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

February 2011 127 1261914 CONCLUSIONIn conclusion the proponent proposes to construct and operate a 765 kV power line in orderto connect the Camden Power Station to the Mbewu substation in Empangeni.Zitholele Consulting was appointed to screen the biophysical aspects and stakeholdersensitivities of the proposed routes. The aspects investigated include soils, agriculturalpotential, wetland, surface water, terrestrial ecology and visual impacts.It was found that the major areas of concern were the sensitive fauna and flora, loss oftourism potential and sense of place and loss of agricultural land. Most of the elementsanalysed indicate that the impacts from Alternative 2 will be larger than the other 2alternatives.Comments and inputs received from stakeholders and authorities indicated that routes BK,KD, AM, AP, NO and PO should be avoided in order to avoid protected areas andsensitivities along the proposed routes.It is recommended that Alternative 1 (AB-BC-CD-DE-EF2-FG-SGH-HI-IJ) be the preferredalternative with Alternative 3 being a possible alternative if there are any problems identifiedin the other specialist studies. It should be noted that the main impact from the proposedalternative will be in the cane producing area to the west of Empangeni and all efforts shouldbe made to minimise this impact on the agriculture.If the line is constructed and operated with the mitigation measures proposed in this reportthe development will have impacts that are within the acceptable range. The need for thedevelopment is clear, but to ensure the placement of the power line in the position with thesmallest environmental impact is critical.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING (PTY) LTDKonrad KrugerWarren KokZ:\PROJECTS\12619 - EIA FOR CAMDEN THETA 765 KV POWER LINE\REPORTS\SPECIALST REPORTS\BIOPHYSICAL\CAMDEN SPES REPORT KK V3.DOCZITHOLELE CONSULTING