Appendix O2 - Biophysical Report.pdf - Zitholele.co.za
Appendix O2 - Biophysical Report.pdf - Zitholele.co.za
Appendix O2 - Biophysical Report.pdf - Zitholele.co.za
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February 2011 6 126191.3 Study S<strong>co</strong>peEskom’s Transmission Division has appointed <strong>Zitholele</strong> Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an independent<strong>co</strong>mpany, to <strong>co</strong>nduct an EIA to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of theproposed project. As part of the environmental impact assessment for the aforementioned project itis required that certain biophysical specialist investigations are undertaken. <strong>Zitholele</strong> Consultingwas appointed to undertake the following biophysical specialist studies:• Wetland and Riparian Area Delineation;• Topography and Visual Impact;• Soils and Agricultural Potential; and• Terrestrial E<strong>co</strong>logy.1.4 Study Approach<strong>Zitholele</strong> Consulting undertook the aforementioned specialist studies during several site visits<strong>co</strong>nducted from October 2010 – March 2011. The wide spread of site visits during the year wereundertaken to obtain a maximum <strong>co</strong>ver of the seasonal variations. The study area en<strong>co</strong>mpassesthe area within a 1 000 m radius of the proposed power line alternatives. Transects were walkedon either side of the proposed power line alternatives in which flora, soil, fauna and land usecharacteristics were sampled.1.5 Project PersonnelThe following project team was involved in the <strong>co</strong>mpilation of this report.Konrad Kruger graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BSc Environmental Science(Majors in Soils Science, E<strong>co</strong>logy, Geomorphology and Zoology) in 2002 and a BSc Honours inGeography in 2003. He has been involved in a variety of environmental projects in the last sixyears and has be<strong>co</strong>me specialised in undertaking a variety of environmental assessments, audits,environmental plans and specialist studies. He has undertaken a variety of specialist assessmentsincluding wetland delineations, e<strong>co</strong>logical assessments, flora assessments, soil and agriculturalpotential assessments, GIS mapping and modelling and visual assessments. These projects havebeen <strong>co</strong>mpleted for clients like Eskom, City Power, Harmony Gold, BHP Billiton, De Beers, KrugerNational Park and Xstrata Coal.1.6 Assumptions and LimitationsThe following limitations were en<strong>co</strong>untered during the assessment:• The <strong>co</strong>rridors are not 100% accessible by vehicle.ZITHOLELE CONSULTING
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