PROPOSED NEW GOLELA SUBSTATION AND TWO ASSOCIATED 132kV ... - Pongola/Impact Phase/Amended... ·...

Zitholele Consulting

Reg. No. 2000/000392/07 PO Box 6002 Halfway House 1685 South Africa Thandanani Park, Matuka Close Halfway Gardens, Midrand Tel + (27) 11 207 2060 Fax + (27) 86 674 6121 E-mail : [email protected]

Directors : S Pillay (Managing Director); N Rajasakran (Director); Dr AM van Niekerk (Director)

FINAL BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

PROPOSED NEW GOLELA SUBSTATION

AND TWO ASSOCIATED 132kV TURN-IN

LINES FROM THE EXISTING MKUZE-

PONGOLA 132kV POWER LINE

Report No : 12722-Basic Assessment Report 2

Submitted to:

Department of Environmental Affairs Environment House

Corner of Steve Biko Road and Soutpansberg Road

Pretoria, 0001 South Africa

DISTRIBUTION:

5 Copies - Department of Environmental Affairs 1 Copy - Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd – Library 20 October 2014 12722

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

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Contents

SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION (GOLELA SUBSTATION) ......................... 5 1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 5

2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ..................................... 10 SUBSTATION ALTERNATIVE SITES ..................................................................... 17 3 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY .......................................................... 17 4 SITE ACCESS ............................................................................................. 17 5 LOCALITY MAP ........................................................................................... 18

6 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN .............................................................................. 18 7 SENSITIVITY MAP ...................................................................................... 18 8 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ................................................................................ 19 9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION .......................................................................... 19

10 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION ............................................................................. 19 11 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES ............. 24 12 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT ............... 26

13 WATER USE ............................................................................................... 28 14 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ............................................................................... 29 ALTERNATIVE POWER LINE CORRIDORS .......................................................... 29 15 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY .......................................................... 29

16 SITE ACCESS ............................................................................................. 29 17 LOCALITY MAP ........................................................................................... 30

18 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN .............................................................................. 30 19 SENSITIVITY MAP ...................................................................................... 31 20 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ................................................................................ 31

21 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION .......................................................................... 31 22 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION ............................................................................. 32

23 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES ............. 36 24 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT ............... 39

25 WATER USE ............................................................................................... 41 26 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ............................................................................... 41 SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION .......................................... 42 1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE ........................................................................... 43

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE ....................................................................... 43 SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .................................................................. 55 1 ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE............................................................... 55 2 DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES ................................ 55

3 ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES ............. 56 4 COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT ................................................. 69 5 AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION ................................................................... 70

6 CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS .................................. 72 SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................... 73 1 IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES .......................................................................... 73

2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT REGISTER ........................... 91 3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT .............................................. 103

SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER ................................ 105 SECTION F. APPENDICES .............................................................................. 107


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LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: Maps Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility Illustration Appendix D: Specialist Reports (Including Terms of Reference) Appendix E: Public Participation Appendix F: Impact Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix H: Details of EAP and Expertise Appendix I: Specialist Declaration of Interest Appendix J: Additional Information


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(For official use only)

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in

terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended.

Kindly note that:

1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms

of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report

used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.

2. This report format is current as of 1 September 2012. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ascertain

whether subsequent versions of the form have been published or produced by the competent authority

3. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not

necessarily indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that

can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

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

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

6. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of

material information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in

the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

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

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

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

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

11. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the

competent authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in

this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

12. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this

report need to be completed.

13. Should a specialist report or report on a specialised process be submitted at any stage for any part of this

application, the terms of reference for such report must also be submitted.

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

authority.

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

authority.


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SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION (GOLELA SUBSTATION)

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO

If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for the specialist

appointed and attach in Appendix I.

1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

a) Describe the project associated with the listed activities applied for

Background and Context Eskom Distribution - KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit (KZN OU), has been upgrading the electricity infrastructure on the Makhathini Flats in northern KwaZulu-Natal over the last 2 years. A 132kV power line and substation is required to tee-off the existing Mkuze-Pongola 132kV power line. This substation will need to be located close to the intersection of the N2 with the road leading to the Golela border post with Swaziland and will be required to accommodate the electrical load for the proposed developments within the vicinity of the border post. Construction and operation of the above 132kV power lines and Golela substation is subject to a Basic Assessment (BA) in terms of Section 14 of the National Environmental Management Act, No 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended. In fulfilment of this requirements, Eskom has appointed Zitholele Consulting to act as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner and to undertake the BA process. This project’s BAR is being conducted simultaneously with the Pongola Candover 132kV second power line due to the proximity and overlap of their respective study areas. Project Description This proposal, as part of the electrification of the greater Makhathini area, includes the following principal activities for which authorisation is sought.

Activity 3: Location of a new 132/22kV substation approximately 1km north-east of the intersection of the N2 and the secondary road to the Golela border post

Activity 4: Location of two 500 m wide, 15 km long corridors for the construction of two 132kV tee-off power lines from the Mkuze-Pongola 132kV power line to provide supply to and from the proposed Golela Substation.

Although the Basic Assessment for all the above activities has been conducted simultaneously due to the overlapping study areas, the results of the BA will be reported in two separate but linked Basic Assessment Reports (BAR) covering the above activities as follows:

Basic Assessment Report 1 (accompanying this report):

Activities 1 and 2 – Proposed new Pongola- Candover 132kV Power line and associated modifications to the existing Pongola substation and Candover switching station.

Basic Assessment Report 2 (This Report):

Activities 3 and 4 – proposed new substation near Golela and two 132kV Power lines from the existing 132kV Pongola Candover power line to the substation.

Study Area The study area where the proposed Golela substation and 132kV Turn-In power lines are to be located lies approximately 20 km due east of Pongola in the vicinity of the intersection of the N2 National Road to the Golela Border Post with Swaziland and the R29 to Pongola. The study area falls within the uPhongolo Local Municipality area which forms part of the Zululand District Municipality in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The study area is currently dominated by Nature/Game Reserves and agricultural lands consisting of sugarcane, bananas and other fruit orchards. (See Locality Plan in Appendix A1). Golela Substation The proposed Golela 132/22kV stepdown substation will have a footprint of roughly 100 x 100m. The associated infrastructure to be constructed will include:

Perimeter Fence: The perimeter of the site will be fenced to ensure the safety of the site and the surrounding people and animals.

Terracing and foundations: The site will be terraced if needed and foundations will be constructed in line


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with substation foundation requirements.

Circuit breakers: For disconnection under no-load condition for safety, isolation and maintenance.

8 feeder bays for a potential 5 X 22kV power lines to exit the substation will be constructed

Figure 1: Typical Photo of a similar sized Substation Substations are designed and constructed in the following sequence:

Identification of alternative sites.

Survey of the sites.

EIA input into site selection and obtaining relevant permits.

Design of substation.

Establishment of a construction camp, vegetation clearance and construction of an access road.

Erection of Fencing.

Construction of terrace and foundations.

Assembly and erection of equipment.

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas.

Testing and commissioning.

Continued maintenance. 132kV Turn-In Power lines The proposed 132kV power line will consist three conductors covered by a thinner shield wire capable of distributing 132kV, connected by a series of pylons.

Figure1: Views of the existing power line.

Servitude Clearance Requirements


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High voltage power lines require a large clearance area for safety precautions. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) provides for statutory clearances. Table 1: Electrical Clearance Specifications (Eskom)

Clearances Minimum Clearance Distance (m)

Ground clearance 6.3

Building structures not part of power line 3.8

Above roads and in townships, proclaimed roads 7.5

Telecommunication lines 2.0

Table 2: Minimum Clearance Chart for Power lines from Roads (132kV – KZN Region)

National Roads: any part of structure greater than 60m , from road reserve boundary

KZN Main Roads: (any part of structure) greater than 35m from centre line of road or 15m from road fence KZN District roads: (any part of structure) 20m from central line of the road

Access Access is required during both the construction and operation/maintenance phases of the power line’ life cycle. Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established during the construction phase. Access roads will enable the transportation of construction material as well as construction teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the power line has been constructed. Access is required during both the construction and operation/maintenance phases of the power line’s life cycle. Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established during the construction phase. New access roads will not exceed a width of 8m and will therefore not trigger any activities listed in the EIA Regulations R.543, R.544 and R546. Access roads will enable the transportation of construction material as well as construction teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the power line has been constructed.

Foundations The type of terrain encountered, as well as the underlying geotechnical conditions as well as the pylon type required determines the choice of foundation. The actual size and type of foundation to be installed will depend on the soil bearing capacity (actual sub-soil conditions). Foundations will be mechanically excavated where access to the site is readily available. Access to each structure position will be required for the movement of vehicles to excavate and install foundations, deliver materials and to erect the structures. They cannot be lifted by hand. The option of using screw anchors will be considered for the steel lattice towers, depending on cost comparisons with conventional type concrete foundations. The 253 and 259 type steel monopole structures are planted directly into the ground and have a concrete collar cast around the base thereof. Hence, such structures cannot accommodate the use of screw anchor type foundations. All foundations are back-filled, stabilised through compaction, and capped with concrete at ground level. Towers The pylons (towers) can be located approximately 300m to 400m apart on level ground, but the span length can be increased up to 1300m when crossing valleys and depending on the terrain. Two steel lattice tower structures are proposed to be used:

Guyed Suspension Tower (273A, 273E);

Self-supporting Tower (255C).

The area to be cleared for a pylon, varies according to the type of tower to be used, but should not exceed 1600m2 for guyed suspension towers. The pylon also differs in structure to accommodate increased strain


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when a bend is made in the power line. The pylons will be approximately 18m high (which varies depending on terrain) and require a 36m wide servitude. Drawings and photographs of the proposed pylons to be used are presented in Appendix J2. Approval is sought for a corridor 500m wide for the power line to allow for deviations within the approved corridor once a final route has been negotiated with landowners. Telecommunications Tower A radio mast will be placed at both the Pongola Substation and the Candover Switching Station. The radio masts will serve to transmit and receive radio signals from the radio antennas that are mounted on the structure. It has been determined by Eskom SOC Limited that a telecommunication mast / tower with a height of 30 metres will be required. The height of the telecommunication mast / tower (i.e. 30 metres) is essential to ensure that radio signals of the Eskom Telecommunication Radio Site are picked up on. This will furthermore also eliminate the need for a new radio site. The details of the proposed Telecommunications Towers is provided in Table 3.

Table3: Details of Telecommunications Towers

Associated Station Location of Tower (Coordinates) Tower Height including Antenna

Pongola Substation 31º38’20.980”E 27º26’53.437”S

15 meters

Candover Switching Station 31º59’14.825”E 27º32’57.097”S

30 meters

Power line Design, Construction and Operation Activities Design Phase Activities The following activities will be undertaken during the Design Phase:

Environmental survey of study area;

Selection of alternative power line corridors;

Determination of technically feasible alternatives; o EIA input into route selection and obtaining government authorisation; and o Negotiation of final line route and servitude with affected landowners.

To ensure that all site specific sensitivities are avoided a route survey and corridor walk-down will be done. During this process the exact co-ordinates of the proposed towers will be established; and

Final design of line and placement of towers. Construction Phase Activities The Construction Phase for the proposed project will take 60 months to complete (from the time Environmental Authorisation has been received). The Construction Phase for the proposed project will include the following activities:

Construction camps will be sited in areas where the least disturbance to potentially sensitive environments will be caused;

If Ready-mix concrete is not available, small mobile batching plants will have to be established in the area close to the power line;

Access will have to be created in places to allow for large construction vehicles to gain access to the proposed servitude;

A 36 metres wide servitude is required for the proposed 132kV power line. Trees and shrubs will be cleared where required along the entire length of the servitude for access, erection of the pylons and stringing of the conductor (the vegetation will also be maintained by Eskom during the Operational Phase);

During construction the route will be surveyed, pegged and the soil nominations excavated for each and every pylon foundation;

Foundations will be laid for the footings of the pylons. The first step is the excavation of the pylon foundations, the reinforcing thereof and finally the concreting of the foundations. The equipment required to excavate the foundations can be manual labour, a Tipper Loader Backhoe (i.e. TLB). In the case of hard rock a drilling rig or blasting may be required to excavate the foundations. The concrete will be transported via concrete trucks to the required locations;

The towers will be erected in piece-meal; that is to say in segments. After the foundations and footings have


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been installed the construction team will transport the various steel parts of the towers to the site and either assemble the pylons lying down on the ground or from the base upwards. This process again requires a lot of manual labour and mobile cranes are used to assembly towers which have been assembled lying down;

Once the towers have been assembled, the conductors and shield wire/s will be strung between the towers. Once stringing and tensioning is complete the line is considered constructed, where after it will be tested prior to being commissioned;

Rehabilitation: The following activities will be carried out during the rehabilitation and reinstatement of the working area along the power line route alignment:

Remove all construction plant, equipment, storage containers, temporary fencing from the working area and site camps (where applicable); o As far as possible all disturbed areas should be shaped to blend in with the surrounding landscape; o Ensure that no excavated material or stockpiles remain within the working area and that any remaining is

used for shaping the disturbed areas to blend in with the surrounding landscape; o Topsoil should be placed in the same area from where it was removed; and o Following the placement of the topsoil, all areas within the working area should be ripped and / or scarify

to facilitate mixing of the upper most soil layers. Operational Phase Activities During the operational and maintenance phase of the project, Eskom requires access to the servitude for maintenance activities which may include repairs and replacement of various hardware on the towers and the conductor and in very rare cases, repairs to the foundations. . Decommissioning Phase Activities

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

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

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

All of the aforementioned decommissioning activities would be subject to a separate Environmental Authorisation process at the appropriate time. Expansion of the existing Pongola Substation and Candover Switching Station This expansion of these two facilities will involve expanding the foundation of the substation and the erection of additional bays to take in the new line:

Expansion of fence line

Construction of terrace and foundations

Assembly and erection of new bays

Rehabilitation of disturbed areas

Testing and commissioning Overview of Environmental Features of the Study Area The topography of the study area is predominantly rolling hills, but relatively high escarpments traverse the study area from north to south. Game farms and cattle farms, game reserves and some sugar cane are the predominant land uses in the study area. The vegetation consists of Zululand Lowveld and Northern Zululand Bushveld and is very dense in the central and south eastern portions of the study area. The mountainous terrain and dense vegetation generally coincide and will impose access constraints and difficulties. According to the local municipalities IDP for the uPhongolo Area some important conservation areas require careful management in the unfolding development pattern. These include; Pongolapoort dam and nature reserve, Bivane Dam, Ithala Nature reserve; the area surrounding Magudu and the Mkuze river as well as the area between the R66 and the N2 Roads.


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

Listed activity as described in GN R.544, 545

and 546

Description of project activity

GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 10(i) The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity (i) Outside urban areas or industrial complexes

with a capacity of more than 33 but less than 275 kV.

Construction of new 132kV (loop in loop out) transmission lines from the existing Pongola Candover 132kV power line to the proposed new Golela substation

Construction of the proposed new substation near Golela

GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 11(xi) The construction of infrastructure or structures within a watercourse or within 32m of a watercourse.

The power line structures may have to be placed within 32m of a water course/wetland, where unavoidable.

GN R.544, 18 June 2010 Item 26 Any process or activity identified in terms of Section 53(1) of NEM: Biodiversity Act, 2004

The Pongola area is known for its environmental sensitivity. This requirement will only apply if such sensitive areas may be affected.

GN R.546, 18 June 2010 Item 3(a)

Towers for Eskom telecommunication will have to be constructed at the substation site. Towers will likely be in excess of 15m depending on the location of the substation and surrounding terrain.

GN R546 18 June 2010 Item 13 (a) (c) ii The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75 % or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation.

Clearing vegetation along the power line servitude will occur and will exceed 1 ha in totality.

2 FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity; (b) the type of activity to be undertaken; (c) the design or layout of the activity; (d) the technology to be used in the activity; (e) the operational aspects of the activity; and (f) the option of not implementing the activity.

Describe alternatives that are considered in this application as required by Regulation 22(2)(h) of GN R.543.

Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed

activity (NOT PROJECT) could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the

applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the

baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed.

The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes, etc.) or both is appropriate needs to

be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the,

competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly

accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been

considered to a reasonable extent.

The identification of alternatives should be in line with the Integrated Environmental Assessment Guideline

Series 11, published by the DEA in 2004. Should the alternatives include different locations and lay-outs, the co-

ordinates of the different alternatives must be provided. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and

seconds. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection.


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Please Note that the alternatives are named as follows: Substation Alternatives Golela 1 – Southern Site Golela 2 – Northern Site Power line Alternatives Alternative A1 – Western Corridor Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor

SUBSTATION ALTERNATIVE SITES

a) Substation Site alternatives

Alternative Golela 1 (preferred alternative): Southern Site A1 or S1?

Description Lat (DDMMSS) Long (DDMMSS)

This alternative is located 400m to the east of the N2 where it intersects with the road to Golela and to the south of the Golela Road. The terrain is relatively flat and the vegetation is degraded somewhat.

27°21'53.10"S 31°49'25.64"E

Alternative Golela 2: Northern Site


This alternative is located approximately 1.2 km to the east of the N2 where it intersects with the road to Golela and to the north of the Golela Road. The terrains is relatively flat and surrounded by gentle hills to the west becoming steeper to the east. The site is well vegetated and is located in a private game reserve.

27°22'20.09"S 31°49'12.83"E

Refer to Appendix A1 for the Locality Plan and Aerial Plans and the co-ordinates of the corners of the alternative sites.

ALTERNATIVE POWER LINE CORRIDORS

a) Corridor alternatives In the case of linear activities:

Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative A1 – Western Corridor (preferred)

Starting point of the activity 27° 25' 13.64" S 31° 48' 38.04" E

Middle/Additional point of the activity 27° 23' 46.58" S 31° 49' 02.36" E

End point of the activity 27° 22' 09.57" S 31° 49' 18.58" E

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor

Starting point of the activity 27° 24' 47.33" S 31° 50' 19.98" E

Middle/Additional point of the activity 27° 23' 16.08" S 31° 50' 02.20" E

End point of the activity 27° 22' 09.57" S 31° 49' 02.36" E

Refer to Appendix J4 for the co-ordinates taken every 250 m for each linear alternative and the Locality Plan.


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For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. In the case of an area being under application, please provide the co-ordinates of the corners of the site as indicated on the lay-out map provided in Appendix A.

b) Lay-out alternatives

SUBSTATION LAYOUT ALTERNATIVES

Alternative sites: Golela 1 and Golela 2:


The design of substations is standard and according to engineering

best practices. No layout alternatives were considered.

c) Technology alternatives

SUBSTATION TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVES

Alternative technologies to the use of a substation have not been considered as this technology is

considered the most appropriate technology, and has been specifically designed for the existing

environmental conditions and terrain as specified by Eskom Specifications and best international practice.

POWER LINE TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVES

Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) – Double- and Multi-circuit Overhead Power line

Where sensitive environmental features are identified, and there is sufficient justification, Eskom will consider the use of double circuit (placing 2 power lines on either side of the same tower structure) or multi-circuit (placing a 132kV line and a 22kV power line on the same tower structure) to reduce impacts. However, the use of double- or multi-circuiting has a number of technical disadvantages:

Faults or problems on one power line may mean that the other power line is also disabled during maintenance, and this will affect the quality of supply to an area;

Installation of the multi-circuit or double-circuit power lines requires dismantling the existing power line at great cost. Constructing a double-circuit line will mean clearing and constructing in separate servitude and subsequently dismantling the existing the line. This exercise will initially double the disturbed area and cost 3 times as much as the construction of an additional single-circuit line. If the double-circuit line has to be constructed in the existing servitude i.e. break and build, then power supply to customers will be disrupted for a lengthy and unacceptable period of time critically and negatively affecting business and households over a vast area; and

Larger and taller towers as well as more towers are required for double- and multi-circuit power lines.

Alternative 2 – Single Circuit Overhead Power line

The use of single circuit overhead power lines to distribute electricity is considered the most appropriate technology and has been designed over may years for the existing environmental conditions and terrain as specified by Eskom Specifications and best international practice. Based on all current technologies available, single circuit overhead power lines are considered the most environmentally practicable technology available for the distribution of power. This option is considered appropriate for the following reasons:

More cost effective installation cost;

Less environmental damage during installation; and More effective and cheaper maintenance costs over the lifetime of the power line.


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Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion

Below follows a summary of the implications associated with placing additional power lines on an existing single circuit power (i.e. Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion). The most significant implications of converting the existing single-circuit power line to a double-circuit power line, thereby essentially dismantling the existing tower to place two circuits on a single structure, includes the following: a) In the case where two new 132kV power lines are required, the operational phase working area and

footprint associated with each of the two power lines can be reduced by placing both power lines on a single structure (i.e. double-circuit power line). Constructing a double-circuit (i.e. placing two power lines of the same voltage on a single structure) however poses a number of disadvantages. Due to the high voltage and proximity of the two power lines to each other, carrying out maintenance activities on either of the power lines, may necessitate “switching both of the power lines off” and therefore breaking the electricity supply for the duration of the maintenance activities. Taking the aforementioned into account in the event of a failure or breakdown of one of the power lines, both the circuits may also be affected;

b) Dismantling the existing power line to construct a double circuit power line within the same working area will result in the termination of supply between the two points for the duration of construction (varies depending on the length of the line being built and difficulties associated with construction). If electricity to the furthest point of supply from the source cannot be redirected from elsewhere (i.e. from another existing point of supply) all customers at the end would lose the supply of electricity. In the case of Pongola-Candover to supply sufficient power to Candover from its southern link via Mkuze substation from Empangeni is not feasible as this network is already constrained; and

c) Dismantling the existing single-circuit power line, to construct a double-circuit power line in its place will effectively double the construction footprint and working area, when compared to constructing an additional single-circuit power line alongside the existing power line. The larger construction footprint associated with converting a single-circuit to double-circuit power line is largely due to the activities associated with the dismantling of the existing power line followed by the construction of the double-circuit power line.

Taking the aforementioned into account it is preferred to construct an additional 132kV power line alongside the existing power line within the existing servitude, as opposed to converting the existing single-circuit to double-circuit power line. Constructing an additional 132kV power line along the existing power line within the existing servitude will ensure continued supply of electricity during the Construction Phase of the proposed project. Maintenance activities which are carried out on one of the single-circuit power line may not necessarily affect the adjacent power line.

Note: The use of a single circuit is preferred to prevent common cause failure (i.e. one structure common to both power circuits). The cost to construct a single circuit is approximately 60% more that the cost to construct a double circuit. Furthermore a single circuit is easier to maintain and restore in emergency conditions as compared to the double circuit. Double circuit structures are larger and will occupy a larger surface area and therefore marginally increase the area to be cleared for construction and maintenance. Double-circuit structures are more visually intrusive as they are larger structures. Material requirements are doubled for a double-circuit power line compared to a single-circuit line and therefore construction activities are increased. A larger crane and concomitantly more vehicle activity is required during a double-circuit line’s construction. A double-circuit structure amounts to approximately 1.9 times more than the cost of a single-circuit structure.

Alternative 3 – Underground Cabling

Underground cabling of high voltage power lines over long distances is not considered a feasible or environmentally practicable alternative for the following reasons:

Underground cabling will incur significantly higher installation and maintenance costs see Appendix J;

It is more difficult and takes longer to isolate and repair faults on underground cables;

There is increased potential for faulting at the transition point from underground cable to overhead power line;


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Underground cables require a larger area to be disturbed during construction and maintenance operations and hence have a bigger environmental disturbance footprint; and

Underground cabling requires the disturbance of a greater area when it comes to agriculture and other compatible land uses as the entire servitude becomes available for use as opposed to just the area around the towers.

Note: A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining whether to opt for underground cabling or overhead power lines. The table below provides a summary of the key considerations which are taken into account by Eskom when deciding on whether to use overhead power lines or underground cabling.

Comparative Analysis

Aspect Underground Cabling Overhead Power Line

Disturbed Area

A working are of approximately 15m wide is required to allow adequate space for:

Excavating material from the trench (approximately 1 – 2m deep);

Stockpiling of excavated soil; and

Accommodating a service road and movement of vehicles during the Construction Phase.

The surface area covered by the tower base will require a working area of approximately insert surface area (40mx40m);

An area of 12m3 will be excavated to place and secure the self-supporting steel structures.

Vegetation Clearing

Vegetation along the entire length of the cable will be removed.

Vegetation will only be cleared at the specific tower locations, estimated to be placed every 350m in relatively flat areas; and

In areas where the access to the servitude can be easily gained vegetation within the demarcated access tracks will be cleared. Where the power line extends across steep and inaccessible terrain alternative means of constructing access tracks will be used.

Rehabilitation Active rehabilitation (e.g. management of alien and invasive species) of the disturbed area will be required throughout the Operational Phase.

Owing to the limited disturbance of and vegetation clearing required for placing the towers, the area to be rehabilitated may be reduced.

Technical Implications

The use of copper and insulation increases the cost associated with underground cabling;

Subject to the site specific soil conditions, the costs associated with the trenching required for placing underground cabling is high;

Cables require additional infrastructure in the form of a “Sealing end substation” that is used as an interface between cable and overhead lines; and

Cables have a longer repair time due to fault finding and trenching to repair the fault.

Shorter repair time for overhead power lines as opposed to the repair time required for under cables;

No additional infrastructure required; and

Excavations will only be required at the locations of the towers along the route alignment, thereby reducing the costs associated with excavating foundations.

Spoil Large volumes of spoil will be generated by trenching.

Excavated topsoil will be used for rehabilitation of the disturbed area; and

Minimal spoil is generated by the excavations done for placing the towers.

Note: Below follows a motivation of why the existing line cannot be adapted to a double-circuit without


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breaking down the existing line and building a separate double-circuit. In the event where two new 132kV power lines are required and are to be constructed within the same working area, the footprint (or working area) of these two power lines (i.e. double circuit) and environmental impact (and to some extent their cost) would be reduced by placing both power lines on the same set of structures as a double-circuit line. Although placing two new 132kV power lines within the same working areas would reduce the footprint, it is however not considered as a technically feasible option in areas which are prone to lightning strikes where one strike may disable both power lines simultaneously (common cause failure). In the event where lightning has damaged both power lines of the double circuit extensive maintenance will be required for both power lines (e.g. replace conductor on one, it may result in having to switch off both power lines for reasons of safety). Two new single-circuit power lines which are parallel each to other would have a larger footprint and proportionately larger environmental impact. Where an existing line exists, but two additional power lines are required between the same two end points, the following will be required:

Breaking down the existing power line and building another power line in the exact same locality (servitude). The breaking down of the existing power line to construct two additional power lines within the same working will result in the termination of supply between the two points for the duration of construction (varies depending on the length of the line being built and difficulties associated with construction). If power to the furthest point of supply from the source cannot be redirected from elsewhere (i.e. from another existing point of supply) all customers at the end would lose the supply of electricity. In the case of Pongola-Candover to supply sufficient power to Candover from its southern link via Mkuze substation from Empangeni is not feasible as this network is already constrained; and

Breaking down an existing single-circuit power line, to construct a second double-circuit power line in its place will effectively also almost double the construction footprint and working area, due to dismantling followed by construction activities, as compared to constructing another single-circuit power line parallel to it.


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d) Other alternatives – Tower Design Alternatives

Alternative 1 (preferred alternative) – Lattice Towers

The steel lattice towers provide the following advantages over the other tower types available:

Enables multipath earthing which enhances the overall electrical performance of the power line.

Is visually less obtrusive than the mono-pole options.

Is more practicable that other options i.e. more cost effective and more practical to construct and maintain.

Is safer to work on than the monopole and wood pole structures.

Alternative 2 – Steel Monopoles

The steel monopole and cement poles are considered less suitable than the steel lattice towers for the following reasons:

Are visually more intrusive than the lattice towers as more are required;

Are more expensive than the lattice towers;

Monopoles require more steel than the lattice towers;

Requires a crane to erect and the terrain does not always allow access for vehicles necessitating construction by hand. Only steel lattice towers in these circumstances can be assembled and erected by hand. The use of twin-bladed heavy lift helicopters to lift steel monopoles and cement structures in inaccessible terrain is prohibitively costly; and

Is not as safe to work on as the lattice towers.

Comparative Analysis between Lattice and Monopole Towers

A number of factors are taken into consideration when determining whether to opt for monopole towers or lattice towers. The table below provides a summary of the key considerations which are taken into account by Eskom when deciding on whether to use monopole towers or lattice towers.

Comparative Analysis

No. Considering Factor Lattice Tower Monopole Tower

1. Foundations Lattice can use micro piles and caps which is (1.5m X 1m X 1m) X 4 legs = 6m3 concrete foundation

Monopole can use an (8.5m X 8.5m X 1m) = 55.25m3 concrete foundation. Excavation implications are significant.

2. Cost Lattice towers costs are 60% more than that of monopoles.

Monopole towers costs are 60% less than that of lattice towers.

3. Security

Monopoles are more difficult to vandalise and remove members and is therefore preferred in high theft areas.

-

4. Aesthetics

Closer to tower, at a distance less than 100m able to see through the lattice tower, monopole towers much more visible.

At distances greater than 100m, monopole becomes less visible.

Delta Towers

Delta towers have been identified by the avifaunal specialists and by eKZN Wildlife as posing a high risk to bird electrocutions due to the distance between the conductor support arms. After discussions with the appropriate parties, it was confirmed that Eskom would either:

Use an alternative tower configuration with proven reduced risk of bird electrocution, or

Will amend the design of the delta configuration to allow for a greater distance between conductors and therefore reduced risk of electrocution; and/or

Will include bird diversion mitigation to the selected tower configuration to discourage roosting on the towers.


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e) No-go alternative

The ‘No Go’ alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line would not be constructed. If this substation and power line do not go ahead, the negative environmental impacts which have been identified if it does go ahead would not occur. However, if the substation and turn- in lines are not constructed and commissioned, the Golela region would continue to be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity (basic service) which would inhibit any future development in the Golela development node and would jeopardise the success of the regions Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks, all of which identify the lack of electrical services as inhibitors to future development and quality of life. Therefore, the need for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential negative impacts to the surrounding environment. It is thereby concluded that the “No-go‟ option is not a viable or acceptable option, and should therefore be discounted.

Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative.



3 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative

activities/technologies (footprints):

Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative S1 (preferred) – Golela 1 – Southern Site

± 10 000 m2

Alternative S2 – Golela 2 – Northern Site ± 10 000 m2

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

Alternative: Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative S1 (preferred) – Golela 1 – Southern Site

± 10 000 m

Alternative S2 – Golela 2 – Northern Site ± 10 000 m

4 SITE ACCESS

Alternative S1: Golela 1 – Southern Site

Does ready access to the site exist? YES NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built 140 – 200 m

Alternative S2: Golela 2 – Northern Site


If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built 170 - 400 m

Describe the type of access road planned:

The access road will be a formalised G5 gravelled road with properly compacted sub-base and roadside drainage.

Please note: Paragraphs 3 – 13 are completed first for the alternative substation sites and then for the alternative power line corridors


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

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

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

indication of all the alternatives identified;

closest town(s;)

road access from all major roads in the area;

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

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

a north arrow;

a legend; and

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

See Appendix A.1 : 12722-Substation LocalityMap-Rev1-5May2013.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude;

a legend; and

a north arrow.

See Appendix A1.

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

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

ridges;

cultural and historical features;

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

critical biodiversity areas.

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


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See Appendix A3 : 12722-SensitivityMap-Rev1-5May2013.pdf

8 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with

a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be

supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.

See Appendix B

9 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.

See Appendix C

10 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

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

Alternative A1 (Preferred) – Golela 1 Southern Site YES NO Please Explain

This proposed site is located on degraded land that is currently zoned for agriculture.

Alternative A2 – Golela 2 Northern Site YES NO Please Explain

This proposed site is located on land that is located within a private game reserve. 2. Will the activity be in line with the following?

(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO Please explain

The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Spatial Development Framework has identified that one of the primary Provincial Growth and Development Strategies is to grow the economy and that growing the economy is reliant on the provision of reliable and affordable services by government. Such services include, amongst others, the provision of electricity. If electricity cannot be provided the economic potential of the province will not be realised. The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Spatial Development Framework recognises that electricity supply is under stress in the province and that this is hindering development in all sectors.

(b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO Please explain

Not Applicable.


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

YES NO Please explain

The uPhongola Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has identified that one of its main developmental challenges is the poor to non-existent physical infrastructure to deliver basis services such as electricity to the expanded areas, predominantly those areas located outside the boundaries of the former TLC. Both the IDP and SDF have identified that electrification within the Local Municipality is one of the Lead Projects for the region and that one of the limitations is the lack of electrical capability in the region along with a decent distribution network.

(d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain

The approved Structure Plan of the municipality has identified that tourism and agriculture are major economic development potentials in the region and that the development of these sectors without reliable electricity supply will be hindered. This plan has also identified Golela as a secondary development node in the region and acknowledged that increased electrical capacity will be required to support this objective.

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


The approval of this application will not compromise the integrity of the Environmental Management Framework for the area.

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

uPhongolo Local Municipality Tourism Management Plan also highlights the need for better electrification in the region to enhance the tourism potential. 3. Is the land use (associated with the activity being applied for)

considered within the timeframe intended by the existing approved SDF agreed to by the relevant environmental authority (i.e. is the proposed development in line with the projects and programmes identified as priorities within the credible IDP)?


One of the objectives of the uPhongolo IDP is to provide infrastructure and basic services to the expanded areas predominantly outside the former TLC boundaries and this project will assist in achieving that objective in the next 2 – 5 years. 4. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated

land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)


The uPhongola SDP has identified Golela as a secondary development node in the region and acknowledged that increased electrical capacity will be required to support this objective, therefore the establishment of the substation in this area can be viewed as a societal priority.


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

YES NO Please

explain

The substation will not require municipal services. The Proponent will be responsible for the design and construction of required services and the access road. 6. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure

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

YES NO Please

explain

Not Applicable - This project is an infrastructure upgrade project for Eskom and does not impact on the infrastructure planning of the municipality.

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

YES NO Please

explain

Electricity shortage, the growing demand for electricity and the need to provide basic services to all communities is a national concern and priority. 8. Alternative S1: Golela 1 – Southern Site

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

YES NO Please

explain

In terms of the land available to develop a substation for the purposes of supplying electricity to Golela, this site is considered favourable as it is located along the N2 National Road to Pongola. This stretch of the National Road is already characterised by some ribbon development not in keeping with the surrounding game reserve land use. It is likely that this ribbon development increase as the border post activity from Golela increases and hence the substation in this position is more likely to be compatible with future land use in this location than any other available location in the area. 8. Alternative S2: Golela 2 – Northern Site


YES NO Please

explain

This site is located in a private game reserve area and if developed on this site, it will constitute the first development of a semi-industrial nature in this area. The substation in this location is not considered favourable compatible land use in context of the surrounding land use. 9. Alternative S1: Golela 1 – Southern Site

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

YES NO Please

explain

This site is located adjacent to the N2 and adjacent to land that is used for sugarcane farming. The site is itself degraded due to previous farm activities which have since been abandoned. The establishment of a substation on this site will not degrade the current environmental condition of this area. 9. Alternative S2: Golela 2 - Northern Site Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site?

YES NO Please

explain

This site is located in a private game reserve area and the establishment of substation is not considered the best practicable environmental option for this land.


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

YES NO Please

explain

The negative impacts of the development are all of low significance following mitigation and the main benefit of the development i.e. improved reliability of electrical supply and increased supply to the Golela region resulting in economic growth and alleviation of poverty is of high significance.

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

YES NO Please

explain

The upgrade of electrical supply is not for profit gain, but is to provide essential services to an area and hence will not set a precedent. Additional upgrades will only occur in the region if the demand for the basic service requires it.

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

YES NO Please

explain

The property for the substation will be secured through a willing landowner principal (similar to willing buyer willing seller principal). No relocation of people will be required. This process has followed an extensive stakeholder consultation process and therefore no juristic or natural person’s right will be adversely affected. 13. Alternative S1: Golela 1: Will the proposed activity/ies

compromise the “urban edge” as defined by the local municipality?

YES No Please

explain

In terms of the land available to develop a substation for the purposes of supplying electricity to Golela, this site is considered favourable as it is located along the N2 National Road to Pongola. This stretch of the National Road is already characterised by some ribbon development not in keeping with the surrounding game reserve land use. It is likely that this ribbon development increase as the border post activity from Golela increases and hence the substation in this position is more likely to be compatible with future land use in this location than any other available location in the area. 14. Alternative S2: Golela 2: Will the proposed activity/ies

compromise the “urban edge” as defined by the local municipality?

YES NO Please

explain

This site is located in a private game reserve area and if developed on this site, it will constitute the first development of a semi-industrial nature in this area. The substation in this location is not considered favourable compatible land use in context of the surrounding land use.

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

YES NO Please

explain

This Project in support of the following SIPS:

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

SIP 10: Electricity Transmission and Distribution for all.

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

Please explain

The potential benefit of the proposed Golela Substation lies in the stimulation of the local economy of Golela town through the increased supply of reliable electricity to the town which has been ear marked as a Secondary Development Node and is a major border node on the transport route between KwaZulu Natal and Swaziland. Furthermore there will be some employment benefits during the construction phase of the project.

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

Please explain

N/A

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

The National Development Plan for 2030 has a vision that South Africa will have an energy sector that promotes economic growth and development through adequate investments in energy infrastructure and the provision of quality energy services.


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

This proposed Golela substation development has been adequately assessed by competent Environmental Assessment Practitioners and discipline specialists. All potential impacts that may have a significant impact on the receiving environment have been identified and adequately assessed as required by the NEMA 2010 EIA regulations and mitigation measures developed and the impact significance reassessed. The conclusions of the environmental impact assessment have been concisely summarised to adequately inform decision-making by the competent authority. A comprehensive Public Participation Process was also undertaken, which conformed to requirements in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Further all Interested and Affected Parties will be given ample time to review and comment on all documents and reports and the affected landowners will be empowered to be able to state their concerns and issues adequately.

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

The primary objective of the project is to assist in the provision of stable electricity supply to the Northern Zululand region of KwaZulu Natal, and specifically to the border town of Golela. The provision of a stable electricity supply with spare capacity will encourage future development in the area and will potentially improve the economic situation through job creation. The social, economic and environmental impacts have been identified and rated by the EAP with the assistance of numerous specialists. The environmental impact of substations is well understood and the design and sites selected for this development have been chosen to reduce visual impacts, impacts on cultivated land and impact on avifauna. A heritage survey, surface water and wetlands assessment as well as an ecological study were also undertaken as part of the basic assessment process and recommendations made by all the specialists for inclusion in the EMPr. Two alternative sites were identified and assessed as part of the Basic Assessment and a site was found to be more environmentally suitable than the other based on ranking the significance of each aspect identified by the relevant specialist. The Environmental Basic Assessment was advertised and members of the public were given the opportunity to register as I&AP as described in Section C: public participation and the issues and responses report (Appendix E). Most of the negative impacts associated with the project will occur during the construction phase. Where negative impacts are unavoidable they will be mitigate according to stipulations in the EMPr. Those impacts that could be addressed during the design phase have been identified and the mitigations recommended will form part of the design. The impacts of the proposed substation on wetlands and sensitive vegetation have been will be reduced in the siting of the substation sites. Recommendations and mitigations presented in the EMPr will reduce the disturbance to ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity. Where negative impacts are unavoidable, strict management and rehabilitation is recommended to minimise the potential negative impacts. The use of potentially polluting substances will be managed according to requirements in the EMPr. The EMPr will hold the developer responsible for any unnecessary negative impacts of the development on the environment. The EMPr will include a rehabilitation plan and the cost to of rehabilitation required due to pollution or unnecessary environment degradation resulting from the activity will be the responsibility of the developer.


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

Title of legislation, policy or guideline

Applicability to the project Administering

authority Date

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

The Constitution paves the way for the protection of the natural environment and heritage resources through the recognition of the right to a health and safe environment.

South African Government

1996

National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998)

NEMA is the key environmental management legislation and states in Section 2(4)(k) that "the environment is held in public trust for the people, the beneficial use of resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be protected as the people’s common heritage” thereby paving the way for EIA process to assess developments that may have a harmful impact on the environment.

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs

1998

National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999)

Under section 38(1) of the NHRA any person who intends to develop land must notify the responsible heritage resources agency of its intention. The responsible heritage resources authority may require a heritage impact assessment where substations are being proposed

South African Heritage Resources Agency/AMAFA

1999

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

The EIA regulations describe the EIA process to be followed including the public participation process, and the listed activities that may have a harmful impact on the environment and must be assessed.


2010

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No 10 of 2004)

The Biodiversity Act provides for the management and protection of the country’s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. It provides for the protection of species and ecosystems in need of protection, sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and equity in bio-prospecting. Some Critical Biodiversity Areas and vulnerable and endangered ecosystems have been identified by the

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs And Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

2004


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authority Date

vegetation specialist in the study site.

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003)

The Protected Areas Act provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of the country’s biological diversity, its natural landscapes and seascapes. The proposed substation sites are located in or near to a non-statutory protected area.

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs And Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

2003

National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998)

The development of the proposed project may result in damage or destruction of a tree under the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 94 of 1998).

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

1998

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


1998

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

National Department of Environmental Affairs

2000

National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998)

Any project activity which triggers any of Water Use Activities listed in Section 21 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) will require a Water Use License before these activities may commence.

Department of Water Affairs

1998

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No 43 of 1983)

In terms of section 6 of the Act, the Minister may prescribe control measures with which all land users have to comply. The control measure may relate to the regulating of the flow pattern of run-off water, the control of weeds and invader plants, and the restoration or reclamation of eroded land or land which is otherwise disturbed or denuded. This act will regulate construction activities to prevent the spreading of invasive species and to ensure successful rehabilitation of the receiving environment.

Department of Agriculture

1983

Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No 85 of 1993)

The OHSA governs and ensures the protection of employees in the workplace. A number of

Department of Labour 1993


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authority Date

permanent and contract skilled and semi-skilled workers will be involved in the construction of the different aspects of the project. Their appointment and work periods will be subject to the provisions of the OHSA. This act and its regulations also govern the design and operation of electrical substations.

Electricity Regulations Act (Act No 4 of 2006)

This act establishes a national regulatory framework for the electricity supply industry; and provides for licences and registration as the manner in which generation, transmission, distribution, reticulation, trading and the import and export of electricity are regulated. The erection of new electricity distribution infrastructure is thus regulated in terms of this act.

National Energy Regulator of South Africa

2006

National Energy Act (Act no 34 of 2008)

The Act allows for the regulation and maintenance of security of energy supply in South Africa. The act empowers the energy regulator to invest in the maintenance of energy infrastructure, which includes the installation of electrical infrastructure in area where the grids is operating at near maximum

South African National Energy Development Institute

2008

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No 59 of 2008)

Requires sustainable integrated waste management and implementation of the waste hierarchy.

Department of Environmental Affairs

2008

12 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT

a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ± 6 m3

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

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


27

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

General waste will be disposed of at a municipal landfill.

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

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? 6 m3

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

Waste generated during the construction phase will be collected in designated areas, in facilities designed to safely store the waste. Waste separation for reuse and recycling will take place. Once sufficient volumes of waste have been collected, or once a month, whichever occurs first, the waste will be transported to the nearest suitably licensed/acceptable solid waste disposal facility waste facility. Receipts / waybills will be obtained from the facility for record purposes.

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

be used.

Pongola or Mkuze Landfill Sites.

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

Pongola and Mkuze Landfill Sites.

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be

taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to

determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is

necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms

of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.

b) Liquid effluent

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

municipal sewage system? YES NO

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

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

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to

change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

facility? YES NO

If YES, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name: N/A

Contact

person:

N/A

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the

NEM:WA? YES NO

If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA.

An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this

application.


28

Postal

address:

N/A

Postal code: N/A

Telephone: N/A Cell: N/A

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

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

N/A

c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and

dust associated with construction phase activities?

YES NO

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

If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change

to an application for scoping and EIA.

If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

d) Waste permit

Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the

NEM: WA? YES NO

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

authority

e) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES NO


If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change


If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

Construction Phase: Noise control regulations and SANS 10103: Short term noise impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project relating to the operation of heavy machinery. It is however anticipated that the noise will be localised and contained within the construction site. The applicant must adhere to the relevant provincial noise control legislation (if any) as well as SANS 10103. Working hours should be restricted to 07h00 to 18h00 Monday to Friday excluding public holiday. Operational phase: A corona can be produced from water droplets forming on the conductor coming into the substation and crackling noise being formed from the breakdown of air molecules. (Eskom GFS 0009 Revision 2 Document, May 2004)

13 WATER USE

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

Municipal Construction

Phase Water board

Groundwater Construction

phase

River, stream,

dam or lake Other

The activity will not

use water


29

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural

feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: 20 000 litres

Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use

license) from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO

If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs.

14 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Describe the design measures, if any that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The entire substation design and operations has been optimised over the years to prevent or reduce energy losses at the substation and hence is considered to be energy efficient.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the

activity, if any:

N/A

POWER LINE CORRIDORS

ALTERNATIVE POWER LINE CORRIDORS

15 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY

a) Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative

activities/technologies (footprints):

Alternative: Length of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred) – Western Corridor ± 6 700 m

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor ± 6 400 m

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

Alternative: Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred) – Western Corridor (90 m wide) 603 000 m2

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor (90 m wide) 576 000 m2

16 SITE ACCESS

Alternative A1 – Western Corridor


If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built ± 1000 m



If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built ± 3 600 m


30

Describe the type of access road planned:

Both Alternatives A1 (Western Corridor) and A2 (Eastern Corridor) - New access roads to gain access for construction will be required along portions of both corridors. Access in the form of an informal single car-width driven track will be required along the entire length of the power line and also at various points accessing the servitude from public roads and other existing tracks. Typically for the construction of power line, access is generally created by simply repetitive passes of the construction vehicles along the servitude and along the same tracks to create a rough driveable track. However, often cutting thick bush to a width of 6 – 8 m and de-stumping may be required. At some tower positions and along the servitude, it may be necessary to cut routes using a bulldozer or TLB over rough terrain to permit access for large construction vehicles. Dongas may need to be filled, rocks removed, trees de-stumped and temporary stream crossings constructed to create access.

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

Refer to Appendix A1 and Tables 2 -4 for the route alternatives and coordinates of the access roads respectively.

17 LOCALITY MAP An A3 locality map must be attached to the back of this document, as Appendix A. The scale of the locality map must be relevant to the size of the development (at least 1:50 000. For linear activities of more than 25 kilometres, a smaller scale e.g. 1:250 000 can be used. The scale must be indicated on the map.). The map must indicate the following: an accurate indication of the project site position as well as the positions of the alternative sites, if any;

indication of all the alternatives identified;

closest town(s;)

road access from all major roads in the area;

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

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

a north arrow;

a legend; and

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

See Appendix A.1 : 12722-LocalityMap-Rev1-5May2013.pdf

18 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. The site or route plans must indicate the following: the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site;

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

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

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

servitude(s) indicating the purpose of the servitude;

a legend; and

a north arrow.


31

See Appendix A1: 12722-LocalityMap-Rev1-5May2013.pdf

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

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

ridges;

cultural and historical features;

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

critical biodiversity areas.

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

See Appendix A.3 : 12722-SensitivityMap-Rev1-5May2013.pdf

20 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with

a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be

supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.

See Appendix B

21 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of at least 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity.

See Appendix C


32

22 ACTIVITY MOTIVATION Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

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

Both Alternatives YES NO Please Explain

If the power line is constructed in either corridor, the power line will pass through lands that are agricultural or open space, game farms and proclaimed nature reserve where no registered servitude exists and hence a servitude will have to be registered to permit the construction of the power line. The land use will however remain unchanged.

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

(a) Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) YES NO Please explain

The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Spatial Development Framework has identified that one of the primary Provincial Growth and Development Strategies is to grow the economy and that growing the economy is reliant on the provision of reliable and affordable services by government. Such services include, amongst others, the provision of electricity. If electricity cannot be provided the economic potential of the province will not be realised. The KZN PSDF recognises that electricity supply is under stress in the province and that this is hindering development in all sectors.

(b) Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area YES NO Please explain

Not Applicable – Linear servitude outside built environment.

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


The uPhongola IDP has identified that one of its main developmental challenges is the poor to non-existent physical infrastructure to deliver basis services such as electricity to the expanded areas, predominantly those areas located outside the boundaries of the former TLC. Both the IDP and SDF have identified that electrification within the Local Municipality is one of the Lead Projects for the region and that one of the limitations is the lack of electrical capability in the region along with a decent distribution network.

(d) Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality YES NO Please explain

The approved Structure Plan of the municipality has identified that tourism and agriculture are major economic development potentials in the region and that the development of these sectors without reliable electricity supply will be hindered.

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


The approval of this application will not compromise the integrity of the Environmental Management Framework for the area, especially if the northern corridor is approved as this route is already developed for power distribution and hence not impact further on any environmental management frameworks.

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

uPhongolo Local Municipality Tourism Management Plan also highlights the need for better electrification in the region to enhance the tourism potential.


33

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


One of the objectives of the uPhongolo IDP is to provide infrastructure and basic services to the expanded areas predominantly outside the former TLC boundaries and this project will assist in achieving that objective in the next 2 – 5 years. 24. Does the community/area need the activity and the associated

land use concerned (is it a societal priority)? (This refers to the strategic as well as local level (e.g. development is a national priority, but within a specific local context it could be inappropriate.)


The motivation for these turn-in lines is to provide electricity to the proposed new substation near Golela with the ultimate aim of increasing the supply capacity to the developmental node of Golela. Without these new 132kV power lines, it will not be possible for the region to achieve the electrification and economic objectives as has set in the IDP. 25. Are the necessary services with adequate capacity currently

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

YES NO Please

explain

The power lines do not need any municipal services other than access roads for maintenance of the power line; and the site is easily accessible via existing roads. The Proponent will be responsible for the design and construction of required access roads. 26. Is this development provided for in the infrastructure

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

YES NO Please

explain

This project is an infrastructure upgrade project for Eskom and will assist in the development of the municipal infrastructure planning.

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

YES NO Please

explain

Electricity shortage, the growing demand for electricity and the need to provide basic services to all communities is a national concern and priority. 28. Alternative A1 – Western Corridor


YES NO Please

explain

In the instance of the Western Corridor alternative, follows the edges of agricultural land over most of its length i.e. the lands has been subject to a relatively high level of anthropogenic activity and will follow the edge of another linear servitude for approximately 2 km of its 6.7 km length. 69% of the route is land under agriculture


34

27. Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor Do location factors favour this land use (associated with the activity applied for) at this place? (This relates to the contextualisation of the proposed land use on this site within its broader context.)

YES NO Please

explain

There are currently no linear servitudes associated with this proposed alignment and the nearly entire line traverses through Game Farms or Nature reserves – up to 69 % of this servitude falls within “conservation areas” hence this route will be considered less favourable for the construction of power lines may not be considered favourable land use by the landowners and by organisations such as WESSA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. 29. Alternative A1 – Western Corridor

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

YES NO Please

explain

In the instance of the Western Corridor alternative, follows the edges of agricultural land over most of its length i.e. the lands has been subject to a relatively high level of anthropogenic activity and will follow the edge of another linear servitude for approximately 2 km of its 6.7 km length. 69% of the route is land under agriculture. 28. Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor Is the development the best practicable environmental option for this land/site?

YES NO Please

explain

This proposed alignment traverses mostly over game farm or nature reserve land and hence is not the best practicable environmental option for this area, especially if an alternative route is available.

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

YES NO Please

explain

The negative impacts of the development are all of low significance following mitigation for both corridors and the main benefit of the development i.e. improved reliability of electrical supply and increased supply to the region resulting in economic growth and alleviation of poverty is of high significance.

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

YES NO Please

explain

The upgrade of electrical supply is not for profit gain, but is to provide essential services to an area and hence will not set a precedent. Additional upgrades will only occur in the region if the demand for the basic service requires it.

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

YES NO Please

explain

The servitude will be secured through a willing landowner principal (similar to willing buyer willing seller principal). No relocation of people will be required. All process have followed a stakeholder consultation process and therefore no juristic or natural person’s right will be adversely affected.

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

YES NO Please

explain

This is a linear activity that will be located outside the defined “urban edge” and is considered an isolated activity that will not encourage further urban development along its servitude or in association with its servitude.

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

YES NO Please

explain

This Project in support of the following SIPS:

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

SIP 10: Electricity Transmission and Distribution for all.


35

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

Please explain

The potential benefit of the proposed power line to the Golela area lies in the stimulation of the local economy (specifically tourism and agriculture) through the supply of reliable electricity to improve service delivery to all sectors. Furthermore there will be some employment benefits during the construction phase of the project.

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

Please explain

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

The National Development Plan for 2030 has a vision that South Africa will have an energy sector that promotes economic growth and development through adequate investments in energy infrastructure and the provision of quality energy services.

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

This proposed 132kV power line development has been adequately assessed by competent Environmental Assessment Practitioners and discipline specialists. All potential impacts that may have a significant impact on the receiving environment have been identified and adequately assessed as required by the NEMA 2010 EIA regulations and mitigation measures developed and the impact significance reassessed. The conclusions of the environmental impact assessment have been concisely summarised to adequately inform decision-making by the competent authority. A comprehensive Public Participation Process was also undertaken, which conformed to requirements in Chapter 6 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Further all Interested and Affected Parties will be given ample time to review and comment on all documents and reports and the affected landowners will be empowered to be able to state their concerns and issues adequately.


36

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

The primary objective of the project is to provide increased stable electricity supply to the Golela development node. The provision of a stable electricity supply with spare capacity will encourage future development in the area and will potentially improve the economic situation through job creation. The social, economic and environmental impacts have been identified and rated by the EAP with the assistance of numerous specialists. The environmental impact of power lines is well understood and the tower structures selected for this development have been chosen to reduce visual impacts, impacts on cultivated land and impact on avifauna. A heritage survey, surface water and wetlands assessment as well as an ecological study were also undertaken as part of the basic assessment process and recommendations made by all the specialists for inclusion in the EMPr. Three alternative corridors were identified and assessed as part of the Basic Assessment and a single corridor route was found to be more environmentally suitable than the other two based on ranking the significance of each aspect identified by the relevant specialist. The Environmental Basic Assessment was advertised and members of the public were given the opportunity to register as I&AP as described in Section C: public participation and the issues and responses report (Appendix E). Most of the negative impacts associated with the project will occur during the construction phase. Where negative impacts are unavoidable they will be mitigate according to stipulations in the EMPr. Those impacts that could be addressed during the design phase have identified and the mitigations recommended will form part of the design. The impacts of the proposed power line on wetlands and sensitive vegetation will be reduced by on site placement of towers to avoid placing them in wetland areas or in sensitive vegetation. Recommendations and mitigations presented in the EMPr will reduce the disturbance to ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity. Where negative impacts are unavoidable, strict management and rehabilitation is recommended to minimise the potential negative impacts. The use of potentially polluting substances will be managed according to requirements in the EMPr. The EMPr will hold the developer responsible for any unnecessary negative impacts of the development on the environment. The EMPr will include a rehabilitation plan and the cost to of rehabilitation required due to pollution or unnecessary environment degradation resulting from the activity will be the responsibility of the developer.

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



authority Date

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

The Constitution paves the way for the protection of the natural environment and heritage resources through the recognition of the right to a health and safe environment.

South African Government

1996

National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998)

NEMA is the key environmental management legislation and states in Section 2(4)(k) that "the environment is held in public trust


1998


37



authority Date

for the people, the beneficial use of resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be protected as the people’s common heritage” thereby paving the way for EIA process to assess developments that may have a harmful impact on the environment.

National Heritage Resources Act (Act No 25 of 1999)

Under section 38(1) of the NHRA any person who intends to construct a power line or other linear development exceeding 300m in length must notify the responsible heritage resources agency of its intention. The responsible heritage resources authority may require a heritage impact assessment where power lines are being proposed

South African Heritage Resources Agency/AMAFA

1999

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

The EIA regulations describe the EIA process to be followed including the public participation process, and the listed activities that may have a harmful impact on the environment and must be assessed.


2010

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No 10 of 2004)

The Biodiversity Act provides for the management and protection of the country’s biodiversity within the framework established by NEMA. It provides for the protection of species and ecosystems in need of protection, sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and equity in bio-prospecting. Some Critical Biodiversity Areas and vulnerable and endangered ecosystems have been identified by the vegetation specialist in the study site.

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs And KZN Ezimvelo Wildlife

2004

National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003)

The Protected Areas Act provides for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of the country’s biological diversity, its natural landscapes and seascapes. The proposed alternative routes runs through a

National and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs And KZN Ezimvelo Wildlife

2003


38



authority Date

non-statutory protected area.

National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998)

The development of the proposed project may result in damage or destruction of a tree under the National Forests Act


1998

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


1998

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

National Department of Environmental Affairs

2000

National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998)

This Act provides for the protection and management of water resources. A Water Use Licence Application is made to authorise water use activities pertaining to the altering of the bed and banks of a watercourse and diverting the flow of water in a watercourse. A WULA may be required on this project for the construction of tower structures within 500m of a watercourse.

Department of Water Affairs

1998

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No 43 of 1983)

In terms of section 6 of the Act, the Minister may prescribe control measures with which all land users have to comply. The control measure may relate to the regulating of the flow pattern of run-off water, the control of weeds and invader plants, and the restoration or reclamation of eroded land or land which is otherwise disturbed or denuded. This act will regulate construction activities to prevent the spreading of invasive species and to ensure successful rehabilitation of the receiving environment.

Department of Agriculture

1983

Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No 85 of 1993)

The OHSA governs and ensures the protection of employees in the workplace. A number of permanent and contract skilled and semi-skilled workers will be involved in the construction of the different aspects of the project. Their appointment and work periods will be subject to the

Department of Labour 1993


39



authority Date

provisions of the OHSA. This act and its regulations also govern the design and operation of power lines.

Electricity Regulations Act (Act No 4 of 2006)

This act establishes a national regulatory framework for the electricity supply industry; and provides for licences and registration as the manner in which generation, transmission, distribution, reticulation, trading and the import and export of electricity are regulated. The erection of new electricity distribution infrastructure is thus regulated in terms of this act.

National Energy Regulator of South Africa

2006

National Energy Act (Act no 34 of 2008)

The Act allows for the regulation and maintenance of security of energy supply in South Africa. The act empowers the energy regulator to invest in the maintenance of energy infrastructure, which includes the installation of electrical infrastructure in area where the grids is operating at near maximum

South African National Energy Development Institute

2008

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No 59 of 2008)

Requires sustainable integrated waste management and implementation of the waste hierarchy.

Department of Environmental Affairs

2008

24 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT

a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES NO

If YES, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? ± 6 m3

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

Waste generated during the construction phase will be collected in designated areas, in facilities designed to safely store the waste. Waste separation for reuse and recycling will take place. Once sufficient volumes of waste have been collected, or once a month, whichever occurs first, the waste will be transported to the nearest suitably licensed/acceptable solid waste disposal facility waste facility. Receipts / waybills will be obtained from the facility for record purposes.

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

General waste will be disposed of at a municipal landfill site.

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


40

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

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

N/A

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

be used.

Pongola or Mkuze landfills.

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

Pongola and Mkuze Landfills

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be

taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to

determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

If YES, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is

necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA. An application for a waste permit in terms

of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this application.

b) Liquid effluent

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

municipal sewage system? YES NO

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

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

If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to

change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

facility? YES NO

If YES, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name: N/A

Contact

person:

N/A

Postal

address:

N/A

Postal code: N/A

Telephone: N/A Cell: N/A

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

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the

NEM:WA? YES NO

If YES, inform the competent authority and request a change to an application for scoping and EIA.

An application for a waste permit in terms of the NEM:WA must also be submitted with this

application.


41

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

N/A

c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust emissions and

dust associated with construction phase activities?

YES NO


If YES, the applicant must consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change


If NO, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

d) Waste permit

Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit in terms of the

NEM:WA? YES NO

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

authority

e) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES NO


If YES, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change


If NO, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

Construction Phase: Noise control regulations and SANS 10103: Short term noise impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project relating to the operation of heavy machinery. It is however anticipated that the noise will be localised and contained within the construction site. The applicant must adhere to the relevant provincial noise control legislation (if any) as well as SANS 10103. Working hours should be restricted to 07h00 to 18h00 Monday to Friday excluding public holiday. Operational phase: A corona can be produced from water droplets forming on the conductor and crackling noise being formed from the breakdown of air molecules. (Eskom GFS 0009 Revision 2 Document, May 2004).

25 WATER USE

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

Municipal Construction

Phase Water board

Groundwater Construction

phase

River, stream,

dam or lake Other

The activity will not

use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural

feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month: 20 000 litres

Does the activity require a water use authorisation (general authorisation or water use

license) from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO

If YES, please provide proof that the application has been submitted to the Department of Water Affairs.

26 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The entire power line design has been optimised over the years to prevent or reduce energy losses between the point of generation and use and hence is considered to be energy efficient.


42

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the

activity, if any:

N/A

SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Important notes:

1. For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section B and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

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

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

3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section? YES NO

If YES, please complete the form entitled “Details of specialist and declaration of interest” for each specialist thus

appointed and attach it in Appendix I. All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D.

Property

description/physical

address:

Province KwaZulu Natal

District Municipality District 26

Local Municipality Uphongolo Local Municipality

Ward Number(s) 14

Farm name and number

See Appendix J5

Portion number See Appendix J5

SG Code See Appendix J5

Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please

attach a full list to this application including the same information as indicated

above.

See Appendix J5 for Property Description List and Property Boundary Map for all the alternative Corridors

Current land-use

zoning as per local

municipality

IDP/records:

Agriculture and Open Space

In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of

current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to, to this

application.

Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? Not for any of

the alternatives.

YES NO


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1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative A1 – Western Corridor:

Flat 1:50 – 1:20

10% of

corridor

1:20 – 1:15

80% of

corridor

1:15 – 1:10

10% of

corridor

1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper

than 1:5

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor:

Flat 1:50 – 1:20

1:20 – 1:15

37% of

corridor

1:15 – 1:10

1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5

40% of

corridor

Steeper than 1:5 23% of corridor

See Appendix A4 for Topography Map for both Corridors

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site: Alternative A1 – Western Corridor:

2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills

2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune

2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor:

2.1 Ridgeline 2.4 Closed valley 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills

2.2 Plateau 2.5 Open valley 2.8 Dune

2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain 2.6 Plain 2.9 Seafront

See Appendix A4 for Topography Map for both Corridors

1. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

Is the site(s) located on any of the following?

Alternative A1: Alternative A2 (if

any):

Alternative S3 (if

any):

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

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO YES NO YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies) YES NO YES NO YES NO

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose

soil YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

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

Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more

than 40%) YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Any other unstable soil or geological feature YES NO YES NO YES NO


44

An area sensitive to erosion YES NO YES NO YES NO

If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted. 2. GROUNDCOVER

Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site. The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s). Alternative A1- Western Corridor

Natural veld - good conditionE

31% of Corridor

Natural veld with scattered aliensE

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by

alien speciesE Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land

69% of Corridor Paved surface

Building or other

structure Bare soil

Alternative A2- Eastern Corridor Natural veld - good conditionE

78% of Corridor

Natural veld with scattered aliensE

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by

alien speciesE Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land

22% of Corridor Paved surface

Building or other

structure Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise.

See Appendix D3 for Ecological Report for both Corridors and Land Use Map

3. SURFACE WATER

Indicate the surface water present on and or adjacent to the site and alternative sites? Alternative A1 – Western Corridor

Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE


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Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Non-Perennial River YES NO UNSURE

Permanent Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Seasonal Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Artificial Wetland YES NO UNSURE

Estuarine / Lagoonal wetland YES NO UNSURE

If any of the boxes marked YES or UNSURE is ticked, please provide a description of the relevant watercourse. Alternative A1: Western Corridor

The Western Corridor traverses across 3 non-perennial, intermittently inundated, seasonally saturated channelled valley-bottom streams and one perennial River re: Pongola River.

0

Plate 1: Aerial View of Proposed Crossing of the Pongola River


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Alternative A2: Eastern Corridor

The Eastern Corridor traverses across 5 non-perennial, intermittently inundated, seasonally saturated channelled valley-bottom streams, one dam and the Pongola River.

Plate 2: Aerial view of the proposed crossing over the Pongola River

The surface water specialist study is presented in Appendix D1.

4. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA

Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: Alternatives A1 – Western Corridor

Natural area Dam or reservoir Polo fields

Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H

Medium density residential School Landfill or waste treatment site

High density residential Tertiary education facility Plantation

Informal residentialA Church Agriculture

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

Light industrial Sewage treatment plantA Nature conservation area

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

Heavy industrial AN Railway line N Museum

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

Office/consulting room Airport N Protected Area

Military or police base/station/compound

Harbour Graveyard

Spoil heap or slimes damA Sport facilities Archaeological site

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

Alternatives A2 – Eastern Corridor

Natural area Dam or reservoir Polo fields

Low density residential Hospital/medical centre Filling station H


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Medium density residential School Landfill or waste treatment site

High density residential Tertiary education facility Plantation

Informal residentialA Church Agriculture

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

Light industrial Sewage treatment plantA Nature conservation area

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

Heavy industrial AN Railway line N Museum

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

Office/consulting room Airport N Protected Area

Military or police base/station/compound

Harbour Graveyard

Spoil heap or slimes damA Sport facilities Archaeological site

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

The maps showing the land use for both corridors is presented in Appendix A5. The Map showing the Conservation Areas associated with both corridors is presented in Appendix A6.

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial conservation plan) YES NO

Core area of a protected area? YES NO

Buffer area of a protected area? YES NO

Planned expansion area of an existing protected area? YES NO

Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorisation? YES NO

Buffer area of the SKA? YES NO

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

A map showing the Protected/Conservation areas in the region relatives to all 3 Alternative Corridors is

presented in Appendix A6.

5. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES

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

YES NO

Uncertain


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If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field (archaeology or palaeontology) to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site. Briefly explain the findings of the specialist: A specialist was appointed to undertake a heritage site survey of the alternative corridors. The Heritage Report is presented in Appendix D2. The report identified a number of potential heritage sites located within or close to each alternative corridors. However, the sites are not extensive and if identified prior to tower siting and final line alignment, these sites can be avoided.

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

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

YES NO

If YES, please provide proof that this permit application has been submitted to SAHRA or the relevant provincial authority. 6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER

a) Local Municipality

Please provide details on the socio-economic character of the local municipality in which the proposed site(s) are situated. Level of unemployment: According to the 2012- 2013 uPhongolo IDP, an estimation of 52.18% of the entire population is economically active. Only 26.61% of this population group is employed which means that the unemployment rate is as high as 73.39% for the area.

Economic profile of local municipality: The economy of uPhongolo is largely based on agricultural activities and tourism. Construction work is periodic construction work. The local economy is further characterised by the absence of beneficiation strategies. Raw products are transported to other industrial centres for further processing and this result in the erosion of the job creation potential of the area. The Public Sector remains the dominant provider of employment opportunities. This has a significant economic impact to the small number of employees in this sector. The informal sector is, however, expanding, primarily based on the taxi industry, informal financial services and taverns (uPhongolo IDP 2012-2013). Level of education: In 2007, 22.41% of the total adult population in the Municipality had no formal education, whilst a further 39.23% only had some primary education. Only 3.73% of the adult population had higher education (Census, in the 2012- 2013 uPhongolo IDP) .

b) Socio-economic value of the activity

Please note that the figures below are for the combined construction and operation of both the substation and the 132kV Turn-in power lines.

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R 52,062,200.33

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

activity?

N/A

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES NO

Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO


49

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development and

construction phase of the activity/ies?

± 50 - 100

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development

and construction phase?

Unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Eskom BEE and affirmative action policies’ will be enforced

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the

operational phase of the activity?

± 2 - 5

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

years?

R unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? Eskom BEE and affirmative action policies’ will be enforced

7. BIODIVERSITY

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

a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the

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

specific category)


Both Alternatives Sites

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

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

Ecological Support

Area (ESA)

Other Natural Area

(ONA)

No Natural Area

Remaining (NNR)

b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site

Alternative S1: Golela 1 - Southern Site

Habitat Condition

Percentage of habitat

condition class (adding up to 100%)

Description and additional Comments and Observations

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

grazing, harvesting regimes etc).

http://bgis.sanbi.org/

mailto:[email protected]


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Habitat Condition






Natural %

Near Natural (includes areas with

low to moderate level of alien invasive

plants)

%

Degraded (includes areas

heavily invaded by alien plants)

90% The area that has been identified for this site is land that has been under agriculture previously. Some indigenous species have returned but the overall condition of the veld is very poor.

Transformed (includes cultivation,

dams, urban, plantation, roads, etc)

10% This site is bordered by active agricultural lands to the north and west and the N2 to Golela forms the northern boundary of the site.

Alternative S2: Golela 2 - Northern Site

Habitat Condition






Natural 100% The vegetation on site comprises typical species associated with the Zululand Lowveld.



plants)

%



%



%


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c) Complete the table to indicate:

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

Alternative S1: Golela 1 - Southern Site

Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems

Ecosystem threat status as per the

National Environmental Management:

Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004)

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

seeps pans, and artificial wetlands)

Estuary Coastline Endangered

Vulnerable

Least Threatened YES NO UNSURE YES NO YES NO

Alternative S2: Golela 2 - Northern Site








Vulnerable


d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site,

including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened

species and special habitats)

Alternative S1: Golela 1 - Southern Site The southern site is located in an area where the spatial information provided by SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) indicate that the area is dominated by Zululand Lowveld which is considered “vulnerable” in terms of their conservation status. However, this site does not show significant biodiversity of species associated with Zululand Lowveld as the land has been subjected to agriculture and road development pressure for a number of years.


52

Alternative S2: Golela 2 - Northern Site The northern site is located within the boundaries of a private game reserve/farm in an area where the spatial information provided by SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) indicate that the area is dominated by Zululand Lowveld which is considered “vulnerable” in terms of their conservation status. Zululand Lowveld Zululand Lowveld is an acacia dominated woodland with a number of vegetative forms including closed canopy tending towards thicket, as well as open woodland. Where lower lying, poorly drained soils occur, primarily to the east and north of the area, Acacia xanthophloea can form the dominant vegetative consocies, with Phoenix reclinata and Gymnosporia senegalensis being common, particularly following disturbance of the land. This vegetation unit is the dominant vegetation form within the study area and dense, closed canopy areas are located centrally within the study area. Also common to the site is Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea divinorum and Acacia nigrescens which form dense stands where burning or overgrazing has been prolific. Open woodland forms comprising of low canopy cover and sporadic clustering of woody species which include Acacia karoo, Bolusanthus speciosa and Sclerocarrya birrea is notable, particularly to the west and south of the study area (Fig. 5). Open pure grassland patches, with occasional woody specimens are also apparent within the study areas, where Themeda triandra, Panicum maximum and Pdeusteum prove to be dominant. The vegetation on

this site can be considered to be representative of the Zululand Lowveld ecosystem.

The Ecological Report is presented in Appendix D3.

a) Indicate the applicable biodiversity planning categories of all areas on site and indicate the

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

specific category)

132kV TURN-IN POWER LINE ALTERNATIVE CORRIDORS

Both Alternatives Corridors

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

Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA)

Ecological Support

Area (ESA)

Other Natural Area

(ONA)

No Natural Area

Remaining (NNR)

b) Indicate and describe the habitat condition on site

Alternative A1: Western Corridor

Habitat Condition






Natural 31% This veld can be described as Zululand Lowveld, but the species biodiversity has been impacted on by anthropogenic activity nearby.



plants)

%


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%

Transformed (includes

cultivation, dams, urban, plantation,

roads, etc)

69% A fair extent of this proposed servitude is under cultivation to either sugarcane or fruit orchards.


Habitat Condition






Natural 63% The vegetation on site comprises typical species associated with the Zululand Lowveld and this natural vegetation is undisturbed with a good species biodiversity representation.



plants)

%



%



37% The transformed portion of this servitude is currently under sugarcane.

c) Complete the table to indicate:

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

Alternative A1: Western Corridor








Vulnerable



54









Vulnerable


d) Please provide a description of the vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem present on site,

including any important biodiversity features/information identified on site (e.g. threatened

species and special habitats)

Alternative A1: Western Corridor The Western Corridor is located in an area where the spatial information provided by SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) indicate that the area is dominated by Zululand Lowveld which is considered “vulnerable” in terms of their conservation status. However, along most of this servitude, the land has been transformed by anthropogenic activities and large sections are under sugarcane or fruit cultivation this site does not show significant biodiversity of species associated with Zululand Lowveld as the land has been subjected to agriculture and road development pressure for a number of years.

Alternative A2: Eastern Corridor The Eastern Corridor is primarily located within the boundaries of private game reserves in an area where the spatial information provided by SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) indicate that the area is dominated by Zululand Lowveld which is considered “vulnerable” in terms of their conservation status. Zululand Lowveld Zululand Lowveld is an acacia dominated woodland with a number of vegetative forms including closed canopy tending towards thicket, as well as open woodland. Where lower lying, poorly drained soils occur, primarily to the east and north of the area, Acacia xanthophloea can form the dominant vegetative consocies, with Phoenix reclinata and Gymnosporia senegalensis being common, particularly following disturbance of the land. This vegetation unit is the dominant vegetation form within the study area and dense, closed canopy areas are located centrally within the study area. Also common to the site is Dichrostachys cinerea, Euclea divinorum and Acacia nigrescens which form dense stands where burning or overgrazing has been prolific. Open woodland forms comprising of low canopy cover and sporadic clustering of woody species which include Acacia karoo, Bolusanthus speciosa and Sclerocarrya birrea is notable, particularly to the west and south of the study area (Fig. 5). Open pure grassland patches, with occasional woody specimens are also apparent within the study areas, where Themeda triandra, Panicum maximum and Pdeusteum prove to be dominant. The vegetation along this servitude, outside of the areas that are under cultivation, can be considered to be representative of the Zululand Lowveld ecosystem.


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SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1 ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE

Publication name a. Natal Mercury b. The Zululand Observer c. Vryheid Herald

Date published a. 22/02/2012 b. 24/02/2012 c. 24/02/2012

Site notice position Latitude Longitude

See Appendix E1.

Date placed 10-12 August 2012

Include proof of the placement of the relevant advertisements and notices in Appendix E1.

Copies of the advertisements placed in the newspapers and photographed locations of the site notices are

presented in Appendix E1.

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

Title, Name and Surname Affiliation/ key stakeholder status Contact details (tel number or e-mail address)

Please see Appendix E2 for a complete list of the Key Stakeholders.

Include proof that the key stakeholder received written notification of the proposed activities as Appendix E2. This proof may include any of the following:

e-mail delivery reports;

registered mail receipts;

courier waybills;

signed acknowledgements of receipt; and/or

or any other proof as agreed upon by the competent authority.

Proof of Notification of Key Stakeholders is presented in Appendix E2.


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3 ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES

No. Summary of main issues raised by I&APs Summary of response from EAP

1.

Potential for proposed new power line to have a direct negative impact on portions of the Pongola Game Reserve (Registered as a Nature Heritage Site No 127). Concerned about the potential impact that the project will have on the Natural Heritage Site registration and the game ranching and ecotourism industry.

These issues have been noted and have been assessed as part of this Basic Assessment. The findings are reported on in this report under the specialist studies and in the final Environmental Impact Assessment section.

2. The area is one which is not densely populated suggesting that there are areas of ecological value which would need to be considered.

This Final BAR reports on the findings of all the specialists on the three potential 132kV power line routes between the Candover Switching Station near Mkuze and the Pongola substation to the south of Pongola. The following specialists were appointed to carry out the investigations:

Sustainable Development Projects CC – Ecological Assessments including avifauna, vegetation and terrestrial fauna

Jones & Wagener – Surface Water, Wetlands and visual assessments

PGS Heritage and Grave Relocation Services – Archaeology and Heritage assessments

Zitholele Consulting – Land Use Mapping and Impact Assessment Their terms of reference were to assess the impacts of the proposed 132kV Power line on each of the proposed routes and to make a recommendation regarding which would be the most suitable route for the construction of a 132kV power line. This BAR clearly records those findings.

3. Spoornet raised issues concerning the crossing of the railway line and requested notification of the proposed crossing points.

None of the proposed power line corridors will cross over the Spoornet railway line.

4. Objection to having a second 132kV power line running through property that is a game farm and is considered sensitive.

The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also pass through game reserves/farms areas as well.

5. Maintenance of the power line and substation has to be improved and this needs to be addressed in the EMP.

The maintenance of these facilities has been included in the EMP. Eskom must make a commitment to complying with the requirements as stated in the EMP. If Eskom does not comply with the EMP, the affected parties have the legal right to report to the Department of Environmental Affairs.


57


6. Landowners where the existing 132kV power line traverses have pointed out that the infrastructure acts as a visual deterrent to prospective visitors and tourists and lowers the aesthetic value of the farm.

The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also pass through game reserves/farm areas as well. The specialists have recommended that in order to ensure that the additional line does not increase the negative impacts, the new power line tower positions should be in line with the existing tower positions in order to reduce any additional visual impact.

7. Landowners with the existing 132kV power line traversing their properties have reported that servitude maintenance must be improved to reduce the negative impacts they are experiencing.

The maintenance of these facilities has been included in the EMP. Eskom must make a commitment to complying with the requirements as stated in the EMP. If Eskom does not comply with the EMP, the effected parties have the legal right to report to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

8. Landowners with existing 22kV power lines traversing their properties have indicated that they frequently experience electrical surges which blow out the plug sockets in the house.

A technical response from Eskom to this issue is awaited from Eskom.

9. One landowner gave the opinion that the route followed by the existing 132kV

power line should be used for the new power line. Comment noted.

10.

Landowners with 22kV power lines across their properties indicated that they experienced issues with the Eskom maintenance crews poaching and wounding of animals by these crews. Stated that Eskom must notify the landowners whenever Eskom wanted to access the properties,

The issue is noted and has been included in the EMP for the proposed new power line. Landowners must open criminal cases when they believe that Eskom maintenance crews have committed a crime on their properties.

11. Existing 22kV power lines have fallen down frequently (sic) and are a danger to animals and humans.

The issue of regular and timeous maintenance will be included in the EMP. However, incidences of force majeure cannot always be avoided.

12. When making decisions for the new power line alternatives along the R66 and R69 route, take into consideration existing power line servitudes.

These existing servitudes have been taken into consideration and have formed part of the feasibility assessment of each of the proposed corridors.

13. Eskom tariffs currently are very high and how will the new power line affect these tariffs?

The construction of the proposed new power line will not specifically affect the Eskom tariffs. These tariffs are set at a National level in consultation with the National Energy Regulator.

14. Power line routes should adhere to farm boundaries. Wherever it is practicably possible, the alignment of the proposed new power line will adhere to farm boundaries.


58


15.

The owner of Leeuwkop Farm has stated that he would not be happy if the proposed new power line were to run through his farm as he already feels the impact of the existing 132kV power line which traverses through his game farm. The increase in the servitude would affect his farm.

The specialist studies have all concluded that it is preferable to follow an existing servitude where the impacts already exist and are defined than to establish a new servitude and new impacts in areas where no such impacts exist especially since all the alternative corridors will also pass through game reserve/farm areas as well. The specialists have recommended that in order to ensure that the additional line does not increase the negative impacts, the new power line tower positions should be in line with the existing tower positions in order to reduce any additional visual impact. The specialists have also recommended that the new power line should run parallel and as close as safely possible to the existing line to reduce all impacts.

16.

The issue of a fully cleared servitude was raised. Landowner requested that wherever possible trees be kept in the existing servitude and are only trimmed to maintain the safe clearance distances. The possibility for visual screening can be investigated.

Eskom has a substantial Bush Clearing procedure which allows for such clearing to occur under 132kV power lines.

17. Use of existing roads is considered far more feasible for maintenance access and therefore routes following the R66 and R69 should be investigated.

Routes essentially following the R66 and R69 have been investigated as part of this assessment and the results are contained in this report.

18. The issue of safety of operating two 132kV power lines in parallel was raised. The power line positioning and design will take these safety issues into account and the lines new line will be located with significant space between it and the existing line to prevent such potential safety issues.

19. Accessing game farms during hunting season. The issue of hunting and conflict with line construction and line maintenance has been taken into account and ways of planning construction and maintenance around these periods will form part of the EMP.

20. The issue of compensation for the additional 132kV servitude across the effected properties was raised.

Once a final line route has been approved, the Eskom negotiators will meet with each of the affected landowners to negotiate consideration should a new servitude require acquisition. Both the southern and central corridors will require acquisition of a new servitude, but the northern corridor is a vacant servitude that that has already been acquired by Eskom and hence these landowners will not receive further compensation for the servitude, but may be compensated for crop losses during construction. Standard formulae and procedures are in place for this negotiation process and will be made available to the affected landowners.

21. Numerous small aircrafts fly in the area and would need to be notified of the existence of a new power line.

The Civil Aviation Authority will be notified of the alignment of the new power line.

22. Human settlements should be taken into consideration when planning the routes. Noted. Wherever possible, the design team of new power lines avoids human


59


settlement.

23. How will the power line affect cattle grazing?

Grazing land will be diminished only by the footprint area of the towers. Grazing in the remainder of the servitude can continue as normal and may even be improved by bush cleared areas under the power line

24. The possibility for an underground power line should be investigated and if that is feasible then that would work better.

The use of underground cables for the power line has been investigated as an alternative to the overhead power lines as part of this assessment. However, underground cabling has not proved to be a practicable solution for 132kV power lines.

25. Maintenance and access to the existing power line will have a separate agreement to the new power lines. This needs to be aligned so that maintenance agreements are consistent.

Noted and will be included in the Operational EMP for the proposed new power line.

26. The power line has a negative visual and aesthetic impact which will affect tourism. The Pongola Game Reserve is a protected site and will be incorporated into the future development of a larger trans frontier project.

This issue has been noted and has been imparted to the specialists to incorporate into the specialist studies.

27. There needs to be mitigation measures dealing specifically with vulture breeding. The Pongola Nature Reserve is run by KZN Wildlife and can assist with this.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will be requested to have input into this process and into including mitigation measures for vulture protection in the final EMP.

28. Is it possible to build a new double circuit power line from Pongola to Candover and decommission the old one so that there is only one power line servitude going through their farms?

This is a possibility and it has been investigated as one of the alternative technologies in this report but has been found to be unsuitable for the following reasons:

2.9 times the cost to do so;

Faults or problems on one power line may mean that the other power line is also disabled during maintenance, and this will affect the quality of supply to an area;

Installation of the multi-circuit or double-circuit power lines requires dismantling the existing power line, and this will disrupt electricity supply and necessitate load shedding in an area with an existing paucity of supply; and

Larger and taller towers as well as more towers are required for double- and multi-circuit power lines.

These options may be implemented if sensitive environmental situations (where mitigation through other options is not possible) are encountered.

29. The South African Heritage Resources requested that the location of the proposed developments be mapped out in order for the whole length of the development to

Zitholele Consulting responded to Bernadette Pawandiwa on 16 April 2014 via onto the South African Heritage Resources Information System Website by


60


be seen. The map is required to reflect / show the whole area of the proposed development area and not just the heritage sites. This comments was loaded onto the South African Heritage Resources Information System Website by Bernadette Pawandiwa on 11 April 2014.

indicating the all three alternative routes for the proposed 132kV Power Line for the Pongola-Candover-Golela Basic Assessments (BA1 and BA2) have been mapped out. The response also stated that the most northern route is the preferred corridor and have been indicated as such to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

30.

In correspondence dated 09 May 2014 received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, the following recommendations were made:

The preferred Alternative 1 (A1 – Northern Corridor should be approved, in the event that the Department of Environmental Affairs decide to grant Environmental Authorisation, but must be subjected to all further recommendations provided.

Alternative 1 (Northern Corridor) is indicated as the preferred alternative in the final Amended Basic Assessment Report (BAR). The EAP therefore concurs with Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife that Alternative 1 is the most preferred power line route alignment.

31. The alignment of the preferred alternative must follow the existing 132kV

power line as closely as possible, as Ezemvelo cannot support a new corridor within this sensitive environment.

An existing vacant 132kV registered power line servitude falls within this corridor and runs parallel to the existing 132kV power line on its western and southern side. Provided that an additional 132kV single-circuit power line is constructed, as opposed to a double-circuit power line, all activities will remain within the existing servitude. To reduce the extent of the disturbance caused by the construction and operation of the power line, the working area within the servitude area will be confined to minimal required area.

32.

The alignment of the preferred alternative, within the protected environments, as described above (and as illustrated within Appendix 1), must be placed on a double-circuit, as cannot Ezemvelo cannot support a further increase of the existing servitude within this landscape. It would however be Ezemvelo’s preference that the power line avoid all proclaimed nature reserves.

During the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014 (refer to Appendix E6a), the implications associated with placing additional power lines on an existing single circuit power (i.e. Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line Conversion) was discussed. The following explanation of the implications associated with the conversion of a Single-Circuit to Double-Circuit Power Line have been taken from the amended final BAR (page 13): “The most significant implications of converting the existing single-circuit power line to a double-circuit power line, thereby essentially dismantling the existing tower to place two circuits on a single structure, includes the following: d) In the case where two new 132kV power lines are required, the working

area and footprint associated with each of the two power lines can be reduced by placing both power lines on a single structure (i.e. double-circuit power line). Constructing a double-circuit (i.e. placing two power lines of the same voltage on a single structure) however poses a number of disadvantages. Due to the high voltage and proximity of the two power


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lines to each other, carrying out maintenance activities on either of the power lines, may necessitate “switching both of the power lines off” and therefore breaking the electricity supply for the duration of the maintenance activities. Taking the aforementioned into account in the event of a failure or breakdown of one of the power lines, both the circuits may also be affected;

e) Dismantling the existing power line to construct two additional power lines within the same working area will result in the termination of supply between the two points for the duration of construction (varies depending on the length of the line being built and difficulties associated with construction). If electricity to the furthest point of supply from the source cannot be redirected from elsewhere (i.e. from another existing point of supply) all customers at the end would lose the supply of electricity. In the case of Pongola-Candover to supply sufficient power to Candover from its southern link via Mkuze substation from Empangeni is not feasible as this network is already constrained; and

f) Dismantling the existing single-circuit power line, to construct a double-circuit power line in its place will effectively double the construction footprint and working area, when compared to constructing an additional single-circuit power line alongside the existing power line. The larger construction footprint associated with converting a single-circuit to double-circuit power line is largely due to the activities associated with the dismantling of the existing power line followed by the construction of the double-circuit power line.

Taking the aforementioned into account it is preferred to construct an additional 132kV power line alongside the existing power line within the existing servitude, as opposed to converting the existing single-circuit to double-circuit power line. Constructing an additional 132kV power line along the existing power line within the existing servitude will ensure continued supply of electricity during the Construction Phase of the proposed project. Maintenance activities which are carried out on one of the single-circuit power line may not necessarily affect the adjacent power line.”


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33. Delta Pylons must not be used, as it has significant impacts on vultures.

Eskom SOC Limited has indicated that the use of a flat horizontal configuration is considered as an alternative to using the steel monopole delta configuration. Proposed mitigation measures to reduce the risk of bird electrocution associated with either the flat horizontal configuration or delta structure includes:

Placing bird guards on each of the cross arms to reduce the probability of large birds flying in to roost and to generate streamers.

34.

The recommendations of the ecological assessments (dated April 2013, March 2013 and March 2012), which do not conflict with the above mentioned recommendations must be adhered to and included into the conditions of the Environmental Authorisation should it be granted.

Emanating from the discussions held at the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the following amendments have been made to the specialist studies:

Drawing a clear distinction when referring to the various terms such as the servitude area vs working area to ensure that the terms are not used interchangeably; and

The Terrestrial Ecology Report will be amended to make reference to Eskom SOC Limited’s vegetation management programme.

35.

The recommendations of the Avifaunal Assessment (dated July 2013), which do not conflict with the above mentioned recommendations, must be adhered to and included in the conditions of the Environmental Authorisation should it be granted.

Emanating from the discussions held at the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the following amendments have been made to the specialist studies:

Drawing a clear distinction when referring to the various terms such as the servitude area vs working area to ensure that the terms are not used interchangeably; and

Amending the Avifaunal Report to indicate that placing the towers out-of-step placement of the towers is preferred, but in the event where this is not feasible that additional mitigation measures to increase the visibility of the power line are implemented.

36. Appropriately qualified avifaunal specialist must guide the placement of towers

within the approved corridor and advise on the most effective bird diverter mechanism and location on both the towers and power line.

As agreed by Eskom SOC Limited during the meeting held with Ezemvelo on 10 July 2014, the avifaunal specialist will be provided with a plan showing the proposed locations of the towers, and will be required to point out probable problematic areas or sensitive areas to be visited by the specialists during the pre-construction walk-down. The minutes of the meeting that was held between Zitholele Consulting, Ezemvelo and Eskom SOC Limited is included as Appendix E6a of the amended final BAR.


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37.

Should any of the recommendations provided by Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife not be considered as feasible, Ezemvelo requested that a meeting be convened with the applicant and /or Competent Authority to discuss a way forward?

A meeting was held between Zitholele Consulting, Ezemvelo and Eskom SOC Limited on 10 July 2014. In response to the letter that was received from Ezemvelo on 09 May 2014, a meeting was convened to discuss the comments and issues which have been raised by Ezemvelo and to determine a feasible way forward. The minutes of the meeting is included as Appendix E6a of the amended final BAR.

38.

The following action items emanated from the discussions that took place during the meeting held during the meeting with the Department of Environmental Affairs on 25 March 2014: Commenting Authorities

Comments from Key Organs of State, including Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife, have not been included in the FBAR. Comments from all key stakeholders, including Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife should be provided. Should Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife not submit written comments on the FBARs, then the DEA will have to rely on the Ecologist’s report and this report will have to be more detailed and accurate as was submitted for the DEA to make an informed-decision.

Listed Activities

The Listed Activities relating to telecommunication masts / towers which have been included in the Application for Environmental Authorisation Form should be revisited. These activities must be fully assessed and addressed in the EMPr.

Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests

It must be ensure that Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests for each of the Specialist Studies is included in the amended final Basic Assessment Report.

Access Roads

Substantial details relating to the access roads have not been provided in the Application for Environmental Authorisation Form and final Basic Assessment Report. The following information must be provided in the amended final Basic Assessment Report: o When will temporary road be constructed? o Length of road. o Approximate width i.e. 9 metres wide.

In response to the action items which emanated from the discussions that took place during the meeting held during the meeting with the Department of Environmental Affairs on 25 March 2014 the following amendments to the final Basic Assessment Report and supporting documentation have been made: Commenting Authorities

Comments that have been received from the South African Heritage Resources Agency and Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife have been included in Section 3 of this final Basic Assessment Report, where applicable the EMPr (refer to Appendix G) as well as the Comments and Response Report (refer to Appendix E).

Listed Activities

Information relating to the proposed telecommunication towers / masts have been included in Section 1(a) and Section 1(b) of this final Basic Assessment Report. Mitigation measures relating to all activities included in the Application for Environmental Authorisation Form have been addressed in the EMPr.

Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests

The completed and Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests for all Specialist Studies have been included in Appendix I of this final Basic Assessment Report.

Access Roads

Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established during the construction phase. New access roads will not exceed a width of 8m and will therefore not trigger any activities listed in the EIA Regulations R.543, R.544 and R546. Access roads will enable the transportation of construction material


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o Midpoint of road. Commenting Authorities

In terms of the PPP, the DEA pointed out that the Department requires proof of consultation and follow-ups with the following Organs of State for their comments on the proposed project: o Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife o Department of Water Affairs. o Local Municipalities. o District Municipalities. o Provincial Heritage Agency.

Specialist Studies

More detail regarding anticipated impacts on sensitive biodiversity including Avifauna, Freshwater, Heritage and Ecology must be provided to the DEA.

I&APs Communication

The following steps will be undertaken with the submission of the Amended final Basic Assessment Report: o Registered I&APs will be informed of the rejection of the final Basic

Assessment Report and will provided with a copy of the rejection letter issued by the DEA.

o Outstanding Declaration of Independents will be included in the Amended final Basic Assessment Report.

o It is anticipated that the amended final Basic Assessment Report will be submitted to the DEA at the end of April 2014 or latest 2nd week in May 2014.

o I&APs, including affected Land Owners, will have an opportunity to review the Reports and all comments from the stakeholders on the Amended final Basic Assessment Report should be submitted to the DEA and a copy to Zitholele Consulting.

as well as construction teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the power line has been constructed.

Commenting Authorities

All Organs of State specified by the DEA during the meeting on 25 March 2014, were approached by Zitholele Consulting to provide comment on the proposed project. Comments were however only received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife and SAHRA (refer to Appendix E2). Comments were not received from the following Organs of State: o KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs. o Department of Water Affairs. o Pongola Local Municipality. o Zululand District Municipality. All communication sent to the Organs of State requesting comment have been included in Appendix E2 of this amended final Basic Assessment Report.

Specialist Studies

All Specialist Studies that were conducted for the proposed project have been included in the Basic Assessment Report. The mitigation measures relating to Avifauna, Ecology, Surface Water, Wetlands, Visual Impacts and Heritage Resources have been included in the Basic Assessment Report and EMPr.

I&APs Communication o On 24 April 2014 all registered I&APs were notified of the rejection of the

Basic Assessment Report by the DEA. Letters were sent via registered mail to all registered I&APs (refer to Appendix E7).

o The completed and Specialist Details and Declaration of Interests for all Specialist Studies have been included in Appendix I of this amended final Basic Assessment Report.

o The amended final Basic Assessment Report will be submitted to the DEA on date to be included.

o All I&APs were notified of the availability of the amended final Basic Assessment Report from 11 September 2014 to 23 October 2014. The amended final Basic Assessment Report was made available at the Jozini Public Library, Ncotshane Public Library and Pongola Public


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Library for the duration of the public review period.

39.

In the letter received from the DWA on 14 May 2014, in which the DWA provided comment on the final Basic Assessment Report, the Department requested the submission of a number of supporting documentation, additional information and the re-submission of a number of maps which were included in the final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) and Specialist Studies. The following comments were received from the DWA:

Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report: Preferred Technology Alternative – Alternative 1 It was indicated in that the DWA supports the construction of a single circuit overhead power line. The construction of a single circuit overhead power line is included as Alternative 1 in Section 2(c): Technology Alternatives of the final BAR. Alternative 1 is regarded by the DWA as the most environmentally practicable technology available for the distribution of electricity.

Technology Alternative – Alternative 2 The DWA indicated that in the description provided for Alternative 2 (Section 2(c): Technology Alternatives of the BAR) indicates that sufficient justification of sensitive environmental features exist but that these features are not discussed. The Department requested that more information relating

Various steps have been taken to ensure that all comments which have been raised by the DWA are addressed and to ensure that the Department’s requirements are duly met. Below follows an overview of both the specific and general comments as well as the manner in which these comments have been addressed and where applicable incorporated into the final BAR and supporting documentation. The following responses to the comments made by the DWA were provided to the DWA:

Comments on the final Basic Assessment Report: Preferred Technology Alternative – Alternative 1 The alternative referred to by the DWA have been indicated as the Preferred Technology in the final BAR reviewed by the Department. The sentiments of the DWA and the Environmental Assessment Practitioner with regards to the preferred Technology Alternative are therefore aligned.

Technology Alternative – Alternative 2 The context within which the reference to sensitive environmental features were made, was to point out that in the event that sensitive environmental features are identified, Eskom will consider the use of


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to the sensitive environmental features are provided.

Technology Alternative – Alternative 3 The DWA indicated that if Alternative 3 (Underground Cabling) is pursued, a geo-hydrological study should be done. The geo-hydrological study should indicate the behaviour of the underground water resources and threats that underground cabling may pose to these resources.

Locality Map The department has difficulty reading the locality map (Project Code 12722, Ref No Version 1, Date Drawn 2011/07/18, Author: K. Kruger), as a black and white copy of the Locality Map was included in Appendix A of the final BAR. A colour copy of the Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix B of the letter.

Sensitivity Map The department has difficulty seeing the watercourses on the Sensitivity Map (12722-Sensitivitymap-Rev1-5may2013.pdf) as a black and white copy of the Sensitivity Map which was included in the final BAR as Appendix A3.

Environmental Management Programme In Section 10: Activity Motivation of the BAR it is noted that the recommendations which are made by the specialists will be included in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr). The DWA requested that the EMPr which includes the specialists’ recommendations is submitted to the Department.

Alternatives Locality Map The DWA indicated that the Department had difficulty reading the perennial and non-perennial streams of the Black and White copy of the Alternatives Locality Map included as Appendix A1 of the BAR. An A3 sized colour copy of the Alternatives Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix E of the letter.

Visual and Surface Water Report It is indicated in the Visual and Surface Water Report that the bulk of the streams in the study area are non-perennial with the exception of the Pongola and Mkuze rivers, which are the major rivers in the study area and also along with the Jozini Dam the only perennial water sources in the study area. As the Golela corridor will be passing through the Pongolo River, the DWA indicated

double circuit (placing two power lines on either side of the same tower structure) or multi-circuit (placing a 132kV line and a 22kV power line on the same tower structure) to minimise impacts. This alternative will however be considered only if the sensitive environmental feature in itself provides justification for the double- and multi-circuit overhead power line.

Technology Alternative – Alternative 3 The recommendation that a geo-hydrological study be carried out in the event that EA is granted for Alternative 3 (Underground Cabling), shall be included in Section E: Recommendation of Practitioner of the final BAR.

Locality Map A colour copy of the Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix B of the letter.

Sensitivity Map A colour copy of the Sensitivity Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix C of the letter.

Environmental Management Programme The amended EMPr to include all specialists’ recommendations is included as Appendix D of the letter.

Alternatives Locality Map A colour copy of the Alternatives Locality Map, referred to by the DWA, is included as Appendix E of the letter.

Visual and Surface Water Report Subsequent to granting of Environmental Authorisation by the Competent Authority (i.e. DEA), the proponent (Eskom) will approach DWA to determine any Water Use Authorisation requirements for the alternative approved by the DEA. Due to the following, it is the Environmental Assessment Practitioner’s understanding that the DWA may be referring to the maps which were included in the Wetland Report: o No figures (maps) are shown on page 1 of the Wetland Report nor

the Visual and Surface Water Report. o The figures included on pages 12 – 14 of the Visual and Surface

Water Report shows the Visual Impact of the corridors. Therefore a colour copies of the following maps which are included on pages 12-15 of the Wetland Report have been included as Appendix F – H of


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that this activity triggers Section 21(c) and (i) Water Uses and therefore a Water Use License Application must be submitted to the Department. Furthermore the Central Corridor also cross over a wetland in the South West of the study area. The crossing of the wetland constitutes Section 21(c) and (i) Water Uses and therefore a Water Use License is required before these activities can continue. Subsequent to granting of Environmental Authorisation by the Competent Authority (i.e. DEA), the proponent (Eskom) will approach DWA to determine any Water Use Authorisation requirements for the alternative approved by the DEA.

Draft Wetland Report o The DWA stated that it is indicated in Section 2.1: Data Collection and

Methodology of the Wetland Report that the surface water data was obtained from the National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Area’s (NFEPA) database from SANBI (2011). The data used included catchments, river alignments and river names. It is furthermore also indicated in the report that this information will be ground truthed during the specialist investigation. Furthermore it is also indicated in the Wetland Report that the site was investigated for the occurrence / presence of wetland and riparian areas. The DWA requested the submission of information that has been gathered from the ground trothed investigation as well as the wetland delineation be submitted to the Department.

o The DWA indicated that a black and white copy of Figure 6: Wetlands, Streams and Rivers onsite shown on page 17 of the Wetland Report was submitted to the Department.

GENERAL COMMENTS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AFFAIRS The general comments made by the DWA regarding Solid Waste Management, Sewage and Wastewater Management, Storm Water Management and erosion control will be included as mitigation measures in the Environmental Management Programme.

this letter: o Figure 6: Wetlands, Streams and Rivers on site on page 12 of the

Wetland Report (included as Appendix D2 in the BAR). o Figure 8: Crossing of the Pongola River on page 14 of the Wetland

Report (included as Appendix D4 in the BAR). o Figure 9: Wetland Crossing by Southern and Central Corridor on

page 15 of the Wetland Report (included as Appendix D4 in the BAR).

Draft Wetland Report o The updated Wetland Report which includes this information is

included as Appendix I of this letter. o A full colour copy of this figure is included as Appendix F of this

letter.

GENERAL COMMENTS MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER

AFFAIRS The general comments made by the DWA regarding Solid Waste Management, Sewage and Wastewater Management, Storm Water Management and erosion control will be included as mitigation measures in the Environmental Management Programme.


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Note: In the rejection of the final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) letter received from the Department of Environmental Affairs dated 24 March 2014, the Department requested that copies of the written comment received from the Zimanga Game Reserve received by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner on 09 September 2013, 01 October 2013, 22 October 2013, 02 December 2013 and 11 December 2013 be included in the amended final BAR. Copies of the written comments received from the Zimanga Game Reserve on the specified dates have been included in Appendix E2 of this report. The Department also requested that comments be obtained from the Zululand District Municipality, Somkhanda Nature Reserce, Manzini Game Ranch, Pongola Game Reserve and Hlambanathi Game Reserve as well as Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife and be included in the amended final BAR. Comments were however only received from Ezemvelo KwaZulu Natal Wildlife (refer to Appendix E2) and have been included in the Comments and Response Report. Proof of the follow-up requests by Zitholele Consulting to the Zululand District Municipality, Somkhanda Nature Reserce, Manzini Game Ranch, Pongola Game Reserve and Hlambanathi Game Reserve requesting comment on the proposed project has been included in Appendix E2.

4 COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments received from I&APs and respond to each comment before the Draft BAR is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to the Final BAR as Appendix E3.

The I&AP Comment and Response Report is presented in Appendix E3.


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5 AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION

Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders:

Authority/Organ of State Contact person (Title, Name and Surname)

Tel No Fax No e-mail Postal address

Department of Water Affairs Mr Thys Badenhorst (031) 336-2783 (031) 307-7279 [email protected]

Chief Director: KZN Region Department of Water Affairs P O Box 1018 Durban 4000

Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs

Sipho Buthelezi (034) 312-5380

Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (KZN) Private Bag X9078 Pietermaritzburg 3200

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Ms Carol Coetzee (033) 264-2500 (033) 264-2580 [email protected]

Head of Department Economic Development and Tourism Private Bag X9152 Pietermaritzburg 3201

Zululand District Municipality Mr Johannes de Klerk (035) 874 5500 (035) 874 5589/91

[email protected]

Municipal Manager Zululand District Municipality Private Bag X76 Ulundi 3838

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Ms Dinesree Thambu (033) 845-1425 (033) 845-1499 [email protected]

Principal Conservation Planner Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife P O Box 13053 Cascades 3202


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Authority/Organ of State Contact person (Title, Name and Surname)

Tel No Fax No e-mail Postal address

uPhongolo Local Municipality Mrs F Jardim (034) 413-1223 (034) 413-1223 [email protected]

Municipal Manager uPhongolo Local Municipality P O Box 191 Pongola 3170

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Mr Makhosi Mdamba (035) 780-6700 (035) 789-0662 [email protected]

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (KZN) 65 Victor Street Dundee


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Include proof that the Authorities and Organs of State received written notification of the proposed

activities as appendix E4.

The proof of notification of Authorities and Organs of state is presented in Appendix E4.

In the case of renewable energy projects, Eskom and the SKA Project Office must be included in the list

of Organs of State. Note: In the rejection of the final Basic Assessment Report (BAR) letter received from the Department of Environmental Affairs dated 24 March 2014, the Department requested additional engagement with specific Organs of State and requested that written comments received from these Organs of State be included in the amended final BAR. Following engagement with these Organs of State by Zitholele Consulting comments were only received from the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Proof of the follow-up requests by Zitholele Consulting to the Department of Water Affairs, Pongola Local Municipality, KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Pongola Local Municipality requesting comment on the proposed project has been included in Appendix E4.

6 CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Note that, for any activities (linear or other) where deviation from the public participation requirements may be

appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that

sub-regulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority.

Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable. Application for any deviation from the

regulations relating to the public participation process must be submitted prior to the commencement of the

public participation process.

A list of registered I&APs must be included as appendix E5.

A list of registered I&APs is included in Appendix E5.

Copies of any correspondence and minutes of any meetings held must be included in Appendix E6.

Copies of correspondence and meetings are included in Appendix 6.


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SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should

take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also

be addressed in the assessment of impacts.

1 IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN,

CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE

PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED

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

Note: The impact assessment section is divided into the Substation Alternatives followed by the

alternative power line corridors.


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SUBSTATION SITES

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

Activity Impact summary Pre-mitigation Significance Proposed mitigation

Post-Mitigation Significance

A1 A2 A1 A2

Heritage Sites

Direct impacts: Damage to heritage and archaeological sites as a result of position of the substation.

L- M- Select site least likely to impact on heritage sites. Appoint heritage specialist at design phase to assist with identification of site

L- L-

Direct impacts: Damage to heritage sites and archaeological sites as a result of the alignment of access roads.

M- M-

Use specialist to identify any heritage sites along preferred access road alignment. Ensure road sited away from any heritage. If sites are located in the vicinity ensure they are clearly demarcated prior to construction.

L- L-

Avifauna Direct impacts: Bird electrocutions

H- H-

Ensure site layout and structure design are optimum for deterring bird activity and preventing electrocutions. Also ensure that suitable bird repelling structure, such as bird guards are considered in the design.

M- M-

Social and Socio-economic

Direct impacts: Loss of agricultural land due to area occupied by substation

L- L- Avoid placement in crop lands directly wherever possible. This can be readily achieved for both sites.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Negative visual and “sense of place’ impact on tourism venues primarily consisting of nature/game reserves with lodge accommodation.

L- M- Select site least likely to impact on tourist activities. L- M-

Vegetation

Direct impacts: Increased potential for loss of indigenous vegetation due to position of substation.

L- H- Select site least likely to impact negatively on indigenous vegetation.

L- H-

Direct impacts: Increased potential for loss of species biodiversity due to position of the substation.

L- H- Where possible locate substation on site least likely to impact on indigenous vegetation biodiversity.

L- H-

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for loss of rare or endangered species due to position of the substation.

L- M-

Where possible locate substation on site least likely to impact on rare or endangered species. Ensure specialist undertakes study of chosen site to identify, rescue and remove rare and endangered species.

L- M-


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Activity Impact summary Pre-mitigation Significance

Proposed mitigation Post-Mitigation

Significance

Visual Direct Impacts: Increased potential for visual impacts based on location of the substation.

M- M-

Place substation back from the edge of any road routes. Ensure substation not positioned on elevated slope. Leave indigenous vegetation in place around the substation where possible to provide screening

L- M-

Ecological

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for habitat transformation due to inappropriate siting of the substation.

M- H- Select site least likely to impact on the natural ecology. Maintain construction footprint as small as possible.

L- M-

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for impact on terrestrial fauna due to inappropriate aligning of the power line.

L- H- Select site least likely to impact on terrestrial fauna. L- M-

Conservation Areas

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for impact on conservation areas due to inappropriate siting of the substation.

L- H- Select site least likely to introduce new impact in previously non-impacted conservation areas. Maintain construction footprint as small as possible.

L- M-

Land Use: Direct Impacts: Introduction of a non-compatible land use into an area due to inappropriate alignment of the power line.

L- M- Select site least likely to introduce new incompatible land use into new areas

L- M-

Economic Development

Cumulative Impacts: Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern Zululand.

H+ H+

Increased, stable power supply to the Golela development node will assist with improving economic development in the region, alleviating poverty and assist with provision of basic services to all - HIGH POSITIVE IMPACT

H+ H+


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CONSTRUCTION PHASE Activity Impact summary Pre-mitigation

Significance Proposed mitigation Post-Mitigation

Significance

A1 A2 A1 A2

Heritage Sites

Direct impacts: Damage to or destruction of archaeological and heritage sites as a result of construction activities

L- L-

Ensure all identified sites are clearly demarcated prior to construction and that all persons on site are sensitised to the issue and the significance. Stop work if new site exposed during construction. Notify relevant authorities.

An Amafa accredited Archaeologist must to do a walk down of the final route alignment and tower placements before construction activities commence;

The final route should be confined to the most feasible alignment within the western and northern route alignments. The Archaeologist in conjunction with the Palaeontologist should compile a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) to ensure that heritage resources are not inadvertently damaged. The CHMP and Palaeontology Assessment should also include cover access roads and site camps. The Paleontological Report and CHMP should be furnished with Amafa and Amafa will issue further comment thereafter. The Construction Activities should only proceed once Amafa has reviewed the CHMP and issued a written approval;

Amafa should be contacted if any heritage objects are identified during earthmoving activities and all development should cease until further notice; and

No structures older than sixty years or parts thereof are allowed to be demolished altered or extended without a permit from Amafa.

L- L-

Avifauna Direct impacts: Disturbance of birds, damage to nests or nesting grounds

H- H-

The exact locations of the towers along the power line route alignment within the corridor should be determined in consultation with an appointed Avifauna Specialist;

H- H-


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Proposed mitigation Post-Mitigation Significance

An Avifauna Specialist should be advised regarding the proximity of the power line route alignment to habituated feeding sites (i.e. Vulture Restaurants);

Factors taken into account when selecting the tower design must include the risk of electrocution of birds posed by each tower design;

Appoint an avifauna specialist to provide recommendations regarding the placement of Bird diverters;

Pylons should preferably be positioned so as to alternate with those of the existing power line (i.e. out-of-step) and not be placed opposite one another (in-step). This mitigation will increase the visibility of both sets of power lines to flying large raptors and the birds may then be in a better position to take timely collision avoidance action. Where the possibility or risk of a 'flash-over' might occur it is then essential that additional mitigation measures that would increase the visibility of the power line be instituted should towers be positioned 'in-step'; and

The Delta pylon design preferably should not be used. A re-design of the Delta type tower that avoids any risk of electrocution to birds could be considered and may be acceptable. The principle would be to place the live conductors further away from the lower arm that is, at a distance greater than the wing span of a vulture (i.e. > 2.5 m).

In view of the importance of this region to raptors in KwaZulu-Natal, ideally bird-flappers should be placed along the entire power line route (i.e. both within valleys and along the ridges). In addition and due to prevalence of poor light conditions (dusk, dawn, mist, etc), it is recommended that reflectors with LED lights should


78



also be used particularly near nest sites and on the western and eastern routes that lie in relatively close proximity to water.


Direct impacts: Damage to agricultural lands by construction activities.

L- L- Ensure all construction remains in agreed footprint area. Ensure access roads clearly marked and adhered to. L- L-

Direct Impacts: Negative visual and “sense of place’ impact on tourism venues primarily consisting of nature/game reserves with lodge accommodation as a result of construction activities.

L- M-

Design and time construction activities in association with landowners to minimise the interference effects. Take note of hunting season requirements.

L- L-

Indirect Impacts: Loss of productivity due to interference with farming activities L- L-

Contractor to liaise with landowners to correlate farm activities with construction activities to ensure no interference.

L- L-

Cumulative impacts: Creation of temporary jobs during construction M+ M+

Contractor to employ as many local labourers as is feasibly possible. Contractor to have skills development plans in place.

H+ H+

Vegetation

Direct impacts: Unnecessary loss of rare and endangered species due to bush clearing and access activities

H- H- Ensure specialist identifies presence of rare and endangered species prior to construction. Carry out search and rescue at all sites.

M- M-

Direct impacts: Unnecessary loss of indigenous vegetation due to bush clearing and access activities

H- H-

Use existing access routes where possible. Ensure competent bush clearer appointed to clear alignments. Ensure only required clearing is undertaken. Ensure area to be cleared is properly and clearly demarcated.

M- M-

Vegetation

Direct Impacts: Uncontrolled vehicle access can result in unnecessary loss of indigenous.

M- M-

Ensure access routes are planned, clearly demarcated and suitable for the vehicles that will be using them. Ensure drivers are sensitised and disciplined to the issue. Vehicle access through riparian or wetland system to be limited to pre-existing formal access only.

L- L-

Vegetation Direct Impacts: Control of invader species on site and access roads.

M+ M+ Ensure policies are strictly and consistently enforced through construction phase.

M+ M+

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Bush clearing along servitude and access routes may increase the risk of invader species encroachment.

M- M- Alien vegetation, as well as indigenous invasive species such as Dicrostachys cinerea must be controlled and eliminated on a regular ongoing basis along the cleared

L- L-


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working area within the servitude during the operational life of the power line.

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Vegetation removal can increase erosion potential

M- M- Storm water cut-off drains must be implemented to prevent storm water running across substation site.

L- L-

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Vegetation removal can result in the loss of topsoil

M- M- Topsoil removed from sites must be removed and stored for rehabilitation and protected from erosion during storage.

L- L-

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Hardening of soil surfaces by construction activities can prevent the re-vegetation of an area and promote erosion

M- M- All hardened surfaces will be ripped during the rehabilitation phase to assist with rapid vegetation re-establishment.

L- L-

Ecological Indirect Impacts: Construction activities will cause fragmentation of habitats during construction.

L- M- Must be limited by minimising clearance wherever possible; by ensuring good discipline of vehicle movements on site and staying on one track.

L- M-

Noise Direct Impacts: Operation of construction equipment and vehicles will increase noise levels

L- L-

Ensure all vehicles and equipment are in good working order and within allowable noise ranges. Equipment exceeding allowable must be equipped with silencers or removed from site. Operations should occur during acceptable working hours. All noise complaints shall be recorded, investigated and rectified immediately. Construction camps and batching plants must be sited outside of conservation areas.

L- L-

Air Pollution Direct Impacts: Movement of vehicles will result in dust impacts

M- M-

Dust suppression must be implemented. Vehicle speeds must be limited to slow speeds on gravel roads and tracks. Dust complaints must be recorded, investigated and addressed immediately.

L- L-

Fires Direct Impacts: Movement of vehicles through dry grassland can cause fires. Work forces increase the risk of fire in an areas.

M- M-

No open fires will be permitted on site. Smoking may only occur during controlled breaks at a designated smoking are with appropriate fire protection facilities. Long grass to be trimmed or flattened along access routes.

L- L-

Traffic

Direct Impacts: Construction will result in increased traffic flow in specific routes in the region which may impact on other users

M- M- Construction vehicle drivers must be considerate to all other road users at all times L- L-

Indirect Impacts: Deterioration of public and private roads due to passage of construction vehicles.

L- L- Ensure vehicles are not overloads. Repair damage caused by construction vehicles to private roads immediately.

L- L-


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Operations

Direct Impacts: Spillage of hazardous substances into the natural environment

M- M-

All vehicles and equipment must be in good working order. Equipment/vehicles with permanent leaks must be removed from site. Drip trays must be available with all vehicles and all areas where hazardous substances are being used. All hazardous materials must be stored in secured bunded areas.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Poor waste management can cause environmental damage L- L-

An integrated waste management plan must be compiled during site establishment and must be implemented continuously throughout the construction phase.

L- L-



H+ H+

The new 132kV Power line must be constructed to achieve this result in the region and to ensure the success and efficiency of all the other grid strengthening activities that are being planned in the region.

H+ H+

Cumulative Impacts: Provision of temporary work opportunities and skills transfer.

H+ H+ Local persons should be employed for unskilled labour positions.

H+ H+


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OPERATIONAL PHASE



A1 A2 A1 A2

Fires Direct impacts: Ignition of veld due to conductor failure or flash overs

L- L- Regular substation inspections to ensure the integrity of the equipment.

L- L-

Avifauna Direct impacts: Electrocution of avifauna and collisions with the conductor

H- H-

Ensure that all these structures remain in working order at all times. If an increase in bird strikes is observed, then bird diverter and bird guard placement may have to reviewed and improved.

H- H-

Site Maintenance

Direct Impacts: Overgrown site and associated electrical clearance problems

M- M- Eskom to ensure that the vegetation clearance occurs as per Eskom Policies.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Poor maintenance of access tracks results in erosion of these tracks.

M- M- Eskom to ensure that the access maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies.

L- L-

Direct Impact: Damage to transformers resulting in discharge of large volumes of transformer oil into the environment.

H- H- Eskom to ensure transformers are inspected regularly to ensure integrity of the equipment. All transformers to be bunded as per legal requirements.

L- L-

Indirect Impacts: Increase in invader species around the substation footprint. M- M-

Eskom to ensure that invader species control is maintained at all times along the access road and around the substation.

L- L-

Provision of electricity

Indirect Impacts: Faulting causing loss of stable electricity supply i.e. outages which impacts negatively on businesses hospitals, schools etc.

L- L- Strict maintenance regime must be upheld to ensure faulting levels remain low.

L- L-


Cumulative Impacts: Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the Golela Region

H+ H+ No mitigation required for positive impact.


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NO GO OPTION



A1 A2 A1 A2

Biophysical Environment

Direct impacts: Environment remains in the current status quo

L+ L+ No mitigation required

Socio-Economic Environment

Indirect impacts: The current unreliable supply of electricity in the region and the lack of capacity to supply planned economic growth and delivery of basic services will negatively impact the socio-economic growth of the region resulting in failure of the Provincial, District and Local Municipalities to achieve the stated IDP targets and objectives.

H- H-

Construct the proposed 132kV power line and the Golela substation.

H+ H+

The complete impact assessment is included in Appendix F of this Basic Assessment Report.

132kV DOUBLE-CIRCUIT POWER LINE

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE



A1 A2 A1 A2

Heritage Sites

Direct impacts: Damage to heritage and archaeological sites as a result of position of the towers. M- M-

Select corridor and route within corridor least likely to impact on heritage sites. Appoint heritage specialist at design phase to assist with identification of sites and placement of towers. Avoid location of towers on or near heritage sites

L- L-

Direct impacts: Damage to heritage sites and archaeological sites as a result of the alignment of access roads.

L- M-

Select corridor with least likelihood of impacting on heritage sites. Appoint specialist during planning and design phase to identify all heritage sites along preferred alignment and access routes to alignment..

L- L-


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Avifauna Direct impacts: Bird electrocutions

L- M-

Ensure tower design and type is best for dissuading birds from roosting. Also ensure that suitable bird repelling structures, such as bird guards are considered in the design.

L- L-


Direct impacts: Loss of agricultural land due to area occupied by the towers

L- L- Avoid placement in crop lands directly wherever possible. This can be readily achieved on all routes.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Negative visual and “sense of place’ impact on tourism venues primarily consisting of nature/game reserves with lodge accommodation.

L- M-

Position towers in such a way to be sensitive to tourism venues. In the case of the northern corridor, keep tower positions in same alignment as existing tower positions. In case of the central and southern corridors, site towers out of view of lodges.

L- M-

Vegetation Direct impacts: Increased potential for loss of indigenous vegetation due to alignment of power line and position of towers.

L- H- Select corridor and route least likely to impact on vegetation. Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas of least dense vegetation

L- M-

Direct impacts: Increased potential for loss of species biodiversity due to alignment of power line and position of towers

L- M-

Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas identified as consisting of species typical and numerous in the area. Make use of specialist during alignment to do this.

L- M-

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for loss of rare or endangered species due to alignment of power line and position of towers.

L- M-

Use specialist to identify rare and endangered species and to assist in selecting corridor and aligning power line within corridor to reduce potential for impact on rare endangered species.

L- M-

Visual Direct Impacts: Increased potential for visual impacts based on power line alignment and position of the towers.

M- M- Where possible avoid placing towers against skyline views - keep towers below escarpments or hills to ensure visual obscuring.

L- L-

Ecological Direct Impacts: Increased potential for habitat transformation due to inappropriate aligning of the power line.

M- M- Select corridor and route least likely to impact on vegetation. Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas of where habitat transformation has already occurred

L- M-

Direct Impacts: Increased potential for impact on terrestrial fauna due to inappropriate aligning of the power line.

M- M-

L- M-

Conservation Direct Impacts: Increased potential for impact on M- H- Select corridor and route least likely to introduce new L- H-


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Areas conservation areas due to inappropriate aligning of the power line.

impact in previously non-impacted conservation areas.

Surface water and wetlands

Direct impacts: Potential for physical damage to water resources due to the alignment of the power line and the position of the towers. M- M-

Use findings of specialist study to select corridor with least potential to impact on water sources and to assist in placement of the towers to avoid these features. Ensure wetland assessments undertaken to position towers outside required legal buffers.

L- L-

Land use: Direct Impacts: Introduction of a non-compatible land use into an area due to inappropriate alignment of the power line.

L- H Select corridor and route least likely to introduce new incompatible land use into new areas L- M-


Cumulative Impacts: Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the Golela region.

H+ H+

The new 132kV Power line must be constructed to achieve this result in the region and to ensure the success and efficiency of all the other grid strengthening activities that are being planned in the region.

H+ H+

CONSTRUCTION PHASE



A1 A2 A1 A2

Heritage Sites

Direct impacts: Damage to or destruction of archaeological and heritage sites as a result of construction activities

L- L-

Ensure all identified sites are clearly demarcated prior to construction and that all persons on site are sensitised to the issue and the significance. Stop work if new site exposed during construction. Notify relevant authorities.

L- L-

Avifauna Direct impacts: Disturbance of birds, damage to nests or nesting grounds

M- M-

Demarcate areas where known nesting grounds are located. Sensitise employees to issue. Ensure all construction remains in footprint area. Ensure access roads clearly marked and adhered to.

L- L-


Direct impacts: Damage to agricultural lands by construction activities.

L- L- Avoid placement in crop lands directly wherever possible. This can be readily achieved on all routes.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Negative visual and “sense of place’ impact on tourism venues primarily consisting of nature/game reserves with lodge accommodation as a

M- M- Design and time construction activities in association with landowners to minimise the interference effects. Take note of hunting season requirements.

L- L-


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Significance

result of construction activities.

Indirect Impacts: Loss of productivity due to interference with farming activities

L- L- Contractor to liaise with landowners to correlate farm activities with construction activities to ensure no interference.

L- L-

Cumulative impacts: Creation of temporary jobs during construction

M+ M+ Contractor to employ as many local labourers as is feasibly possible. Contractor to have skills development plans in place.

H+ H+

Vegetation

Direct impacts: Unnecessary loss of rare and endangered species due to bush clearing and access activities

L- L- Ensure specialist identifies presence of rare and endangered species prior to construction. Carry out search and rescue at all sites.

L- L-

Direct impacts: Unnecessary loss of indigenous vegetation due to bush clearing and access activities

L- M-

Ensure competent bush clearer appointed to clear alignments. Ensure only required clearing is undertaken. Ensure area to be cleared is properly and clearly demarcated.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Bush clearing through riparian and riverine vegetation may result in unnecessary loss of riparian and riverine vegetation.

M- M-

Bush clearing through these areas must be kept to a minimum and must permit access on foot only i.e. clearance of a narrow strip only and selective trimming for the purposes of maintaining electrical clearances.

L- L-

Vegetation Direct Impacts: Uncontrolled vehicle access can result in unnecessary loss of indigenous and riparian vegetation.

M- M-

Ensure access routes are planned, clearly demarcated and suitable for the vehicles that will be using them. Ensure drivers are sensitised and disciplined to the issue. Vehicle access through riparian or wetland system to be limited to pre-existing formal access only.

L- L-

Vegetation Direct Impacts: Control of invader species along servitude and access roads.

M+ M+ Ensure policies are strictly and consistently enforced through construction phase.

M+ M+

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Bush clearing along servitude and access routes may increase the risk of invader species encroachment.

M- M-

An invader species eradication and management plan must be developed for the Construction Phase and must be implemented consistently throughout Construction Phase;

Vegetation clearing should be: o Limited to 8m within the working area; and

L- L-


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Significance

o Vegetation should only be removed from the minimum required construction and / or working area, within the servitude.

The removal of vegetation from the required working area within the servitude, should be done in accordance with Eskom’s Vegetation Management and Maintenance within Eskom Land, Servitudes and Rights of Way Standard (240- 70 0172585).

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Vegetation removal can increase erosion potential

M- M-

Bush clearing may only occur through cutting or trimming;

Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided; and

Suitable erosion measures must be implemented in areas prone to erosion and should include: o Vegetation clearance within the working area should

be undertaken within and restricted to an 8m vegetation clearance path;

o Remove vegetation only as it becomes necessary for work to proceed; and

Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation.

L- L-

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Vegetation removal can result in the loss of topsoil

M- M-


Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided; and



o Remove vegetation only as it becomes necessary for work to proceed; and

L- L-


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Significance

Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation.

Vegetation Indirect Impacts: Hardening of soil surfaces by construction activities can prevent the re-vegetation of an area and promote erosion

M- M-

All hardened surfaces will be ripped during the rehabilitation phase to assist with rapid vegetation re-establishment.

L- L-

Ecological Indirect Impacts: Construction activities will cause fragmentation of habitats during construction.

M- M-

Must be limited by minimising clearance wherever possible; by ensuring good discipline of vehicle movements on site and staying on one track.

L- L-

Surface water and wetlands

Direct impacts Physical damage to wetlands and streams through encroachment by construction activities

M- M-

Ensure all wetlands and streams are identified and all access routes, laydown area, drum stations etc are not located within the buffer zones of these features. No soil or any other material may stockpiled, stored or disposed of in any watercourse, thereby preventing impediment of flow within the watercourse. No chemicals / hazardous substances may be stored within the riparian area including the 1:100 year flood line.

L- L-

Surface water Direct Impacts: Bush clearing can result in increased storm water run-off and erosion

M- M-

Bush clearing may only be achieved through cutting - no scalping will be permitted. De-stumping of trees on stream and river banks will not be permitted. The site should be graded to ensure the free flow of runoff and to prevent ponding. Measures must be implemented to control runoff and prevent water damage to surrounding properties. Chemical toilets and / or any effluent treatment facilities may not be placed within the 1:100 year flood line and should be regularly emptied by a professional service provider.

L- L-

Noise Direct Impacts: Operation of construction equipment and vehicles will increase noise levels

L- L-

Ensure all vehicles and equipment are in good working order and within allowable noise ranges. Equipment exceeding allowable must be equipped with silencers or removed from site. Operations should occur during acceptable working hours. All noise complaints shall be

L- L-


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Significance

recorded, investigated and rectified immediately. Construction camps and batching plants must be sited outside of conservation areas.

Air Pollution Direct Impacts: Movement of vehicles will result in dust impacts

L- L-

Where sensitive environments are identified or complaints received dust suppression must be implemented. Vehicle speeds must be limited to slow speeds on gravel roads and tracks. Dust complaints must be recorded, investigated and addressed immediately.

L- L-

Fires Direct Impacts: Movement of vehicles through dry grassland can cause fires. Work forces increase the risk of fire in an areas.

M- M-

No open fires will be permitted on site. Smoking may only occur during controlled breaks at a designated smoking are with appropriate fire protection facilities. Long grass to be trimmed or flattened along access routes.

L- L-

Traffic Direct Impacts: Construction will result in increased traffic flow in specific routes in the region which may impact on other users

L- L- Construction vehicle drivers must be considerate to all other road users at all times. L- L-

Indirect Impacts: Deterioration of public and private roads due to passage of construction vehicles.

L- L- Ensure vehicles are not overloads. Repair damage caused by construction vehicles to private roads immediately.

L- L-

Operations Direct Impacts: Spillage of hazardous substances into the natural environment

M- M-

All vehicles and equipment must be in good working order. Equipment/vehicles with permanent leaks must be removed from site. Drip trays must be available with all vehicles and all areas where hazardous substances are being used.

L- L-

Direct Impacts: Poor waste management can cause environmental damage

L- L- An integrated waste management plan must be compiled during site establishment and must be implemented continuously throughout the construction phase.

L- L-



H+ H+

The new 132kV power line must be constructed to achieve this result in the region and to ensure the success and efficiency of all the other grid strengthening activities that are being planned in the region.

H+ H+


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OPERATIONAL PHASE Activity Impact summary Pre-mitigation

Significance Proposed mitigation Post-Mitigation

Significance

A1 A2 A1 A2

Fires Direct impacts: Ignition of veld due to conductor failure or flash overs

L- L- Regular line inspections to ensure the integrity of the line.

M- M-

Avifauna Direct impacts: Electrocution of avifauna and collisions with the conductor

L- L-

Ensure that all these structures remain in working order at all times. If an increase in bird strikes is observed, then bird diverter and bird guard placement may have to reviewed and improved.

L- L-

Servitude Maintenance

Direct Impacts: Overgrown servitude and associated electrical clearance problems

M- M- Eskom to ensure that the vegetation clearance and line maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies.

L- L-


Direct Impacts: Poor maintenance of access tracks results in erosion of these tracks. M- M-

Eskom to ensure that the access maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies. Suggest cooperating with landowner to maintain access tracks.

L- L-


Indirect Impacts: Poor lock management on Eskom servitude gates exposes landowners to illegal trespassers and provides access to criminals and creates a poaching risk.

M- M-

Eskom to ensure that the access maintenance servitude gates and locks occurs as per Eskom Policies. Suggest cooperating with landowner to maintain security.

L- L-

Provision of electricity

Indirect Impacts: Faulting causing Loss of stable electricity supply i.e. outages which impacts negatively on businesses hospitals, schools etc.

L- L- Strict maintenance regime must be upheld to ensure faulting levels remain low. L- L-


Cumulative Impacts: Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern Zululand

H+ H+

NO GO OPTION



A1 A2 A1 A2

Biophysical Environment

Direct impacts: Environment remains in the current status quo

L+ L+ No mitigation required


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Significance

Socio-Economic Environment

Indirect impacts: The current unreliable supply of electricity in the region and the lack of capacity to supply planned economic growth and delivery of basic services will negatively impact the socio-economic growth of the region resulting in failure of the Provincial, District and Local Municipalities to achieve the stated IDP targets and objectives.

H- H- Construct the proposed double circuit 132kV power line between the Pongola Mkuze 132kV power line and the proposed Golela substation.

H+ H+

The complete impact is included in Appendix F of this Basic Assessment Report.

A complete impact assessment in terms of Regulation 22(2)(i) of GN R.543 must be included as Appendix F.


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2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT REGISTER

All environmental aspects as well as environmental impacts that are associated with the Proposed New Golela Substation And Two Associated 132kV Turn-In Lines From The

Existing Mkuze-Pongola 132kV Power Line Project is tabulated below. An environmental aspect is defined as an “element of an organization’s activities or products or services

that can interact with the environment” while an environmental impact is defined as “any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting

form an organization’s environmental aspects” (ISO114001:2004). The table below considers all Environmental Aspects and Environmental Impacts throughout the Project

Lifecycle of the proposed project.

Table 1: Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register

No. Project Lifecycle

Phase Environmental Aspect Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures

1. Planning and Design Phase

Determining the location of each tower along the power line route alignment and substation.

The towers may be placed on or extend through areas in which heritage and / or archaeological resources may be found. As the study area and surrounds have a rich historical and archaeological history, the construction of the towers and access roads may in result in damage to burried and / or unexposed heritage and / or archaeological resources.

Select route within corridor least likely to impact on heritage sites;

Appoint heritage specialist at design phase to assist with identification of sites and placement of towers; and

Avoid location of towers on or near heritage sites.


Determining the alignment and location of access roads.

The access roads may be extend through areas in which heritage and / or archaeological resources may be found. As the study area and surrounds have a rich historical and archaeological history, the construction of the towers and access roads may in result in damage to burried and / or unexposed heritage and / or archaeological resources.

Ensure access plan detailing exact access routes is developed prior construction; and

Appoint heritage specialist to review proposed access plan and routes to verify that they do not pass through or close to heritage sites.

1 ISO: International Standards Organisation


92




Determining the alignment and location of access roads and substation.

The natural habitat along the entire length of the access road will be transformed largely by the removal of vegetation.

Select the route within corridor that requires least amount of invasive road construction works;

Access plan to be developed prior to the commencement of construction as a means of ensuring that only access routes which will require minimal cutting; and

Repair existing access routes before establishing / constructing new access routes.


Determining feasible alternative power line route corridors and substation.

The positioning of the towers and power lines in areas where high bird activity has been recorded will amplify the risk of bird electrocution and collisions with the conductors.

The exact locations of the towers along the power line route alignment within the corridor should be determined in consultation with an appointed Avifauna Specialist;

An Avifauna Specialist should be advised regarding the proximity of the power line route alignment to habituated feeding sites (i.e. Vulture Restaurants);

Factors taken into account when selecting the tower design must include the risk of electrocution of birds posed by each tower design;

It is recommended that reflectors with LED lights should also be used particularly near nest sites and on the western and eastern routes that lie in relatively close proximity to water;

Appoint an avifauna specialist to provide recommendations regarding the placement of Bird diverters; and

For the northern route, pylons should preferably be positioned so as to alternate with those of the existing power line (i.e. out-of-step) and not be placed opposite one another (in-step). This mitigation will increase the visibility of both sets of power lines to flying large raptors and the birds may then be in a better position to take timely collision avoidance action; and

Where the possibility or risk of a 'flash-over' might occur it is essential that additional mitigation measures that would increase the visibility of the power line be instituted should towers be placed.


93





The routing of the power line through areas which are known as suceptable to electrocution or collision, will increase the possibility of death and / or injury of birds by electrocution and / or collisions with the power line.

Ensure tower design and type is best for preventing the electrocution of birds and discourages the roosting of birds on the structures;

It must be ensured that suitable bird repelling structures, such as bird guards are considered in the design; and

Ensure that the cross arms of the tower structures in areas of heavy bird activity (such as wetlands and vulture nesting grounds and vulture restaurants) are all fitted with anti-roosting spikes.


Determining the location of each tower along the power line route alignment and substation.

As the working area and footprint of the tower cannot be utilised for any other use whilst the tower structure remains, the possibility of utilising the land for agricultural purposes will be lost.

Where possible the placement of towers within crop lands must be avoided; and

The construction footprint must be confined to the smallest require area, not exceeding a width of 16 meters.



The visibility of the power line may give rise to a visual disturbance on tourism route / operations and residential homes.

Where possible avoid placing towers in the view of sight from front of homesteads, lodges;

Keep towers below escarpments or hills to ensure visual obscuring. In the case of the northern corridor tower spacing should match existing line;

The placement of towers in static view areas, where the relationship between the proposed power line and the landscape remains unchanged should be avoided. Examples of static views includes views from a farmhouse, lodge and homestead; and

Provided that Environmental Authorisation is granted for the Northern Corridor, the new towers should be placed adjacent to the existing towers to reduce and confine the visual impact to the disturbed area.


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All indigenous vegetation as well as endangered / protected species within the selected corridor and construction footprint will be cleared thereby resulting in:

Loss of species of conservation importance;

Habitat loss and degradation; and

Habitat fragmentation and transformation.

Select corridor and route least likely to impact on indigenous vegetation;

Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas of least dense indigenous bush and tree cover to minimise the amount of bush clearing required;

Also attempt to select a route where minimal bush clearing is required for the purposes of access;

Where possible locate towers and alignment in areas identified as consisting of species typical and numerous in the area. Make use of specialist during alignment and identification of access routes to achieve this;

Select corridor and route least likely to require habitat transformation though excessive bush clearing or platform cutting (soil disturbance);

Where possible towers along the power line route alignment should be placed in areas where the habitat has been transformed and / or disturbed; and

Use specialist to identify rare and endangered species and to assist in aligning power line and placement of towers within corridor to reduce potential for impact on rare endangered species.



The power line extending through a conservation, ecological sensitivity and / or protected area will negatively impact on the pristineness of the area and introduce adverse environmental impacts such as the loss of vegetation within the working area.

Select corridor and route least likely to introduce new impact in previously non-impacted conservation areas;

If possible, the selected power line corridor route should bypass / avoid any a conservation, ecological sensitivity and / or protected areas; and

Where the selected power line corridor route cannot bypass / avoid any a conservation, ecological sensitivity and / or protected areas the working area and extent of the power line must be confined to the absolute minimum area.

10. Construction Phase


Introduction of a non-compatible land use into an area due to inappropriate alignment of the power line.

Select corridor and route within corridor least likely to introduce new incompatible land use into new areas.


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Conducting the Basic Assessment Process for the proposed project as part of the Environmental Authorisation Process.

Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern Zululand.

The new 132kV power line must be constructed to strengthen the grid of the region and to ensure the success and efficiency of all the other grid strengthening activities that are being planned in the region.


Excavation of the pylon foundations. Damage to or destruction of archaeological and heritage sites as a result of construction activities.

Ensure all identified sites are clearly demarcated prior to construction and that all persons on site are sensitised to the issue and the significance;

Stop work if new archaeological or heritage site exposed during construction; and

Notify the provincial heritage authority of the discovery of any exposed archaeological or heritage site.


The movement of construction vehicles and construction activities may disrupt breeding activities and alter the specific conditions for breeding within the area.

Disturbance of breeding activities of local birds.

Identify areas where known nesting grounds are located and avoid taking access roads near these areas;

Ensure that the Environmental Awareness Training provided to the employees address the required measures to prevent disturbance of the breeding activities of birds;

Ensure all construction remains in minimal working area; and

Ensure access roads clearly marked and adhered to at all times.


Construction of towers within croplands. Vegetation clearing surrounding towers will result in the loss of crops within the construction footprint.

Negotiate access to agricultural lands with landowner;

Ensure that all construction activities remains within the minimum required working area; and

Ensure access roads clearly marked and all vehicle movement is restricted to the demarcated access roads.


Construction of power line and substation.

The visibility of the construction of the power line may give rise to a visual disturbance on tourism route / operations and residential homes.

Design and time construction activities in association with landowners to minimise the interference effects; and

Landowners can arrange tourism activities to avoid construction area for duration of contract.


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Construction activities undertaken during the hunting season and in close proximity to hunting concession game farms.

Disturbance to hunting activities on hunting concession game farms.

Design and time construction activities in association with landowners to minimise the interference effects; and

Landowners can arrange hunting activities to avoid construction area for duration of contract or can arrange with contractor to work elsewhere while hunters are on the property i.e. an operation plan to minimise impacts on the hunting season between May and October can be developed to suit landowner and contractor.


Employment of local labour for the duration of Construction Phase.

Creation of temporary jobs during construction. Contractor to employ as many local labourers as is feasibly possible.


Clearing all vegetation within the construction footprint.

Loss of rare and endangered species due to bush clearing and access activities.

Prior to the commencement of the Construction Phase an ECO should carry out a survey of the final route alignment to determine / identify specific sites along the route alignment where vegetation species of conservation importance (Red List and protected) are found;

Prior to commencement of the Construction Phase, permits to remove all protected species within the route alignment must be applied for and obtained from the relevant national and/or provincial authority; and

The relevant national / provincial authority must be consulted to determine any specific requirements which the authority may have and authorisations / permits required for the management of all species along the power line route which have been categorised by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered species.


Clearing of all vegetation within the construction footprint.

Loss of indigenous vegetation due to bush clearing and access activities

Ensure competent bush clearer appointed to clear alignments;

Ensure only required clearing is undertaken; and

Ensure area to be cleared is properly and clearly demarcated.


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Selected alternative power line route corridors may extend through or within close proximity to the extent of the riparian area.

Placing the towers within the riparian area will alter the characteristics of the associated watercourses and require the removal of riparian vegetation.

Bush clearing through riparian areas must be kept to a minimum and must permit access on foot only i.e. clearance of a narrow strip only and selective trimming for the purposes of maintaining electrical clearances;

Ensure all wetlands and streams along the power line route are identified;

Access routes, laydown area, drum stations etc. will not be permitted within the buffer zones of any wetland; and

The stockpiling of soil, topsoil or any other material will not be permitted within the watercourse, riparian area or within the 1:100 year flood line, so as to prevent the impediment of surface water flow.


Movement of construction vehicles outside of the demarcated access roads.

Uncontrolled vehicle access can result in unnecessary loss of indigenous and riparian vegetation.

Ensure access routes are planned, clearly demarcated and suitable for the vehicles that will be using them;

Ensure drivers are sensitised and disciplined to the issue; and

Vehicle access through riparian or wetland system should as far as possible be limited to pre-existing formal access routes.


Clearing of natural vegetation may create conditions conducive to the establishment and colonisation of exotic and/or declared CARA Category 1, 2 and Category 3 invader plants.

Establishment of exotic and / or declared Category 1, 2 and Category 3 invader species.

Alien vegetation, as well as indigenous invasive species such as Dicrostachys cinerea must be controlled and eliminated on a regular ongoing basis along the cleared working area within the servitude during the operational life of the power line.


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The bare ground will be prone to erosion as a result of the vegetation clearing. Increased velocity of runoff across bare soil surface may result in soil erosion.


Breaking the soil through scalping or ploughing, except where the de-stumping of trees are necessary, should be avoided;



o Remove vegetation only as it becomes necessary for work to proceed;

Prevent the unnecessary removal of vegetation;

De-stumping of trees on stream and river banks will not be permitted;

The site should be graded to ensure the free flow of run-off and to preventing the ponding of water; and

Drainage must be controlled to ensure that runoff from the site will not culminate in off-site pollution or cause water damage to surrounding properties.


Removal of topsoil within construction footprint during excavations.

Vegetation removal can result in the loss of topsoil.


No scalping or ploughing will be permitted; and

Topsoil removed from foundation sites or drum stations must be removed and stored for rehabilitation and protected from erosion during storage.


Movement of construction vehicles across cleared areas.

Hardening and compaction of soil can prevent the revegetation of an area and promote erosion.

All hardened surfaces will be ripped during the rehabilitation phase to assist with rapid vegetation re-establishment.



Construction activities will cause fragmentation of habitats during construction.

Vegetation clearing must be limited by minimising clearance wherever possible; and

The movement of all construction vehicles must be confined to demarcated access roads.


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The operation of equipment and implementation of construction activities which generate noise.

Increased ambient noise levels.

All machinery to be maintained and fitted with equipment to reduce noise levels;

Operations should occur during acceptable working hours;

All noise complaints shall be recorded, investigated and rectified immediately;

Unless agreed to by the particular landowner, construction camps and batching plants must be sited outside of conservation / game farms / nature reserve areas;

During hunting season, negotiations to keep hunting concessions away from work areas will be required; and

Contractor employees to be sensitised to requirement to keep all noise to a minimum.


Vehicle and construction equipment activity.

Exhaust emissions from construction vehicles and equipment as well as the dust generated by the movement of vehicles across bare soil surfaces thereby adversely impacting on the ambient air quality.

Where sensitive environments are identified or complaints received, dust suppression must be implemented;

Vehicle speeds must be limited to slow speeds (less than 30 km/h) on gravel roads and track; and

Dust complaints must be recorded, investigated and addressed immediately.


Movement of vehicles through dry grassland and workers starting open uncontrolled fires.

Damage to receiving environment (e.g. loss of vegetation, injury to fauna) caused by fires.

No open fires will be permitted on site;

Smoking may only occur during controlled breaks at a designated smoking area with appropriate fire protection facilities;

Long grass to be trimmed or flattened along access routes; and

Contractor to join the local fire protection association.


Movement of construction vehicles to and from the Site Camp and construction area.

Construction will result in increased traffic flow in specific routes in the region which may impact on other users.

Construction vehicle drivers must be considerate to all other road users at all times.


Movement of construction vehicles to and from the Site Camp and construction area.

Deterioration of public and private roads due to passage of construction vehicles.

The frequency and number of trips taken by construction vehicles on public roads to and from the Site Camp and construction area should be kept as low as possible.


Storage and use of hazardous substances.

Spillage of hazardous substances into the natural environment

All vehicles and equipment must be in good working order;


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Equipment/ vehicles with permanent leaks must be removed from site;

Drip trays must be available with all vehicles and all areas where hazardous substances are being used;

Hydro-carbons should be stored in a bunded storage area;

All hazardous materials inter alia paints, turpentine and thinners must be stored appropriately to prevent these contaminants from entering the environment;

Spill-sorb or similar type product must be used to absorb hydrocarbon spills in the event that such spills should occur;

Precautionary measures specific to the storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials must be formulated and implemented; and

In the event of an event resulting in the pollution of surface / groundwater resources the Department of Water and Sanitation must be contacted.


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Poor waste management. Pollution of receiving environment.

An integrated waste management plan must be compiled during site establishment and must be implemented continuously throughout the construction phase;

Demarcated areas where waste can be safely contained and stored on a temporary basis during the construction phase should be provided at the hard park;

When adequate volumes (not more than 1 month) have accumulated all waste is to be removed from site and disposed of at a licensed facility;

Waste may not to be buried on site;

Hydro-carbons should be stored in a bunded storage area;

All hazardous materials inter alia paints, turpentine and thinners must be stored appropriately to prevent these contaminants from entering the environment;

Spill-sorb or similar type product must be used to absorb hydrocarbon spills in the event that such spills should occur; and

Chemical toilets and / or any effluent treatment facilities may not be placed within the 1:100 year flood line and should be regularly emptied by a professional service provider.


Conducting the Basic Assessment Process for the proposed project as part of the Environmental Authorisation Process.

Strengthening of the grid will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Northern Zululand.

The new 132kV power line must be constructed to strengthen the grid of the region and to ensure the success and efficiency of all the other grid strengthening activities that are being planned in the region.

35. Operational Phase

Conductor failure or flash overs caused by bird streamers and / or lightning strikes.

Ignition of veld due to conductor failure or flash overs Regular line inspections to ensure the integrity of the line.


Avifauna collisions with power lines. Electrocution of avifauna and collisions with the conductor

Ensure that all bird diversion structures recommended by the specialist remain in working order at all times;

Bird diverter and bird guard placement may improve the electrocution and collision percentage;

Use an alternative tower configuration with proven reduced risk of bird electrocution, or

Amend the design of the delta configuration to allow for a


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greater distance between conductors and therefore reduced risk of electrocution; and/or

Will include bird diversion mitigation to the selected tower configuration to discourage roosting on the towers.


Overgrown servitude. Overgrown servitude and associated electrical clearance problems

Eskom to ensure that the vegetation clearance and line maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies;

The width of the power-line corridor where vegetation is actively maintained during the operational phase must be kept at an absolute minimum that permits safe operation of the power line, as per Eskom’s Vegetation Management and Maintenance within Eskom Land, Servitudes and Rights of Way Standard (240-70172585); and

Ensure that as much natural vegetation as possible is retained within the corridor once the servitude is cleared to ensure visual screening.


Poor maintenance of access tracks. Poor maintenance of access tracks results in erosion of these tracks.

Movement of vehicles must be confined to established access tracks; and

Suitable erosion management measures as per Eskom’s maintenance programme should be implemented.


Poor management on Eskom servitude gates.

Poor lock management on Eskom servitude gates exposes landowners to illegal trespassers and provides access to criminals and creates a poaching risk.

Eskom to ensure that the access maintenance occurs as per Eskom Policies.


Electrical faulting. Faulting causing loss of stable electricity supply i.e. outages which impacts negatively on businesses hospitals, schools etc.

The implementation of the proposed project will contribute to ensuring a stable supply of electricity.


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3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

In consideration of the specialist assessment reports of the preferred and alternative route options and

the assessment of all identified impacts, this Environmental Assessment Practitioner has come to the

following conclusions:

SUBSTATION SITES

Alternative S1: Golela 1 – Southern Site (preferred alternative)

Construction and maintenance of this alternative will be easier and with reduced environmental impacts than for the Alternative S2 – Northern Site for the following reasons:

The southern site has already been degraded to some degree due to its proximity to agricultural lands.

The species diversity on this site is considered less.

The site is located outside of any of the private or public nature reserves

Development of the site as a substation will not change the sense of place or the ecological status of the site significantly.

Based on the impact assessment tables, which take all criteria into consideration, the average impact of constructing a new substation at the southern alternative site before mitigation is considered to be LOW (24 Significance points) and even LOWER (14 Significance points) after implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

Alternative S2: Golela 2 – Northern Site Construction and maintenance of this alternative will have greater negative environmental impacts than for the Alternative S1 – Southern Site for the following reasons:

This site is comparatively pristine in terms of its ecology.

The species diversity on this site is considered greater.

The site is located inside the boundaries of a private nature reserves

Development of the site as a substation will change the sense of place or the ecological status of the site significantly.

Based on the impact assessment tables, which take all criteria into consideration, the average impact of constructing a new substation at the southern alternative site before mitigation is considered to be MODERATE (54 Significance points) and remains MODERATE (37 Significance points) after implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

No-go alternative (compulsory)

The ‘No Go’ alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line would not be constructed. If this substation and power line do not go ahead, the negative environmental impacts which have been identified if it does go ahead would not occur. However, if the substation and turn- in lines are not constructed and commissioned, the region would be Golela region would continue to be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity (basic service) which would inhibit any future development in the Golela development node and would jeopardise the


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success of the regions Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks, all of which identify the lack of electrical services as inhibitors to future development and quality of life. Therefore, the need for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential negative impacts to the surrounding environment. It is thereby concluded that the “No-go‟ option is not a viable or acceptable option, and should therefore be discounted.

132kV DOUBLE CIRCUIT POWER LINE

Alternative A1 – Western Corridor (preferred alternative)

Construction and maintenance will be easier and with reduced environmental impacts than for Alternatives A2 – Eastern Corridor for the following reasons:

The Western Corridor will not require the construction of an entirely new access road through the study area.

The Western Corridor will very little clearing of indigenous bush as it lies in areas that have already been altered to some degree by anthropogenic activity.

Already existing access to most of this servitude on farm roads means that less indigenous bush will require clearing for the creation of access to the new servitude along the northern corridor.

The placement of a power line along a route where anthropogenic changes have already occurred to a large degree (comparatively) amount to the concentrating of negative ecological impacts at a spatial level rather than introducing new impacts on previously unencumbered points within the study area re: the Eastern Corridor.

The Western Corridor generally offers well established and relatively well maintained access roads.

The Western Corridor does not pass through any private or public nature reserves.

Based on the impact assessment tables, which take all criteria into consideration, the average impact of constructing a new 132kV power line along the Western Corridor, before mitigation is considered to be LOW (28 Significance points) and even LOWER (18 Significance points) after implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

Alternative A2 – Eastern Corridor Construction and maintenance will be easier and with reduced environmental impacts than for Alternatives A2 – Eastern Corridor for the following reasons:

The Eastern Corridor will require the construction of an entirely new access road through the study area.

The Eastern Corridor will require substantial clearing of indigenous bush as it lies nearly entirely within conservation areas.

Minimal existing access means that more indigenous bush will require clearing for the creation of access to the new servitude.

The placement of a power line in a relatively pristine ecological area amounts to introducing impacts that did not exist previously in an area which can lead to some degradation in the ecological status of the area.

The Eastern Corridor passes nearly entirely through private or public nature reserves.

Based on the impact assessment tables, which take all criteria into consideration, the average impact of constructing a new 132kV power line along the Western Corridor, before mitigation is considered to be MODERATE (51 Significance points) and still MODERATE (35 Significance points) after implementation of recommended mitigation measures.

No-go alternative (compulsory)

The ‘No Go’ alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line would not be


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constructed. If this substation and power line do not go ahead, the negative environmental impacts which have been identified if it does go ahead would not occur. However, if the substation and turn- in lines are not constructed and commissioned, the region would be Golela region would continue to be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable supply of electricity (basic service) which would inhibit any future development in the Golela development node and would jeopardise the success of the regions Integrated Development Plans and Spatial Development Frameworks, all of which identify the lack of electrical services as inhibitors to future development and quality of life. Therefore, the need for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential negative impacts to the surrounding environment. It is thereby concluded that the “No-go‟ option is not a viable or acceptable option, and should therefore be discounted.

SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient

to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental

assessment practitioner)?

YES NO

If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a

decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment).

If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application.

The EAP therefore recommends the following:

a) Should underground cabling be authorised by the DEA, it is recommended that a geo-hydrological study must be carried out.

b) Substation Site The Preferred Alternative (S1): – Golela 1 - Southern Site as described in this Basic Assessment Report be authorised. In the opinion of the EAP, derived from specialist input, the proposed activity is not fatally flawed and all potential impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Apart from the general mitigation measures included in the EMP, the following should form specific clauses in the authorisation:

Planning of the substation must include means to screen the substation from the passing trade on the road through to the Golela border post; and

Input into how to divert birds away from the substation must be obtained by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to ensure adequate protection of vulture breeding in the area and the protection of all other bird species.

c) 132kV Double Circuit Power Line The EAP recommends that the Preferred Alternative (A1) – Western Corridor, located in the west of the study area, as described in this Basic Assessment Report, be authorised. In the opinion of the EAP, derived from specialist input, the proposed activity is not fatally flawed and all potential impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Apart from the general mitigation measures included in the EMP, the following should form specific clauses in the authorisation:

The proposed 132kV Turn-In power lines should be a double circuit line so that both Turn-Ins are accommodated on the same tower structures. This is required due to the lack of servitude space through agricultural lands;

Micro-siting of towers must occur in consultation with the affected landowners to ensure that their concerns are addressed as far as is practically possible;

The EMP for the operation of the power line must include specific access and bush clearing requirements as specified and agreed with each landowner by Eskom;


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SECTION F. APPENDICES

PROPOSED NEW GOLELA SUBSTATION AND TWO ASSOCIATED 132kV ... - Pongola/Impact Phase/Amended... ·...

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