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

February 2011 2 12619Alignment GH diverts the alternative in southerly direction in order to avoid the protect natureconservation area located to the south east of Babanango. Alignment GH is approximately60km in length and spanning over both the Mhlatuze and Mefule Rivers. GH runs parallel to theexisting R68 road.The alternative then turns southwards along alignment HI for approximately 15 km beforeturning in an easterly direction, crossing the R68 again and the R38 to Point I. The last portionof the alternative is IJ. Segment IJ is approximately 35 km in length depending on the approvedlocation of the Mbewu (Theta) substation (environmental authorisation is still pending for thesubstation). Alignment IJ spans over the confluence of the Mefule and Mhlatuze Rivers.Variation Link BKVariation link BK is provided as an alternative link to BC. This alignment is one of the leastfavourable alignments as it crosses over many sensitive areas such as: the Baltrasna proposedconservancy, irreplaceable flora, the Langfontein, Kombewaria, Outhoutdraai Ossewaaikopprotected areas, Outhoutdraai, Wakkerstroom town and the Wakkerstroom Nature Reserve.The alignment is 55km in length of which 20km is located in sensitive areas.Variation Link KCVariation link KC is dependent on BK being the preferred alternative. Should BK not be thepreferred alternative KC is not feasible as there is no route from KC north to the Camden PowerStation other than link BC.KC is 20 km in length and heads in a SSW direction close to Groenvlei. This variation linktraverses many wetland and sensitive water bodies.Variation Link KDVariation link KD spans the Slang and Dorpsruit Rivers and several water bodies. The link isapproximately 60 km in length and heads in a predominantly south east direction. The linkcrosses the R34 before meeting up with Point D.Variation Link EF1The purpose of link EF1 is to avoid the steep topography at EF2. EF1 is approximately 20 km(5km longer than EF1 and loops to the west of EF2).Variation Link GLHVariation link GLH is designed to divert to the north of Babanango and then turn in a southeasterly direction towards Point H. GLH is 55km in length and crosses through a protected areafor approximately 15km. The link also spans over the Mpembeni and Mfule Rivers as well asover an arterial road, the R68 and R34 and through Melmoth.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING