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DEA Ref: 12/12/20/2118
Comments and Responses Report
for the construction of a 220kV
Transmission line from the
Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation:
Northern Cape
July 2011 A Proposal for: Eskom Transmission
Tel: 011 798 6458
Email: melissan@ssi.co.za
Building No 5, Country Club Estate, 21 Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
Client:
Eskom Transmission
Proposal Name:
Comments and Responses Report for the construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape
SSI Environmental Reference Number:
EO2.JNB.000818
Authority Reference:
DEA Ref: 12/12/20/2118
Compiled by:
Frank Benedek
Date:
July 2011
Location:
Northern Cape
Reviewer:
_____________________________
Signature
Approval:
______________________________
Signature
© SSI Environmental
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission from SSI Environmental.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 ALTERNATIVES 2
2 INFORMATION PROVIDED TO INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES 4
3 DETAILED PROJECT METHODOLOGY 1
Table of Figures
FIGURE 1: LOCALITY MAP 3 FIGURE 2: GOOGLE LOCALITY MAP 4
List of Tables
NO TABLE OF FIGURES ENTRIES FOUND.
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
EO2.JNB.000818 Page 1 SSI Environmental
1 INTRODUCTION The proposed project entails the consideration a best environmental practicable 2km wide corridor
(measured 1 kilometre on either side of a proposed powerline alignment) for purposes of constructing a
220 kilovolt (kV) Sub-transmission powerline within such corridor. The powerline will extend over a 97
km distance (approximately) connecting the Aggeneys and Paulputs substations (see Figure 1: Locality
Plan) – referred to as the Aggeneys-Paulputs powerline. Furthermore the project scope includes the
upgrade of the Aggeneys substation to accommodate the newly proposed Aggeneys-Paulputs
powerline. Three corridor alternatives with an associated powerline alignment are being considered by
Eskom Transmission and will be evaluated during the Basic Assessment Process to determine the best
environmentally practicable alignment.
In terms of the 2010 EIA Regulations the proposed project requires the undertaking of a Basic
Assessment in terms Government Notice (GN) R.543 for listed activities requiring environmental
authorisation from the relevant competent authority, The Department of Environmental Affairs
(DEA).The following activities listed in GN. R544 (Listing Notice 1) and GN. R546 (Listing Notice 3)
respectively is applicable to the project:
Government Notice
Activity
number Description
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
10 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission
and distribution of electricity –
i. Outside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of
more than 33 but less than 275 kilovolts.
The project will entail the construction of a 220kV sub-transmission
line outside an urban area.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
13 The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the storage, or for
the storage and handling, of a dangerous good, where such
storage occurs in containers with a combined capacity of 80 but not
exceeding 500 cubic metres
During the construction phase the storage and handling of
dangerous good (i.e. diesel) will be required.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
22 The construction of a road, outside urban areas,
i. With a reserve wider than 13.5 meters, or
ii. Where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 meters.
Access roads for the construction and maintenance of the
powerline may be required. Existing access roads will be utilised as
best practice and where practical.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
24 The transformation of land bigger than 1000 square metres in size,
to residential, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional use,
where, at the time of the coming into effect of this schedule such
land was zoned open space, conservation or had an equivalent
zoning.
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
EO2.JNB.000818 Page 2 SSI Environmental
An portion of land in ownership of Black Mountain Mining is zoned
for conservation purposes and will be affected by the proposed
powerline alignments.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
26 Any process or activity identified in terms of Section 53(1) of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (Act No. 10
of 2004)
Indigenous vegetation will be cleared as part of site preparation for
construction.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
38 The expansion of facilities for the transmission and distribution of
electricity where the expanded capacity will exceed 275 kilovolts
and the development footprint will increase.
Upgrade of to the Aggeneys substations will be required to
accommodate the new poweline line. This will increase the total
output of the substation and the development footprint.
No R 544
(Listing Notice 1)
47 The widening of road by more than 6 meters, or the lengthening of
a road by more than 1 kilometre –
where no reserve exists, where the existing road is wider than 8
metres
Existing access roads along the poweline alignment may required
widening or lengthening for the poweline construction and
maintenance.
The entire project is within the Western Grid and forms part of the Northern Cape Strengthening.
The area between Aggeneys and Paulputs is dry as it forms part of the Kalahari. The vegetation is
mainly thorny trees with very small leaves. The main drive of the economy is live-stock farming. The
land owners farm with cattle and some of game products (See Figure 2).
1.1 Corridor Alternatives
Corridor Alternative 1(Pink line):
Alternative 1 is proposed to run parallel to the existing 400kV line. This alternative will add to the visual
impact for the motorist travelling in that area as it will be very close to the N14. This alternative will be
cost effective in terms of construction as it has very few bending points. This alternative will also cluster
the cumulative impacts together as it will be close to the already disturbed environment.
Corridor Alternative 2 (Orange line):
Alternative 2 is proposed to run on the south-eastern side of the existing 400kV line from Aggeneys. At
about 20km it then crosses the existing line towards the north-western side. Further north there are
mountains which prevent this alternative from proceeding up. The route is then forced to link up with
Alternative 3. This alternative is comparatively more expensive to build when compared to the other
two.
Corridor Alternative 3 (Blue line):
Alternative 3 will also run parallel to the existing 400kV line with slight deviations and bends. This
alternative will add to the visual impact for the motorist travelling in that area as it will be very close to
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
EO2.JNB.000818 Page 3 SSI Environmental
the N14. This alternative will also be cost effective in terms of construction as it has almost similar
bending points as Alternative 1.
FIGURE 1: LOCALITY MAP
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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FIGURE 2: GOOGLE LOCALITY MAP
This document provides responses to all comments, concerns and issues raised during the Public
Participation Process.
2 INFORMATION PROVIDED TO INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES
All interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s), stakeholders, landowners, Authorities and governmental
institutions were notified of the proposed project by using the following mediums:
Direct letters to the landowners, stakeholders and the local Authorities
Direct emails to stakeholders and other concerned or possibly affected parties
A newspaper advertisement in a local publication for the local public during the Notification and
Public Comment Phase.
Site notice boards at the substations and along the proposed routes (some of the notice boards was
placed on the boundary of the site, in a clearly visible area, but not close to the alignment)
Background Information Document were given to owners of local stores and garages for distribution
among the local community
Briefing papers were hand delivered to the landowners adjacent to the proposed development
Refer to Annexure A for a copy of the distributed mediums.
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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3 DETAILED PROJECT METHODOLOGY
Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
NOTIFICATION PERIOD
The Aggeneys, Pofadder and Pauputs area consists of limited means of communication. This made notification of many of
the landowners very difficult. In lieu of the above landowners were notified via advertisements, hand delivery of the BID
document, telephonic conversations, agricultural associations or BID’s left a stores and post offices.
The following means of communication was used during the Notification period.
- Hand delivery of the BID document during the Site Visit undertaken on 01- 04 November 2010.
- Advertisement placed in the Gemsbok Newspaper on 24 November 2010, Page 24.
- BID Documents were placed at the following places for collection:
Aggeneys Kaffee;
Aggeneys Liquor Store;
Aggeneys Post Office;
Aggeneys Checkin Grocer;
Khai – Ma Municipality;
Pofadder: Proe- I- Biekie Store;
Pofadder Agriwire; and
Pofadder Post office.
During the Notification period an Email or Fax was sent to landowners with contact information.
Please refer to Annexure B for a copy of the email and Faxes sent.
No responses were received from I&APs during the Notification period 05 November 2010- 10 December 2010.
PUBLIC COMEMNT PERIOD
The following was undertaken during the Public Comment Period: 15 March 2011 – 25 April 2011.
- An advertisement was placed in the Gemsbok Newspaper on 09 March 2011.
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
- A public Meeting was held on 16 March 2010 at the Pofadder Hotel at 18:00 – 20:00.
- A Stakeholder meeting with Khai- Ma Municipality at Khai- Ma offices at 9:30 – 10:30.
- Focus Group Meeting with Black Mountain at SSI Offices in Johannesburg at 15: 30 – 16:30.
The following comments were received during the Comment period.
Is SSI aware of the renewable energy
project that is proposed next to the
Aggeneys Substation.
Mr Xavier Rayem: Councilor at
Pofadder Municipality: Comment
raised at Public Meeting.
Mr Benedek responded that we are
aware of the project. However the
project Authorisation is undertaken
by another independent company.
What level of significance will the
Visual Impact Assessment place on
Impact ratings. The visual impact is
very important compared to the impact
on the ground.
Gerrit Visser: President of the
Farmers Association and
Landowner : Comment raised at
Public Meeting.
Mr Benedek explained that all
specialist studies are based and
rated on the same impact criteria.
Their level of significance is based on
the impact ratings they provide.
Why did Eskom not consider the
construction of a 400kV or 765kV line
rather than an additional 200kV line.
This will have a smaller footprint on the
ground.
Gerrit Visser: President of the
Farmers Association and
Landowner : Comment raised at
Public Meeting.
Mr Makhanya reported that an
upgrade of the line would still have
implications should a fault occur a
back-up line would not be available.
One of the reasons for an additional
line is to maintain stability of power if
one line was to fail.
Mr Wimpie reported that at present a
765kV line would be very expensive
to erect.
Would Eskom consider an agreement
stating that additional lines would not
be added at a later stage.
Gerrit Visser: President of the
Farmers Association and
Landowner : Comment raised at
Public Meeting.
Kentridge Makhanya reported that
this will be taken into consideration
and a response will be provided at a
later stage.
Response after the Meeting:
There is no foreseeable need for
additional lines between Aggeneis
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
and Paulputs, nor a possibility to run
those lines at 400kV. Our solution in
the Transmission Distribution Plan
remains a 220kV line.
Should there be a need for additional
lines in future, we would first consider
re-cycling the servitude at 400kV
before putting additional lines if the
area is sensitive.
A double line would have a greater
impact on Avi-fauna, thus Eskom
should consider a single line.
Gerrit Visser: President of the
Farmers Association and
Landowner : Comment raised at
Public Meeting.
Mr Makhanya reported that bird
diverters would be used to mitigate
the impact on avi-fauna.
Plastic bird diverters currently fall off
the transmission line within one month
after installation. Thereafter birds are
left vulnerable to the line.
Pieter v.d Heever: Landowner :
Comment Raised at Public Meeting
Mr Wimpie reported that this will be
taken into consideration and will be
added to the monitoring/
maintenance plan.
An additional line would leave farmers
vulnerable to additional veld fires, as
fires under power lines cannot be
distinguished.
Gerrit Visser: President of the Farmers Association and Landowner : Comment raised at Public Meeting.
Mr Makhanya reported that to
prevent fires all servitudes are
cleared of all vegetation preventing
veld fires.
Clearing of vegetation would place
stress on the environment since the
clearing would also remove food for
animals.
Gerrit Visser: President of the Farmers Association and Landowner : Comment raised at Public Meeting.
Mr Wimpie reported that based on
the terrain and vegetation within the
area, it would not be necessary to
remove any vegetation
The frequency of the line is the problem
not the need for the line. Gerrit Visser: President of the Farmers Association and Landowner : Comment raised at Public Meeting.
Comment noted.
The number of towers is now becoming Pieter v.d Heever: Landowner : Comment noted
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
a problem, leaving farmers with less
grazing land.
Comment Raised at Public Meeting
Where is power generated and how is it
transmitted to the towers?
Pieter v.d Heever: Landowner : Comment Raised at Public Meeting
Mr Makhanya reported that the
power was generated in
Mpumalanga and transmitted to
Aggeneys and Paulputs substations
for distribution. The existing line has
been built to transmit 220 kV of
power, however ideally they should
be transmitting less than the required
amount .
Mr Wimpie reported that if necessary
an Eskom representative from the
planning department could provide a
presentation on how power is
generated and transmitted.
The endangered species highlighted by
the avi-fauna specialist are situated
throughout the route and not restricted
to the areas he wants to avoid.
This should not be a deciding factor
since these species occur on other
farms aswell.
Gerrit Visser: President of the Farmers Association and Landowner : Comment raised at Public Meeting.
Ms Naidoo reported that one of the
integral areas the option 2 avoids the
Black Mountain Nature Reserve that
provides a habitat and protection of
these endangered species. Thus
every effort was made to avoid this
reserve.
Ms Naidoo reported that she would
contact the Avi-fauna specialist to
comment and provide additional
clarity on his decision.
Response from Avi-Fauna Specialist
The Ludwig Bustard is a plains
species that occurs along all 3
alternatives. Based on this species
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
alone a preferred alternative cannot
be chosen. However Alternative 2 is
preferred since it runs parallel to an
existing line and avoids the Black
Mountain Nature Reserve which is
home to many endangered species
and does not cross the highway.
Should alternative 2 be authorised my
farm would be impacted. Pieter v.d Heever: Landowner : Comment Raised at Public Meeting
Comment noted.
A filling station is currently being applied
for authorisation, this will have an
impact on Alternative 2 if authorised.
Pieter v.d Heever: Landowner : Comment Raised at Public Meeting
Comment noted.
Is the project linked to the Aggeneys –
Oranjemond and Aggenys to Helios
projects.
Mr PJ Baker: Khai- Ma Muncipality Municipal Manager: Comment Raised at FGM.
Mr Benedek that the projects are all
Eskom projects. Authorisation for
each project is undertaken by an
independent company.
A project by Verdanta for mining at
Gamsburg has been authorised and
could impact on the proposed
alignment.
Mr PJ Baker: Khai- Ma Muncipality Municipal Manager: Comment Raised at FGM.
Mr Benedek reported that he had
heard about the project, and will
discuss this with the representative at
the Focus Group meeting with Black
Mountain.
Verdanta has bought off Anglo Coal
zinc mining division and have acquired
a mining authorisation for Gamsberg.
The proposed Eskom project will have
an impact on their mining activities. Mr
Venter will forward the co-ordinates for
their proposed project activities to
determine impact.
Mr Pieter Venter: Black Mountain: Comment Raised at FGM
Ms Naidoo explained that this
information will be forwarded to
Eskom with the co-ordinates for
consideration.
Alternative 2 would not have a severe
impact on Black Mountain. Mr Pieter Venter: Black Mountain: Comment Raised at FGM
Comment Noted.
Basic Assessment for the Construction of a 220kV Transmission line from the Aggeneys to Paulputs Substation: Northern Cape: Issue and Responses Report
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Issue/ Comment Raised By Response
Afternoon Melissa
Attached please find a plan with the
placement of the tailing dam and other
infrastructure for the Gamsberg project as
discussed last Friday. The dam placement
will be at site 7 ( Map was attached)
Mr Pieter Venter: Black Mountain: Email sent to Melissa Naidoo on 25 March 2011 at 12:48 pm.
Eskom will liase directly with Black
Mountain to determine the most
feasible option once Authorisation is
recived.
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