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ESKOM HOLDINGS (SOC) LIMITED, LIMPOPO OPERATING UNIT (LOU)
DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED POWER LINE DEVELOPMENT AT THE MAMPHULI-DZWERANI EXT A SUBSTATION AT
MAMPHULI VILLAGE AND AN APPROXIMATELY 6KM LOOP IN LOOP OUT BERSFORT OF 2X132KV POWER LINE FROM AN EXISTING 132KV
POWERLINE AT TSHITUNGULWANE VILLAGE, NEAR VUWANI TOWN UNDER VHEMBE DISTRICT IN THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE
DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT
EIA CONSULTANTS APPLICANT
MBOFHO CONSULTING AND PROJECT MANAGERS P.O Box 54 Polokwane
0700
Tel: 015 280 0088 Fax: 086 539 6388 Cel: 079 1930 634
Email: [email protected] Contact Person: Matodzi Silidi
Eskom Holdings (SOC) Limited, Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU)
91 Hans Van Rensburg Street P.O Box 3499
Polokwane 0700
Tel: 015 230 1683 Fax: 086 244 2959 Cel: 084 967 5116
Email: [email protected] Contact person: Monica Mokgawa
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REPORT DETAILS Project name: APPLICATION PROCESSES FOR THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT OF MAMPHULI-DZWERANI EXT A SUBSTATION AT MAMPHULI VILLAGE AND AN APPROXIMATELY 6KM LOOP IN LOOP OUT BERSFORT OF 2X132KV POWER LINE FROM AN EXISTING 132KV POWERLINE AT TSHITUNGULWANE VILLAGE, NEAR VUWANI TOWN UNDER VHEMBE DISTRICT IN THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE.
CLIENT: Eskom Holdings (SOC) Limited, Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU) EIA Consultant: Mbofho Consulting and Project Managers Project Team: Matodzi A. Silidi, Pr.Sci.Nat: MA Env Management (UOFS),
Post Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies (UCT), B.Env. Sc. (UNIVEN), ASHEEP (NOSA), SAMTRAC (NOSA), Environmental and Mining Rehab (UNW), Advanced Project Management (UNW), Handling, Storage and Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances (UNW)
T.R Silidi: BA Social Sciences (Wits), BA Hons (Univen),
Masters in Social Impact Assessment (UJ), Negotiations (SARWA)
MS Arinao: B Environmental Science (University of Venda)
Mr Mugove Njovo: MSc Env Management (Midlands state University)
Status of report: DRAFT BAR Date of issue: JULY 2019 DEA Ref. No.: NONE
Consultants: MBOFHO CONSULTING AND PROJECT MANAGERS
Approved for Consultants by: …………………………………………. M.A Silidi
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ................................................. 11
1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 11
1.1.1 The key objectives of this Final BA process include the following: ..................... 13
1.1.2 The objectives of the report are the following: ....................................................... 13
1.1.3 Project Location .......................................................................................................... 14
1.1.4 MOTIVATION FOR THE PROJECT ........................................................................ 16
1.2 LEGAL REQUIREMENT ........................................................................................................... 17
1.2.1 Servitude Requirements and Clearances ............................................................... 19
1.2.2 Line clearances ........................................................................................................... 20
1.2.3 Foundations ................................................................................................................. 22
1.2.4 Access .......................................................................................................................... 22
1.2.5 Timing ........................................................................................................................... 23
1.2.6 Continuous Maintenance ........................................................................................... 23
1.2.7 Construction Process for the proposed line ............................................................ 23
1.2.8 Detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as applied
for 24
1.3 STUDY APPROACH FOLLOWED ................................................................................... 25
1.6 DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PRACTITIONER ............................................................................................................................. 26
2. CHAPTER TWO: PROJECT INFORMATION ...................................................................... 28
2.1 SITE ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................................................. 30
2.1.1 Coordinates for the preferred and Alternative site: ................................................ 30
2.2 LAY-OUT ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................................... 31
2.3 TECHNOLOGY ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................................. 31
2.4 OTHER ALTERNATIVES (E.G. SCHEDULING, DEMAND, INPUT, SCALE AND DESIGN
ALTERNATIVES) ................................................................................................................................. 31
2.5 POWER LINE DESIGN ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................. 32
2.6 ALTERNATIVE 1 (PREFERRED POWER LINE DESIGN) – SINGLE CIRCUIT OVERHEAD
POWER LINE ...................................................................................................................................... 32
2.7 ALTERNATIVE 2 (ALTERNATIVE POWER LINE TECHNOLOGY) – UNDERGROUND CABLING 32
2.8 NO-GO ALTERNATIVE ............................................................................................................ 32
2.9 PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY .......................................................................................... 33
2.10 SITE ACCESS ........................................................................................................................ 34
2.11 LOCALITY MAP ...................................................................................................................... 35
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2.12 LAYOUT/ROUTE PLAN .......................................................................................................... 37
2.13 SENSITIVITY AREAS .............................................................................................................. 42
2.13.1 Watercourses and Flood Line ................................................................................... 42
2.13.2 Areas with indigenous vegetation ............................................................................ 43
2.13.3 Cultural and historical features ................................................................................. 44
2.13.4 Visual impact assessment ......................................................................................... 44
2.13.5 Avifaunal Habitats ....................................................................................................... 44
2.13.6 Major Known Impacts of Power lines on Avifauna ................................................ 46
2.13.7 High Risk Landscape Features ................................................................................ 46
2.14 SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ............................................................................................................ 47
2.15 FACILITY ILLUSTRATION ........................................................................................................ 47
3. CHAPTER THREE: APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES
58
3.1 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES ................................................. 58
3.1.1 The Constitution .......................................................................................................... 58
3.1.2 The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA) ................ 58
3.1.3 The Principles of NEMA ............................................................................................. 58
3.1.4 Integrated Environmental Management (Chapter 5) ............................................. 59
3.1.5 GN R 327 – The Environmental Authorisation process ........................................ 60
3.1.6 GNR 327 – Activities requiring an EIA .................................................................... 60
4. CHAPTER FOUR: STATUS QUO OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT .............................. 62
4.1 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION (INCLUDING VISUAL, LANDUSE
&LANDCOVER) .............................................................................................................................. 62
4.1.1 Climate ......................................................................................................................... 62
4.1.2 Surface Water ............................................................................................................. 62
4.1.3 Land Use Character 0f Surrounding Area .............................................................. 62
4.2 WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT ................................................... 63
4.2.1 Solid waste management .......................................................................................... 63
4.2.2 Waste permit ............................................................................................................... 65
4.2.3 Generation of noise .................................................................................................... 66
4.2.4 Energy Efficiency ........................................................................................................ 67
4.2.5 Property description/physical address ..................................................................... 67
4.2.6 Gradient of the site ..................................................................................................... 68
4.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTER OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY .......................................... 68
4.3.1 Level of unemployment .............................................................................................. 68
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4.3.2 Economic profile of local municipality ...................................................................... 68
4.3.3 Level of education ....................................................................................................... 69
4.3.4 Project spin off ............................................................................................................. 69
5. CHAPTER FIVE: SPECIALIST REPORTS .......................................................................... 70
5.1 BIODIVERSITY ........................................................................................................................ 70
5.1.1 Habitat condition on site ............................................................................................ 71
5.1.2 Types of ecosystems ................................................................................................. 72
5.2 VEGETATION TYPE AND/OR AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM ............................................................. 72
5.3 CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES ..................................................................................... 74
6. CHAPTER SIX: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .......................................................................... 75
6.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOLLOWED ..................................................... 75
6.1.1 Advertisement and Notice ......................................................................................... 76
6.1.2 Placement of advertisements and notices .............................................................. 76
6.1.3 Site notice placement ................................................................................................. 76
6.1.4 Key stakeholders ........................................................................................................ 77
6.1.5 Issues raised by interested and affected parties ................................................... 78
6.1.6 Authority Participation ................................................................................................ 79
6.1.7 Conclusion of public participation programme ....................................................... 81
7. CHAPTER SEVEN: IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION
MEASURES ........................................................................................................................................ 82
7.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 82
7.2 132KV POWERLINE CORRIDOR AND THE SUBSTATION ALTERNATIVES ........ 82
7.2.1 Alternative S1 (Preferred) .......................................................................................... 82
7.2.2 Alternative S2 (Optimal) ............................................................................................. 83
7.2.3 General project impacts ............................................................................................. 83
7.3 HERITAGE ISSUES ................................................................................................................. 84
7.3.1 Mitigation measures ................................................................................................... 84
7.4 BIODIVERSITY ISSUES ........................................................................................................... 84
7.4.1 Ecological impacts ...................................................................................................... 85
7.4.2 Avifaunal habitat destruction ..................................................................................... 86
7.4.3 Avifaunal electrocution ............................................................................................... 87
7.4.4 Avifaunal collision with infrastructure ....................................................................... 88
7.4.5 Soil erosion .................................................................................................................. 89
7.4.6 Continued dust generation and emissions .............................................................. 89
7.4.7 Visual disturbance of natural landscape and sense of place ............................... 89
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7.4.8 Job creation, empowerment and skills development ............................................ 90
7.4.9 Influx of construction workers and job seekers and risk of theft and damage to
property 90
7.4.10 METHODOLOGY APPLIED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL
IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................................... 90
7.4.11 No-go alternative (compulsory) .................................................................................. 1
7.4.12 Environmental impact statement ................................................................................ 1
7.4.13 Heritage .......................................................................................................................... 2
7.4.14 Avi-faunal ....................................................................................................................... 3
7.4.15 Visual .............................................................................................................................. 7
7.4.16 Current and Existing Land Use ................................................................................... 7
7.4.17 No-go alternative (compulsory) .................................................................................. 7
7.5 RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER ..................................................................... 9
Figure 1: Map showing the project location ...........................................................................15
Figure 2: Locality Map ..........................................................................................................17
Figure 3: Sensitivity map for the project area ........................................................................29
Figure 4: Access road that exist on site ................................................................................34
Figure 5: location of the study area ......................................................................................36
Figure 6: Locality map showing the project area in the red colours .......................................37
Figure 7: Flood line zones ....................................................................................................42
Figure 8: The critical biodiversity area map ..........................................................................63
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Figure 9: Regional vegetation map .......................................................................................73
Figure 10: Vegetation type found in the area of the proposed project ...................................74
Figure 11: Proof of on-site notices ........................................................................................77
Table 1: Definitions ................................................................................................................ 9
Table 2: Acronyms ...............................................................................................................10
Table 3: Regulations and listed activities ..............................................................................18
Table 4: Minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for the construction of a new
line ................................................................................................................................21
Table 5: EIA team .................................................................................................................27
Table 6: Coordinates for preferred substation and alternative substation .............................30
Table 7: Coordinates for the preferred Power line ................................................................30
Table 8: Coordinates for the alternative power line ...............................................................30
Table 9: The physical size, length and the servitude of the activity .......................................33
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Table 10: Example of the monopole .....................................................................................48
Table 11: EIA process ........................................................................................................55
Table 12: Waste Profile ........................................................................................................65
Table 13: Property description ..............................................................................................67
Table 14: Land owners .........................................................................................................67
Table 15; Level of Education ................................................................................................69
Table 16: Biodiversity planning category ..............................................................................70
Table 17: Ecosystem types ..................................................................................................72
Table 18: Public participation key stake holders ...................................................................77
Table 19: Comments and responses from key stakeholders.................................................78
Table 20: Impact significant ranking .....................................................................................91
Table 21: Impact rating .......................................................................................................... 1
Table 22: Construction phase ................................................................................................ 2
Table 23: Summary of impact rating ...................................................................................... 9
Table 24: Operational phase ................................................................................................11
Table 25: Operational impact rating ......................................................................................14
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DEFINITIONS Table 1: Definitions
Environmental Management Plan
A detailed plan of action prepared to ensure that recommendations for enhancing or ensuring positive impacts and limiting or preventing negative environmental impacts are implemented during the life-cycle of a project.
Environment In terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (No 107 of 1998), “environment” means the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of:
The land, water and atmosphere of the earth;
Micro-organisms, plant and animal life, and
Any part or combination of (i) of (ii) and the interrelationships among and between them; and the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that influence human health and wellbeing.
ESKOM‟s Project Manager The person appointed by the Eskom from time to time to act in the capacity and notified, by name and in writing by the Eskom to the Contractor, to act as required in the contract.
Environmental Control Officer
An individual nominated through the Project Coordinator to be present on site to act on behalf of the Project Coordinator in matters concerning the implementation and day to day monitoring of the EMP.
Contractor A person or company appointed by the ESKOM to carry out stipulated activities
Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is defined as the return of a disturbed area to a state which approximates the state (where possible) which it was before disruption. Rehabilitation for the purposes of this specification is aimed at post-reinstatement re-vegetation of a disturbed area and the insurance of a stable land surface. Re-vegetation should aim to accelerate the natural succession processes so that the plant community develops in the desired way, i.e. promote rapid vegetation establishment.
Site Manager The person, representing the Contractor, responsible for all the Contractor‟s activities on the site including supervision of the construction staff and activities associated with the construction phase. The Site Manager will liaise with the Principal Agent in order to ensure that the project is conducted in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.
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ACRONYMS
Table 2: Acronyms
BA Basic Assessment
C Contractor
DEA Department of environmental affairs
DWA Department of Water Affairs
EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner
ECO Environmental Control Officer
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EIR Environmental Impact Report
I&AP Interested and Affected Party
OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Act
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PM Project Manager
RE Resident Engineer
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1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the project and communicate the
process followed as well as the purpose of this document.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Eskom Holdings (SOC) Limited, Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU) is mandated by the South
African Government to ensure the provision of reliable and affordable power to South Africa.
Eskom currently generates approximately 95% of the electricity used in South Africa. Therefore,
electricity must be generated in accordance with supply demand requirements. Eskom‟s core
business is in the generation, transmission (transport), trading and retail of electricity.
The reliable provision of electricity by Eskom is critical for industrial development and related
employment and sustainable development in South Africa. As electricity cannot be stored,
power is generated and delivered over long distances at the very instant that it is required. In
South Africa, thousands of kilometres of high voltage transmission lines (i.e. 765 kV, 400 kV and
275 kV transmission lines) transmit this power to Eskom‟s major substations. At these major
substations, the voltage is down-rated and distributed to smaller substations all over the country
via distribution lines (e.g. 132 kV, 88 kV and 66 kV power lines). Here the voltage is down-rated
further for distribution to industry, businesses, farms and homes. In order to maintain a reliable
power supply within the entire network, the voltages at all substations are required to be within
certain desired limits.
If the network is operated at voltages which are below these limits, voltage collapse problems
and power outages may be experienced. Reliable delivery of electricity concerns consumers
and industries which require a high quality of power supply for sensitive electronic equipment,
and which incur high expenses as a result of even a short electricity supply interruption. To be
reliable, the transmission network must have the capacity to supply the electricity required by
the customers at all times. That is, the network must be designed with reserve transmission
capacity in order to ensure an uninterrupted supply to customers if and when faults occur. As a
transmission network reaches capacity, the operation of the Transmission lines becomes more
critical.
In the event of a network being increasingly operated above its design capacity during peak
periods, and two particular concerns arise:
energy losses increase significantly along the transmission lines; and
the voltage drop along the lines increases to a point where supply becomes unstable
and the line “goes down”, and supply on that transmission line is lost.
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When a transmission line “goes down” it is usually possible to re-route the electricity via other
lines in the network. However, when the network is already close to capacity, there is a
greater risk that the entire network will “go down”, cutting supply to the region for an indefinite
period of time. In addition, routine maintenance on the transmission network becomes
restricted, resulting in the heightened deterioration of the network over time. This
deterioration, ultimately, also affects the performance of the transmission network.
There is a growing demand of electricity in the Vuwani/Dzwerani area contributed by the
electrification load, new Nandoni dam loads as well as the new residential developments in
the area.
Given the above observation, Eskom Holdings (SOC) Limited Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU)
intend to submit an application for environmental authorisation to the National Department of
Environmental Affairs for the proposed construction of Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation at
Mamphuli village and 2x132 kV loop in loop out from the existing Nesengani-Venula 132kV
power line at Tshitungulwane village, near Vuwani town, within Vhembe District Limpopo
Province
This draft BA Report focuses in depth on issues which were identified during the field
assessment and Public Participation phases. It consists of Heritage, bird, flood line and
ecological specialist investigations, a detailed desktop research, public participation process as
well as an impact assessment based on identified environmental aspects.
Impacts will be evaluated and assessed in terms of
Nature (what is affected and how)
Extent (local, region or national)
Duration (short, medium, long term or permanent)
Intensity (is the impact destructive or benign)
Probability (describing the likelihood of the impact actually occurring)
The Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPr), included in Appendix F of this
report has also been compiled to complete the draft BA Report. The main objectives of the
EMP are to identify actions and mitigation measures to minimize expected negative impact and
enhance positive impact during all development phases (design/pre-construction, construction,
and post-construction/operation) in terms of community issues, construction site preparation,
construction workers, habitat protection and security.
DEA will review the draft BA Report and EMPr and one of the following decisions may apply:
Accept the activity and give us the go ahead to submit the final BAR
Refer the report for specialist review
Request further information or investigations
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MBOFHO consulting and project managers endeavors to submit a comprehensive report
inclusive of all relevant data and information in order to enable DEA to make informed
comments subsequent to the submission of this draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR)
1.1.1 The key objectives of this Final BA process include the following:
Carry out relevant specialist studies;
Conduct public participation;
Assess receiving environment;
Undertake quantitative assessment of significant environmental impacts and identify concomitant mitigation measures;
Evaluate alternatives through a comparative analysis; and
Compile EIA Report in accordance with the requirements stipulated in GNR 327 Listing
Notice 1 (7 April 2017) regulation 32(2). Refer to Chapter 1 for the document‟s
composition, in terms of the regulatory requirements.
1.1.2 The objectives of the report are the following:
To describe the need for the project;
To explain the environmental legal framework governing the project;
To explain the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – Basic Assessment Process;
To present the assumptions and limitations associated with the EIA;
To describe how the proposed project will be executed during the project life-cycle;
To provide a description of the receiving environment that could be affected by the proposed project;
To provide a summary of the specialist studies conducted as part of the EIA;
To assess the significant impacts associated with the project;
To conduct a comparative analysis of the proposed;
To describe the public participation process that was undertaken to date, as part of the EIA phase; and
To draw conclusions regarding the EIA – BA Process and to make recommendations for decision making.
Description of Activity
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This draft Basic Assessment is being undertaken for the following main activities:
The proposed development of Mamphuli-Dzwerani ext a substation at Mamphuli village and
an approximately 6km loop in loop out Bersfort of 2x132kv power line from an existing 132kv
power line at Tshitungulwane village, near Vuwani town under Vhembe district in the
Limpopo province.
1.1.3 Project Location
Eskom Holdings (SOC) Limited Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU) proposes to establish a new
Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and a 2x132kV power line LILO to connect at the
Nesengani-Venulu 132kV powerline at Tshitungulwana village near Vuwani town.
The project entails the following:
Establishment of 150m x 150m Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A Substation at GPS
coordinates S23°04‟40.79”E30°25‟38.08”
Establishment of a 6km Loop in Loop out (LILO) 2x132kV power lines from the new
Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation to connect to the existing Nesengani-Venulu
132kV power line at Tshitungulwane at GPS coordinates
S23°07‟25.12”E30°26‟04.46”
The proposed LILO route (Alternative route 1 preferred) is approximately 6 km of 132kV.
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Figure 1: Map showing the project location
The proposed new 132 kV power line and associated substation will be constructed on the
following farms:
The proposed substation falls in the Dzwerani 22LT, with the following SGID
T0LT000000000022LT00000
The following farms are affected by the power line;
Maltlicatt of Murziafera 25LT,
Alverton 26LT
Langverwacht 27LT
The following SGID are for the above named farms respectively:
T0TL000000000025LT00000
T0TL000000000026LT00000
T0TL000000000027LT00000
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1.1.4 MOTIVATION FOR THE PROJECT
The project will ensure that the current power supply is strengthened in the area (Vhembe
District: Makhado local municipality and Thulamela Local Municipality).
Currently electricity power supply in the area is very poor thus unable to meet the basic
needs for socio-economic development and upliftment in the area. In the broader sense the
proposed project will inevitable support various electricity requiring a stronger grid
connection.
From an overall environmental sensitivity and planning perspective, the proposed grid
connection supports the broader strategic context of the 2 of 3 of Municipalities as it is
directly linked to the strategic objectives of these Municipalities, which is a stronger and more
reliable electrification network. Moreover, a strong network is considered a driver for
economic growth in the region as per the Vhembe District Municipality‟s IDP. The non-
exceedance of social, ecological, hydrological, visual or avifaunal limit will results from the
construction of the proposed substation and the two power lines project and no significant
disturbance of biological diversity is anticipated, as detailed in this draft Basic Assessment
report and its Impact Assessment report.
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Figure 2: Locality Map
1.2 Legal requirement
The GNR 327 Listing Notice 1 (7 April 2017) and Sections 24 (2) (a) and (d) of the National
Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998) as amended identifies
activities which may not commence without an authorisation from the competent authority,
the Department of Environmental Affairs, (DEA National). In order to apply for authorisation
for the investigation, assessment and communication of potential impacts of the activities
must follow the procedure as described in regulations 16 to 25 of the Environmental Impact
Assessment Regulations, (2014), promulgated in terms of section 24(5) of the Act.
The proposed project is subject to a Basic Assessment process in terms of the following
listed activities:
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Table 3: Regulations and listed activities
Activity No (s) Listed activity Description of project activity
Government Notice R.327 Listing Notice 1 GNR 327 Listing Notice 1 (7 April 2017) Item 11
The development 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 kilovolts
Proposed construction of Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation at Mamphuli village and 2x132 kV loop in loop out from the existing Nesengani-Venulu 132kV power line at Tshitungulwane, near Vuwani town,
Government Notice R.327 GNR 327 Listing Notice 1 (7 April 2017) Listing Notice Item 27
The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegetation, except where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for- (i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or (ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan.
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation will cover an area of approximately 150m x 150m.
Government Notice R.324 GNR 324 Listing Notice 3 (7 April 2017 Item 4
The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve less than 13,5metres. (a) In Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces: ii. Outside urban areas, in: (ee) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by thecompetent authority or in bioregional plans;
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A Substation will need an access road which will be constructed with a width of more than 4m. Existing rural access roads and farm tracks will mainly be used. The alternative A2 (substation) and S2 (powerline) corridor traverses an area classified as CBA 2. The preferred A1 (Substation) will not affect any CBA’s.
Government Notice R.324 GNR 324 Listing Notice 3 (7 April 2017 Item 12
The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of indigenous vegetation except where such clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan. (a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo,
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation will cover an area of approximately 150m x 150m. the alternative A2 (substation) is identified at the area classified as CBA 2 The preferred A1 (Substation) will not affect any CBA’s
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North West and Western Cape provinces: ii. Within critical biodiversity areas identified in bioregional plans
Table 1: Listing Activities triggered
Technical Details regarding the proposed 132kV power line
Towers
The 132kV steel monopole structure has been chosen so as to cater for any future upgrades of the existing network i.e. should there be a necessity to increase the voltage in future. This configuration is designed to be highly flexible during broken conductor conditions, resulting in a very light structure.
Length
The proposed distribution power lines would commence from the proposed new Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and connect to the existing Nesengani-Venulu 132kV powerline. The proposed total length is therefore approximately 6km.
1.2.1 Servitude Requirements and Clearances
Generally, 132 kV power lines require a servitude width of between 30m and 52m. The
proposed 132 kV power line will require a servitude width of 36m (18m either side of the
centre line of the power line).
On receipt of an approval of the final corridor by the environmental authorities and after
negotiations with landowners, the final definition of the centre line for the power line and
coordinates of each bend in the power line will be determined. Optimal tower sizes and
positions will be identified and verified using a ground survey (in terms of the Environmental
Management Plan (EMP) requirements).
Any extra area required outside the servitude shall be negotiated with the relevant land
occupiers and approved by Eskom. All areas marked as no-go areas, identified by means of
the EIA process, located inside the servitude shall be treated with the utmost care and
responsibility.
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1.2.2 Line clearances
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.
8 m on either side of the centre line will be cleared for 132kV power line. Grass and scrubs
will be managed in accordance with Annex B (refer to 240-52456757) which is biome and
land use dependant (Jan 2014)
If any tree or shrub in other areas would interfere with the operation and/or reliability of the
distribution line it will be trimmed or completely cleared. The clearing of vegetation will take
place, with the aid of a surveyor, along approved profiles and in accordance with the
approved EMP, and in accordance with the minimum standards to be used for vegetation
clearing for the construction of the proposed new distribution lines.
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Table 4: Minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for the construction of a new
line
Item Standard Follow up
Centre line of the
proposed Sub-
distribution line
Vegetation to be cut within 50mm of
the ground. Treat stumps with
herbicides.
Re-growth shall be cut within
50mm of the ground and
treated with herbicides, as
necessary.
Inaccessible
valleys (trace
line)
Clear a 1m strip for access by foot
only, for the pulling of a pilot wire by
hand.
Vegetation not to be
disturbed after initial clearing
– vegetation to be allowed to
re-grow.
Access/service
roads
Clear a maximum (depending on tower
type) 4m wide strip for vehicle access
within the maximum 8 m width,
including de-stumping/cutting stumps
to ground level, treating with a
herbicide and re-compaction of soil.
Re-growth to be cut at
ground level and treated with
herbicide as necessary.
Proposed tower
position and
proposed
support/stay wire
position
Clear all vegetation within proposed
tower position and within a maximum
(depending on tower type) radius of 4m
around the position, including de-
stumping/cutting stumps to ground
level, treating with a herbicide and re-
compaction of soil. Allow controlled
agricultural practices, where feasible.
Re-growth to be cut at
ground level and treated with
herbicide as necessary.
Indigenous
vegetation within
servitude area
(outside of
maximum 8m
strip)
Area outside of the maximum 8 m strip
and within the servitude area, selective
trimming or cutting down of those
identified plants posing a threat to the
integrity of the proposed distribution
line.
Selective trimming
Alien species
within servitude
area (outside of
maximum 8m
strip)
Area outside of the maximum 8 m strip
and within the servitude area, remove
all alien vegetation within servitude
area and treat with appropriate
herbicide.
Cut and treat with
appropriate herbicide.
22
Once the tower positions have been marked, the vegetation clearing team will return to every
tower position and clear vegetation (in accordance with the EMP) for assembling and
erection purposes.
1.2.3 Foundations
Foundations will be done as follows:
The type of terrain encountered, as well as the underlying geotechnical conditions determine
the choice of foundation. The actual size and type of foundation to be installed would depend
on the soil bearing capacity (actual sub-soil conditions). Strain structures require more
extensive foundations for support than in-line suspension structures, which contribute to the
cost of the construction of the line.
Foundations would be mechanically excavated where access to the pole position is readily
available. The same applies to the pouring of concrete required for the setting of the
foundations. Prior to erecting the poles and filling of the foundations, the excavated
foundations will be covered in order to safeguard unsuspecting animals and people from
injury. All foundations are back-filled, stabilised through compaction, and capped with
concrete at ground level.
1.2.4 Access
The proposed power line is situated along the farms with existing routes that already consist
of access roads. There are farms along the proposed power line with enough access that will
be used to access the power line corridor.
A vehicle access road is usually required to be established to allow access along the entire
length of the servitude. Access is required during both the construction and
operation/maintenance phases of the line life cycle. Areas without access points and roads
will be negotiated with landowners, and are to be established during the construction phase.
Access roads will be considered for the various alternative routes being evaluated for the
proposed project.
23
1.2.5 Timing
Construction for the project is likely to commence during 2018/19 financial year and the
commissioning of the power line is likely to take place in 2018 (depending on the EIA
process, land acquisition and appointment of construction contractors).
1.2.6 Continuous Maintenance
During the life span of the proposed distribution line, on-going maintenance is required to be
performed from time to time. This maintenance work is undertaken by certified contractors
employed by Eskom, and in compliance with the approved Environmental Management
Programme (EMPr).
1.2.7 Construction Process for the proposed line
The proposed power line will be constructed in the following simplified sequence:
Step 1: Determination of technically feasible alternatives.
Step 2: EIA input into route selection and obtaining of relevant environmental permits.
Step 3: Negotiation of final route with affected landowners.
Step 4: Survey of the route.
Step 5: Selection of best-suited structures and foundations.
Step 6: Final design of line and placement of towers.
Step 7: Issuing of tenders and award of contract to construction companies.
Step 8: Vegetation clearance and construction of access roads (where necessary).
Step 9: Pegging of structures.
Step 10: Construction of foundations.
Step 11: Assembly and erection of structures.
Step 12: Stringing of conductors.
Step 13: Rehabilitation of disturbed area and protection of erosion sensitive areas.
Step 14: Testing and commissioning.
Step 15: Continued maintenance.
24
1.2.8 Detailed description of the listed activities associated with the project as
applied for
Activity No (s) Listed activity Description of project activity
Government
Notice R.327
Listing Notice 1 of
2017
Item 11
The development 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
kilovolts
Proposed construction of Mamphuli-
Dzwerani EXT A substation at
Mamphuli village and 2x132 kV loop in
loop out from the existing Nesengani-
Venulu 132kV power line at
Tshitungulwane, near Vuwani town,
within Vhembe District Limpopo
Province.
Government
Notice R.327
Listing Notice 1 of
2017
Item 27
The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more,
but less than 20 hectares of indigenous
vegetation, except where such clearance of
indigenous vegetation is required for-
(i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or
(ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in
accordance with a maintenance management
plan.
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani
EXT A substation will cover an area of
approximately 150m x 150m.
Government
Notice R.324
Listing Notice 3 of
2017
Item 4
The development of a road wider than 4 metres
with a reserve less than 13,5metres.
(a) In Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and
Northern Cape provinces:
ii. Outside urban areas, in:
(ee) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in
systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the
competent authority or in bioregional plans;
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani
EXT A Substation will need an access
road which will be constructed with a
width of more than 4m. Existing rural
access roads and farm tracks will
mainly be used. The alternative A2
(substation) and S2 (powerline)
corridor traverses an area classified
as Critical biodiversity area CBA 2.
The preferred A1 (Substation) will not
affect any CBA’s.
Government
Notice R.324
Listing Notice 3 of
2017
The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or
more of indigenous vegetation except where such
clearance of indigenous vegetation is required for
maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani
EXT A substation will cover an area of
approximately 150m x 150m. the
alternative A2 (substation) is identified
25
Item 12 with a maintenance management plan.
(a) In Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng,
Limpopo, North West and Western Cape
provinces:
ii. Within critical biodiversity areas identified in
bioregional plans
at the area classified as Critical
biodiversity area Critical biodiversity
area CBA 2
The preferred A1 (Substation) will not
affect any Critical biodiversity area
(CBA’s).
The proposed power line route alternatives traverse the Livuvhu River (and secondary
tributary) and activities 12 and 19 of GN R983 as (amended), as well as 14 of GN R, 985(as
amended) are not triggered by the proposed development.
1.3 STUDY APPROACH FOLLOWED
The approach followed by the consultants was based on the specifications for the
undertaking of a Basic Assessment as provided in the document “Regulations in terms of
Chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998” as approved by the
Minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), 2010. The study approach
followed by the Consultants entailed in short the following steps:
A preliminary site investigation to determine the scope of works of the project and to
familiarize with the site was done by the EAP‟s and the Eskom team.
An application form for a BA to be submitted to DEA
The Public Participation Programme (PPP) took place during June 2017 and
December 2017. It included the identification of key stakeholders, the distribution of
information letters with a request for comment to these stakeholders, as well as
advertising of the project in the local press and on site.
The proposed development is covered by the National Heritage Resources Act that
incorporates heritage impact assessments in the Final Basic assessment process. A
Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment was therefore undertaken by a specialist to
identify the potential impact on heritage resources.
Flood line, ecological and Avifaunal reports were done
26
A Public Participation workshop was conducted on the 27 of January 2019 regarding
the proposed project. All I&AP‟s were invited to this meeting through site notices,
community structures and also assisted by the Ward Councilor of the Local
Municipality.
In the morning of the 27 of January 2019 we had a meeting with the community
representative stakeholders and at 10h00 we had a full public meeting at the local
hall.
The Final BA Report (this document) was distributed to the following stakeholders for
their comment:
DWS (Water Services as well as Water Resources Management Division)
Limpopo Heritage Resources Authority (LIHRA) / SAHRA
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (FORESTRY)
Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AGRICULTURE)
Makhado Local Municipality
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
Limpopo department of Economic development, Environment and tourism (LEDET)
1.6 DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PRACTITIONER
Mbofho consulting and project managers have been appointed by Eskom as the independent
Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the environmental assessment
for the proposed project.
In accordance with Regulation22 (2)a of GN No. R. 327 of 2017, this section provides an
overview of Mbofho consulting and project managers and the company‟s experience with
EIAs, as well as the details and experience of the EAPs that form part of the EIA team.
Mbofho consulting and project managers are an independent, specialist environmental,
social development and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) consultancy, which were
founded in November 2011. The company is directed by a team of experienced and capable
environmental specialist.
The company has offices in Polokwane, Nelspruit, Gauteng and North West Province.
Team members of Mbofho consulting and project managers that are involved with the Basic
Assessment Process for the proposed Eskom project are captured in Table 5 below.
27
Table 5: EIA team
Name Qualifications Experience Duties
Mr Matodzi A.
Silidi
B.Env Sc.
PG in Heritage st.
M.A Environmental Management
12 years Senior EAP
Mrs T.R Silidi BA (Hons)
MA Social Impact Assessment.
Negotiation
9 years Public Participation
Coordinator
Dr E. Matenga PhD Heritage and Archaeology
Co-Reviewer
20+ years Archaeologist
Mr. Mugove
Njovo
PhD Student in Environmental
science
Master science safety Health and
Environmental Management
BSc honors Geography and
Environmental science
BSc Geography and environmental
studies
Diploma in Education
11 years EAP
28
2. CHAPTER TWO: PROJECT INFORMATION
The purpose is to supply relevant information regarding the proposed project to illustrate the
extent of the project components.
2. Feasible and Reasonable Alternatives
Two (2) route servitude/corridor and substation site alternatives were considered for the
proposed new Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and 2x132 kV power line as
preferred and alternative.
These are as follows:
The preferred location of the proposed substation is situated on the Remainder of the Farm
Dzwerani 22-LT, just south of the village of Dzwerani. The preferred line leaves the
substation and heads in a south-south-easterly direction for approximately 500m
before crossing the Luvuvhu River. The line continues on the Remainder of the Farm
Matlicatt or Murzia Fera 25LT for approximately 640m, then turns and heads in a
south-south-westerly direction for approximately 1.5km. The line continues on the
Remainder of the farm Alverton 26-LT for another 920m before turning in a south-
south-easterly direction on Portion 1 of the Farm Langverwacht 27-LT for
approximately 1.9km. The line turns in a southerly direction for approximately 230m
before joining the existing high voltage line. The positive part of the preferred lines is
that they impact less to the environment since it is traversing already disturbed area.
The alternative site for the substation is situated 1.2km due east of the preferred site.
The Alternative line heads in a southerly direction for approximately 1km before
crossing the Luvuvhu River. The alternative line continues on the same path for
another 4.3km in a straight line before joining the existing high voltage line at the
same point as the preferred route.
The majority of the preferred route occurs within areas considered to be of medium
ecological sensitivity. Impact on the surrounding vegetation will therefore not be
severe and most impacts can be mitigated.
The alternative route, has sections within highly sensitive areas, where the impacts
on the vegetation will be high.
The preferred power line route is therefore recommended over the alternative route,
from a floral perspective
29
The proposed alternative A2 Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation is found at the
Critical Biodiversity Area 2 (CBA2).
The alternative power line S2 crosses a small kopje and the alternative
substation is close to the kopje which makes it too expensive for Eskom to drill
and blast before construction. The drilling of a kopje to provide the foundation
for the pylons might have negative impacts on the kopje environment. The area
around the kopje is not ideal for the establishment of the substation
The alternative power line to the alternative substation S2 traverse through the
established private farms (orchard). The power line will have adverse impacts on
socio-economic of the area. Local community members who make the living from the
Orchard might lose their income if part of the orchard is impacted by the power lines.
The sensitive map below indicates the various sensitive maps within the project area.
Figure 3: Sensitivity map for the project area
30
2.1 Site alternatives
2.1.1 Coordinates for the preferred and Alternative site:
Table 6: Coordinates for preferred substation and alternative substation
preferred alternative S23 04 40.79 E30 25 38.08
Alternative: S23 04 23.94 E30 26 20.10
2.1.1.1 Coordinates for the preferred site
Table 7: Coordinates for the preferred Power line
Starting point of the activity S23 04 40.79 E30 25 38.08
Middle S23 06 28.70 E30 25 20.01
Other coordinates along the line
1 S23 07 25.15 E30 26 03.94
2 S23 07 17.44 E30 26 03.45
3 S23 06 28.79 E30 25 19.40
4 S23 05 14.74 E30 25 56.13
5 S23 04 40.79 E30 25 38.09
6 S23 07 17.25 E30 26 03.97
7 S23 06 28.70 E30 25 20.01
8 S23 05 14.73 E30 25 56.72
10 S23 04 23.12 E30 26 04.46
11 S23 07 25.92 E30 26 20.26
End point S23 07 25.12 E30 26 04.46
2.1.1.2 Coordinates for the Alternative power line
Table 8: Coordinates for the alternative power line
Starting point of the activity S23 04 23.94 E30 26 20.10
Middle S23 06 28.70 E30 25 20.01
End point S23 07 25.12 E30 26 04.46
The alternative is just but a straight line from the start to the end, so the given coordinates
will be connected with a straight line (start, middle and end)
31
2.2 Lay-out alternatives
The design and layout of Eskom substation alternatives should conform to the Eskom‟s
technical standards and requirements, as such no lay out alternatives have been considered.
The design of the power lines is required to conform to the Eskom‟s technical standards and
requirements as it form part of the uniform National Electrical Supply network and should fit
in with the existing network systems, technology and infrastructure. The broader corridor
being assessed with this Environmental Impact Assessment Study allows for the avoidance
of the identified environmental sensitivities to some extent through the appropriate placement
of the 32m wide servitude within the 300m wide corridor
The width of the servitude radius that was assessed was 300m either side of the power line
and the actual Eskom servitude is 37, 5m.
The size of the substation within the 150mx150m footprint is not yet known. The designs are
still underway. What is known is that the substation will fit within the applied area.
There is an existing access road. It is only a matter of making it drivable. It will be
approximately 6km.
2.3 Technology alternatives
No technological alternatives exist for the distribution of electricity and as such the
Technology alternatives were not assessed
2.4 Other alternatives (e.g. scheduling, demand, input, scale and design
alternatives)
The design of substation and power lines will be based on widely proven and accepted
industry standards and does not significantly affect the environmental impacts of the
proposed development in any way, as its footprint will not exceed the specifications, or
extend beyond the assessed corridors of 300m or substation size of 150m x 150m. In
likelihood, use will be made of steel monopole structures for the proposed power lines, which
is preferred over the lattice tower structures due to the smaller overall footprint. This will
however be dictated by the site-specific conditions and landowner requirements. The power
lines and substation to be constructed according to the authorised standards for a power line
approved by the Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
32
2.5 Power line Design Alternatives
Two alternatives were assessed for the power lines. Underground cabling was not assessed
for the siting of this project as it is technically feasible over long distances
2.6 Alternative 1 (preferred power line design) – single Circuit Overhead Power
line
The use of single circuit overhead power lines to distribute electricity is considered the most
appropriate technology. The technology has been developed in consideration of
environmental conditions and terrain as specified by Eskom Specifications and best
international practice. Based on all current landscape and ecological parameters, a single
circuit overhead power line is considered the most environmentally practicable technology for
the distribution of power. This option is considered appropriate for the following reasons:
Lower installation and maintenance costs compared to other types of pylon structures
that could potentially be erected
Limited environmental damage during installation
2.7 Alternative 2 (alternative power line technology) – Underground Cabling
Underground cables are typically only used over short distances, are predominately used in
medium and low voltage networks, as well as for power distribution in densely built up areas
with high electricity demand. Furthermore, underground cables have economic and
ecological disadvantages and have thus not been taken into consideration for this project
2.8 No-go alternative
The no-go alternative is also referred as the do-nothing alternative and looks at the situation
where the proposed infrastructure will not be constructed. In this scenario the potential
positive and negative environmental and social impacts as described will not occur. The
status quo will be maintained.
Electricity is generated, supplied and distributed by Eskom via a network called a “Grid”. The
amount of electricity being fed into the grid must always match what the customers are taking
out. The amount of electricity required by the customers varies not just from day to day, but
from minute to minute. As electricity demand increases, and loads are connected, more
power stations and associated substations and lines need to be built to meet the electricity
demands.
33
Eskom Grid Planning is responsible for establishing future electricity demands as a result of
growth and development. Once an area has been identified where future growth will result in
electricity constraints, methods for strengthening the grid to sustain future growth patterns is
considered. The current supply is not sufficient to carry the requisite load and as such the
new Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and the 132kV power line to ensure a stable and
efficient electricity supply for the future. After Eskom Grid Planning has identified the selected
method to strengthen the grid, the power line between Elim and Malamulele which will be
required for this project was identified. This project is required to strengthen the grid in order
to ensure stable electricity supply. Without the proposed power line, the power outages will
continue, the Strengthening Scheme project cannot take place and the grid can therefore not
be strengthened.
If this project is not implemented, it will negatively impact the future electricity supply of the
area. Eskom will not be able to meet the current capacity demand of the region. That will
subsequently affect the economic growth of the country at large.
Ultimately, the project will improve the performance of the supply to the region, in turn
contributing to a greater availability of electricity to residents and industry in the area. By not
increasing the supply to the greater area, development will be constrained.
2.9 Physical size of the activity
The following are the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative
activities/technologies (footprints):
Table 9: The physical size, length and the servitude of the activity
Item Options Size of the activity
1 Preferred activity 22500m2
2 Alternative 22500m2
Length of the activity
1 Preferred activity 6km
2 Alternative 7m
Size of the site/servitude
1 Preferred activity Servitude:36m Corridor:
300m
34
2 Alternative Same as above
2.10 Site Access
The project will provide a new access road to the substation. There is an existing access
route to the project area. The main accesses connect from both Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A
and Mamphuli villages to the substation and also the power lines. There is an existing gravel
road currently used by the sand miners to the river in both sides. From Tshitungulwana
village, there is a new tar road to the village, and also a gravel road that runs parallel to the
new proposed power lines which service the Orchards and some fields. There is another
access from Tshino side that goes to Lwenzhe Technical School. Access roads have been
established linking to the proposed power line, which are those accessing farms and are
enough, where access roads are not in good condition, there will be maintained using the
same material as existing roads as they are shown on the map below;
Figure 4: Access road that exist on site
35
2.11 Locality Map
Mamphuli Village is located on a low plain 15km distance from the foothills of the
Soutpansberg Mountains and the same distance southwest of Thohoyandou as the crow
flies. This area is close to the western limits of the Lowveld, a vast plain east of the
Soutpasberg Mountains, which stick out prominently from the plain. Drainage is controlled by
the Luvubu descending from the south-eastern slopes of the Soutpansberg. Mamphuli village
is spread on a minor watershed between the Luvubu to the south and a minor tributary to the
north, both rivers trending northeast to a confluence just before the tail end of Nandoni Dam.
Vegetation configuration is the Lowveld type although to an extent degraded with a few
mature scattered trees; this is due to human settlement and cultivation. But the edges of the
Luvubu River nestle good riverine woodland with some evergreen species. Grass cover is
dense on the river sides.
36
Figure 5: location of the study area
37
Figure 6: Locality map showing the project area in the red colours
2.12 Layout/Route Plan
A Map shows the layout/ route plan of the proposed power line. It is also included as part of
this report as Appendix C
38
39
40
41
42
2.13 Sensitivity areas
2.13.1 Watercourses and Flood Line
The 1:50-year and 1:100-year flood lines were calculated using the HEC-GeoRAS and HEC-
RAS programmes; and The flood lines were plotted in ArcGIS with the proposed power line
in order to identify any potential encroachment. The power line traverses once through the
Luvuvhu River and its second tributary. No flood encroachment is indicated on the proposed
power line route except at the two points where the power line crosses the Luvuvhu River
and the second tributary. The development of surface infrastructure associated with the
power line at the river crossings should be outside the 1:100-year flood line in order for the
power line development to fully comply with the requirements of the National Water Act, Act
36 of 1998. The means that the installation of pylons at the river crossings should be guided
by the flood line extents as indicated in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Flood line zones
Based on the discussion of the hydrology and hydraulics of the proposed project power line
study, the following conclusions were drawn:
43
The project is characterized by a MAP, MAE and MAR of 676 mm, 1647 mm and 136 mm,
respectively. These values indicate evaporative losses of more than 2 times higher than
incident precipitation which implies seasonal surface flow and associated flood risks on the
proposed power line development. Significant runoff is portrayed with an order of magnitude
of 20% of incident rainfall and this indicates the influence of paved areas associated with the
proximal built-up area to the project site.
The peak flow values used in hydraulic modelling ranged from 37.3 m3/s to 712.5 m3/s for
the analysed watercourses on the project area. These peak flows were calculated using the
RM3 method and were deemed more realistic for the site over those for the SDF and the
MIPI methods. Modelled flood lines show proportionate extents to the aforementioned initial
flow data and these provide an overview of low flood hazards in the assessed project site.
No flood encroachment is indicated on the proposed power line route except at the two
points where the power line crosses the Luvuvhu River and the second tributary. The
installation of surface infrastructure associated with the overhead power line at the river
crossings should be outside the 1:100-year flood line. This is achieved by superimposing the
proposed pylon locations at the river crossings on the 1:100-year flood line and where
encroachment is identified pylon locations should be shifted accordingly to avoid the
demarcated 1:100yr flood waterway. The power line elevation at the Luvuvhu River and the
Tributary 2 crossings should not be below 562.67 and 597.96 mamsl in order to be above the
highest water surface elevations at these crossings. The location of cross sections at the
river crossing points are presented in the attached flood line report.
If the recommended vertical and horizontal pylon installation specification measures are
implemented, no significant flood risks will be experienced in the power line development
project. As such, the power line will comply with the requirements of the National Water Act,
Act 36 of 1998 which stipulates that any development infrastructure should be placed outside
the 1:100-year flood line.
2.13.2 Areas with indigenous vegetation
Combretum apiculatum is the dominant tree species on the slopes and plains while
Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens,Dichrostachys cinerea and Grewia bicolor dominate the
thickets in the bottomlands. Terminalia sericea is the common woody species in the deep
sandy uplands. Five stunted Marula trees Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra were recorded in
the northern section of the route to the north and south of the Levuvhu River. This is the only
formally protected tree species recorded in the survey area. The Marula is listed as a
provincially protected plant species under Schedule 12 of the Limpopo Environmental
Management Act – Act 7 of 2003
44
2.13.3 Cultural and historical features
The Phase I HIA study for the proposed Power line Project did not reveal the presence of
any of the types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the National
Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) in the Project Area. There is consequently no
reason from a heritage point of view why Eskom‟s proposed power line and substation
Project should not continue.
2.13.4 Visual impact assessment
In terms of the visual impacts the proposed development (with mitigation) will have a
moderate to major negative impact over the short term; and moderate negative impact over
the long term
2.13.5 Avifaunal Habitats
The study area comprised mostly rural grazing lands in savanna bushveld, surrounded by
rural townships/peri-urban settlement, with a few agricultural fields and small farm dams in
the area. They are few power lines present in the landscape with the proposed route
crossing one 22kV line and joining a high voltage line in the south.
The proposed powerline route traversed mostly dryland habitat consisting of savanna
bushveld dominated by grass species in areas where the trees have been cleared for
grazing, and denser tree cover in areas where bush encroachment by microphyllous species
such as Dichrostachys cinerea (Sicklebush) was occurring. Large trees species such as
Ficus sur (Broom) and Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) dotted the landscape. Although disturbed
by subsistence grazing, many savanna bird species were observed in this habitat during the
field surveys. This habitat represented the most important habitat to birds in the study area.
45
The northern section of the proposed powerline route crossed the Luvuvhu River and its
associated riparian habitat. A non-perennial tributary of the Luvuvhu River also occurred in
the study area, which the line crossed towards the southern end. High avifaunal activity was
detected in and around the riparian habitat associated with the river and its drainage lines. A
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) nest was observed in a large Ficus sur tree at the crossing
point on the north bank of the Luvuvhu River. Watercourses and wetlands are usually areas
of high avifaunal diversity as the riparian environment and dense vegetation provides
abundant cover, feeding and breeding habitat for many species of invertebrates, birds,
mammals, reptiles and amphibians. When it is available, surface water provides drinking
water, while the soft substrate provides burrowing environments for fossorial animals. The
increase in prey and vegetation attracts a high diversity of birds as well as terrestrial
mammals and reptiles
The region of the study area is biodiverse with around 463 bird species occurring in QDGC
2330AB according Roberts Multimedia (SA Birding, 2011).
To date SABAP2 has reported approximately 255 bird species recorded within the QDGC. Of
these, 38 species are of conservation concern. These include species with a national and/or
global conservation status higher than Least Concern. In additional, 61 bird species
occurring in the QDGC are of special concern as they are protected under the Convention on
the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS, 2017).
A total of 54 bird species were recorded in the study area during the field surveys (Table 4),
mostly in the savanna bushveld habitat and at the Luvuvhu River. A higher number of
species can be expected in the study area as sampling did not reach saturation due to the
short time in the field. None of these are currently listed as being of conservation/special
concern, and only a few that are considered vulnerable to the impacts of power lines.
Ten species of conservation concern were however given a high likelihood of occurring in the
study area. These consisted of species such as raptors, korhaans, and bustards. Such
species are also considered vulnerable to the impacts of power lines. In fact more raptors,
game birds and herons were expected to occur in the area due to the presence of suitable
habitat. The fact that more game birds were not recorded could be explained by the proximity
of the study area to residential areas and hunting pressure by the local people. This in turn
would explain the absence of raptors.
46
2.13.6 Major Known Impacts of Power lines on Avifauna
Electrical infrastructure comprises a significant interface between wildlife and man due to the
nature and distribution of electrical structures within the landscape. The development of new
electrical infrastructure poses three primary threats to avifauna: (1) electrocution of birds
perching on or near conductors; (2) collisions of birds with overhead wires or moving parts of
power generators such as wind turbines; and (3) habitat loss through the destruction or
degradation of vegetation during construction. Electrocution and collision associated with
electrical infrastructure are common causes of unnatural mortality to many bird species and
may significantly impact on population structure (Sergio et al., 2004). Conversely, power
supply may be interrupted which has negative economic impacts resulting from damaged
equipment, loss of service to the power grid, human safety issues and veld fires.
2.13.7 High Risk Landscape Features
Cranes, bustards, flamingos, waterfowl, gamebirds, large birds of prey (including vultures)
and falcons are among the avian groups most frequently affected by electrocution and
collision associated with electrical infrastructure (Jenkins et al., 2010). These species
generally occur in a few key types of habitat with specific topographical landscape features,
i.e. open, flat areas such as grassland and wetlands, and mountainous or hilly areas with
ridges, cliffs or rocky outcrops. Topographic relief pattern affect avian flight paths by aligning
them along ridges, over passes and through valleys as they follow energetically economical
ways to travel across country (APLIC, 1994; Jenkins et al., 2010). Areas with high
topography also tend to have extreme weather conditions where the occurrence of mist, fog,
low cloud and high winds is frequent, putting the avifauna inhabiting the area at risk
(Bevanger, 1994).
A basic factor for survival requires birds to make regular and direct flights between resource
points. Waterbirds flying between wetlands are at risk of collision with powerlines as they are
generally large bodied, flocking species with low manoeuvrability, low ocular acuity and tend
to fly at powerline height. Similarly, gamebirds, bustards and cranes inhabiting grasslands
are at risk where short, open vegetation encourages low altitude flying (APLIC, 1994).
Species that engage in behaviours such as high-speed aerial chases and elaborate aerial
displays are at risk and are usually associated with open areas with short vegetation such as
grassland.
47
Bird species with specific habitat requirements and restricted ranges are the most at risk with
respect to habitat destruction. As a result many priority bird species or species of
conservation concern are associated with vegetation types that are unique and are restricted
and/or isolated within the landscape. Examples of these habitat types within the study area
include grassland and wetland
2.14 Site Photographs
2.15 Facility Illustration
The project‟s facility illustration is shown below;
48
Table 10: Example of the monopole
2.16 Activity Motivation
Both the substation and the power line corridor passes through land which is zoned as
agricultural land. An Environmental Authorisation is required to construct the proposed
22/132kVMamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and 2 x ±6km overhead power line. The
activity is a linear infrastructure that will cross various properties. Eskom will be required to
negotiate right of way servitude for the power lines within the nominated preferred power
lines corridor.
2.16.1 Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF)
49
The provincial Spatial Development Framework aims at building a prosperous, sustainable
growing provincial economy to reduce poverty and improve social development. This section
notes that in order to promote economic growth in the Limpopo Province, the availability of
power lines and substations is needed. The proposed project will create job opportunities
and enhance the current electrical supply in the Dzwerani-Vuwani area. Further the proposed
upgrade will augment electrical supply and there reduce outages which will attract more
economic activities such as mining.
2.16.2 Urban edge / Edge of Built environment for the area
The project will not be at the urban edge. The activity is mostly traversing farms/ rural
communal areas to connect between the substation and the 132kV powerline which are
outside the urban edge. Though the proposed power line does not affect the urban edge, but
the proposed line would create a visual intrusion, however, the study area has various
existing distribution lines traversing it. Furthermore, the proposed line will help ensure that
there is continuous power supply in the surrounding areas. The reliable electricity source
would open the door to new economic opportunities, within the general area, in turn
contributing to an increase in the local GDP. The powerline would ensure continuous and
stable power supply in the area which would in turn stimulate growth, development and
improve quality of life. However, it was envisaged that the proposed line would impact people
(particularly farmers), slight environment and the local economy. To understand the potential
impacts, specialists were appointed to conduct in-depth evaluations.
The specialists appointed were:
Heritage Impact Specialist
Ecological Specialist
Flood line specialist
Avifaunal specialist
2.16.3 Approved Structure Plan of the Municipality
Eskom is a State Own Company (SOC) and all electrical planning is done at the behest of
Eskom. The development is necessitated by the need to increase more power to the area in
order to support future developments housing etc. But however, Vhembe District Municipality
and its two Local Municipalities (Thulamela and Makhado/ Lim3, 4, 5) are aware of the
project.
2.16.4 Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
The approval of this application will not compromise the Vhembe District Municipality
Environmental Management Framework.
50
2.16.5 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Spatial Development Framework (SDF)
of the Local Municipality
The IDP of the Vhembe district municipality aims at ensuring the quality of life of the Vhembe
District Municipality community through purposeful; and quality service, and the effective and
optimal utilisation of resources. This project will assist in strengthening the local electricity
supply and will facilitate development in the area, thereby assisting in job creation which will
further help achieve IDP objectives. The proposed project will not compromise the objectives
of the Integrated Development Plan and the Spatial Development Framework but it will assist
in making sure that the electrical infrastructure or facilities as outlined in the National
Development Plan 2030 of the Republic of South Africa, is immensely enhanced. The
proposed development directly address the service delivery featuring prominently on the
Local Municipality IDP and SDF
2.16.6 Environmental Management Framework (EMF)
The approval of this application will not compromise the Vhembe District Municipality
Environmental Management Framework.
2.16.7 Any other Plans
During our Public Participation process, both Thulamela and Makahdo/Lim 3,4,5 Local
Municipality and Vhembe District Municipality were consulted and the indicated that
proposed power line does not impact on their plans.
2.16.8 Community response to the activity
During the stakeholder engagement, there was no objection to the proposed project raised
except the Substation name raised by the Chief of Mamphuli village. In line with the national
electricity generation and job creation priorities, the construction of the proposed Substation
and associated 132 kV powerline will provide significant benefit to the local community.
Benefits will firstly come in the form of employment as the project has potential to create
short term employment opportunities for the local community and skills development
opportunities primarily during the construction. Secondly, the more stable and constant
supply of adequate electricity to the local areas will assist in the improvement of livelihoods
and quality of living of the local communities. Local people could be employed during the
construction phase of the project as manual labour.
2.16.9 Services required and owner of the infrastructure
51
No services are required for the construction or operation of the power line and a substation.
The construction of the power line infrastructure and a substation will therefore not place
additional pressure on the local area or Municipality either during construction or operation.
The power line and the substation will be owned and operated by Eskom. It therefore falls
outside of the infrastructure planning of the Municipality. The construction of the power line
infrastructure and a substation will therefore not place additional pressure on the local area
or Municipality either during construction or operation.
2.16.10 Strategic or non -strategic project
One objective regarding electricity distribution within the National Development Plan (NDP) is
that the proportion of people with access to the electricity grid should rise to at least 90 % by
2030, with non-grid options available for the rest. Resolving maintenance and the
refurbishment of backlogs is one of the actions set out in the NDP to solve this issue. This
proposed project will therefore assist in positively contributing to the improvement of the
national electricity supply situation.
The National Government recently adopted an Infrastructure Plan that is intended to
transform the economic landscape of South Africa, create a significant number of new jobs,
strengthen the delivery of basic services to the people of South Africa and support the
integration of African economies.
The Infrastructure Plan of South Africa sets out the challenges and enablers, which South
Africa needs to respond to, in the building and developing of relevant infrastructure.
Based on the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordination Commission (PICC),
seventeen Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) have been developed and approved to
support economic development and address service delivery in the poorest provinces. Each
SIP is comprised of a large number of specific infrastructure components and programmes.
The proposed development of the powerline will contribute to SIP 6 and 10.
SIP 6 regarding integrated municipal infrastructure projects, include projects that:
Develop national capacity to assist the 23 least resourced districts (19 million people)
to address all the maintenance backlogs and upgrades required in water, electricity
and sanitation bulk infrastructure; and
SIP 10, regarding electricity transmission and distribution for all, includes projects that:
52
Expand the transmission and distribution network to address historical imbalances,
provide access to electricity for all and support economic development; and
Align the 10-year transmission plan, the services backlog, the national broadband
roll-out and the freight rail line development to leverage off regulatory approvals,
supply chain and project development capacity.1
The aim of the project is to expand the transmission and distribution network to address the
current electricity imbalance and provide access to electricity for the existing Dzwerani /
Vuwani residential area.
2.16.11 Land factor contextualisation
The study area falls within a landscape which is typical of most rural parts of the north
eastern Limpopo Province i.e. largely deforested open terrain (used mainly for communal
livestock free range grazing), areas of bush thickening by pioneer shrubs, fallow substance
agricultural fields interspersed with informal settlements. The proposed location for the
Substation is in the communal land under the Traditional Leadership. The Traditional
Authority is happy with the project. For this reason, the location is perfectly suited for the
proposed Substation and the powerline facility. The location and route chosen for the
powerline is therefore favourable in achieving the desired objective of electricity distribution
into the local grid while minimising the environmental impact as far as possible. The local
agricultural land-use of mostly grazing will not be adversely affected once the pylons have
been constructed as the actual footprint of natural areas transformed by the project will not
be of significant size
2.16.12 Development and the best practicable environmental option for this land/site
The project involves the establishment of a new power line in order to address the current
and future electricity supply challenges. The current environmental land-use capability is
already low. Once the pylons have been constructed the area will again be available for
agricultural utilisation mainly in the form of livestock grazing as is current practice. The
project will not adversely affect the current land-use capability and environmental potential.
The development of the powerline is essential in the success of the proposed substation
facility. Though there are some protected tree species such as Sclerocarya birrea, the
developer will need Permits for cutting, trimming and removal. The EMPr will thus provide
mitigation for any potential negative environmental impacts.
2.16.13 Project spin-offs
53
Electricity has become a fundamental need and precursor of development and improvement
of people‟s quality of life. The establishment of power line will ensure that the continuous
distribution of electricity to the area is fundamental. The benefits of the proposed project will
significantly outweigh the potential negative impacts thereof. The proposed project will
contribute to improving the socio-economic conditions of the area. Local job creation, skills
development, improved livelihood and quality of life as well as adequate local electricity
supply are significant local benefits
The proposed development will provide an additional supply of electricity to the local area in
which it is proposed. The construction and subsequent operation of the proposed
development will also provide a significant financial boost to the area in terms of job creation
and skills development. The current imbalance in the electricity supply within the surrounding
areas will be restored and it will add to a higher quality of life to residents. The capacity for
the potential development of new residential areas will also be created once the proposed
electrical services development is completed. This will enhance the economic development
process within the area.
With the new project, Electricity shortages would decrease and the area would have a more
stable and sustainable supply of electricity. The continuous power supply would encourage
investors to contribute to local economic development and thus increase job creation. People
would be able to use the stable electricity supply to development their own local enterprises
and improve their exposure to the outside world through educational programs on television
and radios.
At local level, the construction phase will generate temporary employment and skills
development as part of the project proponent‟s supplier development policies that guarantee
local content in the execution of its infrastructure development programme. Local people
could be employed during the construction of the power line for manual labour (e.g. for bush
clearing and the digging of foundations).
54
The negative impacts on the existing environment will be minimal due to the fact that the
proposed powerline will be constructed along the already disturbed area, with sand mining
taking place and other existing power line. Therefore, the environment has already been
exposed to similar activities and the aesthetic feel of the environment will not be greatly
affected from a visual perspective. The Ecological Impact Assessment as well as the
Heritage Impact Assessment conducted by specialists yielded a very low negative impacts
on the ecology and the very low significance on Heritage resources and impacts identified
can also be suitably mitigated to acceptable levels .This is considered to be the most feasible
solution proposed by Eskom Holding (SOC) Limited Limpopo Operating Unit (LOU), to
supply electricity to the area. No adverse impacts are anticipated from the proposed
establishment of 132kV power line. The local farmers raised their concerns regarding
irrigation areas and game breeding areas. Eskom Land and Rights will start the negotiations
with the farmers subsequent to the issuing of an Environmental Authorisation
2.16.14 Development and Precedent
There are other power lines and substation facilities in the area which distribute electricity to
various areas. The proposed powerline development will form part of a distribution network
required for electricity transmission in the area. Distribution networks are usually upgraded
and changed over time in order to optimise efficiency and adjust to the changes in
requirements and demands. It is therefore possible that the network may be altered in the
future. The new powerline will also run along the already existing line indicating that the area
has been approved for similar activities.
2.16.15 Any other need and desirability
No other need and desirability for the proposed project apart from supporting the
infrastructure development programme in line with the Government‟s New Growth Path
(NGP) and the National Development Plan to contribute to economic growth of the country.
The proposed development Electricity has become a fundamental need and precursor of
development and improvement of people‟s quality of life. The proposed establishment of new
power lines would greatly contribute to the future mining in the area. The establishment of
Power supply integrate well with the other Government initiative programs such as mining
development, service delivery and water supply as without reliable electricity supply, these
other services may not be realised. So this project appreciates the intentions of the Strategic
Integrated Projects. When the project is finished, it would further help ensure that there is
continuous power supply to the mining areas, agricultural fields, surrounding rural
communities and the entire Municipal area. The reliable electricity source would open the
door to new economic opportunities, within the general area, in turn contributing to the
increase of the local GDP
55
2.16.16 EIA process
Below are various elements of the EIA process discussed in relation to the relevant sub-
sections complied with in Section 23 of NEMA:
Table 11: EIA process
Compliance Relevant sub-section in Section 23 of
NEMA
The EIA process is the selected
environmental management tool.
1
Refer to 19 below 2(c)
The assessment performed identifies,
predicts and evaluates actual and potential
impacts, and provides for mitigation of
such negative impacts.
2(b)
An EIA is performed before environmental
authorisation is granted.
2(c)
A comprehensive public participation
process has been followed in accordance
with EIA Regulation GN R327 of 2014
2(d)
Impacts with significant effects have been
brought to the attention of the competent
authority in this report.
2(e)
The general objectives of Integrated Environmental Management have been taken into
account in the development of the project by means of identifying, predicting and evaluating
the actual and potential impacts on the environment (the basic assessment process). The
risks, consequences, alternatives as well as options for mitigation of activities have also been
considered with a view to minimise negative impacts, maximise benefits and promote
compliance with the principles of environmental management.
56
The required Basic Assessment (BA) in terms of the National Environmental Management
Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) was undertaken for the proposed powerline, in
order to investigate and assess any potential environmental impacts associated with the
development prior to implementation. Alternatives were identified and the potential mitigation
measures of impacts to acceptable levels were also assessed during the Basic Assessment.
As part of the BA process, specialist studies were conducted to evaluate the actual and
potential impacts that the proposed development could have on the biophysical environment,
within the study area. In line with the general objectives of Integrated Environmental
Management, the risks and consequences of the various corridor alternatives were assessed
and mitigation measures were recommended by each specialist in order to minimise the
negative impacts to acceptable levels and maximise the benefits of the proposed project.
In addition, a comprehensive Public Participation Process (PPP) has been undertaken as
part of the Basic Assessment, which assists in informing of and consultation with various
interested and affected parties, key stakeholders.
2.16.17 Principles of environmental management
Through the undertaking of a Basic Assessment process by a competent Environmental
Assessment Practitioner, informed by guidelines, the consideration of impacts and
alternatives (advantages and disadvantages coupled thereto) has been made.
Moreover, the conducting of a public participation process and specialist investigations form
part of this basic assessment process, whilst mitigation measures and the needs and
desirability of the proposed project were interrogated. This ensured that all provisions of the
Act were considered and as such integrated environmental management were accounted for
as follows:
(2) Environmental Management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its
concern, and serve their physical, psychological, developmental, cultural heritage and social
interests equitably.
The goal of this Basic Assessment is to identify and adequately mitigate potential socio-
economic impacts in order to meet the terms of Section 24 of the Constitution. The project
will have considerable socio-economic benefits such as job creation, skills development and
transfer as well as adequate local electricity provision.
(3) Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
57
The overall goal of this draft Basic Assessment is to predict, identify and manage potential
positive and negative impacts in the socio-economic, cultural-heritage and biophysical
environments. This must be done in order to meet the needs of present generations without
compromising the needs of future generations (sustainable development). The distribution
and local provision of electricity will be a continuous and sustainable process while
environmental impacts will be acceptably mitigated.
(4)(a) Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the
following:
i. That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or,
where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied;
ii. that pollution and degradation of the environment are avoided, or, where they
cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and remedied;
iii. that the disturbance of landscapes and sites that constitute the nation´s cultural
heritage is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, is minimized and
remedied;
that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimized and reused or
recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner;
58
3. CHAPTER THREE: APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR
GUIDELINES
3.1 Applicable legislation, policies and/or guidelines
The environmental legislative framework and components for South Africa can best be
unpacked and summarised as follows.
3.1.1 The Constitution
Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 108 of 1996 provides the
basic right to an environment which is not harmful to a person‟s health or well-being, as well
as to have the environment protected through legislation and any measures which:-
Prevent pollution and / ecological degradation;
Promote conservation;
Secures ecological sustainable development; and
The sustainable use of resources.
At the same time, Section 25 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right of access to
information which is essential for them to exercise their Constitutional right including any
information pertinent to the environmental assessment (EA) or EIA process. For this reason,
Public Participation is considered an essential mechanism for informing stakeholders of their
rights and obligations in terms of the project.
3.1.2 The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA)
The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) creates the fundamental legal
framework that gives effect to the environmental right guaranteed in Section 24 of the
Constitution and sets out the fundamental principles that apply to environmental decision
making.
3.1.3 The Principles of NEMA
The Principles of NEMA (Chapter 1) not only serve as a framework upon which
Environmental Management is based (Section 2(1)(b)), but ensures that people and their
needs are always considered (Section 2(2)). This is achieved through avoiding and
minimising:
Disturbance on ecosystems or loss of biological diversity (Section 2(4)(a)(i));
Pollution and degradation of the environment (Section 2(4)(a)(ii)); and
Negative impacts on the environment and people‟s environmental rights (Section
2(4)(a)(viii));
59
The principles of NEMA further require that a cautious, methodological approach be applied
which takes into account knowledge or information gaps (Section 2(4)(a)(vii)) so that, as far
as possible, all positive or negative impacts on the environment are considered and
assessed in order to facilitate the decision-making process in mitigating these adverse
impacts (Section 2(4)(a)(i)).
3.1.4 Integrated Environmental Management (Chapter 5)
Section 24(1) of NEMA requires that the potential impacts of projects or activities must be
considered, investigated, assessed and reported to the Competent Authority, while Section
24(2) empowers the Minister (or MEC) to identify such projects or activities which require
authorisation. These activities are listed in Government Notice Regulation (GNR) 327
(Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations), R 324 Listing Notice 1 (activities requiring
Basic Assessment); GNR 326 Listing Notice 2 (activities requiring Scoping and
Environmental Impact Assessment) and GNR 325 (activities requiring Basic Assessment
dependent on provincial requirements) published in terms of Section 24D of NEMA. Section
24 (5) of NEMA empowers the Minister (or MEC) to Final regulations which provide a
framework for the authorisation process, and which is provided in GNR 327 Listing Notice (7
April 2017).
In terms of Section 24F, failure to obtain environmental authorisation for listed activities
constitutes an offence and, either jointly or severally, convicted persons can be fined up to
R5 000 000 as well as face imprisonment for up to ten years.
2.1.3 Additional Acts and Frameworks
In addition to NEMA, the following Acts have some bearing on the proposed activities:
Hazardous Substances Act, 15 of 1973;
The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 43 of 1983;
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993;
Development Facilitation Act, 67 of 1995;
National Road Transport Act, 93 of 1996;
Extension of Security Tenure Act, 62 of 1997;
Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 75 of 1997;
Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 19 of 1998;
The National Water Act, 36 of 1998;
South Africa National Road Agency and National Roads Act, 7 of 1998;
The National Heritage Resources Act, 25 of 1999;
Promotion for Administrative Justice Act, 3 of 2000;
Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act, 28 of 2002;
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The National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003;
The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004;
The National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 59 of 2008;
Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Act, 23 of 2009;
Application to the DEA for Environmental Authorisation in terms of NEMA does however not
absolve the applicant from complying with other statutory requirements, and in addition the
following national and provincial legislation will apply inter alia to the project.
3.1.5 GN R 327 – The Environmental Authorisation process
Based on NEMA and GNR 327 Eskom requires Environmental Authorisation from the
competent authority, the Department of Environmental Affairs. The provincial environmental
authority, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
(DEDET) will act as a commenting authority.
Application to the DEA for Environmental Authorisation in terms of NEMA does however not
absolve the applicant from complying with the above mentioned statutory requirements. In
this regard the following national and provincial legislation will apply inter alia to the project.
3.1.6 GNR 327 – Activities requiring an EIA
The proposed project and activities are listed in GNR 327, specifically:
Activity No (s) Listed activity
Government Notice
R.327 Listing Notice 1
of 2017
Item 11
The development 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 kilovolts
Government Notice
R.327 Listing Notice 1
of 2014
Item 27
The clearance of an area of 1 hectares or more, but less than 20
hectares of indigenous
vegetation, except where such clearance of indigenous
vegetation is required for-
(i) the undertaking of a linear activity; or
(ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a
maintenance management plan.
Government Notice
R.324
Listing Notice 3 of
The development of a road wider than 4 metres with a reserve
less than 13,5metres.
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2014
Item 4
(a) In Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape
provinces:
ii. Outside urban areas, in:
(ee) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic
biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in
bioregional plans;
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4. CHAPTER FOUR: STATUS QUO OF RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
4.1 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION (INCLUDING VISUAL, LANDUSE
&LANDCOVER)
4.1.1 Climate
The climate within the Granite Lowveld vegetation unit is typical of north-eastern Southern
Africa with summer rainfall and dry winters. The annual precipitation in this area ranges from
500mm per year in the eastern flats to about 900mm per year in the north-west and along the
escarpment. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 38°C and 3.7°C for
January and July. The conservation status of this vegetation unit is considered to be
vulnerable with more than 20% already transformed by cultivation and settlement
development (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
4.1.2 Surface Water
The route crosses a significant water course in the form of the Luvuvhu River just south of
the proposed substation. This perennial river is one of the most important ecological features
in the far-north eastern Limpopo Province. There is also a non-perennial watercourse that
the proposed power line will cross
4.1.3 Land Use Character 0f Surrounding Area
Agriculture is the land use and/or prominent feature that currently occurs within a 500m
radius of the site. There are plantations with various types of crops. The proposed sites
(including the alternative site) fall within Critical Biodiversity Area (as per provincial
conservation plan) and it‟s not in any of the following areas;
Core area of a protected area
Buffer area of a protected area
Planned expansion area of an existing protected area
Existing offset area associated with a previous Environmental Authorization
Buffer area
The Critical Biodiversity Area map is attached on Appendix A
63
Figure 8: The critical biodiversity area map
4.2 Waste, effluent, emission and noise management
4.2.1 Solid waste management
All solid waste collected shall be disposed of at the registered/licensed municipal landfill site.
Skip waste containers and waste collection bins will be maintained on site and the contractor
will arrange for them to be collected regularly when needed and transported to the licensed
landfill site. Waste separation will be implemented. Under no circumstances will waste be
burned or buried on site. No solid waste shall be produced during operation phase.
Once the bins/skips are full they should (under normal circumstances) be taken to a
registered landfill site for disposal. The closest registered landfill site will be just outside
Thohoyandou under Thulamela Local municipal landfill site which is about approximately
20km from the furthest point of the proposed project area.
64
The challenge will be the disposal of hazardous solid waste as currently there is no
registered landfill site exists for hazardous waste in Limpopo Province.
As such, the following protocol will need to be followed with regard to the disposal of
hazardous solid waste generated during the construction phase:
Contractors are advised to use the existing Thohoyandou municipal landfill site for
general waste, upon agreement with the relevant structures and the correct
procedures must be followed. Disposal waybills must be kept on file for inspection.
Any recyclable waste should be dropped off at the Recycling Centre; Landfill
(registered facility),
As no facility exists in the Province for the disposal of hazardous waste, it is
recommended by the EAP that proper storage be erected on site in which waste can
be accumulated before transported to the nearest registered hazardous landfill
facility;
The waste storage area for both the storage of general and hazardous waste must be
clearly indicated and demarcated to prevent unauthorised access. These containers
should have a cover or a closing mechanism to avoid wind-blown waste and rain
water filling the skips/containers; and
Upon disposal of waste by the Contractor or his agent, a disposal certificate must be issued
and kept on site for the duration of construction and until a close-out audit has been
undertaken. The hazardous waste which can be expected from the construction phase,
include disposables such as oil cans or containers, lubricants and cement bags.
The disposal of waste is also addressed in the Environmental Management Programme
(EMPr) for the proposed power line and substation development.
Solid waste is produced infrequently as the quantity of waste produced is primarily linked to
equipment failures where parts need to be replaced. Due to the fact that the frequency of
equipment failures cannot be predicted it is difficult for Eskom to determine monthly
quantities of solid waste to be produced
Solid wastes generated on site will be separated/classified as domestic waste, Paper,
hazardous waste, scrap metals, building rubble. Domestic wastes and building rubble will be
disposed of at the municipal landfill site. Other waste types will be stored, recycled and re-
used/disposed of as per Eskom waste management plan.
65
Thulamela Local Municipal waste sites may be used for the disposal of small quantities of
solid waste. Blown transformers and equipment will be transported to the Eskom Depot in
Polokwane and disposed of by a waste contractor, which will be appointed upon
commissioning of the substation. The solid waste that does not feed into the municipal waste
stream will be recycled and/or reused. The customer network centres (CNC) also have
storage facilities to temporarily store equipment‟s collected from site. The nearest CNC is
Muledane CNC located at approximately 7km to the project area. Some of the components
such as the substation transformer contains transformer oil or is treated with oil. These
components will have to be discarded at hazardous waste disposal facilities. The oil will be
drained from the blown transformer(s) and sealed in drums. The drums and blown equipment
will be transported to the Eskom depot in Thohoyandou or Polokwane for disposal by an
appointed waste contractor. The oil will only be disposed of should it be contaminated.
Should the oil be free of contamination, the oil will be re-used. The Contractor will be
educated on the Waste Disposal Options, i.e Any recyclable waste should be dropped off at
the Recycling Centre; Landfill (registered facility),
Table 12: Waste Profile
Condition Approval
Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the
NEM: WA?
No
Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment
facility?
No
Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be
disposed of in a municipal sewage system
No
Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of
on-site?
No
Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at
another facility?
No
Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere other that exhaust
emissions
No
Will any aspect of the activity produce waste that will require a waste permit
in terms of the NEM: WA?
No
4.2.2 Waste permit
The project activities do not require any waste permit or licences.
66
4.2.3 Generation of noise
Noise will be generated during vegetation clearing activities, by vehicles transporting
equipment and construction activities around the power line.
These impacts are not considered to be significant enough to warrant a formal assessment.
During operation the power line may produce a corona (low „buzzing‟ or „crackling‟ noise). A
corona can be caused by water droplets forming on a conductor resulting in the breakdown
of air molecules perceived as the crackling noise (Eskom GFS 0009 Revision 2 Document,
May 2004). However, corona rings are used by Eskom on conductors to prevent / reduce the
noise. In addition, the transformer within the substation will also produce a low level
humming noise.
There are however no significant settlements or homesteads in the immediate/close vicinity
which will be affected by this type of noise.
To ensure that the noise generated during the construction phase is minimised, the following
mitigation measures are proposed (these will be included in the Environmental Management
Programme for the project, attached as Appendix G):
All equipment used on site shall be fitted with suitable silencers to control noise
pollution;
The following will prevail:
Unless otherwise specified by the EO/ECO, normal working hours will apply (i.e. from
06h30 to 17h00, Mondays to Fridays);
Ensure that employees and staff conduct themselves in an acceptable manner while
on site, both during work hours and after hours;
No loud music will be permitted on site or in the site camp.
If blasting is required during the construction period of the 132 kV power line, the following
guidelines will be followed:
The type, duration and timing of the blasting procedures will be planned with due
cognisance of other land uses and structures in the vicinity;
67
The local landowners and communities will be adequately informed ahead of any
blasting event;
The use of nitrate-free explosives will be favoured wherever possible (i.e. methods
including drilling and black powder, expanding mortar or old fashioned plugs and
feathers);
Noise mufflers and/or soft explosives will be used by staff during blasting;
Appropriate measures to limit undesired flyrock will be taken;
Audible warning of a pending blast will be given at least 3 minutes in advance of a
blast; and
All flyrock (of diameter 150mm and larger) which falls beyond the cleared
4.2.4 Energy Efficiency
The activity will not use electricity but rather distribute electricity to a substation from where it
is divided into smaller voltages for distribution to end-users.
4.2.5 Property description/physical address
The following table shows the property description
Table 13: Property description
Province Limpopo
District
Municipality
Vhembe District Municipality
Local
Municipality
Thulamela Local Municipality
Ward Number(s) 26
Farm name and
number
Dzwerani 22LT
Portion number Remainder of the Farm Dzwerani
SG Code Please refer to Appendix A0
Table 14: Land owners
Province Limpopo
District
Municipality
Vhembe District Municipality
Local
Municipality
Lim 3,4,5 Local Municipality
68
Ward Number(s) 14
Farm name and
number
Maltlicatt of Murziafera 25LT
Alverton 26LT
Langverwacht 27LT)
Portion number Portion 1 of Farm Langverwacht
Remainder of the Farm Alverton
Remainder of the Matlicatt or Murzia Fera
SG Code Please refer to Appendix A0
4.2.6 Gradient of the site
The general gradient of the site falls in 1:15 – 1:10 for both the preferred and the alternative
site. The location‟s landscape is undulating.
4.3 Socio-Economic Character of the local municipality
4.3.1 Level of unemployment
According to the IDP of Makhado Municipality, it is evident that the large portion of the
economically inactive population is unemployed. 33.8% male and 63.0% female. In general
forty eight percent (48%) of the population are unemployed.
Economic profile of local municipality
4.3.2 Economic profile of local municipality
The formal economy of the Makhado Municipality can be considered as a “dual economy”, as
it comprises two distinct elements namely the sophisticated economy of the Makhado town
and surrounding farms and the informal economies of surrounding townships and rural
areas. Makhado town provides a regional function to the surrounding areas (e.g. trade
services, banking, manufacturing, storage, transport, etc), because of its size and level of
sophistication. The economy is also able to generate a significant number of direct
employment opportunities for the local communities. The economies of surrounding
townships and rural areas comprise mostly of informal activities and largely serve the
immediate consumption needs of local people
69
4.3.3 Level of education
There is in general low level of formal education, vocational training and the development of
entrepreneurship. People may be aware of economic opportunities but cannot gain access to
capital. The educational level is an important indicator of the quality of the labour force and
human resource base available. The educational levels shown here, pertain to the
educational institution last attended by the population, i.e. percentages at various levels does
not indicate actual completion of educational training at the various levels.
Table 15; Level of Education
Level of education Percentage
None 11.5%
Pre-Primary / Primary School 29.0%
Secondary School 21.8%
Tertiary (Certificate / Diploma/ Degree 36.2%
Educational challenges
Inadequate provision of learning materials
Renovation of old schools including the construction of administration blocks
Additional classrooms in some of the schools
Provision of water and sanitation services to schools
4.3.4 Project spin off
The expected capital value of the activity on completion is approximately 120 million rand.
70
5. CHAPTER FIVE: SPECIALIST REPORTS
The objective of this chapter is to supply specialist information regarding the proposed
activity to ensure objectivity.
5.1 Biodiversity
Mr. J. Grosel --‐(Pr.Sci.Nat) (MSc. Zoology, B.Tech. Game & VeldManagement) Biodiversity
specialist was engaged and he corroborated the assertion that the biodiversity has been
transformed due to the agricultural activities. The conservation status of this vegetation unit
is considered to be vulnerable with more than 20% already transformed by cultivation and
settlement development (Mucina & Rutherford 2006) According to the National
Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA) the vegetation type
is not listed as vulnerable (NEMBA, 2004).
Majority of the area has been transformed for agriculture, grazing, settlement and sand
mining. The proposed activity, i.e preferred Alternative A1 is in an ESA and the Alternative
A2 is in the CBA. The Biodiversity specialist was subcontracted to conduct a Biodiversity
Assessment, as shown below;
Table 16: Biodiversity planning category
Systematic Biodiversity Planning Category If CBA or ESA, indicate the reason(s)
for its selection in biodiversity plan
Critical
Biodiversity
Area (CBA)
Ecological
Support
Area
(ESA)
Other
Natural
Area
(ONA)
No Natural
Area
Remaining
(NNR)
Majority of the area has been
transformed for agriculture, grazing,
settlement and sand mining
The proposed activity, i.e preferred
Alternative A1 is in a ESA and the
Alternative A2 is in the CBA. The
Biodiversity specialist was
subcontracted to conduct a Biodiversity
Assessment
71
5.1.1 Habitat condition on site
Habitat Condition
Percentage of
habitat
condition
class (adding
up to 100%)
Description and additional Comments and
Observations
(Including additional insight into condition, e.g.
poor land management practises, presence of
quarries, grazing, harvesting regimes etc).
Natural 40%
The conservation status of this vegetation unit is
considered to be vulnerable with more than 20%
already transformed by cultivation and settlement
development
Near Natural
(includes areas
with low to
moderate level of
alien invasive
plants)
30%
Over grazing, cultivation, bush tracks and wood
harvesting have compromised most part of the
habitat condition
Degraded
(includes areas
heavily invaded by
alien plants)
10%
Due to overgrazing
Transformed
(includes
cultivation, dams,
urban, plantation,
roads, etc)
20%
Cultivation
72
5.1.2 Types of ecosystems
The table below shows type of vegetation, including its ecosystem status, present on the site;
and clarifies as to whether an aquatic ecosystem is present on site.
Table 17: Ecosystem types
Terrestrial Ecosystems Aquatic Ecosystems
Ecosystem threat
status as per the
National
Environmental
Management:
Biodiversity Act
(Act No. 10 of 2004)
Critical Wetland (including rivers,
depressions, channelled
and unchanneled wetlands,
flats, seeps pans, and
artificial wetlands)
Estuary Coastline
Endangered
Vulnerable
Least
Threatened NO NO UNSURE YES
N
O YES NO
5.2 Vegetation type and/or aquatic ecosystem
The proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A power line route falls within the northern reaches
of the Granite Lowveld vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Its distribution is fairly
wide, stretching from Kaapmuiden and Malelane in the south to the plains south and east of
Thohoyandou in the north. Mucina & Rutherford (2006) suggests that further research may
reveal a need to differentiate the northern form from the southern form of the vegetation unit
as these areas differ slightly in dominant plant species and vegetation structure. In general,
this vegetation unit is described as tall broad-leaved shrub land with few large trees to
moderately dense low woodland on deep sandy uplands with dense thickets and open
savannah in the bottomlands.
Along drainage lines there is a greater diversity of plants particularly within dense riparian
thickets which also support larger trees. Combretum apiculatum is the dominant tree species
on the slopes and plains while Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens, Dichrostachys cinerea and
Grewia bicolor dominate the thickets in the bottomlands. Terminalia sericea is the common
woody species in the deep sandy uplands.
In the northern range of this vegetation type Swazian Goudplaats Gneiss,Makhutswi Gneiss
and Nelspruit Suite (Granite gneiss and migmatite) form the basement geology. This
Archaean granite and gneiss weathers into sandy soils in the higher areas and clayey soils
with a high sodium content in the low-lying areas (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
73
The climate within the Granite Lowveld vegetation unit is typical of north-eastern Southern
Africa with summer rainfall and dry winters. The annual precipitation in this area ranges from
500mm per year in the eastern flats to about 900mm per year in the north-west and along the
escarpment. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 38°C and 3.7°C for
January and July. The conservation status of this vegetation unit is considered to be
vulnerable with more than 20% already transformed by cultivation and settlement
development (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Below is a regional vegetation map
Figure 9: Regional vegetation map
74
Figure 10: Vegetation type found in the area of the proposed project
5.3 Cultural/Historical Features
The Phase I HIA study for the proposed Eskom Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A Project did not
reveal the presence of any of the types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in
Section 3 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) in the Project Area.
A Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment was undertaken by a qualified archaeologist, Dr
Edward Matenga and reviewed by Professor Pikirai. (Report included in Appendix F).
Mitigation/ Management
If any heritage resources of significance are exposed during the power line construction, the
South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the provincial authority should be
notified immediately, all construction activities must be ceased and an archaeologist
accredited with the Association for Southern African Professional Archaeologist (ASAPA)
should be notified in order to determine appropriate mitigation measures for the discovered
finds. This may include obtaining the necessary authorization (permits) from SAHRA to
conduct the mitigation measures.
75
6. CHAPTER SIX: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The objective of this chapter is to supply all proceedings and findings pertaining to the Public
Participation Programme.
6.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS FOLLOWED
A detailed public participation process for the project was followed. This section provides a
description and summary of the results of this process. Detailed information is supplied in
Appendix E)
Public participation is a continuous two way communication process aimed at promoting full
public understanding of the processes and mechanisms through which environmental
problems and needs are investigated and solved by the responsible agents. It is aimed at
keeping the public informed about the status and progress of the studies conducted and the
implications of the project thereof as well as document all issues, comments and concerns
voiced by the public and their preferences regarding resource use and alternative
development or management strategies and any other information and assistance relative to
the decision.
The Stakeholder Engagement Process as it is referred to by the Department of Environment
and Tourism (formerly DEAT) is a “...process leading to a joint effort by stakeholders,
technical specialists, the authorities and the proponent who work together to produce better
decisions than if they had acted independently”. The process aims at improving
“...communication between stakeholders – including the proponent – in the interest of
facilitating better decision-making and or sustainable development”.
Sustainable development requires some level of trade-off between economic growth, social
equity and ecological integrity. The stakeholder engagement process provides an opportunity
for Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to participate in an informed bases and ensure
their needs and requirements are considered and allows the decision-making authority to
understand to what degree stakeholders are willing to accept and live with the tradeoffs
involved. The objectives of the stakeholder engagement process for the proposed project
can thus be summarized below;
to inform and provide the public with information and an understanding of the project,
issues and solutions;
identify relevant individuals, organisations and communities who may be interested in
or affected by the proposed development;
identify key issues and concerns, raised by I&APs, that should be addressed in the
subsequent specialist investigations which are part of the BA;
76
identify shortcomings and gaps in existing information;
identify viable project alternatives that will assist the relevant authorities in making an
informed decision;
6.1.1 Advertisement and Notice
The newspaper advert was placed on the following newspapers informing and inviting
members of the public and any other interested and affected parties (I&APs) to comment on
the proposed project:
a) Zoutpansberger advertised on the 23 November 2019 in English (See Appendix E5)
In addition, pamphlet notices and background information documents (BID) were distributed
to the identified land owners, potential stakeholders and I&APs. (See Appendix E1).
Distribution was done on the in 5th December 2019. The site notices were placed along the
power line area and the substation
The purpose of the BID was to provide stakeholders with introductory information on the
proposed project, the BA and the stakeholder engagement process. The BID also provided
stakeholders who are interested in the project with the opportunity to register as stakeholders
by way of requesting and completing the registration sheet distributed with the BID.
Information on the registration sheet has been used to register stakeholders on a database
to receive all project-related information and invitations to meetings. The registration sheet
included a section for comments and issues, which allows stakeholders an opportunity to
provide the consultants with written comments and feedback.
See the following appendices for the contents of adverts and site notices:
. a) Appendix E1 – BID
. b) Appendix E4 – Site Notices
. c) Appendix E5 – Newspaper advert
6.1.2 Placement of advertisements and notices
To inform surrounding the public, I&APs, communities and immediately adjacent landowners
of the proposed project, site notices were placed at various sites and locations which are
visible and accessible along the route towards the proposed site on the 5th December 2019.
Site notices were placed at various points (See Appendix E4):
6.1.3 Site notice placement
The table shows the coordinates of the exact locations where the onsite notices were
displayed,
77
Publication name Zoutpansberger
Date published 5th December 2019
Site notice
position
Latitude Longitude
S23004‟ 40.79‟‟
S230 07‟ 25.15‟‟
S230 06‟ 28.78‟‟
E30025‟ 38.08‟‟
E300 26‟ 03.94‟‟
E300 25‟ 19.39‟‟
Date placed 5th December 2019
Figure 11: Proof of on-site notices
6.1.4 Key stakeholders
The following key stakeholders (other than organs of state) wer identified in terms of
Regulation 54(2)(b) of GN R.543:
Table 18: Public participation key stake holders
Title, Name and
Surname
Affiliation/ key stakeholder
status
Contact details (tel number or e-
mail address)
Chief Nelwamondo NR Dzwerani-Mamphuli Village
Traditional Authority
Cel: 071 292 0959
Chief Nelwamondo KM Dzwerani-Mamphuli-Dzwerani
EXT A Village Traditional
Authority
Cel: 060 631 3625
Chief Mundalamo RJ Tshitungulwane Village
Traditional Authority
Cel: 082 958 2811
78
6.1.5 Issues raised by interested and affected parties
During public consultation, the following comments were raised and the project team
responses are shown on the table below.
Table 19: Comments and responses from key stakeholders.
Comments/Issues raised Responses
Chief Nelwamondo indicated that the identified area for the proposed substation does not fall within her jurisdiction even though the substation is named after her village. The area falls under Chief R Nelwamondo of Mamphuli village.
The EAP requested for the contact details of Chief R Nelwamondo in order to schedule a meeting with him and his council. -Name was changed accordingly. The council‟s secretary was emailed a letter informing the council that their proposed name was adopted and she acknowledged.
Community members indicated that they do not have any objections against the project; however they suggest that the name of the proposed substation be changed because it is in Mamphuli village not Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A. They want the substation to be named after their village.
PP Consultant explained that they will write to Eskom to inform them about the request. She also requested them to put their request in writing and also include the proposed name in their request. The issue has been submitted to Eskom for consideration
Members of the council wanted to know if there will be job opportunities created.
PP Consultant explained that during construction phase Social Facilitators from Eskom will brief the community on employment and other community social issues relating to the project.
Chief Nelwamondo wanted to know how he will be compensated for his land.
It was indicated that Eskom has Negotiators who deals with compensations; they will liaise with him regarding this issue.
EAP wanted to know the whereabouts of the Maswanganyi family regarding the grave next to the proposed substation. He wanted to inform the family about the proposed development and to put them at ease since the grave will not be affected.
Chief R Nelwamondo indicated that he is not certain about the whereabouts of the family but he will take full responsibility of the grave since it is in his land.
When is the construction going to start? PP Consultant indicated that it difficult to say since we are still in the preparation phase (Environmental Authorisation); once Environmental Authorisation is granted the project still need to be advertised for the Contractor which is also a process.
As a community member I want to find out when you are going to finish with the current electrification project.
PP Consultant explained that we are appointed as independent consultants specifically for the Proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A Substation and its powerlines. Based on this we are unable to respond to this question.
79
6.1.6 Authority Participation
Authorities and organs of state identified as key stakeholders are as follow;
Name
Authority/ Organ
of State
Address Cell/tel number
e-mail address
Competent
Authority
Department of
Environmental
Affairs (Head
office)
Private Bag
X447
Pretoria
0001
Tel: 012 310
3427
Mr Mulalo
Nethengwe/
Vhonani
Nethononda
Department of
Water and
Sanitation
(Limpopo)
Azmo Building
29 General
Joubert Street
Polokwane
Central, 0699
Tel: 015 290
1200
a
Ms Ndina Mudau /
Mr Thapelo
Machate
Department of
Agriculture,
Forestry and
Fisheries (DAFF)
(Forestry
Regulations &
Support)
Private Bag
X2413
Makhado
0920
Tel: 015 291
1200/ 015
5193300
Fax:
0155161062/
0865715711
Cel: 083 610
7122
a
Mr Rhulani
Mthombeni /
Ms LD Mojapelo
Limpopo
Department of
Economic
Development
Environment and
Tourism
Corner Suid &
Dorp Streets;
Polokwane;
0699
Tel: 015 290
7000 /
015 290 7156
Fax: 015 295
5015
a
za
Ms Molele/
Mokgadi Miyen
Department of
Rural
Development and
Reform
Private Bag x
9552
Polokwane 0700
Tel: 015 297
3539
tsmolele@ruraldevelopm
ent.gov.za
Mr Tele Maphotho Regional Land
Claims
Commission
Private Bag x
9552
Polokwane 0700
Tel:015 284
6300
Fax:015 295
7403
tamaphotho@ruraldevelo
pment.gov.za
Ntsoane S.E Department of 67/69 Biccard Tel: [email protected]
80
Agriculture Street
Polokwane;
0699
0152943443
Fax:
0156326303
.gov.za
Mr D Lithole/
Mrs Vhonani
Ramalamula
Limpopo Heritage
Resources
Authority-LIHRA
Private Bag x
9549
Polokwane 0700
Tel: 015 284
4039
Cel:076 621
1113
v.za
Chief
Nelwamondo NR
Dzwerani-
Mamphuli Village
P.O 52
Lwamondo;
0985
Cel: 071 292
0959
N/A
Tshihwalule C
Vhembe District
Municipality
Private Bag
X5006
Thohoyandou;
0950
Tel:015 960
2117
ov.za
J E Joubert
Makhado Local
Municipality
P/B X2596
Louis Trichardt;
0920
Tel: 015
5193181
Cel:
0836363546
M.S Madi Thulamela Local
Municipality
Private Bag
X5066
Thohoyandou;
0950
Tel:015 962
7586/7705
za
Chief
Nelwamondo KM
Dzwerani-
Mamphuli-
Dzwerani EXT A
Village
P.O Box 477
Lwamondo;
0985
Cel:060 631
3625
N/A
Chief Mundalamo
RJ
Tshitungulwane
Village
P.O Box 121;
Vuwani, 0952
Cel:076 885
3430
N/A
Rasivhaga T Mamphuli Tribal
Council Secretary
P.O Box 3231
Thohoyandou;
0950
Cel:082 861
5886
Pastortakalanibookings
@gmail.com
Cllr. Makungo Ward Councillor P.O Box 3292
Thohoyandou;
0950
Cel:079 144
8335
makungogg@thulamela.
gov.za
Cllr. Mathoma Ward Councillor P.O Box 94
Vuwani; 0952
Cel:079 890
7380
mathomamphophineas@
gmail.com
81
SD Rasimphi CDW (Makhado) P.O Box 52
Lwamondo;
0985
Cel:082 958
2811
SS Mahutsi SANCO Secretary P.O Box 3231
Thohoyandou;
0950
Cel:079 438
4086
m
6.1.7 Conclusion of public participation programme
The Consultants are confident that all reasonable actions were undertaken to ensure that the
key stakeholders were informed of the study and could place their concerns and comments
on record. The Consultants trust that all the comments and conditions raised were addressed
in a satisfactorily manner.
82
7. CHAPTER SEVEN: IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION
MEASURES
7.1 Introduction
The objective of this chapter is to describe and evaluate the expected impacts of the
proposed project on the relevant environmental components and identify applicable
mitigation measures.
Impacts that may result from the planning and design, construction, operational,
decommissioning and closure phases will be captured and the proposed mitigation measures
will be proffered.
7.2 132KV POWERLINE CORRIDOR AND THE SUBSTATION ALTERNATIVES
From the suitability criteria, Eskom and Mbofho Consulting identified two (2) feasible sites for
the location of the proposed LILO Power line and Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation. The
Alternative A1 (preferred) is about 500m away from Alternative sites A2. The Alternative A1
site is the preferred alternative and is on the north-western side of the tapping line.
Alternative Site A2 (Not preferred) is on the north side of the tapping 132kv power line.
7.2.1 Alternative S1 (Preferred)
Approximately 6 km – Loop in Loop out 132kV power lines running straight from the
connection at the existing 132kV power line at Tshitungulwana near Vuwani to the proposed
Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation. The 2x power lines runs from Tshitungulwana and
bends towards Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A to the north-west before crossing the river and
then proceed for about 1.8kms to the new Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation. The power
lines is in red color
83
7.2.2 Alternative S2 (Optimal)
Approximately 7km – Loop in Loop out 132kV power lines also running straight from the
connection at the existing 132kV power line at Tshitungulwana near Vuwani to the proposed
Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation. The power lines runs from Tshitungulwana straight
towards alternative 2 Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A to the north for about total of approximately
7km. It is described in Blue color
7.2.3 General project impacts
Although the proposed project site will completely transform the site, the site is situated on
an area with little ecological value/significance. Only the new substation and powerline
alternative 2 crosses through a small portion classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area 2 as
well as a small portion classified as an Ecological Support Area (see Appendix A for
Sensitivity map), which is due to the Luvuvhu River. The rest of the area is not situated in
any sensitive ecosystem or plant/animal community and species richness of the vegetation of
the study area is relatively low. The impact of the proposed project on the ecological
resources is therefore considered to be low due to the already low current status of the area.
This project will also not result in any significant cumulative impact (low - medium) as the
vegetation type is classified as least concerned and disturbance of vegetation will be mostly
confined to the footprint of the proposed substation and the corridor.
The general Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
84
Strictly limit Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A Substation facility and associated
infrastructure construction and development to the proposed project footprint.
Use existing roads as far as possible and limit the number of additional roads
constructed.
7.3 Heritage issues
The HIA specialist identified a grave and monument dedicated to Maswanganyi is located
200m to the northwest of the site. The 200m distance is away from the site and will not be
affected by the proposed project.
7.3.1 Mitigation measures
A 200m wide buffer zone will be reserved between the Maswanganyi burial/memorial and the
proposed substation. It is also recommended that the same buffer distance be reserved
between the proposed substation and proposed cemetery. No historically or archaeologically
sensitive sites were found along the route of the power line. If any other finds were to be
made during the development phase the procedure is to approach the relevant heritage
authorities (SAHRA and/or the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority) and a heritage
expert will be called to attend.
7.4 Biodiversity issues
From Ecological point of view, the natural vegetation at the site is moderately modified. The
proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A power line route falls within the northern reaches of the
Granite Lowveld vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Its distribution is fairly wide,
stretching from Kaapmuiden and Malelane in the south to the plains south and east of
Thohoyandou in the north. Mucina & Rutherford (2006) suggests that further research may
reveal a need to differentiate the northern form from the southern form of the vegetation unit
as these areas differ slightly in dominant plant species and vegetation structure. In general,
this vegetation unit is described as tall broad-leaved shrubland with few large trees to
moderately dense low woodland on deep sandy uplands with dense thickets and open
savannah in the bottomlands.
Along drainage lines there is a greater diversity of plants particularly within dense riparian
thickets which also support larger trees. Combretum apiculatum is the dominant tree species
on the slopes and plains while Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens, Dichrostachys cinerea and
Grewia bicolor dominate the thickets in the bottomlands. Terminalia sericea is the common
woody species in the deep sandy uplands.
85
In the northern range of this vegetation type Swazian Goudplaats Gneiss, Makhutswi Gneiss
and Nelspruit Suite (Granite gneiss and migmatite) form the basement geology. This
Archaean granite and gneiss weathers into sandy soils in the higher areas and clayey soils
with a high sodium content in the low-lying areas (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
The climate within the Granite Lowveld vegetation unit is typical of north-eastern Southern
Africa with summer rainfall and dry winters. The annual precipitation in this area ranges from
500mm per year in the eastern flats to about 900mm per year in the north-west and along the
escarpment. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 38°C and 3.7°C for
January and July.
The conservation status of this vegetation unit is considered to be vulnerable with more than
20% already transformed by cultivation and settlement development (Mucina & Rutherford
2006).
7.4.1 Ecological impacts
The Ecological Impact Assessment identified the perennial watercourse i.e Luvuvhu River as
well as a seasonal stream which the proposed powerline route alternatives will cross. A
water use license application may not be submitted to the Department of Water and
Sanitation due to the recommendations that the pylons should be 150m more away from the
edge of the river banks.
The general Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Ensure that no pylons are constructed within 150m of a watercourse.
Protect the integrity of all watercourses during the construction phase and do not alter the
beds and the banks or divert any watercourse.
From an ecological perspective route alternative 1 would be the most preferred and can be
utilised due to their very low negative impact on the Ecological Support Area (ESA) hence
Alternative 2 not only impact on ESA but also on Critical Biodiversity Area 2 as it crosses
through a small portion classified as a
Critical Biodiversity Area as well as a small portion classified as an Ecological Support Area
(see Appendix A for Sensitivity map) it is recommended from an ecological perspective that
route alternative 1 (preferred) be approved due to affecting a smaller portion of ESA only as
it crosses Luvuvhu River.
86
7.4.2 Avifaunal habitat destruction
Clearing activities during the construction phase will remove vegetation and therefore habitat
that birds may require for breeding, foraging and roosting. While some of the impact may be
temporary in the case of construction phase, mitigation through rehabilitation of such areas is
possible; however there will also be direct long-term loss of vegetation associated with the
footprint of servitudes. It is noted though that due to the general uniformity of the broader
area, many birds (especially smaller passerines) may quite easily move off and find similar
and suitable habitat nearby. The avifaunal cumulative impacts associated with the
construction phase will not be highly significant and will range between low - medium.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Strictly limit power line and associated infrastructure construction and development to
the proposed project footprint.
Use existing roads as far as possible and limit the number of additional roads
constructed.
High traffic areas and buildings such as offices, batching plants, storage areas etc.
should, where possible be situated in areas that are already disturbed;
Existing roads and farm tracks should be used where possible;
The minimum footprint areas of infrastructure should be used wherever possible,
including road widths and lengths;
No off-road driving;
Environmental Control Officers to oversee activities and ensure that the
environmental management plan (EMPr) is implemented and enforced; Following
construction, rehabilitation of all areas disturbed (e.g. temporary access tracks and
laydown areas) must be undertaken and to this end a habitat restoration plan is to be
developed by a specialist and included within the Environmental Management Plan
(EMPr).
87
7.4.3 Avifaunal electrocution
Electrocutions of birds may happen in two ways: (1) phase-to-phase electrocution by bridging
the air gap between two live conductors, and (2) phase-to-earth electrocution by contact
between a live conductor and earth device (pylon or pole), especially when the feathers are
wet (Bevanger, 1998). A number of factors determine the likelihood of electrocutions
including landscape features such as vegetation and topography, weather conditions, size of
the bird, behaviour of the bird, and structure and dimensions of the pylon (Smallie et al.,
2009). Most bird electrocutions occur on lower voltage electricity pylons, where the gaps
between conductors are small, and which are attractive perching and nesting alternatives to
trees in otherwise open, flat areas. More electrocutions occur in rainy and/or misty weather
conditions. Bird species that are prone to electrocution are larger perching species such as
birds of prey (including vultures, medium and large bodied raptors, and smaller raptors such
as falcon), storks and herons.
When perching on the towers of the new power line, large birds may be electrocuted if they
bridge the air gap between live components. Of particular concern are large raptors (e.g.
Martial Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle and White-backed Vulture) and storks, which due
to their size and nature are prone to electrocution impacts.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Any power line/s must be of a design that minimizes electrocution risk by using
adequately insulated „bird friendly‟ monopole structures, with clearances between live
components of 2m or greater and which provide a safe bird perch.
The pylon structures to be constructed must first be checked with an avifaunal
specialist or with the Endangered Wildlife Trust‟s (EWT) Wildlife and Energy
Programme.
The operational monitoring programme for the site must be in line with applicable
guidelines and must include regular (i.e at least every two months) monitoring of the
power line and the new associated substation for electrocution (and collision)
mortalities. Any mortalities should be reported to the EWT.
88
7.4.4 Avifaunal collision with infrastructure
Collisions with large (132 kV or above) power lines are a well-documented threat to birds in
southern Africa, while smaller lines pose a higher threat of electrocution but can still be
responsible for collision. Collisions with overhead power lines occur when a flying bird does
not see the cables, or is unable to take effective evasive action, and is killed by the impact or
impact with the ground. Especially heavy-bodied birds such as bustards, cranes and
waterbirds, with limited manoeuvrability are susceptible to this impact. Many of the collision
sensitive species are also considered threatened in southern Africa.
The Red Data species vulnerable to power line collisions are generally long living, slow
reproducing species under natural conditions. Some require very specific conditions for
breeding, resulting in very few successful breeding attempts, or breeding might be restricted
to very small areas. These species have not evolved to cope with high adult mortality, with
the results that consistent high adult mortality over an extensive period could have a serious
effect on a population‟s ability to sustain itself in the long or even medium term.
Birds may collide with the new grid connection over-head power lines, particularly during
times of low light or poor visibility. The relatively low number of records of collision prone Red
Data species during the monitoring survey, suggest that this may be a less significant impact
for the project although mitigation in certain areas is still recommended.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Where possible, power line infrastructure should avoid sensitive avifaunal habitats.
Where possible, power line infrastructure should follow existing servitudes such as
existing power lines, roads and fences.
An avifaunal specialist must conduct a site walk through of the final power line route
and pylon positions prior to construction to determine if, and where, bird flight
diverters (BFDs) are required.
Install bird flight diverters as per the instructions of the specialist following the site
walkthrough, which may include the need for modified BFDs fitted with solar powered
LED lights on certain spans.
The operational monitoring programme for the site must be in line with applicable
monitoring guidelines and must include regular (i.e. at least every two months)
monitoring of the power line for collision (and electrocution) mortalities. Any
mortalities should be reported to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
89
7.4.5 Soil erosion
Due to the removal of natural vegetation and alteration of the landscape during the
construction phase the potential for loss of soil due to erosion is present and must be
monitored. The cumulative impact of this development is expected to be low due to the low
potential of the land in the area.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Ensure adequate erosion control measures are implemented to reduce the risk of soil
erosion during the operational phase.
7.4.6 Continued dust generation and emissions
Increased vehicle and machine activity will result in a significant increase in dust emissions
into the surrounding environment. Continued vehicle activity during the operational phase will
result in continued dust emissions occurring into the surrounding environment. It will be far
less significant than during the construction phase but could have a negative impact on
adjacent community as excessive dust fallout could potential have health implications. If
managed correctly the cumulative impact of vehicles on dust generation can be limited to
low.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Continued Dust Management as well as Traffic Management measures must be kept
in place in order to manage traffic movement in the area during the entire operational
phase and subsequently decrease undesired dust emissions
7.4.7 Visual disturbance of natural landscape and sense of place
The construction of the proposed powerlines within the landscape, of which the majority is
currently viewed as natural areas, will cause a direct visual impact on the tranquillity and
sense of place of the area to the local community though the area is characterised by sand
mining, formal and informal settlement, orchards and general grazing area. The sand mining
has transformed the area already and the introduction of a substation and 2x powerlines
would not cause too much of visual intrusion. The visual impact will however be mainly
restricted to within 3 km of the proposed project area after which the visibility will diminish.
The sloping landscape decreases the visibility distance of the proposed infrastructure and it
will therefore not significantly contribute to any cumulative visual disturbances.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
Strictly limit powerline construction and substation development to the proposed
project footprint.
Use existing roads as far as possible and limit the number of additional roads
constructed.
Adequate planning and management of laydown areas
90
7.4.8 Job creation, empowerment and skills development
There are short-term construction related employments opportunities are envisaged for the
construction phase. A local employment policy will be applied as far as possible in the
appointment of low-skilled and semi-skilled construction workers. Preference will be given to
skilled workers within the Vhembe District (Thulamela and Lim3,4,5 Municipalities) in the
Limpopo Province. In view of the very high unemployment rates in the local municipality area
these employment figures will make a significant positive contribution. The proposed project
will, along with other similar renewable energy projects in the area, cumulatively contribute to
reduction in poverty and unemployment figures in the Vhembe District and Limpopo Province
in general.
7.4.9 Influx of construction workers and job seekers and risk of theft and damage to
property
It is expected that the influx of construction workers will have a relatively minor impact on the
Vuwani and Dzwerani community. This is because most of the low- skilled and semi-skilled
workers will be employed from the existing community. Moreover, the lack of basic services
and relative distances to local towns will also to some extent deter the influx of outsiders.
However, this aspect should be monitored throughout the construction phase. Because of
the location of the development near a low income community, theft and damage to
infrastructure is a concern. There will be no cumulative impact of the facility on the local
informal settlement.
Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts:
A designated security company will be appointed to ensure the safety of the facilities.
Access control should be implemented
Security sign boards
Adequately monitor and manage the process throughout the construction phase
7.4.10 METHODOLOGY APPLIED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
All impacts identified during Final Basic Assessment stage of the study will be classified in
terms of their significance. The broad significance categories are as follows:
The Nature of the impact: This will describe the cause and the effect, what would be affected
and how it would be affected.
Mitigation level: The degree to which the impact can be mitigated.
The Extent of the impact: This will be categorised as either local or regional
91
The Magnitude of the impact: This will be quantified as either:
o Low: Will cause a low impact on the environment;
o Moderate: Will result in the process continuing but in a controllable manner;
o High: Will alter processes to the extent that they temporarily cease; and
o Very High: Will result in complete destruction and permanent cessation of
processes.
The Probability: which shall describe the likelihood of impact occurring and will be rated as
follows:
o Extremely remote: Which indicates that the impact will probably not happen;
o Unusual but Possible: Distinct possibility of occurrence;
o Can Occur: there is a possibility of occurrence;
o Almost Certain: Most likely to occur; and
o Certain/ Inevitable: Impact will occur despite any preventative measures put in
place.
The duration (Exposure): wherein it will be indicated whether:
The impact will be of an immediate (very short period of time);
The impact will be of a short tem (between 0-5 years);
The impact will be of medium term (between 5-15 years);
The impact will be long term (15 and more years); and
The impact will be permanent.
Reversibility/ Replaceability: The degree to which the impact can be reversed or the lost
resource can be replaced.
Table 20: Impact significant ranking
Ranking Magnitude Reversibility Extent Duration Probability
5 Very high/ don‟t
know
Irreversible Internation
al
Permanent Certain/inevitabl
e
4 High National Long term
(impact ceases
after operational
life of asset)
Almost certain
3 Moderate Reversible with
human
intervention
Provincial Medium term Can occur
2 Low Local Short term Unusual but
possible
92
1 Minor Completely
reversible
Site bound Immediate Extremely
remote
0 None None None
Significance= Consequence (Magnitude+ Duration+ Extent + Reversibility) X Probability
Table 21: Impact rating
IMPACTS Alternative 1: Without Mitigation Alternative 1: With Mitigation
DIRECT
Topography and Soils 7 6
Water Resources 12 6
Flora: Destruction of threatened
and protected flora species
12 6
Flora: Destruction of sensitive
pristine habitat types
12 6
Avifauna 8 7
Heritage 36 7
Waste 8 7
Dust 14 5
Noise 16 7
Land-use 10 0
INDIRECT
Flora: Species change 7 6
Flora: Surrounding
habitat/species
8 7
Social 7 6
CUMULATIVE
Flora 8 5
2
Construction Phase
Alternative A2 and S2: (Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and 2x 132kV power line from Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A new
substation to connect to the existing 132kV powerline at Tshitungulwana village – Construction Phase
Table 22: Construction phase
Potential impacts: Significance rating of impacts without
mitigation:
Proposed mitigation: Significance rating of impacts after mitigation:
Direct Impacts
1. Topography and Soils: The direct impact on landforms with the establishment of distribution lines and additional substation components is mainly one of disruption of surface soils. Potential erosion impacts are anticipated to be limited to the construction phase during site clearing activities.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 3 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 8
Dry periods must be used for construction-, maintenance- and inspection activities in order to curb occurrence/ augmentation of erosion in areas of existing erosion.
Disturbed areas of natural vegetation as well as cut and fills must be rehabilitated immediately to prevent soil erosion.
Motor vehicles must not be allowed to cross rivers or streams in any area other than an approved crossing, taking care to prevent any impact (particularly erosion) in surrounding habitat.
Removed topsoil must be stored separately in areas where excavation/degradation takes place, and it must also be used for rehabilitation purposes in order to facilitate re-growth of species that occur naturally in the area.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
2. Water Resources: Pollution of groundwater and surface water
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 3 Extent: 1 Duration: 2
Adequate sanitary facilities and ablutions must be provided for construction workers.
Waste water should be directed into the proper systems.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2
3
resources. Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 8
Sewage water should not be channelled through surface water bodies or be allowed to flow freely or stagnate on the soil surface.
Use and or storage of materials, fuels and chemicals which could potentially leak into the ground must be controlled.
Further detailed mitigation measures are included in the EMPr (Appendix F).
Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
3. Flora: Impacts include: a) Destruction of
threatened and protected flora species – physical damage or destruction of Red Data or Protected species or areas those are suitable for these species, representing a significant impact on the biodiversity of a region.
b) Destruction of sensitive pristine habitat types – The loss of pristine habitat types or habitat that are regarded sensitive as a result of restricted presence in the larger region (atypical habitat) represents a potential loss of habitat and biodiversity on a
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 3 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 9 Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 3 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 8
A walk-through of the approved servitude be conducted prior to construction activities commencing. All individuals / stands of protected trees must be clearly and visibly marked prior to the start of construction or maintenance procedures.
Marking shall be done by steel stakes with tags, if required to demarcate construction areas by semi-permanent means in order to control movement of personnel, vehicles, providing boundaries for construction sites in order to prevent spread of impacts. No painting or marking of rocks or vegetation to identify locality or other information shall be allowed as it will disfigure the natural setting.
Disturbance of vegetation must be limited to areas of construction.
Removal of vegetation / plants shall be avoided until such time as soil stripping is required and similarly exposed surfaces must be re-vegetated or stabilised as soon as is practically possible during rehabilitation.
The establishment and re-growth of alien vegetation must be controlled after the
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7 Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
4
regional scale. removal of grass. All declared aliens must be identified and managed in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No.43 of 1983).
Further detailed mitigation measures are included in the EMPr (Appendix F).
4. Avifauna: impact on birds breeding, foraging and roosting in or in close proximity of the site, through the modification of habitat.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 8
The extent of the construction site should be demarcated on site layout plans (preferably on disturbed areas or those identified with low conservation importance), and no construction personnel or vehicles may leave the demarcated area except those authorised to do so. Those areas surrounding the construction site that are not part of the demarcated development area should be considered as “no-go” areas for employees, machinery or even visitors;
Bird guards may be fitted to all the tower structures;
Spans that cross drainage lines should be marked with bird flight diverters on the earth wire of the line, alternating black and white:
Pylons must be placed outside of the drainage line perimeter;
Poles should be fitted with bird perches on top of the poles to draw birds from insulators; and
The removal of large trees should be avoided.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
5. Heritage: No Graves were identified along this route except one set 700m away from the
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 3 Extent: 2 Duration: 2
If anything is noticed, work in that area should be stopped and the occurrence should immediately be reported to a
lIHRA, preferably one at which an
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2
5
substation site Probability: 4 Significance Rating: 36
archaeologist is available. The archaeologist should then investigate and evaluate the find.
Any discovered artefacts shall not be removed under any circumstances. Any destruction of a site can only be allowed once a permit is obtained and the site has been mapped and noted. Permits must be obtained from the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
6. Waste: Waste generation during the construction phase would have a negative impact on the environment, if not controlled adequately. Waste includes: general construction rubble, hazardous waste (used oil, cement and concrete etc.).
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 14
Efforts must be made to ensure waste on site must be recycled and reused.
Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant local and provincial legislative requirements.
The Contractor must familiarise themselves with the definitions of waste and the handling, storage and transport of it as prescribed in the applicable environmental legislation.
Burning of waste material would not be permitted.
Further detailed mitigation measures are included in the EMP (Appendix F).
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
7. Dust: Dust emissions would vary from day to day depending on the phase of construction, the level of activity, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. The following possible sources of fugitive dust have been identified as
Magnitude: 2 Reversibiity:2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 7
Frequent and effective dust-suppression is advised, particularly along dirt roads, especially during dry periods by the regular application of water. Water used for this purpose must be used in quantities that will not result in the generation of run-off.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
6
activities which could potentially generate dust during construction operations at the site: vehicle activities associated with the transport of equipment to the site; preparation of the surface areas which may be required prior to the set up of new infrastructure; and the removal of construction equipment from site after the set up of new equipment.
8. Noise: During the construction phase there is likely to be an increase in noise pollution. The following possible sources of noise could potentially generate noise pollution during construction: construction activities (excavating and site clearing); construction vehicles; and construction staff.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 1 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 10
Notification of adjacent landowners must be done on any envisaged noisy construction activities eg Blasting.
Provide all equipment and vehicles with standard silencers that are continuously maintained.
It must be noted that when the noise exceeds 85 dBA employees should wear ear protection equipment
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 1 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 5
9. Land-use: The construction of the distribution line is within the approved vacant servitude and could not
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 1 Probability: 1
No mitigation proposed as the power line runs within the approved vacant servitude - However, the footprint of the proposed pole structure to be used is small (i.e. approximately 1 m x 1 m) and would thus have a localised
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 1 Probability: 1
7
potentially have a very any impact on agricultural activities in the area.
Significance Rating: 4
impact. As agricultural activities can still continue to a large degree below the powerline, the impact on the use of land for agricultural purposes is anticipated to be low.
Significance Rating: 4
10. Social: Loss of grazing land and impact on landowners sense of place.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 2 Duration: 1 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
The negotiation process with landowners must include compensation for the temporary loss of grazing land where necessary.
After completion of the construction activities rehabilitation activities must be done to ensure that the land is returned in the same condition as prior to the construction activities.
Mitigation measures should be implemented to avoid any negative impact on animals (e.g. fencing off the construction area).
Rehabilitation of the grazing area to their original grazing conditions should be done to ensure that cattle can continue to graze in the area once they are returned to that area.
Where the area cannot be rehabilitated to its original condition within a reasonable period of time, Eskom or its appointed contractor(s) should provide funding to obtain alternative food sources to the farmer for the time period required for natural rehabilitation to occur within the grazing area.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility:1 Extent: 2 Duration: 1 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 5
Indirect Impacts
1. Flora: a) Floristic species
changes subsequent to development.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2
Invaders and exotic weeds and that might establish on the re-vegetated areas should be controlled to allow the grasses to properly establish.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2
8
b) Impacts on surrounding habitat/ species.
Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7 Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 14
Monitoring the potential spread of declared weeds and invasive alien vegetation to neighbouring land and protecting the agricultural resources and soil conservation works are regulated by the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, No. 43 of 1983 and should be addressed on a continual basis.
Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6 Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
a) Alien vegetation encroachment associated with the abovementioned disturbances.
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 14
Provision of adequate stormwater measures and controls during construction.
The establishment and re-growth of alien vegetation must be controlled after the removal of grass. All declared aliens must be identified and managed in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No.43 of 1983).
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 5
2. Social: Limited opportunities do, however, exist for manual labour for unskilled tasks, where the appointed contractor would be required to make use of local workers (e.g. for bush clearing and the digging of foundations).
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 1 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 10
It is recommended that local labour should be utilised as far as possible to avoid conflicts with local communities who also need employment opportunities.
Magnitude: 3 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 7 Significance Rating: 49
Cumulative Impacts
1. Flora: Increase in local and regional
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2
Cumulative impacts associated with this type of development would lead to initial,
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2
9
fragmentation/ isolation of habitat -
Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
incremental or augmentation of existing types of environmental degradation, including impacts on the air, soil and water present within available habitat. Pollution of these elements might not always be immediately visible or readily quantifiable, but incremental or fractional increases might rise to levels where biological attributes could be affected adversely on a local or regional scale. In most cases are these effects are not bound and is dispersed, or diluted over an area that is much larger than the actual footprint of the causal factor.
Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 14
Summary of Impacts and Average Points allocated to each Proposed Distribution Line during the Construction Phase
Table 23: Summary of impact rating
IMPACTS Alternative 1: Without Mitigation Alternative 1: With Mitigation
DIRECT
Topography and Soils 7 6
Water Resources 12 6
10
Flora: Destruction of threatened
and protected flora species
12 6
Flora: Destruction of sensitive
pristine habitat types
12 6
Avifauna 8 7
Heritage 36 7
Waste 8 7
Dust 14 5
Noise 16 7
Land-use 10 0
INDIRECT
Flora: Species change 7 6
Flora: Surrounding
habitat/species
8 7
Social 7 6
CUMULATIVE
Flora 8 5
Operational Phase
11
Alternative A1 and S1: (Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and 2x 132kV power line from Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A new
substation to connect to the existing 132kV powerline at Tshitungulwana village– Operational Phase
Table 24: Operational phase
Potential impacts: Significance rating of impacts:
Proposed mitigation: Significance rating of impacts after mitigation:
Direct Impacts
1. Access Roads: Access roads used for maintenance might impact on vegetation and water bodies.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
Use should be made of existing roads as far as possible, ensuring proper maintenance/upgrade. Alternative methods of construction / access to sensitive areas are recommended.
No vehicles should be allowed to cross rivers or streams in any area other than an approved crossing, taking care to prevent any impact (particularly erosion) in surrounding habitat.
Vehicular traffic shall not be allowed in permanently wet areas, no damage shall be caused to wet areas. Where necessary, alternative methods of construction shall be used to avoid damage to wet areas.
Any work or access near or in a permanent drainage system may have implications in terms of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998), and therefore may well require the application of a Water Use License. Therefore, the contractor must in consultation with the ECO, assess all areas along the alignment well in advance in order to ensure the relevant Water Use License is applied for where required.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
2. Avifauna: Magnitude: 2 Please refer to Appendix for a visual Magnitude: 1
12
a) Line would impact on vegetation and habitat types, water resources and impact on threatened species.
Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 8
representation to aid the marking of the distribution line with bird deterrent devises.
Reversibility:2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
3. Waste: Waste generation during the operation phase would have a negative impact on the environment, if not controlled adequately. Waste includes: general waste or hazardous waste (used oil etc.).
Magnitude: 2 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 2 Significance Rating: 16
Where possible, construction waste on site must be reused or recycled.
Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.
The Contractor must familiarise themselves with the definitions of waste and the handling, storage and transport of it as prescribed in the applicable environmental legislation.
Burning of waste material would not be permitted.
Further detailed mitigation measures are included in the EMP (Appendix F).
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
Indirect Impacts
1. Flora: Surrounding areas and species present in the direct vicinity of the study area could be affected by indirect impacts resulting from operation activities.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
No mitigation proposed.
2. Socio-economic: The proposed new 66 kV distribution line would decrease the existing power shortages experienced in the
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility:2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1
No mitigation proposed.
13
area. The reliable power source would also open the door to new industries, within the area, in turn contributing to an increase in GDP.
Significance Rating: 7
3. Electromagnetic Fields: Magnetic fields that naturally emanate from sources such as distribution lines are directly proportionate to the amount of current flowing through the distribution lines at any given time. A higher loading condition such as may be present in hot summer months would result in increased magnetic field levels. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) it has become increasingly unlikely (based on the existing body of research) that exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) constitutes a serious health hazard, although some uncertainty remains. .
Temporal: Long-term (-3) Magnitude: 1 Reversibility:2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
In general, it is not recommended that humans should live under power lines due to the effects of EMF. However, the radiation decreases with an increase in distance from the source. The EMFs are insignificant on the servitude border.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 1 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 6
14
4. Safety: There is the potential risk of electrocution (people and livestock) if access to the site is not controlled.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 2 Duration: 1 Probability: 3 Significance Rating: 15
It is recommended that the landowners and affected community members be contacted in advance to ensure that they are forewarned of the construction and maintenance activities planned in the area. In addition, the local community must be educated about the dangers of high voltage electricity. Safety and security issues should be addressed as a priority by Eskom.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 1 Extent: 2 Duration: 1 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 5
5. Visual: The visual impact of the proposed 66 kV distribution line would depend on the structures used and visual qualities of the structures, and on the nature of the receiving environment.
Magnitude: 1 Reversibility: 2 Extent: 2 Duration: 2 Probability: 1 Significance Rating: 7
No mitigation is proposed as this line is the preferred route.
Cumulative Impacts
None.
Summary of Impacts and Average Points allocated to each Distribution Alternative during the Operational Phase
Table 25: Operational impact rating
IMPACTS Alternative 1 : Without Mitigation Alternative 1: With Mitigation
DIRECT
Access Roads 12 6
Avifauna 8 7
15
Waste 10 5
INDIRECT
Flora 8 -0
Socio-economic 8 0
Electromagnetic
Fields
12 6
Safety 12 7
Visual 14 8
CUMULATIVE
None
7.4.11 No-go alternative (compulsory)
The following are the impacts for no-go alternative
7.4.11.1 Direct Impacts:
No prospects for Mine expansion in future
Power outraging will continue
Causing disruptions at the mine
Affecting mining operation
No new electrification of households
No employment opportunities will be created (i.e. no construction phase).
7.4.11.2 Indirect Impacts:
No new job opportunities due to mine failing to expand
Mining companies lose profit due to on-going disruptions due to power outages
Local suppliers and contractors will not benefit from the business opportunities
relating to construction
No new business ventures due to lack of electricity
Power outages and uncertain power supply to the area
Use of firewood, paraffin and anthracite being a danger to households
7.4.11.3 Cumulative Impacts:
Economic stagnation of the area
Positive impact - Small reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from power station as
no new connections will alleviate the use of coal and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions into the atmosphere.
On the contrary, the current use of firewood and anthracite also emits greenhouse
gasses into the atmosphere
7.4.12 Environmental impact statement
Alternative 1 Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation and 2 x 132kV powers line from
Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A new substation to connect to the existing 132kV powerline at
Tshitungulwana village Preferred)
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7.4.13 Heritage
The HIA specialist identified a grave and monument dedicated to Maswanganyi is located
200m to the northwest of the site. The 200m distance is away from the site and will not be
affected by the proposed project.
Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment did not identified any graves along the proposed
project area except a clear grave in 200m north- west of the substation. Although there are
no graves identified along the proposed route, the graves may be found during construction
phase underground.
The Archaeologist did not identify any archaeological or heritage resources such as graves,
material and artifacts of cultural significance, but however, the specialist highly
recommended that should any material or artifacts of cultural significant unearthed during
excavation, all activities must cease and SAHRA and/or Archaeologist or LIHRA be informed
of the accidentally discoveries.
From Heritage point of view, the proposed route is viable as it will not impact on any graves,
graveyards and/or heritage resources. Therefore the significance is regarded as very low.
From Ecological point of view, the natural vegetation at the site is moderately modified. The
proposed Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A power line route falls within the northern reaches of the
Granite Lowveld vegetation type (Mucina & Rutherford 2006). Its distribution is fairly wide,
stretching from Kaapmuiden and Malelane in the south to the plains south and east of
Thohoyandou in the north. Mucina & Rutherford (2006) suggests that further research may
reveal a need to differentiate the northern form from the southern form of the vegetation unit
as these areas differ slightly in dominant plant species and vegetation structure. In general,
this vegetation unit is described as tall broad-leaved shrub land with few large trees to
moderately dense low woodland on deep sandy uplands with dense thickets and open
savannah in the bottomlands.
Along drainage lines there is a greater diversity of plants particularly within dense riparian
thickets which also support larger trees. Combretum apiculatum is the dominant tree species
on the slopes and plains while Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens, Dichrostachys cinerea and
Grewia bicolor dominate the thickets in the bottomlands. Terminalia sericea is the common
woody species in the deep sandy uplands.
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In the northern range of this vegetation type Swazian Goudplaats Gneiss, Makhutswi Gneiss
and Nelspruit Suite (Granite gneiss and migmatite) form the basement geology. This
Archaean granite and gneiss weathers into sandy soils in the higher areas and clayey soils
with high sodium content in the low-lying areas (Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
The climate within the Granite Lowveld vegetation unit is typical of north-eastern Southern
Africa with summer rainfall and dry winters. The annual precipitation in this area ranges from
500mm per year in the eastern flats to about 900mm per year in the north-west and along the
escarpment. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures are 38°C and 3.7°C for
January and July.
The conservation status of this vegetation unit is considered to be vulnerable with more than
20% already transformed by cultivation and settlement development
(Mucina & Rutherford 2006).
7.4.14 Avi-faunal
7.4.14.1 DESCRIPTION OF EXPECTED IMPACTS
Because of their size and prominence, electrical infrastructures constitute an important
interface between wildlife and man. Negative interactions between wildlife and electricity
structures take many forms, but two common problems in southern Africa are electrocution of
birds (and other animals) and birds colliding with power lines. (Ledger and Annegarn 1981;
Ledger 1983; Ledger 1984; Hobbs and Ledger 1986a; Hobbs and Ledger 1986b; Ledger,
Hobbs and Smith, 1992; Verdoorn 1996; Kruger and Van Rooyen 1998; Van Rooyen 1998;
Kruger 1999; Van Rooyen 1999; Van Rooyen 2000; Anderson 2001; Shaw 2013).
7.4.14.2 Electrocutions
Electrocution refers to the scenario where a bird is perched or attempts to perch on the
electrical structure and causes an electrical short circuit by physically bridging the air gap
between live components and/or live and earthed components (Van Rooyen, 2004). The
electrocution risk is largely determined by the pole/tower design. The tower design that has
been proposed for this project is the steel monopole.
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7.4.14.3 Steel monopole
Clearance between phases on the same side of the 132kV pole structure is approximately
2.2m for this type of design, and the clearance on strain structures is 1.8m. This clearance
should be sufficient to reduce the risk of phase – phase electrocutions of birds on the towers
to negligible. The length of the stand-off insulators is approximately 1.6m. If very large
species attempts to perch on the stand-off insulators, they are potentially able to touch both
the conductor and the earthed pole simultaneously potentially resulting in a phase – earth
electrocution. This is particularly likely when more than one bird attempts to sit on the same
pole, which is an unlikely occurrence, except occasionally with vultures. Vultures have not
been recorded and are unlikely to occur regularly within the study area, but sporadic
occurrence cannot be ruled out. The only envisaged high risk scenario would be when a
carcass becomes available within a few hundred metres of the line, attracting White-backed
Vultures which may cluster on a few poles. This is likely to be an irregular event in the study
area.
In summary it is concluded that the risk of electrocution posed to avifauna by the steel
monopole design is likely to be of LOW significance and restricted to vultures. It should be
mentioned that the pole design holds no inherent electrocution risk for other large solitary
raptors such as eagles, as they almost never perch together in large numbers on the same
structure.
7.4.14.4 Collisions
Collisions are probably the biggest single threat posed by transmission lines to birds in
southern Africa (van Rooyen 2004; Shaw 2013). Most heavily impacted upon are bustards,
storks, cranes and various species of water birds. These species are mostly heavy-bodied
birds with limited manoeuvrability, which makes it difficult for them to take the necessary
evasive action to avoid colliding with power lines (Van Rooyen 2004; Anderson 2001; Shaw
2013).
In a recent PhD study, Shaw (2013) provides a concise summary of the phenomenon of
avian collisions with power lines:
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“The collision risk posed by power lines is complex and problems are often localised. While
any bird flying near a power line is at risk of collision, this risk varies greatly between different
groups of birds, and depends on the interplay of a wide range of factors (APLIC 1994).
Bevanger (1994) described these factors in four main groups – biological, topographical,
meteorological and technical. Birds at highest risk are those that are both susceptible to
collisions and frequently exposed to power lines, with waterbirds, gamebirds, rails, cranes
and bustards usually the most numerous reported victims (Bevanger 1998, Rubolini et al.
2005, Jenkins et al. 2010).
In the present instance, the most likely potential candidates for collision mortality on the
proposed power line are Secretarybird, Lanner Falcon and Abdim‟s Stork. None of the Red
List waterbird species are likely to be at risk of collisions because the alignment does not
cross any major waterbodies or rivers. A large proportion of the proposed power line occurs
in savanna habitat where the risk of collisions are likely to be few and far between, as there
are no specific areas where one would expect a concentration of birds. Vultures would be
most at risk if they descend to a carcass near the line, which is not likely to be a regular
event, given the fact that the occurrence of vultures are likely to be the exception rather than
the rule. Abdim‟s Stork will be most at risk in agricultural clearings, where they can occur in
large flocks, especially on freshly ploughed fields and irrigated crops. In summary, the risk of
collision posed to avifauna by proposed power line is likely to be of LOW significance
7.4.14.5 Displacement due to habitat destruction and
disturbance
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During the construction phase and maintenance of power lines and substations, some
habitat destruction and transformation inevitably takes place. This happens with the
construction of access roads, the clearing of servitudes and the levelling of substation yards.
Servitudes have to be cleared of excess vegetation at regular intervals in order to allow
access to the line for maintenance, to prevent vegetation from intruding into the legally
prescribed clearance gap between the ground and the conductors and to minimize the risk of
fire under the line, which can result in electrical flashovers. These activities have an impact
on birds breeding, foraging and roosting in or in close proximity of the servitude through
transformation of habitat, which could result in temporary or permanent displacement. In the
present instance, the risk of displacement of Red List species due to habitat destruction is
likely to be fairly limited given the low reporting rate for Red List species in the study area,
the small footprint of the proposed project and the presence of existing power line
infrastructure routed on either side of the proposed 132kV power line.
Apart from direct habitat destruction, the above mentioned construction and maintenance
activities also impact on birds through disturbance; this could lead to breeding failure if the
disturbance happens during a critical part of the breeding cycle. Construction activities in
close proximity could be a source of disturbance and could lead to temporary breeding failure
or even permanent abandonment of nests. The very low reporting rates for Red List species
in the study area are an indication that they are not regularly utilising the area for breeding.
The impact of disturbance is therefore likely to be LOW and temporary as far as Red List
species are concerned. However, if the alignment is authorised, a detailed inspection would
be required to establish if there are any breeding Red List species that could be disturbed. In
such an event, appropriate mitigation measures would need to be implemented (such as
postponing the construction of the line to avoid peak breeding season).
Recommendations from Avi-faunal point of view:
The project can proceed subject to the recommendations made below.
The correct pole structure must be utilized to avoid electrocution
In addition to this, the normal suite of environmental best practices should be applied,
such as ensuring strict control of staff, vehicles and machinery on site and limiting the
creation of new roads as far as possible.
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7.4.15 Visual
Visual impacts are generally anticipated to be of low significance due to the fact that the
proposed power line would be ensconced between the two existing power lines. So the two
existing power lines will blend well with the new proposed power line. However, the proposed
route is considered as viable options. It is strongly recommended that the mitigation
measures mentioned in the EMPr be implemented to minimise the potential negative visual
impacts.
7.4.16 Current and Existing Land Use
The area traversed by the proposed power line is generally being utilised for agricultural
purposes, though the route alignment is within the vacant servitude. The land use is for
electrical power line
Two alternative sites for the Substation were assessed as Alternative A1 and A2. Also the
powerlines alternatives were assessed as Alternative line S1 and S2. Both alternative lines
will cross watercourse I,e Luvuvhu river (perennial) as well as one non-perennial
watercourse. Impacts have been identified and mitigation measures were provided.
Alternative A2 and S2will have more negative impacts as compare to the preferred
alternatives and the limitations are as follows:
The proposed alternative A2 Mamphuli-Dzwerani EXT A substation is found at the
Critical Biodiversity Area 2 (CBA2). The powerline crosses the same for about 800m
and also crosses the Luvuvhu River The alternative power line S2 crosses a small
koppie. The drilling of a koppie to provide the foundation for the pylons might have a
negative impacts on the koppie environment
The alternative powerline S2 traverse through the established private farms (orchard).
The powerline will have adverse impacts on socio-economic of the area. Local
community members who make the living from the Orchard might lose their income if
part of the orchard is impacted by the powerlines
7.4.17 No-go alternative (compulsory)
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The no go option entails the non -construction of the power line. Although this option would
result in fewer impacts on the biophysical environment. It should be noted that most of the
study area has already been impacted upon by practices such as over grazing, wood
collection and urbanisation.
Electricity has become a fundamental need and precursor of development and improvement
of people‟s quality of life. If the proposed establishment of new power lines cannot go on, the
option would greatly affect the future electricity supply to the area and the future mines.
When the project is finished, it would further help ensure that there is continuous power
supply to the area, Vuwani town, its surrounding rural communities and the entire Municipal
area. The reliable electricity source would open the door to new economic opportunities,
within the general area, in turn contributing to an increase in the local GDP. Otherwise the
loss of electricity, power outages and associated negative ripple effects on the communities,
local businesses and the environment e.g. increased wood harvesting and air pollution
caused by the usage of fossil fuels. The significance of negative impacts posed by utilising
the no-go option can therefore be considered as high.
Direct impacts:
No additional electricity to the local community;
No new mines
Frequent power outages; and
No employment opportunities will be created.
Indirect impacts:
Negative impact on local enterprises and educational facilities;
Negative impact on the environment as people would rely on fuelwood and other
natural sources for heat and energy;
Pollution from the burning of fossil fuels to create energy;
Time wasted on looking for alternative energy sources; and
Limited development would take place in the area without reliable supply of electricity.
Cumulative impact
Diminishing productivity and quality of life in the local community
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7.5 RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER
Potential impacts of the proposed development have been identified and where necessary
mitigation measures have also been proposed for ensuring that adverse impacts are
strategically taken care of. The identification of mitigation measures is just one step of the
process for addressing adverse impacts, commitment and putting in place systems during
the construction and operational phase of the proposed development also remain key.
Therefore Eskom will have to ensure that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure
that precautionary steps are taken to avoid adverse impacts on people, economy and
environment. Where challenges have been encountered during construction or operation,
relevant mitigation measures must be implemented under the supervision of trained and
competent personnel.
During the EIA process, an extensive public participation process was conducted to ensure
that all Interested and Affected Parties were consulted and given time to raise their concerns
or provide comments. All issues identified during the public participation have been
sufficiently addressed to the satisfaction of the relevant stakeholders.
The following general recommendations will be taken care of during implementation of the
proposed development:
It is recommended that should any material or artefacts of cultural significance found
during exaction, all activities should cease and SAHRA and/ or an Archaeologist be
informed immediately
It is also recommended that mitigation measures for the proposed activity throughout
the project life-cycle are included in the Environmental Management Programme
(EMPr) attached to this document.
It is further recommended that Eskom should appoint an independent ECO to monitor
the compliance to the EMPr and the EA conditions
A copy of the EMPr must always be available on site.
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Based on the facts presented in the specialist reports, Mbofho Consulting and Project
Managers (MCPM) is of the opinion that no fatal flaws were identified and that the impacts
identified can be successfully mitigated to an acceptable level. In identifying, evaluating and
comparing impacts associated with the proposed new powerline and substation alternatives,
it has been concluded that Alternative 1 (A1) for the proposed new powerline as well as
Alternative 1 (S1) for the Substation are the preferred and recommended alternatives for
the proposed project.
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Appendixes
The following appendixes will be attached:
Appendix A: Maps
Appendix B: Photographs
Appendix C: Facility illustration(s)
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‟s declaration of interest
Appendix J: Additional Information
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