Appendix O2 - Biophysical Report.pdf - Zitholele.co.za

February 2011 111 1261912 IMPACT ASSESSMENTThe Impact Assessment will highlight and describe the impact to the environment following theabovementioned methodology and will assess the following components:• Surface Water;• Soils and Land Capability• Flora;• Fauna; and• Visual Impact.The impact assessment was undertaken for the construction, operational and decommissioningphases of the project. The impact of each line / route alternative was also assessed separately,however, where the impact was not significantly different, only one impact assessment wasundertaken. Also, at the time of writing this report, no technical data was available as to the typeof tower to be used in which area for the construction of the transmission lines. Therefore, it isassumed that the Self-supporting strain and suspension tower type would be used, which has thelargest footprint and represents the worst case scenario. Contained in this assumption is that themaximum distance between towers would be 500 m.12.1 Construction PhaseDuring the construction phase the 765 kV power lines will be erected. Under normalcircumstances a 765 kV transmission line requires a servitude width of 90 m, but in fire-proneareas such as plantations, this increases to 110 m. Where there are physical constraints, such asother power lines adjacent to the new servitude, a minimum of 45 m separation distance from suchlines is required. The power line cables are strung between pylons / towers, which are steelstructures erected on concrete footings fixed in the substrate (soil or rock) below the pylon.The major impacts during construction are the construction activities associated with the erectionof the power lines and include, amongst others, heavy vehicle movement, construction of anaccess road and any wastes generated.12.1.1 Soils and Land CapabilitySoils and land capability need to be grouped together, because the type of soil will determine thecapability of the land and what the land can be used for in the future. If the soil is arable, then it issuitable for farming and the land use will be farms.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING