PROPOSED WAAIHOEK WIND ENERGY FACILITY, UTRECHT, KWAZULU-NATAL WEF Draft Scoping Report/FIN… · PROPOSED WAAIHOEK WIND ENERGY FACILITY, UTRECHT, KWAZULU-NATAL DEA Reference:

PROPOSED WAAIHOEK WIND ENERGY FACILITY, UTRECHT,

KWAZULU-NATAL

DEA Reference: 14/12/16/3/3/2/655

AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

Prepared for:

4th Floor, Mariendahl House Newlands on Main

Corner Main and Campground Roads Claremont, 7708

Cape Town 021 657 4045

www.mainstreamrp.com

Prepared by:

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services EAST LONDON

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043 726 7809 Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town,

Johannesburg and Maputo (Mozambique) www.cesnet.co.za

October 2015

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION This document contains intellectual property and propriety information that is protected

by copyright in favour of Coastal & Environmental Services and the specialist consultants. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to

any third party without the prior written consent of Coastal & Environmental Services. This document is prepared exclusively for submission to Mainstream Renewable

Power South Africa (Pty) Ltd, and is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets, rules intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility i

This Report should be cited as follows: EOH Coastal & Environmental Services, October 2015: Proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility, Final Amended Environmental Impact Assessment Report, CES, East London.

REVISIONS TRACKING TABLE

CES Report Revision and Tracking Schedule Document Title

Proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility, Emadlangeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Client Name & Address

South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Developments (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 45063, Claremont, 7735

Document Reference

DEA Ref: 14/12/16/3/3/2/655

Status

Amended

Issue Date

27 August 2015

Lead Author

Ms C Evans/Dr Greer Hawley EOH CES East London

Reviewer

Dr A Carter EOH CES East London

Study Leader or Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner Approval

Dr A Carter EOH CES East London

Report Distribution Circulated to No. of hard copies

No. electronic copies

Department of Environmental Affairs

2 2

Department of Agriculture & Environment (DAE) KZN

1

Ezemvelo Wildlife KZN 1 1 This document has been prepared in accordance with the scope of EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (CES) appointment and contains intellectual property and proprietary information that is protected by copyright in favour of CES. The document may therefore not be reproduced, used or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of Coastal & Environmental Services. This document is prepared exclusively for use by CES’s client. CES accepts no liability for any use of this document other than by its client and only for the purposes for which it was prepared. No person other than the client may copy (in whole or in part) use or rely on the contents of this document, without the prior written permission of CES. The document is subject to all confidentiality, copyright and trade secrets rules, intellectual property law and practices of South Africa.

Coastal& Environmental Services

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East London 5201

+27 43 726 8313 [email protected] www.cesnet.co.za

Also in Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town Johannesburg and Maputo

mailto:[email protected]

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EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility ii

THE PROJECT TEAM EOH Coastal & Environmental Services team and responsibilities Dr Alan Carter, Project Leader Dr Greer Hawley, Project management, Ecological Specialist Mr Roy de Kock, Project management, Agricultural & Visual Specialist Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack, Stakeholder Engagement Ms Louise Bryson, Wetland & Hydrological Impact Assessment Ms Rosalie Evans, Tourism Specialist Ms Caroline Evans, Report writing Mr Anton Hough, Social Specialist Additional sub-consultant team members and responsibilities Mr Gavin Anderson, Umlando: Archaeological, Tourism and Resource Management. Heritage (History and Archaeological) Impact Assessment Mr Gideon Groenewald: Paleontological Impact Assessment Mr Chris van Rooyen, Chris van Rooyen Consulting: Avi-faunal Monitoring and Impact Assessment Mr Werner Marais, Animalia Zoological & Ecological Consultation CC: Bat Monitoring and Impact Assessment Mr Brett Williams, Safetech: Noise Impact Assessment

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the study .................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Environmental authorisation in South Africa .................................................................... 5 1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process .................................................................... 5 1.4 Nature and Structure of this Report ................................................................................. 9 1.5 Details and Expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner .............................. 9

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Project Locality .............................................................................................................. 11 2.1.1 Wind energy facility (WEF) – Ref. No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/655 ........................................ 11 2.1.2 Powerline - Ref. No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/654 ................................................................... 13

2.2 Proposed Activity ........................................................................................................... 14 2.2.1 Wind Energy Facility .................................................................................................. 14 2.2.2 Powerline ................................................................................................................... 17 2.2.3 Substation ................................................................................................................. 18 2.2.4 Access roads ............................................................................................................. 19 2.2.5 Additional infrastructure ............................................................................................. 20

2.3 The development phases of a wind farm ....................................................................... 21 2.3.1 Preliminary civil works ............................................................................................... 21 2.3.2 Construction .............................................................................................................. 21 2.3.3 Electrical connection .................................................................................................. 23 2.3.4 Operational phase ..................................................................................................... 23 2.3.5 Decommissioning of the Wind farm ........................................................................... 23

3 PROJECT NEED & DESIRABILITY ..................................................................................... 24 3.1 International ................................................................................................................... 24 3.1.1 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) .... 24 3.1.2 The Kyoto Protocol (2002) ......................................................................................... 24

3.2 National ......................................................................................................................... 25 3.2.1 National Development Plan (2011) ............................................................................ 25 3.2.2 National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012)........................................... 25 3.2.3 White Paper on Renewable Energy Policy (2003) ..................................................... 26 3.2.4 Integrated Energy Plan for the Republic of South Africa (2003) ................................. 26 3.2.5 Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010-2030 ................................................... 26 3.2.6 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) ............................................................................................................................ 27 3.2.7 Long Term Mitigation Scenarios (2007) ..................................................................... 28 3.2.8 Industrial Policy Action Plan 2011/12 – 2013/14 ........................................................ 28 3.2.9 Strategic Infrastructure Projects (2012) ...................................................................... 29

3.3 Provincial ....................................................................................................................... 29 3.3.1 Feasibility of a Renewable/Alternate Energy Cluster in KwaZulu-Natal (2007) ........... 29 3.3.2 Overview and Analysis of Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources as Applicable to KwaZulu-Natal (2007) ........................................................................................................... 29

3.4 Response to DEA comment regardin ............................................................................. 30 4 ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................................... 33 4.1 Reasonable and feasible alternatives ............................................................................ 33 4.2 Fundamental, incremental and no-go alternatives ......................................................... 33 4.2.1 Fundamental alternatives........................................................................................... 33 4.2.2 Incremental alternatives ............................................................................................. 33 4.2.3 No-go alternative ....................................................................................................... 33

4.3 Analysis of alternatives .................................................................................................. 34 5 RELEVANT LEGISLATION .................................................................................................. 41 5.1 The Constitution Act (No. 108 of 1996) .......................................................................... 41 5.2 National Environmental Management Act (No.107 of 1998) .......................................... 41 5.3 National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (No. 57 of 2003) ................ 42 5.4 National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act (No. 10 of 2004) .......................... 43 5.5 National Environmental Management: Waste Management Act (No. 59 of 2008) .......... 43 5.6 National Forests Act (No. 84 of 1998) ............................................................................ 44

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5.7 National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) and KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act (No. 4 of 2008) .................................................................................................................................. 44 5.8 Electricity Regulation Act (No. 4 of 2006) ...................................................................... 45 5.9 Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) .................................................... 45 5.10 Aviation Act (No. 74 of 1962): 13th Amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1997 . 45 5.11 National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No. 39 of 2004) ......................... 46 5.12 National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) .............................................................................. 46 5.13 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No. 43 of 1983) ........................................ 47 5.13.1 CARA Regulations ................................................................................................. 47

5.14 Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act (No. 70 of 1970) .................................................... 47 5.15 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) .......................... 47 5.16 National Road Traffic Act (No. 93 of 1996) .................................................................... 48 5.17 National Veld and Forest Fire Act (No. 101 of 1998) ...................................................... 48 5.18 Other relevant national legislation .................................................................................. 49 5.19 Municipal Policy ............................................................................................................. 49

6 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................. 54 6.1 Bio-physical environment ............................................................................................... 54 6.1.1 Current land use activities .......................................................................................... 54 6.1.2 Climate ...................................................................................................................... 54 6.1.3 Topography ............................................................................................................... 54 6.1.4 Geology ..................................................................................................................... 57 6.1.5 Soils and agricultural potential ................................................................................... 57 6.1.6 Vegetation and Floristics............................................................................................ 61 6.1.7 Fauna (excluding birds and bats) ............................................................................... 65 6.1.8 Wetlands ................................................................................................................... 68 6.1.9 Avifaunal .................................................................................................................... 70 6.1.10 Chiroptera (Bats) ................................................................................................... 75

6.2 Socio-economic profile .................................................................................................. 76 6.2.1 Emadlangeni Local Municipality and Amajuba District Municipality ............................ 76 6.2.2 Demographics ........................................................................................................... 76 6.2.3 Employment ............................................................................................................... 76 6.2.4 Heritage: Culture, History and Archaeology ............................................................... 79 6.2.5 Tourism ..................................................................................................................... 80 6.2.6 Noise associated with wind energy (excerpts from Rogers and Manwell, 2002) ........ 80 6.2.7 Visual Impacts ........................................................................................................... 81 6.2.8 Transport route from harbour to the proposed Waaihoek WEF site ........................... 81

7 APPROACH TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................... 84 7.1 General Impact Assessment .......................................................................................... 84 7.2 Specialist Impact Assessments ..................................................................................... 84 7.3 Methodology for Assessing Impacts and Alternatives .................................................... 84 7.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 84 7.3.2 Description of criteria ................................................................................................. 85

8 KEY FINDINGS OF THE SPECIALIST STUDIES ................................................................. 88 8.1 Specialist Studies .......................................................................................................... 88 8.1.1 Agriculture & Soils Impact Assessment ...................................................................... 88 8.1.2 Ecological Impact Assessment .................................................................................. 89 8.1.3 Wetland Impact Assessment ..................................................................................... 90 8.1.4 Avifaunal Impact Assessment .................................................................................... 93 8.1.5 Bat Impact Assessment ............................................................................................. 95 8.1.6 Paleontological Impact Assessment .......................................................................... 97 8.1.7 Heritage (Archaeological) Impact Assessment ........................................................... 99 8.1.8 Socio-economic Impact Assessment ....................................................................... 100 8.1.9 Visual Impact Assessment ....................................................................................... 102 8.1.10 Tourism Impact Assessment ................................................................................ 104 8.1.11 Noise Impact Assessment .................................................................................... 105

9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .................................................................................................. 107 9.1 Notification of interested and affected parties .............................................................. 107

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9.1.1 Surrounding and Affected Landowners .................................................................... 109 9.1.2 Registered I&APS .................................................................................................... 109 9.1.3 The Public Participation Process followed includes: ................................................. 109 9.1.4 Issues and Response Trail ...................................................................................... 110

10 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................... 120 10.1 Summary of findings and comparative assessment of impacts .................................... 120 10.1.1 GENERAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................... 121 10.1.2 AGRICULTURE & SOILS IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................. 121 10.1.3 ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .............................................................. 121 10.1.4 WETLAND IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................... 122 10.1.5 AVIFAUNAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................. 122 10.1.6 BAT IMPACT ASSESSMENT .............................................................................. 123 10.1.7 PALEONTOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................. 123 10.1.8 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................... 123 10.1.9 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................... 124 10.1.10 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................ 124 10.1.11 TOURISM IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................... 125 10.1.12 NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT .......................................................................... 125 10.1.13 NO-GO IMPACT ASSESSMENT ......................................................................... 125

10.2 Overall WEF site sensitivity ......................................................................................... 126 11 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................... 128 11.1 Description of Proposed Activity .................................................................................. 128 11.2 Assumptions, Uncertainties and Gaps ......................................................................... 128 11.3 Environmental Cost/Benefit Analysis ........................................................................... 128 11.4 Consideration of Alternatives ....................................................................................... 130 11.5 Opinion of the EAP ...................................................................................................... 131 11.6 Recommendations of the EAP ..................................................................................... 131

12 INFORMATION REQUIRED BY COMPETENT AUTHORITY ............................................. 132 12.1 General Site Information .............................................................................................. 132

13 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 138 14 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................... 140 14.1 Appendix A: Public Participation Documents ............................................................... 140 14.1.1 Newspaper advert: ............................................................................................... 140 14.1.2 On-site notice boards ........................................................................................... 142

14.2 Appendix B: IAP and Stakeholder Database ................................................................ 147 14.3 Appendix C: Public Participation Documents ............................................................... 152 14.4 Appendix D: Focus group meetings ............................................................................. 153 14.5 Appendix E: Impact Assessment Tables ...................................................................... 154 14.6 Appendix F: Specialist Studies Section ........................................................................ 183 14.6.1 Agriculture & Soils Impact Assessment ................................................................ 183 14.6.2 Ecological Impact Assessment ............................................................................ 183 14.6.3 Wetland and Impact Assessment ......................................................................... 183 14.6.4 Avifaunal Impact Assessment .............................................................................. 183 14.6.5 Bat Impact Assessment ....................................................................................... 183 14.6.6 Paleontological Impact Assessment ..................................................................... 183 14.6.7 Heritage Impact Assessment ............................................................................... 183 14.6.8 Socio-economic Impact Assessment ................................................................... 183 14.6.9 Visual Impact Assessment ................................................................................... 183 14.6.10 Tourism Impact Assessment ................................................................................ 183 14.6.11 Noise Impact Assessment .................................................................................... 183

14.7 Appendix G: Other Relevant Studies ........................................................................... 196 14.7.1 Engineering Services Report ............................................................................... 196 14.7.2 Geotechnical Report ............................................................................................ 196 14.7.3 Transport Plan ..................................................................................................... 196

14.8 Appendix H: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) .................................... 200 14.8.1 Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) ................................................. 200

14.9 Appendix I: CV’s .......................................................................................................... 201

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1. The EIA process flow chart .................................................................................................................. 8 Figure 2-1. Proposed Waaihoek WEF project locality. ........................................................................................ 12 Figure 2-2. Proposed Waaihoek WEF project affected farms. ............................................................................ 13 Figure 2-3. Proposed Waaihoek Powerline alternatives locality ......................................................................... 14 Figure 2.4 Reduced turbine layout for the proposed 70 turbine Waaihoek WEF and associated infrastructure.

......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2-5. Wind turbine components ................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 2-6. Illustration of the main components of a typical wind turbine. Note that the transformer in the

figure above would normally be inside the tower (probably at the base).Source: www.powernaturally.org

......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 2-7. Proposed access routes for the Waaihoek WEF and powerlines ................................................... 20 Figure 2-9. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/100m high wind turbine (The specifications of

the turbines which will be installed at Waaihoek WEF are not yet know). ................................................. 22 Figure 2-10. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/100m high wind turbine (taken from internet).

(The specifications of the turbines which will be installed at Waaihoek WEF are not yet know). ............ 23 Figure 3-1. After consultation process – Policy Adjusted IRP [IRP 2010 final report rev2]. ............................. 27 Figure 5-1. ADM SDF landuse categories relevant to the proposed Waaihoek WEF. ..................................... 51 Figure 5-2. ELM SDF – Minset Biodiversity Priority Areas. The proposed Waaihoek WEF project area

outlined in green. ............................................................................................................................................ 52 Figure 5-3. ELM SDF conceptual plan for future development proposals. The proposed Waaihoek WEF

project area is outlined in blue. ..................................................................................................................... 53 Figure 6-1. The current land use of the affected farms where the proposed Waaihoek WEF and alternative

powerlines will be located. ............................................................................................................................. 55 Figure 6-2. The topography of the affected farms where the proposed Waaihoek WEF and alternative

powerlines will be located. ............................................................................................................................. 56 Figure 6-3. The geology of the proposed Waaihoek WEF. ................................................................................. 57 Figure 6-4. Generalised soil patterns of the Waaihoek WEF project area and surrounding areas

(www.agis.agric.za) ........................................................................................................................................ 59 Figure 6-5. Agricultural land capability of the Waaihoek WEF project area and surrounding areas

(www.agis.agric.za) ........................................................................................................................................ 60 Figure 6-6. Vegetation map showing the National Biodiversity Index (NBI) vegetation type of the proposed

Waaihoek WEF .............................................................................................................................................. 63 Figure 6-7. The KwaZulu-Natal Systematic Conservation Plan of the proposed Waaihoek WEF. .................. 64 Figure 6-8. Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) surrounding the Waaihoek WEF ........................................................ 74 Figure 6-9. The industries within which males are employed in Emadlangeni Local Municipality (StatsSA

2011 census) .................................................................................................................................................. 77 Figure 6-10. The industries within which females are employed in Emadlangeni Local Municipality (StatsSA

2011 census) .................................................................................................................................................. 77 Figure 6-11. The Waaihoek WEF in relation to the District and Local Municipality. .......................................... 78 Figure 6-12. Indication of the length of the wind turbine blades and the transportation challenges (taken from

http://www.investindk.com/News-and-events/News/2013/Worlds-Longest-Wind-Turbine-Blades). Please note that this is an example only, and does not necessarily represent the Waaihoek WEF

scenario. ......................................................................................................................................................... 82 Figure 6-13. Preliminary transport route for wind turbines for the proposed Waaihoek WEF. ......................... 83 Figure 8-1. Sensitivity map of the aquatic systems as identified in the Wetlands Impact Assessment ........... 92 Figure 8-2. Bat sensitivity of the Waaihoek WEF based on the Bat Impact Assessment Report. ................... 96 Figure 8-3. Paleontological sensitivity of the Waaihoek WEF based on the Paleontological Impact

Assessment .................................................................................................................................................... 98 Figure 8-4. Viewshed Analysis of the Proposed WEF as per the Visual Impact Assessment ....................... 103 Figure 8-5. Tourism Features surrounding the Waaihoek WEF site as per the Tourism Impact Assessment

....................................................................................................................................................................... 105 Figure 9-1. Location of onsite notices. ................................................................................................................ 108 Figure 10-1. Reduced 70 turbine layout for the proposed Waaihoek WEF and associated infrastructure. ... 126

LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1: Listed activities triggered by the proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility ...................................... 5 Table 4-1. The alternatives for the proposed Waaihoek WEF ............................................................................ 35

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Table 4-2. The alternatives for the proposed Waaihoek WEF powerline ........................................................... 39 Table 5-1. NEMA Environmental Management Principles .................................................................................. 41 Table 5-2. Categories of permission required for a borrow pit ............................................................................ 48 Table 6-1. Generalised soil patterns which occur in the Waaihoek WEF project area. .................................... 58 Table 6-2. Mammals likely to naturally occur within the project area and surrounds according to geographical

distribution (Stuart and Stuart (2007) ........................................................................................................... 65 Table 6-3. The project area of the proposed Waaihoek WEF falls within the geographical ranges of the

following reptilian fauna ................................................................................................................................. 66 Table 6-4. Potential amphibian fauna within the proposed Waaihoek WEF project area ................................. 67 Table 6-5. The NFEPA wetland classification for the wetlands within the proposed Waaihoek WEF project

area: ................................................................................................................................................................ 70 Table 6-6. Table of species that may be roosting or foraging on the study area, the possible site specific

roosts, and their probability of occurrence based on literature (Monadjem et al., 2010). ......................... 75 Table 7-1: Significance Rating Table .................................................................................................................... 85 Table 7-2 Impact Severity Rating .......................................................................................................................... 86 Table 7-3 Overall Significance Rating ................................................................................................................... 86 Table 8-1. Summary of Ecological Assessment of Alternatives.......................................................................... 90 Table 8-2. Summary of the Mitigation Measures Proposed in the Socio-economic Impact Assessment ...... 101 8-3. Summary of Impacts Identified in the Visual Impact Assessment............................................................. 102 Table 9-1. The identified stakeholders for the proposed Waaihoek WEF. ....................................................... 108 Table 9-2. Issues Raised by I&APs and Response: .......................................................................................... 112 Table 10.1 Impact Assessment for General Impacts occurring in all phases of proposed development (+ =

beneficial impact) ......................................................................................................................................... 121 Table 10.2 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Agriculture & Soils Impact Assessment .......... 121 Table 10.3 Impact Assessment of impacts identified by the Ecological Impact Assessment ......................... 122 Table 10.4 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Wetland Impact Assessment ........................... 122 Table 10.5 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Avifaunal Impact Assessment ......................... 122 Table 10.6 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Bat Impact Assessment ................................... 123 Table 10.7 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Paleontological Impact Assessment ............... 123 Table 10.8 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Heritage Impact Assessment .......................... 124 Table 10.9 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment ............. 124 Table 10.10 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Visual Impact Assessment ............................ 124 Table 10.11 Impact Assessment for impacts identified by the Tourism Impact Assessment ......................... 125 Table 10.12 Impacts Assessment for impacts identified by the Noise Impact Assessment ........................... 125 Table 10.13 Impacts associated with the No-go alternative .............................................................................. 125 Table 11.1 Summary of negative (costs) and positive (benefits) environmental impacts associated with the

Waaihoek WEF for all phases of proposed development (+ = beneficial impact) ................................... 129 Table 14-1. General Impacts Associated with the WEF .................................................................................... 154 Table 14-2. Specialist Impacts Associated with the WEF ................................................................................. 161 Table 14-3. No-go Impacts Associated with the WEF ....................................................................................... 182

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Developments (Pty) Ltd. (Mainstream) is proposing to construct a Wind Energy Facility (WEF) to be developed south-east of Utrecht in the Emadlangeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Waaihoek wind energy facility is aiming to apply for the maximum allowed capacity of 140 MW under the Department of Energy’s REIPPPP. The initial range for the size of turbines was between 1.5 - 4 MW, thus giving the development a maximum of 93 turbines, spread out over the proposed development area. These parameters have since changed in response to the inputs received from the specialist reports and the need to ensure that the proposed wind farm development can be integrated with minimal impact into the surrounding area. The minimum size of the wind turbine machines to be used at Waaihoek Wind Farm is now limited to 2 MW machines, which has reduced the maximum number of turbines to 70 machines. EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (CES) has been appointed by Mainstream as Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to secure the necessary environmental authorisations for the project. The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on the 21 April 2015. A rejection letter was issued by DEA on the 6 June 2015 (See below), based on requirements for further investigation. Information inclusion and responses to DEAs comments are contained in the “Summary document of amendments” and this amended EIR.





1.2 Environmental authorisation in South Africa The regulation and protection of the environment within South Africa, occurs mainly through the application of various items of legislation, within the regulatory framework of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). The primary legislation regulating Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) within South Africa is the National Environmental Management Act (“NEMA” Act 107 of 1998). NEMA makes provision for the Minister of Water & Environmental Affairs to identify activities which may not commence prior to authorisation from either the Minister or the provincial Member of the Executive Council (“the MEC”). In addition to this, NEMA also provided for the formulation of regulations in respect of such authorisations. The EIA Regulations (2010) allow for a basic assessment process for activities with limited environmental impact (listed in GN R.544 & 546, 2010) and a more rigorous two tiered approach to activities with potentially greater environmental impact (listed in GN R.545, 2010). This two-tiered approach includes both a Scoping and EIA process.

1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment Process The proposed Waaihoek WEF project activities trigger the need for an EIA under the Regulations of 2010 in Listing Notices 1, 2 and 3 and published in Government Notices No. R.544, R.545 and R.546, respectively. The listed activities that have been applied for are provided in Table 1-1 below. Please note that the 2010 EIA Regulations will be replaced by the new 2014 EIA Regulations (to be implemented from the 8th December 2014), however, the review and decision for this project (which started in 2013) will be based on the 2010 EIA Regulations. Table 1-1: Listed activities triggered by the proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility

Detailed description of listed activities associated with the project

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

Description of project activity that triggers listed activity – if activities in GN R. 546 are triggered, indicate the triggering criteria as described in the second column of GN R. 543

GN 544 Item 10(i): The construction of facilities of 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.

Underground powerlines which connect wind turbines may exceed 33kV.

GN 544 Item 11(x) & (xi): The construction of infrastructure or structures covering 50 square metres or more where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line.

Access roads and powerline route will be located within 32m of a either a wetland or stream.

GN 544 Item 18(i): The infilling or depositing of any material of more than 5 cubic metres into, or the dredging, excavation, removal or removing of soil, sand, shell, shell grit, pebbles or rock from a watercourse.

Constructing various new access roads through existing streams will require both excavation and infilling of material.

GN 544 Item 22 (i) & (ii): The construction of a road, outside urban areas,

Internal access roads, wider than 8 metres, will be required.


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

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

GN 545 Item 1: The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the generation of electricity where the electricity is 20 megawatts or more.

The construction of a new Wind Energy Facility with total electricity output of 140MW.

GN 545 Item 8: The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity with a capacity of 275 kilovolts or more, outside an urban area or industrial complex.

The Waaihoek WEF will transmit, via a 275kV or 88kV powerline, the energy generated at the WEF to the Bloedrivier substation.

GN 545 Item 15: Physical alteration of undeveloped, vacant or derelict land for…industrial…use where the total area to be transformed is 20 hectares or more.

The physical alteration of up to 50 hectares of undeveloped and vacant land for the construction of a new windfarm and associated infrastructure.

GN 546 Item 4(a)ii(ee): The construction of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 meters. Outside urban areas, in critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans.

The construction of access roads on various farms located within critically biodiversity areas as identified by the Kwazulu Natal Systematic Conservation Plan (KZNSCP) for vegetation types.

GN 546 Item 4(a)ii(gg): The construction of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5 meters. Outside urban areas, in areas within 10 km from national parks or world heritage sites or 5km from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core areas of a biosphere reserve.

The construction of access roads on various farms situated within 2km from the Balele/Enlanzeni and Emlwane Game Parks.

GN 546 Item 13 (a): The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation in critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans.

The clearance of up to 50ha of pristine to semi-pristine indigenous grassland located within critical biodiversity areas as identified by the Kwazulu Natal Systematic Conservation Plan (KZNSCP) for vegetation types.

GN 546 Item 13 (c)ii(ff): The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation. Outside urban areas, within 5km from a protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA.

The clearance of up to 50ha of pristine to semi-pristine indigenous grassland located within 2km from the Balele/Enlanzeni and Emlwane Game Parks.

GN 546 Item 14 (a): The clearance of an area of 5 hectares or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation (a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northwest and Western Cape: All areas outside urban areas.

The clearance of up to 50ha of pristine to semi-pristine indigenous grassland will be necessary for the development of the WEF and the associated infrastructure.

GN 546 Item 16 (iii)(iv), a ii (ff), (hh): The construction of:

(iii) buildings with a footprint exceeding 10 square metres in size; or

Access roads and powerline route will be located within 32m of a either a wetland or stream.


(iv) infrastructure covering 10 square metres or more,

where such construction occurs within a watercourse or within 32 metres of a watercourse, measured from the edge of a watercourse, excluding where such construction will occur behind the development setback line.

(a) Outside urban areas, in: ((ff) Critical biodiversity areas or ecosystem service areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans;

(hh) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;

Applications for activities listed within GN R544 and GN R546 require a Basic Assessment, while applications for activities listed within GN R545 require a Scoping and EIR process. However, in terms of Section 20(2) (c) of the EIA Regulations (2010), a Scoping and EIR process must be applied to an application if the application is for two or more activities that are part of the same development and one of the two activities requires Scoping and EIA. Because the proposed Waaihoek WEF triggers at least one listed activity from GNR.545, it will require a full Scoping and EIA. This process, shown in Figure 1-1, is regulated by Chapter 3, Part 3 of the EIA Regulations. The facility proponent is initially required to submit a report detailing the scoping phase (Scoping Report), and set out the terms of reference for the EIA process (Plan of Study for EIA). This is then followed by a report detailing the EIA phase (EIR). The competent authority will issue a final decision subsequent to their review of the EIR. The competent authority that must consider and decide on the application for authorisation in respect of the activities listed in Table 1-1 is the Department Environmental Affairs (DEA) as the Department has recently reached an agreement with all Provinces that all electricity-related projects, including generation, transmission and distribution, are to be submitted to DEA, irrespective of the legal status of the applicant. This decision has been made in terms of Section 24(C) (3) of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998). The decision is effective for all projects until sometime in 2015. It is important to note that in addition to the requirements for an authorisation in terms of the NEMA, there may be additional legislative requirements which need to be considered prior to commencing with the activity, for example: • National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999) • Aviation Act (Act No 74 of 1962): 13th Amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations (1997) • NEM: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) • National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998). Three applications forms have been submitted for the three components of the proposed Waaihoek WEF and associated infrastructure, namely:

1. Waaihoek WEF, internal substation, buildings, laydown areas, access roads and connecting cables

2. Transmission powerline between the Waaihoek WEF and the Bloedrivier substation 3. Expansion (potential increase in footprint) of the Bloedrivier substation


Project component Reference number

Waaihoek WEF (and internal infrastructure) 14/12/16/3/3/2/655

Transmission powerline between Waaihoek WEF and Bloedrivier substation (88-275kV)

14/12/16/3/3/2/654

Expansion of Bloedrivier substation 14/12/16/3/3/1/1125

Figure 1-1. The EIA process flow chart

Contextualise Proposed Development

Pre-Application Planning (Determine assessment process using NEMA, 1998 and G/N 386 and 387 of 2006)

Adopt the Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessment Process

Submit Application to Relevant Authority

Conduct Public Participation Process

Scoping Report and Plan of Study for the EIA

Public Review of Scoping Report and Plan of Study of the EIA

Authority Review of Scoping

Report and Plan of Study of the EIA

Accept

Request Amendment

s

Conduct Environmental Impact Assessment. Compile EIR and EMP

Public Review of EIR and EMP

Authority Review of EIR and

EMP

Accept

Request Amendments

Issue Environmental Authorisation and notify

applicant of conditions and appeal provisions

Notify I&APs of Environmental Authorisation and appeal provisions

Consider Appeals if any


1.4 Nature and Structure of this Report The structure of this report is based on Section 31 of GN No.543, of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (2010), which clearly specifies the required content of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

1.5 Details and Expertise of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner

In terms of Section 31(2) of the EIA Regulations (2010), an Environmental Impact Assessment Report must contain all the information necessary for the competent authority to consider the application and to reach a decision contemplated in regulation 35, and must include–

(a) Details of– (i) The EAP who compiled the report; and (ii) The expertise of the EAP to carry out an environmental impact assessment.

In fulfilment of the above-mentioned legislative requirement the details of the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) that prepared this environmental impact assessment report as well as the expertise of the individual members of the study team are provided below. Coastal & Environmental Services (CES), established in 1990, is a specialist environmental consulting company based in Grahamstown, with a branch in East London (Eastern Cape Province). We believe that a balance between development and environmental protection can be achieved by skilful, considerate and careful planning. CES has considerable experience in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecology, the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process, and state of environment reporting (SOER), Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMP), Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF), public participation, as well as the management and co-ordination of all aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) processes. CES has been active in all of the above fields, and in so doing have made a positive contribution to towards environmental management and sustainable development in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and many other African countries.


Dr Alan Carter holds a PhD in Plant Sciences and is a Certified Public Accountant, with extensive training and experience in both financial accounting and environmental science disciplines with international accounting firms in South Africa and the USA. He has over 20 years of experience in environmental management and has specialist skills in sanitation, coastal environments and industrial waste. Dr Carter is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist under the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions and is a certified ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems Auditor. Dr Greer Hawley, Principal Environmental Consultant, has a BSc degree in Botany and Zoology and a BSc Honours in Botany from the University of Cape Town. She completed her PhD thesis (Microbiology) at Rhodes University. The core academic focus has been directed in the field of taxonomy both in the plant and fungal kingdom, but she has been involved in a diverse range of research activities. Her research ranges from studying fresh and marine algae, estuarine diatoms, species classification in the fynbos and forest vegetation and fungal species identification and ecology. Greer’s study of fungi have also contributed towards an understanding of soil and “below ground” ecology. She is currently working on numerous impact assessments at the East London branch. Mr Roy de Kock, Senior Environmental Consultant, holds a BSc Honours in Geology and an MSc in Botany from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. His thesis was on Rehabilitation Ecology with the focus on Mine Rehabilitation. His Master’s thesis titled; Bushclump Rehabilitation Within Couga Bontveld After Strip Mining focused on rehabilitation of mined Bontveld vegetation on limestones of the Nanaga Formation where he attempts to recognise the evolutionary path of the present landscape, as well as focussing on primary ecological processes such as hydrology, energy capture and nutrient cycling and the impact of mining on change in diversity and ecosystem health. Currently he is working on numerous impact assessments at the East London branch. Roy is registered as a Candidate Natural Scientist under SACNASP. Dr Cherie-Lynn Mack, holds a PhD and MSc (with distinction) degrees in Environmental Biotechnology, with a BSc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She has postgraduate research experience in industrial and domestic wastewater treatment technologies, with particular emphasis on the coal and platinum mining industries. Her interests lie in the water sector, with experience in ecological reserve determination and water quality monitoring and analysis. She has experience in water quality analysis and industrial wastewater treatment research. She is currently employed in the East London office of CES as a senior environmental consultant. Ms Caroline Evans, Environmental Consultant. Caroline holds a BSc with majors in Environmental Science (distinction) and Zoology, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science (distinction) both from Rhodes University. Her undergraduate degree included both commerce and natural sciences. Caroline's honours dissertation evaluated the economic impacts of degradation of the xeric subtropical thicket through farming practices, focussing on the rehabilitation potential of the affected areas in terms of carbon tax. She is currently writing up her MSc (Environmental Science and Ichthyology) thesis on the effects of alien fish species on local rural livelihoods. This thesis focuses on the social implications of alien fish species and the impact that the cultural customs of the Xhosa people have on the success of social development projects in the aquaculture industry. She has a broad academic background including statistics, economics, management, climate change, wetland ecology, GIS, rehabilitation ecology, ecological modelling and zoology.


2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION


(b) A description of the proposed activity; (c) A description of the property on which the activity is to be undertaken and the

location of the activity on the property, or if it is– (i) A linear activity, a description of the route of the activity; or (ii) An ocean-based activity, the coordinates where the activity is to be

undertaken.

2.1 Project Locality The proposed Waaihoek WEF is situated approximately 20km east of the town of Utrecht, north of the R34 between Utrecht and Vryheid (Figure 2-1 and 2-2). Various powerline corridor alternatives, connecting the WEF to the Eskom Bloedrivier substation, have been considered (Figure 2-3). 2.1.1 Wind energy facility (WEF) – Ref. No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/655 Farm properties included in the Waaihoek WEF include:

Farm name Farm no. 21 Digit SG code Farm size (ha)

Goedgeloof 180/1 NOHT00000000007700000 353.72

180/RE NOHT00000000007700001 887.72

Waaihoek

173/9 NOHT00000000015200001 240.64

173/11 NOHT00000000015200002 23.34

173/3 NOHT00000000015200003 1443.85

173/4 NOHT00000000015200005 481.28

173/5 NOHT00000000015200007 224.28

173/6 NOHT00000000015200010 217.30

Groothoek

152/1 NOHT00000000015200013 265.52

152/3 NOHT00000000017300006 346.69

152/2 NOHT00000000017300009 579.33

152/5 NOHT00000000017300011 463.07

152/7 NOHT00000000017700003 463.07

152/10 NOHT00000000017700006 579.33

152/13 NOHT00000000018000000 347.31

Goedehoop 177/3 NOHT00000000018000001 1087.80

177/6 NOHT00000000018200001 214.09

Weltevreden 182/1 NOHT00000000018200002 1001.90

182/2 NOHT00000001706800001 457.70

Wijdgelegen

17068/1 NOHT00000001706800002 1100.00

17068/2 NOHT00000001706800003 808.82

17068/5 NOHT00000001706800004 386.11

17068/3 (RE) NOHT00000001706800005 422.71

17068/4 NOHT00000001706900009 428.27

Paardepoort 77/RE NOHT00000000007700000 1001.80

77/1 NOHT00000000007700001 1072.22

Bloedrivier 17069/9 NOHT00000001706900009 455.2


Figure 2-1. Proposed Waaihoek WEF project locality.


Figure 2-2. Proposed Waaihoek WEF project affected farms. 2.1.2 Powerline - Ref. No.: 14/12/16/3/3/2/654 Mainstream proposes to construct a new powerline (not exceeding 275kV) between the existing Bloedrivier substation and the proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility internal substation, both located outside Utrecht in the Emadlangeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province. This proposed powerline will transmit electricity generated by the proposed Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility to the existing Eskom electricity grid through the existing Bloedrivier substation. The Eskom Bloedrivier substation is located within the proposed WEF area, and will be the site where the energy generated by the WEF is fed into the Eskom grid. Two overhead powerline corridor alternatives are proposed to transmit the electricity from the WEF to the Eskom Bloedrivier substation. In addition, the option of utilising an abandoned 88kV powerline servitude to the south of the site and connecting directly into the existing 88kV line running parallel to the R34 is also being considered (Figure 2-3).


Figure 2-3. Proposed Waaihoek Powerline alternatives locality

2.2 Proposed Activity The Waaihoek WEF has three project elements namely the: • Waaihoek WEF. • Powerline alternatives. • Bloedrivier Substation expansion. 2.2.1 Wind Energy Facility The Waaihoek wind energy facility is aiming to apply for the maximum allowed capacity of 140 MW under the Department of Energy’s REIPPPP. The initial range for the size of turbines was between 1.5 - 4 MW, thus giving the development a maximum of 93 turbines, spread out over the proposed development area. These parameters have since changed in response to the inputs received from the specialist reports and the need to ensure that the proposed wind farm development can be integrated with minimal impact into the surrounding area. The minimum size of the wind turbine machines to be used at Waaihoek Wind Farm is now limited to 2 MW machines, which has reduced the maximum number of turbines to 70 machines.


Figure 2.4 Reduced turbine layout for the proposed 70 turbine Waaihoek WEF and associated infrastructure.


Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, the irregularities of the earth's surface, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. This wind flow or motion energy (kinetic energy) can be used for generating electricity. The term “wind energy” describes the process by which wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power and a generator can then be used to convert this mechanical power into electricity. The components of a typical wind turbine subsystem are shown in Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6 below: • A rotor, or blades, which are the portion of the wind turbine that collect energy from the wind

and convert the wind's energy into rotational shaft energy to turn the generator. The speed of rotation of the blades is controlled by the nacelle, which can turn the blades to face into the wind (‘yaw control), and change the angle of the blades (‘pitch control’) to make the most use of the available wind. The maximum rotor diameter for the Waaihoek WEF turbines is 140m.

• A nacelle (enclosure) containing a drive train, usually including a gearbox (some turbines do not require a gearbox) and a generator. The generator is what converts the turning motion of a wind turbine’s blades (mechanical energy) into electricity. Inside this component, coils of wire are rotated in a magnetic field to produce electricity. The nacelle is also fitted with brakes, so that the turbine can be switched off during very high winds, such as during storm events. This prevents the turbine from being damaged. All this information is recorded by computers and is transmitted to a control centre, which means that operators don't have to visit the turbine very often, but only occasionally for a mechanical check.

Figure 2-5. Wind turbine components


• A tower, to support the rotor and drive train; The tower on which a wind turbine is mounted is not only a support structure, but it also raises the wind turbine so that its blades safely clear the ground and so can reach the stronger winds at higher elevations. The tower must also be strong enough to support the wind turbine and to sustain vibration, wind loading, and the overall weather elements for the life time of the turbine. The maximum hub height of the Waaihoek WEF turbines is 140m.

• Electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, ground support equipment, WEF mini-substation (approximately 100mx100m) and interconnection equipment.

Figure 2-6. Illustration of the main components of a typical wind turbine. Note that the transformer in the figure above would normally be inside the tower (probably at the base).Source: www.powernaturally.org 2.2.2 Powerline A new powerline, either with 88kV or 275kV capacity, will be constructed between the existing Bloedrivier Substation and the Waaihoek WEF internal substation. The 88kV line might be a double-circuit line (i.e. each pylon tower supporting six conductors). The proposed powerline will transmit electricity generated by the Waaihoek WEF to the existing Eskom Bloedrivier Substation. Three overhead powerline corridor alternatives are proposed. Prior to the construction of a new powerline, a number of issues such as servitude agreements, powerline and tower specifications, access roads and construction camps must be considered. Some of this preliminary work has already been completed. Generally, 275kV powerlines require a servitude width of between 50m and 70m. The exact width would depend on the type of tower used. Access to the transmission line will be required for the construction and occasional maintenance activities. Access roads at agreed points within the servitude will be established in order to determine whether the existing road network is sufficient for this purpose. All areas marked as no-go areas, identified by means of the EIA process, located inside the servitude shall be treated with the utmost care and responsibility.


The potentially affected communities and landowners have been notified of the proposed transmission powerline in the study area through newspaper advertisements in the relevant local newspapers, the distribution of BID documents, and via public meetings, where the project was presented to them and their questions and concerns captured and collated in an issues and responses table. The typical steps involved in the construction and operation of a powerline are as follows: • Conduct a survey of the alignment; • Select the best-suited structures and foundations; • Design the line and placement of towers; • Clear vegetation and erect gates if necessary; • Establish construction camps and access roads; • Construct foundations; • Assemble and erect towers; • String conductors; • Rehabilitate working areas and protect erosion susceptible areas; • Test and commission powerline; and • Conduct on-going maintenance. Post-construction activities include the operation and maintenance of the proposed development. Such activities will require routine maintenance work using access roads that will be built along the servitude of the powerline. Access roads to the existing powerlines will be used as far as possible to avoid constructing new roads. Post-construction activities are as follows: • The servitude will need to be cleared from time to time to ensure that vegetation does not

interfere with the operation of the line. Access roads will be monitored for erosion and the necessary corrective measures undertaken. Servitude maintenance therefore goes hand in hand with the use of and maintenance of access roads.

• There should be a program in place to ensure the control of vegetation around pylons to minimize the risk of fires.

• The installation of anti-climb wires serves as a deterrent to unauthorized climbing of the pylons. It will not, however, prevent a determined individual from climbing over and up the pylon. Eskom has programs in place where the broken wires are replaced as part of the maintenance on the powerline.

• Corrosion on structures is frequently found where the protective system, either galvanizing or a protective organic coating, has weathered, exposing the steel substrate. With routine maintenance, this form of corrosion can be avoided.

2.2.3 Substation A substation is an important element of an electricity generation, transmission and distribution system. Its function is to transform voltages from high to low or visa-versa, using transformers and other heavy-duty switchgear. A substation in a transmission network allows Eskom to de-energise a transmission line or other electrical switchgear for maintenance or for new construction or installation. Eskom is therefore able to maintain reliability of supply as maintenance work is performed while still keeping the whole system running. Mainstream proposes to expand the existing Bloedrivier Substation, if required by Eskom, situated at the intersection of the R34 and R33 to the south of the proposed Waaihoek WEF. In the EIA Regulations (2010), expansion refers to the increased capacity or increased footprint associated with a project activity. This will allow electricity generated by the Waaihoek WEF to be transmitted through the Bloedrivier Substation to the national Eskom electricity grid. The substation will act as a step-up of electricity from 88 to 275kV. Further consultation with Eskom will confirm if the additional 88/275kV transformer bay can be accommodated inside the existing substation, or if the footprint of the substation will need to be expanded to accommodate the new bay. The possible expansion of the Bloedrivier Substation will be subject to a separate Basic Assessment process.


2.2.4 Access roads The site can be accessed via three alternative routes from the R34 on existing gravel roads. Existing roads were given preference to minimise the construction of new roads (Figure 2-7). Route 1 The first possible access is located on the R34, approximately 6.2km from the Bloedriver Substation. Heading North, the route follows an existing gravel road for approximately 12.8km, thereafter turning West onto an existing gravel road for approximately 8.6km where it ties in with the proposed site. The last 4.8km of the road is abandoned and access is limited. The total length of the access road, measured from the R34 intersection, is approximately 27.8km. Route 2 The second possible access is located, approximately 27.2km from the Bloedriver Substation off the R34. At the intersection, the route follows an existing gravel road in a northern direction towards the proposed site. The intersection will require modifications to allow trucks to manoeuvre through the intersection. The current alignment at the intersection of the road was found not to be within acceptable limits. A new 700m long gravel road will also need to be constructed in order to level the steep slope so that the vehicles transporting the turbines can use it. This may require realignment and widening of the existing track or construction of an approximately 700m long new track. The natural forest must be kept in mind and must not be directly or indirectly impacted by road construction (Figure 2-7). Route 3 The third possible access is located on the northwestern boundary of the site off the R34. The road enters and meanders through Utrecht Town in an eastern direction and passes an intersection where the access to site is located, which is approximately 13km outside of Utrecht. The road winds up Knights Pass and has vertical grades of 10% at certain sections. The internal road layout will consist of a combination of new roads and upgrading existing roads. It will be approximately 105km in extent. The internal access roads will be 6 to 10m wide. At road bends the road could be extended to 12m for blade delivery to sites. Site access and internal roads will in all likelihood cross watercourses. The location of the watercourse crossings will be identified once a layout has been finalised, and authorisation to construct these crossings will be sought from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).


Figure 2-7. Proposed access routes for the Waaihoek WEF and powerlines 2.2.5 Additional infrastructure

Figure 2-8. Proposed Location and Layout of the 700m Route 2 Addition, as per the Engineering Services Report.


Additional infrastructure required during construction will include the following: • A maximum of 10 000m2 temporary lay down area will include an access road and contractor’s

site office of up to 5 000m2. • Administration and warehouse buildings with a footprint of 5 000m2. • Fencing, linking station and borrow pits if required. • Hard stand areas associated with each turbine base for crane operation. • An onsite substation of up to 20 000m2.

2.3 The development phases of a wind farm Typically, the construction of a wind farm is divided into four phases namely:- • Preliminary civil works. • Construction. • Operation. • Decommission. 2.3.1 Preliminary civil works Prior to the commencement of the main construction works, the Contractor may undertake vegetation clearance (if required) and site establishment works. The site establishment works may include the construction of one, or more, temporary construction compounds and laydown areas and the connection of services such as power and water to these compounds. 2.3.2 Construction The construction footprint will include the platforms, or “crane pads” required to construct the wind turbines, new or upgraded access roads, lay-bys, component storage areas, turning heads and a substation to evacuate the electricity generated to the national grid. A typical platform for the assembly of the crane and construction of the turbine is shown in Figure 2-8. These platforms will be connected by access roads (if none existing) with the following requirements:- • Minimum 7m width (5m running width and 1m verge either side) on straight sections with

widening required on corners. • Should a “crawler” type crane be used, then road widths of up to 12m may be required, of

which 6m would be retained for the life of the wind farm. • Typical approximately 300mm deep road section. • Maximum 10% vertical gradient on gravel roads. • Turning heads provided within approximately 200m of each crane pad. • Passing places of approximately 50m length and 5m width located approximately every 1km. The construction footprint required will be greater than the dimensions specified above to allow for construction of the wind farm infrastructure. These areas used temporarily over the construction period – including temporary construction compound and road verges – will be rehabilitated at the end of construction works to reduce the footprint on the land. Other works during the construction phase include: a) Geotechnical studies and foundation works: A geotechnical study of the area is undertaken for

safety purposes. This comprises of drilling, penetration and pressure assessments. For the purpose of the foundations, approximately 1500m3 of soil would need to be excavated for each turbine, although this will vary from site to site. These excavations are then filled with steel-reinforced concrete (typically 45 tons of steel reinforcement per turbine including a “bolt ring” to connect the turbine foundation to the turbine tower). Foundation design will vary according to the type and quality of the soil. The preliminary geotechnical study has been included as an Appendix to this document, please refer to Appendix G, Section 14.7.


b) Electrical cabling Electrical and communication cables are laid in trenches 1.5 metre deep and 1.5 metres wide which run alongside the access roads as much as possible. All previous farming activities can continue unhindered on the ground above the cables during the operational phase.

c) Establishment of hard standing surfaces and laydown areas

Laydown and storage areas will be required for the contractor’s construction equipment and turbine components on site.

d) Site preparation

If not carried out in the preliminary works phase, this will include clearance of vegetation over the access roads, platforms, lay-bys, substation and any other laydown or hard-standing areas. These activities will require the stripping of topsoil which will be stock-piled, back-filled and/or spread on site.

e) Establishment of substation and ancillary infrastructure

The establishment of these facilities/buildings will require the clearing of vegetation and levelling of the development site and the excavation of foundations prior to construction. A laydown area for building materials and equipment associated with these buildings will also be required.

f) Turbine erection

Weather permitting; the erection of the turbines can be completed swiftly and erection rates generally average 1-2 turbines per week. This phase is the most complex and costly.

g) Undertake site remediation

Once construction is completed and all construction equipment is removed, the site will be rehabilitated where practical and reasonable. On full commissioning of the facility, any access points to the site which are not required during the operational phase will be closed and rehabilitated.

Figure 2-9. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/100m high wind turbine (The specifications of the turbines which will be installed at Waaihoek WEF are not yet know).

Tower Base

Underground Foundation

Ground level


Figure 2-10. Indicative dimensions for the foundation of a 3MW/100m high wind turbine (taken from internet). (The specifications of the turbines which will be installed at Waaihoek WEF are not yet know). 2.3.3 Electrical connection Each turbine is fitted with its own transformer that steps up the voltage usually to 22 or 33kV. The entire wind farm is then connected to the “point of interconnection” which is the electrical boundary between the wind farm and the national grid. These works (e.g. line upgrade, connection to the sub-station, burial of the cables etc.) will be carried out by Mainstream or by Eskom. 2.3.4 Operational phase During the period when the turbines are operational, on-site human activity drops to a minimum, and includes routine maintenance requiring only light vehicles to access the site. Only major breakdowns would necessitate the use of cranes and trucks. 2.3.5 Decommissioning of the Wind farm The infrastructure would only be decommissioned once it has reached the end of its economic or technological life. If economically feasible, the decommissioning activities would comprise the disassembly and replacement of the individual components with more appropriate technology/infrastructure available at the time. This operation is referred to as ‘facility re-powering’. However, if not deemed so, then the facility would be completely decommissioned which would include the following decommissioning activities. a) Site preparation

Activities would include confirming the integrity of the access to the site to accommodate the required equipment and the mobilisation of decommissioning equipment.

b) Disassemble all individual components The components would be disassembled and reused and recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements.


3 PROJECT NEED & DESIRABILITY


(f) A description of the need and desirability of the proposed activity

The need and desirability of the proposed Waaihoek WEF project can be demonstrated in the following main areas: • Move to green energy due to growing concerns associated with climate change and the on-

going exploitation of non-renewable resources. • Security of electricity supply, where over the last few years, South Africa has been adversely

impacted by interruptions in the supply of electricity. • Stimulation of the green economy where there is a high potential for new business

opportunities and job creation. The above main drivers for renewable energy projects are supported by the following recent International, National and KZN Provincial policy documents.

3.1 International 3.1.1 The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The UNFCCC is a framework convention which was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. South Africa signed the UNFCCC in 1993 and ratified it in August 1997. The stated purpose of the UNFCCC is to, “achieve….stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”, and to thereby prevent human-induced climate change by reducing the production of greenhouse gases defined as, “those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere both natural and anthropogenic, that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation”. The UNFCCC is relevant in that the proposed Waaihoek WEF project will contribute to a reduction in the production of greenhouse gases by providing an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity. South Africa has committed to reducing emissions to demonstrate its commitment to meeting international obligations. 3.1.2 The Kyoto Protocol (2002) The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the UNFCCC which was initially adopted for use on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and which entered into force on 16 February 2005 (UNFCCC, 2009). The Kyoto Protocol is the chief instrument for tackling climate change. The major feature of the Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This amounts to an average of 5% against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2011. The major distinction between the Protocol and the Convention is that, “while the Convention encouraged industrialised countries to stabilize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so”. The Kyoto Protocol is relevant in that the proposed Waaihoek WEF project will contribute to a reduction in the production of greenhouse gases by providing an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity, and will assist South Africa to begin demonstrating its commitment to meeting international obligations in terms of reducing its emissions.


3.2 National 3.2.1 National Development Plan (2011) The National Development Plan (NDP) (also referred to as Vision 2030) is a detailed plan produced by the National Planning Commission in 2011 that is aimed at reducing and eliminating poverty in South Africa by 2030. The NDP represents a new approach by Government to promote sustainable and inclusive development in South Africa, promoting a decent standard of living for all, and includes 12 key focus areas, those relevant to the current proposed WEF being: • An economy that will create more jobs. • Improving infrastructure. • Transition to a low carbon economy.

Sector Target

Electrical infrastructure • We need an additional 29,000 MW of electricity by 2030. About 10,900 MW of existing capacity will be retired, implying new build of about 40,000 MW.

• About 20,000 MW of this capacity should come from renewable sources.

Transition to a low carbon economy

• Achieve the peak, plateau and decline greenhouse gas emissions trajectory by 2025.

• About 20,000 MW of renewable energy capacity should be constructed by 2030.

3.2.2 National Climate Change Response White Paper (2012) The White Paper indicates that Government regards climate change as one of the greatest threats to sustainable development in South Africa and commits the country to making a fair contribution to the global effort to achieve the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The White Paper also identifies various strategies in order to achieve its climate change response objectives, including: • The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that significantly contribute to an eventual decline

emission trajectory from 2036 onwards, in particular, interventions within the energy, transport and industrial sectors.

• The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that have potential positive job creation, poverty alleviation and/or general economic impacts. In particular, interventions that stimulate new industrial activities and those that improve the efficiency and competitive advantage of existing business and industry.

The White Paper provides numerous specific actions for various Key Mitigation Sectors including renewable energy. The following selected strategies (amongst others) must be implemented by South Africa in order to achieve its climate change response objectives: • The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that significantly contribute to a peak, plateau and

decline emission trajectory where greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2020 to 2025 at 34% and 42% respectively below a business as usual baseline, plateau to 2035 and begin declining in absolute terms from 2036 onwards, in particular, interventions within the energy, transport and industrial sectors.

• The prioritisation of mitigation interventions that have potential positive job creation, poverty alleviation and/or general economic impacts. In particular, interventions that stimulate new industrial activities and those that improve the efficiency and competitive advantage of existing business and industry.

The proposed Waaihoek WEF project will provide an alternative to fossil fuel-derived electricity, and will contribute to climate change mitigation.


3.2.3 White Paper on Renewable Energy Policy (2003) The White Paper on the Renewable Energy Policy (2003) commits SA Government support for the development, demonstration and implementation of renewable energy sources for both small and large scale applications. It sets out the policy principles, goals and objectives to achieve, “An energy economy in which modern renewable energy increases its share of energy consumed and provides affordable access to energy throughout South Africa, thus contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation”. In terms of the White Paper, the Government sets a target of 10 000 GWh (0.8Mtoe) renewable energy contribution to final energy consumption by 2013, to be produced mainly from biomass, wind, solar and small-scale hydro. The proposed Waaihoek WEF is consistent with the White Paper and the objectives therein to develop an economy in which renewable energy has a significant market share and provides affordable access to energy throughout South Africa, thus contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation. 3.2.4 Integrated Energy Plan for the Republic of South Africa (2003) The former Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) commissioned the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) in response to the requirements of the National Energy Policy in order to provide a framework by which specific energy policies, development decisions and energy supply trade-offs could be made on a project-by-project basis. The framework is intended to create a balance between energy demand and resource availability so as to provide low cost electricity for social and economic development, while taking into account health, safety and environmental parameters. In addition to the above, the IEP recognised the following:- • South Africa is likely to be reliant on coal for at least the next 20 years as the predominant

source of energy. • New electricity generation will remain predominantly coal based but with the potential for hydro,

natural gas, renewables and nuclear capacity. • Need to diversify energy supply through increased use of natural gas and new and renewable

energies. • The promotion of the use of energy efficiency management and technologies. • The need to ensure environmental considerations in energy supply, transformation and end

use. • The promotion of universal access to clean and affordable energy, with the emphasis on

household energy supply being coordinated with provincial and local integrated development programme.

• The need to introduce policy, legislation and regulations for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and mandatory provision of energy data.

• The need to undertake integrated energy planning on an on-going basis. The Waaihoek WEF is in line with the IEP with regards to diversification of energy supply and the promotion of universal access to clean energy. 3.2.5 Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010-2030 The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2010) for South Africa was initiated by the Department of Energy (DoE) and lays the foundation for the country's energy mix up to 2030, and seeks to find an appropriate balance between the expectations of different stakeholders considering a number of key constraints and risks, including: • Reducing carbon emissions. • New technology uncertainties such as costs, operability and lead time to build. • Water usage. • Localisation and job creation.