Part 2 - Eskom

ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED 40MW OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER
PLANT IN THE AMERSFOORT AREA, MPUMALANGA
9.5. Heritage
Bohlweki-SSI Environmental
A Heritage Impact Assessment is focused on two phases of a proposed
development: the construction and operation phases. However, from a cultural
heritage perspective, this distinction does not apply. Heritage sites are fixed features
in the environment, occurring within specific spatial confines. Any impact upon them
is permanent and non-reversible. Those resources that cannot be avoided and that
are directly impacted by the proposed development can be excavated/recorded and
a management plan can be developed for future action. Those sites that are not
impacted can be written into the management plan, whence they can be avoided or
cared for in the future.
According to the NHR Act, Section 2(vi), the significance of heritage sites and
artefacts is determined by it aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social,
spiritual, linguistic or technical value in relation to the uniqueness, condition of
preservation and research potential.
It must be kept in mind that the various aspects are not mutually exclusive, and that
the evaluation of any site is done with reference to any number of these. Sites
regarded as having low significance are viewed as been recorded in full after
identification and would require no further mitigation. Impact from the development
would therefore be judged to be low. Sites with a medium to high significance would
require mitigation. Mitigation, in most cases involves the excavation of a site, which is
in essence destructive and therefore the impact can be viewed as high and as
permanent.
Based on published sources, unpublished archival information, as well as prior
experience in the region, no sites, features or objects of cultural significance are
currently known from the study area. However, there is a high likelihood that some
will be identified during an intensive Phase 1 heritage survey. These would mostly
relate to historic times and can include old farmsteads and informal cemeteries.
These are generally viewed to have a medium significance on a region level, to a
high significance on a local level.
9.6. Noise
9.6.1. The Residual (Existing) Noise Climate
In overview, the existing situation with respect to the existing noise climate in the
study area was found to be as follows:
i) The main sources of noise in the area are from:
a) Traffic on National Road N11, Road P48/1, Road P97/1, Road D2514
and Road D284.
b) The existing Majuba Power Station. The noise from the power station
operations has a significant influence for up to about 4000 metres from
the facility.
ii) The existing noise climate alongside the main roads is degraded with regard
to suburban residential living. In some areas residences are negatively
E02.JNB.000308
ESKOM HOLDINGS LIMITED
01
93
08/10/2009