PROPOSED WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Transcription

1 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 PROPOSED WIND ENERGY FACILITY ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE CONSTRUCTION & OPERATION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (EMPr) November 2015 Revision 1 Project Details Page i

2 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 PROJECT DETAILS DEA Reference No. : 12/12/20/1585 Title : Amendment to the Environmental Management Programme: Proposed Establishment of a Wind Energy Facility and associated Infrastructure on a site north of Oyster Bay, Eastern Cape Province Authors : EOH Coastal & Environmental Services Roy de Kock & Alan Carter Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd Ravisha Ajodhapersadh & Jo-Anne Thomas Specialists : MetroGIS David Hoare Consulting Chris van Rooyen Consulting Outeniqua Geotechnical Services Eastern Cape Heritage Consultants M2 Environmental Connections TerraSoils Science Tony Barbour Natura Viva Sandula Conservation Dr. Peter Nilssen Client : Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Oyster Bay Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd Report Status : Amended EMPr submitted to DEA prior to commencement of construction Project Details Page ii

3 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 When used as a reference this report should be cited as: EOH Coastal & Environmental Services (2015) Environmental Management Programme: Proposed Establishment of a Wind Energy Facility and associated Infrastructure on a site north of Oyster Bay, Eastern Cape Province COPYRIGHT RESERVED The draft EMP report was produced by Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd for Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd. This final EMP report has been updated by EOH Coastal Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd for Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd on behalf of Oyster Bay Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd. No part of the report may be copied, reproduced or used in any manner without written permission from Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, or Oyster Bay Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd. Project Details Page iii

4 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY Alien species: A species that is not indigenous to the area or out of its natural distribution range. Alternatives: Alternatives are different means of meeting the general purpose and need of a proposed activity. Alternatives may include location or site alternatives, activity alternatives, process, or technology alternatives, temporal alternatives or the do nothing alternative. Ambient sound level: The reading on an integrating impulse sound level meter taken at a measuring point in the absence of any alleged disturbing noise at the end of a total period of at least 10 minutes after such meter was put into operation. Assessment: The process or collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting and communicating information which is relevant. Biological diversity: The variables among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes they belong to. Commencement: The start of any physical activity, including site preparation and any other activity on site resulting in the furtherance of a listed activity or specified activity, but does not include any activity required for the purposes of an investigation or feasibility study as long as such investigation or feasibility study does not constitute a listed activity or specified activity. Construction: Construction means the building, erection or establishment of a facility, structure or infrastructure that is necessary for the undertaking of a listed or specified activity as per the EIA Regulations. Construction begins with any activity which requires Environmental Authorisation. Cumulative impacts: Impacts that result from the incremental impact of the proposed activity on a common resource when added to the impacts of other past, present or reasonably foreseeable future activities (e.g. discharges of nutrients and heated water to a river that combine to cause algal bloom and subsequent loss of dissolved oxygen that is greater than the additive impacts of each pollutant). Cumulative impacts can occur from the collective impacts of individual minor actions over a period and can include both direct and indirect impacts. Definitions &Terminology Page ii

5 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 Cut-in speed: The minimum wind speed at which the wind turbine will generate usable power. Cut-out speed: The wind speed at which shut down of a wind turbine occurs. Decommissioning: To take out of active service permanently or dismantle partly or wholly, or closure of a facility to the extent that it cannot be readily recommissioned. This usually occurs at the end of the life of a facility. Department/ the competent authority: Refers to the Department of Environmental Affairs or any other relevant authority responsible for administering environmental laws. Development footprint: in respect of land, means any evidence of its physical transformation as a result of the undertaking of any activity. Direct impacts: Impacts that are caused directly by the activity and generally occur at the same time and at the place of the activity (e.g. noise generated by blasting operations on the site of the activity). These impacts are usually associated with the construction, operation, or maintenance of an activity and are generally obvious and quantifiable. Disturbing noise: A noise level that exceeds the ambient sound level measured continuously at the same measuring point by 7 db or more. Do nothing alternative: The do nothing alternative is the option of not undertaking the proposed activity or any of its alternatives. The do nothing alternative also provides the baseline against which the impacts of other alternatives should be compared. Ecosystem: A dynamic system of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit. Endangered species: Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Included here are taxa whose numbers of individuals have been reduced to a critical level or whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that they are deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction. Endemic: An "endemic" is a species that grows in a particular area (is endemic to that region) and has a restricted distribution. It is only found in a particular place. Whether something is endemic or not depends on the geographical boundaries of the area in question and the area can be defined at different scales. Definitions &Terminology Page iii

6 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 Environment: the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of: (i) The land, water and atmosphere of the earth; (ii) Micro-organisms, plant and animal life; (iii) Any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the interrelationships among and between them; and (iv) The physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that influence human health and well-being. Environmental assessment practitioner: An individual responsible for the planning, management and coordinating of environmental management plan or any other appropriate environmental instruments introduced by legislation. Environmental Impact: An action or series of actions that have an effect on the environment. Environmental impact assessment: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as defined in the NEMA EIA Regulations and in relation to an application to which scoping must be applied, means the process of collecting, organising, analysing, interpreting and communicating information that is relevant to the consideration of that application. Environmental management: Ensuring that environmental concerns are included in all stages of development, so that development is sustainable and does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment. Environmental management inspector: A person designated as an environmental management inspector in terms of Section 31B or 31C on the National Environmental Management Act 107 of Environmental management programme: A plan that organises and co-ordinates mitigation, rehabilitation and monitoring measures in order to guide the implementation of a proposal and its on-going maintenance after implementation. Generator: The generator is what converts the turning motion of a wind turbine's blades into electricity. Habitat: The place in which a species or ecological community occurs naturally. Hazardous waste: Any waste that contains organic or inorganic elements or compounds that may, owing to the inherent physical, chemical or toxicological characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental impact on health and the environment (Van der Linde and Feris, 2010;pg 185). Definitions &Terminology Page iv

7 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 Indigenous: All biological organisms that occurred naturally within the study area prior to 1800 Indirect impacts: Indirect or induced changes that may occur because of the activity (e.g. the reduction of water in a stream that supply water to a reservoir that supply water to the activity). These types of impacts include all the potential impacts that do not manifest immediately when the activity is undertaken or which occur at a different place because of the activity. Interested and affected party: Individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity and its consequences. These include the authorities, local communities, investors, work force, consumers, environmental interest groups, and the public. Nacelle: The nacelle contains the generator, control equipment, gearbox, and anemometer for monitoring the wind speed and direction. Pollution: A change in the environment caused by substances (radio-active or other waves, noise, odours, dust or heat emitted from any activity, including the storage or treatment or waste or substances. Pre-construction: The period prior to the commencement of construction, which may include activities which do not require Environmental Authorisation (e.g. geotechnical surveys). Rare species: Taxa with small world populations that are not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk as some unexpected threat could easily cause a critical decline. These taxa are usually localised within restricted geographical areas or habitats or are thinly scattered over a more extensive range. This category was termed Critically Rare by Hall and Veldhuis (1985) to distinguish it from the more generally used word "rare. Red data species: Species listed in terms of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and/or in terms of the South African Red Data list. In terms of the South African Red Data list, species are classified as being extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare, indeterminate, insufficiently known or not threatened (see other definitions within this glossary). Rotor: The portion of the wind turbine that collects energy from the wind is called the rotor. The rotor converts the energy in the wind into rotational energy to turn the generator. The rotor has three blades that rotate at a constant speed of about 15 to 28 revolutions per minute (rpm). Definitions &Terminology Page v

8 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Amended Environmental Management Programme November 2015 Significant impact: An impact that by its magnitude, duration, intensity, or probability of occurrence may have a notable effect on one or more aspects of the environment. Tower: The tower, which supports the nacelle to which the rotor is attached, is constructed from tubular steel or concrete. It is approximately 80 m to 140m tall. The nacelle and the rotor are attached to the top of the tower. The tower on which a wind turbine is mounted is not just a support structure. It also raises the wind turbine so that its blades safely clear the ground and so it can reach the stronger winds at higher elevations. Larger wind turbines are usually mounted on towers ranging from 80 to 140 m tall. The tower must be strong enough to support the nacelle and blades, and to sustain vibration, wind loading and the overall weather elements for the lifetime of the wind turbine. Waste: Any substance, whether or not that substance can be reduced re-used, recycled and recovered; that is surplus, unwanted, rejected, discarded, abandoned or disposed of which the generator has no further use for the purposes of production. Any product which must be treated and disposed of, that is identified as waste by the minister of Environmental affairs (by notice in the Gazette) and includes waste generated by the mining, medical or other sectors, but: A by-product is not considered waste, and portion of waste, once re-used, recycled and recovered, ceases to be waste. Wind power: A measure of the energy available in the wind. Wind speed: The rate at which air flows past a point above the earth's surface. Definitions &Terminology Page vi

9 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DETAILS EMPr Update Final Layout... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.3 Activities and Components associated with the Wind Energy Facility Potential Environmental Impacts General CHAPTER 2: PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPr Introduction and PROJECT DETAILS CHAPTER EMPr update Final layout Activities and Components associated with the Wind Energy Facility Potential Environmental Impacts General PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPr CHAPTER STRUCTURE OF THIS EMPr CHAPTER Project Team KEY LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: CHAPTER 5 PLANNING & DESIGN Planning and Design OBJECTIVE: To ensure that the design of the facility responds to the identified environmental constraints and opportunities OBJECTIVE 2: To ensure effective communication mechanisms OBJECTIVE 3: Protection of Heritage and Palaeontological Resources MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: CHAPTER 6 CONSTRUCTION Overall Goal for Construction Institutional Arrangements: Roles and Responsibilities for the Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility All documentation e.g. audit/monitoring/compliance reports and notifications, required to be submitted to the DEA in terms of the EA, must be submitted to the Director: Compliance Monitoring at DEA Objectives for the Construction EMPr OBJECTIVE: Securing the site and site establishment OBJECTIVE: Maximise local employment and business opportunities associated with the construction phase OBJECTIVE: Avoid the negative social impacts on family structures and social networks due to the presence of construction workers Project Details

10 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme OBJECTIVE: Noise control OBJECTIVE: Management of dust and other emissions and damage to roads OBJECTIVE: Soil and rock degradation and erosion control OBJECTIVE: Limit disturbance and avoid damage to wetland areas and drainage lines.. 73 OBJECTIVE: Protection of indigenous vegetation and control of alien invasive plants OBJECTIVE: Protection of fauna & avifauna OBJECTIVE: Protection of fossils and sites of heritage and archaeological value OBJECTIVE: Minimisation of visual impacts associated with construction OBJECTIVE: Appropriate handling and storage of chemicals, hazardous substances and waste OBJECTIVE: Ensure disciplined conduct of on-site contractors and workers OBJECTIVE: To avoid and or minimise the potential risk of increased veld fires during the construction phase OBJECTIVE: Minimisation of hazards from an increase in traffic flow Detailing Method Statements OBJECTIVE: Ensure all construction activities are undertaken with the appropriate level of environmental awareness to minimise environmental risk Awareness and Competence: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility100 OBJECTIVE: To ensure all construction personnel have the appropriate level of environmental awareness and competence to ensure continued environmental due diligence and on-going minimisation of environmental harm Environmental Awareness Training Induction Training Toolbox Talks Monitoring Programme: Construction Phase of the Wind Energy Facility OBJECTIVE: To monitor the performance of the control strategies employed against environmental objectives and standards Non-Conformance Reports Monitoring Reports Audit Reports Final Audit Report MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: DISTURBED AREAS 105 CHAPTER 7 REHABILITATION OF 7.1. Overall Goal for the Rehabilitation of Disturbed Areas OBJECTIVE: To ensure rehabilitation of disturbed areas MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: CHAPTER 8 OPERATION Overall Goal for Operation Objectives OBJECTIVE: Securing the site OBJECTIVE: Protection of indigenous natural vegetation, fauna and maintenance of rehabilitation OBJECTIVE: Protection of avifauna, priority bird species and bat species OBJECTIVE: Minimisation of visual impact lighting OBJECTIVE: Minimisation of noise impacts from turbines Project Details

11 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme OBJECTIVE: Appropriate handling and management of hazardous substances and waste OBJECTIVE: Maximise local employment and business opportunities during operation 120 OBJECTIVE: Ensure the implementation of an appropriate fire management plan during the operation phase OBJECTIVE: Minimise the potential negative impact on farming activities and on the surrounding landowners MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE WIND ENERGY FACILITY: 124 CHAPTER 9 DECOMMISSIONING 9.1. Site Preparation Disassemble Turbines Appendices: Appendix A: Final Layout & Environmental Sensitivity Map Appendix B: Proposed bird Monitoring Programme Appendix C: Proposed bat Monitoring Programme Appendix D: List of Faunal and Floral Species for Relocation Appendix E: Specialist Management Plans: Plant Rescue & Protection Plan Open Space Management Plan Re-vegetation & Habitat Rehabilitation Plan Alien Invasive Management Plan Fire Management Storm Water Management and Erosion Control Plan Spillage Monitoring Plan Waste Management Plan Traffic Management Plan Noise Impact Specialist Opinion/Letter Safety, Health and Environmental Plan Appendix F: Micro-siting Reports: Summary Report Archaeological Assessment Floral Assessment Faunal Assessment Avifaunal Assessment Aquatic Assessment Appendix G: Environmental Authorisation & Associated amendments Amendment 1: Bats & Wetlands Amendment 2: Layout Amendment 3: Grid layout Amendment 4: Turbine Specifications Amendment 5: Applicant name and Properties Project Details

12 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Amendment 6: Period extension and contact details Appendix H: Other Approvals South African Civil Aviation Authority Approval South African Weather Services (Weather SA) Approval LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1a: Final Layout for the Wind Energy Facility north of Oyster Bay illustrating environmentally sensitive areas. Figure 1.1b: Final Layout for the over power line for Oyster Bay WF illustrating environmentally sensitive areas. LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1: Relevant legislative and permitting requirements applicable to the establishment of the proposed Oyster Bay Wind Farm. Table 4.2: Standards applicable to the Oyster Bay Wind Farm. Project Details

13 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DETAILS CHAPTER 1 Oyster Bay Wind Farm (Pty) Ltd (herein referred to as the Project Proponent ) is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated infrastructure on a site located north approximately 6 km north of Oyster Bay in the Eastern Cape Province. The proposed development site is located within the Kouga Local Municipality. The larger site covers an area of approximately 23 km 2. The facility, which will be appropriately placed on the larger site, will include the following infrastructure.» A wind energy facility including 43 wind turbines appropriately spaced to make use of the wind resource on the site. The facility is proposed to have a generating capacity of up to 140MW at metering point.» Each wind turbine is expected to consist of a concrete foundation, a steel tower, a hub (between 80m and 120m above ground level, depending on the turbine size decided upon) and three blades up to 60m long attached to the hub.» Possibly a small transformer outside each turbine tower, depending on the type of turbine deemed most suitable for the site. Such a transformer would have its own foundation and housing around it.» Crane hardstandings (approximately 60x 40m depending on turbine choice, crane choice and geotechnical considerations).» Cabling between the components, laid approximately 1 m underground where feasible. In as far as possible, cabling will follow the internal access roads.» Internal roads (approximately 5-6 m in width, although may be up to 13m if crawler crane used) linking the wind turbines and other infrastructure on the site. Existing farm roads will be used as far as possible. However, the dispersed distribution pattern of wind turbines will necessitate the construction of new access roads in some areas.» An on-site substation to facilitate the connection between the facility and the grid. Option 2 as presented in the EIA has been approved by the DEA (KromRivier Intake/Switching Substation). This proposed substation will have a high-voltage (HV) yard footprint of approximately 120m x 120m. Project Details

14 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme» A new 132kV overhead power line to connect to Eskom s existing Melkhout (132kV) substation which is approximately 20km from the site, via the existing Kouga substation which is approximately 5km from the site. The Eastern Option as presented in the EIA (See Figure 2.2 below) was approved by DEA and then amended to the current connection at Kouga substation.» Operations and service building area for control, maintenance and storage (approximately 20 x 40m depending on turbine choice).» The entrance will be on the north-west side of the site (along the R102 and the southeast along the DR01765), a distance of approximately 23km from the N2. The facility is proposed on the following farm portions:» Portion 3 of Farm Klein Rivier 713» Remainders of Portions 1, 2, 3, 4 and the Remainder of Farm Rebok Rant 715» Portion 1 and 3 of Farm Ou Werf 738» Portion 5 of Farm Klippedrift 732» Portion 10 and Portion 12 of Farm Kruis Fontein 681. The facility will be fuelled by wind. No other fuels will be used as a generating fuel during the operational phase of the project. 1.1 EMPr update The EMPr is a dynamic document, which must be updated when required. This EMPr was updated to include all the requirements and conditions of the EA and subsequent 6 amendments as well site-specific information and specifications following the final walkthrough surveys by specialists of the power line and development site. This was to ensure that the construction and operation activities are planned and implemented taking sensitive environmental features into account. The EA and subsequent 6 amendments issued by the DEA are inserted in Appendix G. The following conditions were incorporated into this updated EMPr: Source Environmental Authorisation(EA) Location in EMPr Appendix A Appendix A 13 - Site Layout Layout Plan Condition 14 - Environmental Sensitivity Map Entire EMPr 16.1 All conditions of the EIR dated November 2011 Entire EMPr Appendix E 16.2 All conditions of the EA 16.3 Plant Rescue and Protection Plan Project Details

15 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Appendix E 16.4 Open Space Management Plan Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E Appendix E 16.5 Re-vegetation and Habitat Rehabilitation Plan 16.6 Alien Invasive Management Plan 16.7 Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Plan 16.8 Spillage Monitoring Plan Amendment 1 of the EA Amendment 2 of the EA Amendment 3 of the EA Amendment 4 of the EA Amendment 5 of the EA Amendment 6 of the EA Appendix E Appendix B and C Appendix E Appendix A Appendix F Chapter 4 Chapters 4 and 7 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Section 5.3; Appendix G Chapter 1; Appendix G Section 1.3 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Chapter Traffic Management Plan Avifaunal and Bat Monitoring Programme Spillage of pollutants Environmental Sensitivity Map 20 Ground-truthing exercise including the following: Vegetation Fauna Heritage Avifauna 37 to 43 Authorised turbines 44 to 54 Avifauna and Bats 55 to 73 Vegetation, wetlands and water resources 74 to 80 Roads and transport 81 to 88 - Noise 89 to 93 Visual resources 94 to 101 Human health and safety 102 to 111 Hazardous materials and waste management 112 to 115 Excavation and blasting activities 116 to 117 Air emissions 118 to 123 Historical/cultural/palaeontological resources Amendment of Condition 53 Amendment of the project description Amendment of Power Line coordinates Amendment of bullet point 8 on page 5 of the EA Correction of the location of the activity Amendment to activities authorised Amendment of project description Amendment of turbine specifications Amendment of the property description Amendment to the holder of the EA Amendment of the holder of the EA Amendment to extend the validity period of the EA 1.2 Turbine numbering Project Details

16 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Turbine numbering was changed from the numbering sequence used in during the EIA process to a more uniform sequence during ground-truthing in this updated EMPr. Table 1.1 below compares the old numbering system to the new numbering system for ease of reference. Take note that Sections and still refers to the old numbering system, while Section and the remainder of the updated EMPr refers to the new numbering system unless otherwise specified, then the following formula applies to turbine numbering: Turbine Reference: Told (Tnew) Table 1.1. Turbine numbering during the EIA (old numbering system are compared to turbine numbering during and after ground-truthing (new numbering system). New turbine numbering (during & after groundtruthing) Old turbine numbering (during EIA) New turbine numbering (during & after groundtruthing) Old turbine numbering (during EIA) Project Details

17 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Final layout The final layout of the facility, based on the outcome of a micro-siting exercise conducted in September 2015 was developed and is shown in Figure 1.1a & 1.1b. The final layout also illustrates the updated sensitive areas relating to the Final Layout Map for the Oyster Bay Wind Farm. Turbine numbers reflect new numbers (Refer to Table 1.1). Project Details

18 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Project Details

19 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Figure 1.1a: Final Layout for the Wind Energy Facility north of Oyster Bay illustrating environmentally sensitive areas. Project Details Page 17

20 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Figure 1.1b: Final Layout for the over power line for Oyster Bay WF illustrating environmentally sensitive areas. Project Details Page 18

21 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE 1.4 Activities and Components associated with the Wind Energy Facility The main activities/components associated with the wind energy facility comprise the following: Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details Planning Conduct surveys» Geotechnical survey by geotechnical engineer» Surveys to be undertaken prior to initiating construction.» Site survey and confirmation of the turbine micro-siting footprints» Survey of on-site substation, the power line route and associated servitudes; and» Survey of internal access routes Construction Establishment of access roads to and» Upgrade access/haul roads to the site» Access roads will be constructed in advance of any large scale within the site» Establish internal access roads: 5-6 m wide permanent roadway within the site between the turbines for use components being delivered to site, and will remain in place after completion for future access and possibly access for replacement of parts if necessary (i.e. maintenance activities) during construction and operation» Existing access roads to the site will be utilised, and upgraded phase. If required, temporary track where required. Special temporary haul roads may need to be (adjacent to and utilising part of the permanent road) of up to 15m in constructed to and within the site to accommodate abnormally loaded vehicle access and circulation. width for use by the crane during construction phase only.» The internal service road alignment is informed by the final micrositing/positioning of the wind turbines (as well as Ecological, Heritage and Palaeontological specialist surveys or where applicable by the ECO/EO).» To accommodate the large crawler crane required for turbine assembly, a temporary track of approximately 11m in width is required to be established on the site to accommodate the passage of the fully rigged crawler crane. Project Details Page 13

22 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details Undertake site preparation» Site establishment of offices/» Both the contractor EO and proponent EO must be appointed prior workshop with ablutions and stores, contractors yards to site preparation to ensure that the site is ready for compliance to this EMP.» Establishment of internal access roads (permanent and temporary roads)» These activities will require the stripping of topsoil, which will need to be stockpiled, backfilled and/or spread on site and where» Clearance of vegetation at the necessary used later for rehabilitation. footprint of each turbine» Excavations for foundations Establishment of lay down areas on site» Permanent lay down areas and» The lay down area will need to accommodate the cranes required in permanent hardstand areas (footprint tower/turbine assembly. 60 m x 40m) at each turbine position» Lay down and storage areas will be required to be established for for the storage of wind turbine the normal civil engineering construction equipment which will be components and accommodation of required on site. construction and crane lifting» A large lay down area will be required at each position where the equipment. main lifting crane may be required to be erected and/or» Temporary lay down areas for, inter alia, crane assembly disassembled. This area would be required to be compacted and levelled to accommodate the assembly crane, which would need to» Construction site office access the main crane from all sides.» Establish concrete batching plants (up to two See proposed locations on Locality map Figure 1.3). Construct wind turbine foundations» Turbine foundations will be up to 25m» Foundation holes will be mechanically excavated. in diameter (octagonal shape).» The final re-instated foundation is the plinth with a diameter of up Foundation holes will be excavated to to 6.5m, onto which the turbine tower bolts. a depth of approximately 5m,» Shoring and safety barriers will be erected around open excavation. depending on the underlying geotechnical conditions on site Transport of components and» Flatbed trucks will be used to» Turbine units consist of a tower comprised of typically 4 segments, equipment to site transport all components to site: a nacelle, rotor and three blades. Components of various» Turbine units consist of a tower specialised construction, lifting equipment and counter weights etc. Project Details Page 14

23 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details comprised of 4 segments, a nacelle, are required on site (e.g. 200 ton mobile assembly crane and a 750 and three rotor blades (each of up to ton main lift crawler crane) to erect the wind turbines. Other 55m long attached to the hub) components include components required for the establishment of» Components of various specialised the substation (including transformers) and those required for the construction equipment, lifting establishment of the power line (including towers and cabling). equipment and counter weights etc.» The wind turbine, including tower, will be brought to site by the are required on site (e.g. mobile supplier in sections. The individual components are defined as assembly crane and main lift crawler crane) to erect the wind turbines. abnormal loads in terms of the Road Traffic Act (Act No 29 of 1989) by virtue of the dimensional limitations (abnormal length of the» The normal civil engineering blades) and load limitations (i.e. the nacelle). The dimensional construction equipment for the civil requirements of the load during the construction phase works (e.g. excavators, trucks, (length/height) may require alterations to the existing road graders, compaction equipment, infrastructure (widening on corners, removal of traffic islands), cement mixers, etc.) accommodation of street furniture (electricity, street lighting, traffic» The components required for the signals, telephone lines etc.) and protection of road-related establishment of the substation structures (bridges, culverts, portal culverts, retaining walls etc.) (including transformers) as a result of abnormal loading. The equipment will be transported» Components required for the to the site using appropriate National and Provincial routes, and the establishment of the power line dedicated access/haul road to the site itself. It is estimated that (including towers and cabling) approximately 10 trucks will be used for the transport of each * Ready-mix cement trucks for, turbine. Applicable permits will have to be acquired by the turbine inter alia, turbine, substation and supplier and or the logistics subcontractor. operations and maintenance building foundations Erect turbines» Large lifting crane used for lifting of large, heavy components» The large lifting crane will lift the tower sections into place, assisted by the smaller crane.» A small crane for the assembly of the rotor.» The nacelle, which contains the gearbox, generator and yawing mechanism, will then be placed onto the top of the assembled tower.» The rotor (i.e. the blades of the turbine) will then be assembled or Project Details Page 15

24 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details partially assembled on the ground by the smaller crane. It will then be lifted to the nacelle by the large crane, and bolted in place. Alternatively the blades may be lifted into position on the nacelle individually by the main crane.» It will take approximately 2-4 days to erect each turbine, although this will depend on the climatic conditions as a relatively wind-free day will be required for the installation of the rotor. Construct substation and ancillary» Substation components» Will require the clearing of vegetation and levelling of the infrastructure.» Security fencing around high-voltage (HV) Yard development site and the excavation of foundations prior to construction.» Workshop» A lay down area for building materials and equipment associated with these buildings will also be required.» The substation will be constructed within a high-voltage (HV) yard footprint of up to 120m x 120m.» The substation would be constructed in the following simplified sequence: * Step 1: Survey of the site * Step 2: Site clearing and levelling and construction of access road to substation sites * Step 3: Construction of terrace and foundations * Step 4: Assembly, erection and installation of equipment * Step 5: Connection of conductors to equipment * Step 6: Rehabilitation of any disturbed areas and protection of erosion sensitive areas. Connection of wind turbines to the onsite» Wind turbines» The installation of these cables will require the excavation of substation» 33 kv underground electrical cabling trenches, approximately 1-2m in depth within which these cables connecting each turbine to the can then be laid. The underground cables would follow the internal substation access roads as far as reasonably possible. Connect substation to power grid» A 132 kv distribution power line is proposed to connect the substation in» The route for the power line will be assessed, surveyed and pegged prior to construction. Project Details Page 16

25 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details the facility to the electricity distribution network/grid at Eskom s Kouga (132Kv) Substation. Commissioning of the facility» Wind energy facility commissioning» Prior to the start-up of a wind turbine, a series of checks and tests will be carried out, including both static and dynamic tests to make sure the turbine is working within appropriate limits.» Grid interconnection and unit synchronisation will be undertaken to confirm the turbine and unit performance. Physical adjustments may be needed such as changing the pitch of the blades. Undertake site remediation» Remove all construction equipment from the site» On full commissioning of the facility, any access points to the site which are not required during the operation phase will be closed» Rehabilitation of temporarily disturbed areas where practical and reasonable and prepared for rehabilitation. Operation Operation» Operation of turbines within the wind energy facility Maintenance» Oil and grease turbines» Transformer oil substation» Waste product disposal» Once operational, the Wind Energy Facility will be monitored remotely. It is estimated that the operational phase of the project will provide employment for approximately 10 skilled staff members, who will be responsible for monitoring and maintenance when required.» No permanent staff will be required on site for any extended period of time.» Each turbine in the facility will be operational, except under circumstances of mechanical breakdown, extreme weather conditions, or maintenance activities.» The wind turbines will be subject to periodic maintenance and inspection. Periodic oil changes will be required and any waste products (e.g. oil) will be disposed of in accordance with relevant waste management legislation.» The turbine infrastructure is expected to have a lifespan of Project Details Page 17

26 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Main Activity/Project Component Components of Activity Details approximately years, with maintenance. Decommissioning Site preparation» Confirming the integrity of the access» Equipment associated with this facility would only be to the site to accommodate required decommissioned once it has reached the end of its economic life. equipment and lifting cranes. It is most likely that decommissioning activities of the» Preparation of the site (e.g. lay down infrastructure of the facility would comprise the disassembly and areas, construction platform) replacement of the turbines with more appropriate» Mobilisation of construction equipment technology/infrastructure available at that time. Disassemble and remove existing turbines» A large crane will be used to disassemble the turbine and tower» Turbine components would be reused, recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulatory requirements. sections.» The hours of operation for noisy construction activities are guided by the Environment Conservation Act (noise control regulations). If the project requires construction work outside of the designated hours, regulatory authorities and affected stakeholders will be consulted and subsequent negotiations will be made to ensure the suitability of the revised activities (if applicable). Project Details Page 18

27 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme 1.5 Potential Environmental Impacts In terms of the findings of the EIA Report, the EA issued in 2012, and the Groundtruthing exercise conducted in September 2015, various planning, construction and operation-related environmental impacts were identified, including:» Disturbance of ecological environment» Impacts on wetlands and other sensitive habitats» Impacts on avifauna (birds)» Impacts on bats» Disturbance to sense of place, visual aesthetics» Noise during construction» Socio-economic impacts» Soil erosion and degradation» Impacts on heritage and/ fossil resources EIA Phase Mitigation Measures and Recommendations From the specialist investigations undertaken for the proposed wind energy facility development site, a number of potentially sensitive areas were identified. In order to avoid and minimise impacts on sensitive areas or receptors, it was recommended that:» Turbine positioning took cognisance of sensitive areas by relocating the following turbine positions(old numbering; refer to Table 1.1): Turbines 4, 6, 13, 25, 29, 30, 36, 39, 42, 44, 47, 49, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 70 and 74 should be moved in order to avoid / minimise impacts on wetlands. These turbines should be placed a minimum of 50 metres outside the outer edge of wetlands in terms of the National Water Act 107. Turbine 1 should be removed from the agricultural land which has a pivoted irrigation system. The following turbines are removed from the areas of high soil / land-use sensitivity (1, 6, 24, 29, 30, 36, 44, 49, 59, and 63). Turbines and should be constructed further inland as recommended by the heritage specialist due to the Thyspunt cultural landscape / heritage site to reduce the visual impact. In response to the recommendations made through the specialist investigations undertaken, and based on the areas / sensitive environmental receptors identified the Project Proponent revised the layout, including the positioning of the turbines substation locations, and internal road routes. This has been done in order to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the recommended mitigation measures, resulting in the minimisation of predicted impacts as far as possible. Purpose & Objectives of the EMP Page 19

28 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme Relevant revisions to the layout for the proposed Oyster Bay wind energy facility include the following (old numbering; refer to Table 1.1):» A reduction in the number of turbines from 77 to 62 (due to relocation / removal of turbines)» Turbines 6, 29, 36, 44, 47, 58, 59 and 70, have been removed from the layout, as they were previously located within wetlands.» Turbines 4, 25, 30, 13, 39, 42, 49, 60, 62, 63, 64 and 74 has been relocated at least 50 metres outside the outer edge of wetlands in terms of the National Water Act 107.» Turbine 1 has been removed from the agricultural land which has a pivoted irrigation system.» The following turbines were removed/ relocated from the areas of high soil / landuse sensitivity (6, 24, 29, 30, 36, 44, 49, 59 and 63).» Turbines 58, 69, 70 and 71 have been removed from the layout in line with the recommendations by the heritage specialist due to the Thyspunt cultural landscape / heritage site (to reduce the visual impact). In this regard, the following impacts have been minimised through this revised layout:» Impacts on wetlands: turbines have been relocated such that identified wetland areas are avoided. It may however still be necessary to cross some wetland areas with roads and/or cables. In these instances, the recommended mitigation measures will be required to be implemented. In addition, a water use license will be required to be obtained from the Department of Water Affairs.» Impacts on agricultural potential: turbines have been relocated such that they are outside of areas of high soil / land-use sensitivity, and outside of actively cultivated areas. In consultation with the landowner, it has been determined that the actively cultivated areas currently on site cannot be moved or expanded for the following reasons: 1. The apparatus would not physically fit anywhere else on the land, and is also restricted by wind direction and strength, and distance from the dairy.» Impacts on cultural landscape: turbines within the culturally sensitive area have been reduced. Although not totally removed, this is considered acceptable from a visual perspective as the existing Red Cap view shed as a result of the addition of the Oyster Bay facility remains largely unchanged. This therefore also mitigates the potential impact on the cultural landscape as a result of the Oyster Bay facility to some extent. This has been done in order to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the recommended mitigation measures, resulting in the minimisation of predicted impacts as far as possible. The EMPr has thus been developed in line with these environmental sensitivities and must be implemented to protect sensitive on-site and off-site features Purpose & Objectives of the EMP Page 20

29 PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A SITE NORTH OF OYSTER BAY, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE Updated Environmental Management Programme through controlling construction and operation activities that could have a detrimental effect on the environment, and avoiding or minimising potential impacts Environmental Authorisation Specific Conditions The EA authorised the following amendments to the revised layout (old numbering; refer to Table 1.1):» Turbine 1 must be removed from the agricultural land which has a pivoted irrigation system.» Turbines 24, 30, 49 and 63 must be removed from the areas of high soil/land use sensitivity.» Turbines 6, 29, 36, 44, 47, 58, 59, 69, 70, and 71 have been removed from the layout, therefore these turbines are not authorised as they were located within wetlands and also reduce the visual impact on the Thysbaai cultural landscape/heritage site.» Turbines 4, 13, 25, 30, 39, 42, 49, 60, 62, 63, 64 and 74 must be situated 50m away from wetland areas.» Turbines must be positioned in such a way that shadow flicker does not affect any farm and residential building.» Substation design must make use of low profile construction technology to mitigate visual impact on the surrounding area Ground-truthing Phase Prior to construction Ground-truthing of the windfarm infrastructure was conducted as per Condition 20 of the EA. The following amendments were made to the layout (the following Turbine Reference applies: Told (Tnew)» Turbine 24(16) was moved in order to avoid/minimise impacts on the archaeological environment.» The final sensitivity map for the Oyster Bay Windfarm is illustrated in Figure 1.1 & 1.2 above (and only refers to new turbine numbers). 1.6 General From here on this EMPr will only refer to new turbine numbers unless specified otherwise). A copy of this EMPr and EA must be kept at the property where the activity will be undertaken. These documents must be provided to any authorised official to DEA who requests to see it and must be made available for inspection by any employee or agent of the holder of the EA who works or undertakes work on the property. Purpose & Objectives of the EMP Page 21