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

February 2011 114 12619Cumulative ImpactThe cumulative impact to soils if a pylon is placed in an already disturbed area remains asassessed for the initial assessment, i.e. a Moderate impact.Mitigation Measures• Avoid unnessacary removal of vegetation cover.• Use existing access roads as far as possible;• If a new roa is constructed, ensure that some measure of erosion prevention is followed;• Take land use into consideration when choosing pylon types, it is recommended that smallerfootprint pylons be used in cultivated areas;• Avoid placement of pylon footings in clay soils;• Spread absorbent sand on areas where oil spills are likely to occur, such as the refuelling areain the hard park;• Oil-contaminated soils are to be removed to a contained storage area and bio-remediated ordisposed of at a licensed facility;• Use berms to minimise erosion where vegetation is disturbed, including hard parks, plant sites,borrow pit and office areas;• If soils are excavated for the footing placement, ensure that the soil is utilised elsewhere forrehabilitation/road building purposes; and• Ensure that soil is stockpiled in such a way as to prevent erosion from storm water.Residual ImpactThe residual impact remains a Moderate Impact, as the mitigation measures will not reduce theoverall impact of the power line construction.12.1.2 FloraInitial ImpactThe vegetation in and around the study area has significantly been transformed by farmingactivities, urbanisation and industrial activities. In addition, the remaining natural vegetation isbeing utilised for grazing and is being invaded by alien invasive species. Thirty six (36%) percentof the study area vegetation has been disturbed in some way.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING