DRAFT REPORT. 19 September 2005

Transcription

1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR A PROPOSED OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OCGT) POWER STATION AND ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION LINES AND SUBSTATION AT A SITE WITHIN THE ATLANTIS INDUSTRIAL ZONE, WESTERN CAPE DRAFT REPORT 19 September 2005 Bohlweki Environmental (Pty) Ltd PO Box Vorna Valley Midrand, 1686 South Africa Telephone: Facsimile: info@bohlweki.co.za Website:

2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR A PROPOSED OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OCGT) POWER STATION AND ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION LINES AND SUBSTATION AT A SITE WITHIN THE ATLANTIS INDUSTRIAL ZONE, WESTERN CAPE Compiled by Bohlweki Environmental (Pty) Ltd PO Box Vorna Valley MIDRAND 1686 In association with the following specialists C Chimimba University of Pretoria T Hart Archaeology Contracts Office M Jansen van Vuuren Grant Thornton THL Consulting G Paterson ISCW: ARC A Raghunandan, G Scott & M.A Oosthuizen CSIR Environmentek (Durban) C van Rooyen Endangered Wildlife Trust L du Plessis MetroGIS P Hobbs CSIR Environmentek (Stellenbosch) A Jongens Jongens Keet & Associates J Perold Afrosearch M Rynhoud Geological and Environmental Services J van Staden Bohlweki Environmental (George)

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION The South African Energy Policy, published in December 1998 by the Department of Minerals and Energy, identifies five key objectives for energy supply within South Africa, i.e.: increasing access to affordable energy services; improving energy sector governance; stimulating economic development; managing energy-related environmental impacts; and securing supply through diversity. In order to meet these objectives and the developmental and socio-economic objectives in South Africa, the country needs to optimally use the available energy resources. The Department of Minerals and Energy performs Integrated Energy Planning to identify future energy demand and supply requirements. The National Electricity Regulator (NER) performs National Integrated Resource Planning to identify the future electricity demand and supply requirements. Similarly Eskom assesses the projected electricity demand and supply through a process called the Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan (ISEP). Through these processes, the most likely future electricity demand based on long-term Southern African economic scenarios is forecasted, and provides the framework for Eskom and South Africa to investigate a wide range of supply and demand-side technologies and options. These planning processes identified that South Africa will require additional peaking electricity generating capacity by 2007 and additional base load electricity generating capacity by 2010, depending on the electricity demand growth rate. Peaking electricity generating capacity refers to power station technology designed specifically to generate electricity during periods of very high demand for electricity, normally on weekday mornings around 07:00 to 09:00 and weekday evenings around 18:00 to 20:00. Base load electricity generating capacity refers to power station technology designed specifically to generate electricity continuously for all hours of the day and night. In February 2004, Eskom, through its Integrated Strategic Electricity Planning (ISEP) process, identified Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) technology as the preferred option for the provision of peaking electricity generation capacity in the short-term. Executive Summary i

4 In order to supplement the need for new peaking electricity generation capacity, with a short lead-time to commercial operation, Eskom Holdings Limited (Eskom) propose to construct an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Station at two sites within the Western Cape Province, i.e. Atlantis Industria and Mossel Bay. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses the potential impacts associated with the proposed facility within Atlantis Industria. This facility can utilise liquid distillate fuel or natural gas as a fuel source. In order to integrate this proposed power station into the existing National Transmission Network, Eskom further proposes the construction of a new substation and four 400 kv Transmission lines in parallel between the existing Koeberg-Aurora Transmission lines and the proposed Atlantis Substation Brief Overview of the Project The proposed project includes the construction of a new OCGT Power station, a new substation and four 400 kv Transmission lines in parallel between the new substation and the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines, within Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province. The proposed OCGT Power station at Atlantis is proposed to consist of 3-5 units, each with a nominal capacity of between approximately 120 MW 250 MW each. The total nominal capacity of the power plant is proposed to be a maximum of MW. The number of units required and exact output will depend on the specification of the equipment from the supplier selected for the project and the ambient operating conditions. Each unit will consist of one gas turbine driving an electric generator. A total area of approximately 20 ha is required for the OCGT Power station and associated infrastructure. An area of approximately 250 m x 350 m (i.e. 9 ha) is required for the construction of the OCGT Power station itself. The footprint of each unit is approximately 25 m x 75 m. Being a peak capacity plant, the OCGT will only be required to operate during those times when electricity is in its highest demand, i.e. for approximately 2 hours per day 5 days a week, for either 1 in the morning (between 07h00 to 09h00) and 1 hour in the evening (between 18h00 to 20h00) or alternatively 2 hours in the morning or 2 hours in the evening. If necessary the plant can operate for up to 8-hour shifts. In emergency situations, the power station can operate for a 24-hour period. In order to integrate this new plant into the existing National Transmission Network, the establishment of the OCGT Power station will be associated with a new transmission substation and Transmission lines. The integration of this power station into the National Transmission Network must be undertaken with the least risk to the existing network in terms of network losses and fault levels. A preferred option for this integration has been identified through a preengineering study undertaken by Eskom (Eskom Transmission, 2004), which Executive Summary ii

5 involves the turn-in and out of both existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines to the proposed Atlantis Transmission substation. The following infrastructure is required: The construction of a new substation at the Atlantis OCGT site. The substation will be accommodated within the 20 ha area which is required for the OCGT Power station and associated infrastructure. An area of 9 ha is required for the substation high voltage yard. The substation infrastructure will be approximately 45 m in height. The establishment of four 400 kv Transmission lines between the new substation and the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines. It is proposed that the two Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines will be turned in and out of the Atlantis site. Each Transmission corridor requires a servitude width of 55 m. A feasible Transmission line corridor has been identified through the scoping phase and applies for both sites (refer figure 1). This Transmission line corridor is described in Chapter 2 and was investigated in detail within the EIA. 2. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES In terms of the EIA Regulations, it is required to demonstrate that feasible alternatives to the project have been considered and evaluated in terms of social, biophysical, economic and technical factors The Do-Nothing Option The do-nothing alternative is the option of not establishing an Open Cycle Gas Turbine at Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province. The do-nothing option will result in these electricity demands not being met in the short-term. This has serious short- to medium-term implications for socioeconomic development in South Africa, and particularly in the Western Cape Province. It is estimated the total project may contribute R477 million to regional gross value added (GVA-R) over a four year period or 0,3 % (0,08% per annum) of the Western Cape GVA-R by contributing approximately 0,2 % of growth to the Malmesbury area s projected economic growth of 3,8 % over the period The reliability of electricity supply s worth to the wider economy is usually measured by the change in the amount of un-served energy experienced due to possible interruptions of supply as a result of a lack of peaking capacity in the national network, i.e. of the economic losses associated with the cost of unserved energy (CUE). If there is no alternative in the short-term for peaking supply other than OCGT, the opportunity cost of un-served energy is estimated to Executive Summary iii

6 be approximately ZAR 800 million per annum in If this un-served demand were to be an annual occurrence for 5 years (until the first de-mothballed or new power stations become operational) this could translate into a rough estimate of ZAR 3,982 million direct damages (1% load, with ZAR 19,909 million at 5%) CUE over the 5-year period. This does not consider the additional indirect economic cost effects that could be associated with such events where electricity is not available when needed. This potential negative economic impact is considered to be significant. Therefore, the do-nothing option is rejected as a feasible alternative OCGT Site Alternatives Through a screening process undertaken by Eskom and discussed in the Environmental Scoping Report (refer Ch 2 and Appendix B of the Environmental Scoping Report, Bohlweki Environmental, 2005), Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province was identified as a feasible site for the establishment of an OCGT Power station, 400 kv Transmission lines and substation. Initially the Farm 1183 and a portion of the Farm Witzand 2 within the Atlantis Industria area was identified as a feasible site for the establishment of the OCGT power station. This site was subject to environmental investigations during the Scoping phase of the project, and those studies requiring detailed environmental investigation within the EIA phase were highlighted (Bohlweki Environmental, 2005). During the scoping phase, an alternative site within the south-western corner of Atlantis Industria was identified for investigation for the establishment of the OCGT facility and associated infrastructure. Due to the close proximity of the 2 sites identified (i.e. within 1 km of one another), it was considered feasible to consider both sites within the EIA phase of the process. Therefore, potential impacts associated with the project at both sites were assessed, and a preferred site is nominated based on environmental feasibility. A final conclusion regarding a preferred feasible site is made based on environmental, technical and economic feasibility. Figure 1 indicates the broader study area investigated as a whole within the EIA phase of the project Transmission Line and Substation Alternatives In order to integrate the OCGT plant into the existing National Transmission Network, the establishment of the OCGT Power station will be associated with a new Transmission substation and Transmission lines. The proposed substation will be established within the premises of the OCGT Power station and therefore the two will be investigated as a unit. The Executive Summary iv

7 alternatives for the substation site are therefore considered the same as the alternatives for the OCGT site. Within Atlantis Industria, two technically feasible corridor alternatives were originally identified for the four 400 kv Transmission lines which will loop in and out of the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines, namely: Alternative 1: Two double-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 50 m in height, will extend from the substation situated at the OCGT plant south east towards an existing railway track. From there, the Transmission line will run parallel to the railway track, south, towards the existing Koeberg- Aurora Transmission 400 kv lines. Alternative 2: Four single-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 35 m in height, will extend from the substation situated at the OCGT plant south across the industrial area towards the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines. If Alternative 2 were to be replaced by a double circuit structure, as used for Alternative 1, then there would be no significant difference between the two alternative corridors. Eskom have therefore opted for double circuit Transmission lines for both alternatives and therefore the broader study area was investigated as a whole in terms of environmental impacts associated with the Transmission lines. Sensitive areas within this broader area were identified and alignment of the Transmission lines will occur where integration into the existing network has the least environmental impacts on the surrounding area. In light of this finding of the Environmental Scoping Report and the nomination of an additional OCGT site, the alignment of the Transmission lines from each site have been proposed as such: 400 kv Transmission line alignment for Site 1: The corridor as investigated for Alternative 1 in the Scoping Report. 400 kv Transmission line alignment for Site 2: Two double-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 50 m in height within the latter part of Alternative 2, which was investigated in the Scoping Report (Figure 1). Both these alternate Transmission line corridors were considered to be technically feasible, and as mentioned in the Scoping Report, the broader study area is evaluated within this Environmental Impact Assessment Report with regards to the Transmission line alignment. Executive Summary v

8 Figure 1: Map indicating the proposed OCGT Power station alternatives and their respective 400 kv Transmission line alignments. Executive Summary vi

9 2.4. Transportation of Fuel The OCGT Power station will initially be powered using Liquid Distillate No 1 (kerosene) as a fuel source or a similar fuel source (low sulphur diesel). Being the worst-case scenario in this case, the effects of operating such a plant on low sulphur diesel were investigated within this EIA. Three methods of supply of the fuel are being investigated by Eskom, namely road, railway and pipeline. A transport feasibility study is currently being undertaken in order to determine the most optimal short- and long-term solutions. The worst case scenario of road transportation is will be assessed within this EIA. In addition to this feasibility study a comprehensive Quantative Risk Assessment for both fuel storage and fuel transportation is currently being undertaken by Eskom. The results of these studies can be made available for public review on request, when available, and will be included in the final EIA Report, which will be submitted to the environmental authorities for review and decision-making. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power station, Transmission lines and substation has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R1182 to R1184 of 5 September 1997, in terms of Section 21 of the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989), as well as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA; No 107 of 1998). In terms of Government Notice R1182 (Schedule 1), the following listed activities, which may have an impact on the environment, are applicable: the construction of facilities for commercial electricity generation with an output of at least 10 megawatts and infrastructure for bulk supply (Item 1[a]) storage facilities for any substance which is considered as dangerous or hazardous and is controlled by National Legislation (Item 1[c]); and the change in land use (Item 2). The environmental studies for this project were undertaken in 2 phases, in accordance with the EIA Regulations: Phase 1: Environmental Scoping Study Phase 2: Environmental Impact Assessment 3.1. Environmental Scoping Study An issues-based Environmental Scoping Study was undertaken for the proposed project. Existing information and input from specialists, the Authorities and I&APs Executive Summary vii

10 was used to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts (both social and biophysical) associated with the proposed project. No environmental fatal flaws associated with the proposed project were identified through the Environmental Scoping Study, although a number of potentially significant environmental impacts were identified as requiring further in-depth study within the EIA. The draft Environmental Scoping Report was made available at public places for I&AP review and comment. All the comments, concerns and suggestions received during the Scoping Phase and the draft report review period were included in the final Scoping Report, which was submitted to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC D:EA&DP) on 18 July Acceptance of the Environmental Scoping Report was received from WC D:EA&DP in August In terms of this acceptance, an Environmental Impact Assessment was required to be undertaken for the proposed project Environmental Impact Assessment In undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment, Bohlweki Environmental were assisted by a number of specialists in order to comprehensively identify both potential positive and negative environmental impacts (social and biophysical) associated with the project, evaluate the significance of the identified impacts, and propose appropriate mitigation measures, where required. The specialist team identified and evaluated the potential impacts for the initial proposed study area for the OCGT power station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines (in terms of their discipline). These specialists studies included: Geology, geohydrology and hydrology Heritage resources and palaeontology Ecology and flora Air quality Terrestrial fauna Noise Avifauna Social environment and land use Soils and agricultural potential Tourism potential Traffic Visual aspects and aesthetics All of these specialist studies were undertaken within the EIA phase of the project, which concentrated on the broader study area to be investigated, as identified during the Scoping phase. Exception applied to sites of archaeological, cultural and historical interest, which were only investigated for the new site as no further studies were required for the initial site. A comprehensive public participation process was undertaken as part of the EIA process, and involved the consultation of individuals and organisations throughout the broader study area representing a broad range of sectors of society. This consultation included telephonic interviews, Focus Group Meetings, documentation distributed via mail, pamphlets and via the printed media Executive Summary viii

11 throughout the process. Issues and concerns raised during the EIA process were recorded and captured within an Issues Trail. 4. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS A number of potentially significant issues were identified within the Scoping Study. These issues required further investigation within the EIA phase in order to ensure that potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are limited through mitigation. These detailed investigations were undertaken for both the alternative sites 1 and 2 and their associated Transmission lines and substation. The following issues were identified as potentially significant and have been subject to detailed specialist investigations during the EIA phase of the project: Geology, Soil and Agricultural potential Groundwater Quality Impacts on Flora Impacts on Fauna Impacts on Avifauna Air Quality and Emissions Visual/Aesthetic Impacts Impacts on Tourism Impacts on Heritage sites Traffic Impacts Noise Impacts Social Impacts In order to evaluate the significance of the identified impacts, the following characteristics of each impact was addressed: the nature, including a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected and how it will be affected; the extent, which indicates whether the impact will be local (limited to the immediate area or site of development) or regional; the duration, which indicates whether the lifetime of the impact will be of a short duration (0 5 years), medium-term (5 15 years), long-term (> 15 years) or permanent; the probability, which describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring, indicated as improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most likely), or definite (impact will occur regardless of any preventative measures); the significance, which was determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above and can be assessed as low, medium or high; and Executive Summary ix

12 the status, which is described as either positive, negative or neutral. The EIA phase, therefore, aimed to: provide an overall assessment of the social and biophysical environments affected by the proposed OCGT power station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines.; assess the broad study area in terms of environmental criteria; identify and recommend appropriate mitigation measures for potentially significant environmental impacts; and undertake a fully inclusive public participation process to ensure I&AP concerns and issues are recorded. The major environmental impacts associated with the proposed project as identified through the EIA include: Overall benefits associated with the establishment of the OCGT facility and associated Transmission lines and substation, in terms of assisting in meeting the peaking electricity demand in the short- and long-term, with a short lead time to operation. Potential impacts on air quality and human health as a result of emissions from the facility. Potential impacts on groundwater resources as a result of the proposed project. Potential visual impacts associated with the proposed project and associated impacts on tourism potential. Potential noise impacts. Potential impacts on heritage sites. Potential impacts associated with the transportation of components during construction and fuel during operation. Potential impacts on flora, fauna and ecology. Potential social impacts Overall benefits associated with the Establishment of the OCGT Facility and Associated Transmission Lines and Substation The electricity demand in South Africa is placing increasing pressure on Eskom s existing power generation capacity. South Africa is expected to require additional peaking electricity generation capacity by 2007, depending on the average growth rate. This has put pressure on the existing installed capacity to be able to meet the energy demands into the future. A pumped storage scheme is being built and a second scheme is planned for the future. However, the lead time required for the construction of pumped storage scheme is long, and this option will, therefore, not assist in meeting the projected peak electricity generation Executive Summary x

13 demand for Therefore, these options cannot be considered for a shortterm solution. As an OCGT Power Station is able to supply sufficient peaking capacity with a short lead-time to commercial operation (i.e. between 3 and 4 years, 18 months of which are required for construction) it was considered to be a feasible option for investigation. With the implementation of the proposed project, the additional power output will assist in meeting the increasing peak electricity demand. Indirect benefits could accrue due to increased capacity by Eskom to provide reliable electricity supply to existing facilities during peak times. This impact will be positive and is anticipated to be of high significance at a regional level Potential Impacts on Air Quality and Human Health as a result of Emissions from the Facility The proposed OCGT power station at Atlantis will operate as a peaking station, i.e. operational for only a few hours daily, and NO x (maximum 1-hour), PM 10 (maximum 24-hour) and SO 2 (maximum 1-hour) concentrations were modelled using the US-EPA approved CALPUFF suite of models. CO 2 was assessed qualitatively. All modelled concentrations for PM 10 and SO 2 are well below all recognised national and international standards and guidelines. The proposed South African 1-hour limit value and WHO guideline for NO x is exceeded in areas adjacent to the plant. The results of the dispersion modelling were evaluated in a human health risk assessment. The following conclusions were drawn for both alternative sites considered: For the 1-hour NO 2, it is possible that sensitive individuals at Klein Dassenberg could experience adverse health effects such as slight changes in lung functions of asthmatics and an increased risk of respiratory infections. For the 24-hour PM 10 concentrations, the current and proposed SA guideline/standard is not exceeded. No acute or chronic health effects are expected in any healthy or sensitive individuals. For the 1-hour SO 2 concentrations, no acute or chronic health effects are expected in any healthy or sensitive individuals. Dust generated during the construction phase, particularly after the early excavation period may have a nuisance impact beyond the immediate region under windy conditions. Management measures to minimise or mitigate the impact must be implemented. The anticipated CO 2 emission from the proposed OCGT Power Station at Atlantis will be approximately 1.36% of South Africa s total CO 2 emission. This contribution to the South African greenhouse gas budget is relatively small and the initial assessment is to rate this impact on global warming as low. Executive Summary xi

14 4.3. Potential Impacts on Groundwater Resources as a Result of the Proposed Project In terms of groundwater, the following potentially contaminating activities associated with the OCGT facility have been identified. These are considered in terms of the contaminants they may introduce into the environment, and the nature, extent, duration, intensity/magnitude, probability and significance of the potential impacts on the groundwater environment. Construction phase Construction of bitumen-based hard surfaces and roads Storage of diesel fuel for construction equipment On-site sanitation facilities Operational phase Storage of kerosene or diesel for turbine operation Storage and disposal of brine product of demineralised feed water (if required) Management of potentially contaminated stormwater runoff Landscaping and gardening The significance of impacts on groundwater resources has been assessed as being of medium to low significance. The groundwater environments that underlie Sites 1 and 2 are assigned a similar vulnerability. However, their association with different groundwater compartments assigns a greater sensitivity to Site 1 than to Site 2. These circumstances pertain directly to the location of Site 1 in the Klein Springfontein Witzand aquifer, and Site 2 in the Brakkefontein aquifer, for the reasons outlined above. It is important to note, however, that both sites are suitable for development of an OCGT facility, i.e. the greater sensitivity of the Site 1 groundwater environment does not detract from the suitability of this site should Site 2 not be available Potential Visual Impacts associated with the Proposed Project and Associated Impacts on Tourism Potential The visual quality of the study area has been historically altered through the establishment of various industrial facilities. In addition, the existing Koeberg- Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines pass to the south of the study area. Therefore, the study area is already impacted by developments of a similar nature. In assessing the potential visual impact and location of likely impact associated with the proposed development, a visual impact index for each of the proposed sites was determined. The visual impact index comprised the following spatial criteria: Executive Summary xii

15 Visual exposure (visibility) of the facility. Proximity to the facility (visual distance). Viewer incidence/viewer perception. Once the potential impact and area of likely impact had been identified, another set of criteria was applied in order to determine the severity of the impact and to assist in identifying the preferred alternative. The criteria/elements for the evaluation of the two sites included: Landscape character/land use character. Visually sensitive features (scenic features or attractions). Potential impact of the facility on tourism and eco-tourism. Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) of the natural vegetation. Potential visual impact of lighting. Potential mitigation measures. Strategic placement of the OCGT plant. The overall visual impact associated with each of the sites, based on the above rating of issues related to the visual impact, indicates that both sites have certain opportunities and constraints related to the construction and operation of an OCGT plant. Site 1 has, due to its close proximity to the R307 (Dassenberg Road), the likelihood of a higher potential visual impact on surrounding areas and tourists visiting the area than Site 2. It further has the disadvantage of the added visual impacts associated with the construction of Transmission lines to connect with the Aurora-Koeberg Transmission lines. The preferred alternative for the placement of the OCGT plant in terms of visual impact is, therefore, Site 2, although Site 1 is considered acceptable should Site 2 not be available Potential Noise Impacts The existing ambient noise level of the study area was measured to be 38 dba, which is significantly lower than the daytime acceptable rating level of 45 dba for a rural residential district and 50 dba for a suburban residential district with little road traffic outdoors. The OCGT plant would primarily operate for one hour between 06:00 and 07:00 and for one hour between 19:00 and 20:00. For assessment purposes in accordance with SANS 10103, the sound energy occurring for the total of two hours of operation was averaged over the daytime period T = 16 hours, assuming that both of the one-hour periods would occur during the daytime period from 06:00 to 22:00. In terms of assessment in accordance with SANS it was anticipated that the intensity of impact of construction noise would vary between negligible and low on the farms to the northwest of the proposed sites. Executive Summary xiii

16 The results of the study into the potential impact of noise from the proposed OCGT power generation plant indicated that with the plant located at Site 1 an unacceptably high intensity of impact would result on large areas of the farms Melk Post and Witzand. Site 1 is, therefore, not recommended. With the plant located at Site 2 an acceptably low intensity of impact would result on a limited area of the farm Witzand Potential Impacts on Flora, Fauna and Ecology In terms of natural vegetation occurring on the proposed alternative sites, they are very similar with only small isolated patches of natural vegetation left while both sites are heavily infested by alien invasive species, mainly Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops). Approximately 65% of the vegetation on Site 1 is transformed due to alien species invasion. A large open patch occurs in the central area of the site where several fynbos species were recorded. The area was burned recently and the vegetation is sparse. Several seedlings of alien invasive species were recorded, indicating a gradual thickening of these areas in time. The invasion of alien invasives on Site 2 is more pronounced than on Site 1. Most of Site 2 (80%+) is totally infested with Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops) with the exotic grasses Lolium perenne and Hordeum murinum commonly occurring. In these areas hardly any natural vegetation (i.e.fynbos) species occur. There are only a few small areas on which the vegetation appears semi-natural, although here the alien invasion is also advancing as is indicated by the many young trees and seedlings of the invasive aliens. A man-made stormwater dam and associated wetland area is located on this site. The generally degraded state of the proposed alternative sites has resulted in degraded and disturbed habitats for flora, fauna and avifauna species and therefore the occurrence of natural species on either site is limited. Any of the two alternative sites is considered to be suitable for the proposed development, but preference should be given to the Site 2 since: The extent of alien invasion and resultant transformation of the natural vegetation. Compared to Site 1, the trees are older with a large seed bank, indicating a further potential densification of this site in future. Significant areas at Site 1 are not invaded yet and can be preserved through correct management. This site is slightly further from the coast line. Site 2 is considerably more invaded by woody alien vegetation than Site 1, making in less suitable for birdlife overall. Executive Summary xiv

17 The shorter distance to the existing Koeberg-Aurora Transmission lines will result in a significantly shorter Transmission line servitude and less impact on the surrounding vegetation Potential Impacts on Heritage Sites No surface indications of archaeological material of any kind were located on Site 1. This kind of material can be found in deeply buried contexts with the result that it could be impacted by deep bulk excavation for construction purposes. However, given the apparent depth of sand on the site, potential impacts are expected to be of very low significance. Three occurrences of Late Stone Age archaeological material were noted on or very close to Site 2. These are documented in Table 5.9. Fragments of shellfish and very small quantities of worked stone were visible in dune mole rat mounds in 3 areas located along a low ridge line in the central eastern side of the site. The material contained no formal artefacts and it is therefore difficult to ascribe them a relative date, however the shellfish species present and context are typical of late Holocene sites along the West Coast of the Province. Either of the proposed sites is well-suited to the proposed development, although Site 1 is marginally preferred. Impacts to heritage as defined by the National Heritage Resources Act are extremely low in the case of Site 1, and low in the case of Site 2 due to the 3 Late Stone Age occurrences in the area. Given the general insensitivity of both proposed development areas, it is anticipated that the Transmission line routes with the limited footprint of the towers will result in very few impacts to a generally heritage depleted environment. Furthermore, very little of the proposed routes crosses undeveloped land as they lie mostly within an existing railway servitude before connecting with existing Transmission lines. Site 2 will result in even less chance of impact due to the shorter distance that the 400 kv Transmission lines will require Potential Impacts Associated with the Transportation of Components during Construction and Fuel during Operation The following transportation issues related to the proposed development of the Atlantis Power Station were identified: Construction transport mainly related to the transport of very large, bulky Turbine plant, which needs to be transported from either Cape Town harbour or Saldanha Bay to the site. Executive Summary xv

18 Construction traffic (employees and heavy construction vehicles) is specifically related to the physical construction of the Power Station over a period of some 18 months. Traffic Impact of employees working at the operational Power Station. Fuel Supply Transport to the Atlantis Power Station on a daily/weekly basis from the nearest Refinery. Preferred Site Location with respect to surrounding land uses, transport infrastructure and traffic/transport related issues. Potential impacts have been assessed as being of moderate to low significance. In terms of the preferred site location, both alternative sites fall within the Atlantis Industrial area, a distance of approximately 1,6 km apart. The same road within Atlantis Industria would serve both sites (i.e. Neil Hare Road). Due to the close proximity of the sites to each other and the road that will serve them, it can be concluded that the traffic/transportation impact on both Site 1 and Site 2 is equal and therefore there is no preference in terms of the site Potential Social Impacts Potential social impacts are anticipated to manifest during both the construction and operation phases of the project. Potential impacts associated with all aspects of the project are anticipated to be similar. Based on an assessment of the potential social impacts identified, the following conclusions have been drawn: The site originally envisaged for the power station is located in the western most corner of Atlantis Industrial Area. During the public participation process forming part of the Scoping Study for the project, however, the suggestion was made that an alternative site for the power station should be investigated. This alternative site is located to the south of the original site, close to the southernmost corner of this industrial area. The original site is referred to as Site 1, and the alternative site as Site 2. The predicted social impacts associated with the power station were summarised in Table For each impact, the table indicated whether the choice of site for the power station would make a difference in terms of its severity or significance. For every impact that is expected to differ in depending on the choice of site, the most preferred site was also indicated. There are a number of reasons why Site 2 is preferred from a social impact perspective. These reasons relate to the fact that this site is located further away from the most densely populated surrounding residential areas. As a consequence: Executive Summary xvi

19 It will reduce the potential for conflict between local residents and construction workers or job seekers migrating into the area during the construction phase; It will reduce the probability that construction traffic will impact on the safety or daily movement patterns of local community members; It will reduce the (real and perceived) risks to local communities as a result of storage and transport of fuel. However, Site 2 also has significant disadvantages. These relate to: The fact that the infrastructure currently occupying the site (the tarred road, the adjacent stormwater, electrical and potable water infrastructure, the stormwater pond, pump station and switching station) would have to be demolished if the power station were to be located on Site 2; and The presence of urban farming activities on land that would be traversed by the servitude of the Transmission lines. Although it is possible that these farming activities could continue on the servitude, the presence of the Transmission lines might still involve the loss of some productive land. Therefore, the sites are considered to be equal and no preference in terms of site location is given. 5. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE SITES From the specialist studies undertaken, Site 2 is considered the most suitable site for development of the OCGT Power station and associated infrastructure. Therefore, Site 2 is nominated as the preferred site. However, Site 1 is considered acceptable from an environmental perspective in most cases, and would therefore be suitable for development should Site 2 not be available. This conclusion was confirmed by the result obtained from a comparative mathematical model, which weighted the sites against one another. Although Site 2 is acceptable from an environmental perspective, the presence of the following infrastructure has implications in terms of technical and economic feasibility: a storm water pond; a pumping station; an electrical switch station; and a road and associated infrastructure (including storm water drainage, potable water supplies, street lights and electrical services). The above-mentioned infrastructure on Site 2 will have to be demolished and relocated and/or re-constructed on alternative sites in order for site 2 to be Executive Summary xvii

20 acceptable from a technical perspective. The associated impact is estimated as follows: the time required for the demolition, relocation and reconstruction of this infrastructure could cause delays in the project programme of up to a minimum of two months with an estimated cost/impact of R121 million to the South African economy, due the cost of un-served energy (CUE) (as determined through the macro-economic study undertaken). Removal and rehabilitation of existing road infrastructure and the reconstruction thereof at an estimated cost of R1.5 million Removal and rehabilitation of the existing pumping station and associated infrastructure, and the reconstruction thereof at an estimated cost of R Backfilling of the existing storm water dam, and the relocation and reconstruction of a new storm water dam at an estimated cost of between R40 million and R48 million. Demolition and reconstruction of an electrical switch station at an estimated cost of R2,5 million. The overall cost associated with the demolition, relocation and reconstruction of infrastructure on Site 2 is estimated at between R166 million and R174 million. This includes a potential estimated saving of approximately R13 million, due to the shorter distance of Transmission lines associated with the development of the OCGT facility on Site 2. The cost of land for the relocation of infrastructure from site 2, and the reconstruction thereof elsewhere, and the studies associated with such an exercise (such as EIAs, site investigations, etc.), has not been included. Therefore from a technical and economic perspective, Site 2 is not preferred. 6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed OCGT power station and associated Transmission lines and substation at Atlantis has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R1182 to R1184 of 5 September 1997, in terms of the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989), as well as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA; No 107 of 1998). The conclusions of this EIA are the result of comprehensive studies and specialist assessments. These studies were based on issues identified through the EIA process and the parallel process of public participation. The public consultation process has been rigorous and extensive, and every effort has been made to include representatives of all stakeholders within the process. Executive Summary xviii

21 The findings of the specialist studies undertaken within this EIA provide an assessment of both the benefits and potential negative impacts anticipated as a result of the proposed project. The findings conclude that there are no environmental fatal flaws that should prevent the proposed project from proceeding, provided that the recommended mitigation and management measures are implemented. As discussed above, the two proposed alternative sites are both considered to be acceptable from an environmental perspective, with Site 2 being considered marginally more appropriate for development in most cases. However, from a technical and economic perspective, Site 2 is not preferred. In terms of the EIA Regulations, it is required to consider feasible alternatives to the project in terms of environmental, economic and technical factors. Therefore, taking all these criteria into consideration, Site 1 is nominated as the preferred feasible alternative for the establishment of the OCGT facility and associated substation and Transmission lines in Atlantis Industria. Executive Summary xix

22 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS PAGE i xxv xxvi xxviii 1. INTRODUCTION Electricity Demand in South Africa Peaking Generation Capacity Overview of the Proposed Project OCGT Power Station Integration into National Transmission Network Environmental Study Requirements 7 2. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Introduction The Do-Nothing Option OCGT Site Alternatives Transmission Line and Substation Alternatives Transportation of Fuel SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS Approach to Undertaking the Study Environmental Scoping Study Environmental Impact Assessment Authority Consultation Consultation with Decision-making Authorities Consultation with other Relevant Authorities Environmental Impact Assessment Issues not requiring further Assessment Specialist Studies Assumptions and Limitations of the Study Overview of the Public Participation Process undertaken within the EIA Process On-going Consultation with Stakeholders and I&APs Consultation and Public Involvement Social Issues Trail Review of the Draft Environmental Scoping Report Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report Legal Considerations 25 Table of Contents xx

23 4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA 26 ENVIRONMENT 4.1. Geographical Setting Description of the Study Area Climate and Rainfall Morphology and Drainage Geology General Ecology Social Structure Population Population Groups Age Distribution Education Unemployment Rates Occupational Levels Sectoral Employment Income Housing Transport Access to Electricity Water and Sanitation ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Potential Impacts on Soil and Agricultural Potential Assessment of Potential Impacts on Soils and 34 Agricultural Potential Conclusions Groundwater Quality Assessment of Potential Impacts on Groundwater Conclusions Flora Assessment of Potential Impacts on Flora Conclusions Fauna Assessment of Potential Impacts on Fauna Conclusions Potential Impacts on Avifauna Assessment of Potential Impacts on Avifauna Conclusions Potential Impacts on Air Quality and Emissions Nature and Extent of Impacts: NO x 1-hour Maximum Nature and Extent of Impact: Total Suspended 56 Particulate Matter PM hour Maximum Table of Contents xxi

24 Nature and Extent of Impact: Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ) SO hour Maximum Potential Impacts associated with the Alternative Site 58 (Site 2) Cumulative Impacts: Atlantis versus Cape Town Potential Impacts associated with Greenhouse Gases Conclusions Potential Impacts on Visual/Aesthetic Quality Assessment of Potential Visual Impact Conclusions Potential Impacts on Tourism Potential Potential Impacts on Tourism Potential Conclusions Potential Impacts on Palaeontological and Heritage Sites Assessment of Potential Impacts on Heritage Sites Conclusions Potential Traffic Impacts Assessment of Potential Traffic Impacts Conclusions Potential Noise Impacts Assessment of Potential Noise Impacts Conclusions Social Impacts Nature and Extent of Impacts Recommendations regarding preferred site for the power 91 station Conclusions CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Evaluation of the Proposed Project Overall benefits associated with the Establishment of the 99 OCGT Facility and Associated Transmission Lines and Substation Potential Impacts on Air Quality and Human Health as a 99 result of Emissions from the Facility Potential Impacts on Groundwater Resources as a Result 100 of the Proposed Project Potential Visual Impacts associated with the Proposed 101 Project and Associated Impacts on Tourism Potential Potential Noise Impacts Potential Impacts on Flora, Fauna and Ecology Potential Impacts on Heritage Sites 103 Table of Contents xxii

25 Potential Impacts Associated with the Transportation 104 of Components during Construction and Fuel during Operation Potential Social Impacts Recommendations for Appropriate Mitigation Measures Groundwater Quality Impacts on Flora Impacts on Fauna Impacts on Avifauna Air Quality and Emissions Visual/Aesthetic Impacts Impacts on Tourism Impacts on Heritage sites Traffic Impacts Noise Impacts Social Impacts Assessment of Alternative Sites Overall Conclusion Overall Recommendations REFERENCES 119 APPENDICES Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C: Appendix D: Appendix E: Appendix F: Appendix G: Appendix H: Appendix I: Appendix J: Appendix K: Appendix L: Appendix M: Appendix N: Appendix O: Appendix P: Appendix Q: Appendix R: Appendix S: OCGT Macroeconomic Impact Analysis Acceptance of Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA Letters to Interested and Affected Parties Minutes of meetings held during the EIA Phase Advertisements placed during the EIA Phase Issues Trail: Summary of issues raised by I&APs and Responses and Comments Received Interested and Affected Party Database Environmental Legislation relevant to the Project Soil and Agricultural Potential Specialist Study Groundwater Specialist Study Flora Specialist Study Fauna Specialist Study Avifauna Specialist Study Air Quality and Human Health Specialist Study Visual Specialist Study Tourism Specialist Study Palaeontological and Heritage Specialist Study Traffic Specialist Study Noise Specialist Study Table of Contents xxiii

26 Appendix T: Appendix U: Social Specialist Study Environmental Matrix Model Results Table of Contents xxiv

27 LIST OF TABLES PAGE Table 3.1: Specialist studies undertaken as part of the EIA process 20 Table 5.1: Soil analysis results 34 Table 5.2: Soil mapping units 35 Table 5.3: Agricultural Potential 36 Table 5.4: Spatial variation in groundwater chemistry in the Atlantis 37 area Table 5.5: Summary Air Quality Impact Assessment of the Proposed 62 OCGT Power Station at Atlantis Table 5.6: Visual impact on landscape character/land use character 65 Table 5.7: Impact on visually sensitive features 66 Table 5.8: Visual impact on tourism and eco-tourism 67 Table 5.9: Visual impact of lighting (glare) 67 Table 5.10: Visual impact of lighting (sky glow) 68 Table 5.11: Impact Assessment on the Decrease in Visitor Numbers 70 Table 5.12: Impact Assessment on the Decrease in Land Value 71 Table 5.13: Characteristics of Late Stone Age occurrences in OCGT 75 Site 2 (note map reference for coordinates is WGS54). Sites are rated in terms of heritage grades currently used by HWC where Grade 1 = National significance, Grade 2 = Regional significance and Grade 3a-3c = Local significance (high low) Table 5.14: SANS 10103, Acceptable rating levels for noise in districts 79 (definitions of terms included within noise specialist study contained within Appendix S) Table 5.15: SANS 10103, Categories of community/group response 80 (definitions of terms included within noise specialist study contained within Appendix S) Table 5.16: Noise impact summary operational phase 82 Table 5.17: Comparison between Site 1 and Site 2 in terms of 92 predicted social impacts Table 6.1: Summary of potential social impacts and recommended mitigation measures List of Tables xxv

28 LIST OF FIGURES PAGE Figure 1.1: A graphical representation of the power generation 4 process using a gas turbine Figure 1.2: Map showing the alternative sites identified for the 6 location of the proposed OCGT Power Station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines Figure 2.1: Integration of the OCGT in the Transmission National 12 Network Figure 2.2: Map indicating initial OCGT site under investigation and kv Transmission line alternatives Figure 2.3: Map indicating alternative OCGT sites with respective kv Transmission line alignments investigated within the EIA phase of the project Figure 4.1: Geographical map for Atlantis and its surrounds 28 Figure5.1: Maximum 1-hour NO x concentration for the proposed 53 Atlantis OCGT power station operating at 1000 MW capacity. Red dashes indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines Figure5.2: Time series (a) and frequency distribution plot (b) of 54 modelled concentrations at point A. The red lines indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines Figure 5.3: Time series (a) and frequency distribution plots (b) of 55 modelled concentrations at point B. The red lines indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines Figure 5.4: Maximum 24-hour PM 10 concentration for the proposed 57 Atlantis OCGT power station operating at MW capacity Figure 5.5: Maximum 1-hour SO 2 concentration for the proposed 58 Atlantis OCGT power station operating at MW capacity Figure 5.6: Maximum 1-hour NO x concentration for the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station (a) at Site 1 (red triangle), (b) expected isopleth plots for Site 2 (blue triangle) and (c) a comparison of locations of exceedances of the two 59 proposed sites. Red and blue dashes indicate exceedances of Site 1 and Site 2 respectively Figure 5.7: Visual Impact Index for Site 1 65 Figure 5.8: Visual Impact Index for Site 2 65 Figure 5.9: Long distance view of Table Mountain from the Atlantis 66 Industrial Area Figure 5.10: Lighting of the OCGT units at night. Note the glare 68 List of Figures xxvi

29 omitted from the floodlights and the aircraft warning lights on the smoke stacks. Photograph taken at an OCGT facility (Afam) located in Nigeria Figure 5.11: Planted vegetation along the R304 shield the observer from the proposed OCGT plant Figure 5.12: Map indicating occurrences of Late Stone Age archaeological material very close to Site 2 Figure 5.13: L Req,d = 45 dba and 38 dba contours centred on each of the two alternative sites List of Figures xxvii

30 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CCGT CEC CFC CUE DEAT DME DWAF EIA GHG GWP IEP ISEP I&AP MAE MAP NEMA NER NIRP NO OCGT OPEX PBMR SAHRA SAWB WC D:EA&DP WHO Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Cation Exchange Capacity Chloroflorocarbon Cost of Un-served Energy Department of Environment, Agriculture and Tourism Department of Minerals and Energy Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Environmental Impact Assessment Green House Gas Global Warming Potential Integrated Energy Plan Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan Interested and Affected Party Mean Annual Evaporation Mean Annual Precipitation National Environmental Management Act National Electricity Regulator National Integrated Resource Planning Nitrous Oxide Open Cycle Gas Turbine Cost of Operations and Maintenance Pebble Bed Modular Reactor South African Heritage Resource Agency South African Weather Bureau Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning World Health Organisation List of Figures xxviii

31 1. INTRODUCTION In order to supplement the need for new peaking electricity generation capacity, with a short lead-time to commercial operation, Eskom Holdings Limited (Eskom) propose to construct an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Station at two sites within the Western Cape Province, i.e. Atlantis Industria and Mossel Bay. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses the potential impacts associated with the proposed facility within Atlantis Industria. This facility can utilise liquid distillate fuel or natural gas as a fuel source. In order to integrate this proposed power station into the existing National Transmission Network, Eskom further proposes the construction of a new substation and four 400 kv Transmission lines in parallel between the existing Koeberg-Aurora Transmission lines and the proposed Atlantis Substation Electricity Demand in South Africa The South African Energy Policy, published in December 1998 by the Department of Minerals and Energy, identifies five key objectives for energy supply within South Africa, i.e.: increasing access to affordable energy services; improving energy sector governance; stimulating economic development; managing energy-related environmental impacts; and securing supply through diversity. In order to meet these objectives and the developmental and socio-economic objectives in South Africa, the country needs to optimally use the available energy resources. The Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) performs Integrated Energy Planning to identify future energy demand and supply requirements. The National Electricity Regulator (NER) performs National Integrated Resource Planning (NIRP) to identify the future electricity demand and supply requirements. Similarly Eskom assesses the projected electricity demand and supply through a process called the Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan (ISEP). Through these processes, the most likely future electricity demand based on long-term Southern African economic scenarios is forecasted, and provides the framework for Eskom and South Africa to investigate a wide range of supply and demand-side technologies and options. The outcome of these processes indicates that South Africa will require an additional MW of electricity within the next 5 years, with this consisting of both base load capacity and peak capacity. Base load electricity generating Introduction 1 30/08/05

32 capacity refers to power station technology designed specifically to generate electricity continuously for all hours of the day and night. Various options such as the return-to-service of the three mothballed power stations (i.e. Camden, Grootvlei and Komati) the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) and the establishment of new coal-fired power stations are to provide for the supply of the required baseload capacity. Peaking electricity generating capacity refers to power station technology designed specifically to generate electricity during periods of very high demand for electricity, normally on weekday mornings around 07:00 to 09:00 and weekday evenings around 18:00 to 20:00. Various options are being considered for peaking generation capacity Peaking Generation Capacity The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) of the DME, NIRP and Eskom s ISEP processes identified that South Africa will require approximately 2000 MW of additional peaking electricity generating capacity by The IEP and the NIRP2 and ISEP plans are based on key assumptions for growth in demand for, respectively, energy and electricity. The assumptions are reviewed and optimisation is performed when required. NIRP2 also included a Risk and Sensitivity Analysis, resulting in a preferred resource plan. The alternatives for the supply of peak power generation on the scale that is required by South Africa include pumped storage schemes, fossil fuel stations performing two shifting operation, hydroelectric power schemes and open cycle gas turbines. The key considerations by Eskom for peak power generation are initial capital costs, operations and maintenance costs, availability of fuel, dispatchability and project time frames. In terms of the review of alternatives for peak power generation, the capital cost to construct a fossil fuel station for peak power generation is considered to be cost prohibitive. It is also acknowledged that South Africa does not have the water resources for further hydroelectric schemes. As alternatives, this leaves pumped storage and open cycle gas turbines. Both these technologies are included in the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP2) of the National Electricity Regulator (NER). The project timeframes from inception to commercial operation for a pumped storage scheme are between 10 and 12 years, and for open cycle gas turbines the project timeframes are between 3 and 4 years (18 months of which are required for construction). New pumped storage schemes will provide peak power capacity with an estimated plant load factor of between 15% and 20%. A new pumped storage scheme is due to be in commercial operation in Introduction 2 30/08/05

33 Eskom is also currently investigating solar, wave and ocean current energy generation as options for generation capacity, although wave and ocean current power generation are not in commercial production on a worldwide scale. In February 2004 Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) technology was identified as the preferred option for the provision of peaking electricity generation capacity in the short-term. NIRP2 (and similarly ISEP) indicates that more than 2000 MW of open cycle gas turbine plant is required in the planning horizon, with construction to start in Eskom is responsible for the first MW, to be in commercial operation by the winter of This MW will be supplied through the proposed plants at both Atlantis and Mossel Bay. The DME has initiated the building of a second MW, to be in commercial operation by 2009, by an independent power producer. The areas that have been targeted for this project are the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The role that the gas turbines will play in the energy plan is to provide peak power capacity with an estimated 5% load factor per plant. The OCGTs will have a positive cumulative impact from the perspective of stability to the national transmission network during periods of peak demand due to their location in different parts of South Africa. The Eskom ISEP process and NIRP2 also identified the requirement for a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) within South Africa. The CCGT is being considered separately from this project and is currently in the pre-feasibility phase. However, there is potential to either convert an OCGT plant to a CCGT plant or place a CCGT plant on the same site as an OCGT. A CCGT plant would require a larger footprint than an OCGT, and therefore provision is being for this in the selection of sites/land requirements for the OCGTs. A separate EIA process will be required to be undertaken for a CCGT plant, and Atlantis would only be one of several alternative sites considered Overview of the Proposed Project The proposed project includes the construction of a new OCGT Power Station, a new substation and four 400 kv Transmission lines in parallel between the new substation and the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines, within Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province OCGT Power Station An Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Station consists of a combustion chamber, a compressor, a gas turbine and a generator. The compressor and the gas turbine are mounted on the same shaft. The compressor draws fresh air from the atmosphere and increases the air pressure, by compressing it, before sending this air to the combustion chamber. At the combustion chamber fuel is added to the compressed air and the total mixture is combusted, resulting in hot Introduction 3 30/08/05

34 gas entering the turbine at a temperature greater than 1300ºC. This hot gas imparts the majority of its energy via a turbine to both the compressor and a generator. The open cycle gas turbine discharges exhaust gases and heat to the atmosphere. Figure 1.1 below provides a representation of the power generation process using a gas turbine. Figure 1.1: A graphical representation of the power generation process using a gas turbine The OCGT Power Station is required to be sited on a technically feasible site. A technical pre-feasibility study undertaken by Eskom (and independently reviewed by Mark Wood through Ninham Shand), therefore considered land availability and land-use compatibility, load variances in the area, fuel availability and costs, ease of integration with, and impacts on the existing National Transmission Network, impacts on the Transmission network, and benefits to transmission load variances (Refer to Appendix A) in order to determine feasible sites. Eskom has identified two areas where such technology would be feasible, namely Mossel Bay and Atlantis. Eskom plans to construct OCGTs in both of these areas. This EIA process considers the construction of an OCGT within the Atlantis area only. The Mossel Bay OCGT project is the subject of a separate EIA (Ninham Shand, 2005). The site selection study and the alternative sites for development in Atlantis are discussed in detail in Chapter 2. Through this study, the Farm 1183 and a portion of the Farm Witzand 2 within the Atlantis Industria area was identified as a feasible site for the establishment of the OCGT power station (Refer to Figure 1.2). Through the public participation process undertaken during the scoping phase of this study, an alternative site for establishment of the OCGT Power Station was identified. This site is located in the south western corner of the Atlantis Industria area. The proposed OCGT Power Station at Atlantis is proposed to consist of 3-5 units, each with a nominal capacity of between approximately 120 MW 250 MW each. The total nominal capacity of the power plant is proposed to be a maximum of Introduction 4 30/08/05

35 1 000 MW. The number of units required and exact output will depend on the specification of the equipment from the supplier selected for the project and the ambient operating conditions. Each unit will consist of one gas turbine driving an electric generator. A total area of approximately 20 ha is required for the OCGT Power Station and associated infrastructure. An area of approximately 250 m x 350 m (i.e. 9 ha) is required for the construction of the OCGT Power Station itself. The footprint of each unit is approximately 25 m x 75 m. Being a peak capacity plant, the OCGT will only be required to operate during those times when electricity is in its highest demand, i.e. for approximately 2 hours in the morning (07h00 to 09h00) and 2 hours in the evening (18h00 to 20h00). If necessary the plant can operate for up to 8-hour shifts. In emergency situations, the power station can operate for a 24-hour period. The economics in terms of the operations of a plant of this nature are based on cost of primary energy and cost of operations and maintenance (opex). This assumes that key emission levels need to be met. The most cost effective fuel in terms of primary energy and opex that can be used for the proposed plant is natural gas. To date no sources of natural gas have been identified to fuel the plant within the given timeframes. The next most cost-effective primary energy option is kerosene followed by low sulphur diesel. Other fuel types have been investigated but were found not to be feasible in light of emissions, water usage and impact on opex. Being the worst-case scenario in this case, the effects of operating such a plant on low sulphur diesel were investigated within this EIA. An estimated 1,9 million litres of fuel is required per week in order to supply the power station for peaking capacity requirements. In order to accommodate an emergency supply of fuel at the power station site, 2-4 fuel storage tanks, storing up to a total of 5 million litres, are proposed to form a fuel storage buffer between actual fuel usage and fuel delivery. These fuel storage tanks will be located within the broader 20 ha area required for the plant. In designing this plant, Eskom has endeavoured to minimise the impact on natural resources such as water. To this extent the technology that has been selected will not require large quantities of water (as originally anticipated) should the plant be fuelled by natural gas, kerosene or diesel fuel. Small quantities of water will be required for turbine blade washing. This is estimated at 1 cubic meter every 2 to 3 months. Introduction 5 30/08/05

36 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed OCGT Plant and Associated Transmission Lines Figure 1.2: Map showing the alternative sites identified for the location of the proposed OCGT Power Station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines Introduction 6 30/08/05

37 Integration into National Transmission Network In order to integrate this new plant into the existing National Transmission Network, the establishment of the OCGT Power Station will be associated with a new transmission substation and Transmission lines. The integration of this power station into the National Transmission Network must be undertaken with the least risk to the existing network in terms of network losses and fault levels. A preferred option for this integration has been identified through a preengineering study undertaken by Eskom (Eskom Transmission, 2004), which involves the turn-in and out of both existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines to the proposed Atlantis Transmission substation. The following infrastructure is required: The construction of a new substation at the Atlantis OCGT site. The substation will be accommodated within the 20 ha area which is required for the OCGT Power Station and associated infrastructure. An area of 9 ha is required for the substation high voltage yard. The substation infrastructure will be approximately 45 m in height. The establishment of four 400 kv Transmission lines between the new substation and the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines. It is proposed that the two Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines will be turned in and out of the Atlantis site. Each Transmission corridor requires a servitude width of 55 m. A feasible Transmission line corridor has been identified through the scoping phase and applies for both sites (refer figure 1.2). This Transmission line corridor is described in Chapter 2 and was investigated in detail within the EIA Environmental Study Requirements In terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, Eskom Holdings Limited require authorisation from the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC D:EA&DP) for the undertaking of the proposed project. In order to obtain authorisation for all aspects of this project, comprehensive, independent environmental studies are required to be undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations. The environmental studies have followed a two-phased approach in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in terms of the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989) i.e.: Phase 1: Environmental Scoping Study Phase 2: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Introduction 7 30/08/05

38 The Environmental Scoping Study identified and evaluated potential environmental impacts associated with all aspects of the proposed project. In terms of the EIA Regulations, feasible Transmission line alternatives were considered within the Scoping Study. Recommendations regarding further studies required within the EIA phase of the project (for the OCGT Power Station, and the transmission substation and Transmission lines) were made. An alternative site for the OCGT plant was identified through public consultation. This site was investigated in detail within the EIA phase of the project. The environmental impact assessment included detailed studies for the two sites nominated for investigation, during the Scoping phase of the project, as well as for the 400 kv Transmission lines and substation to be constructed in conjunction with the OCGT facility. This EIA aimed to assess potential environmental impacts (both social and biophysical) associated with the proposed project, and recommend appropriate and practical mitigation and management measures, where required. Introduction 8 30/08/05

39 2. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES In terms of the EIA Regulations, it is required to demonstrate that feasible alternatives to the project have been considered and evaluated in terms of social, biophysical, economic and technical factors Introduction A key challenge of the EIA process is the consideration of alternatives. Most guidelines use terms such as reasonable, practicable, feasible or viable to define the range of alternatives that should be considered. Essentially there are two types of alternatives: incrementally different (modifications) alternatives to the project; and fundamentally (totally) different alternatives to the project. Fundamentally different alternatives are usually assessed at a strategic level, and EIA practitioners recognise the limitations of project-specific EIAs to address fundamentally different alternatives. Any discussions around this topic fall outside the scope of this study, and have been addressed as part of the Integrated Strategic Electricity Plan (ISEP) undertaken by Eskom, as well as the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) from the National Electricity Regulator (NER). Environmental issues are integrated into the ISEP and the NIRP using the strategic environmental assessment approach, focussing on environmental lifecycle assessments, site-specific studies, water-related issues and climate change considerations The Do-Nothing Option The do-nothing alternative is the option of not establishing an Open Cycle Gas Turbine at Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province. The electricity demand in South Africa is placing increasing pressure on Eskom s existing power generation capacity. South Africa is expected to require additional peaking electricity generation capacity by 2007, and baseload electricity generation capacity by 2010, depending on the average growth rate. This has put pressure on the existing installed capacity to be able to meet the energy demands into the future without building new capacity in the short-term while new coal, pumped storage and combined cycle plants are being planned and built. A number of options are being investigated and considered by Eskom in order to meet the increasing electricity demand in South Africa (as discussed in Chapter 1). The lead time required for the construction of new coal, pump storage and combined cycle plants is between years, and these options will therefore not assist in meeting the projected peak electricity generation demand for Alternatives 9

40 Therefore, these options cannot be considered for a short-term solution. As an OCGT Power Station is able to supply sufficient peaking capacity with a short lead-time to commercial operation (approximately 18 months) it was considered to be a feasible option for investigation. A number of advantages and disadvantages are associated with the construction of a new OCGT Power Station, including: Advantages: In the short-term the OCGT project provides a solution to avoid unnecessary blackouts and power shortages by High combustion efficiency under base load operating conditions. Low investment costs ($350 per installed kilowatt for OCGT compared to $1200 per installed kilowatt for coal-fired power stations). Minimised pollutants and emissions (when compared to coal-fired power stations). Relatively short construction time (when compared to other options). Efficient fuel conversion. Capital development for the region. The rapid start-up of OCGT Power Stations can minimise the need for hot or spinning reserve in larger stations to cover peak or stand-by capacity, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the electricity grid. Compact size and a reduction in cooling requirements enable this technology to be located closer to population centres which reduces transmission losses. Disadvantages: The cost of liquid fuel is high in South Africa. There are numerous uncertainties with regards to gas development in South Africa. The major percentage of the capital costs will be spent outside of South Africa. High cost of operations and maintenance. The do-nothing option will result in these electricity demands not being met in the short-term. This has serious short- to medium-term implications for socioeconomic development in South Africa, and particularly in the Western Cape Province. It is estimated the total project may contribute R477 million to regional gross value added (GVA-R) over a four year period or 0,3 % (0,08% per annum) of the Western Cape GVA-R by contributing approximately 0,2 % of growth to the Malmesbury area s projected economic growth of 3,8 % over the period The reliability of electricity supply s worth to the wider economy is usually measured by the change in the amount of un-served energy experienced due to Alternatives 10

41 possible interruptions of supply as a result of a lack of peaking capacity in the national network, i.e. of the economic losses associated with the cost of unserved energy (CUE). If there is no alternative in the short-term for peaking supply other than OCGT, the opportunity cost of un-served energy is estimated to be approximately ZAR 800 million per annum in If this un-served demand were to be an annual occurrence for 5 years (until the first de-mothballed or new power stations become operational) this could translate into a rough estimate of ZAR 3,982 million direct damages (1% load, with ZAR 19,909 million at 5%) CUE over the 5-year period. This does not consider the additional indirect economic cost effects that could be associated with such events where electricity is not available when needed. This potential negative economic impact is considered to be significant (refer to Appendix A for more details). Therefore, the do-nothing option is rejected as a feasible alternative OCGT Site Alternatives Through a screening process undertaken by Eskom and discussed in the Environmental Scoping Report (refer Ch 2 and Appendix B of the Environmental Scoping Report, Bohlweki Environmental, 2005), Atlantis Industria in the Western Cape Province was identified as a feasible site for the establishment of an OCGT Power Station, 400 kv Transmission lines and substation. Initially the Farm 1183 and a portion of the Farm Witzand 2 within the Atlantis Industria area was identified as a feasible site for the establishment of the OCGT power station (refer Figure 2.1). This site was subject to environmental investigations during the Scoping phase of the project, and those studies requiring detailed environmental investigation within the EIA phase were highlighted (Bohlweki Environmental, 2005). During the scoping phase, an alternative site within the south-western corner of Atlantis Industria was identified for investigation for the establishment of the OCGT facility and associated infrastructure. Due to the close proximity of the 2 sites identified (i.e. within 1 km of one another), it was considered feasible to consider both sites within the EIA phase of the process. Therefore, potential impacts associated with the project at both sites were assessed, and a preferred site is nominated based on environmental feasibility. Figure 2.3. indicates the broader study area investigated as a whole within the EIA phase of the project Transmission Line and Substation Alternatives In order to integrate the OCGT plant into the existing National Transmission Network, the establishment of the OCGT Power Station will be associated with a new Transmission substation and Transmission lines. Alternatives 11

42 The proposed substation will be established within the premises of the OCGT Power Station and therefore the two will be investigated as a unit. The alternatives for the substation site are therefore considered the same as the alternatives for the OCGT site. Five feasible options to integrate the new power station into the Transmission National Grid were identified through a pre-engineering study undertaken by Eskom (Eskom Transmission, 2004). These alternatives were discussed in the Environmental Scoping Report (Bohlweki Environmental, 2005). Through the pre-engineering study a preferred option for the integration on the OCGT into the existing National Transmission Network was selected, which involves the turn-in and out of both existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines to the proposed Atlantis Transmission substation (Figure 2.1). Figure 2.1: Integration of the OCGT in the Transmission National Network Within Atlantis Industria, two technically feasible corridor alternatives were originally identified for the four 400 kv Transmission lines which will loop in and out of the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines (Figure 2.2), namely: Alternative 1: Two double-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 50 m in height, will extend from the substation situated at the OCGT plant south east towards an existing railway track. From there, the Transmission line will run parallel to the railway track, south, towards the existing Koeberg- Aurora Transmission 400 kv lines. Alternative 2: Four single-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 35 m in height, will extend from the substation situated at the OCGT plant south across the industrial area towards the existing Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines (Figure 2.2). Alternatives 12

43 Although the impacts on the social environment were considered to be potentially higher for Transmission Alternative 1 (in terms of visual impacts), this impact was not considered to be significantly more than that associated with Alternative 2. In addition, this impact is potentially ameliorated as a result of the nature of the area (i.e. largely industrial, already impacted by infrastructure of a similar nature). In order to minimise the potential impacts on the potentially sensitive biophysical environment in the area, it is preferable to limit the footprint of the development as far as possible. Therefore, Alternative 1 was nominated as the preferred Transmission line alternative for further investigation. However, if Alternative 2 were to be replaced by a double circuit structure, as used for Alternative 1, then there would be no significant difference between the two alternative corridors. Eskom have therefore opted for double circuit Transmission lines for both alternatives and therefore the broader study area was investigated as a whole in terms of environmental impacts associated with the Transmission lines. Sensitive areas within this broader area were identified and alignment of the Transmission lines will occur where integration into the existing network has the least environmental impacts on the surrounding area. In light of this finding of the Environmental Scoping Report and the nomination of an additional OCGT site, the alignment of the Transmission lines from each site have been proposed as such: 400 kv Transmission line alignment for Site 1: The corridor as investigated for Alternative 1 in the Scoping Report. 400 kv Transmission line alignment for Site 2: Two double-circuit 400 kv Transmission lines, approximately 50 m in height within the latter part of Alternative 2 investigated in the Scoping Report (Figure 2.3). Both these alternate Transmission line corridors were considered to be technically feasible, and as mentioned in the Scoping Report, the broader study area is evaluated within this Environmental Impact Assessment Report with regards to the Transmission line alignment Transportation of Fuel The OCGT Power Station will initially be powered using Liquid Distillate No 1 (kerosene) as a fuel source or a similar fuel source (low sulphur diesel). Being the worst-case scenario in this case, the effects of operating such a plant on low sulphur diesel were investigated within this EIA. Other fuel types have been investigated but were found not to be feasible in light of emissions, water usage and impact on operation and maintenance. An estimated 1,9 million litres of fuel is required per week in order to supply the power station for peaking capacity requirements. In order to accommodate a buffer supply of fuel at the power Alternatives 13

44 station site, 2-4 fuel storage tanks, storing up to a total of 5 million litres are proposed to form a fuel storage buffer between actual fuel usage and fuel delivery. Three methods of supply of the fuel are being investigated by Eskom, namely road, railway and pipeline. A transport feasibility study is currently being undertaken in order to determine the most optimal short- and long-term solutions. The worst case scenario of road transportation is will be assessed within this EIA. In addition to this feasibility study a comprehensive Quantative Risk Assessment for both fuel storage and fuel transportation is currently being undertaken by Eskom. Alternatives 14

45 Figure 2.2: Map indicating initial OCGT site under investigation and 400 kv Transmission line alternatives. Alternatives 15

46 Figure 2.3: Map indicating alternative OCGT sites with respective 400 kv Transmission line alignments investigated within the EIA phase of the project. Alternatives 16

47 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province 3. SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS 3.1. Approach to Undertaking the Study An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Station, Transmission lines and substation has been undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations published in Government Notice R1182 to R1184 of 5 September 1997, in terms of Section 21 of the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989), as well as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA; No 107 of 1998). In terms of Government Notice R1182 (Schedule 1), the following listed activities, which may have an impact on the environment, are applicable: the construction of facilities for commercial electricity generation with an output of at least 10 megawatts and infrastructure for bulk supply (Item 1[a]) storage facilities for any substance which is considered as dangerous or hazardous and is controlled by National Legislation (Item 1[c]); and the change in land use (Item 2). The environmental studies for this project were undertaken in 2 phases, in accordance with the EIA Regulations: Phase 1: Environmental Scoping Study Phase 2: Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Scoping Study An issues-based Environmental Scoping Study was undertaken for the proposed project. Existing information and input from specialists, the Authorities and I&APs was used to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts (both social and biophysical) associated with the proposed project. No environmental fatal flaws associated with the proposed project were identified through the Environmental Scoping Study, although a number of potentially significant environmental impacts were identified as requiring further in-depth study within the EIA. The Scoping phase of the environmental studies provided I&APs with the opportunity to receive information regarding the proposed project, participate in the process and raise issues of concern. Existing information and input from specialists, the Authorities and Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) was used to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts (both social and biophysical) associated with the proposed project. Scope of Environmental Investigations 17

48 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province Initially the land situated within the north-western corner of Atlantis Industria was under investigation within the Scoping Phase of the project. During the Scoping phase, it was suggested by I&APs that a site within the south-western corner of Atlantis Industria also be considered within the Environmental Impact Assessment process as the proposed facility would then be situated further away from the Dassenberg Road (R307). As both these sites fall within a short distance of one another, a broader study area was investigated as a whole, in terms of environmental impacts, within the EIA phase of the project with a preferred site being nominated based on environmental feasibility. The draft Environmental Scoping Report was made available at public places for I&AP review and comment. All the comments, concerns and suggestions received during the Scoping Phase and the draft report review period were included in the final Scoping Report, which was submitted to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC D:EA&DP) on 18 July Acceptance of the Environmental Scoping Report was received from WC D:EA&DP in August 2005 (refer to Appendix B). In terms of this acceptance, an Environmental Impact Assessment was required to be undertaken for the proposed project Environmental Impact Assessment A Plan of Study for the EIA (indicating which specialist studies were required) was submitted to WC D:EA&DP for review and approval (refer to Appendix B). As part of the overall project planning process, this EIA phase aimed to provide an overall assessment of potential impacts on the social and biophysical environments affected by the proposed project, and to provide recommendations regarding achievable mitigation measures to reduce those potential impacts associated with project implementation. The EIA process undertaken for the proposed project is described below Authority Consultation Consultation with Decision-making Authorities The relevant authorities required to provide input into the proposed project were consulted from the outset of the study, and have been engaged throughout the project process. Consultation was undertaken with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (WC D:EA&DP) and the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) prior to the submission of the application for authorisation for the proposed project. The pre-application consultation confirmed that WC D:EA&DP would act as the Scope of Environmental Investigations 18

49 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province lead authority for the proposed project. The primary aim of the pre-application consultation process was to determine specific authority requirements with regards to the proposed project, and ensure inclusion of these issues in the environmental studies. The relevant decision-making authorities have been consulted throughout the EIA process. Authority consultation also included the following activities: Submission of an application for authorisation in terms of Section 21 of the Environment Conservation Act (No 73 of 1989). Undertaking of site inspection with WC D:EA&DP. Submission of a Plan of Study for Scoping. Receipt of Authority approval of the Plan of Study for Scoping. Submission of the final Environmental Scoping Report and the acceptance thereof. Submission of a Plan of Study to undertake the EIA. Consultation with Authorities regarding project specifics, and the receipt of Authority approval of the Plan of Study for EIA. On-going authority consultation throughout the process Consultation with other Relevant Authorities Consultation with non-deat authorities was undertaken through telephone calls, written correspondence and meetings in order to actively engage these authorities and provide background information to the proposed project. The representatives from these Departments were requested to formally provide input into the EIA process. The other Authorities consulted include: Western Cape Nature Conservation South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) City of Cape Town Municipality Blaauwberg Chamber of Trade and Industry 3.3. Environmental Impact Assessment As part of the overall project planning process, this EIA phase aimed to achieve the following: to provide an overall assessment of the social and biophysical environments affected by the proposed OCGT power station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines.; to assess the broad study area in terms of environmental criteria; to identify and recommend appropriate mitigation measures for potentially significant environmental impacts; and Scope of Environmental Investigations 19

50 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province to undertake a fully inclusive public participation process to ensure I&AP concerns and issues are recorded Issues not requiring further Assessment Based on the findings of the Environmental Scoping Study, the following issues were identified as being of low significance, and therefore not requiring further investigation within the EIA for the initial portion of the broader study area: Potential impacts as a result of climate and atmospheric conditions: Impacts associated with climatic and atmospheric conditions within the proposed study area were considered to be of negligible to low significance for both sites identified. With the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and appropriate design of the OCGT facility and associated infrastructure, the potential impacts associated with climate and atmospheric conditions were anticipated to be of low significance to negligible. However, all infrastructure design will have to take into account the nature of the climate associated with a coastal zone. No additional detailed studies were, therefore, required to be undertaken during the EIA phase for this aspect Specialist Studies In undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment, Bohlweki Environmental were assisted by a number of specialists in order to comprehensively identify both potential positive and negative environmental impacts (social and biophysical) associated with the project, evaluate the significance of the identified impacts, and propose appropriate mitigation measures, where required. The specialist team identified and evaluated the potential impacts for the initial proposed study area for the OCGT power station, substation and 400 kv Transmission lines (in terms of their discipline). These specialists and their field of expertise are outlined in Table 3.1. Table 3.1: Specialist studies undertaken as part of the EIA process Company CSIR: Air Quality Management Unit CSIR Environmentek Agricultural Research Council (ARC) University of Pretoria: Zoology Department Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Bohlweki Environmental MetroGIS Jongens, Keet and Associates GMKS Archaeology Contracts Office (ACO) Field of Study Air quality and emissions; Health impact study Surface and groundwater impacts Soil and Agricultural potential impacts Terrestrial fauna Avifauna Ecological assessment Visual impacts Noise impacts Traffic impacts Archaeological, cultural & historical sites Scope of Environmental Investigations 20

51 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province Afrosearch Grant Thornton Company Social Issues Tourism impacts Field of Study All of these specialist studies were undertaken within the EIA phase of the project, which concentrated on the broader study area to be investigated, as identified during the Scoping phase. Exception applied to sites of archaeological, cultural and historical interest, which were only investigated for the new site as no further studies were required for the initial site. In order to evaluate the significance of the identified impacts, the following characteristics of each potential impact were identified: the nature, which shall include a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected and how it will be affected; the extent, wherein it will be indicated whether the impact will be local (limited to the immediate area or site of development) or regional; the duration, wherein it will be indicated whether the lifetime of the impact will be of a short duration (0 5 years), medium-term (5 15 years), long term (> 15 years) or permanent; the probability, which shall describe the likelihood of the impact actually occurring, indicated as improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most likely), or definite (impact will occur regardless of any preventative measures); the significance, which shall be determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above and can be assessed as low, medium or high; and As Eskom have the responsibility to avoid or minimise impacts and plan for their management (in terms of the EIA Regulations), the mitigation of significant impacts was discussed and conclusions and recommendations regarding the preferred site, within the broader study area, drawn Assumptions and Limitations of the Study The assumptions and limitations on which this study has been based include: Assumptions: All information provided by Eskom and I&APs to the Environmental Team was correct and valid at the time it was provided. The OCGT sites under consideration are technically and economically viable. The Transmission line corridors identified by Eskom are technically and economically viable. Scope of Environmental Investigations 21

52 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province All data from unpublished research is valid and accurate. It is not always possible to involve all interested and affected parties individually. Every effort was, however, made to involve as many broad based representatives of the stakeholders in the nominated area. The assumption has, therefore, been made that those representatives with whom there has been consultation, are acting on behalf of the parties which they represent. The individual specialist studies are subject to their own assumptions and limitations. Limitations: This report and its investigations are project-specific, and consequently the environmental team did not evaluate any other power source alternatives Overview of the Public Participation Process undertaken within the EIA Process The primary aims of the public participation process were: To inform interested and affected parties (I&APs) and key stakeholders of the proposed development. To initiate meaningful and timeous participation of I&APs. To identify issues and concerns of key stakeholders and I&APs with regards to the proposed development (i.e. focus on important issues). To promote transparency and an understanding of the proposed project and its potential environmental (social and biophysical) impacts. To provide information used for decision-making. To provide a structure for liaison and communication with I&APs and key stakeholders. To assist in identifying potential environmental (social and biophysical) impacts associated with the proposed development. To ensure inclusivity (the needs, interests and values of I&APs must be considered in the decision-making process). To focus on issues relevant to the project and issues considered important by I&APs and key stakeholders. To provide responses to I&AP queries. To encourage co-regulation, shared responsibility and a sense of ownership On-going Consultation with Stakeholders and I&APs On-going consultation with key stakeholders (e.g. local authorities, relevant government departments, local business) and other identified I&APs ensured that I&APs were kept informed regarding the EIA findings and proposed mitigation Scope of Environmental Investigations 22

53 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province measures. Networking with I&APs effectively continued throughout the duration of the project until the closure of the EIA phase. Where required, key stakeholders and I&APs were engaged on an individual basis. During the environmental studies, consultations were held with individuals, businesses, institutions and organisations, including the following: Department Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) Western Cape Department of Transport South African Heritage Resource Association (SAHRA) City of Cape Town Municipality Neighbouring property owners/landowners Local residents/residents Associations/Community Organisations from the surrounding area Local businesses surrounding the area Academic Institutions Environmental interest groups and Environmental NGOs Other parties interested in the proposed project including those from a business point of view. Examples of letters sent to I&APs and key stakeholders are included in Appendix C Consultation and Public Involvement Through consultations, issues for inclusion within the EIA were identified and confirmed. Telephonic consultation, Focus Group Meetings, public meetings and a key stakeholder workshop with I&APs and key stakeholders were undertaken in order to identify key issues, needs and priorities for input into the EIA for the proposed project. Minutes of meetings held with stakeholders and I&APs were prepared and forwarded to the attendees for verification of issues raised. Copies of the minutes compiled for all formal public involvement meetings held during the process are included within Appendix D. Networking with I&APs will continue throughout the duration of the project until completion of the EIA phase. Focus Group Meetings Numerous Focus Group Meetings were held during the EIA phase with relevant Key stakeholder and I&APs. These meetings aimed to provide smaller groups with the opportunity to raise their specific concerns with regards to the proposed project. Focus Group meetings were held with the following: Spoornet; Scope of Environmental Investigations 23

54 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province Blaauwberg Chamber of Trade and Industry; LED Forum Atlantis Residents and Civic Association; Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa City of Cape Town and Blaauwberg Administration Councillors Formal minutes of the focus group meetings were compiled and distributed to the attendees. These proceedings are included in the Appendix D. Various one-on-one consultations were also undertaken and minutes of those consultations have been included in Appendix D. Public Meeting A public meeting will be held on the 27 September 2005 to provide the general public with feedback regarding the findings of the EIA Report, and to provide additional detail pertaining to the environmental investigations undertaken during the EIA phase of the project. In accordance with the requirements of the EIA Regulations, this meeting was advertised 10 days prior to the event, along with the advertising of the EIA report availability, within Cape Times, Die Burger and the Weskus Nuus Newspapers (refer to Appendix E). Registered I&APs and stakeholders were further invited to attend the planned public meeting in the letter informing them of the availability of the EIA report. Formal minutes of this meeting will be compiled and distributed to the attendees. These minutes will be included into the Final EIA Report to be submitted to WC D:EA&DP. Key stakeholder Workshop: A key stakeholder workshop will be held with I&APs who are identified as key stakeholders with regards to the project. This meeting will be held on the 27 September The purpose of this meeting will be to allow key stakeholders with specific issues to raise issues and concerns and to facilitate interaction between the key stakeholders and the project team. The meeting will allow for smaller groups of I&APs and/or representatives of larger interest groups or organisations to play an active role in the process and provide an opportunity for dialogue and consultation with these parties. Formal minutes of this meeting will be compiled and distributed to the attendees. These minutes will be included into the Final EIA Report to be submitted to WC D:EA&DP Social Issues Trail Issues and concerns raised during the public participation process of the EIA phase were compiled into an Issues Trail (refer to Appendix F). Proceedings of meetings and written comments received are included within this issues trail. This record of issues provides a consolidated list in order to ensure that all issues and concerns raised by I&APs are considered within the EIA process. Scope of Environmental Investigations 24

55 and Substation within Atlantis Industria, Western Cape Province 3.5. Review of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report The draft EIA Report has been made available for public review at the following public locations: Avondale Library (Grosvenor Avenue, Atlantis) Wesfleur Library (Wesfleur Cirlce, Atlantis) Hartebeeskraal Multipurpose Centre (Nottingham Street, Atlantis) ANC Constituency Offices (Mark Street Atlantis) Mamre Municipal Offices Camphill Village (Klein Dassenburg Road) Offices of Ward 1 Councillor (Jenny Lane Duplex, Table View) Offices of Ward 2 Councillor (Milnerton Municipality, Milnerton) Offices of Bohlweki Environmental (Kyalami Office Park, Kyalami) A 30-day period is allowed for this review process. The availability of this draft report was advertised in Cape Times, Die Burger and the Swartland & Weskus Herald (refer to Appendix E). I&APs registered on the project database (refer to Appendix G) were notified of the availability of this report by letter (refer to Appendix C) Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report The final stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment process entails the consideration and inclusion of all relevant comments received from the public on the draft report within a final Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This final document will be submitted to WC D:EA&DP for Authority review decisionmaking Legal Considerations A detailed list of relevant environmental legislation, as well as details regarding permit requirements is included in Appendix H. Scope of Environmental Investigations 25

56 4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ENVIRONMENT 4.1. Geographical Setting The Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Power Station is proposed to be located within the existing proclaimed Industrial Area of Atlantis. Atlantis Industria and its adjoining residential suburb Wesfleur are located 7 km inland on the Cape West Coast, approximately 40 km north of Cape Town (Figure 4.1). Significant landmarks in the wider area are Eskom s Koeberg nuclear power station located approximately 9 km to the southwest, and the hamlet of Mamre located approximately 3 km to the north. Arterial access to the area is provided by the West Coast road (R27) and the N7 national road, and locally by the R Description of the Study Area The Atlantis Industrial Zone was established as an industrial growth point in the mid-1970s and set up with adequate infrastructure and services to support future growth in the area. Industrial development was encouraged through attractive concessions to industrialists and substantial investment in housing and community services. However, a change within the economics of the area resulted in withdrawal of these benefits and the subsequent departure of industries from this area. As a result of the nature of the area, the study area is visually dominated by the presence of various types of industrial stacks, buildings and the Koeberg-Aurora 400 kv Transmission lines that runs immediately to the southeast of the study area (Eskom Holdings, 2004). Both proposed sites for the establishment of the proposed OCGT facility are located in the western portion of the industrial area. The majority of this industrial area is already served by a tarred industrial road network (including stormwater, municipal sewer and water supply services and street lighting). A rail spur is located on the western border of Atlantis Industria, to the south of Site 1 and roughly west of Site 2. The residential townships of Atlantis and the informal settlement of Witzand are located between 3-6 km to the northeast and approximately 1 km south of the proposed site, respectively. Open farmlands are present to the north, south and east of the proposed site. Some of these farms fall outside the urban edge in terms of the draft Blaauwberg Spatial Development Framework (CSIR, 2002). The proposed future land use for this area is agriculture, but is presently dominated by thick stands of invasive acacias (Crowther Campbell, 2004). The proposed site falls within the buffer zone of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, but is zoned for industrial use. Description of Study Area 26

57 4.3. Climate and Rainfall The climate of Atlantis and the Cape West Coast is strongly influenced by the cold Benguela current which runs in a northerly direction along the coast. The climate of the area is moderated by the effects of the nearby Atlantic Ocean culminating in warm to hot summers and cool winters. The Cape West Coast enjoys a climate similar to Mediterranean countries, receiving the bulk of its rainfall in the winter from about May to September. Rainfall is mainly attributed to the passage of westerly wave cold frontal systems. Summers are relatively dry as a result of the effects of the South Atlantic Anticyclone (SAWB, 1965). According to the WR90 (WRC, 1995) records, quaternary catchment G21B experiences a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 424 mm and a mean annual evaporation (MAE) of mm. The long-term rainfall recorded at the Atlantis Wastewater Treatment Works (dating back to 1980) indicates a MAP of 454 mm. Schulze, et al (1997) indicate a potential annual evapotranspiration (A-pan equivalent) for the study area in the range to mm Morphology and Drainage The study area is situated on a coastal plain that is bounded to the north and east by shale and granite outcrops and suboutcrops (Figure 4.1), which are covered by windblown (Aeolian) sands to a large extent. These reach a maximum elevation of some 418 m above sea level in the form of Kanonkop located about 9 km to the northeast. The western portion of Atlantis Industria occupies a surface elevation of around 125 m above sea level. The land surface slopes gently (gradient 0,015 or roughly 1:67) from northeast to southwest. A variety of other sandy soil types are also found across the area. The landscape can be loosely divided into residential, agricultural, industrial and Fynbos shrub land. The site occurs within quaternary catchment G21B (304 km 2 in extent) of the Berg Water Management Area. The area is largely devoid of rivers and streams. The most significant surface water drainage feature is the southwesterly draining Donkergat River located within 6 km of the study area to the southeast (Figure 4.1). The Donkergat River itself is a major tributary of the Sout River, which enters the Atlantic Ocean at Melkbosstrand. These drainages account in large measure for the mean annual runoff (MAR) of 31,6 million cubic metres associated with quaternary catchment G21B. A very much smaller drainage, the Buffels River, occurs in the Silwerstroom area to the northwest (Figure 4.1). All streams in the study area have an ephemeral character. A high-yielding spring (approx. 30 L/s) is located at Silwerstroom on the coast, and another at Mamre. Both of these features serve as sources of potable water. Description of Study Area 27

58 Silwerstroom is utilised by the City of Cape Town, and the spring at Mamre represents the original source of water for the Mission Station established there in Geology The coastal plain in the Atlantis area is built from unconsolidated Cenozoic sediments (mainly quartz sand) associated with the Sandveld Group. These have been deposited on shale bedrock of the Malmesbury Group. The sand deposits average 25 m in thickness, although a maximum of some 80 m is attained in the southwest. Bedrock outcrops of shale occur sporadically along the coast and inland to the north and south of Atlantis. Granite intrusions associated with the Cape Granite Suite are exposed in the vicinity of Mamre. The geographical distribution of these strata is shown in Figure 4.1 below. Figure 4.1: Geographical map for Atlantis and its surrounds. Description of Study Area 28

59 4.6. General Ecology The vegetation of the study area falls within the Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and forms part of the Sand Plain Fynbos (Mucina & Rutherford, 2004; Veld type 68 - Low & Rebelo, 1998). The Sand Plain Fynbos is described as a relatively monotonous vegetation type resulting from the deep acid sandy soils of the West Coast. The vegetation for a large portion of the site has been substantially modified or disturbed by a variety of factors or combinations thereof. The larger Atlantis industrial area is divided in several big blocks of five to ten hectares in size. Some of the blocks are currently developed as industrial sites while most of the area is still vacant. Tarred roads in a good condition demarcate the blocks. The site is also linked to the mainline stormwater drainage system of the Atlantis township. In terms of vegetation integrity, the site can be described as fragmented with severely disturbed natural drainage patterns. In certain places, artificial wetland vegetation has developed as secondary vegetation due to the disturbance of the natural drainage patterns. The sites is separated from the natural vegetation of the Melk Post and Witzand areas to the north and west by the Dassenberg road (R307). Human activity and fragmentation have already lead to marked differences in the vegetation along this road. The vegetation is severely degraded and transformed due to human disturbance, e.g. road building, original site clearance and installation of stormwater drainage systems, change of drainage patterns, illegal quarrying of sand, illegal dumping of waste, frequent fires at the wrong time of year, etc. In terms of natural vegetation, the two potential sites (Site 1 and Site 2) are very similar with only small isolated patches of natural vegetation left while both sites are heavily infested by alien invasive species, mainly Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops). The invasion is much more pronounced on Site 2 while Site 1 has bigger areas where natural vegetation still occurs, although partly impacted on. In determining avifaunal composition for the study area, vegetation structure rather than plant composition is critical (Harrison et al. 1997). The description of the vegetation type occurring on site makes use of information presented in the Atlas of southern African birds (Harrison et al. 1997). The proposed development is situated in 3318CD which falls completely within the Fynbos biome (Harrison et al. 1997), which is characterised by a high diversity in plant species composition and endemism. This diversity is not paralleled in its avifaunal composition, and Fynbos is regarded as relatively poor in avifaunal diversity compared to other southern African biomes. The endemic Fynbos avifauna consists of the Cape Rockjumper, Victorin s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orangebreasted Sunbird, Protea Canary and Cape Siskin. The Black Harrier, a southern African endemic, also uses the Fynbos biome extensively for Description of Study Area 29

60 breeding. No evidence of any of these species was recorded in the study area. This can largely be attributed to the highly disturbed nature of the vegetation and associated habitats. With regards to terrestrial fauna, there was no evidence of medium to large sized mammals, given the general nature of the area, that is semi-industrialised with an adjacent residential area. The presence of small mammals, in particular terrestrial rodents and subterranean rodents are more likely to occur in the proposed study area, although none were recorded. The lists of floral, terrestrial fauna and avifaunal species that have been reported to occur in the broader area are included within the relevant specialist reports (refer to Appendices K, L and M) Social Structure The study area falls close to the border between Wards 1 and 2 of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. A preliminary social profile of these wards was compiled based on data obtained from Statistic South Africa and the Municipal Demarcation Board. This profile is briefly summarised below Population According to the results of the 2001 National Census, the population of Ward 1 was approximately , which represents about 1,5% of the entire City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. It has a geographical area of 173 km 2, which amounts to a low population density of slightly over 200 persons per square kilometre. Ward 2 accounts for a further 1,5% of the City s population. With an area of 555 km 2, it has a population density of only about 70 people per square kilometre Population Groups The major population group in Ward 1 of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality are Coloureds, which make up 96% of this ward. Although the population of Africans has increased by 80% between 1996 and 2001, they still only make up 3,2% of the population. In Ward 2, by contrast, Coloureds make up only 68% of the population, while Whites and Africans constitute 21% and 12%, respectively Age Distribution Some 37% of the population of both Ward 1 and Ward 2 is between 15 and 34 years. This could be indicative of a large potential workforce residing in this Description of Study Area 30

61 ward. The population under the age of 14 is at 20%, which may point to a need for education and training in the near future Education The number of people with no schooling living in Ward 1 of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality has decreased by almost 13% from 1996 to However, this figure is still low in absolute terms (4%). About 70% of the entire population in the area has at least some secondary education Unemployment Rates According to Census 2001 figures, unemployment rates in Ward 1 and Ward 2 are 30% and 23%, respectively. This is fairly close to the average for the City of Cape Town Occupational Levels Approximately 22% of the active labour force in Ward 1 is employed in elementary occupations (e.g. street vendors, building cleaners and various labourers), while 16% is employed in craft- and trade-related occupations. In Ward 2, 28% is employed in elementary occupations, while 11% is employed in craft- and trade-related occupations. Professionals account for 2% and 7% of the labour force in Wards 1 and 2, respectively Sectoral Employment Manufacturing represents the largest source of employment in the area (37% in Ward 1 and 27% in Ward 2). The area experienced increases in employment in the construction, financial, real estate, business and wholesale sectors between 1996 and Sectors which experienced the largest setback in terms of growth includes the mining industry (a decrease of 32%) and, to a much smaller extent electricity, gas and water services sector (a decrease of 10%) Income More than 60% of households in Ward 1 earn less than R3 200 per month. With an average household size of 4,2 people, the level of dependency on inadequate household incomes is clearly high. In Ward 2, 54% of households earn less than R3 200 per month. Description of Study Area 31

62 4.7.9 Housing According to Census 2001 figures, only about 3% of households in Ward 1 and 13% in Ward 2 lived in informal settlements. The average size of residences in both Wards is just over 4 rooms Transport Travelling by foot is the dominant mode of transport to work or school in Wards 1 and 2, followed by minibus taxis. The use of buses is somewhat less frequent. Due to the absence of passenger train services in the area, very little use is made of this form of transport Access to Electricity According to Census 2001 figures, virtually all households in Ward 1 had access to electricity. In Ward 2, by contrast, about 85% of households had access to electricity, while the remainder used paraffin or candles Water and Sanitation Of the Ward 1 households surveyed in 2001, 97% reported having access to water either inside their dwelling or in the yard. A similar figure reported having flush toilets. In Ward 2, 81% of households reported having access to water either inside their dwelling or in the yard, while 73% had flush toilets. Description of Study Area 32

63 5. ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS A number of potentially significant issues were identified within the Scoping Study. These issues required further investigation within the EIA phase in order to ensure that potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are limited through mitigation. These detailed investigations were undertaken for both the alternative sites 1 and 2 and their associated Transmission lines and substation. The following issues were identified as potentially significant and have been subject to detailed specialist investigations during the EIA phase of the project: Geology, Soil and Agricultural potential Groundwater Quality Impacts on Flora Impacts on Fauna Impacts on Avifauna Air Quality and Emissions Visual/Aesthetic Impacts Impacts on Tourism Impacts on Heritage sites Traffic Impacts Noise Impacts Social Impacts In order to evaluate the significance of the identified impacts, the following characteristics of each impact was addressed: the nature, including a description of what causes the effect, what will be affected and how it will be affected; the extent, which indicates whether the impact will be local (limited to the immediate area or site of development) or regional; the duration, which indicates whether the lifetime of the impact will be of a short duration (0 5 years), medium-term (5 15 years), long-term (> 15 years) or permanent; the probability, which describes the likelihood of the impact actually occurring, indicated as improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most likely), or definite (impact will occur regardless of any preventative measures); the significance, which was determined through a synthesis of the characteristics described above and can be assessed as low, medium or high; and the status, which is described as either positive, negative or neutral. Environmental Impact Assessment 33

64 All the detailed specialist reports have been integrated and consolidated into this EIA report to allow for easy assessment of the potential environmental aspects. The reports in their entirety have been included from Appendix I through to Appendix T Potential Impacts on Soil and Agricultural Potential Most of the study area consists of deep, fine- to medium-grained, sandy soils, dominantly of the Namib (Nb) soil form. A small area in the south has a subsoil clay horizon, and these soils belong mainly to the Kroonstad (Kd) soil form. Detailed information is included in the agricultural potential specialist report contained in Appendix I Assessment of Potential Impacts on Soils and Agricultural Potential Soil : Within the broader study area soil analyses were undertaken on three sites, namely S1, S2 and S3 (refer Figure 5.1). A summary of the soil analysis results from the detailed studies are given in Table 5.1, and the main soil characteristics are given in Table 5.2. Table 5.1: Soil analysis results Sample site S1 S2 S3 Co-ordinates 33 o S 33 o S 33 o S (Lat/Long) 18 o E 18 o E 18 o E Soil Form Nb Nb Kd Horizon A1 C A1 C A1 E G Depth (mm) Sa Si % Cl Na K Ca cmol Mg CEC kg P (Bray 1) ph (H 2 O) Org. C (%) Environmental Impact Assessment 34

65 Table 5.2: Soil mapping units Effective Map Dominant Subdominant Agric. Area Depth Description of Mapping Unit Unit Soil Form/Family Soil Form/Family Pot. (Ha) (mm) Deep, sandy soils Nb1 Nb >1 500 Fine- to medium-grained, structureless, grey-brown to Low brown, calcareous sandy topsoil on fine- to mediumgrained, structureless, grey, calcareous sandy subsoil. Nb2 Nb >1 500 Fine- to medium-grained, structureless, grey-brown to Low brown, non-calcareous sandy topsoil on fine- to medium-grained, structureless, grey, non-calcareous sandy subsoil. Duplex soils Kd1 Kd1000 Lt1100, Nb1200, Fine- to medium-grained, structureless, grey-brown to Very low 20.8 Nb1100 brown, non-calcareous sandy topsoil on fine- to medium-grained, structureless, grey, non-calcareous sandy subsoil overlying dark grey to brown, mottled hydromorphic sand. A seasonal water table varies in depth from mm. Total Environmental Impact Assessment 35

66 The analysis results show the sandy nature of the soils, along with the slight alkalinity (as shown by the ph values) and lack of organic matter. Cation levels are low, as would be expected in such a sandy soil, while the calcareous nature of the soil at sampling point S1 is clearly shown in the increased Calcium (Ca) values, leading to a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC). Phosphorous (P) values are relatively low, except for the calcareous subsoil of S1, where the shell materials that were the source of most of the lime have also supplied extra P. No significant abnormal or otherwise limiting factors could be observed from the soil analysis data. Similar results were obtained from the geotechnical analyses carried out nearby (Jones & Wagener, 2005), which confirm the soil textures, low organic matter content and showed even higher ph values (over 8). Agricultural Potential: The map units (refer to Soil Map in Appendix I), their areas, percentages and soil potential classes are given in Table 5.3. Table 5.3: Agricultural Potential Potential Map Main limiting factor(s) Class Unit(s) Low Nb1, Nb2 Excessively drained soil; low fertility; susceptible to wind erosion Very low Kd1 Low fertility; wet subsoil lying in depression in topography Total Area in Ha (+ % of survey area) ha (94.8%) 20.8 ha (5.2%) ha (100%) The sandy soils that predominate in the study area have a low agricultural potential, due to a combination of: excessive drainage due to the sandy texture, low fertility associated with the low clay content, and a susceptibility to wind erosion if exposed, caused by the fine to medium grade of sand. The small area of duplex soils has a wet subsoil horizon associated with a slight depression in the topography and has an even lower agricultural potential. Due to the low agricultural potential in the study area, no impacts on agricultural potential is anticipated as a result of the proposed project. Environmental Impact Assessment 36

67 Conclusions From the point of view of soils and agricultural potential, there is little or no difference between the proposed alternative sites for the power station. Therefore, there is no preference for either site Groundwater Quality Detailed groundwater studies were undertaken for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the OCGT Power Station and associated Transmission lines and substation. The detailed report is included within Appendix J. The detailed studies indicated that the following components of the groundwater environment would be sensitive to industrial contamination from the surface and near-surface: Groundwater quality, Significance of the groundwater resource, and Groundwater resource vulnerability and sensitivity. Groundwater quality: The quality of the groundwater in the Atlantis area exhibits the spatial variation identified in Table 5.4. It is evident from Table 5.4 that the element concentrations associated with the Klein Springfontein Witzand aquifer groundwater are generally the lowest, i.e. representative of fresher groundwater. Those associated with groundwater in proximity to the proposed alternative OCGT sites, and in particular Site 2, are the highest. Table 5.4: Spatial variation in groundwater chemistry in the Atlantis area Mean value Descriptor Unit OCGT Site Proximity Klein Springfontein Witzand aquifer Brakkefontein aquifer Ph ph units Electrical Cond. ms/m Calcium mg/l Ca Magnesium mg/l Mg Sodium mg/l Na Potassium mg/l K Total Alkalinity mg/l CaCO Hardness mg/l CaCO Sulphate mg/l SO Chloride mg/l Cl The elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride associated with the Brakkefontein aquifer attest to the slightly more saline character of the groundwater encountered in this compartment. This also lends support to the placement of the noxious trade zone in this part of the groundwater environment. Environmental Impact Assessment 37

68 Significance of the groundwater resource: The significance of the groundwater resource in the Klein Springfontein-Witzand compartment for bulk water supply purposes was previously reported in the Environmental Scoping Report (Bohlweki Environmental, 2005). The Brakkefontein aquifer unit is separated from the Klein Springfontein-Witzand aquifer unit by a ridge of shallower bedrock that represents a buried water divide. This divide defines the western boundary of the so-called noxious trade zone within the Atlantis Industrial area, an area that has been earmarked for the development of industries that are associated with activities which have a higher potential contamination risk profile. The groundwater resource in the Brakkefontein compartment therefore, in comparison, is not regarded as a significant water resource in the Atlantis Industrial area. The existence of smallholdings some 3 km to the south-southeast of Site 2 indicates that groundwater does provide a source of potable water for domestic use (at least) on a local scale in the wider area. Although the magnitude of this use is considered to be small, its significance as a sole source of water must be acknowledged. Groundwater resource vulnerability and sensitivity: The vulnerability of the groundwater resource to pollution from surface contaminants is indicated by the following factors. The unconfined aquifer is associated with a comparatively shallow water table. The depth to water level in proximity to proposed OCGT sites exhibits a seasonal variation in the order of 3 m, reaching a maximum depth of some 5 m to 6 m below surface at the end of summer, and a minimum depth of 2 m to 3 m at the end of winter. The highly transmissive and permeable nature of the sediments facilitates the vertical and lateral migration of contaminants in the subsurface. The CSIR (2002) reports hydraulic conductivity values in the range 0,05 to 2,1 m/day, and transmissivity values in the range 55 to 1960 m 2 /day. The clean siliceous sands contain only a small proportion of clayey and organic material with the capacity to adsorb and assimilate pollutants Assessment of Potential Impacts on Groundwater In terms of groundwater, the following potentially contaminating activities associated with the OCGT facility have been identified. These are considered in terms of the contaminants they may introduce into the environment, and the nature, extent, duration, intensity/magnitude, probability and significance of the potential impacts on the groundwater environment. Environmental Impact Assessment 38

69 Construction phase Construction of bitumen-based hard surfaces and roads Storage of diesel fuel for construction equipment On-site sanitation facilities Operational phase Storage of kerosene or diesel for turbine operation Storage and disposal of brine product of demineralised feed water (if required) Management of potentially contaminated stormwater runoff Landscaping and gardening Construction phase: Construction of bitumen based hard surfaces and roads Nature: Phenol contamination; negative. Extent: Local. Duration: Short-term risk of contamination (during construction phase). Long-term risk of reduction in recharge. Intensity: Low. Limited flushing of phenolic compounds from wet bitumen subjected to a rainfall event. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low. Mitigation: No laying of bitumen in the rain. Storage of diesel fuel for construction equipment Nature: Volatile organic compound contamination; negative. Extent: Local. Duration: Short-term risk of contamination (during construction phase). Intensity: Low. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low. Mitigation: Elevated storage tanks, cement-paved and bunded vehicle refuelling area. On-site sanitation facilities for construction personnel Nature: Extent: Duration: Bacteriological contamination; negative. Local. Short-term risk of contamination (during construction phase). Environmental Impact Assessment 39

70 Intensity: Low. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low. Mitigation: Provision of chemical toilets for construction personnel. Operational phase: Storage of kerosene or diesel (for turbine operation) in 5 x 1000 m 3 surface tanks Nature: Volatile organic compound contamination; negative. Extent: Site and immediate surroundings. Duration: Long-term. Intensity: Low. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Medium. Mitigation: Surface storage tanks placed in a cement-paved and bunded containment area. Storage and disposal of brine product of demineralised feed water (if required) Nature: High inorganic salt concentrations; negative. Extent: Site and immediate surroundings. Duration: Long-term. Intensity: Low. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Medium. Mitigation: Disposal to Atlantis Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant for transfer to the coastal recharge basins with other products from this facility. Management of potentially contaminated stormwater runoff Nature: Pesticide and nitrate contamination; negative. Extent: Site. Duration: Long-term. Intensity: Low to medium. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Medium. Mitigation: Connection to industrial stormwater drainage system. Landscaping and gardening Nature: Extent: Pesticide and nitrate contamination; negative. Site. Environmental Impact Assessment 40

71 Duration: Long-term. Intensity: Low to medium. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low. Mitigation: Establishment of indigenous vegetation requiring little or no fertilisation Conclusions Although the groundwater environments that underlie Sites 1 and 2 are assigned a similar vulnerability, their association with different groundwater compartments assigns a greater sensitivity to Site 1 than to Site 2. These circumstances pertain directly to the location of Site 1 in the Klein Springfontein Witzand aquifer, and Site 2 in the Brakkefontein aquifer, for the reasons outlined above. It is important to note, however, that both sites are suitable for development of an OCGT facility, i.e. the greater sensitivity of the Site 1 groundwater environment does not detract from the suitability of this site should Site 2 not be available Flora In terms of natural vegetation occurring on the proposed alternative sites, they are very similar with only small isolated patches of natural vegetation left while both sites are heavily infested by alien invasive species, mainly Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops). The detailed flora study is included within Appendix K. Approximately 65% of the vegetation on Site 1 is transformed due to alien species invasion. A large open patch occurs in the central area of the site where several fynbos species were recorded. The area was burned recently and the vegetation is sparse. Several seedlings of alien invasive species were recorded (refer to Appendix K), indicating a gradual thickening of these areas in time. The invasion of alien invasives on Site 2 is more pronounced than on Site 1. Most of Site 2 (80%+) is totally infested with Port Jackson (Acacia saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops) with the exotic grasses Lolium perenne and Hordeum murinum commonly occurring. In these areas hardly any natural vegetation (i.e.fynbos) species occur. There are only a few small areas on which the vegetation appears semi-natural, although here the alien invasion is also advancing as is indicated by the many young trees and seedlings of the invasive aliens. Environmental Impact Assessment 41

72 Assessment of Potential Impacts on Flora OCGT Site 1 and Site 2 (including substation): Because of the high similarity of the vegetation between the two sites, the potential impacts related to the power station and associated infrastructure (including the substation) will be very similar: Loss of vegetation Nature: the footprint of the site and associated infrastructure will lead to the total removal of the vegetation over the whole area to be utilised. Extent: site establishment requires approximately 7-10 hectares. Duration: the loss of natural vegetation can be regarded as permanent. Probability: there is no alternative and the probability is thus seen as high. Significance: due to the degraded and transformed condition of the vegetation, the potential impact is seen as of low significance. Loss of Red Data species Nature: The removal of the vegetation for the construction of the OCGT facility and associated infrastructure may lead to the loss of Red Data species not recorded during the site assessments. Extent: Due to the relatively small size of the footprint (approximately 20 ha) it will be limited in extent. Duration: Loss of Red data species will be permanent. Probability: The current condition of the vegetation due to extensive alien species invasion (Port Jackson and Rooikrans) and several other impacts caused by human intervention over time, has lead to conditions largely unfavourable for the occurrence of the Red data species. The probability is assessed as low. Significance: Based on the restricted extent and low probability, the potential impact on Red Data species is seen as of a low significance. Loss of biodiversity through the increase of Alien invader species: Nature: Extent: Although alien species will be removed for the construction of the OCGT facility and associated infrastructure, the newly disturbed areas will potentially create new pathways for invasion of vegetation not yet transformed. The disturbance of the current vegetation will create the potential conditions for the invasion of alien species in the surrounding area. Increase of invasive alien species will lead to a gradual decrease of biodiversity over time, spreading from the source of invasion. Potentially the area immediately surrounding the proposed site. Environmental Impact Assessment 42

73 Duration: Long-term Probability: The current condition of the vegetation, specifically the levels of alien invasion in the area indicate the ideal conditions that exist in the area for the invader species. The probability is assessed as high. Significance: Based on the current poor condition of the vegetation and the existing levels of alien species invasion the significance is rated as low to medium depending on the vegetation directly next to the chosen site. Loss of artificial wetland: Nature: The total removal of the wetland and all associated vegetation for the construction of the sub-station for the OCGT. The wetland is currently functioning as an area for storm water drainage, which function will be lost temporarily until it is replaced with a structure fulfilling the same function for the surrounding area, including the OCGT and the sub-station. The wetland also provide habitat for several bird species and other fauna. Extent: Local - as it will affect only species associated with the artificial wetland. Duration: Temporary - this artificial wetland will have to be replaced with a similar structure to service the altered water flow patterns after construction of the OCGT and sub-station. Probability: Definite Significance: Low - based on the artificial nature of the wetland and its replacement with a new wetland serving the same purpose after construction of the OCGT. Transmission lines: From Site 1 The alignment will follow existing infrastructure (railroad and access road) which will prevent the need for the construction and maintenance of access roads for construction and service roads during the operational phase. Furthermore, the alignment follows a corridor that is already transformed and re-colonised by alien invaders and fynbos pioneer species. The impact on the vegetation along the alignment can be described as low and localised. Although there is a potential for red data species to occur along the alignment, the probability is very low. Environmental Impact Assessment 43

74 From Site 2 Only a very short Transmission line corridor will be needed to link into the existing Koeberg-Aurora Transmission lines. The potential impact on the natural vegetation is therefore assessed as to be low, of very limited extent and of no significance. The impact on the vegetation along both alignments is very similar and differs only in extent: Loss of natural vegetation: Nature: initially the whole servitude of the alignment will have to be cleared of trees and large shrubs. Smaller shrubs and grasses forbs etc. will remain. Due to the transformed status of the vegetation no natural vegetation will be impacted on. Extent: From site one a servitude of 2.8 kilometre will be partially cleared in comparison of a servitude of 250 meters from Site 2. Duration: the removal of trees and large shrubs will be permanent while the grass and forb layer will be maintained. Probability: Definite. Significance: Due to the degraded and transformed condition of the vegetation, the potential impact is seen as of low significance. Loss of Red Data species: Nature: The removal of the vegetation for the construction of the transmission lines may lead to the loss of Red Data species not recorded during the site assessments. Extent: Due to the relatively short distances, especially from Site 2, it will be limited in extent. Duration: Loss of Red data species will be permanent. Probability: The current condition of the vegetation due to extensive alien species invasion (Port Jackson and Rooikrans) and several other impacts caused by human intervention over time, has lead to conditions largely unfavourable for the occurrence of the Red data species. The probability is assessed as low. Significance: Based on the restricted extent and low probability, the potential impact on Red Data species is seen as of a low significance. Loss of biodiversity through the increase of Alien invader species: Nature: Although alien species will be removed for the construction of the transmission lines, the newly disturbed areas as well as new access roads and other infrastructure will potentially create new Environmental Impact Assessment 44

75 pathways for invasion of neighbouring vegetation not yet transformed. The disturbance of the current vegetation will create the potential conditions for the invasion of alien species into the surrounding area. Increase of invasive alien species will lead to a gradual decrease of biodiversity over time, spreading from the source of invasion. Extent: Potentially the area immediately surrounding the proposed alignment. Duration: Long term Probability: The current condition of the vegetation, specifically the levels of alien invasion in the area indicate the ideal conditions that exist in the area for the invader species. The probability is assessed as medium. Significance: Based on the current poor condition of the vegetation and the existing levels of alien species invasion the significance is rated as medium Conclusions Site 2 is nominated as the preferred site because of two main factors, i.e.: The extent of alien invasion and resultant transformation of the natural vegetation. Compared to Site 1, the trees are older with a large seed bank, indicating a further potential densification of this site in future. Significant areas at Site 1 are not invaded yet and can be preserved through correct management. The shorter distance to the existing Koeberg-Aurora Transmission lines will result in a significantly shorter Transmission line servitude and less impact on the surrounding vegetation Fauna The EIA strongly suggests the presence of small rather than large mammals within the study area, none of which are endangered in any way, except the data deficient (DD) R. pumilio which is a common and widely distributed species, not only in the Western Cape but also in the southern African subregion. Refer to the fauna specialist study in Appendix L for list of those species recorded within the study area. Environmental Impact Assessment 45

76 Assessment of Potential Impacts on Fauna OCGT Site 1 and Site 2 (including substation): Most of the species, which could potentially occur in the study area, do not rely on the habitat, which is already degraded on both Site 1 and Site 2 (as described in section 5.3). The only potential impact on fauna is likely to be the food source of terrestrial mammals and destruction of burrows, tunnel systems, and nesting sites for subterranean mammals particularly the Cape dune (Bathyergus suillus), African (Cryptomys hottentotus) and Cape (Georycus capensis) mole rats through earth-removals. However, these species are common in the area and throughout the subregion and the area of the proposed project is considered to be negligible as these species are likely to occur in the nearby Koeberg Nature Reserve. Consequently, the assessment criteria of the potential impact on terrestrial fauna as a result of the establishment of the OCGT facility scored as follows: Assessment of the impact on small mammals occurring at the two alternative sites of the proposed OCGT power station: Nature: Habitat loss; small mammals; food source Extent: Local Duration: Short-term (species will survive in the immediate vicinity) Intensity: Low to medium. Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low (species common and widely distributed) Status: Neutral Given the likely species to be affected are very common in the area, the need for corridors for mammals to the adjacent protected area at Koeberg Nature Reserve are not considered to be necessary. An indirect impact on terrestrial fauna may emanate from potential soil pollution from chemical/fuel spills. While these would directly affect mammalian species, particularly environmentally-sensitive subterranean mammals, the likely area to be affected is relatively small. More importantly, however, steps could be taken to minimise chemical/fuel spills. Consequently, the assessment criteria of the potential of chemical/fuel spills on small mammals on the proposed sites of the power station are as follows: Environmental Impact Assessment 46

77 Assessment of impact of chemical/fuel spills small mammals occurring at the two alternative sites of the proposed OCGT power station: Nature: Pollution; small mammals; chemical/fuel spills Extent: Local Duration: Short-term (species will survive in the immediate vicinity; remedial steps can be undertaken) Probability: Improbable. Significance: Low (species widely distributed; spills can be prevented) Status: Neutral Transmission lines: Clearing of the land along Transmission lines may have an impact on terrestrial fauna, however, the mammals likely to be affected are common species and the significance of the impact considered low. Clearing is considered not to have an impact on subterranean mammals, and the significance again considered low. It is also possible that there will be no influence on functional powerlines as an extensive literature search yielded no published data on the potential general influence of functional powerlines on mammals in the vicinity of the servitude Conclusions Given the relatively small size of the area under consideration, the already disturbed habitat, and largely common and widely distributed species found in the area, it is anticipated that the proposed project would have a low impact on terrestrial fauna in the area. Any of the two alternative sites are suitable, but preference should be given to the alternative Site 2 which is slightly further from the coast line and would also slightly reduce the overall length of the Transmission lines required to link the power station to the National Transmission Network Potential Impacts on Avifauna A Bird Impact Assessment study was undertaken in order to identify and evaluate potential impacts on the birdlife as a result of the proposed development. Red Data bird species which have been recorded within the study area listed within the Bird Impact Assessment report included in Appendix M. Environmental Impact Assessment 47

78 Assessment of Potential Impacts on Avifauna The OCGT Power Station and HV substation: Habitat destruction Nature of the impact: The construction of the Power Station and HV substation will result in the destruction of approximately 20 hectares of vegetation. Inevitably, this will result in the displacement of birds currently breeding and foraging in this area. It is not envisaged that this will materially affect birds generally and in particular the Red Data species (with the possible exception of the Blackrumped (Hottentot) Buttonquail) that could potentially still be encountered in the area because (1) the habitat on both sites is marginal for most species, being infested with aliens and situated in an industrial area; (2) the area to be developed is relatively small (i.e. only 20 hectares); (3) extensive similar habitat is available on neighbouring properties; and (4) pristine Strandveld habitat is available in the nearby Koeberg Nature Reserve. As mentioned above, the habitat destruction might impact on Blackrumped (Hottentot) Buttonquails, the only species that is classified as Endangered in the study area. The occurrence of the species on Site 1 cannot be dismissed out of hand. Unlike the other Red Data species that have been reported to occur in the broader area (refer Appendix M), the quail is a little known, secretive and inconspicuous species. This means that a few individuals of this species could persist in small areas of suitable habitat without their presence being noticed (as for example on the remaining portion of Strandveld at Site 1). In view of this, (and in contrast to the other Red Data species mentioned) a firm conclusion cannot be drawn on the potential non-occurrence of the species at Site 1. However, the heavy infestation of woody alien plants at Site 2 almost certainly excludes the species from this site.. A conspicuous feature of site number 2 is a small storm water pond that is surrounded by dense reeds (see figure 9). This provides specialized habitat for several non Red Data species. The following species were observed by Roderick Beckmann (Client Office Manager OCGT) during a field visit to the area: Masked Weaver Long billed Crombec Pearl breasted Swallow Little Rush Warbler (African Sedge Warbler) Lesser Swamp Warbler (Cape Reed Warbler) Purple Swamphen (Purple Gallinule) Moorhen Common Waxbill Cape Wagtail Yellow Bishop (Yellowrumped Widow) Environmental Impact Assessment 48

79 This pond will be destroyed during construction operations and no other similar habitat was observed at any of the two sites. This should not be a major impact as far as Red Data species are involved, but will obviously impact on the common species that are currently dependent on this habitat. In view of this the possibility of replicating this habitat elsewhere on site number 2 should be investigated to off-set the impact of the loss of the pond. Extent of the impact: The actual extent of the potential impact on Blackrumped (Hottentot) Buttonquails is difficult to gauge, and depends on several factors; including the (1) actual occurrence of the species on site (unknown); (2) better information on the habitat preference of the species in the Strandveld habitat (unknown); and (3) the extent of Strandveld habitat remaining outside the development area (extensive habitat remains). Given the relatively small area that will be developed, and the extensive Strandveld habitat that remains available outside the study area, particularly in the Koeberg Nature Reserve, it is envisaged that the impact on buttonquails potentially occurring at Site 1 will be local, namely restricted to the site and immediate surroundings. It is unlikely that the species occurs at Site 2 due to heavy infestation of woody plants. The impact at Site 2 is therefore negligible. Duration: The duration will be permanent. Probability: It is a given that the habitat will be destructed in the process of building the plant. The question is whether the destruction will impact buttonquails in particular. As it could not be established whether the species actually occurs at the site, the probability of occurrence at Site 1 is probable at most, but at Site 2 it is improbable. Significance: The significance of the impact is low to medium, as it can not be stated with certainty that buttonquails do occur at the site. Even if they do occur at Site 1, which is the only area with potentially suitable habitat, the significance is still medium as there is a distinct possibility that the birds will be able to translocate to adjacent suitable habitat. The significance of the impact at Site 2 is negligible, due to the highly degraded state of the habitat. Nature: Negative Electrocution Nature of the impact: Electrocution of Spotted Eagle Owls has been recorded in HV substations in the Western Cape (van Rooyen unp.data). This species is very common in the Melkbosstrand area (van Rooyen pers. obs; Harrison et al. 1997), probably due to large populations of rodents in the sandy soils. Extent: Due to the abundance of the species, this impact, should it occur, would be low on a national and even local scale. Another species that Environmental Impact Assessment 49

80 might be electrocuted in the substation is the Pied Crow, an abundant local resident. Again this would have little impact on the artificially high numbers of this species. The extent of the impact is, therefore, local. Duration: The threat of electrocution will be low but permanent. Probability: Based on previous experience with owls and substations, there is a distinct possibility that the impact could occur. It is, therefore, rated as probable. Significance: Due to the abundance of the species that are most likely to be affected by this impact, namely Spotted Eagle Owls and Pied Crows, the significance is low. Nature: Negative Nesting Nature of impact: The construction of the HV substation might create artificial nesting substrate for several species, including Rock Pigeon, Pied Crow and Cape Sparrow with the crow nests being recycled again by Rock Kestrels and Lanner Falcons. Extent of impact: Local Duration: Permanent Probability: Probable Significance: Low Nature: Neutral to Positive The Transmission line turn-in: Collisions Nature of impact: Transmission lines are traditionally associated with bird collisions. The extent of the collision risk is dependent on several factors including the topography, line direction relative to the sun, the background and proximity of bird habitat (e.g. agricultural activity and wetlands). In this instance, the risk of collision is limited for the following reasons: (1) the total distance of Transmission line is only between 2,5 and 3 km at most, depending on which alignment is used; (2) the lines will be grouped together which will make them more visible; (3) no bird sensitive habitat is traversed and; (4) very few if any collision sensitive species are likely to frequent the area and/or regularly fly across the line, due to the general degraded state of the vegetation. Extent of impact: Low Duration: Permanent Probability: Improbable Significance: Low Nature: Negative Environmental Impact Assessment 50

81 Conclusions The proposed OCGT Power Station and HV substation is not likely to have a significant impact on the bird life occurring on and in the vicinity of either of the proposed sites. The only possible exception is the potential occurrence of the secretive Blackrumped (Hottentot) Buttonquail, an Endangered species on Site 1. Based on a literature review of the habitat preferences of the species and field observations of the habitat at both sites, it is concluded that Site 2 will almost definitely not harbour any individuals of this species. Site 2 is considerably more invaded by woody alien vegetation than Site 1, making in less suitable for birdlife overall. The wetland habitat currently created by the storm water pond at site number 2 harbours several Non Red data species which are dependent on the aquatic habitat and surrounding reed beds. These species will obviously be displaced if construction were to take place at this site. In view of this it is recommended that the possibility of replicating the habitat by re-directing the storm water somewhere else on the site should be investigated, prior to construction. The proposed Transmission lines are not likely to impact significantly on the birdlife in the vicinity of the study area, and therefore no mitigation measures are recommended. None of the alignments is significantly worse (or better) than the other, but the shorter length of the line turn-in to Site 2 means that the potential for bird collisions, (already insignificant) is further reduced. This is a further motivation for Site 2 as the preferred site Potential Impacts on Air Quality and Emissions This specialist study comprises three main components. The first component is a description of the receiving environment, followed by air dispersion modelling which is used to estimate the concentration of pollutants in the ambient environment as a result of emissions from the proposed development. This is followed by a risk assessment of the predicted concentrations to human health in the surrounding area. The last component is a Human Health Risk Assessment of the potential impacts which considers their significance, extent, duration and intensity. Details of the first to components are covered in the air quality specialists report in Appendix N. Air dispersion modelling was undertaken using the US-EPA approved CALPUFF suite of models, to predict ambient air pollution concentrations for a MW liquid distillate fuel-fired power station. Modelling was only considered for the northern site originally proposed (Site 1) due to time constraints. Results were extrapolated for the southern site which is the newly identified alternative site (Site 2). Emissions data was provided for NO x, PM, SO 2 and CO 2. Given that the proposed OCGT power station at Atlantis will operate as a peaking station, i.e. Environmental Impact Assessment 51

82 operational for only a few hours daily, NO x (maximum 1-hour), PM 10 (maximum 24-hour) and SO 2 (maximum 1-hour) concentrations were modelled. CO 2 was assessed qualitatively. All modelled concentrations for PM 10 and SO 2 are well below all recognised national and international standards and guidelines. The proposed South African 1-hour limit value and WHO guideline for NO x is exceeded in areas adjacent to the plant. The results of the dispersion modelling were evaluated in a human health risk assessment Nature and Extent of Impacts: NO x 1-hour Maximum Ambient Concentrations: The maximum 1-hour ambient concentration dispersion pattern for NO x from the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station operating at 1000 MW capacity is presented in Figure 5.2. The plume extends in a south-westerly, south-easterly and north-westerly direction following the prevailing synoptic winds. There is no 1-hour guideline quoted for the World Bank. The proposed South African 1-hour limit value (200 µg/m³) and WHO guideline (200 µg/m³) is exceeded in two areas. The first (A) occurred in the vicinity of Louwskloof which is ~11 km northeast of the proposed plant while the second (B) occurred in the vicinity of Rhone which is ~8 km east of the proposed plant. The highest concentration ( µg/m³) occurs at Louwskloof. The influence of the surrounding terrain on emission accumulation is evident. It is found that higher values are modelled against the topography to the northeast and east of the plant where the plume impacts directly onto terrain above the height of emission release. There is evidence of some drainage up and down the valleys, but dispersion is inhibited by the topography. A time series analysis at A and B is used to characterise the meteorological conditions prevailing during modelled exceedances. The time series shows that the 200 µg/m³ threshold was exceeded once at both A (Figure 5.1a) and B (Figure 5.2a). Environmental Impact Assessment 52

83 Figure5.1: Maximum 1-hour NO x concentration for the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station operating at 1000 MW capacity. Red dashes indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines The exceedance at A occurred on 19 April at 17h00 with a wind speed and wind direction of 2.5 m/s and 234 respectively, while the exceedence at B occurred on 6 May at 16h00 with a wind speed and wind direction of 1.9 m/s and 215 respectively. There is no clear pattern observed for both the wind speed and wind direction. The frequency distribution of modelled values at A (Figure 5.2b) and B (Figure 5.3b) shows a high occurrence of very low values and vice-versa. On average, 95% of the values are between 0-1 µg/m³ and less than 5% are between µg/m³. Less than 0.02% of the values are greater than 200 µg/m³. Environmental Impact Assessment 53

84 a Exceedance A: 19 April; 17h00 Max: 328ug/m3 350 Concentration (ug/m3) b Time (Hours) % Frequency Concentration (ug/m3) * Values between 0-1 have been omitted from the graph as they have an ~95% frequency of occurrence Figure5.2: Time series (a) and frequency distribution plot (b) of modelled concentrations at point A. The red lines indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines If a factor of 2 is applied to the time series (i.e. assuming the model has under predicted) for both points of exeedances, this would result in two exceedances at A and one exceedance at B. Environmental Impact Assessment 54

85 a Exceedance B: 6 May; 16h00 Max: 218 ug/m3 350 Concentration (ug/m3) b Time (Hours) % Frequenc y Concentration (ug/m3) * Values between 0-1 have been omitted from the graph as they have an ~95% frequency of occurrence Figure 5.3: Time series (a) and frequency distribution plots (b) of modelled concentrations at point B. The red lines indicate proposed South African limit values and WHO guidelines Risk Scenario: The maximum modelled 1-hour NO 2 concentrations at the receptor points range between 12.9 at and µg/m³. The latter was at Klein Dassenberg. The highest hazard quotient determined for an average adult as well as for a 10- year old child (representing a sensitive individual), is 1.09 for Klein Dassenberg. Hazard quotients vary between 0.06 for a child of 10 years old at Malmesbury and 1.09 (also for a child) at Klein Dassenberg. Another borderline hazard Environmental Impact Assessment 55

86 quotient is calculated for both an adult and a child at the receptor point Saxonsea. It must be noted however, that these hazard quotients, although borderline, are determined using the maximum modelled NO 2 concentrations. Adverse health effects are therefore not expected Nature and Extent of Impact: Total Suspended Particulate Matter PM hour Maximum Ambient Concentrations: There is no national or international 1-hour guideline quoted for PM 10. The impact assessment is rather based on the maximum 24-hour ambient concentration dispersion pattern, which is presented in Figure 5.4. All modeled 24-hour maximum ambient concentrations are well below the proposed new South African limit values (75 µg/m³) and the South African Air Quality Guidelines (180 µg/m³) for PM 10. There is no 24-hour guideline quoted for the WHO. The dispersion pattern for PM 10 reflects the influence of the synoptic wind pattern, with general dispersion to the south-west, south-east and north-west. The highest concentration (4.97 µg/m³) occurs ~8 km east of the proposed plant, at Rhone. There is some evidence of drainage down the valley, and impaction against the topography which inhibits dispersion and acts as a collection point for the emissions. Risk Scenario A qualitative health risk assessment is undertaken for PM 10 due to the lack of a reference concentration for health impacts. When compared to the South African 24-hour guideline of 180 µg/m³ (which should not be exceeded more than three times per year), as well as the Californian guideline of 50 µg/m³ (based only on human health effects) it is evident that the maximum modelled PM 10 concentrations for all receptor points are well below these guidelines. Maximum 24-hour concentrations range between 0.57 µg/m³ at Malmesbury and 4.97 µg/m³ at Klein Dassenberg. Environmental Impact Assessment 56

87 Figure 5.4: Maximum 24-hour PM 10 concentration for the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station operating at MW capacity Nature and Extent of Impact: Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ) SO 2 1-hour Maximum Ambient Concentrations: The maximum 1-hour ambient concentration dispersion pattern for SO 2 is presented in Figure 5.5. All modeled 1-hour maximum ambient concentrations are well below the proposed new South African limit values (350 µg/m³). There is no 1-hour SO 2 guideline quoted for the WHO. The dispersion pattern for SO 2 reflects the influence of the synoptic wind pattern. The highest concentration (37.73 µg/m³) occurs ~11 km northeast of the proposed plant, at Louwskloof. Evidence of drainage down the valley, and impaction against the topography is evident. Environmental Impact Assessment 57

88 Figure 5.5: Maximum 1-hour SO 2 concentration for the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station operating at MW capacity Risk Scenario The maximum modelled 1-hour SO 2 concentrations at the receptor points range between 1.5 and 25.1 µg/m³. The latter is for Klein Dassenberg. The hazard quotients determined for an average adult as well as for a 10-year old child (representing a sensitive individual), are well below one at all receptor points. Hazard quotients vary between for an adult at Malmesbury and 0.07 for a child of 10 years old at Klein Dassenberg. This indicates that it would be highly unlikely for any individual at any of the receptor points, to experience adverse health effects due to exposure to the modelled SO 2 concentrations Potential Impacts associated with the Alternative Site (Site 2) A detailed modelling exercise was not undertaken for the Site 2 due to time constraints imposed on this study. The assessment is therefore based on Site 1 results that have been extrapolated for Site 2. This assumes that the meteorology Environmental Impact Assessment 58

89 is similar at both sites. The isopleth plots were shifted ~500 m east and 1500 m south of Site 1 to represent emissions as if they originated from Site 2. Dispersion modelling results for PM 10 and SO 2, show that emissions are well below all recognised standards and guidelines and are not expected to cause any health effects in the ambient environment. It was therefore only appropriate to present results for the maximum 1-hour ambient concentration dispersion pattern for NO x as it exceeded the proposed South African 1-hour limit value (200 µg/m³) and WHO guideline (200 µg/m³) in two areas, and is expected to cause health effects in the ambient environment. Figure 5.6 presents the isopleth plots for the maximum 1-hour NO x at Site 1, expected isopleth plots for Site 2 and a comparison of locations of exceedances for both sites. It is expected that the exceedances for Site 2 will be located ~500 m east and 1500 m south of the Site 1 exceedances. Figure 5.6: Maximum 1-hour NO x concentration for the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station (a) at Site 1 (red triangle), (b) expected isopleth plots for Site 2 (blue triangle) and (c) a comparison of locations of exceedances of the two proposed sites. Red and blue dashes indicate exceedances of Site 1 and Site 2 respectively Environmental Impact Assessment 59

90 This analysis gives a rough estimate of the expected dispersion patterns and location of exceedances for Site 2. There is a high confidence for the expected dispersion pattern and level of concentrations in the vicinity of the plant as this area is relatively flat. There is a low confidence in the location of the expected exceedances as they may be influenced by the rising topography in that area. Although the proposed alternate site is to be located more to the south of the proposed site, exceedances for Site 2 may also occur at similar locations as exceedances for Site 1, but there may be a decrease in the area covered by the exceedance and a decrease in the highest concentration. This could be confirmed by a proper dispersion modelling exercise. However, the impact of NO x is regarded as medium-low and remodelling is not considered necessary Cumulative Impacts: Atlantis versus Cape Town Cape Town is situated approximately 20 km to the south of Atlantis. The prevailing wind axis at Cape Town is north-westerly to south-easterly. Atlantis does not lie on this axis. Considering this and the distance between the two, Atlantis is unlikely to be affected by air pollution originating from Cape Town, unless however, strong winds prevail from the south which is uncommon. The occurrence of strong northerly winds at Atlantis is uncommon. Therefore air pollution originating here will have little or no effect on Cape Town. Cumulative impacts are therefore considered to be negligible Potential Impacts associated with Greenhouse Gases A greenhouse gas (GHG) is transparent to shortwave radiation emitted by the sun but has the ability to absorb the long-wave radiation emitted by the surface of the earth, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere, producing what is known as the greenhouse effect. Examples of GHGs include water vapour, CO 2, methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (NO), ozone (O 3 ) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These gases have atmospheric lifetimes ranging from a few years to many decades. The individual effect of the wide range of GHGs is represented by a parameter known as the Global Warming Potential (GWP). The GWP is the ratio of the warming caused by a substance to the warming caused by a similar mass of CO 2 calculated over 100 years. Thus, the GWP of CO 2 is defined as 1. It is anticipated that the proposed 1000 MW OCGT Power Station at Atlantis will produce approximately g/s of CO 2 when firing on liquid distillate fuel, resulting in an annual emission of t/a. Environmental Impact Assessment 60

91 The total South African CO 2 emission is estimated as 294 Mt/a (SANC, 2000). This implies that the anticipated CO 2 emission from the proposed OCGT Power Station at Atlantis will be approximately 1.36% of South Africa s total CO 2 emission. South Africa ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Since then, other protocols (Kyoto and Marrakech) have been discussed with a view to achieving reductions. It is not clear at this stage which nations will formally commit to reducing GHG emissions and over which period. However, consumers are likely to increasingly put pressure on countries to reduce their GHG emissions. The proposed Atlantis OCGT power station s contribution to the South African greenhouse gas budget is relatively small and the initial assessment is to rate this impact on global warming as low. Even so, it is recommended that the Power Station remain proactive regarding their Greenhouse Gas emissions and to keep records. Table 5.5 overleaf provides a summary of the potential impact of the proposed OCGT power station on human health. The significance of the impact takes into account the nature of the impact, the extent, duration, intensity, probability of occurrence and confidence in the predicted modelling results. These impacts are applicable to Site 1 and Site Conclusions Based on the results of the dispersion modelling and risk assessments the following conclusions may be drawn: For the 1-hour NO 2, it is possible that sensitive individuals at Klein Dassenberg could experience adverse health effects such as slight changes in lung functions of asthmatics and an increased risk of respiratory infections. For the 24-hour PM 10 concentrations, the current and proposed SA guideline/standard is not exceeded. No acute or chronic health effects are expected in any healthy or sensitive individuals. For the 1-hour SO 2 concentrations, no acute or chronic health effects are expected in any healthy or sensitive individuals. Dust generated during the construction phase, particularly after the early excavation period may have a nuisance impact beyond the immediate region under windy conditions. Management measures to minimise or mitigate the impact must be implemented. Environmental Impact Assessment 61

92 Table 5.5: Summary Air Quality Impact Assessment of the Proposed OCGT Power Station at Atlantis Pollutant Impact of Pollutant Extent Duration Intensity Significance Significance Probability Status Confidence (without (with of Impact mitigation) mitigation) NO x Local Long-term Medium-Low Probable Negative High Medium-Low Low Particulate Matter Local Long-term Low Improbable Negative High Low Low SO 2 Local Long-term Low Improbable Negative High Low Low CO 2 Global Long-termpermanent Medium Probable Negative Medium Low Low Fugitive Dust Immediate area Long-term Low Probable Negative Medium Medium Low Environmental Impact Assessment 62

93 Based on a comprehensive air quality modelling exercise, using the best available input data, and risk assessments, it is apparent that impacts from emissions from the proposed Atlantis OCGT power station occur adjacent to the proposed site. With regard to NO x, these impacts will be local in extent and have low-medium intensity. These impacts will persist for the lifetime of the plant Potential Impacts on Visual/Aesthetic Quality The visual impact assessment aimed to identify and understand the crucial issues related to the specific impact. These issues or concerns, as stated by Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP) through the public participation process of the scoping exercise, highlight the envisaged potential impact and help to identify the critical factors that should be addressed. It also focused on the analytical procedures on site-specific issues, rather than to apply general assumptions that might not be applicable to the affected parties or study area. Once a clear understanding was formed about the perceived visual impact of the proposed facility, procedures were set in place to firstly, determine the potential visual impact of each site, and secondly, to identify the location (place) where the likely impact would occur. The potential visual impact and location of likely impact is indicated by a visual impact index for both of the proposed sites. The visual impact index comprises the following spatial criteria: Visual exposure (visibility) of the facility. Proximity to the facility (visual distance). Viewer incidence/viewer perception. Once the potential impact and area of likely impact had been identified, another set of criteria was applied in order to determine the severity of the impact and to assist in identifying the preferred alternative. The criteria/elements for the evaluation of the two sites included: Landscape character/land use character. Visually sensitive features (scenic features or attractions). Potential impact of the facility on tourism and eco-tourism. Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) of the natural vegetation. Potential visual impact of lighting. Potential mitigation measures. Strategic placement of the OCGT plant. Environmental Impact Assessment 63

94 The results of the above evaluation formed the basis for the identification and determination of the significance of the visual impact and facilitated in the rating of the two proposed sites. Details pertaining to each of the above criteria are discussed in the Visual Impact Assessment Report included within Appendix O Assessment of Potential Visual Impact Visual Impact Index: The combined results of the visual exposure, viewer incidence/perception and visual distance of the two proposed facilities are displayed in Figure 5.7 and 5.8. Site 1 This site has, through its close proximity to the Dassenberg Road (R307), an index ranging from 1-6. This is due to the observer's short distance (and high frequency) experience of the proposed OCGT plant. The facility is highly unlikely to be visible from the Atlantis residential area, but its residents travelling along the R307 would be reminded daily of its existence as they commute to and from Cape Town. The other areas of receding impact are virtually all restricted to the industrial area itself or to predominantly vacant land north-west of the facility. Site 2 The fact that this site is situated slightly further from the R307 has resulted in a visual impact index one point lower than Site 1. The core area of impact would almost entirely be contained to the industrial area. Even though this facility would still be visible from the road, it would be from a distance of approximately 1,3 km at the closest. The site placement is unlikely to have a visual influence on the Atlantis residential area, but would be more visible from the agricultural holdings and smallholdings west of the R304 than Site 1. These sightings would, on average, be 4 km from the OCGT plant. Issues Related to the Visual Impact and Severity Rating: These elements analysed other factors that may either mitigate or aggravate the visual impact. Landscape character/land use character. The two sites in question are both located within an established industrial area relatively far removed from residential developments or other conflicting land uses. The general land use is conducive to the construction and operation of the OCGT plant and no significant impact on the general land use character of the greater area is envisaged. Environmental Impact Assessment 64

95 Figure 5.7: Visual Impact Index for Site 1 Figure 5.8: Visual Impact Index for Site 2 Table 5.6: Visual impact on landscape character/land use character Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 1 Negative Local Longterm Low to Probable Low medium Environmental Impact Assessment 65

96 Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 2 Negative Local Longterm Low to Probable Low medium Visually sensitive features (scenic features or attractions). The public participation process highlighted Table Mountain as one scenic feature that the construction and operation of the proposed OCGT plant could influence. Table Mountain is not situated in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantis industrial area, but is situated approximately 40 km south at Cape Town. The position of Site 1 could, at least for a short distance, either obstruct or at least distract from this view. The placement of the OCGT plant at Site 2, considering the existing visual clutter in the industrial area, would not influence the observer in this regard. Figure 5.9: Long distance view of Table Mountain from the Atlantis Industrial Area. Table 5.7: Impact on visually sensitive features Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 1 Negative Local Longterm Medium to Highly Medium high probable Site 2 Negative Local Longterm Low Probable Low Potential impact of the facility on tourism and eco-tourism The specific area surrounding Atlantis and the proposed site locations are not currently viewed as major tourist destinations. Tourism predominantly consists of visitors travelling to the West Coast National Park and Saldanha Bay along the R27. This road passes south-west of the Atlantis industrial area Environmental Impact Assessment 66

97 at a distance of approximately 3,5-4 km from the proposed facility. It is also not a line of sight in approach to the industrial area, as the road does not directly face the proposed sites. The construction and operation of the OCGT plant is not considered to dramatically influence the establishment of the proposed Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve. The purpose of this reserve is primarily to conserve large tracts of land with high species diversity and is not envisaged to increase the short to medium term tourist influx of this specific region. Table 5.8: Visual impact on tourism and eco-tourism Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 1 Negative Local Longterm Low Improbable Low Site 2 Negative Local Longterm Low Improbable Low Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) of the natural vegetation The visual absorption capacity of the natural vegetation in this region, as mentioned previously, is not considered as an element that could successfully negate or mitigate the visual impact of either of the site locations due to the relatively low growth form. The effect of planted vegetation has proven to be more effective in this regard. Potential visual impact of lighting The effects of lighting are especially problematic in rural or sparsely populated areas such as found west, south and east of the industrial area. The 24-hour operational and security lighting associated with this type of structure and the aircraft warning lights (required by the Civil Aviation Authority) on the smoke stacks have the potential to impact on adjacent landowners east of the industrial area. This is true for Site 2, which is a situated closest to the smallholdings and agricultural holdings west of the R304 at a distance of between 3 km and 4 km. Glare from floodlights at Site 1 has the potential to significantly impact, or at the very least irritate, observers travelling along Dassenberg Road at night. Table 5.9: Visual impact of lighting (glare) Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 1 Negative Local Longterm High Highly Medium probable Site 2 Negative Local Longterm Medium Highly probable Medium Environmental Impact Assessment 67

98 Another lighting impact, sky glow (i.e. the condition where the night sky is moist, dusty or smoggy), is also considered to deteriorate with each new light source erected. This impact is less dramatic than glare, and is very difficult to quantify and address in isolation. Table 5.10: Visual impact of lighting (sky glow) Proposed Site Nature Extent Duration Intensity Probability Significance Site 1 Negative Regional Longterm Medium Probable Medium to low Site 2 Negative Regional Longterm Medium Probable Medium to low Figure 5.10: Lighting of the OCGT units at night. Note the glare omitted from the floodlights and the aircraft warning lights on the smoke stacks. Photograph taken at an OCGT facility (Afam) located in Nigeria. Potential mitigation measures The potential exists to plant vegetation screening at critical areas, especially along roads from where the facility might be visible, to reduce the visual impact from these areas. This could possibly be done for Site 1 (along the Dassenberg Road) but seems very unlikely to succeed when considering the low growth form of natural vegetation in the area. Environmental Impact Assessment 68

99 Figure 5.11: Planted vegetation along the R304 shield the observer from the proposed OCGT plant. Other potential mitigation measures for the proposed OCGT plant include the maintenance and general appearance of the facility. These measures focus on the fact that if/when the facility is seen by outsiders, the general impression should be favourable. Strategic placement of the OCGT plant The construction of Transmission lines from the OCGT plant to the Aurora- Koeberg Transmission line would further constitute a visual impact. The strategic placement of the OCGT facility on Site 2, adjacent to the Aurora- Koeberg Transmission lines, would greatly reduce this visual impact and even potentially negate it as the Transmission lines would be not be visible from the R307. The relative remote location of Site 2 from areas of high viewer incidence a substation required for electricity distribution Conclusions The overall visual impact associated with each of the sites, based on the above rating of the issues related to the visual impact, indicates that both sites have certain opportunities and constraints related to the construction and operation of an OCGT plant. Site 1 has, due to its close proximity to the R307 (Dassenberg Road), the likelihood of a higher potential visual impact than Site 2. It further has the disadvantage of the added visual impacts associated with the construction of Transmission lines to connect with the Aurora-Koeberg Transmission lines. The Environmental Impact Assessment 69

100 preferred alternative for the placement of the OCGT plant in terms of visual impact is therefore Site Potential Impacts on Tourism Potential Atlantis is located between two tourism routes, namely the R27 to the West Coast towns of Langebaan and Saldanha and the N7 that leads through the West Coast region to the Northern Cape Province and Namibia. The most well-known tourism activity in Atlantis is sandboarding that is done on the hill just before the turnoff to the Atlantis Industrial area where the OCGT is proposed to be located. The sandboarding site is popular with adventure tourists and international film crews have used the site for filming. The town of Atlantis is located within the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve and Atlantis is bordered by different types of designated areas of the Biosphere including a buffer zone and a core area. Both Site 1 and Site 2 are located within the industrial area of Atlantis, which falls within the buffer zone of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve. The land uses for the surrounding area are industrial, agricultural and undeveloped areas. The detailed assessment of potential impacts on tourism is included within Appendix R. A summary of the detailed study is discussed in section below Assessment of Potential Impacts on Tourism Potential It is anticipated that the proposed development will directly influence two important elements of tourism value, viz.: Visitor numbers and subsequently occupancy levels or utilisation levels of tourism activities; and Land values. The assessment of each impact for the two identified sites as well as the two alignment options is shown in the tables below. Table 5.11: Impact Assessment on the Decrease in Visitor Numbers Post Site/ Status Extent Duration Probability Significance mitigation Alignment significance Site 1 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Site 2 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Alignment Option 1 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Environmental Impact Assessment 70

101 Site/ Alignment Alignment Option 2 Status Extent Duration Probability Significance Post mitigation significance Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low The status of the impact would be negative as the sight of the OCGT could negatively influence the tourists perception of the area and deter them from visiting. The extent will be local as tourists would not decide not to visit Cape Town or the surrounding area because of the development of the OCGT on either Site 1 or Site 2. The duration of the impact is permanent as the tourist is unlikely to change their mind once they have decided not to visit the area. The likelihood of the impact occurring is improbable as both the proposed sites and alignment options are within an industrial area and tourists would expect to see industrial development in these areas. The severity is slight as very few tourists are likely to decide not to visit the area because of the development of the OCGT. The significance is low because the impact would be slight. Table 5.12: Impact Assessment on the Decrease in Land Value Site/Alignment Status Extent Duration Probability Significance Post mitigation significance Site 1 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Site 2 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Alignment Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low Option 1 Alignment Option 2 Negative Local Permanent Improbable Low Low The status of the impact would be negative as the sight of the OCGT could negatively influence the perception of the land value for agricultural use. The extent will be local as only land values in the immediate area will be affected. The duration of the impact is permanent as the facility is permanent. The likelihood of the impact occurring are improbable as both the proposed sites and alignment options are within an industrial area and property buyers would expect industrial development in these areas. The severity is slight as very few property buyers are likely to perceive the OCGT in an industrial area as negatively impacting on land values; The significance is low because the impact would be slight; Environmental Impact Assessment 71

102 The assessments of the potential impacts are similar for both sites and both alignment options due to the close proximity of the sites and alignment options, the limited tourism activity in the area and the location of the proposed sites in an industrial area. The tourism impacts would be similar for these sites and alignment options as the experience of a tourist and their perception of an area is not as localised as these sites and alignment options, for example a tourist s decision to visit or not visit the area, will not be influenced by whether the OCGT is located on Site 1 or Site 2. The main differentiating factor between the potential sites would be the visual impact of the site, i.e. to what degree the tourist would be able to see the site or not. This aspect is discussed in both section 5.7 above and the Visual Impact Assessment Report included in Appendix O Conclusions Based on the assessment of the identified sites and alignment options, Site 2 and its associated Transmission alignment are recommended as the preferred option for the proposed facility as they would be the least visible Potential Impacts on Palaeontological and Heritage Sites A field inspection of the proposed OCGT sites and surrounding broad study area was undertaken as part of the Heritage studies to establish the sensitivity in terms of the protections offered by the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of The results of the field inspection are described below. The detailed report is included within Appendix Q Assessment of Potential Impacts on Heritage Sites Site 1: Palaeontology Tiny fragments of calcified micro-fauna were observed. It is believe that these are incidental and a measure of the background occurrences that are to be found on any land where soils are dominated by calcium carbonates. While no surface indications of palaeontological material were observed in the recent mobile dunes, this kind of material can be found in deeply buried contexts with the result that it could be impacted by deep bulk excavation for construction purposes. No calcrete deposits were observed although these may be underlying. Archaeology No surface indications of archaeological material of any kind were located. This kind of material can be found in deeply buried contexts with the result that it Environmental Impact Assessment 72

103 could be impacted by deep bulk excavation for construction purposes. However, given the apparent depth of sand on the site, potential impacts are expected to be of very low significance. Built environment There are no historical built structures of any kind on the site. No impacts are expected. Landscape Both sites are situated well away from any places of known heritage significance, tourist areas or historical sites. The surrounding areas are either undeveloped or occupied by factories. The site is not visible from the R27. Potential impacts are considered to be of low significance. The assessment of the potential impacts for Site 1 are summarised as follows: Evaluation of impacts on general heritage significance for the proposed OCGT Site 1: Extent: Local Duration: Long-term Probability: Unlikely Significance: Very low Status: Very low Site 2: Palaeontology The central portion of the site contains several sandy blowouts (deflated areas) where numerous small rizoliths (fossil roots) and fossil plants fragments were observed. No fossil bone was noted. Fossilised plant remains are very common in calcium carbonate rich sands and are not considered to be significant. Archaeology Three occurrences of Late Stone Age archaeological material were noted on or very close to Site 2 (refer Figure 5.13). These are documented in Table 5.9. Fragments of shellfish and very small quantities of worked stone were visible in dune mole rat mounds in 3 areas located along a low ridge line in the central eastern side of the site. The material contained no formal artefacts and it is therefore difficult to ascribe them a relative date, however the shellfish species present and context are typical of late Holocene sites along the West Coast of the Province (Orton et al 2005). Environmental Impact Assessment 73

104 Figure 5.12: Map indicating occurrences of Late Stone Age archaeological material very close to Site 2 Environmental Impact Assessment 74

105 All 3 occurrences are very ephemeral and point to a very limited occupation period. They are considered to be of low heritage or research value, however their presence does require the fulfilment of permit requirements of Heritage Western Cape. Table 5.13 summarises the characteristics of the 3 occurrences. Built environment There are no protected historical built structures of any kind on Site 2. impacts are expected. No Landscape Both sites are situated well away from any places of known heritage significance, tourist areas or historical sites. The surrounding areas are either undeveloped or occupied by factories. The site is not visible from the R27. Potential impacts are considered to be of low significance. The assessment of the potential impacts for Site 2 are summarised as follows: Evaluation of impacts on general heritage significance for the proposed OCGT Site 2: Extent: Local. Duration: Long-term Probability: Likely Significance: Very low Status: Low Table 5.13: Characteristics of Late Stone Age occurrences in OCGT Site 2 (note map reference for coordinates is WGS54). Sites are rated in terms of heritage grades currently used by HWC where Grade 1 = National significance, Grade 2 = Regional significance and Grade 3a-3c = Local significance (high low). Arch Occ. Period Description Impact of development 1 Precolonial Late Stone Age Thin widely dispersed shell scatter on low ridge. Contains odd quartz and silcrete flakes, Ostrich egg water container mouth. Shell: S Low negative Will be potentially be impacted by service or bulk excavations. granatina, S. argenvillei, S. Grade 3 c granularis, C. meridionalis. 2 Precolonial Late Stone Thin widely dispersed shell scatter on low ridge. Contains odd quartz and silcrete flakes, Ostrich egg Low negative Will be potentially be impacted by service or bulk excavations. Age piece, fragment of broken grindstone. Shell: S granatina, S. Grade 3 c argenvillei, S. granularis, C. Environmental Impact Assessment 75

106 Arch Occ. Period Description Impact of development meridionalis. 3 Precolonial Late Stone Thin widely dispersed shell scatter on low ridge. Contains odd quartz and silcrete flakes, Ostrich egg Low negative Will potentially be impacted by service or bulk excavations. Age piece. Shell: S granatina, S. argenvillei, S. granularis, C. Grade 3 c meridionalis. Transmission lines: Given the general insensitivity of both proposed development areas, it is anticipated that the Transmission line routes with the limited footprint of the towers will result in very few impacts to a generally heritage depleted environment. Furthermore, very little of the proposed routes crosses undeveloped land as they lie mostly within an existing railway servitude before connecting with existing Transmission lines. Site 2 will result in even less chance of impact due to the shorter distance that the 400 kv Transmission lines will require Conclusions Either of the proposed sites are well suited to the proposed development although Site 1 is marginally preferred. Impacts to heritage as defined by the National Heritage Resources Act are extremely low in the case of Site 1, and low in the case of Site 2 due to 3 Late Stone Age occurrences in the area Potential Traffic Impacts Eskom has commissioned the independent detailed investigation of Fuel Supply to Atlantis Power Station which will explore fuel pipeline, road-based transport and rail-based transport options. The results of the investigation are expected by the end of September This traffic impact study investigates the worst-case scenario, namely fuel transport by road. The study also assesses the potential impacts associated with the transportation of large components during the construction phase. The Traffic Impact Study identified transport and traffic related issues for which there was likely to be a significant traffic/transport impact and undertook an assessment of these quantifiable impacts. Traffic count information was collected for the provincial and national roads in the area as well as the roads in the immediate vicinity of the site. Results of this traffic count are included within the specialists study contained within Appendix R. Environmental Impact Assessment 76

107 Assessment of Potential Traffic Impacts The following transportation issues related to the proposed development of the Atlantis Power Station were identified: Construction transport mainly related to the transport of very large, bulky Turbine plant, which needs to be transported from either Cape Town harbour or Saldanha Bay to the site. Construction traffic (employees and heavy construction vehicles) is specifically related to the physical construction of the Power Station over a period of some 18 months. Traffic Impact of employees working at the operational Power Station. Fuel Supply Transport to the Atlantis Power Station on a daily/weekly basis from the nearest Refinery. Preferred Site Location with respect to surrounding land uses, transport infrastructure and traffic/transport related issues. Transport of construction components: Nature: Extent: Duration: Probability: Significance: Status: Slight Regional Short-term Definite Low Negative Construction related traffic: Nature: Extent: Duration: Probability: Significance: Slight Localised Short-term Definite Low Operational Employee Traffic: Nature: Extent: Duration: Probability: Significance: No effect Localised Long-term Definite No significance Fuel Supply Traffic: Environmental Impact Assessment 77

108 Nature: Extent: Duration: Probability: Significance: Slight Regional Long-term Definite Moderate Conclusions In terms of the preferred site location, both alternative sites fall within the Atlantis Industrial area, a distance of approximately 1600 m apart. The same road within Atlantis Industria would serve both sites (i.e. Neil Hare Road). Due to the close proximity of the sites to each other and the road that will serve them, it be concluded that the traffic/transportation impact on both Site 1 and Site 2 is equal and therefore there is no preference in terms of the site Potential Noise Impacts Both alternative sites for the OCGT power station fall within the Atlantis zoned Industrial area, with Site 2 approximately 1600 m southeast of Site 1. The broad study area is bounded to the north by the R307 Dassenberg road, with the farm Melk Post 3 to the north east of the study area and the farm Witzand 2 to the east. Both these farms are zoned rural. Directly south of the site is the S.A. Defence Force shooting range with a waste water treatment plant to the south east. Beyond lies the zoned rural Driefontein smallholdings. The existing ambient noise level of the study area was measured to be 38 dba. The noise impact study was conducted for the OCGT Power Station in accordance with procedures contained in South African National Standard (SANS) 10328, Methods for environmental noise impact assessments in terms of the National Environmental Management Act Nr 107 of The methodology associated and undertaken for the study is described and outlined within the specialist study, included within Appendix S. In accordance with SANS 10328, the predicted impact that noise emanating from the proposed development would have on occupants of surrounding land is assessed by determining whether the rating level of the predicted ambient noise would exceed the residual noise or exceed the acceptable rating level of noise on that land as indicated in Table 5.14 and relating this excess to the probable response of a community to the noise as indicated in Table Environmental Impact Assessment 78

109 Table 5.14: SANS 10103, Acceptable rating levels for noise in districts (definitions of terms included within noise specialist study contained within Appendix S) Equivalent continuous rating level (L Req.T ) for noise, d BA Indoors, with open Outdoors Type of district windows Daynight Daytime Nighttime Daynight Daytime Nighttime RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS a b b a b b L R,dn L Req,d L Req,n L R,dn L Req,d L Req,n a) Rural districts b) Suburban districts with little road traffic c) Urban districts NON RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS d) Urban districts with some workshops, with business premises, and with main roads e) Central business districts f) Industrial districts NOTE 1 If the measurement or calculation time interval is considerably shorter than the reference time intervals, significant deviations from the values given in the table may result. NOTE 2 If the spectrum of the sound contains significant low frequency components, or when an unbalanced spectrum towards the low frequencies is suspected, special precautions should be taken, and specialist attention is required. In this case the indoor sound levels may significantly differ from the values given in columns 5 to 7. See also annex B. NOTE 3 Residential buildings, e.g. dormitories, hotel accommodation, residences etc. may only be allowed in non- residential districts on condition that the calculated or anticipated indoor L Req,T values given in column 3 of table 1 are not exceeded. a The values given in columns 2 and 5 are equivalent continuous rating levels and include corrections for tonal character, impulsiveness of the noise and the time of day. b The values given in columns 3, 4, 6 and 7 are equivalent continuous rating levels and include corrections for tonal character and impulsiveness of the noise. Environmental Impact Assessment 79

110 Table 5.15: SANS 10103, Categories of community/group response (definitions of terms included within noise specialist study contained within Appendix R) 1 Excess 2 3 Estimated community/group response L Req,T 1) dba Category Description >15 Little Medium Strong Very strong Sporadic complaints Widespread complaints Threats of community/group action Vigorous community/group action a Calculate )L Req,T from the appropriate of the following: 1) L Req,T = L Req,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS L Req,T of the residual noise (determined in the absence of the specific noise under investigation). 2) L Req,T = L Req,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS the maximum rating level for the ambient noise given in table 1. 3) L Req,T = L Req,T of ambient noise under investigation MINUS the acceptable rating level for the applicable district as determined from table 2. 4) L Req,T = Expected increase in L Req,T of ambient noise in an area because of a proposed development under investigation. NOTE Overlapping ranges for the excess values are given because a spread in the community reaction may be anticipated The OCGT plant would primarily operate for one hour between 06:00 and 07:00 and for one hour between 19:00 and 20:00. For assessment purposes in accordance with SANS 10103, the sound energy occurring for the total of two hours of operation was averaged over the daytime period T = 16 hours, assuming that both of the one-hour periods would occur during the daytime period from 06:00 to 22:00. The results of the comprehensive study are outlined and presented below Assessment of Potential Noise Impacts Impact of noise receiver locations during the construction phase: The results of approximate calculations, using the information provided, indicated that the instantaneous levels of noise originating from the noisiest sources would be 45 dba at a range of 2300 m and would equal the existing ambient level of 38 dba at a range of 3800 m. According to the information provided, it was anticipated that construction noise would be audible on portions of the farms of Melk Post and Witzand close to their boundaries with Dassenberg Road but unlikely to be audible at the smallholdings southeast of the respective sites. According to information received from Siemens it was considered unlikely that ground-borne vibration would be noticeable beyond the site boundary. Environmental Impact Assessment 80

111 In terms of assessment in accordance with SANS it was anticipated that the intensity of impact of construction noise would vary between negligible and low on the farms to the northwest of the proposed sites. Impact of noise receiver locations during the operation phase: The rating level of existing outdoor ambient (or residual) noise in the study area was found to be approximately 38 dba during daytime. This was significantly lower than the daytime acceptable rating level of 45 dba for a rural residential district and 50 dba for a suburban residential district with little road traffic outdoors. Figure 5.14 indicates that, for the Site 1, a large area of the farm Melk Post and a significant area of the farm Witzand would be exposed to rating levels in excess of 38 dba due to operation of the OCGT plant. A large area of the farm Melk Post would be exposed to levels of noise in excess of 7 db over the ambient (=residual) noise level and would be considered to be a disturbing noise in terms of the Noise Control Regulations. The intensity of a predicted noise impact was expected to range between Medium and High. All suburban residential land east and northeast of the proposed site and all smallholdings southeast of the proposed site would be far removed from the 38 dba contour. The intensity of noise impact in these areas was expected to be negligible. For Site 2, the farm Melk Post would lie almost completely outside of the 38 dba contour. A reduced area of the farm Witzand would still lie within the 38 dba contour. The increase in ambient level was expected to be less than 5 db with an associated low intensity of noise impact. The 38 dba contour would lie closer to the smallholdings southeast of the industrial area. However, the intensity of noise impact in these areas was expected to be negligible. Table 5.16 overleaf contains a summary of the anticipated noise impact. This was based on the following assumptions: The OCGT noise emission data provided was representative of that to be constructed. Operation of the OCGT plant would be restricted to a total of two hours during the daytime period from 06:00hrs to 22:00hrs. The noise emanating from the plant did not contain pure tones and was not of an impulsive nature. Environmental Impact Assessment 81

112 km Figure 5.13: L Req,d = 45 dba and 38 dba contours centred on each of the two alternative sites Table 5.16: Noise impact summary operational phase Proposed OCGT site 1 2 Extent of impact: Local up to 1920m from Local up to 1920m from centre of site centre of site Duration of impact: Long term Long term Intensity Medium to High Low Probability of occurrence: Definite Definite Legal requirements: Noise Control Regulations Noise Control Regulations Status of impact: Negative Negative Acceptance rating 2 4 Degree of confidence: Low to Medium Low to Medium Conclusions The results of the study into the potential impact of noise from the proposed OCGT power generation plant indicated that with the plant located at Site 1 an unacceptably high intensity of impact would result on large areas of the farms Melk Post and Witzand. Site 1 is, therefore, not recommended. With the plant located at Site 2 an acceptably low intensity of impact would result on a limited area of the farm Witzand. Environmental Impact Assessment 82