Final EIAR - Aurecon AME Environmental | Environmental Projects

Proposed Wind and Solar (Photovoltaic) Energy Facilities on Kangnas Farm near Springbok in the Northern Cape: Final EIR 144
implementation of mitigation measures the significance of these potential impacts would be very
low (-) for sedimentation and erosion, low (-) for visual and transport would remain high (-).
This is deemed to be acceptable based on the short duration of the construction period. The
remaining negative construction phase impacts were not deemed to have a significant impact
on the environment, given their duration (approximately 24 months) and localised extent. The
remaining construction impacts were assessed to be of low (-) or lower significance, without
mitigation measures. It should be noted that a potential positive impact on the socio-economic
environment would result and would be of low (+) significance, with and without mitigation
measures. No difference in significance would result from the proposed solar alternatives.
5.6 RECOMMENDATIONS
Chapter 4 has outlined mitigation measures which, if implemented, could significantly reduce
the negative impacts associated with the projects. Where appropriate, these and any others
identified by DEA could be enforced as Conditions of Approval in the Environmental
Authorisation, should DEA issue a positive Environmental Authorisation. The mitigation
measures for each EIA application are included in Annexure Q.
5.6.1 Considerations in identification of preferred alternative
Mainstream has identified their preferred alternatives as follows:
Proposed wind energy facility:
• Revised layout as per Figure 3.5; and
• Technology alternatives can only be chosen after an EA is received.
Proposed solar energy facility:
• Revised layout as per Figure 3.9; and
• Technology alternatives can only be chosen after an EA is received.
Mainstream selected these alternatives as preferred based on specialist input to minimise
potential environmental impacts, as well as technical and financial considerations to inform their
decision.
Wind energy facility
The proposed wind energy facility results in low to medium (+) significance impacts and very
low to high (-) significance impacts on the environment. This assessment has considered the
revision of the layouts in response to the impacts assessed by the various specialists and the
mitigation measures put forward. The potential for the proposed wind energy facility is
considered to be environmentally acceptable, considering the positive impacts.
With regards to the alternatives considered, including the turbine alternatives, there is no
difference in significance of impacts between alternatives. Based on specialist
recommendations, buffers have already been incorporated into the layout revisions to avoid
sensitive features and areas and as such the revised layout is considered to be the preferred
alternative from an environmental perspective.
© Aurecon (2012) No unauthorised reproduction, copy
or adaptation, in whole or in part, may be made.
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