Part 2 - Eskom

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED 40MW OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER
PLANT IN THE AMERSFOORT AREA, MPUMALANGA
Bohlweki-SSI Environmental
As the plant would contain materials which could potentially act as pollutants to
surface water resources, the proper post-operation rehabilitation and removal of any
material that could cause pollution of water resources through seepage or
stormwater runoff is important. Should this not be undertaken, or improperly
undertaken, a residual impact related to the plant and its infrastructure such as
fuel/hydrocarbon storage tanks or wastewater storage dams on surface water
resources could result. The risk of this impact depends on the proximity of
infrastructure to surface water receptors, and to links between groundwater and
surface water resources in the case of seepage of pollutants into the ground that may
pollute groundwater.
Decommissioning of mining areas after the 5-year operational life of the particular
mining area could result in ‘knock-on’ impacts on wetlands, if the decommissioning of
these mining areas is not properly undertaken. These mining areas would not be
located within wetlands or their associated buffers; however any residual impacts of
mining activities such as development of soil erosion or improperly maintained roads
may result in secondary impacts on nearby wetlands through the extension of
erosion into the wetland or deposition of silt into the wetlands. Similarly any potential
pollutants such as fuels/hydrocarbons left within the mining footprint may cause
pollution of surface water resources through stormwater runoff. The risk of
decommissioning residual impacts on wetlands is minimised the further away mining
areas are located from wetlands.
8.7. Soils and Agricultural Potential
The interpretation of the land use, land capability and reconnaissance soil survey
results yielded a number of aspects that are of importance to the project.
8.7.1. Agricultural Potential
The agricultural potential of the site varies due to soils conditions. Large areas are
covered by shallow soils that are of low potential. The higher potential soils have to a
large extent already been tilled and are currently being used for dryland agriculture.
The potential of the areas under crop production varies from low to high due to a
range of soil conditions. In many cases these soils are structured and of high clay
content but of limited depth. The main land use is grazing and it is also this land use
that is considered to be the most viable for the bulk of the area.
8.7.2. Overall Soil Impacts
The overall impacts on the soil of the site due to the proposed project are not
significant; however, impacts associated with the mining activities on the core farms
are significant.
Due to the dominantly low agricultural potential of the site, the broader significance of
these impacts is not considered to be significant and impacts will therefore be
localised to the immediate site.
E02.JNB.000308
ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED
01
67
08/10/2009