Final Scoping Report KK 002 - Camden/2 Scoping Pha… · The proposed 765kV Camden-Mbewu (Theta)...

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DEA REF NO: 12/12/20/2029

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January 2011 Scoping Phase

3rd Document for Review

January 2011 i ZPJ12619

© Zitholele Consulting. No unauthorised reproduction, copy or adaptation, in whole or in part, may be made.

PPUURRPPOOSSEE OOFF TTHHIISS DDOOCCUUMMEENNTT Eskom is the South African utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Eskom supplies about 95% of the country's electricity, and about 60% of the total electricity consumed in Africa. Eskom plays a major role in accelerating growth in the South African economy by providing a high-quality supply of electricity.

Eskom is in the process of undertaking major infrastructure investments, including the construction of substations and new transmission power lines. The transmission network supplying electricity to KwaZulu-Natal requires strengthening to meet the growing demand in this province and to improve service quality and reliability.

To address this situation Eskom wants to construct a number of new transmission lines, linking its main generating facilities in Mpumalanga with demand centres in KwaZulu-Natal. The strengthening of the electricity network entails the phased construction of various 765kV transmission lines all over the country in the near future. The construction of a 765kV power line is a listed activity in terms of Section 24(5) of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Act No 107 of 1998, as amended, and therefore requires environmental authorisation from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Eskom Transmission has appointed Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an independent company, to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed project. The Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) is Mrs Jacqui Hex.

The first phase of an EIA is the Scoping Phase. This is the phase during which public issues, concerns and suggestions are identified so that they can be evaluated by the EIA technical specialists during the next phase (the Impact Assessment Phase) of the EIA.

According to the EIA Regulations, Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) must have the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and verify that all the issues raised during the Scoping Phase have been recorded. This was the main purpose of the Draft Scoping Report (DSR), which was available for comment for the period 8 November to 8 December 2010. Comments received have been considered in the Final Scoping Report (FSR) which is being submitted to the lead authority, the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for approval to proceed with the EIA.

I&APs will also have an opportunity to comment on the findings of the EIA, which will be presented in a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) later in the project. After public review, the DEIR will be updated and submitted to the DEA for a decision about the project.

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• The background and description to the proposed project, including alternatives • An overview of the EIA process, including the public participation process • A description of the existing environment in the project area • The potential environmental issues and impacts which have already been identified • The terms of reference for the specialist studies

• A list of comments raised and responses to date (Issues Trail Report)

AANN EEIIAA CCOONNSSIISSTTSS OOFF SSEEVVEERRAALL PPHHAASSEESS Scoping Phase To identify issues, to focus the EIA

Impact Assessment Phase Detailed studies of potential impacts, positive and negative

Environmental Impact Report and EMProg Consolidate findings of impact assessment studies

Decision-making Phase Proponent and authorities use EIA findings to decide if project goes ahead

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................1

1.1 Who is the proponent? ......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Increased Electricity Supply Plan ........................................................................................ 1 1.3 Context of This Report ........................................................................................................ 1 1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner Details ........................................................ 1 1.5 Objectives of the Scoping Report ........................................................................................ 2

2. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ..........................................................................................3 2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) .................................... 3 2.2 National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) ................................................ 3 2.3 Environment Conservation Act (Act No 73 of 1989)............................................................ 7 2.4 Additional Acts and Frameworks......................................................................................... 7 2.5 Eskom Planning Processes ................................................................................................ 11

3. MOTIVATION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................... 15 3.1 Need and Desirability ........................................................................................................ 15 3.2 Project Description ............................................................................................................ 16 3.3 Project Infrastructure / Components................................................................................... 16 3.4 How Power Grids Work .................................................................................................... 16 3.5 Project Phases ................................................................................................................... 19 3.6 Overall Project Schedule ................................................................................................... 20

4. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND STUDY AREA DELINEATION ............. 22 4.1 Alternative Assessment ..................................................................................................... 22 4.2 Study Area Delineation ..................................................................................................... 28

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...................................... 36 5.1 Regional Context............................................................................................................... 36 5.2 Climate ............................................................................................................................. 38 5.3 Geology, Soils and Topography ......................................................................................... 40 5.4 Surface Water ................................................................................................................... 58 5.5 Terrestrial Ecology ............................................................................................................ 63 5.6 Conservation Areas and Tourism ....................................................................................... 77 5.7 Land Use and Agricultural Potential .................................................................................. 82 5.8 Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................... 93 5.9 Social and Economic ......................................................................................................... 98 5.10 Heritage .......................................................................................................................... 100

6. SCOPING PROCESS................................................................................................ 106 6.1 Technical Process ............................................................................................................ 106 6.2 Public Participation Process............................................................................................. 106

7. ISSUES IDENTIFIED FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................... 114

8. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA .................................................................................... 117 8.1 Technical Process ............................................................................................................ 117 8.2 Public Participation ......................................................................................................... 121

9. CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD ................................................................. 123

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3-1: Power distribution from Power Plant to household user. ........................................17 Figure 3-2: Camden Power Station – proposed take-off point. .................................................17 Figure 3-3: Typical 765kV transmission power line. ...............................................................18 Figure 3-4: Example of a transformer, incoming power from the transmission grid, a set of switches for the incoming power and distribution bus plus three voltage regulators. ................18 Figure 3-5: Distribution bus and low voltage distribution power lines......................................19 Figure 4-1: Cross-Rope Suspension Tower. ............................................................................22 Figure 4-2:Guyed-Suspension Tower. .....................................................................................23 Figure 4-3: Self-Supporting Tower .........................................................................................23 Figure 4-4: Pre-EIA Screening Alternatives. ...........................................................................30 Figure 4-5: EIA Corridor Alternatives. ....................................................................................31 Figure 4-6: Northern Section of the Study Area. ......................................................................33 Figure 4-7: Central Section of the Study Area. ........................................................................34 Figure 4-8: Southern Section of the Study Area. ......................................................................35 Figure 5-1: District and local municipalities in the study area. .................................................37 Figure 5-2: Mean Annual Rainfall ...........................................................................................38 Figure 5-3: Mean annual temperatures ....................................................................................38 Figure 5-4: Lightning Ground Flash Density. ..........................................................................38 Figure 5-5: Visible erosion gullies in the study area. ...............................................................40 Figure 5-6: Regional geology of the northern portion of the study area. ...................................41 Figure 5-7: Regional geology of the central portion of the study area ......................................42 Figure 5-8: Regional geology of the southern portion of the study area....................................43 Figure 5-9: Glenrosa Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991) .....................................................44 Figure 5-10: Avalon Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991) ......................................................45 Figure 5-11: Kroonstad and Estcourt Soil Forms (Soil Classification, 1991). ...........................47 Figure 5-12: Mispah Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991). .....................................................48 Figure 5-13: Cartref Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).......................................................48 Figure 5-14: Hutton Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991). ......................................................49 Figure 5-15: Mayo Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991). .......................................................50 Figure 5-16: Fernwood Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991). .................................................50 Figure 5-17: Regional soils of the northern portion of the study area. ......................................52 Figure 5-18: Regional soils of the central portion of the study area. .........................................53 Figure 5-19: Regional soils of the southern portion of the study area. ......................................54 Figure 5-20: Regional topography of the northern portion of the study area. ............................55 Figure 5-21: Regional topography of the central portion of the study area. ..............................56 Figure 5-22: Regional topography of the southern portion of the study area. ............................57 Figure 5-23: Sensitive water bodies: Wakkerstroom Wetland. .................................................59 Figure 5-24: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area. .........................60 Figure 5-25: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area ..........................61 Figure 5-26: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area ..........................62 Figure 5-27: Flowers of Arcacia caffra. ..................................................................................64 Figure 5-28: Regional vegetation of the northern portion of the study area ..............................65 Figure 5-29: Regional vegetation of the central portion of the study area .................................66

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Figure 5-30: Regional vegetation of the southern portion of the study area ..............................67 Figure 5-31: Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii). ..........................................................................68 Figure 5-32: Tristachya leucothrix. .........................................................................................69 Figure 5-33: Plantations. .........................................................................................................69 Figure 5-34: Themeda triandra. ..............................................................................................70 Figure 5-35: Eucalyptus Tree. .................................................................................................70 Figure 5-36: Aristida congesta. ...............................................................................................71 Figure 5-37: Clerodendrum glabrum .......................................................................................71 Figure 5-38: Aloe subspecies. .................................................................................................72 Figure 5-39: Dichrostachys cineria. ........................................................................................73 Figure 5-40: Sugar Cane Field. ...............................................................................................74 Figure 5-41: Maputaland Coastal Belt. ....................................................................................75 Figure 5-42: Conservation areas in the northern portion of the study area. ...............................79 Figure 5-43: Conservation areas in the central portion of the study area...................................80 Figure 5-44: Conservation areas in the southern portion of the study area. ...............................81 Figure 5-45: Left-Eucalyptus plantations; Right-Sugar cane plantations. .................................84 Figure 5-46: Regional land use of the northern portion of the study area..................................87 Figure 5-47: Regional land use of the central portion of the study area. ...................................88 Figure 5-48: Regional land use of the southern portion of the study area. ................................89 Figure 5-49: Regional agricultural potential of the northern portion of the study area. .............90 Figure 5-50: Regional agricultural potential of the central portion of the study area. ................91 Figure 5-51: Regional agricultural potential of the southern portion of the study area. .............92 Figure 5-52: Infrastructure in the northern portion of the study area. .......................................95 Figure 5-53: Infrastructure in the central portion of the study area. ..........................................96 Figure 5-54: Infrastructure in the southern portion of the study area. .......................................97 Figure 5-55: Grave of Nkosinkulu. ........................................................................................ 102 Figure 5-56: Grave of Sensangakhona. .................................................................................. 102 Figure 5-57: Grave of Piet Retief. ......................................................................................... 103 Figure 5-58: Mgungundlovu. ................................................................................................ 103 Figure 5-59: Ulundi Battlefield. ............................................................................................ 104 Figure 6-1: Technical and public participation process and activities that comprise the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Camden-Mbewu (Theta) Project. .......... 108 Figure 6-2: Background Information Documents were distributed in the area. ....................... 109 Figure 6-3: Site notice boards were put up in the study area. ................................................. 110

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LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1: Summary of relevant legislation. ............................................................................12 Table 3-1: Primary milestones of the Camden-Theta Project. ..................................................20 Table 4-1: Length of the various alternative segments .............................................................27 Table 5-1: Affected Municipalities ..........................................................................................36 Table 5-2: River crossings per alternative segment. .................................................................58 Table 5-3: Demographics of the potentially affected KwaZulu Natal municipalities in the study area. .......................................................................................................................................98 Table 5-4: Demographics of the potentially affected Mpumalanga municipalities in the study area. .......................................................................................................................................99 Table 6-1: Advertisements placed during the announcement phase. ....................................... 109 Table 6-2: Stakeholder meetings have been advertised and will be held as part of the public review period of the Draft Scoping Report. ........................................................................... 110 Table 6-3: List of public places where the Draft Scoping Report is available. ........................ 112 Table 7-1: Potential Environmental Impacts to be investigated in the EIA Phase. .................. 114

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: EAP CV Appendix B: EIA Application Form Appendix C: Landowner Notification Forms Appendix D: Newspaper Advertisements Appendix E: Site Notices Appendix F: Project Location Map Appendix G: I&AP Database Appendix H: Issues and Response Report (version 2) Appendix I: Background Information Document Appendix J: Minutes of Public Meeting Appendix K: Properties in corridors

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ABBREVIATIONS DEA ................................................................................. Department of Environmental Affairs

DME ................................................................................... Department of Minerals and Energy

DWA .............................................................................................. Department of Water Affairs

EA ................................................................................................. Environmental Authorisation

EAP................................................................................Environmental Assessment Practitioner

ECA ........................................................................................... Environment Conservation Act

EIA ....................................................................................... Environmental Impact Assessment

EIR ............................................................................................... Environmental Impact Report

EMProg ........................................................................ Environmental Management Programme

GNR ........................................................................................... Government Notice Regulation

HIA ................................................................................................ Heritage Impact Assessment

HDI ................................................................................ Historically Disadvantaged Individuals

I&APs ......................................................................................... Interested and Affected Parties

IEM ................................................................................ Integrated Environmental Management

IEP .......................................................................................................... Integrated Energy Plan

ISEP .............................................................................. Integrated Strategic Electricity Planning

kV .............................................................................................................................. Kilo Volts

KZNDADERD ..........................................................................................................................

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development

Lt ...................................................................................................................................... Litres

Mamsl ............................................................................................ metres above mean sea level

MLt ......................................................................................................................... Mega Litres

MDEDEAT ... Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism

MVA ............................................................................................................ Mega Volt Ampere

NEMA ....................................................................... National Environmental Management Act

NEMWA ......................................................... National Environmental Management Waste Act

NERSA ................................................................... National Energy Regulator of South Africa

NIRP ......................................................................................National Integrated Resource Plan

NSBA ......................................................................... National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment

PoS ........................................................................................................................ Plan of Study

SAHRA ..................................................................... South African Heritage Resources Agency

SANBI .................................................................. South African National Biodiversity Institute

SIA ..................................................................................................... Social Impact Assessment

SR ...................................................................................................................... Scoping Report

ToR .............................................................................................................. Terms of Reference

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Who is the proponent? Eskom Holdings (Ltd) is the South African utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Eskom supplies ~95% of the country's electricity, and ~60% of the total electricity consumed on the African continent. Eskom play a major role in accelerating growth in the South African economy by providing a high-quality supply of electricity.

1.2 Increased Electricity Supply Plan Eskom is in the process of undertaking major infrastructure investments, including the construction of substations and new transmission power lines.

Eskom’s Transmission network supplying electricity to the KwaZulu Natal Province requires strengthening to meet the growing demand and to improve service quality and reliability. To address this situation and to meet the projected future electricity demand, Eskom undertook to strengthen its Transmission network by constructing a number of new transmission lines, linking its main generating facilities in the Mpumalanga Province with demand centres in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.

Strengthening of the network entails the phased construction of 765kV transmission lines into the Empangeni and Pinetown Customer Load Centres. The proposed power line will be constructed between Camden (Ermelo, Mpumalanga) and Mbewu (Theta) in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

1.3 Context of This Report This report is the Final Scoping Report (FSR), a key component of the environmental authorisation process for the proposed 765kV power line from Camden Power Station (near Ermelo) to the Mbewu (Theta) Substation (near Empangeni).

1.4 Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner Details In terms of the NEMA EIA regulations, the proponent must appoint an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the environmental assessment of an activity regulated in terms of the aforementioned Act. In this regard, Eskom appointed Zitholele Consulting to undertake the EIA for the proposed 765kV Camden-Mbewu (Theta) transmission power line, in accordance with the EIA Regulations promulgated in June 2010 in terms of the National Environmental Management Act ([NEMA] No 107 of 1998) which became effective on 2 August 2010.

Zitholele Consulting is an empowerment company formed to provide specialist consulting services primarily to the public sector in the fields of Water Engineering, Integrated Water Resource Management, Environmental and Waste Services, Communication (public participation and awareness creation) and Livelihoods and Economic Development.

Zitholele Consulting has no vested interest in the proposed project and hereby declares its independence as required by the EIA Regulations.



The details of the EAP representative are listed below.

Name: Jacqui Hex

Company Represented: Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd.

Address: P O Box 6002, Halfway House, 1685

Telephone: 011 207 2078

Fax: 086 674 6121

E-mail: [email protected]

Jacqui Hex, MSc (Env. Man.) (cum laude), BSc Hons (Geog), BSc Natural & Environmental Sciences Mrs. Jacqui Hex joined Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd in the January 2007 as an environmental scientist. She forms part of the Environment and Waste management sector of the Environment and Waste division of the company. She was awarded the top masters student award at the University of Johannesburg in 2006. She has also attended a course on Environmental Auditing, Environmental Impact Assessments and International Association in Public Participation. She has an in depth knowledge on EIA’s, environmental law, strategic environmental assessment, integrated environmental management, social impact assessments, environmental auditing, environmental economics, environmental management frameworks and waste management. A curriculum vitae of the EAP is provided in Appendix A.

1.5 Objectives of the Scoping Report This report addresses the requirements for Scoping and the Plan of Study (PoS) for the EIA as outlined in the NEMA regulations. The aim of this Final Scoping Report (FSR) is to:

• Provide information to the authorities as well as interested and affected parties on the proposed project;

• Provide information regarding alternatives that are being considered;

• Indicate how interested and affected parties have been and are still being afforded the opportunity to contribute to the project, verify that the issues they raised to date have been considered, and comment on the findings of the impact assessments;

• Describe the baseline receiving environment;

• Define the Terms of Reference (ToR) for specialist studies to be undertaken in the Impact Assessment Phase of the EIA; and

• Present the findings of the Scoping Phase in a manner that facilitates decision-making by the relevant authorities.

mailto:[email protected]



2. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Environmental legislation in South Africa was promulgated with the aim of, at the very least, minimising and at the most preventing environmental degradation. The following Acts and Regulations are applicable to the Camden-Mbewu (Theta) 765kV power line project:

2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996)

Section 24 of the Constitution states that: Everyone has the right

• (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and

to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that-

prevent pollution and ecological degradation;

promote conservation; and

secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development

The current environmental laws in South Africa concentrate on protecting, promoting, and fulfilling the Nation’s social, economic and environmental rights; while encouraging public participation, implementing cultural and traditional knowledge and benefiting previously disadvantaged communities.

2.2 National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) The EIA for this proposed project will be conducted in terms of the EIA Regulations that were promulgated in terms of Section 24 (5) of the NEMA, as amended. The National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is the competent authority responsible for issuing environmental authorisation for the proposed project. The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development (KZNDAEA), the South African Resource Heritage Agency (SAHRA), Amafa / Heritage KwaZulu Natal (the provincial heritage conservation agency for KwaZulu Natal) and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) are key commenting authorities.

Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations: 543-546 of 18 June 2010 A full EIA is applicable to all projects likely to have significant environmental impacts due to their nature or extent, activities associated with potentially high levels of environmental degradation, or activities for which the impacts cannot be easily predicted. In comparison a Basic Assessment is required for projects with less significant impacts or impacts that can easily be mitigated. The difference between the processes relates to the nature of the proposed development in terms of its potential impact on the environment, and this is reflected in the level of detail that information is collected in as well as the level of interaction with I&APs.



In terms of Government Notice Regulation (GNR) 545, activity 8, a full Environmental Impact Assessment comprising both Scoping and Impact Assessment, is necessary for the proposed 765kV Camden-Mbewu (Theta) power line. This main activity is listed as follows:

Activity 8: The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity with a capacity of 275kV or more, outside an urban area or industrial complex.

Proposed 765kV power line from Ermelo to Empangeni

The following activities in accordance with Regulation GNR 544 (Basic Assessment activities) are also included in the EIA application, to provide for supporting infrastructure associated with the proposed 765kV Camden – Mbewu (Theta) power line project:

Activity 10: The construction of facilities or infrastructure for the transmission or distribution of electricity: - (ii) inside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of 275kV or

more. Proposed 765kV power line through towns and urban areas (if applicable after assessment of

alternatives) Activity 22: The construction of a road, outside urban areas,

(i) with reserve wider than 13.5 meters or; (ii) where no reserve exists where the road is wider than 8 meters.

Construction of an access road, should no roads be available

Activity 24 The transformation of land bigger than 1000 square meters in size, to

residential, retail, commercial, industrial or institutional use, where, at the time of the coming into effect of this Schedule such land was zoned open space, conservation or had an equivalent zoning.

Transformation of land larger than 1000m2 where the zoning is currently unknown

Activity 26: Any process or activity identified in terms of section 53(1) if the National

Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

To be confirmed in the EIA process Activity 38: The expansion of facilities for the transformation and distribution of electricity

where the expanded capacity will exceed 275kV and the development footprint will increase.

Proposed 765kV power line from Ermelo to Empangeni

Activity 47: The widening of a road by more than 6 meters, or the lengthening of a road by

more than 1 kilometer: (i) there the existing reserve is wider than 13.5 meters; or where no

reserve exists, where the existing road is wider than 8 meters.



(ii) Widening of an access road, should no roads be available or the width of the road not be sufficient

An additional listing notice of activities was promulgated 18 June 2010 and came into effect on 2 August 2010. GNR 546, listing notice 3, requires a Basic Assessment process to be undertaken based on the geographical area and the sensitivity of the receiving environment, the following activities may be triggered by the proposed project:

Activity 4: The construction of a road wider than 4 meters with a reserve less than 13.5 meters. In Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo and the Northern Cape provinces: i) In an estuary; ii) Outside urban areas, in: (aa) A protected area identified in terms for: NEMPAA, excluding

conservancies; (bb) National Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas; (cc) Sensitive area as identified in an environmental management

framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority;

(dd) Sites or areas identified in terms of an International Convention; (ee) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans

adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans; (ff) Core areas in biosphere reserves (gg) Areas within 10 kilometers from national parks or world heritage sites

or 5 kilometers from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core areas of a biosphere reserve

Construction of an access road, should no roads be available

Activity 12: The clearance of an area of 300 square meters or more of vegetation where

75% or more of the vegetation cover constitutes indigenous vegetation (a) Within any critically endangered or endangered ecosystem listed in

terms of section 52 of the NEMBA or prior to the publication of such a list, within an area that has been identified as critically endangered in the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment 2004;

(b) Within critical biodiversity areas identified in bioregional plans; (c) Within the littoral active zone or 100 meters inland from high water

mark of the sea or an estuary, whichever distance is the greater, excluding where such removal will occur behind the development setback line on erven in urban areas.

To be confirmed in the EIA process

Activity 19: The widening of a road by more than 4 meters, or lengthening of a road by

more than 1 kilometer. In Eastern Cape, Free State KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces. i) In an estuary; ii) Outside urban area, in: (aa) A protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA, excluding

conservancies; (bb) National Protected Area Expansion Strategy Focus areas;



(cc) Sensitive areas as identified in an environmental management framework as contemplated in chapter 5 of the Act and as adopted by the competent authority

(dd) Sites or areas identified in terms of an International Convention (ee) Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans

adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans; (ff) Core areas in biosphere reserves; (gg) Areas within 10 kilometers from national parks or world heritage sites

or 5 kilometers from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core area of a biosphere reserve;

(hh) Areas seawards of the development setback line or within 1 kilometer from the high-water mark of the sea if no such development setback line is determined;

(ii) Areas on the watercourse side of the development setback line or within 100 meters from the edge of a water course where no such setback line has been determined

iii) Inside urban areas: (aa) Areas zoned for as public open space; (bb) Areas designated for conservation use in Spatial Development

Frameworks adopted by the competent authority or zoned for a conservation purpose.

Widening of an access road, should no roads be available or the width of the road not be

sufficient

The NEMA can be regarded as the most important piece of general environmental legislation. It provides a framework for environmental law reform and covers three areas, namely:

• Land, planning and development;

• Natural and cultural resources, use and conservation; and

• Pollution control and waste management.

The law is based on the concept of sustainable development. The objective of the NEMA is to provide for co-operative environmental governance through a series of principles relating to:

• The procedures for state decision-making on the environment; and

• The institutions of state which make those decisions.

The NEMA principles serve as:

• A general framework for environmental planning;

• Guidelines according to which the state must exercise its environmental functions; and

• A guide to the interpretation of NEMA itself and of any other law relating to the environment.

What are the NEMA principles? Some of the most important principles contained in NEMA are that:



• Environmental management must put people and their needs first;

• Development must be socially, environmentally and economically sustainable;

• There should be equal access to environmental resources, benefits and services to meet basic human needs;

• Government should promote public participation when making decisions about the environment;

• Communities must be given environmental education;

• Workers have the right to refuse to do work that is harmful to their health or to the environment;

• Decisions must be taken in an open and transparent manner and there must be access to information;

• The role of youth and women in environmental management must be recognised;

• The person or company who pollutes the environment must pay to clean it up;

• The environment is held in trust by the state for the benefit of all South Africans; and

• The utmost caution should be used when permission for new developments is granted.

2.3 Environment Conservation Act (Act No 73 of 1989) The Environment Conservation Act (ECA) is a law that relates specifically to the environment. Although most of this Act has been replaced by the NEMA there are still some important sections that remain in operation. These sections relate to:

• Protected natural environments;

• Littering;

• Special nature reserves;

• Waste management;

• Limited development areas;

• Regulations on noise, vibration and shock; and

• EIA.

2.4 Additional Acts and Frameworks In addition to the ECA and NEMA, the following Acts have some bearing on the proposed activities:

National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) The National Water Act guides the management of water in South Africa as a common resource. The Act aims to regulate the use of water and activities which may impact on water resources through the categorisation of ‘listed water uses’ encompassing water extraction, flow attenuation within catchments as well as the potential contamination of water resources, where



Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is the administering body in this regard. Should the proposed activities associated with the proposed substation extension or power line deviation impact on water resources e.g. cross through rivers, the applicant would be responsible to obtain a permit from DWA.

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008) A new era of an integrated waste management system in South Africa through the NEM:WA has been established. The NEM:WA came into effect in July 2009. Provisions have been made in the form of legislative and regulatory tools to facilitate and ensure implementation of the Act by all spheres of government. To this end, the Minister of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (DWEA) published a Waste Management Activity List in July 2009 which has clear thresholds on waste activities that need authorisation prior to commencement. The published Waste Management Activity List effectively replaces Schedule 1 of the NEMA and all waste related activities listed in EIA lists.

All waste-related activities listed in terms of section 24(2) of the NEMA have been repealed at the same time that the Minister published the new list of waste management activities in order to align the NEM:WA and the EIA regulations and to avoid the necessity to submit two applications for the same activity.

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) The object of this Act is -

• To protect the environment by providing reasonable measures for -

The protection and enhancement of the quality of air in the RSA;

The prevention of air pollution and ecological degradation; and

• Securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

• Generally to give effect to section 24(b) of the Constitution in order to enhance the quality of ambient air for the sake of securing an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of people.

The National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) The National Heritage Resources, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999) legislates the necessity for cultural and heritage impact assessment in areas earmarked for development, which exceed 0.5 ha. The Act makes provision for the potential destruction to existing sites, pending the archaeologist’s recommendations through permitting procedures. Permits are administered by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA). Should the proposed activities impact on heritage resources, application to SAHRA would be required to obtain the necessary permits.. The requirements of the National Heritage Resources Act have thus been addressed as an element of the EIA process, specifically by the inclusion of a Heritage Assessment.



National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) The purpose of the Biodiversity Act is to provide for the management and conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA and the protection of species and ecosystems that warrant national protection. As part of its implementation strategy, the National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment was developed. Should protected species and ecosystems be impacted on by the proposed substation upgrade or power line deviation, this Act may be applicable and the necessary measures should be taken for implementation.

National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment The National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment (NSBA) classifies areas as worthy of protection based on their biophysical characteristics, which are ranked according to priority levels.

Protected species – Provincial Ordinances Provincial ordinances were developed to protect particular plant species within specific provinces. The protection of these species is enforced through permitting requirements associated with provincial lists of protected species. Permits are administered by the provincial departments responsible for environmental affairs.

Expropriation Act (No. 63 of 1975) Eskom has a policy of “willing buyer, willing seller”, and therefore endeavours to purchase land where ever possible or necessary. However, the State and State-owned-enterprises can acquire the rights to use or possess the requisite land through the Expropriation Act (No 63 of 1975). The Expropriation Act requires the determination of compensation based on the principle of market value (i.e. what would the value be in the event of both a willing buyer and a willing seller trading the land). There is a suite of additional legislation, which, in conjunction with the Expropriation Act, would be used to determine the compensation value.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No 85 of 1993) This Act makes provisions that address the health and safety of persons working at the proposed substation and power line. The Act addresses amongst others the:

• Safety requirements for the operation of plant machinery;

• Protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety, arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work;

• Establishment of an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and

• Provision for matters connected therewith.

The law states that any person undertaking upgrades or developments for use at work or on any premises shall ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that nothing about the manner in which it is erected or installed makes it unsafe or creates a risk to health when properly used.



Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Integrated Environmental Management Information Series The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Information Series of 2002 and 2006 comprise 23 information documents. The documents were drafted as sources of information about concepts and approaches to Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). The IEM is a key instrument of NEMA and provides the overarching framework for the integration of environmental assessment and management principles into environmental decision-making. The aim of the information series is to provide general guidance on techniques, tools and processes for environmental assessment and management.

White Paper on the Energy Policy of the Republic of South Africa – 1998 Development within the energy sector in South Africa is guided by the White Paper on the Energy Policy, published by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) in 1998. This White Paper sets out five objectives for the further development of the energy sector. The five objectives are as follows:

• Increased access to affordable energy services;

• Improved energy governance;

• Stimulating economic development;

• Managing energy-related environmental and health impacts; and

• Securing supply through diversity.

Furthermore, the Energy Policy identified the need to undertake an Integrated Energy Planning (IEP) process in order to achieve a balance between energy demand and resource availability, whilst taking into account health, safety and environmental aspects. In addition, the policy identified the need for the adoption of a National Integrated Resource Planning (NIRP) approach to provide a long-term cost-effective resource plan for meeting electricity demand, which is consistent with reliable electricity supply and environmental, social and economic policies.

The Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No. 72 of 1993) Policy and legislation governing tourism in South Africa emphasizes the concepts of responsible tourism and sustainable tourism development. Tourism in South Africa is legislated in terms of the Tourism Act (Act No. 72 of 1993), which was amended as the Tourism Amendment Act (Act No. 105 of 1996 and the Tourism Second Amendment Act no. 70 of 2000. The 1996 White Paper on Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa introduces the concept of “responsible tourism”; i.e. tourism with a responsibility towards the environment, through sustainable use of resources, involvement of local communities, and commitment to safety and security of all concerned. Taking this further, the drive towards “sustainable tourism” development emphasizes the optimisation of benefits relating to tourism, without compromising future benefits.



Zoning Legislation Zoning is a device of land use planning used by local governments in most developed countries. The word is derived from the practice of designating permitted uses of land based on mapped zones which separate one set of land uses from another. Zoning may be use-based (regulating the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building height, lot coverage, and similar characteristics, or some combination of these.

The primary purpose of zoning is to segregate uses that are thought to be incompatible. In practice, zoning is used to prevent new development from interfering with existing residents or businesses and to preserve the "character" of a community. Zoning is commonly controlled by local governments such as municipalities, though the nature of the zoning regime may be determined or limited by national planning authorities or through enabling legislation

In terms of the construction camps required for the proposed project, there may be a need for undertaking a rezoning process, depending on the duration that the construction camp is required. Should a construction camp require a rezoning process, Eskom would be required to apply for rezoning through the relevant municipality where the proposed construction camp would be situated. The requirements for rezoning vary from municipality to municipality. More information on this will be provided in the Impact Assessment Phase.

2.5 Eskom Planning Processes The following section, although not legislative, provide supplementary information on some of Eskom’s planning processes.

Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity (IRP) – 2010 The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a long-term electricity capacity plan, which defines the need for new generation and transmission capacity for the country. The IRP outlines the concepts and development behind the IRP for the electricity industry in South Africa as well as the strategic objectives of the IRP including the policy and technical parameters that drive the planning process.

The National Energy Act of 2008 (Act 34 of 2008) obligates the Minister of Energy to develop and publish an IRP for energy. As electricity forms a sub-component of the energy sector the electricity IRP needs to be integrated into the outlook for energy. The system Operations and Planning Division in Eskom has been mandated by the Department of Energy (DoE), under the New Generation Capacity regulations, to produce the IRP for electricity in consultation with the DoE and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

The objective of the IRP is to develop a sustainable electricity investment strategy for generation capacity and transmission infrastructure for South Africa over the next 25 years. The investment strategy includes implications arising from demand-side management (DSM) and pricing, and including capacity provided by generators (Eskom and independent power producers).



The IRP is intended to:

• Improve the long term reliability of electricity supply through meeting adequacy criteria over and above keeping pace with economic growth and development;

• Ascertain South Africa’s capacity investment needs for the medium term business planning environment;

• Consider environmental and other externality impacts and the effect on renewable energy technologies;

• Provide the framework for Ministerial determination of new generation capacity (inclusive of the required feasibility studies) as envisaged in the New Generation Capacity regulations.

The table below provides a summary of the aforementioned and all other relevant legislation applicable to this proposed project.

Table 2-1: Summary of relevant legislation. Legislation Sections Relates to

The Constitution Act (No 108 of 1996)

Chapter 2 Bill of Rights Section 24 Environmental rights Section 25 Rights in property Section 32 Administrative justice Section 33 Access to information

National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998) as amended

Section 2 Defines the strategic environmental management goals, principles and objectives of the government. Applies through-out the Republic to the actions of all organs of state that may significantly affect the environment

Section 24 Provides for the prohibition, restriction and control of activities which are likely to have a detrimental effect on the environment.

Section 28 The developer has a general duty to care for the environment and to institute such measures as may be needed to demonstrate such care

Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989) and regulations

The Act has been substantially repealed by NEMA. However, there are certain sections such as Section 19 on littering and Section 20 on waste which remain in force and will need to be compiled with. There are also certain regulations under the Act which are still in operation such as the National Noise regulations.

NEM: Protected Areas Act (No 57 of 2003)

The Act came into operation on 01 November 2004. The aim of the Act is to provide for the protection and conservation of ecologically viable areas representative of South Africa's biological diversity, natural landscapes and seascapes. In 2004, the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Amendment Act 31 of 2004 was promulgated to amend Act 57 of 2003 with regard to the application of that Act to national parks and marine protected areas. The NEM: Protected Areas Amendment Act was published for public information on 11 February 2005 and came into operation on 01 November 2005. The NEM: Protected Areas Act, as amended by the NEM: Protected Areas Act 31 of 2004 repeals sections 16, 17 & 18 of the ECA as well as the National Parks Act with the exception of section 2(1) and Schedule 1.



Legislation Sections Relates to The Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (No 43 of 1983) and regulations

Section 6 Implementation of control measures for alien and invasive plant species

National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999) The relevant legislation is the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act No 10 of 1997

Section 34 No person may alter or demolish any structure or part of a structure which is older than 60 years without a permit issued by the relevant provincial heritage resources authority.

Section 35 No person may, without a permit issued by the responsible heritage resources authority destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological or palaeontological site.

Section 36 No person may, without a permit issued by the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) or a provincial heritage resources authority destroy, damage, alter, exhume, remove from its original position or otherwise disturb any grave or burial ground older than 60 years which is situated outside a formal cemetery administered by a local authority. "Grave" is widely defined in the Act to include the contents, headstone or other marker of such a place, and any other structure on or associated with such place.

Section 38 This section provides for Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs), which are not already covered under the ECA. Where they are covered under the ECA the provincial heritage resources authorities must be notified of a proposed project and must be consulted during the HIA process. The Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) will be approved by the authorising body of the provincial directorate of environmental affairs, which is required to take the provincial heritage resources authorities'comments into account prior to making a decision on the HIA.

Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (No 45 of 1964) and regulations

Sections 27 – 35 Dust control

Section 36 -40 Air pollution by fumes emitted by vehicles

National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (No 39 of 2004)

Section 32 Control of dust

Section 34 Control of Noise Section 35 Control of offensive odours

Occupational Health and Safety Act (No 85 of 1993) and regulations

Section 8 General duties of employers to their employees

Section 9 General duties of employers and self employed persons to persons other than their employees

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004)

Strategy for achieving the objectives of the United Nation’s Convention on Biological Diversity, to which South Africa is a signatory



Legislation Sections Relates to (NEMBA), Sections 65-69 These sections deal with restricted activities

involving alien species; restricted activities involving certain alien species totally prohibited; and duty of care relating to alien species

Sections 71 and 73 These sections deal with restricted activities involving listed invasive species and duty of care relating to listed invasive species.

National Forests Act (No 84 of 1998) and regulations

Section 7 No person may cut, disturb, damage or destroy any indigenous, living tree in a natural forest, except in terms of a licence issued under section 7(4) or section 23; or an exemption from the provisions of this subsection published by the Minister in the Gazette.

Sections 12-16 These sections deal with protected trees, with the Minister having the power to declare a particular tree, a particular group of trees, a particular woodland; or trees belonging to a particular species, to be a protected tree, group of trees, woodland or species. In terms of section 15, no person may cut, disturb, damage, destroy or remove any protected tree; or collect, remove, transport, export, purchase, sell, donate or in any other manner acquire or dispose of any protected tree, except under a licence granted by the Minister.

Fencing Act (No 31 of 1963) Section 17 Any person erecting a boundary fence may clean any bush along the line of the fence up to 1.5 metres on each side thereof and remove any tree standing in the immediate line of the fence. However, this provision must be read in conjunction with the environmental legal provisions relevant to protection of flora.

National Water Act (No 36 of 1998) and regulations

Section 19 Prevention and remedying the effects of pollution.

Section 20 Control of emergency incidents

Chapter 4 Use of Water and licensing Hazardous Substances Act (No 15 of 1973) and regulations

Provides for the definition, classification, use, operation, modification, disposal or dumping of hazardous substances

Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No 36 of 1947) and regulations

Sections 3 to 10 Control of the use of registered pesticides, herbicides (weed killers) and fertilisers. Special precautions must be taken to prevent workers from being exposed to chemical substances in this regard.

All relevant Provincial Legislation and Municipal bylaws



3. MOTIVATION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Need and Desirability Eskom is in the process of undertaking major infrastructure investments, including the construction of substations and new transmission power lines.

The Transmission Grid Code stipulates that the Transmission network shall be N-1 compliant. That is the Transmission network will be able to supply the load under loss of any of the power lines or equipment. The Eastern Grid network is currently not compliant and the problem will worsen in future as the load in the region increases.

The challenge with the Eastern Grid network is that it is radial feed with long Transmission lines from the Generation source in the North (Mpumalanga). Loss of any of the main in-feeds into the Grid will result in the network operating very close to its Voltage stability limits. This situation (if it materialises) will result in widespread loss of supply.

In order to alleviate current and future network constraints under N-1 contingency in KwaZulu-Natal, it is proposed that a 765kV ring feed supply must be built. The proposed plan consists of 765kV lines from the generation pool in Mpumalanga, with two lines to the Empangeni area and one line to the Pinetown area. It is also proposed that the 765kV to Empangeni and Pinetown be linked by two 400kV lines. These plans are executed in phases and this Camden - Mbewu (Theta) project is the last phase.

Several other EIAs have been and are being undertaken for other power lines in the area. One of which is the EIA for the proposed Umfolozi-Empangeni 765kV power line and proposed Mbewu (Theta) substation. This EIA is nearing an end and has been submitted to the DEA for a decision on the Environmental Authorisation. The Mbewu (Theta) substation is required to step the electricity down from 765kV to 400kV in order for the electricity to be further distributed.

This EIA is for the proposed construction of one 765kV power line from Camden power station (near Ermelo) to the Mbewu (Theta) substation (near Empangeni).

There are numerous advantages to 765 kV technology. In most instances, the size of the structures and the right of way needed to build 765 kV are comparable to smaller voltage lines. However, 765 kV transmission lines are much more efficient than lower voltage lines. For example one 765 kV line on a 94 metre wide servitude can carry the same electricity as 15, double circuit 132 kV lines that would require a 325 metre wide servitude. Furthermore, transmission systems designed for 765 kV power lines are more reliable than those operating at lower voltage levels. With up to six conductors per phase, 765 kV lines are virtually free of thermal overload risk, even under severe operating conditions. Moreover, outage statistics show that 765 kV circuits, on average, experience significantly fewer forced outages than their 400 kV counterparts, and there have been no multi-phase faults recorded at 765 kV in normal operation.



3.2 Project Description As aforementioned this EIA is being undertaken on the proposed 1 x 765kV power line between Camden Power Station (Ermelo, Mpumalanga) and Mbewu (Theta) Substation (Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal). Additionally, where required it is proposed to construct and maintain access roads adjacent to the proposed power line.

In order to link the proposed new 765kV power line into the grid other electrical infrastructure is required at the take off (Camden Substation) and end points (Mbewu [Theta] Substation). These infrastructure requirements will take place within the footprint of the Camden Substation and Mbewu (Theta) Substation and are outlined in Section 3.3 below.

The main objective of this EIA is to receive a decision on the Environmental Authorisation for the proposed project, whilst maintaining the integrity of the surrounding environment and preserving a workable relationship with the local authorities and communities. In addition, all legal processes have to be adhered to so as to obtain the required Environmental Authorisation.

3.3 Project Infrastructure / Components Infrastructure requirements in terms of the proposed project are as follows:

• Camden Substation:

o Establish 1x400kV transformer feeder bay;


o Add a 400/765kV transformer.

• Mbewu (Theta) Substation


o Establish 1x765kV feeder bay;


o Add a 2nd 765/400kV transformer.

• Transmission Line

o Approximately 360km 765kV power line between Camden and Mbewu (Theta) substations.

3.4 How Power Grids Work In order to facilitate a better understanding of the proposed project and the electrical infrastructure requirements mentioned above a brief description on how the power grid works has been included. Figure 3-1 below provides an illustration of how a power grid operates and where exactly a 765kV transmission power line fits into the network that distributes power.



Figure 3-1: Power distribution from Power Plant to household user.

Electricity always commences at the point where power is generated. The majority of electricity in South Africa originates at coal fired power stations. Coal fired power stations generate what is known as three-phase AC current. The three-phase AC current leaves the generator and enters a transmission substation near the power station.

Figure 3-2: Camden Power Station – proposed take-off point.

This substation uses large transformers to convert the generator's voltage (which is at the thousands of volts level) up to extremely high voltages for long-distance transmission on the transmission grid. Typical voltages for long distance transmission in South Africa range from 132kV to 765kV and are usually made of huge steel pylons / towers. All pylons like this have three sets of wires for the three phases. Many pylons have extra wires running along the top of the pylons. These are ground wires and are there primarily for lightning protection.

Typical transmission power line

Transmission substation



Figure 3-3: Typical 765kV transmission power line.

For power to be useful in a home or business, it comes off the transmission grid and is stepped-down to the distribution grid. This may happen in several phases. The place where the conversion from "transmission" to "distribution" occurs is in a substation. A substation typically does two or three things:

• It has transformers that step transmission voltages (in the tens or hundreds of thousands of volts range) down to distribution voltages (typically 33 kV).

• It has a "bus" that can split the distribution power off in multiple directions.

• It often has circuit breakers and switches so that the substation can be disconnected from the transmission grid or separate distribution lines can be disconnected from the substation when necessary.

Figure 3-4 below provides an example of a large transformer, incoming power from the transmission grid and a set of switches for the incoming power. Toward the right is a distribution bus plus three voltage regulators.

Figure 3-4: Example of a transformer, incoming power from the transmission grid, a set

of switches for the incoming power and distribution bus plus three voltage regulators.

The power goes from the transformer to the distribution bus. In this case, the bus distributes power to two separate sets of distribution lines at two different voltages. The smaller transformers attached to the bus are stepping the power down to standard line voltage (usually 7,200 volts) for one set of lines, while power leaves in the other direction at the higher voltage of the main transformer. The power leaves this substation in two sets of three wires, each headed down the road in a different direction (Figure 3-5).



Figure 3-5: Distribution bus and low voltage distribution power lines.

3.5 Project Phases

Construction Phase The construction phase for the proposed project will take approximately 36 months to complete and will entail the following process post authorisation:

• Corridor walk-down: To ensure that all site specific sensitivities are avoided. During this process the exact co-ordinates of the proposed pylons will be established.

• Construction Camps: To be confirmed in the Impact Assessment Phase. • Vegetation clearance: A 94 metre (47 metres on either side of the power

line) servitude is required for the proposed 765kV power line, tall trees will be cleared along the entire length of the servitude (the vegetation will also be maintained by Eskom in the operational phase of the project).

• Pylon footings: Foundations will be laid for the footings of the pylons. • Steelwork structures: The pylons will be erected in piece-meal, that is in

segments. • Stringing: Once the pylons have been erected, cables will be strung between the pylons. • Feeder bays and Transformers: Feeder bays and transformers will be erected in the

existing footprint of the Camden Power Station and Mbewu (Theta) Substation.

Since the proposed power line will be over 300 km in length, the aforementioned tasks may occur simultaneous along the power line corridor.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns / comments were raised with regards to the construction phase (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):



• Eskom notified stakeholders at the public meeting that a farmer liaison personnel will be appointed in the construction phase of the project together with an Environmental Control Officer. This will be documented in the Environmental Management Programme (EMProg).

Operational and Maintenance Phase During operations, Eskom requires access to the servitude for maintenance activities. Maintenance activities are specialised and are, therefore, carried out by Eskom employees. During the operational life of the power line, there will be no people housed along the servitude.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to the operational phase (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• Distribution personnel are to be informed of the current Distribution issues • Agreements with specific landowners will be made once authorisation is received and pre

construction

Decommissioning Phase The following are assumed:

• The physical removal of the power line infrastructure would entail the reversal of the construction process.

• A rehabilitation programme would need to be agreed upon with the landowners (if applicable) before being implemented.

• The disposal of materials from the decommissioned power lines would be at an approved waste disposal facility, preferably sent to a recovery centre or reused. Alternatively, recycling opportunities could be investigated and implemented.

All of the aforementioned decommissioning activities would be subject to a separate EIA and environmental authorization at the appropriate time.

3.6 Overall Project Schedule The primary milestones for the proposed construction of the 765kV Camden-Theta power line (prior and through to post construction) are described in Table 3-1 below.

Table 3-1: Primary milestones of the Camden-Theta Project.

Milestones Date Final Scoping Report December 2010 Undertake Specialist Studies February 2011 Draft EIR and EMProg March 2011 Stakeholder Engagement on EIR / EMProg April 2011 Finalise EIR and Draft EMProg May 2011



Submission to Relevant Authorities May 2011 Environmental Authorisation August 2011 Appeal Period To be confirmed in the Impact Assessment Phase Negotiations with landowners and Site specific EMProg

To be confirmed in the Impact Assessment Phase

Construction (including EMProg Auditing) To be confirmed in the Impact Assessment Phase

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns / comments were raised with regards to the project schedule (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• Eskom notified stakeholders at the public meetings that the construction phase is planned between 2013 – 2016 and that they anticipate the line being operational in 2016.



4. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND STUDY AREA DELINEATION

4.1 Alternative Assessment

The “do nothing” alternative Under these circumstances there would obviously be no changes to the environment along the proposed route. However, the reliability of electricity supplies to the KwaZulu Natal Province would remain a significant concern unless other sources of power generation and transmission are provided. With increasing economic activity and demand for electricity in the KwaZulu Natal Province, the regional impact of electricity failures would be significant and increasingly severe.

Design Alternatives

Below the ground alternative The 765kV line is the largest in terms of capacity. The servitude width is 90m as opposed to the 55m for the 400kV line, and the height difference is of the order of 10m. As with 400kV Transmission lines, there is always a visual impact, some areas being more sensitive than others. The option of taking the Transmission lines underground will address this impact, but there are other issues that need to be considered:

• The cost of underground lines is approximately 20 times more expensive than the equivalent overhead lines.

• Servitude requirements are far more onerous.

• The servitude would effectively be sterilised for many land uses, including most agricultural applications.

Structural alternatives Two design alternatives have been proposed for this project, the Cross-Rope suspension type and the Guyed Suspension type. These are illustrated in Figure 4-1and Figure 4-2. It is important to note that the topography will largely dictate the type of tower that will be used. From this perspective, it should be noted that through more difficult terrain and when the route changes direction at a 3 degree angle, there will be need to use self-supporting towers as illustrated in Figure 4-3.

Figure 4-1: Cross-Rope Suspension Tower.



Figure 4-2: Guyed-Suspension Tower. Figure 4-3: Self-Supporting Tower

Corridor Alternatives

Pre-EIA Technical Screening Prior to the commencement of the EIA the Eskom technical team assessed the study area between Ermelo and Empangeni for various technically feasible alternatives for the proposed 765kV power line. These alternatives were found to be technically sound and financially preferred based on the following criteria:

• Topography: The terrain of the study area cannot be too steep (angle must be less 20 degrees). Additionally a 765kV power line can span an average distance of 500 metres between two pylons. Therefore large valleys and channels are considered fatally flawed areas.

• Obstructions / deviations: The power line is required to travel in a straight path as far as possible. Should the power line route be required to change direction at an angle of more than 3 degrees a self-supporting pylon is required which is extremely costly.

• Length of route: The shorter the route the more cost effective.

Pre EIA Environmental Screening A pre-EIA screening assessment was undertaken on the technically feasible alternatives provided by Eskom. Mr Konrad Kruger and Ms Jacqui Hex of Zitholele Consulting accompanied the Eskom technical team on a two day fly over of the study area. Prior to the fly over a desktop screening exercise was undertaken using Arcview GIS software to identify any biophysical sensitivities. During this investigation the following aspects were utilised in visually assessing the potential environmental issues that should be avoided for each alternative:

• Water bodies / Wetlands;

• Historical building and graveyards;



• Protected areas / nature reserves;

• Build-up areas;

• Topography; and

• Sensitive fauna and flora.

After the fly over some alternatives were deemed none feasible from an environmental perspective and have not been taken into this EIA. A workshop was held at Eskom to discuss the environmental concerns and to realign certain alternatives. These newly aligned alternatives are being assessed in this EIA process.

Orientation of the Alternatives The alternatives for the proposed EIA comprise of several loop-in and loop-out corridors in an interconnected grid. The reason for these loop in and loop out alternatives is to avoid sensitivities and technical constraints that were identified in the high-level assessment mentioned above. The alternatives are discussed by means of alphabetic representation for each alternative intersection (please refer to Figure 4-5).

Alternative 1 (AB, BC, CD, DE, EF2, FG, GH, HI, IJ) Alternative 1 commences at the Camden Power Station (Point A) located approximately 15 km south east of Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The alternative heads in a south south westerly (SSW) direction along alignment AB, spans the Vaal River approximately 10 km from the Camden Power Station, spans the Klein-Vaal River a further 10 km and the continues for a further 10 km (Point B). Thereafter the alternative continues in a SSW direction along alignment BC for approximately 50km, spanning over the Wielspruit and a tributary of the Sandspruit, before crossing over the provincial border into KwaZulu Natal.

On entering the KwaZulu Natal province the alternative changes direction and curves in a south easterly direction for approximately 50km to Point C (approximately 30km south of Wakkerstroom). This portion of alignment BC spans over the Slang River and a tributary of the Buffelspruit.

The alternative then continues in a southerly direction along alignment CD towards Claremont for approximately 15 km (crosses over the R34) and then turns in a south easterly direction (the turn occurs as the alignment spans the Dorspruit) for approximately 30km to Point D. The alternative then follows alignment DE crossing over the R33 and Bloed River and after approximately 40km reaches Point E, located approximately 10km south west of Ermondlo.

For alternative 1, the alternative follows alignment EF2. EF2 is approximately 15km in length and meets Point F after spanning the Jojosi River. The alignment continues in a south easterly direction along alignment FG spanning over the Nondweni and Ntinini Rivers. Alignment GH diverts the alternative in southerly direction in order to avoid the protect nature conservation area located to the south east of Babanango. Alignment GH is approximately 60km in length and spans both the Mhlatuze and Mefule Rivers. GH runs parallel to the existing R68 road.



The alternative then turns southwards along alignment HI for approximately 15 km before turning in an easterly direction, crossing the R68 again and the R38 to Point I. The last portion of the alternative is IJ. IJ is approximately 35 km in length depending on the approved location of the Mbewu (Theta) substation (environmental authorisation is still pending for the substation). Alignment IJ spans over the confluence of the Mefule and Mhlatuze Rivers.

Variation Link BK Variation link BK is provided as an alternative link to BC. This alignment is one of the least favourable alignments as it crosses over many sensitive areas such as: the Baltrasna proposed conservancy, irreplaceable flora, the Langfontein, Kombewaria, Outhoutdraai Ossewaaikop protected areas, Outhoutdraai, Wakkerstroom town and the Wakkerstroom Nature Reserve. The alignment is 55km in length of which 20km is located in sensitive areas.

Variation Link KC Variation link KC is dependent on BK being the preferred alternative. Should BK not be the preferred alternative KC is not feasible as there is no route from KC north to the Camden Power Station other than link BC.

KC is 20 km in length and heads in a south south westerly (SSW) direction close to Groenvlei. This variation link traverses many wetland and sensitive water bodies.

Variation Link KD Variation link KD spans the Slang and Dorpsruit Rivers and several water bodies. The link is approximately 60 km in length and heads in a predominantly south east direction. The link crosses the R34 before meeting up with Point D.

Variation Link EF1 The purpose of link EF1 is to avoid the steep topography at EF2. EF1 is approximately 20 km (5km longer than EF1 and loops to the west of EF2).

Variation Link GLH Variation link GLH is designed to divert to the north of Babanango and then turn in a south easterly direction towards Point H. GLH is 55km in length and crosses through a protected area for approximately 15km. The link also spans over the Mpembeni and Mfule Rivers as well as over an arterial road, the R68 and R34 and through Melmoth.

Alternative 2 (AM, MN, NL, LH, HI, IJ) Alternative 2 commences at the Camden Power Station (Point A) located approximately 15 km south east of Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The alternative heads in a south easterly direction along alignment AM for approximately 135km spanning the Vaal River, Sandspruit, Ngwempisi River, Hlelo River, Assegaai River, Boesmanspruit, Ntombe, and Pongolo Rivers. Segment AM additionally traverses through the Ngwempisi protected area however it diverts to the east of the Mhlangmpisi and Rooikraal protected areas avoiding these sensitive areas.



Thereafter the alternative crosses the Mpumalanga-KwaZulu Natal provincial boundary and the Pongola River, before meeting Point P located approximately 10 km south east of Paulpietersburg. The alternative then follows alignment MN in a south easterly direction for approximately 60km, spanning over the Bivana, Manzana, Ishoba Rivers and several wetland areas. Alignment MN is located approximately 10 km to the east of Vryheid, and slightly to the east of Gluckstadt.

From Point N, alternative 2 heads in a southerly direction for approximately 40km towards Babanango along alignment NL. Alignment NL spans the Wit Mfolozi River towards Point L. Thereafter the alternative follows alignment LH. LH spans through various environmentally sensitive areas such as: a protected area, the Mpembeni River the Mefule River, the R68 and R34. The alternative then follows HIJ as outlined for alternative 1 above.

Variation Link MP Variation link MP is located 10 km to the south east of Paulpietersburg. The purpose of variation link MP is to provide the option of joining AM to PO or AP to MN should certain segments be more environmental feasible. MP is less than 5km in length.

Variation Link NO Variation link NO is approximately 35 km in length and traverses in a predominantly south easterly direction. The variation link crosses an unnamed tributary of the Swart Mfolozi rivers.

Alternative 3 (AP, PO, OI, IJ) Alternative 3 commences at the Camden Power Station (Point A) located approximately 15 km south east of Ermelo, Mpumalanga. The alternative heads in a south easterly direction along alignment AP, spans the Vaal River approximately 10 km from the Camden Power Station, spans the Sandspruit and Hlelo River and the continues traversing the Assegaai River to the west of Piet Retief and crosses the 543 road. After passing Piet Retief the alternative turns in a southerly direction spanning over the Swart River, Wit River and an unnamed river. The total length of alignment AP is 145km.

From Point P, the alternative heads along alignment PO in a south easterly direction. The alignment spans over the Bivana, Manzana, Ithalu, Sikwebezi and Swart Mfolozi Rivers. Approximately 30 km north of Point O the alignment traverses to the west of the Ngome protected area.

The last portion of alternative 3 before the alternative joins with alternative 1 and 2 is alignment OI. Alignment OI is approximately 70 km in length and travels in a southerly direction. Alignment OI is located between the Ophathe Nature Reserve and the Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Park. The alignment spans the R66, the Wit Mfolozi and Mefule Rivers. The alternative then follows HIJ as outlined for alternative 1 above.



Stakeholder Identified Alternatives During the public review of the Draft Scoping Report several additional alternatives were identified by stakeholders. All technically feasible stakeholder alternatives have been added to the assessment and will be investigated further in the next phase of the project.

These new alternatives have been labelled as follows e.g. S(ab), S(bc), S(cd). The “S” denotes “stakeholder” and the “(ab)” for example denotes which alternative it relates to, is close to, or can potentially replace. The alternatives that have been identified are listed below and illustrated in Figure 4-6 below:

• S(bc) – Along existing 765kV power line – not technically feasbile;

• S(de) – Along existing 765kV power line – not technically feasible;

• S(ij) – Along existing 400kV power line;

• S(no2) – Along existing 400kV power line;

• S(am) – Along existing 400kV power line.

• S(gh);

• S(oi);

• S(no1);

Alternative S(bc) and S(de) are not technically feasible for the following reason. Eskom power line designs make provision for different reliability levels that should be conformed to. As such, all 400kV lines are built according to reliability level 2 which means a maximum wind return period of 120 years. For 765kV lines the reliability level is 3 which is a maximum wind return period of 420 years. What this means is that it can be expected that once in 120 years a wind of such magnitude will destroy a 400 kV power line. However that same wind should not destroy the 765kV power line due to the stronger design.

Although Eskom is hesitant to construct the 765kV power line parallel to existing lines it is not impossible. Eskom can allow for a 765kV to be constructed parallel to a 400kV line because the 400kV and 765kV grids are separate (although superimposed on one another). In case of disaster Eskom will only lose one line of each voltage. But with two 765kV lines in parallel Eskom will lose the bulk of a very important main supply and as a result they would like to prevent (if possible) constructing 765kV power lines in parallel. If this is unavoidable it should be done for very short sections only.

Since the 400kV network is the backbone of the Eskom electricity grid, the situation with parallel lines are slightly different for the 400kV network since a fair amount of redundancy exists, unfortunately this scenario does not exist (as yet) for the 765kV network. As a result the alternatives proposed where power lines will be running parallel to existing 400 kV lines are possible, but routes S(bc) and S(de) will be problematic.



Table 4-1: Length of the various alternative segments ALTERNATIVE SEGMENT LENGTH (KM) AB 35 AM 135 S (am) 36 AP 145 BC 85 S (bc) – not feasible 44 BK 55 CD 40 DE 35 S (de) – not feasible 82 EF1 15 EF2 20 FG 35 GH 60 S (gh) 45 HI 30 IJ 35 S (ij) 60 KC 20 KD 60 GL 10 LH 45 MN 65 MP 65 NL 40 NO 35 S (no1) 20 S (no2) 38 PO 105 OI 70 S (oi) 37

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to alternatives (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Alternative sources of energy located near Empangeni be utilised instead of a long power line from Camden (Mpumalanga power pool);

• Underground versus over head power lines; • Alignment of the power line with existing infrastructure; • Upgrade of existing lines 400kV lines to 765kV power lines; • Double circuit power lines – same power line supporting 400kV and 765kV power line • Increase the height of pylons for sugar cane farmers so that burning can still take place • Additional corridor alternatives were presented by stakeholders. These were screened and

all technically feasible corridor alternatives will be taken into the next phase of this EIA.

4.2 Study Area Delineation The following section is provided in order to better facilitate describing the study area. The study area has been divided into three sections. The sections are explained below.



Northern Section The northern section of the study area refers to the Mpumalanga portion of the study area (Figure 4-7).

Central Section The central section of the study area refers to the northern KwaZulu Natal portion of the study area, that is, everything south of the Mpumalanga provincial border and north of points E, N and O (Figure 4-8).

Southern Section The southern section of the study area refers to the southern KwaZulu Natal portion of the study area, that is, everything south of points E, N and O and north of the proposed substation (Figure 4-9).



Figure 4-4: Pre-EIA Screening Alternatives.



Figure 4-5: EIA Corridor Alternatives.



Figure 4-6: EIA Corridor Alternatives including Stakeholder Alternatives.



Figure 4-7: Northern Section of the Study Area.



Figure 4-8: Central Section of the Study Area.



Figure 4-9: Southern Section of the Study Area.



5. DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

5.1 Regional Context The study area is located within the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal provinces. A number of District Municipalities (DMs) and Local Municipalities (LMs) form part of the study area. These municipalities are as follows (Figure 5-1):

Table 5-1: Affected Municipalities

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

• Umzinyathi District Municipality: • Nqutu Local Municipality

• Amajuba District Municipality: • Utrecht Local Municipality

• Zululand District Municipality:

• eDumbe Local Municipality

• uPhongolo Local Municipality

• Abaqulusi Local Municipality

• Ulundi Local Municipality

• Uthungulu District Municipality:

• Nkandla Local Municipality

• Mthonyaneni Local Municipality

• uMhlathuza Local Municipality

• Umlalazi Local Municipality

• Gert Sibande District Municipality:

• Msukaligwa Local Municipality

• Seme Local Municipality

• Mkondo Local Municipality

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to municipalities (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• Which municipalities are involved? • What comments have been received? • Why are municipalities not at meetings?



Figure 5-1: District and local municipalities in the study area.



5.2 Climate Rainfall The study area is located in the south eastern portion of South Africa. This area receives summer rainfall between October and March. The northern portions of the study area receive between 600 – 1000mm of rainfall per annum, whilst the southern portions of the study area receive between 1000 – 1600mm.

Figure 5-2: Mean Annual Rainfall

Figure 5-3: Mean annual temperatures

Temperature The study area has various temperature ranges and becomes warmer towards the south due to the coastal environment. Mean annual temperatures range from 10 - 15ºC in the northern portions of the area to 15-25ºC in the southern coastal areas.

Wind For the entire study area there is a daily swing between berg and on-shore air movement. The main direction of air movement is from the south-west alternating with winds from the north-east. The south-westerly winds are often associated with cold fronts that are preceded by warm fronts. The hot air ahead of cold fronts is often the cause of veld fires in winter when the veld is dry.

Figure 5-4: Lightning Ground Flash Density.

Lightning Strikes The study area is subjected to lightning strikes in wide bands lying parallel to the coast line increasing from 7 to 10 strikes per year per square kilometre along the coast to 10 to 14 strikes per year per square kilometre towards the western boundary of the study area.



ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to climate (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• Wakkerstoom highest lightning strikes



5.3 Geology, Soils and Topography

Geology

Methodology and Data Sources The geological analysis was undertaken through the desktop evaluation using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and relevant data sources (April 2009). The geological data was taken from the Environmental Potential Atlas Data from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Regional Description

Northern Section The dominant geology types in the northern portion of the study area comprise of Ecca, Meihaardskraal Granite Sand River Gneiss, Suurberg Drakensburg Lebombo and Adelaide.

Central Section In the central portion of the study area the dominant geology comprises of Ecca, Adelaide, Suurberg Drakensburg Lebombo, Dwyka and Meihaardskraal Granite Sand River Gneiss.

Southern Section The dominant geology in the south is Ecca, Dwyka, Meihaardskrral Granite Sand River Gneiss, Witwatersrand Dominion Pongola, Natal, Beaufort, Suurberg Drakensburg Lebombo and Tugela Mapumulo

Sensitivities Due to the nature of the geology in the study area there is no potential seismic sensitivities. Additionally the proposed footings for the power line towers do not require deep excavations and consequently there are no potential impacts or sensitivities in terms of geology.

Soils

Methodology and Data Sources As with the geological analysis, the soil analysis was undertaken through the desktop evaluation using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and relevant data sources (April 2009). The geological data was taken from the Environmental Potential Atlas Data from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Figure 5-5: Visible erosion gullies in the study area.



Figure 5-6: Regional geology of the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-7: Regional geology of the central portion of the study area



Figure 5-8: Regional geology of the southern portion of the study area




Northern Section The northern portion of the study area comprises of the following soil forms:

• Glenrosa;

• Avalon; and

• Kroonstad / Estcourt.

A brief description of each of these soil forms is provided below.

Glenrosa Soil Form The Glenrosa soil form is a combination of an Orthic A horizon overlying a lithocutanic B horizon as indicated in Figure 5-9 below. A lithocutanic B has several characteristics that separate it from other horizons, namely:

• It merges into the underlying weathering rock;

• Has a general organisation in respect of colour, structure or consistency that has distinct affinities with the underlying parent rock;

• Has cutanic character expressed usually as tongues or prominent colour variations caused by residual soil formation and illuviation resulting in localization of one or more of clay, iron and manganese oxides;

• Lacks a laterally continues horizon which would qualify as either a diagnostic podzol B, neocarbonate B, pedocutanic B, pedocutanic B, hardpan carbonate or dorbank; and

• If the horizon shows signs of wetness, then more than 25% by volume has saprolitic character.

Figure 5-9: Glenrosa Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991)



Avalon Soil Form The Avalon soil form is characterised by the occurrence of a yellow-brown apedal B-horizon over a soft plinthic B – horizon (See Figure 5-10). The yellow-brown apedal horizon is the same as described for the Clovelly soil form and the plinthic horizon has the following characteristics:

• Has undergone localised accumulation of iron and manganese oxides under conditions of a fluctuating water table with clear red-brown, yellow-brown or black strains in more than 10% of the horizon;

• Has grey colours of gleying in or directly underneath the horizon; and

• Does not qualify as a diagnostic soft carbonate horizon.

• These soils are found between lower down the slopes than the Clovelly soils and indicate the start of the soils with clay accumulation.

Figure 5-10: Avalon Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991)

Kroonstad / Estcourt Soil Forms The Kroonstad soil form is most commonly found in areas of semi-permanent wetness. The soil is made up of an Orthic A horizon over a diagnostic E-horizon over a G-horizon, as indicated in Figure 5-11 below. Both soils have an E-horizon that is identified by several unique diagnostic criteria, namely:

• Has a Munsell1 colour value that is at least one unit higher than that of the overlying topsoil horizon unless the latter is removed

• Has, in a dry state unless otherwise specified, one of the following “grey” matrix colours

1 The Munsell colour charts are a worldwide standard colour chart that is used for the determination of soil colours. Colours are described by a hue, value and chroma.



• 2.5Y hue with values of 5 or more and chromas of 2 or less, or values of 6 or more and chromas of 4 or less;

• 10YR hue with values of 4 and chromas of 2 or less, or values of 5 or more and chromas of 3 or less, or values of 6 or more and chromas of 4 or less;

• 7.5YR hue with values of 5 or more and chromas of 2 or less, or values of 6 or more with chromas of 4 or less;

• 5YR hue with values of 5 or more and chromas of 2 or less, or values of 6 or more and chromas of 3, or values of 6 or more and chromas of 4 in both dry and moist states.

• May contain discernable mottling or streaking with a higher chroma than that of the matrix, the result of periodic saturation in water;

• Very weakly developed structure;

• Has undergone marked in situ removal of colloidal matter (Fe-oxides, Si-clays and organic matter).

The G-horizon has several unique diagnostic criteria as a horizon, namely:

• It is saturated with water for long periods unless drained;

• Is dominated by grey, low chroma matrix colours, often with blue or green tints, with or without mottling;

• Has not undergone marked removal of colloid matter, usually accumulation of colloid matter has taken place in the horizon;

• Has a consistency at least one grade firmer than that of the overlying horizon;

• Lacks saprolitic character; and

• Lacks plinthic character.

The Estcourt soil form also has a prismacutanic B horizon. This horizon is formed where you have extensive amounts of accumulated clay underlying A/B horizon. A prismacutanic horizon has severa; unique diagnostic criteria namely:

• It has an abrupt transition with the overlying horizon in respect of at least two of either texture, structure or consistency.

• It has prismatic or columnar structure;

• It lacks evidence of wetness in the form of low chromas;

• It exhibits colour contrasts between the clayskins and the ped interiors.



Figure 5-11: Kroonstad and Estcourt Soil Forms (Soil Classification, 1991).

Central Section The central portion of the study area comprises of the following soil forms:

• Kroonstad / Estcourt;

• Avalon;

• Mispah / Glenrosa;

• Cartref; and

• Hutton.


Kroonstad / Escort Soil Form This soil type also occurs in the northern section as described above.

Avalon Soil Form This soil type also occurs in the northern section as described above.

Mispah / Glenrosa Soil Form The Mispah soil form is characterised by an Orthic A – horizon overlying hard rock. Please refer to Figure 5-12 for an illustration of a typical Mispah soil form.

Please refer to the northern section above for a description of the Gelnrosa Soil Form.



Figure 5-12: Mispah Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).

Cartref Soil Form The Cartref soil form comprises an orthic A horizon over an E-horizon as described for the Kroonstad and Escourt soil forms above. The E horizon overlays a Lithocutanic B as described for the Glenrosa soil form above.

Figure 5-13: Cartref Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).

Hutton Soil Form Hutton’s are identified on the basis of the presence of an apedal (structureless) “red” B-horizon as indicated in Figure 5-14 below. These soils are the main agricultural soil found in South Africa, due to the deep, well-drained nature of these soils.



Figure 5-14: Hutton Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).

Southern Section The southern portion of the study area comprises of the following soil forms:

• Cartref;

• Mispah / Glenrosa;

• Hutton;

• Mayo; and

• Fernwood.


Cartref Soil form This soil type also occurs in the central section as described above.

Mispah / Glenrosa Soil Forms This soil type also occurs in the central section as described above.

Hutton Soil Form This soil type also occurs in the central section as described above.

Mayo Soil Form The Mayo soil form comprises a Melanic A horizon over a Lithocutanic B horizon. The Lithocutanic B is described in the Glenrosa soil form above, while the Melanic A horizon is characterised by being a dark coloured, well structured topsoil horizon that does not have large amounts of organic carbon or swelling clays.



Figure 5-15: Mayo Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).

Fernwood Soil Form The Fernwood soil form is characterised by an orthic A horizon over an E-horizon as described in the Escourt soil form above.

Figure 5-16: Fernwood Soil Form (Soil Classification, 1991).

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to soil (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Concerns with erosion – to be included in EMProg

Topography

Methodology and Data Sources The topography data was obtained from the Surveyor General’s 1:50 000 toposheet data for the region, namely 2528DD. Contours were combined from the topographical mapsheets to form a combined contours layer. Using the Arcview GIS software the contour information was used to develop a digital elevation model of the region as shown in Figure 5-20to Figure 5-22below.



Regional Description The study area ranges from 2,000 mamsl (metres above mean sea level) to less than 100 mamsl. The highest parts of the study area are in the northern western portions (Wakkerstroom and Groenvlei) and the lowest portions are in the south eastern portions of the study area (Empangeni).

The study area comprises of deep valley channels and variable topography in certain areas towards the north resulting in large spans between power line pylons, whereas in the south eastern portions of the area the topography is gentle and relatively flat.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to topography (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Technical feasibility of power lines in high topography – all identified alternatives are technically feasible



Figure 5-17: Regional soils of the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-18: Regional soils of the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-19: Regional soils of the southern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-20: Regional topography of the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-21: Regional topography of the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-22: Regional topography of the southern portion of the study area.



5.4 Surface Water

Methodology and Data Sources The surface water data was obtained from the WR90 database from the Water Research Council. The data used included catchments, river alignments and river names. In addition water body data was obtained from the CSIR land cover database (1990) to show water bodies and wetlands. This information will be ground truthed during the specialist investigation.

Regional Description The alternatives span over several rivers in the study area. The various river crossings are tabulated below. It is important to note that Eskom does not place pylon footings within water bodies and therefore the power lines are designed to span across these sensitive habitats. Table 5-2 below tabulates the various alternative segments indicating which catchment the alternative falls within as well as the rivers that the power line will cross.

Table 5-2: River crossings per alternative segment. ALTERNATIVE LINK CATCHMENT RIVER CROSSINGS

AB C11B Vaal Klein Vaal

BC V32G, C11B

Wielspruit Gelykwater Sandspruit Papale Slang Womeni Doring

BK V32G, C11B, W53A Assegaai Klein Vaal Unnamed tributary of the Slang

KC V32G Slang

CD V32G Dorpsruit Unnamed river

KD V32G Dorpsruit

DE W21B, V32G Bloed Tributary of the Eerstlingspruit

EF1 W21B Jojosi Unnamed tributary of the Jojosi

EF2 W21B Jojosi Unnamed tributary of the Jojosi

FG W21K, W21B Nondweni Ntinini

GH W12D, W21K Mhlatuze Mfule

HI W12D Mfule

IJ W12D Mefule Mhlatuze Okula

AM W42B, C11B, W53A, W42D

Vaal Sandspruit Ngwempisi Hlelo Assegaai Unnamed River



ALTERNATIVE LINK CATCHMENT RIVER CROSSINGS

MP W42B None

MN W21B, W42B Mpemvana Unnamed River Limpopo River

NL W21K, W21B Wit Mfolozi GL W21K Tributary of the Nyawushane

LH W12D, W21K Tributary of the Wit Mfolozi Tributary of the Mfule

AP W42B, C11B, W53A, W42D

Witpuntspruit Vaal Sandspruit Ngwempisi Hlelo Assegaai Swartwater Wit Tributary of the Pongolo

PO W21K, W21B, W42B

Mpalaza Mpemvana Unnamed tributary of the Pongolo River Mkuze Unnamed tributary of the Mkuze Sikwebezi Black Mfolozi

NO W21K, W21B Thaka

OI W12D, W21K, W21B Wit Mfolozi Mfule

Sensitivities Water bodies represent sensitive habitats to various species, particularly avi-fauna. Several sensitive wetlands and other bodies are present in the study area, and these water bodies should be avoided as far as possible. Figure 5-23 below is an example of a sensitive wetland that is habitat to a range of avi-fauna and as such should be avoided. During the Impact Assessment Phase of the project a surface water and avi-fauna specialist study will indicate the status of these areas to provide a better indication of the areas that should be avoided.

Figure 5-23: Sensitive water bodies: Wakkerstroom Wetland.



Figure 5-24: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-25: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area



Figure 5-26: Regional surface water in the northern portion of the study area



5.5 Terrestrial Ecology

Methodology and Data Sources The floral and fauna data below is taken from The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (Mucina and Rutherford 2006).


Wetlands

Eastern Temperate Freshwater Wetlands

This vegetation unit is found throughout the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North-West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces as well as in neighbouring Lesotho and Swaziland. It is based around water bodies with stagnant water (lakes, pans, periodically flooded vleis, and edges of calmly flowing rivers) and embedded within the Grassland Biome. These water bodies support zoned systems of aquatic and hygrophillous vegetation of temporary flooded grasslands and ephemeral herblands.

Due to the recent efforts of organisations such as Ramsar, this vegetation unit is now 4.6 % conserved and rated as least threatened. The following aliens are encountered in this type of wetland: Bidens bidentata, Cirsium vulgare, Conyza bonariensis, Oenothera rosea, Physalis viscosa, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus, Sesbania punicea, Schkuhria pinnata, Stenotaphrum secundatum (native on South African coast, alien on Highveld), Trifolium pratense, Verbena bonariensis, V. brasiliensis, and Xanthium strumarium.

Areas around drainage lines/seepage areas were also added to this unit because of the similar vegetation that may occur in these areas. Seepage areas are seasonally wet areas that occur in sandy areas where water seeps into lowlying drainage lines after rains. These areas are usually covered by hygrophytes such as sedges and reeds. The dominant sedge in the study area is Juncus rigidus. Sometimes bulrush (Typha capensis) and reeds (Phragmites australis) also occurs.

Wetlands are of a more permanent nature and occur in low-lying areas such as tributaries of streams and rivers. Here hydrophytes can be found. Typical plants are the Orange River Lily (Crinum bulbispermum), bulrush (Typha capensis) and reeds (Phragmites australis), sedges of the Cyperus, Fuirena and Scirpus genera also occur. The site had many drainage and seepage lines running into large streams and into dams. Many of the site drainage and seepage lines had associated wetland and riparian flora. This made these areas have a high species diversity in terms of both plants and animals and makes them have a high conservation level.



Grassland Biome Grasslands are structurally simple and strongly dominated by grasses (Poasceae). The canopy cover is moisture-dependant and decreases with lower mean annual rainfall, but is influenced by the amount and type of grazing and by the presence of fire. The following Grassland vegetation units are present in the proposed study area:

• Eastern Highveld Grassland;

• Wakkerstoom Montane Grassland;

• Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland;

• KaNgwane Montane Grassland;

• Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland;

• Northern Zululand Misbelt Grassland;

• Income Sandy Grassland;

• Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal Shrubland; and

• Ithala Quartzite Sourveld.

Eastern Highveld Grassland The Eastern Highveld Grassland occurs in the Mpumalanga and the Gauteng provinces on the plains between Belfast in the east and the eastern side of Johannesburg in the west extending southwards to Bethal, Ermelo and west of Piet Retief. The landscape is slightly to moderately undulating plains, including some low hills and pan depressions. The vegetation is short dense grassland dominated by the usual Highveld grass composition (Aristida, Digitaria, Eragrostis, Themeda, Tristachya, etc.) with small scattered rocky outcrops with wiry, sour grasses and some woody species (Arcacia caffra, Celtis Africana, Diospyros

luciodes subspecies lycioides, Parinari capensis, Protea caffra, P. Welwitschii and Rhus magalismontanum).

Figure 5-27: Flowers of Arcacia caffra.



Figure 5-28: Regional vegetation of the northern portion of the study area



Figure 5-29: Regional vegetation of the central portion of the study area



Figure 5-30: Regional vegetation of the southern portion of the study area



This vegetation unit is considered endangered with a conservation target of 24%. Only a very small fraction is conserved in statutory reserves (Nooitgedacht dam and Jericho dam Nature Reserves) and in private reserves (Holkranse, Kransbank, Morgenstond). Approximately 44% is transformed primarily by cultivation, plantations, mines, urbanisation and by the building of dams. Cultivation may have had a more extensive impact, indicated by land-cover data. No serious alien invasions are reported, but Acacia mearnsii can become dominant in disturbed areas.

Wakkerstoom Montane Grassland

Figure 5-31: Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii).

The Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. It occurs from the escarpment just north of Sheepmoor (north) to southeast of Utrecht, and then from the vicinity of Volksrust in the west to Mandhlangampisi Mountain near Lunebrg in the east.

This unit is a less obvious continuation of the escarpment that links the southern and northern Drakensburg escarpments. It straddles this divide and is comprised of low mountains and undulating plains . The vegetation comprises predominantly short montane grasslands on the plateaus and the relatively flat area, with short forest and Leucosidea thickets occurring along steep, mainly east facing slopes and drainage areas. L. Sericea is the dominant woody pioneer species that invades areas as a result of grazing mismanagement.

This unit is less threatened with a conservation target of 27%, however less than 1% is statutorily protected in the Paardeplaats Nature Reserve. There are 10 South African Natural Heritage Sites in this unit, although very little of it is formally protected. Land use pressures from agriculture are low (5% cultivated) probably owing to the colder climate and shallower soils. The area is also suited to afforestation, with more than 1% under Acacia mearnsii and Eucalyptus plantations. The black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is an aggressive invader of riparian areas and the erosion potential is very low.

Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland The Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland is located in both the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, mainly in the broad surrounds of Piet Retief, Paulpietersburg, and Vryheid, extending westwards to east of Wakkerstroom. This unit occurs in the upper most catchments of the Phongolo River.

The unit is mainly undulating with moderately steep slopes, but valley basins are wide and flat and mountainous areas occur mostly along the northern and eastern boundary. Tall closed grassland rich in forbs and dominated by Tristachya leucothrix, Themda triandra and Hyparrhenia hirta. Evergreen woody vegetation is characteristic on rocky outcrops.



The unit is seen as vulnerable with a conservation target of 24%. Only a very small portion is statutorily conserved in Witbad, Vryheid Mountain, Paardeplaats and Phongola Bush Nature Reserves. Some private reserves protect small patches (Rooikraal, Mhlongamvula, Kombewaria). About one third is already transformed by plantations or cultivated land. Heavy livestock grazing and altered fire regimes have greatly reduced the area of grasslands of high conservation value. Aliens such as species of Acacia, Eucalyptus and Pinus are a major concern in places. The erosion potential is very low.

Figure 5-32: Tristachya leucothrix.

KaNgwane Montane Grassland The KaNgwane Montane Grassland is situated in Mpumalanga and Swaziland, and marginally into northern KwaZulu-Natal. The unit occurs along the gentle slopes of the Escarpment from the Phongolo Valley in the south, northwards to the Usutu Valley and to the uppermost Lomati Valley near Carolina, including the western grassland areas of Swaziland.

Figure 5-33: Plantations.

The vegetation unit largely comprises of undulating hills and plains that occur on the eastern edge off the escarpment. This unit is transitional between the Highveld and the escarpment and contains elements of both. The vegetation structure comprises of a short closed grassland layer with many forbs, and a few scattered shrubs on the rocky outcrops.

This unit is considered vulnerable with a conservation target of 27%. Only 0.4% is protected within formally proclaimed nature reserves (Malalotja, Nooitgedacht Dam, and Songimvelo). A number of private conservation areas protect small patches of this unit. It is well suited for afforestation and 30% has already been converted to plantations of alien trees. A further 6% is under cultivation.

Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland The Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland occurs in the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. This vegetation unit extends in a north-south band from just south of Ermelo, down through Amersfoort to the Memel area in the south. The vegetation unit is comprised of undulating grassland plains, with small scattered portions of dolerite outcrops in areas. The vegetation is comprised of a short closed grassland cover, largely dominated by a dense Themeda triandra sward, often severely grazed to form a short lawn.



The Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland is considered vulnerable. The conservation target for this unit is 27% but none is protected. Some 25% of the unit is transformed, predominantly by cultivation (22%). The area is not suited to afforestation. Silver and black wattle (Acacia species), and Salix babylonica invade drainage areas. The erosion potential is however very low.

Figure 5-34: Themeda triandra.

Northern Zululand Misbelt Grassland

Figure 5-35: Eucalyptus Tree.

The Northern Zululand Misbelt Grassland is, as the name suggests, located in KwaZulu-Natal specifically on the crests and slopes of the Ngome Mountain range and the Ngoje Mountain surrounding Louwsburg as well as some smaller mountainous areas of Langkrans, KwaCeze, KwaNtimbankulu and Nhlazatshe. Located on gentle to steep upper slopes of mountains formed by hard dolerite dykes dominated by relatively forb-rich, tall sour Themeda triandra grasslands.

This vegetation unit is seen as vulnerable with a 23% conservation target. Only about 3% is statutorily conserved in the Ithala Nature Reserve and in the Ntendeka Wilderness Area of the Ngome State Forest. Some 22% has been transformed for plantations or cultivated land. Threats to the remaining grasslands are heavy selective grazing by livestock and extensive annual burning. Spread of alien Acacia mearnsii and Eucalyputs species is a serious concern.

Income Sandy Grassland The Income Sandy Grassland is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province in a large triangle between Newcastle, Vryheid and Dundee and a larger polygon in the Wasbank area in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The vegetation unit occurs in very flat extensive areas with generally shallow, poorly drained, sandy soils supporting low, tussock-dominated sourveld forming a mosaic with wooded grasslands (with Acacia sieberiena var. woodii) and on well-drained sites with the trees A. Karroo, A. Nilotica, A. Caffra and Diospyros lyciodes. On disturbed sites A. Sieberiana var. woodii can form sparse



woodlands. Aristida congesta, Cynodon dactylon and Microchloa caffra are common on shallow soils.

Figure 5-36: Aristida congesta.

The vegetation unit is considered vulnerable with a conservation target of 23%. None of this vegetation unit is currently in statutory conservation areas. Approximately 27% has been transformed for cultivation, plantations and by urban sprawl. A small portion of the area has been lost due to the building of dams (Klipfontein and Mvunyane). No serious invasions of aliens have been observed (probably due to the low nutrient status of the soils).

Northern KwaZulu-Natal Shrubland The Northern KwaZulu-Natal Shrubland is located in the KwaZulu-Natal province with a widely scattered group of patches. The unit is embedded within sub-escarpment grassland units of Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland, KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld, and Income Sandy Grassland units, from Ladysmith in the west to Vryheid in the northeast. Large portions of this unit are found in the surrounds of Newcastle.

Figure 5-37: Clerodendrum glabrum

The landscape comprises of small dolerite koppies and steeper slopes of ridges with sparse grass cover and typical occurance of scattered shrubland pockets (and locally also thickets). Acacia caffra, A. natalitia, Clerodendrum glabrum, Diospryos lycioides, Rhus pyroides, R. pentheri, Scutia myrtina etc are the most prominent shrubs and small trees.

This vegetation unit is classified as least threatened with a conservation target of 23%. Currently less than 1% is statutorily conserved in the Spioenkop Nature Reserve and about 3% is transformed by cultivation.

Ithala Quartzite Sourveld The Ithala Quartzite Sourveld occurs in the Mpumalanga and KawZulu-Natal provinces. The unit is confined to large quartzite patches that occur from Amsterdam, southwards east of Piet Retief and through Mahamba, to the Paris dam and Ithala Game Reserve, with isolated outcrops near Magudu. This unit is located in low mountain ranges and undulating hills with rocky lowlands. The general pattern is a mosaic of woody shrubs and small trees in rocky areas, interspersed in the grass layer. The vegetation structure varies according to altitude and rockiness, but the basal density of the grass sward is relatively low. This unit occurs in the zone between Grassland and Savanna where the dominant



grassland gives way to woodland as elevation decreases. The grasslands are species rich covering a variety of altitudes but sharing common species unique to the dystrophic quartzite geology.

This vegetation unit is considered least threatened and the 27% conservation target has not been reached. A total of 10% of this unit is protected within the Ithala Game Reserve. Land use pressures on this unit are low, probably because of its low nutrient status and rocky nature. Approximately 5 % is under plantations and a further 5% has been transformed into cultivated land.

Savanna Biome Most Savanna has an herbaceous layer usually dominated by grass species and a discontinuous to sometimes very open tree layer. The following Savanna vegetation units are present in the proposed study area

• Eastern Valley Bushveld;

• Swaziland Sour Bushveld;

• Zululand Lowveld;

• Northern Zululand Sourveld;

• Ngongoni Veld; and

• Zululand Coastal Thornveld.

Eastern Valley Bushveld The Eastern Valley Bushveld is characteristic of the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, occurring in deeply incised valleys of rivers including the lower reaches of the Thukela, Mvoti, Mgeni, Mlazi, Mkhomazi, Mzimkulu, Mzimkulwana, Mtamvuna, Mtentu, Msikaba, Mzimvubu (and its several tributaries), Mthatha, Mbhashe, Shixini, Qhorha and Great Kei Rivers. This vegetation unit very seldom extends to the coast.

Figure 5-38: Aloe subspecies.

The unit comprises of semi-deciduous savanna woodlands in a mosaic with thickets, often succulent and dominated by species of Euphorbia and Aloe. Most of the river valleys run along a northwest-southwest axis which results in unequal distribution of rainfall on respective north-facing and south-facing slopes since the rain-bearing winds blow from the south. The steep north-facing slopes are sheltered from the rain and also receive greater amounts of insulation adding to xerophilous conditions on these slopes.

This unit is considered least threatened with a conservation target of 24%. Only 0.8% is statutorily conserved, mainly in the Luchaba Wildlife Reserve and small patches are also conserved in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. Approximately 15% has been transformed mainly by cultivation. Alien



invasive species are a serious threat with Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara and Caeslpinia decapetala being most problematic.

Swaziland Sour Bushveld The Swaziland Sour Bushveld is located in the Mpumalanga province, Swaziland and marginally in KwaZulu-Natal. It occurs from Badplaas, Tjakastad east to the Piggs Peak area in the north, southwards through valleys around Manzini and slopes around the Grand Valley, with some isolated mountain outcrops in the lowveld plains, for example the Nkambeni Hills and the Bulungu Mountains.

The vegetation is characteristic of an open to closed, medium to tall tree layer with a closed well-developed grass layer. The landscape is very hilly with moderate to steep slopes. The unit is considered vulnerable with a conservation target of 19%. Only about 6% is statutorily conserved in mainly the Songimvelo, Ithala and Malalotja Nature Reserves, and a further 0.5% is conserved in the Mlilwane Game Sanctuary in Swaziland. Approximately 21% of this unit has been transformed by cultivation and plantations.

Zululand Lowveld The Zululand Lowveld occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal province, Swaziland and Mpumalanga province with the main extent occurring from around Big Bend south of Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Ulundi to just north of the Ongoye Forest. An isolated patch is found in the Swaziland-Mpumalanga border.

The landscape is extensively flat or only slightly undulating supporting a complex of various bushveld units ranging from dense thickets of Dichrostachys cineria and Acacia species, through park-like savanna with flat topped A. tortilis to tree dominated woodland with broad-leaved open bushveld with Sclerocarya birrea subspecies caffra and A. Nigrescens. Tall grassland types occur with sparsely scattered solitary trees and shrubs from a mosaic with the typical savanna thornveld, bushveld and thicket patches.

Figure 5-39: Dichrostachys cineria.

This unit is considered vulnerable with a conservation target of 19%. Approximately 11% is statutorily conserved mainly in the Hluhluwe-iMolozi Park and Phongolapoort Nature Reserve. Almost 1% is protected in the private Masibekela Wetland. Much of the area between Magudu, Mkuze and Nongoma is managed as private game farms and lodges. Approximately 26% of the area has been transformed, mostly by cultivation.

Northern Zululand Sourveld The Northern Zululand Sourveld occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal province and in Swaziland, from the Lusthof area in Swaziland southwards with scattered patches in northern Zululand in the surrounds of



Hlomohlomo, east of Louwsburg, Nongoma and the vicinity of Ulundi including Nkandla. It occurs in the highest altitudes of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

The dominant structural vegetation type in this unit is wooded grassland, in places pure sour grasslands occur and rarely dense bushveld thickets. The terrain is low, undulating mountains and sometimes highly dissected.

This unit is considered vulnerable with a 19% conservation target. Only 4% is statutorily conserved, mainly in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the Ithala Game Reserve. Approximately 22% of this unit is already transformed, mainly by cultivation and plantations.

Ngongoni Veld Th Ngongoni Veld is located in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, from Melmoth in the north to near Libode in the former Transkei (including Eshowe, New Hanover, Camperdown, Eston, Richmond, Dumisa, Harding, Lusikisiki and the Libode area). The vegetation is dense, with tall grassland overwhelmingly dominated by unpalatable, wry Ngongoni grass (Aristida junciformis), with this monodominance associated with low species diversity. Wooded (thornveld) areas are found in valleys at lower altitudes, where this vegetation unit grades into KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld and Bhisho Thornveld. Termitaria, support bush clumps with Acacia species, Cussonia spicata, Ziziphus mucronata, Coddia rudis, Ehretia rigida etc.

This unit is considered vulnerable with a 25% conservation target. Only less than 1% of this unit is statutorily conserved in the Ophathe and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserves. Approximately 39% has been transformed for cultivation, plantations and urban development.

Zululand Coastal Thornveld The Zululand Coastal Thornveld only occurs the KwaZulu-Natal province, immediately west of Mtubtuba (in the north) and Empangeni (in the south) bisected by the iMfolozi River, extending westwards for 10-20km. The area is characteristic of gently rolling landscapes supporting wooded grassland dominated by Themeda triandra. The bush clumps are a strong feature and are more numerous on deeper soils, with Phoenix reclinata and Gymnosporia senegalensis usually dominant. These plant communities are species rich relative to the surrounding vegetation units. They grade into dense Acacia woodland on dry slopes and riverine bushland thickets and Lowveld Riveriene Forest in valley bottoms.

Figure 5-40: Sugar Cane Field.



This unit is considered endangered with a 19% conservation target. None of the area is protected in statutory conservation areas. It is highly transformed (58%), mostly by cultivation. This is high potential agricultural land, which is already much transformed to sugar cane. Most of the area is communal land. Large areas close to towns, such as Mtubatuba, are becoming an urban sprawl. Very little of the natural plant communities remain intact, heavy grazing has depleted the grasslands and wood harvesting has depleted the bush clumps, reducing them to the resistant and less useful species. Stunted forms of many of the woody species (e.g. Euclea, Diospyros, Gymnosporia, Maytenus) invade the grasslands in many places. Currently it is rare to find a site still with its natural plant composition. Themeda triandra, a ‘decreaser species’ has declined to critically low levels. Alien plant invasions are a threat, with Chromolaena odorata being the most problematic.

Kwa-Zulu Natal Highland Thornveld The KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld vegetation unit is occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal province, in patches scattered immediately above the Eastern Valley Bushveld unit, in river valleys mainly the Mpisi (in the Thukela River catchment), Mvoti, Umgeni (below the Howick falls). Mlazi, Lufafa (vicinity of Ixopo) and Mtungwane (tributaries of the Mkomazi).

The vegetation is open thornveld dominated by Acacia species on undulating plains found on upper margins of river valleys. This unit is considered vulnerable with a 25% conservation target. None of this unit is currently conserved in statutory conservation areas. Approximately 22% has already been transformed by cultivation and some urban or built-up areas.

Indian Ocean Coastal Belt The Indian Ocean Coastal Belt (IOCB) covers the seaboard in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. This coastal belt in its subtropical facies extends beyond the national borders into Mozambique as far north as the Limpopo River mouth. The Maputaland Coastal Belt is the only vegetation unit from the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biome in the proposed study area, a description of this unit is provided below:

Maputaland Coastal Belt The Maputaland Coastal Belt occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal province (and continues into southern Mozambique), and occurs in an up to 35km broad strip along the coast of the Indian Ocean stretching from the Mozambique border in the north to Mtunzini in the south.

Figure 5-41: Maputaland Coastal Belt.

The landscape is characteristic of a flat coastal plain originally probably densely forested in places with a wide range of interspersed non-forest plant communities including dry grasslands (which include palm veld where special conditions prevail), hydrophilous grasslands and thicket groups. Today the vegetation landscape is composed of various forest types (separated into different vegetation units), thickets, primary and secondary grasslands, extensive timber plantations and cane fields.



This vegetation unit is classified as vulnerable with a conservation target of 25%. 15% is statutorily conserved in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park as well as Zileza, Enseleni and Amathikulu Nature Reserves. More than 30% has been transformed for plantations and cultivation and by urban spawl. Aliens include scattered populations of Chromolaena odorata and Lantana camara. This vegetation type has a relatively high number of plant taxa at the southernmost and northernmost limits of their distribution range.

Forests Indigenous forests in South Africa is defined as “a generally multilayered vegetation unit dominated by trees (largely evergreen or semi-deciduous), whose combined strata have overlapping crowns (i.e. the crown cover is 75% or more), and where graminoids in the herbaceous stratum (if present) are generally rare”. The following types of forests are present in the study area and are outlined below:

• Northern Afrotemperate Forests; and

• Southern Misbelt Forests.

Northern Afrotemperate Forests The Northern Afrotemperate Forests occur in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng and Limpopo provinces (as well as Lesotho), they are restricted to mountain kloofs and low ridges (Strydpoortberg, Waterberg, Pilanesburg, Witwatersrand, Magaliesburg, Suikerbosrand, Sekhukhuneland) interrupting the relatively flat northern Highveld. This group aso comprises forests found in kloofs along the northern and eastern flanks of the Drakensburg and those found on the slopes and scarps of Low Escarpment between Van Reenen’s Pass and Pongola Bush near Piet Retief. The westernmost localities of these forests are found in the Koranaberg (close to Thaba ‘Nchu).

This vegetation unit is characteristic of relatively species-poor forests of afromontane origin and some of them still show clear afromontane character. They can be found in small patches in kloofs and on sub-ridge scarps at high altitudes. The canopy is usually dominated by Podocarpus latifolius, Olinia emarginata, Halleria lucida, Scolopia mundii, and rarely also by Widdringtonia nodiflora, in drier facies also by Pittosporum viridiflorum, Celtis Africana, Mimusops zeyheri, Nuxia congest and Combretum erythrophyllum. Xymalos monospora sometimes dominate patches of species-poor mistbelt forests of northern KwaZulu-Natal.

This vegetation unit is considered least threatened with a conservation target of 31%. Approximately 30% is statutorily conserved in uKhahlamba Drakensburg Park, Phongols Bush, Vryheid Mountain, Poccolan/Robinson;s Bush, Ngome and Ncandu Nature Reserves, Magaliesburg Nature Area, Merville Ridge, Paardeplaats, Rustenburg, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserves, Marekele National Park and Pilanesburg Game Reserve . Some private nature reserves (e.g. Mooibron, Mhlongamvula, Tafelkop, Oudehoutdraai, Oshoek, and Ossewakop) protect some patches too. Occasional hot fires encroaching from the surrounding savanna woodlands, uncontrolled timber extraction, medicinal-plant harvesting, and grazing in forest can be viewed as current major threats.



Southern Misbelt Forests The Southern Misbelt Forests occur in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. These forest vary in size and occur in fire-shadow habitats on south and southeast facing slopes and located along the Great Escarpment, spanning a large area from Somerset East, the Amothole Mountains, scarps of Transkei to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as far east as Ulundi. In KwaZulu-Natal these forests are found in a wide band sandwiched between the Drakensburg Montane Forests and Northern KwaZulu-Natal Misbelt Forests at higher altitudes and Eastern Scarp Forests at lower altitudes.

On the Great Escarpment (Amothole, Transkei Escarpment) and in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands these forests are tall (15-20m tall) and multilayered (having two layers of trees, a dense shrubby understorey and a well-developed herb layer). The forests found on low-altitude scarps are low (in places having the character of a shrub forest), and although less structured into different tree layers, they are still species rich. The tall forests show a mix of coarse-grained, canopy gap/disturbance driven dynamics and fine-grained, regeneration characteristics. Further east (Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands) Podocarpus henkelii become prominent in the canopy layer. Deciduous elements play an important role.

In terms of the fauna and avi-fauna in the study area a terrestrial ecologist and ornithologist have been appointed to undertake the required specialist studies in the study area during the Impact Assessment phase of the project. This information will include detailed species lists for the area and will be made available for public comment.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to ecology (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Specific endemic and endangered species found in the study area were mentioned by stakeholders

5.6 Conservation Areas and Tourism

Methodology and Data Sources The identification of conservation areas was undertaken through the desktop evaluation using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and relevant data sources (October 2010). The data was taken from the Environmental Potential Atlas Data from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).

Regional Description The following conservation areas are located in or adjacent to the study area:

• Ngwempisi;

• Kombewaria;

• Langfontein;

• Ossewakop;

• Wakkerstroom Wetland Nature Reserve;



• Oudhoutdraai;

• Wakkerstroom Campsite / Martins Dam;

• Ntinini Nature Reserve;

• eMakhosini – Ophathe Heritage Park;

• Ophate;

• Goedhoek Farm;

• Ntinini field;

• Ngome.

Several private nature reserves are present in the study area. These will be investigated in the Impact Assessment Phase of the project. Stakeholders are urged to provide information on any private games reserves that may be present in the study area.

These areas together with dams and historical monuments and sites are seen as major tourist attractions in the study area.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to tourism (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Wakkerstroom, game farms, bird watching, visual aesthetics, hiking trails, heritage tours



Figure 5-42: Conservation areas in the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-43: Conservation areas in the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-44: Conservation areas in the southern portion of the study area.



5.7 Land Use and Agricultural Potential

Methodology and Data Sources Land Use was determined utilizing a GIS desktop study and confirmed during the site investigations conducted on the 30-31 August 2010. The site investigation involved ground truthing the Land Use according to the maps produced using the desktop analysis. The data was obtained from the Council for Scientific Investigation and Research (CSIR). Their Land Cover database was used create the desktop maps.

Regional Description The study area is currently dominated by the following land uses:

• Unimproved / improved grassland;

• Forest plantations

• Cultivated: permanent / temporary - commercial dryland;

• Cultivated: permanent / temporary - commercial irrigated;

• Cultivated: permanent - commercial sugarcane;

• Herbland

• Forest and woodland;

• Water bodies;

• Barren rock;

• Mines and quarries;

• Dongas and sheet erosion; and

• Urban areas.

• The prominent problematic land uses are described below:

Forest Plantations There are several forest plantations in the area. Several impacts may be posed upon the timber industry such as:

• If timber is lost to the servitudes, additional land for farming timber is difficult to acquire because of restricted water licences.

• Eskom effectively only allows the timber companies one day for burning their fire breaks. This process is managed by the timber companies own staff. The more servitudes through timber will place even greater pressure on the current teams and work programme.

• Larger servitudes of 104 metres as opposed to 90 metres are required for a 765kV power line in plantation areas.



ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to land use / agriculture (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• What type of agricultural land is preferred for a transmission power line? • Water Use Licenses in plantation areas cannot be renewed or reapplied for • Loss of land; • Loss of income; • Loss of value of land; • Security; • Crime; • Fire fighting aircrafts • Crop spraying

Sugarcane The Sugar Cane farms vary in size with sugar cane being harvested every eighteen months. One of the potential problems that result from power lines intersecting a sugarcane farm is the impact of burning of sugar cane. Although not widely practiced, trashing, i.e. when cane is cut rather than burnt, can be undertaken as an alternative, however this presents its own set of problems. In the lower lying areas of the study area, i.e. (Empangeni), this practice is more willingly followed however:

• This practice is more labour intensive;

• It becomes more expensive in the high lying areas where the cane needs to be older when it is cut; thus more leaves need to be cut, impacting on labour costs. More lines next to each other will have an even greater impact on this practice;

• The removal of the leaves is imperative to enable a clear view of the top and bottom of the stalk;

• It is important to cut the cane as close to the ground as possible to ensure that proper ratooning (shooting of new leaves) can occur. Also, as much of the stalk is necessary to send to the mill.

• The stalk has to be cut before the “sheath of cane” situated at the top of the stalk, as this contains water as opposed to sucrose. The mill pays the farmer for sucrose content;

• Transport costs are extremely high (some farmers transport cane (70 to 80km to the closest mill). It is necessary to ensure that the leaves do not contribute unnecessary weight.

In some areas, the difficulties related to trashing are similar to those mentioned above, with the following additions. The issues associated with the “trash blanket” ( i.e. the remaining leaves after the stalks have been transported) include:

• The trash blanket can have positive spin-offs, it maintains moisture and protects the soil and plants until there is substantial growth. However, in autumn, spring and winter lighter trash blankets are necessary as the upper reaches do not enjoy the heat units of the lower units, making growth more difficult.



• The trash blanket poses a fire hazard to the sugar and neighbouring timber farms; while there are dead leaves on the stalk as the cane ages, the leaves are only there for a certain part of the growth period until they are burned with the cane. Once this burning has taken place, the period during which the fire risk is reduced is almost a year. The trash blanket remains on the ground for a period of nine months; increasing the fire risks. There are, however, statutory fire breaks within the farm boundary as well as along the farm boundaries between the timber. This must be taken into account when negotiating the placement of the towers.

There are areas where farmers have been allowed to maintain the sugar cane crops within the servitudes and where burning is permitted. However, this is not without its problems:

• Burning may only take place during times agreed to with Eskom, farmers find that Eskom is inflexible in switching power off to let them burn, and they are forced to burn in conditions that they would not usually burn in. These times are normally limited between 04:00 to 07:00.

• Eskom has to be notified well in advance (days) so that Eskom may determine the status of the grid to permit the switching off of the lines for the agreed to period.

• The climatic conditions in the lower part of the study area limit these opportunities to early morning and late evening, dew falls making it difficult to light the fire. These times coincide with Eskom’s peak load times. The Sugar Cane Farmers prefer still conditions for burning whereas Eskom does not.

• Sugar Cane Farmers are therefore forced to burn other parts of their crops and/or miss the opportunity completely. If an additional 765kV line is to traverse certain properties, the situation will almost be untenable.

• Organised burning in the area is a rare event, easier to manage “green cane harvesting” under the servitude for compensation.

• Adding another line to farms that already have lines will result in farms no longer being economically viable.

• Smaller in size, farms that have recently been re-distributed will also find themselves in non-economically viable positions.

• The towers pose difficulties during the harvesting process as tractors have difficulty in manoeuvring around the structures.

Figure 5-45: Left-Eucalyptus plantations; Right-Sugar cane plantations.



ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to sugar cane farming (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Cost of green harvesting • Economies of scale • Crop spraying; • Loss of land • Loss of income; • Height of pylons • Timing of burning

Mines and quarries There are several mines and quarries in the study area. These are located between Dirkiesdorp and Piet Retief in the northern portion of the study area, near Utrecht and Claremont central western portion of the study area and to the east of Vryheid in the central eastern portions of the study area.

None of the potential corridors cross over any of these areas and therefore there is no potential impact to these areas.

Several small quarries may exist in the study area and will be ground truthed during field investigation in the next phase of this EIA.

Urban Areas Several towns are present in and adjacent to the study area, these are as follows:

• Camden;

• Volksrust;

• Wakkerstroom;

• Groenvlei;

• Utrecht;

• Claremont;

• Nondweni;

• Babanango;

• Melmoth;

• Nkwalini;

• Bashibisi;

• Empangeni;

• KwaMahlati;

• Kwa-Ceza;

• Gluckstadt;

• Paulpietersburg;

• Piet Retief; and

• Sheepmoor.

An effort was made during the screening process to avoid, where possible, as many urban and conservations areas.



Sensitivities Conservation areas are seen as environmental sensitivities although game will be able to pass under the proposed power line. These areas are sensitive from a visual (aesthetic) perspective, additionally they may result in avi-fauna collisions and electrocutions.

Urban, sugar cane, plantations and mines are already disturbed areas from a environmental perspective however they are socially sensitive land uses that require further investigation in the Impact Assessment Phase.

The various land uses in the study area are illustrated in Figure 5-46 to Figure 5-48. The agricultural potential in the study area will be assessed in the Impact Assessment Phase. This will be undertaken by means of a soil and agricultural potential specialist study as proposed in Chapter 8 of this report. A desktop illustration of the agricultural potential is provided in Figure 5-49 to Figure 5-51.



Figure 5-46: Regional land use of the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-47: Regional land use of the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-48: Regional land use of the southern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-49: Regional agricultural potential of the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-50: Regional agricultural potential of the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-51: Regional agricultural potential of the southern portion of the study area.



5.8 Infrastructure

Methodology and Data Sources Infrastructure was identified using the 1:50 000 topocadastral maps of the area, and information provided by Eskom regarding existing services. A site fly over was undertaken to verify this information.


Roads There is an extensive network of provincial tar roads that form the access backbone to the study area. Secondary district dirt roads provide access to all the more rural areas, plantations and farms through which the proposed lines will pass. Access to the proposed lines may only need to be constructed in tribal land where there are no existing roads and for the last short distances on private land serviced by the existing road network.

Only one national road is present in the direct study area, namely the N17/N2 which is intersected by segment alternative AP several times north of Piet Retief. Other major roads in the study area are the R33, R34, R66, R68 and R69.

Other roads in the area provide linkages between different rural settlements and are generally of a poor standard and poorly maintained. This prevents physical integration and encourages segregation due to physical constraints and distances between settlements

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to roads (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Feasibility of crossing roads.

Railways Alternative segment AP runs parallel to the railway line between Ermelo and Paulpietersburg and IJ runs parallel to the railway between Nkwalini and Empangeni. Additionally the following segments cross over existing railway lines:

• Segment MN crosses over the railway line between Vryheid and Langkrans;

• Segment AM crosses over the railway line between Ermelo and Paulpietersburg;

• Segment DE crosses over the railway line between Dundee and Vryheid;

• Segment CD crosses over the railway between Newcastle and Utrecht

• NL 2 crosses over the railway between

• BC crosses over the railway between Amersfoort and Wakkerstroom and again between Wakkerstroom and Volksrust



• OI crosses over the railway between Nseleni and Makhazane

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to railway lines (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Electromagnetic Field impacts on the railway line • Feasibility of crossing railway lines

Power Lines There are several existing power lines in the study area, the majority of which are 400kV power lines. A 765kV power line runs from an area between Amersfoort and Perdekop, along alternative segment BC to the west of Wakkerstroom in a south easterly direction to an area north of Dennydalton.

Airfields

Several airfields are present in the study area. These airfields must be avoided to ensure that they remain operational and are safe to the users. The airfields are mainly utilised for crop spraying and fire fighting purposes. A effort has been made to ensure the power line corridors avoid airfields where possible.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to airfields (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Fire fighting aircrafts • Crop spraying



Figure 5-52: Infrastructure in the northern portion of the study area.



Figure 5-53: Infrastructure in the central portion of the study area.



Figure 5-54: Infrastructure in the southern portion of the study area.



5.9 Social and Economic

Methodology and Data Sources Information on population demographics for the study area was taken from Census 2001 data as well as district and local municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDP).


Socio-Demographic Profile The study area falls within the KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces. As such the social and economic regional description for each of these provinces is described below separately.

KwaZulu Natal The KwaZulu Natal province is home to approximately 9.4 million people, which accounts for 21% of the total South African population. The rural population accounts for approximately 58% (5.3 million).

The total population in the potentially affected municipalities within the province is estimated at approximately 2.3 million people of which majority (732,529) stay within the uThungulu District Municipality. uThungulu has the 4th highest population in the province after eThekwini (Durban and surrounds), Umgungundlovu (Pietermaritzburg and surrounds) and Ugu District Municipality (coastal towns such as Port Shepstone Pennington, Margate and Scottburgh). Close to a third (32.6%) of the uThungulu District Municipality’s population resides within the uMhlatuze Local Municipalities boundary, whilst a quarter (25.0%) lives in uMlalazi Local Municipality.

The table below illustrates the various affected district and local municipalities together with the estimated populations, gender comparison and age analysis.

Table 5-3: Demographics of the potentially affected KwaZulu Natal municipalities in the study area.

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

POPULATION Pop %

Male %

Female %

0-19 %

20-64 %

65+ %

Amajuba (359,392) Utrecht 23 929 5.8 53.9 46.1 47.9 45.8 5.9

Zululand (672,258)

eDumbe 15024 10.5 47,3 52,7 41,7 53.5 4,8 uPhongolo 22112 15.5 46,9 53,1 40.06 56.40 3.54 Abaqulusi 36044 25.3 51 49 49.4 46.1 4.4 Ulundi 35319 24.8 54 46 55.6 39.9 4.7

uThungulu (732,529)

Nkandla 133589 15.1 43.0 57.0 57.5 36.4 6.1 Mthonyaneni 50372 5.7 45.8 54.2 51.2 44.0 4.7 uMhlathuze 289175 32.6 48.4 51.6 44.5 52.7 2.8 Umlalazi 221066 25.0 45.3 54.7 52.8 42.0 5.2

uMzinyathi (556,146)

Nqutu 164 887 33 44.9 55.1 55 42 3



Mpumalanga The Mpumalanga province is home to approximately 3.1 million people, which accounts for 7% of the total South African population.

The total population in the potentially affected municipalities within the province is estimated at approximately 383,173 people of which majority (148,938) stay within the Mkhondo Local Municipality.

The table below illustrates the various affected district and local municipalities together with the estimated populations.

Table 5-4: Demographics of the potentially affected Mpumalanga municipalities in the study area.

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

POPULATION Pop %

Male %

Female %

0-19 %

20-64 %

65+ %

Gert Sibande

Pixley Ka Seme 92,210 9.3 48.05 51.95 Mkhondo 148,938 15 49.21 50.79 Msukaligwa 142,025 14.4 49.45 50.55

Further information on the socio-economic status within the study area will be discussed in greater detail once a Social Impact Assessment has been undertaken

Sensitivities Social issues that may result from the project are as follows:

• Changes to quality of life and sense of place,

• Noise pollution,

• Influx of job seekers,

• Influx of construction workers,

• Crime and security,

• Impact on farm sizes and loss of farm land; and

• Negative financial influence of properties.

These issues will be assessed by the Social specialist in the Impact Assessment phase of the project.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to social impacts (these are captured in Appendix H of this report):

• Loss of land; • Loss of income;



• Loss of value of land; • Security; • Crime; • Sense of place; • Livelihood • Tourism • Visual

5.10 Heritage

Methodology and Data Sources Heritage data in the study area was sourced from the Amafa / Heritage KwaZulu Natal (the provincial heritage conservation agency for KwaZulu Natal)

Regional Description The study area is rich in heritage. Various monuments, heritage parks, caves and other historical buildings are located in the study area representing various historical moments in South Africa’s history.

Due to the vast heritage in the area an archaeological and cultural specialist will be appointed to undertake a Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment in the Impact Assessment Phase of this EIA. During this phase of the EIA the specialist will provide a comprehensive summary of the history of the study area and potential historical areas that may be affected by the proposed project. Some of the main historical tourist attractions in the area summarised below (http://www.heritagekzn.co.za/):

• Border Cave: Located in the Lebombo Mountains on the border between South Africa and Swaziland. It is an extremely rich archaeological site with more than a million Stone Age artefacts having been recovered along with some of the earliest anatomically modern Homo Sapiens remains ever discovered.

• Ghost mountain - Tshanene: After the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, King Cetshwayo was deposed as king of the Zulu and Zululand was partitioned into 13 sections which were parcelled out to various individuals including Cetshwayo and the Scottish trader John Dunn. Chaos erupted and following an audience with Queen Victoria, Cetshwayo was restored to his former position by the British. The power of the royal house had been sapped however, and a civil war broke out in Zululand with Zibebhu, in particular, disputing Prince Dinuzulu’s right of succession to the Zulu throne in 1884.Dinuzulu first appealed to the British for help in ensuring his succession but eventually obtained Boer help in return for land. A group of Boer farmers from Utrecht and Vryheid, led by General Louis Botha, formed Dinuzulu's Volunteers and, after several clashes with Zibebhu, defeated him on 5 June 1884 at the Battle of Ghost Mountain. In the battle, also known as the Battle of Tshaneni, Zibebhu’s forces were defeated and the slaughter was carried out with such vigour that human bones were still lying on the battlefield 20 years later. No less than six of Zibhebhu’s brothers were killed in the battle although he managed to escape.

http://www.heritagekzn.co.za/)



• The Ceza Caves: Located on Ceza Mountain, were the scene of the final act in Dinuzulu’s resistance against the British annexation of Zululand. After the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, Zululand had been partitioned into 13 sections which were parcelled out to individual chiefs. To stem the chaos which erupted, Cetshwayo was restored as Paramount Chief , but civil war broke out in Zululand and his son Dinuzulu, succeeded him after his death 1884. The young king was placed in the care of the Usuthu faction who established a refuge for him in caves located in the Ceza Forest. Dinuzulu eventually defeated his rival Zibhebhu with Boer aid and was installed as king The Boers then claimed the land they had been promised for their services and, Dinuzulu believing they wanted too much, appealed to the British for help. Instead, the British annexed the whole of Zululand and Dinuzulu retaliated in 1887 by mounting attacks against Zulus loyal to Britain and trying to drive white traders and missionaries out of Zululand. The authorities in Natal appealed to the Cape for help and, in 1888, 2000 British troops were sent to Eshowe to mount operations against Dinuzulu, who was besieging a fort at the mouth of the iMfolozi River. Six hundred men under the command of Major McKean, of the 6th Royal Dragoons, and a young officer called Robert Baden-Powell, marched to relieve the fort, which occurred with little trouble. Baden-Powell was detailed to track down Dinuzulu and eventually found him and his followers sheltering in caves on Ceza mountain. They Zulus managed to escape during the night before the attack and fled into the Transvaal Republic. Dinuzulu realised that he could not win against the British and surrendered to them some time later.

• Grave of King Dingane: King Dingane fled north after the battle of Blood River in 1838 and established a new homestead in the Hluhluwe River Valley and launched an invasion of Swaziland, which was repulsed, but was to be a prime cause of his death. Mpande, the king’s half brother, fled southward in September 1839 with his followers to claim protection from the Boers, fearing that Dingane was intending to have him killed. Mpande and the Boers eventually agreed to attack the king’s forces and this eventually led to the battle of Maquongqo, in which Dingane’s forces were defeated. He fled into the Lebombo mountains. He built a homestead, called Esankoleni on the slopes of Hlatikulu hill in the territory of Silevana who was acting as regent for Sambane, heir to the Nyawo chieftainship. Silevana saw King Dingane’s presence as a threat and notified a Swazi patrol, under Sonyezane Dlamini. In 1840 the Swazi, with Nyawo help, surrounded the homestead and King Dingane was stabbed by Silevana when he came out of his hut. He was buried at Esankoleni, but the Nyawo were fearful of the possible consequences of killing Zulu Royalty, and tried to brush over their part in the deed by keeping the location of the grave a closely-guarded secret.

• Grave of Nkosinkulu: Nkosinkulu settled in the Emakhosini Valley in the early 17th century. He was the progenitor of the Zulu clan. Little else is known of him, he is thought to have been born around 1627 and died in 1709.



Figure 5-55: Grave of Nkosinkulu.

• Grave of Sensangakhona: King Senzangakhona was a son of Jama and ruled the Zulu

clan until his death in 1816. He was the father of three successive Zulu kings – King Shaka, King Dingane and King Mpande.

Figure 5-56: Grave of Sensangakhona.

• Grave of Piet Retief: In November 1837 Piet Retief, hoping to be given vacant land for Boer settlers met with King Dingane at Mgungundlovu. As part of an agreement, Retief agreed to retrieve 300 Zulu cattle stolen by Sikonyela. Retief deceived Sikonyela and ransomed him for all his cattle, guns and horses. Apart from the 300 Zulu cattle, Retief auctioned the balance of the spoils. In February 1838 Retief returned to Mgungundlovu and was received by King Dingane who was already wary of

white settlers. Retief’s handling of Sikonyela confirmed King Dingane’s suspicions and after a meeting on 6 February 1838, the Retief party were taken to Kwamatiwane (Execution hill) and killed. Today the site is marked with a memorial at the top of the hill and a mass grave where the remains of the Boer party were buried. The hill was named Kwamatiwane after the leader of the amaNgwane people, Matiwane, who was put to death on the hill in 1829, along with his followers.



Figure 5-57: Grave of Piet Retief.

• Mgungundlovu: Mgungundlovu was the capital of the Zulu kingdom during the reign of King Dingane, from 1829 to 1838. Several such military settlements were established by King Dingane but he lived at Mgungundlovu. Excavations have revealed much about the Royal homestead, its layout and construction. Mgungundlovu was roughly oval in shape and was about 500 metres wide and over 600 metres long. There were as many as 1700 huts, and the settlement could accommodate up to 7000 people. The uhlangoti (warriors’ living quarters) was divided, by the main entrance, into two sections that formed the sides of the oval while the Royal area was situated at the top of the oval opposite the entrance. The vast central area was used as a cattle enclosure and like the rest of the camp was surrounded by palisade fencing made of thick timber. There were also areas for grain storage, brewing of beer and a smelting area for working copper. King Dingane’s hut, said to be the largest ever built, was located in the isigodlo (royal area) and had a diameter of 10 metres. Excavations have revealed charcoal remains of the supporting structure and the molten remains of the glass beads that decorated the interior. After defeat at the Battle of Ncome (Blood River) King Dingane had Mgungundlovu burned to the ground and fled the area.

Figure 5-58: Mgungundlovu.



• Nondewngu: This is the site of King Mpande’s homestead. Following Dingane’s murder of King Shaka, Mpande, fearing the same moved away from the Mgungundlovu area and was spared - unlike many family members. In 1839, following defeat by the Boers at the Battle of Ncome (Blood River) Dingane set fire to Mgungundlovu and fled north across the Pongola River where, three months later, he was killed. Mpande, third son of Senzangakona, was proclaimed King of the Zulus and returned to the Emakhosini area and built his royal residence at Ulundi. Mpande ruled for 32 years and died on 18 October 1872 at Nodwengu where he is buried. Today the site is marked by a large iq The Battle of Ulundi took place on July 4, 1879 after the British forces crossed the iMfolozi River as they marched on the Zulu capital Ondini. Today the site is marked by a stone monument that pays tribute to the Zulu and British soldiers who fell during the short but pivotal battle.

• Ulundi Battlefield: The British marched in a hollow square formation and halted on a low hill just 3 kilometres from Ondini. Their force of 5124 troops included 958 black volunteers was confronted by several Zulu regiments numbering around 15000 men. The 12 artillery pieces and two Gatling guns of the British cut through the Zulu advance and after half an hour the Zulu forces retreated, allowing the British to march on Ondini. On reaching the capital the British set fire to the many buildings forcing King Cetshwayo to flee and seek

refuge in Ngome forest. Two months after the battle the king was captured and exiled to the Cape. ukane (hut) built in the traditional style that serves as an interpretation centre.

Figure 5-59: Ulundi Battlefield.

• Ondini: Situated a few kilometres outside of the town of Ulundi, Ondini was the site of King Cetshwayo’s Royal residence. Today part of the residence has been reconstructed and there is a site museum. During King Mpande’s reign, two of his sons, Cetshwayo and Mbuyazi, fought the bloodiest battle in Zulu history to settle a succession dispute. At the battle of Ndodakusuka, Mbuyazi was killed and Cetshwayo became sole heir to the throne. When Mpande died in 1872, Cetshwayo became King of the Zulus and built Ondini, which means "high place". Ondini was built in the oval shape of Zulu capitals before it. A unique feature was a western style four-corner house within the isigodlo (royal enclosure) that served as a House of State. In 1879 British forces set fire to Ondini, heat from the fire baked the floors of the huts preserving them. Tradition forbids the re-use of royal ground so the Ondini site was virtually untouched until archeological and restoration work was started in 1981.

• Mtonjaneni: All of the Zulu kings chose to draw their water from a free running spring as opposed to a stream or river. At the top of the Mtonjaneni Pass, overlooking the Emakhosini Valley is a spring that served as a water source for King Dingane. Women who walked directly up the valley from Mgungundlovu collected water for the King.

Sensitivities All historical building older than 60 years and grave sites are seen as historical sensitivities.



ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to historical significance (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Fossils and graves identified on properties • Heritage tours • Bushman paintings



6. SCOPING PROCESS

6.1 Technical Process For the Scoping Phase of this EIA, the following technical process has been followed:

Pre-consultation meeting with client and Site Visit On notification and receipt of the appointment letter from Eskom, a project inception meeting was held on 10 August 2010 between Eskom and the Zitholele Consulting Project Team. During this project kick-off meeting the following was discussed:

• Project Scope and Requirements;

• Project Schedule;

• Identified Alternatives; and

• Identification of key stakeholders and role players.

Consultation with authorities, application forms and landowner consent The DEA EIA application form (Appendix B) for the proposed project was submitted to the DEA on 1 September 2010. Copies of the application form were sent to the applicable commenting provincial authorities, namely: the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (MDEDET) and the KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development (KZNEDEARD) on 7 September 2010.

As a point of departure, the I&AP database developed through other transmission EIA processes in the study area were used for initial project notification. The list of potentially affected properties is attached as Appendix C to this report. During the EIA the list of landowners will be confirmed.

Draft Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA The Draft Scoping Report (SR) was prepared with information and issues identified during the Scoping Phase activities. The Plan of Study (PoS) for EIA and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the envisaged specialist studies are included in Chapter 8 of the report. The Draft SR and PoS for EIA has been updated based on comments from key commenting authorities, public review and comments obtained from I&APs. After the public review period, the report was finalised and the Final Scoping Report and the PoS for EIA is being submitted to the DEA for acceptance and approval.

6.2 Public Participation Process Public participation is an essential and legislative requirement for environmental authorisation. The principles that demand communication with society at large are best embodied in the principles of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998, Chapter 1), South Africa’s overarching environmental law. In addition, Section 24 (5), Regulation 54-57 of GNR 543 under the National Environmental Management Act, guides the public participation process that is required for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.



The public participation process for the proposed Camden-Mbewu (Theta) 765kV power line has been designed to satisfy the requirements laid down in the above legislation and guidelines. Figure 6-1 provides an overview of the EIA technical and public participation processes, and shows how issues and concerns raised by the public are used to inform the technical investigations of the EIA at various milestones during the process. This section of the report highlights the key elements of the public participation process to date.

Objectives of public participation in an EIA The objectives of public participation in an EIA are to provide sufficient and accessible information to I&APs in an objective manner so as to:

• During Scoping:

Assist the I&APs with identify issues of concern, and providing suggestions for enhanced benefits and alternatives.

Contribute their local knowledge and experience.

Verify that their issues have been considered and to help define the scope of the technical studies to be undertaken during the Impact Assessment.

• During Impact Assessment:

Verify that their issues have been considered either by the EIA Specialist Studies, or elsewhere.

Comment on the findings of the EIA, including the measures that have been proposed to enhance positive impacts and reduce or avoid negative ones.

The key objective of public participation is to ensure transparency throughout the process and to promote informed decision making.



Figure 6-1: Technical and public participation process and activities that comprise the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Camden-Mbewu (Theta) Project.

FINAL SCOPING REPORT AND EIA PLAN OF STUDY

SUBMIT FINAL EIR AND EMP TO AUTHORITIES

PROGRESS FEEDBACK LETTER

INFORMATION GATHERING

FOCUS GROUP AND ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGSCOLLATE BASELINE INFORMATION

ACCESS FURTHER INFORMATION;REPRIORITISE ISSUES IF NECESSARY

COMMENCE SPECIALIST STUDIES

RE-ASSESS WHERE NECESSARY

PROCEEDINGS(as Issues/Response Report)FINAL EIR AND DRAFT EMP

PRIORITISE ISSUES

FINALISE SPECIALIST STUDIES

INTEGRATE FINDINGS

AUTHORITY DECISION AND CONDITIONS IF POSITIVE AUTHORITY DECISION FEEDBACK

Personalised letter Advertisements

DRAFT EIR, summary draft EIR(Including Issues and Response Report; Specialist Reports)

APPLICATION /REGISTRATION OF EIAAND AUTHORITIES MEETING

PROGRESS FEEDBACK LETTER AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF DRAFT SCOPING REPORT

PROGRESS FEEDBACK LETTER AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF DRAFT EIR

COMPILE STAKEHOLDER DATABASE

FINALISE EMP AND IMPLEMENT

ANNOUNCE OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENTPersonalised letter and Background

Information DocumentMedia release

Advertise-ments

Posters On-site notices

Public places Web

ISSUES AND REPONSE REPORT

END OF SCOPING

DRAFT SCOPING REPORT AND TORS OF SPECIALIST STUDIES(Including Issues and Response Report )

Stakeholder workshops

Public places

OPEN HOUSES / PUBLIC MEETINGS

SCO

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RECEIVE COMMENTS AND CONSOLIDATE IN ISSUES AND RESPONSE REPORT










PRIORITISE ISSUES


INTEGRATE FINDINGS











Advertise-ments


Public places Web


END OF SCOPING



Public places


SCO

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INTEGRATE FINDINGS



AUTHORITY DECISION FEEDBACKPersonalised letter AdvertisementsPersonalised letter Advertisements









Advertise-ments


Public places Web



Advertise-ments


Public places Web


END OF SCOPING



Public places


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Identification of interested and affected parties The identification of stakeholders is ongoing and is refined throughout the process. As the on-the-ground understanding of affected stakeholders improves through interaction with various stakeholders in the area the database is updated. The identification of key stakeholders and community representatives (land owners and occupiers) for this project is important as their contributions are valued. The identification of key stakeholders and was done in collaboration with Eskom (through the I&AP database for the EIAs in the area), the local municipalities and other organisations in the study area.

The stakeholders’ details are captured on Maximiser 9, an electronic database management software programme that automatically categorises every mailing to stakeholders, thus providing an ongoing record of communications - an important requirement by the authorities for public participation. In addition, comments and contributions received from stakeholders are recorded, linking each comment to the name of the person who made it.

According to the NEMA EIA Regulations under Section 24(5) of NEMA, a register of I&APs (Regulation 55 of GNR 543) must be kept by the public participation practitioner. Such a register has been compiled and is being kept updated with the details of involved I&APs throughout the process (See Appendix G)

Announcement of opportunity to become involved The opportunity to participate in the EIA was announced in October and November 2010 as follows:

• Distribution of a letter of invitation to become involved, addressed to individuals and organisations, accompanied by a Background Information Document (BID) containing details of the proposed project, including a map of the project area, and a registration sheet (Figure 6-2 and Appendix I);

Figure 6-2: Background Information Documents were distributed in the area.

• Advertisements were placed in the following newspapers (Appendix D):

Table 6-1: Advertisements placed during the announcement phase.

NEWSPAPER DATE Ekasi News 15 October Highveld Tribune Ermelo 12 October Highvelder 15 October Newcastle Advertiser 14 October Newcastle Express 12 October



NEWSPAPER DATE Northern Natal Farmer 1 November Northern Natal Courier 13 October Recorder 15 October Cosmos News 13 October Inkanyezi 15 October Vryheid Herald 15 October Excelsior News 15 October Umlozi Wezindaba 14 October Zululand Observer 11 October eShowe Watch 12 October Zululand Fever 15 October Beeld 14 October Isolezwe 13 October

• Notice boards were positioned at prominent localities during October 2010. These notice boards were placed at conspicuous places and at various public places (Appendix E). Site notices were placed prominently to invite stakeholder participation (Figure 6-3).

Figure 6-3: Site notice boards were put up in the study area.

Obtaining comment and contributions The following opportunities were available during the Scoping phase for contribution from the I&APs:

• Completing and returning the registration/comment sheets on which space was provided for comment.

• Providing comment telephonically or by email to the public participation office.

• Attending stakeholder meetings that had been widely advertised (see table below) and raise comments there.

Issues relevant to the current project configuration have been considered and are being carried forward into the Impact Assessment phase.

Table 6-2: Stakeholder meetings have been advertised and will be held as part of the public review period of the Draft Scoping Report.

DATE TIME AREA VENUE AND ADDRESS

Monday 15 November 2010 12:00 ERMELO Nooitgedacht Proefplaas on the N17 just outside Ermelo

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:30 PIET RETIEF Anglican Church Hall, Crn Draad and Church Street

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 14:00 VOLKSRUST Town Hall, Crn Laingsnek and Joubert Street Tuesday, 16 November 2010 18:00 WAKKERSTROOM Town Hall, 156 Van Riebeek Street



DATE TIME AREA VENUE AND ADDRESS Wednesday, 17 November 2010 08:30 UTRECHT Town Hall, Voor Street Wednesday, 17 November 2010 14:00 PAUL PIETERSBURG KZ 261 Control Centre Thursday, 18 November 2010 08:30 VRYHEID Landbou Sakekamer, Stretch Crescent Thursday, 18 November 2010 14:00 SWART MFOLOZI Swart Mfolozi Community Hall

Monday, 22 November 2010 14:00 ULUNDI Multi Purpose Hall, Cnr Princes Magogo and King Zwelethini Street

Tuesday, 23 November 2010 08:30 MELMOTH Town Hall, 21 Rheinholb Street

Tuesday, 23 November 2010 15:00 EMPANGENI Civic Centre, Library Hall, CRN Commercial and Turnbull Street

The minutes of the public meeting are attached to the Final Scoping Report in the form of an Issues and Response Report.

Issues and Response Report and acknowledgements The issues raised in the announcement phase of the project, were captured in an Issues and Response Report Version 1 and appended to the Draft SR (Appendix G). The report was then be updated to include additional I&AP contributions that were received as the Scoping phase process proceeded, and as the findings of the EIA became available. The issues and comments raised during the public review period of the Draft Scoping Report were added to the report as Version 2 of the Issues and Response Report. The contributions made by I&APs were and will be acknowledged in writing.

Draft Scoping Report The purpose of the Public Participation Process (PPP) in the Draft SR was to enable I&APs to verify that their contributions had been captured, understood and correctly interpreted, and to raise further issues. At the end of Scoping, the issues identified by the I&APs and by the environmental technical specialists, were used to define the Terms of Reference for the Specialist Studies that will be conducted during the Impact Assessment Phase of the EIA. A period of four weeks was available for public review of the Draft SR (from 8 November to 8 December 2010).

In addition to media advertisements and site notices that announced the opportunity to participate in the EIA, the opportunity for public review was announced as follows:

• In the Background Information Document (October 2010).

• In advertisements published (see Table 6-1 above and Appendix D) to advertise the proposed project.

• In a letter sent out on 6 October 2010, and addressed personally to all individuals and organisations on the stakeholder database.

The Draft Scoping Report, including the Issues and Response Report Version 1, was distributed for comment as follows:

• Left in public venues within the vicinity of the project area. (These are listed in Table 8 below);

• Mailed to key stakeholders.



• Mailed to I&APs who requested the report.

• Copies will be made available at the public meetings

I&APs could comment on the report in various ways, such as completing the comment sheet accompanying the report, and submitting individual comments in writing or by email.

Table 6-3: List of public places where the Draft Scoping Report is available.

PUBLIC PLACE CONTACT CONTACT TEL

ADDRESS

Amersfoort Public Library Ms Simangele Masina (017) 753-1205 Cnr Bree and Plain Street, AMERSFOORT

Dumbe Public Library Ms Nokwazi Mahaye (034) 995-1650 Next to Dumbe Community Hall, DUMBE

Empangeni Public Library Ms Marika van Kraayenburg (035) 907-5000 Cnr Union and Commercial Road, EMPANGENI

Ermelo Public Library Mr Stanley Dondolo (017) 801-3621 Cnr Church and Taute Street, Civic Centre, ERMELO

Gluckstad Clinic Mr N G Qwane (034) 952-1681 Gluckstad / Gelukstad Melmoth Public Library Ms Zama Shezi (035) 450-2082 21 Rheinholb Street, MELMOTH Nondweni Public Library Mr Bhekithemba Magwaza (034) 271-8999 Next to Taxi Rank and Clinic,

NQUTU Paulpietersburg Public Library Ms Nokwazi Mahaye (034) 995-1650 10 High Street,

PAULPIETERSBURG Piet Retief Public Library Ms Sebenzile Khayezi (017) 826-8100 10 B Retief Street, PIET RETIEF Ulundi Public Library Ms Nomsa Maphumulo (035) 874-5215 Cnr Princes Magogo / King

Zwelethini Street, ULUNDI Utrecht Public Library Ms Sizakele Magubane (034) 331-3041 34 Voor Street, UTRECHT Volksrust Public Library Ms Ria de Jager (017) 734 6100 Cnr Laingsnek and Joubert Street,

VOLKSRUST Vryheid Public Library Ms Vuyisile Mtshali (034) 982-2133 Cnr High and Market Street,

VRYHEID Wakkerstroom Public Library Ms Lesly Lavarack (017) 730-0069 156 Van Riebeek Street,

WAKKERSTROOM

Final Scoping Report This Final Scoping Report has been updated with additional issues raised by I&APs. The Final SR is being distributed to the Authorities (DEA) and key I&APs, and to those individuals who specifically request a copy. I&APs will be notified of the availability of the report.

In the Impact Assessment Phase of the EIA Specialist Studies will be conducted to assess the potential positive and negative impacts of the proposed project, and to recommend appropriate measures to enhance positive impacts and avoid or reduce negative ones. I&APs will be kept informed of progress with these studies.

Public participation during the Impact Assessment Public participation during the impact assessment phase of the EIA will mainly involve a review of the findings of the EIA, presented in a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the Draft Environmental Management Program (EMProg) and the volumes of Specialist Studies.



I&APs will be advised in good time of the availability of these reports, how to access them, and the dates and venues of public and other meetings where the contents of the reports will be presented for comment.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to public participation (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Illiteracy of some stakeholders; • Stakeholder concern about participation of municipalities, Transnet, Richards Bay Economic

Development Zone (EDZ), traditional leaders and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); • Public Meeting should be in Babanango instead of Ulundi; • Request to pay for stakeholder time and petrol to get to meetings. • Detailed maps are required for stakeholders to determine if and how they may be affected.



7. ISSUES IDENTIFIED FOR IMPACT ASSESSMENT The proposed Camden-Mbewu (Theta) 765kV power line project is anticipated to impact on a range of biophysical and socio-economic aspects of the environment. The main purpose of the EIA process is to evaluate the significance of these potential impacts and to determine how they can be minimised or mitigated.

It should be noted that a comprehensive Environmental Management Programme (EMProg) will be developed and implemented to regulate and minimise the impacts during the construction and operational phases. The potential environmental impacts identified during the Scoping Phase, which will be investigated further in the EIA phase of the project are summarised in Table 7-1 below.

Table 7-1: Potential Environmental Impacts to be investigated in the EIA Phase. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Topography and Land Use

Visual Environment • The construction of the 765kV power line due to its length and

size will alter the visual environment. A decrease in the quality of the visual environment may affect land uses negatively.

• The presence of a large power line throughout operation may decrease the visual environment.

Soil and Land Capability, and Drainage Features

Drainage Features • Insufficient rehabilitation during and post construction may

result in erosion of the landscape. Eroded materials may enter the surface water environment contributing to sedimentation of the local surface water resources.

Soil and Land Capability • Insufficient control measures during the construction phase may

result in erosion, compaction, and sterilisation of soil resources. • A consequence of impacts to the soil resource is a reduction in

land capability. • Poor soil amelioration measures during the rehabilitation phase

may result in a lack of vegetation establishment. Thus contributing to the failure of rehabilitation measures.

Climate • Local climate conditions do not appear to be of a significant concern to the project. The towers / pylons need to be designed to endure high moisture levels near the cost which may lead to corrosion. Lightning may present a problem and measures to divert lightning will need to be investigated by the design team The project will not contribute to local or global climate change.

Infrastructure Substations • The Camden Substation (located at the Camden Power Staiotn)

as well as the new Mbewu (Theta) Substation will require additional feeder bays and transformers however these substations will be already approved and existing infrastructure



ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT


and consequently do not pose an impact from a new infrastructure perspective.

Power Line • The 765kV power line between Camden and Mbewu will be new

infrastructure with several hundreds of pylons required. Therefore the presence of this power line will be a new impact.

Construction Camp • The construction camp, although temporary, may negatively

impact several environmental elements as a result of: • Hydro-carbon storage and handling on site; • Handling, storage, and management of dangerous / hazardous

goods on site i.e. welding, paints, cleaning solvents etc; • Vegetation clearing and site establishment; Vehicle maintenance • Transportation and handling of construction materials; and • Cement batching in the batching plant.

Flora Vegetation Clearing • Vegetation clearing at the construction camp and along the

power line servitude will result in negative impacts to the flora on site. The required servitude for a 765kV power line is 90 m in width (104m in plantation areas).

Alien Invasive Species • Disturbed areas will be prone to Alien Invasive species

infestation. Fauna • The impacts to vegetation will negatively impact on habitat, and

consequently the faunal elements of the receiving environment. Avi-fauna may be negatively impacted upon as a result of collisions with pylons and electrocutions.

Cultural and Historical Resources

• Several gravesites and historical buildings were identified in the area during the fly over. These sites may be disturbed during the construction of the proposed infrastructure.

Socio-Economic Environment

Traffic • During the construction phase increased heavy vehicle traffic

should be expected. Without management, such increased traffic loads may negatively impact existing traffic flow.

• Unmanaged construction vehicles may decrease road safety to other road users.

• Uncontrolled movement of construction vehicles may result in unnecessary impacts to the environment through vegetation and habitat destruction.

Noise • Uncontrolled construction activities may negatively impact on



ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENT


the ambient noise levels in the area. • The “humming” sound of a 765kV power line may negatively

impact surrounding land users during operations. This needs to be further investigated.

Employment and Community Related Impacts • The news of employment opportunities may result in an influx of

workers to the area, thereby impacting existing community networks and perceptions of safety and crime levels.

• Unmanaged workers may result in illegal township establishment and increased numbers of informal settlements. Such settlements often negatively impact a range of environmental elements.

Consultation • Unmanaged and insufficient consultation with communities and

land owners often generates negative sentiment towards developments that persist beyond the construction phase of a project.

• Insufficient consultation may result in unnecessary impacts to local inhabitants and land owners.

ISSUES RAISED DURING THE SCOPING PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD The following concerns were raised with regards to specialist studies to be undertaken in the next phase of the project (these are captured and responded to in Appendix H of this report):

• Economic assessment



8. PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA

8.1 Technical Process

Prepare Specialist Investigations The scoping phase investigations have reviewed some potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development. From the assessment, which was informed by authorities input, interested and affected parties and various professionals, a shortlist of some potentially significant environmental impacts were identified for specialist investigations during the Impact Assessment phase. At this stage it is important to note that some specialist studies have recently been undertaken for a 765kV power line, such as a noise study. Information from these studies will be integrated into the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The specialist investigations to be conducted during the EIA-phase of this project will consist of the following studies:

• Heritage and Archaeological Assessment;

• Soils and Land Capability Assessment (including agricultural potential);

• Social Impact Assessment;

• Terrestrial Ecology (Fauna and Flora);

• Surface Water;

• Economic Assessment;

• Avi-fauna Assessment; and

• Visual Assessment.

The findings from these investigations will be reflected in the EIA Report. The proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) for each of these specialist studies is indicated below.

Specialist Studies: Terms of Reference (ToR)

ToR: Heritage and Archaeological A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) will be conducted to comply with Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (No 25 of 1999). Specific objectives of this study will be:

• Desktop study (consulting heritage data banks and appropriate literature);

• Literature review of previous HIAs conducted in the study area;

• A full field investigation (walk down) of all alternative corridors;

• Determine whether any of the types and ranges of heritage resources as outlined in Section 3 of the Act (No 25 of 1999) do occur in the project area;

• Determine what the nature, the extent and the significance of these remains are;



• Determine whether any heritage resources (including graves) will be affected by the development project; and

• If any heritage resources are to be affected by the development project mitigation measures to be undertaken and management proposals have to be set for heritage resources which may continue to exist unaffected in or near the project area.

• Compile a HIA report which would:

Identify the potential impacts of construction and operation of the proposed development on such resources, with and without mitigation;

Offer an opinion on a the project in terms of this specialist field; and

Provide mitigation measures to ameliorate any negative impacts on areas of heritage significance.

ToR: Soils and Land Capability (including agricultural potential) A soil and land capability specialist study will be conducted for the project. The objectives of this study will be:

• Review existing information available;

• An aerial photographic study to assess the accessibility, vegetation cover, drainage lines, slope aspects and percentage outcrop of each of the three routes;


• A map will be compiled, indicating the features observed;

• Assess the potential impacts and their significance on the agricultural potential;

• Propose mitigation measures to reduce or mitigate potential impacts; and

• A specialist report will be compiled based on the results of the study.

ToR: Social Impact Assessment A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study is required for the proposed project. The following is required:

• Undertaking of a review of previous studies undertaken in the study area;

• Identify relevant social aspects and predict the anticipated social as well as socio-economic changes and impacts associated with the proposed project;

• Assess positive and negative social impacts including identification of viable mitigation measures and project related benefits; and

• Compile a Social Impact Assessment report indicating findings and recommendations.

ToR: Ecology A terrestrial ecology assessment will be conducted for the proposed project. The objectives of this study will be:



• Review existing ecological reports for the study area and determine the occurrence of any red data and vulnerable species;


• Provide mitigation measures to prevent and/or mitigate any environmental impacts that may occur due to the proposed project; and

• Compile an ecological report, indicating findings, recommendations and maps indicating sensitive and/or no-go areas.

ToR: Avi-fauna An avi-fauna assessment will be conducted for the proposed project. The objectives of this study will be:

• Review existing avi-fauna reports for the study area and determine the occurrence of any red data and vulnerable species;

• Provide mitigation measures to prevent and/or mitigate any environmental impacts that may occur due to the proposed project; and

• Compile an avi-fauna report, indicating findings, recommendations and maps indicating sensitive and/or no-go areas.

ToR: Visual Assessment A visual assessment report will be conducted on the proposed project. Specific objectives of this study will be:

• Desktop study (consulting existing and appropriate literature);

• Assess the visual impact of the proposed development;

• Suggest any recommendation / mitigation measures that can be done to decrease the impacts of the proposed development;

• Compile a visual assessment report, indicating findings, fatal flaws, recommendations and maps indicating sensitive and/or no-go areas.

ToR: Surface Water A surface water investigation will be conducted for the project. The objectives of this study will be as follows:

• Review existing information available;

• An aerial photographic study to assess the extent of water bodies;

• A field visit to ground truth information;

• The surface water bodies should be clearly demarcated;

• Identify impacts associated with the proposed development on surface water and provide mitigation measures for the identified impacts;



• A map will be compiled of each of the alternative corridors, indicating the features observed; and

• A report will be compiled, in which the alternatives will be prioritized based on the results of the study.

ToR: Economic Assessment An economic assessment will be conducted for the project. The objectives of this study will be as follows:

• Determine the potential economic impact the project may have on the agricultural and tourism sectors;

• A report will be compiled, in which the alternatives will be prioritized based on the results of the study.

Impact Analysis The significance (quantification) of potential environmental impacts identified during scoping and identified during the specialist investigations will be determined using a ranking scale, based on the following:

• Occurrence

Probability of occurrence (how likely is it that the impact may occur?), and

Duration of occurrence (how long may it last?)

• Severity

Magnitude (severity) of impact (will the impact be of high, moderate or low severity?), and

Scale/extent of impact (will the impact affect the national, regional or local environment, or only that of the site?)

Each of these factors has been assessed for each potential impact using the following ranking scales:

Probability: 5 – Definite/don’t know 4 – Highly probable 3 – Medium probability 2 – Low probability 1 – Improbable 0 – None

Duration: 5 – Permanent 4 - Long-term (ceases with the operational life) 3 - Medium-term (5-15 years) 2 - Short-term (0-5 years) 1 – Immediate

Scale: 5 – International 4 – National 3 – Regional 2 – Local 1 – Site only 0 – None

Magnitude: 10 - Very high/don’t know 8 – High 6 – Moderate 4 – Low 2 – Minor



The environmental significance of each potential impact was assessed using the following formula:

Significance Points (SP) = (Magnitude + Duration + Scale) x Probability

The maximum value is 100 Significance Points (SP). Potential environmental impacts were rated as high, moderate or low significance on the following basis:

• More than 60 significance points indicates high environmental significance.

• Between 30 and 60 significance points indicates moderate environmental significance.

• Less than 30 significance points indicates low environmental significance.

Draft EIA Report and EMProg Findings and/or recommendations of the specialist studies will be integrated into a report that will be updated as comments are received from I&APs. The Final EIA report together with a draft construction and operation EMProg will be submitted to the DEA for environmental authorisation.

8.2 Public Participation The public participation process for the EIA will involve the following proposed steps:

• Announcement of the availability and public review of the draft Environmental Impact Report;

• Announcement of the availability of the final Environmental Impact Report; and

• Notification of the authorities’ decision with regard to Environmental Authorisation.

Information about each step is provided below.

Announcing the availability of the Draft EIR and EMProg At this point, specialist assessments would have been conducted and the Draft EIR and EMProg would be ready for public review. A letter will be circulated to all registered I&APs, informing them of progress made with the study and that the Draft EIR and EMProg are available for comment. The report will be distributed to public places and also presented at stakeholder meetings.

Public review of Draft EIR and EMProg The EIA Guidelines specify that stakeholders must have the opportunity to verify that their issues have been captured and assessed before the EIA Report will be approved. The findings of the specialist assessments will be integrated into the Draft EIR. The report will be written in a way accessible to stakeholders in terms of language level and general coherence. The Draft EIR will have a comprehensive project description, motivation, and description of alternatives considered and also the findings of the assessment and recommended mitigation measures. It



will further include the Issues and Responses Report, which will list every issue raised, with an indication of where the issue was dealt with in the EIR. The findings of the assessment and recommended mitigation measures will also be incorporated into the EIR.

As part of the process to review the Draft EIR and EMProg, stakeholder meetings will be arranged to afford stakeholders the opportunity to obtain first-hand information from the project team members and also to discuss their issues and concerns.

Contributions at these meetings will be considered in the Final EIR. It is proposed that the same public places be used as in the scoping phase and also that stakeholder meetings be conducted at the same venues as during scoping.

Announcing the availability of the Final EIR and EMProg After comments from I&APs have been incorporated, all stakeholders on the database will receive a personalised letter to report on where we are in the process, to thank those who commented to date and to inform them that the Final EIR and EMProg have been submitted to the lead authority for consideration. They will also be provided the opportunity to comment on the final reports.

Announce authorities’ decision on Environmental Authorisation Based on the contributions by the stakeholders, the decision of the authorities may be advertised through the following methods:

• Personalised letters to individuals and organisations on the mailing list;

• Advert in local or regional newspapers.



9. CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD Eskom appointed Zitholele Consulting to undertake the EIA for the proposed Camden-Mbewu (Theta) 765kV power line. This Scoping study is being undertaken with the aim of investigating potential impacts both positive and negative on the biophysical and social environment and identifying issues, concerns and queries from I&APs. The Scoping report documents the process followed, the findings and recommendations of the Scoping study, and the proposed Plan of Study for the EIA Phase to follow.

The way forward recommended by this study is as follows:

• All issues and comments received from the public have been considered and integrated in the Final Scoping Report and submitted to the relevant authority for approval prior to proceeding with the EIA phase of the project;

• Upon approval of the Scoping Report all participating stakeholders are to be notified of the conditions of the relevant authority for proceeding with the EIA;

• Amend the Plan of Study as required by conditions recommended by the relevant authority;

• Execute the Plan of Study for the EIA phase of the project;

ZITHOLELE CONSULTING (PTY) LTD

Jacqui Hex Konrad Kruger

Z:\PROJECTS\ZPJ12619 - EIA FOR CAMDEN THETA 765 KV POWER LINE\REPORTS\FINAL SCOPING REPORT\FINAL SCOPING REPORT JH 001.DOCX

Appendix A: EAP CV

Appendix B: EIA Application Form

Appendix C: Landowner Notification Forms

Appendix D: Newspaper Advertisements

Appendix E: Site Notices

Appendix F: Project Location Map

Appendix G: I&AP Database

Appendix H: Issues and Response Report (version 2)

Appendix I: Background Information Document

Appendix J: Minutes of Public Meeting

Appendix K: Properties in corridors

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