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Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 Palaeontological Impact Statement concerning amendment to the layout for 33 turbines at the Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Murraysburg in the Western Cape. Introduction Planned establishment of the Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Murraysburg in the Western Cape was is proposing a new layout with 33 turbines that have maximum dimensions of tip height of up to 255m, hub height up to 160m, and rotor diameter up to 190m, and associated infrastructure (Fig. 1). Background A total of 80 turbines were proposed in 2015, but only 65 were approved. The required Heritage Impact Assessment consisting of an Archaeological specialist study, a desktop Palaeontological study and a Visual specialist study provided input with an integrated set of recommendations (Case No: 130611TS10). The palaeontological desktop study for the 80 turbines advised that: 1. The development will require extensive excavations into potentially vulnerable fossiliferous sediments of Late Palaeozoic age; 2. Potentially fossiliferous rock units include the Permian sediments of the Adelaide Subgroup (Teekloof and Balfour Formations) as well as geologically recent Quaternary valley sediments. Potentially negative impacts of the project may occur when excavations into the fossil-bearing Adelaide Subgroup strata are required during the construction phase of the project. Statement The amendment is now proposing only 33 turbines to be constructed within a 5km - radius footprint that is located within the designated Development Envelope (Fig. 2) Recommendation are summarized in Table 1. The construction of at least 15 of the 33 turbines may impact palaeontologically insignificant dolerites (part of the the Karoo Igneous Province) (red areas, Fig 3 & grey areas, Fig. 4). Potentially fossil-bearing

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Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330

Palaeontological Impact Statement concerning

amendment to the layout for 33 turbines at the

Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near

Murraysburg in the Western Cape.

Introduction

Planned establishment of the Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility near Murraysburg

in the Western Cape was is proposing a new layout with 33 turbines that have

maximum dimensions of tip height of up to 255m, hub height up to 160m, and rotor

diameter up to 190m, and associated infrastructure (Fig. 1).

Background

A total of 80 turbines were proposed in 2015, but only 65 were approved. The required

Heritage Impact Assessment consisting of an Archaeological specialist study, a desktop

Palaeontological study and a Visual specialist study provided input with an integrated

set of recommendations (Case No: 130611TS10).

The palaeontological desktop study for the 80 turbines advised that:

1. The development will require extensive excavations into potentially vulnerable

fossiliferous sediments of Late Palaeozoic age;

2. Potentially fossiliferous rock units include the Permian sediments of the

Adelaide Subgroup (Teekloof and Balfour Formations) as well as geologically

recent Quaternary valley sediments. Potentially negative impacts of the project

may occur when excavations into the fossil-bearing Adelaide Subgroup strata

are required during the construction phase of the project.

Statement

The amendment is now proposing only 33 turbines to be constructed within a 5km -

radius footprint that is located within the designated Development Envelope (Fig. 2)

Recommendation are summarized in Table 1. The construction of at least 15 of the 33

turbines may impact palaeontologically insignificant dolerites (part of the the Karoo

Igneous Province) (red areas, Fig 3 & grey areas, Fig. 4). Potentially fossil-bearing

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 2

alluvium (geologically recent Quaternary valley sediments) will most likely not be

affected. The rest may affect fossiliferous, sedimentary units of the Adelaide Subgroup

(Formations Teekloof, Pth and Balfour, Pb, Fig 3). Terrestrial vertebrate fossils, are

common in these formations, which are assigned the Tropidostoma and Cistecephalus

Assemblage Zones. Adelaide Subgroup sedimentary strata located within the footprint

are considered to be highly sensitive in terms of palaeontological heritage (Fig 3 & 4).

It is advised that:

As part of (Step 1) of a Phase 1 impact assessment, a professional paleontologist

investigate each turbine position to evaluate the rock type for palaeontological

sensitivity (volcanic vs. sedimentary) in order to to eliminate positions that are not

palaeontologically significant for future exemption.

As part of (Step 2) of a Phase 1 impact assessment, a professional paleontologist

monitor all remaining turbine positions located on Adelaide Subgroup strata, as well as

the proposed internal road footprint during the construction phase when fossils may be

exposed during turbine foundation excavations and other construction activities.

It is also recommended that a professional paleontologist offer a brief training course

in potential fossil identification to the responsible environmental officer for the project,

whereafter the latter must closely monitor all excavations over the duration of the the

construction phase of the project.

Impact Rating

Significance – The initial significance rating for impact on palaeontological heritage

does not change.

Advantage / Disadvantage – Lowering of the number of proposed turbines is

considered advantageous with regards to impact on overall hard standing area.

Cumulative Impacts – The initial cumulative impacts rating does not change. The

proposed Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility remains supplementary to three other

wind energy projects, which have received EIA approval within a 50km radius area.

Conclusion

From a palaeontological perspective, excavations into fossil-bearing strata can be

beneficial to research (potentially providing opportunies to unearth rare new fossil

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 3

material that would otherwise never have been discovered), if it is conducted under the

proper circumstances. It is therefore advised that the construction of the turbines can go

ahead, provided that:

1. As part of Step 1 of a Phase 1 impact assessment, a professional palaeontologist

should investigate each turbine position to evaluate the rock type for

palaeontological sensitivity (volcanic vs. sedimentary) in order to to eliminate

positions that are not palaeontologically significant or to point out localities that

may be located within contact metamorphic zones for future exemption.

2. As part of Step 2 of a Phase 1 impact assessment, a professional palaeontologist

should monitor all remaining turbine positions located on Adelaide Subgroup

strata, including the proposed internal road footprint during the construction

phase, when fossils may be exposed during turbine foundation excavations and

other construction activities.

It is also recommended that a professional palaeontologist offer a brief training course

in potential fossil identification to the responsible environmental officer and staff for

the project, where after the latter must closely monitor all excavations over the duration

of the the construction phase of the project in conjunction with regular monitoring by

the palaeontologist.

References

Amended specialist Integrated HIA Impact Assessment Report: Ishwati Emoyeni Wind

Energy Facility. CSIR 2014.

SAHRA Final Comment Case No: 130611TS10

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 4

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I, Lloyd Rossouw, declare that I act as an independent specialist consultant. I do not

have or will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity other than

remuneration for work as stipulated in the terms of reference. I have no interest in

secondary or downstream developments as a result of the authorization of this project

and have no conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity.

19 / 05 / 2021

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 5

Tables and Figures

Table 1. Amendments and PIA recommendations

Component/

Specification

Authorised Proposed

change

Amendment

Recommendations for PIA

Facility area Hardstanding area:

Up to 45 m x 25 m Turbine foundations:

20 m x 20 m and up to

3 m deep

Hardstanding area:

Up to 75 m x 50 m

Turbine foundations:

30 m x 30 m and up to

5 m deep

Phase 1 PIA :

Step 1 rock type evaluation

Step 2 Monitoring during construction

phase

Site access Existing farm access

tracks and

watercourse

crossing will be

upgraded.

Internal roads: 6 - 9

m width during

construction.

Reduced to 4 - 6 m

during operations.

Internal road

length: 45.38km

Internal road

length: 32 km

Phase 1 PIA

Step 1 rock type evaluation

Generation capacity 140 MW generation

147 installed

140 MW generation

Number of turbines Up to a maximum of

65

Up to a maximum of

33

Phase 1 Paleontological IA required for

individual footprints

Step 1 rock type evaluation

Step 2 Monitoring during construction

phase

Turbine generation

capacity

1.8 and 3.3 MW No restriction No amendment required.

Hub height from

ground level

Up to 120 m Up to 160 m No amendment required.

Rotor diameter Up to 130 m Up to 190m No amendment required.

Blade length 65 m Up to 95m No amendment required.

Blade tip height 180 m Up to 255m

Area occupied by

substations

200 x 250 m single

storey substation

compound

No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Capacity of substation 33/132 kV No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Temporary

construction

hardstand area per

turbine

45 x 25 m (1,125

m2)

75 x 50 m (3,750

m2)

Phase 1 PIA :

Step 1 rock type evaluation

Step 2 Monitoring during construction

phase

Area occupied by

construction laydown

areas

Temporary

laydown area: Up to

three laydown

areas of 9 000 m²

each (150 m x 60 m)

No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 6

Location of

construction camps/

laydown areas

As per layout map

included in the Final

EIA Report.

No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Area occupied by

buildings

200 x 250 m No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Internal

powerline/cables

All power lines

linking wind

turbines to each

other and to the

internal substation

must be buried

(Condition 38 of the

EA).

Condition remains

applicable. No

amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Height of fencing 2 – 2.5 m No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Type of fencing Steel palisade

fencing around

construction camp.

Concrete palisade

around substation.

No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Transformer 5 x 5m per hard

standing area per

turbine

No amendment

required.

No amendment required.

Validity extension A validity extension

was granted in 2017

to the 02 July 2023

Validity extension

request for 2 years

from 02 July 2023

02 July 2025

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 7

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 8

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 9

Report prepared by Paleo Field Services, PO Box 38806, Langenhovenpark 9330 10

Details of Specialist, Declaration and Undertaking Under Oath

Page 1 of 3

DETAILS OF THE SPECIALIST, DECLARATION OF INTEREST AND UNDERTAKING UNDER OATH

(For official use only)

File Reference Number:

NEAS Reference Number: DEA/EIA/

Date Received:

Application for authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, as amended (the Regulations)

PROJECT TITLE

Proposed Amendment for the Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility

Kindly note the following: 1. This form must always be used for applications that must be subjected to Basic Assessment or Scoping &

Environmental Impact Reporting where this Department is the Competent Authority.

2. This form is current as of 01 September 2018. It is the responsibility of the Applicant / Environmental Assessment

Practitioner (EAP) to ascertain whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the

Competent Authority. The latest available Departmental templates are available at

https://www.environment.gov.za/documents/forms.

3. A copy of this form containing original signatures must be appended to all Draft and Final Reports submitted to the

department for consideration.

4. All documentation delivered to the physical address contained in this form must be delivered during the official

Departmental Officer Hours which is visible on the Departmental gate.

5. All EIA related documents (includes application forms, reports or any EIA related submissions) that are faxed;

emailed; delivered to Security or placed in the Departmental Tender Box will not be accepted, only hardcopy

submissions are accepted.

Departmental Details

Postal address: Department of Environmental Affairs Attention: Chief Director: Integrated Environmental Authorisations Private Bag X447 Pretoria 0001 Physical address: Department of Environmental Affairs Attention: Chief Director: Integrated Environmental Authorisations Environment House 473 Steve Biko Road Arcadia Queries must be directed to the Directorate: Coordination, Strategic Planning and Support at: Email: [email protected]

Details of Specialist, Declaration and Undertaking Under Oath

Page 2 of 3

1. SPECIALIST INFORMATION

Specialist Company Name: Paleo Field Services

B-BBEE Contribution level (indicate 1 to 8 or non-compliant)

Percentage Procurement recognition

Specialist name: Dr Lloyd Rossouw

Specialist Qualifications: BA Hons, MSc, PhD

Professional affiliation/registration:

PSSA ASAPA

Physical address: 12 Piet du Plooy Street, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein

Postal address: PO Box 38806

Postal code: 9330 Cell: 0842505992

Telephone: 0842505992 Fax:

E-mail: [email protected]

2. DECLARATION BY THE SPECIALIST

I, ____Lloyd Rossouw______________________________, declare that –

• I act as the independent specialist in this application;

• I will perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings

that are not favourable to the applicant;

• I declare that there are no circumstances that may compromise my objectivity in performing such work;

• I have expertise in conducting the specialist report relevant to this application, including knowledge of the Act,

Regulations and any guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;

• I will comply with the Act, Regulations and all other applicable legislation;

• I have no, and will not engage in, conflicting interests in the undertaking of the activity;

• I undertake to disclose to the applicant and the competent authority all material information in my possession that

reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing - any decision to be taken with respect to the application by

the competent authority; and - the objectivity of any report, plan or document to be prepared by myself for

submission to the competent authority;

• all the particulars furnished by me in this form are true and correct; and

• I realise that a false declaration is an offence in terms of regulation 48 and is punishable in terms of section 24F of

the Act.

Signature of the Specialist

Paleo Field Services

Name of Company:

Details of Specialist, Declaration and Undertaking Under Oath

Page 3 of 3

19 / 05 / 2021

Date

3. UNDERTAKING UNDER OATH/ AFFIRMATION

I, __________________________________, swear under oath / affirm that all the information submitted or to be

submitted for the purposes of this application is true and correct.

Signature of the Specialist

Paleo Field Services

Name of Company

19 / 05 / 2021

Date

Signature of the Commissioner of Oaths

Date