EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

Destruction of Sensitive Flora and Fauna:
• The ecological status quo of the Usutu area;
• Wetlands on site and in the surrounding area;
• The dispersal of existing flora and fauna on site by means of existing water channels; and
• Spill-over impacts, which may occur on adjacent ecological systems.
Soils and Land-use Capability:
• Loss of soil resources for agricultural land uses;
• Soil degradation as a result of mining activities; and
• The utilisation of soil resources for inappropriate land uses such as backfilling cut areas.
Noise vibration and shock:
• Increase in the ambient noise level as a result of blasting activities,
• The disruption of current ambient noise levels; and
• The disruption of sensitive receptors by means of increased noise and vibration.
Socio-economic:
• The determination of the extent to which the current social status quo will be altered and if so, the
manner in which such changes will occur.
Visual Impact:
Traffic:
• The visual character of the area as a result of the establishment of mining infrastructure such as a coal
ore dump.
• The change in the traffic patterns as a result of traffic entering and exiting the Usutu opencast and
underground coal mine on the surrounding road infrastructure and existing traffic.
Job Creation:
• Job creation in an area where the main source of income is generated through primary activities e.g.
farming;
• Creation of job opportunities during construction and operation for residents of the region;
• The provision of improved infrastructure and social upliftment, by creating short term employment over a
period and skills transfer to unskilled and semi-skilled unemployed individuals.
The cumulative impacts have been identified in terms of the proposed development:
• The cumulative impacts of traffic;
• The cumulative impacts of air quality;
• The cumulative loss of wetland functionality as a result of an increase in pollutants;
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
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