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

February 2011 121 12619Several very pristine areas were found along the route as well as areas that are used for tourism.These routes should be avoided if possible and include Wakkerstroom, Groenvlei, Utrecht, BlackUmfolozi and near the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park. In addition several routes have existing powerlines along the route alignments, and should rather be used than creating a new impact.Table 12-12: Visual Visual Additional Impact Rating ScaleImpact Significance Spatial Temporal Probability RatingScale ScaleImpact to LOW Local Short Term It’s going to LowVisualhappen2 3 2 5 2.33The additional impact to the visual landscape is LOW, occurs in Local area and will be Short termand It’s going to happen. A rating of 2 gives an impact class of Low.Cumulative ImpactThe cumulative impact will not change and the cumulative impact remains a Moderate impact.Mitigation MeasuresÜÜÜÜOnly the servitude of the proposed power line should be exposed. In all other areas, thenatural vegetation should be retained;Dust suppression techniques should be in place at all times during the construction phase;Access roads should be minimised to prevent unnecessary dust; andUtilise non-shiny structures for the hard park and toilets, i.e. avoid unpainted roofs.Residual ImpactThe initial visual impact of the power lines can not be mitigated and therefore the mitigationmeasures merely ensure that the additional impact is managed responsibly. The residual impactremains a Moderate impact.12.2 Operational PhaseDuring the Operational Phase of the proposed development the power line will begin transmittingelectricity to the Mbewu substation. Once the line is electrified very little additional activities will berequired other than planned maintenance and servitude clearance.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING