Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant in Mossel Bay: Additional Units

P.O.
Box 509
George
6530
Tel: (044) 874 2165

Fax: (044) 873 5843
Email: enviro@shands.co.za
OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER

PLANT IN MOSSEL BAY:
ADDITIONAL UNITS
Plan of Study for EIA
November 2006
Eskom Holdings Limited

Eskom Generation
Megawatt Park
Maxwell Drive
Sandton
2199
Tel: (011) 800 3501

Fax: (011) 800 5140
MOSSEL BAY OCGT EIA: PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR
CONTENTS
1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY .................................................................... 1
2 PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA ............................................ 1
3 THE PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR ..................................................................... 2

3.1 Description of the activity ......................................................................... 2
3.2 Description of tasks to be performed........................................................ 3
3.2.1 Potential Environmental Impacts Identified during Scoping........... 3
3.2.2 Method for Assessing the Significance of Potential Environmental
Impacts......................................................................................... 3
3.2.3 Need for Revision of Specialist Studies ........................................ 5
3.2.4 Project Alternatives Identified during Scoping............................. 12
3.2.5 Public Participation Process ....................................................... 12
3.2.6 The Environmental Impact Assessment Report .......................... 14
3.3 Proposed programme ............................................................................ 15
I:\PROJECT\ENVIRO\PROJECTS\401629~OCGT+3\Scoping Report\Final SR & PosEIR\Annex B final PoSEIA.doc

MOSSEL BAY OCGT EIA: PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR 1
OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT

IN MOSSEL BAY: ADDITIONAL UNITS
Plan of Study for EIA
1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY1
In 2005, Eskom commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process

for an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power plant adjacent to the PetroSA facility
in Mossel Bay. The EIA was completed late in 2005 and a positive Record of
Decision was issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development
Planning (DEA&DP) in December 2005.
Since then, there has been continued high growth in the demand for electricity.
Using the planning processes in place, Eskom has established that there is a need
for additional peaking capacity in order to meet the projected growth in demand for
electricity. The most feasible option to meet these needs by the winter of 2008 is to
install an additional 1050 MW of open cycle gas turbines. It is proposed that this
capacity be added to the Atlantis and Mossel Bay sites which are both currently
under construction. In order to meet the higher growth rate, Eskom has decided to
upgrade the OCGT power plant (which is currently under construction) by adding
three additional OCGT generating units immediately adjacent to it. Accordingly, in
terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (No. 107 of 1998),
Eskom has appointed Ninham Shand Consulting Services to undertake this EIA for
the proposed three additional OCGT units and any additional supporting
infrastructure.
2 PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA
This Plan of Study for Environmental Impact Assessment (PoSEIA) has been
compiled in terms of Regulation 29 of the regulations published in Government
Notice No. R. 385, under Chapter 5 of NEMA. Its purpose is to ensure that the next
phase of this EIA process satisfies the requirements of the national Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and the provincial DEA&DP.
It should be noted that the proponent, Eskom, is regarded as a State Owned

Organisation and as such, DEAT is the competent authority for environmental
decision-making. However, the possibility of DEAT delegating the authority to
DEA&DP in this case, since the latter was the decision-making authority for the
already approved OCGT plant, has yet to be decided. The approval of the plant
presently under construction was given under the requirements of the Environment
1
Detailed background information is provided in the Scoping Report and accordingly only the
essential elements are reiterated here.

Conservation Act (ECA) (No. 73 of 1989), while the additional units will be
considered under the requirements of NEMA2.
At this point, it may be pertinent to clarify the terminology used in the current EIA
process:
• The overall process is referred to as the Environmental Impact Assessment or

EIA process;
• This process is composed of three phases:
o The Initial Application Phase;

o The Scoping Report Phase; and
o The Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA Phase, reflected in an EIA
Report.
This PoSEIA outlines the anticipated process and products for the EIA Phase of the
EIA process.
3 THE PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR
3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The proposed additional units would be located immediately to the west of the
present OCGT power plant and will be incorporated into the general OCGT power
plant precinct, i.e. the entire area would be fenced off with a single access road.
Associated with the three generating units would be:
• A fuel storage facility with a total storage capacity of 5.4 million litres;
• Two conservancy tanks, each with a capacity of 6 000 litres;
• A control room;
• A fuel supply pipeline;
• A water supply pipeline; and
• A High Voltage (HV) yard.
At this stage of the feasibility and planning process, it is likely that the fuel storage
and conservancy tanks would be located between the existing OCGT units and the
proposed additional units. Fuel and water supply would be by means of
continuations of the existing pipelines within the OCGT precinct. The HV yard would
be located immediately north of the proposed two units and would enable the transfer
of the electricity generated via bus bars to the HV yard associated with the OCGT
power plant currently under construction. From there, electricity would be
2
ECA regulations pertaining to the undertaking of EIAs were replaced by NEMA regulations
in July 2006

transported to the Proteus substation via the authorised, and presently being
constructed, 400 kV transmission lines.
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF TASKS TO BE PERFORMED
3.2.1 Potential Environmental Impacts Identified during Scoping
The following potential environmental impacts were identified and studied in depth by
appropriate specialists during the EIA for the approved OCGT plant:
• Impacts on flora;
• Impacts on avifauna;
• Impacts on air quality;
• Impacts of water consumption;
• Effluent impacts;
• Impact on traffic and access;
• Noise impacts;
• Socio-economic impacts;
• The impacts of existing infrastructure
• Visual impacts; and
• Impacts on heritage resources.
These potential impacts will be addressed in the EIA Phase of the present EIA
process. However, given the nature and extent of the proposed development of
three additional units, the most likely impacts of these impacts to require revision of
the specialist studies already undertaken are:
• Impacts on air quality;

• Noise impacts;
• Visual impacts;
• Ecological impacts;
• Traffic impacts; and
• Social impacts.
Each of these possible impacts will be the subject of a specific study that will be
reflected in a revision of the existing report dealing with that particular specialisation.
3.2.2 Method for Assessing the Significance of Potential Environmental

Impacts
This section outlines the proposed method for assessing the significance of the
potential environmental impacts outlined above. As indicated, these include both
operational and construction phase impacts.

For each impact, the EXTENT (spatial scale), MAGNITUDE and DURATION (time
scale) would be described. These criteria would be used to ascertain the
SIGNIFICANCE of the impact, firstly in the case of no mitigation and then with the
most effective mitigation measure(s) in place. The mitigation described in the EIA
Report would represent the full range of plausible and pragmatic measures but does
not necessarily imply that they would be implemented.3
The tables on the following pages show the scales used to assess these variables,
and defines each of the rating categories.
Table 1: Assessment criteria for the evaluation of impacts

CRITERIA CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
Beyond a 7 km radius of the OCGT power plant and
Regional
associated infrastructure
Extent or spatial Within a 7 km radius of the OCGT power plant and
Local
influence of impact associated infrastructure
On site or within 100 m of the OCGT power plant and
Site specific
associated infrastructure
Natural and/ or social functions and/ or processes are
High
severely altered
Medium
notably altered
Magnitude of impact
(at the indicated Low
slightly altered
spatial scale)
Very Low
negligibly altered
Natural and/ or social functions and/ or processes
Zero
remain unaltered
Construction period Up to 18 months
Duration of impact Medium Term 0-10 years (after construction)
Long Term More than 10 years (after construction)
The SIGNIFICANCE of an impact is derived by taking into account the temporal and
spatial scales and magnitude. The means of arriving at the different significance
ratings is explained in Table 2.
Table 2: Definition of significance ratings

SIGNIFICANCE
LEVEL OF CRITERIA REQUIRED
RATINGS
High • High magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration
• High magnitude with either a regional extent and medium term duration or a
local extent and long term duration
• Medium magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration
3
The proponent will be requested to indicate at the Draft EIA Report stage which mitigation
measures they are prepared to implement.

Medium • High magnitude with a local extent and medium term duration
• High magnitude with a regional extent and construction period or a site
specific extent and long term duration
• High magnitude with either a local extent and construction period duration
or a site specific extent and medium term duration
• Medium magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except site
specific and construction period or regional and long term
• Low magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration
Low • High magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period duration
• Medium magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period
duration
• Low magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except site
specific and construction period or regional and long term
• Very low magnitude with a regional extent and long term duration
Very low • Low magnitude with a site specific extent and construction period duration
• Very low magnitude with any combination of extent and duration except
regional and long term
Neutral • Zero magnitude with any combination of extent and duration
Once the significance of an impact has been determined, the PROBABILITY of this
impact occurring as well as the CONFIDENCE in the assessment of the impact
would be determined, using the rating systems outlined in Tables 3 and 4
respectively. It is important to note that the significance of an impact should always
be considered in concert with the probability of that impact occurring.
Table 3: Definition of probability ratings

PROBABILITY
CRITERIA
RATINGS
Definite Estimated greater than 95 % chance of the impact occurring.
Highly probable Estimated 80 to 95 % chance of the impact occurring.
Probable Estimated 20 to 80 % chance of the impact occurring.
Possible Estimated 5 to 20 % chance of the impact occurring.
Unlikely Estimated less than 5 % chance of the impact occurring.
Table 4: Definition of confidence ratings

CONFIDENCE
CRITERIA
RATINGS
Wealth of information on and sound understanding of the environmental factors
Certain
potentially influencing the impact.
Reasonable amount of useful information on and relatively sound understanding
Sure
of the environmental factors potentially influencing the impact.
Limited useful information on and understanding of the environmental factors
Unsure
potentially influencing this impact.
3.2.3 Need for Revision of Specialist Studies
With reference to Section 3.2.1 above, and in discussion with the proponent,
authorities and interested and affected parties (I&APs), several impacts have been

identified as being of particular concern. Accordingly, specialists have been

appointed to undertake revisions of the following studies undertaken during the EIA
for the approved OCGT plant:
• Air quality assessment;

• Noise impact assessment;
• Visual impact assessment;
• Ecological assessment;
• Traffic assessment; and
• Social assessment.
The Terms of Reference (TOR) for these specialist investigations are detailed below.
As a consequence, I&APs have the opportunity to comment on the various TORs.
3.2.3.1 Specialist Air Quality Study
The proposed additional generating units will result in the release of

gaseous emissions, viz. sulphur dioxide, NOx and particulates. The
proposed air quality study would investigate these potential additional
impacts and provide recommendations or mitigation measures.
The ToR for the air quality study would be to revise and supplement the
existing air quality study for the OCGT power plant presently being
constructed, by taking into account an additional three OCGT generating
units. The ToR for the original OCGT air quality study are as follows:
• The Establishment of the Baseline:
o Description of the atmospheric dispersion potential of the area

based on available meteorological data.
o Characterisation of the existing status of air quality based on any
available air quality monitoring data.
o Provide an overview of legislative and regulatory requirements
pertaining to atmospheric emissions and ambient air quality,
including local and international air quality guidelines and
standards.
• Predicted Impacts Arising from the Proposed Plant:
o The compilation of a comprehensive emissions inventory including

process and fugitive emissions. The impact assessment would
consider, as a minimum, airborne particulates (inhalable and total
suspended particles), oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide,
sulphur dioxide, unburnt organic compounds, carbon dioxide
(greenhouse gas) and any odorous compounds. Where possible,

engineering estimates would be used (based on similar

installations). Alternatively, international emission factors would
be employed which are based on gas (distillate) firing rates.
Fugitive emissions include both gaseous (diffuse sources) and
particulate compounds. Although only expected to be significant
during the construction phase, fugitive dust emission sources
include vehicle-entrained dust, earthworks, stockpiles, material
transfer and general exposed areas.
o Preparation of meteorological parameters suitable for the
theoretical construction of a wind field and atmospheric dispersion.
Hourly average wind speed, wind direction and ambient air
temperatures for five years would be prepared for this purpose.
o Atmospheric dispersion modelling of estimated emissions to
determine resultant highest hourly, highest daily and annual
average air pollutant concentrations in the vicinity of the proposed
plant. The impact would be based on ground level predictions,
including both air concentrations and deposition. Gas deposition
would include both wet (fog) and dry. The following scenarios
would be included:
o Construction emissions;
o Routine and upset emissions during normal operation;
o Emissions during shutdowns; and
o Effects of mitigation measures e.g. optimum stack height
and other engineering options.
o Impact assessment (incremental and cumulative) of the predicted

air concentrations including:
o Compliance checks with local ambient air requirements,

including local authorities, DEAT and South African
Standards.
o Health risk assessment using internationally peer-
reviewed risk criteria (typically, the World Health
Organisation, US Environmental Protection Agency
[IRIS], Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry [ATSDR] and Health Canada).
o Emission compliance check with local and international

requirements (e.g. World Bank).
o Impact Assessment Rating in terms of Magnitude,

Significance, Frequency of Occurrence, Duration and
Probability.
o Preparation of emission and ambient air monitoring
programme.

o Compilation of a comprehensive report in which the

methodological approach and assumptions and
uncertainties used are documented and the findings of
the study presented.
Key deliverables from this specialist study would include recommendations

regarding mitigation measures to reduce/ control emissions, as input into
the technical design process, and guidance with respect to the development
of an air monitoring protocol for inclusion in the EMP. The following general
procedure would used to develop the EMP:
o Focus on Sources and Pollutants identified as significant

in the EIA.
o Using emission limits and air quality guidelines, criteria
and targets contained in the EIA, develop Key
Performance Indicators for both air quality and
emissions.
o All mitigation measures and good housekeeping
measures to be associated with each source and
pollutant.
o Develop a pro-forma monitoring programme, including
procedures, responsibilities and reporting formats (both
internal and external).
o Incorporate preliminary cost estimates
The air quality impact assessment will be undertaken by Renee Thomas and
Yvonne Scorgie of AirShed Planning Professionals.
3.2.3.2 Noise impact assessment
The proposed additional generating units will result in an increase in noise

emissions and the proposed noise study would investigate these potential
additional impacts and provide recommendations or mitigation measures.
The ToR for the noise study would be to revise and supplement the existing
noise study for the OCGT power plant presently being constructed, by
taking into account an additional three OCGT generating units. The ToR for
the original OCGT air quality study are as follows:
To conduct a noise impact study in accordance with Section 7 of the South

African National Standard (SANS) 10328 “Methods for environmental noise
impact assessments”. The noise impacts will be assessed in terms of:
• South African Noise Control Regulations of the Environment
Conservation Act, No. 73 of 1989.
• World Health Organisation - Guidelines for Community Noise.
• World Bank - Environmental Guidelines.

• Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America.
The specialist noise investigation would entail the following tasks:

• Determination of the land use zoning and identification of all
potential noise sensitive sites that could be impacted upon by
activities relating to operation of the proposed OCGT power plants at
Atlantis and Mossel Bay;
• Identification of all noise sources relating to the activities of the
OCGT power plants during construction and operation, and that
could potentially result in a noise impact at the identified noise
sensitive sites;
• Determination of the sound emission, operating cycle and nature of
the sound emission from each of the identified noise sources.
Representative sound measurements are required to be recorded in
the vicinity of the proposed sites during different times of day and
night. It is estimated that at least two and possibly three days will be
needed – assuming acceptable weather conditions. Weather
conditions play a deciding factor in the measurement of sound at
outdoor sites since sound measurements can only be conducted
when wind speeds do not exceed 5m/sec;
• Calculation of the combined sound power level due to the sound
emissions of the individual noise sources;
• Calculation of the expected rating level of sound at the identified
noise sensitive sites from the combined sound power level
emanating from identified noise sources;
• Determination of the existing ambient levels of noise at identified
noise sensitive sites by conducting representative sound
measurements;
• Determination of the acceptable rating level for noise at the identified
noise sensitive sites;
• Calculation of the noise impact at identified noise sensitive sites;
• Assessment of the noise impact at identified noise sensitive sites in
terms of SANS 10328; the South African Noise Control Regulations;
the World Health Organisation; the World Bank and the
Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America;
• Investigation of alternative noise mitigation procedures, if required,
in collaboration with the design engineers of the OCGT plants and
estimation of the impact of noise upon implementation of such
procedures;
• Preparation and submission of a noise assessment report containing
the procedures and findings of the investigation; and
• Preparation and submission of recommended noise mitigation
procedures as part of a separate environmental noise management
and monitoring plan.

Adriaan Jongens of Jongens Keet Associates has been appointed to

undertake the noise impact assessment.
3.2.3.3 Visual impact assessment
The proposed additional generating units will result in an increase in visual

intrusion and the proposed noise study would investigate these potential
The ToR for the visual impact assessment would be to revise and
supplement the existing visual impact study for the OCGT power plant
presently being constructed, by taking into account an additional three
OCGT generating units. The ToR for the original OCGT visual impact study
are as follows:
• Describe the existing visual characteristics of the site and its

surroundings including any geology/landform features that influence
them.
• Describe the visual significance of the area in terms of its history and
present utilisation.
• Fully describe the proposed development.
• Determine the potential visual risks and opportunities presented by the
proposed development.
• Determine the entire area from which the various elements of the
proposed development will be visible (i.e. the viewshed.)
• Determine the important viewpoints from which the development will
be visible and determine the nature of the visual impacts at these
points.
• Prepare graphics that will aid the process of the assessment, (e.g.
simulations of the development superimposed, to scale, on
photographs taken from important viewpoints.)
• Assess the significance of the visual impact of the proposed
development in terms of its scale, type, and character, including
services and any ancillary structures pertaining to the development
etc.
• Propose possible mitigation measures to minimise visual impact
including changes to the design, alternative finishes and visual
screening.
• Propose monitoring and review measures that will ensure long-term
maintenance of visual standards.
The original visual impact assessment was undertaken by Tanya de Villiers

of Chittenden Nicks de Villiers. However, the revised study will be
undertaken by Steve Stead of Visual Resource Management Africa.

3.2.3.4 Ecological assessment
The proposed additional generating units may result in ecological impacts

and the proposed ecological study would investigate these potential
The ToR for the ecological assessment would be to revise and supplement
the existing ecological study for the OCGT power plant presently being
constructed, by taking into account an additional three OCGT generating
units. The ToR for the original OCGT ecological impact study are as
follows4::
• Broad description of the ecological characteristics of the site and

surrounds;
• Identification and description of biodiversity pattern at community and
ecosystem level (main vegetation type, plant communities in vicinity and
threatened/vulnerable ecosystems), species level (Red Data Book
species) and in terms of significant landscape features (e.g. wetlands)
and presence of alien species;
• General comment on whether biodiversity processes would be affected;
• Significance of potential impacts and recommendations to prevent or
mitigate these;
• Ranking in terms of flora impact severity of the transmission line route
alternatives in particular; and
• Indicating the salient elements of the report on a map.
Nick Helme of Nick Helme Botanical Surveys undertook the original

botanical impact assessment. However, it is intended that the revised study
be undertaken by Ken Coetzee of Conservation Management Services.
3.2.3.5 Traffic assessment
An issue that emerged during the public participation process undertaken to

date was that the intersection with the N2 National Road and the proximity to
the Dana Bay intersection are presently experiencing congestion. It will
therefore be necessary to review the traffic study undertaken for the
approved OCGT power plant, reassess the situation and suggest possible
mitigation or control measures.
Ninham Shand’s transportation engineering department will undertake this

study.
4
Derived from the Botanical Society of SA Conservation Unit’s Recommended Terms of
Reference for the Consideration of Biodiversity in Environmental Assessment and Decision-
making. March2005.

3.2.3.6 Social assessment
Another issue that emerged during the public participation process

undertaken to date was that the means of managing work seekers, skills
transfer and commercial expectations established for the approved OCGT
power plant is no longer functional. A social scientist will therefore be
appointed to investigate this matter and provide a possible plan of action.
Liezl Coetzee, a professional social scientist, will undertake this task.
3.2.4 Project Alternatives Identified during Scoping
The proposed additional units are essentially an upgrading of the OCGT power plant
and accordingly alternative geographical locations will not be considered in this EIA.
In terms of specific sites, the area to the west of the OCGT power plant is the only
feasible option. This is due to the OCGT HV yard to the north, PetroSA’s expansion
plans to the east and the potential expansion of the landfill site to the south.
Alternative technologies for this capacity increase will not be considered in this
Scoping and EIA process. The power station currently under construction comprises
OCGT technology. OCGT technology is essentially off-the-shelf, and using this
technology, from a construction and commissioning period point-of-view, will assist in
meeting the deadline of winter 2008 for the additional units to be operational. OCGT
plant is also the most economical supply side option at low load factors. Hence
process alternatives will not be considered further in this Scoping and EIA process.
Process alternatives (e.g. measures to abate oxides of nitrogen) have been

examined in the previous EIA process and the alternatives selected during that
process will be implemented for the proposed OCGT units as well. Hence process
alternatives will not be further investigated as part of this Scoping and EIA process.
Specific mitigation measures will be identified and assessed during the EIA Phase.
3.2.5 Public Participation Process
The purpose of the Public Participation Process is to provide the I&APs (key
stakeholders and the public) with adequate opportunity to have input into the
environmental process. A comprehensive public consultation process will
underpinned the entire EIA process.
3.2.5.1 Public Comment on the Draft Scoping Report
The approach to the public participation has been informed by the NEMA
EIA regulations (Regulation No.385). The key components of the public
participation during the Scoping Phase are summarised below:

• A meeting with the landowners of the proposed site on 30 August

2006. The purpose of the meeting was to describe the proposed
activities and to provide a consent form for the landowners to
complete (the completed consent form was submitted to the
environmental authorities as an annexure to the Application Form).
• Placing a media notice in the local newspaper, the Mossel Bay
Advertiser on 6 October 2006. The media notice informed the public
about the proposed project, invited the public to register and
comment, notified the public of the lodging of this Draft Scoping
Report in local libraries and informed them of the intention to present
the Draft Scoping Report to the Environmental Liaison Committee
that was established for the existing OCGT power plant. A copy of
the media notice, which was published in English and Afrikaans, can
be found in Annexure A.
• Lodging the Draft Scoping Report for public review and comment at
the Mossel Bay and D’Almeida Public Libraries on 9 October 2006.
In addition, the report was placed on the Eskom and Ninham Shand
websites at www.eskom.co.za/eia and www.ninhamshand.co.za,
respectively.
• Posting a letter to all I&APs who were registered during the previous
EIA process (for the authorised OCGT power plant) to inform them
of the proposed activities and of the availability of the report. A copy
of the letter can be found in Annexure F. A copy of the Executive
Summary of this Draft Scoping Report was included with the letter.
• Erecting an on-site notice in an appropriate place, giving notification
of the EIA process being undertaken.
• Meeting with the existing Environmental Liaison Committee (ELC)
for the OCGT power plant, to present the findings of this Draft
Scoping Report and to elicit questions and comments on the
proposed activities. This occurred on 12 October 2006, when a slot
was provided on the agenda of a scheduled ELC meeting.
• Recording comments, queries and issues raised as well as
responses thereto. Annexure G provides a copy of the notes taken
on 12 October 2006, together with the complete minutes of the ELC
meeting. No other responses were received during the comment
period provided.
The Draft Scoping Report has been finalised in light of all comments received
during the Public Participation Process and submitted to DEA&DP.
DEA&DP’s acceptance of the Final Scoping Report and Plan of Study for EIA
will then allow the EIA Phase to proceed.

3.2.5.2 Public Comment on the Draft EIR
Following the completion of the Draft EIA Report (refer to Section 3.2.6
below), it will be lodged at the Mossel Bay and D’Almeida libraries and on
the Eskom website (www.eskom.co.za/eia). Registered I&APs will be
notified of the lodging by means of letters, and given a 30 day period in
which to comment on the report. During the comment period, a public
meeting would be held to enable I&APs to provide feedback on the draft
report. The public meeting would be advertised in the local media and in the
same letters used to inform the I&APs of the release of the Draft Report.
The public comments would be consolidated into an Annexure of the EIA

Report. This would take the form of an issues trail, which would summarise
the issues raised and provide responses thereto. The draft report would
also be revised in light of feedback from the public.
3.2.5.3 Opportunity for Appeal
All registered I&APs would be notified in writing of the release of the Record
of Decision by the environmental authority. They would be reminded of their
right to appeal against the authority’s decision, in terms of NEMA.
3.2.6 The Environmental Impact Assessment Report
The purpose of the EIA Report would be to undertake a comparative assessment of

the significance of the potential environmental impacts of the project alternatives.
The EIR would thus include the following:
• A brief overview of the potential environmental impacts and reasonable

alternatives identified during the Scoping investigation.
• A summary of the key findings of the various specialist studies as they pertain to
the affect environment.
• An overview of the public participation process conducted during the compilation
of the EIA Report.
• A detailed assessment of the significance of the potential environmental impacts
for the various project alternatives. This assessment, which would use the
methodology outlined in Section 3.2.2, would be informed by the findings of the
specialist studies, professional judgement and comment from the various I&APs.
• An overview of the full range of mitigation measures including an indication of
how these would influence the significance of any potential environmental
impacts. These mitigation measures would be informed by the specialist studies,
professional experience and comment received from the I&APs.
• A revision of the construction phase Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to
minimise the impacts of the construction phase.

• A revision of the generic operational phase EMP, which would set environmental
guidelines for the operation phase of the proposed OCGT power plant and
associated infrastructure.
3.3 PROPOSED PROGRAMME
The Scoping Report was submitted to the environmental authority on 15 November

2006, after the public comment period ended on 6 November 2006. The Scoping
Report will include this PoSEIA.
The Draft EIR will be released in the last week of January 2007. Given a 30 day
public comment period, the finalised EIA Report should be available by the end of
February 2007.
___________________________________________________________

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P.O.

Tel: (044) 874 2165

OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER

Plan of Study for EIA

Eskom Holdings Limited

Tel: (011) 800 3501

1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY .................................................................... 1

2 PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA ............................................ 1

3 THE PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR ..................................................................... 2

I:\PROJECT\ENVIRO\PROJECTS\401629~OCGT+3\Scoping Report\Final SR & PosEIR\Annex B final PoSEIA.doc

OPEN CYCLE GAS TURBINE POWER PLANT

1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY1

In 2005, Eskom commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process

2 PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIA

It should be noted that the proponent, Eskom, is regarded as a State Owned

I:\PROJECT\ENVIRO\PROJECTS\401629~OCGT+3\Scoping Report\Final SR & PosEIR\Annex B final PoSEIA.doc

• The overall process is referred to as the Environmental Impact Assessment or

o The Initial Application Phase;

3 THE PLAN OF STUDY FOR EIR

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY

Associated with the three generating units would be:

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3.2 DESCRIPTION OF TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

3.2.1 Potential Environmental Impacts Identified during Scoping

• Impacts on air quality;

3.2.2 Method for Assessing the Significance of Potential Environmental

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Table 1: Assessment criteria for the evaluation of impacts

Duration of impact Medium Term 0-10 years (after construction)

Long Term More than 10 years (after construction)

Table 2: Definition of significance ratings

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Table 3: Definition of probability ratings

Highly probable Estimated 80 to 95 % chance of the impact occurring.

Probable Estimated 20 to 80 % chance of the impact occurring.

Possible Estimated 5 to 20 % chance of the impact occurring.

Unlikely Estimated less than 5 % chance of the impact occurring.

Table 4: Definition of confidence ratings

3.2.3 Need for Revision of Specialist Studies

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identified as being of particular concern. Accordingly, specialists have been

• Air quality assessment;

3.2.3.1 Specialist Air Quality Study

The proposed additional generating units will result in the release of

• The Establishment of the Baseline:

o Description of the atmospheric dispersion potential of the area

• Predicted Impacts Arising from the Proposed Plant:

o The compilation of a comprehensive emissions inventory including

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engineering estimates would be used (based on similar

o Impact assessment (incremental and cumulative) of the predicted

o Compliance checks with local ambient air requirements,

o Emission compliance check with local and international

o Impact Assessment Rating in terms of Magnitude,

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o Compilation of a comprehensive report in which the

Key deliverables from this specialist study would include recommendations

o Focus on Sources and Pollutants identified as significant

3.2.3.2 Noise impact assessment