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Part 2 - Eskom

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED 40MW OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER<br />

PLANT IN THE AMERSFOORT AREA, MPUMALANGA<br />

8.3. Specialist Studies<br />

Bohlweki-SSI Environmental<br />

As required by the Call for Proposals put out by <strong>Eskom</strong> when embarking on the EIA<br />

process, Bohlweki-SSI Environmental formed a team with a suite of specialist<br />

consultants in various disciplines. As part of the Scoping exercise, the team of<br />

specialists attended a site visit and workshop to determine if, on the basis of a<br />

literature review and the site inspection, the scope of their work as originally<br />

envisaged could be reduced, or whether it needed to be expanded or amended. The<br />

outcome of the workshop was that, while some impacts might have been considered<br />

to be relatively benign, best practice and a need to fully understand the implications<br />

of the proposed project, warrant that further investigation of all identified issues be<br />

undertaken in the EIA Phase. Accordingly, the following specialist studies and<br />

specialists are proposed to be undertaken in the EIA Phase (see Table 8.1 below):<br />

Table 8.1: Specialist studies to be undertaken in the EIA phase<br />

SPECIALIST FIELD ORGANISATION<br />

Peer review of Geohydrology Study R Meyer (Private)<br />

Peer review of Hydrology Study Jones and Wagner<br />

Wetlands SiVEST<br />

Soils and Agricultural Potential Terra Soil Science<br />

Biodiversity Bathusi Environmental Consulting<br />

Baseline Social Study and Microeconomic<br />

study<br />

MasterQ Research<br />

Air Quality Bohlweki-SSI Environmental<br />

Visual aspects and aesthetics MetroGIS<br />

Heritage J van Schalkwyk<br />

Each of the specialists has the relevant experience and expertise to undertake the<br />

proposed studies.<br />

A description of each of the proposed specialist studies follows. The Terms of<br />

Reference for each of the specialist studies for the EIA phase is provided in Chapter<br />

11 (Plan of Study for EIA - PoS for EIA). As a critical step in the EIA process, it is<br />

important that the public has the opportunity to comment on, and the authorities<br />

approve of, the proposed approach to the EIA Phase.<br />

Commenting on the PoS for EIA by the public ensures that the proposed approach,<br />

including the scope of work for the specialists, is informed by public and the authority<br />

feedback in order to ensure that the work produced addresses the issues of concern<br />

at the requisite level of confidence. A robust basis for informed debate and decision<br />

making is thus provided.<br />

Key outcomes of the specialist studies would be information which will allow I&APs to<br />

engage in informed debate on the implications of the proposed project and will allow<br />

<strong>Eskom</strong> to make an informed decision on the location of the gas treatment plants and<br />

various other alternatives (water and gas pipeline). <strong>Eskom</strong> will also gain an<br />

understanding of the range and benefits of implementing possible mitigation<br />

measures.<br />

E02.JNB.000308<br />

ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED<br />

01<br />

58<br />

08/10/2009

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