regulate uncontrolled behaviour during the construction phase, … wef draft scoping... · 2017. 6....

EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility 167

regulate uncontrolled behaviour During the Construction Phase, no residence

may be set up on site During the Construction Phase, the appointed

ECO must inspect the construction area for evidence of snares

Loss of vegetation during

construction

Uncontrolled construction beyond the approved development footprint may result in inadvertent damage and could lead to permanent loss of vegetation

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Long-term Possible Severe HIGH During the Construction Phase, construction activities must be demarcated and vegetation clearing and top soil removal limited to these areas

During the Construction Phase no dense vegetation that resembles indigenous Thicket or Forest may be removed. If deemed unavoidable the appointed ECO must be consulted and an assessment of the vegetation must be undertaken

During the Construction Phase, existing farm tracks or access roads must be used as much as possible

LOW

Disturbance to surrounding

wildlife and fauna

The unregulated clearing of vegetation beyond the development footprint could result in disturbance of specialised faunal habitats and associated species (e.g. wetlands, forests, rocky outcrops, dense woody vegetation and riparian zones), resulting in reduced faunal populations

DIRECT Localised Long-term Possible Severe HIGH No construction, unless authorised by an independent ECO, may be undertaken in an area demarcated in this report as a sensitive area, or its associated buffer

Construction activities must be limited to delineated development areas

LOW

Disturbance of sensitive areas

Uncontrolled construction activities and irresponsible construction of access roads and powerlines routes may contribute to erosion and degradation of water-courses and associated riparian habitats, resulting in permanent habitat degradation

DIRECT Localised and downst

ream

Short to medium term

Possible Severe HIGH Construction through water courses, only where necessary, must occur within the smallest possible construction footprint, preferably during the dry season, and must be immediately followed by erosion stabilisation and re-vegetation (Refer Wetland Impact Assessment). Applicable Water Use Licences must be obtained prior to construction.

MODERATE

WETLAND IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Physical destruction of aquatic habitat

Removal of aquatic habitats due to road construction or installation of powerlines

DIRECT Localised Long-term/ Permanent

Definite Moderately Severe HIGH Existing tracks must be used as far as possible during construction

An ECO must be appointed during the construction phase in order to ensure that unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding environment does not occur.

LOW

Unnecessary loss of species of special concern during construction activities, beyond the construction site.

DIRECT Localised Medium-term Possible Moderately Severe MODERATE A search and rescue must be undertaken prior to construction to ensure that any species of special concern are documented and, where possible, relocated.

LOW

Alteration of the environmental

beyond the development

footprint

Inadvertent or excessive damage and loss of aquatic habitats beyond the development footprint.

DIRECT Localised Short-term Possible Moderately Severe MODERATE Construction activities must be demarcated and vegetation clearing and topsoil removal limited to these areas.

LOW

During the construction of roads, cabling, substation and turbines topsoil clearing, soil storage and soil exposure may result in soil destabilisation and severe soil erosion, locally as well as downstream of construction activities.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Regional Long-term Possible Severe HIGH A Stormwater Management Plan must be implemented during the construction phase

Ensure that roads on slopes incorporate storm water retention.

LOW

Loss of wetland Removal of aquatic habitats due to DIRECT Localised Long-term - Definite Moderately Severe HIGH Existing tracks must be used as far as possible LOW


habitat, ecosystem

services and biodiversity

services due to road construction or installation of

cabling and substation

road construction or installation of cabling and substation.

Permanent during construction An ECO must be appointed during the

construction phase in order to ensure that unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding environment does not occur.

Unnecessary loss of species of special concern during construction activities, beyond the construction site.

DIRECT Localised Medium-term Possible Moderately Severe MODERATE The project sites must be surveyed prior to construction in order to determine whether any flora or fauna of special concern are in the aquatic environment.

LOW

AVIFAUNAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Disturbance: WEF The displacement of priority avifauna through the disturbance caused construction activities.

INDIRECT Short-term Project level Probable Moderately Severe MODERATE Construction activity should be restricted to the immediate footprint of the infrastructure, and in particular to the proposed road network. Access to the remainder of the site should be strictly controlled to prevent unnecessary disturbance of priority species.

LOW

Habitat destruction: WEF

The displacement of priority avifauna through habitat destruction during the clearing of turbine platforms in the construction phase.

DIRECT Long-term Project level Possible Moderately Severe MODERATE Removal of natural vegetation must be restricted to a minimum.

Vegetation must be rehabilitated to its former state where possible after construction.

Construction of new roads should only be considered if existing roads cannot be upgraded.

LOW

BAT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

No impacts identified by specialist

PALEONTOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Destruction of underlying fossils

Underlying fossils destroyed during the excavation phase of turbines construction due to inadequate knowledge of the underlying sediments.

DIRECT Short-term Localised Possible Moderate HIGH The RE and ECO must be made aware of the possibility of the possibility of finding fossils in the Vryheid and Volksrust Formation sediments during excavation of the foundations for the turbines and other infrastructure

A professional palaeontologist must be appointed to monitor possible paleontological findings during the excavation of turbine foundations and infrastructure where turbine positions and infrastructure fall on Vryheid and Volksrust Formation sediments.

LOW

HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Houses and farm walls

All built structures older than 60 years in ages are protected by the KZNHA, damage to these structures will be detrimental to the history of the WEF area

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Permanent Localised Possible Severe HIGH All houses and walling within 50m of the turbine footprints must be demarcated before any construction activities takes place in the area.

No infrastructure may occur within 20m of walling.

The final layout must be assessed at a desktop level to determine whether or not onsite monitoring will be necessary during the construction phase.

Access roads must be rerouted away from farm buildings.

LOW

Late Iron Age / Historical Period

settlements

Late Iron Age and Historical Period settlements, and walling are protected by the KZNHA. Many of these sites have archaeological deposits, human graves, and other subsurface features which could be lost or damaged during the construction phase.

DIRECT Permanent Localised Possible Severe HIGH All identified sites (see specialist report) must be monitored by an archaeologist during the construction phase.

LOW

Battlefield History On-site areas which form part of the battle site history may be damaged by deviations outside of the current

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Permanent Localised Possible Severe HIGH Any deviation to the development footprint must to be assessed by an archaeologist.

Relevant sites identified by said archaeologist

LOW


planned construction areas. will require a metal detector survey. Powerline alternative 1 will require a metal

detector survey by an archaeologist prior to construction.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Construction and upgrading of

roads

An influx of people into the Utrecht area and the expansion of hamlets could cause social pressures in terms of health.

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Short-term Localised Probable Very severe HIGH All the project employees should be subject to a health and HIV/AIDS awareness educational programme;

The proponent could initiate programmes aimed at upgrading or lending support to local facilities, e.g. clinics and police stations. Alternatively, the proponent could assist with initiating programmes aimed at encouraging voluntary workers to patrol particular areas (especially during the construction period).

Changes in crime patterns will need to be monitored in consultation with the local police and community policing forums (if these exist);

Specifically for influx management, the consultant recommends that the proponent develops transparent Human Resources (HR) policies and procedures. Such procedures could include a Preferential Procurement Policy in favour of employing the current residents in local communities within 50km of the site such as the Waaihoek Community Trust;

The proponent should develop a Recruitment and Influx Management Plan.

The proponent should develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) which incorporates developing collaborative management strategies for in-migration;

School programmes could be supported or initiated aimed at educating children from an early age about the effects and consequences of crime and social pathologies;

Community out-reach programmes could be supported or initiated to deal with issues related to unsafe sexual practices, sex work, teenage pregnancies and sexual violence; and

Particular roads should be fenced and access to particular road networks should be monitored and controlled. Gates should be considered for particular road networks, and particular access routes should be denied for unauthorised individuals or cars.

LOW

An increase in subsistence farmers adding pressure to the surrounding landscape

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Short-term Study Area May Occur Severe MODERATE LOW

Easing unrestricted access to farm roads could lead to an increase in crime (such as stock theft) on farms.

DIRECT Long-term Study Area Probable Very Severe HIGH MODERATE

An increase in crime related to the influx of people in the area

INDIRECT Long-term Localised Probable Very Severe HIGH MODERATE

Health and safety Risk of aircraft collisions with turbines leading to mortalities

DIRECT Long-term Study Area Unlikely Very Severe HIGH The turbines should be accurately positioned to reduce any effects of possible malfunctioning;

If complaints are received, the proponent must investigate and mitigate these issues.

The proponent must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on frequency and detail of maintenance on the turbine structures to minimise the risk of malfunction;

A Blade Monitoring System must be standard in the turbine technology used in the project;

The proponent should establish safety setbacks, and design the facility in such a manner that no buildings or populated areas lie within the

LOW

Turbine malfunctioning (e.g. blade throw and gearbox failure) could cause safety risks to people onsite.

DIRECT Medium-term Localised Unlikely Severe LOW LOW

Electromagnetic interference leading to communication problems.

DIRECT Medium-term Localised Unlikely Slight LOW LOW


possible trajectory range of turbine blades; The developer must equip wind turbines with

vibration sensors that can react to any imbalance in the rotor blades and shut down the turbine if necessary;

Regular maintenance work on the turbines is necessary; and

The facility should have warning signs to alert the public of risk.

Increased traffic and related security and safety risks

INDIRECT Short-term Localised Probable Very Severe HIGH Farm-owners should always be consulted (and permission should be given by owners where relevant) prior to the construction or upgrading of any road(s);

Fencing along the access routes should be considered, as well as the construction of cattle grids at road crossings;

Gates should be erected at all the entrances to the WEF and traffic in and out of the project area monitored. This should be discussed with the affected owners;

Traffic calming measures should be implemented and speed limits need to be introduced and managed, especially during the construction period. Traffic should be controlled and regulated, and truck drivers need to be aware of safety regulations through regular briefings and workshops;

It is recommended that the proponent prepares and implements a Community Health and Safety Plan and policy. Such a plan/policy should include traffic safety rules, and would need to enforce particular guidelines, including those related to adequately fencing-off certain infrastructure. This plan should be communicated to all personnel, PAF residents and nearby affected PACs;

Particular criteria need to be developed for the recruitment of security personnel (for the construction phase);

When hiring security personnel, reasonable effort must be made to check whether the potential employees have criminal records or have been part of any other unscrupulous behaviour.

As far as possible, security personnel should be recruited from the surrounding communities. This should allow them to distinguish between the local population and outsiders;

Security personnel need to be properly trained in the use of force and, most importantly, appropriate conduct towards labourers, PAC members and farm-owners;

A code of conduct must be developed for the security personnel; and

All the PAC members and PAF-owners need to be informed about the roles and responsibilities of the security personnel.

LOW

Nuisance impacts (i.e. ambient noise and shadow flickering)

DIRECT Long-term Localised Probable Slight MODERATE The Noise Impact Assessment should be consulted;

LOW


The Wetland and Hydrological Impact Assessment should be consulted;

Turbines should not be constructed within 500m of households;

The proponent should establish a Grievance Mechanism to allow the PAF-owners and PAC members to lodge any complaints. Management feedback should be provided to claimants within two weeks of claimants submitting formal complaints. Section 7.3 of this report provides a general procedural outline for establishing such a mechanism.

Lightning strikes to turbines which could cause large fires

DIRECT Long-term Study Area May Occur Severe MODERATE An Emergency Preparedness Plan should be developed in case the project gives rise to the need for an emergency response. This plan should include management procedures for fire; (Mainstream has already indicated that they intend to join the local Fire Protection Association in order to obtain their inputs into the management plan)

The site should have warning signs to alert the public of potential fire risks;

Ensure sufficient fire breaks surrounding the WEF in accordance with the Veld Fire Act of 1998;

The proponent developer must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on frequency and detail of maintenance on the turbine structures. Particular reference is made to the regular maintenance of the gearbox and associated machinery;

Fire-fighting equipment must be kept on site and in proper order to enable immediate responses to fires on site; and

People living and working in the areas along the turbines should be made aware of the dangers of fire and should be informed of the Emergency Preparedness Plan.

LOW

Stimulation of economic growth

Employing local labour could stimulate the local economy

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Short-term Study Area May Occur Very Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

The proponent should investigate the development of a Skills Development Programme aimed at providing the following programmes to its employees and a selected number of community members: o Core business training; o Learnerships; o Portable skills training; and o At least one community bursary per year.

Employment should be managed by selecting employees according to an electronic selection system that ensures recruitment from local, impacted communities. This should ensure a fair recruitment process.

An Employment Equity Plan should be drafted to provide equal job opportunities. Employment preference should be provided to local residents;

In addition to appropriate HR policies and procedures, a labour desk/employment committee should be established to manage

HIGH POSITIVE

Skills training and further training opportunities could have very positive impacts on the futures on the local people

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Medium-term Regional May Occur Slightly Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Contributing to local and regional businesses causing an improvement in local GDP

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE

Short-term Regional May Occur Slightly Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Capital investment for farmers to expand their farms leading improved financial security.

INDIRECT Long-term Regional Definite Very Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

VERY HIGH POSITIVE


and implement labour recruitment policies. This should ensure that recruitment is done in a fair and transparent way, and that job creation opportunities are maximised;

As far as possible, those labourers involved in the construction phase should be incorporated in the permanent staff for the operational phase;

Attention should be paid to employment opportunities for women and disabled persons; and

As far as reasonably possible, a plan for gradual replacement of expats and outsiders by local people should be developed and implemented. This might be unfeasible, however, since the construction period would be short.

Altering the landscape features

Soil erosion leading to a decrease in income due to the deterioration of grazing for cattle

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Short-term Localised May Occur Severe MODERATE An information centre could enhance the project by educating the public about the need and benefits of wind power;

The proponent could engage with the ELM to establish a tourist route for the area to encompass the turbines on the escarpment with a possible outlook on the escarpment overlooking some of the turbines etc.;

The proponent should engage with the affected farm-owners and tourism businesses in the area to develop mechanisms to link the project with tourist routes and future plans;

The visual and ecological impact assessments should be reviewed and the mitigation measures adopted;

Affected farm-owners should where necessary be involved in the project. Through this process, owners could identify areas which they believe might be susceptible to environmental pollution or destruction, such as erosion, and measures could be discussed to avoid these;

A Grievance Mechanism should be established to allow those affected to voice any issues and/or concerns to the project proponent;

Where necessary, construction areas should be fenced-off and access controlled;

Project benefits or income-restoration measures should be discussed between the farm-owners and the proponent;

Through a (stakeholder engagement plan) SEP, (project affected farms) PAF-owners should be consulted regularly and be allowed to provide feedback on the development regarding relevant matters;

IFC PS 8 recommends that any cultural heritage be identified and protected as far as reasonably possible. For this purposes, an Archaeological Impact Assessment has been drafted. All recommendations made in the latter report should be considered; and

The proponent should rehabilitate or restore degraded areas after the construction period. Such restoration should be discussed with the

LOW

Change in farm-owners’ place attachment

DIRECT Long-term Study Area Probable Moderate MODERATE MODERATE

Effects on the areas tourism potential

DIRECT Long-term Study Area May Occur Moderate MODERATE LOW

Decrease in income related to a decrease in available grazing land for cattle

INDIRECT Short-term Localised May Occur Slight LOW LOW


affected farm-owners and implemented in such a way as to involve the affected farmers and community members.

VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Visual intrusion of construction equipment

The equipment needed to erect the wind turbines during the construction phase may affect the local residents.

DIRECT Short-term Localised Probable Moderate MODERATE Construction must be limited to normal working hours (08:00 till 17:00) to ensure that construction lighting on-site is limited.

LOW

TOURISM IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Ecotourism Ecotourism in the area may be negatively impacted by the WEF through the increase in activity and noise which could chase away birds and animals in the area.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Possible Moderate MODERATE Little can be done to prevent the construction activity from chasing away birds and animals in close proximity to the site, although this is likely to be a short term issue as birds and animals should return after construction is completed.

MODERATE

Heritage tourism The development of the WEF within close proximity of the battlefields memorial sites could negatively affect tourism related to these memorials.

DIRECT Localised Long-term Possible Moderate MODERATE The Heritage Specialist must be consulted to ensure that any heritage sites are available for viewing during the construction phase through the use of buffers.

LOW

NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENT


ISSUE DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT NATURE OF IMPACT

SPATIAL SCALE (EXTENT)

TEMPORAL SCALE (DURATION)

CERTAINTY SCALE (LIKELIHOOD)

SEVERITY / BENEFICIAL SCALE

SIGNIFICANCE PRE-MITIGATION

MITIGATION MEASURES SIGNIFICANCE POST-MITIGATION

OPERATIONAL PHASE

AGRICULTURE & SOILS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Increase in erosion potential

An increase in hard surfaces (concrete foundations and roads) will increase run-off and potentially lead to soil erosion.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Study area Long term Definite Severe MODERATE All run-off water must be collected, channelled and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

Anti-erosion features must be installed where required.

Ensure that all cleared and impacted land is rehabilitated and re-vegetated.

LOW

Establishment of renewable energy infrastructure on agricultural land

Loss of 3ha of high potential agricultural land as a result of new WEF infrastructure development.

DIRECT Localised Long-term Definite Slight LOW Do not fence off any WEF infrastructure. This will allow maximum grazing within current camps.

LOW

Gradual reduction of available agricultural land as a consequence of an increase in renewable energy development in South Africa.

CUMULATIVE National Long-term Probable Moderate LOW • Avoid developing on high potential agricultural land. If unavoidable, ensure that all development footprints are kept at a minimum.

LOW

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Faunal disturbance due

to noise, vibrations and shadow flicker

caused by turbines

During operation, noise generated by turning rotor blades and turbine generators may deter faunal species from the area or interfere with normal behavioural patterns and communication, leading to reduced ecosystem functioning. This is of particular concern to small faunal species reliant on vocal communication, such as amphibians

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Project level Unknown Unsure Unknown Unknown Limited mitigation measures are proposed, as it is assumed that faunal species will return once they have become acclimated to the noise, vibration and shadow flicker

• Operational monitoring may be necessary if the result of the faunal site survey (during construction) deems it necessary due to the identification of priority species. If necessary, an operational monitoring programme will be development through consultation between the faunal specialist and the developer.

Unknown

During operation, vibrations generated by the turbines may interfere with the behavioural patterns in species dependant on vibrational communication, which may result in reduced communication

DIRECT Project level Unknown Possible Unknown Unknown LOW


During operation, shadow flicker created by rotor blade movement may result in changes in predator-prey relationships

DIRECT Project level Unknown Possible Unknown Unknown LOW

Loss of habitat, direct (transformation) or indirect (noise/vibration) and disturbance could lead to faunal groups moving out of the area of disturbance, resulting in reduced habitat availability

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE

Project level Unknown Unsure Unknown Unknown LOW

Narrowing of the Northern Interior Corridor due to

disturbance

Noise and vibrations caused by turbine rotations could deter faunal species from utilising the corridor as intended, thereby resulting in the narrowing of a section of the Northern Interior Corridor, resulting in increased edge effect pressures

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Possible Moderate MODERATE LOW

Increased predation on small faunal

species

Turbine access roads could increase the vulnerability of snakes, lizards and rodents to predation, when traversing roads, resulting in increased population losses

INDIRECT Localised Long-term Possible Low LOW No mitigation possible LOW

Habitat fragmentation

The construction of access roads to turbines could result in reduced area for occupancy, which could, over an extensive period, lead to a decrease in population numbers

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Long-term Unlikely Low LOW No mitigation possible LOW

Access roads to turbines may restrict movement between adjacent areas, resulting in reduced genetic transfer and flow between adjacent populations

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Project level Long-term Unlikely Low LOW No mitigation possible LOW


Poor site management

Poor follow-up on the success of post-construction rehabilitation may result in late detection of further loss of aquatic habitats due to changes in the hydrological regime.

DIRECT Regional Long-term Possible Severe HIGH Throughout the life of the project, on-going environmental monitoring of the aquatic systems must be implemented.

Rehabilitation and soil erosion are key elements of post-construction activities that will also need to be monitored.

MODERATE

Poor storm water management during the operation phase may result in late detection of onsite and downstream soil erosion and sedimentation.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Regional Long-term Possible Severe HIGH The Stormwater Management Plan must include annual monitoring of evidence of soil erosion associated with the Wind Energy Facility and its activities.

MODERATE


Disturbance: WEF The displacement of priority avifauna through disturbance during operational activities Potential disturbance caused by the noise and movement of the turbines cannot adequately be mitigated, but the fact that the turbines are spaced far apart may help to reduce the impact. Habituation might also happen over time.

DIRECT INDIRECT

Long term Project scale Possible Moderately severe MODERATE Vehicle and pedestrian access to the site must be controlled and restricted to access roads to prevent unnecessary disturbance of priority species.

Formal monitoring must be resumed once the turbines have been constructed, as per the most recent edition of the best practice guidelines (Jenkins et al. 2011). The purpose of this would be to establish if displacement of priority species has occurred and to what extent. The exact time when post-construction monitoring should commence, will depend on the construction schedule, and will be agreed upon

LOW


with the site operator once these timelines have been finalised.

As an absolute minimum, post-construction monitoring must be undertaken for the first two (preferably three) years of operation, and then repeated again in year 5, and again every five years thereafter. The exact scope and nature of the post-construction monitoring will be informed on an on-going basis by the result of the monitoring through a process of adaptive management.

Mortalities due to collisions: WEF

Mortality of priority avifauna through collisions with the turbines

DIRECT Long-term International (due to presence of Palearctic migrants)

Probable Moderately severe MODERATE Formal monitoring must be resumed once the turbines have been constructed, as per the most recent edition of the best practice guidelines (Jenkins et al. 2011). The exact scope and nature of the post-construction monitoring will be informed on an on-going basis by the result of the monitoring through a process of adaptive management. The purpose of this would be (a) to establish if and to what extent displacement of priority species has occurred through the altering of flight patterns post-construction, and (b) to search for carcasses at turbines.

As an absolute minimum, post-construction monitoring must be undertaken for the first two (preferably three) years of operation, and then repeated again in year 5, and again every five years thereafter. The exact scope and nature of the post-construction monitoring will be informed on an on-going basis by the result of the monitoring through a process of adaptive management.

The environmental management plan must provide for the on-going inputs of a suitable experienced ornithological consultant to oversee the post-construction monitoring and assist with the on-going management of bird impacts that may emerge as the post-construction monitoring programme progresses.

Depending on the results of the carcass searches, a range of mitigation measures will have to be considered if mortality levels turn out to be significant, including selective curtailment of problem turbines during high risk periods.

If turbines are to be lit at night, lighting must be kept to a minimum and must not be white light. Flashing strobe-like lights should be used where possible (provided this complies with Civil Aviation Authority regulations).

Lighting of the wind farm (for example security lights) must be kept to a minimum. Lights should be directed downwards (provided this complies with Civil Aviation Authority regulations).

LOW


Mortalities due to collisions and barotrauma

Mortality of bats through collisions with turbine blades and through barotrauma caused by the low air pressure caused by the blades.

DIRECT Long-term Regional Probable Severe HIGH Turbines in high sensitivity areas must be removed from the final layout.

Turbines within the medium sensitivity areas must follow a strict curtailment schedule

MODERATE


development by a bat specialist.






Construction and upgrading of

roads

An influx of people into the Utrecht area and the expansion of hamlets

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE

Short-term Study Area Probable Moderate MODERATE All the project employees should be subject to a health and HIV/AIDS awareness educational programme;









LOW

An increase in subsistence famers INDIRECT Short-term Study Area May Occur Moderate MODERATE LOW

Easing unrestricted access to farm roads

DIRECT Long-term Study Area May Occur Very Severe HIGH LOW

An increase in crime related to the influx of people in the area

INDIRECT Long-term Localised May Occur Slight LOW LOW

Health and safety Risk of aircraft collisions with turbines

DIRECT Long-term Regional Unlikely Very Severe HIGH The turbines should be accurately positioned to reduce any effects of possible malfunctioning;

If complaints are received, the proponent must investigate and mitigate these issues.

The proponent must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on frequency and detail of maintenance on the turbine structures to minimise the risk of malfunction;

A Blade Monitoring System must be standard in the turbine technology used in the project;

The proponent should establish safety setbacks, and design the facility in such a manner that no

LOW

Turbine malfunctioning (e.g. blade throw and gearbox failure)

DIRECT Medium-term Localised Unlikely Severe LOW LOW

Electromagnetic interference DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Medium-term Localised Unlikely Slight LOW LOW


buildings or populated areas lie within the possible trajectory range of turbine blades;

The developer must equip wind turbines with vibration sensors that can react to any imbalance in the rotor blades and shut down the turbine if necessary;

Regular maintenance work on the turbines is necessary; and

The facility should have warning signs to alert the public of risk.

Increased traffic and related security and safety risks

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE

Short-term Localised Probable Very Severe HIGH Farm-owners should always be consulted (and permission should be given by owners where relevant) prior to the construction or upgrading of any road(s);

Fencing along the access routes should be considered, as well as the construction of cattle grids at road crossings;

Gates should be erected at all the entrances to the WEF and traffic in and out of the project area monitored. This should be discussed with the affected owners;

Traffic calming measures should be implemented and speed limits need to be introduced and managed, especially during the construction period. Traffic should be controlled and regulated, and truck drivers need to be aware of safety regulations through regular briefings and workshops;

It is recommended that the proponent prepares and implements a Community Health and Safety Plan and policy. Such a plan/policy should include traffic safety rules, and would need to enforce particular guidelines, including those related to adequately fencing-off certain infrastructure. This plan should be communicated to all personnel, PAF residents and nearby affected PACs;

Particular criteria need to be developed for the recruitment of security personnel (for the construction phase);

When hiring security personnel, reasonable effort must be made to check whether the potential employees have criminal records or have been part of any other unscrupulous behaviour.

As far as possible, security personnel should be recruited from the surrounding communities. This should allow them to distinguish between the local population and outsiders;

Security personnel need to be properly trained in the use of force and, most importantly, appropriate conduct towards labourers, PAC members and farm-owners;

A code of conduct must be developed for the security personnel; and

All the PAC members and PAF-owners need to be informed about the roles and responsibilities of the security personnel.

LOW

Nuisance impacts (i.e. ambient noise DIRECT Long-term Localised Probable Slight MODERATE The Noise Impact Assessment should be LOW


and shadow flickering) consulted; The Wetland and Hydrological Impact

Assessment should be consulted; Turbines should not be constructed in close

proximity to household buildings; The proponent should establish a Grievance

Mechanism to allow the PAF-owners and PAC members to lodge any complaints. Management feedback should be provided to claimants within two weeks of claimants submitting formal complaints. Section 7.3 of this report provides a general procedural outline for establishing such a mechanism.

Lightning strikes to both turbines and powerlines which could cause large fires

INDIRECT Long-term Study Area May Occur Severe MODERATE An Emergency Preparedness Plan should be developed in case the project gives rise to the need for an emergency response. This plan should include management procedures for fire; (Mainstream has already indicated that they intend to join the local Fire Protection Association in order to obtain their inputs into the management plan)

The site should have warning signs to alert the public of potential fire risks;

Ensure sufficient fire breaks surrounding the WEF in accordance with the Veld Fire Act of 1998;

The developer must follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on frequency and detail of maintenance on the turbine structures. Particular reference is made to the regular maintenance of the gearbox and associated machinery;

Fire-fighting equipment must be kept on site and in proper order to enable immediate responses to fires on site; and

People living and working in the areas along the turbines should be made aware of the dangers of fire and should be informed of the Emergency Preparedness Plan.

LOW


Employing local labour DIRECT Short-term Study Area May Occur Moderately Beneficial

LOW POSITIVE

The proponent should investigate the development of a Skills Development Programme aimed at providing the following programmes to its employees and a selected number of community members: o Core business training; o Learnerships; o Portable skills training; and o At least one community bursary per year

(ideally through the Waaihoek Community Trust).

Employment should be managed by selecting employees according to an electronic selection system that ensures recruitment from local, impacted communities. This should ensure a fair recruitment process.

An Employment Equity Plan should be drafted to provide equal job opportunities. Employment preference should be provided to local residents such as the PAF permanent residents and

LOW POSITIVE

Skills training and further training opportunities

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE


VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Contributing to local and regional businesses

DIRECT CUMULATIVE


VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Capital investment for farmers to expand their farms

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Long-term Regional Definite Very Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

VERY HIGH POSITIVE


Waaihoek Community Trust members; In addition to appropriate HR policies and

procedures, a labour desk/employment committee should be established to manage and implement labour recruitment policies. This should ensure that recruitment is done in a fair and transparent way, and that job creation opportunities are maximised;

As far as possible, those labourers involved in the construction phase should be incorporated in the permanent staff for the operational phase;

Attention should be paid to employment opportunities for women and disabled persons; and

As far as reasonably possible, a plan for gradual replacement of expats and outsiders by local people should be developed and implemented. This might be unfeasible, however, since the construction period would be short.

Altering the landscape features

Soil erosion leading to a decrease in income due to the deterioration of grazing for cattle

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Medium-term Localised May Occur Severe MODERATE An information centre could enhance the project by educating the public about the need and benefits of wind power;

The proponent could engage with the ELM to establish a tourist route for the area to encompass the turbines on the escarpment with a possible outlook on the escarpment overlooking some of the turbines etc.;

The proponent should engage with the affected farm-owners and tourism businesses in the area to develop mechanisms to link the project with tourist routes and future plans;

The visual and ecological impact assessments should be reviewed and the mitigation measures adopted;

Affected farm-owners should where necessary be involved in the project and in particular the placement of turbines. Through this process, owners could identify areas which they believe might be susceptible to environmental pollution or destruction, such as erosion. Through such consultation, measures could be discussed to avoid soil erosion;

A Grievance Mechanism should be established to allow those affected to voice any issues and/or concerns to the project proponent;

Where necessary, construction areas should be fenced-off and access controlled;

Project benefits or income-restoration measures should be discussed between the farm-owners and the proponent;

Through an SEP, PAF-owners should be consulted regularly and be allowed to provide input into the development;

IFC PS 8 recommends that any cultural heritage be identified and protected as far as reasonably possible. For this purposes, an Archaeological Impact Assessment has been drafted. All recommendations made in the latter report

LOW

Change in farm-owners’ place attachment

DIRECT Long-term Study Area Definite Severe MODERATE MODERATE

Effects on the areas tourism potential

DIRECT Long-term Study Area May Occur Moderate MODERATE LOW

Decrease in income related to a decrease in available grazing land for cattle

INDIRECT Long-term Localised May Occur Slight LOW LOW


should be considered; and The proponent should rehabilitate or restore

degraded areas after the construction period. Such restoration should be discussed with the affected farm-owners and implemented in such a way as to involve the affected farmers and community members.


The effect of the WEF of the local sense of place

Visibility of the WEF from the town (Utrecht), surrounding farms and informal settlement influencing the local peoples sense of place.

DIRECT Medium-term Study Area May Occur Severe MODERATE No mitigation possible. MODERATE

Distractions caused by the

WEF

Visibility of turbines from the main road (R34) and secondary farm roads causing distractions while driving.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Medium-term Study Area May Occur Severe MODERATE If necessary a viewing area alongside the road should be made available to both local people and passers-by to ensure that they have a safe location from which to view the turbines.

MODERATE


Ecotourism Ecotourism in the area may be positively / negatively impacted by the WEF through the introduction of a new possible tourist attraction / detraction to the area. The impact depends on the perceptions of the individual tourist.

DIRECT Localised Short-term Possible Moderate MODERATE Little can be done to prevent the activity during deconstruction from chasing away birds and animals in close proximity to the site, although this is likely to be a short term issue as birds and animals should return after deconstruction..

MODERATE


Noise generated by turbines close

to sensitive receptors

The noise generated by turbines can impact people living within 500m of an individual turbine.

DIRECT

Localised Long-term Possible Severe HIGH The specialist report has informed the layout to ensure that turbines do not occur within 500m of households.

No turbines occur in highly sensitive areas

LOW

ISSUE DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT NATURE OF IMPACT

SPATIAL SCALE (EXTENT)





MITIGATION MEASURES SIGNIFICANCE POST-MITIGATION

DECOMMISSIONING PHASE




Long-term damage due to

poor rehabilitation

Poor rehabilitation may result in limited re-vegetation and long-term ecological damage

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Probable Moderately severe MODERATE Financial provision should be made for the Decommissioning Phase, which must include costs for landscaping and re-vegetation of the whole development footprint

A Decommissioning Rehabilitation Plan must be developed and include primary objectives of rehabilitation and the latest acceptable methods for implementation

LOW

Poor rehabilitation may result in limited re-vegetation an long-term ecological damage in a nature reserve

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Probable Severe HIGH LOW

Disturbance to surrounding

wildlife and fauna

During decommission, vehicular movement, noise and habitat destruction could result in behavioural disturbance of various faunal species

DIRECT Project level Short-term Possible Moderately severe MODERATE Restrict decommissioning activities to post-dawn and pre-dusk

Decommissioning of the turbines must be undertaken in the shortest time practical

LOW

Poaching Increased activity and presence during the Decommissioning Phase could result in increased poaching of wild animals, resulting in population losses

INDIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Possible Severe HIGH Decommissioning workers must be transported to and from the site

No residence may be set up on site An inspection of the immediate Thicket

vegetation surrounding the turbine sites for evidence of snares must be undertaken by the appointed ECO

LOW



Poor rehabilitation

Poor rehabilitation efforts may result in long-term damage to aquatic habitats and severe soil erosion.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Regional Long-term Possible Severe HIGH Rehabilitation must be undertaken in the following phases: 1. Removal of top section of the foundation 2. Applying topsoil and re-landscaping the

area to its original condition 3. Stabilising the soil with synthetic materials

or a fast growing plant species 4. Re-vegetate with plants grown from seed

from the surrounding vegetation. A Rehabilitation Plan must be developed by an

independent environmental practitioner in order to fully expand on the steps and implementation of rehabilitation.

MODERATE


Disturbance: WEF The displacement of priority avifauna through the disturbance during dismantling activities

DIRECT Short term Project level Probable Moderately severe MODERATE Dismantling activity should be restricted to the immediate footprint of the infrastructure, and in particular to the proposed road network. Access to the remainder of the site should be strictly controlled to prevent unnecessary disturbance of priority species.

LOW









Employing local labour DIRECT Short-term Study Area May Occur Very Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

All the project employees should be subject to a health and HIV/AIDS awareness educational programme;







HIGH POSITIVE

Skills training and further training opportunities

DIRECT CUMULATIVE


VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Contributing to local and regional businesses

DIRECT CUMULATIVE


VERY HIGH POSITIVE

Capital investment for farmers to expand their farms

INDIRECT Long-term Regional Definite Very Beneficial LOW POSITIVE

VERY HIGH POSITIVE





Visual intrusion of construction equipment

The equipment needed to dismantle the turbines during the decommissioning phase may affect the local residents.

DIRECT Short-term Localised Probable Moderate MODERATE Dismantling must be limited to normal working hours (08:00 till 17:00) to ensure that construction lighting on-site is limited.

LOW


Ecotourism Ecotourism in the area may be positively / negatively impacted by the deconstruction of the WEF depending on how well the WEF is received by the area in terms of tourism.

DIRECT INDIRECT

CUMULATIVE

Localised Short-term Possible Moderate MODERATE No mitigation required. Refer to Tourism Impact Assessment for international case studies which state the WEF’s are inconsequential and depend entirely on the individuals’ perception of the development.

MODERATE (POSITIVE / NEGATIVE)

Heritage tourism The deconstruction of the WEF within close proximity of the battlefields memorial sites could negatively affect tourism related to these memorials.

DIRECT Localised Long-term Possible Moderate MODERATE The Heritage Specialist must be consulted to ensure that any heritage sites are available for viewing during the decommissioning phase through the use of buffers.

LOW



Table 14-3. No-go Impacts Associated with the WEF

ISSUE DESCRIPTION OF IMPACT NATURE OF IMPACT SPATIAL SCALE (SIZE)





NO-GO OPTION

IN ADDITION TO NONE OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY, AS IDENTIFIED IN THE TABLES ABOVE, THE FOLLOWING IMPACTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED:

No reduction in dependence on fossil-

fuel generated electricity

140MW contribution of renewable energy will be lost. CUMULATIVE International Permanent Definite Moderately Severe HIGH

Increases in the demand for electricity as the South African economy grows will increase the amount of fossil fuels required to generate electricity, placing pressure on non-renewable fossil fuels

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

National Permanent Definite Severe VERY HIGH

No disturbance to wildlife

Avifauna, bats and other wildlife will not be affected by the construction and operation of the wind farm

DIRECT Localised Long-term Definite Moderately Beneficial HIGH POSITIVE

No loss of vegetation Vegetation that would otherwise be lost during the construction of the turbines and other infrastructure would remain intact

DIRECT Localised Long-term Definite Moderately Beneficial HIGH POSITIVE

Socio-economic benefits

None of the farmers involved will acquire the funding related to the WEF development resulting in the anticipated enhancements to their farms not being feasible.

DIRECT

Localised Permanent Definite Severe HIGH

The community will not benefit from the associated WEF funding to local schools, libraries and clinics.

DIRECT CUMULATIVE

Localised Permanent Definite Severe HIGH

Coastal & Environmental Services Waaihoek Wind Energy Facility 183

14.6 Appendix F: Specialist Studies Section 14.6.1 Agriculture & Soils Impact Assessment 14.6.2 Ecological Impact Assessment 14.6.3 Wetland and Impact Assessment 14.6.4 Avifaunal Impact Assessment 14.6.5 Bat Impact Assessment 14.6.6 Paleontological Impact Assessment 14.6.7 Heritage Impact Assessment 14.6.8 Socio-economic Impact Assessment 14.6.9 Visual Impact Assessment 14.6.10 Tourism Impact Assessment 14.6.11 Noise Impact Assessment 14.6.12 Biodiversity Offset Plan


BIODIVERSITY OFFSET PLAN


14.7 Appendix G: Other Relevant Studies 14.7.1 Engineering Services Report 14.7.2 Geotechnical Report 14.7.3 Transport Plan


ENGINEERING SERVICES REPORT


GEOTECHNICAL STUDY


TRANSPORT PLAN


14.8 Appendix H: Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) 14.8.1 Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)


Appendix I: CV’s

ALAN CARTER - PHD, CPA (USA) Date and place of birth: 7th July 1959, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa QUALIFICATIONS Academic

Ph.D. Plant Science (Rhodes University, 1987)

B. Compt. Hons. Accounting Science (University of South Africa, 1997)

B. Com. Financial Accounting (Rhodes University, 1995)

B.Sc. Hons. Plant Science (Rhodes University, 1983)

B.Sc. Plant Science & Zoology (Rhodes University, 1982) Other

Completed American National Standards Institute and British Standards Institute “Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor Training Course”.

CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS Environmental

Certified Environmental Assessment Practitioner of South Africa (CEAPSA)(since 2012)

Registered as a professional environmental scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) (since 2004).

Certified ISO14001 Environmental Auditor with the Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB) (American National Standards Institute, USA), Quality Systems Association (Australia) (RABQSA) (since 2002).

Professional Member of the South African Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Scientists, South Africa (SAIE&ES) (since 1987).

Member of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Technical Committee TC 207: Environmental Management Systems (since 2002)

Member of the Sustainable Energy Society of South Africa (SESSA) (since 2007) Financial Accounting

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA), USA - Certified Public Accountant (since 1999)

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), USA - Professional Member (since 1999).

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) - Completed three year training certification requirements (completed 1996).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

January 2002 – Present: Director (Coastal & Environmental Services, East London, South Africa)

January 1999 – December 2001: Manager (Arthur Andersen LLP, Public Accounting Firm, Chicago, Illinois USA)

December 1996 – December 1998: Senior Accountant/Auditor (Ernst & Young LLP, Public Accounting Firm, Austin, Texas, USA).)

January 1994 – December 1996: Senior Accountant/Auditor (Ernst & Young, Charteris & Barnes, Chartered Accountants, East London, South Africa)

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