Noise and Vibration Report - Transnet

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ENVIRO-ACOUSTIC RESEARCHSCOPING NOISE REPORT – TRANSNET: SWAZI RAIL LINK – DAVEL YARD TO NERSTON RSA ROUTE1 INTRODUCTION1.1 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSEEnviro-Acoustic Research was commissioned to compile a Scoping Noise Report as part ofthe Environmental Impact Assessment process conducted for Transnet’s proposedSwaziland Rail Link project. This project involves the development of a multinationalstrategic rail corridor stretching from Davel in Mpumalanga to Richards Bay in KwaZuluNatal via Sidvokodvo in Swaziland. This particular report covers the potential noiseimpacts relating to the proposed Davel to Nerston (Republic of South Africa) railwaysection on a scoping level.This report is the result of a first phase study (desktop) on the potential noise impact thatthis development may have on the surrounding environment, highlighting methodologies,potential issues to be investigated as well as preliminary findings and recommendations.1.2 BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTransnet SOC Limited is proposing the development of a robust rail connection betweenLothair and the Komatipoort-Richards Bay route (refer Figure 1-1). This will provide aviable General Freight diversionary route to remove this traffic from the Mpumalanga CoalLine, freeing up slots for Coal Traffic. Further projects requirements include:• Providing a rail connection from Davel to Maputo via the Swaziland RailwayNetwork.• Enhancing capacity for the Komatipoort – Richards Bay railway corridor;accommodating traffic identified within the Transnet Long Term PlanningFramework and the prospective GFB traffic from the Coal Line.• Providing viable connections for rail freight from Western Swaziland to markets inSouth Africa, Mozambique, and overseas.• Providing viable connections for rail freight from South Africa to markets inSwaziland, Mozambique, and overseas via Maputo.The project is divided into 6 Work Packages (WP) for project implementationpurposes, namely:• WP1: The construction of a new rail link between Lothair (Mpumalanga) toSidvokodvo (Swaziland). Being a multinational project the work package is subdividedinto two sub-sections, namely Lothair to Nerston (RSA) and Nerston toSidvokodvo (Swaziland).• WP2: The construction of a new terminal and network links at Davel – known asDavel Yard and Connections.P a g e | 1
ENVIRO-ACOUSTIC RESEARCHSCOPING NOISE REPORT – TRANSNET: SWAZI RAIL LINK – DAVEL YARD TO NERSTON RSA ROUTE• WP3: The upgrade of the existing line between the proposed Davel Yard andLothair.• WP4: The upgrade of the existing line between Sidvokodvo (Swaziland) andPhuzumoya (Swaziland). This also includes the construction of a new line in certainsections.• WP5: The upgrade of the existing line between Phuzumoya (Swaziland) and Golela(Swaziland – RSA border). This also includes the construction of a new line incertain sections.• WP6: The upgrade of the existing line between Golela (Swaziland – RSA border)and Nsese near Richards Bay. This also includes the construction of a new line incertain sections.This Noise Scoping report specifically focuses on the proposed Davel to Nerston sectionbased in the Republic of South Africa (refer Figure 1-2).The Transnet operation ideal envisages consolidation of loads into the maximum lengthsfor a single siding(s). Currently loads can vary in length from 40 wagon block loadsthrough 50 and 60 up to 75/80 and 100 wagon general freight trains. The upgrading andimplementation of the proposed railway section will enable freight loads to exceed thecurrent capacities up to 150/160 and 200 wagon trains. The reverse (de-consolidation)has been planned for traffic returning from the export ports. Passing loops will beimplemented to allow traffic flow in both directions on the rail, passing loop specificationsand locations are unknown for the purpose of this report (dead end, up and down workingetc). Potential diesel fuelling stations may be implemented at a rail loops enablingservicing of locomotives to their required destination.The proposed alignment rail line starts at the town of Davel traversing past the town ofLothair and on to the town of Nerston. Current rail operations terminate at Lothair. Thelinear distance from Davel to Nerston is estimated at roughly 113 km (rail line routedistance not calculated for this report).P a g e | 2
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Noise and Vibration Report - Transnet

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