11107 Savannah - Savannah Environmental specialist ...

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South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Springfontein (Edms.) Bpk. (hierna “Mainstream”
genoem) stel die oprigting voor van 'n kommersiële windkragaanleg en gepaardgaande
infrastruktuur op 'n terrein in die Kopanong Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die terrein wat geïdentifiseer is
vir oorweging in 'n Omgewingsimpakevaluering (OIE), is geleë in die Vrystaatprovinsie, sowat
12 km suidwes van Springfontein. Die voorstel is dat tot 74 windturbines oor 'n breër gebied van
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sowat 83 km in omvang opgerig sal word. Die voorgestelde aanleg sal as die Springfontein
Windkragaanleg bekend staan. Die aard en omvang van hierdie aanleg word van naderby in hierdie
dokument ondersoek.
DOEL VAN HIERDIE AGTERGRONDINLIGTINGSDOKUMENT
Hierdie dokument poog om u, as 'n belangstellende en/of geaffekteerde party (B&GP), te voorsien
van:
» 'n oorsig van die voorgestelde Springfontein Windkragaanleg;
» 'n oorsig van die Omgewingsimpakevalueringsproses en studies wat onderneem word om die
potensiële impakte van die voorgestelde projek, beide positief en negatief, te evalueer; en
» besonderhede van hoe u by die proses betrokke kan raak, inligting kan ontvang of vraagstukke
kan opper wat u dalk kan raak en/of vir u van belang kan wees.
OORSIG VAN DIE VOORGESTELDE PROJEK
Die windkragaanleg word voorgestel op die volgende plaasgedeeltes (sien die aangehegte kaart):
Die Restant van die plaas Stock Port R283, die Restant van Spioenkop 461, Gedeelte 0 van die plaas
Ou Spioenkop 467, Gedeelte 0 van die plaas MistKuil 412 en Gedeelte 0 van die plaas Bankfontein
519.
Mainstream het op dié terrein besluit vir die ontwikkeling van 'n windkragaanleg op grond van die
windklimaat, beskikbaarheid van grond en die geskikte nabyheid aan die bestaande kragnet.
Die vermoë van die windkragaanleg sal afhang van die mees geskikte windturbine (ten opsigte van
die turbine se vermoë) waarop Mainstream se keuse val. Turbines met 'n vermoë van tussen 1.4 MW
en 4 MW word vir die terrein oorweeg. Die totale aantal turbines wat vir die terrein voorgestel word,
wissel (tussen 30 en 74, afhangend van die soort turbine wat gebruik word). Afhangend van die
uiteindelike turbinekeuse, sal die totale geïnstalleerde vermoë van die voorgestelde aanleg tussen
sowat 85 MW en 170 MW wees.
Aangesien die verrigting van die turbines deur die skommelings in die windhulpbron geaffekteer
word, moet hierdie turbines na behore in die aanleg uitgesprei wees. Die uiteindelike doel agter die
ontwerp en uitleg van die aanleg is om die opwekking van elektrisiteit te maksimaliseer deur
blootstelling aan die windhulpbron, terwyl infrastruktuur-, bedryfs- en instandhoudingskostes,
sowel as maatskaplike en omgewingsimpakte, tot 'n minimum beperk word. Die
voorgestelde turbines sal dus na behore oor die geïdentifiseerde terrein versprei word. Daar word
aan die hand gedoen dat die breër terrein die windturbines sowel as die gepaardgaande
infrastruktuur sal akkommodeer wat vir 'n aanleg van hierdie aard benodig word, wat onder andere
die volgende insluit:

» Windturbines met 'n naafhoogte van tot 120 m.
» Kabels tussen die turbines, ondergronds gelê waar prakties moontlik.
» Interne toegangspaaie na elke turbine.
» n Werkswinkelgebied/kantoor vir beheer, instandhouding en berging.
» n Substasie op die terrein om die roosterkonneksie moontlik te maak.
» Die opsies vir 'n roosterkonneksie is soos volg:
'nInlus
en uitlus van die bestaande Besembos-Signal 132 kV kraglyn wat deur die terrein
loop (op die plaas Stock Port RE/283); of
'n nuwe kraglyn tot by Eskom se Besembos Substasie (suid van Springfontein) wat vir die
toekoms beplan word.
» Permanente windmoniteringsmaste.
Daar word beoog om die Springfontein Windkragaanleg by die Verenigde Nasies se
Raamwerkkonvensie vir Klimaatsverandering te registreer as deel van die Program vir Skoon
Ontwikkelingsmeganismes.
WINDTURBINES
'n Windkragaanleg bestaan uit verskeie windturbines wat aangewend word om die wind se
kinetiese energie vas te vang ten einde elektrisiteit op te wek. Hierdie kinetiese energie word
aangewend om 'n generator aan te dryf wat binne-in die windturbine aangetref word, wat die
energie gevolglik in elektriese energie omsit. 'n Turbine is ontwerp om ononderbroke en met min
instandhouding vir meer as 25 jaar in bedryf te staan. Die konstruksietydperk vir die
windkragaanleg sal oor 'n periode van twee jaar strek. 'n Tipiese windturbine bestaan uit die
volgende vier primêre komponente:
Die Fondasie
Elke turbine sal oor 'n betonfondasie beskik, waarop die basis van die windturbine geanker sal wees.
Hierdie fondasies is tot sowat 2.5 m diep.
Die Toring
Die hoogte van die toring varieer tussen 80–120 m, afhangend van die soort turbine. Die toring is 'n
hol struktuur wat toegang tot die nacelle (turbinehuis) bied ten einde instandhoudingswerk uit te
voer.
Die Nacelle (turbinehuis)
Die nacelle verwys na die beskermende omhulsel waarin die ratkas, generator en windsensor wat
die windrigting identifiseer, aangetref word. Die nacelle beskik oor die vermoë om te draai ten einde
te verseker dat die rotorlemme altyd na die wind gedraai is om die hoeveelheid elektrisiteit wat
opgewek word, te maksimaliseer.
Die Rotor
Die rotor bestaan uit drie lemme en die naaf. Die rotorlemme is normaalweg tot 60 m lank. Hoe
meer omwentelings die rotor maak, hoe meer elektrisiteit word opgewek.
Die hoeveelheid energie wat 'n turbine kan inspan, hang af van beide die windsnelheid en die lengte
van die rotorlemme. Windturbines begin krag opwek teen windsnelhede van tussen 10–15 km/h,
met snelhede van tussen 45–60 km/h wat benodig word vir volle kragbediening. Wanneer
windsnelhede vlakke bereik wat die generator kan beskadig, skakel die turbine outomaties af. 'n
Turbine is ontwerp om met min instandhouding vir meer as 25 jaar ononderbroke te funksioneer.
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Naafhoogte
(~80m tot 120m)
Illustrasie van die komponente van 'n tipiese windturbine
OMGEWINGSIMPAKEVALUERINGSPROSES
Rotorlem
(~40m tot 60m lank)
Ingevolge Artikel 24 en 24D van die Nasionale Wet op Omgewingsbestuur (Wet 107 van 1998),
saamgelees met die OIE-regulasies van Staatskennisgewing R543 – R546, word vereis dat 'n
Bestekopname- en 'n OIE-proses vir die voorgestelde projek onderneem word. Mainstream benodig
magtiging van die Nasionale Departement Omgewingsake (DEA) (in oorleg met die Vrystaatse
Departement Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling, Toerisme en Omgewingsake) ten einde die voorgestelde
projek te onderneem. Ten einde magtiging vir hierdie projek te verkry, moet omvattende,
onafhanklike omgewingstudies ingevolge die OIE-regulasies onderneem word. Hierdie projek is by
die Nasionale DEA geregistreer onder Aansoekverwysingsnommer 14/12/16/3/3/2/365.
'n OIE is 'n doeltreffende beplannings- en besluitnemingswerktuig. Dit bring mee dat die potensiële
omgewingsverwante gevolge wat voortspruit uit die oprigting en bedryf van 'n tegniese aanleg,
geïdentifiseer en na behore bestuur word. Dit bied die applikant die geleentheid om vooraf
gewaarsku te wees teen potensiële omgewingsvraagstukke en bied die geleentheid om die
vraagstuk(ke) waaroor verslag gedoen is in die OIE-verslag asook uit dialoog met geaffekteerde
partye, op te los.
Mainstream het Savannah Environmental aangestel as die onafhanklike omgewingskonsultante
om 'n Bestekopname en 'n Omgewingsimpakevaluering te onderneem ten einde al die potensiële
Naaf
Nacelle
(turbinehuis)
Toring

omgewingsimpakte wat met die voorgestelde projek vir die geïdentifiseerde gebied gepaard gaan,
te identifiseer en te evalueer, en om gepaste versagtingsmaatreëls in 'n
Omgewingsbestuursprogram (OBPr) voor te stel. As deel van hierdie omgewingstudies, sal B&GP's
aktief betrokke raak deur die openbare deelnameproses.
Die fases van 'n OIE is soos volg:
Bestekopnamestudie &
Bestekopnameverslag:
Om vraagstukke te
identifiseer
WAT IS DIE POTENSIËLE OMGEWINGSIMPAKTE WAT MET DIE
VOORGESTELDE PROJEK GEPAARD GAAN?
'n Aantal potensiële omgewingsimpakte wat met die voorgestelde projek gepaard gaan, is
geïdentifiseer. Hierdie potensiële impakte sal deur die volgende spesialisstudies geëvalueer word:
Biofisiese Impakte
Impakevaluering
&
OIE-verslag:
Spesialisstudies
Impakte op ekologie, flora en fauna: die
oprigting van die windkragaanleg en die gevolglike
versteuring van plantegroei kan 'n impak op die
terrein se ekologie hê.
Impakte op avifauna en vlermuise: voëls en
vlermuise kan geraak word deurdat hulle tydens die
bedryfsfase in die windturbine se lemme sowel as in
die gepaardgaande kraglyn(e) vasvlieg.
Impakte op geologie en grondsoorte: impakte
op geologie hou verband met die onderliggende
grondtoestande en die terrein se erosiepotensiaal.
Impakte op landboupotensiaal: impakte op die
potensiaal van landbougebiede en op die
grondvermoë.
OIE-PROSES
Finale OIEverslag
& Konsep
EMP:
Dien in by DEA
Hierdie spesialisstudies sal soos volg in twee fases onderneem word:
Besluitneming
deur DEA:
Omgewingsmagtiging
Maatskaplike &
Ekonomiese Impakte
Visuele gehalte en estetika: weens hul hoogte
kan windturbines potensieel 'n negatiewe visuele
impak op hul omgewing en sensitiewe visuele
reseptors hê.
Impakte op erfenisterreine, fossiele en
paleontologie: die versteuring of vernietiging van
erfenisterreine/fossiele/paleontologie kan tydens
die oprigtingsfase voorkom.
Maatskaplike impakte: die oprigting en bedryf
van die windkragaanleg kan positiewe sowel as
negatiewe maatskaplike impakte tot gevolg hê (d.i.
werkgeleenthede, geraasimpakte en impakte op die
plaaslike grondgebruik).
1. Die Bestekopnamefase, wat 'n kantoor (desktop) studie insluit, waartydens potensiële
vraagstukke wat met voorgestelde projek gepaard gaan, geïdentifiseer en geëvalueer sal word,
en daardie vraagstukke sal uitlig wat verdere ondersoek tydens die OIE-fase verg.
2. Die OIE-fase, wat 'n gedetailleerde evaluering van potensieel wesenlike impakte insluit wat
tydens die Bestekopnamefase geïdentifiseer is. Praktiese en uitvoerbare versagtingsmaatreëls
sal aanbeveel word ten einde die potensieel wesenlike impakte wat geïdentifiseer is tot die
minimum te beperk. Hierdie aanbevelings sal in 'n konsep Omgewingsbestuursprogram (OBPr)
vervat word.
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Spesialisstudies sal toegelig word deur bestaande inligting, veldwaarnemings en insette wat uit die
openbare deelnameproses voortspruit. As 'n B&GP word u insette as 'n belangrike deel van hierdie
proses geag, en ons moedig u aan om betrokke te raak.
OPENBARE DEELNAMEPROSES
Die deel van inligting vorm die grondslag van die openbare deelnameproses en bied u die
geleentheid om uit die staanspoor aktief by die OIE betrokke te raak. Kommentaar en insette van
B&GP's tydens die OIE-proses word aangemoedig ten einde te verseker dat oorweging geskenk
word aan potensiële impakte binne die omvang van die studie. Die openbare deelnameproses poog
om te verseker dat:
» inligting wat al die tersaaklike feite met betrekking tot die aansoek bevat, aan B&GP's
beskikbaar gestel word vir oorsig;
» deelname deur B&GP's op so 'n wyse gefasiliteer word dat hulle 'n redelike geleentheid gegun
word om kommentaar te lewer oor die aansoek; en
» toereikende besigtigingstydperke aan B&GP's gebied word om kommentaar te lewer oor die
bevindinge van die konsep Bestekopname- en OIE-verslag.
Ten einde doeltreffende deelname te verseker, sluit die openbare deelnameproses die volgende vier
fases in:
FASE 1
Kennisgewing van
aanvang van
OIE-proses
• Adverteer in pers en op
die terrein
Skriftelike
kennisgewing aan
geïdentifiseerde
B&GP's,
belanghebbendes &
staatsinstansies
Verspreiding van AID
FASE 2
Omgewingsbestekopnameproses
Raadpleging met
belanghebbendes &
B&GP's om vraagstukke
te identifiseer
Fokusgroepvergaderings
Openbare vergadering
Konsep Bestekopnameverslag
beskikbaar vir
besigtiging
U VERANTWOORDELIKHEDE AS 'N B&GP
FASE 3
Omgewingsimpakevaluering
raadpleging met
belanghebbendes en
B&GP's
Fokusgroepvergaderings
Konsep OIE-verslag en
EMP beskikbaar vir
besigtiging
Openbare
terugvoervergaderings
FASE 4
Besluitneming
Deurlopende Finale OIE-verslag by
DEA ingedien vir oorsig &
besluitneming – sluit in
belanghebbende en
B&GP kommentaar wat
tydens die proses
ontvang is
Geregistreerde
belanghebbendes en
B&GP's skriftelik in
kennis gestel van DEA se
besluit
Ingevolge die OIE-regulasies, word u aandag gevestig op u verantwoordelikhede as 'n B&GP:
» Ten einde aan hierdie OIE-proses deel te neem, moet u uself op die projek se databasis

egistreer.
» U moet toesien dat enige kommentaar rakende die voorgestelde projek binne die gestipuleerde
tydsraamwerke ingedien word.
» Daar word van u verlang om enige regstreekse sake-, finansiële-, persoonlike- of ander belang
wat u dalk mag hê in die goedkeuring of afkeuring van die aansoek vir die voorgestelde
windkragaanleg, bekend te maak.
HOE OM BETROKKE TE RAAK
1. Deur te reageer (telefonies, per faks of per e-pos) op ons uitnodiging vir u betrokkenheid wat in
koerante geadverteer is.
2. Deur die aangehegte Antwoordvorm aan die tersaaklike kontakpersoon terug te besorg.
3. Deur die vergaderings by te woon wat gedurende die verloop van die projek gehou sal word. As
'n geregistreerde B&GP sal u outomaties uitgenooi word om hierdie vergaderings by te woon.
Datums vir openbare vergaderings sal ook in koerante geadverteer word.
4. Deur die konsultante te kontak met navrae of kommentaar.
5. Deur oorsig en kommentaar te bied oor die konsep Bestekopname- en OIE-verslag, en wel
binne die gestipuleerde 30-dae besigtigingstydperke.
Indien u uself as 'n B&GP vir hierdie voorgestelde projek ag, moedig ons u aan om gebruik te maak
van die geleenthede wat geskep word deur die openbare deelnameproses om kommentaar te lewer
of daardie vraagstukke en knelpunte te opper wat u raak en/of waarin u belangstel en waaroor u
meer inligting verlang. U insette in hierdie proses vorm 'n belangrike deel van die OIE-proses.
Deur die meegaande Antwoordvorm in te vul en aan ons terug te besorg, registreer u uself
outomaties as 'n B&GP vir hierdie projek en verseker u dat kennis geneem word van u kommentaar,
knelpunte of navrae betreffende die projek.
KOMMENTAAR EN NAVRAE
Rig alle kommentaar, navrae of antwoorde aan:
Gabriele Wood van Savannah Environmental
Posbus 148, Sunninghill, Johannesburg, 2157
Telefoon: 011 234 6621
Faks: 086 684 0547
E-pos: gabriele@savannahsa.com
Vir dokumentasie wat met die projek gepaardgaan, besoek
www.savannahSA.com
Kopiereg: Savannah Environmental
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South Africa Mainstream Renewable Power Springfontein (Pty) Ltd (herein referred to as
“Mainstream”) is proposing to establish a commercial wind energy facility and associated
infrastructure on a site located within the Kopanong Local Municipality. The site identified for
consideration within an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is within the Free State Province,
and lies approximately 12 km south west of Springfontein. Up to 74 wind turbines are proposed to
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be constructed over a broader area of approximately 83 km in extent. The proposed facility is
known as the Springfontein Wind Energy Facility. The nature and extent of this facility is explored in
more detail in this document.
AIM OF THIS BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT
This document aims to provide you, as an interested and/or affected party (I&AP), with:
» An overview of the proposed Springfontein Wind Energy Facility.
» An overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment process and studies being undertaken to
assess the potential impacts, both positive and negative of the proposed project.
» Details of how you can become involved in the process, receive information, or raise issues,
which may concern and/or interest you.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The wind energy facility is proposed on the following farm portions (refer to the attached map):
remainder of Farm Stock Port R283, remainder of Spioenkop 461, Portion 0 of Farm Ou Spioenkop
467, Portion 0 of Farm MistKuil 412 and Portion 0 of Farm Bankfontein 519.
The site was selected by Mainstream for the development of a wind energy facility based on its wind
climate, land availability and suitable proximity in relation to the existing electricity grid.
The capacity of the wind energy facility will depend on the most suitable wind turbine (in terms of
the turbine capacity) selected by Mainstream. Turbines of between 1.4 MW and 4 MW in capacity
are being considered for the site. The total number of turbines proposed for the site could,
therefore, vary (between 30 -74 depending on the turbine selected). Depending on the final turbine
selection, the estimated total installed capacity for the proposed facility is between 85MW - 170MW.
As the performance of the turbines is affected by disturbance to the wind resource, they must be
appropriately spaced within the facility. The overall aim of the design and layout of the facility is to
maximise electricity production through exposure to the wind resource, while minimising
infrastructure, operation and maintenance costs, and social and environmental impacts. The
proposed turbines would therefore be appropriately located on the identified site. The broader site
is proposed to accommodate both the wind turbines as well as the associated infrastructure which is
required for such a facility including, but not limited to:
» Wind turbines up to 120m hub height.
» Cabling between the turbines, to be laid underground where practical.
» Internal access roads to each turbine.

» Workshop area / office for control, maintenance and storage.
» An on-site substation to facilitate grid connection.
» The options for grid connection include either:
A loop-in and loop out of the existing Besembos-Signal 132kV line which traverses the site
(on farm Stock Port RE/283); or
A new power line to the future planned Eskom Besembos Substation (which is located south
of Springfontein).
» Permanent wind monitoring masts.
The Springfontein Wind Energy Facility is intended to be registered with the United Nation's
Framework Convention for Climate Change as part of the Clean Development Mechanisms
Programme.
WIND TURBINES
A wind energy facility consists of multiple wind turbines which are used to capture the kinetic energy
of the wind for the purposes of generating electricity. This captured kinetic energy is used to drive a
generator located within the wind turbine and the energy is subsequently converted into electrical
energy. A turbine is designed to operate continuously, with low maintenance for more than 25
years. The construction period for the wind energy facility will be over a two year period. A typical
wind turbine consists of four primary components:
The Foundation
Each turbine will have a concrete foundation upon which the base of the wind turbine will be
anchored. These foundations reach depths of approximately 2.5m.
The Tower
The tower varies between80-120m in height, depending on the type of turbine. The tower is a
hollow structure which allows access to the nacelle in order to perform maintenance activities.
The Nacelle
The nacelle refers to the protective housing which comprises the gearbox, generator as well as the
wind sensor to identify the wind direction. The nacelle has the ability to rotate in order to ensure
that the rotor blades are always facing into the wind therefore maximising the amount of electricity
being generated.
The Rotor
The rotor consists of three blades and the hub. The rotor blades are typically up to 60m in length.
The greater the number of turns of the rotor, the more electricity is produced.
The amount of energy a turbine can harness is dependent on the wind velocity and the length of the
rotor blades. Wind turbines start generating power at wind speeds of between 10-15 km/hour, with
speeds between 45-60 km/hour required for full power operation. Where wind speeds reach levels
which could damage the generator, the turbine automatically shuts down. A turbine is designed to
operate continuously, with low maintenance for more than 25 years.
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Hub height
(~80m to 120m)
Illustration of the components of a typical wind turbine
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Rotor blade
(~40m to 60m in length)
In terms of sections 24 and 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (No 107 of 1998),
as read with the EIA Regulations of GN R543 - R546, a Scoping and EIA process is required to be
undertaken for the proposed project. Mainstream requires authorisation from the National
Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) (in consultation with the Free State Department of
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs) for the undertaking of the proposed
project. In order to obtain authorisation for this project, comprehensive, independent
environmental studies must be undertaken in accordance with the EIA Regulations. This project
has been registered with National DEA under Application Reference number
14/12/16/3/3/2/365.
An EIA is an effective planning and decision-making tool. It allows the potential environmental
consequences resulting from a technical facility during its establishment and its operation to be
identified and appropriately managed. It provides the opportunity for the developer to be forewarned
of potential environmental issues, and allows for resolution of the issue(s) reported on in
the EIA report as well as dialogue with affected parties.
Mainstream has appointed Savannah Environmental, as independent consultants, to undertake
a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment to identify and assess all potential environmental
Hub
Nacelle
Tower

impacts associated with the proposed project for the area as identified, and propose appropriate
mitigation measures in an Environmental Management Programme (EMP). As part of these
environmental studies, I&APs will be actively involved through the public involvement process.
The phases of an EIA are as follows:
Scoping Study &
Scoping Report:
To identify issues
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE PROPOSED PROJECT?
A number of potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project have been
identified. These potential impacts will be assessed through the following specialist studies:
Biophysical Impacts
Impact
Assessment &
EIA Report:
Specialist studies
Impacts on Ecology, flora & fauna: the
construction of the wind energy facility and the
associated disturbance of vegetation may impact
on the ecology of the site.
Impacts on Avifauna and bats: birds and bats
may be impacted through collisions with the
blades of the wind turbines as well as the
associated power line/s during the operational
phase.
Impacts on Geology and Soils: impacts on
geology may relate to the underlying soil
conditions and erosion potential of the site.
Impacts on Agricultural potential: impacts on
the potential of agricultural areas and on the
capability of the land.
EIA-PROCESS
These specialist studies will be undertaken in two phases:
Final EIA Report
& Draft EMP:
Submit to DEA
Decision
making by DEA:
Environmental
Authorisation
Social & Economic Impacts
Visual Quality and Aesthetics: due to their
height, wind turbines have the potential to have a
visual impact on their surrounds and on sensitive
visual receptors.
Impacts on Heritage Sites, Fossils &
Palaeontology: disturbance to or destruction of
heritage sites / fossils / palaeontology may result
during the construction phase.
Social Impacts: positive and negative social
impacts may occur from the construction and
operation of the wind energy facility (i.e.
employment opportunities, noise impacts and
impacts on local land use).
1. The Scoping Phase includes a desk-top study, wherein potential issues associated with the
proposed project are identified and evaluated, and those issues requiring further investigation
through the EIA phase are highlighted.
2. The EIA Phase includes a detailed assessment of potentially significant impacts identified in
the Scoping Phase. Practical and achievable mitigation measures will be recommended in
order to minimise potentially significant impacts identified. These recommendations will be
included within a draft Environmental Management Programme (EMP).
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Specialist studies will be informed by existing information, field observations and input from the
public participation process. As an I&AP, your input is considered an important part of this process,
and we urge you to become involved.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS
The sharing of information forms the basis of the public involvement process and offers you the
opportunity to become actively involved in the EIA from the outset. Comments and inputs from
I&APs during the EIA process are encouraged in order to ensure that potential impacts are
considered within the ambit of the study. The public involvement process aims to ensure that:
» Information containing all relevant facts in respect of the application is made available to I&APs
for review.
» Participation by potential I&APs is facilitated in such a manner that I&APs are provided with a
reasonable opportunity to comment on the application.
» Adequate review periods are provided for I&APs to comment on the findings of the draft
Scoping and EIA reports.
In order to ensure effective participation, the public involvement process includes the following 4
phases:
PHASE 1
Notification of
commencement
of EIA process
PHASE 2
Environmental
Scoping Process
• Advertise in printed Consultation with
media and on-site
stakeholders & I&APs to
Notification to identified
identify issues.
IA&P, stakeholders &
Focus Group Meetings
Organs of State in
writing
Public meeting
Distribution of BID's
Draft Scoping Report
available for review
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN I&AP
PHASE 3
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
On-going consultation
with stakeholders &
I&APs
Focus Group Meetings
Draft EIA Report & EMP
available for review
Public feedback
meetings
PHASE 4
Decisionmaking
Final EIA Report
submitted to DEA for
review & decision-making
- includes stakeholder &
IA&P comments received
during process.
Registered stakeholders
& I&APs informed in
writing of DEA's decision.
In terms of the EIA Regulations, your attention is drawn to your responsibilities as an I&AP:
» In order to participate in this EIA process, you must register yourself on the project database.
» You must ensure that any comments regarding the proposed project are submitted within the

stipulated timeframes.
» You are required to disclose any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which you
may have in the approval or refusal of the application for the proposed wind energy facility.
HOW TO BECOME INVOLVED
1. By responding (by phone, fax or e-mail) to our invitation for your involvement which has been
advertised in newspapers.
2. By returning the attached Reply Form to the relevant contact person.
3. By attending the meetings to be held during the course of the project. As a registered I&AP you
will automatically be invited to attend these meetings. Dates for public meetings will also be
advertised in newspapers.
4. By contacting the consultants with queries or comments.
5. By reviewing and commenting on the draft Scoping and EIA Reports within the stipulated public
review periods.
If you consider yourself an I&AP for this proposed project, we urge you to make use of the
opportunities created by the public involvement process to provide comment, or raise those issues
and concerns which affect and/or interest you, and about which you would like more information.
Your input into this process forms a key element of the EIA process.
By completing and submitting the accompanying Reply Form, you automatically register yourself as
an I&AP for this project, and are ensured that your comments, concerns or queries raised regarding
the project will be noted.
COMMENTS AND QUERIES
Direct all comments, queries or responses to:
Gabriele Wood of Savannah Environmental
PO Box 148, Sunninghill, Johannesburg, 2157
Phone: 011 234 6621
Fax: 086 684 0547
E-mail: gabriele@savannahsa.com
To view project documentation, visit
www.savannahSA.com
Copyright: Savannah Environmental
7

MAINSTREAM SPRINGFONTEIN WIND ENERGY FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ON A
SITE SOUTH-WEST OF SPRINGFONTEIN, FREE STATE PROVINCE
DEA Ref No. 14/12/16/3/3/2/365
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS REPLY FORM
Return completed reply form to: Gabriele Wood of Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd
Fax: 086 699 5796 Phone: 011 234 6621
E-mail: gabriele@savannahsa.com
Postal Address: P O Box 148 Sunninghill 2157
Please provide your complete contact details:
Name & Surname:
Organisation & Designation:
Postal Address:
Telephone: Cellphone:
Fax: E-mail:
Would you like to register as an interested and affected party (I&AP)?
(please tick the relevant box)
Note: Please register as an I&AP to receive further correspondence regarding the EIA process for the project. Once
registered on the project database, your contact details MAY be included in public documentation.
Please state your interest in the project (add additional pages if necessary):
Please list your questions, views or concerns regarding the project (add additional pages if necessary):
Please provide contact details of other persons who you regard as a potential interested or
affected party:
Name & Surname:
Organisation & Designation:
Postal Address:
Telephone: Cellphone:
Fax: E-mail:
What is your preferred language of correspondence? (please tick the relevant box) English
Afrikaans
YES
NO
(Sien keersy vir Afrikaans)

MAINSTREAM SPRINGFONTEIN WINDKRAGAANLEG OP ’N TERREIN SUIDWES SPRINGFONTEIN, FREE
STAAT PROVINSIE
DEA Verwysingsnommers: DEA Ref No. 14/12/16/3/3/2/365
OPENBARE DEELNAMEPROSES REGISTRASIE/KOMMENTAAR VORM
Stuur voltooide registrasie/kommentaar vorm aan: Gabriele Wood van Savannah Environmental
(Edms.) Bpk
Faks: 086 699 5796 Telefoon: 011 234 6621
E-pos: gabriele@savannahsa.com
Posadres: Posbus 148 Sunninghill 2157
Verskaf asseblief u persoonlike kontak besonderhede:
Naam & Van:
Organisasie & Rol:
Posadres:
Telefoon: Selfoon:
Faks: Vonkpos:
Stel u belang om te registreer as ‘n belangstellende en/of geaffekteerde party
(B&GP)? (Merk met X)
Nota: Dit word van u vereis om te registreer as ‘n B&GP om alle toekomstige inligting in verband met die
Omgewingsimpakevalueringsproses te ontvang.
Verduidelik u belangstelling in hierdie projek (gebruik addisionele bladsye indien nodig):
Lys u vrae, opinies of besorghede in verband met hierdie projek (gebruik additionele bladsye indien
nodig):
Verskaf bykommende kontak besonderhede van addisionele persoon/e wie u beskou as
potensiële belangstellende en/of geaffekteerde partye:
Naam & Van:
Organisasie & Rol:
Posadres:
Telefoon: Selfoon:
Faks: E-pos:
Dui u taal van keuse en korrespondensie aan (Merk met X) Engels
Afrikaans
JA
NEE
(Sien omkeer bladsy vir Engels)