New Environmental Impact Assessment - Etosha · 2014. 5. 15. · Etosha National Park rest camps: Halali and Okaukeujo. 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION The original purpose with the Etosha site

Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout

Environmental Impact Assessment

- Etosha -

1

Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC

EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: ETOSHA GROUP

1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE SITE

The Etosha National Park has limited radio and television services. The Park constructed a

broadcasting tower many years ago but due to a lack of funds and expertise it is no longer

operational. During the site visit it was evident that telecommunication services are required

by the permanent residents of the Park as well as visiting tourists. To reach optimal

coverage for the entire Park it is proposed to construct separate masts at Halali and

Okaukuejo (to serve the Rest Camps). However, due to the highly sensitive environment this

is neither possible nor advisable and an alternative site outside the boundaries of the Park

(i.e. Elandsfontein) was investigated. This potential site will provide effective service to the

Etosha National Park rest camps: Halali and Okaukeujo.

1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION

The original purpose with the Etosha site was to either construct an NBC mast at Halali or

Okaukuejo or to construct separate masts at both sites with Elandsfontein as an alternate

site. This EIA is aimed as a comparative assessment of all sites as a group.

Figure 1: Locality of the three sites

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1.2.1 Halali:

The proposed site is situated next to the Halali Rest camp in the centre of the Park. The

existing infrastructure (i.e. cell phone mast and reservoir), situated on a koppie, is less than

500 meters from the camp. It was decided that should this site be used, small alterations to

the existing infrastructure will be made to accommodate the NBC equipment.

Figure 2: Halali – Locality

1.2.2 Okaukuejo:

Some existing infrastructure is situated on a mountain approximately 20 km south west from

Okaukuejo. The infrastructure was used for broadcasting purposes but was struck by

lightning a number of years ago and is no longer in use. This site is a viable alternative for

the project; however there is no power supply to the site and solar power is not cost

effective. The existing mast facilitates the two-way communication system (powered by a

small solar system) that services the Etosha National Park. The nearest power line is

approximately 20km from the site and would require additional environmental investigations,

should the need arise to extend it to the site.

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

Figure 3: Okaukuejo – Locality

The environmental sensitivity of the two sites located within the borders of the Park has

been confirmed by specialists, as indicated in the table below:

Table 1: Environmental sensitivities

Sensitive component

Specialist sensitivity rating Possible number of species affected

Okaukuejo Halali Okaukuejo Halali

Bird species Highly sensitive Highly sensitive 24 out of 39 species

{Of these 20 species are red listed species}

26 out of 39 species

{Of these 22 species are red listed species}

Archaeology Sensitive Sensitive Little is known of the archaeology of the Etosha basin margins, but if the NBC mast in this locality is placed on a hill it is likely to have some archaeological impact. A field assessment may be required.

Little is known of the archaeology of the Etosha basin margins, but if the NBC mast in this locality is placed on a hill it is likely to have some archaeological impact. A field assessment may be required.

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1.2.3 Elandsfontein:

Elandsfontein has been identified as an alternate site to Halali and Okaukuejo. It is situated

outside the southern border of the Park on a recently re-settled farm. The topography is

very flat and the mast will be constructed high enough to provide service to both Halali and

Okaukuejo. Due to former farming activities the area is disturbed, and distinctly less

sensitive (Mr. Oscar Lambert was the previous owner).

Figure 4: Elandsfontein – Locality

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

The following table depicts the completed description for these sites:

Table 2: Site Assessment Form of the sites

ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein

1 Position of

the site

Latitude 19° 2'23.30"S 19°16'50.20"S 19°24'0.70"S

Longitude 16°28'20.00"E 15°45'30.70"E 16°16'38.80"E

2 Footprint

of mast

Proposed height of mast 110m 110m 180m

Diameter of stay wires 26mm – 48mm 26mm – 48mm 26mm – 48mm

Describe how the stay wires will be anchored to the

ground (e.g. concrete, rock foundation).

Concrete blocks Concrete blocks Concrete blocks

3 Land

ownership

To who does the land on which the proposed site is

located, belong? (e.g. Private land, state land, town

lands, etc.)

Government - Etosha National Park Resettlement land

4 Descriptio

n of the

site

General locality, surrounding landscape, etc. This proposed site is

situated in the Etosha

National Park. The Halali

camp lies 500m to the

north of an existing

tower.

The site is located on a

hill 20.5km south west of

Okaukuejo

The site is situated just

outside the southern

border of the Etosha

National Park. The

ground has already been

impacted through

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


farming operations.

5 Project

outputs

Define any nuisances or negative impacts that could

result from the project during the construction and

operation (e.g. vibration, noise, radiation, dust).

Aesthetic / visual /

radiation - are all negative

impacts

There are no receptors

close to the proposed site

therefore the impacts will

be low

There are no receptors

close to the proposed

site therefore the

impacts will be low

6

Access to

site

Existing Road (Yes/No) Yes No

New Road (Yes/No) No Yes

Distance of new road N/A 5km

Grading of new road (paved, unpaved, tar or

gravel, etc.)

Gravel

Slope where new road will be situated None Gentle

Best position for new road (photo nr) Existing access Joining the existing

gravel road south of the

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


proposed site

7 Civil

Aviation

Distance to the nearest airport Gravel runway situated

1.8km north west of the

proposed site

12km 39km

8 Waste

generation

Distance to nearest dump site Halali waste site Okaukuejo waste site Unknown

9 Energy

provision

Distance to nearest power line On site No power on site -

nearest power line is

approximately 20km

No power on site

Required structures (e.g. substations, steel structures) None Yes electrical structures

will be required.

Yes electrical structures

will be required.

Length of the required power line None Possible 20km Probably solar

installation

Is the power line more than 2 km? If yes, then

the assessment of the proposed location for the

power line should be included in the assessment

of the site for the mast.

No Yes No

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


1 Landscape Describe the surrounding landscaped, e.g. Ridgeline,

plateau, side slope of hill/mountain, closed valley,

open valley, plain, undulating plain/low hills, dune,

sea-front, etc.

The site is situated on a

hilltop.


ridge with the Etosha

Basin situated to the

north.


flat area with open plains

surrounding the site

How accessible is the site by vehicle? Accessible

2 Soil and

Geology

Unstable rocky slopes/ steep slopes with loose soil/

rocky with limited soil

Etosha Basin - mostly

calcrete with some

outcrops.

Steep slopes with

dolomite and dolerite

outcrops

Calcrete plains with

shallow soils

Describe soil (e.g. clay, sand, etc.) Rocky outcrop Rocky with little top-soil Calcrete - clay soils

Identify areas where erosion is likely (Photo nrs). Unlikely to erosion due to the rocks - little top-soil is

present.

Due to the slope limited

erosion is present

3 Habitat Natural veld in good condition, natural veld with

scattered aliens, natural veld with heavy alien

infestation, build-up area, bare soil.

The area is highly

impacted due to other

structures present on the

site which includes water

structures and

communication towers.

Small area is used for

existing communication

structures, but mostly the

surrounding area is

pristine

Natural veld used for

grazing of cattle.

a Vegetati Describe the natural vegetation on the site (e.g. dwarf- Trees, shrubs and some grass are present on the area Mostly shrubland with

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


on scrubland) surrounding the proposed site. some trees and grass.

b Birds Is the area likely to be sensitive for birds (i.t.o. Cliffs,

Ridges, possible flight paths, trees, water sources)?

This area is likely to be

very sensitive to birds to

the migratory routes of

birds breeding in the

Etosha Pan.

The area is situated on a

ridge and is regarded as

highly sensitive to

migratory birds

Due to the proximity to

the park bird sensitivity

will require site specific

EMP

c Reptiles Is the area likely to be sensitive for reptiles (e.g. rocky

outcrops)?

Very likely

d Archaeol

ogy

Take a picture facing towards the proposed site (photo

nr).

Not likely to be present

e Surface

water

Are there any surface water sources located close to

the proposed site (e.g. Rivers, Pans, dams, farms

dams, oshanas, etc). Estimate the distance from the

site.

No

Are there any signs of a wetland located close to the

proposed site (e.g. mottled soil, grass with plumes,

reeds, two-tone vegetation, standing water, birdlife).

Estimate the distance from the site.

No

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


4 Visual Consider the aesthetic value of the area (Is it located

in a scenic area, what are the lines of sight, are there

tourism activities in the area?).

Very sensitive with

regards to aesthetic value

and the placement of the

tower on a topographical

high point. This tower is

visible from a far distance.

Probably not sensitive

due to the far distance

from any receptors

Low aesthetic value

Identify possible sensitive receptors (e.g. neighbours,

road users, tourism ventures etc.)

Tourists There is a tourist camp

outside the National Park,

but is situated some

distance to the south

east of the proposed site

(Ongava Lodge)

None

If a new road will be constructed to the site, what will

the visual impact be? (e.g. will it be highly visible or

will it be out of sight for the largest group of sensitive

receptors).

None Very little impact

Consider the following:

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


* The potential location of a development on landform

features within the landscape will influence the visual

absorption capacity. For example, structures will be

difficult to “hide” on a ridgeline compared to a deeply

incised valley.

The tower will be visible

from an unknown

distance as well as the

auxiliary infrastructure

The structures will be

visible from an unknown

distance due to the

location on a

topographical high point

No receptors in close

vicinity

* Developments on lower slopes will be potentially

easier to hide than those on upper slopes.

Situated on a koppie Plain

* The visibility of a location of a structure is also

influenced by the location height relative to the heights

of surrounding topographic features. For example, if a

location is lower than the majority of the immediately

surrounding landscape it will be less visible and

intrusive than a location which is generally higher than

the immediate surrounds.

Will be highly visible due

to the topographical high

point surrounded by

plains

Will be visible from the

north but not as much

from the south due to

ridges

Plain

* A potential tower location will be easier to “hide” in

a very rugged/diverse landscape and more difficult to

do so if the landscape is more homogenous, such as a

plain.

Will be difficult to hide the structures except if you

"camouflage" it.

1

0

Social

context

Describe the surrounding community and land uses

(e.g. urban, sub-urban, grazing livestock, grazing

Etosha National Park which is a international tourist

attraction


proposed resettlement

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


game, crops (type), tourism activities, mining,

industrial etc.).

farm.

How far is the nearest inhabited area from the centre

point of the mast? (i.t.o. the radiation). Give a short

description of the populated area. What type of

settlement is it?

The Halali camp is

situated only 500m from

the proposed site which

makes it unsuitable for

the constructing the tower

No concern with regards

to radiation

No concern with regards

to radiation

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Consultation was conducted with personnel at the Etosha National Park (Mr. Versveld and

other Chief Wardens). A Background Information Document was circulated to the personnel

and was discussed. Some feedback was received during the site visit and the proposed site

at Elandsfontein was suggested as the best suitable alternative site. According to the

stakeholders - Halali is rated as the most sensitive with the alternative site south west of

Okaukuejo as the second best.

1.4 ASSESSMENT OF SITE SUITABILITY

Specific criteria (based on specialist recommendations) are listed below that have been

designed to aid in determining an optimal site (Table 3):

Table 3: Criteria for determining a sufficient site.

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE

HALALI OKAUKUEJO ELANDSFONTEIN

Distance to nearest populated area

500 m Beyond 3km Beyond 3km

Biodiversity Site is located on a koppie. The site is already impacted/ damaged.

Site situated on a ridge. The surrounding area is pristine.

Site not sensitive. Used as grazing area.

Civil Aviation 1.8 km from nearest air strip

12km 39km

Visual Impacts Very sensitive due to close proximity of visual receptors and visibility of the site.

The site is located on elevated ground which makes it more visible. Some sensitive receptors are located a distance away.

Site has low aesthetic value and no sensitive receptors are located in proximity of the site.

Infrastructure No infrastructure needed. Power line and road infrastructure is available to the site.

20 km from nearest power line. Road infrastructure is available.

Solar installation is needed. A 5 km road is needed.

Archaeology Possible Possible Possible

Birds Very sensitive Very sensitive Sensitive (not along main migratory route but the distance to the Etosha Pans renders it sensitive).

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1.5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

From the assessment above the Elandsfontein site appears to pose the lowest risk to the

receiving biophysical and social environment while the Halali and Okaukuejo sites pose a

high risk. Should the mast be erected at Elandsfontein, residual impacts associated with

construction and operation activities will however still need to be mitigated and monitored in

order to ensure that the negative effects are avoided or minimized while optimizing the

positive ones.

Table 4: Impact Evaluation for Elandsfontein


POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE

KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY

ISSUES ADDRESSED IN:

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

GEOLOGY AND SOILS

The movement of vehicles will impact on this aspect.

Soil compaction Low – sandy soils Generic EMP

TOPOGRAPHY No topographical high or low points will be affected.

Visual impact Low – no sensitive receptors

Generic EMP

WATER QUALITY Construction vehicles, domestic and construction waste generated on site.

Water pollution Low – flat area with no rivers or other water features

Generic EMP

FLORA Clearing and grubbing during construction.

Destruction of natural vegetation

Medium – not a sensitive area

Site Specific EMP

Encroachment of alien invasive species.

The establishment and spreading of alien invasive species.

Low – previously disturbed area

Generic EMP

FAUNA Movement of construction vehicles.

Destroy habitat for reptiles and small mammals.

Medium – little fauna is expected.

Site Specific EMP

Movement of construction vehicles.

Destroy habitat for birds.

Medium –sensitive bird species are expected due to the close distance to Etosha.

Site Specific EMP

Illegal poaching. Killing of fauna for usage by contractors.

Low – poaching possible

Generic EMP

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013


POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE

KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY

ISSUES ADDRESSED IN:

AIR QUALITY Movement of vehicles during construction

Dust generated. Low – long haul road to site

Generic EMP

ARCHAEOLOGICAL / CULTURAL

There are no graves or other archaeological sites present on the site.

None Generic EMP

SOCIO-ECONOMIC Spreading of HIV/AIDS by contractors.

Increased HIV/AIDS Low – little receptors and small construction force

Generic EMP

OPERATIONAL PHASE

FAUNA The stay wires and the mast might pose a threat to birds

Loss of birds due to collisions

Medium - even though not on a major migratory route, the pristine surrounding environment hosts lots of birds

Site Specific EMP

SOCIO-ECONOMIC Radiation emitted by the mast.

Radiation impact Low Generic EMP

Civil Aviation Beyond 8km of an airstrip

Low sensitivity Generic EMP

Waste generated should there be personnel on site

Waste generated Low – not expected that personnel will reside at this site

Generic EMP

Construction and operation of the mast.

Visual and aesthetic deterioration of the surrounding area

Low – little receptors in the vicinity

Generic EMP

Positive impact due to the educational value of the project

Social improvement due to NBC radio broadcasts

Low – information can be relayed to population

Generic EMP

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EIA: Etosha Group

August 2013

1.6 OVERALL SENSITIVITY OF THE PREFERRED SITE

Based on the Table above (Table 4), one can establish the overall sensitivity of the selected

site. The following table indicates the classification of sensitivity and the required action to

follow:

Table 5: Sensitivity rating and required actions1

The Elandsfontein site has an overall sensitivity rating of MEDIUM.

1.7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The proposed site at Elandsfontein has a low sensitivity rating as opposed to Halali and

Okaukuejo. Elandsfontein is far away from heavily populated areas removing the concern of

negative effects associated with radiation. No significant negative impacts are predicted

during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project.

The Generic and Site Specific EMPs will ensure that the negative impacts are minimized -

therefore limiting the negative effect of this project on the environment during both the

construction and operational phases. It is concluded that this proposed site will not have a

detrimental negative impact on the natural and social environment.

1 Enviro Dynamics (Pty) Ltd – 2011

LOW MEDIUM HIGH

De

scri

pti

on

The site is not sensitive at all. No additional specialist studies are required.

The site is moderately sensitive and although specialist inputs are not required, it requires specific management measures.

The site has sensitive elements that need to be further investigated by a specialist. Sites that have a "high" sensitivity rating should only be used as the preferred alternative once all other options have been eliminated.

Imp

lica

tio

n Generic EMP is sufficient An additional Appendix is required to

the document that contains site specific mitigation measures.

Specialist investigations are required.

X

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1.8 PHOTOS OF THE VARIOUS SITES

HALALI:

OKAUKUEJO:

Halali: The existing infrastructure is evident.

This site is not suitable due to its proximity to

the camp and radiation impacts.

Documents

New Environmental Impact Assessment - Etosha · 2014. 5. 15. · Etosha National Park rest camps: Halali and Okaukeujo. 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION The original purpose with the Etosha site