FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT - EIA for Solar Park Substation/2... · BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT 5 BA No 1 3 x 132 kV lines for the Solar Park site and 2 x 20 MVA Transformers at Solar

Directors: S Pillay (Managing Director); N Rajasakran (Director); RGM Heath (Director)

Zitholele Consulting Reg. No. 2000/000392/07

PO Box 6002 Halfway House 1685

South Africa Thandanani Park, Matuka Close

Halfway Gardens, Midrand Tel + (27) 11 207 2060

Fax + (27) 86 674 6121

E-mail : [email protected] BASIC ASSESSMENT NO 5 FOR THE SOLAR PARK INTEGRATION

PROJECT:

PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF 5 X 132 kV POWER

LINES FOR THE DoE SOLAR PARK AND 2 X 132 kV

LINES TO THE GORDONIA SUBSTATION,

UPINGTON, NORTHERN CAPE.

Proponent: Eskom Holdings SOC Limited

Megawatt Park Maxwell Drive, Sunninghill

DEA Ref No: 12/12/20/2610

NEAS Ref No: DEA/EIA/0000767/2011

February 2013 Project: 12726

FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

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(For official use only)

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended.

Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority

in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.

2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority

3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

4. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report.

5. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision.

6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

7. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority.

8. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted.

9. The signature of the EAP on the report must be an original signature.

10. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner.

11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted.

14. Two (2) colour hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the report must be submitted to the competent authority.


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15. Shape files (.shp) for maps must be included on the electronic copy of the report submitted to the competent authority.


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SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES

If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for the specialist appointed and attach in Appendix I. 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The South African Government is currently in the process of establishing the feasibility of a Solar Park Programme in the Upington Area. The Solar Park will use the sun’s energy to eventually generate 5 000 MW (5 GW) of electricity. Eskom is kicking off the development of the Upington Solar Park by constructing a 100 MW Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant on the farm Olyvenhouts Drift 451, to be located ~15 km west of Upington in the Northern Cape. This project has already been approved and a Record of Decision (ROD), now referred to as an Environmental Authorisation (EA), was issued on the 14th of September 2007 with an extension of the EA granted on the 9th of July 2012.

The electricity generated at the Upington Solar Park site (by IPP’s and Eskom) will need to be integrated into the National Grid. The purpose of the Solar Park Integration Project is to address the major infrastructural investments that Eskom will need to make in order to tie the Upington Solar Park into the National Grid. The proposed Solar Park Integration Project entails the construction of a substation at the Solar Park site near Upington, 400 kV transmission lines to the east and south of Upington to feed the electricity into Eskom’s National Grid as well as the construction of a number of 132 kV power lines inter-linking the IPP solar plants with the Eskom Grid and distributing the power generated to Upington.

The major infrastructural investments of the Solar Park Integration Project are listed activities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act ([NEMA] No 107 of 1998) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (Government Notice Regulation [GNR] 543 to 546, June 2010) and therefore require Environmental Authorisation (EA) from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). In terms of the aforementioned legislation an EIA must be undertaken to obtain an EA. In South Africa provision is made for two types of EIA’s; either a Basic Assessment (BA) or a full Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) can be undertaken. This is determined by the EIA Regulations (June 2010).

Currently five EIA processes are being undertaken for the various components associated with the Eskom Solar Park Integration Project. These are outlined in the table provided below. The EIA process represented by the shading is being dealt with in this EA application.

EA Application

Process Description of the Proposed Activities

DEA Reference Number

S&EIR No 1

Solar Park substation (400 kV and 132 kV);

2 x (±) 125 km 400 kV lines from Solar Park to Aries substation (southwest of Kenhardt) and associated feeder bays;

1 x (±) 70 km 400 kV line from Solar Park to Nieuwehoop substation (northeast of Kenhardt) and associated feeder bays; and

Water Use License Application.

12/12/20/2606

S&EIR No 2 1 x (±) 200 km 400 kV line from Solar Park to Ferrum substation (Kathu) and

associated feeder bays. 12/12/20/2607


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BA No 1 3 x 132 kV lines for the Solar Park site and 2 x 20 MVA Transformers at Solar Park

site. 12/12/20/2608

BA No 2 3 x 132 kV lines for the IPP’s in Solar Park. 12/12/20/2609

BA No 3 5 x 132 kV lines for DoE Solar Park; and

2 x (±) 25 km 132 kV lines to Gordonia Substation (Upington). 12/12/20/2610

PROPOSED ACTIVITY

As documented above there are three BA procedures being undertaken to obtain EA for various components of the Eskom Solar Park Integration Project. This Basic Assessment Report (BAR) has been compiled in terms of BA 3 (DEA Ref. Number: 12/12/20/2610) and addresses the following components of the Solar Park Integration Project:

5 x 132 kV lines from the proposed Solar Park Substation to the Department of Energy (DoE) Solar Plant located adjacent to Eskom CSP Plant, and for the Solar Park Project; and

2 x (± 25 km) 132 kV lines from the proposed Solar Park Substation to the Gordonia Substation (near Upington)

Additionally, where required it is proposed to construct and maintain access roads adjacent to the proposed power lines.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Eskom proposes to construct five (5) x 132 kV power lines from the proposed Solar Park Substation (either Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6) to the Department of Energy (DoE) Solar Plant adjacent to Eskom CSP Plant, and two (2) x 132 kV lines from the proposed Solar Park Substation (either Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6) to the Gordonia substation near Upington. Three alignment alternatives are proposed for the 132 kV distribution power lines that run from the proposed Solar Park substation to the DoE Solar Plant and three alternative alignments are provided for the two 132 kV lines from the proposed Solar Park Substation to the Gordonia substation on the farm Klipkraal near Upington, Northern Cape. These are as follows (refer to Figure 1.1 in Appendix A):

1. Site 6 to Gordonia (~26,868 m) and Site 6 to DoE (~11,825 m) (preferred alternative) 2. Site 5 to Gordonia (~23,916 m) and Site 5 to DoE (~6,372 m) 3. Site 1 to Gordonia (~35,213 m) and Site 1 to DoE(~7, 897 m)

A total of seven (7) power lines will be constructed (five lines to the DoE Solar Plant AND two lines to Gordonia) along one of the route combinations identified above.

It should be noted that a separate application has been submitted for the construction of the Solar Park substation (i.e S&EIR No 1). Three alternative sites have been identified for the location of the Solar Park substation (referred to as Site 1, Site 5 and Site 6). Site 6 has been identified as the preferred alternative for the location of the substation in S&EIR No 1. This was concluded based on the findings that the environmental impacts and constraints were essentially the same at all three sites, but Site 6 was chosen based on more suitable underlying geology and easier access due to the close proximity to the N14. The final alignment of the power lines being applied for in this application is dependent on which of these three substation sites is approved. The Competent Authority (DEA) should approve the appropriate corridor in this application in accordance with which Solar Park substation site was approved in S&EIR No 1. Therefore, only one of the three alternatives proposed in this application will eventually be constructed.

Each 132 kV line requires pylons that are approximately 18 m high and a servitude of 36 m wide


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(roughly 18 m on each side). The combined servitude required for the three parallel lines is thus approximately 180 m wide. However, approval is sought for a corridor 500 m wide for the transmission lines in order to allow for deviations within the approved corridor once a final line walk has been undertaken.

The proposed power lines will consist of twin turn cables capable of distributing up to 200 MVA at 132 kV, connected by a series of towers (pylons) located approximately 200 m apart, depending on the terrain and soil conditions. The exact tower (pylon) type to be used will be determined (based on load calculations) during the final design stages of the power line. At this stage, four main tower series are proposed for utilisation for this project (see Appendix C). These include (245A, 273A, 7701) Suspension Tower; Self-supporting Suspension Tower (247A). Strain towers (248A) will be used for the bend points. The pylon footprints for these towers range from range between 0.36 m3 and 2.35 m3 depending on the structure that is used.

The construction phase for the proposed project will include the following activities post-authorisation:

Corridor walk-down: To ensure that all site specific sensitivities are avoided. During this process the exact co-ordinates of the proposed towers will be established.

Construction Camps: Construction camps will be sited in areas where least disturbance to potentially sensitive environments will be caused.

Vegetation clearance: A 36 m (18 m on either side of the power line) servitude is required for the proposed 132 kV power line. Therefore, the expected servitude for the seven 132 kV power lines running parallel to each other will be approximately 252 m. Tall trees will be cleared along the entire length of the servitude (the vegetation will also be maintained by Eskom in the operational phase of the project).

Pylon footings: Foundations will be laid for the footings of the pylons.

Steelwork structures: The towers will be erected in piece-meal; that is to say in segments.

Stringing: Once the towers have been erected, cables will be strung between the towers.

During construction the route will be surveyed, pegged and the soil nominations undertaken for each of the potential pylon foundations. The construction team will set up a construction camp in the study area and travel to site each day, transporting steel, workers and equipment to each of the tower sites. In some cases the power line servitude is cleared of vegetation to ease construction activities and to prevent possible electrical faults with nearby trees. The first step is the excavation of the pylon foundations, the reinforcing thereof and finally the concreting of the foundations. The equipment required to excavate the foundations can be manual labour, a TLB or in the case of hard rock – a drill rig will be required. The concrete will have to be transported via concrete trucks to the required locations.

After the foundations and footings have been installed the construction team will transport the various steel parts of the towers to the site and start erection of the pylons. This process again requires a lot of manual labour and often mobile cranes are used to assist with the erection of the towers. Once the towers are erected the stringing of the conductor cable commences, from tower to tower and the line is tensioned as per the requirements.

Once stringing and tensioning is complete the line is considered constructed, where after it will be tested prior to being commissioned.

The construction phase for the proposed project will take, at most, 60 months to complete (from the time Environmental Authorisation has been received.


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During the operational and maintenance phase of the project, Eskom requires access to the servitude for maintenance activities. Maintenance activities are specialised and are, therefore, carried out by Eskom employees. During the operational life of the power line, there will be no people housed along the servitude.

In terms of the decommissioning phase, the following are assumed:

The physical removal of the power line infrastructure would entail the reversal of the construction process.

A rehabilitation programme would need to be agreed upon with the landowners (if applicable) before being implemented.

Materials generated by the decommissioning process will be disposed of according to the Waste Heirarchy i.e. wherever feasible, materials will be reused, then recycled and lastly disposed of. Materials will be disposed of in a suitable manner, in a suitably licensed facility.

All of the aforementioned decommissioning activities would be subject to a separate Environmental Authorisation process at the appropriate time

b) Provide a detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as

applied for

Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545 and 546

Description of project activity

Government Notice No. R544 Listing Notice 1 of 2010

Item 10 (i): The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity outside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of more than 33 but less than 275 kilovolts.

Construction of three (5) x 132kV power lines in parallel alignment from the approved Eskom DoE site to the Eskom Substation (located at either Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6).

Item 22: The construction of a road, outside urban areas,

(i) with a reserve wider than 13,5 meters or,

(ii) where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 metres, or

for which an environmental authorisation was obtained for the route determination in terms of activity 5 in Government Notice 387 of 2006 or activity 18 in Notice 545 of 2010.

The construction and maintenance of the power line will require an access road be established. In most cases a single lane road of 6m would be sufficient, however in some places a wider road will be required.

2. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and


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(f) the option of not implementing the activity. Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the, competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. a) Site alternatives

The proposed power lines will connect two points (i.e. the Solar Park Substation and the Eskom DoE Electricity Evacuation Bay / Gordonia substation). The position of these two points has been the subject of separate EIA studies, and their positions have been determined separately.

Three site alternatives have been proposed in the S&EIR No 1, which is currently underway. The location of the approved substation site (either Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6) will thus be the determining factor of the route alignment for the proposed 132kV power lines addressed in this application. Site 6 is the preferred alternative and forms the basis for this basic assessment.

As part of the assessments that were undertaken no fatal flaws were identified and therefore this area is considered favourable.

In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (Site 6 to DoE)

Starting point of the activity 21°06'33.710" E 28°27'29.625" S

Middle/Additional point of the activity 21°08'34.415" E 28°30'03.655" S

End point of the activity 21°08'10.341" E 28°32'33.166" S

Alternative S1 (Site 6 to Gordonia)




Alternative S2 (Site 5 to DoE)



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Alternative S3 (Site 1 to DoE)








It should be noted that although three alternative route alignments are provided for the five proposed 132kV power lines, the decision on which route will be used is solely dependent on which Solar Park substation location is approved (i.e. Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6) – this is currently the subject of consideration as part of S&EIR No 1 (referenced earlier in this report). Site 6, and therefore the proposed Site 6 corridors are the preferred alternative.

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment.

Refer to Appendix A for the co-ordinates taken every 250 m for each alternative.

In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A. b) Lay-out alternatives

“Layout alternatives” in the context of this application refers to the spatial configuration or alignment of the proposed power lines. All three potential route alignments are shown on the layout map in Appendix A.

c) Technology alternatives

Tower ‘Pylon’ Design The footprint for 132 kV towers ranges between 0.36 m2 and 2.35 m2 depending on the structure that is used. The average span between two towers would be approximately 200 m, but can vary between 250 m and 375 m depending on the ground profile and the terrain to be spanned. The servitude width for a 132 kV distribution line is approximately 36 m (18 m on either side of the centre line of the power line). The minimum vertical clearance to buildings, poles and structures not forming part of the power line must be 3.8 m, while the minimum vertical clearance between the conductors and the ground is 6.7 m. The towers considered for this project are the guyed-lattice series and the steel monopole series. Please see Appendix B for tower drawings.


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Alternative 1 – Preferred Alternative

The guyed lattice series: The lattice mast is aesthetically pleasing and consists of multi-path earthling enhancing the line performance. The guyed lattice mast tower has a 440 m windspan and 660 m weightspan using kingbird conductors and earthwire. The guyed suspension structure is typically used along the straight sections of the power line, while the self-supporting angle strain structures are used where there is a bend in the power line alignment.

Alternative 2

The steel monopole series: These towers have a high of between 18 m and 24 m and the poles weigh approximately 1 200kg. The footprint ranges between 0.6 m2 and 1.5 m2 depending on the type of structure used. The average span of the tower is 200 m but can vary depending on the terrain to be spanned. For straight sections the self-supporting structure is typically used and guyed suspension or strain structures are use where power alignment is to bend.

d) Other alternatives (e.g. scheduling, demand, input, scale and design alternatives)

None considered.

e) No-go alternative

Without the 132kV power lines connecting the Eskom CSP to the Solar Park Substation the electricity generated at the CSP cannot be evacuated to the national grid. This would effectively render the CSP and all monies invested in this project wasted. The potential positive impacts associated with the development of renewable energies in the area would be lost. This alternative is not a feasible option and doesn’t render any positive outcomes.


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Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative. 3. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative

activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A11 (preferred activity alternative) N/A

Alternative A2 (if any) N/A

Alternative A3 (if any) N/A

or, for linear activities: Alternative: Length of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) Site 6 corridors to Gordonia and DoE respectively

~27 km and ~12 km

Alternative A2 (if any) Site 5 corridors to Gordonia and DoE respectively

~24 km and ~6 km


~35 km and ~8 km

b) Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints

will occur): Alternative: Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative) Site 6 corridors to Gordonia and DoE respectively

410,4 ha


280,8 ha


396,0 ha

4. SITE ACCESS

Does ready access to the site exist? YES

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built N/A

Describe the type of access road planned:

Ready access to the site exists, however, access roads may need to be constructed where ready success is required.

Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site.

1 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.


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5. LOCALITY MAP

An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map must indicate the following:

an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any;

indication of all the alternatives identified;

closest town(s;)

road access from all major roads in the area;

road names or numbers of all major roads as well as the roads that provide access to the site(s);

all roads within a 1km radius of the site or alternative sites; and

a north arrow;

a legend; and

locality GPS co-ordinates (Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection).

6. LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following:

the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site;

the current land use as well as the land use zoning of the site;

the current land use as well as the land use zoning each of the properties adjoining the site or sites;

the exact position of each listed activity applied for (including alternatives);

servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude;

a legend; and

a north arrow. 7. SENSITIVITY MAP The layout/route plan as indicated above must be overlain with a sensitivity map that indicates all the sensitive areas associated with the site, including, but not limited to:

watercourses;

the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA);

ridges;

cultural and historical features;

areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species); and

critical biodiversity areas. The sensitivity map must also cover areas within 100m of the site and must be attached in Appendix A.


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8. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 9. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. 10. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

1. Is the activity permitted in terms of the property’s existing land use rights?

YES Please explain

A positive Record of Decision (ROD) was issued for the Eskom CSP Plant. Other solar power plants will also be built by Independent Power Producers (IPP’s) on adjacent properties. The proposed 132 kV power lines are an associated activity, and will provide the means by which to evacuate the power generated at the Eskom CSP and adjacent IPP’s into the national grid.

2. Will the activity be in line with the following?

(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES Please explain

The proposed development of these power lines is located within the proposed Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) demarcated in the Provincial SDF surrounding Upington. The project is also squarely located within the Solar Corridor – delineated within the Provincial SDF.

(b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES Please explain

The proposed development is situated rurally, but within the Provincial IDZ located around Upington.

(c) Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF) of the Local Municipality (e.g. would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing approved and credible municipal IDP and SDF?).

YES Please explain

The current Local Municpal SDF makes reference and delineates clearly the boundaries of the Eskom CSP site. This project is required as part of the integration of the currently recognised CSP’s into the national grid. The project is also squarely located within the Solar Corridor – delineated within the Municipal SDF.

(d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES Please explain

The project is also squarely located within the Solar Corridor – delineated within the Municipal SDF.


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(e) An Environmental Management Framework (EMF) adopted by the Department (e.g. Would the approval of this application compromise the integrity of the existing environmental management priorities for the area and if so, can it be justified in terms of sustainability considerations?)

YES Please explain

The infrastructure proposed in this project is associated infrastructure to the DoE CSP – a key project in the overall promotion of environmental sustainability in South Africa. The promotion of renewable energy generation in South Africa is key to the reduction of the country’s dependence on coal fired power stations. Solar Power Plants are amongst the most favoured sources of alternative energies in South Africa. Besides the national and provincial contribution to environmental sustainability brought on by the implementation of CSP’s and their associated infrastructure. The construction of this power line can be done in such a manner that it avoids impacts to sensitive environments on site.

(f) Any other Plans (e.g. Guide Plan) NO Please explain

None considered.

3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for) considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)?

YES Please explain

Construction is proposed within the next 2 – 5 year window.

4. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)

YES Please explain

This project is a national priority. The electricity generated at the DoE Plant needs to be distributed in order to meet the electricity demand and to reduce the dependence on coal fired power stations.

5. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently available (at the time of application), or must additional capacity be created to cater for the development? (Confirmation by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.)

YES Please explain

The power lines do not need any municipal services other than access roads for maintenance of the

power line; and the site is easily accessible via existing roads. The Proponent will be responsible for

the design and construction of required access roads.

6. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure planning of the municipality, and if not what will the implication be on the infrastructure planning of the municipality (priority and placement of services and opportunity costs)? (Comment by the relevant Municipality in this regard must be attached to the final Basic Assessment Report as Appendix I.)

YES Please explain

This project is an infrastructure upgrade project for Eskom.


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7. Is this project part of a national programme to address an issue of national concern or importance?

YES Please explain

Electricity shortage and growing demand for electricity is a national concern. There is also a need to

reduce the dependency on coal fired power stations and implement and promote renewable energy.

8. Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.)

YES Please explain

The Eskom CSP / IPP CSP’s / DoE CSP and Solar Park Substation are all located within the

Department of Energy’s Solar Park Project study area. The power lines are ideally located on the site

to allow for maximum development of the site, and still serve the purpose of connecting the relevant

CSPs to the national grid.

9. Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site?

YES Please explain

There are no better alternatives for the transfer of electricity into the grid. The location of the power

lines has taken many factors into account, and the most preferred location alternative has been

recommended.

10. Will the benefits of the proposed land use/development outweigh the negative impacts of it?

YES Please explain

The power line is required for the evacuation of additional electricity into the Eskom grid. This in turn

will serve to strengthen the grid in the area, and assist in the small-scale alleviation of pressure of

electricity generation from coal-fired power stations. For this reason and the economic benefits with

this project it can be said that the positive impacts will outweigh the negative impacts.

11. Will the proposed land use/development set a precedent for similar activities in the area (local municipality)?

NO Please explain

The area has already been earmarked for the development electrical infrastructure. The combined

generation potential of the entire Solar Park is envisaged to be 5 GW.

12. Will any person’s rights be negatively affected by the proposed activity/ies?

NO Please explain

The properties will be purchased through a willing buyer willing seller principal. No relocation of

people will be required. All process have followed an extensive stakeholder consultation process.

13. Will the proposed activity/ies compromise the “urban edge” as defined by the local municipality?

NO Please explain

The proposed activity will not compromise the urban edge as set out in the provincial SDF.

14. Will the proposed activity/ies contribute to any of the 17 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPS)?

YES Please explain

This Solar Park Integration Project is a Presidential Initiative in support of the following SIPS:

SIP 8: Green Energy in support of the South African economy.

SIP 9: Electricity Generation to support socio-economic development.

SIP 10: Electricity Transmission and Distribution for all.


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15. What will the benefits be to society in general and to the local communities?

Please explain

The construction of seven 132 kV power lines will have the following benefits locally and nationally:

The electricity generated by the CSP can be distributed to local and national sub-stations for electricity supply;

Job creation and opportunities;

Economic benefits to the local communities.

16. Any other need and desirability considerations related to the proposed activity?

Please explain

Without this project the DoE CSP, a key component of the Solar Park Project, cannot link into the national grid. The proposed project forms part of the Solar Integration Project, which is part of Eskom strategy to meet future energy consumption through the use of renewable energy. South Africa is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in Africa, thus this project is significant in reducing the need for coal powered electricity generation.

The following project motivations are relevant:

The demand for electricity locally and nationally in South Africa to maintain current development growth rate;

The combined production of the Solar Park will generate an additional 5 GW of power using solar power;

The energy from the solar park has to be integrated and connected with the local and provincial electricity grid to be able to provide power to the users;

Economical benefits to the surrounding communities; and

Job creation and opportunities.

17. How does the project fit into the National Development Plan for 2030? Please explain

This project will contribute to the transition to a low carbon transition set to be reached in Chapter 5 of the National Development Plan.


17

18. Please describe how the general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management as set out in section 23 of NEMA have been taken into account.

The project has gone through several systematic stages of planning and authorisation designed to take into account the biophysical or “natural” environment, the socio-economic condition and cultural heritage of the receiving environment, to adequately predict impacts, identify alternatives and inform mitigation measures.

1. In the first instance an SEA was undertaken to determine the strategic feasibility and desirability of implementing the Solar Park Project. Out of this process the Upington Area, and Solar Corridor was identified as being highly suitable. This informed spatial development planning and objective setting at all spheres of government (National – Provincial – Local Government all reflect the same vision for the area).

2. An EIA was then undertaken to identify the proposed site and development extent of the proposed DoE CSP. This process took into account various technology alternatives and site evaluations. The environmental sensitivities and concerns were considered and informed the selection of the site and conditions of establishment.

3. Thereafter once the CSP site was selected and the CSP design approved through international peer review and an EIA processes, the power line configurations and alignments were determined. The siting of the power lines has been taken in context of the overall project, the location of existing infrastructure and proposed future development, the goals and objectives of the national, provincial, and local social development objectives, and the environmental limitations of the site.

Each phase of the project has been undertaken through a transparent EIA process considering the social, natural and economic environment. This was undertaken in consultation with stakeholders.

Specialists were appointed to identify the impacts to the environment in the specific study area. Mitigation and rehabilitation recommendations were made accordingly.

19. Please describe how the principles of environmental management as set out in section 2 of NEMA have been taken into account.

The principals outlined in Section 2 of NEMA pertain specifically to the promotion of development in South Africa for the interest of her people in a sustainable manner. The very heart of this project is to contribute to the diversification of the energy mix in South Africa, detracting from the country’s over reliance on unsustainable coal fired technologies and the introduction of greener renewable energy technologies.

11. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are applicable to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:

Title of legislation, policy or guideline

Administering authority Date

National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998)

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs

1998

National Heritage Resources Act South African Heritage Resources 1999


18

(Act No 25 of 1999) Agency

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN R543-546 of 2010)


2010

National Environmental Management: Biodiveristy Act (Act No


2004

Nationl Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998) Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

1998

National Veld and Forest Fires Act (Act 101 of 1998)

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

1998

Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act (Act 9 of 2009)

Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC)

2009

Electricity Regulations Act (Act 4 of 2006)

NERSA 2006

National Energy Act (34 of 2008) South African National Energy Development Institute.

2008

Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act No 2 of 2000)

National Department of Environmental Affairs

2000

The White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa (December 1998)

N/A 1998

The White Paper on Renewable Energy (November 2003)

N/A 2003

The White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa (December 1998)

N/A N/A

12. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase?

YES

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month?

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? Based on tower type 245A for a 132 kV line, with the footprint dimension of : • 2 m deep foundations (Height) • 3,575 m (L & B) Therefore Volume = L x B x Height (3,575 m x 3,575 m ) x 2 m 12. 78 x 2 = 25.56 m3 for one tower. a. No of towers required for approximately 27 km @ 300 m stand 27,000 m / 300 = 90 towers 25.56 m3 x 90 towers= 2,300 m3 of soil (spoils) x 2 lines


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= 4,600.8 m3 of spoils (soil) will be generated. + b. No of towers required for approximately 12 km @ 300 m stand 12,000 m / 300 = 40 towers 25.56 m3 x 40 towers = 1,022.4 m3 of soil (spoils) x 5 lines = 5,112 m3 of spoils (soil) will be generated. Grand total = 4,600.8 m3 + 5,112 m3

= 9,712.8 m3 Total estimated solid waste produced per month: 9712.8 m3 / 12 months (estimated construction period) = 809.4 m3 per month

How will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Waste generated during the construction phase will be collected in designated areas, in facilities designed to safely store the waste. Once sufficient volumes have been collected, or once a month, whichever occurs first, the waste will be taken on a purpose built vehicle to the nearest suitably licensed waste facility. Receipts / waybills will be obtained from the facility for record purposes.

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of (describe)?

Waste will be disposed of at a registered Landfill or waste site near Upington. Registered Waste disposal sites near Upington are shown below:

Permit Number Waste Disposal Site

Classification: General waste (G),Communal landfill (C), Small Landfill (S),

Medium Landfill (M) ,Large Landfill (L), B- (No significant leachate

produced)

P 307 Raaswater G.S.B-

P 322 Mata-Mata G.C.B-

P 323 Nossob G.C.B-

P 350 Kalksloot G.S.B-

P 353 Loeriesfontein G.C.B-

P 354 Onseepkans Melkbosrand G.C.B-

P 355 Onseepkans Sending G.C.B-

P 68 Die Duine G.M.B-

P 301 Swartmodderweg G.S.B-

P 306 Wegdraai G.S.B-

P 309 Grootdrink G.S.B-

P 313 Leerkrans G.S.B-

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 0 m3

How will the solid waste be disposed of (describe)?


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N/A

If the solid waste will be disposed of into a municipal waste stream, indicate which registered landfill site will be used.

N/A

Where will the solid waste be disposed of if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

N/A

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the NEM:WA? NO

If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? NO

If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.


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b) Liquid effluent

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 0 m3

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site? NO

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility?

NO

If YES, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name: N/A

Contact person:

N/A

Postal address:

N/A

Postal code: N/A

Telephone: N/A Cell: N/A

E-mail: N/A Fax: N/A

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

N/A

c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and dust associated with construction phase activities?

NO

If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? NO

If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

d) Waste permit

Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA?

NO

If YES, please submit evidence that an application for a waste permit has been submitted to the competent authority


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e) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES

If YES, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? NO

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

Sources of noise during construction and operational phases include vehicular traffic noise, and maintenance facility noise in addition to the noise generated by construction machinery and equipment. The construction phase, however, is temporary and the associated nuisance noise will also be temporary. There are no sensitive noise receptors identified in the study area.

13. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es):

Municipal Water board Groundwater River, stream, dam or lake

Other The activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:

0 litres

Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use license) from the Department of Water Affairs?

NO

If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs. 14. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The proposed facility will not require energy during the operational phase.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

N/A


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SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes: 1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be

necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

The study area is generally uniform and there is no significant difference between any of the alternatives considered and for that reason this section is not duplicated.

Section B Copy No. (e.g. A): A

2. Paragraphs 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative.

3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES

If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each specialist thus appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. Property description/physical address:

Province Northern Cape

District Municipality

Siyanda District Municipality

Local Municipality Khara Hais Municipality

Ward Number(s) 11

Farm name and number

Site 6/5/1 to DoE corridor, Site 6/5/1 to Gordonia corridor

Klip Kraal 451

Olyvenhouts Drift 451

Portion number N/A

SG Code Olyvenhouts Drift C02800130000108000000 Klip Kraal C02800000000045100000

Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated above.

Current land-use zoning as per local municipality IDP/records:

Special Zone

In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this application.

Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? NO


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1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative S1:

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative S2 (if any):


Alternative S3 (if any):


2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site:

2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills

2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune

2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain √ 2.9 Seafront

3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Is the site(s) located on any of the following? Alternative S1: Alternative S2

(if any): Alternative S3

(if any):

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) NO NO NO

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas NO NO NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies)

NO

NO

NO

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil

NO

NO

NO

Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water) NO NO NO

Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%)

YES

YES

YES

Any other unstable soil or geological feature NO NO NO

An area sensitive to erosion YES YES YES

If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted.


25

4. GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

Natural veld - good conditionE

Natural veld with scattered aliensE

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by alien speciesE

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land Paved surface Building or other structure

Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise. 5. SURFACE WATER Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites?

Perennial River NO

Non-Perennial River YES

Permanent Wetland NO

Seasonal Wetland NO

Artificial Wetland NO

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland NO

If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse.

There are many non-perennial and ephemeral drainage lines shown in the 1:50 000 topocadastral map. A site visit undertaken by a wetland specialist was undertaken and it was confirmed that all drainage lines can be easily spanned without impacting on the water courses. Refer to the Biophysical Report Attached in Appendix D

6. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application:

Natural area Dam or reservoir Polo fields

Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H

Medium density residential School Landfill or waste treatment site

High density residential Tertiary education facility Plantation

Informal residentialA Church Agriculture

Retail commercial & warehousing Old age home River, stream or wetland

Light industrial Sewage treatment plantA Nature conservation area


26

Medium industrial AN Train station or shunting yard N Mountain, koppie or ridge

Heavy industrial AN Railway line N Museum

Power station Major road (4 lanes or more) N Historical building

Office/consulting room Airport N Protected Area

Military or police base/station/compound

Harbour Graveyard

Spoil heap or slimes damA Sport facilities Archaeological site

Quarry, sand or borrow pit Golf course Other land uses (describe)

If any of the boxes marked with an “N “are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity?

N/A

If any of the boxes marked with an "An" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:

N/A

If any of the boxes marked with an "H" are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity? Specify and explain:

N/A

Does the proposed site (including any alternative sites) fall within any of the following:

Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) NO

Core area of a protected area? NO

Buffer area of a protected area? NO

Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? NO

Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? NO

Buffer area of the SKA? NO

If the answer to any of these questions was YES, a map indicating the affected area must be included in Appendix A.


27

7. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including Archaeological or paleontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site? If YES, explain:

NO

N/A

If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist:

A Heritage Impact Assessment was undertaken for the farm MC Taggarts Camp as a component of the EIA for the Eskom CSP, and a second study was undertaken for the Solar Park Integration Project (attached as Appendix Dthe following relevant findings were made:

Archaeology

Three Stone Age sites were identified. None were located in proximity to the proposed substation sites (Site 1, Site 5 or Site 6).

One possible Historic Site was identified close to Site 5, but Site 5 will have no impact on the possible Historic Site).

Built environment

Occupational structures were identified on the southern boundary of the site.

Paleontology – Sub-surface paleontological finds are possible but unlikely.

Cultural Landscape – None

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? NO

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

NO

If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority. The following table identifies different landscape types that could possibly be present in the study area.

Landscape Type Description Occurrence

still possible?

Likely occurrence?

1 Paleontological Mostly fossil remains. Remains include microbial fossils such as found in Baberton Greenstones

Yes, sub-surface

Unlikely

2 Archaeological Evidence of human occupation associated with the following phases – Early-, Middle-, Late Stone Age, Early-, Late Iron Age, Pre-Contact Sites, Post-Contact Sites

Yes Unlikely

3 Historic Built Environment

- Historical townscapes/streetscapes - Historical structures; i.e. older than 60 years - Formal public spaces - Formally declared urban conservation areas - Places associated with social

No No


28

8. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER a) Local Municipality Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated. Level of unemployment: 24.1%

Economic profile of local municipality:

Level of education:

Literacy Levels Total %

Totally Illiterate 5 285 6.98%

Functionally Illiterate 12 059 15.91%

Some secondary schooling 14 613 19.31%

Complete Grade 12 8 821 11.65%

Higher Education 2 467 3.26%

b) Socio-economic value of the activity What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion?

132 kV busbar = R 3m 132 kV feeder bay = R 24m TOTAL = R 27m 5 x 132 kV lines for Solar Park (~12 km); and 2 x ~27 km 132 kV lines to Gordonia Substation (Upington). A 132 kV line @ R 3m per km for 12 km (3 x 12 = R 36m x 5 lines


29

= R 180m) 2 x 132 kV lines to Gordonia are approximately 27 km 132 kV line @ R 3m per km for 27 km (3 x 27 = R 81 m) x 2 lines = R 162m) The total capital value for project 5 is R 180m + R 162 = R 342m

What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity?

The infrastructure is for the provision of services and no direct income will be generated by this project on an annual basis.

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES

Is the activity a public amenity? NO

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and construction phase of the activity/ies?

Temporal employment may be created during construction for unskilled labour, approximately 50 persons. During the development, no new employment opportunities will be created because this is a highly technical assignment and therefore people with proper skills and technical knowledge will be brought from outside.

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development and construction phase?

If 50 temporal persons are employed at R 2274.84 each for a period of 12 months (duration of the construction phase) then: 50 x R 2274.84 = R 113,742.00 X 12 Months R 1,364,904.00 * R 2274.84 is based on the Minimum wages in the Farm worker sector

Minimum wages for Farm Workers in South Africa

Minimum Rate for the period

Minimum Rate for the period

1 March 2013 to 28 February 2014

1 March 2014 to 29 February 20151

Monthly Weekly Hourly Monthly Weekly Hourly

R 2274.84 R 525.00 R 11.66

Previous years minimum wage +CPI +1.5%

*The CPI to be utilised is the available CPI for the lowest quantile as released by the Statistics South Africa six weeks prior to the increment date.

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

Unknown


30

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

None

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years?

None

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

0%

9. BIODIVERSITY Please note: The Department may request specialist input/studies depending on the nature of the biodiversity occurring on the site and potential impact(s) of the proposed activity/ies. To assist with the identification of the biodiversity occurring on site and the ecosystem status consult http://bgis.sanbi.org or [email protected]. Information is also available on compact disc (cd) from the Biodiversity-GIS Unit, Ph (021) 799 8698. This information may be updated from time to time and it is the applicant/ EAP’s responsibility to ensure that the latest version is used. A map of the relevant biodiversity information (including an indication of the habitat conditions as per (b) below) and must be provided as an overlay map to the property/site plan as Appendix Dto this report. a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate

the reason(s) provided in the biodiversity plan for the selection of the specific area as part of the specific category)

Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s) for its selection in biodiversity plan

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

Ecological Support

Area (ESA)

Other Natural Area

(ONA)

No Natural Area

Remaining (NNR)

The only CBA in close proximity to the any of the

alternatives is the Orange River, located 13.2km

to the south of the study area. This area will not

be affected by this project.

b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site

Habitat Condition

Percentage of habitat

condition class (adding up to 100%)

Description and additional Comments and Observations

(including additional insight into condition, e.g. poor land management practises, presence of quarries,

grazing, harvesting regimes etc).

Natural 95 %

The proposed 132kV power lines cross over three main vegetation types including Bushmanland Arid Grassland, Kalahari Karroid Shrubland and Gordonia Duneveld as documented in the attached Biophysical Specialist Report (Refer to Appendix Dand the EIA undertaken for the Eskom CSP Site. The property has traditionally been used for grazing and has been described in the Eskom CSP EIA Report as being extensively impacted. Both studies remark on the absence of any alien invasive

http://bgis.sanbi.org/mailto:[email protected]


31

species. The EAP thus considers the property to be in a natural but impacted state. The Biophysical Report notes the condition of the property to be 95% natural (Refer to Page 63 of the Biophysical Specialist Study attached as Appendix D

Near Natural (includes areas with low to moderate level of alien invasive plants)

0 %

Degraded (includes areas heavily invaded by alien plants)

0 %

Transformed (includes cultivation, dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc)

5 %

The site has further been disturbed by infrastructure such as human settlements / farm steads, fences, farm access roads and a secondary road that traverses the centre of the site.

c) Complete the table to indicate:

(i) the type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site; and (ii) whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.

Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystem threat status as per the

National Environmental Management:

Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

Critical Wetland (including rivers, depressions, channelled and unchanneled wetlands, flats,

seeps pans, and artificial wetlands)

Estuary Coastline Endangered

Vulnerable

Least Threatened YES NO NO


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d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site, including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened species and special habitats)

Habitat diversity: Species composition / richness:

The study area and surrounding broader region exhibits low plains with ephemeral drainage lines. The site and surrounding area is comprised of a plain consisting of three vegetation units, namely the: Bushmanland Arid Grassland, Kalahari Karroid Shrubland and Gordonia Duneveld. The vegetation on site was found to be good representatives of the aforementioned vegetation types, although in an impacted state. The species composition and richness is considered to be low.

The drainage lines on site are all ephemeral (flowing only in extreme rainfall events). There is no aquatic or wetland environment to speak of. All drainage lines can be spanned within impacting on the drainage line.

Presence of rare and endangered species:

No rare or endangered floral or faunal species were identified within the general study area.

Uniqueness / conservation value:

The site forms part of an extensive plain covered by the same vegetation type. These vegetation types are well conserved and are classified as Least Threatened, they are of little conservation value.

Percentage ground cover:

The general area exhibits a very low percentage 15% of ground cover. Large barren patches were noted during site visits.

Vegetation structure:

This is a typical Karroid shrubland with a few sparsely distributed small trees and shrubs including, but not limited to, Acacia mellifera, Parkinsonia africana, and Rhigozum trichotomum. Low shrubs dominate the area and include Hermannia spinosa, Limeum aethiopicum and Phaeoptilum spinosum, while the common herbs include Dicoma capensis, Chamaesyce inaequilatera. Common grasses found on the site include Aristida adscensionis, Enneapogon desvauxii, E. scaber and Stipagrostis obtusa.

Infestation with exotic weeds and invader plants:

The existing road routes have lead to the introduction of alien plants. The result is that some 25% of the unit has been colonised by scattered Prosopis species.

Degree of grazing / browsing impact:

The study area is described as a sandy / calcrete area with very little cultivation. Areas are mainly utilised for grazing of cattle, sheep and goats with a couple of game farms operating in the area as well.

Signs of erosion:

No deep erosion gullies were noted; however sheet erosion on the large barren patches was notable.


33

SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE

Publication name Noordkaap newspaper

Date published 7 November 2012 16 November 2011

Publication name Stellalander newspaper


Publication name Volksblad newspaper


Publication name Kalahari Bulletin


Publication name Gemsbok newspaper


Publication name Kathu Gazette newspaper


Publication name Son op Sondag newspaper


Site notice position Latitude Longitude

Date placed 14 to 18 November 2011 A total of 60 site notices were placed. See Appendix E- 1 for photographic proof and a description of each site.

Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E- 1.


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2. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES Provide details of the measures taken to include all potential I&APs as required by Regulation 54(2)(e) and 54(7) of GN R.543. Key stakeholders (other than organs of state) identified in terms of Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543:

Authority/Organ of State

Contact person (Title, Name and Surname)

Tel No Fax No e-mail Postal address

Upington Eilande Hoof Besproeings Raad

Mr Stanley Chamberlain

054 3340067

054 3340205

Chamberlainstanley @gmail.com

Privaatsak X5912 UPINGTON 8800

Municipal Manager Khara Hais Local Municipality

Mr WJB Engelbrecht

054 3387001

054 3387351

Manager @kharahaismunicipality.co.za

Private Bag X6003 UPINGTON 8800

Mayor Kai Garib Local Municipality

Mr Jan Olyn

054 4316300

054 461 6401

[email protected] Private Bag X6 KAKAMAS 8870

Executive Mayor Siyanda District Municipality

Mr Gift van Staden

054 3372800

054 3372888

Gvanstaden @siyanda.gov.za

Private Bag X 6039 UPINGTON 8800

Municipal Manager Siyanda District Municipality

Mr Eric Ngxanga

054 3372800

054 3372888

[email protected] Private Bag X6039 UPINGTON 8800

Central Energy Fund

Mr Tieho Motloung

011 2014774

011 2014774

[email protected] P O Box 786141 SANDTON 2146

Director: Environmental Management Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation

Adv Julius Mutyorauta

053 8074800

053 8313530

Jmutyorauta @half.ncape.gov.za

Private Bag X6012 KIMBERLEY 8300

South African National Road Agency

Mev Colene Runkel

021 9574600

021 9461630

[email protected] Private Bag X19 BELLVILLE 7535

Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

Dr Adrian Tiplady

011 442 2434

[email protected] P O Box 522940, SAXONWOLD 2132

mailto:[email protected]


35

Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E- 2. This proof may include any of the following:

e-mail delivery reports;

registered mail receipts;

courier waybills;

signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or

or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority. 3. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES Refer to Appendix E- 3

Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP

The feasibility of the proposed project should be investigated. In this study, the specific area and its special features should be assessed.

The aim of the EIA and the specialist studies will be to determine the feasibility as well as the impacts of the project.

The local municipalities must be invited to these meetings in order to take part in the discussions regarding proposed projects taking place in the district. How do you communicate with the local communities and municipalities?

All local and district municipalities in the study area have been invited. Information on this project has been sent to affected communities, landowners and municipalities and they were also invited to attend the stakeholder meetings.

Who is funding this project? Eskom is funding the whole integration project.

The review and comments /recommendations of environmental reports are a Regional Office competency. In line with DWA water use authorisation business process, and in order to avoid unnecessary setbacks in your environmental authorisation processes, please ensure that all environmental reports for review are submitted to your Regional Office (Northern Cape).

All reports and documents pertaining to the Solar Park Integration Project (EIAs and Bas) have been sent to the relevant DWA Regional Office.

Was the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF) of local government taken into consideration?

The study team looked at the IDPs and SDFs of the potentially affected local authorities. The proposed developments are aligned with the SDFs.

Are these lines only meant to transfer the energy that will be generated by the Eskom CSP into Eskom’s national grid?

400 kV lines will transport the 100MW to be generated by Eskom as well as energy to be generated by the approved Independent Power Producers to the west and the Department of Energy’s site to the east into Eskom’s national grid.

Page 5 of the BAR stated that tall trees will be cleared along the entire length of the servitude (± 180m). Please note no protected tree may be removed without a license from the DAFF.

Noted, all relevant licences and permits will be obtained prior to commencement of construction.

Page 16 listed the applicable legislation. It failed to mentioned the NFA and the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act, Act 9 of 2009

Noted and amended.


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(NCNCA), both of which will definitely be applicable.

Page 30 stated that no rare or endangered floral species were found in the study area. Although it might be true, the applicant should assess the potential impact on protected species.

Comment noted and included in the Biophysical Report as well as the EMPr. Please note that a detailed botanical survey will be conducted once the servitude is finalised and then all the protected species will be identified and the required permits obtained from DAFF/DEA/NC Nature Conservation.

The fact that the broad vegetation units present on site are classified as ‘least threatened’ does not mean the vegetation on site has little conservation value as stated in the report. There can be patches of unique vegetation worth conserving. Final placement of the proposed power lines should take cognizance of protected plants and avoid areas with high density protected plants.

Agreed, a post-authorisation pre-construction walk-down by appropriate specialists will identify all protected, endemic, rare or species of special concern.

Page 35 – A direct impact during the construction phase will be the removal of vegetation. Although not mitigation per se, it should be mentioned that no protected plant may be disturbed or removed without the necessary license or permit and that areas containing high densities of protected plants should be demarcated as ‘sensitive’ and avoided in the final placement of the proposed infrastructure. It should also be included in the EMP.

Amended.

It is not clear from the report which proposed alternative will have the least impact on plants of special concern such as protected plant species. In fact, it is not clear whether such an assessment was conducted. It is unlikely, since not all applicable legislation was consulted.

The three transmission line corridor sites are very similar in nature. The plants of concern that occur in the area include Acacia erioloba and Boschia albitrunca. These species are very sparsely found in the study area, but more prone to drainage lines and the Gordonia Duneveld occurring along the northern boundary of the study site. Very few trees were observed inside the transmission line corridors. Also all the lines use the same alignment for the route to Gordonia, so the route alternatives are all identical. The substation sites are also very similar and no discernible difference was observed. If considering the piece of route prior to the joining of the three alternatives into a single route, the biophysical specialist suggest that route alternatives from the Solar substation site 1 has the highest potential for impact to the two protected trees as the alignment runs through a longer section of the duneveld.

Page 74 refers to the impact on terrestrial ecology in this part of the assessment report, no reference is made to impact on protected plants

The comments were noted and included into the amended Biophysical Report legal section.


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and there will be protected plants on site. Again, this Department seriously question the reasoning provided, that because the effected broad, national vegetation units were classified as least threatened in 2006, that one can just infer that this rating applies to all alternatives.

Page 75 contains mitigation measures. The DAFF recommends that the following be included:

All permits and licenses for disturbance of protected fauna and flora must be obtained from the relevant regulation authority prior to commencement of any construction activity

Protected trees and plants should be avoided as far as possible and the final placement of power lines should take cognizance of such species.

Amended.

The DAFF is not satisfied with the impact assessment that was done on terrestrial ecology and recommend that a proper assessment be conducted to determine which alternative would have the least impact on plants of special concern (this include fauna and flora listed as protected, endemic, etc.

The comments were noted and included into the amended Biophysical Report as mentioned above.

Page 14 contains the steps to be taken during the construction phase. Step 8 refers to vegetation clearance. The DAFF recommends that a step be included prior to step 8 to get the necessary permits and licenses that will be required for vegetation clearance. It can be time consuming to get and therefore the developer should not wait until he/she wants to start with construction. Sufficient time should be allowed.

Noted and amended for all EMPs.

Page 16 refers to fauna and flora and recommends that a botanist ascertain the presence of threatened plant species. As pointed out, protected species is subject to licensing and permit requirements. Thus, the statement should be amended to include protected species.


Page 18 refers to fire prevention. Please take note of the requirements in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fires Act, Act 101 of 1998. One of the requirements is to have trained personnel in fire fighting and adequate fire fighting equipment on site.


The BA (1 and 3) do not indicate clearly which 132KV lines are for Eskom CSP Plant and which are the DoE Solar Park.

Noted and will be addressed


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4. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments received from I&APs and respond to each comment before the Draft BAR is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to the Final BAR as Appendix E- 3. 5. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders:

Please Refer to Appendix E-4.

Include proof that the Authorities and Organs of State received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E- 4 In the case of renewable energy projects, Eskom and the SKA Project Office must be included in the list of Organs of State. 6. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for any activities (linear or other) where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that sub-regulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Application for any deviation from the regulations relating to the public participation process must be submitted prior to the commencement of the public participation process. A list of registered I&APs must be included as Appendix E- 5. Copies of any correspondence and minutes of any meetings held must be included in Appendix E- 6.


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SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts. 1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION,

OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

Provide a summary and anticipated significance of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed. This impact assessment must be applied to all the identified alternatives to the activities identified in Section A(2) of this report.

Activity Impact summary Significance Proposed mitigation

Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) Due to the uniformity study area and similarity between project alternatives there is no difference in the impact assessment between the three alternatives. The impact assessment undertaken below is applicable to all three alternatives.

Planning and Design Phase

Power lines (132kV x 3) and Access Roads for construction and maintenance.

Direct impacts: Negative

Resource consumption (electricity, fuel, human resources, time).

LOW Quality control of deliverables. Due Diligence.

Peer Review.

Stakeholder Engagement. Positive

Job creation.

Expenditure.

LOW As above

Indirect impacts: Negative

Resource planning and alignment at all spheres of government.

Review of applications.

MODERATE As above.

Posit

Documents

FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT - EIA for Solar Park Substation/2... · BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT 5 BA No 1 3 x 132 kV lines for the Solar Park site and 2 x 20 MVA Transformers at Solar