draft basic environmental assessment ˝ r the construction ... melkhout... · the existing melkhout...

ESKOM DISTRIBUTION DIVISION

Draft Basic Environmental Assessment for the construction

of 132kV distribution lines from Melkhout to Dieprivier,

Cacadu District

Report date: 19 July 2012

J29223

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

Eskom Melkhout – Dieprivier 132kV Basic Assessment Report 2

Draft Basic Environmental Assessment for the Construction of 132kV distribution lines from Melkhout to Dieprivier, Cacadu District

CONTENTS

Chapter Description Page

Section A: Activity Information 4 Section B: Site/Area/Property Description 29 Section C: Public Participation 35 Section D: Impact Assessment 39 Section E: Recommendations of Practitioner 55 References 57 Section F: Appendices 58 APPENDICES Appendix A: Site plans A1: Site map A2: Route coordinates at 250 m intervals A3: Landowner details Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Illustrations of the proposed development site and infrastructure Appendix D: Specialist reports and declaration of interest D1: Avifauna Impact Assessment D2: Vegetation Impact Assessment D3: Heritage Impact Assessment Appendix E: PPP and Issues and Response Report Appendix F: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix G: Details of EAP and declaration of interest NOTE: Additions are highlighted grey



(For official use only)

File Reference Number:

Application Number:

Date Received:

Basic assessment report in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010, promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended. Kindly note that: 1. This basic assessment report is a standard report that may be required by a competent authority in terms of the EIA

Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. Please make sure that it is the report used by the particular competent authority for the activity that is being applied for.

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

indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with typing.

3. Where applicable tick the boxes that are applicable in the report. 4. An incomplete report may be returned to the applicant for revision. 5. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material

information that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it may result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

6. This report must be handed in at offices of the relevant competent authority as determined by each authority. 7. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. 8. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner. 9. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent

authority. Any interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

10. A competent authority may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

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

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



SECTION A: ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section?

YES NO X

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

for appointment of a specialist for each specialist thus appointed: Any specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D. 1. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Describe the activity, which is being applied for, in detail1:

BACKGROUND Eskom’s core business is in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Eskom generates approximately 95% of the South African electricity in accordance with supply and demand requirements. Reliable provision of electricity by Eskom is critical for industrial and sustainable development in South Africa, which inevitably provides and sustains job opportunities for jobseekers. As electricity cannot be stored, power is generated and delivered over long distances as it is required. This is achieved through thousands of kilometres of high voltage transmission, and distribution lines which transmit this power from power stations located outside the Eastern Cape Province, to Eskom’s major substations. At these major substations, the voltage loading is reduced and distributed to smaller substations. From here the voltage is further reduced 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 below these limits, power outages may be experienced, which results in unreliable electricity supply. In order to avoid this, the distribution network must have the capacity to supply the electricity required by the customers at all times. The network must therefore be designed with reserve distribution capacity in order to ensure an uninterruptable supply of electricity. The electricity network in the Humansdorp area is already operating close to capacity, thus increasing the risk that the entire network could be interrupted. Furthermore, the Eskom Distribution network is increasing rapidly due to vigorous electrification plans. Eskom has identified the Patensie, Humansdorp and Kareedouw areas of the Eastern Cape as locations where strengthening of the network is required to meet current and future demands for electricity. Eskom proposes to construct infrastructure to strengthen and upgrade the network in the Patensie, Humansdorp and Kareedouw areas. The objective of the proposed installation of 132kV distribution lines is thus to increase the reserve capacity on the existing lines, while providing spare capacity for the future electricity needs of the growing local economy. GIBB (Pty) Ltd was appointed by ESKOM Distribution Division to undertake an environmental authorisation process in terms of Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act, (Act 107 of 1998) for the construction of electrical distribution infrastructure, which will comprise a new 132 kV overhead distribution line and a new substation at Dieprivier. Several listed activities will be triggered

1 Please note that this description should not be a verbatim repetition of the listed activity as contained in the relevant Government Notice, but should be a brief description of activities to be undertaken as per the project description.



through implementation of the proposed activities. A list of the proposed activities in the new EIA regulations (2010) triggered by the proposed activities are included in Table 1 below. Table 1. Listed activities triggered by the proposed activities, including a description of the project specific activities triggered (in italics). Government notice:

Activity no.

Listed activity and description relevant to activities

544, 18 June 2010

10 (i) The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity – (i) outside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of more than 33 but less than 275 kilovolts.

The proposed activities include the construction of a 132kV distribution line between Melkhout and Dieprivier, and the construction of a new substation at Dieprivier.

544, 18 June 2010

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

Routing of the distribution lines close to the R330 or close to watercourses is likely to require construction of a bridge/s across a watercourse.

544, 18 June 2010

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

The construction of access road across a water course may be required where the distribution line will occur inland of a natural depression in which water flows regularly or intermittently.

546, 18 June 2010

3 (a), (b) ii

The construction of masts or towers of any material or type used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes where the mast (a) is to be placed on a site not previously used for this purpose, and (b) will exceed 15 metres in height, but excluding attachments to existing buildings and masts on rooftops. (a) In the Eastern Cape province (ii) outside urban areas.

Where the need arise, masts for telecommunication may be constructed at the existing or proposed sub-stations.

546, 18 June 2010

12 (b) The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, (b) within critical biodiversity areas identified in bioregional plans.

Clearing of vegetation along each route within the servitude will likely occur, which will impact on some of the CBAs occurring along the route as identified in the Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP).

546, 18 June 2010

13 (a), (c) ii

The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation, (exclusion clauses not applicable): (c) In the eastern Cape (ii) outside urban areas.

Clearing of vegetation along each route within the servitude will likely occur, which will impact on some of the CBAs occurring along the route as identified in the Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP).

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES Study area. The study area where the proposed activity is to take place is located in close proximity to the small town of Humansdorp in the Kouga Local Municipality (Cacadu District Municipality), Eastern Cape. The Cacadu District is the largest producer of agricultural goods in the Eastern Cape. Agriculture is centred on the citrus industry with a smaller scale production of other products including vegetables and flowers. The proposed line runs between the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality and the Kouga Local Municipality (LM), with the majority situated in the Kouga LM. Both LM’s are located in the Eastern Cape and fall



under the jurisdiction of the Cacadu District Municipality. The proposed power line would run from the existing Melkhout substation to proposed Dieprivier substation. Once the proposed infrastructure has been installed it may be necessary to decommission redundant infrastructure. Where decommissioning takes place it will be necessary for a thorough rehabilitation process to be undertaken to ensure protection of the receiving environment. The total length of the proposed power lines amounts to approximately 26 km and will involve the construction of:

• Melkhout/ Dieprivier 132 kV distribution line;

• Dieprivier 2x20 MVA 132 / 22 kV substation.

The existing Melkhout substation will be upgraded to allow the tie in of the proposed distribution lines.

Figure 1. Location of the proposed 132kv distribution line in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma LMs.

Power lines. Servitudes are generally cleared of all wooded species and any other protruding alien vegetation so as to reduce fire risks, to ensure access for maintenance purposes and to prevent shortages with vegetation. Tower steel is usually delivered on a 24-ton truck to their required position in the field, terrain permitting, else on smaller vehicles, which is used to deliver steel in rough terrain. In areas where the vehicles are not able to drive, other means of delivery of tower structures/steel and other infrastructure will be employed, e.g. the use of a helicopter. An 8-ton crane truck is generally used to erect the structures. A foundation of 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 m will be required for each supporting and load-bearing structure. Although the proposed power lines follow existing servitudes and roads, access roads for minor vehicles may be created during the construction phase and during periodic maintenance.



132 kV Towers. The size of the foundation footprint depends on the type of structure to be used and ranges from 0,36 m3 to 2,35 m3, with the larger footprint associated with the angle strain structures. The average span between two towers would be approximately 200 m, but can vary between 250 m and 375 m depending on the ground profile and the terrain to be spanned. The guyed suspension structure is typically used along the straight sections of the power line, while the self-supporting angle strain structures are used where there is a bend in the power line alignment. The tower structures to be installed in this project include the 273 guyed-lattice series (Figure 2), 255 self-supporting series (Figure 3), and 248 self-supporting series (terminal position) (Figure 4).

Figure 2. Guyed lattice tower (273A)

The guyed lattice tower capability includes a 440 m windspan and 660 m weightspan using kingbird conductor and 7/3.35 earthwire. The lattice mast is aesthetically pleasing and enhanced line performance due to multi-path earthing. Advantages of the guyed lattice mast are that it can use screw anchors as foundations for stay assembly with a steel-concrete interface. Necking normally occurs at steel-ground interface (silted foundations). Structure performance is good under impulse loading conditions and foundations are easily adaptable to different soil types. The 273C and 273E towers look similar to the 273A tower as they are all guyed towers.



Figure 3. Self-supporting strain tower (255D)

The rest of the 255 series structures are all similar to the 255D structure in Figure 3.



Figure 4. Self-supporting terminal tower (248C).

Tower illustrations of the tower types to be used are provided in Appendix C. Servitude Requirements and Clearances. The servitude width for a 132 kV distribution line is 31 m (15.5 m on either side of the centre line of the power line). The minimum vertical clearance to buildings, poles and structures not forming part of the power line must be 3.8 m, while the minimum vertical clearance between the conductors and the ground is 6.7 m. The minimum distance of a 132 kV distribution line running parallel to proclaimed public roads is 95 m from the centreline of the distribution line servitude to the centreline of the road servitude. The minimum distance between any part of a tree or shrub and any bare phase conductor of a 132 kV distribution line must be 3.8 m to allow for the possible lateral movement of this vegetation that could be a potential hazard for distribution lines that are operational and energised. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) provides for statutory clearances. Table 2 summarizes some of the key clearances relevant to the proposed 132 kV power line. Table 2. Clearance specifications (Eskom, 2007).

Clearances Minimum Clearance Distance (m)

Ground clearance 6.7

Building structures not part of power line 3.8

Above roads in townships, proclaimed roads 7.5

Telkom telephone lines 2.0

Spoornet tracks 10.9

Should the preferred distribution line corridor receive environmental authorization from DEA, and following on from successful negotiations with landowners, the final delineation of the centreline for the distribution line and co-ordinates of each bend in the line will be determined. Optimal tower sizes and positions will be identified and verified through comprehensive ground survey of the preferred route and these positions will be reflected, and appropriate management actions incorporated into the continuously and periodically updated Environmental Management Programme (EMP). Trees and large shrubs that will cause clearance issues will be trimmed or cleared, while a narrow footpath for workers will be cleared down the centre of the distribution line servitude for stringing purposes. If any tree or shrub in other areas will interfere with the operation and/or reliability of the distribution line it will be trimmed or completely cleared. In areas where distribution lines cross existing



orchards or agricultural lands in use the footprint of the structures will be minimised and full scale clearing of the servitude avoided to allow continued use of the arable land, unless otherwise negotiated with the affected farmer/s. The clearing of vegetation will take place, with the aid of a surveyor, along approved profiles and in accordance with the approved EMP and minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for the construction of the proposed new 132 kV distribution lines as listed in Table 3 (Eskom, 2000). Access. Access is required during both the construction and operation/maintenance phases of lines life cycle. Where possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used to gain access to construction sites and the servitude. Where no access roads/tracks exist, the access points and roads will be negotiated with the relevant landowner, and are to be established during the construction phase. Access roads will enable the transportation of construction material as well as construction teams to the site and facilitate maintenance activities once the power line has been constructed. Foundations. The type of terrain encountered, as well as the underlying geotechnical conditions determines the choice of foundation. The actual size and type of foundation to be installed will depend on the soil bearing capacity (actual sub-soil conditions). 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 will be mechanically excavated where access to the site is readily available. The same applies to the pouring of concrete required for the setting of the foundations. In areas where access to the structure position prohibits the use of concrete mixing trucks, uphill pumping or gravity feeding of concrete up to distances of 200 m will be implemented. Prior to erecting the structures and infilling of the foundations, the excavated foundations will be covered/fenced-off 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. Table 3. Minimum standards to be used for vegetation clearing for the construction of a new 132 kV distribution

line.



Insulators. Composite insulators have a glass-fibre core with silicon sheds for insulation and are used to connect the conductors to the towers. Glass and porcelain have been used to connect the conductors for many years, and is the most common. These products are, however, heavy and



susceptible to breakage by vandals, as well as contamination by pollution. Composite insulators are lightweight and resistant to both vandalism and pollution. Composite (Long rod type) insulators with silicone based weathershed material will be used. Ongoing Maintenance. During the life span of the power lines, which is approximately 25 years, ongoing maintenance is required to be performed from time to time. Eskom maintenance staff and contractors employed by Eskom will undertake the maintenance works as required. Construction Process for distribution lines and substations. Power lines are constructed in the following simplified sequence: Step 1: Determination of technically feasible distribution line 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 distribution 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 required); 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. Substation are constructed in the following simplified sequence: Step 1: Survey of the site; Step 2: EIA and site-specific EMPr; Step 3: Design of substation; Step 4: Issuing of tenders and award of contract; Step 5: Establishment of construction camp, vegetation clearance and construction of access roads (where required); Step 6: Construction of terrace and foundations; Step 7: Assembly and erection of equipment; Step 8: Connection of conductors to equipment; Step 9: Rehabilitation of any disturbed areas and protection of erosion sensitive areas; Step 10: Testing and commissioning; Step 11: Continued maintenance. Stringing of Conductors. A pilot cable is used to string the conductors between towers. This can be undertaken mechanically (see Figure 5) or by hand. The line is strung in sections (from bend to bend). Cable drums are placed at 5 km intervals (depending on the length of the conductor) during this stringing process. In order to minimise any potential negative impacts on the surrounding area, these cable drums should be placed within the servitude.



Figure 5. Mechanical stringing of the conductors.

Telecommunications Mast. A communications mast may be required at the proposed substation sites. The mast is required to receive communication from surrounding towers. Full functioning of the substation will be reliant on these telecommunications masts, as its exclusion may result in the limited electrification of the surrounding areas. Construction Period. An estimated construction period of 9 months is envisaged. The construction period will however depend on the season and environmental conditions in which construction is undertaken. Job opportunities. Although the number of staff employed (skilled and unskilled) depends on the contractor, teams are generally made up according to the following table. Unskilled labour is usually trained by the contractors and is usually sourced from local communities. Table 4: Likely Staffing Structure for the Construction of the Proposed Works

OPERATION SKILLED UNSKILLED

Bush Clearing 20% 80%

Gate installation 20% 80%

Excavations 80% 20%

Stay installation 80% 20%

Tower installation 50% 50%

Stringing 80% 20%

Excavation 20% 80%

Steel erection 50% 50%

Electrical Work 90% 10%

USE OF SERVICES AND RESOURCES Water. Water will be required for potable use and in the construction of the foundations for the towers. The water will be sourced from approved water use points at locations closest to the area of construction. Sewage. No sewage flow is anticipated during the construction or operational phase of the project. Chemical toilets will be made available for use by project staff, which will be serviced periodically by the supplier and will be stipulated in the EMPR.



Storm water. Storm water will be managed in line with the Eskom Guidelines for Erosion Control and Vegetation Management, and the EMPr, which will be compiled for the proposed works. Solid waste disposal. All solid waste will be collected strategic locations along the distribution line route and substation construction site and will be stored temporarily until removed to an appropriately permitted landfill site near the construction site. Electricity. Diesel generators will be utilized for the provision of electricity, where required. GENERARAL DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT Topography. The linear activity in the study area runs in a westerly to easterly direction. Because the topography in the area steepens from south to north, the proposed line will not vary greatly with regards to altitude. Geology and soils. The proposed line is to be located upon the Cape Supergroup and is expected to pass through the Sandstones and Shales of the Table Mountain Group. Because the dominant lithology is comprised of Sandstones and Shales the soils are generally highly erodible. Mismanagement of rivers and agricultural land can therefore expose the area to erosion degrade rivers to a moderate or high degree.

Figure 6. Biodiversity status and protected areas in the vicinity of the proposed distribution line.

Hydrology. Two perennial rivers are located within the project area. The Kromme River splits into the



Diep River and the Geelhout River, which passes through the western half of the project area. To the east the Seekoei River, also a perennial river, intersects the proposed line. The Kromme is dammed at two points, namely the Churchill Dam and the Impofu Dam. The line will pass through three quaternary drainage regions (K90D, K90E and K90F) and falls within the Fish to Tsitsikamma Water Management Area. There are no rivers within 200 m of the Diepriver Substation site. Rivers in the vicinity of the study site are classified as critically endangered, with the Kromme and Gamtoos being good examples of such degradation. Local Climate. The Humansdorp area has a sub-tropical climate with rain falling throughout the year, with peaks in autumn and spring. Mean Annual Precipitation is between 650 and 400 mm and varies seasonally, annually and spatially. Dominant winds in the Humansdorp area are from the South West and can reach gale force strengths, especially during the winter months. Biodiversity. Critical Biodiversity Areas are terrestrial and aquatic features in the landscape which are considered as critical in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem functioning. The proposed route crosses a notable CBA 1 area (Figure 6). Areas classified as CBA 2 are considered as untransformed and used for livestock grazing. These units are however of lower biodiversity value due to incorrect veld management practices such as overstocking and continuous grazing. Vegetation. The proposed power line is situated within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos can be easily recognised by the occurrence of the families Proteacea (33 species), Ericacacae, the heathers (52 species) and Restionaceac, the Cape reeds (28 species). All life in the Fynbos has evolved with, and is adapted to, fire. Grassy Fynbos, which dominates the Kouga LM, incorporates 2 endemic Proteaceae species. The Kouga Local Municipality is therefore deemed a centre of endemism. Dominant plant families include Daisy (Asteraceae), Protea (Proteaceae), Pea (Fabaceae) and Orchid (Orchidaceae). Renosterveld is characterised by the abundance of shrubs, especially one species, Renosterbos (Elytropappus rhinocerotis). Dominant plant families include Daisy Family (Asteraceae), the Pea Family (Fabaceae), the Gardenia Family (Rubiaceae), the Cocoa Family and the Thyme Family (Thymelaeaceae). Grasses are also abundant and it is believed that a lack of grasses is evidence of extensive grazing.

Vegetation Impact Assessment The presence of potential endangered vegetation in the study area prompted the need to conduct a vegetation impact study. GIBB appointed the vegetation specialist, Mr Jamie Pote to conduct a terrestrial ecological assessment. A summary of the findings of the assessment report is provided below. Vegetation occurring within the study area include Langkloof Shale Renosterveld (Endangered), Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos (Least threatened), Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld (Endangered). Assessment of the habitat sensitivity indicate that areas scoring an overall LOW vulnerability include the portions of the site that are completely transformed or severely degraded, that have a low conservation status, or where there is very dense alien infestation. Loss of these areas will not significantly compromise the current conservation status of the vegetation unit at a regional level, nor is its loss likely to compromise the ecological functioning of surrounding areas. Areas scoring an overall MODERATE vulnerability include the intact portions of vegetation tend to have a moderate sensitivity score. Areas scoring an overall HIGH to VERY HIGH vulnerability include areas having a Critically Endangered or Endangered conservation status, or critical ecological process and critical biodiversity areas. The proposed development is likely to have a number of impacts on the plants and plant



communities within the site. The three key impacts are: (a) loss of habitat; (b) loss of species of special concern or SSC habitat and (c) reduction or changes to ecological processes/functioning. These can be further subdivided into sub-impacts as follows: A. Issue 1: Direct loss of natural vegetation habitat as a result of vegetation clearing:

1. Direct loss of habitat; 2. Direct loss of rocky refugia; 3. Direct loss of thicket or forest vegetation in drainage lines 4. Direct loss of riparian vegetation along drainage lines 5. Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation

B. Issue 2: Direct loss of Species of Special Concern and associated habitat: 6. Loss of habitat for species of special concern; 7. Loss of Species of Special Concern

C. Issue 3: Ecological process changes 8. Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines; 9. Clearing of alien invasives from within the servitude and drainage lines. 10. Disruptions to ecological processes as a result of habitat fragmentation

In summary, the overall the development of the project is predicted to result in a negative impact of very low to medium significance. The following key conclusions are reached regarding impacts on flora: � In general the servitude passes through degraded and transformed vegetation, with segments

passing through areas of intact and near intact vegetation; � Only Langkloof Shale Renosterveld is present within the Power line servitude, which has a NBA

(2011) conservation status of Critically Endangered; � The proposed activity will NOT result in the clearing of greater than 300 square meters of

Critically Endangered Langkloof Shale Renosterveld and a permit in terms of section 57(1) of NEMBA is NOT required to carry out 'restricted activities' (including uprooting, damaging, destroying specimens) of listed threatened or protected species (as listed in terms of section 56 of NEMBA).

� As part of the EMP, an ECO/ESO should be appointed to manage the identification and relocation of Species of Special Concern and management of vegetation clearing and subsequent revegetation and rehabilitation. A detailed EMP should be compiled to address these issues before construction commences.

� It is recommended that individual screening is undertaken as part of the construction phase EMP for the areas identified as having elevated sensitivities, including drainage lines and river crossings with intact Thicket and areas with intact Langkloof Shale Renosterveld to micro-site the pylons in order to minimise impact.

� Some ephemeral/temporary wetlands, pans and dams occur within or adjacent to the power line servitude. No power line pylons should be sited within wetlands, pans and dams and a 32 m exclusion buffer should be placed around these features.

� Care should be taken that no power line pylons are sited in wetlands and temporary seasonal pans (32 m exclusion zone around these features). Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWA.

� Power lines passing through riverine thicket/forest patches should be sited such that impacts to this vegetation is minimised.

� The substations must avoid any wetland areas (including seasonal wetlands, pans and seeps), other sensitive vegetation (thicket and forest), drainage lines and riparian vegetation along river banks. Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWA.

� No power line pylons should be placed within the 1:50 year flood line or on flood plains that may



be susceptible to future flooding.

Fauna. Caracal and leopard are the main predators in the area, although very rarely seen. Cape clawless otter, bushpig, aardvark and a host of other smaller mammals are still reasonably common despite being seldom seen. Four tortoise species, including the large leopard tortoise and tent tortoise, occur within the area. Twenty four snake species found in the area with 4 of these being South African endemics. Common species likely to be seen include Cape cobra, puffadder, boomslang, rhombic skaapsteker, Karoo and montane grass snakes and the brown water snake. Two of the 28 lizard species present in the area are newly discovered species (dwarf chameleon Bradypodion sp. and flat gecko Afroedura sp.). A further 7 species are Cape endemics and 7 others are South African endemics. Most of these occur in the mountainous parts. In summer the Nile monitor is commonly seen near water. The ubiquitous Southern rock agama is also common. Avifauna. Species generally found in Fynbos and grassy plateaus includes Cape sugarbirds, Stone chats, Orange-throated longclaw, Greyling francolin, Black harrier, and even Cape rockjumper. Pale chanting goshawk, Karoo korhaan, Namaqua dove, Mountain chat, Pririt batis and Black-breasted snake eagle are also present in the area. The area boasts 25 number of raptor species, including the Little Sparrowhawk, Martial eagle, Crowned eagle and Black Sparrowhead. Eight sunbirds occur in the area. The Orange-breasted sunbird is the characteristic species in the fynbos, while the Greater double-collard and Black sunbirds will usually be found in the low-lying bushy parts. Some threatened and near-threatened species inhabit the area at certain times of the year. These include Blue crane, African marsh harrier, Striped fluff tail, Stanley's bustard, Black harrier, Protea canary, Black stork and Peregrine falcon.

Avifaunal Impact Assessment The nature of the proposed activity, being distribution lines, prompted the need for an avifaunal specialist study. GIBB appointed Indwe Environmental Consulting to conduct an avifaunal impact assessment. A summary of their finding are provided below. Up to approximately 220 bird species could be expected in the study area, based on what has been recorded by the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 in the six relevant pentads. Across the six pentads a total of 13 Red Listed species were recorded, comprising 6 Vulnerable and 7 Near‐threatened. In addition, the White Stork Ciconia ciconia is included in Table 1 as it is protected internationally under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species. The Hamerkop Scopus umbretta is also considered as important since recent atlas data points to its range contracting significantly in recent times. The most important of these species for this study are the Blue Crane Anthropoides

paradiseus, Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami, White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis, White Stork and Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus. These species are all relatively abundant in the area (except for the Martial Eagle which is probably an occasional visitor) and are highly vulnerable to collision (and electrocution in the case of the eagle) with overhead power lines in South Africa. These species are thus the main focus of most of this study.

The nearest Important Bird Area (IBA – Barnes 1998) IBA SA093‐Baviaanskloof, lies approximately 20km north of the proposed power line route. This is sufficiently far from the site to have little effect. It is likely that most large threatened raptors (such as Martial Eagle) in particular would use this area as their primary range, perhaps venturing further south towards the site only occasionally. The broader area within which this project is proposed is particularly well known as a stronghold of

the Denham’s Bustard and White‐bellied Korhaan. The habitats that these species favour are the



mixture of pastures, natural vegetation and dams and wetlands. All of these are present on the

proposed route, particularly in the areas close to Dieprivier Substation, and in the mid‐section of the route, just north of the N2. The Denham’s Bustard has proven highly vulnerable to collision with overhead power lines throughout South Africa. Additional mortality due to this unnatural cause

should be prevented where possible. Although few records of collisions of White‐bellied Korhaan exist, other korhaan species have been recorded colliding with power lines and it stands to reason

that White‐bellied Korhaan would also be at risk. These are probably then the two most important species for this study. Although not its core range, the Blue Crane is also common in this area, and is probably the species recorded colliding with power lines most frequently in South Africa. This national bird, also a near endemic to South Africa should also be protected from additional mortality as far as possible. In terms of large raptors in the area, Martial Eagle is probably the most likely Red Listed species to occur, although it is certainly not abundant in the area. This species utilizes massive territories, and so it is possible that just one pair exists in the broader area. This species will certainly utilise power line poles to perch on, and will therefore be at risk of electrocution if incorrect pole structures are used. Although not Red Listed, the Verreaux’s and African Fish Eagle are also large raptors likely to occur in the area. Verreaux’s Eagle would be more towards the mountainous areas north of the proposed line, whilst African Fish Eagle would frequent the Krom River and farm dams in the area. The presence of these three large eagles is sufficient grounds to ensure that a bird friendly pole structure is used for the proposed power line. The impacts of disturbance of birds, and destruction or alteration of habitat are determined to be of relatively low significance for the proposed project, due to the already impacted nature of most of the study area. The impact of collision of birds with certain sections of the proposed line is considered to be of moderate significance and warrants extensive mitigation measures, which have been detailed in the report. This includes the need for an avifaunal walk down to determine the exact spans of line requiring marking. Whilst electrocution is possible on 132kV lines, the proposed tower structures

(lattice structure with phase‐phase of 2000mm and cross arm of 2550mm) should be safe for the birds in area. Vultures do not occur in the area, so the only species large enough to be at risk of electrocution on a 132kV line are the eagles, which are generally solitary. Three alternative routes have been proposed for the power line, the preferred option and Alternatives A and B. The preferred route for avifauna is ‘Alternative B’. The preferred option, and Alternative A are, however, not fatally flawed and would not result in unacceptably high levels of impacts on birds.

Population. ECSECC (2009) indicates that the Kouga Local Municipality, in which the majority of the study area lies, has a total population in the order of 73 567 people and the number of households is said to be in the order of 20 081. The Kouga Local Municipality constitutes approximately 19.1 % of the total population of the Cacadu District Municipality. Households contain average family sizes of up to four people. The majority of the population are below 30 years old and women outnumber men by a small margin. The total population of Kou-Kamma Local Municipality is approximately at 34 309. The annual growth rate for year one is accepted as 0.75 % decreasing to 0.351 % in year 7. The unemployment rate of the economic active portion of Kou-Kamma is approximately 46%. The lack of energy resources within rural areas of South Africa is recognised as a major factor retarding socio-economic development. ECSECC (2009) states that approximately 72% of households in the Kouga LM are electrified, however unreliable this supply may be. Land Use and Tenure. Land use within the study area is in the form of commercial agriculture, and urban settlement. The Kou-Kamma municipality is characterised by competing land use between agriculture, forestry and human settlements. A large portion of the area is taken up with forestry



activities; especially state forests. Land use in the area is mainly agricultural in nature. The urban areas of Hankey and Patensie, situated in the Gamtoos River Valley, provide important services to the surrounding high-density agriculture industry. These two towns are characterised by agricultural related industries.

2. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES “alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to— (a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;

The proposed activity is to be constructed across a number of erven located from Melkhout to Dieprivier as indicated in Appendix A. A preferred location and routing for the proposed distribution line has been developed by the proponent, with the aid of the designing engineers and land surveyors, and in consultation with landowners willing to allow erection of distribution lines across their property. This alternative is referred to the “Preferred Alternative” throughout this document. Two other routing alternatives have also been considered in this assessment, and although they are considered feasible and reasonable alternatives, they cannot be considered as some landowners along these routes have been reluctant to allow distribution lines across their properties. Nonetheless, these routes have been assessed in fulfilment of the EIA regulations (2010). These alternatives are indicated in Appendix A. ESKOM employs a standard set of criteria in the selection of substation sites. These include the proximity to existing road transport infrastructure, site topography, proximity to human habitation and community facilities, location of infrastructure services (particularly those with above ground components) and land, which is not actively utilised or developed, or is disturbed. All these aspects were considered when the location of the new substation was conceptualised and the proposed locations presented in this environmental assessment were considered most feasible from an environmental, social and economic perspective. No other site alternatives were thus considered.

(b) the type of activity to be undertaken;

Alternative activity types have not been considered as the applicant’s sole business is the generation and distribution of electricity.

(c) the design or layout of the activity;

The design of substations is relatively standard, as they form part of the national electricity supply network and must fit in with the existing network systems, technology and infrastructure. Alternatives cannot be considered.

(d) the technology to be used in the activity;

Alternative technologies have not been considered as the technology to be used is already considered as the most appropriate technology, and in some cases has been specifically designed for the existing environmental conditions and terrain, as specified by standard ESKOM specifications and best international practice.

(e) the operational aspects of the activity; and

No alternative operational aspects have been considered as the operation is standard for all distribution substations and power lines.

(f) the option of not implementing the activity.

This option refers to the “No-Go Alternative”. Although the no-go alternative has been considered, it is not a practical project alternative in terms of providing stable electricity supply in the Humansdorp area. However, in terms of supporting informed decision making and the assessment of environmental impacts associated with bulk electricity supply in the area it is discussed here as required by the EIA legislation. By not increasing the supply to the greater area, development will be constrained as the existing networks are operating at near-capacity already. A new 132kV overhead power line is required to strengthen the grid supply in the Humansdorp area.



Describe alternatives that are considered in this application. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent. Paragraphs 3 – 13 below should be completed for each alternative.



Description of alternatives The preferred routing option indicated below was identified during extensive site and routing investigations undertaken by Eskom representatives, appointed land surveyors, designing engineers and Environmental Assessment Practitioner. Topography, hydrology, land ownership and servitude negotiation, line maintenance, line constructability, access, economic, social and environmental aspects were considered during the viability assessment of each routing alternative. Based on this assessment the preferred option was identified as the most viable routing option. Assessment of Alternatives A and B indicated that land ownership and the unwillingness of land owners to entertain line routing options across their properties was the major influencing factors leading to elimination of these alternatives. Advantages and disadvantages of each of the alternatives are presented in the Table 5 below.

Figure 7: Alternative distribution line route alignments.

Table 5. Advantages and disadvantages of the identified routing options.

Preferred Alternative Alternative A Alternative B All land owners has agreed to allow construction of power lines across their property.

Some land owners have refused to allow construction of power lines across their property.

Some land owners have refused to allow construction of power lines across their property.

This routing option will not cross any statutory or non-statutory protected area.

This alternative proposes to cross an existing game farm (non-statutory protected area).

This alternative proposes to cross an existing game farm (non-statutory protected area).

Preferred Alternative

Alternative A

Alternative B



This routing option will be most expensive to construct based on construction cost per km (approx. 25.7km).

This alternative will be less expensive compared to the preferred option to construct based on construction cost per km (approx. 24.2km).

This alternative will be least expensive to construct based on construction cost per km (approx. 23.7km).

This routing option will be most expensive to construct based on the need for more strain structures (approx. 17 turn angles), and more expensive foundations per structure.

This alternative will be less expensive compared to the preferred option to construct based on the need for less strain structures (approx. 12 turn angles).

This alternative will be least expensive compared to the preferred option to construct based on the need for strain structures (approx. 11 turn angles).

Access and maintenance of this routing option will be more difficult/ expensive as the routing is located away from the main road for most of the route.

Access and maintenance of this alternative will be less difficult/ expensive as the routing is located closer to the main road.

Access and maintenance of this alternative will be the least difficult/ expensive as the routing is located in close proximity to the main road for the most part.

Visual impact of this routing option in relation to proximity to the main road and Kruisfontein / Humansdorp communities will be less pronounced than expected for Alternative B.

Visual impact of this alternative in relation to proximity to the main road and Kruisfontein / Humansdorp communities will be least pronounced than expected for Alternative B.

Visual impact of this alternative in relation to proximity to the main road and Kruisfontein / Humansdorp communities will be most significant.

Conclusion: The preferred option is clearly the most expensive option to construct and maintain, however this option has a relatively low visual impact and all land owners along the route has agreed to allow erection of the power lines across their properties. Land owner requirements have proven the most telling factor in concluding that this option is the preferred option.

Conclusion: Alternative A is less expensive to construct and maintain than the preferred option. However, some land owners, especially owners of the game farms have rejected Eskom’s proposal to cross their property. Land owner requirements have proven the most telling factor in concluding that this option is NOT preferred, and resultantly the option has been eliminated.

Conclusion: From a construction and maintenance cost perspective, this alternative proves to be favoured. However, visual impacts may be potentially significant and some land owners, especially owners of the game farms have rejected Eskom’s proposal to cross their property. Land owner requirements have proven the most telling factor in concluding that this option is NOT preferred, and resultantly the option has been eliminated.

No-go alternative The no development alternative in the context of this project implies that the power line and substation would not be constructed and the Melkhout substation extension would not be completed. If the project does not proceed the negative impacts such as risk of collisions of birds, clearing of vegetation and soil erosion would be avoided, however if the project does not commence the region would be negatively affected by an inadequate and unreliable electricity supply, which would inhibit future developments in the area. The need to for stable and reliable power supply to meet current and future demand will likely outweigh the potential impacts to the surrounding environment, which is expected to be of low to medium significance, at best, and can be proactively mitigated to an acceptable level. The no-go alternative is therefore not recommended.



3. ACTIVITY POSITION Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees and decimal minutes. The minutes should have at least three decimals to ensure adequate accuracy. The projection that must be used in all cases is the WGS84 spheroid in a national or local projection. List alternative sites, if applicable. Alternative:

Latitude (S):

Longitude (E):

Alternative S12 (preferred or only site alternative)

o ‘ o ‘

Alternative S2 (if any) o ‘ o ‘

Alternative S3 (if any) o ‘ o ‘

In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Preferred alternative

• Starting point of the activity (Melkhout SS) 34o 00.0269‘ 24o 47.0724‘

• Middle/Additional point of the activity 33o 59.2745‘ 24o 40.1497‘

• End point of activity (new Dieprivier SS) 34o 00.2353‘ 24o 33.5147‘

Alternative A (if any)



• End point of activity (new Dieprivier SS) 34o 00.2353‘ 24o 33.5147‘

Alternative B (if any)



• End point of activity(new Dieprivier SS) 34o 00.2353‘ 24o 33.5147‘

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 250 meters along the route for each alternative alignment. A table with coordinates for each alternative every 250 m is attached in Appendix A2. 4. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A13 (preferred activity alternative) m2

Alternative A2 (if any) m2

Alternative A3 (if any) m2

or, for linear activities: Alternative:

Length of the activity:

2 “Alternative S..” refer to site alternatives.

3 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.



Alternative A1 (Preferred alternative) 25 694 m

Alternative A2 (Alternative A) 24 172 m

Alternative A3 (Alternative B) 23 718 m

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

Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (Preferred alternative) 796 514 m2

Alternative A2 (Alternative A) 749 332 m2

Alternative A3 (Alternative B) 735 258 m2

5. SITE ACCESS

Does ready access to the site exist? Existing roads and tracks to each of the tower structures and substations will be used during construction and maintenance; however some new access roads will have to be constructed where no tracks exist.

YES X

NO

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built Unknown at this stage

Describe the type of access road planned:

Ready access to the Melkhout substation exists. Access to an existing small substation at Dieprivier exists, but existing track will need to be upgraded and a short section of new road will need to be constructed to allow access to the new substation. Access to the power line route will be from existing rural access roads and tracks where these exist. Where no access route exists in close proximity to the proposed power line route it will be necessary to construct access tracks. These tracks will as far as possible follow the power line servitude and not entail construction of a formal road/s. Detailed design of new tracks or roads have not yet been conducted.

Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site. 6. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this document. Due to the large scale of the linear activity 1:500 scale site plans is impractical. The site or route plans must indicate the following: 6.1 the scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 6.2 the property boundaries and numbers of all the properties within 50 metres of the site; 6.3 the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or

sites; 6.4 the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; 6.5 the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water

supply pipelines, boreholes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure;

6.6 all trees and shrubs taller than 1.8 metres;



6.7 walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 6.8 servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 6.9 sensitive environmental elements within 100 metres of the site or sites including (but not limited

thereto): � rivers; � the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); � ridges; � cultural and historical features; � areas with indigenous vegetation (even if it is degraded or invested with alien species);

6.10 for gentle slopes the 1 metre contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and

6.11 the positions from where photographs of the site were taken. 7. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this form. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable. 8. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the activity must be provided at a scale of 1:200 as Appendix C for activities that include structures. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity. The illustration must give a representative view of the activity. 9. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION 9(a) Socio-economic value of the activity

Preferred alternative

Alternative 1 Alternative 2

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion?

R 46 901 896 Not assessed Not assessed

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

R Unknown

R Unknown

R Unknown

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure?

YES X NO YES X YES X

Is the activity a public amenity? YES X NO YES X YES X

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the activity?

Limited (2 or 3) Limited (2 or 3)

Limited (2 or 3)

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

R Unknown

R Unknown

R Unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

Eskom BEE and Affirmative action policies will be enforced





How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

Unknown at this stage.



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

R Unknown

R Unknown

R Unknown

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals?

% Unknown

% Unknown

% Unknown

9(b) Need and desirability of the activity (Need and desirability in this section is the same for all alternatives) Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

NEED:

1. Was the relevant provincial planning department involved in the application?

YES X

NO

2. Does the proposed land use fall within the relevant provincial planning framework?

YES X

NO

3. If the answer to questions 1 and / or 2 was NO, please provide further motivation / explanation:

N/A

DESIRABILITY:

1. Does the proposed land use / development fit the surrounding area? YES X

NO

2. Does the proposed land use / development conform to the relevant structure plans, SDF and planning visions for the area?

YES X

NO

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

YES X

NO

4. If the answer to any of the questions 1-3 was NO, please provide further motivation / explanation:

N/A

5. Will the proposed land use / development impact on the sense of place? YES NO X

6. Will the proposed land use / development set a precedent? YES NO X

7. Will any person’s rights be affected by the proposed land use / development?

YES NO X

8. Will the proposed land use / development compromise the “urban edge”? YES NO X

9. If the answer to any of the question 5-8 was YES, please provide further motivation / explanation.

N/A



BENEFITS:

1. Will the land use / development have any benefits for society in general? YES X

NO

2. Explain:

The potential benefit of the proposed power line and substation to the Eastern Cape lies in the stimulation of the local economy through the supply of a reliable electricity supply, which will increasingly benefit the provision of services. Improving network reliability may furthermore decrease the number of residents within the Eastern Cape who are still reliant on domestic fires, which in turn negatively impact the environment through uncontrolled harvesting of woodlands and air quality.

3. Will the land use / development have any benefits for the local communities where it will be located?

YES X

NO

4. Explain:

The provision of electricity may promote local economic development and investment in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Local Municipalities. Electricity provision is critical for economic development, related employment and sustainable development in South Africa. In the context of the project improvement of the 132kV supply is critical to the improvement of provision of household electricity.

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

Administering authority:

Date:

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996

South African Government

1996

National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 0f 1998

DEA 1998

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Government Notice No. R. 543 and 544)

DEA 2010

National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA) No. 25 of 1999

SAHRA 1999

National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) DWA 1998

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983)

DoA 1983

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

Department of Labour 1993

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004)

DEA 2004

Electricity Regulations Act (4 of 2006) NERSA 2006

National Energy Bill (2008) 2008

Expropriation Act (63 of 1975) 1975



Kouga LM Integrated Development Plan Kouga LM 2007-2012

Kou-kamma LM Integrated Development Plan Koukamma LM 2007-2012

Cacadu DM Integrated Development Plan Cacadu DM 2007-2012

Cape Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (No. 19 of 1974)

1974

Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan DEA 2007

11. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT 11(a) Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase?

YES X

NO

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? Approx. 5 m3

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

All solid waste which is not reusable will be collected at a central location and will be stored temporarily until removed to a recognised landfill site

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

Recognised landfill site

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

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

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

N/A

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

N/A

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

YES NO X

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

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility?

YES NO X

If yes, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

11(b) Liquid effluent

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

YES NO X

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



Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on site?

Yes NO X

If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

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

YES NO X

If yes, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

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

11(c) Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES X

NO

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


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

During the construction phase, it is expected that there will be minor dust generation and emissions from vehicles and machinery. However the dust and emissions will have short term duration and have a limited negligible impact on the areas immediately surrounding the substation and tower structure sites. Where appropriate dust suppression measures will be implemented to reduce the impacts. It is recommended that construction vehicles are regularly serviced and kept in good mechanical condition to minimise possible exhaust emissions.

11(d) Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES X

NO

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


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

Noise control regulations and SANS 10103: Short term noise impacts are anticipated during the construction phase of the project. It is however anticipated that the noise will be localised and contained within the construction site. The applicant must adhere to the relevant provincial noise control legislation (if any) as well as SANS 10103.



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

Municipal X

water board groundwater river, stream, dam or lake

Other: water tanker

the activity will not use water

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

the volume that will be extracted per month: litres

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs?

YES X

NO

If yes, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this application if it has been submitted. 13. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

N/A

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

N/A

SECTION B: SITE/AREA/PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes:

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

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

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

3. Has a specialist been consulted to assist with the completion of this section?

YES NO X

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

for each specialist thus appointed: All specialist reports must be contained in Appendix D.

Property description/physical address:

The proposed distribution lines cross a number of farm portions and erven between the existing Melkhout substation and the proposed Dieprivier substation. All farm portions and erven crossed by the proposed distribution lines are presented in Appendix A.

(Farm name, portion etc.) Where a large number of properties are involved (e.g. linear activities), please attach a full list to this application.



See Appendix A3 for a complete list of all farm portions and erven traversed.

In instances where there is more than one town or district involved, please attach a list of towns or districts to this application.

Current land-use zoning:

Agriculture

In instances where there is more than one current land-use zoning, please attach a list of current land use zonings that also indicate which portions each use pertains to , to this application.

Is a change of land-use or a consent use application required? YES NO X

Must a building plan be submitted to the local authority?

YES NO X

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

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

• road access from all major roads in the area;

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

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

• a north arrow;

• a legend; and

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

1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site. Alternative (Preferred):

Flat X 1:50 – 1:20

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 - 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative A (if any):

Flat X 1:50 – 1:20

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5

1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative B (if any):

Flat X 1:50 – 1:20

1:20 – 1:15

1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5

1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site: 2.1 Ridgeline 2.2 Plateau 2.3 Side slope of hill/mountain



2.4 Closed valley 2.5 Open valley 2.6 Plain X 2.7 Undulating plain / low hills X 2.8 Dune 2.9 Seafront 3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE Is the site(s) located on any of the following (tick the appropriate boxes)? Preferred

Alternative: Alternative A: Alternative B:

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep)

YES NO X YES NO X YES NO X

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas


Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies)


Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil


Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water)


Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%)


Any other unstable soil or geological feature


An area sensitive to erosion


If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. (Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted). 4. GROUNDCOVER Indicate the types of groundcover present on the site: The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

Natural veld - good conditionE X

Natural veld with scattered aliensE X

Natural veld with heavy alien infestationE

Veld dominated by alien speciesE

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land X

Paved surface Building or other structure

Bare soil



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

• LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Indicate land uses and/or prominent features that does currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application: 5.1 Natural area X 5.2 Low density residential X 5.3 Medium density residential X 5.4 High density residential 5.5 Informal residential X 5.6 Retail commercial & warehousing 5.7 Light industrial 5.8 Medium industrial AN 5.9 Heavy industrial AN 5.10 Power station 5.11 Office/consulting room 5.12 Military or police base/station/compound 5.13 Spoil heap or slimes damA 5.14 Quarry, sand or borrow pit 5.15 Dam or reservoir 5.16 Hospital/medical centre 5.17 School X 5.18 Tertiary education facility 5.19 Church 5.20 Old age home 5.21 Sewage treatment plantA 5.22 Train station or shunting yard N 5.23 Railway line N X 5.24 Major road (4 lanes or more) N X 5.25 Airport N 5.26 Harbour 5.27 Sport facilities 5.28 Golf course 5.29 Polo fields 5.30 Filling station H 5.31 Landfill or waste treatment site 5.32 Plantation 5.33 Agriculture X 5.34 River, stream or wetland X 5.35 Nature conservation area 5.36 Mountain, koppie or ridge X 5.37 Museum 5.38 Historical building 5.39 Protected Area X (non-statutory, boundary of 2 game farms within 500m) 5.40 Graveyard 5.41 Archaeological site



5.42 Other land uses (describe) If any of the boxes marked with an “N “are ticked, how will this impact / be impacted upon by the proposed activity?

The power line will cross a railway line and the N2 National Road. There will be no direct impact on either.

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



6. CULTURAL/HISTORICAL FEATURES

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including

YES X

NO

Archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or close (within 20m) to the site?

Uncertain

If YES, explain:

The Gamtoos Scenic Route, which has high local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values.

If uncertain, conduct a specialist investigation by a recognised specialist in the field to establish whether there is such a feature(s) present on or close to the site.

Briefly explain the findings of the specialist:

GIBB Engineering and Science appointed eThembeni Cultural Heritage to undertake a Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment of a proposed distribution power line and substation site in the Eastern Cape Province, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 as amended, in compliance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, as amended. eThembeni identified the Gamtoos Scenic Route and potential palaeontologcal finds as heritage resources of value. The proposed electrical infrastructure is located along the Gamtoos Scenic Route, which has high local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values. The unmanaged potential impact on this landscape is medium. Geological formations in the Dieprivier – Melkhout sector might contain well-preserved plant material. The unmanaged potential impact on palaeontological remains is low to medium. As recommended mitigation towers should be located such that they do not interrupt skylines, and are not visible from scenic routes. A heritage practitioner should complete a ‘walk-through’ of the final selected power line route and all other activity areas (access roads, construction camps, materials’ storage areas, etc.) prior to the start of any construction activities and assess direct impacts on discrete resources such as traditional burial places, and archaeological and palaeontological sites. No monitoring was recommended. Conclusion: eThembeni recommend that the development proceed with the proposed heritage mitigation and have submitted this report to SAHRA in fulfilment of the requirements of the NHRA. The complete HIA is included in Appendix D for reference.

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

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

YES NO X

If yes, please submit or, make sure that the applicant or a specialist submits the necessary application to SAHRA or the relevant provincial heritage agency and attach proof thereof to this application if such application has been made.



SECTION C: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

See Appendix E for details of Public Participation undertaken.

1. ADVERTISEMENT The person conducting a public participation process must take into account any guidelines applicable to public participation as contemplated in section 24J of the Act and must give notice to all potential interested and affected parties of the application which is subjected to public participation by— (a) fixing a notice board (of a size at least 60cm by 42cm; and must display the required

information in lettering and in a format as may be determined by the competent authority) at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of— (i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be undertaken; and

(ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; (b) giving written notice to—

(i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land;

(ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;

(iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to be undertaken;

(iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated and any organisation of ratepayers that represent the community in the area;

(v) the municipality which has jurisdiction in the area; (vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity; and (vii) any other party as required by the competent authority;

(c) placing an advertisement in— (i) one local newspaper; or

(ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations;

(d) placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or local municipality in which it is or will be undertaken: Provided that this paragraph need not be complied with if an advertisement has been placed in an official Gazette referred to in subregulation 54(c)(ii); and

(e) using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the competent authority, in those instances where a person is desiring of but unable to participate in the process due to— (i) illiteracy; (ii) disability; or (iii) any other disadvantage.

2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES A notice board, advertisement or notices must:

(a) indicate the details of the application which is subjected to public participation; and (b) state—



(i) that the application has been submitted to the competent authority in terms of these Regulations, as the case may be; (ii) whether basic assessment or scoping procedures are being applied to the application, in the case of an application for environmental authorisation;

(iii) the nature and location of the activity to which the application relates; (iv) where further information on the application or activity can be obtained; and (iv) the manner in which and the person to whom representations in respect of the

application may be made. 3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for all alternatives. 4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE MEASURES The practitioner must ensure that the public participation is adequate and must determine whether a public meeting or any other additional measure is appropriate or not based on the particular nature of each case. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate.

5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before the application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations and be attached to this application. The comments and response report must be attached under Appendix E. 6. AUTHORITY PARTICIPATION Please note that a complete list of all organs of state and or any other applicable authority with their contact details must be appended to the basic assessment report or scoping report, whichever is applicable. Authorities are key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input.



List of authorities informed:

• Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA);

• Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs;

• Department of Roads Eastern Cape;

• South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA);

• Councillors, Municipality Managers and Mayors for Kouga and Koukamma.

List of authorities from whom comments have been received:

Acceptance of the application (form) for environmental authorisation has been received by the DEA. See Appendix H for copy of the acceptance letter.



7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Note that, for linear activities, or where deviation from the public participation requirements may be appropriate, the person conducting the public participation process may deviate from the requirements of that subregulation to the extent and in the manner as may be agreed to by the competent authority. Proof of any such agreement must be provided, where applicable.

Has any comment been received from stakeholders?

YES X

NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application):

See Appendix E for details of Public Participation undertaken.



SECTION D: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the minimum requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts. 1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES List the main issues raised by interested and affected parties.

Issues and concerns that were raised by I&APs have been grouped under common headings: Land use A number of farmers already have powerlines crossing their properties and were unwilling to allow additional lines. The spacing of towers must be consistent with existing towers. When placing towers future wind farms must be considered. Roads Power lines must not be constructed within 20 m of a national road reserve fence. The vertical clearance of power lines must not be less than 6,5 meters measured from the crown of the national road to the lowest wire. Wetlands The proposed route crosses wetlands which are rich in flora and fauna, construction work will permanently damage the wetlands. Avifauna Power lines will decimate populations of endangered birds. Planted pastures The powerline route crosses over highly productive pastures, the line should be routed across adjacent natural veld with a lower carrying capacity. Visual impact The lines will be visible from the R62 road so impacting upon the sense of place.

Response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be given in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached to this report as Annexure E):

Land use Existing power lines do exist in the study area, however new power lines will only be constructed on properties where successful negotiations with the land owners to allow construction of tower structures have been concluded. The spacing of towers will be done according to the specifications of the tower structures used and existing Eskom best practice guidelines. No wind generation projects or developments have been proposed within a distance of 5 km from the proposed power line route. Roads The minimum vertical clearance between the power line conductors and the ground is 6.7 m,



while the minimum distance of a 132 kV distribution line running parallel to proclaimed public roads is 95 m from the centreline of the distribution line servitude to the centreline of the road servitude. Wetlands No tower structures will be placed in any existing wetlands occurring in the study site. A Water Use License Application (WULA) will be launched for any construction worked occurring within 500 m of an existing wetland. The WULA will investigate and mitigate all identified potential impacts that may result from the construction activities. Avifauna An avifauna specialist was appointed to conduct a bird specialist study. The specialist report rated that the impacts on birds are of relatively low significance for the proposed project, given that recommended mitigation measures has been implemented. The complete avifauna specialist report is included in Appendix D1. Planted pastures The impact of the placement of tower structures in arable land will be negligible Farming practises on the impacted erven will continue as normal, and placement of the tower structures have been negotiated with the affected land owners. Visual impact Existing power lines already exist along the roads leading to and from the small towns of Hankey, Patensie and Humansdorp. A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) found the visual impact of the power lines on the Gamtoos Scenic Route to be of low significance given that the mitigations proposed by the HIA practitioner is implemented. The complete HIA is included in Appendix D3.

2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSIONING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES List the potential direct, indirect and cumulative property/activity/design/technology/operational alternative related impacts (as appropriate) that are likely to occur as a result of the planning and design phase, construction phase, operational phase, decommissioning and closure phase, including impacts relating to the choice of site/activity/technology alternatives as well as the mitigation measures that may eliminate or reduce the potential impacts listed.



The impacts are assessed (rated) in terms of their significance (high, medium, low), status and confidence through a synthesis of the criteria in the table below. The criteria in the impact table is represented by the abbreviations for each criteria presented in brackets and bold italics. Table 6: Criteria used to determine the significance ratings

Criteria Description

Spatial extent The extent of impact describes the region in which the impact will be experienced:

• Site specific, (S)

• Local, (L): < 2km from site

• Regional, (R): within 30km of the site

• National, (N)

Duration The duration is the time frame in which the impact will be experienced:

• Temporary, (T): <1 year

• Short term, (ST): 1 to 6 years

• Medium term, (MT): 6 to 15 years

• Long term, (LT): 15 - 30 years

• Permanent, (P)

Intensity or Magnitude of impact

The intensity describes the magnitude or size of the impact:

• High, (H): Natural and/or social functions and/or processes are severely altered

• Medium, (M): Natural and/or social functions and/or processes notably altered

• Low, (L): Natural and/or social functions and/or processes are negligibly altered

Probability The probability of the impact occurring:

• Improbable, (I): Little or no chance of occurring

• Probable, (P): < 50% chance of occurring

• Highly probable, (HP): 50% - 90% chance of occurring

• Definite, (D): >90% chance of occurring

Systematic

Method for Rating of Impacts

Class Description

Significance • High, (H): impacts of high magnitude locally for longer than 6 years and/or regionally and beyond. The impact results in major alterations to the environment even if effective mitigation measures are implemented and will have an influence on decision-making.

• Medium, (M): impacts of moderate magnitude locally to regionally in the short term. The impact results in medium alterations to the environment and can be reduced or eliminated by the implementation of effective mitigation measures.

• Low to very low, (L): impacts will be localised and temporary. Impacts result in minor alterations to the environment and can easily be alleviated by the implementation of effective mitigation measures.

• No impact, (NI): a potential concern or impact, which, upon evaluation, is found to have no significant impact at all.

Status The status is the overall effect on the environment:

• Positive - a 'benefit'

• Negative - a 'cost'

• Neutral

Confidence The degree of confidence in predictions based on available information and specialist knowledge:

• Low, (L)

• Medium, (M)

• High, (H)



All impacts significance rating given presume implementation of mitigation as suggested.

Description of impacts during planning, construction, operational and decommissioning phase. Planning phase Minor damage to roads (Direct): Minor damage to roads in the study area could potentially result from continued travelling of vehicles on minor and gravel roads by land surveyors, engineers and Eskom staff during route and site investigations, and land owner negotiations. It is unlikely though that damage to the roads will be noticeable over the short to medium term. * Mitigation: Plan to build access roads on flat surface as far as possible. Restrict construction vehicle speed on access tracks to 20 km/h. Construction phase Impacts identified by EAP Increased stormwater runoff (Direct): Removal of vegetation along the route servitude may result in increased runoff of stormwater and potential associated erosion. Erosion is further exacerbated by poor design of infrastructure, such as road or track construction, and unmanaged activities such as improper monitoring of tracks regularly used by construction vehicles. * Mitigation: Undertake vegetation clearing during the dry season. Vegetation clearing must be weather dependent in short term. Loss of stockpiled topsoil (Direct): Soil excavated and stockpiled during the preparation of the distribution line tower foundations may be exposed to wind and rain during the construction period, resulting in the erosion and loss of a proportion of the stockpiled topsoil. * Mitigation: Cover stock piles with heavy duty shade cloth to prevent run off. Remove all stockpiles once construction is complete. Disturbance of fauna during construction activities (Direct): Fauna inhabiting the natural vegetation in the corridor that is to be cleared is very likely o be disturbed, injured or killed by the bush-clearing activities during the construction phase. Fauna more vulnerable to disturbance and stress are the slow moving or breeding vertebrates (e.g. tortoise) and invertebrates. * Mitigation: Vegetation clearance should be conducted systematically from the start to end of the route. Avoid strip clearing. Noise pollution (Direct): Minor noise pollution is likely to occur at the construction site for the tower structures and substation construction. Though unlikely, drilling and blasting may be necessary where bedrock is encountered at the tower structures, which will result in a more significant noise impact in these areas. The noise significance level will also be determined by the presence of different noise receptors. * Mitigation: Plant and vehicles must be in good working order and inspected daily. Use silencers on all equipment, were appropriate. Air (dust) pollution (Direct): Construction activities and road construction/upgrade is likely to cause some dust pollution at the construction site. This impact is generally exacerbated by strong winds. * Mitigation: Apply appropriate dust suppression methods. Water to be used sparingly, and only where no water restrictions are in effect.



Fires (Direct): Fires may be caused through a number of actions or reasons, such as defective equipment, cigarette butts, and spilled fuels and oils. Fires are generally the result of bad or ineffective management, or negligence. * Mitigation: Employ a fire officer for onsite control. Fire fighting equipment to be kept on site and serviced regularly. Damage to roads by construction vehicles (Direct): Damage to roads in the study area could potentially result from continued travelling of vehicles on minor and gravel roads by contractors, engineers and Eskom staff during the construction phase. It is unlikely that damage to the roads will occur or be noticeable over the short to medium term. * Mitigation: Limit construction vehicles to 20 km/h on access roads and keep to the speed limit on public roads. Increase in traffic (Direct): Traffic volumes are likely to increase during the construction period due to the movement of transport and construction vehicles to and from the construction site. * Mitigation: Arrange road travel outside peak traffic periods. Impacts on visual aesthetics (Direct): Negative impacts on the visual aesthetics of the surrounding environment can occur when construction sites close to roads are not managed effectively, resulting in an untidy appearance in a scenic natural environment. * Mitigation: Follow requirement in EMP to keep construction site presentable. Spillage of hazardous substances (Direct): Several activities can cause the spillage of hazardous substances, causing contamination of receiving environment at the construction site. These include spillages from unmanaged ablution facilities, spillages of fuels and oils, spillage of concrete and cement and runoff of contaminated cement wastewater. All these different types of hazardous spillages are considered under this impact. * Mitigation: Store fuels and chemicals in a bunded area. Provide staff with hazardous materials training. Impacts from unmanaged non-hazardous solid waste (Direct): General waste left unmanaged onsite may attract vermin and result in the environmental contamination. Incorrect storage may result in wind strewn litter and a negative visual impact, and may result in bad odour. * Mitigation: Keep waste in vermin proof bins with lids. Waste to be removed from site regularly. Impacts on vegetation Loss of vegetation cover (Direct): The proposed servitude will result in the removal of intact Fynbos and Renosterveld habitat from the servitude during construction. * Mitigation: Mitigation will not be possible for the loss of intact vegetation where pylon and access road construction footprints are required. Loss of Rocky Refugia (Direct): The proposed servitude may result in the disturbance of Rocky Refugia habitat from the servitude where pylon construction coincides with outcropping. * Mitigation: Rocky Refugia should be avoided as far as reasonably possible. Loss of thicket or forest vegetation in drainage lines (Direct): The proposed servitude could result in the clearing of Forest or Thicket vegetation along the length of the servitude where pylon construction, access road construction and laying of overhead cables require bush clearing. * Mitigation: Clearing must be kept to the minimum necessary. Appropriate permits must be obtained



from DAFF for removal of protected tree species if necessary. Loss of riparian vegetation along drainage lines (Direct): The servitude may result in the loss of some peripheral riparian vegetation, particularly at road crossings, where necessary. * Mitigation: Riparian areas must be avoided as far as possible and pylons should not be constructed in riparian areas. Loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation (Direct): The servitude may, but is unlikely to result in the loss of some peripheral seeps/wetland and or seasonal pan vegetation which commonly occur in the area. * Mitigation: No pylons and access roads should be constructed within 32 m of a seep, wetland and/or seasonal pan, unless no alternative is possible. Loss of habitat for Species of Special Concern (Direct): The power line is likely to result in the loss of necessary habitat for species of special concern through the servitude vegetation clearance activities. * Mitigation: Should species of special concern be identified, all reasonable measures should be implemented to minimise destruction. Loss of Species of Special Concern (Direct): The power line is likely to result in loss of species of special concern, due to destruction of their habitat and physical removal of these species where they occur. * Mitigation: Search and Rescue to be implemented before any construction commences. Increased risk of alien invasion (Direct): Riparian areas and drainage lines already tend to be infested with alien species, although clearing has been undertaken by Working for Water. Without management re-invasion is likely. Additional species may be introduced that may invade riparian habitat. * Mitigation: An alien management plan must be implemented and long-term monitoring conducted. Clearing of alien invasives (Direct): The proposed power line will result in the removal of existing alien vegetation from within the servitude and drainage lines, which will reduce propagules production that may be spreading into adjacent areas. * Mitigation: Must be conducted in accordance with the EMP. Disruptions to ecological processes as a result of habitat fragmentation (Direct): The proposed power line will result in the removal of existing alien vegetation from within the servitude, which will reduce propagules production that may be spreading into adjacent areas. * Mitigation: Vegetation clearance must be conducted in accordance with the EMP. Impacts on avifauna Collisions (Direct): Collision of certain bird species, particularly Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard,

White‐bellied Korhaan and White Stork is highly probable in the study area. * Mitigation: Identified high risk sections of the power line to be installed with a suitable anti bird collision marking device approved by Eskom, and as per Eskom standards. Disturbance of birds (Direct): Construction activities impact on birds and bird communities through disturbance, particularly during bird breeding activities. Disturbance of birds is anticipated to be of low significance in this study area since it is already fairly impacted particularly in the eastern half closer to the N2, railway line and town. * Mitigation: Construction to be done according to environmental best practice standards.



Habitat destruction (Direct): Habitat destruction is not anticipated to be a significant impact in this study area, as most of the natural vegetation has been removed already. * Mitigation: Construction to be done according to environmental best practice standards. Impacts of heritage resources Impact on Gamtoos Scenic Route (Direct): The proposed electrical infrastructure is located along the Gamtoos Scenic Route, which has high local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values. If tower structures are placed on hilltops, visible in the skyline, it is likely to impact on the scenic landscape of the Gatoos Valley. * Mitigation: Towers should be located such that they do not interrupt skylines, and are not visible from scenic routes. Impact on Palaeontological Heritage Resources (Direct): Geological formations in the Dieprivier – Melkhout sector might contain well-preserved plant material, which might be disturbed or destroyed during the preparation and construction of tower structure foundations. * Mitigation: A heritage practitioner should complete a ‘walk-through’ of the final selected power line route and all other activity areas prior to the start of any construction activities. Impact on conservation status of vegetation (Indirect): The loss of vegetation and biodiversity may cause a change in the conservation status of a vegetation type, e.g. changing the conservation status from endangered to critically endangered. * Mitigation: Minimise destruction of intact vegetation along the power line route. Erosion (Indirect): The increased stormwater runoff along servitude sections where vegetation has been removed may lead to erosion of the topsoil. Erosion can be prevented if cleared areas are effectively managed. * Mitigation: Construction site and cleared areas should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Apply appropriate erosion protection measures where erosion identified. Impacts on agriculture potential and expansion (Indirect): Placement of the tower structures in existing and potential farm lands may result in a minor loss of arable land or potential expansion of farming activities by affected farmers. The loss of the arable land is possibly offset by compensation by the client as agreed upon with affected farmers. * Mitigation: Use self-supporting monopole structures in farming areas to minimise loss or disruption of farming activities or production. Establishment of side tracks (Indirect): Damage to access roads/tracks or unmanaged access roads may cause the establishment of additional tracks next to existing tracks when these tracks becomes difficult to navigate of inaccessible. * Mitigation: Maintain access roads to prevent vehicles using alternative routes. Inhibition of vegetation re-establishment (Indirect): The compacting of soils during construction may inhibit the re-establishment of vegetation at the construction site during the construction and operational phase. * Mitigation: Soil should be deeply ripped to loosen compacted layers. Creation of temporary jobs (Cumulative): The creation of temporary jobs is likely to be the net effect of implementing the proposed project. This impact is likely to be a positive impact on the local workforce.



* Mitigation: Ensure jobs created during construction phase are given to local people where possible. Operational phase Strengthening of electrical supply (Direct): The current power distribution system in the area is overloaded and therefore strengthening of the network will ensure that the supply to current connections is more stable, and that growth of residential and commercial areas in this region is not compromised. This is a positive impact. * Mitigation: No mitigation required. Electrocution of avifauna (Direct): Electrocution of avifaunal species may lead to loss of local biodiversity or loss of endangered species. * Mitigation: If the structures proposed is installed no further mitigation is required. Collisions (Direct): Collision of certain bird species, particularly Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard,

White‐bellied Korhaan and White Stork is highly probable in the study area. * Mitigation: Identified high risk sections of the power line to be installed with a suitable anti bird collision marking device approved by Eskom, and as per Eskom standards. Breeding habitat for birds (Direct): Power lines may provide breeding habitat in the absence of large trees in the study area. This impact is likely to have a positive impact on smaller bird species with low electrocution risk. * Mitigation: No mitigation required. Impact on Gamtoos Scenic Route (Direct): The proposed electrical infrastructure is located along the Gamtoos Scenic Route, which has high local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values. If tower structures are placed on hilltops, visible in the skyline, it is likely to impact on the scenic landscape of the Gatoos Valley. * Mitigation: Towers should be located such that they do not interrupt skylines, and are not visible from scenic routes. Fires (Direct): Fires may be the result of irregular or non-existent maintenance activities. * Mitigation: Regular inspections and maintenance of the power line. Damage to roads (Direct): Damage to roads in the study area could potentially result from continued travelling of vehicles on minor and gravel roads by engineers and Eskom staff during maintenance. * Mitigation: Maintenance vehicles use existing roads Vehicle speed restricted to 20 km/h on access roads. Theft and vandalism: Theft and vandalism of distribution line infrastructure leads to potential deaths, interruption in electricity supply and increased maintenance intervals. * Mitigation: Install anti-climb wires, Erect warning signs, and restrict access to the servitude. Access control at substation Increase in crime: Increased access to private land lead to a potential increase in crime * Mitigation: Restrict access to the servitude by keeping all gates locked. Erosion (Indirect): Vegetation clearance and deterioration of access roads can lead to erosion in the surrounding environment. Erosion can be prevented if cleared areas and access roads are effectively managed.



* Mitigation: Construction site and cleared areas should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Apply appropriate erosion protection measures where erosion identified. Loss of property value (Indirect): The visual impact of the distribution lines across or adjacent to some properties may cause the loss of property value as potential buyers may view the presence of the power lines as a negative contributing factor in their decision to purchase resulting in a lower purchase offer. The notion of loss of property is however difficult to quantify as is based on subjective decision-making. * Mitigation: No mitigation proposed. Stimulation and Growth of local economy (Cumulative): The provision of stable electricity supply to the local and regional economy through this distribution line project will allow steady growth and development in the region. * Mitigation: Infrastructure maintenance should be prioritised to ensure that the provision of stable electricity is not interrupted. Decommissioning phase Loss of stable electricity supply (Direct): Dismantling of the distribution line infrastructure may result in a temporary loss of electricity to the region if new infrastructure has not been erected to replace the loss of decommissioned infrastructure. * Mitigation: Only decommission if suitable infrastructure to replace this infrastructure is already in place to avoid disruption to the supply. Waste generation (Direct): The decommissioning activity will result in the generation of metal and concrete waste. * Mitigation: Waste generation must be managed according to international best practice. Waste must be recycled where possible. Erosion (Direct): Decommissioning activities may result in minor erosion at the decommissioning sites. * Mitigation: Construction site and cleared areas should be monitored on an ongoing basis. Apply appropriate erosion protection measures where erosion identified. No-Go Option Landscape remains untouched. If the distribution line is not constructed the natural areas where the proposed servitude will be located and the site for expansion or construction of sub-stations will remain intact. * Mitigation: No mitigation required. No additional job opportunities created. With the No-Go option no additional jobs will be created during the construction, and possibly during the operational phase. * Mitigation: Implement the construction of the distribution lines as proposed. Current supply likely to inhibit economic development. The current unstable supply of electricity to the local area is likely to inhibit economic growth and development in the region in the medium to long term. * Mitigation: Implement the construction of the distribution lines as proposed. Access to electricity by non-serviced households will not be achieved. The delivery of basic services such as electricity to non-services households from an electricity grid that is already operating at



capacity will be seriously delayed or not achieved at all. * Mitigation: Implement the construction of the distribution lines as proposed * Mitigation measures stated here represents the most important mitigation, but must be considered together with all specifications and mitigations provided in the Environmental Management Programme developed for the proposed activities of the project.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

ASPECT

IMPACT

PREFEREED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B SUBSTATION/S

IMPACT STATEMENT

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

DIRECT IMPACT

Use

of v

ehicles

durin

g fie

ld

survey

ing

Minor damage to roads L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H

The impact of deterioration of roads as a result of visiting famers during the planning phase is unlikely to occur. Accordingly the impact significance is regarded as very low.

INDIRECT IMPACT

No impacts identified N/A N/A N/A N/A

CUMULATIVE IMPACT

No impacts identified N/A N/A N/A N/A

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

DIRECT IMPACT

Veg

etation clea

ring

Increased stormwater runoff

S T P M-L L - H S T P M-L L - H S T P M-L L - H S T P M L - H

The impact associated with the clearing of vegetation in general can be managed and mitigated easily through effective management of construction activities and the construction site. These impacts have accordingly been rated as low assuming mitigation.

Loss of stockpiled topsoil S MT P M-L L - H S MT P M-L L - H S MT P M-L L - H S MT P M-L L - H

Disturbance of fauna during construction activities

S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H

Usa

ge of

cons

truc

tion

plan

t/veh

icles

Noise pollution L T P L L - H L T P L L - H L T P L L - H L T P L L - H The impact associated with the use of construction plant and vehicles can be managed and mitigated easily through effective management of the plant and Air (dust ) pollution S T P M-L L - H S T P M-L L - H S T P M-L L - H S T P M-L L - H



S P E C IMPACT PREFEREED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B SUBSTATION/S IMPACT STATEMENT

Fires L ST I M L - H L ST I M L - H L ST I M L - H L ST I M L - H the construction site. Resultantly, these impacts have been rated as low assuming mitigation. These impacts will have no significant influence on any of the proposed alternatives.

Damage to roads by construction vehicles

L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H L MT I L L - H

Increase in traffic L T P M-L L - H L T P M-L L - H L T P M-L L - H L T P M-L L - H

Con

struction site m

anag

emen

t

Impacts on visual aesthetics

S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H Impact associated construction site and waste can be managed and mitigated easily through effective management of the construction site. These impacts have been rated as low assuming mitigation. These impacts will have no significant influence on any of the proposed alternatives.

Spillage of hazardous substances

S T P M L - H S T P M L - H S T P M L - H S T P M L - H

Impacts from unmanaged non-hazardous solid waste

S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H S T P L L - H

Impa

cts on

veg

etation

Loss of vegetation cover S P D L L - H S P D L L - H S P D L L - H S P D L L - H

A vegetation specialist was appointed to conduct an analysis and assessment of potential impacts associated with the proposed activities. The specialist found that impacts relating to pylon construction are likely to be highly reversible, while impacts relating to road construction are likely to be moderately reversible. If the recommendations of the vegetation specialist is implemented where the vegetation clearance along the servitude is restricted to the tower structure footprint, the impact on the loss of endangered vegetation type will be low. In summary, the overall the development of the project is predicted to result in a negative impact of very low to medium significance.

Loss of Rocky Refugia S P D M L - H S P D M L - H S P D M L - H S P D M L - H

Loss of Thicket or Forest Vegetation along drainage lines

L P HP M L - H L P HP M L - H L P HP M L - H L P HP M L - H

Loss of riparian vegetation


Loss of seep / wetland / seasonal pan vegetation


Loss of habitat for Species of Special Concern

S P HP L L - H S P HP L L - H S P HP L L - H S P HP L L - H

Loss of Species of Special Concern

S P HP M L - H S P HP M L - H S P HP M L - H S P HP M L - H

Increased risk of alien invasion

L P P M L - M L P P M L - M L P P M L - M L P P M L - M




Clearing of alien invasives

L ST-P HP L L + M L ST-P HP L L + M L ST-P

HP L L + M L ST-P

HP L L + M

Disruptions to ecological processes

L P P M L - M L P P M L - M L P P M L - M L P P M L - M

Impa

cts of Avifaun

a

Disturbance of birds L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H

An avifauna specialist was appointed to assess the impact of the proposed power line on affected bird communities. The impacts on birds during construction were rated as low negative. Although alternative B was favored by the bird specialist, none of the options were considered fatally flawed or would have an unacceptably high level of impact on the bird communities.

Habitat destruction L P P M-L L - H L P P M-L L - H L P P M-L L - H L P P M-L L - H

Impa

cts on

Herita

ge

Res

ources

Impact on Gamtoos Scenic Route

L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H

A heritage practitioner was appointed to conduct a HIA for the proposed development. Identified impacts were rated as low significance. The specialist recommended commencement of the project given the recommendation made in the assessment report is implemented.

Impact on Palaeontological Heritage Resources

S LT HP M-L L - H S LT HP M-L L - H S LT HP M-L L - H S LT HP M-L L - H

INDIRECT IMPACT

Veg

etation clea

ranc

e

Impact on conservation status of vegetation

R LT P L L - H R LT P L L - H R LT P L L - H R LT P L L - H

Indirect impact associated with vegetation clearance can be managed and mitigated easily through effective management of clearance activity. These impacts have been rated as low assuming mitigation, and will have no significant influence on any of the proposed alternatives.

Erosion L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H

Farming

potential

Impacts on agriculture potential and expansion

S LT I L L - H S LT P I L - H S LT I L L - H S LT P L L - H

The potential loss of arable land or agriculture potential is judged to be significantly low if the recommended structures and mitigation is implemented.



S P E C IMPACT PREFEREED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B SUBSTATION/S IMPACT STATEMENT Con

struction

vehicles

Establishment of side tracks

L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H L ST P M-L L - H

The establishment of side tracks will by unlikely, and thus judged as significantly low, if the EMP is adhered to and implemented.

Catch

men

t ha

rden

ing

Inhibition of vegetation re-establishment

S ST I L L - H S ST I L L - H S ST I L L - H S ST I L L - H

Rehabilitation of the disturbed areas along the power line route is expected to be successful as individual disturbed footprints will be small enough to allow recolonisation from the surrounding fringe vegetation.

CUMULATIVE IMPACT

Eco

nomic

deve

lopm

ent

Creation of temporary jobs during construction

L T P M L + H L T P M L + H L T P M L + H L T HP M M + H

The construction of the tower structures, and especially the sub-stations will create temporary jobs for unskilled labour. This results in a significant low to medium positive impact on the area.

OPERATIONAL PHASE

DIRECT IMPACT

Stren

gthe

ning

of e

lectric

al

supp

ly

Improved reliability of electrical supply and increased supply to region and resulting economic growth.

R LT H H H+ H R LT H H H+ H R LT H H H+ H R LT H H H+ H

The current power distribution system in the area is overloaded and therefore strengthening of the network will ensure that the supply to current connections is more stable, and that growth of residential and commercial areas in this region is not compromised. This is a positive impact.

Impa

cts on

avifaun

a Electrocution of avifauna N P P M-L NI H N P P M-L NI H N P P M-L NI H N P P M-L NI H During the operational phase, the impacts on birds will be significantly low largely as a result of the tower structure type proposed to be used. The proposed structure type will largely eliminate potential electrocution, and the significance is thus considered low.

Collisions N P P H L - H N P P H L - H N P P H L - H N P P H L - H

Breeding habitat for birds S LT HP M-L L + H S LT HP M-L L + H S LT HP M-L L + H S LT P M-L L + H



S P E C IMPACT PREFEREED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B SUBSTATION/S IMPACT STATEMENT Im

pact on

Herita

ge

Res

ources

Impact on Gamtoos Scenic Route

L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H L LT HP M L - H

If the recommendations of the heritage practitioner are implemented the impacts of the power line on the Gamtoos Scenic Route is significantly low.

Infras

truc

ture

mainten

ance

Fires R T I M L - H R T I M L - H R T I M L - H R T I M L - H The potential impacts related to maintenance, or a lack thereof, is unlikely to occur, resulting in a impact of low significance.

Damage to access roads/tracks

L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H

Crim

e Theft and vandalism S T P M L - H S T P M L - H S T P M L - H S T P H L - H The potential impact of crime during the operational phase is considered significantly low if properly mitigated. Increase in crime L T P M L - H L T P M L - H L T P M L - H L T P M L - H

INDIRECT IMPACT

Mainten

ance

Erosion L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H L ST P L L - H

The impact of indirect erosion occurring have been rated as low assuming mitigation, and will have no significant influence on any of the proposed alternatives.

Infras

truc

ture lo

catio

n

Loss of property value L LT P M L - M L LT P M L - M L LT P M L - M L LT I M L - M

The indirect potential loss of property value is considered to be medium to low as power lines is already a landscape feature in the area. The area also contains well-established farmers thus change in ownership is unlikely to occur on a regular basis.

DECOMMISIONING PHASE

DIRECT IMPACT

Dec

ommission

ing ac

tivity

Loss of stable electricity supply

R T I M-L L - H R T I M-L L - H R T I M-L L - H R T I M L - H

The loss of stable electricity supply due to decommissioning of infrastructure is the most concerning potential impact during this phase. However, with following best practice guidelines this risk will be completely mitigated. Anticipation of all potential impacts is however impossible. A proper assessment of potential impacts prior to commencement of the phase is this

Waste generation S T HP L L - H S T HP L L - H S T HP L L - H S T HP L L - H

Erosion L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H L ST I L L - H




required.

ASPECT

IMPACT

PREFEREED ROUTE ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B SUBSTATION/S

PRIMARY MITIGATION MEASURES

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

SPACIAL S

CALE

DURATIO

N

PROBABILIT

Y

INTENSITY

SIG

NIFICANCE *

CONFIDENCE

NO GO OPTION

Agriculture

activ

ities

Landscape remains untouched

S LT HP L L + H S LT HP L L + H S LT HP L L + H S LT HP L L + H If the infrastructure is not constructed the landscape will remain untouched.

Soc

io-eco

nomic asp

ects No additional job

opportunities created L T P M L - H L T P M L - H L T P M L - H L T P M L - H

The most significant impact to be considered is the inhibition of economic growth that could ultimately result in the interruption or loss of electricity supply. This will further impact on social and economic upliftment of poor or disadvantaged communities. As a consequence the significance of the impact is regarded as low to medium.

Current supply likely to inhibit economic development

R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H

Access to electricity by non-serviced households will not be achieved.

R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H R LT P H H - H

* All significance ratings provided in the tables above assumes that recommended and appropriate mitigation has been implemented.

SECTION E. RECOMMENDATION OF PRACTITIONER

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto sufficient to make a decision in respect of the activity applied for (in the view of the environmental assessment practitioner)?

YES X

NO

If “NO”, indicate the aspects that should be assessed further as part of a Scoping and EIA process before a decision can be made (list the aspects that require further assessment):

If “YES”, please list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application:

In consideration of the specialist assessment reports, systematic comparisons of the preferred and alternative route options and assessment of all identified impacts this Environmental Assessment Practitioner has come to the following conclusions for each routing option: Route Alternative A: This option is less expensive to construct compared to the preferred routing option, however maintenance will prove more difficult. Further, some land owners, especially owners of the game farms in the Dieprivier area, have rejected Eskom’s proposal to cross their property. This route alternative was thus routed to bypass the property of objecting farmers routing the proposed line along the boundary of these properties. Environmental impacts associated with this route alternative can be successfully mitigated if the recommended mitigation measures in the EMP are adhered to. Land owner requirements have thus proven the most influential factor in concluding that this option cannot be implemented. Route Alternative B: From a construction and maintenance cost perspective, this alternative proves to be favoured. Environmental impacts associated with this route alternative can be successfully mitigated given mitigation measures in the EMP are adhered to. Visual impacts may be potentially significant as the distribution line would run fairly close to the road for a notable distance. As in the Route Alternative A some land owners, especially owners of the game farms, have rejected Eskom’s proposal to cross their property. Land owner requirements have thus proven the most influential factor in concluding that this option cannot be considered or further investigated. Preferred Route: The preferred option is clearly the most expensive option to construct and maintain. Alternatively, this option has a relatively low visual impact and environmental impacts associated with this preferred route can be successfully mitigated if the recommended mitigation measures in the EMP are adhered to. Further, all land owners whose property the proposed route will cross have agreed to allow erection of the power lines across their properties. Therefore, although not the most cost-effective or maintenance-friendly line to construct, the route is preferred as all environmental impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels and collective landowner consent has been obtained which will ensure construction of tower structures on the identified properties. The EAP therefore recommends that the preferred route as described and assessed in this Basic Assessment Report be considered for implementation. In the opinion of the EAP, the proposed activity is not fatally flawed and all potential impacts can be mitigated to an acceptable level. Further, it is recommended that the proposed construction of the substation and distribution



lines continue only if all recommendations and mitigation measures stipulated in the EMP are followed and that an Environmental Control officer be employed throughout the duration of construction.

Is an EMPr attached? YES X

NO

The EMPr must be attached as Appendix F.



References Eskom 2007 Building Line Restrictions, Servitude Widths, Line Separators and Clearances From Powerlines. Eskom 2000 Standards for Bush Clearance and Maintenance Within Overhead Powerline Servitudes. Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council. Statistics At Your Fingertips Database.



SECTION F: APPENDIXES The following appendixes must be attached as appropriate: Appendix A: Site plan(s) Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Facility illustration(s) Appendix D: Specialist reports (including terms of reference) Appendix E: Comments and responses report Appendix F: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) Appendix G: Other information



APPENDIX A1

Site plans

Figure 8: Map of route alignment and erven affected.

APPENDIX A2

Route coordinates at 250 m intervals



Table 7. Route coordinates at 250 m intervals along the Preferred Alternative from Melkhout substation to the new Dieprivier substation.

Point no Longitude (D°DM') Latitude (D°DM') Point no Longitude (D°DM') Latitude (D°DM')

1 24°47.0724' E 34°00.0269' S 53 24°40.0903' E 33°59.3408' S

2 24°47.1045' E 34°00.1595' S 54 24°39.9932' E 33°59.4492' S

3 24°47.1365' E 34°00.2921' S 55 24°39.8919' E 33°59.5504' S

4 24°47.1685' E 34°00.4246' S 56 24°39.7295' E 33°59.5495' S

5 24°47.2005' E 34°00.5572' S 57 24°39.5672' E 33°59.5486' S

6 24°47.0929' E 34°00.6144' S 58 24°39.4048' E 33°59.5476' S

7 24°46.9338' E 34°00.6314' S 59 24°39.2425' E 33°59.5467' S

8 24°46.7726' E 34°00.6149' S 60 24°39.1265' E 33°59.6179' S

9 24°46.6114' E 34°00.5984' S 61 24°39.0373' E 33°59.7309' S

10 24°46.4503' E 34°00.5819' S 62 24°38.9482' E 33°59.8439' S

11 24°46.2891' E 34°00.5654' S 63 24°38.8590' E 33°59.9569' S

12 24°46.1279' E 34°00.5489' S 64 24°38.7698' E 34°00.0699' S

13 24°45.9668' E 34°00.5324' S 65 24°38.6961' E 34°00.1903' S

14 24°45.8056' E 34°00.5159' S 66 24°38.6243' E 34°00.3116' S

15 24°45.6444' E 34°00.4994' S 67 24°38.5525' E 34°00.4329' S

16 24°45.4833' E 34°00.4829' S 68 24°38.4806' E 34°00.5541' S

17 24°45.3221' E 34°00.4664' S 69 24°38.3835' E 34°00.6518' S

18 24°45.1609' E 34°00.4499' S 70 24°38.2307' E 34°00.6975' S

19 24°45.0131' E 34°00.4043' S 71 24°38.0779' E 34°00.7432' S

20 24°44.8795' E 34°00.3274' S 72 24°37.9250' E 34°00.7889' S

21 24°44.7460' E 34°00.2504' S 73 24°37.7722' E 34°00.8346' S

22 24°44.6124' E 34°00.1735' S 74 24°37.6223' E 34°00.8857' S

23 24°44.4789' E 34°00.0966' S 75 24°37.4798' E 34°00.9507' S

24 24°44.3453' E 34°00.0197' S 76 24°37.3374' E 34°01.0156' S

25 24°44.2118' E 33°59.9428' S 77 24°37.1949' E 34°01.0805' S

26 24°44.0782' E 33°59.8659' S 78 24°37.0524' E 34°01.1454' S

27 24°43.9323' E 33°59.8225' S 79 24°36.9074' E 34°01.1926' S

28 24°43.7699' E 33°59.8236' S 80 24°36.7505' E 34°01.1579' S

29 24°43.6076' E 33°59.8247' S 81 24°36.5935' E 34°01.1231' S

30 24°43.4452' E 33°59.8258' S 82 24°36.4366' E 34°01.0884' S

31 24°43.2829' E 33°59.8269' S 83 24°36.2796' E 34°01.0536' S

32 24°43.1205' E 33°59.8280' S 84 24°36.1227' E 34°01.0189' S

33 24°42.9582' E 33°59.8291' S 85 24°35.9693' E 34°01.0124' S

34 24°42.7958' E 33°59.8302' S 86 24°35.8243' E 34°01.0734' S

35 24°42.6335' E 33°59.8312' S 87 24°35.6794' E 34°01.1344' S

36 24°42.5639' E 33°59.7407' S 88 24°35.5540' E 34°01.0636' S

37 24°42.5377' E 33°59.6073' S 89 24°35.4313' E 34°00.9751' S

38 24°42.3982' E 33°59.5649' S 90 24°35.3085' E 34°00.8865' S

39 24°42.2390' E 33°59.5384' S 91 24°35.1858' E 34°00.7980' S

40 24°42.0798' E 33°59.5119' S 92 24°35.0631' E 34°00.7094' S

41 24°41.9206' E 33°59.4854' S 93 24°34.9403' E 34°00.6209' S

42 24°41.7614' E 33°59.4589' S 94 24°34.8437' E 34°00.5123' S

43 24°41.6022' E 33°59.4324' S 95 24°34.7476' E 34°00.4033' S

44 24°41.4430' E 33°59.4059' S 96 24°34.6321' E 34°00.3178' S

45 24°41.2838' E 33°59.3794' S 97 24°34.4754' E 34°00.2822' S

46 24°41.1246' E 33°59.3529' S 98 24°34.3188' E 34°00.2466' S

47 24°40.9655' E 33°59.3263' S 99 24°34.1621' E 34°00.2110' S

48 24°40.8063' E 33°59.2998' S 100 24°34.0055' E 34°00.1754' S

49 24°40.6471' E 33°59.2733' S 101 24°33.8489' E 34°00.1398' S

50 24°40.4879' E 33°59.2468' S 102 24°33.6922' E 34°00.1042' S

51 24°40.3287' E 33°59.2202' S 103 24°33.5739' E 34°00.1424' S

52 24°40.1874' E 33°59.2324' S



Table 8. Route coordinates at 250 m intervals along Alternative A from Melkhout substation to the new Dieprivier substation.


1 24°47.0730' E 34°00.0537' S 50 24°40.3859' E 33°59.2526' S

2 24°47.1062' E 34°00.1861' S 51 24°40.2273' E 33°59.2273' S

3 24°47.1394' E 34°00.3185' S 52 24°40.1303' E 33°59.3357' S

4 24°47.1727' E 34°00.4508' S 53 24°40.0333' E 33°59.4442' S

5 24°47.2059' E 34°00.5832' S 54 24°39.9363' E 33°59.5526' S

6 24°47.0612' E 34°00.6204' S 55 24°39.8033' E 33°59.6218' S

7 24°46.9016' E 34°00.6280' S 56 24°39.6521' E 33°59.6710' S

8 24°46.7404' E 34°00.6111' S 57 24°39.5009' E 33°59.7203' S

9 24°46.5793' E 34°00.5943' S 58 24°39.3497' E 33°59.7695' S

10 24°46.4182' E 34°00.5775' S 59 24°39.1985' E 33°59.8188' S

11 24°46.2571' E 34°00.5606' S 60 24°39.0473' E 33°59.8680' S

12 24°46.0960' E 34°00.5438' S 61 24°38.8961' E 33°59.9173' S

13 24°45.9348' E 34°00.5269' S 62 24°38.7449' E 33°59.9665' S

14 24°45.7737' E 34°00.5101' S 63 24°38.5936' E 34°00.0157' S

15 24°45.6126' E 34°00.4932' S 64 24°38.4518' E 34°00.0772' S

16 24°45.4515' E 34°00.4764' S 65 24°38.3345' E 34°00.1707' S

17 24°45.2904' E 34°00.4595' S 66 24°38.2171' E 34°00.2641' S

18 24°45.1293' E 34°00.4427' S 67 24°38.0997' E 34°00.3576' S

19 24°44.9880' E 34°00.3824' S 68 24°37.9678' E 34°00.4225' S

20 24°44.8542' E 34°00.3058' S 69 24°37.8056' E 34°00.4278' S

21 24°44.7203' E 34°00.2293' S 70 24°37.6433' E 34°00.4331' S

22 24°44.5865' E 34°00.1527' S 71 24°37.4811' E 34°00.4384' S

23 24°44.4527' E 34°00.0761' S 72 24°37.3188' E 34°00.4437' S

24 24°44.3188' E 33°59.9995' S 73 24°37.1566' E 34°00.4490' S

25 24°44.1850' E 33°59.9230' S 74 24°36.9943' E 34°00.4543' S

26 24°44.0512' E 33°59.8464' S 75 24°36.8321' E 34°00.4596' S

27 24°43.9174' E 33°59.7698' S 76 24°36.6698' E 34°00.4649' S

28 24°43.8199' E 33°59.6722' S 77 24°36.5075' E 34°00.4702' S

29 24°43.7486' E 33°59.5838' S 78 24°36.3453' E 34°00.4755' S

30 24°43.5894' E 33°59.6088' S 79 24°36.1830' E 34°00.4808' S

31 24°43.4270' E 33°59.6101' S 80 24°36.0208' E 34°00.4861' S

32 24°43.2647' E 33°59.6113' S 81 24°35.8585' E 34°00.4913' S

33 24°43.1023' E 33°59.6125' S 82 24°35.6963' E 34°00.4966' S

34 24°42.9400' E 33°59.6137' S 83 24°35.5340' E 34°00.5019' S

35 24°42.7776' E 33°59.6149' S 84 24°35.3718' E 34°00.5071' S

36 24°42.6153' E 33°59.6161' S 85 24°35.2129' E 34°00.4979' S

37 24°42.4551' E 33°59.5985' S 86 24°35.0648' E 34°00.4425' S

38 24°42.2959' E 33°59.5719' S 87 24°34.9167' E 34°00.3870' S

39 24°42.1367' E 33°59.5453' S 88 24°34.7686' E 34°00.3316' S

40 24°41.9775' E 33°59.5187' S 89 24°34.6205' E 34°00.2761' S

41 24°41.8184' E 33°59.4921' S 90 24°34.4724' E 34°00.2206' S

42 24°41.6592' E 33°59.4655' S 91 24°34.3244' E 34°00.1652' S

43 24°41.5000' E 33°59.4389' S 92 24°34.1763' E 34°00.1097' S

44 24°41.3409' E 33°59.4123' S 93 24°34.0282' E 34°00.0542' S

45 24°41.1817' E 33°59.3857' S 94 24°33.8801' E 33°59.9988' S

46 24°41.0225' E 33°59.3591' S 95 24°33.7321' E 33°59.9433' S

47 24°40.8633' E 33°59.3325' S 96 24°33.6477' E 34°00.0277' S

48 24°40.7042' E 33°59.3059' S 97 24°33.5811' E 34°00.1510' S

49 24°40.5450' E 33°59.2793' S



Table 9. Route coordinates at 250 m intervals along the Alternative B from Melkhout substation to the new Dieprivier

substation.


1 24°47.0730' E 34°00.0537' S 49 24°40.5523' E 34°00.2196' S

2 24°47.1062' E 34°00.1861' S 50 24°40.3955' E 34°00.2547' S

3 24°47.1394' E 34°00.3185' S 51 24°40.2387' E 34°00.2898' S

4 24°47.1727' E 34°00.4508' S 52 24°40.0819' E 34°00.3248' S

5 24°47.2059' E 34°00.5832' S 53 24°39.9250' E 34°00.3599' S

6 24°47.0612' E 34°00.6204' S 54 24°39.7682' E 34°00.3949' S

7 24°46.9016' E 34°00.6280' S 55 24°39.6114' E 34°00.4300' S

8 24°46.7404' E 34°00.6111' S 56 24°39.4546' E 34°00.4650' S

9 24°46.5793' E 34°00.5943' S 57 24°39.2977' E 34°00.5001' S

10 24°46.4182' E 34°00.5775' S 58 24°39.1409' E 34°00.5351' S

11 24°46.2571' E 34°00.5606' S 59 24°38.9841' E 34°00.5701' S

12 24°46.0960' E 34°00.5438' S 60 24°38.8272' E 34°00.6052' S

13 24°45.9348' E 34°00.5269' S 61 24°38.6704' E 34°00.6402' S

14 24°45.7737' E 34°00.5101' S 62 24°38.5135' E 34°00.6752' S

15 24°45.6126' E 34°00.4932' S 63 24°38.3567' E 34°00.7102' S

16 24°45.4515' E 34°00.4764' S 64 24°38.1998' E 34°00.7453' S

17 24°45.2904' E 34°00.4595' S 65 24°38.0430' E 34°00.7803' S

18 24°45.1293' E 34°00.4427' S 66 24°37.8862' E 34°00.8153' S

19 24°44.9880' E 34°00.3824' S 67 24°37.7293' E 34°00.8503' S

20 24°44.8542' E 34°00.3058' S 68 24°37.5724' E 34°00.8853' S

21 24°44.7203' E 34°00.2293' S 69 24°37.4220' E 34°00.8423' S

22 24°44.5865' E 34°00.1527' S 70 24°37.2724' E 34°00.7897' S

23 24°44.4527' E 34°00.0761' S 71 24°37.1228' E 34°00.7372' S

24 24°44.3188' E 33°59.9995' S 72 24°36.9732' E 34°00.6846' S

25 24°44.1850' E 33°59.9230' S 73 24°36.8236' E 34°00.6320' S

26 24°44.0512' E 33°59.8464' S 74 24°36.6740' E 34°00.5795' S

27 24°43.8970' E 33°59.8266' S 75 24°36.5244' E 34°00.5269' S

28 24°43.7346' E 33°59.8294' S 76 24°36.3747' E 34°00.4745' S

29 24°43.5723' E 33°59.8321' S 77 24°36.2125' E 34°00.4798' S

30 24°43.4100' E 33°59.8348' S 78 24°36.0502' E 34°00.4851' S

31 24°43.2476' E 33°59.8347' S 79 24°35.8880' E 34°00.4904' S

32 24°43.0853' E 33°59.8346' S 80 24°35.7257' E 34°00.4957' S

33 24°42.9229' E 33°59.8344' S 81 24°35.5635' E 34°00.5009' S

34 24°42.7606' E 33°59.8343' S 82 24°35.4012' E 34°00.5062' S

35 24°42.5982' E 33°59.8342' S 83 24°35.2398' E 34°00.5080' S

36 24°42.4358' E 33°59.8340' S 84 24°35.0917' E 34°00.4525' S

37 24°42.2735' E 33°59.8339' S 85 24°34.9436' E 34°00.3971' S

38 24°42.1111' E 33°59.8337' S 86 24°34.7955' E 34°00.3416' S

39 24°41.9488' E 33°59.8335' S 87 24°34.6474' E 34°00.2862' S

40 24°41.7942' E 33°59.7926' S 88 24°34.4993' E 34°00.2307' S

41 24°41.6399' E 33°59.7507' S 89 24°34.3512' E 34°00.1752' S

42 24°41.4855' E 33°59.7087' S 90 24°34.2031' E 34°00.1198' S

43 24°41.3486' E 33°59.7579' S 91 24°34.0551' E 34°00.0643' S

44 24°41.2175' E 33°59.8377' S 92 24°33.9070' E 34°00.0088' S

45 24°41.0865' E 33°59.9175' S 93 24°33.7589' E 33°59.9533' S

46 24°40.9554' E 33°59.9973' S 94 24°33.6598' E 34°00.0053' S

47 24°40.8243' E 34°00.0770' S 95 24°33.5932' E 34°00.1286' S

48 24°40.6932' E 34°00.1568' S 96 24°33.5263' E 34°00.2317' S



APPENDIX A3

Land owner details



Table 10: Affected landowner details

Land owner Contact person Farm/Erf no Ptn

Happy Valley Trust Albert Strydom 810 1

Waterwheel Inv 114 Pty Ltd Anton Le Roux 349 0



Kouga Municipality Aubrey Marais 346 4

MUN Humansdorp Aubrey Marais 347 1




Poza Real Estate Pty Ltd Douglas Shone 357 17

Transnet Ltd Gilbert Nortier 349 10





Zietsman Johan Pienaar Johan Pienaar 357 0

Rhebuck Trust John Peacock 352 5

John Strydom Familie Trust John Strydom 353 1




Doringrug Development Trust Migo Meyer 349 31

South African National Roads Agency Nana Gouws 346 11

South African National Roads Agency Nana Gouws 1093

South African National Roads Agency Nana Gouws 349 24

Nap Heynes Familie Trust Nap Heynes 352 9

Nap Heynes Familie Trust Nap Heynes 352 8

Nic Heynes Familie Trust Nic Heynes 352 6

Ferreira Paul Buchner Paul Ferreira 357 10

Fisantrand Boerdery Pty Ltd Siegfried Naude 349 22

Heever Charl Marais Van Den Charl v d Heever 347 9

Zietsman Johan Pienaar Johan Pienaar 357 11

Hennie Anderson Familie Trust Hennie Anderson 499 0

Clive Bramwell Clive Bramwell 949



APPENDIX B

Photographs



Photographs in cardinal directions at the new Dieprivier substation

North Northeast

East Southeast

South Southwest

West Northwest



Dieprivier substation water drainage features

Location of drainage systems in relation to existing and proposed Dieprivier substations

N

Position where photos were taken from

Existing Dieprivier Substation

Approx. location of the New Dieprivier

Substation



Photographs in cardinal directions around the Melkhout substation

North Northeast

East Southeast

South Southwest

West Northwest



APPENDIX C

Facility Illustrations

Figure 9. Lattice tower structure 248A



Figure 10. Lattice tower structure 248C.

Figure 11: Guyed lattice mast tower 273A.



Figure12. Lattice tower structure 255A.



Figure 13. Lattice tower structure 255C.



Figure 14. Layout plan for the extensions to the existing Melkhout Substation.



Figure 13. Layout plan for the proposed Dieprivier Substation.

Melkhout-Dieprivier dBAR_v0.5_lowres.doc 1 Rev 0 / May 2012

APPENDIX D

Specialist reports


APPENDIX D1 Avifauna Impact Assessment


GIBB Terms of Reference: Avifaunal Assessment

1. Mapping of sensitive sites: The bird sensitive sections of the study area will be mapped and attached as an annexure to the main document.

2. Describe affected environment and determine status quo: The existing environment will described and

the bird communities most likely to be impacted will be identified. Different bird micro‐habitats will be described as well as the species associated with those habitats.

3. Indicate how a resource or community will be affected. Typical impacts that could be expected from the development will be listed as well as the expected impact on the bird communities. Impacts will be quantified (if possible) and a full description of predicted impacts (direct and indirect) will be provided.

4. Gaps in baseline data. Gaps in baseline data will be highlighted and discussed. An indication of the confidence levels will be given. The best available data sources will be used to predict the impacts, and extensive use will be made of local knowledge.

5. Assessment of impacts: The potential impact on the birds will be assessed and evaluated according to the magnitude, spatial scale, timing, duration, reversibility, probability and significance. Propose and explain mitigation measures. Practical mitigation measures will be recommended and discussed.

6. Summarise residual impacts after mitigation. An impact summary table will be provided, discussing expected impacts before and after mitigation.

7. Indicate a monitoring programme. If a need for a monitoring programme is evident, it will be highlighted and a programme proposed.

8. Draft an impact statement of the proposed development on the identified avifauna communities.

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2

Table of contents

Executive summary 3

Declaration of independence 4

1. Introduction 6

2. Methods 9

3. Description of affected environment 10

4. Assessment of impacts 15

5. Comparison of alternatives 20

6. Impact statement 20

7. References 21

Appendix 1 23

Appendix 2 26

3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Eskom is proposing to construct a new 132kV overhead power line from the existing Melkhout Substation near

Humansdorp, to the new proposed Dieprivier Substation, a distance of approximately 22km. Arcus GIBB was

appointed to undertake the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) investigations for the planned

infrastructure. Indwe Environmental Consulting was subsequently appointed as avifaunal specialists. A site visit

was conducted during March 2012.

Up to approximately 220 bird species could be expected in the study area, based on what has been recorded by

the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2(SABAP2 – http://sabap2.adu.org.za) in the six relevant pentads.

Across the six pentads a total of 13 Red Listed species were recorded, comprising 6 Vulnerable and 7 Near‐

threatened. In addition, the White Stork Ciconia ciconia is included in Table 1 as it is protected internationally

under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species. The Hamerkop Scopus umbretta is also considered as

important since recent atlas data points to its range contracting significantly in recent times. The most

important of these species for this study are the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, Denham’s Bustard Neotis

denhami, White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis, White Stork and Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus.

These species are all relatively abundant in the area (except for the Martial Eagle which is probably an

occasional visitor) and are highly vulnerable to collision (and electrocution in the case of the eagle) with

overhead power lines in South Africa. These species are thus the main focus of most of this study.

The nearest Important Bird Area (IBA – Barnes 1998) IBA SA093‐Baviaanskloof, lies approximately 20km north

of the proposed power line route. This is sufficiently far from the site to have little effect. It is likely that most

large threatened raptors (such as Martial Eagle) in particular would use this area as their primary range,

perhaps venturing further south towards the site only occasionally.

The broader area within which this project is proposed (from the mountains down to the coast) is particularly

well known as a stronghold of the Denham’s Bustard and White‐bellied Korhaan. The habitats that these

species favour are the mixture of pastures, natural vegetation and dams and wetlands. All of these are present

on the proposed route, particularly in the areas close to Dieprivier Substation, and in the mid‐section of the

route, just north of the N2. The Denham’s Bustard has proven highly vulnerable to collision with overhead

power lines throughout South Africa. Additional mortality due to this unnatural cause should be prevented

where possible. Although few records of collisions of White‐bellied Korhaan exist, other korhaan species have

been recorded colliding with power lines and it stands to reason that White‐bellied Korhaan would also be at

risk. These are probably then the two most important species for this study. Although not its core range, the

Blue Crane is also common in this area, and is probably the species recorded colliding with power lines most

frequently in South Africa. This national bird, also a near endemic to South Africa should also be protected from

additional mortality as far as possible.

In terms of large raptors in the area, Martial Eagle is probably the most likely Red Listed species to occur,

although it is certainly not abundant in the area. This species utilizes massive territories, and so it is possible

that just one pair exists in the broader area. This species will certainly utilise power line poles to perch on, and

will therefore be at risk of electrocution if incorrect pole structures are used. Although not Red Listed, the

Verreaux’s and African Fish Eagle are also large raptors likely to occur in the area. Verreaux’s Eagle would be

more towards the mountainous areas north of the proposed line, whilst African Fish Eagle would frequent the

4

Krom River and farm dams in the area. The presence of these three large eagles is sufficient grounds to ensure

that a bird friendly pole structure is used for the proposed power line, as has been discussed elsewhere in this

report.

The impacts of disturbance of birds, and destruction or alteration of habitat are determined to be of relatively

low significance for the proposed project, due to the already impacted nature of most of the study area. The

impact of collision of birds with certain sections of the proposed line is considered to be of moderate

significance and warrants extensive mitigation measures, which have been detailed in the report. This includes

the need for an avifaunal walk down to determine the exact spans of line requiring marking. Whilst

electrocution is possible on 132kV lines, the proposed tower structures (lattice structure with phase‐phase of

2000mm and cross arm of 2550mm) should be safe for the birds in area. Vultures do not occur in the area, so

the only species large enough to be at risk of electrocution on a 132kV line are the eagles, which are generally

solitary.

Three alternative routes have been proposed for the power line, the preferred option and Alternatives A and B.

The preferred route for avifauna is ‘Alternative B’ for reasons explained in the main report. The preferred

option, and Alternative A are not fatally flawed.

5

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE

Specialist Investigator

The Natural Scientific Professions Act of 2003 aims to “Provide for the establishment of the South African

Council of Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and for the registration of professional, candidate and

certified natural scientists; and to provide for matters connected therewith.”

“Only a registered person may practice in a consulting capacity” – Natural Scientific Professions Act of 2003

(20(1)‐pg 14)

Investigator: Jon Smallie (Pri.Sci.Nat)

Qualification: BSc (hons) Wildlife Science

Affiliation: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Registration number: 400020/06

Fields of Expertise: Ecological Science

Registration: Professional Member

Declaration of Independence

All specialist investigators specified above declare that:

We act as independent specialists for this project.

We consider ourselves bound by the rules and ethics of the South African Council for Natural Scientific

Professions.

We do not have any personal or financial interest in the project except for financial compensation for

specialist investigations completed in a professional capacity as specified by the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations, 2006.

We will not be affected by the outcome of the environmental process, of which this report forms part

of.

We do not have any influence over the decisions made by the governing authorities.

We do not object to or endorse the proposed developments, but aim to present facts and our best

scientific and professional opinion with regard to the impacts of the development.

We undertake to disclose to the relevant authorities any information that has or may have the

potential to influence its decision or the objectivity of any report, plan, or document required in terms

of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006.

Should we consider ourselves to be in conflict with any of the above declarations, we shall formally

submit a Notice of Withdrawal to all relevant parties and formally register as an Interested and

Affected Party.

Terms and Liabilities

This report is based on a short term investigation using the available information and data related to

the site to be affected. No long term investigation or monitoring was conducted.

The Precautionary Principle has been applied throughout this investigation.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Eskom is proposing to construct a new 132kV overhead power line from the existing Melkhout Substation near

Humansdorp, to the new proposed Dieprivier Substation, a distance of approximately 22km. Arcus Gibb has been

appointed to undertake the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) investigations for the planned

infrastructure. Indwe Environmental Consulting was subsequently appointed as avifaunal specialists. A site visit

was conducted during March 2012.


the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2(SABAP2 – http://sabap2.adu.org.za) in the six relevant pentads. Across

the six pentads that cover the study area a total of 13 Red Listed species were recorded, comprising 6 Vulnerable

and 7 Near‐threatened. In addition, the White Stork Ciconia ciconia is included in Table 1 as it is protected

internationally under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species. The Hamerkop Scopus umbretta is also

considered as important since recent atlas data points to its range contracting significantly. The most important

of these species for this study are the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami,

White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis, White Stork and Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus. These

species are all relatively abundant in the area (except for the Martial Eagle which is probably an occasional

visitor) and are highly vulnerable to collision (and electrocution in the case of the eagle) with overhead power

lines in South Africa.

In general terms, the impacts that could be associated with a project of this nature include: collision of birds with

the overhead cables; electrocution of birds whilst perched on the tower structures or in the substation;

destruction of habitat; and disturbance of birds.

1.2 Terms of reference

The following terms of reference were utilized for this study:

A desktop review of all existing literature.

Describe the current state of avifauna in the study area, outlining important characteristics which may

be influenced by the proposed infrastructure or which may influence the proposed infrastructure during

construction and operation.

Identify Red Listed species potentially affected by the proposed power lines and substation.

Assess the avifaunal status of the study area with the view to identifying sensitive areas and areas that

may be considered as “no‐go”. If appropriate deviations can be suggested, please do so, and provide

supporting reasons for the choice.

Map all relevant aspects.

Identify potential impacts (positive and negative, including cumulative impacts if relevant) of the

proposed development on avifauna during construction and operation. Particular attention should be

paid to bird collisions and preventative measures.

Pay particular attention to wetlands.

8

Identify mitigation measures for enhancing benefits and avoiding or mitigating negative impacts and

risks (to be implemented during design, construction and operation of proposed distribution lines.

Identify and address any other aspects related to avifauna in the study area that should be incorporated

into the reports.

1.3 Description of proposed activities

The following are the proposed project activities (see Figure 1):

Construction of a 132kV overhead power line from the existing Melkhout Substation near Humansdorp

to the new Dieprivier Substation on the R62, a distance of approximately 22km.

Three alternative routes have been provided for assessment.

Whilst electrocution is possible on 132kV lines, the proposed tower structures (lattice structure with phase‐

phase of 2000mm and cross arm of 2550mm) should be safe for the birds in area. Vultures do not occur in the

area, so the only species large enough to be at risk of electrocution on a 132kV line are the eagles, which are

generally solitary.

FFigure 1. The layout of the Melkhout Dieprivier 132kVV line. Map supplied by Arcus Gibb.

2. METHODS

2.1. Methodology

In predicting impacts of a proposed power line on birds, a combination of science, field experience and common

sense is required. More specifically the methodology used to predict impacts in the current study was as follows:

The various data sets discussed below under “sources of information” were collected and examined.

The data was examined to determine the location and abundance of power line sensitive Red Listed

species as well as non‐Red Listed power line sensitive species in the study area.

The area was visited to obtain a first‐hand perspective of the proposed route (and substation site) and

birdlife and to determine which bird micro‐habitats are present and relevant to the study. This involved

driving the study area to see as much as possible of the proposed routes for the power line.

The impacts of the proposed power line on birds were predicted on the basis of experience in gathering

and analysing data on wildlife impacts with power lines throughout southern Africa since 1996 (see van

Rooyen & Ledger 1999 for an overview of methodology), supplemented with first hand data.

2.2 Sources of information

The study made use of the following data sources:

Bird distribution data of the second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2 –

http://sabap2.adu.org.za) for the relevant pentads 3400_2430; 3400_2435; 3400_2440; 3400_2445;

3355_2430; & 3355_2435.

The conservation status of all bird species occurring in the aforementioned degree squares was then

determined with the use of The Eskom Red Listed book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland

(Barnes, 2000).

A classification of the vegetation types in the study area was obtained from Mucina et al (2006).

Information on the micro‐habitat level was obtained through visiting the area and obtaining a first‐hand

perspective.

Electronic 1:50 000 maps were obtained from the Surveyor General.

2.3 Limitations & assumptions

This study made the assumption that the above sources of information are reliable. Predictions in this study are

based on experience of these and similar species in different parts of South Africa. Bird behaviour cannot be

reduced to formulas that will hold true under all circumstances. However, power line impacts can be predicted

with a fair amount of certainty, based on experience gained by the author through the investigation of hundreds of

localities in southern Africa where birds have interacted with power lines since 1999.

3. DES

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12

Dams:

Artificially constructed dams have become important attractants to various bird species in the South African

landscape. Several small dams exist in the broader study area. Various waterfowl frequent these areas and are

vulnerable to collision with power lines. More importantly, one of the main focus species of this study, the Blue

Crane, uses dams as roost sites, roosting communally in the shallows. This means that large numbers of these birds

enter the roost at last light and exit it at first light, both times when power lines are even less visible and the

chances of collisions is greater. Therefore dams are a key element of this study, and power line passing close to

them will require mitigation as detailed elsewhere in this report.

Rivers or drainage lines:

Most rivers in southern Africa are in the east and extreme south, in the higher rainfall areas. Various species of

water bird are mostly restricted to riverine habitat in southern Africa. The map distribution of these species

correlates with the river courses in southern Africa. Many of these species, particularly the larger ones, are known

to interact with power lines through collision. These rivers also form significant flight paths for many of these

species. The proposed power line runs reasonably close to the large Krom River valley for parts of its route, and

also crosses several other small drainage lines.

Fynbos:

This micro habitat has been described adequately above under the vegetation description. This is the only natural

micro habitat available in the study area.

Thicket:

Thicket remains in the valleys in this study area, and would attract a certain set of species. Fortunately these areas

will mostly be spanned by the line and should not be impacted on.

Exotic species:

In the far east of this study area close to Humansdorp the line passes through extensive wattle jungle. This is a very

unattractive micro habitat for most bird species and is hence not very sensitive at all.

(a)

(c)

(e)

Figure 3. Exa

fynbos, e – a

Table 1 show

stressed that

time. Howev

where most

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13

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14

Table 1 makes use of the authors’ extensive experience gained through personal observations.

3.3 Relevant bird populations

The data source used to determine the distribution and abundance of bird species in the study area was the

Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 data (SABAP2 – http://sabap2.adu.org.za). Fortunately for this study area,

reasonable coverage by counters has already been achieved. This is shown with the number of cards in Table 1,

ranging from 3 to 18 for the six relevant pentads. This data was collected on the basis of pentads. The species

recorded in the relevant pentads could have been recorded anywhere within these pentads and not necessarily in

the exact study area for the proposed developments. It does however provide a good indication of what could be

found in the study area. Reporting rates (as per Table 1) are an expression (%) of the number of times a species

was seen in a pentad divided by the number of times that pentad was counted.


the SABAP2 project so far. Across the six pentads that cover the study area a total of 13 Red Listed species were

recorded, comprising 6 Vulnerable and 7 Near‐threatened. In addition, the White Stork Ciconia ciconia is included

in Table 1 as it is protected internationally under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species. The Hamerkop

Scopus umbretta is also considered as important since recent atlas data points to its range contracting significantly.

The most important of these species for this study are the Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, Denham’s Bustard

Neotis denhami, White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis, White Stork and Martial Eagle Polemaetus

bellicosus. These species are all abundant in the area and are highly vulnerable to collision (and electrocution in

the case of the eagle) with overhead power lines in South Africa. One exception to this is the Martial Eagle, which

is probably an occasional visitor to the site. These species are thus the main focus of most of this study. Although

not a Red Listed species, the Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreaux is a large eagle also likely to occur in the area and

worth considering. Large raptors such as the Martial Eagle Polemaeetus bellicosus could also be affected by

electrocution on the proposed power line. Fortunately as explained elsewhere in this report, electrocution is easily

mitigated by using bird friendly pole structures for the power line.

The nearest Important Bird Area (IBA – Barnes 1998) IBA SA093‐Baviaanskloof, lies approximately 20km north of

the proposed power line route. This is sufficiently far from the site to have little effect. It is likely that most large

threatened raptors (such as Martial Eagle) in particular would use this area as their primary range, perhaps

venturing further south towards the site only occasionally.

The broader area within which the project is situated (from the mountains down to the coast) is particularly well

known as a stronghold of the Denham’s Bustard and White‐bellied Korhaan, and this is reflected in the report rates

in Table 1. The Co‐ordinated Avifaunal Roadcount (CAR – Young et al, 2003) project has several routes in this area,

and has recorded the highest density of these two species of any routes in South Africa. The proposed power line

route passes through the north of this core area. The habitats that these species favour are the mixture of

pastures, natural vegetation and dams and wetlands. All of these are present on the proposed route, particularly in

the areas close to Dieprivier Substation, and in the mid‐section of the route, just north of the N2. The Denham’s

Bustard has proven highly vulnerable to collision with overhead power lines throughout South Africa. Additional

mortality due to this unnatural cause should be prevented where possible. Although few records of collisions of

White‐bellied Korhaan exist, other korhaan species have been recorded colliding with power lines and it stands to

reason that White‐bellied Korhaan would also be at risk. These are probably then the two most important species

15

for this study. Although not its core range, the Blue Crane is also common in this area, and is probably the species

recorded colliding with power lines most frequently in South Africa. This national bird, also a near endemic to

South Africa should also be protected from additional mortality as far as possible.

In terms of large raptors in the area, Martial Eagle is probably the most likely Red Listed species to occur, although

it is certainly not abundant in the area. This species utilizes massive territories, and so it is possible that just one

pair exists in the broader area. This species will certainly utilise power line poles to perch on, and will therefore be

at risk of electrocution if incorrect pole structures are used. Although not Red Listed, the Verreaux’s and African

Fish Eagle are also large raptors likely to occur in the area. Verreaux’s Eagle would be more towards the

mountainous areas north of the proposed line, whilst African Fish Eagle would frequent the Krom River and farm

dams in the area. The presence of these three large eagles is sufficient grounds to ensure that a bird friendly pole

structure is used for the proposed power line, as has been discussed elsewhere in this report.

It must be noted that many “non‐Red Listed” bird species also occur in the study area and could be impacted on by

the power line. Although this impact assessment focuses on Red Listed species, the impact on non‐Red Listed

species is also assessed, albeit in less detail. Furthermore, much of the mitigation recommended for Red Listed

species will also protect non Red Listed species in the study area. It could be argued that if impact assessment does

not focus on non‐threatened species these species will make their way onto threatened status thus making our list

of species to conserve even greater. Whilst this argument does hold some merit, the limited resources available

for most impact assessments make it necessary to prioritise species on the basis of their conservation status.

Table 1. Data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 (http://sabap2.adu.org.za) for the Red Listed species likely to occur in the study area.

Common name Scientific name Conservation status

3400_ 2430

3355_ 2435

3400_ 2435

3355_ 2440

3400_ 2440

3400_ 2445

Preferred micro habitat Likelihood of occurring on site

Relative importance of site for national population of species

Total species 154 7787 104

125 179

Number of cards submitted

17 53 8

4 18

African Marsh‐Harrier Circus ranivorus V 11.80% 33.30% 25.00% 38.90% Wetland, grassland, fynbos Possible Low

Black Harrier Circus maurus V 11.10% Wetland, grassland, fynbos Possible Low

Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus V 58.80% 66.70% 50.00% 33.30% 75.00% 88.90% Grassland, fynbos, arable land, wetland, dam

Definite –recorded during site visit

Medium

Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami V 64.70% 66.70% 16.70% 33.30% 50.00% 33.30% Grassland, fynbos, arable land

Probable Medium

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus V 11.80% 16.70% 11.10% All – generalist, natural vegetation

Possible Low

White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis V 23.50% 33.30% Grassland, arable land Possible Medium

African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini NT 5.60% Marine Impossible Low

Black‐winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus NT 17.60% 66.70% 75.00% 16.70% Short grassland Possible Low

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber NT 5.60% Dam, pan, floodplain Unlikely Low

Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata NT 16.70% 5.60% Forest Possible in valleys

Low

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus NT 11.80% Arable land, grassland, fynbos

Possible Low

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus NT 25.00% 5.60% Wetland, grassland, fynbos Possible Low

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius NT 5.60% Grassland, fynbos, arable land

Possible Low

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta ** 11.80% 33.30% 5.60% Riverine Probable Low

White Stork Ciconia ciconia Bonn 29.40% 33.30% 11.10% 25.00% 11.10% Wetland, arable land, fynbos Probable Low

V = Vulnerable; NT = Near‐threatened; Bonn = Protected Internationally under the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species; ** Species of recent conservation concern.

4. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

4.1 General description of impacts of power lines on birds

Because of its’ size and prominence, electrical infrastructure constitutes 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 & Annegarn 1981; Ledger 1983; Ledger 1984; Hobbs & Ledger 1986a; Hobbs & Ledger 1986b; Ledger,

Hobbs & Smith, 1992; Verdoorn 1996; Kruger & Van Rooyen 1998; Van Rooyen 1998; Kruger 1999; Van Rooyen

1999; Van Rooyen 2000). Other problems are electrical faults caused by bird excreta when roosting or breeding on

electricity infrastructure, (Van Rooyen & Taylor 1999) and disturbance and habitat destruction during construction

and maintenance activities.

Electrocutions

Electrocution of birds on overhead lines is an important cause of unnatural mortality of raptors and storks. It has

attracted plenty of attention in Europe, USA and South Africa (APLIC 1994; van Rooyen & Ledger 1999).

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).

Collisions

Collisions are the biggest single threat posed by transmission lines to birds in southern Africa (van Rooyen 2004).

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).

Unfortunately, many of the collision sensitive species are considered threatened in southern Africa. The Red Listed

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. Many of the anthropogenic threats to

these species are non‐discriminatory as far as age is concerned (e.g. habitat destruction, disturbance and power

lines) and therefore contribute to adult mortality, and it is not known what the cumulative effect of these impacts

could be over the long term.

Habitat destruction

During the construction phase and maintenance of power lines some habitat destruction and alteration inevitably

takes place. This happens with the construction of access roads, and the clearing of servitudes. 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 modification of habitat.

18

Disturbance

Similarly, the above mentioned construction and maintenance activities impact on bird through disturbance,

particularly during bird breeding activities. Disturbance of birds is anticipated to be of low significance in this study

area since it is already fairly impacted particularly in the eastern half closer to the N2, railway line and town.

4.2 Description of impacts of this proposed project

The impacts of the proposed power lines and substation were rated in the tables below. The criteria used for this

rating can be seen in Appendix 1.

Electrocutions

Whilst electrocution is possible on 132kV lines, the proposed tower structures (lattice structure with phase‐phase

of 2000mm and cross arm of 2550mm) should be safe for the birds in area. Vultures do not occur in the area, so

the only species large enough to be at risk of electrocution on a 132kV line are the eagles, which are generally

solitary. The impact of electrocution is likely to be of low significance for the proposed power line. Electrocution is

also possible in the new substation. However this is unlikely to affect sensitive bird species as they are not likely to

frequent the substation yard.

Mitigation:

If the above mentioned tower structure is used no further mitigation will be required. If birds are electrocuted in

the substation regularly once operational it is recommended that case specific recommendations are developed

for mitigation. The exact positions within a substation whereon birds can be electrocuted are too numerous to

warrant proactive mitigation.

Collisions

Collision of certain bird species, particularly Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, White‐bellied Korhaan and White

Stork is highly probable and has been rated as a moderate negative impact.

Mitigation:

High risk sections of the power line will need to be installed with a suitable anti bird collision marking device

approved by Eskom, and as per Eskom standards. This report has identified approximate sections of line that are

anticipated to be of high collision risk, but this is at a coarse scale. It is essential that an avifaunal walk‐through be

conducted as part of the site specific EMP (Environmental Management Plan) before construction, when the exact

final pole positions are finalised. This walk through will identify the exact spans of line requiring marking.

Habitat destruction

Habitat destruction is not anticipated to be a significant impact in this study area, as most of the natural vegetation

has been removed already.

Mitigation:

Mitigation measures are simply to ensure that construction takes place according to environmental best practice

standards. Key issues to manage include vehicle and machinery control in sensitive habitats, road construction

(minimise where possible), and control of construction staff activities.

19

Disturbance

Similarly, the above mentioned construction and maintenance activities impact on bird through disturbance,

particularly during bird breeding activities. Disturbance of birds is anticipated to be of low significance in this study

area since it is already fairly impacted particularly in the eastern half closer to the N2, railway line and town.

Mitigation:

Mitigation measures are the same as for habitat destruction above.

Table 2. Assessment of the operational phase impacts of the proposed project.

GENERAL AND SPECIALIST STUDY

IMPACTS

SPATIAL SCALE

TEMPORAL SCALE

(DURATION)

CERTAINTY SCALE

(LIKELIHOOD)

SEVERITY/ BENEFICIAL

SCALE

SIGNIFICANCE PRE‐MITIGATION

MITIGATION MEASURES SIGNIFICANCEAFTER

MITIGATION

ISSUE: Avifauna

IMPACT: Bird collision with overhead power line, particularly earth wire, Impact on Red Listed and other species

DIRECT IMPACTS

National – populations of Red Listed species affected

Permanent Probable Severe Moderate negative

Mark certain sections of the line with anti‐collision marking devices on the earth wire (as per Eskom guidelines) to increase the visibility of the line and reduce likelihood of collisions. These sections of line will need to be identified by an avifaunal walk through/site specific EMP once the final route is selected and tower positions are finalised. A preliminary indication of the areas of the line that pose a concern is shown in Figure 4.

Low negative

IMPACT: Bird electrocution, Impact on Red Listed and other species

DIRECT IMPACT

National – populations of Red Listed species affected

Permanent Possible Slight Moderate negative

Whilst electrocution is possible on 132kV lines, the proposed tower structures (lattice structure with phase‐phase of 2000mm and cross arm of 2550mm) should be safe for the birds in area. Vultures do not occur in the area, so the only species large

Insignificant

21


IMPACTS

SPATIAL SCALE

TEMPORAL SCALE

(DURATION)

CERTAINTY SCALE

(LIKELIHOOD)


SCALE


MITIGATION MEASURES SIGNIFICANCEAFTER

MITIGATION

enough to be at risk of electrocution on a 132kV line are the eagles, which are generally solitary.

22

Table 3. Assessment of the construction phase impacts of the project.


IMPACTS

SPATIAL SCALE

TEMPORAL SCALE

(DURATION)

CERTAINTY SCALE

(LIKELIHOOD)


SCALE


MITIGATION MEASURES SIGNIFICANCE POST‐

MITIGATION

ISSUE: Avifauna

IMPACT: Disturbance of birds, Impact on Red Listed and other species

DIRECT IMPACTS

Localised Short term Possible Slight Low negative Strict control should be maintained over all activities during construction, in particular heavy machinery and vehicle movements, and staff. It is difficult to mitigate properly for this as some disturbance is inevitable. The Krom River and associated riparian habitat is particularly sensitive in this regard

Low negative

IMPACT: Destruction or alteration of bird habitat, Impact on Red Listed and other species

INDIRECT IMPACTS:

Localised permanent probable Slight – area already highly impacted on

Low negative Strict control should be maintained over all activities during construction, in particular heavy machinery and vehicle movements, and staff. It is difficult to mitigate properly for this as some habitat destruction is inevitable

Low negative

Figure 4. Pre

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24

6. IMPACT STATEMENT

In conclusion, the proposed power line can be built provided that the various mitigation measures recommended

in this report are implemented. Of particular concern is the collision mitigation. Provided that an avifaunal walk

down is done to identify the exact spans requiring collision mitigation in the form of marking devices installed on

the earth wires, this impact should hopefully be contained.

7 REFERENCES

Barnes, K.N. (ed.) 1998. The Important Bird Areas of southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa: Johannesburg.

Barnes, K.N. (ed.) 2000. The Eskom Red Listed Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South

Africa: Johannesburg.

Harrison, J.A., Allan, D.G., Underhill, L.G., Herremans, M., Tree, A.J., Parker, V & Brown, C.J. (eds). 1997. The atlas

of southern African birds. Vol. 1&2. BirdLife South Africa: Johannesburg.

Mucina & Rutherford. 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African

National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Young, D.J., Harrison, J.A., Navarro, R.A., Anderson, M.D., & Colahan, B.D. (Eds). 2003. Big Birds on Farms: Mazda

CAR report 1993‐2001. Avian Demography Unit, Cape Town.

26

APPENDIX 1

Description of criteria Table 1. Significance Rating Table

Significance Rating Table

Temporal Scale(The duration of the impact)

Short term Less than 5 years (Many construction phase impacts are of a short duration).

Medium term Between 5 and 20 years.

Long term Between 20 and 40 years (From a human perspective almost permanent).

Permanent Over 40 years or resulting in a permanent and lasting change that will always be there.

Spatial Scale(The area in which any impact will have an affect)

Individual Impacts affect an individual.

Localized Impacts affect a small area of a few hectares in extent. Often only a portion of the project area.

Project Level Impacts affect the entire project area.

Surrounding Areas Impacts that affect the area surrounding the development

Municipal Impacts affect either BCM, or any towns within them.

Regional Impacts affect the wider district municipality or the province as a whole.

National Impacts affect the entire country.

International/Global Impacts affect other countries or have a global influence.

Will definitely occur Impacts will definitely occur.

Degree of Confidence or Certainty(The confidence with which one has predicted the significance of an impact)

Definite More than 90% sure of a particular fact. Should have substantial supportive data.

Probable Over 70% sure of a particular fact, or of the likelihood of that impact occurring.

Possible Only over 40% sure of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring.

Unsure Less than 40% sure of a particular fact or of the likelihood of an impact occurring.

Table 2. Impact Severity Rating

27

Impact severity(The severity of negative impacts, or how beneficial positive impacts would be on a particular affected system or

affected party)

Very severe Very beneficial

An irreversible and permanent change to the affected system(s) or party(ies) which cannot be mitigated. For example the permanent loss of land.

A permanent and very substantial benefit to the affected system(s) or party(ies), with no real alternative to achieving this benefit. For example the vast improvement of sewage effluent quality.

Severe Beneficial

Long term impacts on the affected system(s) or party(ies) that could be mitigated. However, this mitigation would be difficult, expensive or time consuming, or some combination of these. For example, the clearing of forest vegetation.

A long term impact and substantial benefit to the affected system(s) or party(ies). Alternative ways of achieving this benefit would be difficult, expensive or time consuming, or some combination of these. For example an increase in the local economy.

Moderately severe Moderately beneficial

Medium to long term impacts on the affected system(s) or party (ies), which could be mitigated. For example constructing the sewage treatment facility where there was vegetation with a low conservation value.

A medium to long term impact of real benefit to the affected system(s) or party(ies). Other ways of optimising the beneficial effects are equally difficult, expensive and time consuming (or some combination of these), as achieving them in this way. For example a ‘slight’ improvement in sewage effluent quality.

Slight Slightly beneficial

Medium or short term impacts on the affected system(s) or party(ies). Mitigation is very easy, cheap, less time consuming or not necessary. For example a temporary fluctuation in the water table due to water abstraction.

A short to medium term impact and negligible benefit to the affected system(s) or party(ies). Other ways of optimising the beneficial effects are easier, cheaper and quicker, or some combination of these.

No effect Don’t know/Can’t know

The system(s) or party(ies) is not affected by the proposed development.

In certain cases it may not be possible to determine the severity of an impact.

Table 3. Overall Significance Rating

Overall Significance (The combination of all the above criteria as an overall significance)

VERY HIGH NEGATIVE VERY BENEFICIAL

These impacts would be considered by society as constituting a major and usually permanent change to the (natural and/or social) environment, and usually result in severe or very severe effects, or beneficial or very beneficial effects. Example: The loss of a species would be viewed by informed society as being of VERY HIGH significance. Example: The establishment of a large amount of infrastructure in a rural area, which previously had very few services, would be regarded by the affected parties as resulting in benefits with VERY HIGH significance.

HIGH NEGATIVE BENEFICIAL

These impacts will usually result in long term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as HIGH will need to be considered by society as constituting an important and usually long term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. Society would probably view these impacts in a serious light. Example: The loss of a diverse vegetation type, which is fairly common elsewhere, would have a significance rating of HIGH over the long term, as the area could be rehabilitated. Example: The change to soil conditions will impact the natural system, and the impact on affected parties (such as people growing crops in the soil) would be HIGH.

MODERATE NEGATIVE SOME BENEFITS

These impacts will usually result in medium to long term effects on the social and/or natural environment. Impacts rated as MODERATE will need to be considered by society as constituting a fairly important and usually medium term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are real but not substantial. Example: The loss of a sparse, open vegetation type of low diversity may be regarded as MODERATELY significant.

LOW NEGATIVE FEW BENEFITS

These impacts will usually result in medium to short term effects on the social and/or natural environment.

28

Impacts rated as LOW will need to be considered by the public and/or the specialist as constituting a fairly unimportant and usually short term change to the (natural and/or social) environment. These impacts are not substantial and are likely to have little real effect. Example: The temporary changes in the water table of a wetland habitat, as these systems are adapted to fluctuating water levels. Example: The increased earning potential of people employed as a result of a development would only result in benefits of LOW significance to people who live some distance away.

NO SIGNIFICANCE

There are no primary or secondary effects at all that are important to scientists or the public. Example: A change to the geology of a particular formation may be regarded as severe from a geological perspective, but is of NO significance in the overall context.

DON’T KNOW

In certain cases it may not be possible to determine the significance of an impact. For example, the primary or secondary impacts on the social or natural environment given the available information. Example: The effect of a particular development on people’s psychological perspective of the environment.

29

Appendix 2. Data from the second bird atlas project (SABAP2 – http://sabap2.adu.org.za)


3400_2430

3355_2435

3400_2435

3355_ 2440

3400_ 2440

3400_2445

African Black Duck Anas sparsa 5.90% 25.00% 5.60%

African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini NT 5.60%

African Black Swift Apus barbatus 5.90% 11.10% 25.00% 5.60%

African Darter Anhinga rufa 11.80% 33.30% 50.00% 66.70%

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta 33.30% 25.00% 11.10%

African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata 5.60%

African Fish‐Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer 16.70% 25.00% 33.30%

African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro 25.00%

African Harrier‐Hawk Polyboroides typus 17.60%

African Hoopoe Upupa africana 52.90% 66.70% 66.70% 44.40% 50.00% 38.90%

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus 5.90% 16.70%

African Marsh‐Harrier Circus ranivorus V 11.80% 33.30% 25.00% 38.90%

African Olive‐Pigeon Columba arquatrix 17.60%

African Palm‐Swift Cypsiurus parvus 16.70%

African Paradise‐Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 11.80% 16.70% 11.10% 25.00% 16.70%

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp 5.90%

African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus 82.40% 66.70% 66.70% 33.30% 75.00% 66.70%

African Pygmy‐Kingfisher Ispidina picta 11.10%

African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus 47.10% 66.70% 33.30% 11.10% 50.00% 72.20%

African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis 11.80%

African Spoonbill Platalea alba 17.60% 33.30% 16.70% 25.00% 33.30%

African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus 88.20% 66.70% 100.00% 77.80% 50.00% 72.20%

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 23.50% 16.70% 11.10% 25.00% 5.60%

Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina 41.20% 16.70% 66.70% 25.00% 33.30%

Amur Falcon Falco amurensis 17.60% 11.10%

Ant‐eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora 11.80% 50.00%

Banded Martin Riparia cincta 17.60% 33.30% 25.00% 16.70%

Barn Owl Tyto alba 5.60%

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 35.30% 33.30% 33.30% 66.70% 75.00% 38.90%

Bar‐throated Apalis Apalis thoracica 47.10% 66.70% 100.00% 55.60% 75.00% 77.80%

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris 5.90% 25.00% 22.20%

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus 50.00% 11.10%

Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava 11.10%

Black Harrier Circus maurus V 11.10%

Black Saw‐wing Psalidoprocne holomelaena 23.50% 66.70% 33.30% 38.90%

Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus 5.90%

Black‐backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla 5.90% 50.00%

Black‐bellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus 33.30% 50.00% 11.10%

Black‐collared Barbet Lybius torquatus 11.80% 66.70% 22.20% 50.00% 50.00%

Black‐crowned Night‐Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 11.10%

Black‐headed Heron Ardea melanocephala 64.70% 100.00% 33.30% 22.20% 50.00% 55.60%

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Black‐headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus 58.80% 33.30% 16.70% 55.60% 25.00% 44.40%

Black‐shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 47.10%

Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus 64.70% 100.00% 50.00% 77.80%

Black‐winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus NT 17.60% 66.70% 75.00% 16.70%

Black‐winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 25.00% 33.30%

Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus V 58.80% 66.70% 50.00% 33.30% 75.00% 88.90%

Blue‐mantled Crested‐Flycatcher

Trochocercus cyanomelas 11.10% 25.00% 11.10%

Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus 100.00% 100.00% 83.30% 77.80% 100.00% 77.80%

Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphuratus 66.70% 16.70% 50.00% 33.30%

Brown‐hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris 23.50% 83.30% 22.20% 75.00% 16.70%

Brown‐throated Martin Riparia paludicola 11.80% 33.30% 11.10% 50.00% 33.30%

Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii 17.60% 50.00% 75.00% 38.90%

Cape Batis Batis capensis 11.10% 100.00% 22.20%

Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis 35.30% 33.30% 100.00% 33.30% 50.00% 44.40%

Cape Canary Serinus canicollis 52.90% 100.00% 66.70% 11.10% 11.10%

Cape Clapper Lark Mirafra apiata 35.30% 16.70% 11.10% 16.70%

Cape Crow Corvus capensis 64.70% 100.00% 83.30% 55.60% 100.00% 83.30%

Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens 35.30% 100.00% 66.70% 22.20% 50.00% 55.60%

Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer 82.40% 33.30% 83.30% 55.60% 25.00% 5.60%

Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis 76.50% 100.00% 66.70% 55.60% 75.00% 66.70%

Cape Robin‐Chat Cossypha caffra 70.60% 66.70% 66.70% 77.80% 100.00% 83.30%

Cape Rock‐Thrush Monticola rupestris 5.90% 16.70%

Cape Shoveler Anas smithii 23.50% 66.70% 11.10% 61.10%

Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus 11.80%

Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer 23.50% 66.70% 50.00% 11.10%

Cape Teal Anas capensis 5.90% 11.10% 25.00% 33.30%

Cape Turtle‐Dove Streptopelia capicola 82.40% 100.00% 83.30% 88.90% 75.00% 66.70%

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis 82.40% 66.70% 100.00% 11.10% 75.00% 72.20%

Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis 88.20% 100.00% 83.30% 33.30% 75.00% 83.30%

Cape White‐eye Zosterops virens 41.20% 66.70% 55.60% 75.00% 72.20%

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 5.60%

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 64.70% 100.00% 33.30% 77.80%

Cinnamon‐breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi 5.90%

Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix 82.40% 66.70% 11.10% 50.00% 55.60%

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris 16.70%

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris 100.00% 100.00% 66.70% 88.90% 100.00% 88.90%

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 27.80%

Common House‐Martin Delichon urbicum 11.10%

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 17.60% 25.00% 22.20%

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus 11.80% 33.30% 11.10% 50.00%

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 29.40% 33.30% 25.00% 5.60%

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 25.00% 11.10%

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 25.00%

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Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 52.90% 100.00% 66.70% 22.20% 100.00% 88.90%

Common Swift Apus apus 11.10%

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild 64.70% 83.30% 11.10% 50.00% 11.10%

Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus 64.70% 100.00% 11.10% 75.00% 66.70%

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 5.60%

Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami V 64.70% 66.70% 16.70% 33.30% 50.00% 33.30%

Diderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius 17.60% 33.30% 16.70% 11.10% 25.00% 11.10%

Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata 16.70% 5.60%

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus 88.20% 100.00% 100.00% 55.60% 100.00% 94.40%

Emerald‐spotted Wood‐Dove Turtur chalcospilos 25.00% 11.10%

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris 17.60% 50.00%

Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens 35.30%

Forest Buzzard Buteo trizonatus 25.00%

Forest Canary Crithagra scotops 5.60%

Fork‐tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis 88.20% 100.00% 100.00% 77.80% 100.00% 83.30%

Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar 33.30%

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus 5.60%

Golden‐breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris 17.60%

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath 5.60%

Great Egret Egretta alba 5.90% 5.60%

Greater Double‐collared Sunbird

Cinnyris afer 64.70% 66.70% 33.30% 55.60% 25.00% 50.00%

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber NT 5.60%

Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata 82.40% 33.30% 66.70% 33.30% 50.00% 44.40%

Green Wood‐Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus 50.00% 11.10%

Green‐backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura 16.70% 50.00%

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 11.80% 16.70% 50.00% 38.90%

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 5.60%

Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii 5.90% 11.10%

Grey‐backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla 47.10% 33.30% 50.00% 66.70% 50.00% 27.80%

Grey‐headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus 5.60%

Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash 70.60% 100.00% 100.00% 66.70% 75.00% 88.90%

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta ** 11.80% 33.30% 5.60%

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris 82.40% 66.70% 100.00% 44.40% 25.00% 61.10%

Horus Swift Apus horus 11.80% 33.30%

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 41.20% 55.60%

Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus 58.80% 100.00% 100.00% 33.30% 50.00% 61.10%

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus 25.00%

Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa 29.40% 66.70% 83.30% 66.70% 50.00% 38.90%

Karoo Scrub‐Robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus 11.80% 5.60%

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 5.90% 66.70% 50.00% 72.20%

Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius 11.80% 25.00% 38.90%

Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas 11.10% 11.10%

Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata NT 16.70% 5.60%

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Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus NT 11.80%

Large‐billed Lark Galerida magnirostris 23.50%

Lark‐like Bunting Emberiza impetuani 11.10%

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 70.60% 66.70% 11.10% 25.00% 77.80%

Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans 5.90%

Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica 5.90% 50.00% 22.20% 16.70%

Lesser Swamp‐Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris 17.60% 11.10% 5.60%

Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens 29.40% 33.30% 22.20% 44.40%

Little Egret Egretta garzetta 11.10%

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 23.50% 100.00% 11.10% 50.00% 66.70%

Little Rush‐Warbler Bradypterus baboecala 17.60% 66.70% 11.10% 25.00% 22.20%

Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus 25.00%

Little Stint Calidris minuta 16.70%

Little Swift Apus affinis 11.80% 33.30% 11.10% 25.00% 27.80%

Long‐tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne 17.60% 50.00% 11.10%

Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa 5.60%

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata 5.90%

Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa 64.70% 66.70% 66.70% 44.40% 25.00% 5.60%

Mallard Duck Anas platyrhynchos 11.10%

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 5.60%

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus V 11.80% 16.70% 11.10%

Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla 94.10% 100.00% 100.00% 77.80% 100.00% 77.80%

Olive Bush‐Shrike Telophorus olivaceus 11.80% 11.10% 50.00% 44.40%

Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus 29.40% 33.30% 50.00% 22.20%

Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus 11.10%

Orange‐breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea 5.90% 11.10%

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 25.00%

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus NT 25.00% 5.60%

Pearl‐breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata 5.90%

Pied Crow Corvus albus 5.90% 22.20%

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis 11.80% 5.60%

Pied Starling Spreo bicolor 5.90% 16.70% 25.00% 5.60%

Pin‐tailed Whydah Vidua macroura 47.10% 11.10% 25.00% 27.80%

Plain‐backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys 5.90% 11.10% 25.00% 11.10%

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 5.90% 5.60%

Red‐billed Quelea Quelea quelea 11.80% 22.20%

Red‐billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha 47.10% 33.30% 16.70% 11.10% 25.00% 61.10%

Red‐capped Lark Calandrella cinerea 41.20% 66.70% 16.70% 11.10% 25.00% 66.70%

Red‐chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius 5.90% 33.30% 11.10% 5.60%

Red‐eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata 82.40% 66.70% 66.70% 33.30% 75.00% 72.20%

Red‐faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus 25.00% 5.60%

Red‐knobbed Coot Fulica cristata 66.70% 11.10% 50.00%

Red‐necked Spurfowl Pternistis afer 11.80% 11.10% 50.00% 38.90%

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Red‐winged Starling Onychognathus morio 23.50% 33.30% 11.10% 25.00% 16.70%

Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus 58.80% 33.30% 50.00% 11.10% 50.00% 77.80%

Rock Dove Columba livia 5.90% 11.10%

Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula 29.40% 100.00% 16.70% 22.20% 25.00% 22.20%

Ruff Philomachus pugnax 25.00% 11.10%

Rufous‐naped Lark Mirafra africana 82.40% 33.30% 83.30% 33.30% 100.00% 66.70%

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius NT 5.60%

Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus 29.40% 66.70% 55.60% 75.00% 77.80%

South African Shelduck Tadorna cana 11.10% 25.00% 33.30%

Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra 5.90%

Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus 47.10% 83.30% 55.60% 100.00% 72.20%

Southern Double‐collared Sunbird

Cinnyris chalybeus 5.90%

Southern Grey‐headed Sparrow

Passer diffusus 41.20% 33.30% 11.10% 25.00% 5.60%

Southern Masked‐Weaver Ploceus velatus 17.60% 16.70% 33.30%

Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix 33.30%

Southern Tchagra Tchagra tchagra 16.70%

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus 58.80% 50.00% 27.80%

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea 76.50% 33.30% 33.30% 22.20% 50.00% 61.10%

Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis 5.90% 25.00% 16.70%

Spotted Eagle‐Owl Bubo africanus 11.10%

Spotted Thick‐knee Burhinus capensis 11.80% 16.70% 11.10%

Spur‐winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis 100.00% 66.70% 16.70% 44.40% 75.00% 77.80%

Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus 35.30% 33.30% 33.30% 75.00% 22.20%

Streaky‐headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis 5.90% 33.30% 11.10% 27.80%

Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis 17.60% 11.10%

Swift Tern Sterna bergii 5.60%

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria 50.00% 11.10%

Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris 75.00% 38.90%

Three‐banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris 41.20% 66.70% 11.10% 25.00% 44.40%

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus 5.90%

Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais 16.70% 11.10%

Water Thick‐knee Burhinus vermiculatus 5.60%

Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea 5.90%

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida 11.10% 25.00% 16.70%

White Stork Ciconia ciconia Bonn 29.40% 33.30% 11.10% 25.00% 11.10%

White‐backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus 66.70%

White‐bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis V 23.50% 33.30%

White‐breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 33.30% 50.00%

White‐browed Scrub‐Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys 5.60%

White‐faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata 11.80% 11.10% 25.00% 44.40%

White‐necked Raven Corvus albicollis 29.40% 33.30% 44.40% 25.00% 27.80%

White‐rumped Swift Apus caffer 52.90% 33.30% 16.70% 44.40% 25.00% 27.80%

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White‐throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis 35.30% 33.30% 25.00% 11.10%

White‐winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 11.10%

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 11.10% 25.00%

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 11.80% 16.70%

Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis 94.10% 33.30% 100.00% 22.20% 50.00% 16.70%

Yellow‐billed Duck Anas undulata 52.90% 100.00% 33.30% 22.20% 25.00% 100.00%

Yellow‐billed Kite Milvus aegyptius 17.60% 33.30% 5.60%

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 52.90% 16.70% 11.10% 50.00% 44.40%


APPENDIX D2

Vegetation Impact Assessment


Terms of Reference: Vegetation Assessment

1. Carry out fieldwork to locate and describe the terrestrial vegetation on the study area, key focus on the impact footprint(s) for sensitive site(s). No faunal assessments will be undertaken within the scope of this study.

2. Determine the species present and localities within each vegetation types. 3. Determine whether the study area falls wholly or partially within the distribution range of species

listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Protected, IUCN Red Listed or Endemic. 4. Provide a description of the current state of the vegetation on site supported by relevant

photographs. 5. Identify and describe the conservation value and conservation planning frameworks relevant to this site

(Regional Planning) for represented vegetation units. 6. Describe the areas where indigenous vegetation has been transformed. 7. Determine alien species present; their distribution within the study area and recommended

management actions. 8. Note and record the position of unusually large specimens of trees, where applicable. 9. Provide a detailed vegetation sensitivity map of the site, including mapping of disturbance and

transformation on site. 10. Identify and rate potential impacts, outline mitigatory measures and outline additional management

guidelines. 11. Environmental Management Plan (EMP) recommendations relating to flora and vegetation, including

generic rehabilitation and revegetation guideline will be provided in the report. 12. Draft an impact statement of the proposed development on the identified vegetation units.

i

27 May 2012

Botanical Assessment for

Proposed Dieprivier to Melkhout (Humansdorp)

Eskom 132 kV Powerline

Author

Jamie Pote

Postnet Suite 177, Private Bag X0002

Fig Tree, Port Elizabeth, 6033

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 083 743 9353, Fax: 0866 503 506

Client

Arcus Gibb/Eskom

Port Elizabeth

mailto:[email protected]

ii

Executive Summary

Mr Jamie Pote was sub-contracted by Arcus Gibb to undertake a terrestrial ecological assessment of the proposed Dieprivier to Melkhout (Humansdorp) 132 kV powerline in the Kouga Municipality. Site visits were conducted during March 2012.

Vegetation

Regional Biodiversity Planning Frameworks: Vegetation units/types and conservation status.

BIODIVERSITY PLANNING RESOURCE Vegetation Unit Status

The Vegetation of South Africa Lesotho and Swaziland (VegMap; Mucina & Rutherford, 2006)

Langkloof Shale Renosterveld

Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld

Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment NSBA, 2004)




Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Biodiversity Assessment (2011)




Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Environmental Management Act: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld Endangered

Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Project (STEP)

Langkloof Fynbos

Humansdorp Grassy Fynbos

Kromme Fynbos/Renosterveld Mosaic

Vulnerable

Currently NOT Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE)


Kromme Fynbos / Renosterveld Mosaic N/A

Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP)

CBA 2

Jumanji Game Farm

T2, T3

Private Game Reserve

Habitat Sensitivity

Areas scoring an overall LOW vulnerability include the portions of the site that are completely transformed or severely degraded, that have a low conservation status, or where there is very dense alien infestation. Loss of these areas will not significantly compromise the current conservation status of the vegetation unit at a regional level, nor is its loss likely to compromise the ecological functioning of surrounding areas.

Areas scoring an overall MODERATE vulnerability include the intact portions of vegetation tend to have a moderate sensitivity score.

Areas scoring an overall HIGH to VERY HIGH vulnerability includes areas having a Critically Endangered or Endangered conservation status, or critical ecological process and critical biodiversity areas.

iii

Vegetation and Flora Impacts

The proposed development is likely to have a number of impacts on the plants and plant communities within the site. The three key impacts are: (a) loss of habitat; (b) loss of species of special concern or SSC habitat and (c) reduction or changes to ecological processes/functioning. These can be further subdivided into sub-impacts as follows:

A. Issue 1: Direct loss of natural vegetation habitat as a result of vegetation clearing for servitude; 1. Direct loss of habitat; 2. Direct loss of Rocky Refugia; 3. Direct loss of Thicket or Forest vegetation in drainage lines 4. Direct loss of Riparian vegetation along drainage lines 5. Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation

B. Issue 2: Direct loss of Species of Special Concern and associated habitat: 6. Loss of habitat for species of special concern; 7. Loss of Species of Special Concern

C. Issue 3: Ecological Process Changes 8. Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines; 9. Clearing of alien invasives from within the servitude and drainage lines.

1. Disruptions to Ecological Processes as a result of habitat fragmentation

In summary, the overall the development of the project is predicted to result in a negative impact of very low to medium significance.

The following key conclusions are reached regarding impacts on flora:

In general the servitude passes through degraded and transformed vegetation, with segments passing through areas of intact and near intact vegetation;

Only Langkloof Shale Renosterveld is present within the Powerline servitude, which has a NBA (2011) conservation status of Critically Endangered;

The proposed activity will NOT result in the clearing of greater than 300 square meters of Critically Endangered Langkloof Shale Renosterveld and a permit in terms of section 57(1) of NEMBA is NOT required to carry out 'restricted activities' (including uprooting, damaging, destroying specimens) of listed threatened or protected species (as listed in terms of section 56 of NEMBA).

As part of the EMP, an ECO/ESO should be appointed to manage the identification and relocation of Species of Special Concern and management of vegetation clearing and subsequent revegetation and rehabilitation. A detailed EMP should be compiled to address these issues before construction commences.

It is recommended that individual screening is undertaken as part of the construction phase EMP for the areas identified as having elevated sensitivities, including drainage lines and river crossings with intact Thicket and areas with intact Langkloof Shale Renosterveld to micro-site the pylons in order to minimise impact.

Some ephemeral/temporary wetlands, pans and dams occur within or adjacent to the powerline servitude. No powerline pylons should be sited within wetlands, pans and dams and a 32 m exclusion buffer should be placed around these features. Suitable management of these must be addressed in the EMP to minimise impacts during the construction phase, relating particularly to siltation due to soil erosion and permanent changes to drainage lines that may alter wetland processes.

Care should be taken that no power line pylons are sited in wetlands and temporary seasonal pans (32 m exclusion zone around these features). Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWAF.

iv

Powerlines passing through riverine thicket/forest patches should be sited such that impacts to this vegetation is minimised.

The substations must avoid any wetland areas (including seasonal wetlands, pans and seeps), other sensitive vegetation (thicket and forest), drainage lines and riparian vegetation along river banks. Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWAF.

No powerline pylons should be placed within the 1:50 year flood line or on flood plains that may be susceptible to future flooding.

v

Indemnity and conditions relating to this project

The findings, results, observations, conclusions and recommendations given in this report are based on the author’s best scientific and professional knowledge as well as available information. The report is based on survey and assessment techniques which are limited by time and budgetary constraints relevant to the type and level of investigation undertaken and the author reserves the right to modify aspects of the report including the recommendations if and when new information may become available from ongoing research or further work in this field, or pertaining to this investigation.

Although the author exercises due care and diligence in rendering services and preparing documents, he accepts no liability, and the client, by receiving this document, indemnifies the author against all actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with services rendered, directly or indirectly by the author and by the use of this document.

Copyright

This report must not be altered or added to without the prior written consent of the author. This also refers to electronic copies of this report which are supplied for the purposes of inclusion as part of other reports, including main reports. Similarly, any recommendations, statements or conclusions drawn from or based upon this report must make reference to this report. If these form part of a main report relating to this investigation or report, this report must be included in its entirety as an appendix or separate section to the main report.

Limitations of the study

A number of limitations affect the compilation of the report including:

No assessment has been made of ecological aspects relating to wetlands, pans and rivers/seeps outside of the scope of this botanical report.

Botanical Assessments based on a limited sampling time may not reflect species composition completely, but has been supplemented with desktop based distribution data.

vi

Definitions and terminology used in this report:

Annual: Completing the cycle from seed to death in one year or season.

Arboreal: Living in trees

Biennial: Completing the cycle from seed to death in two years or seasons.

Boundary: Landscape patches have a boundary between them which can be defined or fuzzy (Sanderson and Harris 2000). The zone composed of the edges of adjacent ecosystems is the boundary.

Composition: refers to the number of patch types (see below) represented on a landscape, and their relative abundance.

Connectivity: the measure of how connected or spatially continuous a corridor, network, or matrix is. For example, a forested landscape (the matrix) with fewer gaps in forest cover (open patches) will have higher connectivity.

Corridors: have important functions as strips of a particular type of landscape differing from adjacent land on both sides.

Disturbance: an event that significantly alters the pattern of variation in the structure or function of a system, while fragmentation is the breaking up of a habitat, ecosystem, or land-use type into smaller parcels. Disturbance is generally considered a natural process.

ECO/ESO: Environmental Site/Control Officer – person responsible for the Day-to-Day Environmental Management on-site during construction.

Ecocline: a type of landscape boundary, with a gradual and continuous change in environmental conditions of an ecosystem or community. Ecoclines help explain the distribution and diversity of organisms within a landscape because certain organisms survive better under certain conditions, which change along the ecocline. They contain heterogeneous communities which are considered more environmentally stable than those of ecotones.

Ecological processes: Ecological processes are the interactions between plants, animals and the non-living components of the environment like climate or rocks. These processes are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the long-term persistence of biodiversity.

Ecosystem: All of the organisms of a particular habitat, such as a lake or forest, together with the physical environment in which they live

Ecotone: the transitional zone between two communities. Ecotones can arise naturally, such as a lakeshore, or can be human-created, such as a cleared agricultural field from a forest. The ecotonal community retains characteristics of each bordering community and often contains species not found in the adjacent communities. Classic examples of ecotones include fencerows; forest to marshlands transitions; forest to grassland transitions; or land-water interfaces such as riparian zones in forests. Characteristics of ecotones include vegetational sharpness, physiognomic change, and occurrence of a spatial community mosaic, many exotic species, ecotonal species, spatial mass effect, and species richness higher or lower than either side of the ecotone.

Edge: the portion of an ecosystem near its perimeter, where influences of the adjacent patches can cause an environmental difference between the interior of the patch and its edge. This edge effect includes a distinctive species composition or abundance in the outer part of the landscape patch. For example, when a landscape is a mosaic of perceptibly different types, such as a forest adjacent to a grassland, the edge is the location where the two types adjoin. In a continuous landscape, such as a forest giving way to open woodland, the exact edge location is fuzzy and is sometimes determined by a local gradient exceeding a threshold, such as the point where the tree cover falls below thirty-five percent.

Emergent trees: Trees that grow above the top of the canopy

Endemic: Referring to a species that is native to a particular place and found nowhere else.

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Exotic: Non-indigenous; introduced from elsewhere, may also be a weed or invasive species.

Fragmentation: causes land transformation, an important current process in landscapes as more and more development occurs.

Function: refers to how each element in the landscape interacts based on its life cycle events.

Heterogeneity: A landscape with structure and pattern implies that it has spatial heterogeneity or the uneven, non-random distribution of objects across the landscape.

Indigenous: Native; naturally occurring.

Invasive: a non-indigenous plant or animal species that adversely affect the habitats it invades economically, environmentally or ecologically.

Matrix: the “background ecological system” of a landscape with a high degree of connectivity.

Network: an interconnected system of corridors while mosaic describes the pattern of patches, corridors and matrix that form a landscape in its entirety.

Patch: a term fundamental to landscape ecology, is defined as a relatively homogeneous area that differs from its surroundings. Patches are the basic unit of the landscape that change and fluctuate, a process called patch dynamics. Patches have a definite shape and spatial configuration, and can be described compositionally by internal variables such as number of trees, number of tree species, height of trees, or other similar measurements.

Pattern: is the term for the contents and internal order of a heterogeneous area of land.

Refuge: a location of an isolated or relict population of a once widespread animal or plant species

Rill: A very small stream of water

Riparian: pertaining to, situated on or associated with a river bank

Shrub: A woody plant that produces no trunk but branches from the base.

STEP: Sub-Tropical Ecosystem Planning.

Structure: is determined by the composition, the configuration, and the proportion of different patches across the landscape.

Sustainable: The term ‘sustainable’ in relation to biological resources is defined as ‘sustainable’ in relation to the use of a biological resource, means the use of such resource in a way and at a rate that:

o would not lead to its long term decline o would not disrupt the ecological integrity of the ecosystem in which it occurs and o would ensure its continued use to meet the needs and aspirations of present and

future generations of people.

Tributary/Drainage line: A small stream or river flowing into a larger one.

Weed: an indigenous or non-indigenous plant that grows and reproduces aggressively, usually a ruderal pioneer of disturbed areas. Weeds may be unwanted because they are unsightly, or they limit the growth of other plants by blocking light or using up nutrients from the soil. They also can harbour and spread plant pathogens.

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND 13

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE 13

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT THAT POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE IMPACTS ON THE VEGETATION AND FLORA 13

1.3 LAWS AND POLICIES RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 14

1.3.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108, 1996), article 24 (b) – (c) 14

1.3.2 National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998) 14

1.3.3 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 15

1.3.4 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 15

1.3.5 National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) (DEAT 2005) 16

1.3.6 Draft National Strategy for Sustainable Development (DEAT 2006) 16

1.3.7 Provincial Growth and Development Strategy Green Paper (Department of the Premier 2006) 16

1.3.8 National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) 2004 (Driver et al 2005) 17

1.3.9 Environment Conservation Act and Regulations GN154 17

1.3.10 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 and Conservation of Agricultural Resources Regulations. 18

1.3.11 Forest Act 122 of 1984 18

1.3.12 National Forests Act 84 of 1998 18

1.3.13 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO) of 1974 18

1.3.14 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA) 18

1.4 RELEVANT AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS 19

1.4.1 National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection according to National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (act no. 10 of 2004) 19

1.5 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 19

1.5.1 Site Location 19

1.5.2 Site Topography 20

CHAPTER 2: REGIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORKS 21

2.1 REGIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK 21

2.1.1 Vegetation of Southern Africa 21

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2.1.2 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA: 2011) 25

2.1.3 Bioregional Plans, Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Process Areas 26

2.1.4 Biodiversity offsets 26

2.2 PROTECTED PLANTS 26

CHAPTER 3: VEGETATION DESCRIPTION AND FLORAL COMPOSITION 27

3.1 ECOLOGICAL STATE AND SENSITIVITY OF VEGETATION 27

3.1.1 Perceived Reference State (PRS) 27

3.1.2 Present Ecological State (PES) 27

3.1.3 Intactness 31

3.1.4 Alien Invasion 31

3.1.5 Degradation 31

3.1.6 Overall Vulnerability score 32

3.1.7 Protection status and Species of Special Concern 37

3.1.8 Alien Invasive Plant species 38

3.1.9 Potential Trade-offs and Biodiversity Offsets 38

CHAPTER 4: PREDICTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 39

4.1 INTRODUCTION 39

4.2 NATURAL HABITATS AND BIODIVERSITY THREATS 39

4.3 EXISTING IMPACTS 39

4.4 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIONS 39

4.5 GENERAL IMPACT RATING SCALE FOR SPECIALISTS/ BASELINE DATA 40

4.5.1 The Severity/ Beneficial Scale 40

4.5.2 Spatial and Temporal Scales 41

4.5.3 The Degree of Certainty and the Likelihood Scale 42

4.5.4 The Environmental Significance Scale 42

4.5.5 Absence of Data 43

4.6 IDENTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 43

4.6.1 Direct loss of habitat 44

4.6.2 Direct loss of Rocky Refugia; 44

4.6.3 Direct loss of Thicket or Forest Vegetation along drainage lines; 44

4.6.4 Direct loss of Riparian vegetation along drainage lines 44

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4.6.5 Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation 45

4.6.6 Loss of habitat for species of special concern 45

4.6.7 Loss species of special concern 45

4.6.8 Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines and along cleared servitude45

4.6.9 Clearing of alien invasives from within the site and drainage lines 46

4.6.10 Disruptions to Ecological Processes as a result of habitat fragmentation 46

4.6.11 Cumulative Impacts 46

4.6.12 Assessment of the reversibility of impact 46

4.6.13 Assessment of the degree to which the impact causes irreplaceable loss of resources 46

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 48

5.1 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 48

5.2 REHABILITATION POTENTIAL AND PROCESSES 49

5.2.1 Rehabilitation Objective 49

5.2.2 Rehabilitation Plan 49

5.2.3 Monitoring and Reporting 50

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 50

5.3.1 No Go Areas 50

5.3.2 Alien vegetation clearing 50

5.3.3 River crossings 51

5.3.4 Search and Rescue of SSC 51

CHAPTER 6: REFERENCES 52

CHAPTER 7: MAPS 53

List of Figures Figure 1-1: Powerline Route between the western Melkhoutkraal and eastern Dieprivier substations. .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Figure 2.1: Vegetation units and conservation status (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006). ...................... 22

Figure 3.1: Dieprivier Substation.......................................................................................................... 27

Figure 3.2: Intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld along route near Dieprivier. ................................ 27

Figure 3.3: Transformed Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld near Dieprivier. ....................................... 28

Figure 3.4: Dense Thicket along drainage lines near Dieprivier. .......................................................... 28

Figure 3.5: Dense Thicket along drainage lines surrounded by cultivated lands near Dieprivier. ....... 28

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Figure 3.6: Existing servitude adjacent to new route in intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld adjacent to cultivated lands along the N2. ........................................................................................... 28

Figure 3.7: Close-up of existing servitude in intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld adjacent to the N2. ......................................................................................................................................................... 28

Figure 3.8: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope near Humansdorp. ................ 28

Figure 3.9: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope outside Humansdorp. ........... 29

Figure 3.10: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope outside Humansdorp. ......... 29

Figure 3.11: Servitude traversing degraded and transformed area in Humansdorp. .......................... 29

Figure 3.12: Melkhout substation north of Humansdorp. .................................................................... 29

Figure 3-13: Intact drainage lines crossings mostly transformed Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos. ... 30

Figure 3-14: Intact Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos interspersed with cultivated lands. ................... 30

Figure 3-15: Remnant Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld. ..................................................................... 31

Figure 3-16: Predominantly transformed Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld ....................................... 31

Figure 3.17: Overall terrestrial vegetation habitat and vulnerabilities for the servitude. ................... 33

List of Tables Table 3.1: Summary of Present Ecological State indicators of the study area. .................................... 33

Table 3.2: Species having protection status under PNCO, NFA or IUCN occurring in the area. ........... 37

Table 3.3: Alien Invasive plants and common weeds present and CARA classification. ...................... 38

Table 4.1: Impact summary table. ........................................................................................................ 47

List of Maps Map 1: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (Overview). ............................................................................................ 54

Map 2: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (West). ................................................................................................... 55

Map 3: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (Central)................................................................................................. 56

Map 4: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (East)...................................................................................................... 57

Map 5: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Subtropical Ecosystem Planning (STEP) unit classification. ..................................................................................... 58

Map 6: Topographical map with land use indicated. ............................................................................ 59

Map 7: Topographical map with land use indicated (West). ................................................................ 60

Map 8: Topographical map with land use indicated (Central). ............................................................ 61

Map 9: Topographical map with land use indicated (East). ................................................................. 62

Map 10: Map showing rivers and estuaries along the route. ............................................................... 63

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Map 11: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route relative to wetlands and dams. .............................. 64

Map 12: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (West). ................................................................................................................................................... 65

Map 13: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (Central). ............................................................................................................................................... 66

Map 14: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (East). .................................................................................................................................................... 67

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CHAPTER 1: Background

Mr Jamie Pote was sub-contracted by Arcus Gibb to undertake a terrestrial ecological assessment of the proposed Eskom Dieprivier to Melkhout (Humansdorp) 132 kV powerline in the Kouga Municipality. Site visits were conducted during March 2012.

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE

Identify and describe the conservation value and conservation planning frameworks relevant to this site (Regional Planning) for represented vegetation units.

Carry out fieldwork to locate and describe the terrestrial vegetation on the study area, key focus on the impact footprint(s) for sensitive sites. No faunal assessments will be undertaken within the scope of this study.

Determine the species present and localities within each vegetation types.

Determine whether the study area falls wholly or partially within the distribution range of species listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Protected, IUCN Red Listed or Endemic.

Provide a description of the current state of the vegetation on site supported by relevant photographs and maps.

Provide a detailed vegetation sensitivity map of the site, including mapping of disturbance and transformation on site.

Describe the areas where indigenous vegetation has been transformed.

Determine alien species present; their distribution within the study area and recommended management actions.

Note and record the position of unusually large specimens of trees, where applicable.

Identify and rate potential impacts, outline mitigatory measures and outline additional management guidelines.

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) recommendations relating to flora and vegetation, including generic rehabilitation and revegetation guideline will be provided in the report.

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT THAT POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE IMPACTS ON THE VEGETATION AND FLORA

The key components of the project and their respective impacts upon the terrestrial vegetation and floral environment are as follows:

Component Ecological impacts

Powerline

Powerline construction will require clearing of The terrestrial environment will be impacted

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Component Ecological impacts

vegetation within the development footprint where vegetation clearing is required

Pylons

The installation of pylons will require footprint clearing during installation

The terrestrial environment will be impacted where vegetation clearing is required for hard standing areas, resulting in removal of habitat, associated fauna and flora

Roads

Unsurfaced access roads to pylon structures will be required, where existing roads are not present

The terrestrial environment will be impacted where vegetation clearing is required for road construction, resulting in loss of habitat and associated fauna and flora

Temporary activities during construction

Construction related lay down or storage areas, including work areas around the servitude, and other infrastructure related activities

The terrestrial environment will be impacted where vegetation clearing is required for any temporary hard-standing areas. This may be of a temporary nature and post construction rehabilitation may be possible

1.3 LAWS AND POLICIES RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Relevant administrative, legal and policy requirements which the developer will be responsible for carrying out during the construction and operation of the development:

1.3.1 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108, 1996), article 24 (b) – (c)

“everyone has the right to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”

1.3.2 National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998)

The National Environmental Management Act (Act 107, 1998) states in s2(4)(k) that "the environment is held in public trust for the people, the beneficial use of resources must serve the public interest and the environment must be protected as the people’s common heritage."

Section 2(4)(a) specifies that sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors including the following:

that the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;

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that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardised;

that a risk-averse and cautious approach is applied, which takes into account the limits of current knowledge about the consequences of decisions and actions

that negative impacts on the environment and on people’s environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented, are minimised and remedied;

that equitable access to environmental resources, benefits and services be pursued to meet basic human needs and ensure well-being. Special measures may be taken to ensure access by categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination

Section 28 imposes a ‘duty of care’ obligation for the environment on every person with regard to taking reasonable measures to prevent pollution or degradation of the environment or, where unavoidable, to minimize and rectify such pollution or degradation.

1.3.3 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004

The objectives of this Act are within the framework of the National Environmental Management Act, include:

The management and conservation of biological diversity within the Republic of South Africa and the components of such biological diversity

The use of indigenous biological resources in a sustainable manner; and

The fair and equitable sharing among stakeholders of benefits arising from bio prospecting involving indigenous biological resources; and

Giving effect to ratified international agreements relating to biodiversity which are binding on the Republic.

The Act, amongst others, provides the framework for biodiversity management and planning. Section 52 provides for the listing of threatened (critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) and protected ecosystems (of high conservation value or of high national or provincial importance although not listed as threatened) and for activities or processes within those ecosystems to be listed as ‘threatening processes’, thus triggering the need to comply with the NEMA EIA regulations. The Act establishes the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), with a range of functions and powers (Chapter 2 Part 1). It also provides for the listing, control and eradication of invasive species (currently the responsibility of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983).

1.3.4 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003

The objectives of this Act within the framework of the National Environmental Management Act, include the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa’s biological diversity and its natural landscapes and seascapes in order to:

Protect areas with significant natural features or biodiversity

Protect areas in need of long-term protection for the provision of environmental goods and services

Provide for sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet the needs of a local community; involvement of private landowners.

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The Act provides for the involvement of parties other than organs of State in the declaration and management of protected areas.

1.3.5 National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) (DEAT 2005)

Five main strategic objectives have been identified, namely:

Strategic Objective 1: An enabling policy and legislative framework integrates biodiversity management objectives into the economy.

Strategic Objective 2: Enhanced institutional effectiveness and efficiency ensures good governance in the biodiversity sector.

Strategic Objective 3: Integrated terrestrial and aquatic management across the country minimizes the impacts of threatening processes on biodiversity, enhances ecosystem services and improves social and economic security.

Strategic Objective 4: Human development and well-being is enhanced through sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of the benefits.

Strategic Objective 5: A network of protected areas conserves a representative sample of biodiversity and maintains key ecological processes across the landscape and seascape.

1.3.6 Draft National Strategy for Sustainable Development (DEAT 2006)

This Strategy stems from Section 24 (b) of the Constitution and particular the phrase “secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”.

Although still in development, the final product is set to be used by government and stakeholders to enhance South Africa’s long term planning capacity. It would specifically influence national and provincial development strategies, such as the National Spatial Development Perspective, the Provincial Growth and Development Strategies and other cross-sectoral development programmes.

The draft National Strategy notes that the nation’s biodiversity provides critical ecosystem services on which socioeconomic systems depend. Our ecosystems are the basis of our society and our economy; they provide vital services and are of great use and non-use value to society.

1.3.7 Provincial Growth and Development Strategy Green Paper (Department of the Premier 2006)

Economic growth is a prerequisite for boosting job creation, better quality human settlement and improved human well-being. The PGDS notes that:

Environmental integrity is 1 of 4 key pillars of the ‘shared growth and integrated development’ path to 2014, with growth, equity and empowerment.

Biodiversity embraces the richness in species as well as the wealth in endemic plants and animals. Protecting the natural resource base is essential to any economic and socially sustainable system, even when the full economic value of natural resources has not yet been calculated.

Biodiversity protection and the protection of ecological hot spots are internationally recognized imperatives governed by specific international agreements. Land cover change is the most significant driver or decline in ecosystem health.

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The Strategy aims for a 50% improvement in environmental condition by 2014 (through urban edge and other guidelines, target is to reduce biodiversity loss and urban/agricultural land encroachment).

1.3.8 National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) 2004 (Driver et al 2005)

The NSBA establishes status for terrestrial, inland water, estuarine and marine ecosystems, protection levels and conservation priorities at a 1: 250000 scale nationally and suggested implementation options for priority areas. It provides the national context for development of biodiversity plans at the sub-national and local scale. For each vegetation type a defensible target has been determined, based on protecting 75% of species occurring in that vegetation type. Ecosystem status is thus based on the percentage of the original area remaining untransformed in relation to the biodiversity target, and a threshold for ecosystem functioning. Conservation priority areas indicate where there is a need for finer scale planning, expansion of the protected area system and integration of biodiversity-compatible development and resource management across the landscape and seascape, including on private and communal land.

1.3.9 Environment Conservation Act and Regulations GN154

Development must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Sustainable development requires the consideration of inter alia the following factors:

o that pollution and degradation of the environment is avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimised and remedied;

o that waste is avoided, or where it cannot be altogether avoided, minimised and re-used or recycled where possible and otherwise disposed of in a responsible manner;

o that the use and exploitation of non-renewable natural resources is responsible and equitable, and takes into account the consequences of the depletion of the resource;

o that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the eco-systems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardised; and

o that negative impacts on the environment and on peoples’ environmental rights be anticipated and prevented, and where they cannot be altogether prevented are minimised and remedied.

Environmental management must place people and their needs at the forefront of its concern, therefore any environmental impacts resulting from the development activities are not distributed in such a manner as to unfairly discriminate against any persons, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged persons.

In terms of section 20, the developer is required to obtain a permit from DWAF in order to establish, provide or operate any waste disposal site within the boundaries of the property.

Where medical, hazardous or domestic wastes are to be removed from the site by contractors, the developer needs to place a contractual obligation on the contractor to dispose of the waste at a licensed site and to ensure that this is properly done.

The developer is required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for all projects listed as a Schedule 1 activity in the EIA regulations in order to control activities which might have a detrimental effect on the environment. Such activities will only be permitted with written authorisation from a competent authority.

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1.3.10 Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 and Conservation of Agricultural Resources Regulations.

In terms of section 6 of the Act, the Minister may prescribe control measures with which all land users have to comply. The control measure may relate to the following:

the regulating of the flow pattern of run-off water;

the control of weeds and invader plants;

the restoration or reclamation of eroded land or land which is otherwise disturbed or denuded;

1.3.11 Forest Act 122 of 1984

Protected trees

The Forest Act provided for the protection of trees on private land by providing that ‘no person may cut, damage, destroy, disturb or remove any protected tree from the land in question, or collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any part or produce thereof’. The Minister was authorised, in respect of any land not forming part of a State forest, to declare a particular tree, a particular group of trees, or trees belonging to a particular species occurring on that land, to be a protected tree or trees (Appendix 6) Regulations published under the Act list 58 species of protected trees to which these prohibitions apply. Although the NFA has repealed the old Forest Act, the majority or regulations promulgated under the Act still remain in force until such time they are replaced by new regulations under the NFA.

1.3.12 National Forests Act 84 of 1998

Protected trees

The Minister may declare a tree, group of trees, woodland or a species of trees as protected. The Minister is required to publish a list of all species protected under this Act, an appropriate warning of the prohibitions set out and the consequences of its infringements, annually in the Government Gazette. The prohibitions provide that ‘ no person may cut, damage, disturb, destroy or remove any protected tree, or collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree, except under a licence granted by the Minister’.

1.3.13 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance (PNCO) of 1974

Protected indigenous plants in general are controlled under the relevant provincial Ordinances or Acts dealing with nature conservation. In the Eastern Cape the relevant statute is the 1974 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance. In terms of this Ordinance, a permit must be obtained from Department of Economic Affairs Environment and Tourism (DEAET) to remove or destroy any plants listed in the Ordinance.

1.3.14 National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, (NEMBA)

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) provides a suite of legal tools for biodiversity conservation outside protected areas, including listing of threatened or protected ecosystems, listing of threatened or protected species, bioregional plans and biodiversity management plans for ecosystems or species, and biodiversity management agreements. NEMBA provides for listing of threatened or protected ecosystems in one of the following categories:

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critically endangered (CR) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone severe degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention and are subject to an extremely high risk of irreversible transformation;

endangered (EN) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have undergone degradation of ecological structure, function .or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems;

vulnerable (VU) ecosystems, being ecosystems that have a high risk of undergoing significant degradation of ecological structure, function or composition as a result of human intervention, although they are not critically endangered ecosystems or endangered ecosystems;

protected ecosystems, being ecosystems that are of high conservation value or of high national or provincial importance, although they are not listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable

A schedule of national list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection was gazetted on 9 December 2011, as per section 52(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) based on the National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA) 2011, which supersedes the terrestrial ecosystem status results in the NSBA 2004.

1.4 RELEVANT AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

1.4.1 National list of ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection according to National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (act no. 10 of 2004)

The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act no. 10 of 2004), lists a single vegetation type as being affected:

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld (Endangered)

The Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld is present along route is fragmented and largely degraded and transformed as a result of cultivation. A few intact and semi-intact pockets remain where the line traverses.

GN R546: Activity 12. The clearance of an area of 300 square metres or more of vegetation where 75% or more of the vegetative cover constitutes indigenous vegetation.

(a) Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in terms of section 52 of NEMBA or prior to the publication of such a list, within an area that has been identified as critically endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;

The proposed activity will unlikely result in the clearing of greater than 300 square meters of Endangered Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld and a permit in terms of section 57(1) of NEMBA is NOT likely to be required to carry out 'restricted activities' (including uprooting, damaging, destroying specimens) of listed threatened or protected species (as listed in terms of section 56 of NEMBA).

1.5 DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

1.5.1 Site Location

The powerline runs from the Melkhoutkraal substation (slightly north-west of Kareedouw) to the Dieprivier substation between Kareedouw and Humansdorp within the Kouga Municipality.

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1.5.2 Site Topography

Starting from the Melkhoutkraal substation, the route crosses northward from the Kareedouwberge over the Kromme River and runs east along the southern slopes of the Suuranysberge to the Dieprivier substation, which is south of the Dieprivier. In general the topography is gently undulating to mountainous along the western portion, becoming flatter in the eastern section towards Dieprivier substation.

Figure 1-1: Powerline Route between the western Melkhoutkraal and eastern Dieprivier substations.

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CHAPTER 2: Regional Planning Frameworks

The Eastern Cape Province has highly diverse vegetation since it occupies an area where the biomes of South Africa converge (Rutherford and Westfall, 1994). As a result, the Eastern Cape vegetation is a mosaic of vegetation types, many of which have become severely threatened by development (Lubke et al., 1988, Low and Rebelo, 1996

2.1 REGIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK Current conservation status of the vegetation units at national, regional and local levels are as follows:

BIODIVERSITY PLANNING RESOURCE Vegetation Unit Status

The Vegetation of South Africa Lesotho and Swaziland (VegMap; Mucina & Rutherford, 2006)




Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment NSBA, 2004)




Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Biodiversity Assessment (2011)




Critically Endangered

Least threatened

Endangered

National Environmental Management Act: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA)

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld Endangered

Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Project (STEP)

Langkloof Fynbos


Kromme Fynbos/Renosterveld Mosaic

Vulnerable

Currently NOT Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Cape Action for People and the Environment (CAPE)


Kromme Fynbos / Renosterveld Mosaic N/A

Eastern Cape Biodiversity Conservation Plan (ECBCP)

CBA 2

Jumanji Game Farm

T2, T3

Private Game Reserve

2.1.1 Vegetation of Southern Africa

According to Mucina and Rutherford (2006; Figure 2.1), the dominant vegetation types present along the majority of the route is Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos (Least Threatened), and a central band of Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld. The line traverses a narrow band of Langkloof Shale Renosterveld (Critically Endangered) on the western side near the Dieprivier substation.

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Figure 2.1: Vegetation units and conservation status (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006).


NSBA Conservation Status: Least threatened

Distribution: Western and Eastern Cape Provinces: Between Uniondale and Uitenhage, generally surrounding FFs 27 Kouga Sandstone Fynbos at lower altitudes and often on northerly aspects. Along the lower flanks of the Kouga Mountains in the Langkloof north of Joubertina and the northern and lower slopes of the Suuranysberge to the low mountains and flats north of Humansdorp. Along the lower slopes of the Kouga and Baviaanspoort Mountains in Baviaanspoort as well as the northern slopes of the Baviaanspoort Mountains and the northern and lower slopes of the Groot Winterhoekberge, Elandsberge and Van Stadensberg including the valleys of the upper reaches of the Elands and Kwa-Zunga Rivers. Also on various ridges embedded in FRs 16 Uniondale Shale Renosterveld south to east of Willowmore including Antoniesberg and Witberg.

Altitude: 220–1 220 m, mainly 300–900 m (concentrated around 480–560 m).

Geology and Soils: Acidic lithosols derived from sandstones of the Table Mountain Group as well as quartzitic sandstones of the Witteberg Group (Nardouw subgroup). Glenrosa and Mispah forms prominent.

Vegetation & Landscape Features: Low shrubland with sparse, emergent tall shrubs and dominated by grasses in the undergrowth, or grassland scattered ericoid shrubs. The lower dry slopes, where leaching is less severe and nutrient levels are higher, support a higher grassy cover.

Conservation: Least threatened. Target 23%. About 20% conserved in wilderness and conservation areas including the Baviaanskloof, Berg Plaatz, Groendal, Guerna, Kouga, Welbedacht State Forest, and in Mierhoopplaat and Stinkhoutsberg Nature Reserves. About 2% in addition enjoy protection in private reserves such as Jumanji Game Farm, Rooi Banke Forest Reserve, Paardekop Game Farm, Thaba Manzi Game Farm, and in Beakosneck, Kouga and Sepree River Private Nature Reserves. Some

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9% transformed (cultivation) but in addition much transformed to grassy pasture by too frequent burning. Notable aliens include Pinus pinaster, Acacia cyclops and A. mearnsii.

Erosion: very low and low, but also high in some areas.

Important Taxa: Small tree: Protea nitida. Succulent Tree: Aloe ferox. Tall Shrubs: Aspalathus kougaensis, A. nivea, Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia. Low shrubs: Agathosma mucronulata, A. pilifera, A. puberula, A. spinosa, Aspalathus fourcadei, Cliffortia drepanoides, Clutia alaternoides, C. polifolia, Diosma prama, D. rourkei, Disparago ericoides, Erica demissa, E. pectinifolia, E. sparsa, E. thamnoides, Euryops euryopoides, Helichrysum teretifolium, Leucadendron salignum, Leucospermum cuneiforme, Otholobium carneum, Passerina obtusifolia, P. pendula, Phylica axillaris, P. lachneaeoides, Polygala myrtifolia, Protea foliosa, Pteronia incana, Stoebe plumosa, Tephrosia capensis. Herbs: Alepidea capensis, Centella virgata, Gazania krebsiana subsp. krebsiana, Helichrysum felinum, Knowltonia. Geophytic herbs: Bobartia orientalis subsp. orientalis, Geissorhiza roseoalba, Watsonia meriana. Graminoids: Anthochortus crinalis, Brachiaria serrata, Cannomois scirpoides, C. virgata, Cymbopogon marginatus, Digitaria eriantha, Diheteropogon filifolius, Eragrostis curvula, Heteropogon contortus, Hypodiscus albo-aristatus, H. striatus, H. synchroolepis, Ischyrolepis capensis, I. gaudichaudiana, Mastersiella purpurea, Melinis repens subsp. repens, Merxmuellera papposa, M. stricta, Pentameris distichophylla, Pentaschistis eriostoma, P. pallida, Restio triticeus, Rhodocoma fruticosa, Tetraria capillacea, T. cuspidata, T. fourcadei, T. involucrata, Thamnochortus fruticosus, Themeda triandra, Trachypogon spicatus, Tristachya leucothrix.

Endemic Taxa: Tall Shrub: Freylinia crispa. Low Shrubs: Argyrolobium parviflorum, A. trifoliatum, Cullumia cirsioides, Eriocephalus tenuipes, Euchaetis vallis-simiae, Sutera cinerea. Succulent Shrub: Lampranthus lavisii. Herbs: Annesorhiza thunbergii, Aster laevigatus, Centella didymocarpa, Peucedanum dregeanum. Geophytic Herbs: Cyrtanthus flammosus, C. labiatus, C. montanus, Gladiolus uitenhagensis. Succulent Herb: Gasteria glauca. Graminoid: Restio vallis-simius.

Suitability for powerline in terms of NSBA

Vegetation of this type is categorized as Least Threatened, and is most suited for activities ‘of limited extent' and powerline construction will have a limited and acceptable impact.

Existing roads and disturbances should preferably be selected and roads should not be constructed perpendicular to slopes, where erosion risk may be elevated.


NSBA Conservation status: Endangered

NBA Status: Endangered

Distribution: Eastern Cape Province: Three swathes: from Jeffreys Bay and Marina Glades near the coast inland past Humansdorp to the lower reaches of the Dieprivier near Two Streams; the Mondplaas/Mondhoek area near the mouth of the Gamtoos River stretching inland in a series of patches south of the Gamtoos River to west of Patensie; between thicket and fynbos types from Burghley Hills to Rocklands and the Dell to Nooitgedacht southwest of Uitenhage. Coastal forelands from Humansdorp to Port Elizabeth.

Altitude: 20–360 m.

Geology & Soils: Clay and loams derived from the Ceres Subgroup of the Bokkeveld Group shales. Plinthic catenas prominent.

Vegetation & Landscape Features: Best developed on loamy soils on open flats, mostly derived from sandstone and shale of the Baviaanskloof Formation but also those of the Ceres subgroup of formations. Characteristic is the abundance of Renosterbos (Elytropappus rhinocerotis), often with the grass component (Themeda triandra) well developed soon after a fire. Soon after a fire

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Aspalathus nivea also tends to be common here, along with other Fynbos elements (e.g. Erica glandulosa), but they are never dominant. Some species (e.g. Cyrtanthus wellandii, Delosperma patersoniae, and Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii) are endemic to this unit. Some parts of this may be of recent (< 300 years) origin as landowners seem to use fire to remove the Thicket vegetation to favour the palatable grass component. The subsequent frequent burning and heavy grazing of the grass component probably enabled Renosterbos to increase in density, to become the present dominant species in most of the areas. Aloe africana is often abundant in this unit, even in the matrix Renosterveld where it may act as a precursor for Thicket clumps, or alternatively be a remnant of the Thicket clumps.

Conservation: Endangered. Target 29%. None conserved in statutory conservation areas and only 6% enjoys protection on private land (Thaba Manzi and Lombardini Game Farms). Some 61% already transformed (cultivation).

Erosion: Very Low and Low.

Important Taxa: Succulent Tree: Aloe africana. Tall Shrubs: Cliffortia strobilifera, Metalasia densa, Morella serrata. Low Shrubs: Elytropappus rhinocerotis, Helichrysum anomalum, Oedera genistifolia, Anthospermum galioides, Barleria pungens, Chaetacanthus setiger, Clutia rubricaulis, Euryops munitus, Felicia filifolia, Hermannia flammea, Indigofera denudata, I. heterophylla, Lotononis acuminata, Metalasia aurea, Muraltia alopecuroides, Passerina rubra, Pelargonium sidoides, Tephrosia capensis, Herbaceous climber: Thunbergia capensis. Herbs: Arctotis acaulis, Berkheya heterophylla, Centella asiatica, Gazania linearis, Gerbera piloselloides, Helichrysum nudifolium, Hibiscus pusillus, Senecio othonniflorus. Geophytic Herbs: Bobartia orientalis, Geissorhiza heterostyla, Ledebouria cooperi, Oxalis punctata, O. smithiana, Satyrium membranaceum. Graminoids: Eustachys paspaloides, Themeda triandra, Aristida junciformis, Brachiaria serrata, Cymbopogon marginatus, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis capensis, E. curvula, Ficinia nigrescens, F. tristachya, Merxmuellera disticha, Paspalum dilatatum, Pentaschistis pallida, Restio tetragonus, Sporobolus africanus, Tribolium hispidum, Tristachya leucothrix.

Endemic Taxa: Succulent Shrubs: Delosperma patersoniae, Trichodiadema fourcadei. Geophytic Herb: Cyrtanthus wellandii.


Vegetation of this type is categorized as Endangered (NBA: Critically Endangered), and any disturbance relating to powerline construction must be limited to unavoidable requirements.

Proposed disturbance should occur on sites which have already undergone disturbance or impacts rather than on sites that are undisturbed.

Where possible, existing roads servicing the current servitude must be used and pylon footprints must be kept to a minimum and preferably target transformed or disturbed areas.

Where unavoidable, extreme care must be taken and any disturbance kept to an absolute minimum and post construction measures must be implemented ensure rapid and successful rehabilitation.

Any new roads must follow a two track rather than a graded configuration, especially where vegetation is intact and on slopes.


NSBA Conservation Status: Endangered

NBA Status (2011): Critically Endangered

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Distribution: Western and Eastern Cape. Narrow belt from Herold on the northern side of the Outenique Mountains to Kykoe, then descending along the upper reaches of the Keurbooms River, south of the Prince Alfred Pass, to Vleitjis se Berg; in the Langkloof Valley from Harmonie via Avontuuur to Haarlem and furhter from Krakeelrivier via Joubertina and Kareedouw to Salielaagte. Small outlier at Brandhoek northeast of Joubertina.

Altitude: 22 - 950 m.

Geology and Soils: A very narrow east-west distribution of clays and loams derived from shales of the Nardouw Subgroup of the Table Mountain Group as well as the Ceres Subgroup of the Bokkeveld Group. Prismacutanic and pedocutanic and Glenrosa and Mispah forms are prominent.

Vegetation and Landscape Features: Intermontane valleys and lower slopes with low, medium and dense graminoid, dense cupressoid-leaved shrubland, dominated by renosterbos and surrounded by fynbos.

Conservation: Endangered. Target 29%. None conserved in statutory or private conservation areas. Some 61 % transformed (mainly fruit orchards and pastures). Important woody aliens are Hakea sericea and Pinus pinaster.

Erosion: Very Low and Low.

Important taxa: Tall Shrubs: Metalasia densa, Passerina corymbosa. Low shrubs: Anthospermum aethiopicum, A. galioides subsp. galioides, Argyrolobium pauciflorum, Aspalathus nigra, Chaetacanthus setiger, Eriocephalus africanus, Helichrysum anomalum, H. teretifolium, Hermannia flammea, Indigofera denudata, Passerina rubra, Pentzia dentata, Selago mediocris, Senecio hollandii. Herb: Hibiscus pusillus, Herbaceous Climber: Thunbergia capensis. Graminoids: Brachiaria serrata, Cymbopogon marginatus, Cynodon dactylon, Ehrharta calycina, E. capensis, Festuca scabra, Ficinia tristachya, Helictotrichon hirtulum, Merxmuellera stricta, Pentaschistis angustifolia, Sporobolus africanus, Themeda triandra.

Endemic taxa: Herb: Senecio euryopoides


Vegetation of this type is categorized as Endangered (NBA: Critically Endangered), and any disturbance relating to powerline construction must be limited to unavoidable requirements.

Proposed disturbance must occur on sites which have already undergone disturbance or impacts rather than on sites that are undisturbed.

Where possible, existing roads servicing the current servitude must be used and pylon footprints must be kept to a minimum and preferably target transformed or disturbed areas.

Where unavoidable, extreme care must be taken and any disturbance kept to an absolute minimum and post construction measures must be implemented ensure rapid and successful rehabilitation.

Any new roads must follow a two track rather than a graded configuration, especially where vegetation is intact and on slopes.

2.1.2 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA: 2011)

The NBA 2011 assesses the state of South Africa’s biodiversity, across terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine environments, emphasising spatial (mapped) information for both ecosystems and species. It synthesises key aspects of South Africa’s biodiversity science, making it available in a useful form to policymakers, decision-makers and practitioners in a range of sectors.

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The NBA is central to fulfilling SANBI’s mandate in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) to monitor and report regularly on the state of biodiversity, and includes two headline indicators that are assessed across all environments: ecosystem threat status and ecosystem protection level. The NBA 2011 also deals with species of special concern and invasive alien species, presents new work on geographic areas that contribute to climate change resilience, and provides a summary of spatial biodiversity priority areas that have been identified through systematic biodiversity plans at national, provincial and local scales.

Implications

The only vegetation unit indicated in the NBA as needing special attention is Langkloof Shale Renosterveld (Critically Endangered) could be affected by the proposed powerline where it will be traversed by the route. Langkloof Shale Renosterveld will only be impacted upon near the Melkhoutkraal and Dieprivier substations, and it tends to be transformed in these areas so the impact will be negligible.

2.1.3 Bioregional Plans, Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Process Areas

No Bioregional Plans have yet been compiled for this area, and no designated Critical Biodiversity Areas or Ecological Process Areas are affected by the proposed powerline. Ecological process areas represent areas that, when functioning ecologically, will serve to sustain evolutionary processes.

2.1.4 Biodiversity offsets

Where land uses are proposed that will have a negative impact on biodiversity, such impacts must be assessed, minimised via a "planning with nature" approach, and mitigated to the greatest extent possible. Mitigation measures are extensively utilised in order to reduce the biodiversity impacts of developments or change in land use from a natural state. However, in many instances the impacts on biodiversity will be such that mitigatory measures will be inadequate. Under such conditions the application of biodiversity offsets is generally the most appropriate response. To date, biodiversity offsets have only been used in a few, isolated cases in the municipality, but due to the extent of habitat loss during the last five years, the utilisation of biodiversity offsets is expected to increase substantially (Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, 2007).

Biodiversity off sets are "conservation actions intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity caused by development projects, so as to ensure 'no net loss' of biodiversity".

The key issue is that biodiversity offsets should only be triggered if residual impacts of a medium or higher significance are identified. No Biodiversity offset triggers are indicated in this case

2.2 PROTECTED PLANTS

In terms of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998) and Government Notice 1339 of 6 August 1976 (promulgated under the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984) for protected tree species), the removal, relocation or pruning of any protected plants will require a license (Refer relevant Appendix) from DAFF. DAFF must be involved in the EIA application process.

Protected indigenous plants in general are controlled under the relevant provincial Ordinances or Acts dealing with nature conservation. In the Eastern Cape the relevant statute is the 1974 Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance no 19 (PNCO). In terms of this Ordinance, a permit must be obtained from DEDEA to remove or destroy any plants listed in the Ordinance.

Threatened or Protected Species (T.o.P.S.): Permits must be obtained from DEDEA or respective conservation office.

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CHAPTER 3: VEGETATION DESCRIPTION AND FLORAL COMPOSITION

Within the servitude, a number of distinct vegetation communities were observed, with some variation, at a community level.

3.1 ECOLOGICAL STATE AND SENSITIVITY OF VEGETATION

3.1.1 Perceived Reference State (PRS)

Most of the route traverses Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos and Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld, with a narrow band of Langkloof Shale Renosterveld near the Dieprivier substation. The route also passed over or in the vicinity of a few of wetlands perennial and non-perennial streams and drainage lines.

The perceived reference state of the vegetation is intact natural vegetation, as per Vegetation of Southern Africa (Mucina and Rutherford, 2006) described above.

3.1.2 Present Ecological State (PES)

Present Ecological State has been assessed for the key vegetation types found within the route. A summary of factors assessed is provided in Table 3.1. Historical agriculture related land-use have resulted in degradation of portions of the route, most notably as a result of crop and pasture cultivation in flat, lower lying areas, and to some extent from regular burning of grazing areas on mountain and hill slopes (refer to Figure 3.1 to Figure 3.12).

Figure 3.1: Dieprivier Substation. Figure 3.2: Intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld along route near Dieprivier.

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Figure 3.3: Transformed Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld near Dieprivier.

Figure 3.4: Dense Thicket along drainage lines near Dieprivier.

Figure 3.5: Dense Thicket along drainage lines surrounded by cultivated lands near Dieprivier.

Figure 3.6: Existing servitude adjacent to new route in intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld adjacent to

cultivated lands along the N2.

Figure 3.7: Close-up of existing servitude in intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld adjacent to the N2.

Figure 3.8: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope near Humansdorp.

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Figure 3.9: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope outside Humansdorp.

Figure 3.10: Servitude traversing a stand of invasive species on a slope outside Humansdorp.

Figure 3.11: Servitude traversing degraded and transformed area in Humansdorp.

Figure 3.12: Melkhout substation north of Humansdorp.


The predominant vegetation unit along the eastern portion of the servitude, with large areas transformed as a result of intensive cultivation, where intensive agricultural disturbances have not been excluded due to shallower soils and steep slopes.

Incised drainage lines fragment the hilly terrain periodically bisect the area and these tend to be vegetated with either a taller Fynbos or where protected from fire or a thicket/forest community often becomes established (Figure 3-13 & Figure 3-14).

Regular burning has altered composition in some areas which could be described as near-natural, but large parts still relatively natural and intact.

Working for water has been very active in recent years in the Kromme River catchment area, and large areas have been successfully cleared of dense alien infestations.

Remnant invasion tends to be scattered and at low densities. Some isolated dense clumps of exotic trees (such as Bluegums and Wattle) are present along the proposed route and will require removal before the powerline can be installed.

NBA (2011) Conservation Status: Least Threatened

Implications: Due to the low conservation status of the unit and the presence of the existing powerline servitude directly adjacent to the proposed route, the impact to the vegetation unit,

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which encompass the majority of the proposed powerline route, will be negligible. In drainage lines, where forest and thicket has developed, the lines must be strung over without clearing of vegetation, especially trees and riparian vegetation. No new access roads should be permitted unless no alternative options are possible.

Figure 3-13: Intact drainage lines crossings mostly

transformed Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos.

Figure 3-14: Intact Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos

interspersed with cultivated lands.


The predominant vegetation unit along the central portion of the servitude, with large areas transformed as a result of intensive cultivation, where intense agricultural disturbances have not been excluded due to shallower soils and steep slopes.

Incised drainage lines fragment the hilly terrain periodically and these tend to be vegetated with either a taller Fynbos or where protected from fire a thicket/forest community often becomes established (Figure 3-15 & Figure 3-16).

Regular burning has altered composition in some areas which could be described as near-natural, but large parts still relatively natural and intact.

Some alien invasion present at scattered and low densities. Some isolated dense clumps of exotic trees (such as Bluegums and Wattle) are present along the proposed route, including drainage lines and will require removal before the powerline can be installed.

NBA (2011) Conservation Status: Endangered

Implications: Due to the elevated conservation status of the unit the route could potentially result in a significant loss of habitat within this unit. However, the presence of the existing powerline servitude directly adjacent to the proposed route, the impact to the vegetation unit, , will be negligible. In drainage lines, where forest and thicket has developed, the lines must be strung over without clearing of vegetation, especially trees and riparian vegetation. Unless existing roads already cross these areas, they should not be traversed by vehicles during construction or operational maintenance. No new access roads should be permitted unless no alternative options are possible.

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Figure 3-15: Remnant Humansdorp Shale

Renosterveld.

Figure 3-16: Predominantly transformed


3.1.3 Intactness

Three basic classes are differentiated as follows:

Low: < 25 % of original vegetation has been removed or lost; and/or no species of special concern present that are critically endangered, endangered or highly localised endemicity.

Moderate: 25 - 75 % of original vegetation has been removed/lost; and or presence of species of special concern but not having high conservation status or high levels of endemicity.

High: > 75 % of original vegetation has been removed or lost; and or presence of species with a highly endemicity and or high conservation status (endangered or critically endangered).

3.1.4 Alien Invasion

Three classes are differentiated as follows:

Low: no or few scattered individuals;

Moderate: individual clumps of invasives present, but cover less than 50% or original area;

High: dense, impenetrable stands of invasives present, or cover > 50 % of area with substantial loss functioning. Rehabilitation will most likely require specialised techniques over an extended time period (> 5 years).

3.1.5 Degradation

Overall Degradation is determined from the above alien invasion and intactness scores, according to the following matrix:

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Intactness Invasion

Low Moderate High

Low Pristine Near Pristine Moderately Degraded

Moderate Near Pristine Moderately Degraded Severely Degraded

High Moderately Degraded Severely Degraded Transformed

3.1.6 Overall Vulnerability score

Overall vulnerability (or Sensitivity) of the vegetation within the site is calculated according to the following matrix which combines degradation and overall conservation status of the vegetation units of the site (Figure 3.17 and Error! Reference source not found.).

Degradation Conservation Status

Least Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered

Severely degraded/

Transformed Low Low Moderate Moderate - High

Moderately

degraded Low Moderate High High

Ecologically Pristine

or near Pristine Moderate

Moderate -

High High Very High (No-Go area)

Areas scoring an overall LOW Vulnerability are those areas that are:

includes areas that have a low conservation status (Least Threatened).

highly degraded or transformed and it is unlikely that they could be rehabilitated to a normal functioning ecological state without extreme effort and expense.

Includes the predominant Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos areas.

This includes the portions of the site that are associated with extensive blanket vegetation clearing for agriculture, or where there is very dense alien infestation. Loss of these areas are unlikely to significantly compromise the current conservation status of the vegetation unit, unless part of a designated critical biodiversity or ecological support area.

Powerline portions that pass through areas that are degraded or are non-restorable such as agricultural lands and adjacent to road servitudes.

Areas scoring an overall MODERATE Vulnerability are those areas that:

have moderate, low or no alien infestation, or where forest/thicket occurs across drainage lines;

contain intact (pristine) to moderately intact (near pristine) habitat with a Vulnerable or lower conservation score and minimal disruptions to ecological functioning.

On site the areas where drainage lines are crossed and wetlands as tends to have a moderate sensitivity score.

Powerline portions that pass through intact or partially degraded vegetation with an elevated conservation status, where impacts to vegetation will be restricted to pylon footprints; or areas where species of special concern may be present and some loss of habitat may occur.

Areas scoring an overall High and Very Vulnerability are those having:

an important ecological function (including ephemeral wetland pans), having specialized habitats (rocky outcrops with associated specialised flora and/or fauna) or erosion prone steep slopes;

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a critically endangered or an endangered conservation status where ecological processes have NOT been irreversibly compromised (intact Langkloof Shale Renosterveld).

Powerline portions that pass through intact forest/thicket or woody vegetation and on major drainage line crossings where clearing of vegetation may be required between pylons; as well as vegetation deemed to be more sensitive (Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld) or likely to have species of special concern present are classed as High. Intact Areas with Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld are classed as High.

Figure 3.17: Overall terrestrial vegetation habitat and vulnerabilities for the servitude.

Table 3.1: Summary of Present Ecological State indicators of the study area.

Aspect Description

Landscape Description

Aspect, Slope, Topography

Variable, undulating hills in the west becoming flat towards the east in the vicinity of Humansdorp

Substrate Generally rocky Sandstone and Shale.

Community Description

Vegetation units Predominantly Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos and Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld. Thicket/Forest elements present in drainage lines, some having alien invasives present.

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Aspect Description

Transformed vegetated with common grasses, ruderal weeds and pioneer thicket species.

Total Cover (%) > 90 %

Tree Canopy Cover (%)

< 10 % (small fynbos trees and forest/thicket along drainage lines)

Shrub Cover (%) ± 50 % (Intact Fynbos)

Herb Cover (%) ± 5 % (Intact Fynbos)

Grass Cover (%) ± 50 % (Cultivated and disturbed areas and grassy fynbos communities)

Bare soil/rock (%) ± 10 % (Roads and other cleared areas)

Estimated Tree Height (m)

Predominantly < 5 m, but may be taller in drainage lines

Disturbances, current land uses and sources of degradation

Human disturbances/impacts

Large areas, especially where flat conditions and soils favourable for cultivation and other farming activities, access roads and fence lines.

Habitat fragmentation

Habitat moderately fragmented, including roads and fence lines

Invasive Alien Plants

Prickly Pear and various wattle and gum species present in the general area but tending to be localised throughout the route.

Relative remaining intact habitat:

Area with moderate remaining habitat outside of cultivated portions in hilly areas.

Grazing (livestock) Some livestock grazing evident, no substantial livestock noted during the site visit.

Hunting None evident during the site visits.

Conservation (flora)

No formalised conservation, private game farm (Jumanji) will be traversed in the vicinity of the Dieprivier substation. Outside of heavily cultivated areas, the general area is conducive to conservation farming.

Wetlands Some wetland features along the route.

Recreational (sport)

None noted, but hiking and similar activities common in the general area.

Sensitivities

Conservation A moderate to high conservation importance for Humansdorp Shale

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Aspect Description

importance Renosterveld, Low to Moderate for Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos

Topography Topography variable from flat to gently undulating with some hill slopes along the route

Rehabilitation potential

High for disturbed and invaded areas, Low for cultivated and transformed areas.

Community structure

Variable depending on level of degradation and land use, where intact structure is typical of fynbos and Renosterveld communities.

Patterns of Biodiversity

Flora Natural indigenous vegetation contains a number of flora species endemic to the region as discussed in relevant section of the report.

Fauna Provides habitat for a range of faunal species, a number of which are endemic to the region.

Indigenous Species of Special Concern

A number of endemic and protected species present (see Flora SSC tables)

Alien invasion The temporary loss of habitat has occurred where infestation occurs but would likely recover should removal and management be sustained in the short to medium term. Large areas have been cleared by working for water programme.

Ecological Processes

Barriers to gene dispersal

The erection of fences and roads may have prevented the movement of some fauna and hence plant propagules (i.e. as their agents of dispersal). Thicket tends to be bird-dispersed, so fences would not necessarily be a barrier.

Corridors for gene dispersal

Fences and utility structures (e.g. transmission lines, telephone lines) that act as perches for birds may be viewed as corridors for bird mediated seed dispersal (Thicket species). These may not follow the dispersal routes in the PRS (e.g. ridges, drainage lines).

Coastal dunes (mobile)

None present within the site.

Climatic gradients None

Drainage Lines/

Riparian Vegetation

Important from an ecological process perspective within the Kromme River catchment and associated drainage lines. Numerous wetlands present in the area.

Refugia Exposed rocky outcrops abundant within the area, and provide fire refuge for numerous Fynbos and Renosterveld species.

Fire The frequency of fires has probably changed significantly in relation to the PRS.

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Aspect Description

The frequency of fires in the study area is unknown, but probably moderate in Fynbos and Renosterveld. Forest and Thicket along drainage lines is known to be fire resistant.

Ecotones/Tension zones

Ecotones are present and important habitat for fauna and particularly fauna between tree clumps and fynbos areas.

Erosion Largely absent, except along roads on sloped areas. Some areas identified as requiring erosion management.

Carbon storage In general Fynbos and Renosterveld is a low Carbon Accumulator. Forest and Thicket is a moderate to high Carbon accumulator.

Medicinal plants Some medicinal plant species are present, but use/harvesting unknown. Numerous species in the area are known for their medicinal properties and some informal collecting is likely.

Food The value of the study area as a source of food is expected to be insignificant, with food plants being limited to a few tree species.

Fuelwood (availability)

No collection observed, although some alien clearing activities would have generated wood which may have been collected for fuelwood.

Building materials None observed, but historical use of large trees may have occurred for fencing and homestead construction in the area.

Grazing Grazing historically prevalent and likely to persist, mostly at low densities.

Conservation importance

Current Distribution (extent)

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld has a limited distribution, Other units tend to have a greater regional distribution

Relative Conservation importance

Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld has a limited distribution, and hence has a high regional conservation status.

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3.1.7 Protection status and Species of Special Concern

Within the study area a number of Protected flora are present:

Table 3.2: Species having protection status under PNCO, NFA or IUCN occurring in the area.

Botanical Name* Family Status** Regional Distribution/

Endemism+

*Highlighted Species are cited as being endemic to the vegetation units or region

** PNCO Protected by the Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance; NFA Protected by the National Forests Act of 1998

+EC - Eastern Cape, WC - Western Cape, KZN - Kwazulu-Natal,

Obtaining permission for the destruction or removal of protected species

It is recommended that before the clearing of the proposed site is authorized, the appropriate permission be obtained from the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) for the destruction of species protected by the Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1974 (PNCO).

In order to obtain permission to remove or destroy species occurring under the Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance a letter needs to be drafted and sent to DEDEA together with an application form. This letter must list the species that will be removed or destroyed and the reason for their removal or destruction.

These permits may be subject to certain conditions, for example allowing various nurseries to collect plants before vegetation clearance commences; the removal of certain species for rehabilitation purposes etc. These conditions will be drafted after the application has been received by DEDEA and a site visit has been undertaken.

All individuals of the protected indigenous species should firstly be avoided if possible, if not then secondly translocated or utilized during rehabilitation and landscaping. If this is not possible permits will be required to either trim or remove individuals.

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3.1.8 Alien Invasive Plant species

Alien Invasive Plants require removal according to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 (CARA).

Eradication protocol

Specific eradication and management procedures must be stipulated in the EMP as to the methods to be implemented to remove and control the various alien invasive species as they tend to require species specific techniques. Introduced weed species do not require removal but management is advised to prevent proliferation as a result of disturbance (i.e. within servitude and in disturbed areas).

Table 3.3: Alien Invasive plants and common weeds present and CARA classification.

Botanical Name Common

name Family Category

1 Extent

Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Fabaceae CARA 2 Scattered clumps

Eucalyptus sp Gum Tree Myrtaceae CARA 2 Scattered, uncommon

Hakea sericea Proteaceae CARA 1 Scattered, uncommon

Opuntia ficus-indica Prickly Pear Cactaceae CARA 1 Scattered, uncommon

Pennisetum

clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Poaceae

Introduced

weed Transformed areas

Pinus pinaster Pine Pinaceae CARA 1 Scattered, uncommon

3.1.9 Potential Trade-offs and Biodiversity Offsets

No trade-offs or Biodiversity offsets are required if mitigation measures and guidelines are implemented.

1 CARA: Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Category 1, 2 or 3)

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CHAPTER 4: Prediction of environmental impacts

An evaluation and prediction of the likely impacts of the proposed development on the receiving environment has been performed. This report focuses on Botanical Impacts that may result from activities that will affect the flora within the study area and immediate surrounds.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The proposed powerline servitude will result in some vegetation trimming and pruning along the servitude route, including associated access roads and complete removal of vegetation cover limited to the pylon footprints.

4.2 NATURAL HABITATS AND BIODIVERSITY THREATS

Effects to natural habitats and biodiversity will be related to changes in flora and direct loss of habitat. Key issues are to do with habitat loss or alteration, direct or indirect mortality (death) of locally endemic (native), threatened or endangered species and fragmentation of natural habitats.

Proposed powerline will impact terrestrial flora during construction as a result of the direct linear loss and of habitats, with a consequent loss of biodiversity and possibly loss of a few individuals of species of special concern. This may result from direct land clearance, or occur indirectly via loss or changes in habitats due to consequent changes in drainage patterns, increased fire risk in retained areas, or secondary impacts associated socio-economic factors.

Mitigation measures include translocation of rare plant species and habitat to ecosystem reconstruction sites or for use in Public Open Space, and avoidance of areas that may be conservation worthy.

4.3 EXISTING IMPACTS Existing anthropogenic impacts within the study area include:

1. Disturbances relating to agricultural activities including crops and livestock grazing; 2. Alien invasion in disturbed areas, particularly along drainage lines and within riparian zones. 3. Disturbances relating to excessive fire;

4.4 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIONS

The project will consist of the following infrastructure, requiring direct removal of vegetation:

1. Temporary pruning and clearing of vegetation associated with pylon construction and associated lay-down areas for powerline construction;

2. Permanent clearing of vegetation where access roads are required;

3. Long term pruning of vegetation where growth may interfere with powerline operations;

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4.5 GENERAL IMPACT RATING SCALE FOR SPECIALISTS/ BASELINE DATA

To ensure a direct comparison between various specialist studies, six standard rating scales are defined and used to assess and quantify the identified impacts. This is necessary since impacts have a number of parameters that need to be assessed.

These scales are:

1. The Severity/ Benefit Scale, which assesses the importance of the impact from a purely technical perspective.

2. The Spatial Impact Scale, which assesses the extent or magnitude of the impact (the area that will be affected by the impact).

3. The Temporal Impact Scale, which assesses how long the impact will be felt. Some impacts are of a short duration, whereas others are permanent.

4. The Degree of Certainty Scale, which provides a measure of how confident the author feels about their prediction.

5. The Likelihood Scale, which provides an indication of the risk or chance of an impact taking place.

6. The Environmental Significance Scale, which assesses the importance of the impact in the overall context of the affected system or party.

To ensure integration of social and ecological impacts, to facilitate specialist assessment of impact significance, and to reduce reliance on value judgments, the severity of the impact within the scientific field in which it takes place (e.g. vegetation, fauna etc.) was assessed first. Thereafter, each impact was assessed within the context of time and space, and the probability of the impact occurring was quantified using the degree of certainty scale.

The impact was then assessed in the context of the whole environment to establish the “environmental significance” of the impact to the flora and vegetation.

The scales are described in detail below.

4.5.1 The Severity/ Beneficial Scale

The severity scale was used in order to scientifically evaluate how severe negative impacts would be, or how beneficial positive impacts would be on a particular affected system (for ecological impacts) or a particular affected party. This methodology attempts to remove any value judgments from the assessment, although it relies on the professional judgment of the specialist.

Negative Impact Positive Impact

Very severe

An irreversible and permanent change to the affected system(s)) which cannot be mitigated. For example, change in topography resulting from a quarry.

Very Beneficiary

A permanent and very substantial benefit to the affected system(s) with no alternative to achieve this benefit.

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Negative Impact Positive Impact

Severe

Long-term impacts on the affected system(s) that could be mitigated. However, this mitigation would be difficult, expensive or time consuming or some combination of these.

Beneficial

A long-term impact and substantial benefit to the affected system(s). Alternative ways of achieving this benefit would be difficult, expensive or time consuming, or some combination of these.

Moderately severe

Medium- to long-term impact on the affected system(s) that could be mitigated.

Moderately beneficial

A medium- to long-term impact of real benefit to the affected system(s) Other ways of optimising are equally difficult, expensive and time consuming ( or a combination of these), as achieving them in this way.

Slight

Medium- to short term impacts on the affected system(s) Mitigation is very easy, cheap, less time consuming or not necessary.

Slightly beneficial

A short- to medium-term impact and negligible benefit to the affected system(s) Other ways of optimising the beneficial effects are easier, cheaper and quicker, or some combination of these.

No effect

The system(s) is not affected by the proposed development.

Don’t know/Can’t know

In certain cases it may not be possible to determine the severity of the impact.

The severity of impacts can be evaluated with and without mitigation order to demonstrate how serious the impact is when nothing is done about it. For beneficial impacts, optimisation means anything that can enhance the benefits. However, mitigation or optimisation must be practical, technically feasible and economically viable.

4.5.2 Spatial and Temporal Scales

Two additional factors were considered when assessing the impacts, namely the relationship of the impact to Spatial and Temporal Scales.

The spatial scale (shown in italics) defines the impact at the following scales.

Spatial Scale Explanation

Localised - at a localised scale (i.e. few hectares in extent). The specific area to which this scale refers is defined for the impact to which it refers.

Study Area - the site, or length of the powerline servitude

District - Kouga Municipality

Regional - Eastern Cape Province.

National - South Africa

International

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The temporal scale (shown in italics) defines the impact at the following scales.

Temporal Scale Explanation

Short Term Less than 5 years. Many construction phase impacts will be of a short duration

Medium Term Between 5 and 20 years

Long Term Between 20 and 40 years, and from a human perspective essentially permanent.

Permanent Over 40 years, and resulting in a permanent and lasting change.

4.5.3 The Degree of Certainty and the Likelihood Scale

It is also for each specialist to state the degree of certainty or the confidence attached to their prediction of significance. For this reason, a ‘degree of certainty’ scale (shown in bold) must be used.

Degree Description

Definite: More than 90% sure of particular fact. To use this one will need to substantial supportive data.

Probable: Between 70% and 90% sure of particular fact.

Possible: Between 40% and 70% sure of particular fact.

Unsure: Less than 40% sure of particular fact.

The risk or likelihood (shown in normal font) of impacts being manifested differs. There is no doubt that some impacts would occur, but certain other (usually secondary data) impacts are not as likely, and may or may not result. Although these impacts maybe severe, the likelihood of them occurring may affect their overall significance and must therefore be taken into account. It is therefore necessary for the author to state his estimate of the likelihood of an impact occurring, using the following likelihood scale:

Degree Description

Very unlikely The chance of these impacts occurring is extremely slim, e.g. natural forces destroying a dam wall.

Unlikely The risk of these impacts occurring is slight.

May occur The risk of these impacts is more likely, although it is not definite.

Very Likely Slight chance that this impact will not occur.

Definite There is no chance that this impact will not occur.

4.5.4 The Environmental Significance Scale

The environmental significance scale is an attempt to evaluate the significance of a particular impact, the severity or benefit of which has already been assessed. This evaluation needs to be assessed in the relevant context, as an impact can either be ecological or social, or both. Since the severity of impacts with and without mitigation will already have been assessed, significance was

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only evaluated after mitigation. In many cases, this mitigation will take place, as it has been incorporated into project design. A six point significance scale must be applied been.

Significance Description

Very High Impacts considered to have a major and permanent change to natural environment and are rate as VERY HIGH, usually resulting to severe or very severe/ beneficial to very beneficial effects.

High Long term change and are rated as HIGH resulting to severe or moderately severe effects/ beneficial to moderately beneficial.

Moderate Medium to long-term effects. Impacts are rated as MODERATE with moderately severe or moderately beneficial effects.

Low Medium to short term effects. Impacts are rated as MODERATE resulting in moderately severe or moderately beneficial effects.

No Significance No primary or secondary effects, resulting in NO SIGNIFICANT impact.

Don’t Know Not possible to determine the significance of impacts

4.5.5 Absence of Data

In certain instances, an assessment has to b produced in the absence of all the relevant and necessary data, due to paucity or lack of scientific information on the study area. It is more important to identify all the likely environmental impacts than to precisely evaluate the more

obvious impacts. It is important to be on the conservative side in reporting likely environmental impacts. Due to the fact that assessing impacts with a lack of data is more dependent on scientific judgment, the rating on the certainty scale cannot be too high. It is for these reasons that a degree of certainty scale has been provided, as well as the categories DON’T KNOW or CAN’T KNOW.

4.6 IDENTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Four issues have been identified, relating to 11 environmental impacts and deemed important, as follows:

D. Issue 1: Direct loss of natural vegetation habitat as a result of vegetation clearing for servitude; 10. Direct loss of habitat; 11. Direct loss of Rocky Refugia; 12. Direct loss of Thicket or Forest vegetation in drainage lines 13. Direct loss of Riparian vegetation along drainage lines 14. Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation

E. Issue 2: Direct loss of Species of Special Concern and associated habitat: 15. Loss of habitat for species of special concern; 16. Loss of Species of Special Concern

F. Issue 3: Ecological Process Changes 17. Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines; 18. Clearing of alien invasives from within the servitude and drainage lines. 19. Disruptions to Ecological Processes as a result of habitat fragmentation

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Issue 1: Direct loss of natural vegetation habitat as a result of vegetation clearing for powerline servitude;

4.6.1 Direct loss of habitat

Cause and Comments The proposed servitude will result in the removal of intact Fynbos and Renosterveld habitat from the servitude during construction

Mitigation Mitigation will not be possible for the loss of intact vegetation where pylon and access road construction footprints are required

Residual Impact Fynbos and Renosterveld lost to servitude will be permanent, but limited to pylon footprints and access roads and intact vegetation will be retained for the remainder of the servitude (i.e. between pylons)

4.6.2 Direct loss of Rocky Refugia;

Cause and Comments The proposed servitude may result in the disturbance of Rocky Refugia habitat from the servitude where pylon construction coincides with outcropping

Mitigation Rocky refugia should be avoided as far as reasonably possible

Residual Impact Rocky refugia lost to servitude will be permanent, but limited in extent

4.6.3 Direct loss of Thicket or Forest Vegetation along drainage lines;

Cause and Comments The proposed servitude could result in the clearing of Forest or Thicket vegetation along the length of the servitude where pylon construction, access road construction and laying of overhead cables requires bush clearing

Mitigation Clearing must be kept to the minimum necessary;

Appropriate permits must be obtained from DWAF for removal of protected tree species if necessary.

Residual Impact If powerline is strung over such areas without clearing, residual impact will be negligible

4.6.4 Direct loss of Riparian vegetation along drainage lines

Cause and Comments The servitude may result in the loss of some peripheral riparian vegetation, particularly at road crossings, where necessary.

Mitigation Riparian areas must be avoided as far as possible and pylons should not be constructed in riparian areas (must be sited at least 32 m from edge of riparian vegetation).

Where absolutely necessary, appropriate specialist input must be obtained before activities commence and appropriate measure implemented.

Residual Impact None if riparian areas are avoided

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4.6.5 Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation

Cause and Comments The servitude may but is unlikely to result in the loss of some peripheral seeps/wetland and or seasonal pan vegetation which commonly occur in the area.

Mitigation No pylons and access roads should be constructed within 32 m of a seep, wetland and/or seasonal pan, unless no alternative is possible.

Where necessary, appropriate specialist input must be obtained before activities commence and appropriate measure implemented.

Residual Impact Residual impact is likely to be nil if all such areas are avoided.

Issue 2: Direct loss of Species of Special Concern and associated habitat:

4.6.6 Loss of habitat for species of special concern

Cause and Comments Powerline is likely to result in loss of habitat containing species of special concern

Mitigation Should species of special concern be identified, all reasonable measures should be implemented to minimise destruction of localised populations that may occur;

Where unavoidable, permits must be obtained from respective departments (DEDEA);

Residual Impact Dependant on effectiveness of relocation plan, will be negligible if successful relocation plan is implemented

4.6.7 Loss species of special concern

Cause and Comments Powerline will result in loss of habitat containing species of special concern

Mitigation Rocky refugia (such as along ridges) should be avoided where possible during pylon positioning.

Where unavoidable, permits must be obtained from respective departments (DEDEA);

Search and Rescue to be implemented before any construction commences.

Residual Impact Residual impact will be of negligible significance at regional level.

Issue 3: Ecological Process Changes

4.6.8 Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines and along cleared servitude

Cause and Comments Riparian areas already tend to be infested with alien species, although clearing has been undertaken by Working for Water. Without management re-invasion is likely. Additional species may be introduced that may invade riparian habitat.

Mitigation An alien management plan must be implemented and long-term

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monitoring conducted

Residual Impact Some aliens are likely to persist in the long-term, but can be kept to manageable levels with appropriate control measures, through implementation of a long-term alien management plan

4.6.9 Clearing of alien invasives from within the site and drainage lines

Cause and Comments The proposed powerline will result in the removal of existing alien vegetation from within the servitude, which will reduce propagules production that may be spreading into adjacent areas

Mitigation Clearing of alien vegetation must be conducted as per the recommendations of an Environmental Management Plan to ensure that the spread of seed into surrounding areas is prevented

Residual Impact Some residual re-infestation is likely to occur as a result of the seed bank and result in the persistence of scattered individuals

4.6.10 Disruptions to Ecological Processes as a result of habitat fragmentation

Cause and Comments The proposed powerline will result in the removal of existing alien vegetation from within the servitude, which will reduce propagules production that may be spreading into adjacent areas

Mitigation Clearing of alien vegetation must be conducted as per the recommendations of an Environmental Management Plan to ensure that the spread of seed into surrounding areas is prevented

Residual Impact Some residual re-infestation is likely to occur as a result of the seed bank and result in the persistence of scattered individuals

4.6.11 Cumulative Impacts

Potential cumulative impacts are likely to fall into the following groups:

Cumulative regional loss of Rocky Refugia:- Negligible, limited to pylon footprints and access roads;

Cumulative regional loss of Fynbos and Renosterveld:- Negligible, limited to pylon footprints and access roads;

Cumulative loss of Thicket/Forest along drainage lines:- Negligible to low if excessive additional servitudes are not cleared adjacent to existing cleared areas.

4.6.12 Assessment of the reversibility of impact

Impacts relating to pylon construction are likely to be highly reversible.

Impacts relating to road construction are likely to be moderately reversible.

4.6.13 Assessment of the degree to which the impact causes irreplaceable loss of resources

Intact or natural areas having a high conservation statues (Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld) have a high irreplaceability, but these are limited in extent and number. Irreplaceability of habitat is low for the remaining servitude area.

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Table 4.1: Impact summary table.

Impact Risk/

Likelihood Temporal

Scale Spatial Scale

Degree of

Certainty

Severity without

Mitigation

Significance without

Mitigation

Severity with

Mitigation

Significance with

Mitigation

Issue 1: Direct loss of natural vegetation habitat as a result of vegetation clearing for powerline;

1. Direct loss of Fynbos and Renosterveld Definite Permanent Site Definite Slight Moderate Moderately severe

Low

2. Direct loss of Rocky Refugia Definite Permanent Site Definite Moderately severe

Moderate Moderately severe

Low

3. Direct loss of Riparian vegetation along drainage lines

Very likely Permanent Localised Definite Moderately severe


Low

4. Direct loss of seep/wetland/seasonal pan vegetation


High Moderately severe

Low

5. Disruptions to Ecological Processes as a result of habitat fragmentation


High Moderately severe

Low

Issue 2: Direct loss of habitat for Species of Special Concern:

5. Loss of habitat for species of special concern Very likely Permanent Site Definite Slight Moderate Slight Low

6. Loss Species of Special Concern Very likely Permanent Site Definite Moderately severe


Low

Issue 3: Impacts relating to Ecological Process

9. Increased risk of alien invasion in drainage lines and Servitude

May occur Permanent Localised Possible Moderately severe

Moderate Slight Low

10. Clearing of alien invasives from within the site and drainage lines (positive impact)

Very likely Short term to permanent

Localised Probable Beneficial Low Beneficial Low

Disruptions to Ecological Processes May occur Permanent Localised Possible Moderately severe

Moderate Slight Low

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CHAPTER 5: Conclusions and Recommendations

In general the servitude passes through degraded and transformed vegetation, with segments passing through areas of intact and near intact vegetation;

Only intact Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld is present within the Powerline servitude, which has a NBA (2011) conservation status of Endangered;

The proposed activity is unlikely to result in the clearing of greater than 300 square meters of Endangered Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld and a permit in terms of section 57(1) of NEMBA is unlikely to be required to carry out 'restricted activities' (including uprooting, damaging, destroying specimens) of listed threatened or protected species (as listed in terms of section 56 of NEMBA).

As part of the EMP, an ECO/ESO should be appointed to manage the identification and relocation of Species of Special Concern and management of vegetation clearing and subsequent revegetation and rehabilitation. A detailed EMP should be compiled to address these issues before construction commences.

It is recommended that individual screening is undertaken as part of the construction phase EMP for the areas identified as having elevated sensitivities, including drainage lines and river crossings with intact Thicket and areas with intact Langkloof Shale Renosterveld to micro-site the pylons in order to minimise impact.

Some ephemeral/temporary wetlands, pans and dams occur within or adjacent to the powerline servitude. No powerline pylons should be sited within wetlands, pans and dams and a 32 m exclusion buffer should be placed around these features. Suitable management of these must be addressed in the EMP to minimise impacts during the construction phase, relating particularly to siltation due to soil erosion and permanent changes to drainage lines that may alter wetland processes.

Care should be taken that no power line pylons are sited in wetlands and temporary seasonal pans (32 m exclusion zone around these features). Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWAF.

Powerlines passing through riverine thicket/forest patches should be sited such that impacts to this vegetation is minimised.

The substations must avoid any wetland areas (including seasonal wetlands, pans and seeps), other sensitive vegetation (thicket and forest), drainage lines and riparian vegetation along river banks. Should it be unavoidable, relevant permissions will need to be obtained from DWAF.

No powerline pylons should be placed within the 1:50 year flood line or on flood plains that may be susceptible to future flooding.

5.1 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES A number of risks and uncertainties relating to the powerline and associated substations and access roads have been identified for the purpose of this report:

Intact Forest/Thicket along drainage lines may require clearing during powerline construction. This could lead to loss of vegetation cover and associated removal of both protected and endemic species of special concern as well as potential long-term erosion risk and elevated erosion risk. Where this is heavily invaded, clearing may be beneficial IF alien species ONLY are

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removed during construction, and natural vegetation is allowed to re-establish. Where thicket/forest is composed of indigenous species, the powerline must be hung without removing trees, unless in areas where a cleared servitude already exists.

Intact rocky refugia may provide niche habitat for a number of species of special concern and local endemics present, and should be avoided during pylon micro-siting and construction.

5.2 REHABILITATION POTENTIAL AND PROCESSES

5.2.1 Rehabilitation Objective

The overall objective of the rehabilitation plan is to minimize adverse environmental impacts associated with the activity whilst maximizing the future utilization of the property. Additional broad rehabilitation strategies / objectives include the following:

Rehabilitating the post construction areas to take place concurrently within prescribed framework established in the EMP.

All infrastructure, equipment, plant and other items used during the construction period will be removed from the site

Waste material of any description, including scrap, rubble and tyres, will be removed entirely from the construction area and disposed of at a recognised landfill facility. It will not be permitted to be buried or burned on site.

Final rehabilitation shall be completed within a specified period.

5.2.2 Rehabilitation Plan

The overall revegetation plan will be as follows:

Ameliorate the aesthetic impact of the site;

Minimize surface erosion and consequent siltation of natural water courses located along the servitude;

Enhance the physical properties of the soil where necessary;

Re-establish a stable ecological system, through implementing a revegetation plan where necessary.

Drainage and Erosion Control

To control the drainage and erosion at site the following procedures will be adopted:

Existing vegetation must be retained as far as possible to minimize erosion problems.

Adequate measures must be implemented in steep areas where erosion could be a problem through consultation with engineer and/or ECO.

No graded roads should traverse steep slopes, as per Eskom road construction Guidelines, where unavoidable a two-track type road to be used.

Topsoil and Subsoil Replacement

Where topsoil has been removed (around pylon and substation construction, sited, it should be spread over disturbed areas and a suitable cover crop (local grasses) planted.

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5.2.3 Monitoring and Reporting

Adequate management, maintenance and monitoring will be carried out annually by the applicant to ensure successful rehabilitation of the property until a closure certificate is obtained.

To minimise adverse environmental impacts associated with the activity it is intended to adopt a progressive rehabilitation programme, which will entail carrying out the proposed rehabilitation procedures concurrently with activities.

Inspecting and Monitoring

Regular monitoring of all the environmental management measures and components shall be carried out to ensure that the provisions of this programme are adhered to.

Ongoing and regular reporting of the progress of implementation of this programme will be done. An environmental audit shall be carried out by an independent consultant on an annual/biannual basis.

Inspections and monitoring shall be carried out on both the implementation of the programme and the impact on plant life.

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

A detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) must be compiled to address the following key elements, some guidelines for which are provided in this report:

a. Comprehensive rescue and storage in a suitable constructed nursery and storage area of plants deemed to be requiring either rescue for replanting and plants that will be useful during rehabilitation or alternatively a relocation plan should be implemented;

b. Construction Action Plan for clearing of vegetation where construction activities are to commence;

c. Detailed Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan to be conducted during construction and operation as outlined above.

5.3.1 No Go Areas

1. No go areas must be clearly demarcated (using fencing and appropriate signage where applicable) before any construction commences.

2. Contractors and construction workers must be clearly informed of such no-go areas and held accountable for any infringements that may occur.

3. No access to the demarcated areas should be permitted during the construction phase and contractors must be clearly informed of these areas. A suitable control measure (such as a fine system) must be implemented to discourage infringement by contractors.

4. Activities including but not restricted to the following must not be permitted in designated no-go areas:

a. Dumping of any material during and after construction; b. Turning of vehicles; c. Trampling and urination by construction workers.

5.3.2 Alien vegetation clearing

1. An alien removal program must be implemented to remove alien vegetation from within the servitude during construction phase and for the lifespan of the powerline operation;;

2. Cleared alien vegetation must not be dumped on adjacent intact vegetation during clearing but should be temporarily stored in a demarcated area (in consultation with the relevant botanical specialist;

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3. Cleared vegetation must be either removed from site or burned in-situ in the temporary storage area, where appropriate;

4. Any seed bearing material should be removed from the drainage areas to prevent the spread of seed.

5. Chopped brushwood can be used to stabilise steep areas that may be susceptible to erosion during clearing activities;

6. A suitable revegetation or rehabilitation plan must be implemented after alien vegetation clearing.

7. A long-term alien maintenance plan must be designed and implemented in conjunction with a suitably qualified expert.

5.3.3 River crossings

1. Powerline siting must be such that it minimises impact to the riparian areas with minimal alterations to riparian vegetation and must be permeable to movement of fauna and flora;

2. River crossing construction must be completed as timeously as possible and efforts must be in place to minimise erosion risk and sedimentation of the stream during the construction phase, especially during high rainfall events.

5.3.4 Search and Rescue of SSC

1. A suitable timeframe must be allowed before construction commences to undertake the plant rescue and relocation operation;

2. Plants that can be used during rehabilitation should be identified and stored appropriately off-site for use after construction and alien vegetation clearing;

3. Plants identified as being suitable for relocation listed above can either be removed from the site or replanted within the proposed buffer areas.

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CHAPTER 6: References

Cowling, R., Lombard, A., Rouget, M., Kerley, G., Wolf, T., Sims-Castley, R., et al. (2003). A conservation assessment for the subtropical thicket biome. University of Port Elizabeth.

Golding, J. (2002). Workshop Proceedings: Revision of the national list of protected trees as per section 12, National Forests Act of 1998. Roodeplaat. Pretoria.

Kemper, N. P. (2001). Riparian Vegetation Index. Water Research Commission.

Klein, H. (2002). Legislation regarding harmful plants in South Africa. PPRI Leaflet Series: Weeds Biocontrol , 12, 1-4.

Kleynhans, C. (2000). Desktop estimates of the ecological importance and sensitivity categories (EISC), default ecological management classes (DEMC), present ecological status categories (PESC), present attainable EMC (present AEMC), and best AEMC for quat. catchments in SA. Institute for Water Quality Studies.

Lombard, A., Wolf, T., & Cole, N. (2003). GIS coverages and spatial analysis for the Subtropical Ecosystem Planning (STEP) project. Port Elizabeth: University of Port Elizabeth.

Low, A., & Rebelo, A. (1996). Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: Department of Environemtal Affairs and Tourism.

Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M. (2006). The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Pretoria: South African Biodiversity Institute.

Pierce, S. (2003). The STEP Mapbook: Integrating the natural environment into land use decisions at the municipal level: towards sustainable development. Port Elizabeth: University of Port Elizabeth.

Stewart, W., Cowling, R., Martin, A., du Preez, D., & Lombard, A. (2004). A Biodiversity Conservation Assessment and Framework for an Open Space System for the Nelson Mandela Metropole,Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. A report of the C.A.P.E. Project for the Table Mountain Fund (WWF-SA).

Victor, J., & Dold, A. (2003). Threatened plants of the Albany centre of floristic endemism, South Africa. South Africa Journal of Science , 99, 437-446.

Vlok, H., & Euston-Brown, D. (2002). The patterns within, and the ecological proceses that sustain the subtropical thicket vegetation in the planning domain for the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem, South Africa. Port Elizabeth: University of Port Elizabeth.

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CHAPTER 7: Maps

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Map 1: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (Overview).

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Map 2: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (West).

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Map 3: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (Central).

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Map 4: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Vegetation of Southern Africa classification (East).

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Map 5: Map indicating vegetation composition of the powerline route based on the Subtropical Ecosystem Planning (STEP) unit classification.

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Map 6: Topographical map with land use indicated.

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Map 7: Topographical map with land use indicated (West).

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Map 8: Topographical map with land use indicated (Central).

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Map 9: Topographical map with land use indicated (East).

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Map 10: Map showing rivers and estuaries along the route.

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Map 11: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route relative to wetlands and dams.

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Map 12: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (West).

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Map 13: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (Central).

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Map 14: Aerial photo indicating Powerline route Vulnerability and river, wetland and dam crossings (East).


APPENDIX D3

Heritage (Archaeology and Palaeontology Impact Assessment


Terms of Reference: Heritage Assessment (Archaeology and Palaeontology) The emphasis of the HIA is on resources that are sensitive to visual change, and the disruption of archaeological artefacts/finds at the proposed sites. Visual resources are usually places, structures and landscapes that are or could be publicly celebrated as heritage.

1. Conduct a desktop study within a 100 metre wide servitude over various potential corridors and deviations over a distance of 90 kilometres.

2. Conduct a site visit to verify potential sites or areas that may be of heritage importance. 3. Describe and report on any site or area that may contain potential heritage resources that must be

considered. 4. Assessed and evaluated the potential impact on identified heritage resources according to the

magnitude, spatial scale, timing, duration, reversibility, probability and significance. 5. Propose and explain mitigation measures 6. Summarise residual impacts after mitigation. An impact summary table will be provided, discussing

expected impacts before and after mitigation. 7. Draft an impact statement of the proposed development on the potential heritage resources.

Other factors to be considered:

• Electronic databases of visually sensitive heritage resources do not exist for the study area, and paper versions are extremely limited.

• In palaeontological terms the Dieprivier – Kareedouw sector is unproblematic (mainly Table Mountain Group) but the other two sections transect rock units of high palaeontological sensitivity (e.g. Early Devonian Lower Bokkeveld Group, Early Cretaceous Kirkwood Formation) and the stratigraphy is quite complex in terms of the number of rock units concerned (Dr John Almond, email communication 14 November 2011).

• In open landscape during daylight hours, distribution lines on self-supporting towers are visible (but not necessarily intrusive) from a distance of 2 to 5km. Guidelines for the development of wind energy facilities in the Western Cape have suggested that a buffer zone of 1km be established around significant visually sensitive heritage resources to minimise the change to the ‘sense of place’. The point at which a distribution line may be perceived as intrusive or offensive is subjective.

• The presence of an existing distribution line in an area serves as a mitigatory factor rather than a cumulative negative impact, in terms of establishing new distribution lines in the same area (within a distance of 1km of the existing line). Electrical infrastructure is therefore best confined to an existing area or corridor of vertical visual disturbance, rather than introducing new infrastructure to an undisturbed landscape.

• Distribution power line routes should be chosen to minimise the requirements for new infrastructure such as access roads, which have the greatest permanent direct and indirect impact on the landscape. This factor supports the previous observation in that new distribution lines located close to existing lines can share access and maintenance roads.

• The linear nature of the project where tower positions can be altered (within limits) to avoid direct impacts on heritage resources such as archaeological and palaeontological sites that may have high heritage significance due to their scientific values, but are generally not publicly celebrated as resources sensitive to visual change.

Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment Report:

Melkhout-Dieprivier 132kV Power Line

and Substation Infrastructure,

Kouga Local Municipality,

Cacadu District Municipality,

Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Prepared for

Arcus GIBB Engineering and Science 2nd Floor, Greyville House, Cnr Greyville & Cape Roads,

Greenacres, Port Elizabeth 6001 Box 63703, Greenacres 6057

Telephone Mathys Vosloo 084 748 3018; 041 392 7518 Fax 041 363 9300; 086 545 8835

[email protected]

Prepared by

eeTThheemmbbeennii

CCuullttuurraall

HHeerriittaaggee Len van Schalkwyk and Elizabeth Wahl

Box 20057 Ashburton 3213 Pietermaritzburg Telephone 033 326 1136 / 082 655 9077 / 082 529 3656

Facsimile 086 672 8557 [email protected]

30 May 2012

PHASE 1 HIA OF MELKHOUT-DIEPRIVIER 132KV POWER LINE AND SUBSTATION SITE, EASTERN CAPE

eThembeni Cultural Heritage for Arcus GIBB Engineering and Science Page 2

Management Summary

eThembeni Cultural Heritage was appointed by Arcus GIBB Engineering and Science to undertake a Phase

1 Heritage Impact Assessment of a proposed transmission power line and substation site in the Eastern

Cape Province, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 as amended, in

compliance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, as amended.

Heritage resource descriptions, significance and development impacts

Landscapes

The proposed electrical infrastructure is located along the Gamtoos Scenic Route. This scenic route has high

local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values. The unmanaged potential

impact on this landscape is medium.

Palaeontology

Geological formations in the Dieprivier – Melkhout sector might contain well-preserved plant material. The

unmanaged potential impact on palaeontological remains is low to medium.

Recommended mitigation

Landscapes

Towers should be located such that they do not interrupt skylines, and are not visible from scenic routes.

General, including palaeontology

A heritage practitioner should complete a ‘walk-through’ of the final selected power line route and all other

activity areas (access roads, construction camps, materials’ storage areas, etc.) prior to the start of any

construction activities and assess direct impacts on discrete resources such as traditional burial places, and

archaeological and palaeontological sites.

Recommended monitoring

None at present.

Conclusion

We recommend that the development proceed with the proposed heritage mitigation and have submitted this

report to SAHRA in fulfilment of the requirements of the NHRA. Relevant staff members may be contacted at

the SAHRA Cape Town head office (Mariagrazia Galimberti telephone 021 462 4502;

[email protected]). If permission is granted for development to proceed, the client is reminded

that the NHRA requires that a developer cease all work immediately and follow the protocol contained in

Section 10 of this report should any heritage resources, as defined in the Act, be discovered during the

course of development activities.



Contents

Page

1 Introduction 4

2 Terms of reference 4

3 Project description 5

4 Project location and environmental description 6

5 Method and approach 7

6 Heritage resources and significance 9

7 Assessment of impacts 10

8 Recommended mitigation 10

9 Recommended monitoring 11

10 Protocol for the identification, protection and recovery of

heritage resources during construction and operation 12

11 Conclusion 13

12 Bibliography 13

Appendix A Statutory requirements 14

Appendix B Coordinates of site infrastructure 19

Appendix C Archaeological and historical context of the study area 21

Appendix D Criteria for determination of significance of and impacts on

heritage resources 25

Appendix E Palaeontological Impact Assessment 29

Appendix F Specialist competency and Declaration of independence 31

List of figures Figure 1 Patensie-Kareedouw power line, Eastern Cape. 6

Figure 2 Proposed tower positions along the Gamtoos Scenic Route. 11



1 Introduction

eThembeni Cultural Heritage was appointed by Arcus GIBB Engineering and Science to undertake a Phase

1 Heritage Impact Assessment of a proposed transmission power line and substation site in the Eastern

Cape Province, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 as amended (NEMA),

in compliance with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, as amended (NHRA)

(refer to Appendix A).

South Africa’s heritage resources are both rich and widely diverse, encompassing sites from all periods of

human history. Resources may be tangible, such as buildings and archaeological artefacts, or intangible,

such as landscapes and living heritage. Their significance is based upon their aesthetic, architectural,

historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic, economic or technological values; their representivity of a

particular time period; their rarity; and their sphere of influence.

The integrity and significance of heritage resources can be jeopardized by natural (e.g. erosion) and human

(e.g. development) activities. In the case of human activities, a range of legislation exists to ensure the

timeous identification and effective management of heritage resources for present and future generations.

This report represents compliance with a full Phase 1 HIA for the proposed development, including a

specialist desktop palaeontological study.

2 Terms of reference

An HIA must address the following key aspects:

the identification and mapping of all heritage resources in the area affected;

an assessment of the significance of such resources in terms of heritage assessment criteria set out in

regulations;

an assessment of the impact of the development on heritage resources;

an evaluation of the impact of the development on heritage resources relative to the sustainable social

and economic benefits to be derived from the development;

the results of consultation with communities affected by the proposed development and other interested

parties regarding the impact of the development on heritage resources;

if heritage resources will be adversely affected by the proposed development, the consideration of

alternatives; and

plans for mitigation of any adverse effects during and after completion of the proposed development.

In addition, the HIA should comply with the requirements of NEMA, including providing the assumptions and

limitations associated with the study; the details, qualifications and expertise of the person who prepared the

report; and a statement of independence.



3 Project description1

New 132 kV overhead transmission power lines are proposed to strengthen and upgrade the grid supply in

the Patensie, Humansdorp and Kareedouw area of the Eastern Cape in order to support the recent and

planned growth and development in the area. An upgrade of the existing electrical distribution network is

therefore required to accommodate the new supply. This involves the construction of new 132 kV

infrastructure, new substations as well as the decommissioning of certain facilities. The construction of new

and upgrading of existing substations will further aid in strengthening of the local network. The total length of

the proposed power lines amounts to approximately 90 km. Project 1 entails the following:

Construction of approximately 26km of overhead 132kV power line from Melkhout to Dieprivier

Substations.

Construction of a new Dieprivier Substation.

Decommissioning of redundant infrastructure once new infrastructure has been commissioned.

Construction of new or maintenance of existing minor roads.

1 Information obtained from Background Information Document prepared by the client.



4 Project location and environmental description

The proposed power line is located north of the town of Humansdorp in the Kouga Local Municipality of the

Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape (Figure 1). The relevant Surveyor-General 1:50 000 maps for the entire

route are 3324CC Witelsbos, 3324CD Kareedouw, 3324DC Andrieskraal and 3324DD Hankey. Given the

length of the power line and the inadequacy of printed maps in this report to indicate the proposed

infrastructure we direct the reader to Appendix B and the following file to access the proposed routes in

Google Earth: Melkhout - Dieprivier 132kV line.kmz

Figure 1 Patensie-Kareedouw power line, Eastern Cape, with the Melkhout-Dieprivier section indicated in blue.

Much of the proposed power line is located close to the N2 freeway, with a section along the Gamtoos

Scenic Route. The Eastern Cape gets progressively wetter from west to east2. The west is mostly semi-arid

Karoo, except in the far south, which is temperate rainforest in the Tsitsikamma region. In the east rainfall is

more plentiful and humidity increases, becoming more subtropical along the coast with summer rainfall. The

landscape is extremely diverse, but most of the province is hilly to very mountainous. The western interior is

largely arid Karoo, while the east is well-watered and green.

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/

Melkhout%20-%20Dieprivier%20132kV%20line.kmz



5 Method and approach

The methodology used for HIAs of transmission lines is unlike that for projects where impacts primarily

involve physical landscape disturbance. The greatest change invoked by transmission lines is typically above

the ground surface; therefore the emphasis of the HIA is on resources that are sensitive to visual change.

Such resources are usually places, structures and landscapes that are or could be publicly celebrated as

heritage. Accordingly, the purpose of this HIA is to identify a preferred transmission line route based on the

occurrence of, and potential impact on visually sensitive categories of heritage resource. However, SAHRA

also requested a Palaeontological Impact Assessment; a desktop report by independent specialist Dr John

Almond is included in full as Appendix E.

eThembeni staff members drove along the proposed power line route option from 7 to 9 March 2012. The

significance of and potential impact on heritage resources were evaluated using the criteria in Appendix D.

During the assessment of the potential impacts of the project on heritage resources, the following factors

were taken into consideration:

The constraints of fieldwork and a desktop study of a 100 metre wide servitude over the 26km long

corridor.

The constraints of identifying an exact route using maps at a scale of 1:50 000, or even Google Earth

files.

Electronic databases of visually sensitive heritage resources do not exist for the study area, and paper

versions are extremely limited.

In open landscape during daylight hours, 400kV transmission lines on self-supporting towers are visible

(but not necessarily intrusive) from a distance of 2 to 5km. Guidelines for the development of wind

energy facilities in the Western Cape3 have suggested that a buffer zone of 1km be established around

significant visually sensitive heritage resources to minimise the change to the ‘sense of place’. The point

at which a transmission line may be perceived as intrusive or offensive is subjective.

The presence of an existing transmission line in an area serves as a mitigatory factor rather than a

cumulative negative impact, in terms of establishing new transmission lines in the same area (within a

distance of 1km of the existing line). Electrical infrastructure is therefore best confined to an existing area

or corridor of vertical visual disturbance, rather than introducing new infrastructure to an undisturbed

landscape.

Transmission power line routes should be chosen to minimise the requirements for new infrastructure

such as access roads, which have the greatest permanent direct and indirect impact on the landscape4.

This factor supports the previous observation in that new transmission lines located close to existing

lines can share access and maintenance roads.

The linear nature of the project where tower positions can be altered (within limits) to avoid direct

impacts on heritage resources such as archaeological and palaeontological sites that may have high

heritage significance due to their scientific values, but are generally not publicly celebrated as resources

sensitive to visual change.

A heritage practitioner should complete a ‘walk-through’ of the final selected power line route and all

other activity areas (access roads, construction camps, materials’ storage areas, etc.) prior to the start of

any construction activities and assess direct impacts on discrete resources such as archaeological and

palaeontological sites. Mitigation can usually be achieved by micro-adjustment of tower positions, the

exclusion of sensitive areas, basic recording and/or obtaining a permit for alteration, destruction or

removal from SAHRA.

3 Developed by Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, 2006.

4 Guideline on the application of the EIA Regulations to structures associated with communication networks. Developed by the Western Cape Department

of Environment and Cultural Affairs and Sport, September 2001



A guideline issued by the Western Cape Department of Environment and Cultural Affairs and Sport (2001)

on the application of the EIA Regulations to structures associated with communication networks5 explicitly

recognises that:

The power supply services as well as access routes can have greater impacts on biophysical elements

than the communication structure itself (noted above); and

Masts and access routes can have significant visual impacts which can be out of character with the

surrounding area.

This guideline document supports the following decision-making principles that are relevant to this HIA:

Structures associated with communication networks that are proposed where they will be out of

character or disruptive of the sense of place will be discouraged or completely avoided.

Structures associated with communication networks, which are proposed where they will break the

skyline on a scenic landscape, will be discouraged or completely avoided.

Structures associated with communication networks, which are proposed along scenic tourist routes will

be discouraged or completely avoided.

Structures associated with communication networks, which are proposed in a sensitive environment as

listed in Annexure A (see below) of the guideline document will be strongly discouraged or completely

avoided.

Structures associated with communication networks which are proposed in any area, property, adjacent

to sites of cultural or social importance such as historical sites proclaimed in terms of the NHRA,

graveyards, public open spaces and visual corridors or gateways will be strongly discouraged or

completely avoided.

Annexure A of the guideline provides a list of potentially sensitive environmental features/areas that includes

the following:

Properties subject to any statutory conservation status or similar, including, but not restricted to, World

Heritage Sites, National Parks, Provincial, Local Authority or Private nature reserves, Wilderness Areas,

State Forests, Protected Natural Environments, or adjoining properties in so far as the activity or

structure may affect the ecosystem function or aesthetic value of those conservation areas. This

therefore includes locations for communication structures where such structures may be visible from

sites of conservation significance (i.e. statutory conservation status).

Natural Heritage Sites or adjoining properties in so far as the activity or structure may affect the

ecosystem function or aesthetic value of those sites. This therefore includes locations for communication

structures where such structures may be visible from Natural Heritage Sites.

Any area, property or adjacent property that is of cultural or social importance e.g. historical sites, as

proclaimed by the NHRA, graveyards, public open spaces and visual corridors or gateways.

Any areas identified as areas of natural or conservation significance in statutory or non-statutory land

use or development planning documents (structure plans, integrated development frameworks etc.)

and/or maps, including the core areas of biosphere reserves or in close proximity thereto.

Routes of tourism or scenic significance or locations visible from such routes.

With due consideration of the above factors, we evaluated the following visually sensitive categories of

heritage resource:

Places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage.

Historical settlements and townscapes.

5 Developed by the Western Cape Department of Environment and Cultural Affairs and Sport, September 2001.



Landscapes and natural features of cultural significance (including places defined as a site, area or

region; (groups of) buildings and open spaces).

Battlefields.

The assumptions and limitations of this HIA are as follows:

The description of the proposed project, provided by the client, is accurate.

The public consultation process undertaken as part of the EIA is sufficient and adequate, and does not

require repetition as part of the HIA.

Soil surface visibility was moderate. Heritage resources might be present below the surface or in areas

of dense vegetation and we remind the client that the NHRA requires that a developer cease all work

immediately and follow the protocol in Section 9 of this report should any heritage resources, as defined

in the Act, be discovered during the course of development activities.

No subsurface investigation (including excavations or sampling) were undertaken, since a permit from

SAHRA is required to disturb a heritage resource.

A key concept in the management of heritage resources is that of non-renewability: damage to or

destruction of most resources, including that caused by bona fide research endeavours, cannot be

reversed or undone. Accordingly, management recommendations for heritage resources in the context

of development are as conservative as possible, according to the precautionary principle.

Human sciences are necessarily both subjective and objective in nature. eThembeni strives to manage

heritage resources to the highest standards in accordance with national and international best practice,

but recognise that our opinions might differ from those of other heritage practitioners.

Staff members involved in this project have no vested interest in it; are qualified to undertake the tasks

as described in the terms of reference (refer to Appendix D); and comply at all times with the Codes of

Ethics and Conduct of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists.

eThembeni staff members take no personal or professional responsibility for the misuse of the

information contained in this report, although they take all reasonable precautions against such misuse.

6 Heritage Resources and Significance

Appendix C summarises the archaeological and historical context of the study area.

Landscapes

The proposed electrical infrastructure is located along the Gamtoos Scenic Route (Melkhout to the R330).

This scenic route has high local and regional significance for its aesthetic and economic (tourism) values.

Palaeontology6

The potentially fossiliferous Baviaanskloof Formation and Lower Bokkeveld Group (Ceres Subgroup) are

represented in the Melkhout-Dieprivier section of the proposed electrical infrastructure. Previous fieldwork in

the Humansdorp region suggests that the former are usually poorly exposed, but might contain well-

preserved plant material, while the Bokkeveld mudrocks are deeply weathered and cleaved, reducing the

likelihood of well-preserved fossil biotas.

6 Refer to Appendix E for the full report.



7 Assessment of Impacts

Landscapes

Criteria Unmanaged Managed

Nature Negative Neutral

Extent Medium Low

Duration High High

Intensity Medium Low

Potential impact on irreplaceable

resources Low Low

Consequence Medium Low

Probability Medium to high Low

Significance Medium Low

Palaeontology

Criteria Unmanaged Managed

Nature Neutral to negative Neutral

Extent Low Low

Duration High High

Intensity Low to medium Low

Potential impact on irreplaceable

resources Low Low

Consequence Low to medium Low

Probability Medium Low

Significance Low to medium Low

8 Recommended mitigation

Landscapes

It is evident that that the location of the proposed electrical infrastructure potentially conflicts with the

aforementioned guideline of the Western Cape Department of Environment and Cultural Affairs and Sport on

the application of the EIA Regulations to structures associated with communication networks in the following

respects:

Structures associated with communication networks, which are proposed where they will break the

skyline on a scenic landscape, will be discouraged or completely avoided.

Structures associated with communication networks, which are proposed along scenic tourist routes will

be discouraged or completely avoided.

However, it is not clear whether either the Eastern Cape provincial government structures or SAHRA support

this guideline. Furthermore, route location is constrained significantly by valuable agricultural land and centre

pivot farming in the Gamtoos River valley. Accordingly, route location is a compromise between the

imperative of improving electrical supply to farmers and other residents, and possible visual impacts on the

scenic route. In fact, it appears that most of the power line alongside scenic routes has been routed

sensitively in a landscape with a high absorption capacity; Figure 2 illustrates the topography in the vicinity of

Melkhout Substation along the Gamtoos Scenic Route, where towers are proposed behind a ridge, invisible

from the road.



Figure 2 Proposed tower positions along the Gamtoos Scenic Route.

In summary, we recommend strongly that towers are located such that they do not interrupt skylines, and are

not visible from scenic routes.

General, including palaeontology

A heritage practitioner should complete a ‘walk-through’ of the final selected power line route and all other

activity areas (access roads, construction camps, materials’ storage areas, etc.) prior to the start of any

construction activities and assess direct impacts on discrete resources such as traditional burial places, and

archaeological and palaeontological sites. Mitigation can usually be achieved by micro-adjustment of tower

positions, the exclusion of sensitive areas, basic recording and/or obtaining a permit for alteration,

destruction or removal from SAHRA.

9 Recommended monitoring

None at present.



10 Protocol for the identification, protection and recovery of heritage resources during

construction and operation

It is possible that sub-surface heritage resources will be encountered during the construction phase of this

project. The Project Engineer, Environmental Control Officer and all other persons responsible for site

management and excavation should be aware that indicators of sub-surface sites could include:

Ash deposits (unnaturally grey appearance of soil compared to the surrounding substrate);

Bone concentrations, either animal or human;

Ceramic fragments, including potsherds;

Stone concentrations that appear to be formally arranged (may indicate the presence of an underlying

burial); and

Fossilised remains of fauna and flora, including trees.

In the event that such indicator(s) of heritage resources are identified, the following actions should be taken

immediately:

All construction within a radius of at least 20m of the indicator should cease. This distance should be

increased at the discretion of supervisory staff if heavy machinery or explosives could cause further

disturbance to the suspected heritage resource.

This area must be marked using clearly visible means, such as barrier tape, and all personnel should be

informed that it is a no-go area.

A guard should be appointed to enforce this no-go area if there is any possibility that it could be violated,

whether intentionally or inadvertently, by construction staff or members of the public.

No measures should be taken to cover up the suspected heritage resource with soil, or to collect any

remains such as bone or stone.

If a heritage practitioner has been appointed to monitor the project, s/he should be contacted and a site

inspection arranged as soon as possible.

If no heritage practitioner has been appointed to monitor the project, Dr Mariagrazia Galimberti at

SAHRA’s Cape Town head office should be contacted (telephone 021 462 4502).

The South African Police Services should be notified by a SAHRA staff member or an independent

heritage practitioner if human remains are identified. No SAPS official may disturb or exhume such

remains, whether of recent origin or not.

All parties concerned should respect the potentially sensitive and confidential nature of the heritage

resources, particularly human remains, and refrain from making public statements until a mutually

agreed time.

Any extension of the project beyond its current footprint involving vegetation and/or earth clearance

should be subject to prior assessment by a qualified heritage practitioner, taking into account all

information gathered during this initial heritage impact assessment.



11 Conclusion

We recommend that the development proceed with the proposed heritage mitigation and have submitted this

report to SAHRA in fulfilment of the requirements of the NHRA. According to Section 38(4) of the Act the

report shall be considered timeously by the Council which shall, after consultation with the person proposing

the development, decide –

whether or not the development may proceed;

any limitations or conditions are to be applied to the development;

what general protections in terms of this Act apply, and what formal protections may be applied to such

heritage resources;

whether compensatory action shall be required in respect of any heritage resources damaged or

destroyed as a result of the development; and

whether the appointment of specialists is required as a condition of approval of the proposal.

Relevant staff members may be contacted at the SAHRA Cape Town head office (Mariagrazia Galimberti

telephone 021 462 4502; [email protected]).

If permission is granted for development to proceed, the client is reminded that the NHRA requires that a

developer cease all work immediately and follow the protocol contained in Section 10 of this report should

any heritage resources, as defined in the Act, be discovered during the course of development activities.

12 Bibliography

Binneman, J. N. F. 1985. Research along the south eastern Cape coast. In: Hall, S. L. & Binneman, J. N. F.

Guide to archaeological sites in the eastern and north eastern Cape: 117-134. Grahamstown:

Albany Museum.

Binneman, J. N. F. 1996. The symbolic construction of communities during the Holocene Later Stone Age in

the south-eastern Cape. Unpublished D.Phil. University of the Witwatersrand.

Binneman, J. N. F. 1999. Results from a test excavation at Groot Kommandokloof Shelter in the

Baviaanskloof / Kouga region, Eastern Cape Province. Southern African Field Archaeology 8: 100-

107.

Deacon, H. J. 1976. Where hunters gathered: a study of Holocene Stone Age people in the eastern Cape.

Claremont: South African Archaeological Society Monograph 1.

Prins, F. E. 1994-95. Climate, vegetation and early agriculturist communities in Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal.

Azania 29-30: 179-186.

Prins, F. E. and Granger, J. E. 1993. Early farming communities in northern Transkei: the evidence from

Ntsitsana and adjacent areas. Southern African Humanities 5: 153-174.

Whitelaw, G. 1991. Precolonial iron production around Durban and in southern Natal. Natal Museum Journal

of Humanities 3: 29-39.

Whitelaw, G. 1997. What Da Gama missed on his way to Sofala. Natalia 27: 30-41.

Whitelaw, G. 2009. An Iron Age fishing tale. Southern African Humanities 21: 195-212.



Appendix A

Statutory Requirements

General

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 is the source of all legislation. Within the

Constitution the Bill of Rights is fundamental, with the principle that the environment should be protected for

present and future generations by preventing pollution, promoting conservation and practising ecologically

sustainable development. With regard to spatial planning and related legislation at national and provincial

levels the following legislation may be relevant:

Physical Planning Act 125 of 1991

Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998

Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000

Development Facilitation Act 67 of 1995 (DFA)

KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act 6 of 2008.

The identification, evaluation and management of heritage resources in South Africa is required and

governed by the following legislation:

National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA)

KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act 4 of 2008 (KZNHA)

National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA)

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA)

National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA)

The NHRA established the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) together with its Council to

fulfill the following functions:

co-ordinate and promote the management of heritage resources at national level;

set norms and maintain essential national standards for the management of heritage resources in the

Republic and to protect heritage resources of national significance;

control the export of nationally significant heritage objects and the import into the Republic of cultural

property illegally exported from foreign countries;

enable the provinces to establish heritage authorities which must adopt powers to protect and manage

certain categories of heritage resources; and

provide for the protection and management of conservation-worthy places and areas by local authorities.

Heritage Impact Assessments

Section 38(1) of the NHRA may require a Heritage Impact Assessment in case of:

the construction of a road, wall, power line, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or

barrier exceeding 300m in length;

the construction of a bridge or similar structure exceeding 50m in length;

any development or other activity which will change the character of a site—

(i) exceeding 5 000m² in extent; or

(ii) involving three or more existing erven or subdivisions thereof; or

(iii) involving three or more erven or divisions thereof which have been consolidated within the past five

years; or

(iv) the costs of which will exceed a sum set in terms of regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage

resources authority;



the re-zoning of a site exceeding 10 000m² in extent; or

any other category of development provided for in regulations by SAHRA or a provincial heritage

resources authority.

Reports in fulfilment of NHRA Section 38(3) must include the following information:

the identification and mapping of all heritage resources in the area affected;

an assessment of the significance of such resources in terms of the heritage assessment criteria set out

in regulations;

an assessment of the impact of the development on such heritage resources;

an evaluation of the impact of the development on heritage resources relative to the sustainable social

and economic benefits to be derived from the development;

the results of consultation with communities affected by the proposed development and other interested

parties regarding the impact of the development on heritage resources;

if heritage resources will be adversely affected by the proposed development, the consideration of

alternatives; and

plans for mitigation of any adverse effects during and after completion of the proposed development.

It is incumbent upon the developer or Environmental Practitioner to approach the South African Heritage

Resources Agency (SAHRA) or Amafa to ascertain whether an HIA is required for a project; what categories

of heritage resource must be assessed; and request a detailed motivation for such a study in terms of both

the nature of the development and the nature of the environment. In this regard we draw your attention to

Section 38(2) of the NHRA which states specifically that 'The responsible heritage resources authority must

… if there is reason to believe that heritage resources will be affected by such development, notify the

person who intends to undertake the development to submit an impact assessment report'. In other words,

the heritage authority must be able to justify a request for an Archaeological, Palaeontological or Heritage

Impact Assessment. The Environmental Practitioner may also submit information to the heritage authority in

substantiation of exemption from a specific assessment due to existing environmental disturbance, for

example.

Definitions of heritage resources

The Act defines a heritage resource as any place or object of cultural significance i.e. of aesthetic,

architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological value or significance. This

includes, but is not limited to, the following wide range of places and objects:

living heritage as defined in the National Heritage Council Act 11 of 1999 (cultural tradition; oral history;

performance; ritual; popular memory; skills and techniques; indigenous knowledge systems; and the

holistic approach to nature, society and social relationships);

ecofacts (non-artefactual organic or environmental remains that may reveal aspects of past human

activity; definition used in KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act 2008);

places, buildings, structures and equipment;

places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;

historical settlements and townscapes;

landscapes and natural features;

geological sites of scientific or cultural importance;

archaeological and palaeontological sites;

graves and burial grounds;

public monuments and memorials;

sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa;

movable objects, but excluding any object made by a living person; and



battlefields.

Furthermore, a place or object is to be considered part of the national estate if it has cultural significance or

other special value because of—

its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa’s history;

its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage;

its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or

cultural heritage;

its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa’s natural

or cultural places or objects;

its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group;

its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period;

its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or

spiritual reasons; and

its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in

the history of South Africa.

Archaeological means –

material remains resulting from human activity which are in a state of disuse and are in or on land and

are older than 100 years, including artefacts, human and hominid remains and artificial features and

structures;

rock art, being any form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock surface or

loose rock or stone, which was executed by human agency and is older than 100 years including any

area within 10m of such representation;

wrecks, being any vessel or aircraft, or any part thereof, which was wrecked in South Africa, whether on

land, in the internal waters, the territorial waters or in the culture zone of the Republic, as defined

respectively in sections 3, 4 and 6 of the Maritime Zones Act 15 of 1994, and any cargo, debris or

artefacts found or associated therewith, which is older than 60 years or which SAHRA considers to be

worthy of conservation;

features, structures and artefacts associated with military history which are older than 75 years and the

sites on which they are found.

Palaeontological means any fossilised remains or fossil trace of animals or plants which lived in the

geological past, other than fossil fuels or fossiliferous rock intended for industrial use, and any site which

contains such fossilised remains or trace.

A place is defined as:

a site, area or region;

a building or other structure which may include equipment, furniture, fittings and articles associated with

or connected with such building or other structure;

a group of buildings or other structures which may include equipment, furniture, fittings and articles

associated with or connected with such group of buildings or other structures;

an open space, including a public square, street or park; and

in relation to the management of a place, includes the immediate surroundings of a place.

Public monuments and memorials means all monuments and memorials:

erected on land belonging to any branch of central, provincial or local government, or on land belonging

to any organisation funded by or established in terms of the legislation of such a branch of government;

or



which were paid for by public subscription, government funds, or a public-spirited or military organisation,

and are on land belonging to any private individual.

Structures means any building, works, device or other facility made by people and which is fixed to land,

and includes any fixtures, fittings and equipment associated therewith.

Management of Graves and Burial Grounds

Graves younger than 60 years are protected in terms of Section 2(1) of the Removal of Graves and

Dead Bodies Ordinance 7 of 1925 as well as the Human Tissues Act 65 of 1983. Such graves are the

jurisdiction of the National Department of Health and the relevant Provincial Department of Health and

must be submitted for final approval to the Office of the relevant Provincial Premier. This function is

usually delegated to the Provincial Member of the Executive Council for Local Government and

Planning, or in some cases the MEC for Housing and Welfare.

Authorisation for exhumation and reinterment must also be obtained from the relevant local or regional

council where the grave is situated, as well as the relevant local or regional council to where the grave is

being relocated. All local and regional provisions, laws and by-laws must also be adhered to. In order to

handle and transport human remains the institution conducting the relocation should be authorised under

Section 24 of the Human Tissues Act 65 of 1983.

Graves older than 60 years situated outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority

are protected in terms of Section 36 of the NHRA as well as the Human Tissues Act of 1983.

Accordingly, such graves are the jurisdiction of SAHRA. The procedure for Consultation Regarding

Burial Grounds and Graves (Section 36(5) of NHRA) is applicable to graves older than 60 years that are

situated outside a formal cemetery administrated by a local authority. Graves in the category located

inside a formal cemetery administrated by a local authority will also require the same authorisation as set

out for graves younger than 60 years over and above SAHRA authorisation.

If the grave is not situated inside a formal cemetery but is to be relocated to one, permission from the

local authority is required and all regulations, laws and by-laws set by the cemetery authority must be

adhered to.

The protocol for the management of graves older than 60 years situated outside a formal cemetery

administered by a local authority is detailed in Section 36 of the NHRA:

(3) (a) No person may, without a permit issued by SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority—

(a) destroy, damage, alter, exhume or remove from its original position or otherwise disturb the grave of a

victim of conflict, or any burial ground or part thereof which contains such graves;

(b) destroy, damage, alter, exhume, remove from its original position or otherwise disturb any grave or burial

ground older than 60 years which is situated outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority; or

(c) bring onto or use at a burial ground or grave referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) any excavation equipment,

or any equipment which assists in the detection or recovery of metals.

(4) SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority may not issue a permit for the destruction or damage

of any burial ground or grave referred to in subsection (3)(a) unless it is satisfied that the applicant has made

satisfactory arrangements for the exhumation and re-interment of the contents of such graves, at the cost of

the applicant and in accordance with any regulations made by the responsible heritage resources authority.

(5) SAHRA or a provincial heritage resources authority may not issue a permit for any activity under

subsection (3)(b) unless it is satisfied that the applicant has, in accordance with regulations made by the

responsible heritage resources authority—

(a) made a concerted effort to contact and consult communities and individuals who by tradition have an

interest in such grave or burial ground; and



(b) reached agreements with such communities and individuals regarding the future of such grave or burial

ground.

(6) Subject to the provision of any other law, any person who in the course of development or any other

activity discovers the location of a grave, the existence of which was previously unknown, must immediately

cease such activity and report the discovery to the responsible heritage resources authority which must, in

co-operation with the South African Police Service and in accordance with regulations of the responsible

heritage resources authority—

(a) carry out an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information on whether or not such grave is

protected in terms of this Act or is of significance to any community; and

(b) if such grave is protected or is of significance, assist any person who or community which is a direct

descendant to make arrangements for the exhumation and re-interment of the contents of such grave or, in

the absence of such person or community, make any such arrangements as it deems fit.

The Vermillion Accord on Human Remains7

Adopted in 1989 at WAC Inter-Congress, South Dakota, USA

1. Respect for the mortal remains of the dead shall be accorded to all, irrespective of origin, race, religion,

nationality, custom and tradition.

2. Respect for the wishes of the dead concerning disposition shall be accorded whenever possible,

reasonable and lawful, when they are known or can be reasonably inferred.

3. Respect for the wishes of the local community and of relatives or guardians of the dead shall be accorded

whenever possible, reasonable and lawful.

4. Respect for the scientific research value of skeletal, mummified and other human remains (including fossil

hominids) shall be accorded when such value is demonstrated to exist.

5. Agreement on the disposition of fossil, skeletal, mummified and other remains shall be reached by

negotiation on the basis of mutual respect for the legitimate concerns of communities for the proper

disposition of their ancestors, as well as the legitimate concerns of science and education.

6. The express recognition that the concerns of various ethnic groups, as well as those of science are

legitimate and to be respected, will permit acceptable agreements to be reached and honoured.

7 http://www.worldarchaeologicalcongress.org/



Appendix B

Project Infrastructure Co-ordinates

Melkhout-Dieprivier

Point no Longitude (D°DM') Latitude (D°DM')

Point no Longitude (D°DM') Latitude (D°DM')

1 24°33.5149' E 34°00.2351' S

63 24°40.1558' E 33°59.2677' S

2 24°33.5780' E 34°00.1359' S

64 24°40.2498' E 33°59.2071' S

3 24°33.6740' E 34°00.1000' S

65 24°40.3820' E 33°59.2291' S

4 24°33.8040' E 34°00.1296' S

66 24°40.5141' E 33°59.2511' S

5 24°33.9340' E 34°00.1591' S

67 24°40.6462' E 33°59.2731' S

6 24°34.0640' E 34°00.1887' S

68 24°40.7784' E 33°59.2951' S

7 24°34.1940' E 34°00.2182' S

69 24°40.9105' E 33°59.3171' S

8 24°34.3240' E 34°00.2478' S

70 24°41.0426' E 33°59.3391' S

9 24°34.4540' E 34°00.2773' S

71 24°41.1748' E 33°59.3611' S

10 24°34.5840' E 34°00.3069' S

72 24°41.3069' E 33°59.3831' S

11 24°34.7017' E 34°00.3513' S

73 24°41.4390' E 33°59.4051' S

12 24°34.7815' E 34°00.4417' S

74 24°41.5711' E 33°59.4271' S

13 24°34.8613' E 34°00.5321' S

75 24°41.7033' E 33°59.4492' S

14 24°34.9418' E 34°00.6220' S

76 24°41.8354' E 33°59.4712' S

15 24°35.0437' E 34°00.6955' S

77 24°41.9675' E 33°59.4932' S

16 24°35.1455' E 34°00.7689' S

78 24°42.0997' E 33°59.5152' S

17 24°35.2474' E 34°00.8424' S

79 24°42.2318' E 33°59.5372' S

18 24°35.3492' E 34°00.9159' S

80 24°42.3639' E 33°59.5592' S

19 24°35.4511' E 34°00.9893' S

81 24°42.4961' E 33°59.5812' S

20 24°35.5529' E 34°01.0628' S

82 24°42.5493' E 33°59.6666' S

21 24°35.6547' E 34°01.1363' S

83 24°42.5710' E 33°59.7774' S

22 24°35.7737' E 34°01.0947' S

84 24°42.6505' E 33°59.8311' S

23 24°35.8940' E 34°01.0441' S

85 24°42.7852' E 33°59.8302' S

24 24°36.0144' E 34°00.9949' S

86 24°42.9199' E 33°59.8293' S

25 24°36.1446' E 34°01.0237' S

87 24°43.0547' E 33°59.8284' S

26 24°36.2748' E 34°01.0526' S

88 24°43.1894' E 33°59.8275' S

27 24°36.4051' E 34°01.0814' S

89 24°43.3242' E 33°59.8266' S

28 24°36.5353' E 34°01.1102' S

90 24°43.4589' E 33°59.8257' S

29 24°36.6655' E 34°01.1391' S

91 24°43.5937' E 33°59.8248' S

30 24°36.7957' E 34°01.1679' S

92 24°43.7284' E 33°59.8239' S

31 24°36.9260' E 34°01.1967' S

93 24°43.8631' E 33°59.8230' S

32 24°37.0450' E 34°01.1488' S

94 24°43.9979' E 33°59.8221' S

33 24°37.1632' E 34°01.0949' S

95 24°44.1095' E 33°59.8838' S

34 24°37.2814' E 34°01.0411' S

96 24°44.2203' E 33°59.9477' S

35 24°37.3997' E 34°00.9872' S

97 24°44.3311' E 34°00.0115' S

36 24°37.5179' E 34°00.9333' S

98 24°44.4420' E 34°00.0753' S

37 24°37.6361' E 34°00.8795' S

99 24°44.5528' E 34°00.1392' S

38 24°37.7609' E 34°00.8379' S

100 24°44.6636' E 34°00.2030' S

39 24°37.8878' E 34°00.8000' S

101 24°44.7745' E 34°00.2668' S

40 24°38.0146' E 34°00.7621' S

102 24°44.8853' E 34°00.3307' S

41 24°38.1414' E 34°00.7242' S

103 24°44.9961' E 34°00.3945' S

42 24°38.2682' E 34°00.6863' S

104 24°45.1130' E 34°00.4450' S

43 24°38.3951' E 34°00.6484' S

105 24°45.2468' E 34°00.4587' S

44 24°38.4738' E 34°00.5656' S

106 24°45.3805' E 34°00.4723' S

45 24°38.5334' E 34°00.4650' S

107 24°45.5143' E 34°00.4860' S

46 24°38.5930' E 34°00.3643' S

108 24°45.6480' E 34°00.4997' S

47 24°38.6526' E 34°00.2637' S

109 24°45.7817' E 34°00.5134' S

48 24°38.7122' E 34°00.1630' S

110 24°45.9155' E 34°00.5271' S

49 24°38.7747' E 34°00.0637' S

111 24°46.0492' E 34°00.5408' S



50 24°38.8487' E 33°59.9700' S

112 24°46.1830' E 34°00.5545' S

51 24°38.9227' E 33°59.8762' S

113 24°46.3167' E 34°00.5682' S

52 24°38.9967' E 33°59.7824' S

114 24°46.4504' E 34°00.5819' S

53 24°39.0707' E 33°59.6886' S

115 24°46.5842' E 34°00.5956' S

54 24°39.1447' E 33°59.5948' S

116 24°46.7179' E 34°00.6093' S

55 24°39.2481' E 33°59.5467' S

117 24°46.8517' E 34°00.6230' S

56 24°39.3828' E 33°59.5475' S

118 24°46.9853' E 34°00.6347' S

57 24°39.5175' E 33°59.5483' S

119 24°47.1167' E 34°00.6099' S

58 24°39.6523' E 33°59.5490' S

120 24°47.2012' E 34°00.5599' S

59 24°39.7870' E 33°59.5498' S

121 24°47.1746' E 34°00.4498' S

60 24°39.9140' E 33°59.5376' S

122 24°47.1480' E 34°00.3398' S

61 24°39.9946' E 33°59.4477' S

123 24°47.1214' E 34°00.2298' S

62 24°40.0752' E 33°59.3577' S

124 24°47.0949' E 34°00.1198' S



Appendix C

Archaeological and Historical Context of the Study Area

The Stone Age8

No systematic Early and Middle Stone Age research has been undertaken in the proposed development

area, hence the general nature of this section. Open air scatters of stone artefacts, probably with low

heritage significance, could be expected in areas with minimal environmental disturbance.

South Africa’s prehistory has been divided into a series of phases based on broad patterns of technology.

The primary distinction is between a reliance on chipped and flaked stone implements (the Stone Age) and

the ability to work iron (the Iron Age). Spanning a large proportion of human history, the Stone Age in

Southern Africa is further divided into the Early Stone Age, or Paleolithic Period (about 2 500 000–150 000

years ago), the Middle Stone Age, or Mesolithic Period (about 150 000–30 000 years ago), and the Late

Stone Age, or Neolithic Period (about 30 000–2 000 years ago). The simple stone tools found with

australopithecine fossil bones fall into the earliest part of the Early Stone Age.

o The Early Stone Age

Most Early Stone Age sites in South Africa can probably be connected with the hominin species known as

Homo erectus. Simply modified stones, hand axes, scraping tools, and other bifacial artifacts had a wide

variety of purposes, including butchering animal carcasses, scraping hides, and digging for plant foods. Most

South African archaeological sites from this period are the remains of open camps, often by the sides of

rivers and lakes, although some are rock shelters, such as Montagu Cave in the Cape region.

o The Middle Stone Age

The long episode of cultural and physical evolution gave way to a period of more rapid change about 200

000 years ago. Hand axes and large bifacial stone tools were replaced by stone flakes and blades that were

fashioned into scrapers, spear points, and parts for hafted, composite implements. This technological stage,

now known as the Middle Stone Age, is represented by numerous sites in South Africa.

Open camps and rock overhangs were used for shelter. Day-to-day debris has survived to provide some

evidence of early ways of life, although plant foods have rarely been preserved. Middle Stone Age bands

hunted medium-sized and large prey, including antelope and zebra, although they tended to avoid the

largest and most dangerous animals, such as the elephant and the rhinoceros. They also ate seabirds and

marine mammals that could be found along the shore and sometimes collected tortoises and ostrich eggs in

large quantities.

o The Late Stone Age

Basic toolmaking techniques began to undergo additional change about 40 000 years ago. Small finely

worked stone implements known as microliths became more common, while the heavier scrapers and points

of the Middle Stone Age appeared less frequently. Archaeologists refer to this technological stage as the

Late Stone Age. The numerous collections of stone tools from South African archaeological sites show a

great degree of variation through time and across the subcontinent.

The remains of plant foods have been well preserved at such sites as Melkhoutboom Cave, De Hangen, and

Diepkloof in the Cape region. Animals were trapped and hunted with spears and arrows on which were

mounted well-crafted stone blades. Bands moved with the seasons as they followed game into higher lands

in the spring and early summer months, when plant foods could also be found. When available, rock

8 http://www.britannica.com; article authored by Colin J. Bundy, Julian R. D. Cobbing, Martin Hall and Leonard Monteath Thompson



overhangs became shelters; otherwise, windbreaks were built. Shellfish, crayfish, seals, and seabirds were

also important sources of food, as were fish caught on lines, with spears, in traps, and possibly with nets.

Dating from this period are numerous engravings on rock surfaces, mostly on the interior plateau, and

paintings on the walls of rock shelters in the mountainous regions, such as the Drakensberg and Cederberg

ranges. The images were made over a period of at least 25 000 years. Although scholars originally saw the

South African rock art as the work of exotic foreigners such as Minoans or Phoenicians or as the product of

primitive minds, they now believe that the paintings were closely associated with the work of medicine men,

shamans who were involved in the well-being of the band and often worked in a state of trance. Specific

representations include depictions of trance dances, metaphors for trance such as death and flight,

rainmaking, and control of the movement of antelope herds.

Iron Age9

Archaeological evidence shows that Bantu-speaking agriculturists first settled in southern Africa around AD

300. Bantu-speakers originated in the vicinity of modem Cameroon from where they began to move

eastwards and southwards, some time after 400 BC, skirting around the equatorial forest. An extremely rapid

spread throughout much of sub-equatorial Africa followed: dating shows that the earliest communities in

Tanzania and South Africa are separated in time by only 200 years, despite the 3 000 km distance between

the two regions. It seems likely that the speed of the spread was a consequence of agriculturists deliberately

seeking iron ore sources and particular combinations of soil and climate suitable for the cultivation of their

crops.

The earliest agricultural sites in KwaZulu-Natal date to between AD 400 and 550. All are situated close to

sources of iron ore, and within 15 km of the coast. Current evidence suggests it may have been too dry

further inland at this time for successful cultivation. From 650 onwards, however, climatic conditions

improved and agriculturists expanded into the valleys of KwaZulu-Natal, where they settled close to rivers in

savanna or bushveld environments. There is a considerable body of information available about these early

agriculturists.

Seed remains show that they cultivated finger millet, bulrush millet, sorghum and probably the African melon.

It seems likely that they also planted African groundnuts and cowpeas, though direct evidence for these

plants is lacking from the earlier periods. Faunal remains indicate that they kept sheep, cattle, goats,

chickens and dogs, with cattle and sheep providing most of the meat. Men hunted, perhaps with dogs, but

hunted animals made only a limited contribution to the diet in the region.

Metal production was a key activity since it provided the tools of cultivation and hunting. The evidence

indicates that people who worked metal lived in almost every village, even those that were considerable

distances from ore sources.

Large-scale excavations in recent years have provided data indicating that first-millennium agriculturist

society was patrilineal and that men used cattle as bridewealth in exchange for wives. On a political level,

society was organised into chiefdoms that, in our region, may have had up to three hierarchical levels. The

villages of chiefs tended to be larger than others, with several livestock enclosures, and some were occupied

continuously for lengthy periods. Social forces of the time resulted in the concentration of unusual items on

these sites. These include artefacts that originated from great distances, ivory items (which as early as AD

700 appear to have been a symbol of chieftainship), and initiation paraphernalia.

This particular way of life came to an end around AD 1000, for reasons that we do not yet fully understand.

There was a radical change in the decorative style of agriculturist ceramics at this time, while the preferred

9 Whitelaw (1997). See also Prins and Granger (1993), Whitelaw (1991, 2009).



village locations of the last four centuries were abandoned in favour of sites along the coastal littoral. In

general, sites dating to between 1050 and 1250 are smaller than most earlier agriculturist settlements. It is

tempting to see in this change the origin of the Nguni settlement pattern. Indeed, some archaeologists have

suggested that the changes were a result of the movement into the region of people who were directly

ancestral to the Nguni-speakers of today. Others prefer to see the change as the product of social and

cultural restructuring within resident agriculturist communities.

Whatever the case, it seems likely that this new pattern of settlement was in some way influenced by a

changing climate, for there is evidence of increasing aridity from about AD 900. A new pattern of economic

inter-dependence evolved that is substantially different from that of earlier centuries, and is one that

continued into the colonial period nearly 500 years later.

Colonial rule10

By the closing decades of the 18th century, South Africa had fallen into two broad regions: west and east.

Colonial settlement dominated the west, including the winter rainfall region around the Cape of Good Hope,

the coastal hinterland northward toward the present-day border with Namibia, and the dry lands of the

interior. Trekboers took increasingly more land from the Khoekhoe and from remnant hunter-gatherer

communities, who were killed, were forced into marginal areas, or became labourers tied to the farms of their

new overlords. Indigenous farmers controlled both the coastal and valley lowlands and the Highveld of the

interior in the east, where summer rainfall and good grazing made mixed farming economies possible.

A large group of British settlers arrived in the eastern Cape in 1820; this, together with a high European birth

rate and wasteful land usage, produced an acute land shortage, which was alleviated only when the British

acquired more land through massive military intervention against Africans on the eastern frontier. Until the

1840s the British vision of the colony did not include African citizens (referred to pejoratively by the British as

“Kaffirs”), so, as Africans lost their land, they were expelled across the Great Fish River, the unilaterally

proclaimed eastern border of the colony.

The first step in this process included attacks in 1811–12 by the British army on the Xhosa groups, the

Gqunukhwebe and Ndlambe. An attack by the Rharhabe-Xhosa on Graham’s Town in 1819 provided the

pretext for the annexation of more African territory, to the Keiskamma River. Various Rharhabe-Xhosa

groups were driven from their lands throughout the early 1830s. They counterattacked in December 1834,

and Governor Benjamin D’Urban ordered a major invasion the following year, during which thousands of

Rharhabe-Xhosa died. The British crossed the Great Kei River and ravaged territory of the Gcaleka-Xhosa

as well; the Gcaleka chief, Hintsa, invited to hold discussions with British military officials, was held hostage

and died trying to escape. The British colonial secretary, Lord Glenelg, who disapproved of D’Urban’s policy,

halted the seizure of all African land east of the Great Kei. D’Urban’s initial attempt to rule conquered

Africans with European magistrates and soldiers was overturned by Glenelg; instead, for a time, Africans

east of the Keiskamma retained their autonomy and dealt with the colony through diplomatic agents.

However, after further fighting with the Rharhabe-Xhosa on the eastern frontier in 1846, Governor Colonel

Harry Smith finally annexed, over the next two years, not only the region between the Great Fish and the

Great Kei rivers (establishing British Kaffraria) but also a large area between the Orange and Vaal rivers,

thus establishing the Orange River Sovereignty. These moves provoked further warfare in 1851–53 with the

Xhosa (joined once more by many Khoe), with a few British politicians ineffectively trying to influence events.

Between 1811 and 1858 colonial aggression deprived Africans of most of their land between the Sundays

and Great Kei rivers and produced poverty and despair. From the mid-1850s British magistrates held political

power in British Kaffraria, destroying the power of the Xhosa chiefs. Following a severe lung sickness

10

http://www.britannica.com; article authored by Colin J. Bundy, Julian R. D. Cobbing, Martin Hall and Leonard Monteath Thompson



epidemic among their cattle in 1854–56, the Xhosa killed many of their remaining cattle and in 1857–58 grew

few crops in response to a millenarian prophecy that this would cause their ancestors to rise from the dead

and destroy the whites. Many thousands of Xhosa starved to death, and large numbers of survivors were

driven into the Cape Colony to work. British Kaffraria fused with the Cape Colony in 1865, and thousands of

Africans newly defined as Fingo resettled east of the Great Kei, thereby creating Fingoland. The Transkei, as

this region came to be known, consisted of the hilly country between the Cape and Natal. It became a large

African reserve and grew in size when those parts that were still independent were annexed in the 1880s

and ’90s (Pondoland lost its independence in 1894).

Under apartheid blacks were treated like “tribal” people and were required to live on reserves under

hereditary chiefs except when they worked temporarily in white towns or on white farms. The government

began to consolidate the scattered reserves into 8 (eventually 10) distinct territories, designating each of

them as the “homeland,” or Bantustan, of a specific black ethnic community. The government manipulated

homeland politics so that compliant chiefs controlled the administrations of most of those territories. Arguing

that Bantustans matched the decolonization process then taking place in tropical Africa, the government

devolved powers onto those administrations and eventually encouraged them to become “independent.”

Between 1976 and 1981 four accepted independence—Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei—

though none was ever recognized by a foreign government. Like the other homelands, however, they were

economic backwaters, dependent on subsidies from Pretoria.

Conditions in the homelands continued to deteriorate, partly because they had to accommodate vast

numbers of people with minimal resources. Many people found their way to the towns; but the government,

attempting to reverse this flood, strengthened the pass laws by making it illegal for blacks to be in a town for

more than 72 hours at a time without a job in a white home or business. A particularly brutal series of forced

removals were conducted from the 1960s to the early ’80s, in which more than 3.5 million blacks were taken

from towns and white rural areas (including lands they had occupied for generations) and dumped into the

reserves, sometimes in the middle of winter and without any facilities.

Humansdorp11

Humansdorp is a small town and surrounding district in the Eastern Cape with a population of around 35

000. It is part of the Kouga Local Municipality of the Cacadu District. The town is the centre of the district's

light industry and farming. Humansdorp was founded in 1849, and was named after Johannes Jurie Human

and Matthys Gerhardus Human, who were joint founders of the Dutch Reformed Church congregation there.

The town's residential streets are lined with trees that were planted before the First World War by the then

mayor, Ambrose Saffery. The Apple Express passes through Humansdorp. Heinrich Schörbeck (alias

Hendrik Spoorbek / Skoorbek), was a seer, healer and magician who settled in the Humansdorp district

around 1815. In Afrikaner folklore, he is commonly known as Hendrik Spoorbek / Skoorbek the “Towenaar”

(Magician/Wizard).

11

http://en.wikipedia.org/



Appendix D

Criteria for Determination of Significance of and

Impacts on Heritage Resources

Assessment of heritage resource value and significance

Heritage resources are significant only to the extent that they have public value, as demonstrated by the

following guidelines for determining site significance developed by Heritage Western Cape in 2007 and

utilised during this assessment.

Grade I Sites (National Heritage Sites)

Regulation 43 Government Gazette no 6820. 8 No. 24893 30 May 2003, Notice No. 694 states that:

Grade I heritage resources are heritage resources with qualities so exceptional that they are of special

national significance should be applied to any heritage resource which is

a) Of outstanding significance in terms of one or more of the criteria set out in section 3(3) of the

NHRA;

b) Authentic in terms of design, materials, workmanship or setting; and is of such universal value and

symbolic importance that it can promote human understanding and contribute to nation building, and

its loss would significantly diminish the national heritage.

1. Is the site of outstanding national significance?

2. Is the site the best possible representative of a national issue, event or group or person of national

historical importance?

3. Does it fall within the proposed themes that are to be represented by National Heritage Sites?

4. Does the site contribute to nation building and reconciliation?

5. Does the site illustrate an issue or theme, or the side of an issue already represented by an existing

National Heritage Site – or would the issue be better represented by another site?

6. Is the site authentic and intact?

7. Should the declaration be part of a serial declaration?

8. Is it appropriate that this site be managed at a national level?

9. What are the implications of not managing the site at national level?

Grade II Sites (Provincial Heritage Sites)


Grade II heritage resources are those with special qualities which make them significant in the context of a

province or region and should be applied to any heritage resource which -

a) is of great significance in terms of one or more of the criteria set out in section 3(3) of the NHRA; and

(b) enriches the understanding of cultural, historical, social and scientific development in the province or

region in which it is situated, but that does not fulfil the criteria for Grade 1 status.

Grade II sites may include, but are not limited to –

(a) places, buildings, structures and immovable equipment of cultural significance;

(b) places to which oral traditions are attached or which are associated with living heritage;

(c) historical settlements and townscapes;

(d) landscapes and natural features of cultural significance;

(e) geological sites of scientific or cultural importance;

(f) archaeological and palaeontological sites; and

(g) graves and burial grounds.



The cultural significance or other special value that Grade II sites may have, could include, but are not limited

to –

(a) its importance in the community or pattern of the history of the province;

(b) the uncommon, rare or endangered aspects that it possess reflecting the province’s natural or cultural

heritage

(c) the potential that the site may yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the

province’s natural or cultural heritage;

(d) its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of the province’s

natural or cultural places or objects;

(e) its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group

in the province;

(f) its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular

period in the development or history of the province;

(g) its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or

spiritual reasons; and

(h) its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organization of importance in

the history of the province.

Grade III (Local Heritage Resources)


Grade III heritage status should be applied to any heritage resource which

(a) fulfils one or more of the criteria set out in section 3(3) of the NHRA; or

(b) in the case of a site contributes to the environmental quality or cultural significance of a larger area

which fulfils one of the above criteria, but that does not fulfill the criteria for Grade 2 status.

Grade IIIA

This grading is applied to buildings and sites that have sufficient intrinsic significance to be regarded as local

heritage resources; and are significant enough to warrant any alteration being regulated. The significances of these

buildings and/or sites should include at least some of the following characteristics:

Highly significant association with a

o historic person

o social grouping

o historic events

o historical activities or roles

o public memory

Historical and/or visual-spatial landmark within a place

High architectural quality, well-constructed and of fine materials

Historical fabric is mostly intact (this fabric may be layered historically and/or past damage should be

easily reversible)

Fabric dates to the early origins of a place

Fabric clearly illustrates an historical period in the evolution of a place

Fabric clearly illustrates the key uses and roles of a place over time

Contributes significantly to the environmental quality of a Grade I or Grade II heritage resource or a

conservation/heritage area

Such buildings and sites may be representative, being excellent examples of their kind, or may be rare: as

such they should receive maximum protection at local level.

Grade IIIB

This grading is applied to buildings and/or sites of a marginally lesser significance than grade IIIA; and such

marginally lesser significance argues against the regulation of internal alterations. Such buildings and sites



may have similar significances to those of a grade IIIA building or site, but to a lesser degree. Like grade IIIA

buildings and sites, such buildings and sites may be representative, being excellent examples of their kind,

or may be rare, but less so than grade IIIA examples: as such they should receive less stringent protection

than grade IIIA buildings and sites at local level and internal alterations should not be regulated (in this

context).

Grade IIIC

This grading is applied to buildings and/or sites whose significance is, in large part, a significance that

contributes to the character or significance of the environs. These buildings and sites should, as a

consequence, only be protected and regulated if the significance of the environs is sufficient to warrant

protective measures. In other words, these buildings and/or sites will only be protected if they are within

declared conservation or heritage areas.

Assessment of development impacts

A heritage resource impact may be defined broadly as the net change, either beneficial or adverse, between

the integrity of a heritage site with and without the proposed development. Beneficial impacts occur wherever

a proposed development actively protects, preserves or enhances a heritage resource, by minimising natural

site erosion or facilitating non-destructive public use, for example. More commonly, development impacts are

of an adverse nature and can include:

destruction or alteration of all or part of a heritage site;

isolation of a site from its natural setting; and / or

introduction of physical, chemical or visual elements that are out of character with the heritage resource

and its setting.

Beneficial and adverse impacts can be direct or indirect, as well as cumulative, as implied by the

aforementioned examples. Although indirect impacts may be more difficult to foresee, assess and quantify,

they must form part of the assessment process. The following assessment criteria have been used to assess

the impacts of the proposed development on identified heritage resources:

Criteria Rating Scales Notes

Nature

Positive An evaluation of the type of effect the construction, operation and management of the proposed development would have on the heritage resource.

Negative

Neutral

Extent

Low Site-specific, affects only the development footprint.

Medium Local (limited to the site and its immediate surroundings, including the surrounding towns and settlements within a 10 km radius);

High Regional (beyond a 10 km radius) to national.

Duration

Low 0-4 years (i.e. duration of construction phase).

Medium 5-10 years.

High More than 10 years to permanent.

Intensity

Low Where the impact affects the heritage resource in such a way that its significance and value are minimally affected.

Medium Where the heritage resource is altered and its significance and value are measurably reduced.

High Where the heritage resource is altered or destroyed to the extent that its significance and value cease to exist.

Potential for impact on irreplaceable resources

Low No irreplaceable resources will be impacted.

Medium Resources that will be impacted can be replaced, with effort.

High There is no potential for replacing a particular vulnerable resource that will be impacted.

Consequence a combination of extent, duration, intensity and the potential for impact on irreplaceable resources).

Low

A combination of any of the following: - Intensity, duration, extent and impact on irreplaceable resources are all rated low. - Intensity is low and up to two of the other criteria are rated medium. - Intensity is medium and all three other criteria are rated low.

Medium Intensity is medium and at least two of the other criteria are rated medium.

High

Intensity and impact on irreplaceable resources are rated high, with any combination of extent and duration. Intensity is rated high, with all of the other criteria being rated medium or higher.



Probability (the likelihood of the impact occurring)

Low It is highly unlikely or less than 50 % likely that an impact will occur.

Medium It is between 50 and 70 % certain that the impact will occur.

High It is more than 75 % certain that the impact will occur or it is definite that the impact will occur.

Significance (all impacts including potential cumulative impacts)

Low Low consequence and low probability. Low consequence and medium probability. Low consequence and high probability.

Medium

Medium consequence and low probability. Medium consequence and medium probability. Medium consequence and high probability. High consequence and low probability.

High High consequence and medium probability. High consequence and high probability.



Appendix E

Desktop Palaeontological Impact Assessment

NATURA VIVA cc Natur Attention: Elizabeth Wahl and Len van Schalkwyk

eThembeni Cultural Heritage

Box 20057 Ashburton 3213 Pietermaritzburg

Date: 28 May 2012

KAREEDOUW – PATENSIE NEW 132 kV OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE, EASTERN

CAPE:

PALAEONTOLOGICAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

The proposed new 132 kV overhead transmission line (c. 90 km) and associated new substation

developments between Kareedouw and Patensie are underlain by potentially fossiliferous bedrocks of

Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Caenozoic age that crop out within the Cape Fold Belt, Southern coastal plain and

Gamtoos River Valley of the Eastern Cape (1: 250 000 geological map 3324 Port Elizabeth).

The Kareedouw – Dieprivier sector (35 km) runs along the grain of the Cape Fold Belt and is partially

underlain by Early Devonian sediments of the Baviaanskloof and Gydo Formations that may contain early

land plants and marine invertebrates respectively. However, given the tight folding here, it is quite likely

that most of the original fossil content of these rocks has been destroyed by tectonism.

The potentially fossiliferous Baviaanskloof Formation and Lower Bokkeveld Group (Ceres Subgroup) are

also represented in the Dieprivier – Melkhout sector (26 km) of the proposed new 132 kV line. Previous

fieldwork in the Humansdorp region suggests that the former are usually poorly exposed, but might contain

well-preserved plant material, while the Bokkeveld mudrocks are deeply weathered and cleaved, reducing

the likelihood of well-preserved fossil biotas.

The Melkhout – Patensie sector (28 km) traverses a wide range of geological units. Table Mountain Group

sediments in the southwest are generally poorly fossiliferous, as are Jurassic conglomerates of the Enon

Formation (Uitenhage Group) on the southwestern side of the Gamtoos River Valley. Early Cretaceous

Kirkwood Formation beds near Patensie may contain important fossils of dinosaurs and other terrestrial

vertebrates as well as petrified wood, while older alluvial sediments of the Gamtoos drainage system are also

potentially fossil-bearing.

Since likely impacts on fossil heritage along the proposed new 132 kV transmission line are mainly

associated with excavations for the pylon footings, as well as the construction of new substations, it is

recommended that a Phase 1 palaeontological field assessment of the final transmission line route be

undertaken once the pylon positions have been finalized and before construction commences.



The resulting report should make recommendations regarding any necessary mitigation during the

construction phase of the transmission line and associated infrastructure (e.g. recording, sampling of fossil

assemblages, field monitoring of selected pylon positions).

John E. Almond

Palaeontologist (Natura Viva cc)



Appendix F

Specialist Competency and Declaration of Independence

Specialist competency

Len van Schalkwyk is accredited by the Cultural Resources Management section of the Association of

Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) to undertake AIAs in South Africa. He is also a

member of the ASAPA Cultural Resources Management Committee for 2011 and 2012. Mr van Schalkwyk

has a master’s degree in archaeology (specialising in the history of early farmers in southern Africa) from the

University of Cape Town and 25 years’ experience in heritage management. He has worked on projects as

diverse as the establishment of the Ondini Cultural Museum in Ulundi, the cultural management of Chobe

National Park in Botswana and various archaeological excavations and oral history recording projects. He

was part of the writing team that produced the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act 1997. He has worked with many

rural communities to establish integrated heritage and land use plans and speaks good Zulu.

Mr van Schalkwyk left his position as assistant director of Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali, the provincial heritage

management authority, to start eThembeni in partnership with Elizabeth Wahl, who was head of archaeology

at Amafa at the time. Over the past decade they have undertaken almost 1000 heritage impact assessments

throughout South Africa, as well as in Mozambique.

Elizabeth Wahl has a BA Honours in African Studies from the University of Cape Town and has completed

various Masters courses in Heritage and Tourism at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is currently

studying for an MPhil in the Conservation of the Built Environment at UCT. She is also a member of ASAPA.

Ms Wahl was an excavator and logistical coordinator for Glasgow University Archaeological Research

Division’s heritage programme at Isandlwana Battlefield; has undertaken numerous rock painting surveys in

the uKhahlamba/Drakensberg Mountains, northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Cederberg and the Koue Bokkeveld

in the Cape Province; and was the principal excavator of Scorpion Shelter in the Cape Province, and

Lenjane and Crystal Shelters in KwaZulu-Natal. Ms Wahl compiled the first cultural landscape management

plan for the Mnweni Valley, northern uKhahlamba/Drakensberg, and undertook an assessment of and made

recommendations for cultural heritage databases and organisational capacity in parts of Lesotho and South

Africa for the Global Environment Facility of the World Bank for the Maloti Drakensberg Transfrontier

Conservation and Development Area. She developed the first cultural heritage management plan for the

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, following UNESCO recommendations for rock art

management in southern Africa.

Declaration of independence

We declare that Len van Schalkwyk, Elizabeth Wahl, eThembeni Cultural Heritage, Dr John Almond and

Natura Viva have no financial or personal interest in the proposed development, nor its developers or any of

its subsidiaries, apart from in the provision of heritage impact assessment and management consulting

services.


APPENDIX E

Public Participation Process (PPP) and Issues and Response Report

(IRR)

EIA for the installation of 132kV distribution lines from Melkhout to Dieprivier, Cacadu District

Public Participation Process:

Comments and Response Report

(Draft)


INSTALLATION OF 132KV DISTRIBUTION LINES FROM MELKHOUT TO DIEPRIVIER

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT

CONTENTS

Chapter Description Page

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION METHODOLOGY 1

Introduction 1

Methodology overview 1

Newspaper advertisement 1

Site notices 4

Background Information Documents 6

Notification of Authorities 6

Public meeting 6

I&AP Registration and Comments 6

Initial registration and comment period 6

COMMENTS AND RESPONES 7

Introduction 7

Comments received subsequent to notifying landowners 7

Comments received during initial I&AP registration period (21 days) 8

Comments received during draft BAR review period (40 days) and public meetings 8


APPENDICES Addendum 1: Background Information Document Addendum 2: Notification letters sent to landowners Addendum 3 Site notice Addendum 4: Public meeting attendance register and minutes Addendum 5: Comments Received from Authorities Addendum 6: Comments received on the draft BAR Addendum 7: I&AP database LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS BAR Basic Assessment Report BID Background Information Document DEA Department of Environmental Affairs EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner EMPR Environmental Management Programme HIA Heritage Impact Assessment I&APs Interested & Affected Parties LUPO Land Use Planning Ordinance (15 of 1985) PPP Public Participation Process SAHRA South African Heritage Resource Agency


PUBLIC PARTICIPATION METHODOLOGY

Introduction

This report describes the Public Participation Process (PPP) undertaken as part of the Basic Environmental Assessment as required in terms of chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), as amended, for the proposed network strengthening and upgrade in the Humansdorp, Patensie, and Kareedouw area. It describes the methodology of the PPP, and presents the issues and comments raised by Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), as well as responses provided by the Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to these queries.

Methodology overview

The following main activities were undertaken as part of the PPP:

� An advertisement was placed in two newspapers: The Herald in English and Die Burger in Afrikaans notifying and inviting any I&AP or key stakeholder that may have an interest in the proposed project to register as an I&AP and submit comments.

� Site notices were erected at a total of three locations along the line.

� A poster was erected at the Humansdorp Public Library.

� Background Information Documents (BIDs) were distributed.

� Comments from all key stakeholders and I&APs were received and collated.

The following have yet to be undertaken:

� The draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) will be made available for public review.

� Comments the draft BAR will be incorporated into a revised version of the dBAR.

� The final BAR will be made available to the public.

Newspaper advertisement

Newspapers adverts were placed in two newspapers, The Herald in English and Die Burger in Afrikaans on 02 April 2012.


Figure 9: Newspaper advertisement as placed in The Herald on 02 April 2012


Figure 10: Newspaper advertisement as placed in Die Burger on 02 April 2012


Site notices

Site notices were printed onto A1 correx boards and displayed at three points along the proposed power line route at the following locations on 02 April 2012:

� Existing Melkhout substation (34°00.136’ S, 24°46.755’ E);

� R102 along the proposed power line route (34°01.992’ S, 24°36.345’ E);

� Location of the proposed Dieprivier substation (34°00.450’ S, 24°33.390’ E);

� An A3 poster was put up at the Humansdorp library (34°01.645’ S, 24°46.352’ E). See Addendum 3 for the details of the Site Notice. Photographic evidence of erection of the above site notices is provided below.

. Site notice at existing Melkhout substation Site notice along Melkhout to Dieprivier line


Location of proposed Dieprivier substation on R102

Poster placement on notice board at Humansdorp library Figure 2: Site notices and poster erected on 02 April 2012.


Background Information Documents

The background information document (BID) was distributed by e-mail to councillors, authorities and stakeholders on 04 April 2012. The BID is attached as Addendum 1.

Notification of Authorities

The applicant in this case is Eskom. Authorities were notified as follows: � Cacadu District Municipality - A background information document was sent to Ms Lyn

Nance, Senior Administration Officer at the Cacadu office of the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager from where it was sent to all nine local municipalities for distribution to the councillors.

� Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) - Mr Coenrad Agenbach, Assistant Director. � South African Heritage Resource Agency - Ms Mariagrazia Galimeberti. � Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) - Mr Dayalan

Govender. � Department of Roads, Eastern Cape - Ms Wilma Snyman. � Kouga Municipality - Mr Aubrey Marais. Responses from all these authorities are presented in Addendum 5.

Public meeting

A public meeting will be held during the draft BAR review period.

I&AP Registration and Comments

Initial registration and comment period Landowners were automatically recognised as I&APs, letters notifying the landowners of the EIA process were delivered on 19 March 2012. Site notices were erected and two newspaper advertisements published on the 2nd April with a 21 day registration period for additional I&APs running until 25th April. BIDs were distributed to councillors, authorities and stakeholder with a 21 day registration period ending on 11th May.

Melkhout-Dieprivier dBAR_v0.5_lowres.doc 7

COMMENTS AND RESPONES

Introduction

The following sections present comments received during the initial public participation period (section 2.2) as well as comments received during the draft BAR review period (section 2.3).

Comments received subsequent to notifying landowners

Respondent & organisation

Issue/concern Date Means of communication

Comment/query Response

Mr P. Ferreira Power lines crossing property

28/03/2012 Fax I do not grant permission for the power line to cross my property, there are already 3 power lines across my property. There is enough space south or north of the existing power line or south of the tarred road available, north of the rail line

The construction of all proposed power lines will be subject to negotiations between Eskom and land owners. No work will commence on the power lines until the EIA process is complete.

Mrs N. Gouws. SANRAL

Placement of power lines in relation to roads. Vertical clearance of power lines

12/04/2012 E-mail For 22 kV overhead power lines no pole or stay shall be erected closer than 20 meters from the national road reserve fence For 40 kV and higher overhead power lines no pole or stay shall be erected closer than 60 meters from the national road reserve fence A vertical clearance of not less than 6,5 meters measured from the crown of the national road to the lowest wire shall be observed

Best practice standards as well as Eskom guidelines and standards will be strictly adhered to with regards to clearances. The clearances to be implemented are discussed in the Basic Assessment Report. No work will commence on the power lines until the EIA process is complete.

Mr K.Reichert Public participation for cultural issues

26/04/2012 E-mail Mr Reichert is concerned the public participation process is not adequate to deal with cultural issues. Mr Reichert also requested a copy of the Heritage Impact Assessment Report

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) found that impacts on heritage along the route were of low significance provided that the mitigation measures proposed by the HIA practitioner are implemented. Heritage Impact Assessment Reports sent to Mr Reichert on 06/06/2012

Melkhout-Dieprivier dBAR_v0.5_lowres.doc 8

Comments received during initial I&AP registration period (21 days)

A number of I&APs registered during this process but no comments were received.

Comments received during draft BAR review period (40 days) and public meetings

The following table presents the comments received during the draft BAR review period and public meetings. Comments have been grouped according to topic, and summarised. The table also indicates the reference numbers for the different I&APs which raised particular issues. The draft BAR review and public meeting is yet to commence thus no comments can be presented here prior to the release of the dBAR for review.

Respondent & organisation

Issue/concern Date Means of communication

Comment/query Response

To be completed

CONCLUSIONS and WAY FORWARD

This draft IRR will be updated as the BAR undergoes various phases of review. These will include the following: � Draft BAR: The draft BAR will be made available to the public for a review period of 40

days. Any comments on the report are to be forwarded to GIBB. � Final BAR: The final BAR will be made available to the public for a review period of 21

days. Any comments on the report are to be forwarded to GIBB. � Final submitted BAR: The final submitted BAR will be submitted to the DEA and made

available to the public for a review. The outcome of DEDEA’s decision will be communicated to all I&APs once it has been issued.

Addendum 1

Background Information Document

Addendum 2

Notification letters sent to landowners

Site

not

ice

as e

rect

ed a

t fou

r lo

cati

ons

arou

nd th

e si

te.

Postage receipt for the notification of Environmental Authorisation Process for the construction of the power lines. Notification letters were sent out recorded delivery on 19 March 2012

Addendum 3

Site notice

Site notice as displayed at a total of three locations along the length of the proposed power line.

Addendum 4

Comments Received from Authorities

Addendum 5

Comments received on the draft BAR

Addendum 6

I&AP Database

Group Company / Organisation Name Registered?

Councillor Kouga councillor Benjamin Fredeman Rheeder

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Brendan Jantjies

Councillor Kouga councillor Bulelwa Cynthia Koliti

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Cila Reeders

Councillor Kouga councillor David Ernesr Aldendorff

Councillor Kouga councillor David Lulamele Ntshiza

Councillor Kouga councillor Earl Deon Hill, ANC

Councillor Kouga councillor Eugene Daniel Groep

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Francois Strydom

Councillor Kouga councillor Frederick Jacobus Campher

Councillor Kouga councillor Julius Zolani Mayoni

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Lawrence Nelson

Councillor Kouga councillor Mercia Ungerer

Councillor Kougs councillor Mzukisi Eric Mahlathini

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Niqualanus Pottie

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Nomawabo Mntambo

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Pamela Goni

Councillor Kouga councillor Patrick Kota

Councillor Kouga councillor Phumzile Joseph Oliphant

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Richard Krige

Councillor Kou-Kamma Mayor Samuel Vuso

Councillor Kouga councillor Sophia Hendrina Thiart

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Susie Jacobs

Councillor Kou-Kamma councillor Teritus Mohr

Councillor Kouga councillor Timothy Ncedile Meleni

Councillor Kouga councillor Vuyelwa Nathalia Matodlana

Government DEA, Assistant Director: Environmental Impact Evaluation Coenrad Agenbach

Government DEDEA Dayalan Govender

Government DEA, Director: Environmental Impact Evaluation Dumisani Mthembu

Government SAHRA APM Impact Assessor Mariagrazia Galimberti

Government Department of Roads Eastern Cape Wilma Snyman

Landowner Albert Strydom

Landowner Anton Le Roux

Landowner Aubrey Marais

Landowner Charl v d Heever

Landowner Clive Bramwell Y

Landowner Douglas Shone

Landowner Gilbert Nortier Y

Landowner Hennie Anderson

Landowner Johan Pienaar

Landowner John Peacock

Landowner John Strydom Y

Landowner Migo Meyer

Landowner Nana Gouws Y

Landowner Nap Heynes

Landowner Nic Heynes

Landowner Paul Ferreira Y

Landowner Siegfried Naude

Local Municipality Koukamma Municipality manager Sidney Fadi

Local Municipality Cacadu Senior Office Administration Lyn Nance

Local Municipality Cacadu Executive Mayor PA Clarissa Paul

Local Municipality Kou-Kamma Mayor PA Pumelela Mgwetyana

Local Municipality Kouga Executive Mayor PA Ria Griebenow

Group Company / Organisation Name Registered?

Stakeholder Surplan Bertus Smuts

Stakeholder Surplan Chere Munro

Stakeholder Eskom, Snr Supervisor Environmental Management, EC Lusanda Ngesi

Stakeholder WESSA Morgan Griffitha

Stakeholder The Blacksmith Plover Trust Neil Lurie

Stakeholder Bird Club Ria Bestbier

Stakeholder Tourism Office, general manager Warren Manser

Stakeholder Eskom, snr supervisor tech surveying Richard Frank

Stakeholder Eskom Tebogo Jonker

Stakeholder Eskom Tom Smith

Stakeholder Indwe Environmental Consultants, Avifauna specialist Brendon Steytler

Stakeholder Trans-Africa Projects, line design engineer Graeme Louw

Stakeholder Heritage specialist, Palaeontology John Almond

Stakeholder Eastern Cape Heritage Kobus Reichert Y

Stakeholder Heritage specialist, eThembeni Cultural Heritage Len van Schlkwyk & Elizabeth Wahl

Stakeholder Trans-Africa Projects, National Manager Pierre Marais

Stakeholder Trans-Africa Projects, Project engineer Stefan Greyling

Stakeholder Vegetation specialist, Environmental Rehabilitation. GIS & Botanical Specialist Consultant Jamie Pote

APPENDIX F

Environmental Management Programme

APPENDIX G

Details of EAP and declaration of interest

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET (FORM IP180/B)

CLIENT : ESKOM Distribution Division

PROJECT NAME : Melkhout to Dieprivier distribution line BA PROJECT No. : J29223

TITLE OF DOCUMENT : Basic Environmental Assessment for the installation of 132kV distribution lines from Melkhout to Dieprivier, Cacadu District (Draft)

ELECTRONIC LOCATION : P:\J29223_Eskom_Melkhout-Diepriver_PPP (EL project)\3-Tasks\Reports\BAR\Melkhout-Dieprivier dBAR_v0.5_lowres.doc

Approved By Reviewed By Prepared By

ORIGINAL NAME M Oliver

NAME W Fyvie

NAME M Vosloo

DATE 27/06/2012

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

Prepared by Prepared By Prepared By

ORIGINAL NAME

NAME

NAME

DATE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

Approved By Reviewed By Prepared By

REVISION NAME

NAME

NAME

DATE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

SIGNATURE

This report, and information or advice, which it contains, is provided by Arcus GIBB solely for internal use and reliance by its Client in performance of Arcus GIBB duties and liabilities under its contract with the Client. Any advice, opinions, or recommendations within this report should be read and relied upon only in the context of the report as a whole. The advice and opinions in this report are based upon the information made available to Arcus GIBB at the date of this report and on current SA standards, codes, technology and construction practices as at the date of this report. Following final delivery of this report to the Client, Arcus GIBB will have no further obligations or duty to advise the Client on any matters, including development affecting the information or advice provided in this report. This report has been prepared by Arcus GIBB in their professional capacity as Consulting Engineers. The contents of the report do not, in any way, purport to include any manner of legal advice or opinion. This report is prepared in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Arcus GIBB contract with the Client. Regard should be had to those terms and conditions when considering and/or placing any reliance on this report. Should the Client wish to release this report to a Third Party for that party's reliance, Arcus GIBB may, at its discretion, agree to such release provided that: (a) Arcus GIBB written agreement is obtained prior to such release, and (b) By release of the report to the Third Party, that Third Party does not acquire any rights, contractual or otherwise, whatsoever against Arcus GIBB and

Arcus GIBB, accordingly, assume no duties, liabilities or obligations to that Third Party, and (c) Arcus GIBB accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred by the Client or for any conflict of Arcus GIBB interests arising out of the Client's

release of this report to the Third Party.

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Contact Person : W Fyvie Email Address : [email protected]

Telephone No. : 041 392 7500 Fax No. : 041 363 9300