ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED … · Eskom is currently looking at various means to...

May 2003

Prepared by:

Liam Whitlow

Environmental Impact Management Services (Pty) Ltd

P.O. Box 2083, Pinegowrie, 2123

Tel: (011) 789-7170Fax: (011) 787-3059

e-mail: [email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORTFOR THE PROPOSED ESKOM JANUSSUBSTATION AND TURN-INS FROMTHE EXISTING MERENSKY-WITKOP

POWERLINE

DOCUMENT CONTROL

DRAFT SCOPING REPORT: ESKOM JANUS SUBSTATION AND MERENSKY-WITKOP TURN-INS.

Name Signature Date

COMPILED: Liam Whitlow

CHECKED: Dr. Margaret Sabiti

AUTHORIZED: Dr. Margaret Sabiti

DISTRIBUTION LIST

AGENCY, ORGANISATION OR PERSON NO. OF COPIES

ESKOM-Transmission 2

Limpopo Province Environment 1

DEAT 1

I&AP copies 2

REVISION AND AMENDMENTS

DATE No. DESCRIPTION OF REVISION OR AMENDMENT

2/05/2003 1 Scoping report for sub-station

Scoping Report Revision 1- 02/05/2003 Page 1 of 46

Eskom Janus Substation

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORTFOR

THE PROPOSED ESKOM JANUS SUBSTATION AND TURN-INSFROM EXISTING MERENSKY-WITKOP POWERLINE INTO

PROPOSED JANUS SUBSTATION

To be submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism tofulfil the requirements of Government Notices No. R.1182 and R.1183 of the

Environment Conservation Act (No. 73 of 1989)

APPLICATION SUMMARY DATA

PROJECT: Construction of new 400/132kV Substation called Janus andthe turn-in’s from the existing Merensky-Witkop Powerline, inthe Twickenham area, Limpopo Province.

LOCATION: Situated on the border between the Twickenham 114KTand Hackney 116KT Farms in the Limpopo Province ofSouth Africa.

APPLICANT: ESKOM

Contact: Ms. Mamokete Mafumo

Contact details: PO Box 1091

Johannesburg

2000

Tel: (011) 800 2621

Fax: (011) 800 3917

CONSULTANT: Environmental Impact Management Services (Pty) Ltd

Contact: Liam Whitlow

Contact details: PO Box 2083

Pinegowrie 2123

Tel. (011) 789-7170

Fax. (011) 787-3059



Table of contents

1 Introduction and Motivation ......................................61.1 The Need for the Duvha-Janus 400kV Powerline and Substation............................ 6

1.1.1 Retain Status Quo......................................................................................... 6

1.1.2 Demand side management ............................................................................ 7

1.1.3 New generation systems ............................................................................... 7

1.1.4 Upgrade existing Transmission lines by using bigger conductors ..................... 7

1.1.5 Construct a 400 kV Transmission line between Duvha Power Station and JanusSubstation ................................................................................................................. 7

2 Environmental-legal requirements applicable to thisactivity .............................................................................8

2.1 Environment Conservation Act ............................................................................. 8

2.2 Natural Heritage Resources Act ........................................................................... 8

3 Description of the activity..........................................8

4 Description of alternatives ........................................94.1 The Demand alternatives ..................................................................................... 9

4.2 Activity alternatives .............................................................................................. 9

4.3 Process alternatives............................................................................................. 9

4.4 Scheduling alternatives .......................................................................................10

4.5 Input Alternatives ................................................................................................10

4.6 Location alternatives ...........................................................................................10

5 Description of the environment...............................165.1 Physical environment ..........................................................................................16

5.1.1 Climate........................................................................................................16

5.1.2 Geology ......................................................................................................16

5.1.3 Hydrology ....................................................................................................18

5.1.4 Soils ...........................................................................................................21

5.1.5 Topography .................................................................................................22

5.1.6 Land use and land cover ..............................................................................24

5.2 Biological environment ........................................................................................26

5.2.1 Flora ...........................................................................................................26

5.2.2 Fauna .........................................................................................................28

5.3 Social and Historical Environment........................................................................28

5.3.1 Social environment (De Waal & Oosthuisen; 2003) ........................................28

5.3.2 Cultural, archaeological and historical environment ........................................29



6 Public Participation ..................................................316.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................31

6.2 Objectives ..........................................................................................................31

6.3 Methodology ......................................................................................................32

6.3.1 Identification of interested and affected parties...............................................32

6.3.2 Notice .........................................................................................................32

6.3.3 Background Information Document ...............................................................32

6.3.4 Newspaper advertisements ..........................................................................33

6.3.5 Public Announcements.................................................................................33

6.3.6 Internet site.................................................................................................33

6.3.7 Networking and community interviews ...........................................................33

6.3.8 Public Meetings (consultation) ......................................................................33

6.4 Recording ..........................................................................................................34

6.5 Feedback...........................................................................................................34

6.6 Sekhukhune District Public Involvement Program .................................................35

7 Environmental concerns and potential impacts ....357.1 Biophysical Impacts............................................................................................35

7.1.1 Meteorological impacts.................................................................................35

7.1.2 Fire hazards ................................................................................................35

7.1.3 Erosion........................................................................................................36

7.1.4 Ground and surface water pollution...............................................................37

7.1.5 Loss of habitat .............................................................................................37

7.1.6 Geological Impacts ......................................................................................38

7.1.7 Impacts on flora and fauna ...........................................................................38

7.2 Social and Cultural Impacts.................................................................................38

7.2.1 Loss and damage of grazing, cultivated and other areas ................................38

7.2.2 Land Issues .................................................................................................40

7.2.3 Cultural/ archaeological sites ........................................................................40

7.2.4 Noise ..........................................................................................................40

7.2.5 Visual..........................................................................................................40

7.2.6 Dust............................................................................................................41

7.2.7 Tourism.......................................................................................................41

7.2.8 Local development .......................................................................................41

7.2.9 Security.......................................................................................................42

7.2.10 Health and safety.........................................................................................42

7.2.11 Communication............................................................................................42

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..........42



9 REFERENCES.........................................................44

LIST OF APPENDICESAppendix A: Plan of Study for Scoping

Appendix B: Detailed Asset Specification

Appendix C(1): Notices

Appendix C(2): Background Information Document

Appendix C(3): Newspaper Advertisements

Appendix C(4): Press Releases

Appendix C(5): Public Meetings

Appendix D: Public Involvement Program

LIST OF ABREVIATIONSDEAT Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

DSM Demand Side Management

ECA Environmental Conservation Act No 73 of 1989

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

I&APs Interested and Affected Parties



1 Introduction and Motivation

1.1 The Need for the Duvha-Janus 400kV Powerline and Substation

This report serves to scope the potential environmental impacts of the proposed JanusSubstation. This report must not be viewed in isolation but must form a separate butinterdependent link with the proposed 400kV Duvha-Janus powerline.

The motivation for the need for this project in its entirety (the substation and the powerline) aspresented in the ‘Route Selection: Identification of Alternative Corridors’, compiled byTechnology Services International (Clara, 2002):

“The Steelpoort area is characterised by the existence of huge mining reserves. Theseare in the form of platinum group metals and ferrochrome reserves. The electrical load inthis area will reach 465MVA before the end of year 2002. The confirmed new loads willpush this peak to 546MVA in 2003. If other highly likely loads materialise, the peak willreach about 797MVA in 2004.

The main source of electrical energy in South Africa is found in the Mpumalangacoalfields. The relatively low cost of coal makes it economical to build large powerstations in this area and transmit the power over large distances by the use of PowerLines.

There are other substantial developments in Rustenburg and the Polokwane areas.These are also mining related and comprise of building new mines and smelters as wellas expansion of existing mines and smelters. Some lines and substations are beingplanned to cater for these particular developments”.

“Due the increase of loads in the Rustenburg and Polokwane areas, the capacity of theSteelpoort network is consumed and the network will not adequately cater for its loads ifone line is out of service. This makes it difficult to carry out routine maintenance, thecondition of the line can deteriorate and this will result in poor line performance (faultsetc.)”

“Studies have shown that in the Steelpoort area the collapse (break) point will bereached if the load reaches 680MVA, i.e. the network will collapse. It is for this reasonthat Eskom is working on plans to reinforce the power supply to the area by constructionof a line from the Mpumalanga area to the Steelpoort area. This will help stabilise thevoltage in the area and provide capacity for future load growth.

At present there are two major 400kV powerlines to the Steelpoort area. It is beingproposed that a third line be constructed to address the problems described above”.

The sections referenced above provide a clear focus on the need to increase the capacity tothe Steelpoort area. Numerous alternatives to address this were investigated.

Eskom has focused their attentions on the problem of satisfying and supporting the need foradditional electrical supply to the region as well as trying to optimise the existinginfrastructure. Eskom initially proposed that there were 5 potential alternatives for addressingthis issue, namely: to do nothing and retain a status quo; to focus on demand sidemanagement (DSM); to develop new generation systems; to upgrade the existingtransmission lines to the area; and to construct a new 400kV Transmission line betweenDuvha Power Station and a new substation called Janus. The discussion of these alternativesas provided by Clara (2002) are presented below and help to establish the motivation for theselection of the preferred alternative:

1.1.1 R e t a i n S t a t u s Q u o

To maintain the status quo is the easy way out. By not taking timeous action, Eskom may endup with a situation of not being able to ensure firm supply into the region in the very near



future. This would eventually lead to load shedding which can cause major disruptions ofpower supply to different areas at different times. New township and industrial developmentsin the region in the near future may cause overloading of the existing transmission system,with resultant power failures. The growth in the mining activities in the area is the largesteconomic activity taking place in the region at the moment, and is critical to the economicdevelopment of the region. This option is therefore ruled out because it would neither supplythe projected demand for electricity nor optimise the existing infrastructure.

1.1.2 D e m a n d s i d e m a n a g e m e n t

Demand Side Management (DSM) can generally be defined as the activities performed by theelectricity supply utility, which are designed to produce the desired changes in the load shapethrough influencing customer usage of electricity and to reduce overall demand by moreefficient use. These efforts are intended to produce a flat load duration curve to ensure themost efficient use of installed network capacity. By reducing peak demand and shifting loadfrom high load to low load periods, reductions in capital expenditure (for network capacityexpansion) and operating costs can be achieved. Some of the basic tools are the pricesignals (such as time of use tariffs) given by the utility and direct load management. Thisoption is practised to a certain extent, but is currently not considered feasible for expansion inthis particular region.

Eskom is currently looking at various means to achieve a flatter load profile in this area.However, the large concentration of industrial users in this area makes this a very difficultoption to pursue.

1.1.3 N e w g e n e r a t i o n s y s t e m s

A new coal fired, gas or nuclear generation plant could be commissioned near to the loadcentre. This would have a greater overall negative impact on the environment, therefore thisoption was not investigated, as Eskom does not experience a shortage in generation capacityat present, only the means to transmit power to the load centres. Transmitting power throughTransmission lines is currently the cheapest way to supply the end customers.

1.1.4 U p g r a d e e x i s t i n g T r a n s m i s s i o n l i n e s b y u s i n g b i g g e r c o n d u c t o r s

The physical load on the existing towers would increase substantially and the towers wouldbe inadequate. Furthermore, it would not be possible to remove one 400 kV line from serviceto perform the upgrading work, as the remaining line would not be able to supply the electricalloads in the region. This option would not optimise the existing infrastructure or permit futuregrowth

1.1.5 C o n s t r u c t a 4 0 0 k V T r a n s m i s s i o n l i n e b e t w e e n D u v h a P o w e r S t a t i o n a n dJ a n u s S u b s t a t i o n

This option will sufficiently reinforce the present network, as it will form the third 400kV feederinto Steelpoort. The line will provide additional capacity so that the overall network inSteelpoort does not collapse. This will increase the amount and security of power that can betransferred to Steelpoort. This is the option most favoured by Eskom.

This alternative is probably the most economical apart from doing nothing and will ensureoptimal use of the acquired servitude. At a cost of approximately R850 000 per kilometre, thisis the cheapest option for Eskom. The need for increased capacity and the need foroptimising existing infrastructure would be met.

The advantages with this option are as follows:

It improves the network capacity by increasing the voltage collapse limit.

It improves the reliability of supply to Janus substation since the line is sourced from acompletely different power substation.

The need for increased capacity and the need for optimising existing infrastructure will be metin this way, and this option was put forward as the most feasible option by Eskom.



2 Environmental-legal requirements applicable to thisactivity

2.1 Environment Conservation Act

The Environment Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989) provides for the effective protection andcontrolled utilisation of the environment and for matters incidental thereto. Section 21 of theEnvironment Conservation Act (ECA) makes provision of the identification of activities thatmay have a substantial detrimental effect on the environment. On 5 September 1997regulations were promulgated under Section 21 of the ECA whereby activities that may havea substantial detrimental impact on the environment, were identified and the method todetermine its impact is explained (Government Notice 1182 and 1183). One of theseidentified activities is construction of facilities for the transmission of electrical power.

As a result of the above, environmental authorisation is required from the NationalDepartment of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) before the construction of theproposed Janus substation may begin. A plan of study has been approved by the DEAT forthe entire project (Transmission line and substation). The purpose of this Plan of Study is toprovide a brief outline of the process to be followed during the scoping study (Appendix Aincludes a copy of the approved Plan of Study). The actual process followed varies slightlyand based on a recommendation by the DEAT a separate scoping report is hereby preparedfor the proposed Janus substation.

2.2 Natural Heritage Resources Act

The Natural Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999) strives to ensure that the naturalheritage of South Africa is protected. Section 38 of the Act indicates that any person whointends to undertake a development such as the construction of a road must at the very earlystages notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish them with detailsregarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development. The responsibleheritage resources authority could, within 14 days of receipt of a notification, request animpact assessment if there is any reason to believe that the natural heritage resources in thearea will be affected. The responsible heritage resources authority may also notify theapplicant that this section of the Act does not apply.

3 Description of the activityEskom wishes to build a new 400/132Kv with turns-ins from the existing Merensky-WitkopPowerline called Janus, which is located on the border between the farms Twickenham114KT and Hackney 116KT. The purpose of this substation is to provide for growing Platinumand Chrome smelter and mining loads that cannot be provided for by the existingTransmission (Witkop and Merensky) and Distribution (Middelpunt) substations. It isanticipated that the proposed Janus substation will require an area of ±36ha or 600m X 600m(Clara, 2002). Please refer to appendix B for a more detailed description of the technicalspecifications of the proposed substation.

The construction of the proposed substation will be carried out in accordance with a detailedEnvironmental Management Plan (EMP) which must be reviewed and approved by the DEATbefore commencement of construction activities. According to Eskom the constructionprocess will include the following:

• Negotiations with affected landowners;

• Survey of the site;

• Vegetation clearance and construction of access road where required;

• Construction of terrace and foundation;

• Assembly and erection of equipment;



• Connection of conductors to equipment;

• Rehabilitation of any disturbed areas and erosion protection;

• Testing and commissioning;

The standard life span of a substation and its associated components is approximately 25years. During this period, on going maintenance is performed and components are replaced,and this generally extends the life span beyond 25 years.

This substation is the end point of the proposed Duvha- Janus 400kV powerline that formspart of this investigation.

4 Description of alternativesThe identification of alternatives is a key aspect of the success of the scoping process.Alternatives can be identified according to:

1. Demand alternatives;

2. Activity alternatives;

3. Process alternatives;

4. Scheduling alternatives;

5. Input alternatives; and

6. Location alternatives.

4.1 The Demand alternatives

The demand alternatives for the proposed Janus Substation are in effect the same as for theentire Duhva-Janus project. The discussion of the potential utilisation of DSM has beenaddressed in Section 1.1.2 and holds true for the substation as well.

4.2 Activity alternatives

As with demand alternatives there is a strong link between the motivations for the alternativesfor the substation as an entity and the proposed Duvha-Janus powerline, with respect toidentifying activity alternatives. Activity alternatives for the proposed substation couldpotentially be to focus the development in the area towards less demanding activities (e.g.move the focus away from electricity hungry mining activities to less consuming activities suchas holiday resorts and tourism). The problem with trying to expand on this approach toalternatives is that the need for the infrastructure in the area is focused almost entirely on therapidly developing mining industry. According to Mbendi (2002), “South Africa accounts for50% of the worlds platinum and palladium production and holds 55% of global reserves. Theindustry generated revenues of ZAR 11.6 billion (approx. $ 2 billion) in 1999, with this figurelikely to increase substantially following rises in prices. Unlike the gold industry, the platinummarkets are relatively low risk, with a constant demand coming from Japan and the USA.South Africa’s platinum mines produced 3.8 Moz platinum and 1.84 Moz palladium in 2000and provided jobs for approximately 90 000 people. The mines in the area around theproposed substation form part of a new push in the platinum mining industry and will berestricted by any deficiency in infrastructure”.

4.3 Process alternatives

Process alternatives refer to alternatives to the operational and other processes involved inthe activity so as to reduce potential impacts on the environment. According to Geeringh (perscomm, 2003) Eskom Transmission is in the final stages of getting ISO 14001 certification.This certification confirms effective implementation of an Environmental Management System.One of the key facets of this system is that there is a drive for continual improvement with



respect to environmental management. Therefore the processes involved in the substation(e.g. construction activities, designs, operations, etc) are constantly improving which in effectmeans that the process alternative for the proposed substation and the processes is in acycle of continual improvement.

4.4 Scheduling alternatives

Scheduling alternatives refer to a situation where a number of measures might play a part inan overall programme, but the order in which they are scheduled will contribute to the overalleffectiveness of the end result. The scheduling alternatives will be assessed in the EMP asthe most effective scheduling during construction with regard to the environmental impactswill be investigated.

4.5 Input Alternatives

Input alternatives refer to the use of alternative raw materials and energy sources. Eskomutilises the most effective raw materials and energy sources available and focuses onsteering these towards the most environmentally conscious alternatives while considering thepracticalities involved.

4.6 Location alternatives

Location alternatives can apply to the entire proposed project as well as the specificcomponents of the proposal. With regard to the entire proposed Eskom Duvha-Janus powerline and substation location alternatives for both the powerline and the substation are beinginvestigated. As mentioned above this report is only addressing the substation and theproposed substation location alternatives are as follows:

• Hackney Long Site (situated between farms Twickenham 114KT and Hackney116KT);

• Clapham Long Site (situated on the farm Clapham 118KT); and

• Umkoanesstad Site (situated on the farm Umkoanesstad 419KS)

According to Clara (2002), the identification of Substation locality alternatives needed tocomply with the following technical requirements:

• To be centrally situated in relation to the load centre as identified by Eskom Distribution;

• To be located south of the existing Merensky-Witkop 400kV powerline to avoid linecrossings;

• To have a sufficiently large area in order to accommodate the final 36 hectares (600m X600m);

• To have enough space around the sites to allow the connection of future lines to thesubstation;

• The soil type and depth to be acceptable from a geotechnical point of view;

• The ground slope to be suitable for stormwater drainage and earthworks requirements;and

• To have easy access and be close to existing roads which are suitable for heavy vehicles.

The three selected locational alternatives can be viewed in a spatial context in Figure 1. Thealternatives will be discussed and described in more detail in section 5.



%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[%[

%[

%[ %[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

%[

Umkoenesstad

Hackney Long Clapham Long

PIETERSBURG

Burgers fortSteelpoort

POTGIETERSRUS

Jane Furse Hospital

Glen Cowie

MARBLE HALL

R37

R36R40

N1

R37

R33

R25 R3

6R37

25°30' 25°30'

25°00' 25°00'

24°30' 24°30'

24°00' 24°00'

29°00 '

29°00 '

29°30'

29°30'

30°00'

30°00'

30°30'

30°30'

31°00 '

31°00 '29

29

30

30

31

31

-25

-25

-24

-24

LimpopoMapumalanga

Existing power lines

%[ Proposed sub-stations

Roads

%[ Towns

Rivers

KEYN

SCALE 1:800 000

GENERAL LOCALITY MAP

%[

%[%[%[

Gauteng

Limpopo Province

Mpumalanga

Witbank

PROJECTIONWGS 84

Central Median29 East

Source: ENPAT2000FIGURE 1



ALTERNATIVE 1: HACKNEY LONG (preferred site)

PanoramicView of the

Hackney Longalternative

N

S

EW



ALTERNATIVE 2: CLAPHAM LONG

PanoramicView of theClapham

Longalternative

N

S

EW



ALTERNATIVE 3: UMKOANESSTAD

PanoramicView of the

Umkoanesstadalternative

N

S

EW



5 Description of the environmentA brief description of the biophysical and social environment around the proposed substationswill follow. This description of each component of the environment will be two-fold, namely: Adescription of the general characteristics of the area; and a site-specific description for eachof the alternative substation locations if different (represented in tabular form).

5.1 Physical environment

5.1.1 Cl imate

The site is located to the south east of Polokwane. The closest area with weather data fromthe South African Weather Bureau is Polokwane. This data is tabulated below:

Temperature (°C) Precipitation

Month Highestrecorded

Averagedailymax.

Averagedaily min.

Lowestrecorded

Averagemonthly(mm)

Averagenumberof dayswith>=1mm

Highest24 hourrainfall(mm)

January 36 28 17 10 82 10 75

February 36 28 17 11 60 8 61

March 34 27 15 8 52 8 57

April 34 24 12 4 33 6 57

May 32 22 8 1 11 2 39

June 27 20 5 -4 5 1 26

July 27 20 4 -1 3 1 21

August 32 22 7 -1 6 1 37

September 34 25 10 0 17 2 39

October 37 26 13 5 43 7 55

November 36 27 15 7 85 10 53

December 35 27 16 9 81 11 74

Year 37 25 12 -4 478 65 79

Table 1: Average climate statistics for Polokwane (SA Weather Bureau).

The climatic conditions will be similar for all three alternative sites, and micro-climaticconditions are not expected to differ significantly. The effect of varying climatic conditions isnot expected to impact on the environmental impact of the proposed substation. The chosensite will have to be above the flood lines of any nearby perennial and non-perennial streams.

5.1.2 G e o l o g y

The proposed substation alternatives fall within the Sekhukhuneland district of the LimpopoProvince. This forms the eastern lobe of the Bushveld Complex. This area is occupied byrocks of the Lebowa Granite Suite, which intrude above the mafic rocks, as well as intoupdomed and deformed rocks belonging to the Transvaal Supergroup and older formations.



PROJECTIONWGS84


Source: ENPAT2000

PROPOSED SUBSTATIONS ANDGEOLOGY

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

N

%[

%[

%[

PASCHAS KRAAL

SURBITON

THE SHELTER

DRIEKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Umkoenesstad

HackneyLong

ClaphamLong

24°35' 2

4°35'

24°30' 2

4°30'

24°25' 2

4°25'

24°20' 2

4°20'

24°15' 2

4°15'

24°10' 2

4°10'

29 °5 5 '

29 °5 5 '

3 0 °0 0 '

3 0 °0 0 '

3 0 °5 '

3 0 °5 '

3 0 °1 0 '

3 0 °1 0 '30

30

Cadastral boundaryExisting ESKOM line

Proposed ESKOM line

Main tarSecondary road

%[ ProposedSub-station

KEY

GeologyANDESITEARENITECLINOPYROXENITEDIORITEDOLERITEDOLOMITEGABBROGRANITEIRON FORMATIONNORITEPYROXENITESEDIMENTARY

FIGURE 2

Figure 2 shows the simplified geology of the area as provided by ENPAT (2000). The area iscomprised of a mix of igneous intrusions (gabbro, granites and anorthosite). ‘The mafic rocksof the complex tend to erode easily, giving rise to flat areas covered by balck soils’ (Viljoen &Reimold; 1999). One of the hallmarks of the bushveld complex is the remarkably continuouslayers of differing mineral composition including; pyroxenes; feldspars; as well as rarerelements such as platinum, chromium, nickel, copper, vanadium and titanium, hence theextensive mining activities in the area.



1. Hackney Long 2. Clapham Long 3. Umkoanesstad

This proposed alternative ischaracterised by Gabbro.Gabbro is a dark-coloured,basic intrusive rock composedmainly of plagioclase feldsparand clinopyroxene. The finergrained extrusive equivalent isbasalt.

This proposed alternative ischaracterised byclinopyroxenite.

This proposed alternative ischaracterised by Gabbro.Gabbro is a dark-coloured,basic intrusive rock composedmainly of plagioclase feldsparand clinopyroxene. The finergrained extrusive equivalent isbasalt.

5.1.3 H y d r o l o g y

5.1.3.1 Surface water

The study area falls within the Olifants Water Management Area as defined by theDepartment of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF; 2000). The Olifants catchment has acatchment area of 54 570 km² extending from south of Witbank in Mpumalanga Province toPhalaborwa in the Limpopo Province. Figure 3 below shows the physical description of thiscatchment and indicates the approximate study area. The two main hydrological features interms of surface water are the perennial Olifants River and the non-perennial Motse River.Figure 4 shows a closer and more detailed layout of the surface water features in relation tothe proposed substation alternatives.



Figure 3: Physical description of the Olifants River Catchment (DWAF; 1999).

Study area



FIGUR E 4PROPO SED SUB ST AT IONS AND SU RFAC E W ATER F EATUR ES

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

N

%[

%[

%[

PASCHAS KRAAL

SURBITON

THE S

DRI EKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Um koeness ad

Hac kney Lo ng

Clapham Long

29°50 ' 29°55 ' 30°00 ' 30°5'30

Surfac e w ater features

Cadast ra l boundary

Existing ESKOM line

Prop os ed ESKOM line

Ma in tar

Second ary road

%[ Prop os ed Sub -station

KEY

500 m r iver buff er

Surface w ater

Rivers

Scoping Report Revision 1- 02/05/2003 Page 21 of 44Eskom Janus Substation


The closest surface waterfeature is the Motse non-perrenial River. The MotseRiver is situated ±2.5km to thesouth east of the proposedsite. There are a few smallertributaries draining from thesurrounding hills onto thefloodplain and then into theMotse river. No obviousdrainage paths were notedwhilst on the site althoughthere is a potential for erosiondue to the nature of the soilseven though the topography isflat. According to the recordsof the DWAF the boreholes onthis farm show a range of 32-40m for the depth of thegroundwater level.

The closest surface waterfeature is the non-perennialMatadi River. The Matadi issituated ±500m south of theproposed substation locationand flows into the Motse River±5km to the north west. Thereare significant erosive features(trenches, collapsed banks)along the Motadi stream.According to the records of theDWAF the boreholes on thisfarm show a range of 12-38mfor the depth of thegroundwater. The closestborehole shows a depth of38m measured in January1955.

The closest surface waterfeature is the Rapholo River.This site is situated at the footof the Leolo Mountain rangeand as such has numeroussmall drainage streamspassing directly through thesite and into the RapholoRiver. The Rapholo later joinsthe Olifants River ±11km tothe north-west. There ispotential for significant erosionhere, especially if the drainagechannels are concentrated asa result of diversions aroundthe proposed substation. TheDWAF database does nothave data for the registeredboreholes on this farm.

5.1.3.2 Ground Water

The study area is characterised by hard rock aquifers and as such has a low groundwater/hydrogeological potential. It is important to note that the villages around all the sites will utilisethe groundwater reserves for their daily water requirements.

5.1.4 Soils

The general study area is characterised by black montmorillonitic clays and red clays (DEAT;1999). Van der Merwe (1962) identifies the area as falling within the distinction of the Sub-tropical Black Clays. In this area the main crops grown under irrigation on these heavy soilsare maize and sunflowers and are cultivated under dry land conditions and cattle farming isthe main occupation on the undeveloped veld of this soil group.

The relatively low rainfall in the area helps prevent the development of extensive cultivationpractices.


According to Engelbrecht(2003) the soils in this areahave one or more Vertic,melanic, red structureddiagnostic horizons, which areundifferentiated. A melanic topsoil horizon has a dark colour,blocky structure, and at least15% clay. Most typically vertictopsoil is black or very darkand if disturbed breaks downinto a loose mulch of very finepebbles (Macvicar et al; 1977).

According to Engelbrecht(2003) the soil in this areahave one or more Vertic,melanic, red structureddiagnostic horizons, which areundifferentiated. A melanic topsoil horizon has a dark colour,blocky structure, and at least15% clay. Most typically vertictopsoil are black or very darkand if disturbed breaks downinto a loose mulch of very finepebbles (Macvicar et al; 1977).

This site is characterised bymiscellaneous land classesand has undifferentiated deepsoils.



5.1.5 T o p o g r a p h y

The topography of the area is dominated by the Leolo Mountain Range which runs form theSteelpoort valley, ± 50km to the south of the study area, to the Olifants River valley nearManoge ±12.5km to the north west of the Umkoanesstad substation alternative site. TheMotse River provides an indistinct division in the mountain range into a southern section anda northern section. The northern section varies in maximum height with the ‘De Kamp’ peakas the highest point (1619m amsl). The southern section (south of the Motse River) has amaximum height of 1932m amsl, the ‘Tamakgoshi’ peak. The mountain range drops into thevalleys where the proposed substation alternatives are located on the flat flood plains(average ± 850-900m amsl).

There are many river cut valleys which traverse the landscape with wide floodplains leadingup to the base of the prominent mountains. Figure 5 below shows the morphology of thestudy area and the proposed substation alternatives.



%[

%[

%[

Umkoenesstad

Hackney Long

ClaphamLong

R37

PASCHAS KRAAL

SURBITON

THE SHELTER

DRIEKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

24°35' 24°35'

24°30' 24°30'

24°25' 24°25'

24°20' 24°20'

24°15' 24°15'

29°55'

29°55'

30°00'

30°00'

30°5'

30°5'

30°10'

30°10'30

30

MorphologyLOW MOUNTAINS

LOWLANDS WITH HILLS

LOWLANDS WITH PARALLEL HILLS

PLAINS

Cadastral boundary

ExistingESKOM line

Proposed ESKOMline

Maintar

Secondary road

%[ Proposed Sub-station

KEYN

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

PROPOSED SUB STATIONS ANDREGIONAL TOPOGRAPHY FIGURE 5

PROJECTIONWGS84


Source: ENPAT2000




This site is situated on a flatslope, which forms part of thefloodplain of the Motse River.The site itself slopes veryslightly down towards thesoutheast (±1:50).

The terrain is dominated by adouble peaked spitskopsituated ±1km to the south ofthe site and a single peakspitskop ±1.5km to the west.The site is situated on a veryflat floodplain and slopes verygently down towards the west(1:60).

The site is relatively flat and issituated at the base of theLeolo Mountain range (underthe ‘Himalaya peak’ mentionedabove). This site has a slightlygreater slope than the othertwo alternatives ( ±1:40).

5.1.6 L a n d u s e a n d l a n d c o v e r

The majority of the study area is owned and utilised by the mining companies although thereare numerous small villages, which utilise the land for informal cultivation, and grazing. Thereis evidence of maize cultivation on the floodplains of the various non-perennial streams andrivers. The area is extensively transformed and degraded due to over grazing and theextensive erosion in the area. The mining development and the roads have resulted innumerous small villages developing in a ribbon pattern along these features.



FIGURE 6PROPOSED SUB STATIONS ANDREGIONAL LAND-USE

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

N

%[

%[

%[

PASCHASKRAAL

SURBITON

THE SHELTER

DRIEKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Umkoenesstad

Hackney Long

ClaphamLong

24°35' 24°35'

24°30' 24°30'

24°25' 24°25'

24°20' 24°20'

24°15' 24°15'

24°10' 24°10'

29°50'

29°50'

29°55'

29°55'

30°00'

30°00'

30°5'

30°5'

30°10'

30°10'30

30

Land-useCadastralboundary

Existing ESKOM line

ProposedESKOM line



KEY

CONSERVATION

RESIDENTIALSUBSISTANCE FARMINGVACANT/ UNSPECIFIED

PROJECTIONWGS 84


Source: ENPAT2000



Figure 6 above indicates that all three alternative sites are located on vacant or unspecifiedland. Ground proofing carried out during the site investigation shows that there is evidence ofinformal cultivation on all the alternative sites. The expected crop is maize. All threealternatives are situated close to existing rural settlements or villages.

5.2 Biological environment

5.2.1 F l o r a

The study area falls within the Mixed Bushveld division of the Savannah Biome (Van Rooyen& Bredenkamp; 1998). The description of the Mixed Bushveld is as follows:

‘This bushveld represents a great variety of plant communities, with many variationsand transitions. The vegetation varies from a dense, short bushveld to a rather opentree savanna, covering the greater part of the Northern Province…’ The MixedBushveld is semi-open woodland with a strong grass component (Hoare; 2003).

The study area for the proposed substations as well as parts of the proposed Duvha-Januspowerline, falls within the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Floral Endemism. This micro-regionalcentre of plant endemism has exceptionally high biodiversity and provides the indigenouspeople with a diversity of species for various important uses such as medicinal, grazing andbrowsing, foods and housing materials. The Sekhukhuneland Centre of Floral Endemism canbe divided into three main subcentres namely; the Rossenekal Subcentre; the Leolo MountainSubcentre; and the Steelpoort Valley Subcentre.

The proposed substation alternatives are situated within the bounds of the Leolo MountainSubcentre. The Leolo mountains harbour relict patches of afromontane forest and there arerare wetland systems on the summit. There are 29 Sekhukhuneland Centre of FloristicEndimism endemics/near-endemics and 8 newly assessed red list taxa in this 400km²subcentre. Five taxa are endemic to this subcentre only (Hoare, 2003).

Figure 7 below shows a floral potential map indicating areas that are inhabited by threatenedor rare species and areas with key vegetation communities.



FIGURE 7PROPOSED SUB STATIONSAND FLORA POTENTIAL

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

N

%[

%[

%[

PASCHASKRAAL

SURBITON

THE SHELTER

DRIEKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Umkoenesstad

Hackney Long

Clapham Long

24°35' 24°35'

24°30' 24°30'

24°25' 24°25'

24°20' 24°20'

24°15' 24°15'

24°10' 24°10'

29°50'

29°50'

29°55'

29°55'

30°00'

30°00'

30°5'

30°5'

30°10'

30°10'30

30

Cadastral boundary

Existing ESKOM line

Proposed ESKOM line



KEY

Flora potentialHABITATOFTHREATENED/ RARESPECIESHIGH SPECIES DIVERSITYINDIGENOUS FORESTKEY VEGETATIONCOMMUNITYSPECIAL HABITATLOCATION

N

PROJECTIONWGS 84


Source: ENPAT 2000




This site falls within the Leolomountain subcentre of theSekhukhuneland Centre ofFloral Endemism. Figure 7indicates that the site is notsituated within any area that isof concern. The siteinvestigations showed thevegetation in the area to behighly degraded and removedfor the purposes of cultivation.Combretum imberbe Wasidentified on the site as well asDichrostachys cinerea.

This site falls within the Leolomountain subcentre of theSekhukhuneland Centre ofFloral Endemism. Figure 7shows that this site falls withinan area, which is the habitat ofa rare and/or endangeredspecies. The area is highlydisturbed and shows evidenceof seasonal cultivation. A fewsmall trees were noted on thesite and were identified asBoscia albetrunca.

This site falls within the Leolomountain subcentre of theSekhukhuneland Centre ofFloral Endemism. Figure 7shows that this site on theedge of an area with a keyvegetation community. Thesite shows evidence ofcultivation. The following wereidentified on site:Dichrostachys cincerea;Waltheria indica; and speciesof Congza albida.

5.2.2 F a u n a

As was mentioned previously the areas around the proposed substations are over grazed andlittered with mining areas. The most obvious faunal activity is the local inhabitant’s livestock.Numerous bird species were noted on and around these sites.

No other significant fauna was noted on site although the proximity to the Leolo mountainrange, which could provide habitat for numerous animal species, does not rule out othernaturally occurring remnant animals. The mountain ranges will provide habitat for numeroussmall to medium sized mammals including smaller predators and scavengers e.g.klipspringers, baboons, jackals, caracal, genets, etc. There are numerous bird species in thearea.

5.3 Social and Historical Environment

5.3.1 S o c i a l e n v i r o n m e n t ( D e Waa l & O o s t h u i s e n ; 2 0 0 3 )

The Greater Tubatse Municipality forms part of the Sekhukhune Cross Boundary DistrictMunicipality and is located in Limpopo. The Greater Tubatse Municipality consists of 29wards and has 57 councillors. It comprises a geographical area of 4581 square kilometres

5.3.1.1 Demographic Information

The municipality has 230 203 inhabitants and 42 535 households with an African (98.32%)and female (54.71%) majority. Typical of a growing population 133 313 (57.91%) are youngerthan 19 years of age, 72 504 (31,49%) persons fall into the economically active population.

5.3.1.2 Employment

Of the economically active population, 14 403 persons are employed, while 25 118 (34.64%)are unemployed. As in other areas, unemployment is a serious constraint in the municipality.

When the “unspecified” category is excluded, 77.76% of the households earn R 18 000-00 orless per annum.

At approximately 24 % of the economically active inhabitants “elementary” positions are thehighest occupational category. Probably due to the strong mining sector, there seem to be aremarkably high number of persons in plant / machine related, professional and skilledoccupations.



5.3.1.3 Industry

Social services and mining are the most important economic activities in the municipal area,followed by trade, private households and farming. From a social point of view, tourism,mining and farming are the most important sectors.

It is crucial that mining activities be promoted in this region. In farming areas, it is usuallypossible for the farmer to continue with agricultural activities once the powerline has beenconstructed. In the case of shaft and open pit mining this is not possible and constitutes animpact that is very difficult, if not impossible to mitigate successfully. It is therefore of theutmost importance that the mining sector is included in the studies, mines and potential minesidentified. The needs of the mining sector should be taken into consideration when the finalalignment is considered.

5.3.1.4 Basic Services

The majority of households 26 441 households (62.2%) rely on candles and firewood for theirenergy needs, with only roughly 20% receiving electricity from the local authority.

Two thousand five hundred and fifteen (2 515) houses receive running water. Of these, only62.8% have flush toilets. At approximately 62.5%, most households have to rely on pitlatrines, while 32.8% have no ablution facilities. This creates a dire situation with regard tosurface and ground water and will seriously affect the water quality in the municipality.Especially the 17 963 households relying on borehole and natural water sources is bound tobe affected.

5.3.1.5 Tourism

The study area is situated within the Sekhukhuneland area, which according to the LimpopoTourism and Parks Board is an area of great scenic beauty where the traditional Africancustoms are still practised in the mountain strongholds of the Drakensberg escarpment. Thearea offers superb 4x4 routes through unusual and dramatic mountain country.

The extensive drive towards utilising the mineral deposits in the area have somewhatdetracted from the visual attractions of this area e.g. mines. The Hackney Long alternative issituated in the Motse River Valley and is approximately 7km from the Mosego Mountain (tribalcapital of the Pedi nation). According to Rall (2003), the site is a reasonable distance from theproposed line.

5.3.2 C u l t u r a l , a r c h a e o l o g i c a l a n d h i s t o r i c a l e n v i r o n m e n t

The study area falls within the culturally distinct area of Sekhukhuneland and displaysevidence of Stone Age and Iron Age sites. The whole area has the potential to yieldsignificant findings and the initial heritage impact assessment for the entire route andsubstation states that there are numerous known sites of cultural significance in the vicinity ofthe Janus substation alternatives (Van Schalkwyk, 2003).


The Mosego Mountain issituated ± 7km to the southeast, and is the old tribalcapital of the Pedi nation andincludes a battlefield dating to1879, when the Britishattacked the Pedi (battle ofSekhukhuneland)” (VanSchalkwyk, 2003).

The Mosego Mountain and theBattle of Sekhukhuneland issituated ±10km to the west ofthis alternative.

No significant areas of culturalor archaeological importancewere identified in the vicinity ofthis alternative.

The map over page (Figure 8) indicates the proximity of known cultural sites in relation to thepositions of the alternatives.



FIGUR E 8PR OPOSED SU B STATIONS INPR OXIMITY TO CU LTU RAL SIT ES

4 0 4 8 Kilometers

%[

%[

%[

PASCHAS KRAAL

SURBITON

THE SHELTER

DRI EKOP

KLI PFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Um koenes stad

Hac kney Long

Clapham Long

BATTLE OF SEKHUKHUNELAND 1879

29 °5 0' 2 9 °5 5' 30 °0 0 ' 30 °5 ' 3 0 °1 0'30

Cadas tra l boun dary

Exis ting ESKOM line

Propos ed ESKOM line

Main tar

Secondary road

%[ Propos ed Sub-s tation

KEY

Cul tural si te

N



6 Public ParticipationA detailed public participation process for the entire project (proposed 400kV transmissionline and the proposed substation) was started at the beginning of 2003. This section providesa description and summary of the results of this process.

6.1 Introduction

The public is classified as a group whose interest may be affected positively or negatively bya proposal or activity and/or who are concerned with a proposal or activity and itsconsequences. The public should be adequately engaged in processes that affect theirbiophysical, social, cultural and economic environment. Opportunities for this has beenincreased by democratic governance, the increasing degree of decentralisation in decision-making and the growing influence of NGO, community-based organisations and the privatesector.

Due to the different levels of success achieved thus far in the process of public participation,many different perceptions exist with regard to the value it adds and its effectiveness. Toensure an effective process the objectives with regards to the process should be clearlydefined as well as partaker’s responsibility, appropriate approaches and techniques. Thelevel of engagement considers social profile of stakeholders, context-related issue (literacyetc), and spatial scale of the activity.

Public participation contributes to the identification of key issues of concern and possiblesolutions, as well as of relevant local and traditional knowledge.

6.2 Object ives

The public participation process for this project had clear objectives and can be summarisedas follows.

• Opportunity for the public. As a minimum, Eskom and the independent consultant,EIMS, wanted to afford the general public the opportunity to become part of or involved inthe process. The public was provided with information of sufficient detail (a backgroundinformation document and map) to decide on their level of involvement.

• Protection of public interest. The public’s interest should always be protected andtherefore concerns/issues raised by the public were noted and addressed so as to notinfringe on the constitutional rights of the people of South Africa. Regular interaction tookplace with the public to keep them updated and informed.

• Knowledge-sharing. Two-way communication is important to gather and exchangeinformation between the parties (Eskom, the independent consultant, interested andaffected parties) involved. The public was informed and supplied with information in orderfor them to develop an understanding of the process followed, their legal rights and theproject through the consultation process. The community/public is a major source of localand/or traditional knowledge and were requested to provide input into a social orcommunity profile. Information was thus sourced from the public on this level.

One-way information flow Information exchange

Increasing level of engagement

Protest Inform Consult Involve Collaborate Empower



• Streamlined and efficient process. Through the early involvement of the public in theprocess, co-ordination between the regulator, proponent, independent consultant andstakeholders was improved. Delays later in the process will be prevented as well ashaving to go back and undertake additional analysis. Conflicts and resistance aremanaged and reduced and therefore prevent delays at a later stage. During theimplementation, local co-operation will be more forthcoming due to this acceptance andsupport received earlier on in the process.

• Trust and credibility. The public must realise that there is a commitment to understandand respond to their concerns by involving them in the process. This will result in Eskomearning more respect from the people and the public will tend to trust the decisions madethrough the transparent process followed.

• Sustainability. The public tends to take ownership of the project and feels a jointresponsibility. Acceptance, support, commitment and co-operation result.

6.3 Methodology

It is important to note that no distinctly different public participation process was followed forthe proposed powerline and the proposed substations and that all public participation includedboth the powerline and the substation. The majority of concerns raised during this processwere related to the powerline and not the substation.

6.3.1 I den t i f i ca t ion o f in te res ted and a f fec ted par t i es

An attempt was made throughout the process to identify as many interested and affectedparties (I&APs) as possible. Public notification such as newspaper advertisements, pressreleases, notices, public meetings, meetings with key people and groups in the relevant areasetc was used to assist in this process. People who may be affected by the activity(landowners, business owners and tenants who may have the transmission line eventuallygoing through their property), people having an interest in the activity (Eskom people andothers interested in the supply of electricity such as the mining industry) and people having aninterest in the considered environment (activist groups, tourism people etc) were identifiedand involved in the consultation process. A database was established for the entire projectand contains all the I&APs identified as well as their concerns. The role and responsibility ofthe I&APs was clearly defined and explained to individuals. Their responsibilities were notedas providing appropriate information, avoid making unrealistic demands, ensuring the viewgiven is representative of the organisation represented and not personal, engage in theprocess, be aware of their legal rights and duties etc.

6.3.2 Not ice

Public notices provide an official announcement of an intent to undertake a certain activityand provide I&APs with the opportunity to comment. Notices were placed at prominent andvisible places in towns along the study area. The notices of size A1 and A3 were place(depending on the available space) with the consent of the relevant people on notice boards,in windows etc. The notices included a map of the study area, the need for the project, thepublic participation process etc. The notices were placed on 21 and 22 February 2003 andrequested I&APs to contact the consultant, EIMS (contact details provided). Appendix C (1)contains an example of the notice, a list of the placement of notices as well as somephotographs showing the positions of the notices.

6.3.3 B a c k g r o u n d I n f o r m a t i o n D o c u m e n t

A background information document (BID) informs the public about the regulatory processfollowed as well as technical issues with regards to the proposed activity. The BID includedbackground information, the location (including a map), the need, objectives and schedule ofthe project, alternatives considered, technical requirements (for the sub-station site andservitude corridors including pictures of the towers to be used), details on environmentalmanagement and the public participation process. A response sheet was included with the



BID to encourage I&APs to respond and make comment or become involved in the project.The BID became available on the 21st of February 2003 and was distributed to all I&APswithin the database. Important information in the BID was also translated into Afrikaans andPedi to address language preferences and literacy problems. Appendix C (2) contains thebackground information document and response sheet distributed.

6.3.4 N e w s p a p e r a d v e r t i s e m e n t s

Display advertisements measuring 99 X 98 mm in a frame were prepared in January 2003and placed in the following local newspapers in the study area (placement was delayed dueto the Holiday period in December):

- Steelburger (7 February 2003 - Steelpoort),

- Daller (7 February 2003 - Groblersdal),

- Lydenburg News (12 February 2003) and

- Middelburg Observer (7 February 2003). The advertisement noted the dates forthree public meetings.

Appendix C (3) contains copies of the tear sheets from the newspapers showing the adverts.

6.3.5 P u b l i c A n n o u n c e m e n t s

To reach as many segments of the community as possible, the most effective method ofdistribution (advertising) was sought. Besides newspaper advertisements and notices, pressreleases were submitted to radio stations prevalent in the area 5FM, Greater Middelburg FM,Jacaranda, Radio Sonder Grense and the Burgerband Radio. Appendix C (4) includes thepress release and times during which it was aired.

6.3.6 In ternet s i te

An internet site was established linking to the Eskom website. The sitewww.eskom.co.za/eia included the BID as well as the response form. This allowed thepublic to view information electronically and respond electronically.

6.3.7 N e t w o r k i n g a n d c o m m u n i t y i n t e r v i e w s

In November 2002 local authorities and town planners of Groblersdal, Middelburg andWitbank were consulted (2002-11-19). Also tourism offices, agricultural unions, Departmentof Agriculture, Irrigation Boards etc were contacted during site visits (2002-11-26/27) andincluded the areas of Roossenekal, Burgersfort/Tubatse and Dullstroom. These discussionswere confirmed in writing and responses and information was captured in the database. TheTransvaal Landbou Unie/Transvall Agricultural Union (TLU/TAU) was also contacted and dueto security and safety measures and decision made on board level, the consultant wasinformed that no contact details of members would be made available/released for use. Theconsultant was informed that it could communicate with members through the TLU offices (MrTaute). A meeting of the TLU/TAU – Oosstreek/Eastern Branch (2003-03-19) was alsoattended and the project was presented to the meeting. To address the transport, political andliteracy problems associated with the tribal communities in the area, these communities wereconsulted in smaller groups. Informal one-on-one or smaller group discussions with farmerswere also held.

6.3.8 P u b l i c M e e t i n g s ( c o n s u l t a t i o n )

To afford the public the opportunity to raise issues, note concerns, ask questions or makecomments, public meetings were arranged. The three meetings were conducted over a twoday period (24 and 25 February 2003) and included a meeting in Middelburg, Groblersdal andSteelpoort. Exhibits on display included summarised information from specialists, detailedmaps (including farm names) of the study area etc. The objective was to get a balancedperspective of the key issues to be addressed from a diversity of opinions and perspectives



obtained. The public meeting were poorly attended. Appendix C (5) contains the minutes ofthe meetings. A public involvement process and meetings was carried out for the SekhukhuneDistrict and is summarised in section 6.6

6.4 Recording

The structure of the database (in Access) and information to be captured was decided upon inconsultation with IDS (mapping specialist). The database was established in December 2002and updated on an on-going basis. All issues and concerns raised, comments made andquestions asked were recorded. The information captured in the database was linked to alocality map (refer to feedback summary of comments and responses).

Written comments/issues/concerns/questions received were filed, summarised in thecomments and response summary and linked to the locality map.

Verbal comments/issues/concerns/questions were noted during the conversation on atelephone or contact recording form and filed, summarised in the comments and responsesummary and linked to the locality map. All discussions were followed up with an e-mail orfax to confirm discussions, actions to be taken etc.

Information recorded in the database included:

- Date received.

- Name.

- Organisation.

- Contact details (physical and postal address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail)

- Comments/issues/concerns/questions.

- Environment to which it applies.

- Response (the location map will also indicate the status of the comment – has it beenaddressed, mitigation measures suggested, actions taken etc)

6.5 Feedback

• The mailing list was contained on the database and included residents, owners of land,tenants, government officials, media, environmental groups, civic or communityorganisations, commerce and business groups, local businesses, people interviewed,people attending meetings etc.

• Feedback on activities, upcoming events, progress, applications, corrective action,response to comments etc was provided on a continuous basis.

• The map (to be submitted with the scoping report for the transmission line) summarisescomments and responses.

• Feedback meetings were held to respond to concerns, comments or issues, as well asmitigation measures, actions planned etc.

• This scoping report will be made available to the public for their comment/review. It ishoped that the I&APs will express their view regarding the scope of the report includingalternatives considered and the extent to which issues raised and identified have beenaddressed. The public will be informed of the date when and place where the report willbe made available in their area by e-mail or fax.

• The comments received regarding the scoping report will be summarised and submittedto National DEAT for review.



6.6 Sekhukhune District Public Involvement Program

A separate Public Involvement Program (PIP) was commissioned for the Sekhukhune DistrictMunicipality due to the complexities involved in the tribal and rural structures within this area.The PIP focused on identifying and contacting the local councils/ tribal leaders/ and otherI&APs so that an accurate representation could be included in the overall public participationprocess for the entire line and substation. The PIP for the Sekhukhuneland area includes theproposed substation alternatives. The following procedures were followed to develop the PIP:

• Identification of Interested and Affected parties (I&APs). Representatives of a range ofI&APs were interviewed and their views were taken into consideration for the purpose ofthe PIP.

• The following types of stakeholders were involved in the process:

- Persons who could identify or contribute ideas, concerns and facts relevant to theassessment i.e. community representatives, affected parties, policy makers,engineers, etc.

- Professionals involved in managing the project.

- Decision makers - these included Tribal Authorities, national, provincial and localauthorities.

• The existing social and communication networks were identified in each village. Where nocommunication networks or forums existed, working groups were established.

• Participatory workshops took place. These processes were used to develop the capacityof the community about the project, as well as to disseminate correct information aboutthe project to the people.

During the PIP representatives were elected by the different affected communities torepresent them when follow-up communication is needed in later phase of the project. Acomplete list of the identified people is included in the complete PIP report (Appendix D).

Certain issues were identified with regard to the entire project (the proposed transmission lineas well as the substation) specific to the Sekhukhune Area. The concerns that will havereference to the substation have been included in section 7.

7 Environmental concerns and potential impactsThis section includes a description of potential impacts and concerns as identified during thesite visits and during the public participation process. Very few concerns were identified withrespect to the substation during the public participation process as a whole, although certainissues were identified during the Sekhukhune District PIP and as such will be included in thissection.

7.1 Biophysical Impacts

7.1.1 M e t e o r o l o g i c a l i m p a c t s

It is not anticipated that the proposed substation will have any impacts on the climaticconditions in the area. There is the possibility for impacts as a result of climatic conditions andoccurrences.

The proposed substation should preferably be built above the 1:100 year flood line.

Effective lightning protection should be supplied to the sub-station to prevent any potentialexplosions or disruptions that may be caused by lightning.

7.1.2 F i re hazards

With developments of this nature there is always the potential for fire.



Although the surrounding area does not display the groundcover, which could potentiallycause a fire hazard, it is nonetheless important that effective fire control and preventionmechanisms are implemented with the selected substation site.

7.1.3 E r o s i o n

As mentioned the study area has a high to medium potential for erosion and evidence of thiscan be seen at all the substation alternative locations. Figure 9 below shows the soilerodability classes for the Olifants River catchment.

Figure 9: Soil erodability for the Olifants River catchment

(Moolman et al; 1999).

The size of the required area for the substation means that a large area will be cleared of thealready sparse vegetation and there will be localised disruption of the surface soils.

The construction period will be the crucial time and adequate mitigation will be required inorder to reduce the potential for erosion. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) willneed to stipulate mitigation measures so as to limit this impact. It is suggested that a drainageplan be established for the chosen alternative in which the surface runoff from the selectedsite is channelled through a silt screen and possibly small retention ponds so as to deposit themajority of the material before passing into the main streams. It is further suggested that theconstruction of the site does not take place during the rainy season. Where new access roadsneed to be constructed effective erosion control must be implemented.

The operation of the sub-station will not produce excessive erosion as one of the primaryrequirements for a substation site alternative is that the site is as level as possible. A drainageplan for the proposed substation must be implemented (possibly linking in with the abovementioned mitigation). Artificial surfaces that may produce runoff must be minimised in thedesign of the substation. Where runoff exits the substation site erosion protection measuresmust be implemented.

Based on the site investigations the preferred alternatives in terms of erosion potential wouldbe either the Hackney Long site or the Clapham Long site. The Umkoanesstad Site already

Study area



shows evidence of drainage lines crossing the site, which suggests that there is a greaterpotential for erosion.

Figure 10: Existing drainage lines traversing the Umkoanesstad Site.

This impact is localised and can be mitigated in a comprehensive EMP.

7.1.4 G r o u n d a n d s u r f a c e w a t e r p o l l u t i o n

Surface and groundwater pollution can result from the construction activities as well as duringthe operational phase of the substation.

There is the potential of groundwater and surface water pollution during the constructionperiod. Construction materials and substances may pass into the surface runoff and/ or mayseep into the groundwater. This impact has the potential to be significant if not mitigated asmany of the villages and other land users make use of the groundwater for their requiredwater supply. The EMP must address the control runoff from the site as well as relevant spillprocedures and handling requirements.

Significant amounts of transformer oils are utilised in the operation of a substation. Thisimpact must be addressed in the EMP and must as a minimum include a sufficiently bundedarea in order to retain any spillages that may occur. Procedures must be put in place toaddress the public (warnings, procedures etc) and to correct any spillages that may occur.

This impact can be mitigated and does not imply a preferred alternative.

7.1.5 L o s s o f h a b i t a t

An area of 600m by 600m will be required for the proposed substation.

All three alternative substation sites are located on areas that show evidence of previouscultivation and over grazing. These sites are already disturbed and it is therefore notanticipated that there will be significant impact on the vegetation and faunal habitat.



7.1.6 G e o l o g i c a l I m p a c t s

It is important that the substation site selected is situated on geologically stable ground so asto reduce the potential for disasters. A detailed geo-technical study will be carried out on theproposed alternative sites so as to determine the geological stability and feasibility. Thedetailed geo-technical investigation will determine what mitigation will be required for theselected site. Based on the desktop investigations it is not anticipated that there will be anysufficiently limiting factors so as to exclude any of the proposed alternatives.

7.1.7 I m p a c t s o n f l o r a a n d f a u n a

The Sekhukhuneland Centre for Floral Endemisim shows need for awareness of the potentialfor disruption of sensitive floral habitats and fauna populations.

A floral and faunal scan must be carried out on the selected site so as to identify any reddata flora and/ fauna on the selected site. If red data species are found a management planmust be put in place by a qualified specialist. It is recommended that the results of the scanbe made available to the DEAT for review and that the actions to be followed are defined inconsultation with the DEAT.

When handling proposals for powerlines and associated infrastructure the negative impactson avifauna is an important issue to address. ‘ because of their size and prominence,electrical infrastructures constitute an important interface between wildlife and man. Negativeinteractions between wildlife and electricity structures takes many forms, but two commonproblems are electrocution of birds and other animals and birds colliding with powerlines.Other problems are electrical faults caused by bird excreta when roosting or breeding onelectricity infrastructure, and disturbance and habitat destruction during construction andmaintenance activities’ (Van Rooyen; 2003). A preliminary assessment of the impacts of theDuvha-Janus transmission line project was carried out by Van Rooyen (2003). It isrecommended that the substation is included in the final assessment of the selectedtransmission line route and effective mitigation measures implemented. The suggestedmitigation measures must include measures to be considered during construction and assuch must be included in the EMP.

7.2 Social and Cultural Impacts

7.2.1 L o s s a n d d a m a g e o f g r a z i n g , c u l t i v a t e d a n d o t h e r a r e a s

The PIP for the Sekhukhune District raised the issue of damage or impacts on property.

The proposed substation alternatives are all located on relatively flat areas that showevidence of previous cultivation. The local villages rely on these fields for cultivation of theircrops. The construction of the proposed substation will result in the loss of at least a 600m x600m area excluding the area required for the turning circles of the incoming powerlines.Figure 11, over page shows the agricultural potential map for the substation alternatives.



FIGURE 11PROPOSEDSUB STATIONS ANDSOIL POTENTIAL

3 0 3 6 Kilometers

N

%[

%[

%[

PASCHAS KRAAL

SURBITON

DRIEKOP

KLIPFONTEIN

UMKOANESSTAD

CROYDON

HACKNEY

TWICKENHAM

Umkoenesstad

Hackney Long

Clapham Long

24°30' 24°30'

24°25' 24°25'

24°20' 24°20'

24°15' 24°15'

29°55'

29°55'

30°00'

30°00'

30°5'

30°5'30

30

Cadastral boundary

ExistingESKOM line

ProposedESKOMline

MaintarSecondary road

%[ ProposedSub-station

KEY

Soil Potential

Not sutablefor agrculture or commercial forestrySoils highlysuitedto arable agriculturewhereclimate permitsSoils not suitable for arableagriculture; suitable for forestry or grazingwhereclimate permitsSoils of intermediatesuitability for arableagriculture where climatepermitsSoils of poor suitability for arable agriculturewhereclimate permitsWaterbodies

No dominant class

PROJECTIONWGS 84


Source: ENPAT 2000



As can be seen from Figure 11 (sourced from ENPAT), both the Hackney Long alternativeand the Clapham Long alternative are located on soils classed as soils of intermediatesuitability for arable agriculture, where climate permits. The Umkoanesstad alternative isclassed as having soils that are highly suitable for arable agriculture where climate persists.

The proposed substation area does not have favourable climatic conditions (rainfall) andtherefore the agricultural potential is not of concern. However this does not detract from thefact that the local people use the sites for their agricultural purposes and as such, this impactmust be addressed with the relevant local villages so as to come to a fair reimbursement forthe loss. It must be the responsibility of Eskom to address this impact. It is suggested that theEMP to be compiled for the substation must include the recommendations made by NalediDevelopment, as detailed in the Appended (Appendix D) PIP.

7.2.2 L a n d I s s u e s

The Sekhukhune District PIP identified land claims; land ownership; and mineral rights asissues of concern. These issues may have an impact with respect to the proposed substation.

All Land Claims must be acquired from the Land Claim Commissioner from the LimpopoProvince to ensure smooth running of the project.

Land ownership for the substation and the servitudes required will need to be verified with theDepartment of Land Affairs and the policy for Communal, Trust or Informal Land Rights Actmust be followed (Naledi, 2003). The individual private land owners/ occupants shouldreceive individual compensation.

The mineral rights for the substation must be investigated to ensure that the developmentdoes not overlap with the mining infrastructure.

7.2.3 C u l t u r a l / a r c h a e o l o g i c a l s i t e s

As mentioned in section 5.3.2 there are no known areas of cultural and/or archaeologicalsignificance within a 5km radius from any one alternative. The proximity of the Mosego hilland the site of the Battle of Sekhukhuneland to the Clapham Long and the Hackney Longalternatives is not expected to be impacted upon by the proposed substations at either ofthese locations.

There remains the potential that excavations during construction may expose archaeologicalsites or that other significant features (graves, etc) may be identified at a latter stage. Thisissue was also raised as a concern during the Sekhukhune District PIP. It is suggested that aqualified archaeological specialist must conduct a site scan on the selected alternative, priorto construction. This site scan must include verbal investigations with the local settlements.

The EMP must ensure that if any sites are discovered that all work is ceased and a specialistis called to inspect the site.

7.2.4 N o i s e

The proximity of all three alternatives to the villages raises the issue of noise impacts.

It is anticipated that this will only be of concern during the construction of the substation. Thiscan be addressed in the EMP in terms of limiting working hours so as to reduce the nuisancefactor.

7.2.5 Visua l

The proposed substation will cover a large area and due to the requirements for a flattopographical area will result in the substation being visible from great distances. The visualimpacts will extend from the construction phase and into the operational phase.

The Clapham Long site is expected to have the greatest visual impacts as the site will bevisible from the nearby R37 Road between Polokwane and Burgersfort. Both the



Umkoanesstad site and the Hackney Long site will not be visible from this road but will beopen to the view of the nearby rural community.

The mining activities around all of the proposed alternative sites have already impacted onthe visual character of these areas. No tourism areas were identified around any of theproposed alternatives, which could potentially be impacted by the visual nature of thesubstation. The existing Merensky- Witkop 400kV line also detracts from the visual attractionof the areas.

The establishment of the substation is not expected to impact significantly on the existingvisual nature of the area.

7.2.6 D u s t

Dust may be generated by construction vehicles and the construction of the substation. Nosignificant amounts of dust are expected as a result of the operation of the substation.

The ground cover for all three site alternatives is relatively homogenous and as such there isno distinction and preference for any of the three with respect to the potential for generatingdust from the construction site. Corrective action during construction (regardless of whichalternative site) is required in order to reduce the dust generated from the site.

There is the potential for significant amounts of dust to be generated as a result ofconstruction vehicles moving to and from the selected substation site. The access to theHackney long and the Umkoanesstad sites are both gravel roads while the access to theproposed Clapham long site is tarred up until ±500m from the site. The use of tarred roadshelps reduce the generation of dust during construction activities caused by constructionvehicles. The generation of dust off gravel access roads can successfully be mitigated by theregular spraying of these roads so as to reduce the potential for airborne dust. A moreeffective mitigation for dust produced from access roads would be to construct new concreteand tarred roads.

This impact is not significant as long as the correct mitigation and management actions areincluded in the EMP for the selected site.

7.2.7 T o u r i s m

No significant tourism focus points were identified around any of the three alternativesubstation sites. This is not considered to be a significant impact.

7.2.8 L o c a l d e v e l o p m e n t

The proposed substation will have an impact on the development in the area. Thisdevelopment is focused primarily on the mining sector but will have spin off to the localcommunities as well. The infrastructure could stimulate further development in this area. Theinflux of workers may generate positive economic spin-offs for the local spaza’s, etc.

An important positive impact of the development is the provision of employment (this was alsoraised as an issue during the PIP). As was shown in section 5.3.1.2, there is a dire need forjob creation that should be taken into account in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Eskom should support of the use of the localpeople as target employees as much as practically possible during construction andmaintenance of the transmission line.

All three alternative sites are located close to small rural villages where the local people mayto some extent, benefit in this regard.

It must be noted that the substation and the proposed Duvha-Janus transmission line will notsupply directly to the surrounding communities but will increase the capacity of the existinglines to ensure that there are no interruptions. It is the responsibility of the municipalities tosupply domestic electricity.



7.2.9 S e c u r i t y

There is the issue of theft from the proposed sub-station site. Security fencing must beerected around the site.

The concern of the influx of crime was raised during the Sekhukhune District PIP. The PIPsuggests that as little as possible foreign labour must be used.

7.2.10 H e a l t h a n d s a f e t y

It is the responsibility of Eskom to ensure that all construction and operational processes andprocedures are compliant with the relevant health and safety regulations.

7.2.11 C o m m u n i c a t i o n

During the PIP for the Sekhukhune District Municipality Area, the concern was raised that thecommunity is generally unaware of the communication lines that will exist between Eskomand the community.

It is recommended that the mitigation mentioned in the PIP is followed and that the electedcommunity representatives are kept informed regarding the process of establishing thesubstation. The various stages in the scoping study and subsequent decisions should becommunicated with these community representatives. The PIP further recommends that aperiod of two months must be given to the community before construction begins.

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSThis scoping report has not identified any significant environmental impacts, which could notbe mitigated, associated with the proposed Janus substation and turn-ins of the existingMerinsky-Witkop powerline into the proposed Janus Substation.

The primary concern of this report is to identify the most practical and feasible alternative forthe proposed substation in terms of environmental impact, as well as practical and technicalfeasibility from Eskom’s point of view. The proposed substation alternatives all have similarenvironments with similar resultant impacts and as such no significant issues have arisenwhich would prove to be a fatal flaw for either of the three alternatives.

It is recommended that DEAT issues authorisation for the development of the Hackney Longsite as the new Janus substation and turn-ins of the existing Merinsky-Witkop powerline intothe proposed Janus Substation. This authorisation must be on condition that the followingmitigation measures and recommendations are implemented:

1. The design of the substation should address issues regarding lightning protection; firebarriers; prevention of transformed oil spillages and relevant contingencies; and effectivesecurity fencing.

2. A Floral and Faunal scan must be carried out by a qualified specialist to determine thepresence of any red data species on the selected substation site and other disturbedareas; and if necessary compile a management/ relocation plan for DEAT’s authorisation.

3. The selected substation site must be included in the scope of the avifauna study to becarried out on the final Duvha-Janus transmission line route must include the substation.Relevant mitigation measures must be implemented.

4. An archaeological scan must be carried out on the selected substation site and otherdisturbed areas, to determine the presence of any archaeological artefacts.

5. A detailed geo-technical survey of the selected site must be carried out and anysuggested mitigation or alterations implemented.

6. An independent land valuation is carried out to inform the process of fair compensationfor the loss of agricultural and grazing land in the areas around the selected substationsites.



7. A detailed Environmental Management Plan must be compiled and submitted to theDEAT for approval prior to construction.

This report therefore concludes that there is no significant reason as to why the preferredalternative (Hackney Long Site) cannot be persued and implemented.



9 REFERENCESClara J. , 2002: Route Selection Udentification of Alternative Corridors. Technology ServicesInternational.

DEAT, 1999: State of the Environment South Africa (CD). Department of EnvironmentalAffairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

De Waal D. & Oosthuizen M. 2003: Preliminary Social Impact Assessment for the ProposedDuvha-Janus 400kV Powerline and the Janus Substation. Specialist Study. Afrosearch,Pretoria.

ENPAT, 2000: ENPAT Data Set. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

Hoare D. 2003: Proposed Eskom Powerline in Sekhukhuneland: Environmental issues.Specialist Study. David Hoare Consulting, Johannesburg.

Macvicar C. N. et al 1977: Soil Classification- A Binomial System for South Africa. TheDepartment of Agricultural Technical Services, Pretoria.

Mbendi, 2002: South Africa- Mining: Platinum Group Element Mining.http://www.mbendi.co.za/indy/ming/plat/af/sa/p0005.htm.

Moolman J. et al, 1999: A Qualitative Model of Non-point Source Areas (ModellingSuspended Sediment in the Olifants River Catchment).http://www.dwaf.gov.za/iwqs/reports/slopes_olifants/sed_olif.htm

Naledi, 2003: Public Involvement Program- Sekhukhune District Municipality Area. SpecialistReport, Naledi Development, Pretoria.

Rall A. 2003: Preliminary Report on Impacts of Duvha-Janus Powerline on Tourism Along theProposed Routes. Specialist Report, Johannesburg.

SA Weather Bureau, 1990: Climate Statistics of South Africa 1961-1990. South AfricanWeather Bureau.

Van der Merwe C. R. 1962: Soil Groups and Sub-groups of South Africa. Soils Researchinstitute, Government Printer, Pretoria.

Van Rooyen C. 2003: Bird Impact Assessment Study- 400kV Duvha-Janus TransmissionLine. Specialist Study. Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg.

Van Rooyen J.E. & Bredenkamp G. 1998: Mixed Bushveld. In : Low A. B. & Rebelo A. G(eds) Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of EnvironmentalAffairs and Tourism, Pretoria.

Van Schalkwyk J. 2003: Eskom Transmission Line- Duvha-Janus Cultural Heritage ScopingReport. Specialist Study. National Cultural History Museum, Johannesburg.

Viljoen M. J. & Reimold W.U. 1999: An Introduction to South Africa’s Geological and MiningHeritage. Mintek, Johannesburg.

Date post:	31-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED … · Eskom is currently looking at various means to...

Documents