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REGULATION 54 (A) III
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
AUDIT REPORT
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar 2 North (Pty) Ltd
December 2019
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 2 North (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 2 North (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 DA2.
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 ENVIRONMENT
AL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998:
GN R.543, 544, 545 AND 546:
WIND ENERGY FACILITY
SITUATED ON THE PLATEAU
(NORTH) NEAR DE AAR,
NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
NEAS Ref.:
DEA/EIA/0000578/2011
DEA Ref.:12/12/20/2463/2
1 March 2013
10th June 2013 (Amendment)
8th August 2014 (Amendment
DENC EA THE GRANTING OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL
AUTHORISATION FOR GNR546:
ACTIVITY 13 &; 16(III)(A), II(BB):
THE PROPOSEO WIND ENERGY
FACILITY(NORTH) IN THE
EASTERN PLATEAU NEAR DE
AAR.
NC/BA/12/PIX/EMT/DEA4/2014 31 August 2014
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:
14/12/16/3/3/1/1166
NEAS Reference:
DEA/EIA/0002380/2014
11th August 2014
24th November 2014
(Amendment)
14th March 2016 (Amendment)
25th August 2017 (Amendment)
EMPr (DEA &
DENC)
And EMPr
Transmission
line
Lifecycle Environmental
Management Programme for
Longyuan Mulilo De Aar 2
North Wind Energy Facility
Final Lifecycle Environmental
Management Program
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/2463/2
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/12/PIX/EMT/DEA4/2014
September 2014
June 2014
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,
Section 4
the closure plan achieves the objectives and outcomes of the EMPr, and closure plan.
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 2 North (Pty) Ltd.
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 2 North (Pty) Ltd.
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION - DEA REFERENCE NO.: 12/12/20/2463/2
There are ninety-two (92) EA conditions.
88 conditions are noted as compliant, 4 conditions are partially compliant. No non-compliances or not applicable conditions are noted.
The 4 partial compliances 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.
Table 1: DEA EA summary of compliance
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 88 4 0 0
Percentage
compliance 95.7%
3.2 DEA EA FOR TRANSMISSION LINE DEA REFERENCE NO: 14/12/16/3/3/1/1166
Thirty-four (34) EA conditions were considered with respect to the transmission line. 3 are not applicable.
Table 2: Transmission Line EA compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 32 0 0 2
Percentage
compliance 100%
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION - DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/12/PIX/EMT/DEA4/2014
Seventy-four (74) EA conditions were considered with respect to the DENC with one partial compliance being the verification of the submission of the construction closure report to DENC. The report was done but proof of submission has not been verified.
Table 3: DENC EA compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 73 1 0 0
Percentage
compliance 98.7%
3.4 EMPRS CONSTRUCTION PHASE
WEF
One hundred and forty (140) EMPr specifications are considered in the audit. 2 are noted as partially compliant and 4 are not applicable.
The one partial compliance relates 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.
Table 4: WEF EMPr compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 138 2 0 0
Percentage
compliance 98.6%
Transmission Line
One hundred and twenty-five (125) 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 124 1 0 0
Percentage
compliance 99.2%
3.5 EMPRS OPERATIONAL PHASE
Fifty-seven (57) specifications are considered for the operational phase audit. All are complied with and 2 are not applicable.
Table 6: Operational Phase compliance summary
Compliant
Partially
Compliant
Non-
compliant
Not
Applicable
Total Conditions 48 0 0 2
Percentage
compliance 100%
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 construction closure report should also be sent to DENC in not already done.
• 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.
• It is evident that the mitigation measures implemented by the facility is sufficient and effective in preventing and/or limiting impacts that result from the facility’s operations.
• There is no 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
1. AUDIT INSPECTION CHECKLIST: LONGYUAN MULILO DE AAR 2 NORTH
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
ENVIRONMENT AL MANAGEMENT ACT, 1998: GN R.543, 544, 545
AND 546: WIND ENERGY FACILITY SITUATED ON THE PLATEAU
(NORTH) NEAR DE AAR, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
NEAS Ref.: DEA/EIA/0000578/2011
DEA Ref.:12/12/20/2463/2.
1 March 2013
10th June 2013 (Amendment)
8th August 2014 (Amendment)
DENC EA THE GRANTING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR
GNR546: ACTIVITY 13 &; 16(III)(A), II(BB): THE PROPOSEO WIND
ENERGY FACILITY(NORTH) IN THE EASTERN PLATEAU NEAR DE AAR,
NC/BA/12/PIX/EMT/DEA4/2014 31 August 2014
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:
14/12/16/3/3/1/1166
NEAS Reference:
DEA/EIA/0002380/2014
11th August 2014
24th November 2014 (Amendment)
14th March 2016 (Amendment)
25th August 2017 (Amendment)
EMPr (DEA & DENC)
And
EMPr Transmission line
Lifecycle Environmental Management Programme for Longyuan
Mulilo De Aar 2 North Wind Energy Facility
Final Lifecycle Environmental Management Program
DEA REFERENCE NO.:
12/12/20/2463/2
DENC REFERENCE NO.:
NC/BA/12/PIX/EMT/DEA4/2014
September 2014
June 2014
Shading Key
Compliance Y Partial compliance /X Non-compliance X Not Applicable N/A
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
DEA EA
Scope of authorisation
1 The wind energy facility on the North Site is approved. Y Noted and complied with.
2 Only one (1) substation must be constructed for the North Site. Y Noted and complied with.
3 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 and complied with.
4 The holder of the 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.
5 The activities authorised may only be carried out at the property as described
above.
Y Noted and complied with.
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.
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 Noted and complied with.
8 Commencement with one activity listed in terms of this authorisation constitutes
commencement of all authorised activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
9 The holder of an environmental authorisation has the responsibility 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 Noted and complied with.
Notification of authorisation and right to appeal
10 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 Noted and complied with.
11 The notification referred to must -specify the date on which the authorisation was
issued; inform the interested and affected party of the appeal procedure provided
for in Chapter 7 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2010;
advise the interested and affected party that a copy of the authorisation will be
furnished on request; and give the reasons for the decision.
Y Noted and complied with.
12 The holder of the authorisation must publish a notice - informing interested and
affected parties of the decision; informing interested and affected parties where
Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
the decision can be accessed; and drawing the attention of interested and
affected parties to the fact that an appeal may be lodged against this decision in
the newspaper(s) contemplated and used in terms of regulation 54(2)(c) and (d)
and which newspaper was used for the placing of advertisements as part of the
public participation process.
Management of the activity
13 A copy of the final site layout plan must be submitted with the amended EMPr to
the Department for written approval prior to commencement of the activity. All
available biodiversity information must be used in the finalisation of the layout plan.
The site layout plan must 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.
13.1 Turbine positions; Y Indicated as required.
13.2 The preferred substation position; Y Indicated as required.
13.3 Foundation footprint; Y Indicated as required.
13.4 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.
13.5 Wetlands, drainage lines, rivers, stream and water crossing of roads and cables
indicating the type of bridging structures that will be used;
Y The water crossing (WC) positions are indicated, but
type of bridging structures is not displayed, which
were approved by DEA - consists of ditch drains and
one pipe culverts.
13.6 The location of heritage sites; Y Indicated as required.
13.7 Sub-station(s) and/or transformer(s) sites including their entire footprint; 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.
13.8 Connection routes (including pylon positions) to the distribution/transmission
network;
Y Indicated as required.
13.9 All existing infrastructure on the site, especially roads; Y Indicated as required.
13.10 Buildings including accommodation; Y Indicated as required.
13.11 All "no-go" areas. Y Indicated as required.
13.12 A map combining the final layout plan superimposed on the environmental
sensitivity map. This map must reflect the proposed location of turbines as stated in
the EIR dated April 2012 and this authorisation.
Y Design change amendment approval still outstanding
but in the process.
14 The final layout plan must also be superimposed over an environmental sensitivity
map to be submitted to the department.
Y Design change amendment approval still outstanding
but in the process.
15 The Environmental Management Plan (EMPr) submitted as part of the application for environmental authorisation must be amended and submitted with the
Y The recommendations and mitigation measures were incorporated into the approved EMPr.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
abovementioned layout plan to the Department for written approval prior to
commencement of the activity.
16 The EMPr amendments must include the following:
16.1 The requirements and conditions of this authorisation.
16.2 A plant rescue and protection plan which allows for the maximum transplant of
conservation important species from areas to be transformed.
Y Appendix F of the EMPr.
16.3 An open space management plan to be implemented during the construction and
operation of the facility.
Y Appendix K of the EMPr.
16.4 A re-vegetation and habitat rehabilitation plan to be implemented during the
construction and operation of the facility including timeframes for restoration which
must indicate rehabilitation within the shortest possible time 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.
Y Appendix G of the EMPr.
16.5 A storm water management plan to be implemented during the construction of the
facility.
Y Appendix I of the EMPr.
16.6 An effective monitoring system to detect any leakage or spillage substances during
their transportation, handling, use and storage.
Y Specifications in EMPr.
16.7 An erosion management plan for monitoring and rehabilitating erosion events
associated with the facility.
Y Specifications in EMPr.
16.8 A transportation plan for the transport of turbine components, main assembly cranes
and other large pieces of equipment.
Y Appendix J of the EMPr.
16.9 An avifauna and bat monitoring programme to document the effect of the
operation of the energy facility on avifauna and bats.
Y Appendix D (avifauna) of the EMPr.
16.10 An environmental sensitivity map indicating environmental sensitive areas and
features identified during the EIA process.
Y Noted and complied with.
16.11 Measures to protect hydrological features such as streams, rivers, pans, wetlands,
dams and their catchments, and other environmental sensitive areas from construction impacts including the direct or indirect spillage of pollutants.
Y Noted and complied with.
17 The approved EMPr must be implemented and strictly enforced during all phases of
the project. It shall be seen as a dynamic document and shall be included in all contract documentation for all phases of the development when approved.
Y The recommendations and mitigation measures were
incorporated into the approved EMPr.
18 The provisions of the approved EMPr including are an extension of the conditions of
this EA and therefore noncompliance with them would constitute noncompliance
with the EA.
Y Noted and complied with.
Environmental Control Officer (ECO) and duties
19 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 EMPr.
Y NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd were
appointed.
20 The ECO shall be appointed before commencement of any authorised activity. Y Evidence of appointment was provided.
21 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.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
22 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.
23 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.
24 In addition, the ECO must maintain the following on site:
24.1 A daily site diary; Y Records kept.
24.2 Copies of all reports submitted to the Department; and Y Noted.
24.3 A schedule of current site activities including the monitoring of such activities. Y Records kept.
25 The ECO shall remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as required for
ir,1plementation due to construction damage, are completed and the site is ready
for operation.
Y NCC were on site as required.
26 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.
Environmental audit report
27 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.
28 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.
29 The environmental audit report must:
29.1 Be compiled by an independent environmental auditor; Y NCC completed the required report.
29.2 Indicate the date of the audit, the name of the auditor and the outcome of the
audit;
Y
29.3 Evaluate compliance with the requirements of the approved EMPr and this
environmental authorisation;
Y
29.4 Include measures to be implemented to attend to any non-compliances or
degradation noted;
Y
29.5 Include copies of any approvals granted by other authorities relevant to the
development for the reporting period; and
Y
29.6 Highlight any outstanding environmental issues that must be addressed, along with
recommendations for ensuring these issues are appropriately addressed.
Y
30 The audit report must be submitted prior to commencement of the operation phase
of the project.
Y NCC completed the required report.
31 The authorised activity shall not commence within twenty (20) days of the date of
signature of the authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
32 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, MEG or delegated organ of state directs otherwise.
Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
33 Should you be notified by the Minister of a suspension of the authorisation pending
appeal procedures, you may not commence with the activity until such time that
the Minister allows you to commence with such an activity in writing.
Y Noted and complied with.
Notification to authorities
34 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 notice of
intent to appeal period.
Y Noted and complied with.
Operation of the activity
35 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that the activity
operational phase will commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
Site closure and decommissioning
36 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.
Y Noted and complied with.
Specific conditions
37 A 12-month long bird and bat monitoring programme must be implemented prior to
commencement of construction.
Y Noted and complied with.
38 The bird and bat monitoring programme must be implemented through to the
operation of the wind energy facility to find the impact of the wind energy facility
on birds and bats.
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.
39 The results of the monitoring programme must be used refine, improve and inform
mitigation measures.
Y Noted and complied with.
40 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.
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. An amendment application has
been submitted and the process is underway. This has
been verified with the EAP undertaking the
amendment.
41 Bird flappers and/or diverters must be installed at all points where powerlines cross
avifaunal corridors, wetlands, drainage line and pans.
Y Noted and complied with.
42 A 100m buffer zone must be implemented from the edge of all cliffs, scarps and
around rocky outcrops. No wind turbines must be erected within this buffer zone.
Y Some wind turbines were erected within/ on the edge
this buffer zone; however, it was approved by both
DEA and specialists.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
43 No wind turbines must be erected within 1km radius of the Verreaux's Eagle nests. Y Condition was amended to 800m which is complied
with.
44 No wind turbines must be erected within 1.5km of the Martial Eagle nest. Y Nest not displayed on sensitivity map, only Spatial
distribution of medium height flights for Martial Eagle
are recorded in pre-con report.
45 No wind turbines must be erected within 1.5km of the Vendussiekul farm dam. Y Condition was amended to 500m which is complied
with.
46 All plant species of concern must be identified during siting of the wind turbines and
a search and rescue must be undertaken for such plants.
Y Noted and complied with.
47 There must be continuous monitoring and removal of alien and invasive plant
species within the wind energy facility.
Y Noted and complied with. Weekly & Biodiversity
update reports.
48 Only indigenous plants of the area must be utilised for rehabilitation purposes. Y Noted and complied with.
49 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.
50 Contractors and construction workers must be clearly informed of all applicable
buffer zones and no-go areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
51 There must be no construction of access roads through wetlands and pans. 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.
52 No wind turbines, pylons, substations and construction camps must be erected
within 32m of wetlands and drainage lines, and within 75m of pans.
Y Noted and complied with.
53 Lay down areas and stockyards should be located in low visibility areas. Y Noted and complied with.
54 Liaison with landowners/farm managers is to be done prior to construction in order
to provide sufficient time for them to plan agricultural activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
55 No unsupervised open fires are allowed on site. Y Noted and complied with.
56 All fuel tanks must be store in a bunded area and constantly monitored for damage
and leakage.
Y Noted and complied with.
57 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 59 of 2008).
Y Noted and complied with.
58 Should any graves or fossil remains be found, all construction activities must be
suspended, and an archaeologist or palaeontologist must be contacted
immediately. The discovered graves must be cordoned off.
Y Noted and complied with. No graves or fossils were
found.
59 A 500m buffer zone must be implemented around farm buildings which are older
than 60 years.
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
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
been verified with the EAP undertaking the
amendment.
60 All rock kraals on site must be demarcated and labelled as no go areas. No wind
turbine must be erected within rock kraals.
Y Noted and complied with.
General
61 A copy of this authorisation and the approved EMPr 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 ii 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.
62 The holder of the authorisation must notify both the Director: Integrated
Environmental Authorisations and the Director: Compliance Monitoring at 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,
Y Noted and complied with.
63 National government, provincial government, local authorities or 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 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 authorisation as set out in
this document or any other subsequent document emanating from these conditions
of authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
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
Y Although the "project description" did not change,
some design changes occurred within the allowable
corridors
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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.
6
"This activity must commence within a period of five (5) years from the date of issue
of this 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 Proof of ownership transfer were provided.
7 Commencement with one activity listed in terms of this environmental authorisation
constitutes commencement of all authorised activities.
Y Noted and complied with.
8 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 9 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 Records were provided which serves as evidence.
10 The notification referred to must –
1 0.1. specify the date on which the authorisation was issued;
1 0.2. inform the interested and affected party of the appeal procedure provided
for in Chapter 7 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010;
10.3. advise the interested and affected party that a copy of the authorisation will
be furnished on request; and
10.4. give the reasons of the competent authority for the decision.
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
11 The holder of the authorisation must publish a notice -
11.1. informing interested and affected parties of the decision;
11.2. informing interested and affected parties where the decision can be
accessed; and
11.3. drawing the attention of interested and affected parties to the fact that an
appeal may be lodged against this decision in the newspaper(s} contemplated
and used in terms of regulation 54(2}(c) and (d) and which newspaper was used for
the placing of advertisements as part of the public participation process.
Y Records were provided which serves as evidence.
Management of the activity
12 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
13 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.
13.1 The ECO must be appointed before commencement of any authorised activities. Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
13.2 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.
13.3 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
13.4 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
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
Commencement of the activities
18 The authorised activity shall not commence within twenty (20) days of the date of
signature of the authorisation.
19
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.
20
Should you be notified by the Minister of a suspension of the authorisation pending
appeal procedures, you may not commence with the activity until such time that
the Minister allows you to commence with such an activity in writing.
Notification to authorities
21
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
22
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.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
Site closure and decommissioning
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.
24
A permit from the Department of Water Affairs must be obtained prior to any
construction that is to be undertaken within 32 meters of all sensitive areas (rivers,
wetlands and riparian zones).
Y Noted and complied with.
25 Anti-collision devices such as bird flappers must be installed where the power line
crosses avifauna! corridors, pans and drainage lines.
Y Noted and complied with.
26
The applicant is required 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.
Y Duly noted by the Licence Holder. No botanical issues
were identified during the detailed survey of the
proposed project area
27 A final walk-through of the alignment must be conducted by a biodiversity
specialist to assist in the placement of the pylons.
Y Noted and complied with.
28 After construction rehabilitation must be carried out in order to maintain the
functionality of the biodiversity areas and its ecological corridor.
Y Noted and complied with.
29 Existing access roads must be utilised as much as possible to protect biodiversity
sensitive areas.
Y Noted and complied with.
30
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.
31 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 59 of 2008).
Y Noted and complied with.
General
32 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.
33 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.
34 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
Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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.
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 behalf, including but not limited to, an
agent, sub-contractor, employee 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.
3 The activity(s) which is authorised must 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 fat 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 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.
Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
Any notification in terms of this condition must be accompanied by reasons for the
non-compliance.
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 Environmental Affairs, National Department of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Department of Housing & Local Government,
Department of Water Affairs, Department of Minerals Resources, Department of
Transport, Roads & Public Works, Department Arts, Sports & Culture, South African
Heritage Resources Agency, South African Civil Aviation Authority).
Y Noted and complied with.
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 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 ECO Concerns register and Weekly environmental
reports were provided.
16 Any complaints regarding the said development must be brought to the attention
of the Department within 24 (twenty-four) hours after receiving the complaint. A
complaints register must be kept up to date for inspection by the Department.
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.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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.
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 application 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 and operational phases.
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 the date of the
Department's decision to authorise the activity.
Y Noted and complied with.
24 The notification referred in 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.
Management of activity
26 The Environmental Management Programme ("EMPr'') submitted as part of the
application for environmental authorisation must be implemented.
27 The Environmental Management Programmes is a living document and must be
updated as determined or required.
28 The disturbance of the environment must be restricted to the absolute minimum.
Monitoring and Recording
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
26 A site monitoring must be instituted to the satisfaction of this Department; access
routes must be monitored during routine site maintenance visits.
Y Noted and complied with.
27 This Department retains the right to inspect or monitor the proposed project during
both construction and operation, to ensure that it complies with the legislation and
the conditions stipulated in this Environmental Authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
28 The holder of the authorisation must submit an environmental audit report to the
Department upon the completion of the construction and rehabilitation of the
activities. The environmental audit report must-
Y/X NCC completed the required report but submission to
DENC has not been verified.
• Indicate the date of the audit, the name of the auditor and the outcome of the
audit.
Y NCC completed the required report.
• Records relating to the 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 Noted and complied with.
29 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 / rehabilitation measures and recommendations
referred to in this authorisation are implemented.
Y NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd were
appointed.
30 The ECO shall be appointed before commencement of any land clearing or
construction activities.
Y Evidence of appointment was provided.
31 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.
32 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.
33 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.
Commissioning of the activity
34 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.
35 The authorised activity shall not commence within thirty (30) days of the date of
signature of the authorisation.
Y Noted and complied with.
36 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
37 Fourteen (14) days written notice must be given to the Department that the activity
operational phase will commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
38 Any waste generated during construction and operation phase disposed must be
disposed of at a waste disposal site licensed for such waste.
Y Noted and complied with.
39 No on-site burning of solid waste is permitted. Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
40 All forms of pollution must be prevented, or where it cannot, should be minimized or
remedied.
Y Noted and complied with.
41 The appropriate toilets must be supplied for the entire construction period and must
be serviced on regular basis.
Y Noted and complied with.
42 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.
43 Any spillage of diesel and oil must be reported and cleared up immediately. Y Noted and complied with.
44 The clearing of natural vegetation must be limited to the footprint of the
development.
Y Noted and complied with.
45 The intentional and accidental killing of fauna must be avoided at all times. No
pouching is permitted.
Y Noted and complied with.
46 The habitat fragmentation must be avoided where possible. Y Noted and complied with.
47 The level of noise during the construction phase of the project must be kept as low
as possible and must comply with the Noise Control Regulations (GN R 154) as well
as the acceptable day rating levels as per the SANS10103:2008 guidelines.
Y Noted and complied with.
48 Storm water control works must be constructed, operated and maintained in a
sustainable manner throughout the project;
Y Noted and complied with.
49 Increased runoff due to vegetation clearance and/or soil compaction must be
managed, and steps must be taken to ensure that storm water does not lead to
bank instability and excessive levels of silt entering the water course.
Y Noted and complied with.
50 Storm water leaving the premises mustn't in any way be contaminated by any
substance, whether such substance is a solid, liquid, vapour, gas or a combination
thereof which is produced, used, stored, dumped or spilled on the premises.
Y Noted and complied with.
51 All construction activities must be conducted in a manner that does not cause any
damage/effect to the existing wetlands, streams and rivers.
Y Noted and complied with.
52 Existing and dedicated access roads must be used. Y Noted and complied with.
53 Dust control measures must be implemented during construction phase and must
comply with the dust regulations promulgated under the Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).
Y Noted and complied with. Appropriate dust
suppression measures were used.
54 The areas that have been denuded and disturbed as a result of the construction on
site must be vegetated with indigenous vegetation as soon as possible.
Y Noted and complied with. Hydroseeding was done.
55 A monitoring program must be implemented for early detection of alien invasive
plant species and must be in accordance with the Conservation of Agriculture
Resources Act (Act 43 of 1983).
Y Noted and complied with.
56 No invasive alien plant species may be used in landscaping or rehabilitating the site. Y Noted and complied with.
57 All the areas known to have sensitive archaeological sites must be clearly
demarcated and not disturbed.
Y Noted and complied with.
58 Old buildings Which have historical significance must be fenced off during
construction phase to avoid vandalism.
Y Noted and complied with. No buildings were
disturbed.
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59 The graves/burials must not be impacted by the construction activities. In the event
of accidental uncovering of graves, work must stop immediately and SAHRA Burial
Unit must be notified.
Y Noted and complied with. No graves were found.
60 If any new evidence of archaeological Sites or artefacts, paleontol0gical fossils,
graves or other heritage resources is found during development or construction,
SAHRA and an archaeologist and/or palaeontologist, depending on the nature of
the resources found, must be alerted immediately.
Y Noted and complied with. No artefacts or fossils were
found.
61 All mitigation measures detailed in the Environmental Management Programme
report must be implemented.
Y Noted and complied with.
Site closure and decommissioning
62 In case of decommissioning of the project, the holder of the Environmental
Authorisation must properly rehabilitate the site to the satisfaction of the Directorate:
Environmental Quality Management.
Y Noted and complied with.
63 The ecosystem integrity must be promoted at all times. Y Noted and complied with.
WEF EMPr
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.
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
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
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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.
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.
• 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.
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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.
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.
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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 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:
Y Noted and complied with. No noise related
complaints were received during construction phase.
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
Y Noted and complied with.
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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.
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 permitted to enter water courses,
either directly or via a stormwater system.
Y Noted and complied with. Only wastewater from
concrete wash-bays were applicable.
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:
Y Noted and complied with.
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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.
• 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.
• 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
Y Noted and complied with.
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possible, adjacent to the aquatic environment and to the trenching line as per the
Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan in Appendix G.
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 shall stay in place until construction of the
infrastructure within the buffer area must commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
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
Y Noted and complied with.
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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
Rehabilitation of site camp area
2.7.13 Temporary revegetation of the areas disturbed by construction
*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. Hydroseeding was done.
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.
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
Y Noted and complied with.
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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.
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.
An avifauna and bat monitoring programme, included in Appendices D and E, shall
be implemented.
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.
*3.1
Implement long-term [Avifauna] monitoring to inform design, construction,
operation and decommissioning of the project. The long-term monitoring
programme shall be compiled by a qualified avifaunal specialist to meet the
requirements of the Avifaunal Impact Assessment conducted as part of the EIA.
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.
*EMP Apx.E Implement an Operational Phase Bat Monitoring programme (included in Appendix
E).
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.
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.
A general buffer of 500m is recommended for the distance between a heritage site
and development including access roads (such as Zwagershoek and Pienaarskloof).
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.
Areas known to have sensitive archaeological sites shall be avoided. Y Noted and complied with.
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Old buildings shall be fenced off during construction to avoid vandalism of the
buildings, kraal complexes must be avoided, and access roads re-routed to avoid
damage to the buildings.
Y Except for the Enkeldebult farm building which was
used as offices, in consultation with and approval
from the heritage specialist.
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. If the roads through De
Aar of Phillipstown are used as the access road, make use of this road only between
08h00 to 17h00 Monday to Friday for construction traffic.
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 Transportation Plan provided. Site access road was in
rural area with minimal traffic
A transportation plan shall be compiled and implemented for the transport of
turbine components, main assembly cranes and other large pieces of equipment.
The transportation plan will only be undertaken once the origin of all components,
main assembly cranes and other large pieces of equipment is known (Appendix J).
Y Noted and complied with.
2.4.18 Access routes / haul roads
*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.
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Notes and Recommendations
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.
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 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.
Y Noted and complied with.
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
Y Noted and complied with.
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onlookers as far as is reasonable. Refer also to 2.4.4 regarding requirements for
lighting.
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
Although there were some issues during construction
phase, these have now been resolved.
*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 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.
Y Noted and complied with. Storm water management
plan in place.
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.
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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.
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.
EMPr Transmission Line
General
The EMP for DA1-Tx has followed exactly the same template as the EMP for DA2N-WEF, which was managed by the same Principle contractor (Longyuan Engineering) in the
same way. Therefore, please refer to the EMP for DA2N-WEF below:
Since duplicate info exist in the EMP, only the conditions relating to the Specification Data requiring compliance were listed and scored. Each paragraph item *Noteworthy
conditions/ subclauses added from: GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION (Apx B)
*Specific conditions which are not referred to in the EMP for DA2N-WEF, which were applicable for the EMP 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.
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.
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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.
• 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.
Y Noted and complied with.
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Temporary/ portable toilets shall not be located within 100 m from the top of the
river banks/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.
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.
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.
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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 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:
Y Noted and complied with. No noise related
complaints were received during construction phase.
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.
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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 permitted to enter water courses,
either directly or via a stormwater system.
Y Noted and complied with. Only wastewater from
concrete wash-bays were applicable.
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)
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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.
• 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
Y Noted and complied with.
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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.
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 shall stay in place until construction of the
infrastructure within the buffer area must commence.
Y Noted and complied with.
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
Y Noted and complied with.
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contravention of this clause shall be restored/ rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the
Engineer.
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
*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
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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 Noted and complied with.
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 Noted and complied with.
SDEM 4.4.13 Protection of archaeological and palaeontological remains
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
Y Noted and complied with.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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.
2.4.18 Access routes / haul roads
*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
Y
Noted and complied with. Blasting notifications given.
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.
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.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
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 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.
Y Noted and complied with.
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-
Y Noted and complied with. Storm water berms were
reinstated on servitude roads.
Document
Reference
Number
Issue to Review Y/X/NA Rationale/Appendix/ Proof/Site observation
Notes and Recommendations
go” areas to limit sediment 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.
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
4
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.
5
Protection of the
surrounding
Impacts of the
operation and
maintenance of
the WEF on the
surrounding
Objective:
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
Y Vehicles strictly stayed inbounds of the
roads network within the WEF.
Page No. Aspect
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Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
environment (aquatic and
terrestrial)
environment (including local
flora, fauna, bats,
avifauna and
watercourses
around the
proposed
development)
2. Existing roads will be maintained
to ensure limited erosion and
impact on areas adjacent to
roadways.
vegetation.
Continued improvement
in rehabilitation
efforts.
Y The roads within the project area
were observed to be in good
condition throughout the full
geographic scope of the project.
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.
Previous batch plant and site camp
rehabilitated.
Former stockpile area with some
vegetation recovery
Page No. Aspect
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Mitigation Measure:
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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.
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.
6 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.
Objective:
To reduce the impact of the operating WEF on priority bird species
Mechanisms: Displacement
1) The results of the pre-construction
monitoring have already been
incorporated into the final turbine
lay- out, resulting in an 800m turbine
exclusion zone around the core
Verreaux’s Eagle nest cluster. This
exclusion zone must be respected
at all times.
No additional disturbance
to avifaunal populations
on the WEF site.
No additional disturbance
to avifaunal populations
along the length of the
power line route.
Y Buffers are maintained.
Page No. Aspect
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Mitigation Measure:
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Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
Electrocution as a result of the
power line.
2) Formal monitoring should be resumed
once the turbines become operational,
as per the Birdlife SA/EWT best practice
guidelines. The purpose of this would be
to establish if displacement of priority
species has occurred and to what
extent. The exact time when post-
construction monitoring should
commence, will depend on the
construction schedule, and will be
agreed upon with the developer once
these timelines have been finalised
(Avifaunal Post- Construction Monitoring
Programme included in Appendix D).
Continued improvement
of avifaunal protection
efforts
Y Weekly inspections are currently being undertaken by Ladybirds
(Pty) Ltd along with a weekly report
being compiled which highlights
any collisions/mortalities.
Weekly reports as well as a
Quarterly report and a collision
register.
Bird and bat carcasses are labelled and
stored in a freezer
3) The duration of the post-
construction monitoring (i.e. the
replication of the baseline
monitoring) would need to be for at
least an equivalent period to the pre-
construction monitoring (four seasons), and another two years
thereafter. During the initial four
seasons period the scope for the
subsequent monitoring will be
determined and agreed to with the
developer
Y
It has been indicated in the Scope of
Works agreed upon with the Avifaunal Specialist that monitoring will be
conducted for the first two years.
This audit cycle constitutes the 2nd
year of monitoring.
4) Construction activity should be
restricted to the immediate footprint
of the infrastructure, and in particular
to the proposed road network.
Access to the remainder of the site
should be strictly prohibited to
prevent unnecessary disturbance of
priority species.
Y
A dedicated network of internal roads
is used to access the site.
All construction activity footprints have
been kept to a minimum.
No additional construction has been
conducted.
5) It is strongly recommended that the
construction of turbines S05, S30 and
NA Noted.
Page No. Aspect
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S35, especially blasting activities,
should take place in the period
November to April i.e. outside the
core breeding season for Verreaux’s
Eagle.
Protection of
avifauna
Collisions with Turbines
6) The results of the pre-construction
monitoring have already been
incorporated into the final turbine
lay- out, resulting in a 100m setback
from the plateau edge. This exclusion
zones must be respected at all times.
Y It has been indicated that no further
construction has occurred on site to
date, hence no encroachment with in
the 100m plateau setback line as
indicated in the site layout map.
7) Formal monitoring should be
resumed once the turbines become
operational, as per the Birdlife
SA/EWT best practice guidelines
(see previous section
Displacement). The duration of the
post-construction monitoring would
need to be for at least an
equivalent period to the pre-
construction monitoring (four
seasons); and for at least two years
thereafter. Thereafter the need for
additional monitoring will be
determined and agreed to with the
developer. The purpose of this
would be (a) to establish if
displacement of priority species has
occurred and to what extent
through the altering of flight
patterns post-construction, and
(b) to search for carcasses at
turbines (Avifaunal Post-
Construction Monitoring
Programme included in
Appendix D).
Y
Weekly inspections are currently
being undertaken by Ladybirds (Pty)
Ltd along with a weekly report being
compiled which highlights any
collisions/mortalities. Weekly reports
as well as a Quarterly report has been
observed by the auditor.
Evidence of monitoring taking place
was provided for in the form of a
collision register.
Page No. Aspect
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Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
8) The environmental management plan should provide for the on-
going inputs of a suitable
experienced ornithological
consultant to oversee the post-
construction monitoring and assist
with the on-going management of
bird impacts that may emerge as
the post-construction monitoring
programme progresses (adaptive
management). Depending on the
results of the carcass searches, a
range of mitigation measures will
have to be considered if mortality
levels turn out to be significant. This
may include the selective
curtailment of specific turbines
during high risk periods e.g. in the
three-month post-fledging
period when the juvenile Verreaux’s
Eagle is learning to fly and hunt.
Y A proposed strategy for the mitigation of raptor- unfriendly poles on the 33kv
network was compiled where
recommendations were provided.
.
Mortality with the associated power lines
9) 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 A walk through was conducted on
the 26th July and 10 August 2016
where various areas were identified
for Bird Diverters to be installed. Bird
diverters were observed to be in
place on identified lines. This was
addressed in the audit report
compiled in February 2018.
10) 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. In
addition to that, the 132kV grid
Y
Weekly inspections are undertaken by
Ladybirds (Pty) Ltd along with a weekly
report being compiled.
A collision monitoring report was
provided for highlighting collision
occurrences.
Page No. Aspect
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connection will also be inspected at
least once a quarter to establish if
there are any significant collision
mortality.
11) The ornithological consultant
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 should
be submitted to the ornithological
consultant for approval.
Y
Consultation with the avifaunal
specialist was continual throughout.
A proposed strategy for the
mitigation of raptor- unfriendly poles
on the 33kv network was compiled
where recommendations were
provided. Perches have been installed.
Protection of
bats and fauna
Disturbance to or
loss of fauna
including bats,
and/or habitat.
Direct mortalities
Objective:
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 There was no evidence of vehicles
deviating from designated access
roads. The landowner also accesses
the area in order to conducting
farming.
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) A buffer area of 100 m should
apply to all high sensitivity areas
(refer to Figure 1).
Y
The 100m buffer was still in place.
Page No. Aspect
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(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
4) Operational monitoring must be
carried out for a minimum period of 2
years as soon as the first turbine is
turning, regardless of whether it is
freewheeling during construction or
connected to the grid (Post-
Construction Bat Monitoring
Programme included in Appendix E).
Y
Installation of bat detector
microphones has been
undertaken and weekly surveys
are undertaken to assess bat
mortalities.
Quarterly reports with regards to
bat monitoring that are
compiled.
5) Operational monitoring must
always comply with methodology
and sampling standards laid out in
the latest version of the SABAAP
Operational Guidelines at Wind
Energy Facilities.
Y
The correct equipment has been
installed as per the requirements.
6) If it is found during operation that
mitigation is required, a preliminary
recommendation would be that
curtailment mitigation initiates at
Level 2 (see below) for the periods,
times and weather conditions
determined from operational and
pre- construction monitoring to be
causing significant bat mortalities.
Y
Due to the low impact no mitigation
measures are currently required.
7) If such mitigation is undertaken,
then depending on the results of the
post construction mortality
monitoring, the mitigation may be
relaxed or intensified (moving down
or up in the levels listed below) up to
a maximum intensity of Level 4 (see
below).
Y
Noted.
8) An adaptive mitigation management
approach must be taken that requires
changes in the mitigation plan to be
implemented immediately and in real
time during the post construction
monitoring.
Y Noted.
Page No. Aspect
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Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
9) Missing climatic data over periods that is significant for bat activity must
be gathered by the developer, these
climatic data gaps are indicated in
the Final Preconstruction Monitoring
report.
Y Missing climactic data has been
retrieved
A basic "5 levels of mitigation" (by blade manipulation or curtailment), from light to aggressive mitigation is presented
below:
1. No curtailment (freewheeling is
unhindered below manufacturers cut
in speed, so all momentum is retained,
thus, normal operation).
Y As per engineering design
2. 90 Degree feathering of blades
below manufacturers cut-in speed, so
it is exactly parallel to the wind
direction as to minimise free-wheeling
blade rotation as much as possible
without locking the blades.
Y As per engineering design
3. 90 Degree feathering of blades
below manufacturers cut in speed,
with reduced power mode settings
between manufacturer’s cut-in speed
and mitigation cut-in conditions.
Y As per engineering design
4. 90 Degree feathering of blades below mitigation cut in conditions.
Y As per engineering design
5. 90 Degree feathering throughout the
entire night.
Y Noted.
Appropriate
handling and
management of
Litter of
contamination
of the site or
Objective:
To minimise the production of waste. To ensure appropriate waste disposal. To avoid environmental harm from waste
disposal.
Mechanisms:
1.) Hazardous substances must be stored in sealed containers within a
clearly demarcated bunded area.
No complaints received regarding waste on site or
indiscriminate dumping.
Internal site audits identifying
Y No hazardous chemicals are stored on site except for the operational oil
within the transformer stations.
All transformers on situated on an
impermeable bunded surface.
Page No. Aspect
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hazardous substances and
waste.
water through poor waste
management
practices
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.
that waste segregation recycling and re-use is taking
place.
No contamination of soil or
water.
Y No large-scale component
replacement has as yet been
conducted.
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.
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.
Y
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.
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
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
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.
2.) Turbines should not display brand
names.
Y
No branding visible.
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
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
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.
11
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.
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.
Y
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.
Page No. Aspect
Impact
Mitigation Measure:
(Objective and Mechanism) Performance Indicator
Y/X/NA Findings & Recommendations
3.) Unobstructed access shall be
granted to Eskom to access their
servitudes.
Y Dedicated ESKOM lock and key system
on all access gates which allow ESKOM
free access were observed during site
visit.
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
Noted
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: 7 December 2019
Recommended