Original 765kV Public Open Day

Title / First Name / Last Name / Company/Organization / Date / Issue / Issue / Action
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 7 / 2. Cultural Sites
There is no knowledge of any cultural sites in the area of the Hydra Sub-station.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 10. Regional economic benefit
This project will benefit the region’s growth.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 11. Local economic benefit
It is understood that there will be limited benefit to the local economy.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 4 / 5. Venue
The Public Open Day should be held at a more central point to allow for more participation
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 9. National economic benefit
This project will benefit the country’s national growth.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 2 / Strict security with adequate fencing and signage must be in place at the sub-station. / K van der Merwe, Eskom: Yes, all sub-stations have emergency plans. Also, sub-stations adhere to NOSA safety regulations. Local emergency services are in communication with the sub-station and action will be taken
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 1 / Will there be sub-contracting opportunities for locals and will these be advertised in the local media? Eskom should investigate potential opportunities for locals that would include bush clearing, fence erecting, administration, security etc. / Mr K van der Merwe, Eskom: Perhaps only small contracting opportunities in relation to other projects. Also, there are a limited number of companies which are able to erect power lines.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 3 / 2. Regional Alternatives
There is an awareness that other regional alternatives to upgrading De Aar do exist, however, it is understood that this project would benefit De Aar, even if only indirectly. There is support for this project.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 2 / 4. Electromagnetic Fields
People living along the new route and next to the sub-station must be informed about the Electromagnetic Fields.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 2 / 3. Loss of Residence
Do not anticipate any loss of residence. Will the Hydra Guesthouse be affected? / S Dunsmore, PBA: This must be investigated.
Ms / Margie / Adriaanse / We Care (Communty Services) / 2000/02/22 / 6 / 1. General
Eskom is fortunate that the Hydra plant is not situated in a sensitive environment, ie. No wetlands, etc. This area has already been damaged by roads, gravel, tar and railwa / K van der Merwe, Eskom: Every regional Eskom office has an Environmental Unit. These individuals ensure that activities, whether these are maintenance or the erection of transmission lines, are carried out in terms of Environmental Legislation.
Mnr / W / de Vlang / 2000/02/28 / 3 / 2. The new 400 kV route to Salene - Doornboom
There are farms that have broilers along this route.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 10. Electromagnetic Fields
Are animals and vegetation affected by EMFs? / S Dunsmore: Research is on-going in this field, but is currently inconclusive.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 8 / Construction activities should be avoided between March and September when the Steinthal Farm and School has its busiest activities.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Potential developments to promote agri-tourism could be negatively impacted on by the transmission lines due to the visual impacts.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 3 / If the southern route is used, it could follow an existing 400 kV Line, this would run across arable land of the Steinthal school. Would it be possible to move the proposed line approximately 200 meters to maximise the available arable land? / S Dunsmore – this would be negotiated with Eskom.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 6 / 9. Alien Vegetation
The possibility of importing alien vegetation such as Hakia, Port Jackson, with building material should be avoided. This should be addressed in the Environmental management plan
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Property could be leased out to Eskom for construction camps as there is water available at these sites. Negotiations should take place timeously.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 7 / 2. Historical Sites
While constructing a line 13 years ago in the Agterwitzenberg area, Eskom damaged an historical cannon station. This has never been repaired.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Construction camps could lead to potential social problems at the Steinthal school. Discussions should take place timeously with the Board.
Ds / W J / Dreyer / Steinthal Landgoed / 2000/02/21 / 1 / Foreign capital investment in the area is important to future growth and the sustainability of existing infrastructure, more transmission lines could be detrimental to this.
Mnr / K / Du Plessis / Modderasrivier / 2000/02/21 / 6 / 1. Erosion
Erosion on Eskom access roads is a problem. Preventative action should include the construction of berms. The farmer, and/or private contractors could maintain access roads. Eskom should compensate the landowner if he appoints the contractor or hires the necessary equipment.
Alternatively, Eskom should pay the farmers to build and maintain the access roads.
Mnr / K / Du Plessis / Modderasrivier / 2000/02/21 / 8 / 1. Agricultural activities during construction
Gates should be closed at all times by Eskom officials to avoid the integrating of rams and ewes.
Mnr / Braam / du Preez / SAFCOL / 2000/02/28 / 2 / 2. Aesthetics
What will the Salene Switching station look like in appearance?
Site 1a – if the switching station is situated here, there will be a higher visual impact. / S Dunsmore – It will be mainly a steel structure. I think that we should elaborate on this slightly
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 8 / Discussions pertaining to construction activities should be done well in advance.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Certain of the proposed routes could affect labourer cottages, this can only be finally determined once the route becomes fixed. / K van der Merwe – Eskom. This matter will be dealt with in parallel with the landowner negotiations.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Alternative Routes – Karoo Poort through to Malmesbury
The proposed route should preferably avoid the valley.
North of the pink route is highly populated and should preferably avoided.
There is less development or proposed development north of the pink line. / J Tooley – Yes, but there are problems in terms of mountain crossings, forestry and ecologically senstive areas.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 7 / Notice must be taken of a restored, historical stable when planning the route.
Notice must be taken of a 150 year old Akkerbos (oak tree orchard or orchards???) that is situated approximately 100 m of existing line.
4. Nature Reserve
The area over the Agterwitsenberg mountains is currently being registered as a nature reserve. More specifically, the historical buildings, cannon site, stone walls.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Suggestion is to cross the existing line before going over the Witsenberg Mountain.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 8 / 3. Construction Activities
Construction activities should preferably take place in the winter months, from May to August.
5. Access roads
Eskom should, as far as possible make use of existing access roads.
4. Height servitudes
The maximum height allowed for vegetation under the transmission lines could affect some of the orchards and windbreaker avenues.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 8 / The ladders used by the pickers are fairly tall, how much clearance space is required in terms of the transmission lines? / S Dunsmore , K van der Merwe – the minimum requirement is 20m. This doesn’t seem right.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 9. Theft
Theft of equipment and fruit is a common problem that needs to be addressed. The former is however easier to control
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 8. Loss of Residence/work areas
The transmission lines could affect working areas/ sheds.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 4 / 4. Decommissioning
What action will be taken in future when the 765 kV line is not longer sufficient? / S Dunsmore: - Explained the project, the alternatives that need to be examined and Eskom’s policy of future strategic planning.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 5 / 1. Construction dates
When will construction commence? / S Dunsmore – about 2010.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 4. Construction camps
Discussions pertaining to construction camps should be done well in advance.
Me / Calla / Du Toit / Ouplaas / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Is Kudu Gas not a cheaper option to transmission lines?
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 9. Theft
Theft of equipment and fruit is a common problem that needs to be addressed. The former is however easier to control
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Certain of the proposed routes could affect labourer cottages, this can only be finally determined once the route becomes fixed. / K van der Merwe – Eskom. This matter will be dealt with in parallel with the landowner negotiations.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 8. Loss of Residence/work areas
The transmission lines could affect working areas/ sheds.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 8 / Discussions pertaining to construction activities should be done well in advance.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 5 / 1. Construction dates
When will construction commence? / S Dunsmore – about 2010.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 8 / 3. Construction Activities
Construction activities should preferably take place in the winter months, from May to August.
5. Access roads
Eskom should, as far as possible make use of existing access roads.
4. Height servitudes
The maximum height allowed for vegetation under the transmission lines could affect some of the orchards and windbreaker avenues.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 8 / The ladders used by the pickers are fairly tall, how much clearance space is required in terms of the transmission lines? / S Dunsmore , K van der Merwe – the minimum requirement is 20m. This doesn’t seem right.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Is Kudu Gas not a cheaper option to transmission lines?
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 4 / 4. Decommissioning
What action will be taken in future when the 765 kV line is not longer sufficient? / S Dunsmore: - Explained the project, the alternatives that need to be examined and Eskom’s policy of future strategic planning.
Mnr / F J / du Toit / Witzenberg Propert / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Alternative Routes – Karoo Poort through to Malmesbury
The proposed route should preferably avoid the valley.
North of the pink route is highly populated and should preferably avoided.
There is less development or proposed development north of the pink line. / J Tooley – Yes, but there are problems in terms of mountain crossings, forestry and ecologically senstive areas.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 8. Loss of Residence/work areas
The transmission lines could affect working areas/ sheds.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 8 / The ladders used by the pickers are fairly tall, how much clearance space is required in terms of the transmission lines? / S Dunsmore , K van der Merwe – the minimum requirement is 20m. This doesn’t seem right.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Alternative Routes – Karoo Poort through to Malmesbury
The proposed route should preferably avoid the valley.
North of the pink route is highly populated and should preferably avoided.
There is less development or proposed development north of the pink line. / J Tooley – Yes, but there are problems in terms of mountain crossings, forestry and ecologically senstive areas.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 4. Construction camps
Discussions pertaining to construction camps should be done well in advance.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 2 / 9. Theft
Theft of equipment and fruit is a common problem that needs to be addressed. The former is however easier to control
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 3 / Is Kudu Gas not a cheaper option to transmission lines?
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 8 / 3. Construction Activities
Construction activities should preferably take place in the winter months, from May to August.
4. Height servitudes
The maximum height allowed for vegetation under the transmission lines could affect some of the orchards and windbreaker avenues.
5. Access roads
Eskom should, as far as possible make use of existing access roads.
Discussions pertaining to construction activities should be done well in advance.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 2 / Certain of the proposed routes could affect labourer cottages, this can only be finally determined once the route becomes fixed. / K van der Merwe – Eskom. This matter will be dealt with in parallel with the landowner negotiations.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 5 / 1. Construction dates
When will construction commence? / S Dunsmore – about 2010.
Mnr / Jan / Eksteen / 2000/02/21 / 4 / 4. Decommissioning
What action will be taken in future when the 765 kV line is not longer sufficient? / S Dunsmore: - Explained the project, the alternatives that need to be examined and Eskom’s policy of future strategic planning.
Mr / M / Faas / SA Municipal Workers Union / 2000/02/21 / 4 / 3. EIA Process
This process highlights crucial aspects of the proposed development and promotes the idea of good governance.
Mr / M / Faas / SA Municipal Workers Union / 2000/02/21 / 3 / 1 Strategic Approach
How will this project impact on the transformation of the energy sector that delivers to the domestic and commercial sector?
5. Other sources of power generation
Why is nuclear power generation not used as it is said to be a cheaper option?
Is an integrated approach followed to address any shortcomings on the current transmission system?
How does Eskom’s approach compare to International models of restructuring itself as an Energy company?
Mr / M / Faas / SA Municipal Workers Union / 2000/02/21 / 4 / 1.2 Consultation
Consulting with stakeholders and communities allows for a better understanding of issues.
Mr / M / Faas / SA Municipal Workers Union / 2000/02/23 / 7 / 1. Cultural heritage sites
It does not appear that any cultural heritage sites will be affected by construction activities.
Mnr / F / Gerber / SAFCOL / 2000/02/21 / 8 / The 765 kV line should avoid Wolseley. If this line runs from north to south, it will result in a reduction of profit margins in the forestry industry. The current 400 kV lines result in a loss of 96ha due to the servitudes.
Mnr / F / Gerber / SAFCOL / 2000/02/28 / 6 / Eskom is responsible for de-bushing and spraying the areas under the servitude lines.
Mnr / F / Gerber / SAFCOL / 2000/02/28 / 2 / 2. Aesthetics
What will the Salene Switching station look like in appearance?
Site 1a – if the switching station is situated here, there will be a higher visual impact. / S Dunsmore – It will be mainly a steel structure. I think that we should elaborate on this slightly
Mnr / F / Gerber / SAFCOL / 2000/02/28 / 1 / 2. Job losses
The loss of forestry plantations due to the Salene switching station will result in 1 person per hectare losing their jobs. It is important that a decision on the Salene is made soon as SAFCOL intends to plant new plantations.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 6 / There should be minimal dust impact during construction due to the sub-station being situated some distance from the town.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 7 / 1. Archaeological
Historically the town of De Aar was situated close to the Hydra Sub-station. There could be ruins in this area.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 8. Economic benefits during construction
Will there be a positive impact on the local economy during the construction period?
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 6 / There is currently a project underway to rehabilitate the raptors to the area.
Eskom must please ensure that the birds are protected.
Are environmental specialist studies being conducted?
Are the red and white balls that are placed on the transmission lines effective? / K van der Merwe, Eskom: Yes, specialists study the flight paths and use this mechanism which appears to be effective. An example used is the transmission lines in the Natal Midlands.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 4 / 3 Advertising
The advert was seen in the Echo and Mr Yanta visited the school to distribute information about the Project.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 7. Disruption of Services during construction
Will there be disruption to services during construction? / K van der Merwe, Eskom. No, the services will not be disrupted.
Mr / John / Goibaiyer / Monwabisi Secondary / 2000/02/22 / 4 / 1. Public Consultation
Historically, not everybody could participate Has the Public Participation Process tried to include everybody?
Where will Eskom draw the line with Public comment? / J Tooley, ACER: Expanded on the Public Participation Programme. Although it is not possible to identify everyone, the intention is to identify key stakeholders and to create an opportunity for participation throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment. Feedback will be given to the Interested And Affected Parties registered on the database. Also, the deadlines for comments were explained.
Ms / Sheila / Josi / Municipality Library / 2000/02/22 / 4 / 1. Public Consultation
Historically, not everybody could participate Has the Public Participation Process tried to include everybody?
Where will Eskom draw the line with Public comment?
process is necessary in terms of the new democracy. A broad range of stakeholders has participated and this is important, as all opinions must be considered. / J Tooley, ACER: Expanded on the Public Participation Programme. Although it is not possible to identify everyone, the intention is to identify key stakeholders and to create an opportunity for participation throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment. Feedback will be given to the Interested And Affected Parties registered on the database. Also, the deadlines for comments were explained.
Ms / Sheila / Josi / Municipality Library / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 4. Local Distribution
Will the upgrade of Hydra address the distribution problems at De Aar?
Ms / Sheila / Josi / Municipality Library / 2000/02/22 / 2 / 5. Increased power supply
If the power supply to the sub-station is being increased, is there a danger that this will increase in residential homes and lead to fires and/or other dangers? / K van der Merwe, Eskom: No, the electricity is stepped down with transformers all the way into residential homes.
Ms / Sheila / Josi / Municipality Library / 2000/02/22 / 1 / 1. Disruption of Services during construction
Will there be disruption to services during construction? / K van der Merwe, Eskom. No, the services will not be disrupted.
Ms / Sheila / Josi / Municipality Library / 2000/02/22 / 2 / 1. Safety and Security
Are emergency plans in place at the sub-station?
Is Eskom NOSA accredited?
If there is a fire or explosion at the sub-station, will this endanger the neighbours? / K van der Merwe, Eskom: Yes, all sub-stations have emergency plans. Also, sub-stations adhere to NOSA safety regulations. Local emergency services are in communication with the sub-station and action will be taken
Mnr / Pippin / Joubert / Boontjiesdam / 2000/02/21 / 3 / The Tulbagh route should be well motivated.