Post on 21-Sep-2020
transcript
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Etosha -
1
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: ETOSHA GROUP
1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE SITE
The Etosha National Park has limited radio and television services. The Park constructed a
broadcasting tower many years ago but due to a lack of funds and expertise it is no longer
operational. During the site visit it was evident that telecommunication services are required
by the permanent residents of the Park as well as visiting tourists. To reach optimal
coverage for the entire Park it is proposed to construct separate masts at Halali and
Okaukuejo (to serve the Rest Camps). However, due to the highly sensitive environment this
is neither possible nor advisable and an alternative site outside the boundaries of the Park
(i.e. Elandsfontein) was investigated. This potential site will provide effective service to the
Etosha National Park rest camps: Halali and Okaukeujo.
1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION
The original purpose with the Etosha site was to either construct an NBC mast at Halali or
Okaukuejo or to construct separate masts at both sites with Elandsfontein as an alternate
site. This EIA is aimed as a comparative assessment of all sites as a group.
Figure 1: Locality of the three sites
2
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.2.1 Halali:
The proposed site is situated next to the Halali Rest camp in the centre of the Park. The
existing infrastructure (i.e. cell phone mast and reservoir), situated on a koppie, is less than
500 meters from the camp. It was decided that should this site be used, small alterations to
the existing infrastructure will be made to accommodate the NBC equipment.
Figure 2: Halali – Locality
1.2.2 Okaukuejo:
Some existing infrastructure is situated on a mountain approximately 20 km south west from
Okaukuejo. The infrastructure was used for broadcasting purposes but was struck by
lightning a number of years ago and is no longer in use. This site is a viable alternative for
the project; however there is no power supply to the site and solar power is not cost
effective. The existing mast facilitates the two-way communication system (powered by a
small solar system) that services the Etosha National Park. The nearest power line is
approximately 20km from the site and would require additional environmental investigations,
should the need arise to extend it to the site.
3
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
Figure 3: Okaukuejo – Locality
The environmental sensitivity of the two sites located within the borders of the Park has
been confirmed by specialists, as indicated in the table below:
Table 1: Environmental sensitivities
Sensitive component
Specialist sensitivity rating Possible number of species affected
Okaukuejo Halali Okaukuejo Halali
Bird species Highly sensitive Highly sensitive 24 out of 39 species
{Of these 20 species are red listed species}
26 out of 39 species
{Of these 22 species are red listed species}
Archaeology Sensitive Sensitive Little is known of the archaeology of the Etosha basin margins, but if the NBC mast in this locality is placed on a hill it is likely to have some archaeological impact. A field assessment may be required.
Little is known of the archaeology of the Etosha basin margins, but if the NBC mast in this locality is placed on a hill it is likely to have some archaeological impact. A field assessment may be required.
4
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.2.3 Elandsfontein:
Elandsfontein has been identified as an alternate site to Halali and Okaukuejo. It is situated
outside the southern border of the Park on a recently re-settled farm. The topography is
very flat and the mast will be constructed high enough to provide service to both Halali and
Okaukuejo. Due to former farming activities the area is disturbed, and distinctly less
sensitive (Mr. Oscar Lambert was the previous owner).
Figure 4: Elandsfontein – Locality
5
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
The following table depicts the completed description for these sites:
Table 2: Site Assessment Form of the sites
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
1 Position of
the site
Latitude 19° 2'23.30"S 19°16'50.20"S 19°24'0.70"S
Longitude 16°28'20.00"E 15°45'30.70"E 16°16'38.80"E
2 Footprint
of mast
Proposed height of mast 110m 110m 180m
Diameter of stay wires 26mm – 48mm 26mm – 48mm 26mm – 48mm
Describe how the stay wires will be anchored to the
ground (e.g. concrete, rock foundation).
Concrete blocks Concrete blocks Concrete blocks
3 Land
ownership
To who does the land on which the proposed site is
located, belong? (e.g. Private land, state land, town
lands, etc.)
Government - Etosha National Park Resettlement land
4 Descriptio
n of the
site
General locality, surrounding landscape, etc. This proposed site is
situated in the Etosha
National Park. The Halali
camp lies 500m to the
north of an existing
tower.
The site is located on a
hill 20.5km south west of
Okaukuejo
The site is situated just
outside the southern
border of the Etosha
National Park. The
ground has already been
impacted through
6
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
farming operations.
5 Project
outputs
Define any nuisances or negative impacts that could
result from the project during the construction and
operation (e.g. vibration, noise, radiation, dust).
Aesthetic / visual /
radiation - are all negative
impacts
There are no receptors
close to the proposed site
therefore the impacts will
be low
There are no receptors
close to the proposed
site therefore the
impacts will be low
6
Access to
site
Existing Road (Yes/No) Yes No
New Road (Yes/No) No Yes
Distance of new road N/A 5km
Grading of new road (paved, unpaved, tar or
gravel, etc.)
Gravel
Slope where new road will be situated None Gentle
Best position for new road (photo nr) Existing access Joining the existing
gravel road south of the
7
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
proposed site
7 Civil
Aviation
Distance to the nearest airport Gravel runway situated
1.8km north west of the
proposed site
12km 39km
8 Waste
generation
Distance to nearest dump site Halali waste site Okaukuejo waste site Unknown
9 Energy
provision
Distance to nearest power line On site No power on site -
nearest power line is
approximately 20km
No power on site
Required structures (e.g. substations, steel structures) None Yes electrical structures
will be required.
Yes electrical structures
will be required.
Length of the required power line None Possible 20km Probably solar
installation
Is the power line more than 2 km? If yes, then
the assessment of the proposed location for the
power line should be included in the assessment
of the site for the mast.
No Yes No
8
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
1 Landscape Describe the surrounding landscaped, e.g. Ridgeline,
plateau, side slope of hill/mountain, closed valley,
open valley, plain, undulating plain/low hills, dune,
sea-front, etc.
The site is situated on a
hilltop.
The site is situated on a
ridge with the Etosha
Basin situated to the
north.
The site is situated on a
flat area with open plains
surrounding the site
How accessible is the site by vehicle? Accessible
2 Soil and
Geology
Unstable rocky slopes/ steep slopes with loose soil/
rocky with limited soil
Etosha Basin - mostly
calcrete with some
outcrops.
Steep slopes with
dolomite and dolerite
outcrops
Calcrete plains with
shallow soils
Describe soil (e.g. clay, sand, etc.) Rocky outcrop Rocky with little top-soil Calcrete - clay soils
Identify areas where erosion is likely (Photo nrs). Unlikely to erosion due to the rocks - little top-soil is
present.
Due to the slope limited
erosion is present
3 Habitat Natural veld in good condition, natural veld with
scattered aliens, natural veld with heavy alien
infestation, build-up area, bare soil.
The area is highly
impacted due to other
structures present on the
site which includes water
structures and
communication towers.
Small area is used for
existing communication
structures, but mostly the
surrounding area is
pristine
Natural veld used for
grazing of cattle.
a Vegetati Describe the natural vegetation on the site (e.g. dwarf- Trees, shrubs and some grass are present on the area Mostly shrubland with
9
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
on scrubland) surrounding the proposed site. some trees and grass.
b Birds Is the area likely to be sensitive for birds (i.t.o. Cliffs,
Ridges, possible flight paths, trees, water sources)?
This area is likely to be
very sensitive to birds to
the migratory routes of
birds breeding in the
Etosha Pan.
The area is situated on a
ridge and is regarded as
highly sensitive to
migratory birds
Due to the proximity to
the park bird sensitivity
will require site specific
EMP
c Reptiles Is the area likely to be sensitive for reptiles (e.g. rocky
outcrops)?
Very likely
d Archaeol
ogy
Take a picture facing towards the proposed site (photo
nr).
Not likely to be present
e Surface
water
Are there any surface water sources located close to
the proposed site (e.g. Rivers, Pans, dams, farms
dams, oshanas, etc). Estimate the distance from the
site.
No
Are there any signs of a wetland located close to the
proposed site (e.g. mottled soil, grass with plumes,
reeds, two-tone vegetation, standing water, birdlife).
Estimate the distance from the site.
No
10
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
4 Visual Consider the aesthetic value of the area (Is it located
in a scenic area, what are the lines of sight, are there
tourism activities in the area?).
Very sensitive with
regards to aesthetic value
and the placement of the
tower on a topographical
high point. This tower is
visible from a far distance.
Probably not sensitive
due to the far distance
from any receptors
Low aesthetic value
Identify possible sensitive receptors (e.g. neighbours,
road users, tourism ventures etc.)
Tourists There is a tourist camp
outside the National Park,
but is situated some
distance to the south
east of the proposed site
(Ongava Lodge)
None
If a new road will be constructed to the site, what will
the visual impact be? (e.g. will it be highly visible or
will it be out of sight for the largest group of sensitive
receptors).
None Very little impact
Consider the following:
11
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
* The potential location of a development on landform
features within the landscape will influence the visual
absorption capacity. For example, structures will be
difficult to “hide” on a ridgeline compared to a deeply
incised valley.
The tower will be visible
from an unknown
distance as well as the
auxiliary infrastructure
The structures will be
visible from an unknown
distance due to the
location on a
topographical high point
No receptors in close
vicinity
* Developments on lower slopes will be potentially
easier to hide than those on upper slopes.
Situated on a koppie Plain
* The visibility of a location of a structure is also
influenced by the location height relative to the heights
of surrounding topographic features. For example, if a
location is lower than the majority of the immediately
surrounding landscape it will be less visible and
intrusive than a location which is generally higher than
the immediate surrounds.
Will be highly visible due
to the topographical high
point surrounded by
plains
Will be visible from the
north but not as much
from the south due to
ridges
Plain
* A potential tower location will be easier to “hide” in
a very rugged/diverse landscape and more difficult to
do so if the landscape is more homogenous, such as a
plain.
Will be difficult to hide the structures except if you
"camouflage" it.
1
0
Social
context
Describe the surrounding community and land uses
(e.g. urban, sub-urban, grazing livestock, grazing
Etosha National Park which is a international tourist
attraction
The site is situated on a
proposed resettlement
12
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ACTIVITY INFORMATION Halali Okaukuejo Elandsfontein
game, crops (type), tourism activities, mining,
industrial etc.).
farm.
How far is the nearest inhabited area from the centre
point of the mast? (i.t.o. the radiation). Give a short
description of the populated area. What type of
settlement is it?
The Halali camp is
situated only 500m from
the proposed site which
makes it unsuitable for
the constructing the tower
No concern with regards
to radiation
No concern with regards
to radiation
13
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Consultation was conducted with personnel at the Etosha National Park (Mr. Versveld and
other Chief Wardens). A Background Information Document was circulated to the personnel
and was discussed. Some feedback was received during the site visit and the proposed site
at Elandsfontein was suggested as the best suitable alternative site. According to the
stakeholders - Halali is rated as the most sensitive with the alternative site south west of
Okaukuejo as the second best.
1.4 ASSESSMENT OF SITE SUITABILITY
Specific criteria (based on specialist recommendations) are listed below that have been
designed to aid in determining an optimal site (Table 3):
Table 3: Criteria for determining a sufficient site.
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE
HALALI OKAUKUEJO ELANDSFONTEIN
Distance to nearest populated area
500 m Beyond 3km Beyond 3km
Biodiversity Site is located on a koppie. The site is already impacted/ damaged.
Site situated on a ridge. The surrounding area is pristine.
Site not sensitive. Used as grazing area.
Civil Aviation 1.8 km from nearest air strip
12km 39km
Visual Impacts Very sensitive due to close proximity of visual receptors and visibility of the site.
The site is located on elevated ground which makes it more visible. Some sensitive receptors are located a distance away.
Site has low aesthetic value and no sensitive receptors are located in proximity of the site.
Infrastructure No infrastructure needed. Power line and road infrastructure is available to the site.
20 km from nearest power line. Road infrastructure is available.
Solar installation is needed. A 5 km road is needed.
Archaeology Possible Possible Possible
Birds Very sensitive Very sensitive Sensitive (not along main migratory route but the distance to the Etosha Pans renders it sensitive).
14
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
From the assessment above the Elandsfontein site appears to pose the lowest risk to the
receiving biophysical and social environment while the Halali and Okaukuejo sites pose a
high risk. Should the mast be erected at Elandsfontein, residual impacts associated with
construction and operation activities will however still need to be mitigated and monitored in
order to ensure that the negative effects are avoided or minimized while optimizing the
positive ones.
Table 4: Impact Evaluation for Elandsfontein
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE
KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY
ISSUES ADDRESSED IN:
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The movement of vehicles will impact on this aspect.
Soil compaction Low – sandy soils Generic EMP
TOPOGRAPHY No topographical high or low points will be affected.
Visual impact Low – no sensitive receptors
Generic EMP
WATER QUALITY Construction vehicles, domestic and construction waste generated on site.
Water pollution Low – flat area with no rivers or other water features
Generic EMP
FLORA Clearing and grubbing during construction.
Destruction of natural vegetation
Medium – not a sensitive area
Site Specific EMP
Encroachment of alien invasive species.
The establishment and spreading of alien invasive species.
Low – previously disturbed area
Generic EMP
FAUNA Movement of construction vehicles.
Destroy habitat for reptiles and small mammals.
Medium – little fauna is expected.
Site Specific EMP
Movement of construction vehicles.
Destroy habitat for birds.
Medium –sensitive bird species are expected due to the close distance to Etosha.
Site Specific EMP
Illegal poaching. Killing of fauna for usage by contractors.
Low – poaching possible
Generic EMP
15
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE
KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY
ISSUES ADDRESSED IN:
AIR QUALITY Movement of vehicles during construction
Dust generated. Low – long haul road to site
Generic EMP
ARCHAEOLOGICAL / CULTURAL
There are no graves or other archaeological sites present on the site.
None Generic EMP
SOCIO-ECONOMIC Spreading of HIV/AIDS by contractors.
Increased HIV/AIDS Low – little receptors and small construction force
Generic EMP
OPERATIONAL PHASE
FAUNA The stay wires and the mast might pose a threat to birds
Loss of birds due to collisions
Medium - even though not on a major migratory route, the pristine surrounding environment hosts lots of birds
Site Specific EMP
SOCIO-ECONOMIC Radiation emitted by the mast.
Radiation impact Low Generic EMP
Civil Aviation Beyond 8km of an airstrip
Low sensitivity Generic EMP
Waste generated should there be personnel on site
Waste generated Low – not expected that personnel will reside at this site
Generic EMP
Construction and operation of the mast.
Visual and aesthetic deterioration of the surrounding area
Low – little receptors in the vicinity
Generic EMP
Positive impact due to the educational value of the project
Social improvement due to NBC radio broadcasts
Low – information can be relayed to population
Generic EMP
16
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.6 OVERALL SENSITIVITY OF THE PREFERRED SITE
Based on the Table above (Table 4), one can establish the overall sensitivity of the selected
site. The following table indicates the classification of sensitivity and the required action to
follow:
Table 5: Sensitivity rating and required actions1
The Elandsfontein site has an overall sensitivity rating of MEDIUM.
1.7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed site at Elandsfontein has a low sensitivity rating as opposed to Halali and
Okaukuejo. Elandsfontein is far away from heavily populated areas removing the concern of
negative effects associated with radiation. No significant negative impacts are predicted
during the construction and operational phases of the proposed project.
The Generic and Site Specific EMPs will ensure that the negative impacts are minimized -
therefore limiting the negative effect of this project on the environment during both the
construction and operational phases. It is concluded that this proposed site will not have a
detrimental negative impact on the natural and social environment.
1 Enviro Dynamics (Pty) Ltd – 2011
LOW MEDIUM HIGH
De
scri
pti
on
The site is not sensitive at all. No additional specialist studies are required.
The site is moderately sensitive and although specialist inputs are not required, it requires specific management measures.
The site has sensitive elements that need to be further investigated by a specialist. Sites that have a "high" sensitivity rating should only be used as the preferred alternative once all other options have been eliminated.
Imp
lica
tio
n Generic EMP is sufficient An additional Appendix is required to
the document that contains site specific mitigation measures.
Specialist investigations are required.
X
17
Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout - NBC
EIA: Etosha Group
August 2013
1.8 PHOTOS OF THE VARIOUS SITES
HALALI:
OKAUKUEJO:
Halali: The existing infrastructure is evident.
This site is not suitable due to its proximity to
the camp and radiation impacts.