Part 2 - Eskom

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED 40MW OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT IN THE AMERSFOORT AREA, MPUMALANGA 9.3. Visual 9.3.1. Viewshed Analysis Bohlweki-SSI Environmental For the purpose of this study photographs of existing and similar developments are included to visualise the nature and the extent of the plant. This is done as a background study to understand possible visual impacts. A viewshed analysis of the highest structures (35m above ground level) is undertaken by placing two randomly selected points on the plant area. This will indicate the possible extent of visibility from the surrounding area (Figure 9.2). According to the viewshed analysis interrupted views of the site can be expected along the roads. This might change as the gas field is moved to different locations during the operational phase. This will be studied in more detail in the EIA report. Figure 9.2: Viewshed analysis of two 35m high structures 9.3.2. Gas Fields The gas field will consist of a network of surface pipes connected to the production wells. As the mining operation moves after fresh coal, these pipes will be moved on surface, while already gasified areas will be stripped of all surface pipe work. This type of operation will uniquely alter the visual appearance of the plant in relation to the surrounding environment with a consequent change of visual impact. This should E02.JNB.000308 ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED 01 88 08/10/2009
ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED 40MW OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT IN THE AMERSFOORT AREA, MPUMALANGA Bohlweki-SSI Environmental be further investigated in the EIA report and more details with regard to the spatial layout and dimensions should be made available for inclusion in the study. Photograph 9.1 gives an indication of the visual appearance and the spatial extent of a UCG pilot gas field. The low vertical dimensions of the pipes are noted. Vertical intrusion of the horizon is a major factor in creating visual impacts, and in this instance the visual impact is minimised by the low density and relative small dimensions of the pipe work. According to Photograph 9.1 the gas field displays a relative small footprint. The impact on the surrounding area can be minimised, as is illustrated in the case of Majuba showing that the grass fields are fairly undisturbed. Photograph 9.1: UCG pilot plant on the farm Roodekopjes 9.3.3. OCGT Demonstration Plant The 40MW demonstration plant will consist of a single production unit, similar to the example in Photograph 9.2. The following observations are noted from the Figure 9.3 and the photographs below: • Total transformation of the OCGT plant area is evident from the aerial view in Figure 9.3. This is to be expected, given all the related infrastructure involved. The level of transformation of the moving gas field and the possible cumulative effects need to be further investigated in the EIA report. • Where the visual absorption capacity of the area in terms of trees and shrubs is limited, vegetated berms can be effective to screen views of the site, especially at close range (Photograph 9.2). It must be noted that the natural topography of the site is very hilly, and serves as a natural visual screen from many angles. E02.JNB.000308 ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED 01 89 08/10/2009
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Part 2 - Eskom

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