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CO-GENERATION POWER PROJECT: ESTON SUGAR MILL

Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited – Eston

Draft Basic Assessment Report

DEDTEA Reference: Pending

2015/12/07

Draft Basic Assessment Report for Stakeholder Comment – Commenting Period 8 December 2015 – 25 January 2016

2

Quality Management

Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3

Remarks Draft

Date November 2015

Prepared by Bathabile Msomi

Carla Elliott

Signature

Checked by Jackie Smith

Signature

Authorised by Hilary Konigkramer

Signature

Project number 47558

Report number 001

File reference 47558_Eston Co-Generation Power Project_Draft BAR

This Draft Basic Assessment report (Report) has been prepared by WSP Environmental Proprietary Limited (WSP) on behalf, and at the request, of Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited (Client).

Unless otherwise agreed by us in writing, we do not accept responsibility or legal liability to any person other than the Client for the contents of, or any omissions from, this Report.

To prepare this Report, we have reviewed only the documents and information provided to us by the Client or any third parties directed to provide information and documents to us by the Client. We have not reviewed any other documents in relation to this Report, except where otherwise indicated in the Report.

Co-Generation Power Project: Eston Sugar Mill

Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited – Eston

2015/12/07

Client

Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited Illovo Sugar Park, 1 Montgomery Drive, Mount Edgecombe PO Box 194, Durban, 4000

Consultant

WSP Environmental (Pty) Ltd Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Tel: +27 31 240 8860 Fax: +27 31 240 8861 www.wspenvironmental.co.za

Registered Address

WSP Environmental (Pty) Ltd 1995/008790/07 WSP House, Bryanston Place, 199 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, 2191, South Africa

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Document Description

Client: Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited

Project Name: Co-Generation Power Project: Eston Sugar Mill

Report Type: Draft Basic Assessment Report

WSP Project Number: 47558

Version: 1

Authority Reference: Pending

Compiled by: Bathabile Msomi

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abbreviation/Acronym Description

CFA Continuous Flight Auger

DEDTEA Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs

DWS Department of Water and Sanitation

EA Environmental Authorisation

EAP Environmental Assessment Practitioner

ECO Environmental Control Officer

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMPr Environmental Management Programme

GDP Gross Domestic Product

HIA Heritage Impact Assessment

ILLOVO Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited

KZN KwaZulu-Natal

NEMA National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998)

MILL Eston Mill

NWA National Water Act (36 of 1998)

SAHRIS South African Heritage Resources Information System

SWMP Stormwater Management Plan

WSP WSP Environmental (Pty) Ltd (WSP)

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Table of Contents

SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER AND SPECIALISTS ...................... 8

SECTION B: ACTIVITY INFORMATION ........................................... 9

SECTION C: SITE/ AREA/ PROPERTY DESCRIPTION ................ 21

SECTION D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .......................................... 25

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................ 27

SECTION F: RECOMMENDATION OF EAP ................................ 38

SECTION G: APPENDICES ............................................................ 39

Appendix A. Site Plans .................................................................. 40 Appendix B. Photographs .............................................................. 41

Appendix C. Facility Illustrations ................................................... 43 Appendix D. Specialist Reports ..................................................... 44

Appendix E. Stakeholder Engagement Report .............................. 45 Appendix F. Draft Environmental Management Programme ......... 46 Appendix G. Other Information ...................................................... 47

(For official use only)

EIA File Reference Number: DC/

NEAS Reference Number: KZN/EIA/

Waste Management Licence Number:

(if applicable)

Date Received:

BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT

Submitted in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2010 promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)

This template may be used for the following applications:

Environmental Authorization subject to basic assessment for an activity that is listed in Listing Notices 1or 3, 2010 (Gov-ernment Notices No. R 544 or No. R 546 dated 18 June 2010); or

Waste Management Licence for an activity that is listed in terms of section 20(b) of the National Environmental Manage-ment: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) for which a basic assessment process as stipulated in the EIA Regulations must be conducted as part of the application (refer to the schedule of waste management activities in Category A of Government Notice No. 718 dated 03 July 2009).

Kindly note that:

1. This basic assessment report meets the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2010 and is meant to streamline applications. This report is the format prescribed by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs. Please make sure that this is the latest version.

2. The report must be typed within the spaces provided in the form. The size of the spaces provided is not indicative of the amount of information to be provided. The report is in the form of a table that can extend itself as each space is filled with text.

3. Where required, place a cross in the box you select. 4. An incomplete report will be returned to the applicant for revision. 5. The use of “not applicable” in the report must be done with circumspection because if it is used in respect of material information

that is required by the competent authority for assessing the application, it will result in the rejection of the application as provided for in the regulations.

6. No faxed or e-mailed reports will be accepted. 7. The report must be compiled by an independent environmental assessment practitioner (“EAP”). 8. Unless protected by law, all information in the report will become public information on receipt by the competent authority. Any

interested and affected party should be provided with the information contained in this report on request, during any stage of the application process.

9. The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs may require that for specified types of activities in defined situations only parts of this report need to be completed.

10. The EAP must submit this basic assessment report for comment to all relevant State departments that administer a law relating to a matter affecting the environment. This provision is in accordance with Section 24 O (2) of the National Environmental Manage-ment Act 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) and such comments must be submitted within 40 days of such a request.

11. Please note that this report must be handed in or posted to the District Office of the KZN Department of Economic Devel-opment, Tourism & Environmental Affairs to which the application has been allocated (please refer to the details provided in the letter of acknowledgement for this application).

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DEPARTMENTAL REFERENCE NUMBER(S)

File reference number (EIA): Pending

File reference number (Waste Management Licence):

N/A

SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER AND SPECIALISTS

1. NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER (EAP) Name and contact details of the EAP who prepared this report:

Business name of EAP: WSP Environmental (Pty) Ltd

Physical address: Block A, 1 on Langford, Langford Road, Westville

Postal address: PO Box 1442, Westville

Postal code: 3629 Cell: -

Telephone: 031 240 8860 Fax: 031 240 8861

E-mail: [email protected]

2. NAMES AND EXPERTISE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EAP Names and details of the expertise of each representative of the EAP involved in the preparation of this report:

Name of representative

of the EAP

Education qualifications Professional affiliations Experience at

environmental

assessments (yrs)

Carla Elliott Masters Geography and Environmental Management

EAPSA 9 years

Bathabile Msomi Hons Geography and Environmental Management

IAIA’sa 3 years

3. NAMES AND EXPERTISE OF SPECIALISTS

Names and details of the expertise of each specialist that has contributed to this report:

Name of Specialist

Education qualifications

Professional affiliations

Experience at environmental assessments (yrs)

Title of Specialist Report

Len Van Schalkwyk

MA (Archaeology) ASAPA 15 Years Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)

SECTION B: ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1. PROJECT TITLE Describe the project title as provided on the application form for environmental authorization:

Proposed Co-Generation Project: Eston Sugar Mill, Kwazulu-Natal

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provide a detailed description of the project:

1. Terms of Reference

Illovo Sugar (South Africa) Limited (Illovo) is considering the installation of a new back pressure steam turbine and associated electrical infrastructure to improve the energy efficiency of steam and power generation at the Eston Sugar Mill (the Mill). A maximum power of 12 MW will be generated on the proposed turbine and surplus power over and above the mill’s requirements will be exported into the national grid. The proposed project will allow the optimisation of steam and power generation without additional fuel input.

WSP Environmental (Pty) Ltd (WSP) has been appointed by Illovo to undertake the function of independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to facilitate the basic assessment process in accordance with the 2014 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.

2. Locality and Study Area

The Mill is situated in the rural sugar cane area approximately 15km south of Camperdown and falls within the regional jurisdiction of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Mkhambathini Local Municipality (Figure 1). The site is located on the Farm Beaumont No. 17470 portions of which are zoned agriculture and industrial with the Mill being located on land zoned for industrial use. The geographical co-ordinates for the Mill are Latitude: 29°52’13.91”S and Longitude 30°31’47.22”E.

3. Overview of Existing Mill Operations

The Mill is designed to process approximately 1.35 million tons of sugar cane per annum to produce raw sugar. Figure 2 provides a schematic overview of the current mill operation. The process is typically a 38 week crushing season which allows for breakdowns, scheduled maintenance stops and weather interrupted cane supply. The factory is shut down for the rest of the off-season (“off-crop”) for maintenance.

Bagasse is a fibrous residue produced in the sugar manufacturing process and used as the primary fuel source in the steam and power generation plant. Bagasse is considered a renewable energy resource and is used in the sugar industry to off-set the burning of coal in the production of steam and electricity. A summary of inputs and outputs associated with the current mill operation is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Inputs and Outputs

INPUTS DESIGN VOLUME (TONS/YEAR) ACTUAL VOLUME (TONS/YEAR)

Sugar cane 1.35 million 1.3 million

Coal 34 000 800

OUTPUTS DESIGN VOLUME (TONS/YEAR) ACTUAL VOLUME (TONS/YEAR)

Bulk Raw sugar 180 000 155 000

Molasses 70 000 55 000

Bagasse 427 000 410 000

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Figure 1: Site Locality (WSP GIS, 2015)

Figure 2: Process Flow of the Eston Sugar Mill

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An overview of the sugar production process at the Mill is described below:

o Cane Handling

Sugar cane is delivered to the cane yard via hauliers where it is then off-loaded and either directly fed into the manufacturing process or stored in the yard awaiting the manufacturing process.

o Cane Sugar Juice Extraction

Cane entering the manufacturing process is first prepared in the knives and shredder to expose the fibre then fed to a cane diffuser which extracts the cane juice containing sucrose.

o Raw Sugar Process

Milk of lime is added to the cane juice obtained from the extraction process for pH control. The juice is then heated and flocculants added to aid in the clarification process where mud and other suspended solids are removed from the juice. This clear juice is further processed via an evaporation process where the concentration of sucrose in the clear juice is increased to produce syrup.

The syrup is then processed by introducing tiny grains of sugar with continued boiling and evaporation until a liquor containing the correct sugar crystal grain size is achieved. The sugar crystal is then separated from the mother liquor via a centrifugation process. The resultant product is molasses and raw sugar. Molasses is transported off site for use as a raw material for downstream processing. The raw sugar is transported in bulk to the sugar terminal in Durban, the Illovo Noodsberg Mill, and some is packed for delivery to either the warehouse or customers.

o Steam and Power Generation

Bagasse (primarily) and coal (marginal quantities) are used as fuel sources in the steam generation plant which consists of two boilers producing approximately 135 tons of high pressure steam per hour. This steam is used in the power generation plant as an energy source for the steam turbines driving the electrical generators (turbo-alternators), as well as for the steam driven prime movers in the cane sugar juice extraction process. Approximately 7.0MW is generated to power the electrical loads within the Mill with approximately 1.8MW being exported to the national grid. The steam leaving the turbo-alternators at a reduced pressure and temperature is used as a heating medium in the raw sugar processes. The condensate resulting from the heating processes is returned to the boilers as a boiler feedwater source to be converted back into steam to repeat the process.

4. Proposed Project

No changes to the sugar production process (described above) are being introduced as a result of the proposed project. No additional fuel requirements are expected as a result of the project.

The proposed project will involve the construction and installation of the following components:

o Steam Turbine:

A new 12MW back pressure steam turbine will be installed within an extension to the existing power house (on the Mill property) to improve the efficiency of electricity generation (Figure 2). The power house will be expanded to accommodate the turbine which has an existing footprint of 120m

2.

The existing steam and power generation process (described above) will remain in place and available for use. The new steam turbine will enable additional power generation and surplus power not required by the factory will be exported to the national grid. Up to 76GWh can be generated on this new steam turbine over a period of 38 weeks.

A new dedicated line will be installed with a capacity of 22kV to facilitate the transfer of surplus power from the Mill to the national grid. This line will run parallel to the existing line (also 22kV). It is anticipated that existing wayleaves can be updated/revised to accommodate the new line. The construction of the new powerline does not trigger an environmental authorisation; however construction methods will be managed based on best practices and adherence to the general recommendations contained within the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr).

Construction Methodology

The construction phase will be undertaken over a period of 12-18 months, beginning no earlier than April 2016, as described below:

o Steam Turbine

The new steam turbine will be housed inside the existing power house. This will require the power house to be extended by 4m. The existing power house consists of cladded structural steel, inferring that the proposed extension will be constructed with the same material. A new piled foundation will be required to support the new steam turbine (~50 m

2).

3. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Describe each listed activity in Listing Notice 1 (GN R 544, 18 June 2010), Listing Notice 3 (GNR 546, 18June 2010) or Category A of GN 718, 3 July 2009 (Waste Management Activities) which is being applied for as per the project description:

Activity Number Description of Listed Activity Project Relevance

GNR 983 (Listing Notice 1) requiring a Basic Assessment

36 The expansion of facilities or structures for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource where –

i) The electricity output will be increased by 10 megawatts or more; excluding where such expansion takes place on the original development footprint.

Applicable:

The proposed electrical output associated with the installation of a new steam turbine will be 12MW (nominally). This therefore exceeds the stipulated threshold of 10MW.

4. FEASIBLE AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

“alternatives”, in relation to a proposed activity, means different means of meeting the general purpose and requirements of the activity, which may include alternatives to—

(a) the property on which or location where it is proposed to undertake the activity;

(b) the type of activity to be undertaken;

(c) the design or layout of the activity;

(d) the technology to be used in the activity;

(e) the operational aspects of the activity; and

(f) the option of not implementing the activity.

Describe alternatives that are considered in this report. Alternatives should include a consideration of all possible means by which the purpose and need of the proposed activity could be accomplished in the specific instance taking account of the interest of the applicant in the activity. The no-go alternative must in all cases be included in the assessment phase as the baseline against which the impacts of the other alternatives are assessed. The determination of whether site or activity (including different processes etc.) or both is appropriate needs to be informed by the specific circumstances of the activity and its environment. After receipt of this report the competent authority may also request the applicant to assess additional alternatives that could possibly accomplish the purpose and need of the proposed activity if it is clear that realistic alternatives have not been considered to a reasonable extent.

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1. Site Alternatives

a) Turbine

The co-generation power project involves the installation of a turbine at the Eston Sugar Mill. The Mill is an existing facility with the installation of the turbine occurring within the existing power house located within the Mill footprint. Due to the fact that the turbine will be installed within the existing Mill, there are no reasonable site alternatives.

2. Design and Technology Alternatives

Co-generation is the most efficient means of producing electricity from steam because the thermal energy contained in the vapour exhausted from the turbine can still be used for process heating purposes in the sugar production process.

a) Technology

Alternative

Condensing Turbine – Although electrical power can be generated from steam using a condensing turbine, this option was not considered feasible for the present project for economic reasons.

Preferred Option

Back Pressure Turbine – The back pressure turbine also known as a non-condensing turbine was the most efficient technology alternative. This machine offers high overall energy efficiency for the site because the thermal energy exhausted from the turbine can still be used to satisfy the process heating requirements of the sugar production process. The back pressure turbine has a lower capital cost and requires less cooling water.

b) Turbine Foundation

A geotechnical investigation was undertaken by Ground Africa Consulting Geotechnical Engineers on 9 October 2015. The investigation confirmed that the first trial pile hole did not reach bedrock with clay being intersected at 2 m and 14 m. The second and third trial holes were unsuccessful with a drill break on the second and hitting concrete on the third. There are two recommended solutions for the foundation namely soil raft and augured pile. The study recommends the use of a piled type foundation to support the machine loads and ensure tolerable differential movement on the underlying surface (See Appendix D1). The pile foundations must extend through the engineered fill horizon and soft to firm clay rich residual layers to utilise the relatively more competent gravel rich horizon at depth. It is recommended that Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) type piles will be the most suitable pile type for this development. CFA piles are a relatively cheap pile type and are comparatively quick to install. New piled foundations will need to be structurally designed with cognisance of actual machine loads and settlement tolerances in question using quantitative soil strength parameters (Ground Africa, 2015).

3. No-go Alternative

The no-go alternative refers to the option of not undertaking the proposed activity. The ‘do-nothing’ scenario will result in the continuation of the status quo which could have the following implication:

1) Reduced contribution to renewable energy:

Not implementing the project, this would result in a lost opportunity to:

- Produce additional electricity from renewable resources; and,

- Lower the national greenhouse gas inventory due to power generation.

The no-go alternative is considered throughout this assessment.

Sections B 5 – 15 below should be completed for each alternative.

5. ACTIVITY POSITION Indicate the position of the activity using the latitude and longitude of the centre point of the site for each alternative site. The co-ordinates should be in degrees, minutes and seconds. List alternative sites were applicable.

Alternative:

Latitude (S): Longitude (E):

Alternative S11 (preferred or only site alternative) 29°52’13.91”S 30°31’47.22”E.

Alternative S2 (if any) o ‘

“

o ‘

“

Alternative S3 (if any) o ‘

“

o ‘

“

In the case of linear activities: Alternative: Latitude (S): Longitude (E): Alternative S1 (preferred or only route alternative)

Starting point of the activity

Middle point of the activity

End point of the activity

Alternative S2 (if any)

“

“

Starting point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“

Middle point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“

End point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“


“

“

Starting point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“

Middle point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“

End point of the activity o ‘

“

o ‘

“

For route alternatives that are longer than 500m, please provide an addendum with co-ordinates taken every 500m along the route for each alternative alignment. 6. PHYSICAL SIZE OF THE ACTIVITY Indicate the physical size of the preferred activity/technology as well as alternative activities/technologies (footprints): Alternative: Size of the activity:

Alternative A12 (preferred activity alternative) Turbine

120m2

Alternative A2 (if any) m2


or, for linear activities: Alternative: Length of the activity:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative)

Alternative A2 (if any) m

Alternative A3 (if any) m

Indicate the size of the alternative sites or servitudes (within which the above footprints will occur): Alternative:

Size of the site/servitude:

Alternative A1 (preferred activity alternative)



7. SITE ACCESS

Does ready access to the site exist? YES X NO

1 “Alternative S..” refer to site alternatives.

2 “Alternative A..” refer to activity, process, technology or other alternatives.

16

If NO, what is the distance over which a new access road will be built m

Describe the type of access road planned:

Eston Mill has the main site access along the R624.

Include the position of the access road on the site plan and required map, as well as an indication of the road in relation to the site.

8. SITE OR ROUTE PLAN A detailed site or route plan(s) must be prepared for each alternative site or alternative activity. It must be attached as Appendix A to this report.

The site or route plans must indicate the following:

8.1. the scale of the plan which must be at least a scale of 1:500; 8.2. the property boundaries and numbers/ erf/ farm numbers of all adjoining properties of the site; 8.3. the current land use as well as the land use zoning of each of the properties adjoining the site or sites; 8.4. the exact position of each element of the application as well as any other structures on the site; 8.5. the position of services, including electricity supply cables (indicate above or underground), water supply pipelines, bore-

holes, street lights, sewage pipelines, storm water infrastructure and telecommunication infrastructure; 8.6. walls and fencing including details of the height and construction material; 8.7. servitudes indicating the purpose of the servitude; 8.8. sensitive environmental elements within 100 metres of the site or sites including (but not limited thereto):

rivers, streams, drainage lines or wetlands; the 1:100 year flood line (where available or where it is required by DWA); ridges; cultural and historical features; areas with indigenous vegetation including protected plant species (even if it is degraded or infested with alien species);

8.9. for gentle slopes the 1 metre contour intervals must be indicated on the plan and whenever the slope of the site exceeds 1:10, the 500mm contours must be indicated on the plan; and

8.10. the positions from where photographs of the site were taken.

9. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Colour photographs from the centre of the site must be taken in at least the eight major compass directions with a description of each photograph. Photographs must be attached under Appendix B to this report. It must be supplemented with additional photographs of relevant features on the site, if applicable.

10. FACILITY ILLUSTRATION A detailed illustration of the facility must be provided at a scale of 1:200 and attached to this report as Appendix C. The illustrations must be to scale and must represent a realistic image of the planned activity/ies.

11. ACTIVITY MOTIVATION

11.1. Socio-economic value of the activity

What is the expected capital value of the activity on completion? R100-150 million.

What is the expected yearly income that will be generated by or as a result of the activity? R20-40 million.

Will the activity contribute to service infrastructure? YES X NO

Is the activity a public amenity? YES NO X

How many new employment opportunities will be created in the development phase of the activity? 20 skilled and 27 unskilled

What is the expected value of the employment opportunities during the development phase? R 5 million

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? 25-30%

How many permanent new employment opportunities will be created during the operational phase of the activity?

0

What is the expected current value of the employment opportunities during the first 10 years? N/A

What percentage of this will accrue to previously disadvantaged individuals? N/A

11.2. Need and desirability of the activity Motivate and explain the need and desirability of the activity (including demand for the activity):

Energy is one of the key elements in production processes. Recent shortages of electricity in South Africa have had serious impacts on the economy and gross domestic economic growth. The project will generate additional electricity some of which will be fed into the national grid. This will assist in supplying the county’s electricity needs from renewable resources with no additional carbon emissions. The co-generation project will provide an important additional income source to stabilise the economic position of the Eston Mill.

Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for society in general:

The Eston Sugar Mill is a major employer in the region both directly at its Mill and estates and indirectly by providing a market for sugar farmers. The Sugar Industry has been under economic pressure as a result of the low world sugar prices and with the continuing drought. This project will provide an important additional income source to stabilise the economic position of the Eston Mill.

Indicate any benefits that the activity will have for the local communities where the activity will be located:

This project will provide an important additional income source to stabilise the economic position of the Eston Mill. The project will assist to secure the future of the Mill and current employment of many of the local community members employed at the Mill.

12. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND/OR GUIDELINES

List all legislation, policies and/or guidelines of any sphere of government that are relevant to the application as contemplated in the EIA regulations, if applicable:

Title of legislation, policy or guideline: Administering authority: Date:

National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) Department of Environmental Affairs

1998

Hazardous Substances Act (No. 15 of 1973) Department of Environmental Affairs

1973

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

Department of Environmental Affairs

2004

National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) Department of Water Affairs

1998

National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008)

Department of Environmental Affairs

2008

Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) Department of Labour 1993

13. WASTE, EFFLUENT, EMISSION AND NOISE MANAGEMENT

13.1. Solid waste management

Will the activity produce solid construction waste during the construction/initiation phase? YES X NO

18

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month?

o Surplus excavated material / spoil from turbine foundation (turbine)

o General Solid Waste (rubble, cement bags, general domestic waste etc.)

o Hazardous Solid Waste (empty chemical containers, oil rags, spent solvents etc.)

~200m3

~5-8m3

~0.5-1.5m3

How will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (describe)

o Material excavated at the mill will be disposed of at the Msunduzi landfill site.

o General domestic waste will be temporarily stored in on-site waste receptacles/skips and removed by the contractor for disposal at the Msunduzi landfill.

o Hazardous waste will be disposed by contractor at closest permitted landfill.

Where will the construction solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site)

o General Solid Waste - Msunduzi landfill

o Hazardous Waste - Enviroserv landfill

Will the activity produce solid waste during its operational phase? YES NO X

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m3

How will the solid waste be disposed of? (provide details of landfill site)

Not Applicable

Where will the solid waste be disposed if it does not feed into a municipal waste stream (describe)?

Not Applicable

If the solid waste (construction or operational phases) will not be disposed of in a registered landfill site or be taken up in a municipal waste stream, then the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine the further requirements of the application.

Can any part of the solid waste be classified as hazardous in terms of the relevant legislation? YES NO

If yes, contact the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs to obtain clarity regarding the process requirements for your application.

Is the activity that is being applied for a solid waste handling or treatment facility? YES NO X


13.2. Liquid effluent

Will the activity produce effluent, other than normal sewage, that will be disposed of in a municipal sewage system?

YES NO X

If yes, what estimated quantity will be produced per month? m3

Will the activity produce any effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of on-site? YES NO


Will the activity produce effluent that will be treated and/or disposed of at another facility? YES NO X

If yes, provide the particulars of the facility:

Facility name:

Contact person:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Describe the measures that will be taken to ensure the optimal reuse or recycling of waste water, if any:

Not Applicable

13.3. Emissions into the atmosphere

Will the activity release emissions into the atmosphere? YES X NO

If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES X NO


If no, describe the emissions in terms of type and concentration:

There is the potential for dust generation during the construction phase. This may result from wind blowing over excavated and exposed areas; and movement of heavy machinery and vehicles on unpaved roads. Dust can be relatively easily prevented through the implementation of air pollution mitigation measures contained in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) (Appendix F).

Air quality guidelines are provided by the ambient dust concentration limits prescribed by SANS 1929:2005. Whilst these guidelines are currently not enforceable they do serve as recommendations for good practice (Table 2). SANS 1929:2005 sets out dust deposition rates, expressed in units of mg.m

-2.day

-1 over a typical 30-

day averaging period. Dust deposition is evaluated against the four-band evaluation criteria as below.

Table 2: Air Quality Guidelines for Dust Generation

Band Description

Label

Dust Fallout Rate,

D (mg.m-2

.day-1

)

Comment

Residential D < 600 Permissible for residential and light commercial

Industrial 600 < D < 1 200 Permissible for heavy commercial and industrial

Action 1 200< D < 2 400 Requires investigation and remediation if two sequential months lie in this band, or more than three occur in a year

Alert 2 400 < D Immediate action and remediation required following the first incidence of dust fall rate being exceeded. Incident report to be submitted to relevant authority

13.4. Generation of noise

Will the activity generate noise? YES X NO

If yes, is it controlled by any legislation of any sphere of government? YES NO X

If yes, the applicant should consult with the competent authority to determine whether it is necessary to change to an application for scoping and EIA.

If no, describe the noise in terms of type and level:

20

The activity is most likely to produce noise during the construction process as a result of general construction and excavation activities. Acceptable levels are prescribed by SANS 10103:2008 (The Measurement and Rat-ing of Environmental Noise with Respect to Annoyance and to Speech Communication). It is the most relevant code of practice for environmental noise impact assessment in South Africa. The rating levels for rural areas are applicable to the project. Typical rating levels for noise in different types of districts are presented in Table 3 below. These values should be viewed as guidelines of typical noise levels that should not be exceeded out-doors in the various district levels. Table 3: Typical rating levels for noise in districts (adapted from SANS 10103:2008)

Type of District

12. Equivalent Continuous Rating Level for Noise (LReq,T) (dBA)

13. Outdoors

Day-Night (LR,dn) Daytime (Lreq,d)

Night-time (Lreq,n)

a) Rural 45 45 35

b) Suburban (with little road traffic) 50 50 40

c) Urban 55 55 45

d) Urban (with one or more of the following: workshops; business premises; and main roads)

60 60 50

e) Central Business Districts 65 65 55

f) Industrial District 70 70 60

Table 2: Categories of community/ group response (adapted from SANS 10103:2008)

Excess

(ΔLReq,T)a

dBA

Estimated Community Group Response

Category Description

0 – 10 5 – 15 10 – 20

>15

Little Medium Strong Very

Strong

Sporadic Complaints Widespread Complaints

Threats of community or group action Vigorous community or group action

14. WATER USE Please indicate the source(s) of water that will be used for the activity by ticking the appropriate box(es):

Municipal X

water board groundwater river, stream, dam or lake

other the activity will not use water

If water is to be extracted from groundwater, river, stream, dam, lake or any other natural feature, please indicate the volume that will be extracted per month:

Litres

Does the activity require a water use permit from the Department of Water Affairs? YES NO X

If YES, please submit the necessary application to the Department of Water Affairs and attach proof thereof to this report.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Describe the design measures, if any, that have been taken to ensure that the activity is energy efficient:

The proposed project will allow for efficient utilisation of the heat created by the burning of sugar cane bagasse (fibre) in the Eston Mill’s boilers. The project will generate additional electricity which will be exported to the National Grid. This will assist in supplying the country’s electricity needs from renewable resources with no additional carbon emissions.

Describe how alternative energy sources have been taken into account or been built into the design of the activity, if any:

The project will involve the use of bagasse to generate electricity. Bagasse is an alternative energy source to coal or other non-renewable fuels.

SECTION C: SITE/ AREA/ PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Important notes:

For linear activities (pipelines, etc) as well as activities that cover very large sites, it may be necessary to complete this section for each part of the site that has a significantly different environment. In such cases please complete copies of Section C and indicate the area, which is covered by each copy No. on the Site Plan.

Section C Copy No. (e.g. A):

Subsections 1 - 6 below must be completed for each alternative.

1. GRADIENT OF THE SITE Indicate the general gradient of the site.

Alternative S1:

Flat X 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

Alternative S2 (if any):

Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5


Flat 1:50 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:15 1:15 – 1:10 1:10 – 1:7,5 1:7,5 – 1:5 Steeper than 1:5

2. LOCATION IN LANDSCAPE

Indicate the landform(s) that best describes the site (Please cross the appropriate box).

Alternative S1 (preferred site):

Ridgeline Plateau Side slope of hill/mountain

Closed valley

Open valley

Plain X Undulating plain/low hills

Dune Sea-front



Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low hills

Dune Sea- front



Closed valley

Open valley

Plain Undulating plain/low hills

Dune Sea-front

3. GROUNDWATER, SOIL AND GEOLOGICAL STABILITY OF THE SITE

Has a specialist been consulted for the completion of this section? YES X NO

If YES, please complete the following:

22

Name of the specialist: Frederick Volbrecht MIEAust CPEng

Qualification(s) of the specialist: Geotechnical Engineer

Postal address: PO Box 926 Eshowe

Postal code: 3815

Telephone: +27 35 474 7949 Cell: +27 76 827 2751

E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +27 86 621 7160

Is the site(s) located on any of the following (cross the appropriate boxes)?

Alternative S1: Alternative S2 (if any): Alternative S3 (if any):

Shallow water table (less than 1.5m deep) YES NO X YES NO YES NO

Dolomite, sinkhole or doline areas YES NO X YES NO YES NO

Seasonally wet soils (often close to water bodies)

YES NO X YES NO YES NO

Unstable rocky slopes or steep slopes with loose soil


Dispersive soils (soils that dissolve in water)


Soils with high clay content (clay fraction more than 40%)


Any other unstable soil or geological feature


An area sensitive to erosion


If you are unsure about any of the above or if you are concerned that any of the above aspects may be an issue of concern in the application, an appropriate specialist should be appointed to assist in the completion of this section. (Information in respect of the above will often be available as part of the project information or at the planning sections of local authorities. Where it exists, the 1:50 000 scale Regional Geotechnical Maps prepared by the Council for Geo Science may also be consulted).

4. GROUNDCOVER

Has a specialist been consulted for the completion of this section? YES NO X

If YES, please complete the following:

Name of the specialist:

Qualification(s) of the specialist:

Postal address:

Postal code:

Telephone: Cell:

E-mail: Fax:

Are there any rare or endangered flora or fauna species (including red data species) present on any of the alternative sites?

YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

Are there any special or sensitive habitats or other natural features present on any of the alternative sites? YES NO

If YES, specify and explain:

Are any further specialist studies recommended by the specialist? YES NO

If YES, specify:

If YES, is such a report(s) attached in Appendix D? YES NO

Signature of specialist: Date:

The location of all identified rare or endangered species or other elements should be accurately indicated on the site plan(s).

Natural veld - good condition

E

Natural veld with scattered aliens

E

Natural veld with heavy alien infestation

E

Veld dominated by alien species

E

Gardens

Sport field Cultivated land X Paved surface Building or other structure x

Bare soil

If any of the boxes marked with an “E “is ticked, please consult an appropriate specialist to assist in the completion of this section if the environmental assessment practitioner doesn’t have the necessary expertise.

5. LAND USE CHARACTER OF SURROUNDING AREA Cross the land uses and/or prominent features that currently occur within a 500m radius of the site and give a description of how this influences the application or may be impacted upon by the application:

Land use character Description

Natural area YES NO X

Low density residential YES X NO Approximately 400m north of the Eston Mill

Medium density residential YES NO X

High density residential YES NO X

Informal residential YES NO X

Retail commercial & warehousing YES NO X

Light industrial YES NO X

Medium industrial YES NO X

Heavy industrial YES NO X

Power station YES NO X

Office/consulting room YES NO X

Military or police base/station/compound YES NO X

Spoil heap or slimes dam YES NO X

Quarry, sand or borrow pit YES NO X

Dam or reservoir YES X NO X Privately owned irrigation dams

Hospital/medical centre YES NO X

School/ creche YES NO X

Tertiary education facility YES NO X

24

Church YES NO X

Old age home YES NO X

Sewage treatment plant YES NO X

Train station or shunting yard YES NO X

Railway line YES NO X

Major road (4 lanes or more) YES NO X

Airport YES NO X

Harbour YES NO X

Sport facilities YES NO X

Golf course YES NO X

Polo fields YES NO X

Filling station YES X NO X Small service station and convenience store

Landfill or waste treatment site YES NO X

Plantation YES NO X

Agriculture YES X NO Surrounding land use is mainly agricultural.

River, stream or wetland YES NO X

Nature conservation area YES NO X

Mountain, hill or ridge YES NO X

Museum YES NO X

Historical building YES NO X

Protected Area YES NO X

Graveyard YES NO X

Archaeological site YES NO X

Other land uses (describe) YES NO X

6. CULTURAL/ HISTORICAL FEATURES

Are there any signs of culturally or historically significant elements, as defined in section 2 of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999), including archaeological or palaeontological sites, on or within 20m of the site?

YES NO X

If YES, contact a specialist recommended by AMAFA to conduct a heritage impact assessment. The heritage impact assessment must be attached as an appendix to this report.

Briefly explain the recommendations of the specialist:

Any person who intends to undertake a development categorised “as the construction of a road, wall powerline, pipeline, canal or other similar form of linear development or barrier exceeding 300m in length must at the very earliest stages of initiating such a development… must notify the responsible heritage resources authority and furnish it with details regarding the location, nature and extent of the proposed development” A heritage impact assessment (HIA) may be required for the proposed development.

A Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) Exemption Request has been submitted to Amafa by Ethembeni Cultural Heritage Management. The proposed site is used for cane growing. Potential disturbance to cultural resources are therefore not anticipated during the installation of powerlines.

Will any building or structure older than 60 years be affected in any way? YES NO X

Is it necessary to apply for a permit in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1999)?

YES X NO

If YES, please submit the necessary application to AMAFA and attach proof thereof to this report.

A letter from AMAFA has not been received yet but will be appended to the Final Basic Assessment Report (BAR).

SECTION D: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1. ADVERTISEMENT The person conducting a public participation process must take into account any guidelines applicable to public participation as contemplated in section 24J of the Act and must give notice to all potential interested and affected parties of the application which is subjected to public participation by— (a) fixing a notice board (of a size at least 60cm by 42cm; and must display the required information in lettering and in a

format as may be determined by the competent authority) at a place conspicuous to the public at the boundary or on the fence of— (i) the site where the activity to which the application relates is or is to be undertaken; and

(ii) any alternative site mentioned in the application; (b) giving written notice to—

(i) the owner or person in control of that land if the applicant is not the owner or person in control of the land; (ii) the occupiers of the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative site where the activity is to

be undertaken; (iii) owners and occupiers of land adjacent to the site where the activity is or is to be undertaken or to any alternative

site where the activity is to be undertaken; (iv) the municipal councillor of the ward in which the site or alternative site is situated and any organisation of

ratepayers that represent the community in the area; (v) the local and district municipality which has jurisdiction in the area;

(vi) any organ of state having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity (as identified in the application form for the environmental authorization of this project); and

(vii) any other party as required by the competent authority; (c) placing an advertisement in— (i) one local newspaper; or

(ii) any official Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing public notice of applications or other submissions made in terms of these Regulations;

(d) placing an advertisement in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, if the activity has or may have an impact that extends beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan or district municipality in which it is or will be undertaken: Provided that this paragraph need not be complied with if an advertisement has been placed in an official Gazette referred to in subregulation 54(c)(ii); and

(e) using reasonable alternative methods, as agreed to by the competent authority, in those instances where a person is desiring of but unable to participate in the process due to— (i) illiteracy; (ii) disability; or (iii) any other disadvantage.

Refer to Stakeholder Engagement Report- Appendix E

2. CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES A notice board, advertisement or notices must: (a) indicate the details of the application which is subjected to public participation; and (b) state—

(i) that an application for environmental authorization has been submitted to the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs in terms of the EIA Regulations, 2010;(ii)

(iii) a brief project description that includes the nature and location of the activity to which the application relates; (iv) where further information on the application can be obtained; and

26

(iv) the manner in which and the person to whom representations in respect of the application may be made.


3. PLACEMENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND NOTICES Where the proposed activity may have impacts that extend beyond the municipal area where it is located, a notice must be placed in at least one provincial newspaper or national newspaper, indicating that an application will be submitted to the competent authority in terms of these regulations, the nature and location of the activity, where further information on the proposed activity can be obtained and the manner in which representations in respect of the application can be made, unless a notice has been placed in any Gazette that is published specifically for the purpose of providing notice to the public of applications made in terms of the EIA regulations. Advertisements and notices must make provision for all alternatives.


4. DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE PROCESS The EAP must ensure that the public participation process is according to that prescribed in regulation 54 of the EIA Regulations, 2010, but may deviate from the requirements of subregulation 54(2) in the manner agreed by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs as appropriate for this application. Special attention should be given to the involvement of local community structures such as Ward Committees, ratepayers associations and traditional authorities where appropriate. Please note that public concerns that emerge at a later stage that should have been addressed may cause the competent authority to withdraw any authorisation it may have issued if it becomes apparent that the public participation process was inadequate.


5. COMMENTS AND RESPONSE REPORT The practitioner must record all comments and respond to each comment of the public before this application is submitted. The comments and responses must be captured in a comments and response report as prescribed in the EIA regulations (regulation 57 in the EIA Regulations, 2010) and be attached as Appendix E to this report.


6. PARTICIPATION BY DISTRICT, LOCAL AND TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES District, local and traditional authorities (where applicable) are all key interested and affected parties in each application and no decision on any application will be made before the relevant local authority is provided with the opportunity to give input. The planning and the environmental sections of the local authority must be informed of this application and provided with an opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from the district municipality? YES NO X

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach any correspondence to and from this authority with regard to this application):

Has any comment been received from the local municipality? YES NO X


Has any comment been received from a traditional authority? YES NO X


7. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Any stakeholder that has a direct interest in the site or property, such as servitude holders and service providers, should be informed of the application and be provided with the opportunity to comment.

Has any comment been received from stakeholders? YES X NO

If “YES”, briefly describe the feedback below (also attach copies of any correspondence to and from the stakeholders to this application):

Landowners have requested to be provided with additional information about the proposed project. They have also raised queries about compensation since the powerline will run through their property.

SECTION E: IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts must adhere to the requirements in the EIA Regulations, 2010, and should take applicable official guidelines into account. The issues raised by interested and affected parties should also be addressed in the assessment of impacts.

1. ISSUES RAISED BY INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES List the main issues raised by interested and affected parties.

No comments have been received to date. Comments are anticipated after the distribution of the Draft BAR and will be incorporated into the Final BAR.

Response from the practitioner to the issues raised by the interested and affected parties (A full response must be given in the Comments and Response Report that must be attached as Appendix E to this report):

WSP will provide responses in the Final BAR.

2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATIONAL, DECOMMISSION-

ING AND CLOSURE PHASES AS WELL AS PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITI-GATION MEASURES

2.1. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE

a. Site alternatives List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the planning and design phase:

Alternative S1 (preferred alternative)

There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated during the Planning and Design Phase.


Not Applicable

No-go alternative (compulsory)

The no-go alternative would entail retaining the current status-quo. There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated in relation to the no-go alternative during the Planning and Design Phase.

Indicate mitigation measures to manage the potential impacts listed above:

Alternative S1 Alternative S2

Not Applicable

b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives

28

List the impacts associated with any process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the planning and design phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately):

Alternative A1 (preferred alternative)

There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated during the Planning and Design Phase.

Alternative A2 (if any)

Not Applicable


There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated during the Planning and Design Phase


Alternative A1: Alternative A2:

Not Applicable

2.2. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

a. Site alternatives

List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the construction phase:

Alternative S1 (preferred site)

Direct impacts:

Social Environment

■ Potential Social Impacts The proposed co-generation power project is expected to generate employment opportunities during the con-struction phase. Illovo is likely to utilise existing contractors for the construction related activities. As such, the project presents an opportunity to sustain existing employment opportunities (existing employees of contrac-tors) rather than generating new employment opportunities for the currently employed population. Illovo will specify in their contracts that should additional resources be required to support the project, opportunities for employment must be offered to local community members. ■ Disturbance to Heritage Resources Construction activities associated with the expansion of the power house will be within the Mill’s existing foot-print. As such, disturbance to cultural or heritage resources are not anticipated as the site has been highly transformed. The proposed powerline route will run via overhead lines over land which is used for agricultural purposes and which has been highly transformed. With reference to Appendix D2, a Phase 1 Heritage Impact Assessment Exemption Request will be submitted to Amafa by Ethembeni Cultural Heritage Management and a site inspection will be carried out. Potential disturbance to cultural resources are not anticipated as the sites where the power line will traverse are used for agricultural purposes. ■ Potential Traffic Impacts Equipment and construction material will be delivered to the Mill via heavy vehicles. Traffic associated with the Mill comprises heavy vehicles entering and exiting the site. The additional heavy vehicles generated during the construction phase will have no significant impact on traffic volumes. Physical Environment

■ Potential Air Quality Impacts Construction vehicles have the potential to generate dust and lead to a localised deterioration of air quality. This could potentially result in a nuisance factor to surrounding receptors. The impact, however, is likely to have a low significance due to the temporary nature of the construction period and the fact that installation of the tur-bine will take place within existing Mill footprint. The surrounding settlement pattern is sparse with the closest receptor being 400m from the Mill boundary. ■ Potential Noise Impacts Noise impacts associated with the expansion of the power house will be absorbed by the existing environment. This is because the power house is located within the Eston Mill footprint within an enclosed structure. ■ Potential Water Quality Impacts Construction activities will generate both solid waste including general waste (building rubble, domestic waste, packaging etc.) and potentially small amounts of hazardous wastes (oils, greases). Accidental spillage of small quantities of hazardous substances and various construction materials have the potential to lead to soil, surface water and groundwater contamination. ■ Potential Soil Impacts Earth moving activities and traffic on unpaved roads have the potential to increase localised soil erosion. Poten-tial indirect impacts relate to the contribution of dust as a nuisance factor.


Not Applicable


There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated during the construction phase.



■ Socio-Economic

- Illovo to ensure contractors make use of local labour as far as possible.

- Illovo to maximise opportunities to utilise local businesses for the provision of materials and services during the construction phase.

■ Traffic

- Equipment and materials to be transported to the Mill during off peak periods, where practical.

■ Air Quality

- Limit vehicle speeds on un-surfaced areas.

- Avoid dust-generating activities (i.e. grading and moving of surface material) during windy periods.

- Cover and/or maintain appropriate freeboard on trucks hauling any loose material that could produce dust when travelling.

- Dampen exposed soil to suppress dust if required. This will be undertaken by using water where possible.

■ Noise

- Maintain vehicles and machinery in good working order.

- Investigate all instances of excessive noise and assess possibilities for mitigation.

30

■ Surface Water

- Prevent stormwater runoff from coming into contact with wastes or contaminants on site.

- All machinery to be re-fuelled and serviced in a designated area.

- Vehicles to be appropriately maintained to ensure that they do not leak (oil, hydraulic fluids and diesel).

b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the construction phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately):


Refer to Alternative S1 above.

Alternative A2

Not Applicable


There are no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts anticipated during the construction phase.


Alternative A1: Alternative A2:

Refer to Appendix F.

2.3. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE OPERATIONAL PHASE a. Site alternatives

List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the operational phase:


Direct impacts:

Social Environment

■ Potential Social Impacts A recent shortage of electricity in South Africa has serious impacts on the economy and gross domestic growth. The proposed project will generate additional electricity which will feed into the national grid. This is therefore a positive impact.

The co-generation project will maintain a stable supply of electricity for the Eston Mill.

Physical Environment

■ Potential Traffic Impacts No impacts are anticipated with the operation of the co-generation power project as an increase in transport requirements is not anticipated. Biophysical Environment

■ Potential Water Quality Impacts The turbine will be located on a hard standing surface and managed as part of the existing stormwater management plan for the Mill. As such, no surface or groundwater impacts are anticipated during turbine operation.


Not Applicable


The no-go alternative refers to the option of not undertaking the proposed activity. This option will result in the continuation of the status quo which could have the following implication:

Reduced contribution to renewable energy:

Should the proposed co-generation power project not be implemented at the Eston Mill, this would result in a lost opportunity to:

■ Produce additional electricity from renewable resources, which would contribute to lowering the national greenhouse gas inventory as a result of power generation.



■ Noise

Ensure that the turbine is maintained and in good working order.

b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives

List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the operational phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately):


Refer to Alternative S1 above.

Alternative A2

Not Applicable


Not Applicable


Alternative A1 Alternative A2

No mitigation measures are required.

2.4. IMPACTS THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE DECOMMISSIONING OR CLOSURE PHASE

a. Site alternatives

List the potential impacts associated with site alternatives that are likely to occur during the decommissioning or closure phase:


Direct impacts/ Indirect impacts/Cumulative impacts:

The proposed development and associated activities are likely to be in operation for the foreseeable future, and therefore the likely impacts of decommissioning cannot be accurately predicted at this stage. However, impacts during decommissioning are likely to be similar in nature to those identified for the construction phase and will be managed in cognisance of the applicable legislation.

32

Alternative S2

Not Applicable


Not applicable.



b. Process, technology, layout or other alternatives List the impacts associated with process, technology, layout or other alternatives that are likely to occur during the decommissioning or closure phase (please list impacts associated with each alternative separately):


The proposed development and associated activities are likely to be in operation for the foreseeable future, and therefore the likely impacts of decommissioning cannot be accurately predicted at this stage. However, impacts during decommissioning are likely to be similar in nature to those identified for the construction phase and will be managed in cognisance of the applicable legislation.

Alternative A2

Not applicable.


Not applicable.


Alternative A1 Alternative A2

Not applicable.

2.5. PROPOSED MONITORING AND AUDITING

For each phase of the project and for each alternative, please indicate how identified impacts and mitigation will be monitored and/or audited.

Alternative S1 (preferred site) Alternative S2

Not applicable

Alternative A1 (preferred alternative) Alternative A2

Not Applicable

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Taking the assessment of potential impacts into account, please provide an environmental impact statement that summarises the impact that the proposed activity and its alternatives may have on the environment after the management and mitigation of impacts have been taken into account, with specific reference to types of impact, duration of impacts, likelihood of potential impacts actually occurring and the significance of impacts.

Alternative S1 (preferred site)

Impact Assessment Methodology:

The following section comprises a summary table of potential environmental impacts identified in the preceding sections. The key objectives of the risk assessment methodology will be to validate impacts identified through a matrix, identify any additional potential environmental issues and associated impacts likely to arise from the proposed project, and to propose a significance ranking. Issues / aspects will be reviewed and ranked against a series of significance criteria to identify and record interactions between activities and aspects, and resources and receptors to provide a detailed discussion of impacts.

The Hackings risk assessment methodology has been used for the ranking of the identified environmental impacts (Hacking, 2001b). The significance of environmental aspects can be determined and ranked by considering the criteria presented in Table 4.

Table 4: Criteria Used to Determine the Significance of Environmental Aspects

Significance

Ranking

Negative Aspects Positive Aspects

H (High) Will always/often exceed legislation or standards. Has

characteristics that could cause significant negative

impacts.

Compliance with all legislation and standards. Has

characteristics that could cause significant positive

impacts.

M (Moderate) Has characteristics that could cause negative impacts. Has characteristics that could cause positive impacts.

L (Low) Will never exceed legislation or standards. Unlikely to

cause significant negative impacts.

Will always comply with all legislation and standards.

Unlikely to cause significant positive impacts.

Where significant environmental aspects are present (“high” or “moderate”), significant environmental impacts may result. The significance of the impacts associated with the significant aspects can be determined by considering the risk:

Significance of Environmental Impact (Risk) = Probability x Consequence

The consequence of impacts can be described by considering the severity, spatial extent and duration of the impact.

SEVERITY OF IMPACTS

Table 5 presents the ranking criteria that can be used to determine the severity of impacts on the bio-physical and socio-economic environment. Table 6 provides additional ranking criteria for determining the severity of negative impacts on the bio-physical environment.

Table 5: Criteria for Ranking the Severity of Environmental Impacts

Negative Positive

Criteria High- Medium- Low- Low+ Medium+ High+

Qualitative Substantial dete-

rioration. Death,

illness or injury.

Moderate deteri-

oration. Discom-

fort.

Minor deterio-

ration. Nui-

sance or minor

irritation.

Minor im-

provement.

Moderate im-

provement.

Substantial im-

provement.

Quantitative Measurable deterioration. Change not measurable i.e. will

remain within current range.

Measurable improvement.

Recommended

level will often be

violated.

Recommended

level will occa-

sionally be vio-

lated.

Recommended level will never be

violated.

Will be within or better than recom-

mended level.

Community

Response

Vigorous com-

munity action.

Widespread

complaints.

Sporadic complaints. No observed

reaction.

Favourable pub-

licity

34

Table 6: Criteria for Ranking the Severity of Negative Impacts on the Bio-physical Environment

Ranking Criteria

Low (L-) Medium (M-) High (H-)

Soils and land

capability

Minor deterioration in land capabil-

ity. Soil alteration resulting in a low

negative impact on one of the other

environments (e.g. ecology).

Partial loss of land capability. Soil

alteration resulting in a moderate

negative impact on one of the

other environments (e.g. ecolo-

gy).

Complete loss of land capability.

Soil alteration resulting in a high

negative impact on one of the

other environments (e.g. ecolo-

gy).

Ecology

(Plant and

animal life)

Disturbance of areas that are de-

graded, have little conservation

value or are unimportant to humans

as a resource. Minor change in

species variety or prevalence.

Disturbance of areas that have

some conservation value or are

of some potential use to humans.

Complete change in species

variety or prevalence.

Disturbance of areas that are

pristine, have conservation value

or are an important resource to

humans. Destruction of rare or

endangered species.

Surface and

Groundwater

Quality deterioration resulting in a

low negative impact on one of the

other environments (ecology, com-

munity health etc.)

Quality deterioration resulting in a

moderate negative impact on one

of the other environments (ecolo-

gy, community health etc.).

Quality deterioration resulting in

a high negative impact on one of

the other environments (ecology,

community health etc.).

SPATIAL EXTENT AND DURATION OF IMPACTS

The duration and spatial scale of impacts can be ranked using the criteria in Table 7.

Table 7: Ranking the Duration and Spatial Scale of Impacts

Ranking Criteria

Low (L-) Medium (M-) High (H-)

Duration Quickly reversible Less than the

project life Short-term

Reversible over time Life of the

project Medium-term

Permanent Beyond closure

Long-term

Spatial Scale Localised Within site boundary

Site

Fairly widespread Beyond site

boundary

Local

Widespread Far beyond site

boundary

Regional/national

Where the severity of an impact varies with distance, the severity should be determined at the point of compliance or the point at which sensitive receptors will be encountered. This position corresponds to the spatial extent of the impact.

CONSEQUENCE OF IMPACTS

Having ranked the severity, duration and spatial extent, the overall consequence of impacts can be determined using the following qualitative guidelines (Table 8):

Table 8: Ranking the Consequence of an Impact

Severity = Low (L)

SPATIAL SCALE

Low

Localised - within site

boundary

Medium

Beyond site boundary

High

Far beyond site bounda-

ry

DU

RA

TIO

N

Long Term High Medium Medium Medium

Medium Term Medium Low Low Medium

Short Term Low Low Low Medium

Severity = Medium (M)

SPATIAL SCALE

Low


boundary

Medium


High


ry

DU

RA

TIO

N Long Term High Medium High High

Medium Term Medium Medium Medium High

Short Term Low Low Medium Medium

Severity = High (H)

SPATIAL SCALE

Low


boundary

Medium


High


ry

DU

RA

TIO

N Long Term High High High High

Medium Term Medium Medium Medium High

Short Term Low Medium Medium High

OVERALL SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS

Combining the consequence of the impact and the probability of occurrence, as shown by Table 9, provides the overall significance (risk) of impacts.

Table 9: Ranking the Overall Significance of Impacts

CONSEQUENCE Low Medium High

PR

OB

AB

ILIT

Y Definite Continuous High Medium Medium High

Possible Frequent Medium Medium Medium High

Unlikely Seldom Low Low Low Medium

The overall significance ranking of the negative environmental impacts provides the following guidelines for decision making (Table 10):

Table 10: Guidelines for decision-making

36

Significance of Impact Nature of Impact Decision Guideline

High Unacceptable impacts. Likely to be a fatal flaw.

Moderate Noticeable impact. These are unavoidable consequence, which will need to be ac-

cepted if the project is allowed to proceed.

Low Minor impacts. These impacts are not likely to affect the project decision.

PRIOR TO MITIGATION POST MITIGATION

Impact Description In

tens

ity

Ext

ent

Dur

atio

n

Con

sequ

ence

of

Impa

ct

Pro

babi

lity

Con

fiden

ce

Sta

tus

Sig

nific

ance

of Im

pact

Mitigation Measures

Inte

nsity

Ext

ent

Dur

atio

n

Con

sequ

ence

of Im

pact

Pro

babi

lity

Con

fiden

ce

Sta

tus

Sig

nific

ance

of I

mpa

ct

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Increase in employ-ment opportunities

Low Low Medium Low Low High Positive Low Illovo to ensure contractors make use of local labour as far as possible.

Low Low Medium Low Low Medium Positive Low

Disturbance to herit-age resources

Low Low Low Low Low High Negative Low

AMAFA must be contacted in the event that cultural / heritage resources are found during the construc-tion phase.


Increase in traffic Low Low Low Low Low High Negative Low

Equipment and materials to be transported to the Mill during off peak periods, where practical.


Increase in dust from construction activities

Low Low Low Low Medium High Negative Low Dampen exposed soil to suppress dust if required.


Increase in noise from construction equip-ment/vehicles

Low Low Low Low Medium High Negative Low

- Investigate all instances of excessive noise and assess possibilities for mitigation.

- Maintain vehicles and machinery in good work-ing order.


Decrease water quality

Medium Low Low Low Medium Medium Negative Moderate

- Prevent stormwater runoff from coming into contact with wastes or contaminants on site.

- All machinery to be re-fuelled and serviced in a designated area.

- Vehicles to be appropri-ately maintained to en-sure that they do not leak (oil, hydraulic fluids and diesel).


Soil erosion Low Medium Low Low Medium High Negative Moderate - Dust suppression tech-

niques Low Low Low Low Low High Negative Low

OPERATIONAL PHASE

Energy supply Medium High High Medium High High Positive High None required Medium High High Medium High High Positive High

NO-GO ALTERNATIVE

Lost opportunity to contribute to renewa-ble energy generation

Medium High Medium Medium High High Negative Moderate

Reduced opportunity to implement energy efficiencies at the Mill

Medium Low Medium Medium High High Negative Moderate

Lost provision of electrification to broader public

Medium High Medium Medium High High Negative Moderate

38

SECTION F: RECOMMENDATION OF EAP

Is the information contained in this report and the documentation attached hereto in the view of the EAP sufficient to make a decision in respect of this report?

YES X NO

If “NO”, please contact the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs regarding the further requirements for your report.

If “YES”, please attach the draft EMPr as Appendix F to this report and list any recommended conditions, including mitigation measures that should be considered for inclusion in any authorisation that may be granted by the competent authority in respect of the application:

The overall objective of the basic assessment process is to provide sufficient transparent and technically-robust information to enable informed decision-making by the authorities. This has been undertaken through consideration of the proposed project components, identification of the aspects and sources of potential impacts and subsequent provision of mitigation measures.

Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the Environmental Authorisation process. Stakeholder comments are being sought through the distribution of this report for a 30 day comment period. It is the opinion of WSP that the information contained in this document is sufficient for DEDTEA to make an informed decision for the EA being applied for in respect of this project. It is further recommended that the EA should be issued in accordance with the current legal requirements under the NEMA and subject to adherence to mitigation measures outlined in this report and the accompanying EMPr (Appendix F).

SECTION G: APPENDICES

The following appendixes must be attached as appropriate:

■ Appendix A: Site plan(s)

■ Appendix B: Photographs

■ Appendix C: Facility illustration

■ Appendix D: Specialist reports

■ Appendix E: Stakeholder Engagement Report

■ Appendix F: Draft Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)

■ Appendix G: Other information

40

Appendix A. Site Plans A1 – Topographical Map

A2 – Hydrology Map

A3 – Land use Map

Appendix B. Photographs

Figure 4: Existing powerline route running along the R624 road.

Figure 5: Internal view of Eston Mill.

42

Figure 6: Internal area of the powerhouse where back pressure turbine will be located.

Appendix C. Facility Illustrations

44

Appendix D. Specialist Reports D 1- Geotechnical Assessment Report

D 2- EThembeni Heritage Report

Appendix E. Stakeholder Engagement Report

46

Appendix F. Draft Environmental Management Programme

Appendix G. Other Information

Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. Klicka här för att ange text. South Africa Tel: +27 31 240 8860 Fax: +27 31 240 8861 www.wspenvironmental.co.za

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