ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS ......Invictus 2, Sol Invictus 3 and Sol Invictus 4). She...

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

PROPOSED SOL INVICTUS PV1 – 4

SOLAR FACILITIES, NORTHERN

CAPE PROVINCE

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

NOTES OF THE MEETING

ADJACENT LANDOWNER (FARM RE/83 &

FARM RE/84)

HELD ON

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 14:30

VENUE

FARM RE/83, NEAR AGGENEYS

Notes for the Record prepared by:

Savannah Environmental

Please address any comments to Gabriele Wood at the above address.

Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd

Contact: Gabriele Wood

Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547

E-mail: [email protected]

FOCUS GROUP MEETING:

Venue: Farm RE/83, near Aggeneys

Date: Tuesday 16 February 2016

Time: 14:30

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Candice Hunter of Savannah Environmental welcomed all in attendance and introduced

herself as the Social Consultant for the EIA process being undertaken for the Sol Invictus

Development. She noted that the project includes the development of four (4) separate

commercial photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities, known as Sol Invictus 1, Sol

Invictus 2, Sol Invictus 3 and Sol Invictus 4). She noted that the project is located

within the jurisdiction of the Nama-Khoi and borders the Khai-Ma Local Municipality,

which both form part of the Namakwa District Municipality.

She stated that each development will be constructed as separate stand-alone projects,

with a separate project development company (or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)) as the

applicants for each project. The projects are detailed below:

Applicant Project Name Contracted

Capacity

DEA Reference No.

Cyraclox (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 1 150MW 14/12/16/3/3/2/873

Cyracraft (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 2 150MW 14/12/16/3/3/2/869

Cyrafusion (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 3 150MW 14/12/16/3/3/2/872

Cyralex (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 4 150MW 14/12/16/3/3/2/871

Ms Hunter stated that the purpose of each proposed PV facility will be to export the

generated power into the Eskom electricity grid. The projects are proposed to be bid

into the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers

Procurement (REIPPP) Programme.

Candice Hunter thanked the members of the meeting for the opportunity to brief them

about the proposed projects. She noted that the purpose of the meeting was to present

the background of the project, provide an overview of the environmental assessment

process and discuss any potential social issues and concerns with the proposed

developments. She noted that any issues raised would be recorded as part of the public

participation process and included in the Comments and Responses Reports which would

be appended to the Environmental Impact Assessment Reports that would be submitted

to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

MEETING ATTENDEES

Name Organisation & Position

Gert Goosen Adjacent Landowner- Farm RE/83 & Farm RE/84

Candice Hunter (CH) Savannah Environmental –Social Consultant

APOLOGIES

None

BACKGROUND & TECHNICAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE PROPOSED

PROJECT

Candice Hunter discussed the background and introduction to the project and the EIA

process. A Background Information Document (BID) and a map including the location

of the proposed developments were presented.

DISCUSSION SESSION

Question / Comment Response

GG: The dust is a problem on the existing gravel

road. With the increase of trucks, construction

vehicles and traffic the dust will increase

significantly. The areas next to the road will be

so full of dust that the sheep and game won’t be

able to graze in that area. If the road could be

tarred, that would be beneficial to control the

dust problem properly. Or proper dust

suppression measures would need to be put in

place.

CH: Comment noted. The appropriate dust

suppression measures will need to be

implemented by the appointed contractor as

stipulated in the Environmental Management

Programme (EMPr).

GG: Will there be continuous movement of

people on the access road?

CH: There will be more movement of people

during the construction phase and very

minimal movement during the operation

phase (20-25 years). The maximum number

of construction vehicle trips per day would be

approximately ~15 - 20 trips. Low and semi-

skilled workers will likely be transported to

site with busses (not hundreds of cars).

GG: Another concern is the risk of theft. It would

be necessary for the sides of the roads to be

fenced off properly, especially if there is an

increase in the movement of people. People will

be able to go over or through the fence as it is

not very high or secure. This increases the risk

CH: Comment noted, appropriate security

measures will be presented in the EMPr.


of the safety of the sheep in terms of theft and

poaching. There is a bit of crime in the area and

this may result in an increase in crime as the

livestock will be more exposed with an increase

of people in the immediate area. With an

increase of people moving through the area this

also increases the risk of theft.

GG: How many people will be employed during

the construction phase? How many labourers?

CH: One PV solar energy facility of 150MW is

likely to create between 400-600

employment opportunities, depending on the

final design. Of this approximately 50-60%

of the opportunities will be available to low-

skilled local workers (construction labourers,

security staff etc.), 25% will be available to

semi-skilled workers (drivers, equipment

operators etc.), and 15% will be available to

skilled personnel (engineers, land surveyors,

project managers etc.).

GG: It is crucial that the project site area is

securely fenced off properly; especially with the

housing development and people living on the

farm during the operation phase. This will

prevent the risk of theft and people accessing

my farming area.

CH: The PV facilities will be fenced-off for

security purposes.

GG: There is a gate on the existing gravel road

as you come off the N14. Then the gravel road

is fenced on both sides and another gate is

located on the border of Farm RE/83 and Farm

Ou Taaisbosmond 5/66. What will happen to the

gates during the construction phase?

CH: I would need to confirm with the

developers.

GG: It is important that the developers

consult with me on their plans for the access

road and necessary agreements are put in

place.

GG: Where will the water be sourced from? CH: The water is planned to either be

sourced from boreholes and/or the

municipality.

GG: If they are considering borehole water

the developers can consult with me.

GG: How long is the construction phase? CH: It is estimated that the construction

phase of each solar energy facility is

expected to extend over a period of 18

months.

Do you know who owns Farm Zuurwater 3/62? GG: Yes Deon Maasdorp (contact details

were provided)

GG: Where are the construction workers going

to live? Are they going to live on the site?

CH: No constructions workers will be living

on the site. Majority of the construction

labour force will be sourced from the local

area. Employees that would need to be


brought into the area will be housed in the

nearest towns. Overnight site worker

presence will be limited to security staff.

GG: Is it guaranteed that the developments are

going to happen? Where is the electricity going

to go to?

The purpose of the proposed PV facilities will

be to evacuate the generated power into the

Eskom electricity grid. The project is

proposed to be bid into the Department of

Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Energy

Independent Power Producers Procurement

(REIPPP) Programme.

GG: The developments may pose a risk to our

livestock production and farming activities. A

higher and secure fence would need to be put in

place to reduce the risks.

CH: Noted. Appropriate mitigation measures

would need to be put in place to address this

concern.

WAY FORWARD AND CLOSURE

In closing Candice Hunter noted that the answers to the questions which she could not

respond to will be provided in the Comments and Responses Report that will form part

of the EIA Report. She noted that the EIA Report will be made available for a 30-day

review period in due course and that Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) would be

notified of the review period and further consultation meetings. She said that I&APs

could submit their written comments on the EIA process and proposed project to

Savannah Environmental. She noted that all comments received would be included in

the final EIA Reports that will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

She thanked all in attendance for availing themselves for the meeting. The meeting

was closed at 15:30.


ASSESSMENT PROCESS

PROPOSED SOL INVICTUS PV 1 –

4 SOLAR FACILITIES, NORTHERN

CAPE PROVINCE



POWER LINE LANDOWNER

HELD ON

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 15:30

VENUE

FARM ZUURWATER 3/62






Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547


FOCUS GROUP MEETING

Venue: Farm Zuurwater 3/62

Date: Thursday 20 August 2015

Time: 15:30













Capacity

DEA Reference No.

















MEETING ATTENDEES


Deon Maasdorp Power line impacted landowner- Zuurwater 3/62

Hester Maasdorp Power line impacted landowner- Zuurwater 3/62


APOLOGIES

None


PROJECT




DISCUSSION SESSION


DM: At the moment there are two power lines

running over our farm. We would have to first

speak to our lawyer, to get his insight and think

about adding another power line to our farm.

HM: We also have developers that are wanting to

develop solar plants on our farm. The solar farms

have been authorised, they are waiting to see if

they become preferred bidders. We would need to

inform them about this proposed power line as well

as see if there is possible space. The developers

have a contract with us so we would need to speak

to them about having another power line on the

farm.

However, personally we do not want another

power line traversing our farm. We have a small

piece of land for farming purposes, we do not want

to divide our land even further and reduce our

farming areas even more.

CH: Comments noted. The developer will be

informed and will be in contact with you

soon regarding the power line route.


ASSESSMENT PROCESS

PROPOSED SOL INVICTUS SOLAR

PV1 – 4 SOLAR FACILITIES,

NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE



NAMA-KHOI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY-

ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGER

HELD ON

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 09:00

VENUE

NAMA-KHOI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SPRINGBOK






Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547



Venue: Nama Khoi Local Municipality, Springbok

Date: Wednesday 17 February 2016

Time: 09:00













Capacity

DEA Reference No.

















MEETING ATTENDEES


Jacques Cloete (JC) Nama Khoi Local Municipality – Acting Municipal Manager


APOLOGIES

None


PROJECT




DISCUSSION SESSION


JC: Have the scoping reports been accepted

by the DEA?

CH: The DEA have provided acceptance

for the scoping reports for the four PV

facilities.

JC: Is the impacted farm owned by the

municipality or is it privately owned?

CH: The impacted farm is privately

owned.

JC: Are the developers going to purchase the

farm or lease the area from the farm owner?

CH: The developers will lease the areas

for the solar plants for the duration of

the operation phase (20-25 years).

JC: Have the developers proposed these

projects to the municipality yet?

CH: I would need to confirm with our

clients.

JC: I was not aware of these projects. I

am the acting municipal manager, I

would like to be notified of the EIA

process going forward.

CH: Noted, your details will be added to

our database and you will be notified of

the EIA process going forward. The

Municipal Manager will also still be

notified.


JC: It is important that we are informed

so that we are able to provide our

comments and for the relevant people in

our department to add their input. It is

important for the municipality to be

notified in writing via a formal letter

when reports are available for review

and comment. These projects would

also eventually need to be presented to

the council for notice. It is also

important that the relevant ward

councillors are informed of the projects

for the social responsibilities with the

communities.

CH: Noted, formal letters will be sent to

the municipal manager and ward

councillor regarding the EIA process. A

meeting has been arranged with the

relevant ward councillor and he will be

informed of the projects.

JC: Will we be sent the environmental

reports?

CH: Yes, we will add you to our

database. A copy of the EIA report will

be released in the next few months. We

will send a CD copy of the report to your

offices. You will have an opportunity of

30 days to comment on the report. The

comments that we receive will then be

included in the Final EIA Report that will

be submitted to the Department of

Environmental Affairs.









ASSESSMENT PROCESS



CAPE PROVINCE



NAMA-KHOI LOCAL MUNCICIPALITY,

WARD 1 COUNCILLOR

Held on:

WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2016

Venue:

NAMA-KHOI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SPRINGBOK





Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547



Venue: Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, Springbok


Time: 10:30













Capacity

DEA Reference No.

















MEETING ATTENDEES


Hendrik S Appolis (HA) Nama Khoi Local Municipality - Ward 1 Councillor

Daphne D Meiring (DM) Nama Khoi Local Municipality - Ward Committee member

Candice Hunter (CH) Savannah Environmental – Social Consultant

APOLOGIES

None


PROJECT

Candice Hunter presented the background and introduction to the project and the EIA

process. She presented a map including the location of the proposed development.

DISCUSSION SESSION


HA: This will be the first solar project in our

ward. I don’t think there will be any challenges

or issues regarding the development of the

project. How many employment opportunities

will the development create for the local

community?

CH: Each proposed solar energy facility is

likely to create approximately 400-600

employment opportunities during the

construction period (12-18 months per

project). Majority of these employment

opportunities will be available to unskilled/

semi-skilled workers that will be sourced from

the local communities (between 50-60%).

There will be other economic benefits for the

local area (within a 50km radius) in terms of

community shareholding in the projects, there

is potential local socio-economic upliftment

from job creation as well the project developer

is obliged to spend a certain percentage of the

revenue from the project on socio-economic

development in the local area throughout the

projects operational phase (approximately 20

years).

HA: The project will bring many opportunities

for the area in terms of local employment, the

community trust, SED and EP. What the

community needs is for the employment of the

low skilled and semi-skilled personnel to be

CH: Noted.


sourced from the local areas. As a ward

councilor representing Ward 1, I am very

pleased and supportive of this proposed

development.

HA: What is the duration of the construction

phase and operation phase of each project?

CH: The construction phase for each PV facility

will be approximately 18 months. The

construction phase for the CSP facility will be

approximately 36 months. The operation

phase for solar energy facilities will be

approximately 20-25 years.

HA: Will we be sent the environmental reports? CH: Yes, we will add your details to our

database. A copy of the EIA report will be

released in the next few weeks on our website.

We will send a CD copy of the report to the

local municipality. You will have an

opportunity of 30 days to comment on the

report. The comments that we receive will

then be included in the Final EIA Report that

will be submitted to the Department of

Environmental Affairs.













ASSESSMENT PROCESS



CAPE PROVINCE



KHAI-MA LOCAL MUNCICIPALITY

LED & IDP MANAGERS

HELD ON:

WEDNESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2016

VENUE:

NUWE STREET, POFADDER





Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547


FOCUS GROUP MEETING

Venue: Khai-Ma Local Municipality, Nuwe Street, Pofadder


Time: 11:30


Candice Hunter of Savannah Environmental welcomed all in attendance and

introduced herself as the Social Consultant for the EIA process being undertaken

for the Sol Invictus Development. She noted that the project includes the

development of four (4) separate commercial photovoltaic (PV) solar energy

facilities, known as Sol Invictus 1, Sol Invictus 2, Sol Invictus 3 and Sol Invictus

4). She noted that the project is located within the jurisdiction of the Nama-Khoi

and borders the Khai-Ma Local Municipality, which both form part of the Namakwa

District Municipality.

She stated that each development will be constructed as separate stand-alone

projects, with a separate project development company (or Special Purpose Vehicle

(SPV)) as the applicants for each project. The projects are detailed below:


Capacity

DEA Reference No.






generated power into the Eskom electricity grid. The projects are proposed to be

bid into the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Energy Independent Power

Producers Procurement (REIPPP) Programme.

Candice Hunter thanked the members of the meeting for the opportunity to brief

them about the proposed projects. She noted that the purpose of the meeting was

to present the background of the project, provide an overview of the environmental

assessment process and discuss any potential social issues and concerns with the

proposed developments. She noted that any issues raised would be recorded as

part of the public participation process and included in the Comments and

Responses Reports which would be appended to the Environmental Impact

Assessment Reports that would be submitted to the Department of Environmental

Affairs.

MEETING ATTENDEES


Roger Basson (RB) Khai-Ma Local Municipality – LED manager

Jillian Nortje (JN) Khai-Ma Local Municipality – IDP manager

Candice Hunter (CH) Savannah Environmental – Social Consultant

APOLOGIES

None


PROJECT

Candice Hunter presented the background and introduction to the project and the

EIA process. She presented a map including the location of the proposed

development.

DISCUSSION SESSION


RB: Is the impacted farm privately

owned?

CH: The impacted farm is privately owned.

JN: Are you still working within a 50km

radius for socio-economic benefits?

CH: Yes, renewable energy projects under the

REIPPP are obliged to contribute to local

economic development. Between 12% and

20% of the people employed on each project

have to be residents of local communities

located within 50km of the project site.

CH: Each proposed solar energy facility is likely

to create approximately 400-600 employment

opportunities during the construction period

(12-18 months per project). Majority of these

employment opportunities will be available to

unskilled/ semi-skilled workers that will be

sourced from the local communities (between

50-60%). There will be other economic benefits

for the local area (within a 50km radius) in

terms of community shareholding in the

projects, there is potential local socio-economic

upliftment from job creation as well the project

developer is obliged to spend a certain


percentage of the revenue from the project on

socio-economic development in the local area

throughout the projects operational phase

(approximately 20 years).

JN: Which communities will benefit? CH: It is too early on in the process to state

which communities will benefit specifically.

However, communities within the 50km radius

will benefit.

JN: This 50km radius is a bit of a problem,

because the closest town to the project is

Aggeneys. There may be other communities in

the local municipality that need more upliftment

and assistance. For instance, Aggeneys may be

better off than Onseepkrans who have a lot of

struggles and issues in terms of unemployment.

Aggeneys is a mining town and the

unemployment rate in that town is not as bad

as Onseepkrans.

RB: When would construction of these

projects commence?

CH: EIA’s are currently being undertaken for the

projects. The Scoping Phase has been

completed for the PV facilities. The identified

environmental issues are to be further assessed

in the EIA phase. Public participation meetings

will take place prior to submitting the EIA report

to the Department of Environmental Affairs. It

is envisaged that environmental authorisation

will be received from the Department of

Environmental Affairs within the next six

months.

The aim is to bid the projects in the REIPPP

Programme Round 5 Bidding Window which is

anticipated to be in the last quarter of 2016.

Construction would begin in the second half of

2017 if Preferred Bidder Status is awarded.

JN: It is important for skills capacity is

maximised through these projects.

CH: Noted.

RB: Uplifting the communities is key for

the municipality. Transparency is

important especially through the process

of the community trust and who is

appointed. It is necessary for needs of the

community to be met and for the local

municipality to be involved in the

community trust process. There needs to

CH: Noted. This will be suggested in the Social

Impact Assessment report.


be a central communication process

between all the key stakeholders

involved.

A community needs analysis is important

and should be done in conjunction with

the local authorities. The local

municipality is the vehicle for

development in the areas and should be

involved throughout all the processes.

RB: Will we be sent the environmental

reports?

CH: Yes, we will add you to our database. A

copy of the EIA report will be released in the

next few months. We will send a CD copy of the

report to the municipality (municipal manager).

The municipality will have an opportunity of 30

days to comment on the report. The comments

that we receive will then be included in the Final

EIA Report that will be submitted to the

Department of Environmental Affairs.


In closing Candice Hunter noted that the answers to the questions which she could

not respond to will be provided in the Comments and Responses Report that will

form part of the EIA Report. She noted that the EIA Report will be made available

for a 30-day review period in due course and that Interested and Affected Parties

(I&APs) would be notified of the review period and further consultation meetings.

She said that I&APs could submit their written comments on the EIA process and

proposed project to Savannah Environmental. She noted that all comments

received would be included in the final EIA Reports that will be submitted to the

Department of Environmental Affairs. She thanked all in attendance for availing

themselves for the meeting. The meeting was closed at 12:30.

From the desk of Candice Hunter

E-mail: [email protected]_____________________________________

RECORD OF TELEPHONE DISCUSSION

Name: Mr Jasper Mostert

Farm: Farm Ou Taaisbosmond 5/66 (Impacted Landowner)

From: Candice Hunter – Savannah Environmental (Pty) Ltd

Project: Sol Invictus Developments

Subject: Impacted Landowner Meeting

Date: 01-04-2016

Candice Hunter of Savannah Environmental contacted Mr Jasper Mostert, the

registered owner of the farm Ou Taaisbosmond 5/66. Mr Jasper Mostert is the

impacted landowner for the proposed Sol Invictus Developments.

Candice Hunter called Mr Mostert and explained that Savannah Environmental is

undertaking the EIA for the Sol Invictus PV facilities. Candice Hunter introduced

herself as the Social Consultant for the EIA processes being undertaken. She noted

that the purpose of the telephone meeting was to discuss any potential social issues

and concerns with the proposed developments. She also explained that this is an

opportunity for the landowners to raise any issues and concerns that they might

have regarding the project. She said that any issues or concerns raised would be

documented as part of the public participation process and included in the

Comments and Responses Report that would be submitted to the DEA with the final

EIA Report.

DISCUSSION SESSION


JM: The access road to the site would need

to be fenced off on both sides as well as the

project site area would also need to be

fenced. So that grazing can still continue

around the project areas. Basic livestock

fencing to keep the cattle inside is all that

would be required. Up until now there hasn’t

been too much movement of vehicles along

the access road so it hasn’t been necessary

to fence off the sides of the road. However it

will need to be fenced off if the developments

go ahead.

CH: Noted.

CH: Do you have any other concerns or

issues with the proposed developments?

JM: I have no issues with the proposed

developments.



respond to will be provided in the Comments and Responses Report that will form part of

the EIA Report. She noted that the EIA Report will be made available for a 30-day review

period in due course and that Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) would be notified of

the review period and further consultation meetings. She said that I&APs could submit

their written comments on the EIA process and proposed project to Savannah

Environmental. She noted that all comments received would be included in the final EIA

Reports that will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs. She thanked

Mr Mostert for availing himself for the telephonic discussion.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

PROPOSED SOL INVICTUS PV1-4 SOLAR

FACILITIES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE


ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE

PUBLIC MEETING

HELD ON

4 MAY 2016

VENUE

POFADDER CIVIC HALL, POFADDER






Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547


1

SOL INVICTUS PV 1 – 4 SOLAR FACILITIES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Venue: Pofadder Civic Hall, Pofadder

Date: 4 May 2016Time: 17:30

NOTES

A public meeting was convened on Wednesday4 May 2016 at 17:30 at the Pofadder Civic Hallin Pofadder. The public meeting and the dates of the review period of the draft EIA Reports

were advertised in the Volksblad and Gemsbok newspapers at the onset of the public review

period. I&APs registered on the projects database were also invited to attend the public

meeting on 29 April 2016. No one attended the public meeting and the meeting was

subsequently cancelled at 18:00.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

PROPOSED SOL INVICTUS PV1-4 SOLAR

FACILITIES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE


ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE

FOCUS GROUP MEETING

DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION

HELD ON

5 MAY 2016

VENUE

DWS OFFICES, LOUISVALE ROAD, UPINGTON






Address: PO Box 148

Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547


1

SOL INVICTUS PV 1 – 4 SOLAR FACILITIES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Venue: DWS, Louisvale Road, Upington

Date: 5 May 2016

Time: 11:00


Gabriele Wood of Savannah Environmental welcomed all in attendance and introduced

herself as the Public Participation and Social Consultant for the EIA process being

undertaken for the Sol Invictus Development. She noted that the project includes the

development of four (4) separate commercial photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities,

known as Sol Invictus 1, Sol Invictus 2, Sol Invictus 3 and Sol Invictus 4). She noted that

the project is located within the jurisdiction of the Nama-Khoi and borders the Khai-Ma Local

Municipality, which both form part of the Namakwa District Municipality.





Capacity

DEA Reference No.





Ms Wood stated that the purpose of each proposed PV facility will be to export the

generated power into the Eskom electricity grid. The projects are proposed to be bid into

the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers


Gabriele Wood thanked the members of the meeting for the opportunity to brief them about

the proposed projects. She noted that the purpose of the meeting was to present the

background of the project, provide an overview of the environmental assessment process

and discuss any issues of specific concern with the proposed developments. She noted that

any issues raised would be recorded as part of the public participation process and included

in the Comments and Responses Reports which would be appended to the Environmental

Impact Assessment Reports that would be submitted to the Department of Environmental

Affairs.

2

MEETING ATTENDEES

Name Organisation

Shaun Cloete (SC) Department of Water and Sanitation

Thalita Botha (TB) Savannah Environmental – Environmental Consultant

Gabriele Wood (GW) Savannah Environmental – Public Participation and Social

Consultant

APOLOGIES

None


PROJECT

Gabriele Wood presented the background and introduction to the project and provided an

overview of the potential environmental impacts of the project identified in the draft EIA

(refer to attached presentation).

DISCUSSION SESSION


SC: Where will water from the project be

sourced from?

GW: Water is proposed to be sourced from the

existing boreholes within the farm property.

SC: A water use license application will need to

be submitted for a new borehole. If existing

boreholes are proposed to be used, then these

would need to be registered. It should be noted

that existing boreholes are used to supply water

for household and farming purposes.

GW: The applicant will submit a water use license

application once the project has received

environmental authorisation. Proof that a WULA

has been submitted to the DWS is required for

bidding purpose.

SC: The applicant will have to complete a form

registering their intention to submit a water use

license application. A pre-checklist meeting will

need to be held with the applicant.

GW: Comment noted. The applicant will liaise

with the DWS in this regard once environmental

authorisation is received.

SC: Will the proposed power line cross any

drainage lines?

GW: Water resources were not identified within

the project area.

3


In closing Gabriele Wood noted that the draft EIA Report is currently available for review.

She stated that the comments received would be responded to and included in the final EIA

Reports that would be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs. She thanked

the members of the meeting for availing themselves for the meeting and the inputs which

were provided.

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SOL INVICTUS PV FACILITIESSOL INVICTUS 1; SOL INVICTUS 2; SOL INVICTUS 3 and SOL INVICTUS 4

NEAR AGGENEYS, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

EIA PROCESS

Public Meeting: 4 MAY 2016

• Welcome and introduction

• Purpose of the meeting

• Project information

• EIA Phase

• EIA process & feedback of the findings of

environmental studies

• Questions and Answers session

• Way forward &closure

MEETING AGENDA

• Work through the facilitator

• Language of choice

• Questions to be taken during the discussion

session

• Identify yourself

• Equal participation

• Cellphone etiquette

CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

Introduction to the proposed project

Provide a summary of findings: EIA for PV facility

Identify issues/risks to the proposed project in

consultation with stakeholders and interested and

affected parties

To record comments

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

• Project Proposal :

BACKGROUND

Applicant Project Name Contracted Capacity

Cyraclox (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 1 150 MW

Cyracraft (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 2 150 MW

Cyrafusion (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 3 150 MW

Cyralex (Pty) Ltd Sol Invictus 4 150 MW

• Location :

• 30 km south-west of Aggeneys in the

Northern Cape Province

• Portion 5 of Farm Ou Taaisbosmond

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• Nama Khoi Local Municipality, and

Namakwa District Municipality.

BACKGROUND (Cont.)

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• Full extent of the 5 000 ha farm

portion was considered;

• Phased Sensitivity Analysis;

• Technically viable and preferred

layouts provided for the impact

assessment

Project Alternatives

• Maximise electricity production through exposure to the solar

resource;

• Creation of local employment, business opportunities & skills

development for the area;

• “Clean” power generation in the Northern Province and South

Africa;

• Springbok Focus Area (REDZ 8) of the Renewable Energy

Development Zones (REDZs)

NEED AND DESIRABILITY PROJECT COMPONENTS

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels (Fixed Mounted PV or Tracking

PV systems)

• On-site substation

• Power line

• Access roads

• Workshop

• Office buildings

• Batching plant

• Battery storage

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) TECHNOLOGY

Fixed Tracking

• Predetermined angle

• Less space required

• Low maintenance & installationcosts

• Robust structures

• Panels move with the sun

• Qualified technician required forregular servicing

• More energy generated throughtracking

• National Environmental Management Act (No107 of 1998)• Overarching environmental legislation in South Africa

• Specifies the requirements for the EIA process

• Authorisation is required from DEA through thisEIA process

• Independent environmental studies must beundertaken in accordance with the EIARegulations

LEGAL BACKGROUND

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EIA PROCESS & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENTPHASE 1

Notification ofEIA Process

1. Application form - DEA

2. Advertise - local papers

3. Site notices

4. Written notification –I&APs

PHASE 2

Scoping Phase

1. Consultation -Stakeholders & I&APs

2. Distributed BID

3. Public Review - DraftScoping Report

4. Final Scoping to DEA

PHASE 3

Environmental ImpactAssessment Phase

1. On-goingconsultation

2. Public feedbackmeetings

3. Public Review - draftEIA Report & EMPr

4. Appeals Process

PHASE 4

Decision Making

1. Authority Review -Final EIA Report

2. Take decision-approve/reject

3. Inform I&APs ofdecision

4. Appeals Process

We are here

THE EIA PROCESSES• Assessment of issues:

• Impacts on biodiversity and avifauna

• Impacts on visual aesthetics

• Impacts on heritage resources

• Impacts on the social environment

• Impact assessments studies were undertaken to inform the EIA

process

• Sensitive areas/features identified through specialist studies &

consultation were used to inform the final design

• Positive impacts - economic benefits at the local& regional scale• Approximately ~600 employment opportunities• 45% of the opportunities will be available to low-skilled

workers• 22% will be available to semi-skilled workers• 33% will be available to skilled personnel• Skills Development• Economic benefits for local businesses

• Numbers are likely to vary depending on the final

design of the proposed project

IDENTIFIED IMPACTS

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• Medium – Low impacts on birds• Medium-Low impact on Ecology (Fauna and Flora)• Medium - Low visual impacts• Low impacts on heritage resources• Cumulative impacts: The are 10 renewable energy

projects in area (30 km). Cumulative impacts associatedwith these are considered to be medium – low and canbe managed to acceptable level

IDENTIFIED IMPACTS

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17171818

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1919 2020

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• No environmental fatal flaws identified in the EIA phase

• Layouts avoids identified sensitive areas within the

project area

• Impacts can be mitigated or enhanced through

implementation of EMPr

• The majority of impacts expected to be limited to the

site itself

• Benefits of the project expected to outweigh negative

impacts

• Project can be authorised with recommended conditions

CONCLUSION

• EIA report available for public review:

PV1-PV2: 29 April 2016 – 31 May 2016

PV3-PV4: 3 May 2016 – 2 June 2016

• I&APs invited to submit comments or questions

• Minute any issues / concerns from stakeholder / public

meetings

• Final EIAr to be submitted to DEA in June 2016

• Registered parties to be notified of the DEA decision

• Appeals process

WAY FORWARD

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DISCUSSION / QUESTIONS

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WHO TO CONTACT

Gabriele Wood of Savannah Environmental

PO Box 148, Sunninghill, 2157

Tel: 011 656 3237

Fax: 086 684 0547


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