spaces are generally required between turbines in order to avoid wake and turbulence effects.

The three main hypotheses proposed for birds not seeing turbine blades are as follows (Hodos et al. 2001):

• An inability to divide attention between prey and obstacles. This seems an unlikely explanation as birds have been found to maintain good acuity in the peripheral vision, have different foveal region in the eye for frontal and ground vision and they have various other optical methods for keeping objects at different distances simultaneously in focus. • The phenomenon of motion smear or retinal blur, explained earlier in this report. • The angle of approach. If a bird approaches from side on to the turbine, the blades present a very small profile and are even more difficult to detect.

Mitigation measures should therefore focus on solving the problem of motion smear both from front and side angles.

Coming back to the site in question, the species that are most likely to be impacted are raptors that use the current favourable wind conditions on the ridges to forage. Species most likely to be impacted are rodent “specialists” namely Rock Kestrels Falco rupicolus , Black-shouldered Kites Elanus caeruleus , Steppe Buzzards Buteo vulpinus, Jackal Buzzards Buteo rufofuscus and occasionally Lanner Falcons Falco biarmicus . The Red listed Black Harrier might also be at risk, particularly in renosterveld areas. Small species such as larks (e.g. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea and Large- billed Lark Galerida magnirostris ) and seed-eaters which are likely to continue to use the area in between the turbines, might also be at risk, including the Red listed Agulhas Long-billed Lark. Common terrestrial species such as Helmeted Guinea-fowl Numida meleagris could also be at risk, as well as soaring, non-raptors such as the migratory White Stork. It is not envisaged that the Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard will be particularly at risk of collisions, as it both species are likely to avoid the turbine area completely.

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Associated Infrastructure for the wind farm

Some of the associated infrastructure that is required for the wind farm includes navigation lights (for aircraft) mounted on the top of the wind turbines, and a temporary wind mast which has already been erected to measure the wind speed.

i. Potential impacts of the communication mast

There is a Vodacom communications mast (approx 30m in height) and a wind mast (50m in height) adjacent to each other on site. The Vodacom mast is lit permanently with a red light. The wind mast does not have a light, but it does have guy wires. The wind mast is a temporary structure which is assessed under a separate basic Assessment application (DEA Reference Number 12/12/20/1539) and is not considered under this EIA process as the mast will be decommissioned prior to construction for the proposed Caledon Wind Farm project.

No studies have been conducted on bird fatalities at communication or similar masts in this country, but fatalities are known to have occurred, for example Cape Vultures at the large communications tower on top of Kransberg in the Marikele National Park, which is situated directly above a large Cape Vulture breeding colony (Pat Benson pers.comm). Again, the situation differs materially from the one in question in that the Marikele tower is much bigger and situated at a known concentration spot for soaring birds.

It cannot be stated for sure what influence the red light on the adjacent Vodacom tower will have on nocturnal birds, but it is not envisaged that it will have the dramatic effect recorded in the studies quoted earlier, for the reasons already stated. The species most likely to be impacted will be the same ones most at risk with the wind turbines, namely rodent “specialists” such as Rock Kestrels, Black- shouldered Kites, Common Buzzards, Jackal Buzzards and occasionally Lanner Falcons, using the lift on the hill for low altitude hunting on the wing. It must also be stated that the tower will provide an excellent hunting perch for all of these species, which could put then at risk when attacking prey from that position, if their flight path takes them through the guy wires.

ii. Potential impacts of the lighting on the wind turbines

According to the proponent, the wind turbines will be lit with a constant red light at the top. Lighting of turbines and other infrastructure has the potential to attract birds, thereby increasing the risk of collisions with turbines. In Sweden a large number of collisions were recorded with one turbine in one night. The turbine was not operational, but was lit (Karlsonn 1983). At the Mountaineer site mentioned above, all collisions occurred on the three turbines closest the substation (which was lit with a solid white light). No collisions occurred on any of the other 12 turbines which were lit with red strobe lights.

The theory behind the relationship between lights and the number of collisions is that nocturnal migrants navigate using stars, and mistake lights for stars (Kemper 1964). Another partial explanation may be that lights attract insects which in turn attract birds. Changing constant lighting to intermittent lighting has been shown to reduce attraction (Richardson 2000) and mortality (APLIC 1994, Jaroslow 1979, Weir 1976) and changing white flood light to red flood light resulted in an 80 % reduction in mortality

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(Weir 1976). Erickson et al. (2001) suggest that lighting is the single most critical attractant leading to collisions with tall structures.

The potential for collisions with the wind turbines due to presence of lights is not envisaged to be significant, primarily because the phenomenon of mass nocturnal migrations is not a feature of the study area, and secondly because the type of light, namely a constant red light, is not known to be a high risk attractant to birds.

Sub-transmission Line

i. Potential impacts of sub-transmission line

A proposed 11 – 22 kV power line that will link the wind farm to the grid could pose a collision risk, depending on the final alignment of the line and if this line is an overhead structure as opposed to an underground structure.

Because of their size and prominence, electrical infrastructures constitute an important interface between wildlife and man. Negative interactions between wildlife and electricity structures take many forms, but two common problems in southern Africa are electrocution of birds (and other animals) and birds colliding with power lines (Ledger and Annegarn 1981; Ledger 1983; Ledger 1984; Hobbs and Ledger 1986a; Hobbs and Ledger 1986b; Ledger et.al. 1992; Verdoorn 1996; Kruger and Van Rooyen 1998; Van Rooyen 1998; Kruger 1999; Van Rooyen 1999; Van Rooyen 2000). Electrocutions are not envisaged to be a problem on the proposed 132kV line. Collisions, on the other hand, could be a major potential problem.

Collisions kill far more birds annually in southern Africa than electrocutions (Van Rooyen 2007). Most heavily impacted upon are bustards, storks, cranes and various species of water birds. These species are mostly heavy-bodied birds with limited manoeuvrability, which makes it difficult for them to take the necessary evasive action to avoid colliding with power lines (van Rooyen 2004, Anderson 2001). Unfortunately, many of the collision sensitive species are considered threatened in southern Africa - of the 2369 avian mortalities on distribution lines recorded by the EWT since August 1996, 1512 (63.8 %) were Red listed species (Van Rooyen 2007) .

In the Overberg, power line collisions have long been recorded as a major source of avian mortality (Van Rooyen 2007). Most numerous amongst power line collision victims are Blue Crane and Ludwig’s Bustard (Shaw 2007). It has been estimated that as many as 10 % of the Blue Crane population in the Overberg are killed annually on power lines, and figure for Denham’s Bustard might be as high as 30 % of the Overberg population (Shaw 2007). These figures are extremely concerning, as it represents a possible unsustainable source of unnatural mortality.

Unfortunately, the dynamics of the collision problem is poorly understood. In the most recent study on this problem in the Overberg, Shaw (2007) identified cultivated land and region as the significant factors influencing power line collision risk. Lines that cross cultivated land pose a higher risk, as expected, as this is the preferred habitat of Blue Cranes in the Overberg. Interestingly, she also found that collision rates in the Bredasdorp region are much higher than those around Caledon, which might be a function of the higher proportion of flocks, and a greater number of large flocks (50+ birds) in Bredasdorp, as opposed to Caledon in the winter. Collision rates are higher for birds in flocks, as they may panic, or lack visibility and room for manoeuvre because of the close proximity of other birds (APLIC, 1994). Other factors, such as proximity to

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dams, wind direction and proximity to roads and dwellings did not emerge as significant factors, but she readily admits that her broad-scale analysis may have been too crude to demonstrate their effects. It is for example a well known fact that cranes are particularly vulnerable to power lines skirting water bodies used as roosts, as they often arrive there or leave again in low light conditions (pers . obs.).

The impact of power line collisions is potentially a much bigger than that of the wind farm itself, and will require further investigation during the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

8.2.4 Agricultural Potential

The following information was obtained from the Agricultural Potential Specialist Study included in Appendix K .

The major impact on the natural resources of the study area would be the loss of potentially agricultural land due to the construction of the turbines and associated infrastructure. However, this impact would be of limited significance and would be local in extent, and would obviously not be sensible in the irrigated areas.

However, this may well not be relevant, since sources such as Google Earth show little evidence of any irrigation within the study area. As far as any non-irrigated cultivation is concerned, the fact that the turbines will be placed far apart would mean that cultivation would still be possible between the structures.

The impact can be summarized as follows:

Table 8.1: Agricultural Potential Impact Significance Nature Loss of agricultural land Land that is no longer able to be utilized of impact due to construction of infrastructure Extent Site only Confined to areas within the site where of impact turbines (7 m x 7 m), substation (20 m x 25 m), and access roads etc will be located Duration Long-term Will cease if operation of activity ceases of impact Probability Highly probable of impact Severity Moderately severe of impact Significance Low Mainly due to low potential of area, as well of impact as scattered/random nature of infrastructure which allows for almost all agricultural activities to continue on the land Mitigation The main mitigation would be to ensure that as much as possible of factors the planned infrastructure be confined to transformed land, or use is made of existing roads etc. In addition, the infrastructure could be dismantled at a future stage to return the environment to approximately its original state.

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8.2.5 Baseline Geotechnical Study

The following information was obtained from the Geotechnical Study included in Appendix L .

Wind turbines are normally founded on large round or square raft-like concrete bases with a central base with a basal diameter of 5.5 m to 7.0 m surrounded by a concrete raft with a diameter of 17.3 m. The mast structures are not particularly heavy in terms of foundation loading, as the load is distributed evenly over the large foundation area. However, the masts are subjected to high wind shear and thus dense soil with a moderate to high shear strength and bearing capacity is required for founding. Therefore foundation conditions are a key constraint on engineering costs and affect project feasibility.

The ‘soft to intermediate’ rock condition in this area is considered highly favourable for founding the masts. In general founding depth would be approximately 1.9 m, which corresponds closely to the expected depth of excavation possible in the rock without the need for rock blasting. The bearing capacity in the fractured shales is estimated to be at least 500 kPa which is double the required bearing capacity for the anticipated loads of the operating wind turbines. If the rock condition at the bottom of the excavation is highly uneven rock dowels can be used to prevent sliding of the concrete base. After casting the foundation area is backfilled with compacted rock and soil to a level of 0.95 m above the concrete foundation and flush with the base.

The hard sandstone that forms the hill ridges should be avoided in the specific locating of individual masts. The rock would require blasting in order to provide the depth of foundation required for the masts.

The location of the wind turbines on the higher ground ensures that there is no influence of the water table on foundations and reduces the risk of chemical corrosion of the concrete bases.

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8.3 Socio-Economic Environment

8.3.1 Social Environment

The following information was obtained from the Social Impact Specialist Study included in Appendix M .

Key Planning and Policy Issues

Legislative and policy context plays an important role in identifying and assessing the potential social impacts associated with a proposed development. In this regard a key component of the SIA process is to assess the proposed development in terms of its fit with key planning and policy documents.

The review of the relevant planning and policy documents has been undertaken as a part of the Scoping Study assessment. The key documents reviewed included:

• The White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa, December 1998; • Strategic Initiative to Introduce Commercial Land Based Wind Energy Development to the Western Cape . Towards a Regional Methodology for Wind Energy Site Selection (May 2006) • Draft Western Cape Integrated Energy Strategy. Provincial Government Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (January 2007); • The Statutory Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2009); and • The Theewaterskloof Municipality 2009/2010 Integrated Development Plan (2009).

The findings of the review indicated that wind energy was strongly supported at both a national and provincial level.

At a national level the White Paper on Energy Policy (1998) notes:

• Renewable resources generally operate from an unlimited resource base and, as such, can increasingly contribute towards a long-term sustainable energy future; and • The support for renewable energy policy is guided by a rationale that South Africa has a very attractive range of renewable resources, particularly solar and wind and that renewable applications are in fact the least cost energy service in many cases; more so when social and environmental costs are taken into account.

At a provincial level the Draft Western Cape Integrated Energy Strategy (January 2007) notes:

• Wind energy potential in the Western Cape is high (3 000 MW). The potential advantages associated with wind include:

Technology and capital costs are reducing rapidly;

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Low maintenance;
Clean option;
Can be quickly installed in areas needing new supply.

• The Provincial Government of the Western Cape is committed to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to reducing the Province’s carbon footprint and eradicating energy poverty. In order to achieve this vision, the PGWC will:

Support an approach to energy planning, which takes into account environmental, social and economic considerations; and
Support research and development around renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• The Strategic Assessment for establishing Wind Farms (May, 2006) undertaken by DEA&DP notes:

It is important that at the national level (SA being signatories to the Kyoto Protocol) that positive policy is enacted to encourage wind energy (and indeed all renewable) development. A national perspective should ensure that wind resource rich provinces and regions are identified in order to ensure a co-ordinated and holistic national strategy. In this regard, it is accepted that the Cape West Coast (the study area and beyond to the north – indeed to the Orange River) will inevitably be attractive to wind energy developers due to the prevalence of coastal wind regimes. However, the importance of employing an effective cumulative impact model must be emphasised.

• The PSDF (2009) recognises the importance of developing renewable energy generation resources, including wind energy generation facilities. In that regard, provincial government has set a target of 25 % renewable energy generation for the Province by 2020. The PSDF however also notes the importance of preserving the integrity of the province’s scenic resources, including landscapes, and therefore provides that associated infrastructure should be sensitively sited.

The Theewaterskloof IDP emphasises the critical importance of increasing the rate of local economic development. Three key economic developmental thrusts are identified, maintaining and growing the existing agricultural backbone sector, promoting and developing niche tourism as a vital diversification strategy, and incentivising the development of light industry, including the promotion of sensitively sited renewable energy generating facilities. Botrivier is identified as a specific growth node focus in this regard. A development corridor between Grabouw, via Botrivier to Caledon is further proposed along the N2.

The findings of the review of the relevant policies and documents pertaining to the energy sector indicate that wind energy and the establishment of wind energy facilities are supported at a national, provincial and local level. The Theewaterskloof IDP specifically provides for the development of renewable energy generating facilities in the Botrivier area. The site proposed for the Caledon Wind Farm is spatially aligned with the identified development corridor. Inclusive of light industry, proposed along the N2 between Grabouw and Caledon.

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Local and site specific issues

Based on review of information relating to wind farms, experience with the Darling and Eskom Wind Facilities’ EIAs and the findings from a review of the development proposal as well as contextual and demographic data for the study area, the most important issues that are likely to be raised and will need to be assessed during the EIA include:

i. Local communities and individuals

• Potential impact on rural sense of place (this will be closely linked to the potential visual impacts); • Potential Impact on tourism, both locally and regionally (this will be closely linked to the potential visual impacts from routes currently serving a scenic/ touristic function, specifically the R406, but also the R43 and the N2); • Impact on property prices (Botrivier town and adjacent/ near-adjacent rural areas where the scenic resource may be considered of significant value with regard to rural lifestyle land use); • Influx of job seekers into the area during the construction phase. The influx of job seekers may result in an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; increase in prostitution; increase in alcohol and drug related incidents; increase in crime; and creation of tension and conflict in the community. This issue is potentially of great importance, given the high established migration influx level currently experienced by the Theewaterskloof LM; • Creation of employment and business opportunities during the construction phase; • Creation of employment and business creation opportunities during the operational phase; • Creation of potential training and skills development opportunities for local communities and businesses; • Potential up and down-stream economic opportunities for the local, regional and national economy; and • Provision of clean, renewable energy source for the national grid.

ii. Farmers on and adjacent to the proposed wind farm site

In terms of potential impacts on local farmers in the area the following issues will need to be assessed:

• Potential threat to farm safety due to increased number of people in the area and construction workers; • Potential stock losses (during the construction and operational phase); • Potential damage to water and other farm infrastructure (during the construction and operational phase); • Potential damage to roads by heavy equipment and increased traffic volumes (during the construction and operational phase); and • Potential impact on farming operations and loss of productive land (during the construction and operational phase).

8.3.2 Heritage Resources

The following information was obtained from the Heritage Specialist Study included in Appendix N .

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Palaeontology

The study area is situated in an area characterised by shales of the Bokkeveld group which are potentially fossilifierous in terms of Devonian and Sillurian period fossils (Almond and Pether 2008). The upper layers of the shales are generally quite degraded and the palaeontolgical potential is variable, however where solid rock is encountered the paleontological potential is high, hence the study area is potentially sensitive. It will therefore be necessary to complete a palaeontological desktop assessment as part of the Impact Assessment phase.

i. Nature of Potential Impacts

Palaeontological material is destroyed by bulk earthmoving, cutting and mining operations, however palaeontological resources tend to be extensive (depending on the resource) and are rather more resistant to impact than archaeological material for the simple reason is that there is more of it. Because palaeontological material is often very deeply buried, scientists often rely on human intervention in the land surface to collect data. Aside from natural exposures, open cast mines, quarries and deep road cuttings often present the only opportunities for palaeontologists to examine deep sediments which under normal circumstances they may not have access to. In short, provided that palaeontolgists can use the opportunity arising from major construction works to adequately sample and record profiles and exposed material as part of the environmental management process, a potential negative impact can be transformed into a positive opportunity to increase the levels of knowledge about a locality and the species of fauna and flora that were present in the past.

ii. Extent of Potential Impacts

In the case of the proposed wind farm, it is expected that the potential impacts will be quite limited (local) but nevertheless possible. There is a chance that the deep excavations for the tower bases could potentially impact buried fossil bearing shale. Excavation of cable trenches and clearing of access roads is unlikely to impact material that lies buried in the surface soils as this material is weathered and disturbed. Potential impacts caused by a power line, infrastructure such as sub-stations and access roads are similarly un-likely.

Pre-colonial archaeology

Almost nothing is known about the frequency or landscape of Late Stone Age (San or Khoekhoen) sites in the study area. What is known is the historically is that the Khoekhoen herders (namely the Hessequa and Chainoquas) (Nienaber 1989 Khoekhoen se Stamname HSRC Pretoria. frequented the area before the advent of colonial period farming. It is also expected that the study area will contain scattered Stone Age archaeological material dating from the Early, Middle and Late Stone Age periods. This has been encountered in several areas throughout the Overberg – the Hemel and Aarde Valley (Hart personal observation), Caledon area (Vos 1996).

i. Nature of potential impacts

The main cause of potential impacts to archaeological (and palaeontological) sites is physical disturbance of the material itself and its context. The heritage and scientific potential of an archaeological site is highly dependent on its geological and spatial context. This means that even though, for example a deep excavation may expose

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archaeological artefacts, the artefacts are relatively meaningless once removed from the area in which they were found. Large scale excavations will damage archaeological sites, construction of roads and laydown areas, injudicious use of off- road vehicles can contribute to high levels of impact. Sites which contain San rock paintings or rock engravings are very sensitive to secondary potential impacts such as graffiti, wetting and touching. The frequency of this kind of impact increases when more people are present in the area (i.e. construction teams).

ii. Extent of potential impacts

In the case of the proposed wind farm, it is expected that the potential impacts will be quite limited (local) but nevertheless possible. There is a chance that the deep excavations for the tower bases could potentially impact buried archaeological material, similarly excavation of cable trenches and clearing of access roads could impact material that lies buried in the surface sand. Potential impacts caused by a 132 kV power line, two proposed substations and proposed access roads are similarly likely to be limited and local, however these will need to be physically searched and assessed during the Impact Assessment phase and the routes adjusted where necessary. Local rock painting sites (if they exist) could suffer secondary potential impacts.

Colonial period heritage

The general historical context of the study area is significant, although few historic buildings and structures have been identified in the study area to date. It is known that this area has been subject to European settlement since the late 17 th century (Vos 1996). The fact that most of the farms that make up the study area were established before the mid-18 th century indicates a high likelihood of structures relating to this time or later being within the study area, or being located within the view shed of the proposed activity. The proximity of the study area to historic towns such as Genadendal, Botrivier will trigger the need for a historic building and place survey within the study area and extending onto neighbouring farms.

i. Nature of Potential Impacts

Historic structures are sensitive to physical damage such as demolition as well as neglect. They are also context sensitive, in that changes to the surrounding landscape will affect their significance. The significance of any historic structures will need to be assessed through site inspection and primary and secondary historical research.

ii. Extent of Potential Impacts

Direct potential impacts are not expected, however if the proposed activity stimulates changes in the way that historic structures are utilized, or affects their place and setting potential negative impacts may result.

Cultural landscape and sense of place

The cultural landscape associated with the study area is quite complex and sensitive due to its location adjacent to key scenic routes to the historic Riviersonderend Valley, Genadendal and Villiersdorp. The heritage qualities of these areas and towns will need to be appraised with a view to determining if the proposed development will impact the sense of history and historical identity of the area.

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Wind Energy Facilities are a new concept in South Africa, but are relatively common in Europe and North America. Perusal of international literature indicates that visual impact and changes to sense of place or setting are among the most contentious issues that the wind energy industry has had to face in terms of finding social acceptability within a given community (Roberta 2007, Clarke 2009). Various nations in the developed world have developed best practice guidelines to deal with the kinds of complex potential impacts that wind energy facilities can have on the heritage and landscape qualities of an area. In Europe there is a trend towards discouragement of large “wind parks” due to the visual impact they have on landscape. Instead, small clusters of turbines – up to 8 have been found to fit acceptably within Europe’s typically green manicured fields, and from time to time the services of landscape architects have been required to place the turbines in such a way as to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. South African landscapes are very different and will have different capacities in terms of their “aesthetic absorption” ability. As yet South Africa does not have well developed guidelines or the benefit of experience within our own landscapes, which is an issue that needs to be addressed and work-shopped at the level of the South African Heritage Resources Agency.

The proliferation of wind energy facilities in South Africa in the absence of heritage guidelines or policy is a cause for concern in terms of potential cumulative impacts. Wind energy facilities which require vast amounts of landscape threaten significant impacts in terms of potential loss of iconic vistas, and landscape character change, especially in the Cape Province where the identity of the region is strongly linked to its spectacular landscape character.

i. Nature of Potential Impacts

Cultural landscapes are highly sensitive to potential cumulative impacts and large scale development activities that change the character and public memory of a place. The construction of a large facility is likely to result in profound changes to the overall sense of place of a locality, if not a region. The proposed activity is essentially a visual intrusion that is very difficult to measure due to the fact that there is little reference material on which the sense of change can be gauged in a local context.

ii. Extent of Potential Impacts

Massed wind turbines, are without doubt conspicuous structures which will affect the atmosphere of the “place”. While this impact may be considered local in terms of physical extent, there may be wider implications in terms of the change in “identity” of the area and the cumulative effect this could have on future tourism potential. In terms of this study it is anticipated that negative landscape impacts and will potentially affect the experience of driving to Greyton and Genadendal via the Riviersonderend valley and impact the scenic drive northwards to Villiersdorp. This means that the potential for alteration to the cultural landscape and sense of place is considered an issue that will need further attention in the Impact Assessment phase. Very close integration of the heritage study and the visual impact assessment will be required.

8.3.3 Noise

The following information was obtained from the Noise Impact Specialist Study included in Appendix O .

The sources of aerodynamic noise can be divided into a low-frequency noise, in-flow turbulence noise, and airfoil self-noise.

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The low frequency noise is caused by the aerodynamic interaction between the tower and the blades. The in-flow turbulence noise is caused by the interaction of upstream atmospheric turbulence with the leading edge of the blade and depends on the atmospheric conditions. The airfoil self-noise is caused by the interaction between the turbulent boundary layer and the trailing edge of the blade during undisturbed inflow of air. The inflow turbulence noise and the airfoil self noise can contribute to the overall noise which can be broad band or tonal noise of the turbine (Oerlemans. S, et al. 2007).

In Figure 8.3 the noise source created by the blade is indicated with the red zone as the highest and the blue somewhat lower. This test was done on a G58 wind turbine.

Figure 8.3: The noise source in the rotor plane averaged over several revolutions is projected on the picture.

The noise created by the wind will also be investigated and the impact such has on noise sensitive areas will be investigated as most of the houses are surrounded by high trees which create a secondary noise problem. Road surfaces and the speed of vehicles propagate sound during specific wind directions and wind speed some distance from the road, which will have an impact on the noise regime of an area.

People exposed to an increase in the prevailing ambient noise level will re-act differently to the noise levels and the response is given in Table 8.2.

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Table 8.2: Estimated community/group response when the ambient noise level is exceeded.

1 2 3

Excess Estimated community/group response 1) )))LReq,T

dB Category Description

0 None No observed reaction 0-10 Little Sporadic complaints 5-15 Medium Widespread complaints 10-20 Strong Threats of community/group action >15 Very strong Vigorous community/group action

1) Calculate )LReq,T from the appropriate of the following: a) )LReq,T = L Req,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS LReq,T of the residual noise (determined in the absence of the specific noise under investigation). b) )LReq,T = Lreq,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS the maximum rating level for the ambient noise given in table 1. c) )LReq,T = L Req,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS the typical rating level for the applicable district as determined from table 2.

The difference between the actual noise and the ambient noise level will determine how people will respond to sound.

The recommended noise level for a residential area according to the general Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines is 55.0 dBA and 45.0 dBA during the night time period. The South African National Standards (SANS) have different recommended ambient noise levels and are given in Table 8.3 .

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Table 8.3: Recommended noise levels for different districts.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Equivalent continuous rating level L Req.T for ambient noise

dBA

Outdoors Indoors, with open windows

Day- Day- night Daytime Night-time night Daytime Night-time 2) 1) 1) 2) 1) 1) Type of district LRdn LRd LRn LRdn LRn LRn

a) Rural districts 45 45 35 35 35 25 b) Suburban districts with little road traffic 50 50 40 40 40 30 c) Urban districts 55 55 45 45 45 35

d) Urban districts with some workshops, with business premises and with main 60 60 50 50 50 40 roads e) Central business district 65 65 55 55 55 45 f) Industrial districts 70 70 60 60 60 50

The reference time intervals can be specified to cover typical human activities and variations in the operation of noise sources and are for daytime between 06h00 to 22h00 and for night time between 22h00 and 06h00.

In terms of noise increases, persons exposed to an increase of 2 dBA or less would not notice the difference. Some people exposed to increases of 3-4 dBA will notice the increase in noise level, although the increase would not be considered serious. Noise increases of 5 dBA and above are very noticeable, and, if these are frequent incidents, or continuous in nature, could represent a significant disturbance.

8.3.4 Traffic

The following information was obtained from the Traffic Impact Specialist Study included in Appendix Q .

The following section details the preliminary transportation impacts and possible mitigation measures of the following phases of Caledon Wind Farm:

• Construction • Operation • Decommissioning

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Construction Phase Transportation Impacts

During the construction phase, large construction components and other construction materials will be transported by trucks along N2 and R43.

The transportation of components and construction materials will have a significant impact on the existing road network.

The intersection of N2 and R43 will have to be assessed in order to determine the possible impact during the construction phase.

The condition of the off-road vehicle track will have to be assessed to determine the necessity of possible upgrades. An investigation for sight distance at the R43 / off-road vehicle track intersection will be required.

The off-road vehicle track to the south of the site is proposed to be extended further into the site for construction purposes and become an additional access point, as shown in Figure 8.4.

Figure 8.4: Aerial photo showing the existing and proposed new access points

The height of the wind turbines may affect the aviation line in the area. Further investigation on the aviation line will be required.

The construction phase of Caledon Wind Farm is considered to generate the most impact on the transport network, the assessment will therefore mainly focus on the construction phase.

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Operation Phase Transportation Impacts

As minimal labour will be required for the operation phase, the transportation demand of the site during operation is expected to be little.

Decommissioning Phase Transportation Impacts

The decommissioning phase of the site is believed to have similar impact on the transportation network as the construction phase, therefore the same issues as the construction phase will apply to the decommissioning phase.

8.3.5 Visual

The following information was obtained from the Visual Impact Specialist Study included in Appendix P .

The viewshed

The viewshed is defined as the theoretical outermost limit of the area from which views of development on the site many be possible. Therefore the viewshed defines the area that will be assessed in the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA).

The approximate potential viewshed (see Figure 8.5) continues as far as Hawston and Kleinmond in the south-west, runs north-east along the Palmietberge through Mount Hebron peak to the Houhoekberge. The edge of the viewshed connects the peaks of Mount Lebanon and Aasvoelkop of the Groenlandberge and connects the northern peaks of Keurboom and Drosternes. The Zoetehoop mountains of the Franschhoekberge range form the north-western boundary of the viewshed and the northern edge of the viewshed is dominated by the Oude Baviaanskloof of the Donkerhoekberge. The Oliphantsberg of the Riviersonderendberge forms the edge of the viewshed to the north-east and this edge runs south and through the peaks of Kleinvoorhoede and Mount Middleton of the Swartberg range, east of site. In the south east the viewshed extends beyond Shaw’s Mountain to the higher peaks of Belle Vije and Maanskynkop in the Kleinrivierberge. Directly south of the site, the viewshed is edged by the Babilonstoringberge and the Onrusberge in the south-west.

Of particular concern is the potential visibility from the N2 and the R43.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 8-26 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 8.5: Approximate viewshed of the proposed project

General description of the site and surrounding area

The site consists of a number of agricultural erven that follow a series of ridges and hills that rise above the surrounding landscape.

These hills lie in a large valley bordered to the north by the line of the Riviersonderendberge, to the west by the Houhoekberge, to the south by Babilonstoringberge and in the east by the Swartberge.

The general terrain is undulating and complex and almost completely reworked by farming, mainly grain production, the course of the ploughing following the contours and creating a sense of order to the landscape which changes colour and texture with the seasons. At certain times of the year some of the land is used for grazing, mainly sheep.

The natural fynbos vegetation now only exists in limited places where ploughing is difficult. At the edges of the valley, as the slopes become steeper, the natural vegetation reasserts itself.

The landscape dictates that the roads, including the N2, snake, rise and fall across the undulations. Views along the roads alternate between relatively intimate agricultural scenes and vast panoramic views that take in the mountains in the distance. The curves mean that the view changes continually creating a very rich visual experience.

The hills on which the wind farm is planned rise above the surrounding landscape but are not so steep that they preclude agriculture. They form an intermediate visual

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feature which is generally seen against the backdrop of the more distant mountains but sometimes creates a skyline of its own.

A part of the study area is the Botrivier River estuary which forms a visual corridor from the site to the ocean at Kleinmond.

As the N2 descends the Houhoek pass travelling eastwards, panoramic views over the entire valley, including the site are possible. The effect on these views and the views from the Botrivier Estuary will have to be examined carefully in the VIA as it could impact visually on the tourist resources in the area. The site is also highly visible from the R43.

The landscape is characterised by small stands of trees, often associated with small dams or water troughs for the sheep. There are larger stands of trees as Caledon is approached which include plantations. In the area of the site, however, there is very little in the way of potential vegetative screening.

Human settlement in the area immediately surrounding the site is limited to farm houses and other agricultural buildings. Three urban centres may be impacted upon, Botrivier, Caledon and Kleinmond, but they are all in excess of 5km from the site and so the visual impact is anticipated to be limited.

Main issues that will be addressed in the VIA

• The optimal placing of the wind turbines to minimise the visual impact. • The careful siting of the roads and transmission lines so that their visual impact is minimised. • The effect of the development on views from the N2 with specific reference to the Houhoek Pass. • The visual impact on the local towns and farms.

8.4 Conclusion

This chapter provided a discussion of potential impacts which can be expected to arise as a result of the proposed Caledon wind farm, associated infrastructure and power lines. These potential impacts were identified through the various the specialists’ studies. The more detailed description and assessment of these potential impacts, as well as any mitigation measures, will be conducted during the Environmental Impact Assessment phase.

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9 CONCLUSIONS

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1 Project Background

Epsispan (Pty) Ltd, trading as ‘Caledon Wind’ is proposing to establish a commercial Wind Farm and associated infrastructure on a site near Caledon in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, Western Cape Province. The proposed Caledon wind farm is expected to be 300 MW in size and will comprise of up to 150 wind turbines, between 2 MW – 3.6 MW each in size. The hub height will be between 80 m and 100 m and the turbine blade length between 45 m and 58.5 m.

In terms of the EIA Regulations, an application of this nature has to undergo both Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Arcus GIBB (Pty) Ltd have been commissioned by Caledon Wind, who is the (appointed project manager) project developer, to undertake the EIA process.

This report documents the tasks which have been undertaken as part of the Scoping phase of the EIA. These tasks include the public participation process and specialist studies, as well as the documentation of the issues which have been identified as a result of these activities.

To date, tasks that have commenced include the:

• Identification of Stakeholders or I&Aps; • Notification and Advertisements; • Background Information Documents; • Specialist Scoping Studies; and • Ongoing Consultation and Engagement

Detail on the above has been discussed in Chapter 6 .

This Draft Scoping Report was released for public review and comment from 10 December 2009 – 3 February 2010 . During the review period, additional Public Participation Process (PPP) was undertaken, allowing Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and Key Stakeholders from government and the private sector to engage with the project proponents and independent environmental consultants. The PPP consisted of key stakeholder workshops, focus group meetings, public meetings and one-on-one interactions. Issues raised by I&APs and key stakeholders during the public participation process were documented and included in this Final Scoping Report ( Appendix E ).

The relevant authorities required to review the proposed project and provide Environmental Authorisation were consulted from the outset of this study, and have been engaged throughout the project process. These supervisory authorities include the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), who are the lead authority for this project. The Western Cape Department Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEA&DP) is noted as a key commenting authority. In addition, a number of other authorities have been consulted. For a comprehensive list refer to Chapter 6 .

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The Scoping phase of an EIA serves to define the scope of the detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a proposed project. The Scoping phase has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 108 of 1998), as read with Government Notices R 385 (Regulations 27-36), 386 and 387 of the NEMA and the IEM Information Series (DEA, 2002). The objectives of the Scoping phase are to:

• Ensure that the process is open and transparent and involves the Authorities, proponent and stakeholders; • Identify the important characteristics of the affected environment; • Ensure that feasible alternatives are identified and selected for further assessment; • Assess and determine potential impacts of the proposed project on the biophysical and socio-economic environment and associated mitigation measures; and • Ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

Specialist studies were undertaken to identify potential impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed project. The studies undertaken are listed in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1: Specialist Studies undertaken within the Scoping Phase of the Project Specialist Study Name of Specialist Flora Impact Assessment Nick Helme of Nick Helme Botanical Surveys Fauna Impact Assessment David Hoare of David Hoare Consulting CC Avifauna Impact Assessment Chris van Rooyen of Chris van Rooyen Consulting Agricultural Study Garry Patterson of ARC Geotechnical Study Jon McStay of WSP Social Impact Assessment Tony Barbour of Tony Barbour Environmental Heritage Impact Assessment Dr. Lita Webley/ Tim Hart of UCT Noise Impact Assessment Barend van der Merwe of DBAcoustics Visual Impact Assessment Tanya de Villiers of CNdV Africa Traffic Impact Assessment Nuran Nordien of Arcus GIBB

The specialist studies identified potential impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed project and which will require detailed investigation during the Impact Assessment phase of the EIA. The conclusions of the Scoping phase specialist studies are discussed below.

9.2 Findings and Recommendations of the Specialist Studies

9.2.1 Flora

The study area presents a viable opportunity for the construction and operation of a wind farm that will not have major negative botanical impacts, provided that the important botanical constraints identified in this study are observed.

If >95 % of the development footprint can be restricted to areas of low sensitivity the direct impact on natural vegetation will be minimised. The 5 % of the development footprint that may have to take place within high sensitivity areas is part of the powerline connecting the proposed facility substation to the existing Eskom powerlines, and some relatively short sections of access road on the eastern ridge.

Development within high sensitivity areas (i.e. areas of natural vegetation) is not recommended, as it will result in possible permanent loss of Critically Endangered or

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Vulnerable vegetation, and the potential impacts cannot be effectively mitigated. The only exception concerns parts of the transmission line that will be necessary to connect to the Eskom lines in the Hawston View road area, as this will need to cross areas of natural vegetation, but the potential impacts of this can be minimised (overhead lines rather than underground lines) so that overall impacts can be restricted to low negative.

Most of the natural Renosterveld patches in the study area should ideally be formally conserved and managed for conservation, as part of the mitigation for this development. This would be best achieved by the landowners signing Stewardship Program contracts with CapeNature, and this will be clarified at the Impact Assessment phase. If this forms part of the project proposal to be assessed at the Impact Assessment stage it could in fact be a significant positive impact of the proposed development, as this would help achieve a significant portion of the Cape Lowlands Renosterveld Project 20 year vision. For this to take place there should be in principal agreements in place between the landowners, project developers and CapeNature before the Impact Assessment phase.

Detailed construction and operational phase mitigation will be required in order to safeguard the vegetation in the sensitive areas during development and the operational phase, the details of which will depend on the road, turbine, substation and powerline layouts assessed. This should be outlined by the botanist at the Impact Assessment phase. Standard Impact Assessment methodology should be used for rating potential impacts, and all potential impacts identified in the current Scoping study should be assessed, along with any others that may become apparent. It is unlikely that an additional field visit will be necessary at the Impact Assessment phase of the EIA, unless infrastructure is proposed within or very close to (within 30 m of) areas of natural vegetation.

9.2.2 Fauna

An evaluation of the habitat on site in association with the potential occurrence of species of conservation concern indicates that only a small number of species are likely to be negatively affected by the proposed infrastructure. These include the Honey Badger, four species of bats and two species of frogs.

Potential impacts due to the proposed wind farm affect habitat for species or affect individuals of species directly. Different infrastructure has different potential impacts, each of which affects the potentially sensitive species in different ways.

The Honey Badger is unlikely to be significantly affected by the construction of the wind farm. The site is small in comparison to its overall range and it is likely to be able to continue using the site once operation of the wind farm is underway.

The two species of frogs will only be affected if they occur on site, which is unknown at this stage. If they do occur on site then their habitat is likely to be localized and potential impacts on such areas could be managed through re- location of infrastructure to avoid such sites.

Bats are the species most likely to be affected by the operation of a wind farm. Bat mortality associated with wind turbines is reported to be quite high. The impact is through direct collisions with turbine blades or barotrauma (often fatal injury due to sudden change of pressure) caused by moving turbine blades leading to mortality. The potential significance of this impact depends on the identity of species of conservation concern that occur in the area. There are four

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species of concern that have been assessed as having a high probability of occurring on site or in the surrounding areas.

Based on the assessment of these factors, it is recommended that surveys are undertaken in the field to identify which species of bats and frogs of conservation concern occur on site or may use the site for foraging. This will provide the background information to make a more informative assessment of the potential impact of the wind farm on animal species of conservation concern.

9.2.3 Avifauna

The following impacts are potentially associated with the wind farm itself:

• Disturbance of breeding birds during the construction phase, particularly Red listed Blue Crane and possibly Denham’s Bustard. • Sterilisation of breeding and foraging habitat by the operation of the wind farm, particularly for Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard. • Collisions with the wind turbines during the operational phase, particularly raptors of several species and possibly Red listed Agulhas Long-billed Lark.

These aspects will be further explored in the Impact Assessment phase report, and appropriate mitigation measures will be suggested, where and if necessary/possible.

The following impacts could potentially be caused by the associated infrastructure:

• Potential impacts of the lighting on the wind turbines. The potential for collisions with the wind turbines due to presence of lights is not envisaged to be significant, primarily because the phenomenon of mass nocturnal migrations is not a feature of the study area, and secondly because the type of light, namely a constant red light, is not known to be a high risk attractant to birds.

The following impacts could potentially be caused by the proposed transmission line (should this be constructed as an overhead structure):

In the Overberg, power line collisions have long been recorded as a major source of avian mortality (Van Rooyen 2007). Most numerous amongst power line collision victims are Blue Crane and Ludwig’s Bustard (Shaw 2007). It has been estimated that as many as 10 % of the Blue Crane population in the Overberg are killed annually on power lines, and figure for Denham’s Bustard might be as high as 30 % of the Overberg population (Shaw 2007). These figures are extremely concerning, as it represents a possible unsustainable source of unnatural mortality.

The impact of overhead power line collisions is potentially much bigger than that of the wind farm itself, and will require further investigation during the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

9.2.4 Agricultural Potential

The effects on agriculture are not likely to be severe, and the absence of any large component of high potential soils supports this.

No “fatal flaw” issues were identified.

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9.2.5 Geotechnical Study

There are no predictable geological or geotechnical impacts associated with the construction or operations of the wind turbines.

Ground conditions are stable, there are no severe soil erosion and slope stability problems that require unusual or special construction measures to be used.

Geotechnical constraints are minor and relate to the presence of shallow rock over much of the area. In terms of foundation conditions this is a highly favourable site condition.

The hard ridges of sandstone and small outcrops are clearly visible and often support patches of indigenous vegetation. These areas can be avoided during the specific location of individual masts to reduce potential impacts due to rock blasting.

The soils are highly conductive and will require cathodic protection for the underground powerlines. Similarly the local soil conditions are not ideal in terms of their thermal resistivity, both issues can be mitigated in the selection of an imported quartz sand for pipe bedding

The overall geotechnical assessment is that this site is highly favourable for the operation of a wind farm and that detailed geotechnical investigations are not required for the assessment of environmental potential impacts but should be undertaken to provide detailed information for engineering design once final locations and routes are confirmed.

9.2.6 Social

The key conclusions of the Scoping phase specialist study are the following:

• The establishment of wind energy facilities are supported at national, provincial and local levels; • The proposed wind farm site appears to be compatible with the spatial development vision of the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality (LM); • Key potential construction phase issues for further investigation during the Impact Assessment phase relate to the recruitment and on-site management of construction labour and the management of potential impacts on local roads; • Key potential operational phase issues relate to the potential negative impacts on the scenic integrity (visual) of the landscape, and on potential losses in agricultural productivity. • The establishment of a new tourism sector (Green Tourism) to the benefit of the industry within the area.

9.2.7 Heritage Resources

Indications are that in terms of archaeological heritage and built environment the proposed activity is viable, potential impacts are expected to be limited and controllable.

In terms of the natural cultural landscape qualities of the site, potential impacts are expected which are potentially severe, especially since the proposed activity is situated in a prominent and scenic area, in a region valued for its historical rural character (Baumann, Winter and Clift in prep). The degree and nature of the impact is going to depend on how the wind turbines are arranged on the landscape, and the

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ability of the topography to absorb their presence which is an issue which will require attention during the course of the EIA.

The Impact Assessment phase study needs to fulfill the requirements of heritage impact assessment as defined in Section 38 of the NHRA. This means that the assessment has to cover the full range of potential cultural heritage as defined by the term “culture” contained in the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999.

The proposed study area needs to be subject to a detailed survey by an archaeologist who will need to walk a pattern of transects over the site recording details and locations of any heritage material found. The significance of each find will need to be assessed along with the potential impacts of the proposed activity. Mitigation measures will need to be identified.

Proposed routes of linear infrastructure (access roads, underground services, power lines) will need to be ground-proofed to establish the potential impacts of the proposed activity and determine where mitigation (if any) will be required.

The colonial period historical significance of the site will need to be established through archival and deeds surveys and the assessment and grading of the built environment by an (accredited professional) in the study area and within a radius of 2 km from the boundaries of the study area. Lost historical significance (if any) will need to be identified and the proposed action assessed to determine if it presents any potential impacts to the historical significance of the “place”. In terms of cultural landscape, more research is required into determining what would be best practice on terms of South African Landscapes, and it is the intention to gather information in this regard to inform the future EIA process. Close co-operation with the Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) specialist will be required.

Follow up heritage work such as monitoring of excavations by a palaeontologist or archaeological sampling is likely to be a requirement of the Environmental Management Plan.

9.2.8 Noise

The wind turbines will be situated atop and around the ridges of the proposed area (wind farm), away from the residential properties on the farms which are are situated in the valleys in order to get protection against the prevailing winds. The trees at the farm houses create a further noise problem as the wind creates a secondary noise problem when it blows.

The wind turbines can only operate when the wind is blowing and the prevailing ambient noise level is increased according to the wind speed and some vertical structures in and around the study area. A pre-liminary noise survey conducted at ground level during a wind of 15 m/s revealed that the prevailing noise level is 75.4 dBA and at a wind of 7.7 m/s the noise level was recorded at 67.6 dBA and at a wind speed of 5.0 m/s at the farmhouse 57.6 dBA. The natural wind noise is therefore similar to typical noise levels expected in an industrial area.

The spectrum analysis was done of the different wind speeds and it is indicated in Figure 9.1.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA 9-6 August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report

Figure 9.1: The spectrum analysis of the different wind speeds as measured at the wind farm.

The noise spectrum of the wind turbine when in operation, will be plotted in order to determine the impact the noise of the wind farm may have on the environment.

9.2.9 Visual

The proposed wind farm will visually affect an extensive area that is largely agricultural in nature but also contains several through - routes that have significance to tourism, such as the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon and the R43 between the N2 and Villiersdorp. Particular emphasis will be placed on visibility from these routes.

As the site is large enough to be flexible in the placement of the turbines, and because the size of the turbines makes them difficult to screen, the main visual mitigation measure will be their optimal placement as well as to limit the visibility of the access roads and transmission lines.

The Visual Impact Assessment will be based on broad-based computer modelling which will make the assessment and comparison of various scenarios possible. The primary work of mitigation will therefore have to be undertaken during the design stage and in consultation with the technical team.

9.2.10 Traffic

The following is concluded from the traffic study:

• The extension and possible upgrade of the off-road vehicle track to the south of the site will be required. • The traffic impact of the relevant intersections will be further investigated. • The aviation line network in the area will be further investigated

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9.3 Alternatives for Evaluation in the Impact Assessment Phase

The following project alternatives will be investigated in the EIA:

• The “do nothing” alternative : The ‘do-nothing’ alternative is the option of not establishing a wind farm in Caledon in the Western Cape Province. • Layout and design alternatives (site specific) : This includes placement / micro- siting for the turbines, varying turbine sizes from 2 MW to 3,6 MW and the alignment and placement of the transmission lines connecting the wind farm to the grid. • Associated Infrastructure : The alignment of the various access roads.

The selection of the most suitable project alternatives will be based on the following principles:

• The opinion of the public, ascertained through the public consultation process; • Specialists’ recommendations; • Environmental constraints; • Minimal environmental impacts; • Optimisation of existing infrastructure, such as access roads; • Technical and Feasibility Studies; and • Economic cost-benefit analyses.

9.4 Conclusions and Recommendations

Based on the specialist studies no environmental fatal flaws have been identified to date. However, a number of potentially significant environmental impacts have been identified as requiring further in-depth study. Therefore, a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment is required to be undertaken in order to provide an assessment of these potential impacts and recommend appropriate mitigation measures, where required.

The terms of references for the detailed specialist studies required in the Impact Assessment phase of the project are included in the Plan of Study for EIA ( Chapter 10).

In addition to the above studies it has become evident, during the scoping studies, that a detailed Traffic Impact Assessment will be required in the Impact Assessment phase. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this study is also included in Chapter 10.

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10 PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA

10.1 Introduction

This Scoping Report was compiled in line with the requirements of the NEMA EIA Regulations and has provided a brief description of the pre-development biophysical and socio-economic environment of the broader region, a description of the nature and extent of the project, as well as the potential issues identified and evaluated to date in the Scoping phase of the EIA. This provides the context for the Plan of Study for the Impact Assessment phase of the project. The Plan of Study describes how the Impact Assessment phase of the project will proceed and provides the terms of reference for specialists, the impact assessment methodology to be used to rate impacts as well as clearly indicating the deliverables of the Impact Assessment phase and the proposed timeframe.

Following acceptance of the Scoping Report, the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process commences. This phase considers the potential impacts identified for the proposed project on the environment taking into account the following:

• Potential impacts of the proposed project during the construction phase; • Potential impacts of the proposed project during the operational phase; and • The potential cumulative impacts of the proposed project.

10.2 Purpose of the Plan of Study for EIA

The Plan of Study for EIA sets out the proposed approach to the EIA. The following requirements of Regulation 29 of Government Notice R. 385 promulgated in terms of section 24 of NEMA have been considered in compiling this Plan of Study for EIA:

• A description of the tasks that will be undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process, including any specialist reports or specialised processes, and the manner in which such tasks will be undertaken; • An indication of the stages at which the competent authority will be consulted; • A description of the proposed method of assessing the environmental issues and alternatives, including the no development option; • Particulars of the PPP to be conducted during the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process; and

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-1 • Any specific information required by the competent authority.

10.3 Detailed Impact Assessment Phase

10.3.1 Introduction

The purpose of the Impact Assessment phase of an EIA is as follows (DEA, 2005):

• Address issues that have been raised during the Scoping phase; • Assess alternatives to the proposed activity in a comparative manner; • Assess all identified impacts and determine the significance of each impact; and • Formulate mitigation measures in order to minimise negative impacts and optimise the effects of positive impacts.

Numerous acceptable approaches and methodologies exist by which the above purpose can be achieved. The legislation in South Africa, including the guideline documents published in support thereof, does not provide a specific methodology for the assessment of impacts. Rather, an assessment framework is provided within which Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) are expected to structure a project-specific assessment methodology. This assessment framework recognises that there are different methodologies available for assessing the impact of a development but that the specific methodology selected must provide for the following (DEA, 2005):

• A clear process for impact identification, prediction and evaluation; • The specification of impact identification techniques; • Criteria for evaluating the significance of impacts; • The design of mitigation measures to address impacts; • Defining types of impacts (direct, indirect or cumulative); and • Specification of uncertainties.

This section of the Plan of Study for EIA serves to describe the manner in which Arcus GIBB, as the appointed EAP, intends undertaking the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process. To ensure consistency in the assessment, all the specialists will be required to make use of the same assessment methodology.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-2 10.3.2 Impact Assessment Methodology

The objective of the assessment of impacts is to identify and assess all the significant impacts that may arise because of the proposed Caledon Wind Farm and associated infrastructure. The process of assessing the potential impacts of the project encompasses the following four activities:

• Identification and assessment of potential impacts; • Prediction of the nature, magnitude, extent and duration of potentially significant impacts; • Identification of mitigation measures that could be implemented to reduce the severity or significance of the impacts of the activity; and • Evaluation of the significance of the impact after the mitigation measures have been implemented i.e. the significance of the residual impact.

The possible impacts associated with the proposed Caledon Wind Farm are identified in the Scoping phase through public and stakeholder consultation, as well as through input from the authorities and the EIA team. These impacts are derived from the issues that are identified in respect of all phases of the development including the construction and operational phases. During the detailed Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process, additional impacts will be identified through the various specialist studies to be undertaken and through the ongoing consultation process with I&APs.

In accordance with GNR 385, promulgated in terms of section 24 of NEMA, specialists will be required to assess the significance of potential impacts in terms of the following criteria:

• Cumulative impacts; • Nature of the impact; • Extent of the impact; • Intensity of the impact; • Duration of the impact; • Probability of the impact occurring; • Impact non-reversibility; • Impact on irreplaceable resources; and • Confidence level.

Table 10.1 provides a summary of the criteria and the rating scales, which will be used in this regard. The assignment of a rating 1 will be done based on past experience of the EIA Team, the professional judgement of the specialists as well as through desktop research.

Once the potential impacts have been assessed in terms of the above criteria a consequence rating will be applied as per the convention in Table 10.2. The

1 Cumulative impacts, impact non-reversibility, and impact on irreplaceable resources will together inform the impact intensity rating

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-3 consequence of the potential impacts will be determined according to the main criteria for determining the consequence of impacts, namely the extent, duration and intensity of the impacts. This assessment will be done initially for the scenario where no mitigation measures are implemented. The professional experience of the specialists will determine the allocation of the pre-mitigation impact consequence rating.

The overall significance of the impacts will be defined based on the result of a combination of the consequence rating and the probability rating, as set out in Table 10.3.

Mitigation measures will then be identified and considered for each impact and the assessment repeated in order to determine the significance of the residual impacts (the impact remaining after the mitigation measure has been implemented).

The criteria that will be used to determine the significance of the residual impacts will include the following:

• Probability of the mitigation measure being implemented; and • Extent to which the mitigation measure will affect the assessment criteria in Table 10.3.

The results of the assessment of the significance of the residual impacts will then be linked to decision-making by authorities in the following manner:

• Low – will not have an influence on the decision to proceed with the proposed project, provided that recommended mitigation measures are implemented; • Medium – should influence the decision to proceed with the proposed project, provided that recommended mitigation measures are implemented; and • High – would strongly influence the decision to proceed with the proposed project regardless of the implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-4 Table 10.1: Impact Assessment Criteria and Rating Scales

Criteria Rating Scales Cumulative impacts • Low (there is still significant capacity of the environmental resources within the (incremental impacts of geographic area to respond to change and withstand further stress) the activity and other past, • Medium (the capacity of the environmental resources within the geographic area present and future to respond to change and withstand further stress is reduced) activities on a common • High (the capacity of the environmental resources within the geographic area to resource) respond to change and withstand further stress has been or is close to being exceeded) Nature • Positive • Negative • Neutral Extent (the spatial limit of • Local (site-specific and/or immediate surrounding areas) the impact) • Regional (Western Cape / TWK Municipality) • National or beyond Intensity (the severity of • Low - where the impact affects the environment in such a way that natural, the impact) cultural and social functions and processes are minimally affected • Medium - where the affected environment is altered but natural, cultural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way; and valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are negatively affected • High - where natural, cultural or social functions and processes are altered to the extent that it will temporarily or permanently cease; and valued, important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are substantially affected Duration (the predicted • Short-term (0 to 5 years) lifetime of the impact) • Medium term (6 to 15 years) • Long term (16 to 30 years) - where the impact will cease after the operational life of the activity either because of natural processes or by human intervention Probability (the likelihood • Improbable – where the possibility of the impact occurring is very low of the impact occurring) • Probable – where there is a good possibility (<50 % chance) that the impact will occur • Highly probable – where it is most likely (50-90 % chance) that the impact will occur • Definite – where the impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures (>90 % chance of occurring) Non-Reversibility (ability of • Low (impacted natural, cultural or social functions and processes will return to the impacted environment their pre-impacted state within the short-term) to return to its pre- • Medium (impacted natural, cultural or social functions and processes will return impacted state once the to their pre-impacted state within the medium to long term) cause of the impact has • High (impacted natural, cultural or social functions and processes will never been removed) return to their pre-impacted state) Impact on irreplaceable 2 • Yes resources (is an • No irreplaceable resource impacted upon) Confidence level • Low (the specialist’s degree of • Medium confidence in the • High predictions and/or the information on which it is based)

2 A resource for which no reasonable substitute exists, such as Red Data species and their habitat requirements

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-5 Table 10.2: Convention for Assigning a Consequence Rating

Consequence Rating Intensity, Extent and Duration Rating HIGH Consequence • High intensity at a regional level and endure in the long term • High intensity at a national level and endure in the medium term • Medium intensity at a national level and endure in the long term • High intensity at a regional level and endure in the medium term • High intensity at a national level and endure in the short term • Medium intensity at a national level and endure in the medium term • Low intensity at a national level and endure in the long term • High intensity at a local level and endure in the long term • Medium intensity at a regional level and endure in the long term MEDIUM Consequence • High intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term • Medium intensity at a regional level and endure in the medium term • High intensity at a regional level and endure in the short term • Medium intensity at a national level and endure in the short term • Medium intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term • Medium intensity at a local level and endure in the long term • Low intensity at a national level and endure in the medium term • Low intensity at a regional level and endure in the long term LOW Consequence • Low intensity at a regional level and endure in the medium term • Low intensity at a national level and endure in the short term • High intensity at a local level and endure in the short term • Medium intensity at a regional level and endure in the short term • Low intensity at a local level and endure in the long term • Low intensity at a local level and endure in the medium term • Low intensity at a regional level and endure in the short term • Low to medium intensity at a local level and endure in the short term

Table 10.3: Convention for Assigning a Significance Rating

Consequence Rating Consequence x Probability

HIGH • High x Definite Significance • High x Highly Probable • High x Probable • High x Improbable • Medium x Definite

MEDIUM • Medium x Highly Probable Significance • Medium x Probable

LOW • Medium x Improbable Significance • Low x Definite • Low x Highly Probable • Low x Probable • Low x Improbable

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-6 10.3.3 Consideration of Alternatives

The following project alternatives will be investigated in the EIA:

• The “do nothing” or ‘no-go’ alternative : The ‘do-nothing’ alternative is the option of not establishing a wind farm in Caledon in the Western Cape Province. • Layout and design alternatives (site specific) : This includes micro-siting (positioning) for the turbines, varying turbine sizes from 2 MW to 3.6 MW and the alignment and placement of the transmission lines connecting the wind farm to the grid. • Associated Infrastructure : The alignment of the various access roads.

The selection of the most suitable project alternatives will be based on the following principles:

• The opinion of the public, ascertained through the public consultation process; • Specialists’ recommendations; • Environmental constraints; • Minimal environmental impacts; • Optimisation of existing infrastructure, such as access roads and power lines; • Technical and feasibility Studies; and • Economic cost-benefit analyses.

10.3.4 Assessment of Potential Impacts

Based on the findings of the Scoping phase, the issues presented in Table 10.4 below were identified as requiring further investigation within the Impact Assessment phase. The specialists involved in the EIA are also reflected in Table 10.4. These specialist studies will consider the site proposed for the development of the wind farm and associated infrastructure, as well as all of the project alternatives. The ToR for the specialist studies is provided in Section 10.4 below.

Table 10.4: Summary of issues which require further investigation in the Impact Assessment phase Specialist Study Potential Impact Specialist Name Flora Assessment • Direct loss of vegetation at the construction Nick Helme of phase (tower installation requires special Nick Helme cranes on heavy 6 m wide tracks; Botanical substations; access roads at least 6 m Surveys wide; concrete mixing sites) • Temporary (but often long term) loss of vegetation at the construction phase (laydown areas; cabling; disturbance

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-7 around towers; building material storage areas) • Indirect ecological impacts at the operational phase (introduction of invasive alien ants and plants; disruption of natural fire regimes; fragmentation of natural habitat and ecological corridors). Fauna Assessment • Loss of terrestrial habitat David Hoare of • David Hoare Loss of wetland habitat Consulting CC • Change in runoff and drainage • Displacement of animals • Fragmentation of populations • Loss of bats through collisions with turbines Avifauna • Disturbance of breeding birds during the Chris van Assessment construction phase, particularly Red listed Rooyen of Chris Blue Crane and possibly Denham’s van Rooyen Bustard. Consulting • Sterilisation of breeding and foraging habitat by the operation of the wind facility, particularly for Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard. • Collisions with the wind turbines during the operational phase, particularly raptors of several species and possibly Red listed Agulhas Long-billed Lark. • Collisions with the guy wires of the wind mast. This impact is not envisaged to be significant. • Potential impacts of the lighting on the wind turbines. This impact is not regarded as significant. Noise Assessment • Road traffic noise from the transportation Barend van der of equipment and goods to the site. Merwe of DBAcoustics • Noise from the assembly of the wind turbines. • Noise from the operation of the wind turbines. Visual Assessment • The optimal placing of the wind turbines to Tanya de minimise the visual impact. Villiers of CNdV Africa • The careful siting of the roads and

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-8 transmission lines so that their visual impact is minimised. • The effect of the development on views from the N2 with specific reference to the Houhoek Pass. • The visual impact on the local towns and farms. Heritage • Impacts to pre-colonial archaeology from Lita Webley/Tim Assessment the Holocene and Pleistocene era. Hart of • University of Impacts to pre-colonial archaeology and Cape Town colonial period heritage. • Impacts to cultural landscape. • Paleontological impacts – the area is situated on the Bokkeveld group and is potentially fossiliferous. Agricultural • Loss of potential agricultural land. Garry Paterson Assessment of Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) Social Assessment Impacts on local communities and individuals: Tony Barbour of Tony Barbour • Potential impact on rural sense of place Environmental (this will be closely linked to the visual Consultants impacts); • Potential Impact on tourism, both locally and regionally (this will be closely linked to the visual impacts from routes currently serving a scenic/ touristic function, specifically the R406, but also the R43 and the N2); • Impact on property prices (Botrivier town and adjacent/ near-adjacent rural areas where the scenic resource may be considered of significant value with regard to rural lifestyle land use); • Influx of job seekers into the area during the construction phase. The influx of job seekers may result in an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/ AIDS; increase in prostitution; increase in alcohol and drug related incidents; increase in crime; and creation of tension and conflict in the community. This issue is potentially of great importance, given the high established migration influx level currently experienced

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-9 by the Theewaterskloof LM; • Creation of employment and business opportunities during the construction phase; • Creation of employment and business creation opportunities during the operational phase; • Creation of potential training and skills development opportunities for local communities and businesses; • Potential up and down-stream economic opportunities for the local, regional and national economy; • Provision of clean, renewable energy source for the national grid.

Impact on farmers on and adjacent to the site: • Potential threat to farm safety due to increased number of people in the area and construction workers; • Potential stock losses (during the construction and operational phase); • Potential damage to water and other farm infrastructure (during the construction and operational phase); • Potential damage to roads by heavy equipment and increased traffic volumes (during the construction and operational phase); • Potential impact on farming operations and loss of productive land (during the construction and operational phase).

Traffic Assessment • No railway station is currently located Nuran along the R43. Access between the Nordien/Sarah railway and the staging area will have to be Chow of Arcus investigated once a detailed design of the GIBB staging area is available. • The intersection of N2 and R43 will have to be assessed in order to determine the possible impact during the construction phase.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-10 • Aside from the extension of the off-road vehicle track, its condition will also have to be assessed to determine the necessity of possible upgrades. Upgrade and the investigation sight distance will be required at the access of the off-road vehicle track onto R43. • The height of the wind turbines may affect the aviation line in the area. Further investigation on the aviation line will be required. Geotechnical • The overall geotechnical assessment Jon McStay of Investigation undertaken in the scoping phase WSP concluded that the site is highly favourable for the operation of a wind farm and that detailed geotechnical investigations are not required for the assessment of environmental impacts, but should be undertaken to provide detailed information for engineering design once final locations and routes are confirmed.

10.3.5 Public Participation Process (PPP)

Ongoing consultation with all stakeholders and registered I&APs will continue beyond the approval of the Scoping Report into the Impact Assessment phase of the EIA process. Consultation will continue in the form of the following:

• Maintaining an open channel of communication with all stakeholders and authorities; • Distribution of all project information and findings to registered I&APs; • Public information sharing meeting on completion of the Draft EIR; • Commenting period on the Draft EIR prior to submission of the report to the authorities; and • Information in the media and press (if required).

10.3.6 Environmental Impact Report

The contents of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will include the following:

• Details and expertise of the EAP to undertake an EIA; • Detailed description of the proposed activity; • Detailed description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the location of the activity on the property;

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-11 • A description of the environment that may be affected by the activity and the manner in which the physical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects of the environment may be affected by the proposed activity; • Details of the PPP conducted during the detailed assessment phase of the EIA process; • A description of the need and desirability of the proposed activity and identified potential alternatives to the proposed activity, including advantages and disadvantages that the proposed activity or alternatives may have on the environment and the community that may be affected by the activity; • An indication of the methodology used in determining the significance of potential environmental impacts; • A description and comparative assessment of all alternatives identified during the environmental impact assessment process; • A summary of the findings and recommendations of any specialist report or report on specialised process; • A description of all environmental issues that were identified during the environmental impact assessment process, an assessment of the significance of each issue and an indication of the extent to which the issues could be addressed by the adoption of mitigation measures; • An assessment of each identified potentially significant impact in terms of cumulative impacts, the nature of the impact, the extent and duration of the impact, the probability of the impact occurring, the degree to which the impact can be reversed, the degree to which the impact may cause irreplaceable loss of resources and the degree to which the impact can be mitigated; • A description of any assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge; • An opinion as to whether the activity should or should not be authorised, and if the opinion is that it should be authorised, any conditions that should be made in respect of that authorisation; • An environmental impact statement which contains a summary of the key findings of the environmental impact assessment, a comparative assessment of the positive and negative implications of the proposed activity and identified alternatives; • A draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP); • Copies of any specialist reports and reports on specialised processes; and • Any specific information that may be required by the competent authority.

10.3.7 Draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

During the compilation of the EIA Report, a draft EMP will be compiled in accordance with the NEMA EIA Regulations. The draft EMP will provide the actions for the management of identified environmental impacts emanating from

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-12 the proposed project and a detailed outline of the implementation programme to minimise and/ or eliminate the anticipated negative environmental impacts. The draft EMP will provide strategies to be used to address the roles and responsibilities of environmental management personnel on site, and a framework for environmental compliance and monitoring. The draft EMP will be included as part of the EIR.

The EMP will include the following:

• Details and expertise of the person who prepared the EMP; • Information on any proposed management or mitigation measures that will be taken to address the environmental impacts that are identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), including environmental impacts or objectives in respect of planning and design, pre-construction and construction activities, operation or undertaking of the activities, rehabilitation of the environment and closure where relevant; • A detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the draft EMP; • An identification of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures; • Where appropriate, time periods within which the measures contemplated in the draft EMP must be implemented; and • Proposed mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the EMP and reporting thereon.

10.3.8 Public Review of EIR and EMP

The Draft EIR will be distributed to suitable public venues with comment sheets, which will be collected at the end of the comment period. I&APs will be informed of the location and contact details of the public venues.

A commenting period of at least 30 days will be provided for I&APs to comment on the Draft EIR. Comments on the Draft EIR will be captured and responded to in the updated IRR. A Revised Draft EIR will be compiled should the comments suggest that substantial amendments to the document will be necessary and this Revised Draft EIR will be circulated. Thereafter, the Draft EIR will be finalised into a Final EIR, which will be submitted to the DEA for their review. All registered I&APs will be informed of the availability of the Final EIA Report. Any comments received on the Final EIA Report will be submitted directly to the DEA for their review and consideration.

10.3.9 Consultation with the DEA

It is envisaged that consultation with the DEA will coincide with the compilation of the following key documents:

• Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA;

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-13 • Draft EIR and EMP; and • Final EIR Report and EMP.

Consultation outside of the above deliverables will be undertaken as necessary in order to ensure that the DEA is aware of the status of the project.

10.3.10 Proposed Project Programme for the EIA

The programme for the EIA suggests the following timeframes with respect to the most important activities to be undertaken:

• Submission of the Draft Scoping Report for public comment - 10 December 2009 to 3 February 2010; • Submission of the Final Scoping Report to the DEA – April 2010; • Submission of the Draft EIR for public comment – End July 2010 to End August 2010; • Submission of the Final EIR to the DEA – September 2010.

The EIA process is iterative by nature and it should therefore be appreciated that the above dates are provided as guidance only and are subject to change.

10.4 Terms of Reference for Specialist Studies

A team of nine (9) specialists will be involved in the detailed impact assessment Phase of the EIA process. A summary of the specialist studies and the proposed specialist responsible for that study is provided in Table 10.5 below.

Table 10.5: Specialist Studies to be undertaken during the Impact Assessment phase of the project Specialist Study Name of Specialist Flora Impact Assessment Nick Helme of Nick Helme Botanical Surveys Fauna Impact Assessment David Hoare of David Hoare Consulting CC Avifauna Impact Assessment Chris van Rooyen of Chris van Rooyen Consulting Agricultural Study Garry Patterson of ARC Geotechnical Study Jon McStay of WSP Social Impact Assessment Tony Barbour of Tony Barbour Environmental Heritage Impact Assessment Dr. Lita Webley/ Tim Hart of UCT Noise Impact Assessment Barend van der Merwe of DBAcoustics Visual Impact Assessment Tanya de Villiers of CNdV Africa Traffic Impact Assessment Nuran Nordien of Arcus GIBB

The scope of each of the above individual studies is provided in this section of the Plan of Study for EIA.

10.4.1 General Terms of Reference for all Specialist Studies

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-14 In April 2006, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), now known as the Department of Environment Affairs (DEA) issued guidelines for involving specialists in EIA processes. The specialists should make themselves aware of these guidelines and amendments thereof, as well as any other guidelines, codes, standards, or applicable legislation relative to their field of expertise, and will utilise them to more precisely determine methods and approaches to their specialist studies and will reference compliance with the above-mentioned requirements accordingly. Specialists are also expected to consider best practise when undertaking their study.

The assessment of impacts should be broadly undertaken in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Guideline Document: EIA Regulations (DEA, 1998), NEMA principles, Section 24(4) of NEMA (as amended) and both the DEA and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC DEADP) guideline documents as appropriate to the specific field of study. In addition, the following General Terms of Reference apply to each of the specialist studies:

• Attend a one day site visit; • Design and undertake the specialist study in accordance with the specifications provided; • Describe the baseline conditions that exist in the study area and identify any sensitive areas that would need special consideration; • Provide an outline of the approach used in the study; • Assessment of all project alternatives including the no-go alternative; • Identify, assess and evaluate the possible impacts of the wind farm, transmission lines and associated infrastructure during all development phases (construction and operation) of the proposed project; • Identify and assess any cumulative impacts arising from the proposed project; • Determine the significance of assessed impacts according to the methodology provided by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) and provide a revised significance rating of assessed impacts after the implementation of mitigation measures (Schedule 5); • Undertake field surveys, as appropriate to the requirements of the particular specialist study; • Identify areas where integration of studies with other specialists would ensure a better assessment and coordinate with other specialists in this regard; • Apply the precautionary principle in the assessment of impacts, in particular where there is major uncertainty, low levels of confidence in predictions and poor data or information; • Recommend practicable mitigation measures to minimise or eliminate negative impacts and/or enhance potential project benefits; • Recommend appropriate auditing, monitoring and review measures; • Compile all information into a stand-alone report according to the format provided by Arcus GIBB; and • All specialist studies must take cognisance of and comply with the relevant guideline documents applicable to that specialist study.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-15 10.4.2 Specific Terms of Reference

The specific terms of reference for all specialist studies are presented below:

(a) Floral Study

The flora assessment will provide technical advice on the following information, applicable to the proposed wind farm, associated infrastructure and transmission lines:

• A brief discussion on the vegetation types in which the study area is situated, using available literature, in order to place the study in context; • A broad-scale map of the vegetation and landcover of the proposed alignment. A description of the dominant and characteristic species within the broad-scale plant communities comprising each of these units; • A list of Red List plant and animal species previously recorded within the quarter degree grids in which the study area is situated, obtained from the relevant authorities and literature reviews; • Identification of sensitive habitats and plant communities. A map of sensitive areas along the proposed alignments; • Typical impacts that could be expected from the development must be listed; • Gaps in baseline data must be highlighted and discussed; • Limitations must also be described; • Indication of the preferred alternatives; and • Preliminary investigation of the impacts of the proposed project and recommended mitigation measures.

Conclusions reached and recommendations made must be based not only on occurrence of individual species. It is an important part of the approach to recommend planning that will allow the maintenance of ecosystem processes, even in the absence of any Red Data species.

The specialist is also required to liaise with the specialists undertaking the faunal and avifaunal studies as all of these studies are inherently linked. The specialist reports in this regard must demonstrate that the findings of these related studies have been considered by each of the specialists involved.

(b) Faunal Study

The following approach will be followed to conduct this study:

• A survey of which bats occur in the vicinity of the site, especially those bat species of conservation concern that have been identified as having a high probability of occurring on site. This will confirm the absence of presence of species assessed as having a high probability of occurring there or not.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-16 • A targeted survey of potential habitats for threatened frog species that have a high likelihood of occurring within the proposed study area. Any potential habitats will be assessed for suitability for these species. The value of habitats on site for the Cape Rain Frog and the Cape Mountain Toad can only be evaluated once it has been established whether these species occur on site or not. Only then may it be possible to establish whether construction of the wind farm will affect sensitive habitats or not. Also, if these species do occur on site, they are likely to be restricted to specific areas, which can be avoided once identified.

(c) Avifaunal Impact Assessment

The terms of reference for this Impact Assessment phase of this study are as follows:

• Describe affected environment and determine status quo : The existing environment will described and the bird communities most likely to be impacted will be identified. Different bird micro-habitats will be described as well as the species associated with those habitats.

• Indicate how a resource or community will be affected. Typical impacts that could be expected from the development will be listed as well as the expected impact on the bird communities. Impacts will be quantified (if possible) and a full description of predicted impacts (direct and indirect) will be provided.

• Gaps in baseline data . Gaps in baseline data will be highlighted and discussed. An indication of the confidence levels will be given. The best available data sources will be used to predict the impacts, and extensive use will be made of local knowledge.

• Assessment of impacts : The potential impact on the birds will be assessed and evaluated according to the magnitude, spatial scale, timing, duration, reversibility, probability and significance (or any other criteria required).

• Propose and explain mitigation measures . Practical mitigation measures will be recommended and discussed.

• Summarise residual impacts after mitigation . An impact summary table will be provided, discussing expected impacts before and after mitigation.

• Indicate a monitoring programme . If a need for a monitoring programme is evident, it will be highlighted and a programme proposed.

• Mapping of sensitive areas: Bird sensitive areas will be mapped in a sensitivity map for easy reference

The following approach will be followed to conduct this study:

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-17 • Bird distribution data of the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP – Harrison et al., 1997) will be obtained from the Avian Demography Unit of the University of Cape Town, as a means to ascertain which species occur within the study area. A data set will obtained for the quarter degree squares within which the development will take place. • An extensive review of relevant ornithological literature will be conducted in to supplement the data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project, including the SABAP2 project, if data is available for the study area. • The conservation status of all bird species occurring in the aforementioned quarter degree square will be determined with the use of The Eskom Red Data book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Barnes, 2000). • A classification of the vegetation types relating to bird communities in the quarter degree square will be obtained from Harrison et al. (1997). • High resolution imagery from Google Earth will be used to gain an overview of the greater study area. • An extensive review of international literature on bird impacts at wind farms will be conducted, including the work conducted in South Africa by this author on other wind facilities. • Information on the micro habitat level will be obtained through site visits. If necessary and practically possible, real time observations of flight patterns will be conducted. • An interview will be conducted with the landowner for the wind turbine site with regard to the birds observed on the property. • Technical details of the planned infrastructure (wind turbines, wind mast and pump storage scheme) will be obtained from the proponent.

(d) Agricultural Impact Assessment

An assessment of the potential impacts on soils and agricultural potential will be undertaken for the study area for proposed project. The studies will include a desk-top investigation of the area using existing detailed data for the area. The primary aim of these survey’s will be to provide an overview of the soils and agricultural potential of the study area.

• Sensitive areas must be determined and be plotted on a sensitivity map for easy reference; and • Undertake detailed studies to assess the potential loss of potentially agricultural land due to the construction of the turbines and associated infrastructure.

(e) Social Impact Assessment

The approach to the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study is based on the Western Cape DEA&DP Guidelines for Social Impact Assessment (February, 2007). These guidelines are based on international best practice and have also

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-18 been endorsed by DEA. The key activities in the SIA process embodied in the guidelines include:

• Describing and obtaining an understanding of the proposed intervention (type, scale, location), the communities likely to be affected and determining the need and scope of the SIA; • Collecting baseline data on the current social environment and historical social trends; • Identifying and collecting data on the Social Impact Assessment variables and social change processes related to the proposed intervention. This requires consultation with affected individuals and communities; • Assessing and documenting the significance of social impacts associated with the proposed intervention; • The establishment of a new tourism sector (Green Tourism) to the benefit of the industry within the area; and • Identifying alternatives and mitigation measures.

In this regard the study will include:

• Review of demographic data from the 2001 Census Survey and other relevant sources, including local Integrated Development Planning (IDP) documents; • Review of relevant planning and policy frameworks for the area, including the Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (SDF); • Site specific information collected during the site visits to the area; • Review of information from similar projects; • Interviews with key interested and affected parties and stakeholders; • Identification of social issues associated with the proposed project; and • Identification of potential mitigation and or enhancement measures.

The detailed public consultation process will be undertaken during the Impact Assessment phase of the project. Issues raised through this process will feed into the SIA for the proposed power lines.

(f) Heritage Impact Assessment

The heritage study must comprise a desktop and field study to ascertain any sensitive areas within the study area, applicable to the proposed wind farm, any additional transmission lines (other than currently exists), new substation and existing Eskom Houwhoek substation (future upgrading) and associated infrastructure thereof.

• Broad scale determination of heritage and cultural resources located within the study area; • Indication of the preferred placement of the wind turbines and alignment of the transmission line; and • Notification of relevant Heritage Authorities.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-19 The Impact Assessment phase study needs to fulfill the requirements of heritage impact assessment as defined in section 38 of the NHRA. This means that the assessment has to cover the full range of potential cultural heritage as defined by the term “culture” contained in the National Heritage Resources Act No. 25 of 1999.

The proposed study area needs to be subject to a detailed survey by an archaeologist who will need to walk a pattern of transects over the site recording details and locations of any heritage material found. The significance of each find will need to be assessed along with the impacts of the proposed activity. Mitigation measures will need to be identified.

Proposed routes of linear infrastructure (access roads, underground services, power lines) will need to be ground-proofed to establish the impacts of the proposed activity and determine where mitigation (if any) will be required.

The colonial period historical significance of the site will need to be established through archival and deeds surveys and the assessment and grading of the built environment by an (accredited professional) in the study area and within a radius of 2km from the boundaries of the study area. Lost historical significance (if any) will need to be identified and the proposed action assessed to determine if it presents any impacts to the historical significance of the “place”. In terms of cultural landscape, more research is required into determining what would be best practice on terms of South African Landscapes, and it is the intention to gather information in this regard to inform the future EIA process. Close co- operation with the VIA specialist will be required.

Follow up heritage work such as monitoring of excavations by a palaeontologist or archaeological sampling is likely to be a requirement of the Environmental Management Plan.

(g) Noise Impact Assessment

The study to determine the impact such a development will have on the environment will be based on:

• SANS 10328 – Methods for environmental noise impact assessments and, • SANS 10103:2008 – The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to land use, health, annoyance and to speech communication and the, • Guidelines for community noise impact assessments by the IFC of the World Bank.

This noise survey from an environmental noise point of view will have to be done during the daytime period and the nighttime period in order to determine the prevailing ambient noise levels and to evaluate such and the projected noise levels in terms of the recommended residual noise levels laid down by SANS 10103:2008.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-20 A noise impact assessment will have to be undertaken at the following areas in order to evaluate the existing baseline information and to use the information to create the noise contours:

• The proposed site; • Along the routes to these site, and; • Nearest noise sensitive areas.

The construction, operational and closure phases will be addressed in the report and the baseline information; existing and newly acquired data will be used to determine the potential impact and management mitigatory measures.

It will be important to assess the wind turbine sites and the environment in and around the nearest receptors because the sound from the wind turbines will create the “new” prevailing ambient noise level of the area.

It is proposed to make use of the following six-stage process approach to assessment and mitigation:

Step1 Define the project requirements and noise problem – gather technical support information Step 2 Agree on the assessment criteria, establish baseline noise environment and determine extent of the noise impact of initial proposal Step 3 Identify and agree on noise mitigations options Step 4 Assess noise impact against criteria of Step 2 and evaluate key considerations and significance for each mitigation option Step 5 Determine optimal noise control solution Step 6 Review, implement, monitor and audit

There will be two types of noise sources at the proposed development, a point source at the one wind turbine with it’s own noise sources which will have to be identified and addressed and the line source which will be the collective wind turbines and these two categories of noise sources will determine how mitigation and the management thereof will be addressed.

The proposed noise survey will consist out of the following:

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-21 • Pre-liminary survey and identification of measuring points • All measurements will be done on the boundary of the property. • Sound pressure readings will also be done at the closest residential area • Noise survey at the identified measuring sites – Ambient noise measurements • Calculation of noise propagation • Analysing of results • Results of the survey, report and recommendations and mapping of noise contours for the proposed site. • Sensitive localities/features must be determined and be plotted on a sensitivity map for easy reference

The following potential impacts will be evaluated for the construction phase:

• Transportation of the equipment and goods to the site • The transport of equipment from the harbour to the site and the frequency of deliveries as well as the increase of vehicles on the R43 Provincial Road and the N2 Freeway will be evaluated in terms of SANS 10210 0f 2004 – Calculating and prediction road traffic noise.

• Construction of foundations and assembly of the wind turbines • The construction phase will furthermore entail construction activities at each wind turbine site, which will be evaluated in terms of SANS 10103 of 2008 – The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication.

• Operational phase at the wind turbines • Plotting of noise contours around the wind turbines will indicate the alleged impact on the surrounding areas. The noise impact of the wind turbines will be evaluated in terms of the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations and SANS 10103 of 2008.

(h) Traffic Impact Assessment

In order to further investigate the issues and impact in the assessment phase, the following tasks will be undertaken:

• Classified traffic counts at relevant intersections during the peak periods; • Description of the site and its operation during construction; • Description of surrounding road / rail network and future transport planning proposals; • Discussion of access location in terms of access spacing, sight distance and operational requirements;

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-22 • Analysis of the existing and future operation of the road / rail network; • Description of surrounding aviation line network where relevant; • Recommendations of mitigation actions; • Identification of possible road upgrades; and • Conceptual design of road upgrades, if required.

(i) Visual Impact Assessment

The following approach will be followed to conduct this study:

• Visual impact assessment detailing the visibility of the proposed wind farm sites from significant viewpoints as well as their impact on its surroundings. The reports will include recommendations, to mitigate/reduce the visual impact, if required. • Meetings and correspondence with client and professional team. • Use of photographic and/or 3D simulation techniques (3D models to be supplied by architects) to create images that portray the zone of impact on future views of the site after development, taken from significant viewpoints. • Highlighting of visual problems and opportunities • Print-outs of viewpoints or Powerpoint presentation for public meetings or for discussion purposes, as required. • Sensitive localities/features must be determined and be plotted on a sensitivity map for easy reference

10.5 Conclusion

This Plan of Study for EIA is aimed at meeting the requirements of the EIA Regulations as a minimum.

The methodologies proposed for obtaining the information required to effectively identify and assess the potential environmental impacts of the project are considered to be comprehensive and sufficient to allow for the compilation of an EIR which addresses I&AP concerns and which will provide the competent authority with the appropriate information necessary to allow for informed decision-making on the application for authorisation.

Caledon Wind Farm EIA August 2010 Final Environmental Scoping Report 10-23