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

Traffic:
• The change in the traffic patterns as a result of traffic entering and exiting the Usutu coal mine on the
surrounding road infrastructure (N2) 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 mining 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 above mentioned key issues and potential impacts; identified during the Scoping phase; were together with
potential cumulative impacts, assessed during the Environmental Impact Assessment phase of the project and
appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the identified impacts as far as possible were proposed. The summary
of the significance of identified impacts before and after mitigation is given in the table below:
Table 2: A summary of the significant impacts identified during the Scoping phase and assessed during
the EIA phase of the project
Environmental Aspect Significance Without Mitigation Significance With Mitigation
Impacts on groundwater levels High Medium
Impacts on groundwater levels due to
the dewatering of the open pit
High Medium
Contamination of surface and
groundwater resources due to the
migration of contaminated water from
the mining operations
High Medium
Pollution of surface water due to
construction and operation activities
High Medium
Destruction of Wetland Habitat High Medium
Altered Hydrological Regime High Medium
Atmospheric pollution Medium Low
Impacts on Rare and Endangered
Fauna and Flora
Medium Low
Destruction of Natural Habitat Medium Low
Reduction of Natural Migratory Routes Low to Medium Low
Noise and Vibration Medium Low
Visual impacts Medium Low
Soil Erosion and Surface runoff Medium Low
Soil Pollution Medium Low
Heritage resources Low to Medium Low
Socio-economic environment – job
creation
High Positive High Positive
Based on the impact assessment and the results of the various specialist studies, it is believed that the proposed
development will not result in any fatal flaws in terms of the environment that could warrant stopping the
development from proceeding. Provided that the correct mitigation measures are implemented in accordance
with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), impacts that would potentially have a significant negative
EIA-REP-325d-11
October 2012
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