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Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the proposed power lines from Walmund Substation to Walvis Bay

Environmental Impact Assessment Report

November 2012

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November 2012


EIA Study for the proposed power lines from Walmund Substation to Walvis Bay

COPYRIGHT © NAMPOWER, 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PROJECT NAME Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed power lines

from Walmund Substation to Walvis Bay

STAGE OF REPORT Environmental Impact Assessment Report

CLIENT NamPower

Enquiries: Horst Mutschler

Tel: (061) 205-2735

E-Mail:

[email protected]

LEAD CONSULTANT Enviro Dynamics

Enquiries: Stephanie van Zyl

Tel: (061) 223-336

E-Mail: [email protected]

DATE OF RELEASE November 2012

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE REPORT Eloise Carstens, Carla Saayman, Sheldon Husselman

Reviewer: Stephanie van Zyl

mailto:[email protected]


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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that I do:

(a) have knowledge of and experience in conducting assessments, including

knowledge of the Act, these regulations and guidelines that have relevance to the

proposed activity;

(b) perform the work relating to the application in an objective manner, even if this

results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant;

(c) comply with the Act, these regulations, guidelines and other applicable laws.

I also declare that there is, to my knowledge, no information in my possession that

reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing –

(i) any decision to be taken with respect to the application in terms of the Act and the

regulations; or

(ii) the objectivity of this report, plan or document prepared in terms of the Act and

these regulations.

Eloise Carstens

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... iii

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ........................................................................................ vi

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .............................................................................. ix

APPENDICES ................................................................................................................... x

1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................... 1

1.2 APPOINTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) ....................... 2

1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE ................................................................................................ 2

1.4 WORK PLAN FOR STUDY ............................................................................................ 3

1.5 APPROACH TO THE STUDY ........................................................................................ 4

1.6 REPORT LAYOUT ......................................................................................................... 5

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ............................................................ 7

2.1 LOCALITY ..................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 PROJECT RATIONALE ................................................................................................. 8

2.3 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................... 8

2.3.1 DISMANTLING AND REMOVAL OF EXISTING LINE ........................................ 8

2.3.2 STRUCTURAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 8

2.3.3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ......................................................................... 10

2.3.4 WASTE MATERIALS ........................................................................................... 8

3 POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................... 9

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ................................................ 14

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4.1 CLIMATE .................................................................................................................... 14

4.2 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY .......................................................................................... 15

4.3 FLORA AND LICHENS ............................................................................................... 18

4.4 FAUNA ....................................................................................................................... 20

4.4.1 REPTILES, MAMMALS & AMPHIBIANS .......................................................... 20

4.4.2 BIRDS .............................................................................................................. 21

4.5 ARCHAEOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 24

5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................... 26

5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 26

5.2 OVERVIEW OF THE ERONGO REGION ................................................................... 26

5.2.1 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................ 26

5.2.2 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 27

5.3 OVERVIEW OF WALVIS BAY .................................................................................... 28

5.3.1 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................ 28

5.3.2 SURROUNDING LAND USES .......................................................................... 30

5.4 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM POWER LINES AND HUMAN

HEALTH ...................................................................................................................... 35

5.5 SENSITIVITIES .............................................................................................................. 38

6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE .......................................................... 39

6.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 39

6.2 THE MEETINGS TO DATE ........................................................................................... 39

6.3 PUBLIC CONCERN ................................................................................................... 41

6.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK .................................................................................................... 42

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7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................. 43

7.1 ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................. 43

7.2 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY ISSUES ............................................................................... 43

7.3 METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED FOR THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT .............................. 48

7.4 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ....................................................................................... 49

7.4.1 HABITAT DESTRUCTION ................................................................................. 49

7.4.2 IMPACT ON UNIQUE FLORA......................................................................... 54

7.4.3 BIRD COLLISIONS ON THE POWER LINE ...................................................... 57

7.4.4 DESTRUCTION OR DAMAGE TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ...................... 62

7.4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND VISUAL IMPACT ................................................. 67

7.4.6 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM POWER LINES AND HUMAN

HEALTH ........................................................................................................... 72

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 76

8.1 SYNOPSIS OF THE FIVE KEY IMPACTS ...................................................................... 76

8.2 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 78

BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................. 79

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LIST OF TABLES AND F IGURES

Table 4-1: Sensitivities related to the climate. ................................................................. 15

Table 4-2: Sensitivities related to the physical geography............................................ 15

Table 4-3: Sensitivities relating to vegetation and lichens (adapted from

Mannheimer, 2012). ......................................................................................... 18

Table 4-4: Total number of species known or expected to occur in the study

area. Species presence in some cases is non-resident and

represented by occasional vagrants only. ................................................... 20

Table 4-5: Important habitats for birds in the project area. .......................................... 21

Table 4-6: Sensitivities related to fauna ........................................................................... 23

Table 4-7: Key sensitivities related to Archaeology in the proposed project

area. ................................................................................................................... 24

Table 5-1: EPLs in the project area ................................................................................... 34

Table 5-2: Summary of typical magnetic field levels encountered in various

environments and close to household appliances. .................................... 35

Table 5-3: Electric and magnetic field exposure guidelines set by ICNIRP (1998)

and ICNIRP (2010) versions. ............................................................................. 36

Table 5-4: Sensitivities relating to Socio-Economic Environment.................................. 38

Table 6-1: Summary of the meetings held on this project. ........................................... 40

Table 6-2: Summary of Key Issues ..................................................................................... 41

Table 7-1: Identification of key impacts during the various phases of the

project. ............................................................................................................... 46

Table 7-2: Criteria for the assessment of impacts ........................................................... 48

Table 7-3: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line

project on habitats in the area. ..................................................................... 52

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project on unique vegetation in the area. ................................................... 56


project on birds in the area. ............................................................................ 60


project on Archaeology in the area. ............................................................. 65


project on the surrounding socio-economic environment. ....................... 69

Table 7-8: Comparison between the 2010 ICNIRP standards and the expected

exposure from the 132kV line. ......................................................................... 73

Table 7-9: Summary of the potential impacts of the electric and magnetic

fields from the power lines on human health. .............................................. 75

Figure 1-1: Existing West Coast Transmission network. ...................................................... 1

Figure 1-2: Diagrammatic summary of work plan. ............................................................ 3

Figure 2-1: Proposed powerline route between Walmund substation and Walvis

Bay substation. .................................................................................................... 7

Figure 2-2: Wooden Kamerad structures proposed for the 132kV lines. ........................ 9

Figure 2-3: Drawing of a double circuit steel structure. ................................................... 9

Figure 2-4: Main roads that will be affected during the construction process. ............ 7

Figure 4-1: Habitats intersected by the proposed power line route. ........................... 17

Figure 5-1: Various Land Uses Surrounding Proposed Power Line Route ..................... 30

Figure 5-2: Locality of the proposed power line in relation to erven in Walvis

Bay ...................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 5-3: Typical Magnetic Field Levels expected from the 132 kV Lines................. 36

Figure 5-4: Existing servitude width and distances between lines compared to

the radiation output of the line. ..................................................................... 37

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Figure 7-1: Screening process to determine key issues .................................................. 44

Figure 7-2: Sensitive habitats intersected by the proposed power line. ...................... 50

Figure 7-3: Sensitive lichen field indicated by Mannheimer (2012) as intersected

by the proposed power line route. The purple bubbles represent

areas along the line that is already damaged by uncontrolled

tracks. ................................................................................................................. 55

Figure 7-4: Yellow arrows indicate sensitive areas on the section between the

Walmund and Kuiseb substation. The area indicated just south of

the Walmund substation is considered particularly sensitive due to

previously recorded collisions in the area. .................................................... 58

Figure 7-5: The section of line between the Walvis Bay substation and the

M36/D1984 intersection. Potentially sensitive areas for collisions by

aquatic bird species such as pelicans and flamingos are indicated

by yellow arrows. .............................................................................................. 58

Figure 7-6: Location of archaeological sites close to the proposed power line

route. .................................................................................................................. 63

Figure 7-7: Detailed composition of total NamPower servitude (150m)

indicating the two proposed 132kV lines in relation to the 25m

buffer zone for radiation exposure. ................................................................ 73

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYM S

BID Background Information Document

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CV Curriculum Vitae

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMA Environmental Management Act

EMP Environmental Management Plan

Erongo RED Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor

GIS Geographic Information System

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties

kV Kilovolts

KY Thousand Years

MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

NPC National Planning Commission

TOR Terms of Reference

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: CURRICULUM VITAE: ELOISE CARSTENS

APPENDIX B: VEGETATION ASSESSMENT REPORT (MANNHEIMER, 2012)

APPENDIX C: BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT REPORT (IRISH, 2012)

APPENDIX D: BIRD ASSESSMENT REPORT (SCOTT & SCOTT, 2012)

APPENDIX E: ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT (KINAHAN, 2012)

APPENDIX F: ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ASSESSMENT REPORT (HUBBARD, 2012)

APPENDIX G: SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

APPENDIX H: GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The recent upsurge of industrial development in the Erongo Region has lead to an

escalation in the demand for electricity and as a result, the Region‟s transmission

network has been subjected to increased pressure. Currently the maximum demand

for Walvis Bay is 45 MVA. However, due to planned developments (such as the

proposed extension of the harbour) Erongo RED, which is the regional electricity

distributor in the area, has recently applied to NamPower for an upgrade of Walvis

Bay‟s power supply to 80 MVA. The demand is further exacerbated by other

developments in the Erongo Region such as the construction of the Erongo Coal

Power Station and the Husab Mine. This has necessitated NamPower to consider

strengthening the West Coast network to provide for future load growth (Error! Not a

valid bookmark self-reference.).

Figure 1-1: Existing West Coast Transmission network.

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In order to achieve this, NamPower has undertaken to increase their capacity by

constructing:

two new 132kV transmission lines from the Walvis Bay substation (replacing the

existing 66kV line up to Dune 7) to the Kuiseb substation, and

an additional 220kV transmission line between Kuiseb substation to the

Walmund substation.

In addition to servicing a wider area radius, this will also connect existing substations

in the national grid with one another via new and existing transmission routes,

thereby expanding the grid and avoiding redundancy of lines.

In line with the recently passed Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (February

2012) of the Environmental Management Act (Act No. 7 of 2007) an EIA is a national

regulatory requirement when constructing or upgrading transmission lines.

NamPower has consequently commissioned an EIA for the construction of the new

lines and the upgrading of the existing ones.

1.2 APPOINTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER

(EAP)

Enviro Dynamics cc was appointed to carry out the Environmental Assessment on

NamPower‟s behalf. Eloise Carstens of Enviro Dynamics is the EAP who conducted

this environmental assessment. Her CV is attached as APPENDIX A.

1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE

As per the NamPower EIA Terms of Reference, the following main tasks have to be

carried out in such a manner as to ensure that it is in line with the EIA regulations

under the Environmental Management Act of 2007:

Guidelines to minimize the negative environmental impacts of the power line

and the supporting infrastructure. Impacts shall be evaluated for the

construction and operational (including maintenance) phase.

Establish a data base so that a reasonable level of confidence can be

placed on the suitability of the route selected. If best practice standards are

used, these standards should be clearly defined and should highlight the

reasoning behind assigning certain values to the aspects identified.

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Consultation with a reasonably acceptable representative sample of the

interested and affected parties (or at least a representative sample) to ensure

that their needs and concerns are taken into account. Land owners shall be

directly contacted and all government agencies shall be informed of the

planned activities;

Interaction between project team and consultants and

Identification of guidelines to ensure compliance with relevant Namibian

Legislation and regional policies and protocols.

1.4 WORK PLAN FOR STUDY

In order to meet the requirements of the Terms of Reference for the EIA, the study

consists of four phases as indicated in the figure below. The purpose of this

document is to determine the environmental parameters that will form the focus of

the full environmental assessment to ensue in the subsequent phases.

Figure 1-2: Diagrammatic

summary of work plan.

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1.5 APPROACH TO THE STUDY

Key elements of the EIA team’s approach to the study are provided below.

Phase 1 – Route evaluation and Scoping Process:

A site visit was undertaken in this phase during which the environmental consultants

and representatives of NamPower visited the proposed route. This was done to

obtain an overall impression of the area through which the proposed route is

planned. During a subsequent consultation meeting between NamPower and the

Environmental consultant the route proposed by NamPower was evaluated. It was

found that a section of the proposed route between the new substation and Kuiseb

substation crosses a sensitive outcrop. By means of GIS plotting, the proposed route

was shifted to avoid the outcrop. The deviation in the route was accepted and the

remaining assessment was based on this revision.

Phase 1 of the project also involved consultation with stakeholders and I&APs to

identify key issues that need to be considered during the study. A public and

authorities meeting was held in Walvis Bay which was attended by members of the

public and some of the Port Authorities respectively. More details in this regard are

provided in the Scoping Report and Section 6 of this report.

The entire proposed power line route was evaluated in terms of its potential impact

on the social and ecological environments. The findings are contained in the

scoping report, highlighting impacts that need to be addressed in the EMP whilst

indicating areas where further investigations are required.

Phase 2 – Detailed investigations:

Impacts of potentially high significance, but for which insufficient information was

available to complete the assessment, or for which no readily available mitigation

measures are known, were identified during the scoping phase. Specialists were

appointed to further investigate the main issues and develop the following:

A vegetation assessment (APPENDIX B);

A biodiversity assessment (APPENDIX C)

A bird assessment (APPENDIX D)

An archaeological assessment (APPENDIX E)

An electromagnetic radiation assessment (APPENDIX F)

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Apart from the electromagnetic radiation specialist, the specialists were required to

conduct site investigations in the study area and identify key features of concern on

the transmission line. Impact assessments were carried out on the agreed upon

route so that all remaining impacts of importance could be identified and assessed.

Phase 3 – EMP Revision:

NamPower already has a generic EMP that covers general management actions

required for power lines. The consultants reviewed this EMP and compiled an

addendum that contains management actions specifically for this project.

Phase 4 - Reporting:

The final step in the EIA process is to submit the draft reports to the client and I&AP‟s

and to incorporate the comments into the final documents before submitting them

to the DEA for environmental clearance.

1.6 REPORT LAYOUT

The layout of the report has been structured as follows:

Section 1: Introduction – the present section, providing the background to

the project, the Terms of Reference and the methodology followed for this

EIA.

Section 2: Description of the Proposed Project – locality, and technical

details of the project.

Section 3: Description of the Legal Environment – all relevant requirements

from applicable laws, regulations, and international conventions.

Section 4: Description of the Receiving Biophysical Environment – a

summary of the biophysical environment that will either affect or be

potentially affected by the project activities.

Section 5: Description of the Receiving Socio-Economic Environment – a

summary of the socio-economic environment that will either affect or be

potentially affected by the project activities.

Section 6: Public Consultation and Disclosure – a summary of the

consultation process undertaken with stakeholders and I&APs, and the

issues identified during this process.

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Section 7: Impact Assessment – an assessment of the agreed upon route‟s

socio-economic and bio-physical impacts expected during construction

and operation of the route.

Section 8: Conclusions and Recommendations

The following Section provides the technical details of the project which form the

basis on which this assessment has been made.

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2 DESCRIPTION OF THE P ROPOSED PROJECT

2.1 LOCALITY

The proposed new lines will be constructed as follows (Figure 2-1):

From the Walvis Bay substation the two existing parallel running 66kV lines will

be replaced by two parallel running 132kV lines. These lines will follow the M36

road up to the intersection with the D1983 road.

At the intersection between the M36 and D1983 roads, the two 132kV lines

turn northwards, following a new servitude along the D1983 for 4km to a new

25ha substation site.

The two new 132kV lines then follow an eastern direction for 12.5 km to the

Kuiseb substation.

From the Kuiseb substation a 220kV line will be constructed to the Walmund

Substation, following the existing service corridor.

The proposed lines traverse part of the Dorob National Park as well as the Namib-

Naukluft Park.

Figure 2-1: Proposed powerline route between Walmund substation and Walvis Bay substation.

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2.2 PROJECT RATIONALE

NamPower has identified the need to supply additional electricity to Walvis Bay, due

to a number of new large scale projects being undertaken in the area.

In addition to servicing a wider area radius, this will also connect existing substations

in the national grid with one another via new and existing transmission routes,

thereby expanding the grid and avoiding redundancy of lines.

2.3 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

2.3.1 DISMANTLING AND REMOVAL OF EXISTING LINE

The process of dismantling and removal of the existing line is anticipated to happen

in the following sequence. However, the order might change when construction

starts. The two new 132kV transmission lines will be partly constructed in the same

servitude as the existing 66kV line, thus dismantling and removal will not be executed

at the same time as the construction of the new line. In Walvis Bay, a new substation

will be built close to the existing Paratus power station. Once this substation is in

operation a new 132kV line will be constructed and the existing 66kV line up to the

Ruby substation will be removed. The wooden structures from the dismantled line will

be re-used if possible; the copper conductors and the wires will be sold as scrap

metal.

2.3.2 STRUCTURAL SPECIFICATIONS

The entire length of the proposed power lines are estimated to be approximately

45 km long (Walvis Bay to Kuiseb substation – 30 km; Kuiseb to Walmund substation -

15km).

The two 132kV transmission lines (between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb substation) will

be constructed within the existing 150m wide servitude. It should be noted that this

150m servitude can accommodate up to four lines in the future. The two lines

proposed in this study will be supported by wooden Kamerad structures to minimise

corrosion (See Figure 2-2).

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The 220kV line between the Kuiseb and Walmund substations, on the other hand, will

be supported by self supported, single circuit steel lattice structures (Figure 2-3).

The servitudes will be 150m wide to provide for future expansion, but only an

estimated 12m width will be cleared of obstacles to create a service road, to

provide access (during construction and maintenance) to the line throughout its

lifespan of at least 30 years. The EIA team will however assess a corridor of 300m wide

(150m on either side of the centre line of the proposed line).

Figure 2-2: Wooden Kamerad structures proposed for the 132kV lines.

Figure 2-3: Drawing of a single

circuit steel structure.

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2.3.3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

All the components for the power line construction (steel pylons, conductors, and

insulators, etc.) will be transported to site by road on low-bed trailers. The main

access roads along the line are the M36 between Walvis Bay and Solitaire and the

D1984 between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund (Figure 2-4). In Walvis Bay, Sam

Nujoma Road will provide access to the line.

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Figure 2-4: Main roads that will be affected during the construction process.

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No significant impacts associated with traffic interruption are expected on these

roads. From these main roads, materials will be transported along the line via

maintenance roads serving the existing transmission line.

Erecting the 220kV steel structures, will either be done by using a crane to place the

pre-assembled tower onto the concrete foundation or by building up the tower from

its concrete foundation section by section.

Concrete will be mixed and poured on site, thus all the concrete constituents

(crushed stone, cement, water and sand) will also have to be transported to site.

The conductors will be strung using heavy-duty mechanical winches.

As for the Kamerad structures, the pre-assembled wooden poles will be planted in

the ground. No concrete will be used to anchor the structures.

Typically construction camps for the workforce are located close to the work area

but in this case the project area is located in two national parks, the Namib Naukluft

and the Dorob Parks. Under the park rules, no person is allowed to reside within the

park boundaries. Alternative accommodation will have to be found at a suitable

site in close proximity to the work site.

2.3.4 WASTE MATERIALS

Waste generation is an obvious impact of all projects, but it is how waste is managed

that determines whether this part of the project‟s ecological footprint would be

acceptable. Apart from the construction waste, normal domestic waste such as

plastic bags, tins, bottles, paper, and packaging waste as well as hazardous waste

(e.g. oil and fuel) will also be generated.

All waste could be dumped at the municipal waste dump site in Walvis Bay. West

Coast Salvage is a recycling company specializing in the recycling of hazardous

waste such as oil. The possibility of utilizing their services should be investigated

during the study.

Diligent execution of activities such as waste management is not only required to

ensure the environmental sustainability of the project, but is also required under

various national laws. These laws and their requirements are discussed in the section

that follows.

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3 POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The environmental assessment procedure prescribes the review of applicable and relevant legislation, which serves to inform the

project proponent of the legal requirements and permit applications to be fulfilled before operation of the proposed project

commences. The EIA team has studied the national policy and legislative framework as well as international conventions

governing the activities of this project. These applicable policies, laws and conventions, and their implications for this project are

summarised below:

LEGISLATION/GUIDELINE/

POLICY

RELEVANT PROVISIONS APPLICATION TO PROJECT CONTACT PERSON

INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION, TREATIES, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

Convention on Biological

Diversity (CBD)

Details the preservation of rare and endemic species.

Namibia is a signatory to this convention. Ratified by

Namibia in 1997.

Article 14 requires that EIAs are carried out for projects

that are likely to adversely affect biological diversity,

avoid or minimize such effects, and where

appropriate, allow for public participation.

The EIA should identify potential

biodiversity impacts and show whether

they can be successfully mitigated to

preserve the area‟s sensitive

biodiversity.

Preservation of biodiversity should be

addressed in the EIA

N/A

NATIONAL LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

Environmental

Management Act (7 of

2007)

Requires that projects with significant environmental

impact are subject to an environmental assessment

process (Section 27).

Requires for adequate public participation during the

Conduct public participation as part of

the EA process as described in the act.

N/A

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POLICY


environmental assessment process for interested and

affected parties to voice their opinions about a

project (Section 2(b-c)).

EMA Regulations GN 28-30

(GG 4878) (February 2012)

Listed activities requiring an Environmental Clearance

Certificate (GN No 29 Annexure):

The construction of facilities for the transmission and

supply of electricity (1(b))

Conduct an EIA which covers all the

components of the project which are

listed these regulations.

N/A

Electricity Act 4 of 2007 Requires that any generation and or distribution

complies with laws relating to health, safety and

environmental standards (s 18(4)(b)

In the event that exemption from acquiring a license is

granted, the Minister may impose conditions relating

to public health safety or the protection of the

environment

Obliges NamPower to comply with all

relevant provisions of the EMA and its

regulations

N/A

Labour Act 11 of 2007 The Health and Safety regulations GN 156/1997 (GG 1617)

to this act prescribe conditions at the workplace, and inter

alia deal with the following:

Welfare and facilities at work-places, including

lighting, floor space, ventilation, sanitary and washing

facilities, usage and storage of volatile flammable

substances, fire precautions, etc.;

Appointment of a Safety Officer (s 6);

Hazardous Substances including precautionary

These regulations prescribe Health and

safety issues at the workplace, including

construction and electrical safety.

N/A

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POLICY


measures related to their transport, labelling, storage,

and handling. Exposure limits, monitoring

requirements, and record keeping are also detailed

(s176-195);

Physical hazards including noise, vibration, ionizing

radiation, non-ionizing radiation, thermal

requirements, illumination, windows and ventilation;

Requirements for protective equipment (HSR s210-

217); and

First aid and emergency arrangements (HSR s228-242)

The Atomic Energy and

Radiation Protection Act,

Act 5 of 2005:

Provides for the adequate protection of the environment

and of people against the harmful effects of radiation by

controlling and regulating the production, processing,

handling, use, holding, storage, transport and disposal of

radiation sources and radioactive materials, and

controlling and regulating prescribed non-ionising

radiation sources according to the standards set out by

the ICNIRP.

Mr Axel Tibinyane

Tel: 061 203 2416/7

Email:

[email protected]

“Guidelines for Limiting

Exposure to Time-Varying

Electric, Magnetic, and

Electromagnetic Fields (up

to 300GHz)” (April 1998

developed by the

Provides international standards and guidelines for limiting

the adverse effects of non-ionising radiation on human

health and well-being, and, where appropriate, provides

scientifically based advice on non-ionising radiation

protection including the provision of guidelines on limiting

exposure.

Justifies the need for assessing the impact

of electromagnetic radiation from the

power line, on the nearby residents.

Mr Axel Tibinyane

Tel: 061 203 2416/7

Email:

[email protected]



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POLICY


International Commission

on Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection (ICNIRP))

The Nature Conservation

Ordinance (1975) as

amended through the

Nature Conservation

Amendment Act of 1996.

Chapter 11: Game Parks, Nature Reserves, Conservancies

and Wildlife Councils.

Permits are required for entering the

Namib Naukluft and Dorob National Park

and for the removal of any indigenous

plant or tree. It also stipulates that no

damage may be done to any object of

geological, ethnological, archaeological,

historical or other scientific interest without

the appropriate permits.

Forestry Act No 27 of 2004 Provision for the protection of various plant species Some species that occur in the area are

protected under the Forestry Act.

National Heritage Act No

27 of 2004

To provide for the protection and conservation of

places and objects of heritage significance and the

registration of such places and objects

Establishes a body to govern matters relating to

places and objects of heritage significance –

National Heritage Council

Establishes a National Heritage Register

All heritage resources are to be

identified and either protected or

removed/mitigated with a permit from

the National Monuments Council,

before any development may take

place

A heritage assessment should be

undertaken as part of the EIA process.

Rev Salomon April

Tel: 061 244 375/ 385/

594

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These obligations will be considered during the EIA process, and the relevant permit requirements and rules for the National Parks

will be spelt out in the EMP. The next section outlines the key characteristics of the receiving environment, so that potential

sensitivities may be identified for further study.

14

November 2012



4 DESCRIPTION OF THE R ECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

The legislation highlighted in the previous section emphasizes features of the

biophysical (this Section) and social environment (Section 5) that may need specific

protection during project implementation. The collection of baseline information on

the receiving environments, coupled with the issues identified during the consultation

process ensure that enough is known about the study area to make informed

decisions with regard to planning, construction and operation of the proposed

power line.

The following two sections (i.e. 4 and 5) focus primarily on the features for which the

information was insufficient or needed further investigation at the end of the scoping

phase. The findings of the specialist investigations also form part of these sections,

specifying the sensitive areas along the route where human disturbance should be

avoided or managed. Proposed mitigation measures emanating from the

assessment of the impacts are discussed in Section 7.

4.1 CLIMATE

The climate of an area reveals much about its ecological sensitivity and resilience to

change, and greatly influences settlement patterns and population distribution.

The study area is located on the central Namib coast (Mendelsohn, Jarvis, Roberts, &

Roberston, 2009). This zone is characterised by extreme aridity, with an average of

less than 50 mm of rain per year. It is further typified by mild summers and cool

winters with average minimum and maximum temperatures ranging between 10°C

and 24°C. According to Seely & Pallet (2008) fog is a prevalent characteristic,

extending around 50 km inland over 100 days per year. Fog produces five times

more moisture than rain in the central Namib and is much more predictable.

Wind is another important environmental factor in the Walvis Bay area. According to

Stubenrauch Planning Consultants (1999) the dominant wind directions are south-

westerly and north-westerly winds. It is particularly the south-westerly winds that play

an important role in the movement of sediments in a northerly to easterly direction.

Persistent southerly to south-westerly winds, and occasional east winds, create the

physical environment by keeping sand streams moving. They also introduce,

distribute and cache (by burying) food resources in the form of windblown detritus.

15

November 2012



Table 4-1 shows the sensitivities associated with the climate of the project area.

Table 4-1: Sensitivities related to the climate.

ENVIRONMENTAL

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT

Wind and dune

formation

Wind plays an important role

in the formation of sand

streams.

Obstruction can

influence the flow of

sand.

Obstruction of sand

streams. Formation of

dunes.

Impact of dune

formation under the

line.

Fog Fog and suspended salt

typical to the area.

Fog and salt

conditions causes

corrosion of the

infrastructure.

Corrosion of

infrastructure.

4.2 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The highly variable and harsh climate of the west coast of Namibia inevitably

contributed to the desolate landscape known as the Namib Desert. According to

Burke (2007) wind and water are the driving forces that shape landforms and

distribute soil and seed in the desert environment.

Four discrete habitats can be distinguished along the proposed power line route as

indicated in Figure 4-1 below. These habitats as well as their sensitivities and

restoration potential are discussed in

Table 4-2.

Table 4-2: Sensitivities related to the physical geography.

HABITAT DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY RESTORATION

POTENTIAL

POTENTIAL

IMPACT

ROCKY

OUTCROPS

Area with rocky

surface such as a

small hill.

Supports rich plant

and animal life

and are home to

many protected

fauna and flora.

Very difficult to

restore, if not

impossible

Habitat destruction

through building of

access roads over

ridges, or clearing

of ground and

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HABITAT DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY RESTORATION

POTENTIAL

POTENTIAL

IMPACT

building of pylons

on ridge crests.

Gravel Plains Level area with

stone cover and

underlying

gypsum. Soil

surface comprised

of a biological soil

crust.

Because of slow

ecological

processes under

desert conditions,

biological soil

crusts may take

centuries to re-

form

Environmentally

sensitive but has a

moderate

potential for

restoration.

Loss of biological

soil crusts result in

reduced

environmental

productivity, while

physical habitat is

also made

unsuitable for other

life forms.

DRAINAGE

LINES

Washes/dry rivers.

Due to

underground

aquifers they serve

as linear oases

across the desert.

Support a large

variety of plants

and animals.

Plants grow slowly

under desert

conditions, and

any that are

destroyed through

the building of

access roads or

clearing of ground

for pylons will not

be replaced

quickly, if at all.

Usually sandy and

subject to regular

natural

disturbance.

Relatively easy to

restore.

Loss of larger

plants reduces

habitat availability

and food sources

for many animals,

either directly or

through the effect

on prey species.

BARCHANOID

DUNES

Arc-shaped sand

ridges consisting of

loose, well-sorted,

very fine to

medium sand.

Highly migratory

and typically move

several meters per

year, at speeds

inversely

proportional to

their size

Substrate naturally

mobile, hence

relatively robust

with regard to

substrate

disruption.

Able to reshape

themselves and

usually require only

some initial

landscaping to

redevelop their

natural form.

No long term

impact associated

with the project.

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November 2012



Figure 4-1: Habitats intersected by the proposed power line route.

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November 2012



4.3 FLORA AND LICHENS

Desert vegetation is usually uniquely adapted to cope with the harsh conditions of

the desert. The Namib Desert therefore accounts for a high proportion of restricted

and endemic flora (Seely & Pallet, 2008). These plants are highly dependent on the

little moisture available for their survival and it is thus not uncommon to find that

drainage patterns greatly determine the distribution of desert vegetation.

With reference to Figure 4-1 above, the sensitivity of vegetation and lichens in the

defined habitats can be described as follow (Table 4-3). The sensitive sections along

the proposed power line are further discussed in Section 7.

Table 4-3: Sensitivities relating to vegetation and lichens (adapted from Mannheimer, 2012).

HABITAT SENSITIVE ZONE IN

PROJECT AREA

DESCRIPTION OF

VEGETATION AND

LICHENS IN HABITAT

SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL

IMPACT

Rocky

Outcrops

Rocky outcrop just

south of the section

between the new

substation and

Kuiseb substation

No rocky ridges

crossed by line.

Outcrop close to the

line contains plant

species of

conservation

concern.

Many existing

tracks cross the

outcrop.

Use of existing

tracks could further

contribute to

destruction of

sensitive

vegetation.

Gravel

Plains

From 22° 51‟

northwards on the

section between

Kuiseb substation

and Walmund

substation.

Represents the

southern part of the

lichen field of the

northern Naukluft

plateau as indicated

in Schultz (2006).

Covered in lichens

including crustose

and foliose lichens

with a distinct

biological crust

Direct damage to

biological crust

and lichens.

South of 22° 51‟

towards the Kuiseb

substation.

Undulating plain that

is largely free of

perennial vegetation

and has low lichen

prevalence. Distinct

biological crust.

Numerous tracks

criss-crossing the

area, and the

route parallel to

the D1984 is

particularly

damaged.

Proliferation of

tracks during

construction could

further contribute

to the damage of

the biological crust

and lichens.

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November 2012




PROJECT AREA

DESCRIPTION OF

VEGETATION AND

LICHENS IN HABITAT


IMPACT

Drainage

Lines

Two large drainage

lines crossed on the

section between

Kuiseb substation

and Walmund

substation.

Vegetation is

concentrated in the

larger washes, where

endemics such as

Zygophyllum stapffii,

Arthraerua

leubnitziae,

Hermbstaedtia

spathulifolia, Senecio

engleranus and

Heliotropium

oliveranum are quite

common.

None of these

species is of

extremely high

conservation

concern and,

because the

power line crosses

the main drainage

lines almost at right

angles, it is unlikely

that this project will

have any

appreciable

impact on any of

them.

Loss of larger plants

reduces habitat

availability and

food sources for

many animals,

either directly or

through the effect

on prey species.

Barchanoid

Dunes

Section between the

D1984/M36

intersection and the

Walvis Bay

substation.

Acanthosicyos

horridus (!nara) and

Trianthema

hereroensis occur in

mobile sands in the

vicinity of this section.

Acanthosicyos

horridus (!nara) of

known medicinal

and nutritional

value.

Existing servitude

already damaged,

and recovers

relatively easily

Removal of

Acanthosicyos

horridus (!nara)

Potential damage

to Trianthema

hereroensis

20

November 2012



4.4 FAUNA

4.4.1 REPTILES, MAMMALS & AMPHIBIANS

The distribution of plant life to a large extent determines the presence/absence and

composition of animal life in an environment. The scarcity of vegetation in the

Namib has resulted in only the most hardy and resilient animals occurring within the

area. Animals living in the Namib have adapted to the varying habitats that are

presented by the diverse landscape (Seely & Pallet, 2008).

As presented in Table 4-4, a total of 23 mammal species, 24 reptiles and at least 145

invertebrates are known or expected to occur in the area (Irish, 2012). While overall

biodiversity is relatively low compared to inland regions, endemism is very high,

reaching 71% in reptiles. This conforms to known trends for the Desert Biome (Irish,

2012). A complete list of these species is detailed in Irish (2012). Birds are discussed

under Subsection 4.4.2.

Table 4-4: Total number of species known or expected to occur in the study area. Species

presence in some cases is non-resident and represented by occasional vagrants only.

GROUP NUMBER OF

SPECIES

ENDEMIC

SPECIES

THREATENED

SPECIES

SPECIES WITH

LEGAL STATUS

Mammals 23 7 1 0

Reptiles 24 17 0 0

Invertebrates 145 53 0 0

Total: 192 77 1 0

Of the species represented in Table 4-4 none are restricted in distribution to the study

area. Irish (2012) further states that many vertebrates, like most bats and carnivores,

are mobile and wide-ranging, and although they will probably move through the

area from time to time, they are not necessarily resident to it. Resident species are

mostly rodents, reptiles and all invertebrates. According to Irish (2012) the lack of

invertebrates with threatened or legal status relates to the fact that none have been

formally evaluated to date, and does not reflect their true status. Informal

evaluations indicate that most Central Namib endemic invertebrates likely deserve

Threatened status.

In terms of the proposed project, it is the fauna (excluding birds) which commonly

occurs in the drainage lines and on the gravel plains habitats that are the most

21

November 2012



sensitive to disturbance. Irish (2012) indicates that the majority of permanent plant

life in the area is associated with drainage lines. Since these habitats are important

sources of both food and shelter for animals, disruption of these substrates will

inevitably affect the biodiversity of the area. Furthermore, the loss of biological soil

crusts on the gravel plains result in reduced environmental productivity, while the

physical habitat is also made unsuitable for other life forms. The specific areas

regarded as sensitive on this project is indicated and discussed in Section 7.

4.4.2 BIRDS

With reference to the habitats indicated in Table 4-5, Scott & Scott (2012) indicates

habitats that emerge as being particularly important and/or sensitive for birds in the

study area. These are included in Table 4-5 below and are further discussed in

Section 7:

Table 4-5: Important habitats for birds in the project area.

HABITAT SENSITIVE AREA IN THE PROJECT

AREA

SENSITIVITY SENSITIVE BIRD

SPECIES

Gravel

plains

Frequented by birds

such as Ludwig‟s

Bustard

Ludwig‟s bustard

Drainage

lines

Food and shelter for

birds and their prey

species

Gray‟s Lark

Flight paths Bustards and

flamingos

22

November 2012



HABITAT SENSITIVE AREA IN THE PROJECT

AREA

SENSITIVITY SENSITIVE BIRD

SPECIES

Barchanoid

dunes

Presence of the Walvis

Bay sewerage ponds

Adverse

environmental

conditions including

strong winds, dust and

fog

Large numbers of

wetland birds

including Great

White Pelicans,

Greater and Lesser

Flamingos

The sensitivity of the Barchanoid Dune habitat is particularly related to the presence

of the Walvis Bay Sewerage Ponds. Adverse weather conditions that form this

habitat including strong wind, dust and fog further intensify its sensitivity. In addition,

several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are located in close proximity of the proposed

power line route, including the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Mile 4 Salt works, 30 Km

Beach: Walvis-Swakopmund including the Swakop River Mouth, and Walvis Bay. The

Walvis Bay Wetland in the south is also a coastal Ramsar Site, one of three on the

coast of Namibia. The presence of these areas so close to the Walvis Bay Sewerage

Ponds increases the risk of power line interactions in this section. The lack of large

trees for nesting increases the likelihood of birds nesting on power line structures,

while the rapid response to ephemeral vegetation cover results in a high degree of

nomadism.

A total of 293 bird species has been recorded within the study area (Scott & Scott,

2012). This represents 43% of the 676 species recorded in Namibia. Of the recorded

species, 41 (14%) are Threatened in Namibia, while 10 species (3.4%) are also

Globally Threatened. The species lists can be viewed in Scott & Scott (2012).

23

November 2012



According to Scott & Scott (2012) the bird species considered at risk during the

proposed project could be divided into the following main groups of birds, namely:

Large terrestrial birds: Ludwig‟s Bustard; Kori Bustard; Rüppell's Korhaan

Aquatic birds: Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Black

Stork, Hartlaub's Gull, Caspian Tern, Maccoa Duck.

Raptors: Martial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Booted Eagle, African

Marsh-Harrier, Black Harrier, African Fish-Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture,

Verreauxs' (Black) Eagle, Secretary bird, Peregrine falcon, Cape Eagle-Owl,

White-backed Vulture, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Peregrine Falcon; Lanner

Falcon and Spotted Eagle-Owl.

Namib (sedentary) endemics with a restricted distribution: Gray's Lark,

Rüppell's Korhaan.

The key sensitivities related to the fauna are contained in Table 4-6 and are further

discussed in Section 7.

Table 4-6: Sensitivities related to fauna

HABITAT DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT

Gravel Plains Contains biological crust Sensitive biological crust

important for

environmental

productivity.

Physical disturbance of

fauna and habitat

Bird species such as

bustards and larks

frequent the area

Birds may be disturbed

while going about their

daily activities, such as

feeding and in particular

breeding

Drainage Lines Fauna rely on drainage

lines for food and shelter

Removal of natural

vegetation will result in a

change in the habitat

available to fauna. Could

impact on ability of fauna

to breed, forage and

roost in the vicinity.

Loss of biodiversity due to

loss of habitat

Birds often use drainage

lines as flight paths to

inland water sources.

Bird collisions

24

November 2012



HABITAT DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT

Barchanoid

Dunes

Presence of the Walvis

Bay sewerage ponds

Existing power lines

Rapid rate of industrial

development

Cumulative effect on bird

collisions

4.5 ARCHAEOLOGY

The survey area is characterized by undulating gravel plains with low scrub, and

widely scattered small granite outcrops. According to Kinahan (2012) these

outcrops provide temporary impoundments of water in natural rock hollows, which

provided an important resource for pre-colonial hunter-gatherer communities and

the early colonial ox-wagon transport routes across the desert. Unfortunately

uncontrolled vehicle movement in the area has already severely damaged any

potential finds. Previous studies done by Kinahan in the area, have found that while

most archaeological sites are clustered around granite outcrops in the immediate

surrounds, some widely dispersed isolated finds are also found on the gravel plains.

This trend was affirmed during Kinahan‟s 2012 study. The locations of the few isolated

sites found in proximity of the proposed route, is further discussed in Section 7. The

key sensitivities related to Archaeology in this area are contained in Table 4-7.

Table 4-7: Key sensitivities related to Archaeology in the proposed project area.


PROJECT AREA

DESCRIPTION OF

SENSITIVE

ARCHAEOLOGY


IMPACT

Rocky

outcrops

No outcrops are

intersected by the

proposed power

line. Outcrop

located close to the

power line just south

of the section

between Kuiseb

substation and new

substation.

Outcrops provide

temporary

impoundments of

water in natural rock

hollows, which

provided an

important resource

for pre-colonial

hunter-gatherer

communities and the

early colonial ox-

wagon transport

routes across the

Outcrop already

damaged by

vehicle tracks.

Low risk of

destruction of

unknown sites.

25

November 2012




PROJECT AREA

DESCRIPTION OF

SENSITIVE

ARCHAEOLOGY


IMPACT

desert.

Gravel

Plains

Section between

Kuiseb Substation

and proposed new

substation

The site of the

envisaged sub-station

lies on the margins of

the recreational area

centred on the dune

barrier.

Area has been

extensively

disturbed by

military training

exercises. Area is

heavily disturbed

and therefore of

no further

archaeological

value

Low risk of

destruction.

Drainage

Lines

Section between

Kuiseb substation

and Walmund

substation.

The route crosses a

number of extinct

and semi-extinct

drainage lines,

interspersed between

high erosion remnants

of the Namib gravel

plains.

The existing

corridor is highly

disturbed as a

result of

construction and

maintenance work

on the power-lines,

and by poorly

controlled vehicle

use.

Destruction of

known

archaeological

sites during the

course of the

project.

Barchanoid

Dunes

Section between the

D1984/M36

intersection and the

Walvis Bay

substation.

Although not directly

affected by the

proposed project,

some archaeological

sites are located in

proximity of the

proposed route.

Moderate

possibility that new

archaeological

sites will be

exposed in the

course of

construction work

Destruction of

unknown

archaeological

sites in the course

of project

26

November 2012



5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This section of the report provides an overview of the receiving socio-economic

environment in which the proposed development will take place. It forms the

baseline against which potential issues and impacts will be identified and assessed.

Consequently, only information relevant to this study is highlighted.

Since the proposed project is located within the Erongo Region, a brief overview of

the social and economic environments of this region will be provided. In addition,

key land use activities will be emphasised.

5.2 OVERVIEW OF THE ERONGO REGION

5.2.1 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Population and Growth

In 1991 the Erongo region had a population of 55 470. A decade later, this number

had increased to an estimated 107 663, resulting in a growth of almost 94 % during

the period 1991 to 2001 (NPC, 2001). This can partly be attributed to the inclusion of

Walvis Bay into Namibia in 1994, as well as migration to the coastal towns. Pull

factors to the region include the fishing industry, mining activities, and more recently,

the „Erongo Region uranium rush‟, resulting from the renewed interest in nuclear

energy.

According to the 2011 National Housing and Population Census Preliminary Results,

the Erongo Region has a population of 150 400 people, resulting in a 39,7 % growth

rate for the period 2001-2011. This is far higher than the projected population of

114 342 based on the 2001 census information (NPC, 2011). Of this population,

79 700 are males while the remainder of 70 700 are females (NPC, 2011). The

average household size for this region is 3.3 people (NPC, 2011).

The Erongo region comprises seven constituencies, namely Karibib, Daures, Omaruru,

Arandis, Brandberg, Walvis Bay Rural, Walvis Bay Urban and Swakopmund. The latter

two constituencies have the highest population and are the main growth centres in

27

November 2012



the region (NPC, 2001). This can be ascribed to the harsh climatic conditions that

limit agricultural activities and make survival in the desert almost impossible, and

water thus an important commodity. According to the 2001 Population and Housing

Census, an estimated 80% of the Erongo Region population resided in the urban

areas (ERC, 2007; Enviro Dynamics, 2009).

5.2.2 ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

The economic activities of the Erongo Region revolve around its natural resources

both renewable such as fish, as well as non-renewable resources which include

minerals. Over the past few years, Namibia has experienced an unprecedented

interest its uranium deposits, resulting in the establishment of a number of uranium

mines in this region over the last few years. Rössing Uranium and Langer Heinrich

Uranium are some of the uranium mining giants currently operational in this region.

Furthermore, a number of exploration studies are being conducted to assess and

indentify new prospective sites for mining (Enviro Dynamics, 2009). One such mine

that is currently being investigated is the Husab mine.

The fishing industry is another key economic activity and forms the base of the

industrial activity in the region (SAEIA, 2010). The commercial fishing industry

contributed 7.1 % to the GDP in 2003, steadily declining to 5 % in 2009 according to a

study undertaken by Investment House Namibia (2011). Nonetheless, this industry

forms the cornerstone of Walvis Bay‟s economy.

Industrial infrastructure is provided by a railway connection that is also used by the

mines to transport ore to Walvis Bay from where it is shipped for export.

Consequently, an increase in mining activities has also contributed to the increase in

container shipments through the Port of Walvis Bay. The Erongo Region is also

connected by the national road network to the rest of the country via Okahandja,

Windhoek, and Otjiwarongo and forms part of the Trans Kalahari Highway. Thus, the

transport networks within the Erongo Region play a key role in the facilitation of trade

via Walvis Bay, supporting it as a hub for commercial trade.

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5.3 OVERVIEW OF WALVIS BAY

5.3.1 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Population and Growth

According to the 2011 Preliminary National Population and Housing Census results of

this harbour city has an estimated population of 61 300 people, indicating a growth

of 40.6 % since the last census was conducted in 2001. The majority of the

population, i.e. 32, 700 people, is male (NPC, 2011).

The population of Kuisebmond, one of the main neighbourhoods of Walvis Bay, has

seen an increase from 23 259 in 1997 to an estimated 33 570 in 2004. This resulted in

an estimated average annual growth rate of 5.35 % (Walvis Bay Municipality, 2004).

As the industries in this town develop, the population is expected to grow even more.

This can also partly be attributed to an influx of job seekers. A great pull factor that

contributes to the multi-ethnicity of Walvis Bay and immigration over the years is the

fishing industry and its related employment opportunities, especially at the fish

processing factories. This is reflected by the population of Walvis Bay increasing by

up to 10 000 people during the months of March to August when the fishing season

peaks, and activity at the fishing factories increases. It has also been found that

these seasonal workers do go back to their places of origin during the off-season,

resulting in backyard squatting structures being unoccupied (Enviro Dynamics, 2012).

Employment and Labour

The economic activities of Walvis Bay rest on four pillars, namely fishing, tourism,

manufacturing, and the harbour. The commercial fishing industry is the cornerstone

of Walvis Bay‟s economy; it is the biggest employer as it currently directly employs

approximately 13 000 people throughout its value chain (Kathindi, 2011). Apart from

the fishing industry, many people are also employed at the harbour terminal and salt

works (Enviro Dynamics, 2012).

The unemployment rate for Walvis Bay is estimated at 34 % (NPC, 2007). The

unemployment rate for women in both the Walvis Bay Urban and Rural Constituency

is higher than for males, with a rate of 40% for women in urban areas versus 29 % for

males, and 56 % for women in rural areas versus the 32 % for their male counterparts

(WBM, 2007).

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November 2012



A number of factors contribute to this high unemployment rate. It includes a

population growth rate which is higher than the number of jobs created partly due

to an influx of job seekers, the seasonal variation of the fishing industry and when

heads of households who immigrate to Walvis Bay bring along their families (Enviro

Dynamics, 2010).

Future Development of the Town

To the north of Kuisebmond, sections of Farm 39 and Farm 46 are currently reserved

for aquaculture developments (Enviro Dynamics, 2012.).

With respect to the current port facilities, the container terminal is reaching its full

capacity; hence NamPort has embarked on a project to expand its current

container terminal. In addition, the port also plans to expand the harbour towards

the north of the town. According to the Walvis Bay Structure Plan (reviewed in 2008),

the area east of Dune 7, i.e. east of the harbour city, has been zoned as heavy

industry for future developments. Plans for expanding and upgrading the airport are

also currently underway. It should be noted that the Walvis Bay Structure Plan is

currently being reviewed and will be updated later during 2012.

Electricity

In 2005 the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (RED) took over the responsibility for

the distribution and maintenance of the electricity network in the Erongo Region.

Municipalities and town councils in the region are shareholders in the company.

Due to the influx of workers and a booming industrial sector, there is an increased

demand for electricity. A new coal fired power station is being planned by

NamPower in an attempt to meet this increased demand. An EIA is currently being

undertaken for the construction of this plant at Arandis.

The existing electricity demand for Walvis Bay is 45 megawatts (Fourie, 2012). In the

light of new developments in the area and the associated increased demand for

electricity, ErongoRED has requested 80 megawatts from NamPower (Fourie, 2012).

30

November 2012



5.3.2 SURROUNDING LAND USES

A number of different land uses surround the proposed power line route, ranging

from land used for residential and industrial purposes to conservation and tourism.

These land uses are shown in Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1: Various Land Uses Surrounding Proposed Power Line Route

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November 2012



Residential and light industry areas

The proposed power line route will pass two residential areas, namely Kuisebmond

and Narraville. It should be noted, as shown in both Figure 5-2, that the power line

will follow the existing power line route.

Housing in Walvis Bay is generally under pressure. This is further aggravated by the

need to find a balance between the demand for industrial erven versus erven for

residential purposes (Enviro Dynamics, 2012.).

Kuisebmond is a lower income residential area where the majority of migrant

labourers reside. It is located to the north of Sam Nuyoma Road (see Figure 5-2). In

2004 it had a population of 36 000 people which is expected to have increased to 40

000 by 2008. The majority of these people are employed in the fishing industry as

unskilled workers (WBM, 2004). The preliminary results of a study conducted on shack

Figure 5-2: Locality of the proposed power line in relation to erven in Walvis Bay

32

November 2012



dwellers in Walvis Bay, have found that 24,000 people are living backyard shacks

(Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, 2012).

During a survey conducted by the Walvis Bay Municipality in 2004, 44.3 % of houses in

Kuisebmond were classified as temporary. Furthermore, it was found that an

average of 1.95 households live on one plot and that „backyard squatting‟ is

common. Thus, secondary households reside in temporary housing structures.

Houses are overcrowded with approximately 5.5 people per house (WBM, 2004).

The erven to the south of Sam Nuyoma Road has a mixed land use of either

residential, businesses or light industry. During the public meeting, one of the

attendees also indicated that their activities include the packaging of food, thus it is

light industry factory which employs a number of people.

Another residential area that is located next to the proposed power line routes is

Narraville, a former „coloured‟ township. IT is located to the east of the B2 road

between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. In addition to being a residential area, there

is also a light industrial zone. In 2004 an estimated 20% of the population of Walvis

Bay lived in this area. Low cost housing projects and various self-help groups are

common in Narraville (WBM, 2009). This residential area is planned to expand in a

north-easterly direction.

Tourism

Nature-based tourism, cultural heritage and historical sites play a key role in tourism

activities in Namibia and along its coast (MET, 2010). Today, a range of activities are

provided by a number of tourism activity operators, contributing to job creation as

well as the development of Walvis Bay. Tourism in the Central Namib revolves around

adventure tourism such as quad biking, business tourism, consumptive tourism such

as fishing and eco-tourism (SAIEA, 2010).

With respect to the project locality, the proposed route will run pass Dune 7, where

adventure tourism activities takes place, which includes quad biking, sand boarding

and hydroball dune rides.

Airport

The Walvis Bay Airport is approximately 15 km to the east of the town, and links this

coastal town to Windhoek and cities beyond Namibia‟s borders. According to the

website of the Namibian Airports Company, plans for upgrading and expanding the

airport are currently underway. This includes upgrading the building, expanding the

33

November 2012



runway and taxi-way as well as the implementation of world class landing

technology. All of this will contribute to establishing this airport as Namibia‟s second

international airport (NAC).

Namib Naufluft Park and Dorob Park

Almost one third of the Erongo Region consists of state protected areas. This can be

attributed to the uniqueness and ecological sensitivity of the Namib Desert. These

conservation areas in the Erongo Region consist of four national parks, namely, the

Dorob National Park, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the Walvis Bay Nature Reserve

and Dunes, and the Namib-Naukluft Park (NNP) (Mendelsohn et al, 2002).

The Dorob National Park, formerly known as the West Coast Recreational Area, is the

latest proclaimed park in the Erongo Region. The difference between the Namib-

Naukluft Park and the Dorob National Park is that the latter is a park proclaimed in an

area with existing developments, while the former is in a more pristine area.

M63 Road Users

The M63 road from Walvis Bay to the Sossusvlei passing the airport is frequented by a

number of users, some of which are presented below:

Travellers en-route to the airport;

Tourists visiting Dune 7;

Tourists travelling to Volgelfeder, Sossusvlei and also Windhoek via the

Gamsberg Pass;

Trucks from the marble quarries; and

Cyclists. The annual Desert Dash cycling competition sees hundreds of cyclists

on this road.

Walvis Bay Birds Paradise

Another bird watching spot has been established in 2011 on the outskirts of Walvis

Bay at its sewage works, namely Walvis Bay Bird Paradise. This community based

project is supported by NACOMA, the Walvis Bay Municipality, Erongo Regional

Council, the Coastal Environment Trust of Namibia and Ministry of Environment and

Tourism. This project currently employs one local Namibian, but it is expected that as

the project officially starts in August 2012, more local people knowledgeable about

the area will be employed (K. Naibab, 2012: Bird Paradise, pers. comm.). Once fully

34

November 2012



operational, it is expected that 3,600 people will visit the Walvis Bay Bird Paradise in a

year (K. Naibab, 2012: Bird Paradise, pers. comm.).

Walvis Bay Bird Paradise currently offers guided birding walks while providing

information on the bird species and flora in the area, even though they are not yet

fully operational. Future plans include the establishing a facility where local

entrepreneurs can showcase their arts and crafts, and visitors can enjoy refreshments

(Namibian, 2011). The target market includes tourists, school groups and students,

bird lovers and nature-photographers awarding them the opportunity to view birds

such as the Cape Teal and Black Winged Stilt in their natural environments.

Existing Exclusive Prospecting Licenses (EPLs)

A number of exploration studies are being conducted in the Erongo Region to assess

and identify new prospective sites for mining (Enviro Dynamics, 2009). Figure 5-1

indicates the locality of the EPLs over which the proposed power line route will go.

Table 5-1 presents information on the EPLs in the project area, including what mineral

or material it has been issued for, as well as the name of the EPL holder and when it

expires. It should be noted that in this case, only EPL 3624 has already been

approved, while the approval of the others is still pending. No prospecting activities

are allowed on those EPLs which have not yet been issued.

Table 5-1: EPLs in the project area

EPL NUMBER NAME/ EPL HOLDER WHAT IT HAS BEEN ISSUED

FOR

EXPIRY DATE

3669 Nova Energy (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd Base and rare metals and

Nuclear fuel minerals

Granted

21/11/2011 --

20/11/2013

3780 Petunia Investments Three (Pty)

Ltd

Nuclear fuel minerals Granted

30/08/2010-

29/08/2012

4582 Tower Investment (Pty) Ltd Base and rare metals,

Industrial minerals and

Precious metals

Granted

29/08/2011 -

28/08/2014

Upon the approval of an EPL, it goes through many phases, from being dormant to a

land surface survey. This is usually followed by drilling which leads to knowledge of

the localities of the existing ore bodies on the EPL. Active EPLs in the area permits

35

November 2012



geological mapping and geochemical sampling in the licence area which involves

drilling and the use of gamma probes.

5.4 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM POWER LINES AND

HUMAN HEALTH

According Hubbard (2012) electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are always created, in

varying levels, with the generation and use of electricity and at the frequency of the

electrical power system Table 5-2.

Table 5-2: Summary of typical magnetic field levels encountered in various environments and close

to household appliances.

DESCRIPTION MAGNETIC FIELD (µT)

Directly below 400kV power line at ground level. 40

25m from centre line of 400kV power line. 8

Directly below 132kV power line at ground level. 7

25m from centre line of 132kV power line. 0.5

Vacuum cleaner, electric drill. 2 – 20

Food mixer. 0.6 – 10

Hair dryer. 0.01 – 7

Dish washer. 0.6 – 3

Washing machine. 0.15 – 3

Fluorescent lamp. 0.15 – 0.5

Ambient field inside homes. 0.01 – 0.2

Any biological effects that may occur from exposure to microwave frequencies will

be as a result of heating of biological tissue. Safety precautions, for this frequency

range, are thus based on limiting field levels that may cause a rise in tissue

temperature.

Guidelines for electric and magnetic field exposure are set by the International

Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP 1998) and (ICNIRP 2010).

This organisation is linked to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and receives

worldwide support.

According to Hubbard (2012) the ICNIRP standards for electromagnetic field

exposure associated with power lines can be summarized as follows:

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Table 5-3: Electric and magnetic field exposure guidelines set by ICNIRP (1998) and ICNIRP (2010)

versions.

REFERENCE

LEVEL:

ELECTRIC FIELD (KV/M) MAGNETIC FIELD (µT)

ICNIRP 1998 ICNIRP 2010 ICNIRP 1998 ICNIRP 2010

Occupational 10 10 500 1000

General Public 5 5 100 200

Based on the parameters for the proposed 132 kV lines Hubbard (2012) concluded

that the highest magnetic field exposure can be expected at the conductors. From

here it show an exponential decrease with distance Figure 5-3. At a distance of 25m

from the source, the radiation levels are expected to be less than 0.5 µT .

Hubbard (2012) states that many studies have been conducted on the topic of

electric and magnetic fields and possible health effects over the last two decades.

Some of these studies, from a scientific perspective, have been of a higher quality

and have been designed and executed in more credible ways than others.

According to Hubbard (2012) when addressing consensus and conclusions drawn

Figure 5-3: Typical Magnetic Field Levels expected from the 132 kV Lines.

37

November 2012



from the research, it makes sense to reflect on critical, scientific reviews of published

research rather than to address and reflect on individual and isolated studies. Based

on the studies reviewed Hubbard (2012) concludes that no conclusive and

consistent evidence shows that exposure to residential electric and magnetic fields

produce cancer, adverse neurobehavioral effects, or reproductive and

developmental effects.

When one considers the existing and proposed servitudes and the facts presented

by Hubbard (2012), the following can be concluded (as depicted in Figure 5-4):

At 25m distance from the source the expected magnetic exposure is 0.5 µT

which is 99.95% below the prescribed ICNIRP guidelines (2010).

With distance the exposure decreases exponentially, tending towards zero.

Evidence does not support any causal relationship between exposure to

electromagnetic fields and cancer (e.g. Leukemia), impacts on reproductive

health and adverse neurobehavioral effects, or developmental effects.

The absence of evidence on health effects is generally not considered to

mean evidence of the absence of health impacts and has resulted in some

scientists advocating caution (precautionary principle) and finding ways to

avoid or reduce exposure.

Figure 5-4: Existing servitude width and distances between lines compared to the radiation output of the line.

38

November 2012



5.5 SENSITIVITIES

The following socio-economic sensitivities are likely to result from the proposed

project (Table 5-4):

Table 5-4: Sensitivities relating to Socio-Economic Environment

ENVIRONMENTAL

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT

Socio-economic

environment

Number of planned future

developments in the

area.

High demand for

electricity.

Meeting increased

electricity demand

(positive impact)

Kuisebmund residential

area

Power line through a high

density residential area

Potential

electromagnetic

radiation from power

line

Dorob and Namib

Naukluft park

Power line running

through a conservation

area

Reduction in the

conservation value of

the national parks.

Rooikop airport is located

close to the power line

The approach to the

runway should be cleared

of any obstacles.

Should the power line

be located too close

to the airport, it can

result in collisions of

aircraft with the power

line, thus posing a

safety risk.

Presence of the M63, Birds

Paradise and other areas

with high tourism

potential.

High tourism potential. Visual impact

A number of EPLs are

registered in the project

area.

The proposed power line

route passes over

registered exploration

areas.

Conflict with existing

EPLs

39

November 2012



6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DIS CLOSURE

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Public Participation forms an important component of an Environmental Impact

Assessment as it provides potential interested and affected parties (I&APs) with a

platform whereby they can raise any issues or concerns relevant to the proposed

project. In addition, it also warrants them with an opportunity to comment on all the

documents produced.

The consultation process followed during this project included consultation meetings

in Walvis Bay with the relevant authorities and the public. Thereafter a scoping

report containing the issues identified during the scoping process was circulated to

registered I&APs. For those that do not have internet access, copies of the report

were sent to the Kuisebmund Community Centre, the Regional Council and the

Walvis Bay Urban and Rural Constituency office. The availability of the report at

these locations was then announced over the radio.

More details on the public participation process and its findings can be viewed in the

Scoping Report for this project.

6.2 THE MEETINGS TO DATE

The meetings were conducted in Walvis Bay with the public and authorities

respectively. An overview of these meetings is provided in Table 6-1 below.

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Table 6-1: Summary of the meetings held on this project.

OBJECTIVES THE MEETINGS MAIN ISSUES RAISED METHODOLOGY

AUTHORITIES AT REGIONAL LEVEL

To engage with relevant authorities

that have jurisdiction over the area

in order to solicit their ideas and

concerns about the project.

This was expected to assist the

consultant in defining the

parameters for the study in terms of

issues to explore in the full EIA

phase.

The meeting was held on 5 July

2012 in Walvis Bay.

Only one representative from

NamPort attended the meeting.

The questions raised were more for

clarification purposes such as locality,

rationale for this project, etc.

Telephonic conversations as well

as through emails and faxes.

Invitations were e-mailed to

those earmarked to attend the

meeting.

PUBLIC MEETING AT LOCAL LEVEL

To create a platform whereby the

concerns of individuals, groups or

local communities could be

conveyed and the parameters for

the study can be developed.

To facilitate transparency with the

public which aid in building good

rapport, while identifying potential

challenges along with possible

solutions.

Held on 5 July 2012, also in Walvis

Bay.

22 people attended the meeting

including representatives from

NamPort, Walvis Bay Municipality,

Ministry of Education, business

community and members from

the Public.

The main concerns raised

included the effect of radiation

on the surrounding communities,

and the locality of the power

station, substation and existing

servitudes in Walvis Bay.

Also, the issue of bird collisions

and the impact of this project on

electricity prices were mentioned.

Advertised in the newspaper.

Some I&APs were invited via e-

mail. Letters were hand delivered

to the community members living

along the proposed route in

Walvis Bay which included an

invitation to this public meeting.

41

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6.3 PUBLIC CONCERN

From the consultation meetings and comments submitted to Enviro Dynamics in

writing, a number of key issues came to light. Although not all of the issues may fall

within the scope of this study, it is clear that these issues should be considered at a

strategic level for the area. The key issues identified are listed below in Table 6-2Error!

Reference source not found..

Table 6-2: Summary of Key Issues

THEME ISSUE

CONTROLLED

ACCESS

Access roads should be identified and be the only ones used.

BIRDS The collision of birds with the power lines should be assessed.

Consider impacts on Bird Paradise.

VEGETATION It should be considered to relocate any affected vegetation with the help of

the Namib Botanical gardens.

Consider the impacts on the green valley.

HEALTH AND

SAFETY

The impact of radiation on the surrounding land use owners and residents

should be assessed.

The locality of the existing power station, substation and servitudes where

questioned, mainly due to the impacts on surrounding land users.

ECONOMICS This project can cause electricity prices to rise.

Job creation

LAND USE AND

STRATEGIC

PLANNING

It is anticipated that the harbour will develop to the north of Walvis Bay.

ARCHAEOLOGY The ancient oyster beds near Dune 7 should be considered.

42

November 2012



6.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK

The Draft Environmental Scoping Report has been circulated to all I&APs for their

comment, allowing for a two week commentary period from the 29th of August 2012

to the 13th of September 2012. In addition, the report as well as an executive

summary was sent to the Kuisebmund Community Centre, the Regional Council‟s

office and the Walvis Bay Urban and Rural Constituency where those without access

to the internet could review the report. With the assistance of the Constituency

office, the community was informed about the availability of the report for their

perusal, via the local radio station. The comments received on this report have been

collated into a Comments and Responses Trail which includes statements of how the

comments were considered and incorporated into the final Report.

The same process will be followed for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report,

i.e. it will also be made available for public review with a two weeks commentary

period. All comments received will also be collated into a Comments and

Responses Trial, before the final report is submitted to the DEA.

43

November 2012



7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES

The proposed route between the Walmund and Walvis Bay substation was

evaluated during a consultation meeting between NamPower and the

Environmental Consultant. A section of the route was moved to avoid a sensitive

outcrop.

The largest part of the route follows existing servitudes. This is in line with the Uranium

Rush Strategic Environmental Assessment (SAIEA, 2010) which recommends that all

development infrastructure be limited where possible to one corridor. In Walvis Bay

the existing power line servitude passes between a residential and industrial area.

Alternative locations were considered in Walvis Bay but due to limited space

(especially in the corridor to the Parathus power station) the existing servitude was

found to be the best alternative.

Since the new route now avoids the sensitive marble outcrop and follows an existing

servitude for the remainder of the route, which has already been disturbed, this route

was accepted by all as the preferred route. The impacts further discussed in this

section are all based on the preferred route.

7.2 IDENTIFICATION OF KEY ISSUES

During the scoping phase of this project a screening process was applied whereby

all potentially significant sensitivities were pooled together from the baseline

conditions, legal requirements as well as the concerns raised by I&APs. The process

explained in Error! Reference source not found. was then followed to filter through the

arious potential impacts. Two groups of issues were identified:

Column A & C: Issues that could be addressed in the specific EMP i.e.

challenges for which mitigation and management measures could already

be identified at the scoping stage of the project (See APPENDIX F), and issues

that does not fall within the scope of this study.

44

November 2012



Column B: Issues that needed further specialist investigation i.e. challenges for

which adequate information was unavailable to propose mitigation measures

or make an assessment of the extent of the potential impact.

Based on the screening process, five areas were identified for which data was

unavailable in the scoping phase to conclusively determine the impact or identify

workable mitigation options. Specialists were therefore tasked to further investigate

each of these areas:

Loss of sensitive vegetation (Coleen Mannheimer)

Loss of endemic fauna (John Irish)

Collision of birds with the power lines (Mike & Ann Scott)

Loss of archaeological sites (John Kinahan)

Socio-economic and visual impact (In-house study by Enviro Dynamics)

Civil Aviation – potential location of the power line route alternatives in the

approach zones of the Arandis Airport. This issue is addressed under

Section 3 as the preferred alternative does not encroach onto the

approach zone of the airport.

Does the issue fall within the scope of the project and the

responsibility of NamPower?

A B C

Figure 7-1: Screening process to determine key issues

45

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The findings from these investigations are summarized in Error! Reference source not

ound.Table 7-1 and form the focus of the rest of this Section.

46

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Table 7-1: Identification of key impacts during the various phases of the project.

SPECIALIST

STUDY

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DECOMMISSIONING

Habitat

destruction

Substrate disruption of gravel plain soils

by construction vehicles and

earthmoving equipment (habitat loss on

gravel plains)

Habitat loss in drainage lines


due to maintenance vehicles.


by decommissioning vehicles

Vegetation Damage to vegetation due to vehicle

activity, construction of pylons and

construction laydown.

Damage to vegetation due to vehicle

activity.

Disturbance or destruction of sensitive

vegetation

Birds Disturbance from road construction and

traffic and habitat destruction

Collisions on power line and stay wires Disturbance from traffic and noise

Archaeology Disturbance or destruction of existing

archaeological sites

Destruction or damage to new

archaeological sites exposed during

construction work.

Disturbance or destruction of existing


Disturbance or destruction of existing or

new archaeological sites

Socio-

Economic and

Visual impact

Conflict with existing land uses,

specifically EPLs

Visual impact

Reduction in the conservation value of

the national parks.

Conflict with existing land uses,

specifically EPLs

Meeting increased electricity demand

(positive impact)

Visual impact

Reduction in the availability of electricity

in the Erongo Region

47

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SPECIALIST

STUDY

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DECOMMISSIONING

Should the power line be located too

close to the airport, it can result in

collisions of aircraft with the power line,

thus posing a safety risk.

Potential electromagnetic radiation from

power line

Reduction in the conservation value of

the national parks.

Should the power line be located too

close to the airport, it can result in

collisions of aircraft with the power line,

thus posing a safety risk.

48

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7.3 METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED FOR THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Each of the identified impacts listed above were assessed to determine the true

significance of the proposed project on the environment. The criteria used to

describe the significance of the impact on the particular environmental component

(i.e. vegetation, biodiversity, birds, archaeology and socio-economic environment)

are contained in the Table 7-2 below:

Table 7-2: Criteria for the assessment of impacts

DESCRIPTION

Nature Reviews the type of effect that the proposed activity will have on the relevant

component of the environment and includes “what will be affected and how?”.

Extent Geographic area. Indicates whether the impact will be within a limited area (on

site where construction is to take place); local (limited to within 15 km of the area);

regional (limited to ~100 km radius); national (limited to the coastline of Namibia);

or international (extending beyond Namibia‟s boarders).

Duration Whether the impact will be temporary (during construction only), short term (1-5

years), medium term (5-10 years), long term (longer than 10 years, but will cease

after operation) or permanent.

Intensity Establishes whether the magnitude of the impact is destructive or innocuous and

whether or not it exceeds set standards, and is described as none (no impact); low

(where natural/ social environmental functions and processes are negligibly

affected); medium (where the environment continues to function but in a

noticeably modified manner); or high (where environmental functions and

processes are altered such that they temporarily or permanently cease and/or

exceed legal standards/requirements).

Probability Considers the likelihood of the impact occurring and is described as uncertain,

improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most

likely) or definite (impact will occur regardless of prevention measures).

Significance Significance is given before and after mitigation. Low if the impact will not have an

influence on the decision or require to be significantly accommodated in the

project design, Medium if the impact could have an influence on the environment

which will require modification of the project design or alternative mitigation (the

route can be used, but with deviations or mitigation) High where it could have a

“no-go” implication regardless of any possible mitigation (an alternative route

should be used).

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DESCRIPTION

Status of the impact A statement of whether the impact is positive (a benefit), negative (a cost), or

neutral. Indicate in each case who is likely to benefit and who is likely to bear the

costs of each impact.

Degree of Confidence

in Predictions

Is based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information.

7.4 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS

7.4.1 HABITAT DESTRUCTION

Description

The power line route intersects three habitats, namely the gravel plains, drainage

lines and Barchanoid dunes (Figure 7-2). According to Irish (2012) the gravel plains

are particularly sensitive due to their long recovery period (if recovery happens at

all). Fauna and flora, being directly dependent on the habitat for food and shelter,

will be indirectly affected if it is damaged or destroyed.

Gravel plains: According to Irish (2012) the gravel plains habitat is highly sensitive to

disturbance and a single vehicle track is enough to cause irreparable damage. This

is due to the long recovery period of the soil and there is no evidence that suggests

that the habitat has the ability to self-heal: tracks dating from the 19th century

remain visible today and biological soil crusts have not regenerated in them.

On this particular project, the movement of vehicles and earthmoving machinery

during construction could cause long-term, possibly permanent damage to substrate

integrity (Irish, 2012). It is very likely that biological soil crusts will be completely

destroyed; rendering the substrate unsuitable for the regeneration of soil crusts,

assuming the latter is even possible. The result is permanent habitat loss and

degradation of environmental integrity and habitat potential.

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Figure 7-2: Sensitive habitats intersected by the proposed power line.

Tubas River

51

November 2012



Drainage lines: According to Irish (2012) drainage lines are fairly robust with respect

to short term disturbance. Displaced animals are likely to return after construction

due to the food and shelter the habitat provides. Although plants will eventually re-

grow, the slow growth rates and unpredictable desert rainfall ensure that self-healing

will take a very long time (Irish, 2012).

Drainage lines in the area are generally small, and the main potential impact is to

the Tubas River. Movement of vehicles and earthmoving machinery can destroy

permanent vegetation in watercourses and deprive the habitat of sources of food

and shelter, decreasing its potential.

Barchanoid dunes: The barchanoid dunes close to Walvis Bay are mobile and due

to the typical strong winds of the area, they quickly re-establish themselves. The

sensitivity of this habitat is low and it is therefore not expected that the proposed

project will have a significant impact on it.

Mitigation

A single track should be pegged out that should be used during construction.

Include contractual penalty clauses for contractors that stray from the

established track.

Have single track crossings at drainage lines.

Damage to the gravel plains should be rehabilitated.

Summary

The impact of the proposed project on biodiversity can be summarized as presented

in Table 7-3 below.

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Table 7-3: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line project on habitats in the area.

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION (INCLUDING MAINTENANCE) DECOMMISSIONING

BEFORE

MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

IMPACT OF POWER LINE ON GRAVEL PLAINS HABITAT

Extent Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific

Duration Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent

Intensity High High High High High High

Probability Definite Definite Definite Definite Definite Definite

Status Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative

Degree of

confidence in

predictions

High High High High High High

Significance High

Due to the

permanence of the

impact.

High

Should the extent of

the impact be

limited to one area,

it does not have a

“no go” implication.

Mitigation can

merely reduce the

scope of the impact

High

Residual impact

remaining from

construction

None

Should they stay on

the existing tracks

and no additional

tracks be made.

High

Residual impact

remaining from

construction

None

Should they stay on

the existing tracks

and no additional

tracks be made.

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CONSTRUCTION OPERATION (INCLUDING MAINTENANCE) DECOMMISSIONING

BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

but not the severity,

hence significance

remains high.

IMPACT OF POWER LINE ON DRAINAGE LINES HABITAT

Extent Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific Site-specific

Duration Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Long-term due to

slow regrowth

Intensity High High High High High High

Probability Definite Definite Definite Definite Definite Definite


Degree of

confidence in

predictions


Significance High

Due to long term

effects and slow

regrowth. Does not

have a “no go”

implication.

Low Low (Should they

stay on the road

used in the

construction phase)

Low Low (Should they

stay on the road

used in the

construction phase)

Low

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7.4.2 IMPACT ON UNIQUE FLORA

Description

According to Mannheimer (2012) a number of protected and endemic species

occur in the project area including Zygophyllum stapffii, Arthraerua leubnitziae,

Hermbstaedtia spathulifolia, Senecio engleranus, Heliotropium oliveranum,

Acanthosicyos horridus, Trianthema hereroensis and a number of lichens. Many of

these species are concentrated in the drainage lines.

Despite the relatively high level of endemism of the area, Mannheimer (2012) states

that the overall impact of the project on vegetation could be low if sufficient care is

taken to prevent unnecessary collateral damage. This is due to several factors:

The project is linear and narrow, greatly reducing the extent of impact on any

one habitat.

There are existing servitudes over much of the route, and there are already a

number of well-defined tracks that can be used to access the new section of

the route.

There are a number of previously damaged areas that can be used as

laydown sites.

There are no marble or rocky ridges that need be directly affected to any

extent.

The areas of highest impact, i.e. the construction sites for each pylon, are

small and widely spaced. Only the servitude road is continuous.

However, the fact that the central Namib Desert receives such low rainfall means

that any damage done is usually long-term, with recovery of the perennial

vegetation and especially that of lichens and the biological or physical crust that

retards soil erosion in the desert, being very slow.

55

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The northern section of the line between the Kuiseb and Walmund substation crosses

over the lichen field of the northern Naukluft Plateau as described by Schultz (2006).

This area is more or less covered with crustose and foliose lichens (Figure 7-3). Track

control in this section will be crucial for conserving the lichen field. In addition, the

following mitigation measures are proposed for the service route:

Mitigation

Laydown areas should be minimised in size and number, and should be sited

in previously damaged areas as far as possible (see EMP for specific

coordinates). These should also be clearly indicated.

Particular care should be taken to control damage in the sensitive zones as

indicated Figure 7-3. Accidental damage should be rehabilitated at the end

of construction.

Summary

The impact of the proposed project on unique flora (due to vehicle activity,

construction of pylons and construction laydown) can be summarized as presented

in Table 7-4 below:

Kuiseb Substation

Walmund Substation

Section of the

proposed power

line that

traverses the

lichen field

Figure 7-3: Sensitive lichen field indicated by Mannheimer (2012) as intersected by the proposed

power line route. The purple bubbles represent areas along the line that is already

damaged by uncontrolled tracks.

56

November 2012



Table 7-4: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line project on unique vegetation in the area.

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION (INCLUDING

MAINTENANCE)

DECOMMISSIONING

BEFORE

MITIGATION

AFTER

MITIGATION

BEFORE

MITIGATION

AFTER

MITIGATION

BEFORE

MITIGATION

AFTER

MITIGATION

PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION OF VEGETATION, INCLUDING SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN

Extent Site specific Site specific Site specific Site specific Site specific Site specific

Duration Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent Permanent

Intensity Low None Low None Low None

Probability Improbable Improbable Improbable Improbable Improbable Improbable


Degree of confidence in

predictions


Significance Low None Low None Low None

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November 2012



7.4.3 BIRD COLLISIONS ON THE POWER LINE

Description

The proposed study area has a relatively high conservation status and biodiversity

value, which is reflected in the 293 bird species that have been recorded in the

overall study area (Scott & Scott, 2012).

Scott & Scott (2012) indicate two sensitive areas along the proposed routes for birds:

Drainage lines on the section between Kuiseb and Walmund substations:

Drainage lines provide food and shelter for birds and their prey species, and

serve as flight paths for groups such as bustards, flamingos and raptors.

Typically, sections where the power line crosses drainage lines are considered

as potentially sensitive for birds but due to the high number of drainage lines

crossed, it is difficult to anticipate which areas are more sensitive in terms of

potential bird collisions (Figure 7-4). Collisions have previously been recorded

in the area around the Walmund substation. According to Scott & Scott

(2012) three collisions (including one flamingo and two bustard collisions) have

been recorded in a 5km radius around the Walmund substation.

The section between the Walvis Bay substation and the D1984/M36

intersection: Several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) (including the Namib-Naukluft

National Park, Mile 4 Salt works, 30 Km Beach: Walvis-Swakopmund including

the Swakop River Mouth, and Walvis Bay wetland) are located close to the

route. The Walvis Bay Sewerage Ponds so close to the IBAs increase the risk of

bird/power line interactions and therefore makes it a sensitive area

(Figure 7-5). This is also exacerbated by the adverse weather conditions that

form this habitat including strong wind, dust and fog.

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The following mitigation measures are prescribed on the proposed line to reduce the

risk of collisions:

Walmund Substation

Kuiseb Substation

Walmund substation

Kuiseb

substation

Drainage lines

Walvis Bay

sewage ponds

Figure 7-5: The section of line between the Walvis Bay substation and the

M36/D1984 intersection. Potentially sensitive areas for

collisions by aquatic bird species such as pelicans and

flamingos are indicated by yellow arrows.

Figure 7-4: Yellow arrows indicate sensitive areas on the section

between the Walmund and Kuiseb substation. The area

indicated just south of the Walmund substation is considered

particularly sensitive due to previously recorded collisions in

the area.

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Mitigation

Using a combination of double loop bird flight diverters (BFDs) and "flight

diverter flags” the new line should be marked at the following locations:

o Walmund Substation to Kuiseb Substation: mark the areas where the

line intersects three main drainage lines, as indicated (for at least five

spans each, centred at GPS points 22 46 49S 14 43 57E; 22 50 14S 14 43

39E; and 22 53 59S 14 43 30E). This area has already been confirmed as

"sensitive" in terms of bustard collisions.

o Section of line running north of the Walvis Bay sewage ponds (between

GPS points 22 57 37S 14 31 30E and 22 58 29S 14 33 36E).

Assuming span lengths to be 350m: space three flight diverter flags, with

double loop BFDs at intervals of 20m between them.

Monitoring of this marked section will help to provide more scientific

confirmation of collision data (rates, sites and associated weather conditions)

and thereby increase the future predictability of such occurrences as a basis

for marking. Should collisions still take place after mitigation, the marking

methods would need to be reassessed.

For the rest of the line, stringent and regular monitoring is recommended,

especially of the sections of the line that cross drainage lines/seeps/ridges.

Should collisions start to occur regularly in any one area on the line, the

relevant section(s) should be fitted with the above measures.

Summary

The impact of the proposed project on bird species can be summarized as

presented in Table 7-5 below.

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November 2012



Table 7-5: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line project on birds in the area.

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION DECOMMISSIONING

BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

BIRD COLLISIONS WITH POWER LINE

Extent Site specific

At the facility during

operation

Site specific

At the facility during

operation

Duration Permanent

> 20 years (life of

line)

Permanent

> 20 years (life of

line)

Intensity Medium to High Medium to High

Probability Probable Probable

Status Negative Negative

Degree of

confidence in

predictions

High (incident

reports and personal

observations)

High (incident

reports and

personal

observations)

Significance Medium to High

Medium

If impact is “high” it

could be reduced

to “medium” by

fitting sensitive

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November 2012




BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

areas (e.g.

drainage lines) with

double loop bird

flight diverters and

"flag flight diverters".

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November 2012



7.4.4 DESTRUCTION OR DAMAGE TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Description

According to Kinahan (2012) the potentially sensitive archaeological sites in the area

are all associated with outcrops which provide temporary impoundments of water in

natural rock hollows. These areas provided important resources for pre-colonial

hunter-gatherer communities and the early colonial ox-wagon transport routes

across the desert. Since the power line does not intersect any outcrops Kinahan

(2012) summarizes the various sections as follows (Figure 7-6):

Walmund to Kuiseb substation: A number of minor granite outcrops and

dolerite dykes occur in the near vicinity of the route, but not within the corridor

itself. The existing servitude is highly disturbed as a result of construction and

maintenance work on the power lines, and by poorly controlled vehicle use.

This section is of very low archaeological significance and is not considered to

be sensitive. The proposed route does not affect any archaeological sites.

Kuiseb substation to envisaged substation north of Dune 7: Although there is

no existing power-line corridor on this section, the area has been extensively

disturbed by military training exercises. Parts of the area that might have held

archaeological significance, e.g. rocky outcrops, are heavily disturbed and

are therefore of no further archaeological value. This section has no

archaeological remains.

Envisaged substation to Walvis Bay substation: The area has been examined

in some detail and found to be of no archaeological significance.

The occurrence of sites close to the power line however provides evidence of

human activity in the area and their presence is a reliable indicator of a possible

occupation site. Kinahan (2012) therefore states that there is a moderate possibility

that new archaeological sites will be exposed in the course of construction work.

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November 2012



Figure 7-6: Location of archaeological sites close to the proposed power line route.

64

November 2012



Mitigation

Chance Finds procedure: Areas of proposed development activity are

subject to heritage survey and assessment at the planning stage. These

surveys are based on surface indications alone, and it is therefore possible

that sites or items of heritage significance will be found in the course of

development work. The procedure for chance finds is set out in the EMP.

Summary

The impact of the proposed project on archaeology can be summarized as

presented in Table 7-6 below.

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November 2012



Table 7-6: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line project on Archaeology in the area.


BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

DISTURBANCE OR DESTRUCTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Extent Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Site specific

May have a

cumulative effect

on the archaeology

of the area as a

whole.

Duration Archaeological sites

cannot be repaired

or rehabilitated. All

negative impacts

must be considered

Permanent.

Temporary

Construction period

Temporary

Slight risk during

operation.

Temporary

Slight risk during

decommissioning.

Intensity High

Direct impacts on

small


generally result in

either total

destruction or site

High

Direct impacts on

small


generally result in

either total

destruction or site

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November 2012




BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

disturbance such

that the value of

the site is greatly

diminished.

disturbance such

that the value of

the site is greatly

diminished.

Probability Improbable Improbable


Degree of

confidence in

predictions

High High

Significance Medium to Low

Depending on the

specific site

concerned

Low

If the indicated sites

can be avoided

67

November 2012



7.4.5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND VISUAL IMPACT

Description

A number of development plans are underway for the Erongo region, including the

establishment of new mines. In addition, NamPort is also planning the expansion of

the harbour. Furthermore, the population of Walvis Bay has grown by 40, 6 % over

the period of 2001 to 2011. All of these new developments, and potential further

population increase, further increases the demand for electricity. Consequently,

ErongoRED who is responsible for distributing electricity in Walvis Bay has requested

an increase from 45 megawatts to 80 megawatts from NamPower. This proposed

power line, will assist NamPower to service a wider area radius, as these power lines

will also connect the existing substations with one another via new routes.

Nature-based tourism, cultural heritage and historical sites play a key role in tourism

activities in Namibia and along its coast (MET, 2010). The line route will traverse both

the Dorob Park and NNP. Sections of the power line will also run along the D1984.

Any change in visual amenities can impact the sense of place of this area. It should

however be noted that the area is not pristine in the sense that there is a road,

railway and telephone lines already passing by Dune 7. The adventure based

tourism activities itself, is expected not be limited or impacted on by the new power

line.

The Walvis Bay Bird Paradise is a community-based initiative located next to the

sewage treatment works and proposed processing plant site. It offers guided birding

walks while providing information on the bird species and flora in the area. The

number of visitors to Walvis Bay Bird Paradise is currently unknown, but once fully

operational, it is expected that 3, 600 people should visit it annually. The activities of

Walvis Bay Birds Paradise are thus dependent on bird life, making them vulnerable to

changes in bird stocks. Should the power line be the cause of bird collisions and

fatalities, the economic activities of this venture, as a form of livelihood for its

employees, can be adversely impacted.

A number of exploration studies are being conducted in the Erongo Region to assess

and identify new prospective sites for mining. The proposed power line route will

directly cross over three EPLs in the area. These EPLs either allow for the exploration

of dimension stone or base and rare metals, industrial minerals, precious metals and

68

November 2012



semiprecious stones. The three affected EPLs have been contacted during the EIA

process to indicate areas of potential concern. They all stated that the construction

of the power line will not affect any of their mayor deposits and they consequently

provided their consent for the construction to continue.

Mitigation/Enhancement

NamPower is required to adhere to the NNP and Dorob National Parks‟ park

rules.

The mitigation measures prescribed by Scott & Scott (2012) to limit bird –

power line interactions close to Birds Paradise should be adhered to.

NamPower and the EPL holder has to continue to communicate.

The construction contract should stipulate that the EPL holder should be

informed about the intended construction period and the approximate

number of people and vehicles that will enter the EPL.

Summary

The information from this assessment is summarized in the Table 7-7 below.

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November 2012



Table 7-7: Summary of the potential impacts of the proposed power line project on the surrounding socio-economic environment.


BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

MEETING INCREASED DEMAND

Extent Regional Regional

Duration Long Term Long Term

Intensity Moderate Effect Moderate Effect

Probability Definite Definite

Status Positive Positive

Degree of confidence

in predictions

High High

Significance High High

TOURISM AND INTEGRITY OF THE NATIONAL PARKS

Extent Regional Regional Regional Regional

Duration Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term

Intensity Moderate Effect Moderate Effect Moderate Effect Moderate Effect

Probability Definite Definite Definite Definite

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November 2012




BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

Status Negative Negative Negative Negative


in predictions

High High High High

Significance Medium - Low Low Medium - Low Low

LAND USE CONFLICT WITH EPLs

Extent Local Local Local Local Local Local

Duration Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term

Intensity Minor Effect Minor Effect Minor Effect Minor Effect Minor Effect Minor Effect

Probability Probable Probable Probable Probable Probable Probable

Status Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive


in predictions


Significance High Low High Low Low Low

VISUAL IMPACT

Extent Regional Regional Local Local

Duration Long Term Long Term Long Term Long Term

Intensity Moderate Effect Moderate Effect Moderate Effect Moderate Effect

Probability Definite Definite Highly Probable Highly Probable

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November 2012




BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

Status Negative Negative Negative Negative


in predictions

High High High High

Significance Medium - Low Medium-Low Medium-Low Medium-Low

72

November 2012



7.4.6 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM POWER LINES AND HUMAN HEALTH

Description

According to Hubbard (2012) thousands of studies have been published on the topic

over the last three to four decades. In his report Hubbard (2012) provides a summary

of available literature. He also calculated the electric and magnetic field levels

using the ICNIRP standards to predict radiation propagation near the 132kV lines

(Figure 7-7). In short, the findings of the specialist study concluded the following:

Overhead power lines generate electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields

are linked to the voltage of the power line and remain relatively stable while

the line is energized. Magnetic fields are linked to the current flowing on the

line. Magnetic field levels in the vicinity of a power line typically show daily

and seasonal variation patterns. Both electric and magnetic fields decrease

with an increase in distance from the line.

No evidence of a causal relationship between magnetic field exposure and

childhood leukemia exist. The absence of evidence on health effects is

generally not considered to mean evidence of the absence of health impacts

and has resulted in some scientists advocating caution (precautionary

principle) and finding ways to avoid or reduce exposure.

Studies on the behaviour, reproduction, health, meat production, milk

production and navigation have found minimal or no effects of EMF on

animals.

Past studies have found no significant effect of EMF on plant growth, crop

production and seed germination. No recent studies of plants growing near

transmission lines have been conducted.

The guidelines for electric and magnetic field exposure set by the

International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

receives world-wide support. ICNIRP standards are drawn up based on all

research done on the topic of non-ionising radiation, specifically the effect it

may have on human health and includes the precautionary principle.

Calculations of electric and magnetic field levels that will be created by the

proposed power lines have shown that areas where members of the public

may be exposed (at the servitude boundary and further away from the line)

are well within the ICNIRP guidelines (Table 7-8).

73

November 2012



Table 7-8: Comparison between the 2010 ICNIRP standards and the expected exposure from the

132kV line.

BASIC RESTRICTIONS ICNIRP (2010) MAGNETIC OUTPUTS EXPECTED FROM 132KV LINE

ICNIRP GUIDELINES DISTANCE PROPOSED PROJECT

Occupational 100 µT Directly below

132kV line

7 µT

General Public 20 µT 25m from

132kV line*

0.5 µT

*The distance from the proposed 132 kV power line to the nearest occupational area will be approximately 60m. It should also be

noted that electromagnetic radiation decreases exponentially with distance from the source. The expected radiation at the nearest

occupational area is therefore expected to be less than 0.5 µT.

Figure 7-7: Detailed composition of total NamPower servitude (150m) indicating the two proposed 132kV lines in relation to the 25m buffer zone for radiation exposure.

74

November 2012



Mitigation

Based on the specialist findings it is evident that the electromagnetic radiation

from the two proposed 132kV lines will not exceed the ICNIRP (2010)

standards. It is therefore concluded that if NamPower stays within the

proposed distances from residences/businesses no mitigation measures are

required to reduce the electromagnetic radiation.

Should NamPower in future require additional lines within the servitude, an EIA,

focussing specifically on a comprehensive radiation assessment and public

consultation process, should be undertaken.

In addition, should NamPower foresee the need to increase the load on the

proposed lines thus increasing the electromagnetic radiation output, a

radiation assessment should be undertaken to assess the potential impact of

this on the neighbouring residents.

Summary

The impact of the electric and magnetic fields from the power lines on human health

is discussed in Table 7-9 below.

75

November 2012



Table 7-9: Summary of the potential impacts of the electric and magnetic fields from the power lines on human health.


BEFORE

MITIGATION


MITIGATION


MITIGATION

AFTER MITIGATION

IMPACTS OF THE ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS FROM THE POWER LINES ON HUMAN HEALTH

Extent Site specific Site specific

Duration Permanent Permanent

Intensity Low Low

Probability Improbable Improbable


Degree of

confidence in

predictions

High High

Significance Low Low

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November 2012



8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECO MMENDATIONS

8.1 SYNOPSIS OF THE FIVE KEY IMPACTS

The five key ecological and social impacts related to the proposed construction and

operation of a new transmission line from the Walvis Bay substation to the Walmund

substation can be summarised as follows:

Habitat destruction: Many potential impacts are associated with habitat

destruction during the construction phase. The permanent damage to the

substrate renders this impact significance to be high. Should the contractor

however succeed in restricting the extent of the impact (e.g. by enforcing

responsible off-road use and preventing unnecessary track proliferation), it

does not have a „no go‟ implication for the project (Irish, 2012). Further

mitigation measures are prescribed in the EMP.

Impact on unique flora: A number of endemic and near endemic plant

species, of which many are of restricted distribution or habitat occur in the

project area. These species are extremely vulnerable to disturbance and due

to the slow recovery rate of the desert environment; damage may often be

regarded as permanent. It is particularly the lichen field between Walmund

and Kuiseb substation that is of concern which could be destroyed by

uncontrolled vehicle tracks during all three phases of the project. However,

according to Mannheimer (2012) no fatal flaws were identified during the

course of the vegetation study and with careful mitigation, damage to

sensitive vegetation will be very limited due to the linear nature of the facility

the proposed project poses. More details on the proposed mitigation

measures are provided in the EMP.

Impact on bird species: The proposed project area has a relatively high

biodiversity and 293 bird species have been recorded in the area. The main

impact associated with the construction and operation of the power line in

this area is related to potential collisions. According to Scott & Scott (2012)

two potentially sensitive areas occur along the proposed line, namely the

drainage lines between Walmund and Kuiseb substation (including a site just

south of the Walmund substation where collisions have been recorded) and

the section close to the Walvis Bay sewerage ponds. The latter is particularly

77

November 2012



sensitive due to its close proximity to other Important Bird Areas because a

great deal of bird movement is expected between these sites. For this reason,

it is recommended that the two mentioned sections be marked with a

combination of double loop bird flight diverters (BFDs) and "flight diverter

flags”. More details regarding the monitoring method and the frequency

thereof are provided in the EMP.

Destruction or damage to archaeological sites: Based on Kinahan‟s (2012)

assessment no archaeological sites stand to be directly affected. Although

high in density in the surrounding areas, these sites are generally of low

significance. A “chance find” procedure is set out in EMP for use in the

construction phase, to cater for the discovery of new sites.

Socio-economic and visual impact: The construction of the proposed power

line will supply in the increased demand currently experienced in the Erongo

Region. This represents a positive impact of the project.

o The proposed power line passes through an area that has a high

tourism potential. Apart from the activities associated with Dune 7 and

Birds Paradise, the power line will also traverse the Namib Naukluft and

Dorob Parks. The new power lines will affect the sense of place of this

area. The area is however not pristine due to the presence of various

roads, a railway and telephone lines that already passes by Dune 7.

None of the adventure based tourism activities will be limited or

impacted on by the new power line.

o The proposed power line route will directly affect three EPLs in the area.

Following communications with the EPL holders it was concluded that

the proposed power line does not threaten any of the mayor ore

bodies of the EPLs. More details are contained in the communication

plan in the EMP.

o Potential impacts of the electric and magnetic fields from the power

lines on human health: According to Hubbard (2012) thousands of

studies have been done on the effect of power lines on human health.

During his study Hubbard found that the proposed 132kV lines are well

within the 2010 ICNIRP standards, which is already based on the

precautionary principle. Should NamPower stay within the

recommended servitude distances from public/occupational areas, no

mitigation measures are required to reduce the impact of the

proposed project on public health.

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November 2012



8.2 CONCLUSION

NamPower will be able to reduce most of the unwanted impacts of this project to

acceptable levels if they implement the proposed remedial measures. The

expected harm to the gravel plains is unavoidable because of its low resilience to

change. Should the contractor succeed in limiting the extent of the service road

and pylon sites, the impact (although still of high significance) will not result in a

situation where NamPower cannot continue with the project.

As for the potential collision of birds, the specialists have identified areas on the

proposed line that should be marked with BFDs and “Flight Diverter Flags”. The

effectiveness of these markings should be closely monitored and so should the areas

not marked so that additional problem areas may be identified.

Although this study found the electromagnetic radiation output from the proposed

project to be within ICNIRP (2012) standards, two recommendations apply:

Should NamPower in future require additional lines within the servitude, an EIA,

focussing specifically on a comprehensive radiation assessment and public

consultation process, should be undertaken.

In addition, should NamPower foresee the need to increase the load on the

proposed lines thus increasing the electromagnetic radiation output, a

radiation assessment should be undertaken to assess the potential impact of

this on the neighbouring residents. This needs to be communicated to the

public.

It is important that the measures in NamPower‟s generic EMP and the specific EMP

compiled by this Consultant are implemented and monitored otherwise the impacts

identified will remain unacceptable.

It is therefore recommended that the project receive Environmental Clearance,

provided that the generic EMP and the specific EMP be implemented.

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November 2012



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