ESKOM TRANSMISSION GROUP



CHAPTER 5

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

background

This report provides an account of the Public Participation Programme conducted for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed development of the 765 kV Transmission line from the Omega Sub-station (near Victoria West) to the proposed Gamma Sub-station (near Koeberg). ACER (Africa) Environmental Management Consultants was appointed by PD Naidoo and Associates, in association with PBA International, as Public Participation Consultant to undertake the Public Participation Programme.

In keeping with the spirit of Integrated Environmental Management and environmental legislation, the Public Participation Programme attempted to provide Interested and Affected Parties the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the environmental investigations. Recognising that this is a vast study area with a diverse public, the overall communication strategy was to target at National, Provincial, Regional and local level, organisations that understand and represent the interests of stakeholders across the study area. However, it is important to note that the Public Participation Programme Strategy set in place sufficient mechanisms to also allow individual Interested and Affected Parties the opportunity to participate in the Environmental Impact Assessment through various activities. Time lapses between the initial start of the project in November 1999 and the restart of the Scoping Phase in July 2001 necessitated a revision of the consultation process to ensure continuity within a robust process.

purpose of this report

The intention of this Public Participation Report is to provide the relevant National and Provincial Government Departments charged with Environmental Affairs and Interested and Affected Parties with a comprehensive documentary of public participation activities undertaken during the Scoping and Impact Assessment Phases of the project, focusing on three areas:

← Meetings.

← Services.

← Products.

This report has evolved from the Plan of Study for Scoping, Draft Scoping Report and Addendum to the Draft Scoping Report as submitted to the authorities. The main body of this report is supported by ancillary documentation, in particular, all documents issued in the public domain (provided in Appendices).

draft and final scoping reports and draft environmental impact report

The Draft Scoping Report was issued in the public domain in July 2001. Comments from stakeholders pertained mainly to the Draft Issues Table that captured all issues and concerns raised by stakeholders during the Scoping Phase. The Environmental Review Forum that had been established with the co-operation of Interested and Affected Parties[1] and the representative[2] Key Stakeholders from various organisations met in August 2001 to review the Draft Scoping Report). In particular, discussion focused on the Draft Issues Table, the level of further studies required, identifying additional areas of concern in the study areas, and marking these on maps provided. These issues were incorporated in an Addendum to the Scoping Report and sent to the relevant authorities for comment.

issues table

Interested and Affected Parties raised various issues during the Scoping and Impact Assessment Phases. These were captured in a Draft Issues Table, which was presented in the Draft Scoping Report and at the Environmental Review Forum for comment. The Revised Issues Table was used, in consultation with stakeholders, to make recommendations on which issues should be further investigated in the Impact Assessment Phase. This table has subsequently been revised and incorporated in this report.

consultation with potentially affected landowners

Although the new transmission line will be brought into operation only at the time when growth and demand require it, it is necessary to secure the servitude prior to this need arising. By securing the servitude, Eskom Transmission will ensure that no further development takes place within the servitude. Furthermore, this will assist directly affected stakeholders to plan developments accordingly. As there is no existing servitude, the objective of this project is to identify and recommend to Eskom Transmission a preferred servitude route for the 765 kV Transmission line.[3] As such potentially affected landowners became a key focus of the Public Participation Programme. Extensive discussions were held with an environmental lawyer and the authorities to agree on an approach through which, in terms of legislation, every reasonable effort would be made to contact this stakeholder group, viz. landowners. This approach focused on meetings with the Farmers’ Associations along the study corridor as these organisations are considered to be most representative of landowners and who would best understand the environmental issues that could result from the construction of the proposed Transmission line. These discussions were used as a mechanism to also identify landowners, record environmental issues and to distil personal issues that would be addressed with the Eskom Transmission negotiator during the negotiation process. Additionally, other actions, which have been undertaken, and these are also documented in this report.

interested and affected parties issues and concerns

Issues and concerns raised by Interested and Affected Parties through the various channels provided by the Public Participation Programme pertained mainly to:

← Compensation for loss of land and potential drop in land values.

← Visual impacts.

← Potential impacts on tourism; particularly where game farms may be negatively impacted.

← Job creation.

← The position of the Transmission line in terms of gravesites.

← Loss of residences.

← Impact on agricultural activities.

← Impact on infrastructure.

← Impact on the biophysical environment, particularly birds and wetlands.

← Erosion.

← Access roads.

proposed future actions

Issues and comments raised by Interested and Affected Parties in response to this Draft Environmental Impact Report will be incorporated in a final report to be submitted to the authorities for environmental authorisation.

Issues pertaining to construction and operational activities will be dealt with as part of Eskom Transmissions Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). Eskom will maintain, through its standard communication channels, a level of interaction commensurate with the project and standard operating procedures for a Transmission line. It is important that a dedicated Environmental Officer be appointed to oversee the construction and operational activities and that one of his/her key responsibilities is on-going communication between Eskom Transmission, the construction teams and landowners.

concluding remarks

Although there has been a time lapse between the implementation of the project and issuing of the Draft Environmental Impact Report it is the opinion of the Public Participation Consultant that due process has been followed. This is especially so considering that a wide range of Interested and Affected Parties has been afforded the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the process to date, primarily by commenting on the draft Scoping Report and this report. In addition, Key Stakeholders participated actively by commenting on the Revised Issues Table and participating in the Environmental Review Forum.

With reference to potentially affected landowners, despite the apparent low level of interest shown in the Northern Cape area, the Public Participation Consultant is confident that every reasonable effort has been made to contact potentially directly affected landowners along the study corridor and that various mechanisms were set in place for individuals to respond.

Nevertheless, it is important that Eskom Transmissions set in place measures for Interested and Affected Parties to continue to have input into the project in terms management of impacts and monitoring the effectiveness of management programmes during construction and operation

In concluding, the Public Involvement Programme has afforded at National, Provincial and local level, various mechanisms for representative structures as well as individuals, the opportunity to participate in various activities, however, it remains incumbent on Interested and Affected Parties to accept the responsibility of actively participating in the Environmental Impact Assessment. It is also important to note that this is part of a planning process and that directly affected landowners will be contacted during the servitude negotiation phase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii

TABLES viii

ACRONYMS ix

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS x

1. Public participation Process 1

1.1. Scope of work 2

1.1.1. Terms of reference 2

1.2. Assumptions and limitations 2

1.2.1. Assumptions 3

1.2.2. Limitations 3

1.3. Approach and methodology 3

1.3.1. Principles 3

1.3.2. Methodology 4

1.3.2.1. Meetings 5

MAP 4a 7

MAP 4b 8

MAP 4c 9

1.3.2.2. Environmental Review Forum Workshops 4

1.3.3. Services 7

1.3.3.1. Public Involvement Officers 8

1.3.4. Products 9

1.3.4.1. Public information documents 9

1.3.4.2. Notification material 9

1.3.4.3. Reports 11

2. Issues raised by Interested and Affected Parties 11

3. ANALysis of the Public Participation Programme 11

4. Proposed future actions 12

5. Concluding Remarks 13

NOTE: 1

APPENDIX 2 2

APPENDIX 2A: STRATEGIC WORKSHOP 3

APPENDIX 2B: PUBLIC OPEN DAYS 4

APPENDIX 2C: FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION MEETINGS 5

APPENDIX 2D: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FORUM 6

APPENDIX 2E: LIST OF I&APS (DATABASE) 7

APPENDIX 2F: BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENTS 8

APPENDIX 2G: MOBILE DISPLAY 9

APPENDIX 2H: MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS 10

APPENDIX 2I: COPIES OF LETTERS SENT TO I&APS 11

TABLES

Table 1: Listing of Public Open Days 1

Table 2: Farmers’ Association Consultation Programme 3

Table 3: Venues at which the Final Scoping Report and Draft Environmental Impact Reports will have been placed at the time of the distribution of this report. 8

ACRONYMS

ACER : ACER (Africa) Environmental Management Consultants

BID : Background Information Document

DEAT : Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism

EMP : Environmental Management Plan

ERF : Environmental Review Forum

I&APs : Interested and Affected Parties

IEM : Integrated Environmental Management

NGO : Non-Government Organisation

PIO : Public Involvement Officer

POD : Public Open Day

PPC : Public Participation Consultant

PPP : Public Participation Programme

ROD : Record of Decision

TLC : Transitional Local Council

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACER should like to acknowledge the contributions of all Interested and Affected Parties who participated in the Public Participation Programme, particularly those who assisted with the identification of additional Interested and Affected Parties and provided various documents to the assist in the study.

1. Public participation Process

The objective of the Public Participation Programme (PPP) Chapter is to provide an account of the PPP undertaken for the proposed 765 kV Transmission line between the proposed Gamma Sub-station (near Victoria West) and the proposed Omega Sub-station (near Koeberg) as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This will enable the authorities and Interested & Affected Parties (I&APs) to assess the process followed in terms of its effectiveness, appropriateness and transparency, within the framework of environmental legislation.

The proposed Gamma-Omega 765 kV Transmission line forms part of the original Cape Strengthening Programme and, as was the case with the other components, was viewed independently as the viability of each project is unaffected by decisions made on the individual projects[4]. Thus, ACER, the Public Participation Consultant (PPC) had to structure the PPP in such a manner that would allow for the optimisation of time and resources, while allowing for a global understanding of the Cape Strengthening Programme and in particular, the 765 kV Transmission line. The PPP aimed to establish efficient communication channels that would provide I&APs the opportunity to participate meaningfully and timeously in the environmental investigations.

This report describes the process followed to achieve the above-mentioned objectives in terms of proposed 765 kV Transmission line. Appendices A1 - 9 contain a record of I&AP interaction conducted during the PPP, including the following:

← List of registered I&APs.

← An overview of Public Open Days.

← A register of all documents issued in the public domain.

The terms of reference described below formed the scope of work for ACER as the PPC for the Cape Strengthening Programme, and in particular, the 765kV Transmission line.

1. Scope of work

1. Terms of reference

The PPP terms of reference were revised during the course of the study to accommodate the revised EIA programme. These are described below:

← The initial and on-going identification and categorisation of stakeholders and their incorporation into the PPP and the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) process, making use of existing data bases where possible.

← Establish and maintain liaison channels with stakeholders and stakeholder groups. Assist stakeholder groups to elect contact persons through whom the PPC can operate.

← Act as facilitator and mediator on behalf of PDNA and Eskom Transmission.

← The arrangement, co-ordination, facilitation and documentation of all PPP activities, processes and results, including public open days, environmental interest group meetings and individual contact.

← Maintain public awareness of the proposed 765 kV Transmission line and Environmental Study through a range of information dissemination activities, including background information documents, general information documents, general information correspondence and media announcements (print and radio), in close co-operation with PDNA and Eskom Transmission.

← To raise issues which will be recorded in the Issues Report in order to be addressed.

← To facilitate an External Strategic Workshop with key stakeholders to discuss the project in terms of EIA strategy, policy issues, communication channels and geographic boundaries.

← To facilitate and arrange meetings for the Eskom Transmission negotiating team and the relevant Farmers’ Associations along the proposed study corridor.

← To arrange Environmental Review Forum workshops with key stakeholders to review and comment on work done during the Scoping Phase.

2. Assumptions and limitations

The PPP was founded on a number of assumptions and limitations that have influenced the methodologies selected. Importantly, however, despite assumptions and limitations, ACER is confident that the PPP for the 765 kV Transmission line, has provided a reasonable opportunity for I&APs to participate meaningfully and timeously during the EIA.

1. Assumptions

← All information provided by Eskom Transmission, PDNA and I&APs to the PPC was correct and valid at the time that it was provided.

← There had been no final decision regarding the nature of the proposed 765 kV Transmission line prior to embarking on the PPP. By inference, where environmental sensitivities have been identified within the project parameters, these will be factored into project planning, technical design and operation.

← Use could be made of Eskom Transmission’s communication network to disseminate information to stakeholders in the project area.

← There would be certain iterations to the EIA programme that could be accommodated within the PPP.

← That Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs), particularly potentially affected landowners would make use of the various opportunities presented to them to comment on the proposed Transmission line.

2. Limitations

← An Eskom Transmission communication channel through which the PPP intended to disseminate certain public documents was not available to ACER. As an alternative, four Public Involvement Officers were appointed.

← Decisions made by Eskom Transmission placed the Cape Strengthening Programme indefinitely on hold prior to the end of Scoping of the Transmission line. This included all activities in the public domain. As a result there was a substantial period of no communication with I&APs. The restart of the PPP had to be carefully managed in the public domain.

← Municipal boundaries changed during this time and contact had to be re-established with new officials and updates on the study provided timeously to allow for meaningful participation.

3. Approach and methodology

1. Principles

As the PPP is an integral part of IEM, the same IEM principles should be applied. IEM principles, as listed by the DEAT (1998) and which are most relevant to the PPP include:

← Meaningful and timeous participation of I&APs.

← Focus on important issues.

← Due consideration of alternatives.

← Accountability for information used for decision-making.

← Encouragement of co-regulation, shared responsibility and a sense of ownership.

← Dispute/conflict resolution will be handled as prescribe by relevant legislation.

← Application of “due process” particularly with regard to public participation in environmental governance as provided for in the Constitution.

← Inclusivity: the needs, interests and values of I&APs must be considered in the decision-making process.

The Study Team interacted with representatives of both the National and Provincial DEATs during meetings and site visits. Part of the discussions revolved around the PPP and the acceptance of both the original and revised approaches.

2. Methodology

In keeping with the spirit of Integrated Environmental Management and environmental legislation, the PP attempted to provide I&APs the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the environmental investigations. Recognising that this is a vast study area with a diverse public, the overall communication strategy was to target at National, Provincial, Regional and local level, organisations that understand and represent the interests of stakeholders across the study area. However, it is important to note that the PIP Strategy set in place sufficient mechanisms to also allow individual Interested and Affected Parties the opportunity to participate in the Environmental Impact Assessment through various activities. As such, he communication function of the PPC, as a service to Eskom, PDNA, the Study Team and I&APs, was both proactive and reactive, and can be best described in terms of three categories:

← Meetings.

← Services.

← Products.

Maps 4a, 4b & 4c reflect all the Public Involvement Activities within these three categories that were conducted in the public domain at three different levels:

← National (Maps 4a).

← Provincial and Regional (Map 4b).

← Local (Map 4c).

1. Meetings

The main types of stakeholder meetings that were conducted were as follows:

← A Strategic Workshop.

← Public Open Days.

← Interactions with individuals, I&AP representatives and Local Government authorities.

← Farmers’ Association meetings.

← A series of meetings between the Eskom Project Team and potentially affected landowners.

← Two Environmental Review Forum Workshops.

strategic workshop

The complexity of the Cape Strengthening Programme necessitated that Key Stakeholders become involved in the process prior to entering the broader public domain. Thus, a Strategic Workshop to discuss key issues around the proposed Programme, and in particular, the 765 kV Transmission line, was held on 28 January 2000 at the Koeberg Nature Reserve Conference Centre.

The objectives of this workshop were:

← To gain consensus on the EIA approach.

← To achieve a common understanding on the issues relating to strategic and policy matters.

← To determine geographic boundaries.

← To explain time frames.

← To identify key generic issues that will form the basis of the Draft Issues Report.

← To identify Key Stakeholders.

← To set a formal communication channel in place with relevant officials.

Of particular interest, is that stakeholders agreed to the establishment of a Key Stakeholder Working Group or Environmental Review Forum that could meet at key milestones in the project to review the process and to comment on public documents and reports.

The Invitation list, agenda and proceedings of this workshop are contained in Appendix 2A.

public open days

The purpose of the Public Open Days held between 21 February and 3 March 2000 was to provide an appropriate platform to enable I&APs to raise issues. Thus, it was decided to provide stakeholders with the opportunity for one to one interaction with the study team members. The Public Open Days were widely advertised in the local and national media, posters were placed at key strategic points in the towns and Background Information Documents (BIDs), widely distributed in the study area, also detailed the meetings. Table 1 details the Public Open Days that were held across the study area and which were relevant to the 765 kV Transmission line.

MAP 4a

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL LEVEL COVERAGE

MAP 4b

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMS PROVINCIAL & REGIONAL

MAP 4c

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMS LOCAL

Table 1: Listing of Public Open Days

|Date |Town |Venue |Comment |

|23/2/00 |Victoria West |Town Hall |The venue was central but only a few landowners and community members attended.|

|24/2/00 |Beaufort West |Oasis Hotel |Despite the venue being central, no local council representatives attended. |

| | | |Most attendees were job seekers. |

|25/2/00 |Matjiesfontein |Old Court House |This Public Open Day received no support. Held on a Friday, most farmers had |

| | | |gone to Sutherland to the co-op and it was also payday. Members of the Study |

| | | |Team visited the co-op in Sutherland to make contact with landowners. |

|26/2/00 |Ceres |Belmont Hotel |Well supported by local landowners and officials in the area. The PIO had also |

| | | |done extensive canvassing for the event. |

|28/2/00 |Wolseley |Community Hall |Well supported by local landowners. |

|29/2/00 |Worcester |Lions Club Hall |The attendance was low. Study Team members made use of the opportunity to visit|

| | | |Key Stakeholders in the area. |

|1/3/00 |Tulbagh |Town Hall |Only a few landowners attended. The Study Team attended a Farmers’ Association |

| | | |Meeting. |

|2/3/00 |Malmesbury |Library |The attendance was low, but stakeholders drove from Cape Town to attend. |

|3/3/00 |Koeberg |Koeberg Power |This POD was well supported by Key Stakeholders. |

| | |Station | |

It is important to note, that while attendance was generally unsatisfactory, the issues raised by those in attendance was valuable to the Study Team and important input was made into the selection of the various route alternatives. A full attendance register was taken at the venues Appendix 2B and a short questionnaire was administered to elicit general views, categorise stakeholders and to capture issues from I&APs who did not interact directly with the various team members at the Public Open Day. Issues raised were also incorporated in a Comment and Response Document, which has evolved into the Impact Table contained in Chapter 2, Appendix 1.rt to provide number.

interactions with individuals, i&ap representatives and local government authorities.

In addition to the Public Open Days, members of the Study Team interacted personally with individuals, representatives from various organisations and Local Government Authorities along the study corridor. These discussions took place either at Local Government offices or in the field with individuals or with representative bodies.

specialist interactions

Specialists undertaking the environmental investigations also included a public participation element in their work in that it was often necessary to provide information about the project as part of their consultations with individuals and groups. The engineering specialists were on hand at the all the Public Open Days to interact with the public. This also provided specialists with the opportunity to better understand and interpret issues relevant to their area of expertise and how this should be translated in local terms.

potentially affected landowner meetings

As landowners are an important and most directly affected stakeholder group, every reasonable effort continues to be made to contact members of this stakeholder group. As explained in the Draft Scoping Report, there is an overlap of requirements in contacting landowners between the EIA process and the land negotiation process (which is separate to the EIA process). Also, it is not feasible to enter into discussions with almost 1 000 landowners on an individual basis. As such, Farmers' Associations operating along the route were thought to represent a fair percentage of the landowners. Also, as this study focuses on identifying environmental issues relating to the construction and operation of Transmission lines, it was thought prudent to enter into dialogue with representatives that would bring a broad understanding of these environmental impacts to the table. Also, non-environmental issues, i.e. personal preferences and confidential information pertaining specifically to the servitude, are discussed during the servitude negotiation process with Eskom Transmission officials. Discussions with these organisations ran concurrently with the period in which the Draft Scoping Report was in the public domain for comment. An Eskom Transmission team, comprising of the Public Involvement Manager and two negotiators met with these organisations with the following objectives:

← To inform landowners of the proposed 765 kV Transmission line.

← To explain the EIA process.

← To explain the landowner negotiation process.

← To elicit comment on the Draft Scoping Report.

← To identify additional issues that could impact on the proposed routes.

← To identify the boundaries of the Farmers’ Associations.

← To record landowner details for data base purposes.

The Eskom team had on hand a copy of the Draft Scoping Report and 1:50 000 maps to facilitate discussions regarding route alternatives and issues arising.

The Study Team arranged a special meeting with members of the Malmesbury Farmers’ Association in response to a special request to discuss the route. Their various issues and concerns were noted and, where relevant, have been added to the database and Impact Table.

Table 2 provides a summary of consultation programme for Farmers’ Associations and agricultural organisations.

Table 2: Farmers’ Association Consultation Programme

|Date |Venue |Organisation invited |

|16 July 2001 |Victoria West |Victoria West Farmers’ Association |

| |Karoo Vleisboere Co-op | |

|17 July 2001 |Beaufort West |Beaufort West Farmers’ Association |

| |Maarten Odendaal Raadsaal | |

|18 July 2001 |Laingsburg |Sutherland & Laingsburg Farmers’ Associations |

| |Library Hall | |

|1 August 2001 |Ceres Library Hall |Ceres District Agricultural Union |

| | |Koue Bokkeveld Agricultural Union |

| | |Warm Bokkeveld Agricultural Union |

| | |Wolseley Agricultural Union |

|2 August 2001 |Tulbagh |Tulbagh Farmers’ Association |

| | |Tulbagh Agricultural Union |

|3 August 2001 |Malmesbury Library |Malmesbury Agricultural Union |

| | |Riebeek Farmers’ Association |

|6 August 2001 |Merweville |Merweville Boerevereniging |

| |NG Kerksaal | |

analysis of the farmers’ association meetings

The analysis of the consultation process with this stakeholder group should be viewed against the historical background of the Cape Strengthening Programme:

← This project has on more than one occasion been managed in the public domain, this leading to a negative public perception regarding the feasibility of the proposed 765kV Transmission line.

← The most recent EIA programme for the 765 kV Transmission line that commenced as one of ten components in February 2000 was also placed on hold indefinitely, with Scoping recommencing only in July 2001.

Despite every effort by the PPC and the various organisations associated with Farmers’ Associations who assisted with arrangements, a low attendance was experienced at the various meetings. The Agenda and Attendance Registers are contained in Appendix 2C. Factors contributing to this lack of interest include:

← The stop-start programme explained above.

← Landowners would rather wait for the Eskom negotiators to approach them individually as part of the negotiation process.

← These meetings were held during the school holidays.

In general, farmers showed little interest in the content of the Draft Scoping Report and chose rather to focus on the available maps and to discuss the various route options and record how these would affect them. The Eskom Transmission team recorded these discussions by annotations on maps and providing the Study Team with proposed alterations. Although landowners completed the Attendance Registers as requested, there was a general reluctance to complete the Landowner Registration Form required for database purposes, or to complete the Issue Sheets provided to officially record issues and comments.

recommended future actions

The importance of a continued effort to contact as many potentially directly affected landowners cannot be over-emphasised. As during the EIA phase, PPP activities will continue to be carried out for the remainder of the project. Importantly, Eskom will continue with landowner identification through its negotiation process after the Independent Environmental Consultant has received a ROD for the proposed development.

← The Eskom Transmission team will, through its various Distribution Centres along the route, attempt to obtain as many details of landowners that are Eskom customers.

← The Eskom Transmission team will, through the Surveyor General, the Deeds office, the Cape Town High Court and the Department of Home Affairs, attempt to obtain addresses of landowners.

← Letters, Background Information Documents and Landowner Registration Forms will be mailed by registered post to landowners as addresses become available.

← Where requested, the Eskom Transmission team will meet with Farmers’ Associations along the route to further discuss the Environmental Impact Report and preferred route alignment.

← As state previously, Eskom Transmission will continue to identify and liase with directly affected landowners beyond the official termination of the EIA.

2. Environmental Review Forum Workshops

The concept of the Environmental Review Forum (ERF) Workshops was agreed at a Strategic Workshop held with Key Stakeholders during the initial stages of the Cape Strengthening Programme in January 2000. The objective of the ERF workshops was to provide I&APs the opportunity to have input into the environmental findings and recommendations. It was intended that Key Stakeholders would meet to discuss various environmental issues that had been identified during the Scoping Phase and to review the Draft Scoping Report. More importantly, Key Stakeholders would bring to the table regional and local perspectives and an understanding of the issues that were specifically related to various organisations or sectoral groups.

Representative organisations or groups in the study area were identified and invitations were sent to more than one individual in the organisation. The invitation, agenda and an invitation list are provided in Appendix 2C. A Draft Impact Table, which, as succinctly as possible, integrated all the issues identified by stakeholders and specialists during the Scoping Phase, was sent to the most senior person in the organisation in preparation of the workshop. Stakeholders were requested to nominate a representative from their organisations and for this individual to familiarise themselves with this document and to identify any additional issues not addressed.

Due to the physical length of the proposed 765 kV Transmission line two ERF workshops were held to make the workshops accessible to a wider audience. The response to the two workshops varied greatly and as such, the two are discussed separately.

analysis of the beaufort west environmental review forum workshop

As a result of a poor turnout, (Appendix 2D contains the Attendance Register), the two Key Stakeholders present were given the option of either joining the Ceres ERF Workshop at Eskom expense, or proceeding with the workshop despite the poor turnout. Acknowledging the decision to proceed with the workshop, the Study Team presented its findings and valuable input was received from the two Key Stakeholders and incorporated into the Final Scoping Report.

The fact that approximately 27 people indicated they would be attending, many of these senior officials from the area, and only two Key Stakeholders attended, is cause for concern to Eskom Transmission and the Study Team, especially as much responsibility rests with these structures in terms of future planning for the areas and more specifically with local government who was in the stages of preparing Interim Integrated Development Plans. Although the actual reason for not attending could not clearly be established, the lack of interest may be attributed to a number of speculative reasons:

← Priorities have to constantly be re-evaluated and Key Stakeholders may have had other important business to attend.

← The Transmission line does not bring direct benefit to the local communities and participation is, therefore, not considered important.

← The potential impacts of the proposed Transmission line through this area are not considered to be high.

← Many Municipalities have not finalised their Integrated Development Plans or these are still at broad conceptual level, and as such, officials may consider it inappropriate to participate.

← There may be many other projects that stakeholders are involved in and stakeholder fatigue sets in.

← Agricultural Unions and Farmers’ Associations are aware that Eskom will be individually meeting with their organisation and this workshop was considered superfluous.

analysis of the ceres environmental review forum workshop

As during the initial Scoping Phase, interest generated by this study was far greater for the Western Cape than the Northern Cape. The Ceres ERF workshop was fairly well attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Although only 27 people attended, 97 apologies were received and written comments were received from various stakeholders. Key Stakeholders were well prepared for the meeting and made valuable contributions during the discussion sessions. Additional issues raised were recorded and incorporated into the Final Scoping Report and, where relevant, the route alignment was reconsidered.

The higher level of interest shown by Key Stakeholders in the Western Cape Region could be attributed to the following factors:

← The potential impacts of the proposed Transmission line from the Karoo Poort through to Koeberg are considerably greater.

← The area is more densely populated and the agricultural activities differ vastly from the Northern Cape section of the study area.

← Due to the high tourist potential of the area, stakeholders are more sensitive to the potential negative impacts of the proposed Transmission line.

← The Municipalities appear pro-active with regard to the Integrated Development Plans and were interested in the proposed route alignment.

← Although this study has not focussed on strategic issues, organisations involved in the planning stages of other major developments, such as the Kudu Gas Project have a keen interest in the feasibility of the project and how this relates to their own project.

recommended future actions

The Key Stakeholders that attended the ERF workshops found the Draft Issues Table a useful summary document that captured the essence of the Draft Scoping Report. As agreed with Key Stakeholders, the Final Impact Table was sent to delegates who attended the workshop and also to those from whom apologies were received. Comment was invited. The intention was to send this document out concurrently the Final Scoping Report that was to be distributed at key public areas. However, as explained previously, this document now forms part of this Draft Environmental Impact Report. Again, comment is invited.

3. Services

The PPC provided the following services:

← Registration of I&APs through attendance registers at PODs and invitations to register extended in the BID, individual letters and faxes, and media advertisements. I&APs were also identified from existing databases.

← An updated and comprehensive database of I&APs categorised according to sectors and interests was established. Appendix 2E contains a complete list of registered I&APs.

← Forwarding of information requests and issues raised by I&APs to the Independent Environmental Consultant and Eskom Transmission.

← Feedback to I&APs, individually and collectively.

← Documentation of all interactions with I&APs.

← Written translation of public information in newsletters, advertisements, BID and well as verbal translation, where required. Translation services were offered in two languages, viz. Afrikaans and English.

← The Revised Issues Table was distributed to all Key Stakeholders who were invited to the E R F Workshops.

← Registration of I&APs through the completion of attendance registers at ERF workshops (Appendix 2D)

← The Final Impact Table was distributed to Key Stakeholders that were invited to attend the ERF Workshops and also to the Farmers’ Associations with which the Eskom Team met. (Table 2).

← The Draft Environmental Impact Report will be distributed to Key Stakeholders and placed at various public venues within the study area (Table 2).

← Assistance, where requested, will be provided to I&APs in order to facilitate the understanding of the Draft Environmental Impact Report so that I&APs have the opportunity to provide meaningful comment.

Table 3: Venues at which the Final Scoping Report and Draft Environmental Impact Reports will have been placed at the time of the distribution of this report.

|Town |Venues |

|Victoria West |Ubuntu Municipal Offices |

|Beaufort West |Beaufort West Municipal Offices |

|Sutherland |Karoo Hoogland Municipal Offices |

|Laingsburg |Laingsburg Municipal Offices |

|Ceres |Witzenburg Municipal Offices |

|Tulbagh |Municipal Offices |

|Wolseley |Municipal Offices |

|Prince Alfred Hamlet |Municipal Offices |

|Riebeeck Wes |Library |

|Riebeeck Kasteel |Library |

|Paarl |Drakenstein Municipal Offices |

|Malmesbury |Swartland Municipal Offices |

|Cape Town |Cape Town Administration |

| |CMC Administration, 44 Wales Street. |

|Blaauwberg |Blaauwberg Administration – Urban Planning, Milpark Building, c/o Koeberg Rd & Ixia Street |

1. Public Involvement Officers

The objective of the Public Involvement Officers (PIOs) is to use locally based individuals to assist the PPC in effecting the PPP, especially in linear type projects that are geographically spread over large distances. More than being only cost efficient, this approach has to date been successful in that local individuals who have an intimate understanding of the identified areas and its people, contribute to a more successful consultation process. Also, it provides both Eskom Transmission and ACER the opportunity to provide capacity building in terms of the environmental process. The following individuals served as PIOs:

← Mr Jan Combrinck - Luckhoff.

← Mr Pumzile Yanta - De Aar.

← Ms Engele Claasen - Victoria West, Beaufort West.

← Mr Frits Kok - Sutherland, Laingsburg.

← Ms Marelies Prins - Ceres, Worcester, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Malmesbury & Koeberg.

The PIOs assisted in the following manner:

← Identifying suitable venues.

← Distributing posters to announce the study.

← Distributing B I Ds at key venues.

← Assisting at PODs.

← Providing the PPC with information on the area and Key Stakeholders.

← Distributing the Revised Issues Table to Key Stakeholders.

4. Products

As part of the PPP, the PPC produced a range of products designed to share information regarding the processes and results of environmental investigations.

1. Public information documents

← A BID was produced and distributed in December 1999. The BID provided a brief description of the Cape Strengthening Programme in two languages and a map of the proposed development highlighting the different locations of various activities. Copies of the BID were disseminated to identified I&APs, at PODs, mailed to people on the initial I&AP list and placed at various public venues (Appendix 2I).

← A set of posters was produced to form part of the PODs. The posters provided further detail on the project (Appendix 2G).

← A Comment and Response Document, which subsequently evolved into a Revised Issues Table, was distributed as part of the Draft Scoping Report for public comment. The Revised Issues Table was presented to Key Stakeholders who attended the ERF Workshops for comment.

← This Draft Environmental Impact Report.

2. Notification material

The first round of advertisements was placed in the following national and local newspapers during the week of 11th to 13th February 2000. A complete list of the media contact, together with content of the advertisements are contained in Appendix 2H.

← National newspapers.

← Die Rapport.

← The Sunday Times.

← Regional media.

← The Gariep.

← The Echo.

← The Standard (Voice of the Breede River).

← Victoria West Messenger.

← Weekend Argus.

← Press Releases were issued to a range of media. Unfortunately these could not be easily monitored:

← The Sunday Times.

← Die Rapport.

← Business Times.

← Weekend Argus.

← Sowetan.

← Business Times.

← City Press.

← Engineering News.

← Die Burger.

← Bloem Nuus.

← The Gariep.

← The Echo.

← The Standard (Voice of the Breede River).

← Victoria West Messenger.

← Posters advertising the PODs were placed at various public venues (Appendix 2B) numbering.

← Various letters were disseminated to identified I&APs. The objectives and content of the letters can be summarised as follows:

← I&AP Letter 1.

Limited project information; invitation to participate in the environmental process at and/or outside of PODs (Appendix 2I)

← I&AP Letter 2.

Project progress; BID, (Appendix 2I).

← II&AP letter 3.

Notification of the availability of the Draft Scoping Report (Appendix 2I).

← I&AP letter 4.

Letter announcing the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Appendix 2I).

3. Reports

← Progress reports were submitted monthly to the Independent Environmental Consultant reflecting progress of the PPP.

← The PPP Report that formed part of the Draft Scoping Report, which summarised the activities conducted in the public domain from November 1999 to the end of the Scoping Phase.

← PPP Impact Assessment Phase Report (this chapter), which summarises the PPP from November 1999 to the end of the Impact Assessment Phase in December 2001.

2. Issues raised by Interested and Affected Parties

Many issues were raised, and requests made by I&APs at PODs as well as by e-mail, fax, letters, telephonically and at workshops and meetings. These issues and requests have been dealt with in the following way:

← Issues relevant to environmental investigations were forwarded to the Independent Environmental Consultant and included in the relevant Specialist Studies and documented in the Comment and Response Document.

← The various categories in which these issues have been grouped are as follows:

← Economic issues.

← Well-being.

← Farming activities.

← The natural environment, including wetlands, watercourses, vegetation and animals.

← Cultural, paleaontological, archaeological and historical sites.

← Consideration of alternatives.

← IEM and PPP.

3. ANALysis of the Public Participation Programme

The PPP and implementation thereof, in keeping with the spirit of IEM and in line with environmental legislation, has provided I&APs with the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the environmental assessment process. The time lapse between the initial project announcement and the re-start may be perceived to have had a negative influence on participation although it would appear that the nature of the proposed developments are of a limited nature that new issues did not arise during this period. The PPC is confident that this time lapse did not compromise the consultation process. Furthermore, it should be remembered that environmental considerations are on going for the life span of any development, thus allowing for participation at any stage of the project.

In summary, the following overall comments regarding I&AP sentiment towards the proposed PPP can be made:

← Goodwill has been generated amongst I&APs in that Eskom has made a concerted effort to interact with them at a local level and has strongly encouraged continued communication, albeit also on non-project related activities.

← Considering that a Scoping Report was not issued in the public domain, the Environmental Review Forum played an important role in ensuring that the process followed during Scoping was robust. The positive response and input on the Draft Issues Table at the Ceres workshop supports this sentiment.

← I&APs are satisfied that there are formal and advertised channels through which they can raise issues and request further information.

← I&APs expressed a keen interest in staying involved in the process once construction commences.

Considering the nature and the extent of the proposed Transmission line, it is unrealistic to think that each I&AP will be satisfied with the project and processes followed. However, it is important for the project teams to show that they have considered all issues and concerns raised, investigated and assessed key issues, followed due process and put management programmes in place to deal with issues. Referring specifically to landowners, every effort was made, through various means, to inform and contact the potentially affected landowners through the various study phases.

In summary, the PPC is of the opinion that the PPP has been successful in fulfilling IEM requirements and the specific terms of reference for the assignment. In addition, the PPP has set a solid foundation for Eskom to build upon once construction activities commence.

4. Proposed future actions

Issues and comments raised by I&APs in response to this Draft Environmental Impact Report will be incorporated into a Final Report to be submitted to the authorities for environmental authorisation.

Issues pertaining to construction activities will be dealt with as part of Eskom Transmission’s Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). Eskom will maintain, through its standard communication channels, a level of interaction commensurate with the project and standard operating procedures for a Transmission line. It is important that a dedicated Environmental Officer be appointed to oversee the construction and operational activities and that one of his/her key responsibilities is on-going communication between Eskom Transmission, the construction teams and landowners.

5. Concluding Remarks

Although there has been a time lapse between the implementation of the project and issuing of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, and despite that no Final Scoping Report was issued in the public domain, it is the opinion of the PPC that due process has been followed. This is especially so considering that a wide range of I&APs has been afforded the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the IEM process to date, primarily by commenting on the Draft Scoping Report and this report. In addition, Key Stakeholders participated actively by commenting on the Revised Issues Table and participating in the Environmental Review Forum.

With particular reference to potentially affected landowners, despite the apparent low level of interest shown by I&APs in the Northern Cape area, the PPC is confident that every reasonable effort has been made to contact potentially directly affected landowners along the route and that various mechanisms were set in place for individuals to respond. Also, the PPC is confident that sufficient mechanisms are in place for individual negotiations with directly affected landowners during the servitude negotiation process to address any additional issues that may arise. Furthermore, measures will be set in place for I&APs to continue to have input into the project in terms of the management of impacts and the monitoring of the effectiveness of management programmes during the construction and operation of the proposed 765 kV Transmission line.

NOTE:

The appendices for this chapter are numerous and were mostly included in the Draft Scoping Report. As such, the following decisions have been made:

← A complete set of Appendices (2A to 2I) has been issued to the relevant National and Provincial Authorities.

← Relevant Databases have been included in Appendices2D and 2E to provide an overview of the consultation that has taken place at a broader level as well as at the Environmental Review Forum level.

← Should you wish to obtain any specific Appendix listed in the following pages, this can be forwarded either electronically or by mail under separate cover.

APPENDIX 2

APPENDIX 2A: STRATEGIC WORKSHOP

APPENDIX 2B: PUBLIC OPEN DAYS

APPENDIX 2C: FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

APPENDIX 2D: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FORUM

APPENDIX 2E: LIST OF I&APS (DATABASE)

APPENDIX 2F: BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX 2G: MOBILE DISPLAY

APPENDIX 2H: MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS

APPENDIX 2I: COPIES OF LETTERS SENT TO I&APS

APPENDIX 2A: STRATEGIC WORKSHOP

← Agenda

← Attendance Register.

← Record of Attendance

← Proceedings.

APPENDIX 2B: PUBLIC OPEN DAYS

Notice of Environmental Assessment Process

← Victoria West.

← Beaufort West

← Laingsburg.

← Ceres.

← Worcester.

← Wolseley.

← Tulbagh.

← Malmesbury.

← Koeberg.

Attendance Registers:

← Victoria West.

← Beaufort West

← Laingsburg.

← Ceres.

← Worcester.

← Wolseley.

← Tulbagh.

← Malmesbury.

← Koeberg.

I&AP Registration Form.

Issue Sheet

APPENDIX 2C: FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

Attendance Record - Merweville

Attendance Registers:

← Malmesburg

← Laingsburg

← Beaufort West

← Ceres

← Tulbagh

APPENDIX 2D: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FORUM

← Letter of Invitation.

← Agenda.

← Invitation List.

← Attendance Register – Beaufort West.

← Attendance Register – Ceres.

← Workshop Reply Sheet

← Presentation

← Revised Issues Table: I&AP letter

APPENDIX 2E: LIST OF I&APS (DATABASE)

A list of all registered I&APs arranged alphabetically in the following categories:

← Agricultural Organisations.

← Business Organisations.

← Landowners/Local Residents.

← Local Businesses.

← Local Government.

← Media.

← National & Provincial Government.

← Natural, Historical, Archaeological, Social & Cultural Environment.

← Political, Civil Society and Development Organisations.

← Service Providers.

← Tourism.

← Unclassified.

PLEASE NOTE:

A number of I&APs fall within more than category. Thus, these I&APs were placed in the category thought to be most applicable. I&APs who did not fall in any clear category were placed under “Unclassified”. Should any I&AP wish to have their category changed, please contact the PPC.

APPENDIX 2F: BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENTS

← Announcing the Environmental Impact Assessment.

This brochure was printed in colour on glossy paper; the size of four A4 joined sheets. Information was presented in two languages (Afrikaans and English) on one side, and a map on the other.

← Announcing the Revised EIA Programme.

This brochure was printed in black and white; the size of four A4 joined sheets. Information was presented in two languages (Afrikaans and English). This document summarised the status of the ten project components that originally comprised the Cape Strengthening Programme.

← Announcing restart of EIA Programme.

765kV EIA Gamma-Omega

APPENDIX 2G: MOBILE DISPLAY

The original mobile display posters were printed in full colour. For purposes of this document, black and white copies have been printed.

APPENDIX 2H: MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS

Media Table

Advertisement 1: English – Study announcement.

Advertisement 2: Afrikaans – Study announcement.

Advertisement 3: Availability of the Draft Scoping Report:

National, English.

Advertisement 4: Availability of the Draft Scoping Report:

National, Afrikaans.

Advertisement 5: Availability of the Draft Scoping Report:

Regional, English.

Advertisement 6: Availability of the Draft Scoping Report:

Regional Afrikaans.

Press Release: National, Regional and Local Newspapers:

English.

Press Release: National, Regional and Local Newspapers:

Afrikaans.

APPENDIX 2I: COPIES OF LETTERS SENT TO I&APS

Letter 1: Initial invitation to participate in EIA process (inclusive of the BID).

Letter 2: Project Update Letter (Inclusive of first BID and Project Update BID).

Letter 3: Letter to inform Stakeholders of the availability of the Draft Scoping Report.

Letter 4: Records of decision for Project components.

Letter 5: Landowner Registration Process and Form.

Letter 6: Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Report and comments cut-off date.

← Municipalities

← Environmental Review Forum

← I&APs

← Libraries

-----------------------

[1] Many terms are used to define individuals and organisations that participate in the IEM process. These include the public, I&APs, role players and stakeholders. For the purposes of this report, the term “Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs)” will be used predominantly. However, in certain cases, some of the other terms are used interchangeably

[2] Various organisations and or decision-making bodies (e.g. Farmers Associations, non-government organisations, Regional and local government structures) were invited to send an individual to attend the Environmental Review Forum Workshops.

[3] A detailed explanation of the servitude negotiation process is provided in Chapter 4.

[4] The process regarding the Cape Strengthening Programme project components is documented in a Public Document in Appendix 4. It is important to note that Records of Decision (ROD) (add to acronyms) were received for the four projects that were not cancelled and the public has been duly informed of the RODs. Thus this report does not deal with the other components of the Cape Strengthening Programme.

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