Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout. Environmental Impact Assessment - Kongola -

Transcription

1 Digital Terrestrial Television Infrastructure Rollout Environmental Impact Assessment - Kongola -

2 1 1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: KONGOLA 1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE SITE Kongola is situated in the Caprivi corridor in the north eastern part of Namibia. This corridor is a very popular tourist route stretching from Katima Mulilo towards Rundu and the rest of Namibia. This little town is relatively densely populated with commercial activities evident. There are numerous tourist attractions and parks around Kongola which makes it a very popular tourism destination. Servicing the area by constructing the NBC mast will further enhance the tourist experience by supplying good radio and television reception. 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION Two possible sites were investigated in this study. The first site has existing mast infrastructures which can be used for this project, but the stay wires cannot be fitted into the available space surrounding the existing mast. It was therefore necessary to identify an alternative site in close proximity. The location of this proposed site is represented in the following image (refer to the Google Earth image below). This site is situated on a very level topographical area with sandy soils next to the Trans Caprivi Highway. The biggest concern is the fact that there are numerous other masts (cell-phone and communication) present in town. This is a real concern for radiation levels for both the residents and tourists alike. Figure 1: Locality map of the existing and proposed Kongola sites.

3 2 In order to assess the sufficiency of the site, an assessment form was completed during the site visit. This is based on the visual observations and technical information available. The following table (Table 1) depicts the completed description for this site: Table 1: Site description ACTIVITY INFORMATION 1 Position of the site 2 Footprint of mast Latitude Longitude Proposed height of mast Diameter of stay wires Describe how the stay wires will be anchored to the ground (e.g. concrete, rock foundation). Proposed position 17 49'12.00"S 23 23'51.40"E 120m 26mm 48mm Concrete blocks with fence 3 Land ownership To whom does the land on which the proposed site is located, belong? (e.g. Private land, state land, town lands, etc.) Local Authority 4 Description of the site General locality, surrounding landscape, etc. North -mahangu field close to town, south about 400m the road to Katima Mulilo, east mahangu field, east also mahangu field. The 33Kva power line lies to the north and the west. 5 Project outputs Define any nuisances or negative impacts that could result from the project during the construction and operation (e.g. vibration, noise, radiation, dust). Radiation in the town of Kongola is a big concern. There are currently 4 different towers present in the town. 6 Access to site Existing Road (Yes/No) No New Road (Yes/No) Distance of new road Grading of new road (paved, unpaved, tar or gravel, etc.) Slope where new road will be situated Best position for new road (photo nr) Yes 100m Gravel Flat Existing access 7 Civil Aviation Distance to the nearest airport 10km

4 3 8 Waste generation 9 Energy provision Distance to nearest dump site Distance to nearest power line Required structures (e.g. substations, steel structures) Length of the required power line Within Kongola On site N/A None Is the power line more than 2 km? If yes, then the assessment of the proposed location for the power line should be included in the assessment of the site for the mast. No 1 Landscape Describe the surrounding landscape, e.g. Ridgeline, plateau, side slope of hill/mountain, closed valley, open valley, plain, undulating plain/low hills, dune, sea-front, etc. Plains How accessible is the site by vehicle? Very accessible 2 Soil and Geology Photo numbers Unstable rocky slopes/ steep slopes with loose soil/ rocky with limited soil Describe soil (e.g. clay, sand, etc.) Identify areas where erosion is likely (Photo nrs). Flat plains with sandy soils Sand Unlikely 3 Habitat Natural veld in good condition, natural veld with scattered aliens, natural veld with heavy alien infestation, build-up area, bare soil. In the centre of old field. Very little activity is noted on the outskirts of the proposed site a Vegetation Describe the natural vegetation on the site (e.g. dwarf-shrub land) Trees with small shrubs dominate the area. Photo numbers b Birds Is the area likely to be sensitive for birds (i.t.o. Cliffs, Ridges, possible flight paths, trees, water sources)? Unknown but it is expected that there will be abundant bird life due to the amount of water sources around the town.

5 4 c Reptiles Is the area likely to be sensitive for reptiles (e.g. rocky outcrops)? d Archaeology Take a picture facing towards the proposed site (photo nr). e Surface water Are there any surface water sources located close to the proposed site (e.g. Rivers, Pans, dams, farms dams, oshanas, etc). Estimate the distance from the site. In the town - very unlikely None known Not close but the Kwato river runs to the east about 3 km Are there any signs of a wetland located close to the proposed site (e.g. mottled soil, grass with plumes, reeds, two-tone vegetation, standing water, birdlife). Estimate the distance from the site. No 4 Visual Take 360 picture from the site (Picture nrs). Particularly the four major directions (i.e. N, E, S, W). Consider the aesthetic value of the area (Is it located in a scenic area, what are the lines of sight, are there tourism activities in the area?). Less sensitive due to the fact that the tower will be located in a small depression Identify possible sensitive receptors (e.g. neighbours, road users, tourism ventures etc.) If a new road will be constructed to the site, what will the visual impact be? (e.g. will it be highly visible or will it be out of sight for the largest group of sensitive receptors). There are structures and residents in close proximity to the existing and proposed structures. None Consider the following: The potential location of a development on landform features within the landscape will influence the visual absorption capacity. For example, structures will be difficult to hide on a ridgeline compared to a deeply incised valley. The tower will be visible from an unknown distance as well as the auxiliary infrastructure Developments on lower slopes will be potentially easier to hide than those on upper slopes. N/A

6 5 * The visibility of a location of a structure is also influenced by the location height relative to the heights of surrounding topographic features. For example, if a location is lower than the majority of the immediately surrounding landscape it will be less visible and intrusive than a location which is generally higher than the immediate surrounds. The area is very flat and the buildings will be visible from adjacent land owners * A potential tower location will be easier to hide in a very rugged/diverse landscape and more difficult to do so if the landscape is more homogenous, such as a plain. 5 Social context Describe the surrounding community and land uses (e.g. urban, suburban, grazing livestock, grazing game, crops (type), tourism activities, mining, industrial etc.). How far is the nearest inhabited area from the centre point of the mast? (i.t.o. the radiation). Give a short description of the populated area. What type of settlement is it? Urban with agricultural activities taking place as mentioned Houses and other commercial / educational structures are present about 600m to the west

7 6 1.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no public participation done during or before this site visit. Public consultation will be done before commencement with the construction activities. 1.4 ASSESSMENT OF SITE SUITABILITY The proposed site was found to be inadequate for the construction of the NBC mast. With the location of the site being so close to a populated area, a risk of radiation exposure to the residents of Kongola exists. This is further exacerbated by the radiation already being emitted by numerous other towers currently in operation in town. Furthermore, the aesthetic value would be disturbed to an even greater extent with the addition of another mast in town. From this assessment it is evident that the proposed site is not optimal for the construction of the mast. Therefore, it is recommended that alternative site positions be investigated. Specific criteria (based on specialist recommendations) are listed below that aids in determining an optimal area within which a suitable site may be located (Table 2): ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE Table 2: CRITERIA Criteria for determining a sufficient site. SITE S ADHERENCE TO THE CRITERIA Distance to nearest populated area Biodiversity Civil Aviation Visual Impacts No mast should be erected within a 3km radius of an inhabited area to minimize the effect of radiation. The construction of a mast in close vicinity to an outcrop should be avoided. There is a strong correlation between outcrops and areas of biodiversity significance. Any mast to be erected within a 8km radius from an aerodrome, airfield, airstrip or airport needs clearance from the Directorate of Civil Aviation in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The visibility of the mast should be kept as low as possible. The perspective of all sensitive receptors, including the road user and the nearest residents to the site, should be taken into account. A 3km radius buffer zone around the town of Kongola. No mast erected within this buffer zone. A 500m radius buffer zone around all significant outcrops. No mast erected within this buffer zone. An 8km buffer zone has been created around the aerodrome, airfield, airstrip or airport. A buffer zone of 800m to either side of all major roads to limit the visual impact for road users. Located at least 3km outside of town. Obscure the view of the buildings of the mast by utilizing the surrounding topography (e.g. behind mountains with only the tip of the mast visible). Infrastructure Avoid or minimize the construction of New roads and a power line might be

8 7 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE Archaeology Birds CRITERIA infrastructure e.g. roads or power lines. If new infrastructure is to be built, its length should be kept to a minimum. The inferred archaeological sensitivity of the Kongola area is expressed on a scale of 1 to 25 as being 8 to13. The most important and sensitive areas are islands in the floodplain or between minor drainage lines. There are 18 species in the Kongola region that are affected by, or affect, power lines. 17 of these 18 species are red data listed bird species being affected and include 7 endangered species. Secretary birds found in the area prefer a pannetjies habitat (ephemeral water bodies). SITE S ADHERENCE TO THE CRITERIA needed for the Kongola site. New infrastructure should be located close to the already existing infrastructure. A 500m radius buffer zone around islands and drainage lines. A 500m buffer zone around all pannetjies and other wetland areas. By mapping the buffer zones set out above, different areas can be shown according to their adherence to the criteria. These areas range from being suitable for the construction of the mast to inadequate areas (i.e. no-go areas). Although the suitable zone theoretically adheres to the set of criteria, and is therefore deemed appropriate for the construction of a mast, a reconnaissance visit is still required. This will be undertaken by one of the consultants once a potential site has been identified to verify the site s suitability. Figure 2 below shows these different areas identified for the Kongola site.

9 8 Figure 2: Suitable zone around Kongola.

10 9 1.5 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS Should the mast be constructed within the sufficient area, environmental impacts will be minimal. However, residual impacts associated with construction and operation activities will still need to be mitigated and monitored in order to ensure that the negative effects are avoided or minimized while optimizing the positive ones. Table 3: Impact evaluation ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY ISSUES ADDRESSED IN: CONSTRUCTION PHASE GEOLOGY AND SOILS The movement of vehicles will impact on this aspect. Soil compaction Low Sandy soils and existing access TOPOGRAPHY No topographical high or low points will be affected. Visual impact Low Few receptors WATER QUALITY Construction vehicles, domestic and construction waste generated on site. Water pollution Low activities does not pose any negative impact FLORA Clearing and grubbing during construction. Destruction natural vegetation of Medium surrounding area contains sensitive plant species. Site EMP specific Encroachment of alien invasive species. The establishment and spreading of alien invasive species Low small footprint FAUNA Movement of construction vehicles. Destroy habitat for reptiles and small mammals. Low movement of vehicles in veld Illegal poaching. Killing of fauna for usage by contractors. low possible, especially if workers stay in the veld during construction Birds Collision impacts. Presence of vulnerable and endangered bird species. Medium sensitive area Site EMP specific AIR QUALITY Movement of vehicles during construction Dust generated. Low short hauling

11 10 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF PROJECT ON FEATURE KEY IMPACT DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY ISSUES ADDRESSED IN: ARCHAEOLOGICAL / CULTURAL There are no graves or other archaeological sites present on the site. Potential historical disadvantage None SOCIO-ECONOMIC Spreading of HIV/AIDS by contractors. Increased HIV/AIDS Low not situated in the town, but relatively close OPERATIONAL PHASE FAUNA The stay wires and the mast might pose a threat to birds Loss of birds due to collisions Medium This corridor is well known for number of fauna and situated close to rivers Site EMP specific SOCIO-ECONOMIC Radiation emitted by the mast. Radiation impact Low - If constructed in the suitable zone at least 3km outside of town. Civil aviation More than 8km from airport Low sensitivity Waste generated should there be personnel on site Waste generated Low not expected that personnel will reside at this site Construction and operation of the mast. Visual and aesthetic deterioration of the surrounding area Low if constructed in the suitable zone. Positive impact due to the educational value of the project Social improvement due to NBC radio broadcasts Low tourists and residents will benefit Impacts that can sufficiently be addressed through the implementation of a are indicated as such and addressed in the without further investigation. Key issues (those impacts that do not necessarily require specialist inputs but require detailed attention), on the other hand, are indicated and specific management measures are prescribed in the site specific EMP.

12 Implication Description 11 The overall sensitivity of the sufficient area can thus be rated as MEDIUM as indicated in the table below. Table 4: Sensitivity ratings of the preferred Alternative and the associated implications. LOW MEDIUM HIGH The site is not sensitive at all. No additional specialist studies are required. The site is moderately sensitive and although specialist inputs are not required, it requires specific management measures. X The site has sensitive elements that need to be further investigated by a specialist. Sites that have a "high" sensitivity rating should only be used as the preferred alternative once all other options have been eliminated. is sufficient An additional Appendix is required to the document that contains site specific mitigation measures. Specialist investigations are required. 1.6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The combination of two potential impacts visual and radiation concerns deemed the original proposed position for the NBC mast within Kongola to be inadequate. An alternative location for the mast was therefore investigated by developing a set of criteria which - if adhered to - describes a sufficient site. Furthermore, should the site be constructed within the zone identified as suitable it will fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Civil Aviation and no approval will be required. An area composed only of sufficient sites has been identified. It is concluded that all sites located within this area would pose minor environmental impacts on the town of Kongola and surrounds.