PROPOSED NDUMO GESIZA 22/132kV MULTI-CIRCUIT POWER LINE

Transcription

1 Zitholele Consulting Reg. No. 2000/000392/07 PO Box 6002 Halfway House 1685 South Africa Thandanani Park, Matuka Close Halfway Gardens, Midrand Tel + (27) Fax + (27) mail@zitholele.co.za DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN REPORT PROPOSED NDUMO GESIZA 22/132kV MULTI-CIRCUIT POWER LINE Report No : Environmental Management Plan Report Submitted to: Department of Environmental Affairs DISTRIBUTION: 2 Copies - Department of Environmental Affairs 1 Copy - Zitholele Consulting (Pty) Ltd Library 25 October Directors : S Pillay (Managing Director); N Rajasakran (Director); Dr RGM Heath (Director)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF EMPR 3 3. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS Legislative Requirements for EMPR Other Applicable Legislation 5 4. DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF AUTHORS 6 5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES 6 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Planning and Design Construction Generic Requirements Rehabilitation Operational Phase COMPLIANCE MONITORING Auditing AMMENDMENTS 21 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Environmental Authorisation 2

3 1. INTRODUCTION Eskom Distribution s KwaZulu-Natal Operation Unit is in the process of upgrading of the electricity infrastructure in the Makhathini Flats area of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The existing Makhathini 22 kv electrification network is highly constrained in terms of capacity and is unable to supply current and additional electrification requirements in the Candover, Mbazwana and Manguzi areas. Eskom is therefore committed to establishing a new 132 kv network of powerlines and substations on the Makhathini Flats to strengthen the existing electrification network and cater for future electrification loads. The construction of a 22/132 kv multi-circuit powerline between the Ndumo and Gesiza Substations is part of the larger Makhathini electrification project to form a closed circuit (ring) of powerlines on the Makhathini Flats. Construction and operation of the above proposed 22/132 kv multi-circuit power line is subject to a Basic Assessment (BA) in terms of Section 14 of the National Environmental Management Act, No 107 of 1998 (NEMA), as amended. As such, a BA was undertaken for: The establishment of a 132/22 kv multi-circuit power line, of approximatelyumo s 44 km in length from the Ndumo substation (currently under construction) located to the north-east of Shemula Gate to the proposed Gesiza substation (currently undergoing a BA process) located to the east of Manguzi. As part of the BA process, this report (i.e. Draft Environmental Management Programme) is attached as Appendix F to the Basic Assessment Report (BAR). This document sets out the desired environmental end state and serves as an action plan for the implementation of mitigation, management and monitoring measures for activities that could potentially have a negative impact on the environment. All mitigation measures and recommendations contained in this EMPr should be implemented. 2. GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE EMPr The Contractors appointed to undertake the work will be required in terms of the contract with Eskom to: Manage and operate their activities with due care and diligence; Avoid and/or limit any adverse impacts they may have on the environment by the proper design and construction of the proposed development; Control predicted impacts that may occur so as to meet acceptable standards, both as a legal and a moral responsibility to the environment within which they operate; and Ensure transparency in their operation and environmental management of the site. This EMPr serves as a stand-alone document to be issued to and used by the contractor/s and project managers/supervisors during the construction phase of the project. By its very nature, the EMPr is a dynamic document and updating may be required. 3

4 3. LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Legislative Requirements for EMPr In terms of Section 33 National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations [As corrected by Correction Notice 1 (GN No. R. 660 of 30 July 2010) and Correction Notice 2 (GN No. R of 10 December 2010)], the EMPr must include: Details of The person who prepared the environmental management programme; and The expertise of that person to prepare an environmental management programme; Information on any proposed management or mitigation measures that will be taken to address the environmental impacts that have been identified in a report contemplated by these Regulations, including environmental impacts or objectives in respect of: Planning and design; Pre-construction and construction activities; Operation or undertaking of the activity; Rehabilitation of the environment; and Closure, where relevant. A detailed description of the aspects of the activity that are covered by the draft Environmental Management Programme (EMPr); An identification of the persons who will be responsible for the implementation of the measures contemplated; Proposed mechanisms for monitoring compliance with and performance assessment against the EMPr and reporting thereon; As far as is reasonably practicable, measures to rehabilitate the environment affected by the undertaking of any listed activity or specified activity to its natural or predetermined state or to a land use which conforms to the generally accepted principle of sustainable development, including, where appropriate, concurrent or progressive rehabilitation measures; A description of the manner in which it intends to Modify, remedy, control or stop any action, activity or process which causes pollution or environmental degradation; Remedy the cause of pollution or degradation and migration of pollutants; Comply with any prescribed environmental management standards or practices; Comply with any applicable provisions of the Act regarding closure, where applicable; Comply with any provisions of the Act regarding financial provisions for rehabilitation, where applicable; Time periods within which the measures contemplated in the environmental management programme must be implemented; The process for managing any environmental damage, pollution, pumping and treatment of extraneous water or ecological degradation as a result of undertaking a listed activity; An environmental awareness plan describing the manner in which: The applicant intends to inform his or her employees of any environmental risk which may result from their work; and Risks must be dealt with in order to avoid pollution or the degradation of the environment; Where appropriate, closure plans, including closure objectives - not relevant to this report. 4

5 The implementation of a construction EMPr for the proposed activity is a requirement of the NEMA EIA Regulations and is likely to similarly be a condition in the Environmental Authorisation (assuming such), issued by the DEA. As such, failure to comply with this EMPr will constitute an offence and Eskom and/or their Contractor may be liable to penalties and/or legal action. Therefore, it is important for all the responsible parties to understand their duties and undertake them with duty and care. 3.2 Other Applicable Legislation Eskom is responsible for compliance with the provisions for duty of care and remediation of damage in accordance with Section 28 of NEMA and its obligations regarding the control of emergency incidents in terms of Section 30. Accordingly, the DEA must immediately be notified of an incident as defined in subsection 30(1) (a) of NEMA. Various environmental legislation and policies relate to the proposed activities, including the following listed in Table 1. Table 1: List of Applicable Legislation Name of Act No. of Act Remarks Agricultural Pests Act 36 of 1983 Control to prevent and combat agricultural pests. Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 45 of 1965 Control of all forms of air pollution. Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 Soil conservation, control of the utilization and protection of wetlands, control and prevention of veld fires, control of weeds and invader plants. Constitution of the Republic of South 108 of 1996 Africa Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989 Controls for the effective protection and utilization of the environment, littering, waste disposal, noise and various other activities, which may have a detrimental effect on the environment. Fencing Act 31 of 1963 Prohibition to a property owner s gates and fences. Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947 Control of aspects concerning the registration, sale, storage and use of pesticides and their active ingredients. National Forest Act 84 of 1998 Control of veld, forest and mountain fires and the protection of biota and ecosystems. Hazardous Substances Act 15 of 1973 Control of use, storage and transport of hazardous substances Health Act 63 of 1977 Land Survey Act 8 of 1997 National Environmental Management Act National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, of of 2004 Protection of indigenous flora and fauna. 57 of 200 Protection of conservation areas 5

6 Name of Act No. of Act Remarks National Environmental Management: Waste Management Act,; 59 of 2008 Requirements for the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of waste including reduce, reuse, recycle principles National Heritage Resources Act 27 of 1999 Protection of national heritage artefacts sites etc. 7 of 1998 Guidance on construction near, above or within road servitudes National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act Nature Conservation Ordinances: KZN 8 of 1969 Protected game and plants. Prohibiting disposal of waste Occupational Health and Safety Ac 85 of 1993 Environmental regulations for work places Physical Planning Act 125 of 1991 State Land Disposal Act 48 of 1961 National Water Act 36 of 1998 All aspects relating to the pollution of surface and ground water. National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 Prevention of veld fires, warning systems and preparedness measures. Duties and responsibilities before and during a veld fire. 4. DETAILS AND EXPERTISE OF AUTHORS The baseline for the EMPr was developed by Wouter Jordaan of SRK and Bruce Burger of Eskom. With the permission of Eskom, this baseline EMPr has been used to compile this EMPr. Minor changes and additions have been included to ensure this EMPr is specific to the current project. This EMPr has been compiled by the following persons who have the relevant expertise and experience in environmental management: Table 2: Expertise of persons involved in drafting this EMPr Name of Contributor Qualifications Experience in field (yrs) Wouter Jordaan SRK Consulting BSc Hons, Pr.Sci.Nat 10 Andrea Murray Rogers SRK Consulting B Soc Sci Hons 1 Bruce Burger Eskom MSc Environmental Science; 17 Pr.Sci.Nat Natasha Williams Zitholele Consulting BSc Hons 19 5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES The responsibilities, interactions and roles of project team members vary in accordance with the requirements of the distinct project phases. The successful implementation of this EMPr requires cooperation between Eskom, the appointed project management consultant, the appointed contractors and the appointed Environmental Control Officer (). The project has not yet been authorised in terms of the EIA Regulations and no contractors have been formally appointed for the project. However, general roles and responsibilities have been outlined below (Table 3) and those on the project team would be required to comply with the conditions defined herein. All prospective contractors must sign the declaration of acceptance of the EMPr, included at the end of this document. 6

7 Table 3: Roles and Responsibilities Responsible Agent Eskom (Represented by Eskom Management) Eskom Environmental Officer (EEO) Construction Contractor (CC) / Appointed C Bush Clearing Contractor Role/Responsibility Eskom as the end recipient of the project is directly accountable to the DEA for compliance with all conditions of the EA during the construction and operational phases of the project. Eskom hereby delegates responsibility to various project role players during the construction phase to ensure compliance with the EA Adjudicate the appointment of the. Receive monthly reports. Advise where necessary for Eskom related project coordination and interaction between role-players. Advise where necessary with respect to technical and environmental matters. Assess the performance of the. Ensure contractors receive copies of the EMPr, Environmental Authorisation and all agreed Method Statements; The will provide on-site guidance, surveillance and reporting commensurate with the project phase/progress. Undertake frequent site visits and record key findings. This includes photographic monitoring of the construction site and an evaluation of the implementation, effectiveness and level of compliance of on-site construction activities with the EMPr and associated plans and procedures; Attend monthly project meetings; Instruct the Eskom Project Manager or Eskom appointed Project Manager on actions or issues impacting on the environment and provide appropriate site instructions to address and rectify these matters Record and provide written documentation of non-conformances with the EMPr and require Eskom to undertake mitigation measures to avoid or minimise any adverse impacts on the environment or report required changes to the EMPr; Review corrective and preventative actions to ensure implementation of recommendations made from audits and site inspections; Order the Contractor to suspend part or all of the works if the Contractor and/or any sub-contractors, suppliers, etc. fail to comply with any aspect of either the EMPr or environmental authorisation; Identify possible areas of improvement; Ongoing assessment of the suitability or effectiveness of the EMPr and make concomitant adjustments; Submission of monthly audit reports to DEA (or as per conditions of environmental authorisation); Monitor and record the processing of public complaints and their resolution relating to the construction activities; and Ensure that updates to the EMPr (as necessary) are implemented. Must appoint an Construction Environmental Control Officer (C) to interpret the EA and EMPr on behalf of the Construction Contractor inter alia to ensure appropriate environmental awareness and training to achieve conditions of the EA and EMPr; Ensure all construction staff, sub-contractors, suppliers, etc. are familiar with, understand and adhere to the EMPr, Environmental Authorisation and all agreed Method Statements (Environmental Awareness Plan) per their job function; Ensuring all facets of the work undertaken are properly and competently directed, guided and executed during construction according to the EMPr. Ensure construction of the facility to contractual environmental specifications. Adherence to laws and standards relevant to the construction of the facility Provide with a proposed schedule of bush clearing activities. 7

8 Responsible Agent Surveyor Geotechnical Specialist (Soil nominations and Geotechnical Assessment) Role/Responsibility May not undertake bush clearing activities without the supervision and guidance of the or botanical specialist, where stipulated per site instruction. Use only access to site and access roads authorised by the. No deviations will be tolerated. Consult with the on the position of towers to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, where possible. Locate the servitude and access roads through natural vegetation to the minimum functional width to reduce any negative impacts. During survey as little as possible vegetation should be cut. The must be consulted prior to the survey being commenced. Prior to commencing with the soil nominations the Project Engineer/ geotechnical specialist must submit areas to be excavated to the for authorization and amendment. Access to areas to be excavated must be with the approval of the. The to ensure the correct stockpiling of soil (i.e. topsoil and subsoil stockpiled separately) and ensure that topsoil is placed back last after backfilling with subsoil. Educate person doing excavations with regard to the above. Ensure that excavations are secured and demarcated. Ensure holes for soil nominations and geotechnical studies are closed as soon as possible. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME This section of the EMPr deals with key impacts associated with all phases of the project. All activities to be managed, mitigation and management measures to be implemented and the responsible individuals/organisations who should implement these measures, are detailed in subsections which follow. This information is the core of this EMPr and should be adhered to at all times during the construction phase. The sub-sections which follow may be updated as necessary. 8

9 6.1 Planning and Design Powerline alignment, Tower location and Design Implementation Monitoring a) A desktop survey of the 132/22 kv powerline tower positions within the authorised corridor must be conducted by the surveyor, in consultation with the EAP/ and a site visit undertaken to familiarize the surveyor with sensitive areas along the proposed corridor. b) Once the surveyor has compiled a proposed final alignment with tower positions, the site must be revisited by the, a heritage specialists, and avifauna specialist, a vegetation specialist (including Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for Sand Forest protection) and a wetland specialist to ensure that the proposed alignment and the position of the towers is not impacting in an unacceptable way on any of these natural resources that require protection. c) The above mentioned specialists will also provide input into the design of the towers, the installation of bird diverters and anti-roost mechanisms and any special design or operational requirements for construction in or close to rivers or wetlands. d) The Surveyor must inform the two weeks before ground survey is due to commence. e) The Surveyor must provide maps of tower locations to the for verification. Surveyor & Heritage specialist, Wetland specialist, Avifauna specialist, Vegetation specialist & EEO f) Access and bush clearing for survey purposes must be done in consultation with the. g) The must frequently monitor vegetation clearing activities, as required. h) The finalised design must be provided to the for ratification. i) The surveyor is to demarcate (peg) access roads/tracks in consultation with. NO DEVIATIONS will be allowed without the prior written consent from the Permits and Licences Implementation Monitoring On finalisation of the design, alignment and tower positions, the following permits and licences must be obtained by Eskom; Eskom a) A water use licence will be required for crossing the Pongola River in the West and the Muzi wetland system in the east. b) A bush clearing licence will be required for the clearing of indigenous bush along the powerline servitude and for the creation/construction of any access roads Landowner and Public Liaison Implementation Monitoring a) The will notify all affected landowners of the commencement of construction prior to beginning / Principle any activities on the landowner s property. Contractor b) The will provide copies of the signed access agreements with landowners to the contractor prior to establishment. c) The contractor will ensure that the requirements of the landowners are adhered to throughout the contract period. 9

10 6.1.4 Bush clearing Implementation Monitoring a) The exact dimensions of the area to be cleared of vegetation (plants, shrubs and trees) and where Surveyor,, and EEO vegetation is to be poisoned or trimmed for access roads, construction sites, stringing and office sites Eskom, Botanist will be specified by the. b) Eskom must appoint a Botanical Specialist to obtain the necessary bush clearing permits from DAFF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife before any vegetation may be cut. c) Eskom must appoint a competent Bush Clearing Contractor and ensure that the contractor has supervision capable of identifying protected plant species and is qualified in the application of herbicides. d) to frequently monitor vegetation clearing activities. It is recommended that the is permanently on site during the initial week of the bush clearing activities to ensure competency of the contractor. e) The to employ specialist input where necessary. f) Bush clearing must only be undertaken by the Eskom appointed/approved bush clearing contractor g) Written verifiable records of all bush cleared and herbicide applied must be maintained and made available to the Access Roads (Existing or Created) Implementation Monitoring Note: Access is not usually continuous along the line. Those tendering must therefore acquaint themselves with restrictions to access, such as rivers, railways, mountains, dongas, etc., as no claims will be considered arising from restricted access. a) Permission for locating access and cutting access roads Principle Contractor and Bush Clearing Contractor The contractor in consultation with the must develop an access plan which includes the location of tracks and roads for vehicle access as well as any landowner requirements relating to access. The access plan must be approved by the. Portions of access roads to be cut must first be approved by the. Where in the opinion of the, inordinate and irreparable damage would result from the development of access roads, the contractor shall use alternative construction methods compatible with the access and terrain as agreed upon in writing with the. Any deviation from the written agreement shall be closed and re-vegetated immediately, at the contractor s expense. Permission must be obtained from DWA for the crossing of wetlands or streams with vehicles. Any additional routes and turning areas required by the contractor must be approved by the, in the form of an amended ESMP. Enforce speed limits at all times, and traffic control both on public roads and on site roads. All drivers and passengers to wear safety belts at all times while driving. Allow for safe pedestrian crossing where necessary. Maintain all access routes and roads adequately in order to minimise undue surface damage and soil creep into wetlands and streams. 10

11 6.1.5 Access Roads (Existing or Created) Implementation Monitoring Ensure all access routes are clearly demarcated and that all vehicles remain on the approved access routes b) Clearing The minimum area for the passage of construction vehicles must be cleared of vegetation. Vegetation is to be left, where possible, undisturbed. The less the degradation the less the rehabilitation and associated costs. c) Topsoil Any topsoil removed must be stacked or spread above the road on the cut bank, so that it can be used for re-vegetation purposes, if necessary. The smaller vegetation within the topsoil must not be removed but left to decompose. d) Road banks (Cut or fill) Banks must not be steeper than 1:3. e) Scarification When the bulldozer or other equipment completes cutting a bank any resultant scarification lines must be perpendicular to the slope and not vertical. This helps hold replaced topsoil and prevents its slip. f) Excavated rock Where substantial amounts of rock occur on site this may be used to enhance soil retention on banks and prevent erosion. It may also be placed in dongas, gullies or other possible erosion sites to form barriers which retain the silt and slow erosion at the discretion of the. g) Road surface slope Outsloping the road surface from 3-5% is preferable to insloping because it eliminates the need to develop facilities to dispose of the water draining down the inside of the road. h) Anti-Erosion Berms Runoff from roads must be managed to avoid erosion and pollution problems. Water diversion berms shall be placed, designed, installed and maintained, as required by the. i) Private Roads All conditions that the landowner may have shall be noted by the and adhered to. All vehicle movement shall be along existing roads and access tracks. Vehicles should be driven at moderate speeds and special care should be taken especially in wet weather to avoid eroding tracks. Multiple tracks are to be avoided at all times. All private roads used as access to the site of work by the contractor shall be maintained by him at all times at his expense, and upon completion of the work, be left in at least the original condition. It is imperative that photographic records be made by the contractor and kept by the prior to construction commencement in places susceptible to erosion or degradation. 11

12 6.1.5 Access Roads (Existing or Created) Implementation Monitoring Damage to access roads due to the movement of vehicles must be reported to Eskom by the. Repairs must be done as instructed by the who may require written proof from the landowners/occupants where necessary Soil Nominations/Geotechnical Investigation Implementation Monitoring Soil Nominations are conducted at predetermined areas representative of the area in which the powerline is proposed. The soil nominations to be conducted serve as a geotechnical assessment to inform the tower structural design. a) The location of underground services must be ascertained prior to excavations commencing. b) Sample areas are to be excavated with the prior consent of the Environmental Authorisation and. c) No bush clearing allowed for access without prior permission from. d) During excavations topsoil is to be stockpiled separately from sub-soil. e) Subsoil must be used to backfill excavations and covered with topsoil to nominal depth at the surface. f) All soil excavations for soil nominations must be backfilled as soon as the results have been noted (same day). All these sites must be demarcated and barriered and shuttering provided, if left open overnight. g) Test holes must be backfilled or covered as soon as possible after soil nominations have been completed. h) No faulty vehicles, machinery or equipment with leaks or causing spills may be allowed to operate on the construction site. These must be sent to a workshop for repair (i.e. removed from site). i) If by any chance, archaeological finds (e.g. tools, clay ware, and jewellery), graves or skeletal material are unearthed, excavation is to be stopped immediately and the informed. Work is not to resume in the area in question without permission from the. Engineer/Soil nominator Site Establishment Implementation Monitoring a) Presentation of the EMPr and EA to the Construction Contractor must be conducted by the at the project kick-off meeting. b) Contractor must acknowledge and sign receipt of EA and EMPr. c) Contractor must keep copies of EMPr and EA on-site at all times. d) Project manager to make provision on the monthly project meeting agenda for environmental issues. e) A C must be employed by the construction contractor s company with the consent of the and EEO, to undertake weekly site inspections and monitor the implementation of the EMPr. f) The C to provide weekly feedback to on any issues identified. g) The must advise all landowners, including the Traditional Authorities (Induna s), Ward Councillors and Jozini and Umkhanyakude Municipalities of the construction schedule (i.e. the extent and duration of the construction Works) as soon as it is approved. h) Any disputes and complaints must immediately be brought to the attention of the C and a register kept, to inform the. CC/Engineer C C C /EEO EEO 12

13 6.1.7 Site Establishment Implementation Monitoring i) The C must ensure that all construction personnel are aware of the provisions contained in the EMPr. In this regard, all staff and contractors/service providers must be provided with environmental awareness information and training. Proof of this should be retained for auditing purposes. j) The location of all underground services and servitudes must be identified and confirmed. k) An environmental site management plan (ESMP) should be issued to the after the contract is awarded. This plan must show the final positions and extent of all permanent and temporary site structures and infrastructure, including (where appropriate). Contractors camp and lay down areas; Excavations and trenches; Site offices; Topsoil and spoil stockpiles; Waste material storage sites; Spoil areas ; Solid waste storage and disposal sites; Construction materials stores, laydown areas, concrete batching sites, Site toilets and ablutions, Equipment stores, Hazardous waste storage sites, Fuel stores. l) Submit Construction Schedule to the. m) Acknowledge that the rehabilitation will immediately commence upon the instruction of the, as required. n) Inform the and project engineer of any changes to the approved Construction Schedule as submitted. o) Ensure that the have access to the site at all times. p) Identify and demarcate the extent of the tower sites prior to work commencing, as indicated on the approved ESMP.. q) Minimise the extent of the Works Site footprint as much as is possible r) Maintain the demarcation line, and ensure that no personnel or construction materials move outside the designated site. s) Locate all structures within predetermined zones as per the approved ESMP. t) Ensure that essential services (appropriate sanitation and drinking water facilities) are provided for all construction personnel. u) Maintain essential services in a functional state. These should not be allowed to be overloaded. Defects and inadequacies must be rectified immediately. v) Choice of site for the Contractor s camp to be done in consultation and with the written permission of the and must take into account location of local residents, flood zones and wetland areas. Contractors camp preferably to be located within existing development areas. w) Locate all storage areas and material lay down sites within predetermined zones as per the approved ESMP. x) Locate all other structures as indicated on the approved ESMP. y) Access to be discussed between contractor and and written permission to be provided by the. z) Ensure that adequate vehicle turning areas are allowed for. aa) Respect the open or closed status of gates for the duration of the construction period. Engineer CC /EEO 13

14 6.1.7 Site Establishment Implementation Monitoring bb) If temporary fencing and or gates are removed temporarily for the execution of any part of the Works then these must be reinstated as soon as practicably possible by the Contractor to the same or better condition than prior to construction. 6.2 Construction Earthworks (Excavations for towers) Implementation Monitoring a) Excavations and stockpiles CC, Project The top soil is to be stockpiled upslope of the excavation. Spoil rock and debris are to be stockpiled at some other point and may be used to prevent erosion or disposed of at the discretion of the. Engineer Rocks may be stacked as walls to prevent soil washing away. Banks must not be steeper than 1:3 and cut back where necessary. Once construction is complete the topsoil is to be respreads over the site and re-seeded or replanted with grass sods if specified by the. Berms may be specified depending on the gradient and length of slope affected. Note no topsoil may be used as fill. All excavations shall be enclosed to prevent animals or people from accidentally falling into excavations. Immediately ahead of construction, strip the construction area of topsoil (top 300mm of soil). Stockpile topsoil separately from overburden (subsoil and rocky material) for later reuse in the rehabilitation process. Contamination with cement or hydrocarbons (oil, diesel, fuel) will render the topsoil unusable. Ensure that all topsoil is stored in such a way that it will not wash away Foundation Casting Implementation Monitoring a) The method of casting concrete at each tower position is to be with the prior approval of the b) Should the contractor mix concrete on-site, then this must be done on a PVC sheet with a soil berm around it, to avoid water runoff into the surrounding environment and contamination of the soil. c) Wash the chute of the concrete mixer into a dam created in the backfill material for the foundation. This material is then to be backfilled first into the foundation. d) Dispose of all visible remains of excess cement and concrete after the completion of tasks with the approval of the. CC/C Tower assembly and erection Implementation Monitoring a) The method of tower assembly and erection at each tower position is to be with the prior approval of the CC. 14

15 6.2.4 Stringing Implementation Monitoring a) The method of stringing between towers is to be with the prior approval of the b) Pulling of the pilot wire across rivers and wetland areas will be done by hand. No vehicles are permitted to drive through rivers, streams or wetland areas. c) The stringing supervisor must provide his proposed location for drum stations and winch and tensioner stations to the for approval. Bush clearing in these areas is to be kept to a minimum. d) The footprint of stringing activities must be minimised. e) Ensure that powerlines are fitted with the relevant bird protection devices, as specified by the and Avifaunal Specialist across wetlands and streams. CC f) The placement of anchor blocks and screws must be with the prior approval of the. 6.3 Generic Requirements Waste Management Implementation Monitoring a) Rubble and waste rock Contractor, PM Store waste rock as indicated on the approved ESMP. Rubble and waste rock must be disposed of at the discretion of, and with the permission of the. Ensure that the waste rock is stored away from streams and wetland areas as pointed out by the. b) Solid waste management and disposal Contractor Provide bins for the disposal of and adequate collection of domestic waste. Ensure that personnel make use of the litter bins provided. Keep all Works Sites tidy and litter free at all times. Litter to be stockpiled in suitable container, as approved by at a central location. Bulk disposal of domestic waste/litter is to be at a registered or approved landfill or waste handling facility as indicated by the. Unless otherwise specified by the, remove stored domestic waste to the nearest registered solid waste disposal facility. Waybills must be retained for auditing purposes. Ensure that solid waste is transported properly, avoiding waste spills en-route. No solid waste may be burned or buried on site. Ensure that the solid waste bins are positioned at points demarcated by the. c) Human waste Provide appropriate portable chemical toilets at strategic locations along the route. Ensure that adequate numbers of conveniently located site toilets are available on all Work Sites at all times in quantities related to the number of users (minimum ratio of 1 toilet per 25 workers, but 1:15 is preferred). 15

16 6.3.1 Waste Management Implementation Monitoring Maintain and clean site toilets regularly as is required to keep them in good, functional working order and in an acceptable state of hygiene. Ablutions are to be conducted away from watercourses or sources of drinking water. d) Hazardous waste Store hazardous waste in a designated container. No hazardous waste may be stored in the open or around the work areas, close to streams or wetlands. Retain waste oils etc. for recycling or disposal by the supplier. Certificates of safe disposal (waybills) at registered waste sites are to be retained for auditing purposes. Contain chemical spills, and arrange for cleanup / control by the supplier, or by professional pollution control personnel Pollution Control Implementation Monitoring a) Prevent the discharge of water containing polluting matter or visible suspended materials directly into drainage lines or wetlands. b) No vehicles are to be washed on site. c) Immediately clean any accidental oil or fuel spills or leakages. d) Do not hose oil or fuel spills into a storm water drain, stream, wetland or sewer, or into the surrounding natural environment. Clean small oil or fuel spills with an approved absorbent material, such as 'Drizit' or Spill-sorb. Sand can also be used. The contaminated material must be disposed of via the hazardous waste disposal stream. e) Treat soil contaminated by oil or fuel as follows, or as per instruction of the o Remove the soil to the depth of the contamination and dispose of at a registered Hazardous Waste Disposal Site. f) Report major oil or fuel spills to the who will ensure that correct procedure is followed for reporting to the Provincial g) Department of Water Affairs and relevant Local Authorities. h) Carefully control all on-site operations that involve the use of cement and concrete. i) Mixing / decanting of all chemicals and hazardous substances must take place either over or in a tray or on an impermeable surface that is contained by temporary or permanent bunds. Waste from these should then be disposed of to a suitable waste site. j) Every effort should be made to ensure that any chemicals or hazardous substances do not contaminate the soil or ground water on site. k) Should the C/ at any time determine that the method, mobile plant or equipment utilised by the contractor is unsuitable for the task at hand, or unnecessarily detrimental to the environment, then he may specify the use of a suitable alternative. 16

17 6.3.3 Air quality / Dust Implementation Monitoring a) Manage dust resultant from the Works area and fugitive dust in an efficient and environmentally Contractor sensitive manner as prescribed by the Noise control Implementation Monitoring a) Ensure that employees and staff conduct themselves with respect to the creation of noise in an acceptable manner while onsite, both during Work hours and after hours. b) Notify adjacent landowners of intended after-hours construction Work and of any other activity that could cause a nuisance. c) The minimum notice period is 24 hrs prior to commencement of the activity. d) Respond to community complaints with regard to noise generation, taking reasonable action to ameliorate the impact. Contactor Fire Prevention and Control Implementation Monitoring a) Determine and implement the requirements of the local Fire Protection Agency b) Take adequate precautions to ensure that fires are not started as a result of Works on site: the Contractor will be held liable for any damage to property adjoining the Site as a result of any fire caused by one of his employees. c) Ensure that the Work Site and the contractor s camp are equipped with adequate fire extinguishers. d) Take immediate steps to extinguish any fire which may break out on the construction site. e) Open fires are permitted only in areas authorised by the C. Contractor f) Do not store gas and liquid fuel in the same storage area. g) Do not permit any smoking within 10m of any fuel or chemical storage area, or refuelling area. h) Establish smoking areas equipped with sand buckets and fire extinguishers at all work fronts Incident Reporting Implementation Monitoring a) The procedure for reporting on-site incidents is as per Eskom Procedure Procedure for the Effective Management of Safety, Health and Environmental related Incidents. b) An incident report and complaints register is to be kept on site and made available to the. c) All personnel, including those employed by subcontractors, will endeavour to avoid doing anything that may give rise to a complaint. If an employee becomes aware of a complaint by any member of the public affected by the work, it must be reported immediately to the Project Manager and thereafter to the. Contractor Worker conduct on site Implementation Monitoring a) A general regard for the social and ecological well being of the site and adjacent areas is expected of the site staff. Contractor 17

18 6.3.8 Communication with Interested and Affected Parties Implementation Monitoring a) The C will be responsible for ongoing communication with those people that are affected by the project. This includes explaining the construction process and answering any questions as may be required. b) A complaints register should be kept at the site office and managed by the CC and C. This should be in carbon copy format, with numbered pages. Any missing pages must be accounted for by the C. This register is to be tabled during monthly site meetings. c) Queries and complaints are to be handled as follows: C - document details of such communications; submit these for inclusion in complaints register; bring issues to C s attention immediately; and take remedial action as per C s instruction. Serious issues must be escalated for the s attention Visual impacts Implementation Monitoring a) Lighting on the construction site should be pointed downwards and away from oncoming traffic. b) The site must be kept clean to minimise the visual impact of the site. c) A high level of house keeping must be maintained at all times at all work stations Contractor Protection of cultural historical aspects Implementation Monitoring a) If by any chance archaeological finds (e.g. tools, clay ware, and jewellery), graves or skeletal material are unearthed, halt Works in that area immediately and inform the 1. Do not resume Works in the area in question without permission from the. Contractor Temporary storage of Dangerous Goods Implementation Monitoring a) The contractor must ensure compliance with all national, regional and local legislation with regard to the storage, transport and use of hydrocarbons, chemicals, solvents and any other harmful and hazardous substances and materials. b) Position hazardous substance stores as indicated on the ESMP, in areas not threatening human life or the environment. c) Keep a record of all hazardous substances stored on site for submission to the d) Store all hazardous substances in secure, safe and weatherproof facilities, underlain by a bunded impermeable liner to protect against soil and water pollution. Bunding must comply with the relevant SANS codes. e) Clean any accidental spills immediately, treating the spilled material and used cleaning products as hazardous waste. f) The contractor must budget for, and keep spill cleanup kits on-site. g) Provide for controlled loading / unloading areas, underlain by an impervious paving or PVC sheet to protect against soil and water pollution. Contractor/ C 18

19 Temporary storage of Dangerous Goods Implementation Monitoring h) The contractor and his C must ensure that personnel handling hazardous substances have been educated in terms of the correct handling, use and disposal thereof. i) Empty containers in which hazardous substances were kept are to be treated as hazardous waste. j) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) must be readily available on site for all chemicals and hazardous substances to be used on site. k) Hazardous storage and refuelling areas must be bunded with an impermeable liner to protect groundwater quality. l) Storage areas containing hazardous substances / materials must be clearly signed. m) Spills in bunded areas must be cleaned up, removed and disposed of safely from the bunded area as soon after detection as possible to minimise pollution risk and reduced bunding capacity. Certificates of safe disposal (waybill) should be retained for auditing purposes. n) Contractors shall submit a method statement and plans for the storage of hazardous materials, refuelling areas and emergency procedures to the Engineer for approval Erosion control Implementation Monitoring a) Erosion is to be prevented, repaired and monitored as indicated by the. Contractor Health and Safety Implementation Monitoring a) Health and Safety procedures must be conducted as per Eskom Standard EPL Eskom Safety, Contractor Safety Officer Health and Environment (SHE) Policy Daily site closure Implementation Monitoring At the closure of site every day the Contractor s Safety Officers (as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993) must check the site and ensure the following conditions pertain and report on compliance with these clauses: a) All fuels / flammables / hazardous materials are securely stored in bunded areas and locked in the designated storage area. b) Site safety checks have been carried out by the safety officer in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No.85 of 1993) prior to site closure. c) Fencing and barriers are in place in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993). d) Emergency and management contact details are prominently displayed at the construction camp. e) Night hazard indicators such as reflectors, traffic signage etc. have been checked (if these are required). f) Wind and dust mitigation measures such as straw, brush packs, irrigation etc. is in place. g) Excavated and filled slopes and stockpiles are at a stable angle and capable of accommodating normal expected water flows should there be overnight rain. h) Refuse bins are returned to the designated bulk waste storage area. Contractor 19

20 6.4 Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Plan Implementation Monitoring a) The will indicate areas to be stabilised and rehabilitated at the contractor s site offices, construction site and associated with access roads during and post construction. b) The will instruct the C to compile the rehabilitation plan and monitor its implementation during and post construction. c) Post construction remove from site all temporary fuel stores, hazardous substance stores, hazardous waste stores. Dispose of hazardous waste in the approved manner. Proof of safe disposal is to be retained for auditing purposes. d) Post construction, remove from site all pollution containment structures. Dispose of materials that will not be used again as hazardous. Proof of safe disposal is to be retained for auditing purposes. e) Post construction remove from site all temporary sanitary infrastructure and waste water disposal systems. Take care to avoid leaks, overflows and spills and dispose of any waste in the approved manner. / Contractor/ C 6.5 Operational Phase Operational EMPr Implementation Monitoring a) A separate Operational EMPr will be compiled and submitted to DEA for approval prior to the powerline construction completion. b) The later compilation of the O-EMPr enables all aspects post-construction to be included and addressed more holistically and comprehensively. 20

21 7 COMPLIANCE MONITORING 7.1 Auditing The key to a successful EMPr is appropriate monitoring and review to ensure effective functioning of the EMPr and to identify and implement corrective measures in a timely manner. An audit of the environmental monitoring and management actions undertaken is essential to ensure that it is effective in operation, is meeting specified goals, and performs in accordance with relevant regulations and standards. Prior to the start of construction activities, an audit schedule should be drawn up, on basis of the environmental authorisation requirements and with input from. The audit schedule should include target dates for implementation of recommendations and timeframes for submission to the EEO, Eskom appointed Project Manager and DEA. The audits should be timed to coincide with scheduled project meetings, where possible. 8 AMMENDMENTS Amendments to the EMPr may be required as the project proceeds. Any proposed amendments to the EMPr will be confirmed by the prior to being issued as a formal amendment. The will issue copies of the amendments to recipients of this report as detailed in the report record at the end of this document and forwarded to the DEA. Contractor's Acceptance I,, (full name) representing, (company name) have read, understood and accept the above environmental management plan as a framework for my company s environmental performance during the above mentioned project. Signed : Date : 21

22 APPENDIX 1 ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION 22