PROPOSED CLOCOLAN- FICKSBURG 88 KV … DISTRIBUTION PROPOSED CLOCOLAN-FICKSBURG 88 KV POWER LINE REALIGNMENT AND THE ADDITION OF THE MARALLANENG SUBSTATION FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA:

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PROPOSED CLOCOLAN- FICKSBURG 88 KV POWER LINE REALIGNMENT AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE

MARALLANENG SUBSTATION, SETSOTO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, FREE STATE

FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT

EIA REF NO: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797

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PROPOSED CLOCOLAN - FICKSBURG 88 KV POWER LINE REALIGNMENT AND THE ADDITION OF THE MARALLANENG SUBSTATION, SETSOTO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, FREE STATE

FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT

EIA REF NO: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797

Prepared for: Prepared by:

Eskom Distribution ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants

120 Henry Street PO Box 503

Bloemfontein Mtunzini

9300 3867

February 2017

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PROPOSED CLOCOLAN-FICKSBURG 88 KV POWER LINE REALIGNMENT AND THE ADDITION OF THE MARALLANENG SUBSTATION

FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797) II

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... II LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................. III LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................................. IV LIST OF PLATES .................................................................................................................................. IV AUTHORS ............................................................................................................................................. IV ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .................................................................................................... V 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 6 2. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Amendment process requirements...................................................................................... 9 2.1.1 Administrative Amendments .................................................................................... 9 2.1.2 Substantive Amendments ........................................................................................ 9

2.2 Amendment Process Requirements .................................................................................. 10 3. ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT ............. 11

3.1 Authorised Clocolan-Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line and Associated

Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................... 11 3.2 Proposed Amendments ..................................................................................................... 12

3.2.1 Amendment 1 - Authorisation of Activities 12 and 1 (GNR 544 of 2010) ............... 12 3.2.2 Amendment 2 – Amendment of Conditions 24 and 25 of the existing EA ............. 13 3.2.3 Amendment 3 - Realignment of the Authorised 88 kV Power Line Route ............. 15 3.2.4 Amendment 4 - Removal and Relocation of the Existing 88 kV Power Line ......... 15 3.2.5 Amendment 5 - Construction of the Proposed Marallaneng Substation ................ 17

3.3 Proposed new 88 kV Power Line Infrastructure Requirements ........................................ 18 3.3.1 Single Circuit Structures ......................................................................................... 18 3.3.2 Double Circuit Structures: ...................................................................................... 18 3.3.3 Stays ....................................................................................................................... 18

3.4 Need and Motivation for Proposed Route Amendment ..................................................... 23 3.3 Proposed Addition of the 2 X 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11kV Substation.......................... 31

3.3.1 Motivation ............................................................................................................... 31 3.3.2 Receiving Environment .......................................................................................... 33 3.3.3 Marallaneng Substation Infrastructure Requirements ............................................ 33 3.3.4 Selection of the Preferred Substation Site Alternative ........................................... 34 3.3.5 Final Placement of the Proposed Marallaneng Substation .................................... 35

4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ...................................................... 37 4.1 Summary of impact assessment previously undertaken ................................................... 37 4.2 Specialist input on proposed amendments ....................................................................... 39

4.2.1 Ecological Walkdown Assessment ......................................................................... 39 4.2.2 Specialist Assessment of Proposed Amendments ................................................ 39 4.2.1 Assessment of impacts associated with the construction and operation of the

realigned sections of the Authorised 88 kV Power Line ......................................... 40 4.2.2 Assessment of site alternatives for the Proposed Marallaneng Substation ........... 41

5. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 48 5.1 Additional recommendations to include in authorisation ................................................... 48

5.1.1 Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands .......................................................................... 48 5.1.2 Avifauna.................................................................................................................. 49 5.1.3 Heritage .................................................................................................................. 49 5.1.4 Visual ...................................................................................................................... 49

5.2 Disadvantages and advantages of the proposed amendments ........................................ 50 5.2.1 Removal and relocation of the existing and the realignment of the proposed new

88 kV power lines ................................................................................................... 50 5.2.2 Proposed Marallaneng Substation ......................................................................... 50

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FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797) III

5.3 Statement by the EAP ....................................................................................................... 51 5.3.1 Removal and relocation of the existing and realignment of the proposed new 88 kV

power lines ............................................................................................................. 51 5.3.2 Proposed Marallaneng Substation ......................................................................... 51

6. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 53 APPENDIX 1: DEA ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION ............................... 54 APPENDIX 2: EAP DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ................................................................. 55 APPENDIX 3: MAPS ............................................................................................................................. 56 APPENDIX 4: FACILTY ILLUSTRATIONS / LAYOUT DRAWINGS .................................................... 57 APPENDIX 5: SPECIALIST REPORTS AND DECLARATIONS .......................................................... 58 APPENDIX 6: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS .......................................................................... 59 APPENDIX 7: SETSOTHO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY MOTIVATION .................................................... 60 APPENDIX 5: AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMNT PROGRAMME ................................... 61

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Eskom’s Proposed (Authorised – Blue and Amended Green) and Existing (Grey)

Clocolan to Ficksburg 88 kV Power Lines .......................................................................... 7 Figure 2 Wetlands and watercourses identified within the corridor of the proposed 88 kV power

line (ACER, 2013) ............................................................................................................. 14 Figure 3 Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) Clocolan to Ficksburg 88 kV

Power Lines ...................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 4 Existing (Grey), Authorised (Blue) and Proposed 88 kV Power Line Routes .................. 16 Figure 5 Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) Lines at Clocolan Substation

23 Figure 6 Authorised Line (Blue) crossing over the Existing Line (Yellow) twice ............................. 24 Figure 7 The Authorised Line (Blue) at the road intersection on R26 into Clocolan Town ............ 25 Figure 8 Amended Line (Green) aligned to cross perpendicular to the R26 .................................. 26 Figure 9 Amended Line (Green) aligned along the Existing Line (Yellow) over farms Van

Niekerkskroon 407 and Oogiesfontein 15 ........................................................................ 27 Figure 10 Amended Line (Green) aligned to follow the R26, which will have less visual impact than

the Authorised Line (Blue) on farm Prynn's Berg 18 ........................................................ 28 Figure 11 Alignment of the Amended Line (Green) over farms Douglas Dale 509, Ebenhaezer 816

and Owanty 951 to reduce impact on cultivated land....................................................... 29 Figure 12 Alignment of the Amended Line (Green) along the R26 on farm Ficksburg's Dorps

Gronden 75 due to space limitations next to the R26. ..................................................... 30 Figure 13 Proposed 2 x 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation final placement (outside

delineated wetlands and buffer zones), showing Existing (Yellow) Authorised (Blue),

Amended (Green) 88 kV power lines and the 11 kV Feeder Lines (Red). ....................... 32 Figure 14 Proposed Marallaneng Substation, showing the Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and

Amended (Green) 88 kV power lines, and the 11 kV Feeder Lines (Red). ...................... 36

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FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797) IV

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Listed Activities from original application for authorisation (November 2012) and the Final

BAR (Nov 2013)................................................................................................................ 12 Table 2 Pros and cons associated with Option 1 (preferred option ) ............................................ 35 Table 3 Pros and cons associated with Option 2 .......................................................................... 35 Table 4 Pros and cons associated with Option 3 .......................................................................... 35 Table 5 Summary of Impacts from the Final Basic Assessment Report (ACER 2013)................. 37 Table 6 Specialists appointed to assess the proposed amendments ........................................... 39 Table 7 Impacts before and after mitigation during the construction phase. ................................. 42 Table 8 Impacts before and after mitigation during the operational phase ................................... 43 Table 9 Assessment of habitat destruction caused by the Marallaneng Substation (WildSkies

2016) ................................................................................................................................. 45 Table 10 Assessment of disturbance of birds by the construction of the Marallaneng Substation . 46

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1 7611S/C Intermediate ....................................................................................................... 19 Plate 2 7649 S/C Intermediate ...................................................................................................... 19 Plate 3 7618 3-Pole Angle Strain .................................................................................................. 20 Plate 4 7645 S/C Angle Strain ...................................................................................................... 20 Plate 5 7808 H-Pole Terminal ....................................................................................................... 21 Plate 6 7649 D/C Intermediate ..................................................................................................... 22 Plate 7 245E Lattice Tower Angle Strain ...................................................................................... 22

AUTHORS

The authors of this Final Amendment Report are Mr Keagan Kruger and Dr Rolf-Dieter Heinsohn

ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants.

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FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797) V

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ACER ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants

AC/DC Alternating Current / Direct Current

BA Basic Assessment

BAR Basic Assessment Report

Bear Conductor Type of conductor used to string high voltage power lines

BME A type of module that forms part of the tele-communication system.

CT’s Current Transformers

CT Current Transformer

DEA Department of Environmental Affairs

D/C Double Circuit

DoE Department of Energy

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

EA Environmental Authorisation

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMPr Environmental Management Programme

Eskom Eskom Distribution

GNR Government Notice Regulation

Hare Conductor Type of conductor used to string the medium voltage power lines.

HIA Heritage Impact Assessment

HV High Voltage

I&AP Interested and Affected Party

IDP Integrated Development Plan

I/O Input / Output

JB Junction Box

kV Kilo Volt

kN Kilo Newton

LV Low Voltage

MVA Mega Volt Amperes

MV Medium Voltage

NEMA National Environmental Management Act

N/O Normal Open (an isolator structure but not an isolation point)

QOS Quality of Supply

RDP Rural Development Programme

SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Association

Scada Supervisory control and data acquisition

S/C Single Circuit

SOC State Owned Company

VIA Visual Impact Assessment

VIP Very Important Persons

VT Volt Transformer

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FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: 14/12/16/3/3/1/797) 6

1. INTRODUCTION

The Ficksburg Municipality Substation is currently supplied from the Clocolan Substation via 1

x 88 kV Mink power line with 4 x 5 MVA 88/11 kV transformers installed. The maximum

demand for the transformers was measured at 16.82 MVA in 2011 which is 84 % loading of

the installed capacity. The substation is a radial substation which supplies approximately 9

000 customers. One of the draw backs of the current configuration of the electrical

infrastructure is that a fault on the existing 88 kV power line results in supply lost to all

customers. The aim of this project is to supply a radial feed which will ensure a secure power

supply to customers should one of the power lines experience a fault.

Eskom Holdings SOC Limited (Eskom) is therefore proposing to construct a new (second) 88

kV power line and associated infrastructure between the existing Clocolan Substation and the

Ficksburg Municipal Substation. The length of the proposed power line is approximately 35

km and the project will also entail the replacement of the existing 4 x 88/11 kV 5 MVA

transformers at the Ficksburg Substation with 4 x 88/11 kV 10 MVA transformers which have

a greater capacity.

As per the prevailing environmental legislation in force at that time (i.e. the Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2010) promulgated under the National Environment

Management Act (NEMA) (Act No. 107 of 1998), a Basic Assessment (BA) was undertaken

during 2012 to 2013 for the proposed new (second) 88 kV power line and associated

infrastructure, which received Environmental Authorisation (EA) from the National Department

of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on 14th February 2014 (DEA Reference number:

14/12/16/3/3/1/797, NEAS Reference number: DEA/EIA/0001623/2013).

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Figure 1 Eskom’s Proposed (Authorised – Blue and Amended Green) and Existing (Grey) Clocolan to Ficksburg 88 kV Power Lines

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Since the receiving of the EA, the servitude negotiations and new power supply demands

have made it necessary for Eskom to apply for a substantive amendment to the existing EA.

The purpose of the amendment process is to ensure that the additional impacts as a result of

the proposed changes are avoided where possible and managed and mitigated to acceptable

levels where not. A summary of the proposed amendments to the EA are:

1. AUTHORISATION OF ACTIVITIES 121 AND 19

2 of LISTING NOTICE 1 (GNR 983 OF

2014)

Eskom is proposing an amendment to the existing EA to include the authorisation of

activities 12 and 19 of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 983 OF 2014), as was included in the

original application for authorisation (November 2012) and the Final BAR (November

2013) submitted to the DEA, for the moving of material and construction of infrastructure

within watercourse respectively.

2. AMENDMENT OF CONDITIONS 24 AND 25 OF THE EXISTING EA

Conditions 24 and 25 of the existing EA currently prohibit the placing of any power line

infrastructure within 32 m of a watercourse. This is contradictory to the activities applied

for in terms of the application for authorisation and the Final BAR, for the moving of

material and construction of infrastructure within watercourse.

3. REALIGNMENT OF THE AUTHORISED ROUTE FOR THE PROPOSED NEW 88 KV

POWER LINE

The need to realign the route for the proposed new 88 kV power line arose during

Eskom’s post EA servitude negotiations with the relevant stakeholders and affected land

owners. Recommendations made during a subsequent Ecological Walkdown

Assessment (Texture, September 2015) resulted in further deviations to the proposed

alignment for the new 88 kV power line between Clocolan and Ficksburg.

4. REMOVAL AND RELOCATION OF THE EXISTING 88 KV POWER LINE

The need to remove the existing 88 kV power line, between Clocolan and Ficksburg

arose during the post EA servitude negotiations with affected land owners and the

Ecological Walkdown Assessment. Eskom is proposing to remove the existing power line

and realign it on the double circuit structures of the proposed new 88 kV power line along

the proposed amended route.

5. CONSTRUCTION OF THE MARALLANENG SUBSTATION

In order to be able to provide sufficient capacity to transform and distribute the additional

power supplied by the proposed new 88 kV power line to various industries and newly

built townships in the Ficksburg area; Eskom is proposing the construction of the new 2 x

20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation. Through careful planning and positioning, the

proposed substation will not trigger any new listed activities in terms of the EIA

Regulations, 2014.

ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants (ACER) has been appointed by Eskom to manage

the required amendment process. The declaration of the Environmental Assessment

Practitioner (EAP) who compiled the Amendment Report is included in Appendix 2 of this

report.

1 Previously activity 11 of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 544 of 2010) 2 Previously activity 18 of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 544 of 2010)

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2. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Amendment process requirements

Eskom is required to apply for a substantive (Part 2) amendment to the EA issued on 14th

February 2014 by the DEA. Section 31 of the 2014 EIA Regulations describes a Part 2

amendment as:

“An environmental authorisation may be amended by following the process prescribed in this

Part if the amendment will result in a change to the scope of a valid environmental

authorisation where such change will result in an increased level or nature of impact where

such level or nature of impact was not;

(a) assessed and included in the initial application for environmental authorisation; or

(b) taken into consideration in the initial environmental authorisation;

and the change does not, on its own, constitute a listed or specified activity”.

2.1.1 Administrative Amendments

The proposed Amendments 1 and 2, as listed in Section 1 above and discussed in Section 3

below, are considered administrative amendments, which on their own would constitute a Part

1 amendment in terms of Sections 29 and 30 of the EIA Regulations, 2014. The failure to

authorise listed activities 11 and 18 (GNR 544) and the inclusion of conditions 24 and 25 in

the existing EA, currently prohibits Eskom from placing of any power line infrastructure within

32 m of a watercourse. Due to the number of wetlands and watercourses along the proposed

route, and the spatial and technical limitations of the proposed infrastructure it is not possible

to avoid impacting on the buffers of all rivers and wetland. It is for this reason that the

conservative approach was adopted and why this listed activity were applied for (in the event

that the Eskom design team need to place towers within wetlands or their buffer areas). The

impacts, advantages and disadvantages of these proposed amendments will not be

discussed or assessed in any depth in this report, they are however considered integral to the

amendment process and the proposed construction of the new 88 kV power line and

associated infrastructure.

2.1.2 Substantive Amendments

Proposed Amendments 3, 4 and 5, as mentioned in Section 1 above and discussed in Section

3 below, are changes to the scope which will result in impacts that were not taken into

consideration in the initial EA issued (as per subsection 2.1(b) above). The impacts,

advantages and disadvantages of the proposed amendments as well as the measures to

avoid, manage and mitigate the potential impacts are discussed in the Sections that follow.

Amendment 3; the realignment of the authorised route for the proposed new 88 kV

power line does not constitute a new listed activity. The listed activity (activity 10 of

GNR 544) was assessed during the original environmental authorisation process, and

authorised under the existing EA.

Amendment 4; the removal and relocation of the existing 88 kV power line to along the

double circuit structures of the proposed new power line, does not constitute a new

listed activity in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014.

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The decommissioning of the existing 88kV power line from Clocolan to Ficksburg is

only partially aligned with the definition for “decommissioning’ stipulated in GN983 of

2014 as follow:

“to take out of active service permanently or dismantle partly or wholly, or closure of a

facility to the extent that it cannot be readily re-commissioned”

With reference to the above definition, the existing 88kV power line that currently runs

from Clocolan to Ficksburg will still be in service, but will be dismantled partly from its

existing route to operate along a new proposed route and on different structures. The

listed activity that is triggered for this amendment is in terms of GNR 983 of 2014;

“the development of infrastructure for the transmission and distribution of electricity

outside urban areas or industrial complexes with a capacity of more than 33 but less

than 275 kV”

Is authorised by the current EA, for the proposed new 88 kV power line, therefore not

constituting a new listed activity.

Amendment 5; is for the inclusion of the construction of the proposed new 2 x 20 MVA

Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation toward the Ficksburg end of the proposed new 88 kV

power line. The Marallaneng Substation site will be 80 m x 80, within which the

substation will have a construction footprint of 65 m x75 m, and through careful

planning with regards to the footprint size and the final placement, will not trigger any

new listed activities in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014.

Based on this interpretation of the EIA Regulations, 2014, the proposed amendments as

described above do not constitute new listed activities in terms of what was assessed and

applied in the original application for authorisation and Final BAR submitted to the DEA in

November 2013.

2.2 Amendment Process Requirements

Based on the above, Eskom has compiled this report, to identify and assess the potential

additional impacts that associated with the proposed substantive amendments to the existing

EA.

As per Section 32 of the EIA Regulations which outlines the process and consideration of

application for amendment, the following is required:

This report will be distributed to all registered Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) for a 30

day commenting period where after, with the comments incorporated, the report will be

submitted to the DEA for decision-making (Section 32 (a) of the EIA Regulations).

The holder must:

Within 90 days of receipt by the competent authority of the application made in terms of

regulation 31, submit to the competent authority a report, reflecting:

An assessment of all impacts related to the proposed change.

Advantages and disadvantages associated with the proposed change.

Measures to ensure avoidance, management and mitigation of impacts

associated with such proposed change.

Any changes to the EMPr.

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Which report:

Had been subjected to a public participation process, which had been agreed to

by the competent authority, and which was appropriate to bring the proposed

change to the attention of potential and registered interested and affected

parties, including organs of state, which have jurisdiction in respect of any aspect

of the relevant activity, and the competent authority.

Reflects the incorporation of comments received, including any comments of the

competent authority.

3. ORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT

3.1 Authorised Clocolan-Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line and Associated Infrastructure

On 14th February 2014, following a Basic Assessment process, Eskom was issued an EA to

construct a new (second) 88 kV power line and associated infrastructure between the existing

Clocolan Substation in the town of Clocolan and the Ficksburg Substation in the town of

Ficksburg, within the Setsoto Local Municipality. Infrastructure authorised included:

Construction of a new 35 km 88 kV power line from the existing Clocolan Substation to

the existing Ficksburg Substation.

A replacement of four 5 MVA 88/11 kV transformers by four 10 MVA 88/11 kV

transformers.

The 88 kV power line will make use of the monopole structures of the size 1 m2 and

range between 18 m and 24 m in height.

The power line servitude will have a width of 31 m.

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3.2 Proposed Amendments

3.2.1 Amendment 1 - Authorisation of Activities 12 and 1 (GNR 544 of 2010)

The application for authorisation (November 2012) and the Final BAR (November 2013)

submitted to DEA for review and decision-making both included listed activities 10, 11 and 18

of Listing Notice 1 (GNR 544 of 2010) as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Listed Activities from original application for authorisation (November 2012) and the Final BAR

(Nov 2013)

Listed activity Description of project activity

Item 10 GN. R. 544 (Now item 11 of GNR 983 of 2014).

This project entails the construction of an 88 kV power line, approximately 35 km in length, with associated infrastructure. This power line will connect the Clocolan and Ficksburg sub-stations and will impact on the Clocolan and Ficksburg urban areas, as well as the agricultural area in between.

Item 11 GN. R. 544

(Now item 12 of GNR

983 of 2014).

The wetland delineation study, undertaken as a part of the Basic Assessment

process, indicate that all wetlands and riparian zones (with 30 m buffers) are less

than 250 m in width/length and, therefore, can be spanned with no effect on

wetlands and riparian zones.

However, once the final design and profiling of the power line is undertaken

by Eskom, additional towers could be required which may impact on buffers

of rivers and wetlands. It is for this reason that a conservative approach was

adopted and why this listed activity has been applied for (in the event that

the Eskom design team need to place towers within wetlands or their buffer

areas).

Item 18 GN. R. 544

(Now item 19 of GNR

983 of 2014).

This project entails the construction of an 88 kV power line, approximately 35 km

in length, with associated infrastructure over a number of wetlands and rivers.

The wetland delineation study, undertaken as a part of the Basic Assessment

process, indicate that all wetlands and riparian zones (with 30 m buffers) are less

than 250 m in width/length and, therefore, can be spanned with no effect on

wetlands and riparian zones (see Appendix D).

However, once the final design and profiling of the power line is undertaken

by Eskom, additional towers could be required which may impact on buffers

of rivers and wetlands. It is for this reason that a conservative approach was

adopted by the EAP and why this listed activity has been applied for (in the

event that the Eskom design team need to place towers within wetlands or

their buffer areas).

Activities 11 and 18 (GNR 544 of 2010) were related to construction within 32 m of a water

course and the moving of 5 cubic meters or more of material within a water course

respectively. The wetland delineation study (ACER, May 2013), undertaken as a part of the

BA process identified a large number of wetlands and riparian zones within the study area,

and with the final design and profiling of the power line by the Eskom design team still

underway at the time, there was the possibility that infrastructure would need to be placed

within wetlands, watercourses or their buffer areas. It is for this reason that Eskom took the

conservative approach to include these listed activities. It is now certain that the proposed

new alignment and current designs will require some power line infrastructure to be

constructed within the stipulated 32 m buffer of a delineated watercourse.

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The EA issued by the DEA on the 14th February 2014, did not include or authorise activities

11 and 18 (GNR 544 of 2010), and only authorised activity 10 (GNR 544 of 2010), for the

development of infrastructure with a capacity of more than 33 but less than 275 kV. Eskom is

therefore proposing to amend the existing EA to include the authorisation of these activities,

as per the original application for authorisation and the Final BAR submitted to the DEA.

3.2.2 Amendment 2 – Amendment of Conditions 24 and 25 of the existing EA

The existing EA was issued with specific conditions that are contradictory to the listed

activities applied for and required for the potential construction and/or moving of material

within 32 m of a water course. Conditions 24 and 25 of the existing EA prohibit the placing of

any power line infrastructure within 32 m of a water course:

24 The holder of the EA must ensure that a 32 metre buffer zone is implemented around the

wetlands and riparian areas.

25 No power line mono pole structures and other related infrastructure are to be placed in or

within 32 m of any water course.

With the final design and profiling of the power line by the Eskom design team still underway

at the time the final BAR was submitted, was the possibility that infrastructure would need to

be placed within 32 metres of a watercourse. The proposed new alignment and designs

require some power line infrastructure to be constructed within the stipulated 32 m buffer of a

delineated watercourse; Eskom is therefore proposing the amendment of conditions 24 and

25 to read as follows:

24 The holder of the EA must ensure that a 32 metre buffer zone is implemented around

wetlands and riparian areas, unless otherwise specifically approved by DWS and DEA.

25 No power line towers and other related infrastructure are to be placed in or within 32

meters of any water course unless it is essential infrastructure depicted on the layout and

agreed to by DWS and DEA.

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Figure 2 Wetlands and watercourses identified within the corridor of the proposed 88 kV power line (ACER, 2013)

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3.2.3 Amendment 3 - Realignment of the Authorised 88 kV Power Line Route

The EA issued by the DEA on the 14th February 2014 authorised the preferred 88 kV power

line route, Alternative 3 from the Basic Assessment Report (ACER 2013). After receiving the

EA, Eskom commenced negotiations with the relevant stakeholders and affected land owners,

the outcome of the negotiations resulted in Eskom having to propose a new alignment.

An Ecological Walkdown Assessment was subsequently undertaken along this newly

proposed alignment, resulting in the slight adjustment of certain sections to avoid sensitive

areas identified by the respective specialists. Although still within the original study corridor,

the proposed Amended Route (Figure 1) could have impacts that were not previously

assessed or taken into consideration during the original EA process, hence requiring Eskom

to apply for an amendment of the existing EA in terms of Part 2 (Sections 31 and 32 of the

2014 EIA Regulations).

3.2.4 Amendment 4 - Removal and Relocation of the Existing 88 kV Power Line

Also arising from the post EA servitude negotiations and Ecological Walkdown Assessment

(Texture, September 2015) was the need to remove the existing 88 kV power line, currently

running from the Clocolan Substation to the Ficksburg Municipal Substation, and relocating it

onto the double circuit structures of the proposed new 88 kV power line along the proposed

amended route. This proposed amendment will serve to reduce the visual impacts and

minimise the physical footprint on both natural and agricultural land that would be associated

with having two power lines running in close proximity of each other.

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Figure 4 Existing (Grey), Authorised (Blue) and Proposed 88 kV Power Line Routes

Figure 3 Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) Clocolan to Ficksburg 88 kV Power Lines

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3.2.5 Amendment 5 - Construction of the Proposed Marallaneng Substation

The proposed construction of the new 2 X 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation on the

Ficksburg end of the new power line is required to provide sufficient capacity to transform the

additional power supplied by the proposed new 88 kV power line. The additional power is

required to address the demand for electricity in the townships near Ficksburg and future

industrial and commercial expansion in the Ficksburg area. The Setsoto Local Municipality

has formally requested the need for a new substation in order to allow the municipality to

implement new infrastructure developments, and to provide power to already completed

projects and RDP houses (Appendix 7).

Figure 4 Marallaneng Substation, showing Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) 88 kV Power Lines and the outgoing 11 kV Feeders (Red)

Marallaneng Substation

Existing access off theR26

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3.3 Proposed new 88 kV Power Line Infrastructure Requirements

As discussed in the preceding sections, Eskom is proposing that the existing and proposed 88

kV power lines be strung on double circuit structures, for the entire proposed amended route

from Clocolan to Ficksburg, except upon entering/exiting the Clocolan and Ficksburg

Substations, where due to various technical and spatial difficulties, they will remain on

separate single circuit structures. The infrastructure requirements of the proposed 88 kV

power line, which will now also carry the existing 88 kV power line are detailed below.

3.3.1 Single Circuit Structures

Planted steel mono-pole structures are to be erected for all single circuit sections. This will

apply to all strain and intermediate structures. The following Single Circuit structures are to be

used:

7615 – S/C Stayed Angle Strain Structure.

7618 – S/C Stayed 3-Pole Angle Strain Structure.

7645 – S/C Stayed Angle Strain Structure.

7808 – S/C H-Pole Terminal Structure.

7611 – Single Circuit Intermediate Structure.

7649 – Single Circuit Intermediate Structure.

3.3.2 Double Circuit Structures:

Double circuit Lattice Towers of the 245 Series are to be erected for all bends and inline strain

towers along the double circuit sections. Planted steel mono-pole structures are to be erected

for all intermediate structures. The following Double Circuit structures are to be used:

7649 – D/C Intermediate Structure.

245 – D/C Lattice Tower Series.

3.3.3 Stays

The double circuit lattice towers to be used for in-line strain and angle strain structures will not

require any stays (as per the Land Owner requirements). The single circuit in-line strain and

angle strain structures will however require the installation of stays, thus the following stays

are to be installed where required:

M20 x 94 kN Temporary stays (Non-Adjustable) - Construction Stays.

M24 x 135 kN Permanent stays (Adjustable) - Structure anchoring purposes.

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SINGLE CIRCUIT STRUCTURES

Plate 2 7649 S/C Intermediate Plate 1 7611S/C Intermediate

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Plate 4 7645 S/C Angle Strain Plate 3 7618 3-Pole Angle Strain

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Plate 5 7808 H-Pole Terminal

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DOUBLE CIRCUIT STRUCTURES

Plate 7 245E Lattice Tower Angle Strain Plate 6 7649 D/C Intermediate

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3.4 Need and Motivation for Proposed Route Amendment

The post EA developments that resulted in Eskom having to deviate from the route that was

authorised for the new 88 kV power line are detailed below:

Authorised Line (Alternative 3 from Basic Assessment)

Amended Line (Final proposed alignment)

Existing Line (Existing 88 kV power line)

A new feeder bay has been installed at the Clocolan Substation to accommodate the new

Clocolan-Ficksburg 88 kV power line. As shown in Figure 5, the position of the feeder bay

within the substation has influenced the entrance route of the new 88 kV power line into the

substation. The Amended Line (Green) will not be aligned on the Authorised Line (Blue)

anymore, and will pick up the Existing Line (Yellow) at President Brandt Road, from where

they will be aligned on double circuit structures onward.

Start of double circuit

structures for Amended

and Existing Lines.

Figure 5 Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) Lines at Clocolan Substation

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If the new 88 kV power line were to follow the route of the Authorised Line (Blue), it would

need to cross over the Existing Line (Yellow) twice at the Clocolan Townlands 40 side. These

power line crossings are not technically and economically feasible; therefore the Amended

Line (Green) will run east of the R708, as shown in Figure 3.

The Ecological Walkdown Assessment (Appendix 5.1) recommended further deviations to

avoid spanning the new power line directly over the existing dam on farm Makoadi. The

Amended Line (Green) was thus aligned around the farm dam, as shown in Figure 6.

Authorised Line

crosses Existing

Line twice

Figure 6 Authorised Line (Blue) crossing over the Existing Line (Yellow) twice

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The Authorised Line (Blue) crosses over the R26 intersection where the road turns into

Clocolan Town. During the post EA line survey and route negotiations process, Eskom did not

receive approval from the Free State Roads Department for the new 88 kV power line to cross

over this intersection, due to an existing agreement with Eskom which prohibits the erection of

structures near intersections of certain roads.

The Amended Line (Green) was therefore aligned to follow the Existing Line (Yellow) across

farms Clocolan Townlands 40, Makoadi 268 and Potsoko 364. The Ecological Walkdown

Assessment report and requests from the landowners further influenced the route of the

Amended Line (Green) over the aforementioned properties to avoid spanning the farm dams

and to minimise ecological impacts on the wetland areas.

The Existing Line (Yellow) will now also be removed from the dams and water courses and

aligned along the Amended Line double circuit structure which will carry both the new and

existing 88 kV power lines.

R26 intersection into

Clocolan Town

Proposed Line aligned to

avoid farm dams and

watercourses

Figure 7 The Authorised Line (Blue) at the road intersection on R26 into Clocolan Town

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During the post EA realignment process, the new line was originally intended to follow the

Existing Line (Yellow), crossing the R26 at an angle. The Amended Line (Green) has since

been revised, according to engineering standards, to have a more perpendicular crossing

over the R26 (Figure 8).

The Existing Line (Yellow), as mentioned previously, will also be removed entirely and aligned

along the Amended Line (Green), which will carry both the existing and new power lines on

double circuit structures.

Amended Line designed to cross

perpendicular to R26 as per

engineering specifications

Figure 8 Amended Line (Green) aligned to cross perpendicular to the R26

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The post EA servitude negotiations with the affected landowners, Van Niekerkskroon 407 and

Oogiesfontein 15, resulted in the Amended Line (Green) being aligned to follow the route of

the Existing Line (Yellow) instead of following the Authorised Line (Blue) along the R26

(Figure 9).

The Amended Line double circuit structure will carry both the new and existing power lines,

thus reducing the visual impact as well as ecological footprint.

Amended Line aligned

along Existing Line at

request of the landowner.

Figure 9 Amended Line (Green) aligned along the Existing Line (Yellow) over farms Van Niekerkskroon 407 and Oogiesfontein 15

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The landowner on farm Prynnsberg 18 did not consent to the route of the Authorised Line,

due to impending development on the property, which any further intrusion of power lines will

jeopardize. The land owner has indicated that they are currently looking to have the Existing

Line buried in certain areas, due to the use of Prynnsberg as a period film location.

The Amended Line (Green) will therefore not follow the route of the Authorised Line (Blue)

along the route of the Existing Line (Yellow), but will now rather be aligned along the R26 road

in order to reduce visual impact of the property Prynnsberg 18 (Figure 10).

Amended Line aligned

along R26 at the request

of the landowner

The lodge is located in

this area of the farm

Figure 10 Amended Line (Green) aligned to follow the R26, which will have less visual impact than the Authorised Line (Blue) on farm Prynnsberg 18

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The Authorised Line (Blue) over farm Hope Valley 325 into farm Douglas Dale 509 was

surveyed in straight segments and not along the curved pattern of the railway line. The

Amended Line (Green) has been aligned during the post authorisation design processes to

follow the curved pattern of the railway line in order to minimise encroachment on the

cultivated land on farms Douglas Dale 509 and Ebenhaezer 816 (Figure 11). The Amended

Line will join the Authorised Line again on farms Owanty 951 and Lyonsrust 507.

Amended Line aligned along

railway line to reduce the

impact on cultivated lands.

Figure 11 Alignment of the Amended Line (Green) over farms Douglas Dale 509, Ebenhaezer 816 and Owanty 951 to reduce impact on cultivated land.

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The reasons for the deviation from the Authorised Line (Blue) on farm Ficksburg’s Dorps

Gronden 75 is due to the limited space availability next to the R26. At present, the existing 88

kV power line, municipal water pipe lines and the Ficksburg Munic-Deemster 11 kV power line

all run parallel to the R26. The Amended Line (Green) has therefore been aligned to follow

the R26 further to the south before entering the Ficksburg Substation (Figure 12).

The new feeder bay installed at the Ficksburg Substation also caused technical survey

difficulties in terms of entering Ficksburg Substation, resulting in slight adjustments to the

alignments from the Authorised Line to eventually arrive at the Amended Line (Green).

Amended Line realigned

further south due to the issue

of space along the R26.

Ficksburg Substation

Figure 12 Alignment of the Amended Line (Green) along the R26 on farm Ficksburg's Dorps Gronden 75 due to space limitations next to the R26.

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3.3 Proposed Addition of the 2 X 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11kV Substation

3.3.1 Motivation

Eskom is proposing to amend the existing EA for the Clocolan - Ficksburg 88 kV power line

and associated infrastructure to include the construction of the new 2 X 20 MVA Marallaneng

88/11 kV Substation towards the Ficksburg end of the new 88 kV power line. The Marallaneng

Substation is required to address the following problems with the current distribution

infrastructure, and to address the demand for electricity in the Setsoto Local Municipality:

3.3.1.1 Strengthening

The maximum demand for the existing transformers was measured at 16.82 MVA in 2011,

84% loading of the installed, and was already expected to reach 100% loading in 2014.

3.3.1.2 Reliability

The substation is a radial substation with approximately 9000 customers. Under N-1

contingency on the 88 kV Clocolan - Ficksburg Power Line, supply is lost to all customers, as

there is no/limited backfeeding on the 11 kV network.

3.3.1.3 Summary of Needs

The Marallaneng Substation is therefore required to address the demand for electricity in the

townships near Ficksburg. The Setsoto Local Municipality has formally requested (Appendix

7) the need for a new substation in order to allow the municipality to implement new

infrastructure developments, and to provide power to already completed projects such as:

Electrification of 856 RDP house stands as approved by the Department of Energy

(DoE).

Supply of electricity to the Poultry Processing Plant, Tractor Clinic, VIP Guest Houses,

Chalets and Office Block. All of which are creating jobs and promote sustainable

economic growth in the municipality.

The Marallaneng Substation will have a footprint of 65 m x 75 m, and through careful planning

with regards to the final placement (Figure 13) will not trigger any new listed activities in terms

of the 2014 EIA Regulations (GN982 of December 2014), as such the specialist investigations

undertaken during the amendment process were focussed on the selection of a preferable

site alternative.

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Access position off R26

(28°53'35.46"S / 27°50'58.02"E)

Final placement of

Marallaneng Substation

(28°53'48.88"S / 27°51'1.76"E)

Option 2

Figure 13 Proposed 2 x 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation final placement (outside delineated wetlands and buffer zones), showing Existing (Yellow) Authorised (Blue), Amended (Green) 88 kV power lines and the 11 kV Feeder Lines (Red).

Option 1

Option 3

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3.3.2 Receiving Environment

The 80 m x 80 m site for the proposed Marallaneng Substation is located on the Farm

Ficksburg Dorpgronden 75 (centre coordinates: 28°53'48.88”S / 27°51'1.76"E) approximately

3.5 km outside the town of Ficksburg. The proposed site is located approximately 400 m

south of the R26, and is currently accessible using existing farm tracks.

3.3.2.1 Vegetation

As per the original vegetation assessment (ACER 2013), based on the Vegetation Map of

South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, the site falls within the Eastern Free State Clay

Grassland, this is a vulnerable ecosystem as listed by the National Environmental

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

3.3.2.2 Wetlands and watercourses

The proposed site is located approximately 600 m north of the Mohakare River, towards

which the majority of the wetlands and drainage lines in the study area drain. A farm dam is

situated approximately 220 m north-west of site. The wetland assessment (Exigent, 2015)

conducted during the EA amendment process identified three major drainage lines

(channelled and unchannelled valley bottom wetland systems) and six main hillslope seeps

within 500 m of the proposed Marallaneng Substation site alternatives. All the channelled

valley bottom wetland systems were described as severely eroded, most of them up to

bedrock and it was typically found that the erosion has washed away the whole wetland

system up to the temporary wet boundary (i.e. where the wetland starts), except in case

where a channelled valley bottom system is bordered by a hillslope seep.

Through careful planning and at the recommendation of the wetland specialist (Exigent) the

Marallaneng Substation has been positioned well outside any of the identified wetlands and

their associated buffer zones (Figure 13).

3.3.3 Marallaneng Substation Infrastructure Requirements

The proposed new 2 X 20 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation on the

Ficksburg end of the new 88 kV power line is required to provide sufficient capacity to

transform the additional power supplied by the proposed new 88 kV power line. The additional

power is required to address the demand for electricity in the townships near Ficksburg. The

infrastructure requirements for the Marallaneng Substation are described below:

3.3.3.1 2 X 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation

The construction of the 65 m x 75 m new 2 x 20 MVA Marallaneng 88/11 kV Substation

at the proposed centre coordinates: 28°53'48.88”S / 27°51'1.76"E

Installation of two 88 kV line bays. (88kV feeder bay consist of Line isolator, 132 kV

current transformer, 132 kV voltage transformers, transformer isolators/busbar

isolators, LV isolators, transformer, transformer breaker, busbar)

Installation of six outgoing 11 kV feeders and make provision for a spare feeder bay.

(11 kV Feeder bay consist of LV surge arrestors, Voltage tranformers, current

transformers, breaker isolators, breaker, feeder isolators)

Install all the necessary protection schemes, metering, Scada, AC/DC systems and

telecommunications in the control room of the Marallaneng Substation.

3.3.3.2 Clocolan Substation

Install one 88 kV feeder bay at the Clocolan Substation.

Install all the necessary protection, metering, Scada, and telecommunications

equipment for the new 88 kV Marallaneng feeder bay.

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3.3.3.3 Ficksburg Substation Install two 88 kV feeder bays at the Ficksburg Substation.

Install all the necessary protection, metering, Scada, and telecommunications

equipment for the new 88 kV Marallaneng feeder bay.

3.3.3.4 88 kV Double circuit line (proposed new 88 kV power line)

Build 25 km of double circuit line from the Clocolan Substation to connect to the new

Marallaneng Substation.

Build 10 km of double circuit line to connect from the new Marallaneng Substation to

the Ficksburg Substation.

Build a double circuit line using a Bear conductor.

3.3.3.5 Loop-in and Loop-out at Marallaneng Substation

From the proposed 88 kV line bays, build 1 km of loop-in line and 1 km of loop-out line.

The connection of the loop-in / loop-out must be from the new double circuit Bear line.

3.3.3.6 Medium Voltage (MV) Lines

Build 2 km Hare line from the new Marallaneng Substation to pole number FMQC13-2-

29-13-5-8 and re-label feeder to Marallaneng.

Create N/O (Normal Open) points at pole numbers FMQC13-2-28 and FMQC13-2-29-

13-2.

Build 200 m Hare line from the new Marallaneng Substation to pole number FMQC13-

2-29-13-2-4 and re-label feeder to Marallaneng Mantsopa.

Create N/O points at pole numbers FMQC13-2-29-14 and FMQC13-2-29-1.

Build 2 km Hare line from the new Marallaneng Substation to pole numbers FMQC13-

2-29-14-6-3 and re-label feeder to Marallaneng Thipe.

Create N/O points at pole numbers FMQC13-2-29-14-21 and FMQC13-2-33-1 and

build a 300 m interconnector between pole numbers FMQC13-2-29-14-13-3 and

FMQC13-2-52-10.

Build 2 km Hare line from the new Marallaneng Substation to pole numbers FMQC13-

2-29-14-27-25 and re-label feeder to Marallaneng Setsoto.

Create N/O points at pole numbers FMQC13-2-29-14-17 and FMQA-MS2 and build a

300 m interconnector between pole numbers FMQC13-2-29-14-38 and FMQC13-2-89-

4.

Build 200 m Hare line from the new Marallaneng Substation to pick up Deemster feeder

and rename feeder to Marallaneng Deemster.

Build 2.7 km Hare line (Hare is the type of conductor used to string the medium voltage

power lines) from the new Marallaneng Substation to supply the new developments and

rename feeder to Marallaneng Moqhaka.

3.3.4 Selection of the Preferred Substation Site Alternative

Following the Ecological Walkdown Assessment of the proposed amended 88 kV power line,

three site alternatives for the construction of the 65 m x 75 m Marallaneng Substation were

put forward (Figure 13), based on factors such as proximity to the new 88 kV power line and

MV supply side, existing road access, and environmental sensitivities. Of the three site

alternatives put forward for assessment Option 1 was the preferred option based on the

technical and financial pros and cons explained below. Option 1 was subsequently revised

due to the findings and recommendations of the wetland specialist (Exigent, 2016), as

explained in section below.

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3.3.4.1 Option 1 (Preferred option)

Table 2 Pros and cons associated with Option 1 (preferred option )

PROS CONS

Shortest access route, constructed

on an existing farm track.

Substation will need some earthworks to balance the site levels.

Relatively even terrain. Located near an existing dam.

Close to the new 88 kV power line. Located farthest from the MV (medium voltage) Supply side

3.3.4.2 Option 2

Table 3 Pros and cons associated with Option 2

PROS CONS

Close to MV Supply side. Substation will need some earthworks to balance the site levels.

Relatively flat terrain. High risk of encountering rock when doing earthworks for the

substation.

Close to the new 88 kV power line. Much longer access road which will cross directly over an existing

water course or stream requiring the installation of large culverts.

Access position will be the same as that of option 1, due to the

proximity of major intersections and curves.

3.3.4.3 Option 3

Table 4 Pros and cons associated with Option 3

PROS CONS

Closest of the three options to the

MV Supply side.

High risk of encountering rock when doing earthworks for the

substation.

Located on top of a hill, flat terrain. Much longer access road which will cross directly over an existing

watercourse or stream requiring the installation of large culverts.

Access position will be the same as that of option 1, due to the

proximity of major intersections and curves.

Steep terrain requires more extensive earth works to construct

the substation

Furthermost from the new 88 kV power line.

3.3.5 Final Placement of the Proposed Marallaneng Substation

As no listed activities were triggered for the part of the proposed Marallaneng Substation, the

EA amendment process only assessed impacts of the three proposed Marallaneng Substation

site alternatives in terms of heritage, visual, avifauna, terrestrial ecology and wetlands. A

summary of the respective specialist findings is made in Section 4 below and the final

specialist addendum reports are provided in Appendix 5.

The wetland delineation undertaken as part of the amendment process showed that all three

sites were located at least partly within a wetland, with the preferred option entirely within a

hillslope seep feeding a valley bottom wetland system. As recommended by the wetland

specialist, the preferred option, Option 1 needed to be moved approximately 150 m in a

south-eastern direction, out of any wetlands and/or watercourses and their respective buffers,

forming Option 1 (revised by ACER).

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Proposed Marallaneng Substation

28°53'48.88"S / 27°51'1.76"E

Figure 14 Proposed Marallaneng Substation, showing the Existing (Yellow), Authorised (Blue) and Amended (Green) 88 kV power lines, and the 11 kV Feeder Lines (Red).

Access position off R26

(28°53'35.46"S / 27°50'58.02"E)

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4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

4.1 Summary of impact assessment previously undertaken

Various specialist studies were undertaken to assess the impacts associated with the

proposed 88 kV power line and associated infrastructure. The findings of the impact

assessment undertaken during the Basic Assessment (BA) as part of the original

environmental authorisation process are summarised in the tables below (ACER, 2013).

Table 5 Summary of Impacts from the Final Basic Assessment Report (ACER 2013)

AUTHORISED 88KV POWERLINE ROUTE (ALTERNATIVE 3) - CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

Activity Impact summary Significance

(with mitigation)

Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands

Construction activities

Loss of soil as a result of the clearance of

vegetation and resultant erosion

Medium - Low (-)

Construction activities Disturbance and loss of vegetation due to

construction activities

Medium – Low (-)

Construction activities Faunal habitat destruction Medium – Low (-)

Construction activities Impede connectivity or faunal migration corridors Medium – Low (-)

Construction activities Disturbance and loss of wetland habitat Medium – Low (-)

Avifauna

Construction activities Destruction of bird habitat Low (-)

Heritage

Construction activities Impact on formally Protected Heritage Resources Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Places, Buildings, and Structures Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Landscapes and Natural Features Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Graves and Burial Grounds Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Places with Oral Traditions and/or Living

Heritage

Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Archaeological Sites Low (-)

Construction activities Impact on Paleontological Sites Low (-)

Visual

None None None (-)

Cumulative Impacts of the Construction Phase

Construction activities The overall cumulative impacts along this route

alternative are expected to be medium - low. This is

because of the development of a power line

adjacent to existing infrastructure and services.

While a portion of this alternative crosses wetlands,

its impact is not significant as these can be

spanned with no effects on wetlands or their 30 m

buffers.

Medium – Low (-)

88KV POWERLINE ROUTE (ALTERNATIVE 3) - OPERATIONAL IMPACTS

Activity Impact summary Significance

(with mitigation)

Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands

Maintenance and repair

works

Disturbance and loss of vegetation during

operational phase

Medium (-)


works

Loss of soil as a result of the clearance of

vegetation and resultant erosion

Medium (-)


works

Wetland degradation, in particular, hillslope seeps

as a result of regular driving down the centre line of

the servitude to access individual towers (resulting

in erosion and maintenance vehicles becoming

Medium (-)

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stuck and/or multiple tracks across the seeps)

Avifauna

Operation of the electrical

infrastructure

Electrocution of birds Low (-)


infrastructure

Collision of birds with electrical infrastructure Low (-)

Heritage

None None N/A

Visual


infrastructure

Visual intrusion Medium (-)

Cumulative Impacts of the Operational Phase


infrastructure

Cumulative impacts associated with vegetation

clearance will result in disturbance of soils,

increased soil erosion, reduced habitat for plant

and animal species, spread of alien invasive

species and a reduction of ecosystem services.

The cumulative impacts of power lines on birds

through electrocution are significant. This area

already has several existing distribution power

lines. No effort should be spared to ensure that the

new power line is built bird friendly and results in no

additional impact on birds in the area.

The cumulative impacts of power lines on birds

through collision are significant. This area already

has several existing distribution power lines.

Medium (-)

No Development Option

Direct Impacts

No direct impacts will result with this option. The status quo of the receiving environment will prevail.

If the construction of the new 88 kV power line between Ficksburg and Clocolan does not proceed, the positive and negative impacts relating to the construction phase will not arise. Most importantly, the status quo (limited and interrupted supply of electricity) will prevail. If the proposed power line and increase in the capacity at the Ficksburg sub-station are not provided, it is likely that power interruptions within the area will increase and have a direct negative impact on both economic growth within the region as well as negative social impacts due to interruptions in power supply. By not constructing the proposed power line Eskom will not be meeting the goals set out in the National Development Plan for South Africa.

High (-)

Indirect Impacts

As above Without the additional electricity capacity, the municipality will not be in a position to achieve its economic and social developments targets as set out in the Setsoto IDP 2012 – 2013.

High (-)

Cumulative Impacts

As above It is likely that the lack of reliable power supply to the region will result in a decline in development within the Ficksburg and Clocolan districts. This will have a severe impact on the socio-economic profile of this area and will most likely result in communities seeking employment opportunities elsewhere.

High (-)

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4.2 Specialist input on proposed amendments

4.2.1 Ecological Walkdown Assessment

Texture Environmental Consultants was appointed to conduct a walk-through survey of the

post EA Amended Line to evaluate the servitude and pole positions in terms of the natural

environment, which included terrestrial and aquatic ecological assessments.

Based on the recommendations made in the Ecological Walkdown Assessment report

(Appendix 5.1), Eskom has repositioned specific poles and realigned sections of the power

line to avoid or lessen the impact on sensitive areas, resulting in the final Amended Line

4.2.1 Impacts

No ‘fatal flaws’ regarding the Amended Line were identified during the Ecological Walkdown

Assessment, the realignment and repositioning of the specified power line sections and pole

positions has negated many of the negative ecological impacts associated with the Amended

Line.

4.2.1 Mitigations

In addition to the mitigations in the original BAR, EMPr and resulting EA, the following

mitigation measures have been recommended and must be implemented during construction

to avoid further negative ecological impacts resulting from the amendments to the Authorised

Line:

Vehicles may not drive through streams, drainage lines and any other water course,

even if dry, unless on an existing road or bridge.

No temporary facilities (storage or dwellings, etc.) may be erected within 100 m of a

stream, river or drainage line.

No temporary facilities may be erected on any ridge.

No temporary facilities may be erected within 500 m of a wetland.

4.2.2 Specialist Assessment of Proposed Amendments

In addition to the Ecological Walkdown Assessment of the Amended Line, as a part of the EA

amendment process ACER appointed independent specialists to assess the potential impacts

associated with the proposed changes to the existing EA. The reports serve as addendums,

to be read with the original specialist reports. The appointed specialists are detailed in Table 5

below.

Table 6 Specialists appointed to assess the proposed amendments

Consultancy Specialist Field of Study

Exigent Environmental Jacolette Adam Terrestrial Ecology and Wetland

Impact Assessment

WildSkies Ecological Services Jon Smallie Avifaunal Impact Assessment

eThembeni Cultural Heritage Len Van Schalkwyk Heritage Impact Assessment

Environmental Planning and

Design

Jon Marshall Visual Impact Assessment

The findings and recommendations from the various specialists on the amended 88 kV power

line route and the addition of the Marallaneng Substation are discussed below. Please refer to

Appendix 5 of this report for the Ecological Walkdown Assessment Report as well as the

Addendum Reports from the various specialists as listed above.

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4.2.1 Assessment of impacts associated with the construction and operation of the

realigned sections of the Authorised 88 kV Power Line

4.2.1.1 Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands

Exigent Engineering Consultants was appointed to undertake an assessment of the proposed

power line deviations and the three Marallaneng Substation site options, the report (Appendix

5.3) serves as an addendum to the original terrestrial ecology (fauna and flora) and wetland

report done by ACER (2013). The impacts and mitigations associated with the power line

deviations are summarised below:

IMPACTS

No additional impacts, from what was identified and assessed during the original EA process

(ACER 2013), were identified by the Terrestrial Ecology and Wetland Addendum Report for

the realignment of the new 88 kV power line.

MITIGATIONS

No further mitigation is required other than that from the original Basic Assessment Report,

EMPr and the existing EA.

4.2.1.2 Avifauna

WildSkies Ecological Services was appointed to conduct an assessment of the impacts on

birds resulting from the changes to the EA proposed by Eskom and to compile an addendum

report (Appendix 5.2) to the original avifaunal assessment study (WildSkies 2013). A

summary of the likely impacts of the proposed power line realignment on birds and the

required mitigations are provided below:

IMPACTS

The likely impacts of the proposed power line on birds as assessed in the original study will

not change as a result of the proposed power line realignment. The realigned sections do not

pass through any new or different bird micro habitats to those that the original alignment

would have passed through.

MITIGATIONS



4.2.1.3 Heritage

eThembeni Cultural Heritage was appointed to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)

to serve as an addendum to the desktop Heritage Scoping Assessment conducted during the

original EA process 2013, submitted to SAHRIS: Case Reference Number

12/ACER/Clocolan: (see: http://www.sahra.org.za/heritage-reports/13acerclocolan). The HIA

Addendum Report is included as Appendix 5.5 and a summary of the likely impacts of the

proposed power line realignment on cultural heritage in the region and the required

mitigations are provided below:

IMPACTS

The chosen routing of the new 88 kV power line within the existing power line servitude has

limited the impact of the proposed power line realignment to near negligible with regards to

discrete heritage resources.

http://www.sahra.org.za/heritage-reports/13acerclocolan

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MITIGATIONS



4.2.1.4 Visual

Environmental Planning and Design was appointed to conduct a Visual Impact Assessment

(VIA) of proposed power line realignments, to serve as an addendum report, be read with the

findings of the original VIA Report compiled in 2013. The VIA Addendum Report is included

as Appendix 5.4, and a summary of the likely visual impacts of the proposed power line

realignment and the required mitigations are provided below:

IMPACTS

The VIA addendum report describes the realignment of the route for the new 88 kV power line

from the authorised route as relatively minor from a visual impact perspective, with the

likelihood of actually reducing visual clutter associated with electrical infrastructure as seen

from local and regional roads.

MITIGATIONS



4.2.2 Assessment of site alternatives for the Proposed Marallaneng Substation

Included in the terms of reference of the appointed specialists (visual, avifauna, heritage and

terrestrial ecology and wetlands) was the assessment of the three site alternatives put forward

by Eskom for the construction of the Marallaneng Substation. The selection of the three site

alternatives were based on factors such as proximity to the new power line, existing road

access and environmental sensitivities.

The wetland delineation, however, revealed that all three site options were located at least

partly within a wetland, with the preferred option (Option 1) being entirely within a hillslope

seep. As was recommended by the wetland specialist, Option 1 has since been moved

approximately 150 m in a south-east direction, out of any wetlands and/or watercourses and

their respective buffers.

The impacts and mitigations below are therefore for the construction of the 65 m x 75 m

Marallaneng Substation at the centre coordinates: 28°53'48.88"S / 27°51'1.76"E:

4.2.2.1 Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands

IMPACTS

The impact assessment of the construction and operation of the Marallaneng substation of

site OPTION 1, assumes that the substation would have been moved the recommended

appropriate distance, and therefore disregards the current slight intersection with the seep.

The anticipated impacts are:

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Table 7 Impacts before and after mitigation during the construction phase.

Impacts during Construction Phase

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Biotic impacts

Clearing of natural vegetation/loss of indigenous species

Negative 1 3 2 3 5 48 Medium 1 2 2 2 5 35 Medium

Loss of faunal habitat and corridors Negative 1 3 2 3 4 42 Medium 1 1 1 1 3 12 Low

Exotic species encroachment and impacts Negative 2 4 4 4 5 90 High 1 1 2 2 3 20 Low

Disturbance and loss of wetland habitat Negative 1 3 3 3 4 49 Medium 1 1 1 3 4 21 Low

Noise and vibration Negative 1 3 1 2 3 25 Low 1 1 1 1 3 12 Low

Hydrological impacts

Contamination of groundwater resources Negative 2 4 4 3 3 60

Medium to High

1 1 2 1 1 8 No

Impact

Drainage pattern changes Negative 1 3 2 3 4 42 Medium 1 2 1 1 3 16 Low

Stormwater increase Negative 1 3 3 3 4 49 Medium 1 1 1 1 3 12 Low

Geomorphological impacts

Increased soil sediment loads Negative 1 3 2 1 3 24 Low 1 1 1 1 1 6

No Impact

Compaction of soil Negative 1 3 2 4 5 54

Medium to High

1 1 1 3 4 21 Low

Loss of soil and resultant erosion Negative 1 4 4 3 4 63

Medium to High

1 2 2 1 3 20 Low

Dust generation and transportation Negative 1 3 1 2 3 25 Low 1 1 1 1 3 12 Low

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Table 8 Impacts before and after mitigation during the operational phase

Impacts during Operational Phase

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Biotic impacts

Clearing of natural vegetation/loss of indigenous species

Negative 1 3 2 3 5 48 Medium 1 2 2 2 5 35 Medium

Loss of faunal habitat and corridors Negative 1 3 2 3 4 42 Medium 1 2 1 1 3 16 Low

Exotic species encroachment and impacts Negative 1 3 3 2 3 35 Medium 1 3 3 2 3 35 Medium

Hydrological impacts

Stormwater increase Negative 1 5 2 1 2 24 Medium 1 5 1 1 2 21 Low

Geomorphological impacts

Loss of soil and resultant erosion Negative 1 3 3 2 3 35 Medium 1 1 2 2 1 12 Low

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MITIGATIONS

In addition to the mitigations from the original BAR, EMPr and resulting EA, the following

mitigations must be adhered to:

Construction should preferably take place during the winter months to minimise the risk

of sediment, debris and other pollutants being washed into the wetland during high

rainfall events.

Construction footprints must be approved by the ECO and demarcated, to keep

encroachment on surrounding environments to a minimum.

A program should be put in place to remove exotic vegetation and maintain open space

areas free from exotic invasions within the development footprint.

Machinery and equipment must not be serviced, re-fuelled or washed on site.

The use of all chemicals and potentially hazardous substances must take place on a

tray over an impermeable surface.

Chemical or potentially hazardous substance spills must be addressed immediately and

reported to the ECO and the relevant authority.

Bare areas and stockpiles should be covered during extreme wind or rainfall events to

prevent dust and sedimentation of aquatic habitats.

All waste must be disposed of at a suitable waste disposal site.

Temporary stormwater management structures must be used during construction.

All signs of erosion must be rehabilitated immediately.

Areas where drainage patterns may have been altered must be rehabilitated to prevent

significant amounts of additional stormwater from entering the wetland system during

the operational phase.

Any existing or new invasive plants in close proximity to the construction should be

eradicated immediately by means stipulated by the ECO.

Compacted soil must be ripped before re-vegetation to increase viability of

establishment.

Once construction is complete, all disturbed areas must be re-vegetated with suitable

species.

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4.2.2.2 Avifauna

As per the Avifaunal Impact Addendum Report (Appendix 5.2), there is little in the way of

preference between the three site options in terms of avifauna. Option 1 is close to a small

farm dam and a small wetland (which could potentially be a disadvantage), but this dam is

considered to hold little value for avifauna. The Avifaunal Impact Addendum Report concludes

that all three Options are acceptable for the construction of the Marallaneng Substation.

IMPACTS

Tables 6 and 7 present the formal assessment of impacts for the proposed Marallaneng

Substation. Both destruction of bird habitat and disturbance of birds will be of low significance,

according to the specialist Report.

Table 9 Assessment of habitat destruction caused by the Marallaneng Substation (WildSkies 2016)

Nature: Destruction of bird habitat – likely to affect Red Listed species and habitat specialists, such as

Melodious Lark and the cranes.

Without mitigation With mitigation

Nature Negative Negative

Spatial extent Medium, birds from

surrounding area affected

Medium, birds from surrounding area

affected

Duration High Low

Intensity Low Low

Irreplaceable loss of

resources?

High Low

Reversibility Medium Low

Consequence Low Low

Probability High Low

Significance Low Low

Can impacts be mitigated? Yes – partially, a certain

amount of habitat alteration

is unavoidable

Mitigation: The primary means of mitigating this impact is typically through the selection of the optimal

site for the substation. In this case all 3 alternative sites are acceptable.

In addition to this, the normal suite of environmental good practices should be applied, such as ensuring

strict control of staff, vehicles and machinery on site and limiting the creation of new roads as far as

possible.

Cumulative impacts: Low.

Residual Impacts: Yes – a certain amount of habitat will remain altered even after the line is

decommissioned

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Table 10 Assessment of disturbance of birds by the construction of the Marallaneng Substation

Nature: Disturbance of birds – likely to affect breeding birds in particular.

Without mitigation With mitigation

Nature Negative Negative

Spatial extent Medium, birds from

surrounding area affected

Medium, birds from surrounding area

affected

Duration Low Low

Intensity Low Low

Irreplaceable loss of

resources?

Low Low

Reversibility Low Low

Consequence Low Low

Probability Medium Low

Significance Low Low

Can impacts be mitigated? Yes

Mitigation: The primary means of mitigating this impact is typically through the selection of the optimal

site for the substation. In this case all three alternative sites are acceptable. No evidence of any sensitive

bird species breeding sites close to the substation sites was found. If this changes by the time of

construction, the ECO should notify WildSkies for advice on case specific management measures.

In addition to this, the normal suite of environmental good practices should be applied, such as ensuring

strict control of staff, vehicles and machinery on site and limiting the creation of new roads as far as

possible.

Cumulative impacts: Low.

Residual Impacts: None – if the power line is decommissioned the impact will cease.

MITIGATIONS



Ensure that no sensitive bird species breeding sites are disturbed during construction

Restrict vegetation clearing and alteration to a minimum.

Standard ECO monitoring of implementation of the EMPr and conditions of the EA

during construction must be undertaken.

4.2.2.3 Heritage

IMPACTS

Heritage Impact Addendum Report (Appendix 5.5) states that the potential impact of

excavations for the footprint and layout of any one of the selected Substation sites, on the

subterranean fossil bearing strata, is highly likely. These fossils have medium to high heritage

significance at all levels for their scientific value.

MITIGATIONS



A palaeontologist with experience of the Permian Extinction Zone must be appointed to have

a watching brief to monitor excavations during establishment of the Substation platform. The

palaeontologist must be permitted by the relevant heritage authority to collect, rescue and

record fossils during these excavations.

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4.2.2.4 Visual

ASSESSMENT OF THREE SUBSTATION SITE OPTIONS

Potential sensitive visual receivers in the area include:

The R26 which is part of the Maluti Route which is a scenic tourism route that is

promoted by SA Tourism;

The Meulspruit Dam which is a local recreational resource.

Housing areas to the south of the proposed sites.

Option 1 was preferred due to the following observations made by the visual specialist:

Option 1 is the lowest site so this means that this is likely to be favoured in terms of

maintaining views over the substation towards the Maluti Mountains to the south of the

road.

Option 1 is located on a gentle slope that falls away from the R26. This could mean that

it will be possible to cut the site into the slope closest to the road which could further

reduce the visibility of the development from this area.

None of the proposed Options are likely to be visible from the Meulspruit Dam. ASSESSMENT OF FINAL SUBSTATION PLACEMENT

The proposed location is approximately 150m further from the R26 and approximately

5m higher in elevation. The proposed site also appears to be on slightly steeper land

than the Option 1 Substation.

The proposed location still maintains at least a 500m buffer strip between it and the

closest residential area and is likely to be largely screened by landform from the closest

houses.

Figure 1 as included in the original VIA Addendum Report to illustrate the approximate

locations of substation alternatives as viewed from the R26 has been updated to

indicate the approximate location of the new Marallaneng Substation proposal.

From reference to the information presented:

The proposed Marallaneng Substation will be seen slightly higher in the

landscape when compared with Option 1. It will however be located in the same

general area.

Given that Option 1 is not feasible due to other environmental considerations, the

proposed Marallaneng Substation is also likely to have the least visual impact

both on the R26 and on adjacent housing areas when compared with alternatives

2 and 3.

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5. CONCLUSION

5.1 Additional recommendations to include in authorisation

The potential negative ecological impacts as identified and assessed in the original EA

process and as part of this EA Amendment process are outweighed by the positive socio-

economic benefits that the infrastructure will provide for the region, in terms of addressing the

electricity supply requirements of the area. Should the DEA decide to authorise the proposed

amendments, the following conditions should be included within the EA, to mitigate the

associated potential negative impacts. These conditions have been provided by the appointed

specialists, following a review of the proposed amendments.

5.1.1 Terrestrial Ecology and Wetlands

5.2.1.1 Removal and relocation of the Existing and the realignment of the proposed new 88 kV power

line

No additional impacts, from what was identified and assessed during the original EA process

were identified for the removal and relocation of the Existing and realignment of the new 88

kV power lines. Therefore no further mitigation is required other than that from the original

BAR, EMPr and the existing EA.

5.2.1.3 Proposed Marallaneng Substation

The following mitigations will be added to the Amended EMPr (Appendix 5) to be authorised

by the DEA for the construction and operation of the Marallaneng Substation:

Construction should preferably take place during the winter months to minimise the risk

of sediment, debris and other pollutants being washed into the wetland during high

rainfall events.

Construction footprints must be approved by the ECO and demarcated, to keep

encroachment on surrounding environments to a minimum.

A program should be put in place to remove exotic vegetation and maintain open space

areas free from exotic invasions within the development footprint.

Machinery and equipment must not be serviced, re-fuelled or washed on site.

The use of all chemicals and potentially hazardous substances must take place on a

tray over an impermeable surface.

Chemical or potentially hazardous substance spills must be addressed immediately and

reported to the ECO and the relevant authority.

Bare areas and stockpiles should be covered during extreme wind or rainfall events to

prevent dust and sedimentation of aquatic habitats.

All waste must be disposed of at a suitable waste disposal site.

Temporary stormwater management structures must be used during construction.

All signs of erosion must be rehabilitated immediately.

Areas where drainage patterns may have been altered must be rehabilitated to prevent

significant amounts of additional stormwater from entering the wetland system during

the operational phase.

Any existing or new invasive plants in close proximity to the construction should be

eradicated immediately by means stipulated by the ECO.

Compacted soil must be ripped before re-vegetation to increase viability of

establishment.

Once construction is complete, all disturbed areas must be re-vegetated with suitable

species.

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5.1.2 Avifauna


line

The removal and relocation of the existing and proposed realignment of the proposed new

power lines can be made without altering the previous findings with regards to significance of

impacts on avifauna.


The new Marallaneng Substation may be built with acceptable levels of impact on avifauna,

provided that the recommendations of the Avifauna Addendum Report (Appendix 5.2) are

adhered to:

Electrocution: it should be possible to ensure that zero electrocutions take place on the

overhead power line.

Collision: it should be possible to ensure that collisions of birds on the proposed line

occur only in exceptional circumstances, such as in extreme weather.

Ensure that no sensitive bird species breeding are disturbed during construction.

Restrict vegetation clearing and alteration to a minimum.

5.1.3 Heritage


line

The chosen routing of the new 88kV power line within the authorised power line corridor has

limited the impact of the project to near negligible with regards to discrete heritage resources,

therefore no further heritage mitigation is justified.


A palaeontologist with experience of the Permian Extinction Zone must be appointed to have

a watching brief to monitor excavations during establishment of the Marallaneng Substation

platform. The palaeontologist must be permitted by the relevant heritage authority to collect,

rescue and record fossils during these excavations.

5.1.4 Visual


line

No significant visual impacts are anticipated with regards to the removal of the existing and

the realignment of the proposed new power lines, and no further mitigation will be required.


The final proposed location for the Marallaneng Substation still maintains at least a 500m

buffer strip between it and the closest residential area and is likely to be largely screened by

landform from the closest houses. No further mitigation is recommended.

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5.2 Disadvantages and advantages of the proposed amendments

5.2.1 Removal and relocation of the existing and the realignment of the proposed new 88 kV

power lines

5.2.1.1 Disadvantages

The need to realign the proposed new 88 kV power line arose during the post EA negotiations

with the affected landowners and from recommendations made during the Ecological

Walkdown Assessment. Therefore no disadvantages are expected as the amended route will

have a reduced impact from the route that was authorised during the original EA process.

5.2.1.2 Advantages

The advantages that will be associated with the authorisation of the proposed realignment of

the new 88 kV power line from Clocolan to Ficksburg include:

The Amended Line will be aligned along more areas which are already heavily

developed and degraded such as roads, railway lines, farm boundaries and the Existing

Line.

The Amended Line will have double circuit structures that will carry both the new and

existing 88 kV power lines. Meaning the existing 88 kV line will be removed entirely

resulting in a reduced footprint on the ground.

As per the recommendations from the Ecological Walkdown Assessment, the proposed

route and pole placements will avoid ecologically sensitive areas.

The Existing Line will be removed from certain ecologically sensitive areas and aligned

along the amended route, which has been diverted to avoid these areas.

The granting of this application will therefore result in a reduced impact on the natural

environment and agricultural land.

5.2.2 Proposed Marallaneng Substation

5.2.2.1 Disadvantages

The disadvantages associated with the authorisation of the proposed Marallaneng Substation

as a part of this amendment application include:

Loss of natural vegetation.

Increase in exotic species encroachment.

Drainage pattern changes and stormwater increases:

Destruction of bird habitat during construction.

Disturbance of birds during construction, particularly of breeding birds.

Potential impact of excavations on the subterranean fossil bearing strata.

Potential negative visual impact on sensitive receivers in the area such as:

The R26 which is part of the Maluti Route which is a scenic tourism route that is

promoted by SA Tourism.

The Meulspruit Dam which is a local recreational resource.

Housing areas to the south of the proposed sites.

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5.2.2.2 Advantages

The advantages associated with the authorisation of the proposed Marallaneng Substation as

a part of this amendment application include:

The Setsoto Local Municipality will be able to:

Provide electricity to already completed developments and RDP houses.

Implement new infrastructure developments.

Positive socio-economic impacts will include:

During construction there will be a significant injection of investment into the

local, regional and national economies.

During construction there will be local employment benefits.

During operations there will be significant economic benefits from the increased

reliability of electricity.

Eskom has had to reduce the development footprint to below the specified thresholds,

and position the development outside ecological sensitive areas, so as to not trigger

any listed activities in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2014. This means a smaller, less

sensitive area will be impacted if this application is granted.

Eskom has assessed and taken into consideration all potential negative environmental

impacts, and if granted, the amended EA will legally compel Eskom to adhere to the

specialist’s recommendations and the amended EMPr.

5.3 Statement by the EAP

The assessment process undertaken by ACER and the appointed specialist team was to fulfil

the requirements of the section 31 and 32 of the 2014 EIA Regulations, for a substantive (Part

2) amendment to the existing EA to include the realignment of the authorised route for the

new 88 kV power line from Clocolan to Ficksburg, the removal and relocation of the existing

88 kV power line on the double circuit structures of the proposed new power line, and the

construction and operation of the proposed Marallaneng Substation.

5.3.1 Removal and relocation of the existing and realignment of the proposed new 88 kV

power lines

Based on the assessment process undertaken by ACER and the appointed specialist team, it

is not foreseen that by authorising the proposed power line realignment, that additional

impacts would occur that could have a detrimental impact on the receiving environment that

have not been identified and assessed within the original EA process and the assessment of

the proposed amendments.

The removal of the existing 88 kV power line, to be relocated on the proposed double circuit

structures of the new 88 kV power line will serve to minimise additional negative visual

impacts and reduce the footprint of the of the existing and proposed electrical infrastructure

on the natural environment and agricultural lands, while at the same time addressing the

electricity supply issues currently being experienced by the Setsoto Local Municipality.

5.3.2 Proposed Marallaneng Substation

By its nature, the construction and operation of a substation will have a negative impact upon

the receiving environment, both biophysical and socio-economic. However, due to the Setsoto

Local Municipalities desperate need to maintain and improve the electrical infrastructure

network, the No-Development option is not considered feasible.

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The proposed Marallaneng Substation site was carefully selected, after an assessment of the

site alternatives put forward by Eskom. Careful cognisance was taken with regard to the size

and location of the site so as to avoid ecologically sensitive habitats. The Marallaneng

Substation therefore does not require environmental authorisation on its own, and it’s

inclusion as part of this EA amendment will ensure that the associated impacts are mitigated

to acceptable levels through the implementation of the amended EA and EMPr.

It is the opinion of the EAP that the proposed power line realignment and Marallaneng

Substation should be authorised, based on the findings of the assessment process and

conditional on the adherence to the amended EA and EMPr by Eskom during all phases of

the project. The appointment of an independent ECO will ensure compliance with the relevant

conditions of the amended EA.

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6. REFERENCES

Exigent Engineering Consultants. 2016. Proposed Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line:

Addendum to the Terrestrial Ecology (Fauna and Flora) and Wetland Assessment.

Environmental Planning and Design, 2013. Proposed Construction of an 88 kV Power Line

between Clocolan and Ficksburg - Visual Impact Assessment.

ACER (Africa) Environmental Consultants. 2013. Proposed Construction of the new Eskom

Distribution Power Line: Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV, Setsoto Local Municipality, Free State Province.

Amended Final Basic Assessment Report.

Maree, J.O (Texture Environmental Consultants). 2016. Biodiversity Assessment - Terrestrial

Ecology Assessment & Aquatic Assessment.

Mostert, L. 2013. Proposed Construction of the Eskom Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line.

Vegetation, Terrestrial Fauna Assessment and Wetland Delineation.

Schalkwyk, L and Wahl, E. 2013. Proposed Construction of Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line.

Heritage Scoping Assessment Report.

Smallie, J. 2013. Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line: Basic Assessment – Avifaunal specialist

study. Unpublished report submitted to ACER Africa.

Smallie, J. 2016. Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line: Addendum to Avifaunal Specialist Study.

Unpublished report submitted to ACER Africa.

Strugnell, L. 2015. Clocolan – Ficksburg 88 kV Power Line: avifaunal walk through. Unpublished

report submitted to Gibb Pty Ltd.

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APPENDIX 1: DEA ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION FOR AUTHORISATION

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APPENDIX 2: EAP DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

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APPENDIX 3: MAPS

3.1 Locality Map

3.2 List of coordinates

3.3 List of Affected Properties

3.4 Map of Affected Properties

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APPENDIX 4: FACILTY ILLUSTRATIONS / LAYOUT DRAWINGS

4.1 Route Alignment Sheet 1 of 3



4.4 Marallaneng Substation Layout

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APPENDIX 5: SPECIALIST REPORTS AND DECLARATIONS

5.1 Consolidated Walkdown Assessment (Texture Environmental Consultants)

5.2 Terrestrial Ecology and Wetland Impact Assessment – Addendum Report (Exigent

Environmental)

5.3 Avifaunal Impact Assessment – Addendum Report (WildSkies Ecological Services)

5.4 Heritage Impact Assessment Addendum Report (eThembeni Cultural Heritage)

5.5 Visual Impact Assessment – Addendum Report (Environmental Planning and Design)

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APPENDIX 6: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

6.1 Stakeholder Project Notification

6.2 Draft EA Amendment Report Announcement

6.3 Comment Period Reminder

6.4 Comments and Responses Report

6.5 Registered IA&P Database

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APPENDIX 7: SETSOTHO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY MOTIVATION

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APPENDIX 8: AMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMNT PROGRAMME

Appendix 1: Eskom Technical Standards (TRMSCAAC1 Revision 3).

Appendix 2: Eskom’s Standard for vegetation clearance and maintenance within

overhead power line servitudes (EPC 32-247) (TRMAGAAZ7).

Appendix 3: Eskom’s Standard for Vegetation Management Services on Eskom Networks.

Appendix 4: Eskom’s Herbicide Management Policy (ESKPBAAD4).

Appendix 5: Eskom’s Standard for the safe use of Pesticides and Herbicides

(ESKASAAL0).

Appendix 6: Eskom’s Fire Protection Association Guideline (TGL31-336).

Appendix 7: Eskom’s Standard for Fire Risk Management (EST 32-124).

Appendix 8: Eskom’s Access to Farms Standard (TPC 41-340).

Appendix 9: Eskom’s Erosion Guideline (TGL 41-337).

Appendix 10: Eskom’s Standard for Transmission Line Towers and Line Construction

(TRMSCAAC1).

Appendix 11: Eskom Transmission Bird Nesting Guidelines (TGL41-333).

Appendix 12: Eskom Transmission Bird Perch Guidelines (TGL41-332).

Appendix 13 Eskom Transmission Bird Collision Prevention Guideline (TGL41-335).

Appendix 14: Eskom’s Specifications for Bird Flight Diverters.

Documents

PROPOSED CLOCOLAN- FICKSBURG 88 KV … DISTRIBUTION PROPOSED CLOCOLAN-FICKSBURG 88 KV POWER LINE REALIGNMENT AND THE ADDITION OF THE MARALLANENG SUBSTATION FINAL AMENDMENT REPORT (EIA: