REGULATION 54 (A) III
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
AUDIT REPORT
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd
December 2019 (amended February 2020)
Prepared by: AMATHEMBA Environmental Management Consulting CC
REGULATION 54 (A) III
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
AUDIT REPORT
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE REPORT
Amathemba Environmental Management Consulting was appointed by Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF)
(Pty) Ltd. (hereafter referred to as the “DA1”) to conduct an external audit in terms of Regulation 54 (a) iii.
The audit is with regards to compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Environmental Authorisations (EAs) and Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) issued to its Wind Energy Facility (WEF) situated outside of
De Aar, Emthanjeni Local Municipality.
The National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations were amended on the 7th April 2017.
The following significant regulation was added as GN 326 under transitional provisions section 54A:
(3) Where an environmental authorisation issued in terms of the ECA regulations or the previous NEMA regulations
is still in effect by 8 December 2014, the EMPr associated with such environmental authorisation is subject to the requirements contained in Part 3 of Chapter 5 of these Regulations and the first environmental audit report must
be submitted to the competent authority no later than 7 December 2019 and at least every 5 years thereafter for
the period during which such environmental authorisation is still in effect.
The implication of this for the holder of a valid Environmental Authorisation/RoD for any project, is to have an
environmental audit to gauge and report on compliance with the associated conditions of approval. For projects that are beyond construction phase, the EA/RoD is still valid if the EA/RoD and EMPr mentions the operational
phase with conditions and/or specifications. Compliance audits must be undertaken by an experienced,
independent Environmental Auditor. Failure to comply with the NEMA Regulations is considered a criminal offence.
A site visit was conducted on the 27th November 2019 after which a report is compiled and serves to document the External Audit proceedings, and is a record of all observations, recommendations and conclusions made during
the engagement.
1.2 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
• The assumption is made that all information received from Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty)
Ltd whether written or verbal communication, on which this audit report is based is accurate and correct.
• The audit is based purely on the conditions as stipulated in the EAs and EMPrs issued for DA1.
1.3 SCOPE, PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES OF THE AUDIT
1.3.1 External compliance audit in terms of Regulation 54 (a) III
The main objective of the compliance audit was to respond to the need for external independent compliance audit as required in terms of Regulation 54 (a) III. The facility operates under the following authorisations and
Environmental Management Programs:
Documents
audited:
Document Title Document Reference Number Date of Issue
DEA EA ENVIRONMENTAL
AUTHORISATION IN TERMS OF
THE NATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998: GN
R 386 & 387; PROPOSED
ESTABLISHMENT: OF A WIND
POWER GENERATING FACILITY
NEAR DE AAR, NORTHERN
CAPE PROVINCE
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/1651
15th August 2011
5th August 2014 (1st
Amendment)
3rd December 2015 (2nd
Amendment)
DENC EA ENVIRONMENTAL
AUTHORISATION FOR GN.
R544: ACTIVITY 11, 18: BASIC
ASSESSMENT FOR ADDITIONAL
ACTIVITIES AT AN AUTHORISED
DE AAR1 WIND ENERGY
FACILITY (100MW)
SMOUSPOORT FARM
(REMAINING EXTENT OF FARM
130) AND ZWARTEKOPlES
FARM (REMAINING EXTENT OF
PORTION 2 OF FARM 131), DE
AAR
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/05/PIX/EMT/DEA2/2014
24th July 2014 (Amendment)
7th January 2016 (Amendment)
25th January (Amendment)
DEA EA for
Transmission
line
ENVIRONMENTAL
AUTHORISATION FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE 132KV
TRANSMISSION LINE AND
ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE
FROM THE LONGYUAN MULILO
DE AAR MAANHAARBERG
WIND ENERGY FACILITY TO THE
HYDRA SUBSTATION NEAR DE
AAR, NORTHERN CAPE
PROVINCE
DEA REFERENCE NO:
14/12/16/3/3/1/1165/AM1
11th August 2014
EMPr (DEA &
DENC)
And EMPr
Transmission
line
Environmental Management
Programme for Longyuan
Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg
Wind Energy Facility
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/1651
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/05/PIX/EMT/DEA2/2014
May 2015
The scope of the audit was limited to compliance matters as they relate to the above-mentioned documents.
Please note that the transmission line was only audited with respect to the construction phase as it is handed
over to Eskom for the operational phase.
1.3.2 Meeting requirements of Appendix 7 of EIA Regulations (2014, as amended)
A further objective was to meet the requirements of Appendix 7 of the 2014 EIA Regulations, as amended, which contains the minimum content requirements for compliance audit reports. The specific requirements are detailed
in the table below, together with a reference of where this is responded to in this audit report.
Regulatory Ref # of Appendix 7
Details of requirement Report Section Reference
1 The environmental audit report must provide for recommendations regarding the need to amend the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan.
Section 4
2 (a) (i) Report on level of compliance with the conditions of the environmental authorisation and the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan.
Section 3
2 (a) (ii) Report on the extent to which the avoidance, management and mitigation measures provided for in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan achieves the objectives and outcomes of the EMPr, and closure plan.
Section 4
2 (b) Identify and assess any new impacts and risks as a result of undertaking the activity.
Section 4
2 (c) Evaluate the effectiveness of the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan.
Section 4
2 (d) Identify shortcomings in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan.
Section 4
2 (e) Identify the need for any changes to the avoidance, management and mitigation measures provided for in the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan.
Section 4
3 (1) a An environmental audit report prepared in terms of these Regulations must contain details of the—
(i) independent person who prepared the environmental audit report; and (ii) expertise of the independent person that compiled the environmental audit report
Section 2
3 (1) b a declaration that the independent auditor is independent in a form as may be specified by the competent authority;
Section 2.4
3 (1) c an indication of the scope of, and the purpose for which, the environmental audit report was prepared;
Section 1.3
3 (1) d a description of the methodology adopted in preparing the environmental audit report;
Section 1.4
3 (1) e an indication of the ability of the EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan to— (i) sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation of environmental impacts associated with the undertaking of the activity on an ongoing basis; (ii) sufficiently provide for the avoidance, management and mitigation
of environmental impacts associated with the closure of the facility; and (iii) ensure compliance with the provisions of environmental authorisation, EMPr, and where applicable, the closure plan;
Section 4
3 (1) f a description of any assumptions made, and any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge;
Section 1.2
3 (1) g a description of any public consultation process that was undertaken during the course of carrying out the environmental audit report;
Section 1.4.3
3 (1) h a summary and copies of any comments that were received during any public consultation process; and
NA
3 (1) i any other information requested by the competent authority.
No additional requirements known at this point.
1.4 AUDIT METHODOLOGY
This audit report is based on a site inspection undertaken on 27th November 2019, review of relevant
documentation and subsequent follow-up communication with the facility’s compliance officer and representatives
of Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty).
1.4.1 Pre-audit tasks
Review of the various approvals / documents relevant to the facility. These documents have included the findings
of the ECO construction closure report and operation environmental audits reports undertaken by NCC
Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (NCC).
Preparation of audit report template, which includes transfer of conditions of approval and EMPrs into the report
to inform the auditor’s enquiries during the on-site inspection.
1.4.2 On-site audit
The site inspection served to give the auditor an understanding of the environmental setting and the specific operational aspects of the facility, especially as it relates to the relevant approvals. The day-to-day operations of
the facility were observed, and interviews held with key parties in relation to compliance aspects.
1.4.3 Reporting
Compilation of the audit report and compliance checklist (Appendix A) based on the information obtained during
the audit inspection and any subsequent follow up liaison with relevant role-players. The final report will be issued
to the client (electronically) and the appropriate environmental authority.
In terms of NEMA Chapter 5, Part 3 Regulation 34 (6):
Within 7 days of the date of submission of an environmental audit report to the competent authority, the holder
of an environmental authorisation must notify all potential and registered interested and affected parties of the
submission of that report, and make such report immediately available—
(a) to anyone on request; and
(b) on a publicly accessible website, where the holder has such a website.
A notification will be sent to all registered interested and affected parties and the report will be uploaded onto
the Amathemba Environmental management Consulting website under public documents:
http://amathemba.com/
2. EXPERTISE OF THE AUDITOR
2.1 BARRY WIESNER
Barry Wiesner of Amathemba Environmental Management Consulting has been the independent ECO on several
other large-scale wind energy facilities and is author of this audit report.
Barry completed a MPHIL in Environmental Management at the University of Cape Town. Barry also has read a
BA majoring in Archaeology and Environmental and Geographical Science and has a Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) from the University of Cape Town. He also has a Bachelor of Theology from the University of South Africa.
Barry is a Green Star SA Accredited Professional and a member of the International Association of Impact
Assessors.
Barry has extensive site experience working as an Environmental Control Officer at major construction sites and
in conducting Environmental Audits, EIAs, BARs and the compilation of numerous Environmental Management
Programmes (EMPrs) over the last 18 years.
2.2 STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENCE
Amathemba Environmental Management Consulting was appointed to carry out the external compliance audit
and compile this resultant Audit Report. Amathemba Environmental Management Consulting has any material
present or contingent interest in the outcome of this report, nor do they have any pecuniary or other interest that could be reasonably regarded as being capable of affecting their independence. Amathemba Environmental
Management Consulting has no beneficial interest in the outcome of this compliance audit, other than reasonable remuneration for work performed in undertaking the audit inspection and compiling this report (see Appendix B
for signed declaration).
3. COMPLIANCE RESULTS
Please refer to the comprehensive table below for the detailed audit report checklist (Appendix A) of compliance with the respective conditions of the Environmental Authorisations and EMPrs relevant to the project. Please note
that the Transmission line is not included as part of the operational phase audit as it is now the property and
responsibility of Eskom and not Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd.
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION - DEA REFERENCE NO.: 12/12/20/1651
There were one hundred and thirty-nine (139) EA conditions.
127 conditions are noted as compliant, 9 conditions are partially compliant. No non-compliances are noted, and 3 conditions are deemed to be not applicable.
Of the partial compliances, 5 relate to the changed layout design. Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted. This has been verified with the EAP undertaking the amendment.
3 of the partial compliances relate to noise specification during construction phase, primarily with respect noise monitoring and verification of noise levels. None were critical, the site is in a rural area, no complaints were received, and the construction phase is now completed. Furthermore, appropriate PPE was used where required and plant was fitted with appropriate sound dampeners.
The final partial compliance is with respect the installation of spikes on the nacelle. This condition was not incorporated in the design phase. It was initially recommended by the specialist that anti-perching devices be installed on the highest rails above the weather station of the nacelle. However, the specialist accepted that bird spikes will not be installed (because of safety reasons) and that the situation will be monitored during post-construction, and therefore this minor partial non-compliance was acceptable to the relevant specialist.
Table 1: DEA EA summary of compliance
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 127 9 0 3
Percentage
compliance 93.4%
3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION - DENC REFERENCE NO.: NC/BA/05/PIX/EMT/DEA2/2014
Fifty (50) EA conditions were considered with respect to the DENC EA. One is not applicable and was removed through an amendment.
Table 2: DENC EA compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 50 0 0 1
Percentage
compliance 100%
3.3 DEA EA FOR TRANSMISSION LINE DEA REFERENCE NO: 14/12/16/3/3/1/1165/AM1
Thirty-five (35) EA conditions were considered with respect to the transmission line. 5 are not applicable.
Table 3: Transmission Line EA compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 35 0 0 5
Percentage
compliance 100%
3.4 EMPRS CONSTRUCTION PHASE
WEF
Two hundred and seven (207) EMPr specifications are considered in the audit. 5 are noted as partially compliant
and 4 are not applicable.
Once again, the primary partial compliance (3 specifications) relate to the layout amendment. Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted. This has been verified with the EAP undertaking the amendment.
One specification relates to the dust monitoring. Ambient quantities of particulate matter were not measured in accordance with Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004), however, adequate dust suppression was implemented
such as speed limits, dust suppression etc. on site.
One specification relates to the storage of hazardous substances at the Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
building during construction phase. Evidence observed on site, but not for substances that were stored for O&M
(multiple drums of grease, oil etc.).
Table 4: WEF EMPr compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 202 5 0 4
Percentage
compliance 97.58%
Transmission Line
One hundred and twenty-six (126) specifications are considered in this audit. Only one is a partial compliance. As above, the specification relates to the dust monitoring. Ambient quantities of particulate matter were not
measured in accordance with Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004), however, adequate dust suppression was
implemented such as speed limits, dust suppression etc. on site.
Table 5: Transmission Line EMPr compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 126 1 0 0
Percentage
compliance 99.2%
3.5 EMPRS OPERATIONAL PHASE
Sixty-four (64) specifications are considered for the operational phase audit. 51 are complied with, one partially
complied with and 14 are not applicable.
Table 6: Operational Phase compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 51 1 0 12
Percentage
compliance 98.08%
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The external audit was undertaken as required by the need for external independent compliance audit in terms of Regulation 54 (a) III. This resultant audit report meets the requirements of Appendix 7 of the 2014 EIA
Regulations, as amended.
The following conclusions are drawn subsequent to the audit inspection and consideration of compliance with
conditions of approval:
• The overall impression was one of a very well-run facility with a strong commitment to achieving full
compliance.
• The partial compliances mainly relate to the layout amendment process which is underway. It is
recommended this process be concluded as soon as possible.
• The other partial compliance related to the construction phase and are no longer relevant during the
operation of the facility. They are just noted partial compliances from the construction phase and no further
action or mitigation is required.
• Although there have been several birds related incidents, the Project has implemented a mitigation measure
(installation of bird perches) to reduce the risk of electrocutions. The effectiveness of this is currently being monitored. Further mitigation measures to reduce the risk of turbine collisions is being developed in
consultation with BirdLife SA and the project’s avifaunal specialist.
• Further monitoring will determine the effectiveness of the bird perches and other proposed mitigations
(once implemented) and if there is any need for additional mitigation measures.
• There is no need for amendments to the Management Plans (Environmental Management Programme)
implemented by the facility.
• No new impacts or risks were identified.
• There is no intention to close the facility in the foreseeable future, and hence no closure plan is relevant
yet. Should decommissioning be planned it would be subject to the necessary regulatory processes and
the compilation and implementation of a closure plan.
The audit process itself had no implications for the rights of any parties, however in accordance with NEMA Chapter 5, Part 3 Regulation 34 (6): all registered IAPs will be notified that the required audit has been undertaken
and will be made available if requested and posted on Amathemba’s website for a minimum period of 30 days.
Yours sincerely
Barry Wiesner (0824626221)
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: Audit Checklist
APPENDIX 2: Declaration of independence
APPENDIX 1: AUDIT CHECKLIST
AMATHEMBA Environmental Management Consulting Audit Checklist
1
APPENDIX 1 AUDIT CHECKLIST
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facility
Date: Site visit – Wednesday 27th November 2019
Participants: Barry Wiesner Amathemba Environmental Consultants
Documents audited: Document Title Document Reference Number Date of Issue DEA EA ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION IN TERMS OF THE
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998: GN
R 386 & 387; PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT: OF A WIND
POWER GENERATING FACILITY NEAR DE AAR, NORTHERN
CAPE PROVINCE
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/1651
15th August 2011
5th August 2014 (1st Amendment)
3rd December 2015 (2nd Amendment)
DENC EA ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR GN. R544: ACTIVITY
11, 18: BASIC ASSESSMENT FOR ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AT
AN AUTHORISED DE AAR1 WIND ENERGY FACILITY (100MW)
SMOUSPOORT FARM (REMAINING EXTENT OF FARM 130)
AND ZWARTEKOPlES FARM (REMAINING EXTENT OF
PORTION 2 OF FARM 131), DE AAR
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/05/PIX/EMT/DEA2/2014
24th July 2014 (1st Amendment)
7th January 2016 (2nd Amendment)
25th January (3rd Amendment)
DEA EA for
Transmission line
ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE 132KV TRANSMISSION LINE AND
ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE LONGYUAN
MULILO DE AAR MAANHAARBERG WIND ENERGY FACILITY
TO THE HYDRA SUBSTATION NEAR DE AAR, NORTHERN CAPE
PROVINCE
DEA REFERENCE NO:
14/12/16/3/3/1/1165/AM1
11th August 2014
EMPr (DEA & DENC)
And EMPr
Transmission line
Environmental Management Programme for Longyuan
Mulilo De Aar Maanhaarberg Wind Energy Facility
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/1651
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/05/PIX/EMT/DEA2/2014
May 2015
Shading Key
Compliance Y Partial compliance Y/X Non-compliance X Not Applicable NA
2
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
DEA EA
Scope of work
1.1 Layout Alterative 1 as described in the EIR dated November 2010 is
hereby authorised.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
1.2 Authorisation of the activity is subject to the conditions contained in this
authorisation, which form part of the environmental authorisation and
are binding on the holder of the authorisation.
Y Noted
1.3 The holder of the authorisation shall be responsible for ensuring
compliance with the conditions contained in this environmental
authorisation. This includes any person acting on the holder's behalf,
including but not limited to, an agent, servant, contractor, sub-
contractor, employee, consultant or person rendering a service to the
holder of the authorisation.
Y "The licence holder took all reasonable measures to ensure conditions
of the EA were met.
Obligations towards the EA were included in the contracts issued to
the various sub-contractors/ service providers " – confirmed in the
construction closure report.
1.4 The activities authorised may only be carried out at the property as
described.
Y Noted and complied with.
1.5 The recommendations and mitigation measures recorded in the EIR
dated November 2010 must be adhered to.
Y Included in approved EMPr.
1.6 Any changes to, or deviations from, the project description set out in this
authorisation must be approved, in writing, by the Department before
such changes or deviations may be affected. In assessing whether to
grant such approval or not, the Department may request such
information as it deems necessary to evaluate the significance and
impacts of such changes or deviations and it may be necessary for the
holder of the authorisation to apply for further authorisation in terms of
the regulations.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed after
some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to buffer
zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is still
outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted and the
process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP undertaking
the amendment.
1.7 This activity must commence within a period of three (3) years from the
date of issue. If commencement of the activity does not occur within
that period, the authorisation lapses and a new application for
environmental authorisation must be made in order for the activity to be
undertaken.
Y The activity commenced on 24 Aug 2015.
Although the initial EA was issued on 15 Aug 2011, it was amended in
24 Oct 2011, 31 July 2014 & 5 Aug 2014.
1.8 Commencement with one activity listed in terms of this authorisation
constitutes commencement of all authorised activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
1.9 This authorisation does not negate the holder of the authorisation’s
responsibility to comply with any other statutory requirements that may
be applicable to the undertaking of the activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
3
10.1 Relevant legislation that must be complied with by the holder of the authorisation includes inter alia:
·• Archaeological remains, artificial features and structures older than
60 years are protected by National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act
No. 25· of ·1999). Should any archaeological artefacts be exposed
during excavation for the purpose of construction, construction in the
vicinity of the finding must be stopped immediately. A registered
Heritage Specialist must be called to the site for inspection. Under no
circumstances shall any heritage material be destroyed or removed
from the site and the relevant heritage resource agency must be
informed about the finding. Heritage. remains uncovered or disturbed
during earthworks must not be disturbed further until the necessary
approval has been obtained from the South African Heritage Resources
Agency and/or any of their delegated provincial agencies.
Y No archaeological artefacts were exposed during excavation for the
purpose of construction nor have any been noted during the
operational phase.
• Relevant provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993
(Act No. 85 of 1993).
Y Independent monthly OHS audits were undertaken during the
construction phase to verify compliance.
• Relevant provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of
1998).
Y Noted and complied with, GA issued.
• Relevant provisions of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of
1998).
Y Licence (NCU 6291215) allowed for the destruction of the protected
and slow growing Shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca)
• Relevant provisions of the National Environmental Management
Biodiversity Act, 2004(Act No. 10 of 2004).
Y Based on the Biodiversity Permit Commitment Agreement, the permit
holder “Commit in providing update reports every six (6) moths on the
status of species destroyed, transplanted, exported and donated for
the Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power (RF) (Pty) Ltd development,
as per ODB 1905/2014. Semester reports (May/June and Dec/Jan)
were provided in accordance to the register format (template)
provided.
• Relevant provisions of' the National Environmental Management
Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003) and its Regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Relevant provisions of the National Environmental Management Waste
Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) and its Regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Relevant provisions of the Hazardous Substance Act (Act No. 15 of
1973).
Y Noted and complied with.
• Relevant Provisions of the National Environmental Management Air
Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004).
Y Noted and complied with.
Relevant provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act No. 13 of 2009). Y Noted and complied with.
Should fill material be required for any purpose, the use of borrow pits
must comply with the provisions of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources
Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002) administered by the
Department of Mineral Resources.
Y Mining permits and DMR's acknowledgement for renewal was
received for two suppliers: a Borrow pit and De Aar Stone Crushers
• All outdoor advertising i.e. signage boards associated with this
proposed activity must be below the thresholds stipulated in the EIA
Regulations as it was not applied for as an activity for authorisation
during the Environmental Authorisation process. Should the holder of the
Environmental Authorisation wish to exceed these thresholds he/she
must submit an application for authorisation to this Department. Further,
Y Noted and complied with.
4
all outdoor advertising associated with this proposed activity whether on
or off the property concerned, must comply with the applicable Local
Authority By-Law for the control of Outdoor Advertising or in the absence
of local legislative controls. must comply with the South African Manual
for Outdoor Advertising Control (SAMOAC).
1.11 The holder of an environmental authorisation has the responsibly to
notify the competent authority of any alienation transfer and change of
ownership rights in the property on which the activity is to take place.
Y EA was amended to include addition of the property descriptions into
the EA.
Notification of authorisation
2.1 The holder of the authorisation must notify' every registered interested
and affected party, in writing and within 12 (twelve) calendar days of
the date of this environmental authorisation, of the decision to authorise
the activity.
Y The letter from DJ Environmental Consultants confirmed notification
was sent to I&APP's
2.2 The notification referred to must Y Record could not be verified; however, this was "approved" during
financial close by the lawyers and no complaints were received from
I&APP's. 2.2.1 specify the date on which the authorisation was issued; Y
2.2.2 inform the interested and affected party of the appeal procedure
provided for in Chapter 7 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Regulations, 2010.
Y
2.2.3 advise the interested and affected party that a copy of the
authorisation will furnished on request, and
Y
2.2.4 give the reasons for the decision. Y
Management of the activity
3.1 The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) submitted as part of
application for environmental authorisation must be amended and
submitted to the Department for written approval prior to
commencement of the activity. The recommendations and mitigation
measures recorded in the EIR dated November 2010 must be
incorporated as part of the EMP.
Y The recommendations and mitigation measures were incorporated
into the approved EMPr.
3.2 Once approved the EMP must be implemented and adhered to. The
amended EMP must also include the following:
Y Noted and complied with.
3.2.1 Comprehensive rescue and storage in a suitable constructed nursery
and storage area of plants deemed to be requiring either rescue for
replanting and plants that will be useful during rehabilitation.
Y No nursery was used. All plants were safely relocated directly to
adjacent land. Search & Rescue reports were provided. Appendix 9
of EMPr.
3.2.2 A detailed Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan to be implemented
during construction and operation.
Y Appendix 10 of EMPr.
3.2.3 A Rehabilitation Plan must be compiled to minimize adverse
environmental impacts whilst maximizing the future utilization of the
property and
Y Noted and complied with.
3.2.4 An Open Space Management Plan must be incorporated in the EMP.
The Open Space Management Plan must incorporate ecological
process areas into the buffer as recommended by the wetland
specialist.
Y Appendix 15 of EMPr.
Monitoring
5
4.1 The applicant must appoint a suitably experienced independent
Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for the construction phase of the
development that will have the responsibility to ensure that the
mitigation/rehabilitation measures and recommendations referred to in
this authorisation are implemented and to ensure compliance with the
provisions of the EMP.
Y NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd were appointed.
4.2 The ECO shall be appointed before the commencement of any
authorised activity.
Y Evidence of appointment was provided.
4.3 Once appointed, the name and contact details of the ECO must be
submitted to the Director Compliance Monitoring of the Department.
Y Evidence of notification to the Department including CV's and
change in ECO were provided.
4.4 The ECO shall keep a record of all activities on the site problems
identified, transgressions noted, and a task schedule of tasks undertaken
by the ECO.
Y ECO Concerns register and Weekly environmental reports were
provided.
4.5 A detailed incident (including spillage of bitumen, fuels, chemicals, or
any other material) and complaint register must be kept on site
indicating how these issues were addressed, what rehabilitation
measures were taken and what preventative measures were
implemented to avoid re-occurrence of incidents/complaints.
Y Weekly environmental reports were provided.
4.6 In addition, the ECO must maintain the following on site:
4.6.1 A daily site diary Y Records kept.
4.6.2 Copies of all reports submitted to the Department. Y Noted.
4.6.3 A schedule of current site activities including the monitoring of such
activities.
Y Records kept.
4.7 The ECO shall remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as
required for implementation due to construction damage, are
completed and the site is ready for operation.
Y NCC were on site as required.
4.8 Records relating to monitoring and auditing must be kept on the site and
made available for inspection to any relevant and competent authority
in respect of this development.
Y Audit reports and records available.
Recording and reporting to the Department
5.1 All documentation e.g. audit/monitoring/compliance reports and
notifications, required to be submitted to the Department in terms of this
authorisation, must be submitted to the Director: Compliance
Monitoring at the Department.
Y Noted and complied with.
5.2 The holder of the authorisation must submit an environmental audit
report to this Department upon completion of the construction and
rehabilitation activities.
Y NCC completed the required report.
5.3 The environmental audit report must Y NCC completed the required report.
5.3.1 Be conducted by an independent environmental auditor. Y
5.3.2 Indicate the date of the audit, the name of the auditor and the
outcome of the audit.
Y
5.3.3 Evaluate compliance with the requirements of the approved EMO and
this environmental authorisation.
Y
6
5.3.4 Include measures to be implemented to attend to any non-
compliances or degradation noted.
Y
5.3.5 Include copies of any approvals granted by other authorities relevant to
the development for the reporting period and
Y
5.3.6 Highlight any outstanding environmental issues that must be addressed,
along with recommendations for ensuring these issues are appropriately
addressed.
Y
5.4 The audit report must be submitted prior to commencement of the
operation phase of the project.
Y NCC completed an submitted the required report.
Commencement of the activity
6.1 The authorised activity shall not commence within twenty (20) days of
the date of signature of authorisation.
Y The activity commenced on 24 Aug 2015.
Although the initial EA was issued on 15 Aug 2011, it was amended in
24 Oct 2011, 31 July 2014 & 5 Aug 2014.
6.2 An appeal under section 43 of the National Environmental
Management Act (NEMA). Act 107 of 1998 (as amended), does not
suspend an environmental authorisation or exemption, or any provisions
or conditions attached thereto, or any directive, unless the Minister, MEC
or delegated organ of state directs otherwise.
Y Noted.
6.3 The applicant must obtain a Water Use License from the Department of
Water Affairs (DWA) prior to the commencement of the project should
the applicant impact on any wetland or water resource. A copy of the
license must be submitted to the Director Environmental Impact
Evaluation at the Department.
Y The project had a GA for borehole abstraction and stream crossings
and informed DWS of the change in the water crossing positions.
6.4 The applicant must submit a final layout plan for the entire wind energy
facility for approval to the department, prior to commencement of
construction. The layout should indicate the following:
Y Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. This has been verified with the EAP undertaking the
amendment.
● Turbine positions Y Indicated as required. Note WTG 13, 14, 40, 46, 57 changed.
● Foundation footprint Y Indicated as required.
● Permanent laydown area footprint Y No permanent laydown required
● Construction period laydown footprint Y Indicated as required.
● Internal roads indicating width (construction period width and
operation period width) and with numbered sections between
the other site elements which they serve (to make commenting
on sections possible)
Y Indicated as required.
7
● Wetlands, drainage lines, rivers, streams and water crossing of
roads and cables indicating the type of bridging structures that
will be used.
Y The water crossing positions are indicated, but type of bridging
structures is not displayed, which were approved by DEA - consists of
mostly ditch drains and some pipe culverts.
● Heritage sites that will be affected by the turbines and
associated infrastructure
Y Indicated as required
● Substations(s) and/or transformer(s) sites including their entire
footprint
Y Indicated as required
● Cable routes and trench dimensions (where they are not along
internal roads)
Y Cable routes are indicated but run above ground not in trenches.
Cables run above ground with bird flappers
● Connections routes to the distribution/transmission network Y Indicated as required
● Cut and fill areas at turbine sites along roads and at
substation/transformer sites indication the expected volume of
each cut and fill
Y Terrain is of such nature that only the total cut & fill volumes are
indicated
● Borrow pits Y External supplier was used.
● Spoil heaps (temporary for topsoil and subsoil and permanently
for excess material)
Y Temporary spoil heaps were either used in construction or used for
rehabilitation. No permanent spoil heaps were left on site.
● Buildings including accommodation and Y Only 132kV Substation and O and M building.
8
● All “no-go” areas. Y Indicated as required, except for 100m ridge buffer, but specialist
approval was provided
6.5 The applicant must appoint a qualified botanical and fauna specialist
to ground-truth every turbine footprint and their recommendation must
form part of the final layout of the Wind Energy Facility and EMP to be
submitted to the department for approval.
Y Botanical and fauna specialist ground-truth reports were provided as
species were relocated form the footprint.
Notification to authorities
7.1 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity will commence. Commencement for the purposes of this
condition includes site preparation. The notice must include a date on
which it is anticipated that the activity will commence. This notification
period may coincide with the period contemplated in 6.1 above.
Y Notification given
Operation of activity
8.1 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity operational phase will commence.
Y Notification given
8.2 The applicant must compile an operational EMP for the operational
phase of the activity or alternatively, if the applicant has an existing
operational environmental management system. It must be amended
to include the operation of the authorised activity.
Y Appendix 4 of the EMPr
Site closure and decommissioning
9.1 Should the activity ever cease or become redundant, the applicant
shall undertake the required actions as prescribed by legislation at the
time and comply with all relevant legal requirements administered by
any relevant end competent authority at that time.
Y Noted.
Specific conditions
10.1 Avifauna and bats
10.1.1 A bird and bat monitoring programme must be implemented to
document the effect of the operation of the wind energy facility on
avifauna and bats. This should commence prior to construction and
continue during operation of the wind energy facility.
Y Pre-construction Bat & Bird Monitoring reports were provided.
Operational monitoring did not commence once the first turbine
started turning as stipulated (which should've started in Aug 2017).
Bird and bat monitoring commenced in December 2017, by Chris
Van Rooyen and Animalia respectively.
10.1.2 The results of the pre-constructed bird monitoring programme must
inform the final layout and the construction schedule of the wind energy
facility.
Y Complied with.
10.1.3 Reports regarding bird monitoring must be submitted to the relevant
provincial environmental department, Birdlife South Africa, the
Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and this Department on a quarterly
basis. The report will assist all stakeholders in identifying potential and
additional mitigation measures and to establish protocols for a bird
monitoring programme for wind energy development in the country.
Y Pre-construction reports were submitted, and operational reports are
submitted to:
Bird reports are sent to:
'[email protected]'; '[email protected]';
'[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]';
Bat reports are sent to the above, but also '[email protected]';
9
10.1.4 The baseline data collected and documented during the survey must
be shared with the EWT and Birdlife South Africa for a better
understanding of the distribution or breeding behaviour of any of the
priority species.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.1.5 Habitat destruction must be kept to an absolute minimum by keeping
the lay-down areas as small as possible, reducing the number and
size/length or roads and reducing the final extent of the developed
area.
Y Laydown areas were fenced, NE lay-down was not utilised, cut/fill
operations were big because of the terrain, but kept reasonably
practical.
10.1.6 The applicant must ensure the lighting on the turbines is kept to a
minimum and is coloured (red or green) and intermittent, rather than
permanent and white, to reduce confusion effects for nocturnal
migrants.
Y
Technical specs were provided.
10.1.7 The facility must be designed to discourage their use as perching or
roosting substrates by birds and bats.
Y/X This condition was not incorporated in the design phase. It was initially
recommended by the specialist that anti-perching devices be
installed on the highest rails above the weather station of the nacelle.
However, the specialist accepted that bird spikes will not be installed
(because of safety reasons) and that the situation will be monitored
during post-construction.
Bird diverters have been included on the transmission lines and within
the substation.
As per the recommendation of the avifaunal specialist T perches
have recently been erected on the internal transmission lines as an
alternative perch to limit contact with livewires to mitigate potential
electrocution impacts.
10.2 Vegetation, wetlands and water resources
10.2.1 All species of special concern (SSC) must be identified and every effort
must be made to rescue them.
Y Botanical Search and Rescue was undertaken.
10.2.2 Vegetation clearing must be limited to the required footprint. Mitigation
measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of erosion and the
invasion of alien species.
Y Noted. Storm water measures were implemented, and invasion of
alien species were monitored in the weekly report
10.2.3 Service and construction roads must be restricted to the power line
servitude area or existing roads and need to be maintained in a manner
as not to encroach onto any sensitive areas adjacent to the approved
servitude or site.
Y
No-go areas were discussed during inductions
10.2.4 Critical available biodiversity information must be consulted for the final
placement of turbines and infrastructure.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
10.2.5 The applicant must ensure that the continuous monitoring and removal
of alien plant species is undertaken. An alien removal program must be
developed and implemented.
Y
Monitoring was noted in weekly and biodiversity reports
10.2.6 A “Plant Rescue and Protection” plan which allows for the maximum
transplant of conservation important species from areas to be
Y A Plant Rescue Plan was Incorporated as an Appendix 9 of the EMPr.
Botanical Search and Rescue was undertaken.
10
transformed must be compiled by a vegetation familiar with the site in
consultation with the ECO. This plan must be implemented prior to
commencement of the construction phase.
10.2.7 Before the clearing of the site, the appropriate permits must be obtained
from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for the
removal of plants listed in the National Forest Act and from the relevant
provincial department for the destruction of species protected in terms
of the specific provincial legislation. Copies of the permits must be
submitted to the Department for record keeping.
Y
Evidence of records were provided (for both permits: NCU 6291215 &
ODB 1905/5/2014 FLORA 154/5/2015)
10.2.8 Construction activities must be restricted to demarcated areas to restrict
impact on vegetation and animals.
Y No-go areas were discussed during inductions
10.2.9 A comprehensive habitat rehabilitation plan must be developed for the
site. Restoration must be undertaken as soon as possible after
completion of construction activities to reduce the amount of habitat
converted at any one time and to speed up recovery to natural
habitats.
Y
Incorporated as an Appendix 10 of the EMPr.
10.2.10 All areas of disturbed soil must be reclaimed using only indigenous grass
and shrubs Reclamation activities should be undertaken as early as
possible on disturbed areas.
Y Revegetation (hydro seeding) occurred on barren areas.
All disturbed areas were hydroseeded, recovery is varied
10.2.11 All electrical collector lines must be buried in a manner that minimizes
additional surface disturbance.
Y 33kV is above ground to minimise botanical impacts associated with
blasting in the said terrain.
10.2.12 Topsoil from all excavations and construction activities must be salvaged
and reapplied during reclamation.
Y Topsoil was salvaged where possible
10.2.13 No trapping or killing of animals is allowed in and around the
construction site. The construction site must be clearly demarcated.
Y Included in inductions and awareness posters. Site is within fenced
farms.
11
10.2.14 The applicant is required to inform the relevant provincial department
and/or this Department should the removal of protected species,
medicinal plants and “data deficient” plant species be required.
Y Evidence of records were provided (for both permits: NCU 6291215 &
ODB 1905/5/2014 FLORA 154/5/2015). Results provided in Biodiversity
Update reports
10.2.15 All hard infrastructures should be located within existing areas of low
sensitivity as far as possible.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
10.2.16 All turbine and infrastructure must be located at least 100m from the
edge of any highly sensitive areas.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
10.2.17 No exotic plants may be used for rehabilitation purposes, only
indigenous plants of the area may be utilized.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.2.18 No activities will be allowed to encroach into a water resource without
a water use license being in place from the Department of Water Affairs.
Y The project had a GA for borehole abstraction and stream crossings
and the DWS has been informed of the change in the water crossing
positions.
10.2.19 Appropriate erosion mitigation must be implemented to prevent any
potential erosion.
Y Evidence observed on site.
10.2.20 Cleared alien vegetation must not be dumped on adjacent intact
vegetation during clearing but should be temporarily stored in a
demarcated area.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.2.21 Removal of alien invasive species or other vegetation must be in
accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act 43
of 1983), and follow-up procedures for the duration of the project.
Y
Noted alien management plan in appendix 11 of the EMPr.
10.2.22 The applicant must ensure that all the "No-go” areas are clearly
demarcated (using fencing and appropriate signage) before
construction commences.
Y
Camps/ laydown areas were fenced off.
10.2.23 Contractors and construction workers must be clearly informed of the
no-go areas.
Y Covered in inductions & toolbox talks.
10.2.24 Siting of turbines should adhere to >500m setbacks from large water
bodies, riparian vegetation and rocky crevices, if and where high bat
occurrence is found after monitoring.
Y
Evidence of required records were provided
10.2.25 Where roads pass right next to major water bodies provision should be
made for fauna such as toads to pass under the roads by using culverts
or similar.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.2.26 Bridge design must be such that if minimis impact to the riparian areas
with minimaI alterations to water flow and must be permeable to
movement of fauna and flora.
Y
Evidence observed on site.
10.2.27 During construction the footprint of the Impact should be kept to a
minimum. All construction activities and/or earthworks must be carried
Y No go areas identified in ENVIRONMENTAL EXCLUSION ZONES layout
map.
12
out within the limits of the authorised site. No go areas must be identified
to minimise compaction of soil and potential erosion.
10.3 Roads and transportation
10.3.1 Access to the Swartkoppies section must be gained through the
Smauspoort Road and not the R348. The Smauspoort Road must be
surfaced as per the recommendation of the Traffic Impact Assessment
Report in the EIR dated November 2010.
Y All roads are being maintained as required.
10.3.2 Existing road infrastructure must be used as far as possible for providing
access to proposed turbine positions. Where no road infrastructure exists,
new roads should be placed within existing disturbed areas or
environmental conditions must be taken into account to ensure the
minimum amount of damage is caused to natural habitats.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.3.3 A transportation plan must be developed, particularly for the transport
of turbine components, main assembly cranes and other large pieces of
equipment. A permit must be obtained from the relevant transport
department for the transportation of all components (abnormal loads)
to the sites.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.3.4 A traffic management plan must be prepared for the site access roads
to ensure that no hazards would result from the increased truck traffic
and that traffic flow would not be adversely impacted.
Y
Noted.
10.3.5 Signs must be placed along construction roads to identify speed limits,
travel restrictions, and other standard traffic control information. To
minimize impacts on local commuter, consideration should be given to
limiting construction vehicles traveling on public roadways during the
morning and late afternoon commute time.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.6 Roads must be designed so that changes to surface water runoff are
avoided and erosion is not initiated.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.7 Internal access roads must be located away from drainage bottoms
and avoid wetlands, if feasible
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.8 Internal access roads must be located to minimize stream crossings. All
structures crossing streams must be located and constructed so that
they do not decrease channel stability or increase water velocity.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.9 Existing drainage must not be altered, especially in sensitive areas Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.10 A designated access to the site must be created and clearly marked to
ensure safe entry and exit.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.11 Signage must be erected at appropriate points warning of turning traffic
and the construction site.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.12 Construction vehicles carrying materials to the site should avoid using
roads through densely populated built-up areas so as not to disturb
existing retail and commercial operations.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.3.13 Road borders should be regularly maintained to ensure that vegetation
remains short and that they therefore serve as an effective firebreak.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.4 Noise
13
10.4.1 Construction staff to be given training in action to minimise noise
impacts.
Y/X No training was done, but plant was fitted with the appropriate sound
dampeners. Site is in rural area away from social developments.
10.4.2 Noise from the turbines at the identified noise sensitive areas must be less
than 45 dB(A) limit for rural areas presented In SANS10103.
Y/X The noise levels were not measured to comply to the limit however,
activities occurred in rural areas with no complaints received from
the adjacent landowners.
10.4.3 The applicant must ensure that the Naliona1 Noise Control Regulations
and SANS10103:2008 are adhered to and reasonable measures to limit
noise from the work site are implemented.
Y/X Adherence to SANS could not be verified however, reasonable
measures was taken, and plant were fitted with the appropriate
sound dampeners, staff wore normal H&S PPE etc.
10.4.4 The applicant must ensure that the construction staff working in areas
where the 8-hour ambient noise levels exceed 75 dBA must wear ear
protection equipment
Y
Appropriate PPE was used.
10.4.5 The applicant must ensure that all equipment and machinery are well
maintained and equipped with silencers.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.4.6 The applicant must provide a prior warning to the community when a
noisy activity e.g. blasting is lo take place.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.4.7 All construction operations should only occur during daylight hours if
possible.
Y Dept was notified and approved the night work.
DENC authorisation: Condition 39 was amended to allow working at
night.
10.4.8 All wind turbines should be located at a setback distance of 500 m from
any homestead and a day/night noise criteria level at the nearest
residents of 45 dB (Al should be used to locate the turbines. The 500 m
setback distance can be relaxed if local factors; such as high ground
between the noise source and the receiver, indicates that a noise
disturbance will not occur
Y Noted and complied with.
10.4.9 Positions of turbines jeopardizing compliance with accepted noise levels
should be revised during the micro-siting of the units in question and
predicted noise levels re-modelled by the noise specialist in order to
ensure that the predicted noise levels are less than 45 dB(A).
Y Noted and complied with.
10.5 Visual resources
10.5.1 The applicant must reduce visual impacts during construction by
minimizing areas of surface disturbance, controlling erosion, using dust
suspension techniques and restoring exposed soil as closely as possible
to their original contour and vegetation.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.5.2 A lighting engineer must be consulted to assist in the planning and
placement of light fixtures in order to reduce visual impacts associated
with glare and light trespass.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.5.3 Signs near wind turbine should be avoided unless they served to inform
the public about wind turbines and their function.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.5.4 Commercial messages and graffiti on turbines must be avoided. Y Authorisation will be amended to include a commercial logo, to be
displayed on the turbines. See condition 1.10.12. Currently however,
no logos exist on the turbines.
10.5.5 The applicant must ensure that the painting of the wind turbines is in
accordance with the Aviation Act, 1962, Thirteenth Amendment of the
Civil Aviation Regulations, 1997.
Y
The turbines are white
14
10.5.6 Laydown areas and stockyards should be located in low visibility areas
(e.g. valleys between ridges) and existing vegetation should be used to
screen them from view where possible.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.5.7 Construction activities must be restricted to daylight hours in order to
negate or reduce visual impact associated with lighting.
Y This condition has been amended and removed by DEA.
10.5.8 Night lighting of the construction sites should be minimized within the
requirements of safety and efficiency.
Y MS and Risk Assessment was done.
10.6 Human health and safety
10.6.1 The health and safety program must be developed to protect both
workers and the general public during construction, operation and
decommissioning of the wind energy facility. The program must establish
a safety zone for wind turbines from: residents and occupied buildings,
roads, right-of-way and other public access areas that is sufficient to
prevent accidents resulting from the operation of the wind turbines.
Y
A safety management plan was provided and approved by Dept of
Labour.
10.6.2 Potential interference with public safety communication systems (e.g.
radio traffic related to emergency activities) must be avoided.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.6.3 The applicant must ensure that the operation of the wind facility has
minimal electromagnetic interference (EMI) (i.e. impacts to microwave,
radio and television transmissions) and should comply with the relevant
communication regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.6.4 The applicant must obtain a written permit or approval from South Africa
Civil Aviation Authority That the wind facility will not interfere with the
performance of aerodrome radio Communication, Navigation and
Surveillance (CNS) equipment expressly the radar prior to
commencement of the activity. Their approval/permit must be
submitted to the Director Environmental Impact Evaluation.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.6.5 The applicant must train safely representatives, managers and workers
in workplace safety. The construction process must be compliant with all
safety and health measures as prescribed by the relevant act.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.6.6 Liaison with landowners/farm managers is to be done prior to
construction in order to provide sufficient time for them to plan
agriculture activities. If possible, construction should be scheduled to
take place within the post-harvest, pre planting season when fields are
lying fallow.
Y
Open communication was noted.
10.6.7 No open fires for cooking or heating must be allowed on site. Y Noted and complied with.
10.7 Hazardous materials and waste management
10.7.1 Areas around fuel tanks must be bunded or contained in an appropriate
manner as per the requirements of SABS 089: 1999 Part 1.
Y Concrete & earth bunds were used.
10.7.2 Leakage of fuel must be avoided at all times and if spillage occurs, it
must be remedied immediately.
Y Drip trays used; spill kits available
10.7.3 Hazardous waste such as bitumen, oils, oily rags, paint tins etc. must be
disposed of at an approved hazardous waste landfill site.
Y EnviroServ and Oilkol manifest provided.
10.7.4 An effective monitoring system must be put in place during the
construction phase of the development to detect any leakage or
Y Appropriate inspections undertaken.
15
spillage of all hazardous substances during their transportation,
handling, use and storage. The applicant must ensure that
precautionary measures are in place to limit the possibility of oil and
other toxic liquids from entering the soil or stormwater system.
10.7.5 Streams, rivers, pans, wetlands, dams and their catchments and other
environmental sensitive areas must be protected from direct or indirect
spillage of pollutants.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.7.6 No dumping or temporary storage of any materials may take place
outside designated and demarcated laydown areas, and these must all
be located within areas of low environmental sensitivity.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.7.7 Hazardous substances must not be stored where there could be
accidental leakage into surface or subterranean water.
Y Stored on impermeable surfaces.
10.7.8
Hazardous and flammable substances must be stored and used in
compliance with the applicable regulations and safety instructions.
Furthermore, no chemicals must be stored nor may any vehicle
maintenance occur within 350m of the temporal zone of wetlands, a
drainage line with or without an extensive floodplain or hillside wetlands.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.7.9 Temporary bunds must be constructed around chemical storage to
contain possible spills.
Y Concrete & earth bunds were used.
10.7.10 Spill kits must be made available on-site for the clean-up of spills. Y Noted and complied with.
10.7.11 An integrated waste management approach must be implemented
that is based on waste minimisation and must incorporate reduction,
recycling, re-use and disposal where appropriate. Any solid waste shall
be disposed of at a landfill licensed in terms of section 20(b) of the
National Environment Management Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of
2008).
Y
Evidence of licensed landfill was provided. Wood, scrap metal and oil
were recycled where applicable.
10.7.12 Temporary ablution facilities must be provided for staff at all times during
the construction phase. The ablutions must be cleaned regularly with
associated waste being disposed of at a registered/permitted waste site
and must be removed from the site when the construction phase is
completed.
Y
Noted and complied with.
10.8 Excavation and blasting activities
10.8.1 Underground cables and internal access roads must be aligned as
much as possible along existing infrastructure to limit damage to
vegetation and watercourses.
Y Cables are above ground.
10.8.2 Foundations and trenches must be backfilled with originally excavated
materials as much as possible. Excess excavation materials must be
disposed of only in approved areas or if suitable stockpiled for use in
reclamation activities.
Y All spoil was used as fill material
10.8.3 Borrow materials must be obtained only from authorized permitted sites. Y Mining permits and DMR's acknowledgement for renewal was
received for two suppliers: a Borrow pit and De Aar Stone Crushers.
10.8.4 Anti-erosion measures such as silt fences must be installed in disturbed
areas.
Y Only attenuation structures exist inside drainage channels which are
enough at this stage.
10.9 Air emissions
16
10.9.1 Dust abatement techniques must be used before and during surface
clearing, excavation, or blasting activities.
Y Covered blasting was not feasible. Periodic watering of roads was
done which suppressed dust.
10.9.2 Appropriate dust suppression techniques must be implemented on all
exposed surfaces during periods of high wind. Such measures may
include we suppression, chemical stabilisation, the use of a wind fence,
covering surfaces with straw chippings and re-vegetation of open areas.
Y
Dust suppression undertaken.
10.10 Historical/cultural/ paleontological resources
10.10.1 If there are any changes to the layout of the turbines, then additional
survey work will be required in order to ensure that no sites are directly
impacted and/or to identify the need for an excavation permit.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.10.2 Should any graves be found, all construction activities must be
suspended, and an archaeologist be contacted immediately. The
discovered graves must be cordoned off.
Y No graves were found.
10.11 Stormwater management
10.11.1 A comprehensive stormwater management plan must be developed
for the site to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to
prevent off-site migration of contaminated storm water or increased soil
erosion. The comprehensive stormwater management plan should form
part of the EMP.
Y Stormwater management plan in appendix 14 of EMPr.
10.11.2 Construction must include appropriate design measures that allow
surface and subsurface movement of water along drainage lines so as
not to impede natural surface and subsurface flows. Drainage measures
must promote the dissipation of stormwater run-off.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.12 Turbines position
10.12.1 Erection of wind turbines in areas classified as high sensitivity areas is
prohibited.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.12.2 Turbines must be positioned in such a way that they are at least 500m
away from residents or farm buildings.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.12.3 Turbines must be positioned in such a way that shadow flicker does not
affect any farm buildings.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.12.4 The applicant must ensure that the placement of turbines on ridges is
avoided.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.12.5 Wind turbines and its associated laydown areas and access roads which
could potentially impact on sensitive areas, must be shifted in order to
avoid these areas of high sensitivity.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.13 Overhead power line substation
10.13.1 The 132kV power line corridor may only be constructed at the following
co-ordinates:
Starting points 30°4337.37"S 23°54'32.16°E
Mid Points
30*43*25.15-S 23°55'35.62*E
30°43'25.00'S 230572.23E
NA
This condition refers to an older version/ alternative of the 132kV line
which was not constructed. The current 132kV line has a separate EA
and EMP where compliance was evaluated.
17
End Points 30°42'25.8923°58'50.23"
10.13.2 A walk-through survey of the final survey power line corridor must be
undertaken by botanical specialist, an ornithologist and a heritage
specialist to identify areas where mitigation may be required. The result
of this walkthrough must be communicated to the Northern Cape
Heritage Authorities.
NA
This condition refers to an older version/ alternative of the 132kV line
which was not constructed. The current 132kV line has a separate EA
and EMP where compliance was evaluated.
10.13.3 All sections of the proposed power line passing over, or in close proximity
of grasslands, rivers, wetlands, and dams, especially the section of the
132kV power line located adjacent to the proposed substation site(point
1228 on Map D100-01), must be marked with suitable bird flight diverters
in order to deter large birds from colliding with the powerline. Additional
areas of high sensitivity along the preferred alignment must be identified
by an avifaunal specialist for the fitment of anti-collision devices
according to Eskom Transmission Guidelines.
NA This condition refers to an older version/ alternative of the 132kV line
which was not constructed. The current 132kV line has a separate EA
and EMP where compliance was evaluated.
10.13.4 The substation site must be located at 30°43’.37” S and 23°54’32” E, and
the proposed control building right next to it.
Y Noted and complied with.
11 General
11.1 A copy of this authorisation must be kept at the property where the
activity will be undertaken. The authorisation must be produced to any
authorised official of the Department who requests to see it and must be
made available for inspection by any employee or agent of the holder
of the authorisation new works or undertakes work at the property.
Y Noted and complied with.
11.2 Where any of the applicant’s contact details change, Including the
name of the responsible person where the applicant is a juristic person,
the physical or postal address and/or telephonic details, the applicant
must notify the Department as soon as the new details become known
to the applicant
Y Noted and complied with.
11.3 The holder of the authorisations must notify the Department, in writing
and within 48 (forty-eight) hours, If any condition of this authorisation
cannot be or is not adhered to. Any notification in terms of this condition
must be accompanied by reasons for the non-compliance. Non-
compliance with a condition of this authorisation may result in criminal
prosecution or other actions provided for in the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 and the regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
11.4 National government, provincial government, local authorities and
committees appointed in terms of the conditions of this authorisation or
any other public authority shall not be held responsible for any damages
or losses suffered by the applicant or his successor in the title in any
instance where construction or operation subsequent to construction be
temporarily stopped for reasons of non-compliance by the applicant
with the conditions of authorisation as set out in this document or any
other subsequent document emanating from these conditions of
authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
18
EA Transmission Line
Scope of Authorisation
1
The preferred power line Route Alternative A with the abovementioned
co-ordinates as indicated in the Application for Amendment of the
Environmental Authorisation (date of application 2015), is hereby
authorised.
Y Noted and complied with.
2
Authorisation of the activity is subject to the conditions contained in this
environmental authorisation, which form part of the environmental
authorisation and are binding on the holder of the authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
3
The holder of the amended environmental authorisation is responsible
for ensuring compliance with the conditions contained in this
environmental authorisation. This includes any person acting on the
holder's behalf, including but not limited to, an agent, servant,
contractor, sub-contractor, employee, consultant or person rendering a
service to the holder of the authorisation.
Y "The licence holder took all reasonable measures to ensure conditions
of the EA were met. Obligations towards the EA were included in the
contracts issued to the various sub-contractors/ service providers " –
confirmed in the construction closure report.
4 The activities authorised must only be carried out at the property as
described above.
Y Noted and complied with.
5
Any changes to. or deviations from. the project description set out in this
environmental authorisation must be approved, in writing, by the
Department before such changes or deviations may be affected. In
assessing whether to grant such approval or not, the Department may
request such information as it deems necessary to evaluate the
significance and impacts of such changes or deviations and it may be
necessary for the holder of the authorisation to apply for further
environmental authorisation in terms of the regulations.
Y Although the "project description" did not change, some design
changes occurred within the allowable corridors
6
The holder of an environmental authorisation must apply for an
amendment of the environmental authorisation with the competent
authority for any alienation, transfer or change of ownership rights in the
property on which the activity is to take place.
Y Proof of ownership transfer were provided.
7
This activity must commence within a period of three (3) years from the
date of issue of this environmental authorisation. If commencement of
the activity does not occur within that period, the authorisation lapses
and a new application for environmental authorisation must be made
in order for the activity to be undertaken.
Y Noted and complied with.
8 Commencement with one activity listed in terms of this environmental
authorisation constitutes commencement of all authorised activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
9
The holder of an environmental authorisation must notify the competent
authority of any alienation, transfer and change of ownership rights in
the property on which the activity is to take place.
Y The ownership of the EA was transferred to Eskom in May 2017
Notification of authorisation and right to appeal
10
The holder of the amended environmental authorisation must notify
every registered interested and affected party, in writing and within 14
(fourteen) calendar days of the date of this amended environmental
authorisation, of the decision to authorise the activity.
Y
Records were provided which serves as evidence.
19
11.1 The notification referred to must specify the date on which the
amended environmental authorisation was issued;
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
11.2 inform the interested and affected party of the appeal procedure
provided for in the National Appeal Regulations, 2014;
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
11.3 advise the interested and affected party that a copy of the amended
environmental authorisation will be furnished on request; and
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
11.4 give the reasons of the competent authority for the decision. Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
12.1 The holder of the amended environmental authorisation must publish a
notice- 12.1. informing interested and affected parties of the decision;
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
12.2 informing interested and affected parties where the decision can be
accessed; and
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
12.3
drawing the attention of interested and affected parties to the fact that
an appeal may be lodged against this decision in terms of the National
Appeal Regulations, 2014.
Y
Records were provided which serves as evidence.
Commencement of the activity
13 The authorised activity shall not commence within twenty (20) days of
the date of signature of the amended environmental authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
Management of the activity
14
The Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) submitted as part
of the Application for EA is hereby approved. This EMPr must be
implemented and adhered to.
Y Noted and complied with.
Monitoring
15
The holder of the authorisation must appoint an experienced
independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) for the construction
phase of the development that will have the responsibility to ensure that
the mitigation/rehabilitation measures and recommendations referred
to in this environmental authorisation are implemented and to ensure
compliance with the provisions of the approved EMPr.
Y NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd were appointed.
15.1. The ECO must be appointed before commencement of any authorised
activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
15.2. Once appointed, the name and contact details of the ECO must be
submitted to the Director: Compliance Monitoring of the Department
Y Evidence of notification to the Department including CV's and
change in ECO were provided.
15.3. The ECO must keep record of all activities on site, problems identified,
transgressions noted, and a task schedule of tasks undertaken by the
ECO.
Y ECO Concerns register and Weekly environmental reports were
provided
15.4. The ECO must remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as
required for implementation due to construction damage, are
completed and the site is ready for
Y NCC were on site as required.
Recording and reporting to the Department
16
All documentation e.g. audit/monitoring/compliance reports and
notifications, required to be submitted to the Department in terms of this
authorisation, must be submitted to the Director: Compliance
Monitoring at the Department.
Y Noted and complied with.
20
17
The holder of the authorisation must submit an environmental audit
report to the Department within 30 days of completion of the
construction phase (i.e. within 30 days of site handover) and within 30
days of completion of rehabilitation activities.
Y NCC completed the required report.
18
The environmental audit report must indicate the date of the audit, the
name of the auditor and the outcome of the audit in terms of
compliance with the environmental authorisation conditions as well as
the requirements of the EMPr.
Y NCC completed the required report.
19
Records relating to monitoring and auditing must be kept on site and
made available for inspection to any relevant and competent authority
in respect of this development.
Y Audit reports and records available.
Notification to authorities
20
Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity will commence. Commencement for the purposes of this
condition includes site preparation. The notice must include a date on
which it is anticipated that the activity will commence, as well as a
reference number. This notification period may coincide with the notice
of intent to appeal period.
Y Noted and complied with.
Operation of the activity
21 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity operational phase will commence.
NA A letter was sent to Eskom highlighting this condition, since the
ownership of the EA was transferred to Eskom in May, and
operational phase commenced in July 2017.
Site Closure and Decommissioning
22 and 23
Should the activity ever cease or become redundant, the applicant
shall undertake the required actions as prescribed by legislation at the
time and comply with all relevant legal requirements administered by
any relevant and competent authority at that time.
NA Noted.
Specific Conditions
24
A permit from the Department of Water and Sanitation must be
obtained prior to any construction that is to be undertaken within 32
meters of all sensitive areas (rivers, wetlands and riparian zones).
NA DWS confirmed withdrawal of WULA (Feb 2015) for the 132kV
transmission line.
25 Concrete mixing on site during construction (if mixed on the ground)
must be conducted on plastic sheeting.
Y Noted and complied with.
26
One (1) chemical toilet must be provided for every 15 construction
workers on site and must be located 1OOm away from the river/stream
systems. The toilets must be in working condition and serviced once a
week.
Y Noted and complied with.
27 Anti-collision devices such as bird flappers must be installed where the
power line crosses avifauna! corridors, pans and drainage lines.
NA No BFD's were recommended by specialist
28
The applicant is instructed to inform the Northern Cape Department of
Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation and this Department,
should the removal of protected species, medicinal plants and "data
deficient" plant species be required.
NA
Duly noted by the Licence Holder. No botanical issues were identified
during the detailed survey of the proposed project area
21
29
A final walk-through of the alignment must be conducted by a
biodiversity and a freshwater specialist to assist in the placement of the
pylons.
Y Noted and complied with.
30 Existing access roads must be utilised as far as possible to protect
biodiversity sensitive areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
31
An integrated waste management approach must be implemented
that is based on waste minimisation and must incorporate reduction,
recycling, re-use and disposal.
Y Noted and complied with.
32
Any solid waste must be disposed of at a landfill licensed in terms of
section 20 (b) of the National Environment Management Waste Act,
2008 (Act No.59 of 2008).
Y Noted and complied with.
General
33
A copy of this amended environmental authorisation and the approved
EMPr must be kept at the property where the activity/ will be
undertaken. The amended environmental authorisation and approved
EMPr must be produced to any authorised official of the Department
who requests to see it and must be made available for inspection by any
employee or agent of the holder of the amended environmental
authorisation who works or undertakes work at the property.
Y Noted and complied with.
34
The holder of the amended environmental authorisation must notify
both the Director: Strategic Infrastructure Developments and the
Director: Compliance Monitoring at the Department, in writing and
within 48 (forty-eight) hours, if any condition of this amended
environmental authorisation cannot be or is not adhered to. Any
notification in terms of this condition must be accompanied by reasons
for the non-compliance.
Y Noted and complied with.
35
National government, provincial government, local authorities or
committees appointed in terms of the conditions of this amended
environmental authorisation or any other public authority shall not be
held responsible for any damages or losses suffered by the applicant or
his successor in title in any instance where construction or operation
subsequent to construction be temporarily or permanently stopped for
reasons of non-compliance by the applicant with the conditions of
amended environmental authorisation as set out in this document or any
other subsequent document emanating from these conditions of
amended environmental authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
DENC EA
Scope of authorisation:
1.
Authorisation of the activity is subject to the conditions contained in this
authorisation, which conditions form part of the environmental
authorisation and are binding on the holder of the authorisation.
Y Noted
2. The holder of the authorisation shall be responsible for ensuring
compliance with the conditions by any person acting on his or her
Y "The licence holder took all reasonable measures to ensure conditions
of the EA were met.
22
behalf, including but not limited to, an agent, sub-contractor, employee
or person rendering a service to the holder of the authorisation.
Obligations towards the EA were included in the contracts issued to
the various sub-contractors/ service providers " – confirmed in the
construction closure report.
3. The activity(s) which is authorised may only be carried out at the
property indicated above.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.
Any changes to, or deviations from, the project description set out in this
authorisation must be approved, in writing, by the Department before
such changes or deviations may be affected. In assessing whether to
grant such approval or not, the Department may request such
information as it deems necessary to evaluate the significance and
impacts of such changes or deviations and it may be necessary for the
holder of the authorisation to apply for further authorisation in terms of
the regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
5.
This authorisation does not negate the holder of the authorisation's
responsibility to comply with any other statutory requirements that may
be applicable to the undertaking of the activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
General conditions:
6.
A copy of this authorisation must be kept at the property where the
activity will be undertaken. The authorisation must be produced to any
authorised official of the Department who requests to see it and must be
made available for inspection by any employee or agent of the holder
of the authorisation who works or undertakes work at the property.
Y Noted and complied with.
7.
Where any of the applicant's contact details change, including the
name of the responsible person, the physical or postal address and/ or
telephonic details, the applicant must notify the Department as soon as
the new details become known to the applicant.
Y Noted and complied with.
8.
The holder of the authorisation must notify the Department, in writing
and within 24 (TWENTY-FOUR) hours, if condition 16 (sixteen) of this
authorisation cannot be or is not adhered to. In all other cases, the
holder of the authorisation must notify the Department, in writing, within
7 (SEVEN) days if a condition of this authorisation is not adhered to. Any
notification in terms of this condition must be accompanied by reasons
for the noncompliance.
Y Noted and complied with.
9.
Non-compliance with a condition of this authorisation may result in
criminal prosecution or other actions provided for in the National
Environmental Management Act, 1998 and the regulations.
Y Noted and complied with.
10.
This authorization is subject to the approval by the relevant local
authorities i.e. in terms of any relevant legislation administered by those
local authorities.
Y Noted and complied with.
11.
The activity may not commence without the necessary
permits/licenses/approvals and/or service agreements, where it is
relevant, from or with the relevant regulatory authorities whether
national, provincial or local (these include but are not limited to National
Department of Water Affairs, Department of Environmental Affairs ,
National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Department
Y Noted and complied with.
23
of Cooperative Governance and Human Settlement, Department of
Mineral Resources, Department of Energy, Department of Roads &
Public Works, Department of Transport, Department Arts & Culture,
Department of Sports and Recreation, South African Heritage Resources
Agency, South African Civil Aviation Authority).
12.
The activity, including site preparation, may not commence before the
thirty (30) day appeal period expires or until such time as the
Department has considered any appeals that have been lodged.
Y Noted and complied with.
A One week's written notice must be given to the Administration clerk
(Impact Management Unit) before commencement with the activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
B Such notice shall make clear reference to the site location details and
the reference number given above.
Y Noted and complied with.
C
The said notice must also include proof of compliance with the following
conditions described herein:
Conditions: 11 and 23.
Y Noted and complied with.
13.
The applicable conditions of this authorization must form part of all
contractors' and sub-contractors' conditions of contract. A
performance-based requirement with regard to environmental impact
management must be included in all contracts related to any aspect of
this authorization.
Y Noted and complied with.
14. The applicant must carry out regular environmental audits to establish
compliance with the conditions of this authorization and contracts.
Y Weekly environmental reports were provided.
15.
Any complaints regarding the said development must be brought to the
attention of the Department within 24 hours after receiving the
complaint. A complaints register must be kept up to date for inspection
by the Department.
Y ECO Concerns register and Weekly environmental reports were
provided.
16.
Records relating to the compliance/non-compliance with the
conditions of the authorization and contracts must be kept in good
order. Such records must be made available to the Department within
7 (seven) days of receipt of a written request by the Department for such
records.
Y Audit reports and records available.
17.
0fficials in the employ of the Department shall be given access to the
property as described above (see detailed description of the activity)
for the purposes of assessing and/or monitoring compliance with the
conditions contained in this Environmental Authorization. Where the
activity is located on a third party's property the applicant shall be
responsible to arrange access for departmental officials.
Y Noted.
18.
This Department may add to, change and/or amend any of the
conditions in this authorization if, in the opinion of the Department, the
addition, change of amendment is environmentally justified. In event
that such impacts exceed its significance as predicted in the
independent consultant's environmental scoping report and supporting
documentation, the authorization may be withdrawn after proper
procedures were followed.
Y Noted.
24
19.
In the event of any dispute concerning the significance of a particular
impact, the opinion of this department in respect of its significance will
prevail.
Y Noted.
20.
This Department and any national department, provincial department,
local authorities or committees appointed in terms of the conditions of
this Environmental Authorization or any other public authority or
organization shall not be held responsible for any damage of losses
suffered by the applicant or his successor in title in any instance where
construction or operation subsequent to construction be temporarily or
permanently stopped for reasons of non-compliance by the applicant
with the conditions of approval as set out in this document or any other
subsequent document emanating from these conditions of approval.
Y Noted.
21. The applicant shall be responsible for all costs necessary to comply with
the above conditions unless otherwise specified.
Y Noted and complied with.
22.
The applicant must apply the principle of best practicable
environmental option for all technologies used/ implemented during
construction.
Y Noted.
Appeal of authorisation:
23.
The holder of the authorisation must notify every registered interested
and affected party, in writing and within 12 (twelve) calendar days, of
receiving notice of the Department's decision to authorise the activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
24. The notification referred to condition 23 must Y Noted and complied with.
• specify the date on which the authorisation was issued; Y Noted and complied with.
• inform the interested and affected party of the appeal procedure
provided for in Chapter 7 of the regulations; and
Y Noted and complied with.
• Advise the interested and affected party that a copy of the
authorisation and reasons for the decision will be furnished on request.
Y Noted and complied with.
25.
If the applicant should appeal against this Environmental Authorisation,
he/she must inform all interested and affected persons that such an
appeal is being lodged with the MEC and if requested, the
applicant/appellant must provide those persons with reasonable access
to a full copy of the appeal within a reasonable time before expiry of
the thirty day appeal period.
Y Noted.
Monitoring:
26.
The applicant must appoint a suitably experienced Environmental
Control Officer (ECO) for the construction phase of the development
that will have the responsibility to ensure that the mitigation I
rehabilitation measures and recommendations referred to in this
authorisation are implemented.
Y NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd were appointed.
27. The ECO shall be appointed before commencement of any land
clearing or construction activities.
Y Evidence of appointment was provided.
28.
The ECO shall keep record of all activities on site, problems identified,
transgressions noted, and a task schedule of tasks undertaken by the
ECO.
Y ECO Concerns register and Weekly environmental reports were
provided.
25
29.
The ECO shall remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as
required for implementation due to construction damage, are
completed and the site is ready for operation.
Y NCC were on site as required.
30.
Records relating to monitoring and auditing must be kept on site and
made available for inspection to any relevant and competent authority
in respect of this development.
Y Audit reports and records available.
Recording and Reporting to the Department:
31.
Where any of the applicant's contact details change, including the
name of the responsible person, the physical or postal address and/or
telephonic details, the applicant must notify the Department as soon as
the new details become known to the applicant.
Y Noted and complied with.
32.
In all other cases, the holder of the authorisation must notify the
Department, in writing, within 7 days if a condition of this authorisation is
not adhered to. Any notification in terms of this condition must be
accompanied by the reason for non-compliance.
Y Noted and complied with.
33.
Records relating to the compliance/non-compliance with the
conditions of the authorisation and contracts must be kept in good
order. Such records must be made available to the Department within
7 days of receipt of a written request by the Department for such
records.
Y Noted and complied with.
34.
Any complaints regarding the said development must be brought to the
attention of the Department within 24 hours after receiving the
complaint. A complaints register must be kept up to date for inspection
by the Department.
Y Noted and complied with.
Commissioning of the activity:
35.
Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity will commence. Commencement for the purposes of this
condition includes site preparation. The notice must include a date on
which it is anticipated that the activity will commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
36. The authorised activity shall not commence within thirty (30) days of the
date of signature of the authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
37.
Should you be notified by the minister of a suspension of the
authorisation pending appeal procedures, you shall not commence
with the activity unless authorised by the minister in writing.
Y Noted and complied with.
Operation of the activity:
38. Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that
the activity operational phase will commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
39.
Construction activities must be restricted within the normal working
hours, and measures to control level of noise must comply with the
National Noise Control Regulations and SANS10103:2008.
NA This condition was removed via an amendment.
40.
The level of dust in the construction site during the construction phase
must be kept as low as possible at all the times and comply with the dust
regulations promulgated under the Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).
Y Noted and complied with.
26
41.
The construction of access roads must not cause changes to surface
water runoff and proper measures to prevent soil erosion must be
implemented.
Y Noted and complied with.
42.
All the waste material which will be generated during the construction
phase must be collected and transported by a roadworthy vehicle to a
licenced waste disposal facility.
Y Noted and complied with.
43. All forms of pollution must be prevented, or where it cannot, should be
minimized or remedied.
Y Noted and complied with.
44. The appropriate toilets must be supplied for the entire construction
period and must be serviced on regular basis.
Y Noted and complied with.
45.
In the event of oil spillages and contamination of soil by hazardous
substances that contaminated area must be cleaned up immediately
by removing the contaminated soil and disposing it off into the
designated hazardous skip bin for correct disposal.
Y Noted and complied with.
46. The clearing of vegetation must be restricted within the development
footprint.
Y Noted and complied with.
47.
The protected trees such as shepherd's tree (Boscia a!bitrunca) which
occurs in the application site must not be affected by the proposed
development; alternatively the permit for removal of the protected trees
must be applied and granted by the Department of Agriculture Forestry
and Fisheries, prior to the commencement of the proposed activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
48.
The spreading of alien vegetation must be avoided where possible. In
the event of occurrence of invasive alien vegetation, the removal must
be in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act
(Act 43 of 1983).
Y Noted and complied with.
49.
The Environmental Management Plan must be amended, if it has
already been amended, it must be properly implemented as per the
Environmental Authorization by Department of Environmental Affairs.
Y Noted and complied with.
50. All the mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental Management
Plan must be adhered to.
Y Noted and complied with.
WEF EMPr
Project description
2.1
Final layout Detailed designs have been undertaken as part of the pre-
construction phase. The final layout is included in Appendix 16 together
with the Preliminary Design Report prepared by AECOM. In developing
the final layout, AECOM have taken into consideration the mitigation
measures and buffer zones proposed by the respective specialists as well
as sensitive onsite ecological features (Figure 1).
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY AND MITIGATORY MEASURES
Table 2: Mitigatory measures to be implemented as proposed by the various specialist consultants
4.1 Archaeology
4.1.1 The access road to the wind turbine location sites on the Kasarmberge
on the Farm Smauspoort must avoid the very important site known as
NA An alternative access route was used to avoid this area. Therefore, no
fencing was erected.
27
zwk95 that contains graves, stone artefacts and portable art. The
affected section of the road must be moved at least 10 – 15 m away
from the archaeological site. The site must also be permanently fenced
off during the proposed upgrading of the road. The fencing must be
undertaken under the supervision of the archaeologist. A gate should
be included that will provide access to the site. The site must not be
disturbed in any way.
4.2 Botany
4.2.1 i. All turbines and the substation must be located at least 30 m from any
mapped highly sensitive areas on site (see Figure 1).
Y Authorised layout plan
4.2.2
ii. If the sensitive habitats on the dolerite hills and flats can be largely
avoided this is the best way to reduce botanical impacts of the
proposed development. This means that all depressions and pan like
areas should be avoided and buffered from any development by
natural vegetation.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
4.2.3
iii. An ECO must inspect the site twice weekly throughout the road
construction, cable laying, turbine foundation excavation and blasting,
and during the erection of the turbines.
Y
Monthly/ Weekly reports provided.
4.2.4
iv. Any excavation, including those for cables, must be supervised by the
ECO. No excavation may be left open for more than 1 week, and they
should preferably be closed within 1 day, using the carefully stockpiled
soil that came out of the trench. In the case of turbine footings some
45m3 of soil and rock will presumably be displaced by the concrete, and
this should not be dumped on any undisturbed natural vegetation, but
must rather be set aside within a portion of the turning circle of the trucks
that deliver the components, and must be spread over the foundations
once the turbines are erected, or used as access road fill elsewhere on
the site.
Y
All fill material was used for construction purposes.
4.2.5
v. In order to minimize blasting and excavation impacts in very rocky
areas cable trenches should not be excavated in these areas, and the
cables should instead run above ground or on the surface.
Y
33kV cables are above ground
4.2.6 vi. No dumping or temporary storage of any materials may take place
outside designated and demarcated laydown areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.2.7
vii. An EMP and OEMP should be drawn up, which must outline
management steps for all areas of natural vegetation on the site (refer
to the Open Space Management Plan included in Appendix 13).
Y Noted and complied with.
4.2.8
viii. Alien vegetation management, included in Appendix 11, must be
undertaken in the powerline servitude and along the edges of all on-site
infrastructure on an annual basis.
Y Evidence of record keeping was provided in Weekly & Biodiversity
update reports
4.3 Avian
4.3.1 Lesser Kestrel and Amur Falcon:
4.3.1.1 Counts must be conducted during the summer months at the De Aar
roosting sites.
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence. In 2016 only Lesser
Kestrels were counted (excluding Amur Falcons). In 2017 both sp. was
counted (only in town).
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4.3.1.2
Potentially suitable roosting sites in the vicinity of the WEF must be
identified and inspected to establish if the birds are using these sits as
roosting sites.
Y
Pre-construction Phase - Evidence of record keeping was provided
4.3.1.3
Lesser Kestrel and Amur Falcon: Counts must be conducted during the
summer months at the De Aar roosting sites and at any additional
roosting sites that were identified during the pre-construction phase in
the vicinity of the WEF.
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence. In 2016 only Lesser
Kestrels were counted (excluding Amur Falcons). In 2017 both sp. was
counted (only in town).
4.3.1.4
Adaptive management must be implemented for the influx of Lesser
Kestrel linked to locust invasions during the summer season at the WEF
area. Temporary shut-down of turbines at certain times in a day (i.e. two
hours after dawn or two hours prior to sunset) may be required during
periods of high bird traffic.
Y
This has not been required.
4.3.1.5 Counts must be conducted during the summer season at the De Aar
roosting sites and any additional roosting sites in the vicinity of the WEF.
Y Counts were conducted in January 2019 and data collected by an
ornithologist as part of independent monitoring. Weekly to monthly
undertaken.
4.3.2 Verreaux’s Eagle
Pre-construction Phase:
• Initiate an Argos / GPS satellite tracking programme to record the
exact number of eagle pairs, their movements, main hunting areas,
home ranges and use of different habitats, nests and cliffs. The expected
duration of the programme is three years. This satellite tracking
programme commenced in January 2014 with the tagging of one
eagle.
• Implement a 100m set-back from ridges and cliffs to reduce risk to
slope soaring eagles and other soaring species. This has already been
implemented in the final lay-out.
• Implement an 800m no development buffer zone around all VE nests
that have been identified at the WEF. This buffer zone is required for two
reasons (1) to minimize the collision risk to the juvenile bird in the first few
months when it learns to fly properly and (2) to minimize disturbance of
breeding birds. This has already been implemented in the final lay-out
(subject to the next point).
• Where the 800m no development buffer zone cannot be implemented
due to engineering constraints or existing public infrastructure (e.g. nest
numbers VE2 and V3), alternative measures must be implemented (see
Construction Phase and Operational Phase below).
Y
Records and/or reports were provided which serves as evidence, see
Pre-con monitoring reports
Construction Phase:
Continue with the Argos / GPS satellite tracking.
Y This was limited to three years.
Monitor the breeding activity of eagles in the area by assessing the
number of pairs and breeding success (productivity and fledgling rates),
including (if feasible) the identification of individual adult birds.
Y
Records were provided which serves as evidence.
Nest VE2: This nest is situated on transmission tower, 200m from a public
road. This road will be used during construction. The following mitigation
measures must be implemented within an 800m zone around the nest
for the period April – October (breeding season): (1) a speed limit of
Y
Records were provided which serves as evidence.
29
60km/h (2) no hooting (3) no parking on the side of the road (4) no
venturing off the road. Under no circumstances should the nest be
approached on foot.
Nest VE3: No construction activity should take place between May
– July and again for a period in October in an 800m zone around nest
number VE3.
Y
Records were provided which serves as evidence.
In June/July 2015, an inspection must be conducted by the avifaunal
specialist to establish if nest VE3 is active. If nest VE3 is active, a
monitoring programme must be initiated between November 2015 and
February 2016 to record the flight patterns of the fledgling. The aim of
this programme will be to assess if any of the turbines could potentially
pose a risk
Y Monitoring did take place until March 2019, when the tracker came
loose and fell off the bird.
This mitigation measure will be amended stating that a monitoring
programme should be initiated for an adult bird. Currently, the
monitoring programme is postponed until further notice by the
avifaunal specialist which will roll-over to O&M phase
Operational Phase:
• Continue with the Argos / GPS satellite tracking.
• If need be, implement adaptive management for the Verreaux’s
Eagle based on the satellite tracking monitoring results.
• If results of the initial monitoring at nest VE3 indicate any potential risky
turbines, further monitoring should be implemented at these turbines.
Based on the results of this monitoring, adaptive management should
be implemented (if need be) to effectively reduce any risk to the
fledgling eagle.
• Monitor the breeding activity of eagles in the area by assessing the
number of pairs and breeding success (productivity and fledgling rates),
including (if feasible) the identification of individual adult birds.
Y GPS Satellite tracking continued during operations until March 2019
(when the tracker fell of the eagle). The bird specialist has confirmed
that tracking do not have to continue indefinitely and a new eagle
do not have to be tagged.
No adaptive management based on the satellite tracking monitoring
results was recommended by the specialist who did the tracking.
The results of the additional monitoring at VEs showed that no
additional mitigation was recommend at the time to reduce the risk
to the fledgling eagle.
Operational monitoring did not commence once the first turbine
started turning as stipulated (which should've started in Aug 2017).
However, a service provider has since been appointed and
monitoring began in December 2017.
Monitoring of breeding activity at the nest sites is part of the ongoing
operational monitoring survey efforts.
4.4 General recommendations
Use tubular rather than lattice-design turbine towers to deter birds from
perching.
Y Noted and complied with.
Prior to the electrification of the wind farm, an on-site “walkthrough”
should be conducted by the ornithological consultant to identify the
sections of power line between the turbines which require marking with
Bird Flight Diverters as an anti-collision measure.
Y Although a "walk-through" was conducted in Feb 2017, effective
installation of mitigation measures was not yet complete at the time
the lines were energised in August 2017. This is however now
completed.
During the operational phase, regular surveys of the intra-turbine power
lines will be conducted as part of the post-construction monitoring
programme to assess if there are collision mortalities, and any additional
spans identified as high risk should be marked with Bird Flight Diverters.
Y Monitoring began in December 2017.
30
In addition to that, the 132kV grid connection should also be inspected
at least once a quarter to establish if there is any significant collision
mortality.
NA To implement during the Operational Phase however, a transfer in
ownership occurred making Eskom responsible for this particular
condition.
The avifaunal specialist should communicate on a constant basis with
the design engineers to ensure that the proposed pole design for the
intra-turbine power lines will not pose an electrocution risk to large
raptors. The final pole design must be approved by the avifaunal
specialist.
Y The specialist commented on the design, additional mitigation
measures were also being investigated since several bird
electrocutions occurred. Bird perches have been installed.
The fitting of Bird Flight Diverters on the 33 kV power line which crosses
the narrow kloof between Smouspoort and Swartkoppies is
recommended.
Y Noted and complied with.
Exterior lighting at night should be reduced to a minimum. Where
possible, the following measures must be implemented:
o Use long-wavelength (red or orange) or energy-saving lights.
o Use minimum lumen or wattage in fixtures. Use directional fittings,
down-lights and shielded fixtures.
o Install sealed light fittings so that insects cannot reach the light source.
o Control lighting with timers so that non-essential lights do not stay on
all night.
o Screen interior lighting with blinds, curtains, etc., to prevent exterior
light pollution.
o Limit mounting heights of lighting fixtures or use footlights or bollard-
level lights.
o Warning lights should be flashing, not constant, to avoid attraction of
animals. o Use motion-detectors on security lighting.
Y Noted and complied with.
Reduce the noise associated with construction and maintenance
activities as far as possible. If blasting is necessary, employ techniques
that minimise noise, vibration and dust.
Y Noted and complied with. Activities occurred in rural areas with no
complaints received from the adjacent landowners. Blasting
notifications were also sent out.
Keep construction and maintenance periods as short as possible. Y Noted and complied with.
• Minimise the size of the construction footprint. Y Noted and complied with.
During construction, demarcate the footprint area of each construction
site and do not allow construction activities to spread beyond the
demarcated area.
Y Noted and complied with.
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas, including access roads not required for
the post decommissioning functioning of the WEF, immediately after the
completion of construction.
Y Noted and complied with. Areas ripped and hydroseeded.
4.5 Social
Employment creation
During the construction phase, local contractors and service providers
need to be utilised as far as possible.
Y Noted and complied with.
Increased Pressure on Infrastructure
The increase in labourers to the local area might put a strain on the
current housing conditions in the local town but can be managed via
Y Noted and complied with.
31
proper communication with the local and regional communities in order
to prevent possible unrest in the towns.
Safety and Security
Potentially harmful areas on the construction site as well as en route to
the proposed wind farm site, should be demarcated and managed in
order to prevent any accidents.
Y Applicable road signs used.
Noise, Pollution and Loss of Tranquility
Only the required erection procedures should be done on site.
Y Noted and complied with.
Loss of Visual Value
The turbine masts, rotors and nacelle should all be finished in a
nonreflective matte white paint without decals or logos. There must be
no visual clutter visible on the site.
Y Noted and complied with.
The main visual aim of a layout should be to convey a sense of clarity,
as there is concern that the various groups of turbines will bring a degree
of discord into the visual landscape.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.6 Visual
Location of construction access:
The contract time must be kept to the minimum, the road junctions
needs to have good sightlines, traffic control measures needs to be in
place as well as good signage.
Y Noted and complied with.
Dust generation, movement of machinery and vehicles: Access roads to
be kept clean and storage of materials to be screened. Storage of
builder’s rubble to be controlled.
Y Noted and complied with.
Visibility of site offices / construction camps:
Site offices should be limited to single storey and they should be sited
carefully using topography to screen from the wider landscape.
Y Noted and complied with.
Fires and litter:
All site operatives should receive training in awareness of fires and litter.
In particular, no fires will be allowed. Littering is regarded as a serious
offence and no contaminants will be allowed to enter the environment
by any means.
Y Noted and complied with.
Infrastructure
New roads into the site
The existing roads will be upgraded and should be gravel roads if
appropriate to the needs of construction traffic. Required is a 4 m wide
road with 15 m turning circles.
Y Noted and complied with.
Roadways should be low-key in appearance; gravel is the most
appropriate surface material as there are many gravel roads locally.
Roadways should fit onto the land as closely as possible with the
minimum of cut and fill. Too much disturbance will result in wide scarring
of the landscape.
Y Noted and complied with.
Concrete footings
Following construction of the foundation, installation of the turbine, and
removal of spoil and rock, only local scarring around the foundation will
remain. If surplus rock is visible, it should be removed from the site.
Y Noted and complied with.
32
Buildings and other infrastructure
The largest would be the sub-station and the control building. It is
proposed that these are placed where they are least visible to the
greatest numbers of people, be finished in materials and colours which
fit in with the landscape, and in places where topography can offer
shielding.
Y Noted and complied with.
Transmission towers, whether pylons or monopoles
It is noted that the proponent intends to underground certain lengths of
cable where local geology renders this feasible. Ideally the power lines
should be buried as they introduce horizontal lines above ground which
conflict with the strong vertical element of the turbine structures,
affecting their visual clarity.
NA Underground cabling was not feasible.
Lighting at night
The Masts will carry aircraft warning lights; there are no mitigation
measures to propose, as this is a requirement of the South African Civil
Aviation Authority, however it may be possible to consider shields to limit
downward light.
Y Technical specifications provided.
The Psychological Effect of the turbines in the Landscape
By use of certain materials and finishes
• The use of plain galvanised finish seems to imply to most receptors that
this is a technically primitive installation
• It is generally preferable to use white as a finishing colour
• Blades, nacelle and tower should all be the same colour.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.7 Heritage
That should work at Maanhaarberg proceed the mitigation measures,
relating to the construction phase, the turbine finishes and the
involvement with the public are undertaken.
Y Noted and complied with.
That use of pylons rather than monopoles which are not used locally. Y Noted and complied with.
Turbine masts, rotors and nacelle will all be finished in a nonreflective
matte white paint without decals or logos.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.8 Bats
Construction phase
(i) Lighting should be kept to a minimum and passive motion sensors
installed on all lights, unless safety or security reasons renders this
impractical.
(ii) Earth works and other construction activities must be kept to a
minimum and keep to the designated roads, storage and laydown
areas.
(iii) Personnel must be informed and trained on the potential effects of
human disturbances on bat roosts and roost disturbances prohibited.
(iv) The turbine layout as it stands on 21 May 2015 is acceptable.
Y Noted and complied with.
Implement an Operational Phase Bat Monitoring programme (included
in Appendix 8). Note that should any conflict be perceived between the
recommendations pertaining to bats contained within this table, and
Y Operational monitoring did not commence once the first turbine
started turning as stipulated (which should've started in Aug 2017).
However, a service provider has been appointed for the operational
phase. The actual monitoring began in December 2017.
33
the requirements of Appendix 8, the recommendations contained within
Table 2 of the EMP shall prevail.
4.9 Traffic
It is recommended that instead of using the proposed access off the
R348, access to the Swartkoppies section of the development should be
pursued off the Smauspoort Road in the vicinity of the De Aar Dumping
Site
Y Noted and complied with.
It is recommended that Smauspoort Road should be maintained on a
regular basis. The road should be graded and sprayed with water
regularly to improve the road surface and restrict dust pollution and
gravel loss.
Y Although graded, watering was not feasible.
After construction of the development is completed, the Smauspoort
Road must be repaired where necessary and restored to satisfactory
condition (refer to Traffic Impact Assessment Addendum in Appendix 6).
Y Noted and complied with.
4.10 Palaeontological
i. Given the limited effective palaeontological potential of rocks in the
region, the comparatively small footprint of the proposed wind farm and
the shallow excavations envisaged here, no further palaeontological
mitigation is recommended for this development.
Y Noted and complied with.
ii. Should substantial fossil remains be exposed during construction;
however, the ECO should alert SAHRA so that appropriate action (e.g.
recording, sampling or collection) can be taken by a professional
palaeontologist.
Y No remains were found.
6. CONSTRUCTION PHASE
6.2
ECO Visits - the ECO should visit the site twice weekly for the duration of
the construction period. The ECO shall remain employed until all
rehabilitation measures, as required for implementation due to
construction damage, are completed and the site is ready for
operation. On the performance of the contractor, the frequency of the
site visits may be altered. In the event of repeated and/or serious non-
compliance with the EMP, the ECO may recommend the imposition of
a financial penalty on the Contractor, to the Engineer. The magnitude
of such penalty shall be determined by the guidelines provided in
Section 12 of the EMP.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.3
Contractors Environmental Officer - The Contractor shall appoint an
Environmental Officer (EO) who shall have some experience and
training in Environmental Compliance Monitoring, and will be
responsible for undertaking a daily site inspection to monitor compliance
with this Specification, and for liaising with the ECO in respect of any
environmental incidents or not compliances observed. The EO shall be
permanently on-site, on a (minimum) half day basis. The Contractor shall
submit the name of the Contractor’s Environmental Officer to the
Engineer for his approval seven days prior to the date of the
environmental awareness training course.
Y Noted and complied with.
34
6.4
Appropriate Machinery - The contractor shall at all times carefully
consider what machinery is appropriate to the task while minimising the
extent of environmental damage. Areas where machinery and vehicles
are stored and used must be bunded to prevent pollutants such as fuel
and oil from spilling onto the soil.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.5
Soil erosion and sedimentation control - The Contractor shall, as an
ongoing
exercise, implement erosion and sedimentation control measures to the
satisfaction of the ECO and Engineer (Stormwater and Erosion
Management Plan included in Appendix 12).
Y Noted and complied with.
Any runnels or erosion channels developed during the construction or
maintenance period shall be backfilled and compacted and the areas
restored to a proper condition.
Y Noted and complied with.
Traffic and movement over stabilised areas shall be restricted and
controlled, and damage to stabilised areas shall be repaired and
maintained to the satisfaction of the ECO. In areas where construction
activities have been completed and where no further disturbance
would take place, rehabilitation and revegetation should commence
as soon as possible (refer to Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan contained
within Appendix 10).
Y Noted and complied with.
6.6
Fires – No fires may be lit on site (including fires for cooking or heating).
Any fires, which occur, shall be reported to the Engineer immediately.
Smoking shall not be permitted in those areas where it is a fire hazard.
Such areas shall include the workshop and fuel storage areas and any
areas where the vegetation or other material is such as to make liable
the rapid spread of an initial flame. In terms of the Atmospheric Pollution
Prevention Act, burning is not permitted as a disposal method.
Y Other than explosives associated waste, no fires were lit on site.
The Contractor shall appoint a Fire Officer who shall be responsible for
ensuring immediate and appropriate actions in the event of a fire and
shall ensure that employees are aware of the procedure to be followed.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall ensure that there is adequate fire-fighting
equipment available on Site at all times.
Y Noted and complied with.
Contractor should provide fire-fighting training to selected construction
staff.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.7
Health and Safety – All people working on site are responsible for their
own safety and those of others on site. Contractors and Engineers must
comply with all the Regulations as including the Occupational Health
and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993, as amended). A
comprehensive first aid kit and suitably trained personnel should be
available on site at all times.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.8
Traffic disruption – traffic and personnel using the road that provides
access to the site shall not be disrupted and standard traffic
management procedures will be implemented in these areas where
necessary to maintain access at all times.
Y Noted and complied with.
35
Signage and safety measures during the construction of the access
roads shall comply with the guidelines as set out in the latest issue of the
SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual. Standard “construction ahead”
warning signs should be placed on all relevant roads in the area. Ensure
access roads are kept clean and storage of materials is screened and
that that all road junctions have good sightlines.
Y Noted and complied with.
For further requirements kindly refer to the Road Maintenance Plan
(Appendix 6).
Y Noted and complied with.
6.9
Fauna – Catching of wild animals (including reptiles, amphibians, birds
and invertebrates, etc.) by any means, including setting of snares,
poisoning, shooting and trapping is illegal. All incidents of harm to any
animal must be reported to the ECO.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.10
Archaeology and Palaeontology – Should anything of an
archaeological nature be found on site by the Contractor (or any other
party), e.g. stone hand tools, remnants of old structures not previously
visible, old ceramic shards etc, work is to be stopped in the area
immediately, and the ECO / Engineer notified, as well as the relevant
Heritage Authorities (see contact details below). Failure to notify the
ECO of a find will result in a penalty.
Y Noted and complied with. No remains were found.
6.11
6.11 Excavation and Trenching - During excavation and trenching
activities, care is to be taken to ensure that the stockpiling of top
material is kept separate from sub-soils. Top material saved is to be
replaced as top material and is to serve as the final layer when back-
filling.
Y Noted and complied with.
In the event of material removed during trenching being excessive after
backfilling or being unsuitable as overburden, the excess material must
be removed from the construction site to a site agreed upon by the
Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with. All fill material was used for construction
purposes.
Dewatering systems shall make use of filtered extraction points to
prevent silt uptake and extracted water shall be released in such a
manner as to avoid erosion on the site and prevent siltation or pollution
of any stormwater system.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.12
6.12 Blasting - Any blasting is to be executed by a suitably qualified
person. Controlled blasting techniques shall be employed to minimise
dust and fly rock during blasting.
Y Noted and complied with. Although executed by a suitably qualified
person (African Drill & Blast), Controlled blasting techniques were not
feasible.
Prior to blasting the Contractor shall notify the relevant occupants/
owners of surrounding land and address any concerns.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.13
Protection of Natural Vegetation - Clearing of natural vegetation shall
be kept to a minimum. The removal, damage and disturbance of
natural vegetation without the written approval of the ECO are
prohibited.
Y Noted and complied with.
The use of herbicides is prohibited unless approved by the ECO. Y Noted and complied with.
6.14 Protection of fauna and avifauna – The Contractor shall ensure that no
hunting, trapping, shooting, poisoning or otherwise disturbance of any
Y Noted and complied with.
36
fauna takes place. The feeding of any wild animals is prohibited. The use
of pesticides is prohibited unless approved by the ECO.
Prior to the electrification of the wind farm, an on-site “walk-through”
should be conducted by the ornithological consultant to identify the
sections of power line between the turbines which require marking with
Bird Flight Diverters as an anti-collision measure.
Y Noted and complied with.
A. Specific construction phase requirements in respect of Bats:
Lighting should be kept to a minimum and passive motion sensor
installed on all lights, unless safety or security reasons renders this
impractical.
Y Noted and complied with.
Earth works and other construction activities must be kept to a minimum
and keep to the designated roads, storage and laydown areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
Personnel must be informed and trained on the potential effects of
human disturbances on bat roosts and roost disturbances prohibited.
Y Noted and complied with.
B. Specific construction phase requirements in respect of Avifauna
6.15
6.15 Community relations - Maintain a register that shall contain details
of the measures taken to resolve complaints and the details of the
communication of these measures to the person who raised the
complaint.
Y Noted and complied with.
*DENC EA 34 Any complaints must be brought to the attention of the Dept within 24h
and a complaints register kept up to date.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.16
Drinking Water - The Contractor shall ensure that drinking water is
available for all staff on site. If no potable water source is available on
site, then the Contractor shall import drinking water to the site.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.17
Eating Areas - If employees are to eat elsewhere on site other than in the
campsite, the Contractor shall designate restricted places for eating
within the specified working areas, in consultation with the ECO. The
Contractor shall provide adequate refuse bins with lids in all these
places.
Y Noted and complied with.
6.18
Working Hours – The hours of operation shall be restricted to those
stipulated by the Employer and/or the local authority. All construction
operations should only occur during daylight hours if possible.
NA Dept was notified and approved the night work.
DENC authorisation: Condition 39 has been amended to allow
working at night, and DEA amendment, which states that condition
10.5.7 has been removed.
6.19
Dust Control - The level of dust in the construction site during the
construction phase must be kept as low as possible at all the times and
comply with the dust regulations promulgated under the Air Quality Act,
2004 (Act 39 of 2004).
Y/X Ambient quantities of particulate matter were not measured in
accordance with Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004), however,
adequate dust suppression was implemented such as speed limits,
dust suppression etc. on site.
7. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
7.1
All potentially hazardous substances should be stored in a defined area
(hazardous substances store), which is covered, has secondary
containment and has restricted access, and complies with the
requirements of SABS 089:1999 Part 1. This area should be constructed in
such a manner that any spillages can be contained within this area and
to prevent entry into the underlying subsoil and groundwater.
Y/X Evidence observed on site, but not for substances that were stored
for O&M (multiple drums of grease, oil etc.).
37
Depending on the types of materials stored on site, suitable product
recovery materials should be readily available.
Y Noted and complied with.
All fuel is to be stored within a demarcated, bunded area in the
Contractor’s Camp. No refuelling of vehicles or machinery is to take
place outside of this demarcated area unless authorised by the
Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
Areas for storage of fuels and other flammable materials shall comply
with standard fire safety regulations and may require the approval of the
Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall ensure that there is adequate fire-fighting
equipment at the fuel stores.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall ensure that there is always a supply of appropriate
material readily available to absorb/breakdown and where possible be
designed to encapsulate minor hydrocarbon spillage.
Y Noted and complied with.
7.2
The contractor shall keep Material Safety Data Sheets on site for all
potentially hazardous materials used. Suitably trained personnel shall be
available on the site during working hours so that in the event of human
exposure to any hazardous materials that the correct first aid actions are
taken.
Y Noted and complied with.
7.3
All material used by the contractor during the construction phase shall
be managed in such a way that it does not cause pollution, or that
minimises pollution. All building materials should be stored away and the
areas bunded appropriately such that there will be no runoff from these
areas. All building materials must be removed after construction.
Y Noted and complied with.
7.4
Concrete works – cement powder has a high alkalinity which can
contaminate soil, groundwater and surface water. The following
recommendations are made:
Y Noted and complied with.
Mixing areas to be defined on site and carefully located. Y Noted and complied with.
Cement contaminated water should be fed to a container, neutralised
and suitably disposed of (to sewer if acceptable to the Municipality) or
sent to a suitable landfill site. In the latter case, chain of custody
documentation should be provided to ensure a suitable end recipient.
The latter should be kept with the environmental register.
Y Noted and complied with. Contaminated water was re-used for
construction purposes
If possible, the use of ready-mix concrete should be considered. Y Noted and complied with.
Cement bags should be suitably stored, and the used bags disposed of
via the solid waste stream.
Y Noted and complied with.
Excess or spilled concrete should be disposed of to a suitable landfill site,
with chain of custody documentation provided.
Y Noted and complied with.
Cement is to be stored in a secure weatherproof location to avoid
contamination of the environment.
Y Noted and complied with.
Suitable screening and containment shall be in place to prevent
windblown contamination associated with bulk cement silos, loading
and batching.
Y Noted and complied with.
38
7.5
No materials containing invasive plant seeds, litter or contaminants may
be imported to site. The Engineer shall be informed of the sites of origin
of imported gravel, sand, stone etc. and shall have the authority to
reject imported material if deemed necessary.
Y Noted and complied with.
7.6
All imported materials (e.g. sand) must be stockpiled within the
Contractor’s camp or agreed demarcated area. Stockpile areas must
be approved by the Engineer before any stockpiling commences.
Y Noted and complied with.
Material stockpiles must be protected against wind and water erosion
(for prevention of dust, clogging of the stormwater system and other
problems).
Y Noted and complied with.
8. WASTE HANDLING: SOLID WASTE
8.1
Waste should be categorised by the contractor and disposed of in a
suitable manner into different waste streams (including general and
hazardous waste). Wherever possible recycling should be carried out.
No dumping within the surrounding area is to be permitted.
Y Noted and complied with.
Where potentially hazardous substances are being disposed of, a chain
of custody document should be kept with the environmental register as
proof of final disposal.
Y Noted and complied with.
General waste is to be collected either by the Municipality or via a waste
disposal contractor. The frequency of collections will be such that waste
containment receptacles do not overflow.
Y Noted and complied with.
8.2
The contractor should provide an adequate number of waste
receptacles for general waste at points around the construction site,
and a single collection point for hazardous waste.
Y Noted and complied with.
The contractor will be responsible for emptying these at regular intervals
and for ensuring that the site is kept clean from litter.
Y Noted and complied with.
8.3
The contractor shall be required to prepare a method statement to
indicate how and where solid waste will be disposed of based on the
following requirements:
Y Noted and complied with.
Hazardous waste
o Hazardous wastes shall only be disposed at landfill sites registered for
hazardous waste;
Y Noted and complied with. EnviroServ and Oilkol manifests provided.
o Spills or leaks of construction hazardous materials including but not
limited to concrete curing compounds, asphalt products, paints,
petroleum products from equipment operation and maintenance,
pesticides and herbicides, shall be monitored and remediated
immediately if detected.
Y Noted and complied with.
o No hazardous waste may be buried or burned under any
circumstances.
Y Noted and complied with.
o A certificate of disposal by shall be obtained the Contractor and kept
on file, if relevant.
Y Noted and complied with. EnviroServ and Oilkol manifests provided.
o MSDS shall be available for all hazardous substances stored on site. Y Noted and complied with.
o Appropriate hazardous waste spill kits shall be available on site. Y Noted and complied with.
39
o An approved waste disposal contractor must be employed to remove
and recycle waste oil, if practical.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Burying or burning of solid waste shall not be allowed.
Y Noted and complied with. Except for explosive associated waste,
which according to explosives act has to be burnt on site in a
controlled manner.
General waste
o Regular disposal of general waste to registered landfill sites shall be
required to prevent nuisance factors such as odours, vermin and flies.
No burning of waste shall be allowed.
Y Noted and complied with. Except for explosive associated waste,
which according to explosives act has to be burnt on site in a
controlled manner.
o Provide adequate waste bins. Y Noted and complied with.
o Set up system for regular waste removal to an approved landfill facility. Y Noted and complied with.
o Minimise waste by sorting wastes into recyclable and non-recyclable
wastes, if practical.
Y Noted and complied with.
o No waste may be buried or burned under any circumstances.
Y Noted and complied with. Except for explosive associated waste,
which according to explosives act has to be burnt on site in a
controlled manner.
o A housekeeping team should be appointed to regularly maintain the
litter and rubble situation on the construction site.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Littering by the employees shall not be allowed under any
circumstances.
Y Noted and complied with.
o The ECO shall monitor the neatness of the work sites as well as the
Contractor campsite.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Skip waste containers should be maintained on site. These should be
kept covered and arrangements made for them to be collected
regularly to prevent vermin and odours.
Y Noted and complied with.
o A certificate of disposal by shall be obtained the Contractor and kept
on file, if relevant.
Y Noted and complied with.
9. WASTE HANDLING: WASTEWATER
9.1 No construction fluids should be allowed to enter any watercourses or
onto any adjacent land.
Y Noted and complied with.
9.2 No wastewater shall be disposed of into the soil. Y Noted and complied with.
Sewage waste
9.3
Chemical toilet facilities are to be supplied and managed by the
contractor. These are to be located in a specific area agreed to by the
ECO prior to placement and to be used by all personnel. A minimum of
one toilet per 15 persons.
Y Noted and complied with.
Washing, whether of the person or of personal effects, and acts of
excretion and urination are strictly prohibited other than at the facilities
provided.
Y Noted and complied with.
Latrine and ablution facilities and first-aid services shall comply with the
regulations of the local authority concerned and shall be maintained in
a clean and sanitary condition to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
40
No staff are permitted to commence with work on a site without suitable
toilet facilities available for them. Sanitary facilities shall not be closer
than 50 m to any water body.
Y Noted and complied with.
These toilets must have doors and locks and shall be secured to prevent
them blowing over. Toilet paper shall be provided.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall ensure that suitable sanitation facilities are provided
for or by all his sub-contractors on site.
Y Noted and complied with.
Toilets are to be emptied prior to builders’ holidays. The contractor shall
ensure that no spillage occurs when the toilets are cleaned or emptied
and that the contents are removed from site. Discharge of waste from
toilets into the environment and burial of waste is strictly prohibited.
Y Noted and complied with.
If the Contractor fails to provide and/or maintain all site sanitation
facilities in a clean and hygienic condition, the Engineer may order the
Contractor to suspend any or all work on the site until these requirements
are met.
Y Noted and complied with.
No payment shall be made for any delays or disruption of the Works
caused thereby nor shall extensions of time be granted for such delays.
Y Noted and complied with.
10. MACHINERY MANAGEMENT
10.1
All vehicles, equipment, fuel and petroleum services and tanks must be
maintained in good condition that prevents leakage and possible
contamination of soil or groundwater.
Y Noted and complied with.
An effective monitoring system to detect any leakage or spillage of all
hazardous substances during their transportation, handling, use and
storage shall be implemented. This shall include precautionary measures
to limit the possibility of oil and other toxic liquids from entering the soil or
storm water systems.
Y Noted and complied with. Vehicles were inspected daily.
Measures should include:
• Daily vehicle inspection to detect any leakages and or spillages.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Weekly visual inspection of plant and standing equipment. Y Noted and complied with.
• Weekly visual inspection of fuel tanks. Y Noted and complied with.
• A record of these inspections needs to be kept to demonstrate
compliance.
Y Noted and complied with.
• The contractor needs to provide a method statement for “emergency
procedures to deal with leakage and spillage of hazardous substances”.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Spill remediation kits shall be kept on site and all staff members shall be
informed of where it is located.
Y Noted and complied with.
Construction machinery should be located away from sensitive areas
when parked for extended periods of time. A dedicated parking area
should be defined with drip trays beneath any leaking equipment.
Fuel/lubricant absorbing media (peat/moss type products) within these
drip trays should be used to hold the spilled liquids.
Y Noted and complied with.
Fuel/lubricant absorbing media (peat/moss type products) within these
drip trays should be used to hold the spilled liquids. These materials
should be replaced regularly to prevent over-saturation and potential
Y Noted and complied with.
41
spillage of free product. This material should be disposed of as hazardous
waste and be collected by an approved contractor/delivered to a
suitable waste site.
10.2 Machinery should not be located beneath the foliage of any trees. Y Noted and complied with.
All spills are to be recorded in the Environmental Register, including any
clean-up actions taken to remediate the spillage. Such actions are to
be agreed with the ECO prior to taking place.
Y Noted and complied with.
11. NOISE
11.1
Noise generation is likely to be one of the most significant impacts at the
site during the construction phase. Every attempt should be made to
reduce noise levels considering the construction site.
Y Noted and complied with.
11.2
The Contractor shall limit noise levels (e.g. install and maintain silencers
on machinery). When working in any areas within audible distance of
residents whether in urban, periurban or rural areas, the Contractor shall
provide and use suitable and effective silencing devices for pneumatic
tools and other plant that would otherwise cause a noise level
exceeding 85 dB(A) during excavations and other work.
Y Noted and complied with.
Where activities are likely to produce undue noise disturbance to
communities and adjacent landowners (viz noise levels in excess to 85
decibels), these activities shall be restricted to normal working hours
(08h00 – 17h30 on weekdays and Saturdays). Where this is not possible,
affected parties shall be consulted.
Y Noted and complied with. Records were provided which serves as
evidence of blasting notices
All plant and equipment shall be in good working order and vehicles
shall adhere to the relevant noise requirements of the Road Traffic Act
(93 of 1996). Appropriate directional and intensity settings are to be
maintained on all hooters and sirens and no amplified sound shall be
allowed on site other than in an emergency situation.
Y Noted and complied with.
No amplified music shall be allowed on Site. The use of radios, tape
recorders, compact disc players, television sets etc shall not be
permitted unless the volume is kept sufficiently low as to avoid any
intrusion on any potential noise receptors within range. The Contractor
shall not use sound amplification equipment on Site unless in emergency
situations.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor’s attention is drawn to the National Noise Regulations as
promulgated in terms of the Environment Conservation Act and relevant
Local Authority bylaws, as well as the requirements of SANS 10103:2008,
all of which must be complied with.
Y Noted and complied with.
11.3
No noise generating work can be conducted after 8 p.m. and before 7
a.m. on any workday or during any Sunday, without the prior approval
of the engineer. Due to contractual commitments, it is possible the
contractor may need to work longer periods than those stipulated to
avoid being penalised for time delays. Any such issues will be discussed
and agreed upon by the engineer, contractor and ECO.
Y Noted and complied with.
14. POST CONSTRUCTION
42
14.1
Final site cleaning and rehabilitation - the contractor shall clear and
clean the site and ensure that everything not forming part of the
permanent works is removed from site before issuing the completion
certificate or as otherwise agreed.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan, included in Appendix 10, shall be
implemented. The construction footprint associated with the activity
shall be re-vegetated with indigenous vegetation, as directed by this
rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas shall commence as
soon construction of the specific section have been completed.
Y Noted and complied with.
14.2 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the DEA and DENC
that the projects operational phase will commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
17. GENERAL
In conclusion it should be noted that the EMP should be regarded as a
living document and changes should be made to the EMP as required
by project evolution, while retaining the underlying principles and
objectives on which the document is based. Any proposed
modifications to the EMP shall take account the requirements of
Regulation 37 of GN R982, which in the case of any amendments to the
"impact management outcomes or objectives" requires an approval
process from the competent authority, prior to the implementation of
any EMPr amendments.
Y/X Although the Layout was initially authorised, the Layout changed
after some design changes occurred resulting in non-compliance to
buffer zones. Approval from DEA for the deviations is underway but is
still outstanding. An amendment application has been submitted
and the process is underway. This has been verified with the EAP
undertaking the amendment.
EMPr – Transmission line
GENERAL
The EMPr for DA1-Tx has followed exactly the same template as the EMPr for DA2N-WEF, which was managed by the same Principle contractor (Longyuan Engineering) in the
same way. Therefore, please refer to the EMPr for DA2N-WEF below:
Noteworthy conditions/ subclauses added from: GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION (Apx B)
Specific conditions which are not referred to in the EMPr for DA2N-WEF, which were applicable for the EMPr for DA1-Tx are included below:
4.3 Specification Data: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (SDEMA)
SDEM 4.3.1 Materials handling, use and storage (Subclause 2.4.11)
The Engineer shall be advised of the areas that the Contractor intends
to use for the stockpiling of both natural and manufactured materials.
No stockpiling shall occur outside of the working area (as designated by
the engineer) and without the Engineer’s prior approval of the proposed
stockpiling areas. Imported material shall be free of litter, contaminants
or exotic plant seed. The Contractor shall ensure that material is not
stockpiled along the border of any water body (permanent or
seasonal).
Y Noted and complied with.
Location and treatment of material stockpiles shall take consideration
of prevailing wind directions and dwellings. Stockpiles shall be stored
under cover so as to prevent erosion and run off during rainy periods. No
rubble, earth or other material shall be dumped within the Eskom
servitude restriction area.
Y Noted and complied with.
43
Topsoil (100 -150 mm) from construction areas where vegetation
clearing is required shall be removed and stockpiled for rehabilitation
purposes. This shall be spread over the top of the turbine foundation
after the turbine has been erected and any other disturbed areas which
are to be rehabilitated and seeded with indigenous species. Ground
shall be returned as far as possible to original levels/gradients and any
excess material shall not be left in piles but shall be removed off-site.
Y Noted and complied with.
Dust suppression measures shall be used particularly during dry periods
of weather during the summer months.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.12 Dust
*Apx B
As required by the National Dust Control Regulations, promulgated in
terms of section 53(o) of National Environmental Air Quality Act (Act 39
of 2004) the Contractor shall establish of a network of dust monitoring
points using method ASTM D1739: 19702 (or equivalent), sufficient in
number to establish the contribution of the person to dust fall in
residential and non-residential areas in the vicinity of the premises, to
monitor identified or likely sensitive receptor locations, and to establish
the baseline dust fall for the district.. The following standards will apply: ·
For residential areas the dust fallout may not exceed 600mg/m2/day (on
a 30-day average) more than two times a year and not on sequential
months. · For non-residential areas the dust fallout may not exceed
1200mg/m2/day (on a 30-day average) more than two times a year
and not on sequential months.
Y/X Ambient quantities of particulate matter were not measured in
accordance with Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004), however,
adequate dust suppression was implemented such as speed limits,
dust suppression etc. on site.
All materials on the construction sites should be properly stored and
contained. Storage of materials and builders’ rubble shall be screened
from public view.
Y Noted and complied with.
Cut material shall be used, where possible in construction or on site (e.g.
in grading gravel roads) or removed from site.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.3.2 Hazardous substances (Subclause 2.4.9.3)
Procedures detailed in the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be
followed in the event of an emergency situation. Potentially hazardous
substances shall be stored, handled and disposed of as prescribed by
the Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
An effective monitoring system to detect any leakage or spillage of all
hazardous substances during their transportation, handling, use and
storage shall be implemented. This shall include precautionary measures
to limit the possibility of oil and other toxic liquids from entering the soil or
storm water systems.
Y Noted and complied with.
Measures should include:
• Daily vehicle inspection to detect any leakages and or spillages.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Weekly visual inspection of plant and standing equipment. Y Noted and complied with.
• Weekly visual inspection of fuel tanks. Y Noted and complied with.
• A record of these inspections needs to be kept to demonstrate
compliance.
Y Noted and complied with.
44
• The contractor needs to provide a method statement for “emergency
procedures to deal with leakage and spillage of hazardous substances”.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Spill remediation kits shall be kept on site and all staff members shall be
informed of where it is located.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.3.3 Shutter oil and curing compound (Subclause 2.4.9.1)
Shutter oil and curing compound shall be stored and dispensed within a
bunded area, and not located closer than 32m from the top of the
riverbanks/water courses/drainage lines.
Y Noted and complied with.
4.4 Requirements
SDEM 4.4.1 Ablution facilities (Subclause 2.4.20)
A sufficient number of chemical toilets shall be provided by the
Contractor in the construction camp area and at appropriate locations
approved by the Engineer. Temporary/ portable toilets shall not be
located within 100 m from the top of the riverbanks/water
courses/drainage lines. The ratio of ablution facilities for workers should
not be less than that required by the Construction Regulations of 2003 of
the Occupational Health and Safety Act. All temporary/ portable toilets
shall be secured to the ground to prevent them from toppling due to
wind or any other cause.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.2 Solid Waste Management (Subclause 2.4.9)
The contractor shall be required to prepare a method statement to
indicate how and where solid waste will be disposed of based on the
following requirements:
Y Noted and complied with.
• Hazardous waste
o Hazardous wastes shall only be disposed at landfill sites registered for
hazardous waste;
Y Noted and complied with.
Spills or leaks of construction hazardous materials including, but not
limited to, concrete curing compounds, asphalt products, paints,
petroleum products from equipment operation and maintenance,
pesticides and herbicides shall be monitored and remediated
immediately if detected.
Y Noted and complied with.
All hazardous waste materials must be carefully stored as advised by the
ECO, and then disposed of at a licensed landfill site.
Y Noted and complied with.
No hazardous waste may be buried or burned under any circumstances.
Y Noted and complied with. Except for explosive associated waste,
which according to explosives act has to be burnt on site, which
happened in a controlled manner.
A certificate of disposal by shall be obtained the Contractor and kept
on file, if relevant.
Y Noted and complied with.
o MSDS shall be available for all hazardous substances stored on site. Y Noted and complied with.
o Appropriate hazardous waste spill kits shall be available on site. Y Noted and complied with.
o An approved waste disposal contractor must be employed to remove
and recycle waste oil, if practical.
Y Noted and complied with. Oil recycling not feasible.
45
o Burying or burning of solid waste shall not be allowed.
Y Noted and complied with. Except for explosive associated waste,
which according to explosives act has to be burnt on site, which
happened in a controlled manner.
• General waste
o Regular disposal of general waste to registered landfill sites shall be
required to prevent nuisance factors such as odours, vermin and flies.
No burning of waste shall be allowed.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Provide adequate waste bins. Y Noted and complied with.
o Set up system for regular waste removal to an approved landfill facility. Y Noted and complied with.
o Minimise waste by sorting wastes into recyclable and non-recyclable
wastes, if practical.
Y Noted and complied with.
o No waste may be buried or burned under any circumstances. Y Noted and complied with.
o A housekeeping team should be appointed to regularly maintain the
litter and rubble situation on the construction site.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Littering by the employees shall not be allowed under any
circumstances.
Y Noted and complied with.
o The ECO shall monitor the neatness of the work sites as well as the
Contractor campsite.
Y Noted and complied with.
o Skip waste containers should be maintained on site. These should be
kept covered and arrangements made for them to be collected
regularly to prevent vermin and odours.
Y Noted and complied with.
o A certificate of disposal by shall be obtained the Contractor and kept
on file, if relevant.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.3 Contaminated Water (Subclause 2.4.7)
The Contractor shall prevent the discharge of any pollutants, such as
soaps, detergents, cements, concrete, lime, chemicals, hydrocarbons,
glues, solvents, paints and wastewater into the surrounding terrestrial
and aquatic environment. No discharge would be allowed, and all
contaminated soil, contaminated water and hazardous materials shall
be disposed at a registered facility.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.4 Site Structures (Subclause 2.3)
No site structures shall be located within 32 m from the top of the
riverbanks/water courses/drainage lines. Construction yards should be
restricted in extent as far as possible and should be screened by visually
impermeable material. No structures to be occupied or frequented by
people shall be built within delineated servitude areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
Ensure the construction yards are neat and tidy at all times. Site offices,
if required, should be limited to single storey and should be sited carefully
using temporary screen fencing to screen from the wider landscape.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.5 Noise control (Subclause 2.4.4)
Construction traffic shall be routed as far as practically possible from
potentially sensitive receptors.
Y Noted and complied with.
A good working relationship between the contractor and all potentially
sensitive receptors shall be ensured by establishing communication
Y Noted and complied with. No noise related complaints were
received during construction phase.
46
channels to ensure prior notice to the sensitive receptor if work is to take
place close to them. Information that should be provided to the
potential sensitive receptor(s) include:
o Proposed working times; Y Noted and complied with.
o how long the activity is anticipated to take place; Y Noted and complied with.
o what is being done, or why the activity is taking place; Y Noted and complied with.
o contact details of a responsible person where any complaints can be
lodged should there be an issue of concern.
Y Noted and complied with.
When working within 500 m of a potential sensitive receptor, the number
of simultaneous activities (e.g. construction of access roads, trenches,
etc) shall be limited to the minimum as far as possible. Furthermore,
working time shall be co-ordinated with periods when the receptors are
not at home, where possible. An example would be to work within the
08:00 to 14:00 timeslot to minimize the significance of the impact
because potential receptors are most likely at school or at work,
minimizing the probability of an impact happening.
Y Noted and complied with. Farm occupants were >500m from
activities.
Use of the smallest/quietest equipment for the particular purpose shall
be considered.
Y Noted and complied with.
Ensure that equipment is well-maintained and fitted with the correct and
appropriate noise abatement measures.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.5 Lighting
*Apx B
The Contractor shall ensure that any lighting installed on the site for his
activities does not interfere with road traffic or cause a reasonably
avoidable disturbance to the surrounding community or other users of
the area. Subject to meeting the minimum requirements of the OHSA
and general security, lighting shall be kept to the minimum. Care will be
taken to ensure lighting is task specific and does not spill into the
surrounding environment through appropriate placement and shielding.
Floodlighting of expansive work areas or up- or down lighting of vertical
structures or natural features shall only be permitted if approved by
Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.6 Fuel (Petrol and Diesel) and oil (Subclause 2.4.6)
Fuels in the form of diesel and petrol shall not be stored within 32 m from
the top of the riverbanks/water courses/drainage lines.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.7 Equipment Maintenance and Storage (Subclause 2.4.10)
A designated area with an impermeable surface shall be available for
the washing of equipment and vehicles. Wastewater generated from
the washing of vehicles and equipment shall drain via an oil and water
separator into a bunded area. The oil should be removed as required by
a registered service provider to a register facility. The water
accumulated in the bunded area can evaporate. If solids area
accumulated in the bunded area over time, if should be removed by a
registered contractor and disposed at a registered facility. Wastewater
generated from construction or the washing of vehicles shall not be
Y Noted and complied with. Only wastewater from concrete wash-
bays were applicable.
47
permitted to enter water courses, either directly or via a stormwater
system.
SDEM 4.4.8 Stormwater Erosion Control (Add Section 2.4.8)
The Contractor shall take reasonable measures to control the erosive
effects of stormwater runoff. Any runnels or erosion channels developed
during the construction period or during the maintenance period shall
be backfilled and compacted to limit the impacts of sediment
deposition into the surrounding aquatic environment.
Y Noted and complied with.
A stormwater management plan shall be implemented (see Appendix
I). The plan shall ensure compliance with applicable regulations and
prevent off-site migration of contaminated storm water or increased soil
erosion. The plan shall include the appropriate measures that allow
surface and subsurface movement of water along drainage lines so as
not to impede natural surface and subsurface flows. Drainage measures
shall promote the dissipation of storm water run-off.
Y Noted and complied with.
Run-off over any exposed areas should be mitigated to reduce the rate
and volume of run-off and prevent erosion occurring on the site and
within the freshwater features and drainage lines. Contaminated runoff
from the construction site(s) should be prevented from entering the
rivers/streams.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.9 Method Statements (Subclause 2.2)
The following additional method statements shall be provided by the
Contractor within 14 days of the receipt of the Letter of Acceptance
and prior to the activity covered by the Method Statement being
undertaken:
• Logistics for the environmental awareness course for all the
Contractors employees.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Emergency procedures for fire, accidental leaks and spillages of
hazardous materials including:
o who shall be notified in the event of an emergency, including contact
numbers for the relevant local authority,
o where and how any hazardous spills will be disposed of,
o the size of spillage which the emergency procedures could contain,
o location of all emergency equipment and an indication of how
regularly the emergency equipment will be checked to ensure that it is
working properly.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Location and layout of the construction camp in the form of a plan
showing offices, stores for fuels, hazardous substances, vehicle parking,
access point, equipment cleaning areas and staff toilet placement.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Location, layout and preparation of cement/concrete batching
facilities including the methods employed for the mixing of concrete
and the management of runoff water for such areas. An indication shall
be given of how concrete spoil will be minimised and cleared.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Method of undertaking earthworks, including spoil management,
erosion, dust and noise controls.
Y Noted and complied with.
48
• Method of undertaking blasting. Y Noted and complied with.
• Method to detect leakages based on Section 4.3.2. Y Noted and complied with.
• Management measures to be undertaken in instances where traffic
flows may be interrupted.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Extent of areas to be cleared, the method of clearing and the
preparation for this clearing so as to ensure minimisation of exposed
areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Measures to be put in place during temporary closure periods, e.g.
December holidays.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Measures to be put in place to limit sediment deposition into the
surrounding terrestrial and aquatic environment.
Y Noted and complied with.
• Method statement on integrated waste management shall be
compiled by the contractor based on SDEM 4.4.2.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.10 Site Clearance (Subclause 2.7.1)
Removal of vegetation (uprooting) must be kept to a minimum. Only
those areas where it is imperative to remove vegetation i.e. construction
areas, identified storage areas, roads and minor tracks should be
cleared. If uprooting is required, the Contractor shall store the top
Y Noted and complied with.
material and root material of cleared vegetation (top 300 mm layer), for
subsequent use during rehabilitation and re-vegetation. All other areas
should remain vegetated. If brush-cutting is required as a minimum
intervention, this should be applied with discretion; however, it would
always be preferred to uprooting. If vehicle movement is required off
designated roads and tracks, it would be advisable to drive over the
shrubs (crush) rather than to uproot them. This would prevent loss of these
shrubs since they would be able to regrow if not uprooted.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall not make use of herbicides or other chemical
methods to clear the proposed site especially near the identified water
courses. In order to limit erosion, the Contractor shall retain original
groundcover, as far as practically possible, adjacent to the aquatic
environment and to the trenching line as per the Revegetation and
Rehabilitation Plan in Appendix G.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.11 No go areas (Subclause 2.3.3)
All works to be undertaken shall be within the boundary of the site, refer
to the Open Space Management Plan in Appendix K. A “no go” area
shall extend on either side of the working area i.e. all areas outside of
the defined working area and designated access roads. The working
area shall be demarcated in an appropriate manner determined by the
Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
Based on the ecological importance, all construction activities shall
remain outside of all aquatic environments, with special efforts
implemented to maintain a 32 m buffer between construction related
activities and any rivers/water courses/drainage lines. These no-go areas
Y Noted and complied with.
49
shall stay in place until construction of the infrastructure within the buffer
area must commence.
No equipment associated with earthworks shall be allowed outside of
the site and defined access routes, or within “no go” areas, unless
expressly permitted by the Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
The recommended ecological sensitivity and buffer areas indicated in
Figure 1 shall be demarcated as “no go” areas and construction
activities shall remain outside these designated areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
No mechanical equipment, including mechanical excavators or high
lifting machinery, shall be used in the vicinity of Eskom’s apparatus
and/or services, without prior written permission having been granted by
Eskom. If such permission is granted the Contractor must give at least
seven working days’ notice prior to the commencement of work. This
allows time for arrangements to be made for supervision and/or
precautionary instructions to be issued by the relevant Eskom Manager
Note: Where and electrical outage is required, at least fourteen
workdays are required to arrange it.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.3.2 Site fencing and demarcations
*Apx B
The Contractor shall not damage or remove any boundary fences
without the agreement of the adjoining landowner. Where property
fences are replaced these shall, at the minimum, meet specification of
the fencing it replaces, in terms of top height, sturdiness and rigidity (pole
foundations and supports and strength and wire gauge), security
(barbed or razor wire) and size of the largest openings (i.e. distances
between horizontal wires or mesh dimensions.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.1 Protection of natural features
*Apx B
The Contractor shall not deface, paint, damage or mark any natural
features (e.g. rock formations) situated in or around the Site for survey or
other purposes unless agreed beforehand with the Engineer. Any
features affected by the Contractor in contravention of this clause shall
be restored/ rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM4.4.12 Protection of flora and fauna (Subclause 2.4.2)
A Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan, included in Appendix G, shall
be implemented. The specialist shall recommend species to be used in
rehabilitation as well as any special measures for rehabilitation, such as
shade-netting and alien vegetation removal. Restoration shall be
undertaken as soon as possible after completion of construction
activities to reduce the amount of habitat converted at any one time
and to speed up the recovery to natural habitats. A Plant Rescue and
Protection Plan, included in Appendix F, shall be implemented. This plan
will be compiled by a vegetation specialist familiar with the site and be
implemented prior to commencement of the construction phase.
Y Noted and complied with. Revegetation not feasible because of the
relatively small disturbed areas, but ripping and top soiling occurred
to restore natural vegetation.
2.7.13 Temporary revegetation of the areas disturbed by construction
50
*Apx B
e) The prepared area shall be hydro- or hand-seeded at a rate of 40
kg/ha using a suitable indigenous grass species or Rye grass (Lolium
multiflorum). In the event of hand-seeding, the seed mixture as specified
shall be mixed with two parts per volume of clean dry plaster sand, then
divided in half and applied evenly in two successive applications, one
after the other, by means of an approved hand seeding machine
(known colloquially as a “tefsaaier”). On completion of the seeding the
surface shall be lightly raked to cover the seed with no more than 5 mm
of soil.
Y Noted and complied with. Revegetation not feasible because of the
relatively small disturbed areas, but ripping and top soiling occurred
to restore natural vegetation.
No flora shall be removed or damaged, outside of the designated
working area, without specialist botanical input.
Y Noted and complied with.
The collection of firewood by construction workers should be prohibited. Y Noted and complied with.
Any snakes found on site shall be removed from site and released into
an area away from the site, without harm.
Y Noted and complied with.
The contractor shall ensure that the time a trench is left exposed is kept
to a minimum, and that open trenches are inspected on a daily basis for
animals which may have fallen or become trapped. Any animals found
trapped in any trenches shall be freed without harm.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Alien Invasive Management Plan, included in Appendix H, shall be
implemented.
Y Noted and complied with. No aliens observed on site.
An Open Space Management Plan, included in Appendix K, shall be
implemented.
Y Noted and complied with.
Noise shall be reduced and maintained to a minimum particularly with
regards to blasting on the ridge-top associated with excavations for
foundations. Blasting should not take place during the breeding seasons
of the resident avifaunal community and in particular for priority species.
Blasting shall be kept to a minimum and, where possible, synchronized
with neighbouring blasts.
Y Noted and complied with.
Disturbance associated with the operation of the facility shall be
minimised, by scheduling maintenance activities to avoid and/or
reduce disturbance in sensitive areas at sensitive times – such areas will
be identified during the pre-construction and operational monitoring.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4. Mitigation measures during the construction phase
Avifauna
Prior to construction commencing, an inspection should be performed
by the avifaunal specialist to record any large raptor nests on the existing
transmission lines that could be impacted by the construction of the
proposed De Aar 1 Maanhaarberg 132 kV line.
Y Noted and complied with.
All the spans, except those spans that are located adjacent to two or
more high voltage lines, should be marked with Bird Flight Diverters on
the earth wire of the line, ten metres apart, alternating black and white.
Appendix B of the Avifauna report indicates the preferred BFDs to be
used.
Y No Bird Flight Diverters were recommended by the specialist. All lines
are located adjacent to high voltage lines.
51
The new transmission line should be marked with bird flight diverters
along its entire length and that all new power line infrastructure is
adequately insulated and of a configuration that is bird friendly.
Y No Bird Flight Diverters were recommended by the specialist. All lines
are located adjacent to high voltage lines.
SDEM 4.4.13 Protection of archaeological and paleontological remains (Subclause 4.4.3)
Should substantial fossil remains be exposed during construction, these
should be safeguarded by the ECO, preferably in situ, and the South
African Heritage Resources Association (SAHRA) should be notified by
the ECO immediately so that appropriate mitigation can be
undertaken.
Y Noted and complied with. No remains were exposed.
2.4. Mitigation measures during the construction phase
Paleontological mitigation measures
A palaeontologist must monitor all construction activities in the areas
identified as being moderate to highly palaeontological sensitive in
Figure 21 of the submitted heritage report. This palaeontologist must
advise on pylon positions to limit negative impact to significant
palaeontological heritage. A monitoring report must be submitted to
SAHRA once work is completed.
Y Noted and complied with. A monitoring report was submitted to
SAHRA.
A Palaeontologist should be appointed as part of the Environmental
Construction Team for preferably all identified paleontological sensitive
areas but definitely for the identified highly sensitive areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.14 Access routes/ haul roads (Subclause 2.4.18)
Eskom’s rights and services shall be acknowledged and respected at all
times. Unobstructed access shall be granted to Eskom to access their
servitudes.
Y Noted and complied with.
The contractor shall ensure that all regulations relating to traffic
management are observed and local traffic officials are informed of the
proposed construction activities. As far as possible, attempts shall be
made to ensure that high construction related road usage coincides
with low traffic flow periods.
Y Noted and complied with.
Signage and safety measures during the construction of the access
roads shall comply with the guidelines as set out in the latest issue of the
SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual. Standard “construction ahead”
warning signs should be placed on all relevant roads in the area. Ensure
access roads are kept clean and storage of materials is screened.
Y Noted and complied with.
A traffic management plan for the site access roads shall be compiled
and implemented to ensure that no hazards would results from the
increased truck traffic and that traffic flow would not be adversely
impacted. This plan shall include measures to minimize impacts on local
commuters e.g. limiting construction vehicles travelling on public
roadways during the morning and late afternoon commute time and
avoid using roads through densely populated built-up areas so as not to
disturb existing retail and commercial operations.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.18 Access routes / haul roads
52
*Apx B
Unless inside the urban edge or part of an environmental authorisation
in terms of NEMA R544 Activity No. 22. (II) no new construction road shall
exceed 8m or where such road already exists be widened by more than
6m or lengthened by more than 1000m.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.15 Cement and concrete batching (Subclause 2.7.3)
No cement and / or concrete batching shall occur within the “no-go”
areas or within 32 m from the top of riverbanks/water courses/drainage
lines. Reasonable measures shall be implemented to limit contaminated
surface run-off into the surrounding vegetation.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.16 Earthworks (Subclause 2.7.4)
Any blasting is to be executed by a suitably qualified person. Y Noted and complied with.
Controlled blasting techniques shall be employed to minimise dust and
fly rock during blasting.
Y Noted and complied with.
The use of explosives of any type within 500 m of Eskom’s services shall
only occur with Eskom’s previous written permission. If such permission is
granted the Contractor must give at least fourteen working days prior
notice of the commencement of blasting. This allows time for
arrangements to be made for supervision and/or precautionary
instructions to be issued in terms of the blasting process. It is advisable to
make application separately in this regard.
Y
Noted and complied with. Blasting notifications given.
Prior to blasting the Contractor shall notify the relevant occupants/
owners of surrounding land and address any concerns. Buildings within
the potential damaging zone of the blast shall be surveyed preferably
with the owner present, and any cracks or latent defects pointed out
and recorded either using photographs or video. All Local Authority
regulations are to be adhered to and all service infrastructures are to be
located prior to commencement of blasting activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
Blasting or drilling shall take place during normal working hours. The
Contractor shall notify emergency services, in writing, a minimum of 24
hours prior to any blasting activities commencing on site. Adequate
warning must be issued to all personnel on site prior to blasting activities
taking place. All legally required signals are to be clearly indicated. The
Engineer shall be issued daily updates of the days intended blasting
activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
The Contractor shall prevent damage to special features and the
general environment, which includes the removal of flyrock. Damage
caused by blasting / drilling shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
Minimise areas disturbed at any one time and protect exposed soil
against wind erosion, e.g. by dampening with water or covering with
hessian.
Y Noted and complied with.
Changes in ground level may not infringe statutory ground to conductor
clearances or statutory visibility clearances with respect to existing
powerlines onsite. Clearances between Eskom’s live electrical
equipment and the proposed construction work shall be observed as
Y Noted and complied with.
53
stipulated in terms of Regulation 15 of the Electrical Machinery
Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of
1993) at all times.
SDEM 4.4.17 Community relations (Subclause 2.6)
Maintain a register that shall contain details of the measures taken to
resolve complaints and the details of the communication of these
measures to the person who raised the complaint.
Y Noted and complied with.
*DENC EA 16 Any complaints must be brought to the attention of the Dept within 24h
and a complaints register kept up to date.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.13 Aesthetics
*Apx B
The Contractor shall take reasonable measures to ensure that
construction activities do not have an unreasonable impact on the
aesthetics of the area. Measures will be taken to obscure construction
yards and associated plant and equipment from onlookers as far as is
reasonable. Refer also to 2.4.4 regarding requirements for lighting.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.14 Disruption to existing and neighbouring land use activities
*Apx B
The Contractor shall take measures to limit the disruption of any existing
land use activities occurring on the site or neighbouring sites as far as
reasonable.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.15 Temporary site closure
*Apx B
If the site is closed for a period exceeding one week, the Contractor, in
consultation with the Engineer shall carry out [the specified] checklist
procedure.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.16 Public roads
*Apx B
Where road safety may be impacted on the Contractor shall notify the
relevant roads authority and arrange for the necessary road warning
signage and appoint trained points men to control traffic around any
hazards. Any damage caused to the public road system as a result of
construction or as a direct result of construction vehicles and equipment
shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Y Noted and complied with.
*Apx B
On gravel or earth roads on Site and within 500 m of the Site, the vehicles
of the Contractor and his suppliers shall not exceed a speed of 20 km/h.
Mud and sand deposited onto public roads by construction activities
shall be cleared on a daily basis.
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.17 Security and access control
*Apx B
The Contractor shall ensure that access to the Site and associated
infrastructure and equipment is off-limits to the public at all times during
construction. If so required, as directed by the Engineer, the Contractor
shall fence the site to ensure effective control of access to the site.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.18 Erosion and sedimentation control (Subclause 2.7.7)
Erosion control measures, as included in Appendix I, shall be
implemented to minimise erosion at excavation / clearing sites or
aggregate storage sites. Where necessary, sedimentation barriers shall
be laid between the Work Area and the “no-go” areas to limit sediment
Y Noted and complied with. Storm water berms were reinstated on
servitude roads.
54
deposition. The sedimentation barrier shall consist of a geotextile fabric
stretched across and attached to supporting posts and stabilised with
sandbags. The barrier shall be inspected daily and any damage shall be
repaired immediately. Sediment deposits shall be removed once they
reach half the height of the barrier.
Minimise duration and extent of construction activities in the river.
Construction shall also preferably take place in the low flow season.
Where access routes need to be constructed through ephemeral
streams, disturbance of the channel should be limited.
Y Noted and complied with.
Clearing of debris, sediment and hard rubble associated with the
construction activities should be undertaken post construction to ensure
that flow within the drainage channels are not impeded or diverted.
Rehabilitate disturbed stream bed and banks and revegetation with
suitable indigenous vegetation.
Y Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.19 Site closure and rehabilitation (Subclause 2.7.12)
All construction debris found within the disturbed areas shall be removed
and disposed of at a registered landfill site.
Y Noted and complied with.
A Vegetation Rehabilitation Plan, included in Appendix G, shall be
implemented. The construction footprint associated with the activity
shall be re-vegetated with indigenous vegetation, as directed by this
rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation of disturbed areas shall commence as
soon construction of the specific section have been completed.
Y Noted and complied with. Revegetation not feasible because of the
relatively small disturbed areas around monopoles, however ripping
and top soiling occurred to restore natural vegetation.
SDEM 4.4.20 Labour requirements
Equipment shall be regarded electrically live and therefore dangerous
at all times. Safety and best practice standards with regards to all safety
hazards related to electrical plant shall be employed for the
development.
Y Noted and complied with.
Recruitment shall be based on sound labour practices and with gender
equality in mind. Obtain a list of locally available labour and skills.
Preference shall be given to local communities.
Y Noted and complied with.
Appropriate training shall be provided to enable individuals to apply
their skills to other construction and development projects in the region
once the construction phase is completed.
Y Noted and complied with.
Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), Section 4 Operational Phase
Mitigation measures to be implemented as proposed by the various specialist consultants
Traffic Management
Pg. 17 / Sheet. 21
of 38
After construction of the development is completed, the Smauspoort
Road must be repaired where necessary and restored to satisfactory
condition (refer to Traffic Impact Assessment Addendum in Appendix 6).
Y Noted and complied with.
Environmental Management documentation and procedures
Pg. 36 / Pg. 40 of
387
The overall goal of the OEMP will be to ensure that the operation of the
WEF does not have unforeseen impacts on the environment and to
ensure that all impacts are monitored, and the necessary corrective
Y Daily monitoring of the WEF was observed on the WEF De Aar 1 which
was conducted by the resident EM.
55
action is taken (OEMP included in Appendix 4). Note: Fourteen (14) days
written notice must be given to the DEA and DENC that the projects
operational phase will commence.
Furthermore weekly, monthly and annual monitoring reports of
various specialist including avifaunal, botanical and bat monitoring
reports. Various processes and procedure documentation have been
compiled for the operational phase of the facility.
DEA and DENC were given 14 days’ notice that the operational
phase commenced. Also observed was the monitoring
documentation for the site which included site audits (latest up to
date audit dated May 2019).
56
Operational Phase EMP (OEMP): Operational Management Programme Framework
Environmental Management documentation and procedures
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), Section 4
Mitigation measures to be implemented as proposed by the various specialist consultants
Pg. 17 /
Sheet. 21
of 387
Traffic
Management
Impacts of the
operation and
maintenance
of the WEF on
the surrounding
community and
infrastructure.
After construction of the
development is completed, the
Smauspoort Road must be repaired
where necessary and restored to
satisfactory condition (refer to Traffic
Impact Assessment Addendum in
Appendix 6).
Traffic Assessment
Addendum
Y Noted and complied with.
Pg. 36
/
Pg. 40
of
387
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
No framework
within which to
locate the
management
of the
operational
phase.
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
The overall goal of the OEMP will be
to ensure that the operation of the
WEF does not have unforeseen
impacts on the environment and to
ensure that all impacts are
monitored, and the necessary
corrective action is taken (OEMP
included in Appendix 4).
Note: Fourteen (14) days written
notice must be given to the DEA and
DENC that the projects operational
phase will commence.
Proof of Notification of
Commencement
Y
Daily monitoring of the WEF De Aar 1
which conducted by the resident EM.
Furthermore weekly, monthly and annual
monitoring reports of various specialist
including avifaunal, botanical and bat
monitoring reports. Various processes and
procedure documentation have been
compiled for the operational phase of the
facility.
DEA and DENC were given 14 days’
notice that the operational phase
commenced. Also observed was the
monitoring documentation for the site
which included site audits (latest up to
date audit dated 10th of August 2018).
4. Operational Phase EMP (OEMP)
Operational Management Programme Framework
57
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Pg. 1 /
Sheet.
127
of 387
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
No framework
within which to
locate the
management
of the
operational
phase.
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
Prior to the commissioning of the WEF,
a suitably qualified Environmental
Manager (EM) should be appointed
by Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind
Power.
The role of the EM during this phase
would be to address the on-going
operation of the WEF and to ensure
that the issues that have been
identified in the OEMP are properly
addressed on a continued basis and
in a manner that limits any
environmental impact.
The primary roles and responsibilities
of the EM will be:
The appointment of a
suitably qualified
Environmental Manager
(EM)
Y
Mr Doughty is the appointed EM on site.
1.) To represent Longyuan Mulilo
De Aar Wind Power (Pty) Ltd in the
implementation of the OEMP on site;
Y
Mr Doughty was observed to represent
Longyuan in terms of the
implementation of the OEMP on site.
The management of the area plus
observation of documentation on site
was observed to be proof of
implementation of the OEMP.
2.) To inspect the site on a
monthly basis and advise on
areas of environmental
management, or compliance
with the OEMP, requiring
attention;
Y
Monthly inspections and audits
are conducted by the onsite SHE
Manger.
No framework
within which to
locate the
3.) To inspect the site more
regularly during the first 3 months of
operations, during which more
frequent monitoring may be required
for the establishment of certain
programmes or aspects of
environmental management.
Y
It is noted that the EM on site conducts
site inspections on a daily basis;
furthermore, formal internal monthly
Inspections and audits are
undertaken.
58
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Pg. 1 /
Sheet.
127
of 387
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
management
of the
operational
phase.
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
4.) Maintain a photographic
record of site inspections undertaken
as well as any incidents that occur
and subsequent corrective action.
Y
It was observed that photographic
evidence is kept on file, in particular for
any incidents which occur on site.
5.) Be responsible for ensuring that
the Avifaunal Post-Construction
Monitoring Programme (Appendix 7)
and the Operational Phase Bay
Monitoring Programme (Appendix 8)
required in terms of this EMPr is
carried (with the requisite specialist
input as required);
Y
Specialists have been appointed and
implement quarterly and annual
monitoring programmes.
All information recorded on site is
submitted to the EM and on site SHE
manager.
Pg. 1 /
Sheet.
127
of 387
Pg. 1 /
Sheet.
127
of 387
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
No framework
within which to
locate the
management
of the
operational
phase.
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
No framework
within which to
locate the
management
of the
operational
phase.
6.) To liaise with various specialists
and the local authorities as and
when required, regarding issues
relating to environmental
management;
Y Noted and complied with.
7.) To report on compliance with
the OEMP specifications to
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind
Power (Pty) Ltd
Y External audit being conducted.
Monthly O&M Reports are compiled
which include both Health &Safety and
Environmental issues.
The last audit was conducted on the
May 2019.
8.) To facilitate environmental
audits and ensure that they are
undertaken, as required;
Y The Environmental Management
Department ensures all audits are
conducted.
This audit falls part of the requirement.
9.) To keep a comprehensive
record of environmental
management, and any issues of
non-compliance for audit purposes.
Such monitoring records shall be
kept in an Environmental
Management File on
site.
Y
It was observed that an Incident
register is kept on site along with a
NCR register.
59
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
10.) To undertake any other tasks
outlined in this document, on behalf of
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar Wind Power
(Pty)
Ltd
Y
The EM's undertake to implement any
recommendations and mitigations
measures as highlighted in Specialist
Reports.
Pg. 13/
129 of
387
Environmental
Management
documentation
and procedures.
No framework
within which to
locate the
management
of the
operational
phase.
No procedures
against which to
assess
environmental
performance
during the
operational
phase and thus
no measure of
compliance
Objective:
To ensure that the operation of the WEF does not result in avoidable impacts on the environment and that any impacts
that do occur are anticipated and managed.
Mechanism:
1. Appoint a suitably qualified
Environmental Manager (EM) to
monitor compliance (either
independent on in- house).
Environmental impacts
effectively monitored and
managed during the
operational phase.
Comprehensive record of
compliance and
remedial actions
available to the
authorities
Y
Andrew Doughty has been appointed as
the designated EM on site, De Aar.
2. Audit the compliance with the
requirements of the environmental
specification contained within the
OEMP
Y
BI Annual Audits are conducted by an
external party as is conducted in terms of
this checklist and report for August 2018.
The previous audit conducted was during
May 2019.
Objective:
60
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Pg. 3 - 4/
Sheet.
129
- 130 of
387
Protection of the
surrounding
environment
(aquatic and
terrestrial)
Impacts of the
operation and
maintenance of
the WEF on the
surrounding
environment
(including local
flora, fauna, bats,
avifauna and
watercourses
around the
proposed
development)
To maintain minimised footprints of disturbance of vegetation/habitats on-site.
To ensure and encourage plant regrowth in areas of post-construction rehabilitation.
Mechanism:
1. Vehicle movements will be
restricted to designated roadways
No further disturbance to
vegetation.
Continued improvement
in rehabilitation
efforts.
Y Vehicles strictly stayed inbounds of the
roads network within the WEF.
2. Existing roads will be maintained
to ensure limited erosion and
impact on areas adjacent to
roadways.
Y The roads within the project area were
observed to be in good condition
throughout the full geographic scope of
the project.
Road repairs underway
3. Implementation of the
Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan
(Appendix 10).
Y It was observed that the area in which
rehab and revegetation was conducted
in the areas required. An annual
botanical inspection has been
conducted on the 25th of May 2018.
61
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Previous batch plant and site camp
rehabilitated.
Former stockpile area with some vegetation
recovery
Laydown area with some vegetation recovery
62
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
4. Implementation of the Alien
Vegetation Removal Programme
Y A local contractor (de Aar Electric) has
been appointed (co-signed appointment
on the 8th of March 2018 to conduct
alien clearing on the WEF site.
This is on an as and when required basis as
there is a low concentration of invasive
plants present on site.
Areas are monitored by Longyuan EM
and De Aar Electric and removal of
vegetation is conducted on as- and
when- required basis.
5. Ongoing implementation of the
Storm Water Management Plan
(Appendix 14) to ensure compliance
with applicable regulations and
prevent off-site migration of
contaminated storm water or
increased soil erosion.
Y A storm water management system was
observed in the vicinity of the substation.
Various potentially hazardous areas are
either bunded off or separate from the
storm water system. It was also observed
that cut off V- drains existed in the area.
Stormwater drain maintenance
6. Ensure ongoing implementation of
Open Space Management Plan
(Appendix 15).
Y
Various recommended measures have
been implemented on site such as no-
go areas, designated roads, etc.
63
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Pg.4 -
8/ 130
- 134
of 387
Protection of
avifauna
Disturbance to
or loss of birds
as a result
collision with
the turbine
blades.
Disturbance to or
loss of birds as a
result of collision
with the
overhead power
line.
Electrocution as a
result of the
power line.
Objective:
To reduce the impact of the operating WEF on priority bird species
Mechanisms:
1. Implementation of the Avifaunal
Post- Construction Monitoring
Programme (Appendix 7).
No additional disturbance
to avifaunal populations
on the WEF site.
No additional disturbance
to avifaunal populations
along the length of the
power line route.
Continued improvement
of avifaunal protection
efforts
Y Monitoring is undertaken monthly by
the Lady Birds (Pty) LTD, a dedicated
service provider whose role it is to
monitor for bird and bat fatalities.
Bird and bat carcasses are labelled and
stored in a freezer
2. Bird flappers to be fitted to
overhead power lines, where
required (as identified by a suitably
qualified ornithologist)
Y
Bird flappers were observed during the
site visit
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Protection of
avifauna
3. Further specific requirements as follows:
Lesser Kestrel and Amur Falcon
Adaptive management must be
implemented for the influx of Lesser
Kestrel linked to locust invasions
during the summer season at the
WEF area.
Temporary shut-down of turbines at
certain times in a day (i.e. two hours
after dawn or two hours prior to
sunset) may be required during
periods of high bird traffic.
NA
No shut down has been necessary to date
Counts must be conducted during
the summer season at the De Aar
roosting sites and any additional
roosting sites in the vicinity of the WEF.
Y
Counts were conducted in January 2019
and data collected by an ornithologist as
part of independent monitoring. Weekly to
monthly undertaken.
Verreaux's Eagle
Continue with the Argos / GPS satellite
tracking.
Y GPS Satellite tracking continued during
operations until March 2019 (when the
tracker fell of the eagle). The bird specialist
has confirmed that tracking do not have to
continue indefinitely and a new eagle do
not have to be tagged.
If need be, implement adaptive
management for the Verreaux’s
Eagle based on the satellite tracking
monitoring results.
Y
Noted. Mitigation measures for turbine
collisions is being developed.
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Protection of
avifauna
If results of the initial monitoring at
nest VE3 indicate any potential risky
turbines, further monitoring should be
implemented at these turbines.
Based on the results of this
monitoring, adaptive management
should be implemented (if need be)
to effectively reduce any risk to the
fledgling eagle.
Y/X
There have been several bird incidents
involving Verreaux’s eagles. Half of these
mortalities were caused by collisions and the
remainder were from electrocutions on the
powerlines connecting the turbines. As a
result of this bird perches has been
extensively installed on the powerlines to
reduce the risk of electrocutions and
monitoring of the effectiveness of this
mitigation continues. The project owner has
been consulting with BLSA and the avifaunal
specialist and mitigation measures for
turbine collisions are being developed for
testing and implementation.
Monitor the breeding activity of
eagles in the area by assessing the
number of pairs and breeding
success (productivity and fledgling
rates), including (if feasible) the
identification of individual adult birds.
Y
A monitoring program was conducted.
The monitoring program is noted to
include radio tracking, as a breeding pair
having been fitted with a radio tracking
device which has subsequently fallen off.
The number of breeding pairs have also
been identified in the specialist report
observed and are monitored on a weekly
basis.
Visual observations continue.
Blue Crane
Results indicate that the species does
not occur regularly on the plateaus
where the turbines are located but
rather on the surrounding plains
below the plateaus.
No specific mitigation is required at
this stage, but ongoing monitoring
should be performed to record any
potential changes in this pattern of
occurrence.
NA
To be reassessed if the species has been
verified as occurring regularly on site.
To be determined by the Appointed
Avifaunal Specialist.
Water birds and Large Terrestrial Species
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Protection of
avifauna
Waterbodies on the plateau are less
frequented by water birds than
those in the surrounding plains. This
could be due to a variety of factors
such as size, availability of water,
shelter and access. No specific
mitigation measures are required at
this stage as far as the turbines are
concerned.
NA
To be reassessed if the species has
been verified as occurring regularly on
site. To be determined by the
Appointed Avifaunal Specialist.
General Recommendations
Prior to electrification of the wind
farm an on-site "walk through' should
be conducted by the ornithological
consultant to identify the sections of
power line between the turbines
which require marking with Bird
Diverters as an
anti-collision measure
Y Noted and complied with.
During the operational phase, regular
surveys of the intra-turbine power lines
will be conducted as part of the post-
construction monitoring programme
to assess if there are collision
mortalities, and any additional spans
identified as high risk should be
marked with Bird Flight Diverters.
Y
Weekly inspections are undertaken by
The Lady Birds (Pty) Ltd. at the turbines.
The internal reticulation lines are
inspected on a quarterly basis.
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Protection of
In addition to that, the 132kV grid
connection should also be inspected
at least once a quarter to establish if
there is any significant collision
mortality.
NA
132Kv line is managed by ESKOM.
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avifauna
The fitting of Bird Flight Diverters on
the 33-kV power line which crosses
the narrow kloof between
Smouspoort and Swartkoppies is
recommended.
Y Noted and complied with.
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Protection of
avifauna
Exterior lighting at night should
be reduced to a minimum.
Where possible, the following
measures must be implemented:
Use long-wavelength (red or
orange) or energy-saving lights.
Use minimum lumen or wattage in
fixtures.
Use directional fittings, down-
lights and shielded fixtures.
Install sealed light fittings so that
insects cannot reach the light
source. Control lighting with
timers so that non-essential lights
do not stay on all night.
Screen interior lighting with blinds,
curtains, etc. to prevent exterior
light pollution.
Limit mounting heights of lighting
fixtures or use foot-lights or
bollard- level lights.
Warning lights should be flashing,
not constant, to avoid attraction
of animals.
Use motion-detectors on
security lighting.
Y
Y
It was observed that LED lighting is only
used at on the substation.
External substation lights are kept off
except for strategic structural lights
which are low impact.
Lights on turbines flash intermittently but
can also be observed as low range and
low impact.
Objective:
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387
Protection of
bats and fauna
Disturbance to
or loss of fauna
including bats,
and/or habitat.
Direct mortalities
To minimise impacts on fauna, including bats.
Mechanisms:
1. Vehicle movements to be
restricted to designated roadways.
No additional disturbance
to fauna populations on
the WEF site.
Continued improvement
of fauna protection
efforts
Y Noted and complied with.
2. Adherence to reduced vehicle
speeds by all vehicles moving on
site.
Y Site induction is conducted with all
visitors to site in which vehicle
restrictions are conveyed.
3. Implement the Bat Operational
Phase Management Plan
(Appendix 8).
Y
Animalia Zoological & Ecological
Consultation have been appointed as
the onsite specialist who implements the
Bat Operational Phase Management
Plan.
Additional Requirements in respect of Bats:
(i) Operational phase monitoring is
essential to determine the actual
impacts on bats and therefore the
required mitigation measures and
thresholds. However, such an
approach requires an exceptionally
flexible Adaptive Management Plan
to be implemented during operation.
Such an Adaptive Management Plan
must allow for changes to be
implemented within a maximum
timeframe of 3 weeks.
Y
Animalia Zoological & Ecological
Consultation have been appointed
as the onsite specialist who
implements the Bat Operational
Phase Management Plan.
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(ii) The Wind Farm must agree to
follow the mitigation measures that
may result from the operational
monitoring and Adaptive
Management Plan.
NA
Currently no adaptive management is
required, therefore no agreement is
having been warranted.
(iii) In accordance with the Adaptive
Management Plan, appropriate
mitigation measures, such as
curtailment at specific environmental
conditions and/or the use of acoustic
bat deterrents, will have to be
implemented in the case of high bat
mortality. The operational monitoring
study design must allow for
determining the exact environmental
conditions as well as the turbines that
require appropriate mitigation
measures.
NA
Currently no adaptive management is
required, therefore no agreement is having
been warranted.
(iv) Emerging technologies such as
acoustic bat deterrents can be
experimented with during operation
and can replace curtailment if
proven to be equally or more
effective than curtailment.
NA
No acoustic deterrents are yet needed.
(v) Operational Monitoring will have
to be designed and carried out
according to the Best Practise
Guidelines on Operational Monitoring
that is available at the start of the
facilities operation. That includes all
relevant factors such as which
turbines are surveyed, amount of site
visits, etc.
Y
A bat monitoring report is provided to
Mulilo at weekly and quarterly intervals.
The weekly report indicated the bat
mortalities on site. The quarterly report
indicated acoustic monitoring data as
well mortalities and scavenger effect and
influence on mortalities.
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(vi) Operational monitoring must
commence once the first turbine is
turning, regardless of grid
connections being completed or not.
However, mitigation measures that
alters turbine operations can only be
implemented once all testing phases
on a turbine is completed.
Y
It was observed that the Bat
Monitoring report was done during
August 2018 and indicates that the
bat mortalities are not significant to
warrant any management
intervention at this stage.
(vii) Lighting at the turbines must be
fitted with passive motion sensors and
static lighting prohibited, as this will
create feeding zones that will
increase bat presence around
turbines and subsequently increase
the probability of mortalities. Such
passive motion sensors must be
maintained and any faulty sensors
resulting in a light to remain
illuminated, must be shut down until it
is repaired/replaced.
Y
The following finding is referred to:
External turbines lights adhere to those
required by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Internal lights are kept off at all times and
are only used in the event of emergency
repairs.
(viii) The storm water drainage plan
must avoid creations of artificial
ponds or wetlands in turbine zones,
as these will increase insect activity
and therefore bat activity in the
area. This can result in turbines that
were previously assessed as having a
low risk to be treated as financially
and biologically costly high-risk
turbines.
Y
There has been some recent damage to
storm water drains. At the time of the site
inspection, repairs were almost complete.
Objective:
To minimise the production of waste.
To ensure appropriate waste disposal. To avoid environmental harm from waste disposal.
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Pg. 10 -
11
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. 136 -
137
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Appropriate
handling and
management of
hazardous
substances and
waste.
Litter of
contamination
of the site or
water through
poor waste
management
practices
Mechanisms:
1.) Hazardous substances must be
stored in sealed containers within a
clearly demarcated bunded area.
Such containment bunds shall be
impermeable and shall have a
minimum volume of 110% of the
volume of substances being stored.
The floor of the bund shall be sloped
towards an oil trap or sump to enable
any spilled substances to be removed.
Bunded area shall have overheat
cover to prevent rain from entering the
bunded area.
No complaints received
regarding waste on site or
indiscriminate dumping.
Internal site audits
identifying that waste
segregation recycling
and re-use is taking
place.
No contamination of soil
or water.
NA
.
No hazardous substance storage units
were on site.
2.) All structures and/or components
replaced during maintenance
activities must be appropriately
disposed of at an appropriately
licenced waste disposal site or sold to
a recycling merchant for recycling.
NA
No large-scale component replacement
has as yet been conducted terms of
interviews held with the site EM.
3.) Care must be taken to ensure that
spillage of oils and other hazardous
substances are limited during
maintenance. Handling of these
materials should take place within an
appropriately sealed and bunded
area. Should any accidental spillage
take place, it will be cleared up
according to specified standards for
bioremediation.
Y
Spill kits are available on site for small
spill.
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Spill kits on site
The project has an agreement in place
with a specialist service provider to handle
larger spills.
4.) Used oil and chemicals will
be appropriately disposed at a
licenced facility.
NA
No hazardous substances have been
disposed of to date.
5.) General waste will be recycled
where possible or disposed of at a
licenced facility.
Y Due to the small volumes of waste
recycling is deemed not to be viable, at
present waste is disposed of at the local
municipal landfill facility, if the amount of
waste increases over time the Licence
Holder will explore the option of
recycling.
6.) Hazardous waste (including
hydrocarbons) and general waste
will be stored and disposed of
separately.
Y
General and Hazardous Waste Stored
separately.
7.) Disposal of waste will be in
accordance with relevant legislative
requirements, including the use of
licenced contractors.
Y General waste is disposed of at the
municipality with records being kept
on site
Pg. 11 -
12
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138
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Visual Aesthetics
Impact of the
proposed
development
on the
surrounding
visual aesthetics
of the area
Objectives:
To ensure that impacts on the visual aesthetics are minimised during the operational phase.
Mechanisms:
1.) During operation, the
maintenance of the turbines, the
internal roads, the power line
servitude and other ancillary
structures and infrastructure will
ensure that the facility does not
degrade, thus aggravating visual
impact.
Condition of the project
infrastructure and roads.
Y
Ongoing maintenance occurs daily.
Onsite inspections file made available
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2.) Turbines should not display
brand names.
Y
No branding visible.
Pg. 12
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138
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Environmental
management of
the operational
phase
Positive impacts
on socio-
economic
environment
during operation
Objectives:
To ensure that the operation of the wind energy facility maximises positive impacts on the socio-economic environment.
Mechanisms:
1) Train local people for operation
and maintenance of facility.
Consult annual skills and
training records,
employment records and
proof of staff residency in
the area prior to
employment.
Y The Lady Birds (Pty) Ltd is a local
company which is involved in bird
collision monitoring who received
training from the Project Specialist. De
Aar Electric (Pty) Ltd has received
training for to various skills and activities
relevant to site.
2) Employ local labour for the
operational phase, where
possible, and particularly for
day to day operations and
maintenance.
Y
The Lady Birds (Pty) Ltd is a local company
which is involved in bird collision
monitoring.
Adenco is a local electrical contractor
employed on site. De Aar Electric is a
company that has been locally sourced
and is responsible for general site
maintenance and alien vegetation
clearing.
Pg. 12 -
13
Protection of
Eskom
infrastructure
Impact of the
proposed
development
on the Eskom
powerlines
Objectives:
To ensure that the operation of the WEF does not result in avoidable impacts on the Eskom powerlines.
Mechanisms:
1.) Liaise with Eskom to come to an
agreement regarding suitable risk
mitigation measures to be put into
place for operational management.
Compliance with Eskom’s
guidelines.
Y
Bird Diverters have been placed on the
132kV line as a mitigation measure prior
to being handed over to ESKOM.
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138 -
139
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2.) No mechanical equipment,
including mechanical excavators or
high lifting machinery, shall be used
in the vicinity of Eskom’s apparatus
and/or services, without prior written
permission having been granted by
Eskom.
If such permission is granted the
Contractor must give at least seven
working days’ notice prior to the
commencement of work. This allows
time for arrangements to be made
for supervision and/or precautionary
instructions to be issued by the
relevant Eskom Manager.
Note: Where and electrical outage
is required, at least fourteen
workdays are required to arrange it.
NA
Work permit required when working on
site, when working in vicinity of
ESKOM powerlines the Project notifies
accordingly.
No communication regarding this
condition to date.
3.) Unobstructed access shall be
granted to Eskom to access their
servitudes.
Y Dedicated ESKOM lock and key system on
all access gates allow ESKOM free
access.
4.) Equipment shall be regarded
electrically live and therefore
dangerous at all times. Safety and
best practice standards with regards
to all safety hazards related to
electrical plant shall be employed for
the projects.
NA
Duly noted by the Licence Holder
APPENDIX 2: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
APPENDIX 1: DECLARATION
THE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL OFFICER (ECO)
I, B Wiesner, as the appointed independent environmental practitioner (“ECO”) hereby declare that I:
• act/ed as the independent ECO in this audit report;
• regard the information contained in this report to be true and correct;
• do not have and will not have any financial interest in the undertaking of the activity, other than remuneration for work performed in terms of the NEMA, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2017 and any specific environmental management Act; and
• have and will not have no vested interest in the activity;
Signature of the environmental assessment practitioner:
Amathemba Environmental management Consulting CC
Name of company:
Date: 727 February 2020
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