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Scoping & Environmental Impact

Paulputs PV3 Draft EIA Report

APPENDICES

EAP: Gaea Enviro (Pty) LtdPhone: +27 (0) 27 470 0111

Email: [email protected]: PO BOX 17,

Clanwilliam 8135

Reporting (S&EIR) Process

DEA Reference Number: 14-12-16-3-3-2-1090

Applicant: juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd Phone: +27 (0) 21 831 6131

Email: [email protected]: 7 Walter Sisulu Av, Cape Town 8001

mailto:[email protected]

Paulputs PV3 - Draft EIA report Appendices

Appendix A - Page 1

APPENDIX A:

QUALIFICATIONS AND DECLARATIONS

CONTENTS 1. CV of the EAP .........................................................................................................................2

2. Declaration of the Applicant ...................................................................................................8

3. Declaration of the EAP and undertaking under oath or affirmation .........................................9


Appendix A - Page 2

1. CV of the EAP

CURRICULUM VITAE: Lydia Cape Director: Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd 15 Bergsig Street, Clanwilliam 8135 Western Cape, South Africa Phone: +27 27 470 0111 Cell: +27 72 657 4719 Email: [email protected]

PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Full name(s): Cape-van der Westhuizen, Lydia Sandrine Gaia

• Professional registration: Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci.Nat) Environmental Sciences – Registration Number: 400359/13

• Postgraduate Qualification: M.Sc. Applied Ecology (specialization: Environmental Management)

• Spoken languages: French and English (Fluent) - Spanish and Afrikaans (Basic)

• Driver license: Code B driver license

• SA ID: 8710121297184

BIOSKETCH

Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Project Manager, Lydia is registered as Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci.Nat) in the field of Environmental Sciences (Registration Number: 400359/13). Since June 2018, Lydia is Director at Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd, a company providing various environmental consulting services including Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments (BAs), Environmental Management Programmes (EMPr), Integrated Environmental Management Plans (IEMPs), Screening studies, (etc) as well as provided specific environmental advisory services to the government, the private sector and national/international conservation agencies, in South Africa and other African countries. From March 2011 to May 2018, Lydia worked as Environmental Scientist and Environmental Project Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and managed several challenging and complex national scale Environmental Assessments including the Strategic Environmental Assessments in support of the Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs) under the National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa. Key projects include the wind and solar PV SEAs in support of SIP 8, which was undertaken to identify Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs) for wind and solar PV facilities in SA, completed in 2015 and the SEA for the construction of the South African mid-frequency array of SKA Phase 1 (SKA1_MID) in South Africa, in support of SIP 16.



Appendix A - Page 3

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TRACK RECORD

• Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment reporting (S&EIR) for a proposed 300 MW solar

PV development (three 100 megawatt (MW) solar PV phases: Paulputs PV1, PV2 and PV3), 25 km north-east of Pofadder, in the Northern Cape Province (Principal client: juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd, Project in progress).

• Basic Assessment (BA) for the proposed Paulputs associated infrastructure (Principal client: juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd, Project in progress)

• Review and update of the Integrated Environmental Management Plan for the Square Kilometre Array Phase 1 South Africa Project (Principal client: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Project completion date: 2018)

• Development of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded BLU Programme and Biodiversity Planning Programme of work - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, review of technical and policy documents, mentoring and project management activities (Principal client: SANBI, 2018)

• Strategic Environmental Assessment for the expansion of REDZs for wind and photovoltaic solar energy in South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project leader, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment and SEA report (Principal client: Department of Environmental Affairs, 2018)

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for two wind energy projects proposed in Ghana - Project Role and Responsibilities: site visit and fieldwork, technical GIS, review of specialist assessments and ESIA reports (Principal client: Volta River Authority, 2017)

• Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Square Kilometre Array Phase 1 South Africa Project - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of SEA report (Principal client: Department of Environmental Affairs / Department of Sciences and Technology, Project completion date: 2017)

• Strategic Environmental Assessment for roll out of photovoltaic solar energy in South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of SEA report (Principal client: Department of Environmental Affairs, Project completion date: 2015)

• Strategic Environmental Assessment for roll out of wind energy in South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of SEA report (Principal client: Department of Environmental Affairs, Project completion date: 2015)

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for a photovoltaic solar project proposed in the Thembelihle Municipality in the Northern Cape province of South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of ESIA report (Principal client: Mainstream Development Power South Africa, Project completion date: 2014)

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for a photovoltaic solar project proposed in the Kai Garib Municipality in the Northern Cape province of South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of ESIA report (Principal client: Mainstream Development Power South Africa, Project completion date: 2012)

• Environmental Screening Study for a wind energy facility proposed in the Western Cape, Project Role and Responsibilities: technical GIS, terrestrial ecology inputs (Principal client: New Symphony South Africa, Project completion date: 2012)

• Environmental Screening Study for a series of photovoltaic solar energy projects proposed in the


Appendix A - Page 4

Western Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa - Project Role and Responsibilities: project manager, technical GIS, review of specialist assessment, preparation of screening reports (Principal client: Mainstream Development Power South Africa, Project completion date: 2011)

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Phase 1A: The establishment of a mining process plant and the extraction of a 20 000-ton ore sample from the Beniomi Plateau, Franceville; Phase 1B: The development of a 300 000 ton/annum mining operation in Gabon, Project Role and Responsibilities: technical GIS, collection of terrestrial ecology data in the field (Principal client: BHP Billiton Gabon, Project completion date: 2011)

• Analysis of spatially referenced economic, social and biophysical data to explore attitudinal responses of landholders to alternative land-use strategies. Case-study of the Eyre Peninsula NRM Region, South Australia, Project Role and Responsibilities: technical GIS, collection of terrestrial ecology data in the field (University of Adelaide (Australia) / Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Australia), Project completion date: 2010)

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

• 2016: 2016 Mail & Guardian’s Young South African – Environment

• 2015: CSIR Excellence Awards: Emerging leader

• 2015: CSIR Excellence Awards: Outstanding contribution by project team

• 2013: CSIR Excellence Awards: Customer Delight

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 2014: Post-graduate certificate in Development of Leadership and Team Skills

o University of Stellenbosch Business School (South Africa)

• 2012: Post-graduate certificate in Project Management o University of Stellenbosch Business School (South Africa)

• 2010: MSc Research project in spatial mapping of land use change (GIS, sustainable development)

o University of Adelaide (Australia)

• 2008-2010 International Master of Sciences (MSc) IMAE-EMAE in Applied Ecology and Research Project

➢ Université de Poitiers (France): Multivariate Statistics and Data Analysis, Population Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology, Animal Strategies and Behavioral Ecology

➢ University of East Anglia (UK): Ecological modeling, Climate Change and Policy, Restoration Ecology

➢ Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal): Environmental Quality Assessment, Biodiversity Conservation and Management / Ecotoxicology and Ecological Risk Assessment

➢ Christian-Albrechts-Universität (Germany): Environmental Economics, Spatial Environmental Planning, Ecosystem Analysis and Environmental Management practices, Spatial Concepts to Manage Natural resources, and Project Management

• 2005-2008 Bachelor of Sciences (BSc) in Life Sciences and international exchange programme ERASMUS

o Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis (France): Molecular Biology, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Botany


Appendix A - Page 5

o University of East Anglia (UK): Ecology and Botany, Global Change, and BSc Research Project in carbon-sequestration potential of a UK afforestation program

PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES PROCEEDINGS

• Cape L., Retief F., Lochner P., Fischer T., and Bond A., 2018. Exploring pluralism – Different

stakeholder views of the expected and realised value of strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Volume 69, March 2018, Pages 32-41.

• Cape L., Lochner P. and Fischer D., 2017. SEAs for major infrastructure programmes in SA. IAIA17 Conference Proceedings - Global efforts in addressing climate change - 37th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, 4-7 April 2017 | Le Centre Sheraton Montreal | Montreal | Canada | www.iaia.org

• Cape L., Schreiner G., Snyman L., and Fischer D., 2017. Scenario-based approach for risk mapping. IAIA17 Conference Proceedings - Global efforts in addressing climate change - 37th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, 4-7 April 2017 | Le Centre Sheraton Montreal | Montreal | Canada | www.iaia.org

• Cape L.; Lochner P.; Mabin M., 2016 Recent SEA experience in South Africa and national principles: Learning from national scale SEAs for renewable energy and power corridors. IAIA16 Conference Proceedings - Resilience and Sustainability - 36th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, 11 - 14 May 2016 | Nagoya Congress Centre | Aichi-Nagoya | Japan | www.iaia.org

• Cape L.; van der Westhuizen C., 2015. Strategic Environmental Assessment for Renewable Energy in South Africa - Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs). IAIA15 Conference Proceedings - Impact Assessment in the Digital Era - 35th Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment, 20 - 23 April 2015 | Firenze Fiera Congress & Exhibition Centre | Florence | Italy | www.iaia.org

• Cape L. and van der Westhuizen C., 2013. Strategic environmental assessment for the rollout of wind and solar PV energy in South Africa. Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) wind power development and use (Karlstad, Sweden)

• Cape L., van der Westhuizen C. and Lochner P., 2012. Challenges in environmental impact assessments for wind energy projects in South Africa. Modern Energy Review. Volume 4 Issue 1. Touch briefings

• Dr Darla Hatton-McDonald and Cape L., 2010. Designing incentives for carbon & biodiversity gains using farming style of Eyre Peninsula landholders. Preliminary findings from the NRM research alliance integrated projects 2010 (Adelaide, Australia)

CONFERENCES PRESENTATIONS

• 2017: Speaker at the International Association for Impact Assessment Conference "Global efforts

in addressing climate change", 4-7 April 2017 (in Montreal, Canada), on Cumulative Environmental Assessment: defining baseline and forecast scenarios, and good example of SEA as a facilitator for sustainable planning.

• 2015: Speaker at the SAIREC 2015 in October 2015 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

• 2015: Display at the CSIR 70th anniversary conference (http://www.dataweek.co.za/8501a)

• 2015: Speaker at the 2015 Biodiversity Planning Forum in June 2015 (KZN, South Africa)


Appendix A - Page 6

• 2015: Speaker at the International Association for Impact Assessment Conference "Impact Assessment in the Digital Era", 20-23 April 2015 (in Florence, Italy), Session: Emerging uses of Strategic Environmental Assessment

• 2014: Speaker at the Renewables and Mining Summit in June 2014 (in Johannesburg, South Africa)

• 2014: Speaker at the SAPVIA 14th Networking Event in May 2014 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

• 2014: Speaker at the Wind Energy Summit in April 2014 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

• 2013: Certificate of completion with distinction for the training program on Wind Power Development and Use (WP 2013A) at LIFE Academy - Tanzania, Sweden and India

• 2013: Guest Speaker at the Provincial and Metro Biodiversity Planning in October 2013 (in Johannesburg, South Africa)

• 2013: Speaker at Birdlife South Africa Seminar in October 2013 (in Cape Town, South Africa), “Assessing and monitoring the impacts of wind energy on birds in South Africa: the next steps”

• 2013: Speaker at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) wind power development and use seminar in October 2013 (in Chenai, India)

• 2013: Speaker at the WINDaba Conference in September 2013 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

• 2013: Speaker at the Solar Indaba Conference in September 2013 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

• 2013: Speaker at the International Association for Impact Assessment Conference in September 2013 (in Free State, South Africa) “Planning for a changing Environment “, Session: Environmental Responsibility of Renewable Energy

• 2013: Guest Speaker at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) wind power development and use seminar in April 2013 (in Karlstad, Sweden)

• 2013: Guest Speaker at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) wind power development and use seminar in January 2013 (in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania)

• 2012: Green Cape Renewable Energy Conference in March 2012 (in Cape Town, South Africa)

LECTURING AND TRAINING (extract)

• 2016: Guest lecture on strategic environmental assessment for the strategic infrastructure

projects in support of the SA national development plan, at the Stellenbosch University Sustainability Institute (PGD/MPhil in Sustainable Development)

• 2015: Guest lecture on strategic environmental assessment for the strategic infrastructure projects in support of the SA national development plan, at the Stellenbosch University Sustainability Institute (PGD/MPhil in Sustainable Development)

• 2015: IAIA workshop on Environmental-regulatory considerations relating to excavations and construction affecting rivers in rural areas in the Western Cape” on Wednesday 18th March 2015 at CSIR Stellenbosch offices

• 2015: Guest lecture on strategic environmental assessment Theory & Practice, at the Stellenbosch University - department of Geography and Environmental Studies (Honours in Geography)

• 2015: IAIA workshop on “Integrating Climate Change in EIA” on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 at UCT Environmental and Geographical Science Building, Studio 5, Upper Campus

• 2015: Guest lecture on strategic environmental assessment Theory & Practice, at the University of Cape Town - department of Environmental and Geographical Science (Hons & Masters: Theory and Practice of Environmental Management)

• 2015: IAIA workshop on “Best Practice Methodologies for Impact Significance Rating” on Thursday, 15 May 2014 at CSIR Stellenbosch offices


Appendix A - Page 7

• 2014: Guest lecture on strategic environmental assessment Theory & Practice, at the University of Cape Town - department of Environmental and Geographical Science (Hons & Masters: Theory and Practice of Environmental Management)

MEDIA (extract)

• “Can wind and solar fuel Africa's future?”, Nature 539, 20–22 (03 November 2016)

doi:10.1038/539020a

• “Afrikas Zukunft liegt im Wind”, Spektrum Kompakt: Erneuerbare Energien – Hightech fürs Klima, 2016

• “Cabinet approves development zones for future renewables projects”, Engineering News website, February 2016

• “Strategic assessment for renewable energy in South Africa”, November 2015, EE Publishers Energize-RE, PositionIT

• “Renewable energy development zones (REDZ)”, Energize-RE, Volume 3 -p15-17, June 2015

• “Position of strategic transmission corridors confirmed”, Engineering News website, May 2015

• "Eskom looks to all available resources", African Energy, April 2014, pages 23-25

• “Brilliant young minds at the CSIR”, Media Club South Africa, July 2015

• CSIR Annual Report 2014-2015 - p65

• “Wind and solar survey prepares way for fast-tracking consent”, Business Day live – Energy, June 2014

• “Solar power in sunny South Africa”, Green Times, September 2013

• “Best areas for renewable energy identified: CSIR and Department of Environmental Affairs release map”, CSIR enews, October 2013

• “New map offers visibility of all renewable energy project applications", Engineering News website, August 2013

• "Renewable Hot Spots", published in Engineering News magazine, August 2013

• “Towards renewable energy: CSIR appointed to assess areas best suited for roll out of wind and solar”, CSIR enews, June 2013


Appendix A - Page 8

2. Declaration of the Applicant


Appendix A - Page 9

3. Declaration of the EAP and undertaking under oath or affirmation


Appendix A - Page 10


Appendix A - Page 11


Appendix B - Page 1

APPENDIX B: CONSULTATION AND

CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY

CONTENTS 1. Meeting notes: pre-application meeting with the Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations ...............................................................................................................................2

2. Attendance register: pre-application meeting with the Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations ........................................................................................................2

3. Acknowledgement of receipt of the Application for Environmental Authorisation ...................4

4. Comments on the Draft Scoping Report ..................................................................................6

5. Acknowledgement of receipt of the Final Scoping Report ........................................................9

6. Acceptance of the Final Scoping Report ................................................................................ 11

7. Confirmation of submission date of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report ....... 21


Appendix B - Page 2

1. Meeting notes: pre-application meeting with the Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations

Meeting with Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations

Date of meeting: 24th May 2018

Location of Meeting: DEA offices, Environment House, Arcadia

Attendees: Dakalo Netshiombo (DEA) Thando Booi (DEA) Mpho Monyai (DEA) Olivia Letlalo (DEA) Nazley Towfie (juwi) Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

The pre-application meeting was organised to provide an overview of the proposed juwi Paulputs Solar Photovoltaic Energy Facility and associated electrical infrastructure to the Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations and confirm the process and way forward for the Environmental Impact Assessment and Basic Assessment Process to be undertaken. A power point presentation was made to present the results of the screening study and proposed alternatives for the three Paulputs PV facilities and the power corridors. The scope of work for the three Environmental Impact Assessments and the Basic Assessment was presented and confirmed with the competent authority. The proposed approach to run an integrated Public Participation Process for the three Environmental Impact Assessments and the Basic Assessment was presented and confirmed with the competent authority. Finally, the proposed timeline for the three full Scoping and Environmental Impact reporting and the Basic Assessment was presented and confirmed with the competent authority.

2. Attendance register: pre-application meeting with the Chief Directorate: Integrated Environmental Authorisations


Appendix B - Page 3


Appendix B - Page 4

3. Acknowledgement of receipt of the Application for Environmental Authorisation


Appendix B - Page 5


Appendix B - Page 6

4. Comments on the Draft Scoping Report


Appendix B - Page 7


Appendix B - Page 8


Appendix B - Page 9

5. Acknowledgement of receipt of the Final Scoping Report


Appendix B - Page 10



6. Acceptance of the Final Scoping Report



7. Confirmation of submission date of the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report


Appendix C - Page 1

APPENDIX C:

I&APs REGISTER

(project database)


Appendix C - Page 2

Number Stakeholder Name Company/ Organisation

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COMPETENT AUTHORITY

1. Sabelo Malaza

National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA): Integrated Environmental Authorisations (IEA)

✓ ✓ ✓

2. Muhammad Essop DEA: IEA Strategic Infrastructure Developments ✓

3. Dakalo Netshiombo DEA: IEA ✓ ✓ ✓

4. Thando Booi DEA: IEA ✓ ✓ ✓

5. Mpho Monyai DEA: IEA ✓ ✓ ✓

6. Olivia Letlalo DEA: IEA ✓ ✓ ✓

NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS

7. Seoka Lekota DEA: Biodiversity and Conservation ✓ ✓ ✓

8. Hettie Buys

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

✓ ✓ ✓

9. Mashudu Marubini DAFF: Delegate of the Minister (Act 70 of 1970) ✓

10. Thoko Buthelezi DAFF: AgriLiaison Office ✓

11. Tsunduka Khosa Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) ✓ ✓ ✓

12. Pheladi Masipa Department of Energy (DoE) ✓ ✓ ✓

13. Pervelan Govender DoE: Independent Power Producer (IPP) office ✓ ✓ ✓

14. Enoch Mhlanga Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development

✓ ✓ ✓

15. Lt Col J.H.J Potgieter Department of Defence ✓ ✓ ✓


Appendix C - Page 3

16. Kgauta Mokoena Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) ✓ ✓ ✓

17. Emily Ndobe Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA)

✓ ✓ ✓

PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS

18. Thulani Mthombeni Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC)

✓ ✓ ✓

19. Elsabe Swart Northern Cape DENC ✓ ✓ ✓

20. Jacoline Mans Northern Cape DAFF ✓ ✓ ✓

21. Melinda Mei Northern Cape DWS ✓ ✓ ✓

22. Deidre Karsten Northern Cape DMR ✓ ✓ ✓

23. Sebabatso Mohapi Northern Cape DoE ✓ ✓ ✓

24. Ichabod Manyane Northern Cape Department of Social Development ✓ ✓ ✓

25. Cynthia Fortune Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

✓ ✓ ✓

26. Jessica Mokoto Northern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs

✓ ✓ ✓

27. U Ngomane Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism

✓ ✓ ✓

28. Natasha Corns Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works

✓ ✓ ✓

STATE AGENCIES AND CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS

29. Rene de kock South African Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL): Northern Cape

✓ ✓ ✓

30. Lizell Stroh South African Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) ✓ ✓ ✓

31. John Geeringh ESKOM: Environmental Manager ✓ ✓ ✓

32. Motlatsi Makhari ESKOM: Senior Advisor – Independent Power Producers Grid Access Unit Transmission and Sustainability Northern Cape Operating Unit

✓ ✓ ✓


Appendix C - Page 4

33. Adrian Tiplady South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) – Square Kilometre Array radio telescope (SKA) South Africa

✓ ✓ ✓

34. Selaelo Matlhane SARAO – SKA South Africa: Spectrum & Telecommunication

✓

35. Margaret Kieser Agricultural Research Council (ARC) ✓ ✓ ✓

36. Henning Myburgh Agri Northern Cape ✓ ✓ ✓

37. Natasha Higgitt South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) ✓ ✓ ✓

38. Ratha Andrew Timothy Ngwao-Boswa Jwa Kapa Bokone - Northern Cape Heritage Resources Authority

✓ ✓ ✓

39. Khwezi Mpumlwana National Heritage Council (NHC) South Africa ✓ ✓ ✓

40. Stephen Moseley Northern Cape Environmental Heritage Trust ✓ ✓ ✓

41. Lourens Leeuwner Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) - Wildlife and Energy Programme

✓ ✓ ✓

42. Samantha Ralston Birdlife South Africa ✓ ✓ ✓

43. Erica Joubert Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) ✓ ✓ ✓

44. Henk Coetzee (Dr) Council for Geoscience (CGS) ✓ ✓ ✓

45. Itumeleng Thatelo South African Local Government Association (SALGA): Municipal Infrastructure and Services of Northern Cape

✓ ✓ ✓

46. Joh Henschel (Dr) South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Arid Lands Node

✓ ✓ ✓

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

47. Chistiaan Fortuin Namakwa District Municipality: Municipal Manager ✓ ✓ ✓

48. Denver Smit Namakwa District Municipality: Environmental Manager

✓ ✓ ✓

LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

49. Obakeng Isaacs Khai-Ma Local Municipality: Municipal Manager ✓ ✓ ✓

50. Pascale van Heerden Khai-Ma Local Municipality: Mayor of Pofadder ✓ ✓ ✓

51. Adel Rooi Khai-Ma Local Municipality: Ward Councillor ✓ ✓ ✓

52. Edward Vries Khai-Ma Local Municipality : Senior administrator ✓ ✓ ✓


Appendix C - Page 5

53. Boet Baker Khai-Ma Local Municipality : Manager of IDP ✓ ✓ ✓

AFFECTED LANDOWNERS

54. Erik Markram Konkoonsies 91/2 and 91/5: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

55. Floris van der Colff Konkoonsies 91/2 and 91/5: Farm manager ✓ ✓ ✓

56. Fanie van den Heever Konkoonsies 91/6: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

57. Willie Marais Konkoonsies 91/4 and 91/0: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

58. Niklaas Brandt Konkoonsies 91/1 and 91/3: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

59. Willem Burger Oupvlakte, Coboop, Nouncaup: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

60. Kaxu CSP Scuit-Klip 92/4: Landowner ✓ ✓ ✓

OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

61. J.G. Lategan Kai! Garib Municipality: Municipal Manager ✓ ✓ ✓

62. Tonderai Munthumbira Biotherm ✓ ✓ ✓

63. Thorsten Rauch Kaxu CSP ✓ ✓ ✓

64. Thorsten Rauch Kaxu Solar One ✓ ✓ ✓

65. Michael Victor Moreland Abengoa ✓ ✓ ✓

66. Ludwig Labuschagne Atlantica Yield ✓ ✓

67. Jose D. Cayuela Olivencia Xina Solar One Pty Ltd ✓ ✓

68. Patty Feres Pofadder Municipal Library ✓ ✓ ✓


Appendix D - Page 1

APPENDIX D: Public participation process supporting

documents and I&APs submissions

CONTENTS 1. Meeting notes: Khâi-Ma Municipality .....................................................................................2

2. Meeting notes: Stakeholders in Pofadder ...............................................................................4

3. Meeting notes: ESKOM ..........................................................................................................7

4. Meeting notes: Birdlife South Africa .......................................................................................8

5. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: Land owner ...........................................................9

6. Landowner consent letter for undertaking of S&EIR process ................................................. 11

7. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: neighbours of the proposed site .......................... 12

8. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: key stakeholders ................................................. 16

9. Notification of release of scoping report for public review: land owner and neighbours of the proposed site ............................................................................................................................... 19

10. Notification of release of scoping report for public review: key stakeholders ..................... 20

11. Proof of postage of notification letters and printed reports/CDs for the Draft Scoping Report 23

12. Notification of submission of the final scoping report to the competent authority for decision-making ........................................................................................................................... 26

13. South African Civil Aviation Authority Obstacle Approval .................................................. 27

14. South African Civil Aviation Authority Obstacle – Confirmation of no-need for glint and glare study 28

15. Department of Mineral Resources confirmation of receipt of Section 53 application submitted by the applicant ........................................................................................................... 29

16. Department of Mineral Resources request for access to records ....................................... 30

17. Council for Geoscience Section 53 inputs .......................................................................... 31

18. South African Heritage Resources Information System Case ID .......................................... 34

19. Request to Municipality for water, sewage and refuse services ......................................... 35

20. Land Claim enquiry .......................................................................................................... 36

21. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) ................................................. 37

22. South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites Unit ............................................................................................................................ 40

23. South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (Formerly SKA SA) .......................... 45


Appendix D - Page 2

1. Meeting notes: Khâi-Ma Municipality

Meeting with Municipal Manager Obakeng Isaacs


Location of Meeting: Khâi-Ma Municipality offices in Pofadder

Attendees: Obakeng Isaacs (Khâi-Ma Municipality) Nazley Towfie (juwi) Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

1. Introduction of juwi, applicant to environmental authorisation for the Paulputs development including the Paulputs solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities and Paulputs Electrical Grid Infrastructure (EGI) near Pofadder in the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality. Introduction of Gaea Enviro, Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) undertaking the full Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) for the Paulputs PV facilities, and the Basic Assessment (BA) for the Paulputs EGI. Overview of the integrated public consultation process for the S&EIR and BA. Confirmation with Municipal Manager that reports will be sent to him during the integrated public consultation process for his review and comments.

2. Confirmation of other key stakeholders to be involved in the integrated public consultation process: - Mayor of Pofadder: Pascale van Heerden, [email protected] / 078 765 6722 - Ward Councillor for proposed project area: Adel Rooi, [email protected] / 081 049

9769 - Manager of IDP for Khâi-Ma Local Municipality: Mr Boet Baker, [email protected] /

084 415 9275 - District Municipality Manager: Chris Fortuin, [email protected] / 082 901 8539

3. A hardcopy of the reports will be sent to the Municipal Manager’s office for review and comments by Municipal Manager Obakeng Isaacs and his team.

4. Municipal Manager Obakeng Isaacs requested juwi to send information on job creation, procurement and skills development in relation to the proposed project. Nazley Towfie (juwi) indicated that preliminary information can be provide through the socio-economic study which will be conducted as part of the S&EIR and BA, however final figures will only be available after receiving an EA from the competent authority.

5. Discussion about required municipal services for the proposed development:

• Water

• Sewage

• Waste disposal The municipal manager indicated that juwi should send a letter to his office describing the services required for the development with quantity and timeframe. Nazley asked for technical details on water reticulation and access to site. Information can be obtained from the Technical Advisor to Khâi-Ma Local Municipality: Mr Edward Vries, [email protected] / 072 449 0282 / 054 933 1005

Contact details

Obakeng Isaacs Tel: 054 933 1022 / Fax: 054 933 0252 / Cell: 073 399 8420 Email: [email protected]







Appendix D - Page 3

Meeting with Senior Administrator Manager Edward Vries


Location of Meeting: Khâi-Ma Municipality offices in Pofadder

Attendees: Mr Edward Vries (Khâi-Ma Municipality) Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

The hardcopies and CDs of the reports should be sent to the office of the Senior Administrator Manager Mr Edward Vries. Mr Vries will then distribute the reports to the Library of Pofadder. Mr Vries indicated that he can also organise to place reports at the Libraries of surrounding towns as well including the Libraries of Aggeneys, Pella and Onseepkans. Please note that Gaea Enviro’s budget includes one hardcopy of the report for Pofadder Library and one copy for the Municipal Office. However, if juwi wishes to print additional reports, the reports can be sent to Mr Vries’ office for distribution to the Libraries of Aggeneys, Pella and Onseepkans. Gaea Enviro submitted colour A3 posters explaining the integrated public consultation process for the Paulputs development including the Paulputs solar PV facilities and Paulputs EGI; and A3 colour locality maps to Mr Vries for set up at the Libraries of Pofadder, Aggeneys, Pella and Onseepkans as well as community centres of these towns.

Contact details

Edward Vries Tel: 054 933 1005 / Fax: 054 933 0252 / Cell: 072 449 0282 Email: [email protected]


Appendix D - Page 4

2. Correspondence with the Khâi-Ma Municipality and the Kai!Garib Municipality for the availability of basic services


Appendix D - Page 5


Appendix D - Page 6


Appendix D - Page 7

3. Meeting notes: Stakeholders in Pofadder Meeting with SASSA office Manager


Location of Meeting: SASSA office in Pofadder

Attendees: SASSA office Manager Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

The manager of the SASSA office in Pofadder indicated that they are not allowed to advertise private renewable energy projects at their office and thus cannot display posters or maps of the proposed development within their offices.

Meeting with clinic and community centre staff in Pofadder


Location of Meeting: clinic and community centre staff in Pofadder

Attendees: clinic and community centre staff Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

The staff of the clinic and community centre in Pofadder indicated that they are not allowed to advertise private renewable energy projects on their walls, but these can be displayed at the Library which is the adjacent building and often visited by the local community.

4. Meeting notes: ESKOM Meeting with ESKOM


Location of Meeting: ESKOM offices in Megawatt Park, Johannesburg

Attendees: John Geeringh (ESKOM) Nazley Towfie (juwi) Lydia Cape (Gaea Enviro)

Notes:

The meeting was organised to provide an overview of the Paulputs development including the Paulputs solar PV facilities and Paulputs EGI to ESKOM. A map of the proposed power corridor alternatives was presented and discussed with ESKOM’s Environmental Manager, Mr John Geeringh. Any potential issue and sensitivity associated with the proposed routing and infrastructure components were discussed to inform the revision of the power corridor alternatives which will be assessed as part of the BA process.


Appendix D - Page 8

5. Meeting notes: Birdlife South Africa


Appendix D - Page 9

6. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: Land owner From: Lydia Cape Sent: Friday, 27 July 2018 13:34 To: '[email protected]' <[email protected]> Subject: Paulputs PV projek Geagte Erik Markram

KENNISGEWING AAN GRONDEIENAAR VAN OMGEWINGSIMPAKEVALUERINGS PROSESSE VIR DIE ONTWIKKELING VAN DRIE 100 MW ELK SONKRAGAANLEGTE EN GEPAARDGAANDE ELEKTRIESE INFRASTRUKTUUR NABY POFADDER IN DIE NOORD-KAAP Hiermee word kennis gegee aan u as geraakte grondeienaar, dat juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd (“juwi’) van voorneme is om ‘n omgewings impak assesering proses te onderneem vir die konstruksie van drie 100 MW sonkragaanlegte en gepaardgaande elektriese infrastruktuur naby Pofadder in die Noord-Kaap. Die voorgestelde sonkragaanlegte sal op twee grondgedeeltes gebou word: Konkoonsies Plaas Nr 91 Res van Gedeelte 2 en Konkoonsies Plaas Nr 91 Gedeelte 5. Die voorgestelde aanlegte sal verbind word met die Eskom 220/132kV Paulputs MTS Substasie. ‘n 9km oorhoofse 132 kV kraglyn sal opgerig word vanaf die sonkragaanlegte na die Paulputs substasie. Dit sal strek oor Konkoonsies Plaas Nr 91 Gedeelte 6 en Scuitklip Plaas Nr 92 Gedeelte 4. In terme van die Nasionale Wet op Omgewingsbestuur (Wet 107 van 1998, soos gewysig) NEMA en die NEMA Omgewings Impak Asseserings (EIA) Regulasies geprumulgeer in Staatskoerant No. 40772 en Staatskennisgewing (GNR) 324 en 327 op 7 April, vereis die beoogde projekte ‘n Bestek en Omgewingsimpakevalueringsproses vir elk van die drie 100 MW fotovoltaïse sonkragaanlegte wat voorgestel word. Omgewingsmagtiging aansoekvorms sal ingedien word aan die Nasionale Departement van Omgewingsake. ‘n Bestek en Omgewingsimpakevalueringsproses word vereis vir elke van die drie 100 MW sonkragaanlegte. Aparte basiese evalueringsprosesse word ook vereis vir die voorgestelde elektriese infrastruktuur. Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd (hierna verwys as “GaeaEnviro”) is deur juwi aangestel om die vereiste EIA en BA prosesse te onderneem van die sonkragaanlegte asook die elektriese infrastruktuur. U is welkom om my te kontak vir enige verdere navrae of inligting. Sien aangehegte agtergrondinligting oor die voorgestelde sonkragprojekte en gepaardgaande elektriese infrastruktuur. Vriendelike groete Lydia Cape


Appendix D - Page 10

From: Lydia Cape Sent: Thursday, 02 August 2018 09:53 To: '[email protected]' <[email protected]> Cc: '[email protected]' <[email protected]> Subject: RE: LANDOWNER NOTIFICATION Dear Erik Markram Please confirm receipt of the below email sent to you on 27/07/18 and attached letter notifying you, as an affected landowner, of the initiation of the environmental impact assessment process for the construction of three 100 MW solar energy facilities on two land portions, namely Konkoonsies Farm No 91 Portion 5 and Konkoonsies Farm No 91 Remaining Portion 2, near Pofadder in the Northern Cape Province. Each solar facility will be subject to a Scoping and EIA process. A 9 km overhead 132 kV transmission line will be constructed from the solar energy facilities to the Paulputs substation and will traverse over the Konkoonsies Farm No 91 Portion 6 and Scuit-Klip Farm No 92 Portion 4, subject to a Basic Assessment (BA) process. Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd has been appointed by juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd to undertake this process as per the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) EIA Regulations (as amended 7 April 2017). Information and supporting documents are accessible on the project webpage: https://gaeaenviro.wixsite.com/paulputspv As an affected landowner, you will be placed on the stakeholder database for these EIA and BA processes and will receive public consultation throughout. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the contact details below should you have any queries. Kind Regards, Lydia Cape

https://gaeaenviro.wixsite.com/paulputspv



7. Landowner consent letter for undertaking of S&EIR process



8. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: neighbours of the proposed site Letters sent via post, phone messages and email to :

• Niklaas Brandt (Rikus brandt)(Klasie Brandt): Landowner of Konkoonsies 91/1 and 91/3

• Fanie van den Heever: Landowner of Konkoonsies 91/6

• Willie Marais: Landowner of Konkoonsies 91/4 and 91/0

• Abengoa (Pty)Ltd: Landowner of Scuit-Klip 92/4 The letter sent to Fanie van den Heever is included here for reference, other letters are similar in content:



• DISCUSSION SESSION with the Landowner of the Konkoonsies 91/5 and 91/RE2: Erik Markram Date: 02/05/2018

Question / Comment Information sharing/Response to question

Topic: S&EIR process, Specialist Assesments and site visit

Dates for site visit, details on specialist studies The site visit with the EAP and the applicant will occur from 14 to 18 May 2018. Three specialists will be conducting on site survey in May 2018: Ecology (Simon Todd), Freshwater (Kate Snaddon) and Heritage (Jason Orton).

• DISCUSSION SESSION with the Landowner of the Konkoonsies 91/5 and 91/RE2: Erik Markram Date: 31/07/2018


Topic: Notification of S&EIR and BA processes and integrated PPP for the 300 MW Paulputs PV development and associated electrical infrastructure

No questions. Description of the impact assessment requireents and following bidding process as part of the REIPPPP. Proposed project currently in planning stage of development, undertaking the S&EIR.

Topic: PPP

Let him know when the final documents are submitted.

We will inform all the I&AP of all the steps taken in the process.

Took note of the website address Supporting documents compiled during the S&EIR will be accessible via the project website.

• DISCUSSION SESSION with a neighbour of the proposed site: Willie Marais Date: 31/07/2018


Topic: Notification of S&EIR and BA processes for the 300 MW Paulputs PV development and associated electrical infrastructure

When is the construction starting? Description of the impact assessment requireents and following bidding process as part of the REIPPPP. Proposed project currently in planning stage of development, undertaking the S&EIR.

Topic: PPP

Requested that we mail all the docs to his post box as well as email.

Supporting documents compiled during the S&EIR will be accessible via the project website. Hardcopies of the reports will be available at the Pofadder library and municipal office.



• DISCUSSION SESSION with a neighbour of the proposed site: Fanie vd Heever Date: 13/08/2018



No questions or comments/concerns at this stage.

Description of the impact assessment requireents and following bidding process as part of the REIPPPP. Proposed project currently in planning stage of development, undertaking the S&EIR.

Topic: PPP

Requested that we send notifications and updates to his email.


• DISCUSSION SESSION with a neighbour of the proposed site: Willem Burger Date: 13/08/2018



No problems with the development. Description of the impact assessment requireents and following bidding process as part of the REIPPPP. Proposed project currently in planning stage of development, undertaking the S&EIR.

Topic: PPP

Supplied postal address for notifications and updates – no email


9. Notification of initiation of S&EIR process: key stakeholders



The letter sent to the Municipal Manager of te Khâi-Ma Local Municipality is included here for reference, other letters are similar in content:



10. Notification of release of scoping report for public review: land owner and neighbours of the proposed site

Letter notification sent via registered mail:

20 August 2018 RE: RELEASE OF THE SCOPING REPORTS FOR THE PROPOSED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) FACILITIES (PAULPUTS PV1, PAULPUTS PV2 AND PAULPUTS PV3) NEAR POFADDER IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE Dear …… juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd (the project applicant) proposes to construct and operate three 100 Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities and associated electrical infrastructure approximately 25 km north-east of Pofadder within the Khaî-Ma Local Municipality in the Northern Cape Province. The proposed solar PV facilities will be constructed on two land portions, namely Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Remainder of Portion 2 and Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Portion 5 and will be connected to the Eskom 220/132kV Paulputs MTS substation (currently proposed for upgrade to 400/132kV) via a 132 kV transmission line crossing Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Portion 6 and Scuit-Klip Farm No. 92 Portion 4. In terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations promulgated in Government Notices (GN) R327, R326, R325 and R324; a full Scoping and Environmental Impact reporting (S&EIR) process is required for the construction of the three 100 MW solar PV facilities and a separate Basic Assessment (BA) process is required for the associated electrical infrastructure. As a registered I&AP on the project database, you are hereby notified of the release of the Scoping Reports for the Paulputs PV1, Paulputs PV2 and Paulputs PV3 projects for a 30-day review and comments period from 22 August 2018 to 22 September 2018. Hard copies of the Scoping Reports are available for public viewing at the Pofadder Municipal Library and the Khâi-Ma Municipal office. Electronic copy of the Scoping Reports can be downloaded from the project website at https://gaeaenviro.wixsite.com/paulputspv Please submit your written comments and inputs before the 22 September 2018 to: Email: [email protected] Address: PO BOX 17, Clanwilliam, 8135 · South Africa All comments and inputs received during this 30-day review and comments period will be recorded and included in the Scoping Reports which will be submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs for decision-making in line with Regulations 21 and 22 of the EIA Regulations (GN R326). Should you have any queries or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact me at 027 470 0111 / [email protected]. Sincerely, Lydia Cape Project Manager (EAP) Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd Phone: +27 (0) 27 470 0111 Email: [email protected] PO BOX 17, Clanwilliam, 8135




Email notification:

11. Notification of release of scoping report for public review: key stakeholders Cover letter sent via registered mail or courier:

20 August 2018

RE: RELEASE OF DRAFT SCOPING REPORTS FOR THE PROPOSED PAULPUTS SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) FACILITIES

PAULPUTS PV1, PAULPUTS PV2 AND PAULPUTS PV3, 25 KM NORTH-EAST OF POFADDER, IN THE NORTHERN CAPE

PROVINCE

Dear ….

(1) The project applicant, juwi Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as “juwi”), is proposing to

develop three 100-Megawatt (MW) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power generation facilities and associated

electrical infrastructure (including 132 kV transmission lines for all three 100 MW facilities) near Pofadder

in the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality of the Northern Cape Province, namely: Paulputs PV1, Paulputs PV2 and

Paulputs PV3.

Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as “Gaea Enviro”) has been appointed by the project applicant

to undertake the S&EIR processes for the three 100 MW Solar PV facilities and the separate BA process for

the associated electrical grid connection infrastructure.

(2) Separate Applications for Environmental Authorisation (EA) are being lodged with the Competent Authority

(i.e. the DEA) for the three proposed 100 MW Solar PV facilities (requiring a Scoping and EIA Process) and

are referred to as:

• Paulputs PV 1 - centre point coordinates of site in decimal degrees: -28.534391/19.304158 (latitude/longitude);

• Paulputs PV 2- centre point coordinates of site in decimal degrees: -28,551893/19,324911 (latitude/longitude); and

• Paulputs PV 3- centre point coordinates of site in decimal degrees: -28,551893/19,324911 (latitude/longitude).

A separate application for Environmental Authorisation will be submitted to the DEA for the proposed

supporting electrical infrastructure (including the 132 kV transmission line) together with the submission

of the BA report for Public Review.

Separate reports (i.e. Basic Assessment and Scoping and EIA Reports) will be compiled for each project and

submitted for Public Review and to the competent authority for decision making. The Scoping Reports for

the three proposed 100 MW Solar PV facilities are currently in the public domain for Public Review for a



period of 30 days from 22 August 2018 to 22 September 2018. The Basic Assessment Report will be released

for Public Review together with the EIA Reports for the three proposed 100 MW Solar PV facilities.

(3) In terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998, as amended) (NEMA) and the

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations promulgated in Government Gazette 40772 and

Government Notice (GN) R327, R326, R325 and R324 on 7 April 2017, a full Scoping and Environmental

Impact Reporting (S&EIR) process is required for the construction of the proposed Paulputs PV1 facility, the

Paulputs PV2 facility and the Paulputs PV3 facility. A separate Basic Assessment (BA) process will be

undertaken for the development of the proposed transmission line, associated electrical infrastructure and

connection to the Eskom Paulputs MTS.

The Paulputs PV1 facility is proposed to be constructed on the Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Portion 5 which is

approximately 1285 hectares in size. The Paulputs PV2 facility and Paulputs PV3 facility are proposed to be

constructed on the Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Remainder of Portion 2 which is approximately 3326 hectares

in size. Therefore there is scope to avoid major environmental constraints through the final design and

layout of the facility on both farms. Each of the three proposed projects will entail the construction of a

solar field, operation and maintenance buildings, electrical infrastructure, internal access roads, temporary

structures such as a construction yard, a laydown area and batching plant as well as supporting

infrastructure. The main access road to the proposed Paulputs PV1 site is from the minor road OG73 which

goes across the Konkoonsies Farm No. 91 Remaining Portion 2. The landowner of the Konkoonsies Farm

No.91 Remainder of Portion 2 is also the landowner of Konkoonsies Farm No.91 Portion 5 and has provided

his consent to juwi for the proposed construction activities on both farms.

A 132kV transmission power line will be constructed to connect the development to the Eskom 220/132kV

Paulputs Main Transmission Substation (MTS) (currently proposed for upgrade to 400/132kV). The

electrical power line connection alternatives will cross 4 land portions: Konkoonsies 91/2 and Konkoonsies

91/5, Konkoonsies 91/6 and Scuit-Klip 92/4. This will be assessed during a separate Basic Assessment (BA)

process.

(4) Since the proposed 100 MW Solar PV facilities and associated electrical infrastructure are located within

the same geographical area and constitute the same type of activity, an integrated Public Participation

Process (PPP) will be undertaken for the three S&EIR processes and the BA process. The following PPP

activities are conducted by Gaea Enviro as part of the integrated PPP at the time of this submission:

• Site notice boards were placed on the boundaries of the proposed site and along the main access

road to the site to inform the public of the proposed projects and the commencement of the

Scoping and EIA, and Basic Assessment Processes (a copy of the notice boards and proof of

placement thereof is included in the appendices of the Scoping Reports).

• Posters were placed in the town of Pofadder in May 2018 to inform the public of the proposed

projects and associated PPP and invite all I&APs to register on the project database to receive

information and updates on the proposed projects and PPP.

• An advertisement was placed in the Gemsbok local newspaper on 22 August 2018 advertising the

commencement of the S&EIR processes and integrated PPP. The newspaper advertisement aims

to notify and inform the public of the proposed projects and invite I&APs to register on the project

database. The notification was released in English and in Afrikaans which are the languages used

by the majority of the interested and affected parties for the study area in the Northern Cape. A

copy of the newspaper advertisement will be included in the appendices of the revised Scoping



Reports which will be submitted to the DEA for decision making after consideration and integration

of the comments and statements received during the 30-day public review period for the Scoping

Reports.

• Written notification (dated 20 August 2017) was sent to all I&APs registered on the project

database and authorities relevant to the proposed activities to notify and inform them of the

proposed projects and associated PPP. These notifications were sent via email and registered mail

(where postal, physical and email addresses were available).

• The state departments identified as having jurisdiction in respect of any aspect of the activity were

contacted telephonically to notify them of the initiation of the three S&EIR processes and the

integrated Public Participation Process (PPP) as well as confirm whether hard copies and/or CD

copies of the Scoping Reports should be sent to them for review and comments.

• Hard copies of the three Scoping Reports were placed for Public Review at the public library in

Pofadder and at the municipal office in Pofadder.

• The Scoping Reports are also available for Public Review on the project website:


(5) In line with the above, please find attached to this cover letter:

• 1 x CD including the Paulputs PV1, Paulputs PV2 and Paulputs PV3 Environmental Scoping Reports

for Public Review

Thank you for your assistance with this process thus far. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any

queries relating to the above.

Sincerely,

Lydia Cape

Project Manager

Gaea Enviro (Pty) Ltd

Phone: +27 (0) 27 470 0111

Cell: +27 (0) 72 657 4719

Email: [email protected]

PO BOX 17, Clanwilliam, 8135 · South Africa Email notification:



12. Proof of postage of notification letters and printed reports/CDs for the Draft Scoping Report



13. Notification of submission of the final scoping report to the competent authority for decision-making

From: Lydia Cape [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 02 October 2018 12:51 PM Subject: Paulputs PV1, PV2 and PV3 - Final Scoping Reports Dear registered interested and affected party You are hereby notified that the final scoping reports for the proposed Paulputs PV1, PV2 and PV3 projects were submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs for decision-making on 02/10/2018. All comments and statements received during the 30-day review period for the draft scoping reports were captured in the Comments and Responses Trail and included in the final scoping reports in line with section 22 of the EIA regulations. Electronic copy of the final Scoping Reports can be downloaded from the project website at https://gaeaenviro.wixsite.com/paulputspv The EIA phase may commence when the DEA accepts the final scoping reports. The decision-making by the competent authority will occur over 43 days from the date of receipt of the final scoping reports. During this phase, the EIA reports (including the EMPr) for the proposed Paulputs PV1, PV2 and PV3 projects and the BA report (including the EMPr) for the associated electrical infrastructure will be compiled in line with the 2017 EIA Regulations and the accepted Plan of Study for EIA included in the Scoping Reports. Should you have any queries or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact me at 027 470 0111 or send me an email at [email protected] Kind regards






14. South African Civil Aviation Authority Obstacle Approval



15. South African Civil Aviation Authority Obstacle – Confirmation of no-need for glint and glare study



16. Department of Mineral Resources confirmation of receipt of Section 53 application submitted by the applicant



17. Department of Mineral Resources request for access to records



18. Council for Geoscience Section 53 inputs



19. South African Heritage Resources Information System Case ID



20. Request to Municipality for water, sewage and refuse services



21. Land Claim enquiry



22. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)



23. South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites Unit



24. South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (Formerly SKA SA)



25. I&APs registration and comment form

Please provide your full contact details:

Name: Thorsten Rauch

Organisation: Kaxu CSP

Postal Address: Office 103, Ancorley building, 45 Scott street, Upington, 8801

Phone: 084 4078 976

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Please clearly state any interest (business, financial, personal) you may have in the proposed projects:

We are a concerned party. We are a land owner in close proximity to the proposed development.

Please describe any issues or concerns you may have which you think should be considered during the Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment Process for the proposed projects:

1. Road OG73: We are concerned about the condition of the road and its maintenance when heavy vehicles and increased traffic are circulating. Constant maintenance will have to be done.

2. Road MR759: We are concerned about the condition of the road, especially long-term effects of increased traffic and transport of heavy loads. This is the main route of access to our property.

3. Waste management: We are concerned that any waste related to the planned activities might not be adequately taken care of and end up on our property.

Please provide details of any other individuals or organisations that should be registered as I&APs:

Xina Solar One Kaxu Solar One






Name: Thorsten Rauch

Organisation: Kaxu Solar One

Postal Address: Office 103, Ancorley building, 45 Scott street, Upington, 8801

Phone: 084 4078 976

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]


We are a concerned party. Our facility is adjacent to the proposed development and the activities could impact on our operations.



5. Road MR759: We are concerned about the condition of the road, especially long-term effects of increased traffic and transport of heavy loads. This is the main route of access to our facility.

6. Water: From where will water be sourced for the various activities? Our concern is that works for a water supply infrastructure might need to be performed close to our facilities (pumping station, pipes etc.) potentially affecting our water supply.

7. Dust management: Large scale earthworks can result in increased dust levels that can affect our mirror reflectivity & production and can lead to increased water use due to more frequent cleaning.

8. Paulpults substation: Potential upgrade works and down-time at the substation that could decrease our revenues

9. Potential damage to the transmission lines (especially Kaxu line crossing the road OG73) affecting Kaxu capability of exporting energy before reaching the Delivery Point. Damage could be due to road accidents, transporting heavy loads etc.


11. Social impact: The project might have adverse social impacts on the community and our staff are from the local community.


Xina Solar One Kaxu CSP (land owner)






Name: Jose David Cayuela Olivencia Christiaan Rudolph Van Rooyen

Organisation: Xina Solar One

Postal Address: 3 Kiepersol Close, Plattekloof Kendon House 7500 Cape Town (South Africa)

Phone: 084 863 5459 062 198 0997

Email: [email protected] [email protected]


We are a concerned party. We are a CSP project operating in close proximity to the proposed development.






16. Paulpults substation: Potential upgrade works and down-time at the substation that could decrease our revenues




20. Drainage System. We are concerned that the earth movements and construction works could change current drainage conditions that could affect the plant in case of heavy rains or storms in the area.


Xina Solar One Kaxu Solar One



Paulputs PV3 solar facility – Draft EIA report Appendices

Appendix D - Page 1

APPENDIX D: Comments and response trail

report


Appendix D - Page 2

In line with section 44(1) of the EIA regulations, and responding to the requirements of DEA stated in the acceptance letter dated 8 November 2018, all comments and statements received from I&APs during the scoping phase were captured in a comments and response trail report. The comments and responses trail contains a summary of the issues raised by interested and affected parties, and an indication of the manner in which the issues were incorporated, or the reasons for not including them. To assist in the identification of key issues, a decision-making process is applied to the issues and concerns raised, whether or not the issue falls within the scope of the scoping and environmental impact reporting (S&EIR) and responsibility of the applicant; and whether or not sufficient information is available to respond to the issue or concern raised. Futhermore, all comments and inputs which will be received during the PPP on the draft EIA report and EMPr of the Paulputs PV3 application will be included in the final EIA report which will be submitted to the competent authority for decision making.

Date of comment, format of comment,

name of organisation and/or

I&AP

Comment Response from EAP/Applicant/Specialist

• Date: 8/11/2018

• Format of comment: Letter

• Organisation: Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA): Integrated Environmental Authorisations

• Name of commenter: Dakalo Netshiombo

A copy of the acceptance letter from DEA is included in Appendix F.

The requirements of DEA, as stipulated in the acceptance letter of the scoping report dated 8 November 2018, were complied with when compiling the Draft EIA report and the requested supporting information was provided to enable DEA to make an informed decision on the proposed project.


Appendix D - Page 3



I&AP


• Date: 13/09/2018


• Organisation: Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA): Integrated Environmental Authorisations

• Name of commenter: Dakalo Netshiombo

The listed activities identified in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations and listing notices GN R 327, 325 and 324 are described in Section 4.3 of the scoping reports. All maps will be provided in pdf format submitted electronically to the DEA for review and decision making. All issues and comments on the scoping reports for Paulputs PV3, submitted to the EAP during the PPP via email, phone and post were considered and included in the final scoping report prior to the submission of the scoping report to the DEA for review and decision making. I&APs including relevant state departments were informed of the joint availability of all reports for the Paulputs PV3 application and invited to provide comments and inputs as part of the PPP within 30 days of the release/receipt of scoping reports. In terms of the EIA Regulations, if a state department fails to submit comments within such 30 days, it will be regarded that such state department has no comments. Copy of correspondence via email or post will be included in the final scoping report. An assessment of any possible alternatives was included in the scoping report and the preferred alternative described based on screening study and specialist assessment in sections 3, 13 and 14.1 of the scoping report. Cumulative impacts were assessed and described in the scoping report based on specialist inputs in section 10.10. Any mitigation measures and management actions required to address cumulative impacts will be included in the EMPr for the proposed Paulputs PV3 application.


Appendix D - Page 4



I&AP


A copy of the letter from DEA containing the comments on the draft Scoping report is included in Appendix F.

As indicated in the Plan of Study (section 14) of the Scoping Report, the risks and potential impacts of the proposed activities and alternatives on the receiving environment, or of the receiving environment on the proposed activities and alternatives, identified during the scoping phase and described in section 10 of the scoping report, are assessed in the following specialist assessments:

• Terrestrial Ecology (including fauna and flora)

• Bird Impact Assessment

• Inland Aquatic Ecosystems Impact Assessment

• Visual Impact Assessment

• Heritage Impact Assessment (Archaeology, Palaeontological and Cultural Landscape)

• Soils and Agricultural Potential Assessment

• Socio-Economic Impact Assessment

• Traffic Impact Assessment The ecological impact assessment aimed to assess the sensitivities associated with the proposed site. The preferred location of the activity on the proposed site footprint is restricted to the Bushmanland Arid Grassland vegetation type. This vegetation unit is the second most extensive vegetation type in South Africa and least threatened. The proposed site for Paulputs PV3 is fairly homogenous and do not have a high habitat diversity, resulting in low faunal diversity restricted to species associated with the open plains habitat characteristic of these areas. The most sensitive features in the area are the reaches or watercourses that are considered to be unique due to biodiversity, pan features, the rocky hills, quartz outcrops, the gravel plains and dunes. Avoidance is being applied through the planning of on-site


Appendix D - Page 5



I&AP


activities and the micro-sitting of the proposed infrastructure to avoid these sensitive features. Based on the Northern Cape Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) Map updates (2016), the proposed Paulputs PV3 footprint and power line corridor are situated within an area classified as a Tier 2 CBA. One key factor for the CBA designation in this area is the Mattheus Gat Important Bird Area (IBA). The IBA extends over 67 970 ha and was designated as it includes habitats of the globally threatened Red Lark Certhilauda burra (red sand dunes and sandy plains with a mixed grassy dwarf shrub cover), and near-threatened Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri which occurs erratically on gravel plains. Birdlife SA habitat modelling for these three species (Red Lark Calendulauda burra, Sclater’s Lark Spizocorys sclateri and Stark’s Lark Spizocorys starki) shows that the proposed Paulputs PV3 site does not fall in a high risk is formally conserved, and there are no statutory protected areas in the Khâi-Ma Municipality. Approximately 95% of the land is natural and utilised for sheep and goat ranching; less than 5% is transformed mainly through mining activities, settlements, solar facilities, erosion, roads, power-line servitudes and an Eskom substation. An offset study was undertaken by the ecological specialist during the EIA phase to assess any potential impacts on ecosystems identified as sensitive (CBA2) or species of conservation concern (occurrence/non-occurrence of protected plant species, habitat and sensitive bird species associated with this IBA). According to the current Biodiversity Offsets Policy, offsets should only be applied to remedy impacts that will have a residual moderate or high


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negative significance. The offset study thus aimed to identify mitigation and avoidance and mitigation measures that can reduce the on-site impacts to an acceptable level and motivate whether an offset would be required after mitigations had been considered. In addition, the Wetlands Offset Policy states that “The goals of wetland offsets are to achieve ‘No Net Loss’ and preferably a net gain with respect to the full spectrum of functions and values provided by wetlands”. This includes no net loss of wetland area or of wetland function. The same can be applied to watercourse habitat and function. The key is to identify whether the impacts associated with the proposed development would lead to a loss of habitat / area or function. This is more critical than the CBA or FEPA status, as often this status can apply to a large area due to the size of the planning units (in the case of FEPA – these are whole sub-catchments). In the case of the impacts associated with Paulputs PV3 at the proposed site, none of the impacts associated with the solar facility itself were assessed as having a moderate or high significance, due to the sloping of the Paulputs PV3 site away from the Kaboep River, and in all cases, mitigation measures recommended in the specialist report will effectively avoid direct or indirect impacts on any of the inland aquatic ecosystems identified on the sites. It is thus unlikely that there would be a significant residual impact after mitigation. Furthermore, the specialist evaluated no loss of wetland or watercourse habitat and no loss of ecosystem function. As such, it is unlikely that there will be requirement for an offset.


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Permits for the clearance of indigenous vegetation on site as well as for relocation of any listed protected flora species under the Act will be required if any of the identified protected plant species such as Hoodia gordonii, Boscia foetida, Acacia erioloba or Boscia albitrunca are impacted by the Paulputs PV3 solar facility. A detailed plant search and rescue operation will be conducted prior to the commencement of the construction phase to record the position of the protected plant species and inform the required DENC and DAFF permits. A field survey was undertaken during the spring season of 2018 to record the GPS position of the Aloidendron dichotomum within the preferred Paulputs PV3 footprint area and the micro-sitting of the infrastructure within the preferred site will be defined accordingly to avoid any disturbance to the succulent plant. The measures taken to prevent any impacts on the Aloidendron dichotomum will be described in the EIA report. Based on DENC’s comments, only if the entire hierarchy of mitigation options have been exhausted, may the relevant authorities consider exemptions in terms of permits for removal and/or transplant. One martial eagle nest was identified in the northern part of the Konkoonsies Farm Remainder of Portion 2 which is outside the proposed footprint for Paulputs PV3. A 1.5 km buffer area has been demarcated around the Martial Eagle nest. Potential impacts on birds will be assessed in the bird’s specialist impact assessment which will be included in the EIA report.


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The waterholes recorded on the site are located on outcrops of granite outside the proposed footprint for Paulputs PV3. Stormwater management measures will be included in the EMPr with the EIA reports. Potential impacts resulting from increase in stormwater runoff and concentration of surface flow patterns will be assessed in the inland aquatic specialist impact assessment which will be included in the EIA reports. As described in Section 8.4 of the scoping report, the area is sparsely populated, the farmsteads existing around the site are far apart, and mostly some distance from the proposed Paulputs PV facilities. The proposed solar facility would not be significantly visible beyond about 2 km and most of the farmsteads are further than 2 km away from the proposed footprint. Visual sensitivity is therefore low. Measures to mitigate the visual impacts of project will be included in the EMPr with the EIA reports. Potential visual impacts will be assessed in the visual specialist impact assessment which will be included in the EIA reports. As described in Section 10.7 of the scoping report, there have been some issues in the past regarding gravel roads in the area not being adequately maintained with increased traffic resulting from neighbouring renewable energy facilities. The predicted increase in traffic on the road network is less than 50 vehicles per day, which is the threshold stipulated in the South African Traffic Impact and Site Traffic Assessment Manual thus the impact of the additional traffic on the road network is therefore considered to be negligible. Measures to mitigate the impacts of project related traffic on existing road network will be included in the EMPr with the EIA


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reports. Potential impacts related to traffic increase will be assessed in the traffic specialist impact assessment which will be included in the EIA reports. The realignment of the minor road OG73 will also be taken into consideration during the S&EIR. The proposed site is currently used for agricultural purposes (mainly grazing) however the entire study area has very low agricultural potential and low agricultural sensitivity to the proposed activities. Potential agricultural impacts will be assessed in the agricultural specialist impact assessment which will be included in the EIA reports. Table 3 of the scoping report describes the content of the report in line with the requirements of Appendix 2 of GN R 326.

• Date: 09/07/2018


• Organisation: South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) Archaeology, Palaeontology and

Thank you for notifying SAHRA of the Environmental Authorisation (EA) Process for the proposed Paulputs PV 3 100MW Solar Developments on the Konkoonsies Farm No 91 Remainder of Portion 2, Khâi-Ma Local Municipality, Northern Cape. As the proposed development is undergoing an EA Application process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, No 107 of 1998 (NEMA), NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, it is incumbent on the developer to ensure that a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is done as per section 38(3) and 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA). This must include an archaeological component, palaeontological component and any other applicable heritage components. The HIA must be conducted as part of the EA Application in terms of NEMA and the NEMA EIA Regulations.

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) inclusive of an archaeological and palaeontological component was undertaken for the Paulputs PV3 solar facility as per section 38(3) and 38(8) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA), as part of the EA Application in terms of NEMA and the NEMA EIA Regulations. A desktop study for palaeontological resources was undertaken as part of the HIA. No site visit was undertaken by the palaeontological specialist as the development is located within an area of low palaeontological sensitivity. A Fossil Finds Procedure will be included in the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for the proposed project. Any other heritage resources as defined in section 3 of the NHRA was assessed as part of the HIA.





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Meteorites Unit

• Name of commenter: Natasha Higgitt

The quickest process to follow for the archaeological component would be to contract a specialist (see www.asapa.org.za or www.aphp.org.za to provide an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA). The AIA must comply with the SAHRA 2007 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments. As the development is located within an area of low palaeontological sensitivity as per the SAHRIS PalaeoSensitivity map, no assessment of palaeontological resources is required. However, a Fossil Finds Procedure must be completed and implemented as part of the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) for the specific project. Any other heritage resources as defined in section 3 of the NHRA that may be impacted, such as maritime archaeology, built structures over 60 years old, sites of cultural significance associated with oral histories, burial grounds and graves, graves of victims of conflict, and cultural landscapes or viewscapes must also be assessed.

• Date: 13/09/2018


• Organisation: South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)

The Scoping report notes that a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) inclusive of an archaeological and palaeontological component will be completed as part of the EIA phase of the application. The SAHRA Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites (APM) Unit awaits the submission of the pending HIA. The HIA must comply with section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA). Additionally, the archaeology and palaeontology specialist reports must comply with the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012

The Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) inclusive of an archaeological and palaeontological component was finalized based on the comments received during the PPP on the scoping phase and the updated HIA will be submitted to SAHRA on SAHRIS for review and comments as part of the EIA phase. The HIA was undertaken in compliance with section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act, Act 25 of 1999 (NHRA) and with the SAHRA 2006 Minimum Standards: Archaeological and Palaeontological Component of Impact Assessments, and the 2012 Minimum Standards:

http://www.asapa.org.za/

http://www.aphp.org.za/





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Archaeology, Palaeontology and Meteorites Unit

• Name of commenter: Natasha Higgitt

Minimum Standards: Palaeontological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Final Scoping Report must be submitted to the SAHRIS Case application once completed for record purposes. Additionally, the draft EIA and all appendices must be submitted to SAHRA at the start of the Public Review period so that an informed comment may be issued. Further comments will be issued upon receipt of the above.

Palaeontological Component of Heritage Impact Assessments. The Final Scoping Report will be uploaded to the SAHRIS Case application once completed for record purposes.

• Date: 20/08/2018

• Format of comment: Email

• Organisation: ESKOM Land Development and Management

• Name of commenter: John Geeringh

Eskom requirements for work in or near Eskom servitudes:

1.Eskom’s rights and services must be acknowledged and respected at all times.

2.Eskom shall at all times retain unobstructed access to and egress from its servitudes.

3.Eskom’s consent does not relieve the developer from obtaining the necessary statutory, land owner or municipal approvals.

4.Any cost incurred by Eskom as a result of non-compliance to any relevant environmental legislation will be charged to the developer.

5.If Eskom has to incur any expenditure in order to comply with statutory clearances or other regulations as a result of the developer’s activities or because of the presence of his equipment or installation within the servitude restriction area, the developer shall pay such costs to Eskom on demand.

6.The use of explosives of any type within 500 metres of Eskom’s services shall only occur with Eskom’s previous written permission. If such permission is granted the developer must give at least fourteen working days prior notice of the commencement of blasting. This allows time for arrangements to be made for supervision and/or

The Eskom requirements for work in or near Eskom servitudes were integrated into the design of the proposed electrical grid infrastructure for the Paulputs PV3 solar facility.





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precautionary instructions to be issued in terms of the blasting process. It is advisable to make application separately in this regard.

7.Changes in ground level may not infringe statutory ground to conductor clearances or statutory visibility clearances. After any changes in ground level, the surface shall be rehabilitated and stabilised so as to prevent erosion. The measures taken shall be to Eskom’s satisfaction.

8.Eskom shall not be liable for the death of or injury to any person or for the loss of or damage to any property whether as a result of the encroachment or of the use of the servitude area by the developer, his/her agent, contractors, employees, successors in title, and assignees. The developer indemnifies Eskom against loss, claims or damages including claims pertaining to consequential damages by third parties and whether as a result of damage to or interruption of or interference with Eskom’s services or apparatus or otherwise. Eskom will not be held responsible for damage to the developer’s equipment.

9.No mechanical equipment, including mechanical excavators or high lifting machinery, shall be used in the vicinity of Eskom’s apparatus and/or services, without prior written permission having been granted by Eskom. If such permission is granted the developer must give at least seven working days’ notice prior to the commencement of work. This allows time for arrangements to be made for supervision and/or precautionary instructions to be issued by the relevant Eskom Manager

Note: Where and electrical outage is required, at least fourteen work days are required to arrange it.

10.Eskom’s rights and duties in the servitude shall be accepted as having prior right at all times and shall not be obstructed or interfered with.





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11.Under no circumstances shall rubble, earth or other material be dumped within the servitude restriction area. The developer shall maintain the area concerned to Eskom’s satisfaction. The developer shall be liable to Eskom for the cost of any remedial action which has to be carried out by Eskom.

12.The clearances between Eskom’s live electrical equipment and the proposed construction work shall be observed as stipulated by Regulation 15 of the Electrical Machinery Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993).

13.Equipment shall be regarded electrically live and therefore dangerous at all times.

14.In spite of the restrictions stipulated by Regulation 15 of the Electrical Machinery Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993), as an additional safety precaution, Eskom will not approve the erection of houses, or structures occupied or frequented by human beings, under the power lines or within the servitude restriction area.

15.Eskom may stipulate any additional requirements to highlight any possible exposure to Customers or Public to coming into contact or be exposed to any dangers of Eskom plant.

16.It is required of the developer to familiarise himself with all safety hazards related to Electrical plant.

17.Any third party servitudes encroaching on Eskom servitudes shall be registered against Eskom’s title deed at the developer’s own cost. If such a servitude is brought into being, its existence should be endorsed on the Eskom servitude deed concerned, while the third party’s servitude deed must also include the rights of the affected Eskom servitude.

• Date: 06/09/2018

1. The district multiplicity information is used for both EIA and permit review allocations.

According to the GN R.276 of 2017 (Draft National Biodiversity Offset Policy), an offset is defined as





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• Organisation: Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC)

• Name of commenter: Natalie Uys

2. An offset study is needed as part of the EIA of if a development falls in a Northern Cape CBA area. The map is available on BGIS. Also make sure to check the FEPA maps and the wetland offset guide for wetlands and drainage lines. DAFF also have offset guidelines that you can follow up with them.

3. Permits are needed for any damage/ removal/ movement/transport of specially protected (regulation 49(1) (a) & (d), protected species (regulation 50 (1) (a) & (d) in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act.

4. Permits are also needed for instances where indigenous plant species are impacted up to 100m from middle of roads and rivers (regulation 51(1)) or for large scale clearing (regulation 51 (2)).

5. The whole Hoodia is protected under the NEMBA TOPS legislation and integrated permit will be issued.

6. Aloe dichotoma is specially protected and a moratorium is still in place on its removal. NO quiver tree may be collected from the wild (irrespective of the reason for its removal) i.t.o. the Moratorium Gazetted. I.t.o. a development, it means that the developer must illustrate what measures they took to prevent impacting on quiver trees. Only if the entire hierarchy of mitigation options have been exhausted, may the relevant authorities consider exemptions i.t.o. EA and permits for removal / transplant.

7. For developments in Namaqua district Municipality you can liaise with Ms Ndzumo ([email protected], EO dealing with EIAs), Mr Cloete ([email protected], district ecologist) and Mr Geldenhuys ([email protected], Botanist for Namaqua).

“…conservation measures designed to remedy the residual negative impacts of development on biodiversity and ecological infrastructure, once the first three groups of measures in the mitigation sequence have been adequately and explicitly considered (i.e. to avoid, minimise and rehabilitate/restore impacts).“Offsets are the ‘last resort’ form of mitigation, only to be implemented if nothing else can mitigate the impact.” The main long-term impact associated with the development of the Paulputs PV3 solar facility would be habitat loss of about 200 hectares in the central plains (Bushmanland Arid Grassland, least threatened) in the Tier 2 CBA and Mattheus- conservation area (IBA) and resulting changes in surface hydrology and hardening of surfaces. At this pre-construction stage, avoidance is being applied through designing the preferred footprint for the proposed facility to avoid sensitive areas. The proposed footprint of the Paulputs PV3 solar facility and other phases (Paulputs PV1 and Paulputs PV2) are proposed outside the demarcated sensitive features and habitats of sensitive birds’ species, therefore the overall sensitivity level of the proposed development within the proposed site is rated as low. The Wetlands Offset Policy states that “The goals of wetland offsets are to achieve ‘No Net Loss’ and preferably a net gain with respect to the full spectrum of functions and values provided by wetlands”. This includes no net loss of wetland area or of wetland function. The same can be applied to watercourse habitat and function. The key is to identify whether the impacts associated with the proposed development would lead to a loss of habitat / area or function. This is more critical than the CBA or FEPA status, as often this status can apply to a large area due to the size of the planning units (in the case of





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FEPA – these are whole sub-catchments). In the case of the impacts associated with Paulputs PV3 at the proposed site, none of the impacts associated with the development itself were assessed as having a moderate or high significance, due to the sloping of the Paulputs PV3 site away from the Kaboep River, and in all cases, mitigation measures recommended in the specialist report will effectively avoid direct or indirect impacts on any of the inland aquatic ecosystems identified on the sites. It is thus unlikely that there would be a significant residual impact after mitigation. Furthermore, the specialist evaluated no loss of wetland or watercourse habitat and no loss of ecosystem function. As such, it is unlikely that there will be requirement for an offset. The permits required for any damage/ removal/ movement/transport of specially protected (regulation 49(1) (a) & (d), protected species (regulation 50 (1) (a) & (d) in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act, where indigenous plant species are impacted up to 100m from middle of roads and rivers (regulation 51(1)) or for large scale clearing (regulation 51 (2)), for the Hoodia species protected under the NEMBA TOPS legislation and associated identification of each specimen of protected plant/tree will be done at the preconstruction stage once the footprint is finalised and project is a preferred bidder. In terms of the Moratorium on Aloe dichotoma, the proposed way forward would be to map all individuals within the site and see which ones can be easily avoided and which ones cannot by revising the proposed footprint. Further consultation with DENC is in progress i.t.o. the few individuals identified within the proposed site and the general state of





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the population of Aloe dichotoma at provincial level and associated legal requirements. Further consultation with Ms Ndzumo, Mr Cloete and Mr Geldenhuys for the proposed development in the Namaqua district Municipality has been conducted.

• Date: 10/09/2018


• Organisation: Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC)

• Name of commenter: Conrad Geldenhuys

I think it would be important for a biodiversity offset study to be conducted with developments that are located in ecosystems identified as sensitive (such as a CBA2 in this case), or that may affect species of conservation concern. This is in line with the national biodiversity offsets policy and will address concerns in these "red flag" areas. The offsets study would motivate why or why not an offset would be required after mitigations had been considered. The presence of the plant species you mention is noted, for studying mitigation options for those species. It would add value. It seems that one key factor for the CBA designation in this area is the Mattheus Gat Important Bird Area. It would be good if the offset study could also provide context in terms of the occurrence/non-occurrence of habitat and species that are associated with this IBA (Red Lark, Sclater's Lark, etc.) and why species are present/absent. I see you reference the Bushmanland Protected Area Development Zone which is mentioned in the IBA description by Birdlife. This seems to pertain to an African Parks planning area, but I am unfamiliar with it.

According to the GN R.276 of 2017 (Draft National Biodiversity Offset Policy), an offset is defined as “…conservation measures designed to remedy the residual negative impacts of development on biodiversity and ecological infrastructure, once the first three groups of measures in the mitigation sequence have been adequately and explicitly considered (i.e. to avoid, minimise and rehabilitate/restore impacts).“Offsets are the ‘last resort’ form of mitigation, only to be implemented if nothing else can mitigate the impact.” The main long-term impact associated with the development of the Paulputs PV3 solar facility would be habitat loss of about 200 hectares in the central plains (Bushmanland Arid Grassland, least threatened) in the Tier 2 CBA and Mattheus- conservation area (IBA) and resulting changes in surface hydrology and hardening of surfaces. At this pre-construction stage, avoidance is being applied through designing the preferred footprint for the proposed facility to avoid sensitive areas. The proposed footprint of the Paulputs PV3 solar facility and other phases (Paulputs PV1 and Paulputs PV2) are proposed outside the demarcated sensitive features and habitats of sensitive birds’ species, therefore the overall sensitivity level of the proposed development within the proposed site is rated as low.





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An offset study will be undertaken by the ecological specialist during the EIA phase to assess any potential impacts on ecosystems identified as sensitive (CBA2) or species of conservation concern (occurrence/non-occurrence of protected plant species, habitat and sensitive bird species associated with this IBA). The offset study aims to identify mitigation and avoidance and mitigation measures that can reduce the on-site impacts to an acceptable level and motivate whether an offset would be required after mitigations had been considered. Inputs from the bird specialist and aquatic inland specialist will be included in the findings.

• Date: 21/08/2018


• Organisation: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

• Name of commenter: Jacoline Mans

The applicant is aware of the NFA licensing requirements and is engaging with the DENC re. the location of the proposed site within a CBA Tier 2. See above comment and response. Any species present on site such as Acacia erioloba or Boscia albitrunca will not be harvested for commercial purposes. Upon approval, the disturbance of these species would consist in translocation to a suitable site within the same area. The requirements for the Forest Act License were considered and additional fieldwork was undertaken to record the position of protected trees within the proposed footprint.





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• Date: 18/09/2018


• Organisation: Birdlife South Africa

• Name of commenter: Samantha Ralston-Paton

No more input from us at this stage. The comments from Birdlife South Africa were included in the Draft EIA report to confirm that Birdlife South Africa has no objection to the proposed project.

• Date: 19/09/2018


• Organisation: Endangered Wildlife Trust

• Name of commenter:

Nothing from our side thanks The comments from Endangered Wildlife Trust were included in the Draft EIA report to confirm that Endangered Wildlife Trust has no objection to the proposed project.





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Lourens Leeuwner

• Date: 10/09/2018


• Organisation: Kaxu CSP, owner of the Scuit-Klip 92/4

• Name of commenter: Thorsten Rauch


2. Road MR759: We are concerned about the condition of the road, especially long-term effects of increased traffic and transport of heavy loads. This is the main route of access to our property.


Road OG73 and Road MR759 are public roads and any maintenance will be to the cost of the applicant in accordance with any conditions in wayleaves/consents received from the competent authority. During construction phase the Paulputs Solar Facility will be responsible for any required maintenance to the access road used. A Road Maintenance Plan will be developed for the section of road that will be used for the construction phase of the Paulputs Solar Facility prior to construction. The Plan will include:

• Grading requirements;

• Dust suppressant requirements;

• Drainage requirements;

• Signage; and

• Speed limits. In terms of impacts and risks related to traffic, most of the traffic related to the proposed project will be associated with the transportation of the workforce to and from the site. An increase in traffic volumes will result in an increase in the generation of noise and dust which may impact on the visibility which will impact on safety conditions. However, the predicted increase in traffic on the road network is less than 50 vehicles per day, which is the threshold stipulated in the South African Traffic Impact and Site Traffic Assessment Manual. Thus, the impact of the additional traffic on the road network is therefore considered to be negligible. These potential impacts will be assessed in more details during the EIA phase. The realignment of the minor road OG73 will also be taken into consideration during the S&EIR.

• Date: 10/09/2018


• Organisation: Kaxu Solar One, owner of the concentrated solar power plant on Scuit-Klip 92/4









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• Name of commenter: Thorsten Rauch

5. Paulputs substation: Potential upgrade works and down-time at the substation that could decrease our revenues




During a meeting on 7 June 2018, Abengoa/ Kaxu Solar One indicated that availing water from the Abengoa owned pipeline may impact on their facility production. There is an opportunity to potentially use the generated waste water, during the construction phase of Paulputs Solar Facility, should it be required. At this stage, the two preferred options for use of water are: 1) source water from Municipality – a request has been lodged at the Khâi-Ma Local Municipality already; and 2) use pipeline from Abengoa (CSP plant) or use the generated waste water based on further discussion with Abengoa/ Kaxu Solar One. Abengoa/ Kaxu Solar One indicated that there are some months in the year that the dust generated by high winds is significant and thus there is a concern about dust generation with could impact on the productivity of the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Facility. At this early stage the construction period cannot be specified. The quantity of dust generated by traffic on the road will depends on the speed of the vehicle and the properties of the road surfacing. Measures to avoid, minimise and remedy impacts related to dust will be included within the Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) that will be compiled during the EIA phase and included in the EIA report. Any activities at the Paulputs MTS will be verified an approved by Eskom prior to any works taking place. No impact on the Kaxu Solar One existing power line route was identified during the assessment of the proposed three routes alternatives for the 132 kV transmission line crossing Konkoonsies Farm No.91 Portion 6 and Scuit-Klip Farm No.92

• Date: 18/09/2018


• Organisation: Xina Solar One, owner of the concentrated solar power plant on Scuit-Klip 92/4

• Name of commenter: Jose David Cayuela Olivencia, and Christiaan





5. Paulputs substation: Potential upgrade works and down-time at the substation that could decrease our revenues






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Rudolph Van Rooyen



9. Drainage System. We are concerned that the earth movements and construction works could change current drainage conditions that could affect the plant in case of heavy rains or storms in the area.

Portion 4 to connect the solar facility to the Eskom 220/132kV Paulputs Main Transmission Substation (currently proposed for upgrade to 400/132kV). A socio-economic assessment is being undertaken as part of S&EIR. The socio-economic specialist will assess the potential socio-economic Negative impacts and Positive impacts of the proposed development during the EIA phase of the project. In keeping with the goal set out in the Department of Energy’s scorecard for potential REIPPPP bidders, the applicant intends sourcing as high a possible portion of construction employees from the local area followed by the region and province. In addition to these direct employment and associated income opportunities, a significant number of temporary indirect opportunities would be associated with the project. These would stem primarily from expenditure by the project in the local area and region as well as expenditure by workers hired for the construction phase. During the construction phase the civil works and other construction activities, specialised industrial machinery and building construction sectors would benefit substantially. The solar facility would provide a major injection for contractors and workers in the area that would in all likelihood purchase goods and services in the local area and the wider region. An inland aquatic specialist study is being conducted to identify and assess the potential risks and impacts of the proposed activities on the proposed site and surrounding ecosystems. Levelling and grading of areas to remove steep slopes and undulations in the landscape is often associated with the placement of the PV arrays, and this topographic alteration combined with the encroachment of PV arrays into and across drainage lines and wetlands can alter the natural surface hydrology. Furthermore, hardening of surfaces





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associated with solar PV facilities would result in significant increases in stormwater runoff and concentration of surface flow patterns. These impacts can be reduced in significance through the implementation of mitigation measures and management actions as recommended by the specialist assessment. These proposed mitigation measures and management actions will be included in the EMPr with the EIA report.

• Date: 02/10/2018


• Organisation: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

• Name of commenter: Annette Geertsema

Good day Can you please give the property descriptions where the proposed development will be situated? Kind regards Annette

Executive Summary for the proposed projects and previous correspondence with DAFF representatives was sent to

Annette Geertsema. Comments on the draft scoping report

were received from Jacoline Mans at DAFF.

• Date: 09/10/2018


• Organisation: Civil Aviation

Good day Lydia, the SACAA don’t foresee any problem with your proposed site, based on the already existing solar plant approved. No need for a glint and glare report. Please include my comments on the application process to support the application process.

The comments from the Civil Aviation Authority were included in the Draft EIA report to confirm the support of the Civil Aviation Authority for the application process.





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Authority, PANS-OPS Section, Air Navigation Services Department

• Name of commenter: Lizell Stroh

• Date: 15/11/2018


• Organisation: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)

• Name of commenter: Selaelo Matlhane

This letter is in response to the Environmental Scoping Report for all three photovoltaic facilities and associated infrastructure on a site near Khâi-Ma Local Municipality, in the Northern Cape Province submitted for environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Man-agement Act, 1998. SARAO (Formerly SKA SA) notes that the identified location for the project is approximately 180 km away from the nearest SKA infrastructure. We, therefore, do not anticipate any negative impact on the SKA and have no objections on the Draft Scoping Report for all three Paulputs PV1, PV2 and PV3 facilities.

The comments from SARAO (formerly SKA SA) were included in the Draft EIA report to confirm that SARAO has no objection to the proposed project and that no RFI/EMI study is required for the proposed project.

sahris | sahra - appendices · 2019. 1. 22. · paulputs pv3 - draft eia report appendices appendix...

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