Abagold WEC BAR - Anchor Environmental
Abagold WEC BAR - Anchor Environmental
Abagold WEC BAR - Anchor Environmental
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYINTRODUCTION<strong>Abagold</strong> Ltd, based in Hermanus, has proposed developing a slot-slope wave energy converter (<strong>WEC</strong>) toprovide a practical solution to decrease their overall energy bill. Three alternative developmentscenarios have been proposed for the coastal area adjacent to New Harbour Hermanus. Alternatives 1and 2 both involve the development of two <strong>WEC</strong> dams, a small pump assistance pond, and theextension of the existing discharge pipe and the fitment of a turbine to the end of the discharge pipe.The design is the same for these two alternatives, only the construction schedule differs wherebyAlternative 1 (preferred option) will be phased to allow for the testing of the slot-slope <strong>WEC</strong> design witha pilot <strong>WEC</strong>. Alternative 3 involves the development of one large <strong>WEC</strong> dam, the extension of the existingdischarge pipe and the fitment of a turbine to the end of the discharge pipe. <strong>Anchor</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong>Consultants (AEC) was appointed by <strong>Abagold</strong> Ltd as the <strong>Environmental</strong> Assessment Practitioner for the“<strong>Abagold</strong> Wave Energy Converter” project.This Executive Summary includes the main findings of the Basic Assessment Report (<strong>BAR</strong>) prepared forthe proposed project. A draft version of the <strong>BAR</strong> was made available to stakeholders for a 40 daycomment period between the 23 rd of March and the 2 nd of May 2012 in order to allow interested andaffected parties (I&APs) and authorities an opportunity to comment on the Draft <strong>BAR</strong>. Copies of the fullreport were made available at the following locations:Hermanus public library;<strong>Abagold</strong> Offices, New Harbour , Hermanus;Offices of <strong>Anchor</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> Consultants; andWebsite of <strong>Anchor</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> Consultants (www.anchorenvironmental.co.za).This report is the final <strong>BAR</strong> to be submitted to the Department of <strong>Environmental</strong> Affairs as part of theapplication to commence the development of the slot-slope <strong>WEC</strong>.APPLICABILITY OF THE NEMA EIA REGULATIONSIn terms of the National <strong>Environmental</strong> Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) (as amended) (NEMA),the proposed <strong>WEC</strong> development in Hermanus constitute activities which may result in negative impactsto the environment, and therefore require an environmental assessment and authorisation from thecompetent environmental authority, namely the Department of <strong>Environmental</strong> Affairs (DEA).10
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