Biodiversity (1 - SRK Consulting

virtually unshaded flora and fauna, 2) their 'feet' of concrete slabs resting on the
ground that will resemble loose rocks, and 3) the legs, struts and wiring will provide
possible roost and/or nest sites for some bird species (e.g. Cape Sparrow) and
shelter for some reptiles (e.g. skinks and some geckos).
The effect of shading is difficult to predict, but many bird species seek shade during
the extreme summer heat and may be expected to hide under the tables, at least
around the edges of the layout. An important effect may arise from effects of shading
on the vegetation, altering plant community composition, survivorship and/or
structure.
The effect of the foot slabs is unlikely to differ from that of naturally occurring rocks
(or strewn debris), locally eliminating plant cover but providing cover for small
animals. However, if shallow excavation is necessary to level the ground first and so
alter its soil structure, a slight risk of permanent transformation is expected in the
long term. Given the natural instability of the soil surface under constant strong winds
and/or occasional heavy rains, and the ability of the vegetation to adapt to this
instability may mean the effects are temporary or at least capable of rehabilitation.
The effect of the legs, struts and wiring will depend on how well the design
discourages birds, such as having only vertical and sloping surfaces, and concealing
wiring, to prevent perching and/or nest attachment. Obviously, for operations and
safety, care must be taken to ensure that no living organisms can come into contact
with or entangled by any electrical wiring that might cause short circuits, injury or
death. Since it proposed that sheep graze in and around these PV tables,
presumably the latter factor is already controlled.
• Effect on use and management of water – Water is a scarce and valuable
commodity in this arid landscape and so needs to be managed wisely. Water is used
in an automatic washing system to periodically clean the upper surfaces of the solar
panels on the PV tables. The water runs off into a gutter at the base of the panel
arrays and is then stored for re-cycling. The only effect on fauna would be if residual
water gathers in the drain and attracts birds to drink, or on herpetofauna, especially
frogs is the potential creation of habitat in the form of small artificial wetlands,
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