Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv E2068 Executive Summary v16 INTRODUCTION A Terms of Reference for the EIA of the water exploration and abstraction was approved by DEA. An environmental and social baseline survey was carried out by Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants (MNRC) in 2007 and is to be used by the consultant as part of the EIA. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) deals with the wellfield water supply for the Morupule B Power Station Phase 1 (600 MW) development. The proposed wellfield exploration and development falls into the category of developments that require an EIA. This document constitutes the EIS for the project. The EIS has been compiled in compliance with section 10 of the EIAA. The goal of the EIA is as stated in the ToR "to ensure that the objectives of the Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station Expansion Project are achieved within a framework of negative environmental impacts that can be mitigated at a reasonable cost." STATUS AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK Botswana Power Corporation received written permission from the Ngwato Land Board to carry out exploration activities for water abstraction in the wellfield area. The following policy, strategies, planning and legal documents were reviewed in relation to this project a) Planning context · The Town and Country Planning Act (1980) · The Land Control Act · Central District Development Plan 6 · National Development Plan · Vision 2016 · National Water Master Plan · National Energy Policy · Botswana Strategy for Waste Management, 1978 b) International Commitments Influencing Local Planning · Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was ratified in 1995; · Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as water fowl habitats (Ramsar Convention, 1997); · SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses Systems ­ 1995; · UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) 1996; · UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1994; · Kyoto Protocol 2005; · Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1997; · Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1992; and · Basel Convention. · Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). · Botswana Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2004) i January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv c) Legislative context · The Tribal Land Act of 1970 (As amended in 1993 and 1999); · The Acquisition of Property Act of 1955; · The Water Act of 1968 (Draft Water Act, 2005 and Draft Water Regulations, 2005); · The Public Health Act of 1981; · The Monument and Relics Act of 2001; · The Waste Management Act of 1998; · The Town and Country Planning Act of 1977; · The Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974; · The Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act of 1978; · The Mines and Minerals Act (As amended in 1999); · The Mines, Quarries, Works Machinery Act of 1978; · The Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 2005; and · The Land Control Act of 1975. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The existing Morupule Power Station is currently supplied with water through a pipeline from 10 dedicated production boreholes (Paje wellfield) located approximately 50 km from Morupule. The water is transported to Morupule Power Station under the effects of gravity, via a 60 cubic metres (m3) collector station at the well site. The present annual water consumption at the plant is between 600,000 and 700,000 m3 of water. The primary motivation for the new wellfield is to provide water for the proposed Morupule B Power Station. The power station is required to reduce Botswana's dependency on imported power from neighbouring countries. The proposed wellfield for water supply to the Morupule B Power Station is to be situated west of the existing Paje Wellfield, north west of Serowe. Raw or process water will be sourced from the wellfield currently under investigation in proximity to the Paje Wellfield. It is estimated that approximately 2 million m3 of raw water per annum will be required by 2023 for the existing Morupule Power Station and the proposed Morupule B Power Station. Water will be extracted from production boreholes using electrical pumps. Power will be transferred to the pumps via overhead powerlines. Wellfield design and reticulation is not complete and should be prepared in late 2008. A total of 55 boreholes were drilled (12 exploration, 35 production and 8 monitoring boreholes) and 45 were test pumped. The total calculated recommended yield, excluding interference effects, for the 34 tested production boreholes is from 2.12M m3/annum for a 10hr pumping day to 3.4Mm3/annum for a 16hr pumping day. The groundwater consultants have identified a resource that can supply 1.5Mm3/annum to 2030 and beyond. A maximum potential yield for the new wellfield is predicted to be around 3.8million m3/year to 2030. However, the wellfield is almost entirely reliant on storage for its supply, and will abstract groundwater at a rate that is beyond sustainability (mining of the resource will occur at a rate of 1m/annum. The groundwater exploration consultants identified a number of scenarios for water abstraction, these are: ii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Scenario 1 Predicted Drawdown at 1.5 million m3/y + 500,000 m3/y Paje: The existing Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/yr and the new boreholes supplying 1.5Mm3/yr from 2010 to 2030. The model predicts that water levels will decrease by up to a third of the available drawdown over a twenty-year period in three boreholes (Z12692, Z12693 and Z12694). The remainder show predicted drawdowns of less than 30%. Mining of the groundwater resources takes place at a rate of ~1m/annum. · Scenario 2 Predicted Drawdown at 1.5 million m3/y south + 500,000 m3/y Paje. Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/yr and the new boreholes to the south of the dyke DD10 supplying the remaining water demand of 1.5Mm3/yr from 2010 to 2030. If the southern wellfield were developed first, this would allow time to gather more data so that the calibration of the northern compartment can be improved. The water demand for this scenario is the same as in Scenario 1, except that the new wellfield portion of 1.5 million m3/year is provided entirely by the southern compartment. The greatest impact predicted at any one borehole is up to a third of available drawdown, similar to Scenario 1. The predicted drawdowns are generally less than 30% of the available drawdown. Mining of the groundwater resources takes place at a rate of ~1m/annum. · Scenario 3 Predicted Drawdown at 2 million m3/y + 500,000 m3/y Paje. Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/yr and the new boreholes supplying 2Mm3/yr from 2010 to 2030. The results showed an increase in drawdown, particularly amongst boreholes in the southern compartment, where water levels in some boreholes were predicted to fall to just under 50% of available drawdown. However, the predicted drawdowns are still not excessive, and the wellfield is expected to cope with the additional demand. · Scenario 4 Predicted Drawdown at Maximum wellfield yield. The optimum yield for each of the new boreholes was entered into the numerical model to determine the maximum total yield of the new wellfield. The model predicted that up to 3.8 million m3/year could be abstracted from the new wellfield over a 20-year period given the existing wellfield configuration. The current 500,000 m3/year abstraction from Paje wellfield could also be sustained if the pumping rates were carefully managed. The groundwater investigation recommended that wellfield development commence in the southern wellfield compartment (scenario 2) because their model predicts that the southern compartment will be able to provide the required demand of 1.5Mm3/annum. BASELINE SITUATION This section contains a summary of the environmental and social baseline description provided by Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants (MNRC) (Appended) and groundwater information prepared by WSB/Aqualogic, together with additional information identified as necessary. These data were drawn together to prepare an environmental sensitivity map to guide the assessment. The social conditions were also described by Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants. Further key stakeholder meetings were held to obtain ideas and concerns of the affected parties. A social impact sensitivity map was prepared to guide the assessment. During the Stakeholder Engagement Process it was identified that the general concern was that the proposed project would have a negative impact on the private boreholes and wells in the area and would ultimately affect sources of livelihoods. However, farmers indicated that they would welcome the proposed development only if feasible mitigations for effects such as draw-down and change in water quality are devised and fully implemented. iii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Physical Environmental Issues Identified The main issues and concerns are: · The presence of an escarpment cutting between the northern and southern compartments of the wellfield. This escarpment is rugged and prone to erosion when tracks and pipelines are created and installed. · The soils below the escarpment appear to be at increased risk from erosion due to project development activities (access tracks and pipelines). · The hydrogeologist has identified the potential for reduced water quality in the north western portion of the wellfied due to the potential of drawing in groundwater of higher TDS. · A number of seep areas were observed on satellite imagery. The location of these seeps in relation to the aquifer is important. If there are hydrological linkages between the Ntane aquifer and the seeps, there may be an impact on poorer communities due to drying up of seep areas. · Vegetation may be slightly affected through a drop in the piezometric surface affecting deep rooted trees. · Biodiversity of plant communities; the area contains a diverse range of plant habitats due to the sharp interface between the Kalahari system and the hardveld. This difference is accentuated by the change in altitude and changes in drainage. Communities of highest diversity are the riverine and wooded escarpment vegetation. · A relatively rare plant species has been identified just west of the main road (Jatropha botswanica1) (Ecosurv/IUCN, NBSAP, 2005). This plant is not included in the IUCN Red Data List but many Jatropha species are. The limited distribution and the commercial importance of Jatropha make this a species to monitor. · High biomass of the wooded escarpment ridge (this community is both heavily wooded and contains many species of use to local communities for food notably the Strychnos species). This habitat is limited to the escarpment edge. Social Issues Identified These issues arise from both the sensitivity analysis and the stakeholder consultations: · The entire project area lies on tribal land that is administered by the Ngwato Land board and falls under the administrative area of Serowe-Palapye Sub-District. Key settlements are Paje, Mmashoro, Majwanaadipitse and Mabeleapodi. Pastoral farming is the main economic activity in the area and a source of livelihood. Livestock kept include cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and horses. Cattle constitute the largest and a significant number of cattle farmers rear for commercial purposes. · Groundwater is the only source for the area. Most residents draw it either through boreholes or hand dug wells. Village water supply is the responsibility of the Central District Council while private boreholes supply livestock and cattlepost residents. 1The Setswana name may be thotamadi (Cole 1995) iv January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Boreholes support more than 1 household as most are grouped-owned by farmers (syndicates). Other owners allow nearby farmers' livestock to drink from their boreholes. · Wells, which are shallow, are found mostly along streams on the foot of the escarpment. They are owned mostly by low income families especially women as they provide a non-mechanised and cheaper source of water. · Any impacts such as drawdown or salinisation on existing boreholes will have ripple effects on both the local livelihoods as well as at the national level. This is due to the mono-economy (pastoral farming) of the area that is dependent only one source of water. · Settlement: There are a number of cattleposts, settlements and villages in and near the proposed wellfield area. These people rely on groundwater for their use and for watering livestock. Competition over these resources or reduced water quality (through increase in TDS) will be of concern. · Distribution of people: There is a higher concentration of people in the Mmashoro area and along the base of the escarpment due to the historic availability of shallow groundwater and reasonable arable soils. · Historical sites have been identified around the base of the escarpment well within the wellfield area. · The Bosutswe area of tourism potential has been identified during the CDILUP lies within the northern compartment of the wellfield. IMPACT ASSESSMENT Impacts were assessed for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases Construction Phase Impacts No. Activity Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic CA1 Access & Sheet and Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure gully soil escarpment areas sensitive to erosion erosion Biotic CB1 Clearing of Loss of Located in the southern Neg. Low access, sandveld compartment of the wellfield power lines, vegetation borehole sites and roads CB2 Clearing of Loss of Located mainly in the northern Neg. Low access, escarpment compartment of wellfield and NE power lines, edge area of southern compartment borehole sites woodland, and roads escarpment woodland and riverine CB3 Clearing of Loss of rare Presence of Jatropha botswanica Neg. Low access, or in the western side of the power lines, endangered southern compartment and borehole sites plants possibly along the escarpment. and roads v January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation CB4 Establishment Disturbance Entire wellfield area Neg. Low of of wildlife construction areas and camp Land Use CL1 Establishment Reduced Located in the eastern side of the Neg. Low of the value of northern wellfield compartment. wellfield Bosutswe tourism potential CL2 Construction Loss of Mainly in the sandveld areas Neg. Low areas and grazing in camp surrounding livestock areas Social CS1 Exploration Speculation Wellfield and surrounding Neg. Medium Drilling and concerns communities about the development CS2 Exploration Damage to Exploration area Neg. Low and tracks in construction Kalahari sands areas. Difficulties for communities to access cattleposts CS3 Construction Loss of Sites known to exist along the Neg. Medium of abstraction archaeologica base of the escarpment within the points, l sites Bosutswe area. AIA underway access tracks assessing potential (Located in and pipelines northern compartment of wellfield sites at abstraction points CS4 Exploration Increase in Construction crews will be Neg. High and HIV/AIDS present in the area for the construction duration of construction CS5 Exploration Increase in Opportunities for sale of products Pos. Low and cash and goods construction available in the rural area Operational Phase Impacts No. Activity Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic OA1 Access & Soil erosion Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure by water escarpment areas sensitive to erosion OA2 Water Decreased Heavy pumping may reduce the Neg. Medium abstraction groundwater long term water quality of the quality aquifer for other users vi January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Biotic OB1 Water Reduced Centre of the northern Neg. Medium abstraction period of flow compartment and north eastern in drainages. area of the southern component Degradation of riparian vegetation and riverine grazing OB2 Operational Veld fires and Mainly the grasslands above the Neg. Low and associated escarpment between 250 maintenance loss of grazing (southern compartment) and 700 crews km2 OB3 Surrounding Fire within the Damage to equipment and Neg. Low land uses wellfield utilities Land Use OL1 Development Conflict with Between 15 km2 (scenario 2) - 25 Neg. Low of wellfield existing km2 (scenario 4) of overlap in commercial land use agriculture in the SE section of southern compartment (BLDC Ranch) OL2 Abstraction of Reduced Mmashoro has a population of Neg. High groundwater water supply approximately 1,628 people. to Mmashoro Village water supply located village and/or within the northern compartment drop in water of the wellfield and in the area quality potentially most affected by increase in TDS Socio-economic OS1 Water Groundwater North western sections of the Neg. High abstraction unsuitable for wellfield human consumption. OS2 Water Groundwater North western sections of the Neg. Low abstraction unsuitable for wellfield livestock consumption - reduced livestock production OS3 Water Drying up of Along the northern escarpment Neg. Medium abstraction seeps and (probably > 10 wells and seeps, wells and loss no documentation. of livelihoods by poorer segment of society OS4 Water Reduced Wellfield as per groundwater Neg. High abstraction groundwater drawdown contours. Northern availability for limits not identified. Affects ca 11 human and private boreholes scenario 2 and livestock use 3 in Scenario 4 OS5 Maintenance Increase in Approximately Approx 10,230ha Neg. Low of roads and wood and wild in Scenario 4; 4,100ha in tracks fruit scenario 2 and 3,150ha in area harvesting by between the 2 compartments non residents of the area vii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv (urban communities) OS6 Maintenance Reduced Aesthetic value of site disrupted Neg. Low of abstraction tourism and in Scenario 4 and partially points, access cultural value affected by Scenario 2 tracks, power of the lines and Bosutswe pipelines sites OS7 Power supply Electrocution Rural communities within the Neg. Low to wellpoints of children wellfield area are concerned that their children are not aware of electricity and could get electrocuted Decommissioning Phase Impacts No. Activity Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic DA1 Access & Soil erosion Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure escarpment areas sensitive to erosion. Mainly Scenario 4 DA2 Infrastructure Visual impact Entire wellfield area partially Neg. Low affected DA3 Decommission Pollution of Point sources at each wellpoint Neg. Low ing of groundwater transformers from non decommission ed power transformers Social and Land Use DS1 Cessation of Communities Depends on mitigations Neg. Medium pumping reliant on wellfield water (from mitigations) cut off from supply DS2 Decommission Communities Depends on BPC agreement with Neg. Low ing of power using power farmers supply supply cut off from grid DS3 Failure to Long term In northern compartment of Neg. Low decommission reduction in wellfield only infrastructure tourism potential of the area. viii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv MITIGATIONS A set of mitigations have been drafted to address impacts identified above. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES Alternatives are discussed in terms of (1) source of water supply; (2) project, no project options; (3) Scenarios for water abstraction as described in the hydrogeological assessment; (4) Multi-source water supply. The preferred long term option is the multi-source water supply option with north south carrier water being used in preference to wellfield water and the new Paje wellfield being used at low/sustainable abstraction. Full pumping of the wellfield should only occur when north south carrier water is not available. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The environmental management plan contains both generic and impact specific management requirements and outlined monitoring requirements for the development. CONCLUSIONS It is clear from the water resource report (WSB, 2007) that the new Paje wellfield can supply the water resources required by BPC for the Morupule B Power Station in the medium term. Pumping will not be sustainable particularly if further expansion of the power supply occurs. The southern compartment will be able to supply the water required for Morupule B while further work and monitoring on the northern compartment will allow better modelling and predictions as to the drawdown of the wellfield as a whole. Drawdown within the southern compartment of the wellfield will have social impacts while the development and operation may have a number of environmental impacts. The main social impact will be either drawdown of the water table to levels below existing private boreholes within the wellfield drawdown zone (at least 14 boreholes) or (to a lesser extent) increase in TDS of private water supplies. These impacts can be largely mitigated through either alternative water supply from the BPC wellfield or the replacement of private boreholes with boreholes drilled to the same depth as the production boreholes. There is some environmental and social concern that drawdown may impact on the seeps and shallow wells at the base of the escarpment. There are different models as to how these seeps and shallow water supplies operate and only monitoring of the impact of drawdown will be able to ascertain if the seeps and shallow wells are hydraulically linked to the piezometric surface of the Ntane. If these are found to be linked then compensation for these loses would be required. In this regard the annual wellfield hydrogeological audit would be the key tool in determining impacts. Given recent research, some of the trees existing in the wellfield may be using groundwater up to 70 m down. If this is the case, there may be either limited tree deaths or trees will come into leaf later in the season in response to the rains rather than increase in spring temperatures. HIV/AIDS remains a major concern particularly during construction phase. Only the implementation of a health plan prepared and advocated by the contracting companies will the impact be limited. ix January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv In the assessment of options, the consultants' have taken the view that groundwater is an important and non-renewable resource. The preferred option is for Morupule B power station to draw on surface water via the north south carrier whilst this option is available. This approach, in conjunction with a steady and low abstraction rate from the wellfield will reduce social and environmental impacts and allow for a more sustainable use of the strategic groundwater resources. x January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................1 1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND............................................................................................................1 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................................1 1.2.1 Summary of the EIA process ............................................................................................1 1.2.2 Preparation of ToR and Monitoring of the Exploration Activities ..................................2 1.2.3 Impact Assessment Phase.................................................................................................3 1.2.4 Summary of the Terms of Reference.................................................................................3 2. LEGAL STATUS OF PROJECT SITE AND APPLICANT, CONSULTANT DETAILS.....5 2.1 LEGAL STATUS OF PROJECT SITE..............................................................................................5 2.2 APPLICANT DETAILS.................................................................................................................5 2.3 CONSULTANT DETAILS.............................................................................................................6 3. PLANNING AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT..........................................................................7 3.1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................7 3.2 PLANNING CONTEXT.................................................................................................................7 3.3 INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS INFLUENCING LOCAL PLANNING ........................................9 3.4 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ..........................................................................................................11 4. DEVELOPMENT PLAN DESCRIPTION................................................................................15 4.1 BACKGROUND TO PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..............................................................................15 4.1.1 Existing Morupule Power Station Water Supply............................................................15 4.1.2 Project need and desirability .........................................................................................15 4.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...........................................................................................................16 4.2.1 Regional location ...........................................................................................................16 4.2.2 Proposed water supply...................................................................................................18 4.2.3 Water Supply Options ....................................................................................................18 5. BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING....................................................................20 5.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................20 5.2 CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY...................................................................................................20 5.2.1 Climate...........................................................................................................................20 5.3 GEOLOGY AND SOILS..............................................................................................................21 5.3.1 Geology..........................................................................................................................21 5.3.2 Soils................................................................................................................................22 5.3.3 Topography and landform..............................................................................................23 5.4 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER ENVIRONMENT......................................................................24 5.4.1 Surface water environment ............................................................................................24 5.4.2 Groundwater environment .............................................................................................24 5.5 ECOLOGY................................................................................................................................25 5.5.1 Flora...............................................................................................................................25 5.5.2 Fauna .............................................................................................................................26 6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING...........................................................28 6.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................28 6.2 LAND USE ...............................................................................................................................28 6.3 SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT..........................................................................................29 6.3.1 Heritage aspects.............................................................................................................29 6.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT..........................................................................................30 6.4.1 Settlement Hierarchy......................................................................................................30 6.4.2 Population......................................................................................................................30 6.4.3 Livelihoods in the area...................................................................................................31 6.4.4 Health.............................................................................................................................31 i January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 6.4.5 Housing..........................................................................................................................31 6.4.6 Water supply...................................................................................................................31 6.4.7 Electrical Supply and other energy sources...................................................................32 6.4.8 Services ..........................................................................................................................32 7. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROCESS .......................................................................33 7.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................33 7.2 EXPLORATION PHASE.............................................................................................................34 7.2.1 Outline of process followed............................................................................................34 7.3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT PHASE .................................................................................................34 7.3.1 Outline of process followed............................................................................................34 8. IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS............................................................................................37 8.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................37 8.2 SUMMARY OF ISSUES IDENTIFIED ..........................................................................................37 8.2.1 Physical Environmental Issues Identified ......................................................................37 8.2.2 Biological Issues Identified............................................................................................39 8.2.3 Social Issues Identified...................................................................................................41 8.3 SENSITIVITY ...........................................................................................................................44 9. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...................................................................................................46 9.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................46 9.2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION .................................................................................46 9.2.1 Construction phase impacts and mitigation measures...................................................46 9.2.2 Operational phase impacts and mitigation measures....................................................46 9.2.3 Decommissioning phase impacts and mitigation measures...........................................47 9.3 MITIGATIONS..........................................................................................................................54 10. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................56 10.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................56 10.2 SOURCE OF WATER SUPPLY....................................................................................................56 10.3 PROJECT, NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVES..................................................................................57 10.4 PUMPING SCENARIOS AS PER THE HYDROGEOLOICAL STUDY...............................................57 10.5 MULTI-SOURCE ALTERNATIVE ..............................................................................................58 11. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................59 12. REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................60 13. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ....................................................................62 13.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................62 13.1.1 Overview of EMPs..........................................................................................................62 13.2 MMASHORO WELLFIELD ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE .....................................................63 13.3 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES...............................................................................................64 13.3.1 Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) ............................................................................64 13.3.2 Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO)............................................................................64 13.3.3 Representative Engineer (RE)........................................................................................65 13.3.4 Contractor......................................................................................................................65 13.3.5 Environmental Manager/ Officer (EM)..........................................................................66 13.3.6 Independent Wellfield Auditor .......................................................................................66 13.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................67 13.4.1 Environmental Legislation.............................................................................................67 13.4.2 General Site Procedures ................................................................................................67 13.4.3 Contractor's Camp/Materials Storage Area..................................................................67 13.4.4 Demarcation of the Site..................................................................................................67 13.4.5 Protection of Flora, Fauna, Natural Features...............................................................68 ii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 13.4.6 Protection of Archaeological Material ..........................................................................68 13.4.7 Site Clearance and Excavations.....................................................................................68 13.4.8 Ablution Facilities..........................................................................................................69 13.4.9 Refuse and Waste Management......................................................................................69 13.4.10 Water Supply..............................................................................................................69 13.4.11 Erosion and Sedimentation Control...........................................................................69 13.4.12 Equipment and Groundwater Pollution.....................................................................70 13.4.13 Materials Use, Handling, Storage and Transport......................................................70 13.4.14 Gravel and Other Borrow Material ...........................................................................70 13.4.15 Emergency Procedures ..............................................................................................70 13.4.16 Environmental Awareness Training...........................................................................71 13.4.17 Community Relations .................................................................................................72 13.4.18 Site and Construction Camp Rehabilitation...............................................................72 13.4.19 Payment for Environmental Specifications................................................................72 13.5 SPECIFIC EMP ACTIVITIES.....................................................................................................72 13.6 MONITORING REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................88 13.6.1 Monitoring Requirements relating to EIA Recommendations .......................................88 13.6.2 Monitoring Requirements Arising from the Hydrogeological Assessment of Impacts...94 14. ANNEXURE 1: APPROVAL OF THE SCOPING/TOR REPORT (SEPTEMBER 2005) 98 15. ANNEXURE 2: NATIONAL MUSEUMS APPROVAL OF THE AIA............................102 16. ANNEXURE 3: PERMISSIONS FROM THE NGWATO LAND BOARD FOR WELLFIELD EXPLORATION.......................................................................................................103 17. ANNEXURE 4: LIST OF BOREHOLE AND WELL OWNERS AS SUPPLIED BY THE GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS ...............................................................105 18. ANNEXURE 5: LIST OF PEOPLE CONTACTED DURING THE EIA........................106 18.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS (MANTSWE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSULTANTS)...................106 18.2 FARMERS..............................................................................................................................106 18.3 FEEDBACK PUBLIC MEETINGS 19-21ST AUGUST 2008 (ECOSURV) ......................................106 19. ANNEXURE 6: DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE EIA, EIS AND EMP (EXCERPT FROM THE BPC TOR, 2005).....................................................................................108 List of Tables Table 1: Stratigraphic Sequence of the Karoo formation...................................................... 22 Table 2: Iron levels in the 6 boreholes that were above the 1.5mg/l level............................. 25 Table 3: Terrestrial Arthropods Identified in Botswana......................................................... 26 Table 4: Population figures for key settlements (1981-2001) ............................................... 31 Table 5: List of Farmers Consulted...................................................................................... 35 Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis of Physical Environmental Issues............................................ 39 Table 7: Sensitivity analysis of biological issues .................................................................. 41 Table 8: Sensitivity analysis of Social issues ....................................................................... 44 iii January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 9: Summary of potential construction phase environmental impacts, mitigations and residual impacts (note that mitigations are written directly under each impact) .................... 47 Table 10: Summary of potential operational phase environmental impacts mitigations and residual impacts................................................................................................................... 50 Table 11: Summary of potential decommissioning phase environmental impacts mitigations and residual impacts............................................................................................................ 53 Table 12: EMP requirements relating to the construction phase .......................................... 73 Table 13: EMP requirements relating to the operation phase............................................... 78 Table 14: EMP requirements relating to the decommissioning phase.................................. 85 Table 15: Monitoring requirements for the construction phase............................................. 88 Table 16: Monitoring requirements for the operational phase .............................................. 90 Table 17: Monitoring requirements for decommissioning ..................................................... 93 List of Figures Figure 1: Location of the wellfield and the production boreholes.......................................... 17 Figure 2: Average monthly rainfall for the Palapye area from 1989 ­ 2006 (Based on BPC data).................................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 3: Land Use and Settlement ..................................................................................... 29 Figure 4: Discussions with farmers residing within the wellfield area ................................... 34 Figure 5: Diagram of approximate location of physical environmental issues and concerns. 38 Figure 6: Diagram of approximate location of biological Issues and concerns...................... 40 Figure 7: Diagram of approximate location of socio-economic issues.................................. 43 Figure 8: Combined social, physical and biological sensitivity of the wellfield area .............. 45 Figure 9: Proposed organizational structure for construction and operation of the wellfield.. 63 iv January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Abbreviations AIA Archaeological Impact Assessment BLDC Botswana Livestock Development Corporation BID Background Information Document BOBS Botswana Bureau of Standards BPC Botswana Power Corporation BSAP Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CCD Convention to Combat Desertification CDILUP Central District Integrated Land Use Plan CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species DEA Department of Environmental Affairs DEAR Draft Environmental Assessment Report DWA Department of Water Affairs EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIAA Environmental Impact Assessment Act EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMP Environmental Management Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment GIS Geographic Information Systems GDP Gross Domestic Product HIV/AIDS Human Immune Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome IA&Ps Interested and Affected Parties IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Natural Resources MNRC Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants MDGs Millennium Development Goals NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NMMAG National Museum, Monuments and Art Gallery NDP 9 National Development Plan 9 NDPs National Development Plans NEPAD New Partnership for Africa Development NWMP National Water Master Plan NWMPR National Water Master Plan Review SADC Southern African Development Community SEP Stakeholder Engagement Process SPC Special Purpose Companies TDS Total Dissolved Solids ToR Terms of Reference UN United Nations UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WBG World Bank Group WRC Water Resources Council WSB Water Surveys Botswana v January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 1 Introduction 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project background The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has identified the need to increase the national power generation capacity and will commission and run a new coal-fired, steam turbine driven thermal plant with a capacity of 600 MW (4 units of 150 MW each) together with necessary associated infrastructure. At present the existing 132MW power station at Morupule relies on water from the Paje wellfield, operated by BPC. The existing wellfield cannot be expanded for the increased water demand to meet the requirements of the proposed 600MW power station. Water supply for the power station is critical to its operation and BPC requested Ngwato Land Board to assign a water exploration area. Permission was given for an area adjacent to Paje. The water exploration phase was subject to environmental monitoring. The overall goal of the groundwater exploration project was to find enough groundwater resources to meet the water demand for Morupule B Power Station. A Terms of Reference for the EIA of the water exploration and abstraction was approved by DEA. An environmental and social baseline survey was carried out by Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants in 2007 and is to be used by the consultant as part of the EIA. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) deals with the wellfield water supply for the Phase 1 (600 MW) development In December 2007, Ecosurv successfully tendered to undertake the required EIA for the wellfield. The contract was awarded by BPC in January 2008. 1.2 Environmental Impact Assessment 1.2.1 Summary of the EIA process The proposed wellfield exploration and development falls into the category of developments that require an EIA. An EIA typically comprises two phases, namely a preliminary assessment or Scoping Phase which prepares the ToR and a detailed Impact Assessment Phase. The Scoping Phase identifies issues and concerns related to the project. The detailed Impact Assessment Phase comprises specialist studies to assess specific issues and concerns. 1 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Each of these phases culminates in the submission of a report for consideration by the relevant authority, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), after which permission is granted for the project to be implemented or an indication given on the way forward. A schematic diagram of the EIA process in terms of the EIAA is provided on the following page of this report (Figure 2). 1.2.2 Preparation of ToR and Monitoring of the Exploration Activities · Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the EIA process in terms of the EIA Act 2 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 1.2.3 Impact Assessment Phase The report produced at the culmination of the detailed Impact Assessment Phase is referred to as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Prior to compilation of the EIS, the EIA Act requires DEA approval of a Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EIS. The ToR explains what studies will be done in the impact assessment phase and provides a brief outline of the EIS This document constitutes the EIS for the project. The EIS has been compiled in compliance with section 10 of the EIAA. The main objectives of the EIS are summarised as follows: · To undertake specialist studies in archaeology, ecology, land-use, social impact, noise impact, air quality and hydrogeology to ensure an informed understanding of the existing biophysical and socio-economic environment; · To provide an objective, unbiased assessment of the significance of possible impacts of the development on the environment so as to allow for informed participation and decision-making by Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs); · To identify appropriate and practical mitigation measures which will prevent and/or reduce the significance of identified impacts to acceptable levels; and · To provide a document which is understandable to the general public and which addresses the requirements of the EIAA and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank Group (WBG). The approach adopted for this EIA is consistent with international best practice and the draft guidelines issued by the DEA. 1.2.4 Summary of the Terms of Reference The goal of the EIA is understood to be "to ensure that the objectives of the Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station are achieved within a framework of negative environmental impacts that can be mitigated at a reasonable cost." (Source: ToR). Specific objectives were prepared with the view that the water resources consultant and the EIA team would work together during wellfield identification and modelling (BPC 2005). Unfortunately the timing of the two activities has not coincided and the EIA is running after the wellfield has been identified, modelling completed and abstraction scenarios prepared (by the water resource consultants). As a result some of the original objectives cannot be met. The objectives were: a. Identification of the potential and identified impacts of groundwater development in the project area and any other areas that may be identified for development during the implementation of the groundwater development project. b. Evaluation of the proposed wellfield development areas and their comparative assessment in the context of issues outside of the groundwater development Consultant's technical assessment. In addition, all alternative solutions should be assessed based on a comprehensive analysis of technical, social and economic factors. The various elements that need to be considered in detail in developing the alternatives include 1) location of the production wellfields 2) pipe line routes, 3) sustainability of the wellfields, 4) modelling the impacts of the expected abstraction rates and 5) feasibility of operating and maintaining these wellfields. 3 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv c. Identification of resources that could be lost or altered by the proposed works of the Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station Expansion Project. d. Review of project design2 and advise on its environmental and social3 suitability e. Develop an effective evaluation, comprehensive and practical method of monitoring post development impacts The scope of the EIA is understood to be: · Social and environmental impact assessment of the proposed wellfield development area · Environmental and social assessment of proposed alternative solutions. Alternatives to cover production wellfields, sustainability of wellfields, abstraction impacts. · Monitoring programme (excluding hydrogeological) for the environmental and social impacts and mitigations identified. The EIA has concentrated on the specific scope of work identified in the ToR for the EIA, EIA and EMP as appended (Annexure 6). 2Design in this context refers to the location of production and monitoring boreholes and proposed pumping scenarios. 3Italics is text added by the consultant 4 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 2 Legal status of project site and applicant, consultant details 2. LEGAL STATUS OF PROJECT SITE AND APPLICANT, CONSULTANT DETAILS 2.1 Legal status of project site Botswana Power Corporation received written permission from the Ngwato Land Board to carry out exploration activities for water abstraction in the wellfield area. Letter from Land Board appended (Appendix 1). 2.2 Applicant details The details of the project applicant are provided hereunder. Botswana Power Project Applicant Corporation Contact Person Mr. M. Badirwang Postal Address (Head Office) PO Box 48, Gaborone Motlakase House, Macheng Physical Address (Head Office) Way, Gaborone Telephone Number (267) 360 3000 Fax Number (267) 390 8674 E-mail Address Badirwangm@bpc.bw BPC is Botswana's national electricity utility established in terms of the Botswana Power Corporation Act of 1974. The utility is wholly-owned by the Government of the Republic of Botswana and its operations fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources. 5 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 2.3 Consultant details Details of the lead consultants are provided hereunder. EIA Consultant Ecosurv (Project Management) Contact Person Mr. T. Phuthego Postal Address PO Box 201306, Gaborone Unit B1, Kgale Siding Office Physical Address Complex, Gaborone Telephone Number (267) 316 1533 Fax Number (267) 316 1878 E-mail Address phuthego@ecosurv.com 6 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 3 Planning and legislative context 3. PLANNING AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 3.1 Introduction The planning and legislative context in which the proposed project is positioned was described in the Environmental Scoping Report (2004). This section of the EIA provides additional information with respect to the planning and legislative framework that is relevant to the proposed development of the Morupule B Power Station. Additional references to legal requirements, thresholds and policies are contained within the appendices of the specialist reports prepared under this EIA. 3.2 Planning context The majority of land use planning in Botswana is governed by the regulations promulgated under the Town and Country Planning Act of 1980 and the Land Control Act of 1975. A summary of these Acts and other relevant policies and plans is provided hereunder. The Town and Country Planning Act (1977) The Town and Country Planning Act of 1980 establishes a framework for the orderly and progressive development of land in urban and rural areas. The Act is applicable in planning areas only and ensures that land is available for expansion purposes as well as other infrastructure service. The Palapye Planning Area was established in terms of this Act in April 1995. The Land Control Act The Land Control Act of 1975 regulates the transactions, which involves the sale and purchase of agricultural land. BPC will have to conform to these regulations if it wishes to purchase any land from farmers for servitude purposes or buffer zones. Central District Development Plan 6 The study area falls under the Central District Development Plan 6: 2003-2009. The plan supports the proposed Morupule B Power Station by indicating a need for the use of coal, the need for a Rural Village Electrification Programme, and increased pressure to use alternative energy sources. National Development Plan The development process in Botswana is guided by six-year National Development Plans (NDPs). All NDP's published after 1997 are themselves guided by "Botswana's Long Term Vision for Botswana: Towards Prosperity for All". This vision is also popularly referred to as 7 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Vision 2016 and articulates Botswana's long-term development aspirations and provides a broad framework for development within the country. Vision 2016 is driven by the national principles of Democracy, Development, Self-reliance, Unity and Botho. In addition to these principles, one of Botswana's long-term aspirations for the year 2016 is to be a prosperous, productive and innovative nation. The NDPs of the Government of Botswana are based on a six-year planning cycle, with a mid-term review every three years. These development plans are guided by the planning objectives of sustainable development, rapid economic growth, economic independence, and social justice. Currently Botswana's Ninth National Development Plan (NDP9) promotes both environmental responsibility and environmental sustainability together with economic diversification and growth. The NDP9 makes recommendations for the appropriate use of natural resources together with responsible development. Economic growth is reliant upon a stable, reliable electrical energy supply. The proposed development will assist in improving the security of supply within Botswana and reduce our reliance on power from neighbouring countries. The political and economic security that this will create is significant. For these reasons and the fact that BPC is considering environmentally acceptable coal-fired technology, it can be concluded that the proposed development is consistent with NDP9. National Water Master Plan The National Water Master Plan Review (NWMPR 2005) documents contained in 13 volumes, drives the administration of the water sector in Botswana. These review documents are a follow up to the National Water Master Plan (NWMP) of 1991 which proposed policy changes, institutional arrangements and legislative reform to address the shortcomings of the water sector, particularly relating to the utilisation and protection of water resources. Few of the 1991 Reports' recommendations had been implemented at the time of the review and thus the review documents amended some of the 1991 Report recommendations and reinforced others. The National Water Master Plan Review documents provide an overarching strategic planning framework for water resources within the country. Planning considerations within the sector range from the sociological and demographical profile of the country, to a review of all surface and ground water resources, water demand management and national resource accounting to water development modelling and the consideration of the economics of urban water. The 2005 NWMPR made key policy, institutional and legislative recommendations that had wide implications on the water sector in terms of suggested law reform, improvement on the effectiveness of waste management, environmental conservation and sustainable development. National Energy Policy The policy aims at providing a least cost mix of energy supply, which reflects total life cycle costs and externalities, such as environmental damage. The energy policy objectives are mainly that: · Energy users should have access to appropriate and affordable energy services; · Energy should be used efficiently; · The energy supply industry should be economically sustainable and efficient; 8 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · All users should have security in their access to energy; · Energy extraction, production, transport and use should not damage the environment or people's health and safety; and · In the long term sustainable energy usage needs to be implemented. To efficiently and effectively meet the national energy policy objectives, The Department carries out its functions through five sections namely: coal, new and renewable sources of energy, planning and documentation, electricity and administration. Botswana Strategy for Waste Management, 1978 The strategy states that waste management will be carried out in a manner that protects human health and the environment, and that ensures prudent use of natural resources. It captures the principles of pollution prevention, the polluter pays and the principle of cooperation. 3.3 International Commitments Influencing Local Planning In 1992, the Rio Earth Summit was held and an international programme of action was agreed to for the approaching century. This programme of action materialised into Agenda 21, which called for sustainable and environmentally sound development in all countries in order to: · Preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment; · Contribute towards protecting public health; and · Ensure prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources. The government of Botswana recognised and affirmed Agenda 21 and realised that national master planning, policies and strategies and processes are a crucial part of achieving the objectives of Agenda 21. Botswana has signed a number of treaties and conventions that bear testimony to its commitment towards sustainable development including the following: · Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was ratified in 1995; · Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as water fowl habitats (Ramsar Convention, 1997); · SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses Systems ­ 1995; · UN Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) 1996; · UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1994; · Kyoto Protocol 2005; · Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1997; · Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1992; and · Basel Convention. Botswana is also an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is involved in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) initiative. 9 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv In September 2000, 146 Heads of State and Government and 186 Nations in total adopted the Millennium Declaration. The Millennium Declaration is the outcome of the United Nations (UN) global conferences of the 1990s, which drew up a number of key global development goals and targets, which subsequently became known as the International Development Targets. The latter covered a spectrum of issues relating to security, peace and development concerns, including environment, human rights and governance. The Millennium Declaration mainstreams a set of interconnected and mutually reinforcing development goals ­ the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a synthesis of the goals and targets that need to be achieved to effectively combat poverty, namely: · Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; · Achieve universal primary education; · Promote gender equality and empowerment; · Reduce child mortality; · Improve maternal health; · Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; · Ensure environmental sustainability; and · Develop a global partnership for development. Botswana ratified the Millennium Declaration and adopted the adage of "think global and act local." The implications of the MDG on the local planning framework and context are significant. A key requirement of the MDG is that local policies, programmes and plans are in alignment with this global mandate while not forsaking local development needs and pressures. Botswana Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2004) The Botswana Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) was compiled in compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which Botswana is a signatory. The BSAP consists of eleven objectives which are aimed at achieving the BSAP guiding vision. These eleven objectives are as follows: · Better understanding of biodiversity and ecological processes; · Long-term conservation and management of Botswana's biodiversity and genetic resources; · Efficient and sustainable utilisation of all components of biodiversity in Botswana through appropriate land and resource use and management; · Coping with environmental change and threats to biodiversity; · Appropriate valuation/appreciation of biodiversity and raised public awareness on the role of biodiversity in sustainable development and public participation in biodiversity related activities and decision making; 10 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Fair access to biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of these resources; · Safe industrial and technological development and other services based on national biodiversity resources for future prosperity; · Improved availability and access to biodiversity data and information, and promotion of information exchange; · Recognition of Botswana's and the Southern African Region's roles with regards to biodiversity; and · Implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The EIA for the proposed Morupule B Power Station wellfield addresses many of the objectives summarised above in that it seeks to understand the biodiversity of the study area and to communicate this information to communities within the area. 3.4 Legislative context Key legislation relevant to the project The following legislation is relevant to the water exploration and development activities as a whole: · The Tribal Land Act of 1970 (As amended in 1993 and 1999); · The Acquisition of Property Act of 1955; · The Water Act of 1968; · The Public Health Act of 1981; · The Monument and Relics Act of 2001; · The Waste Management Act of 1998; · The Town and Country Planning Act of 1980; · The Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974; · The Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act of 1978; · The Mines and Minerals Act (As amended in 1999); · The Mines, Quarries, Works Machinery Act of 1978; · The Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 2005; and · The Land Control Act of 1975. The project-specific relevance of the most important legislation for this project is summarised for each Act below. The Tribal Land Act of 1970 (as amended) BPC currently lease their property from the Bamangwato Tribal Authority. The proposed wellfield is located on tribal land and permission exploration and wellfield study has been 11 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv obtained from the Ngwato Land Board (Annexure 3). These developments such as transmission line and water pipelines could impact on tribal land and this should be considered in the respective EIAs for these components of the development. The Acquisition of Property Act of 1955 The Act could come into effect if the existing lease area is extended or BPC has to acquire additional property for secondary infrastructure and services such as the transmission power line and water pipeline. These secondary infrastructures are the subject of separate EIAs outside the scope of this study. The Water Act of 1968 Sections 4, 7, 9,20,25,26 and 36 of the Act are relevant to the proposed project. Section 4 relates to the use of public water resources. Section 7 relates to the use of underground water. Section 9 regulates diverting, damming, storing and discharge of effluent into public water. Sections 20 and 25 relate to the suspension of an existing water right which may occur during drought. Section 26 relates to the creation of servitudes and section 36 is relevant as it mentions altering the flow or polluting public water, which is an offence. Within Protection Zone 3 disposal of industrial and sewage effluent and storage of hazardous chemicals and fuels is acceptable provided that (Water Surveys Botswana, 2000-2001): · A site investigation is implemented; · Site specific construction and operation constraints are in place; · There is no waste disposal below the water table; · The discharge is in accordance with the guidelines; and · The operator has a discharge permit. These aspects have been incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the development. Draft Water Act, 2005 and Draft Water Regulations, 2005 A new Draft Water Act has been prepared to bring about the main institutional and legislative recommendations that have arisen from the recent revision of the 1991 Water Master Plan. The Draft Water Act is aimed at the overall management of water resources in the country, including policy, planning and protection measures. It will be administered by the DWA and will replace the 1969 Water Act. The new Act seeks to address the deficiencies of the existing legislation and will provide an effective institutional and regulatory framework for the utilisation and protection of the country's scarce water resources. The principal elements of the proposed Act seek to: · Establish the Water Resources Council (WRC); · Establish a framework for the licensing of hydraulic structures; · Establish a framework for obtaining water rights; · Establish a framework for obtaining wastewater discharge permits; 12 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Provide for the enforcement of the conditions of water rights and wastewater discharge permits or for their revocation or cancellation; and · Establish penalties for the pollution of water resources. The WRC will be responsible for all regulatory, policy formulation, and management functions for the country's water resources. This Act is likely to have future influence on the proposed project in terms of the institutional arrangements with respect to governance of water use and wastewater discharge. The Public Health Act of 1981 This Act has a bearing on the health implications and public safety aspects related to the proposed project, and the BPC's responsibility to ensure a safe environment. The Monument and Relics Act of 2001 Section 19 (1) of the Act requires a pre-development archaeological impact assessment (AIA) to be undertaken by an archaeologist. The latter is tasked with determining the likelihood of the development impacting negatively on heritage resources. A specialist study in this regard has been undertaken for the proposed development, the findings of which have been incorporate into this EIA. The Waste Management Act of 1998 This Act makes provision for the planning, facilitation and implementation of advanced systems for the regulation and management of waste. Section 9 refers to the compilation of a national waste management plan, which will be developed from local waste management plans prepared by the local authority. The other applicable sections of the Act are Section 10 and 11 where BPC should conform to principles of local recycling and litter plans. The Town and Country Planning Act of 1980 The application of this Act has been explained in section 3.2 above. The Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974 This Act makes provision for the conservation and improvement of agricultural resources. The proposed development area is not identified for agricultural purposes in terms of the Palapye Planning Area Development Plan (1996). The Forest Act of 1968 This Act provides for better regulation of forests and forest produce. The impact of the loss of the woodland vegetation as a result of the proposed development has been assessed in the ecological and social impact specialist studies respectively. The Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act of 1978 This Act provides a framework in which bush and other fires can be prevented and controlled. 13 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The Mines and Minerals Act of 1999 This Act regulates mining and minerals and the granting /renewal and termination of mineral concessions. The Act is of particular application to the required expansion of the Morupule Colliery. The Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act of 1978 This Act has implications on excavation of borrow materials and licensing of these activities EIA Act of 2005 The intention of this Act is to ensure that the implications of policies, programmes and development projects are fully evaluated prior to implementation thereof. EIA are required to be undertaken where policies, programmes and/or projects are likely to have a significant effect on the environment. The Act is administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs, through the Environmental Affairs Council, which was established under the Act. Under Section 3 of the Act, the Minister will prescribe a list of activities that will require an EIA. Any licensing authority for activities for subject to an EIA may not issue a license or permit for the activity until due authorisation of the activity has been granted under the EIA Act. The EIA for the proposed development has been undertaken in accordance with this Act and the Draft Guidelines (2006) issued in respect thereof. Land Control Act of 1975 The application of this Act to the proposed development has been described in section 3.2.3 above. 14 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 4 Development plan description 4. DEVELOPMENT PLAN DESCRIPTION 4.1 Background to project description 4.1.1 Existing Morupule Power Station Water Supply Water supply and processing The existing Morupule Power Station is currently supplied with water through a pipeline from 10 dedicated production boreholes (Paje wellfield) located approximately 50 km from Morupule. The water is transported to Morupule Power Station under the effects of gravity, via a 60 cubic metres (m3) collector station at the base station. The present annual water consumption at the plant is between 600,000 and 700,000 m3 of water. The raw water pipeline terminates in the raw water reservoir, that consists of 2 ponds set into the ground, with the combined basin volume being 12 500 m3. Raw water is pumped from the ponds to the fire service system and the water treatment plant. The first stage of the water treatment plant consists of five (5) vertical pressure filters, which supply filtered water for the demineralisation, potable water and cooling water systems and for backwash of the filters. The demineralisation plant comprises an ion exchange/ mixed bed; consisting of two (2) streams, each stream is capable of producing 700 m3 water per service run (a single and repeatable phased use of the demineralisation equipment). Wastewater from the demineralisation plant is collected in the neutralisation sump for pH adjustment. Once neutralised, the waste is transferred to the dirty water sump, from where the water is pumped to the ash plant for mixing with ash. The ash slurry is then pumped to the ash dams. 4.1.2 Project need and desirability The primary motivation for the new wellfield is to provide water for the proposed Morupule B Power Station. The power station is required to reduce Botswana's dependency on imported power from neighbouring countries. The importance of this need is reflected in the BPC financial results for the year ending March 2007, in which the utility reported a loss as opposed to the forecasted profit which it intended to achieve. BPC's annual report for 2006 identifies the increased cost of imported power as one of the main reasons for not achieving the forecasted profitability targets for the year. Imported power accounts for 30 % of BPC's annual expenditure and provides approximately 70 % of Botswana's power requirements. 15 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The shortage of generation capacity in the Southern African region as a whole is expected to result in a significant increase in electricity costs throughout the region. Capital expenditure on a new power generation facility within Botswana has been identified as a more cost- effective option for Botswana than the continued reliance on imported power. 4.2 Project description 4.2.1 Regional location The proposed wellfield for water supply to the Morupule B Power Station is to be situated west of the existing Paje Wellfield, north west of Serowe. 16 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 1: Location of the wellfield and the production boreholes 17 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 4.2.2 Proposed water supply Raw or process water will be sourced from the wellfields currently under investigation in proximity to the Paje Wellfield. It is estimated that approximately 2 million m3 of raw water per annum (approximately 5,480 m3/day) will be required by 2023 for the existing Morupule Power Station and the proposed Morupule B Power Station. Water will be extracted from production boreholes using electrical pumps. Power will be transferred to the pumps via overhead powerlines. Wellfield design and reticulation is not complete and should be prepared in late 2008. The results of the water exploration project were highly successful with the target water demand being met and exceeded. A total of 55 boreholes were drilled (12 exploration, 35 production and 8 monitoring boreholes) and 45 were test pumped. The total calculated recommended yield, excluding interference effects (this assumes that there will not be significant interference between the boreholes that will affect the output), for the 34 tested production boreholes is from 2.12M m3/annum for a 10hr pumping day to 3.4Mm3/annum for a 16hr pumping day (WSB/Aqualogic, 2007). The groundwater consultants have identified a resource that can supply 1.5Mm3/annum to 2030 and beyond. A maximum potential yield for the new wellfield is predicted to be around 3.8million m3/year to 2030. However, the wellfield is almost entirely reliant on storage for its supply, and will abstract groundwater at a rate that is beyond sustainability (mining of the resource will occur at a rate of 1m/annum) (WSB & Aqualogic, 2007). Available drawdown was defined as the depth between the resting water level and six metres above the first screen. The available drawdown varies from 16 ­ 100m with an average of 62m. The raw water will be supplied to the power plant via a pipeline probably following the existing pipeline servitude. Two reservoirs with a volume of 45,000 m3 each will be constructed to store the raw water (covered in the Morupule B Power Station Expansion ESIA, Ecosurv and Gibb, 2007). The raw water will then be processed in the pre-treatment plant using four (4) pressure sand filters before being transferred to the demineralisation plant. 4.2.3 Water Supply Options The groundwater exploration consultants have identified a number of scenarios for water abstraction, these are (WSB & Aqualogic, 2007): · Scenario 1 Predicted Drawdown at 1.5 million m3/y + 500,000 m3/year Paje: The existing Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/year and the new boreholes supplying 1.5Mm3/yr from 2010 to 2030. The model predicts that water levels will decrease by up to a third of the available drawdown over a twenty-year period in three boreholes (Z12692, Z12693 and Z12694). This equates to approximately 41m drawdown in Z12692; approximately 39m drawdown in Z12693 and approximately 33m drawdown in Z12694. The remainder show predicted drawdowns of less than 30%. Mining of the groundwater resources takes place at a rate of ~1m/annum. · Scenario 2 Predicted Drawdown at 1.5 million m3/y south + 500,000 m3/y Paje. Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/yr and the new boreholes to the south of the dyke DD10 (A map indicating the location of DD10 can be found in the hydrogeology Volume 2, Appendix 1) supplying the remaining water demand of 1.5Mm3/yr from 2010 to 2030. This scenario was run to assess whether the demand could be met solely from boreholes in the southern compartment, where the TDS is less than 1000mg/l. If the southern wellfield were developed first, this would allow time to 18 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv gather more data so that the calibration of the northern compartment can be improved. The water demand for this scenario is the same as in Scenario 1, except that the new wellfield portion of 1.5 million m3/year is provided entirely by the southern compartment. The use of an optimum yield has meant that the increase in demand is proportionately spread amongst the boreholes, consequently boreholes that previously had only a small drawdown have taken on a greater portion of the additional demand. The greatest impact predicted at any one borehole is up to a third of available drawdown, similar to Scenario 1. The model predicted that it was possible to source all of the additional 1.5Mm3 demand from the southern compartment without excessive drawdown in any of the boreholes. The predicted drawdowns are generally less than 30% of the available drawdown. Mining of the groundwater resources takes place at a rate of ~1m/annum. · Scenario 3 Predicted Drawdown at 2 million m3/y + 500,000 m3/year Paje. Paje Wellfield supplying 500,000m3/yr and the new boreholes supplying 2Mm3/year from 2010 to 2030. The results showed an increase in drawdown, particularly amongst boreholes in the southern compartment, where water levels in some boreholes were predicted to fall to just under 50% of available drawdown. However, the predicted drawdowns are still not excessive, and the wellfield is expected to cope with the additional demand. · Scenario 4 Predicted Drawdown at Maximum wellfield yield. The optimum yield for each of the new boreholes was entered into the numerical model to determine the maximum total yield of the new wellfield. The model predicted that up to 3.8 million m3/year could be abstracted from the new wellfield over a 20-year period given the existing wellfield configuration. The current 500,000 m3/year abstraction from Paje wellfield could also be sustained if the pumping rates were carefully managed. The groundwater investigation recommended that wellfield development commence in the southern wellfield compartment because their model predicts that the southern compartment will be able to provide the required demand of 1.5Mm3/annum, with <30% of available drawdown utilised by 2030. During abstraction from the southern compartment mining of groundwater resources is expected to take place at a rate of <1m/year. The investigation also recommended that while development of the southern compartment occurs, further investigations should be carried out in the northern compartment. The results of these investigations should then be used to develop a more robust conceptual groundwater model. The numerical model can then be improved to give more confidence in predictions for the northern compartment. Development of the northern wellfield could be set aside for future BPC expansion. Two of the scenarios have been singled out for additional investigation by the EIA, these are Scenario 2 (abstraction based on the southern compartment of the welllfield and the existing Paje wellfield) and Scenario 4 (maximum abstraction of water from both the northern and the southern compartments of the wellfield together with the existing Paje wellfield. These two scenarios are shown in Figure 1 . 19 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 5 Biophysical environmental setting 5. BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 5.1 Introduction This section contains a summary of the baseline description provided by MNRC (Appendix 2) and WSB/Aqualogic, together with additional information identified as necessary. 5.2 Climate and air quality 5.2.1 Climate Rainfall Semi-arid conditions with cool dry winters and warm, wetter summers characterise the climate of the study area. Rainfall data from the Palapye area from 1989-2006 indicates a mean annual precipitation of 371 mm with the majority of rainfall received between November and March. Rainfall intensity is a measure of how much rain falls over a specified time period. The more intense the rainfall the more likely it is to create surface run-off thus potentially filling pans or depressions and thereby creating conditions conducive to groundwater recharge. The rainfall intensity/duration curves for Palapye indicate the maximum 100-year return value as being 132 mm/hr. When compared to other stations in the area (Serowe and Orapa for example) it appears that there is a trend of higher rainfall intensity to the north where Orapa has a maximum of 172 mm/hr and Serowe a maximum of 146 mm/hr. 20 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 2: Average monthly rainfall for the Palapye area from 1989 ­ 2006 (Based on BPC data) Mean Monthly Rainfall, Morupule Power Station 90 80 Wet Season Dry Season 70 60 mm.,l 50 faln 40 ai R 30 20 10 0 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Wind Regional continental high pressure and tropical easterly systems influence the wind patterns during much of the year. The dominant winds occur from a north easterly direction with an average wind speed of 3 m/s. Strong winds exceeding 5 m/s occur at a frequency of 41%. Ambient temperature Temperature maximums in the study area generally occur during the October-March months, with June and July months experiencing the lowest temperatures. Only small inter-annual variations in temperature ranges occur. The average annual maximum temperature is between 28 °C and 30 °C and the average minimum temperature is between 14 °C and16 °C (BPC records from Morupule Power Station). Evapotranspiration Potential evapotranspiration is in the order of 900-1200 mm/year, which is three to four times the average annual rainfall (WSB, 2007). Generally, monthly rainfall totals are consistently exceeded by potential evapotranspiration. This would indicate that groundwater recharge is seldom ever really possible. However due to extreme rainfall conditions that occur in short duration and high intensity, groundwater recharge can occur particularly through transport via preferential flow paths. 5.3 Geology and soils 5.3.1 Geology A good description of the geology is contained in the baseline report (Appendix 2) and the Groundwater Resource Investigation. 21 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The rock formations in the project area that are important to the hydrogeology of the area belong to the Lebung formation, the Stormberg Basalts and the overlying Kalahari sediments. The Karoo formation shows the stratigraphic sequence of relevance to the project area. Table 1: Stratigraphic Sequence of the Karoo formation Age Supergroup Group Formation Lithological Description Kalahari Kalahari Beds Soil, sand, calcrete and clay Cainozoic Tuli Dyke Swarm Stormberg Serwe Pan Massive Amygdaloidal flood Lava basalts Lebung Ntane Sandstone Aeolian sandstone, Medium to fine grained becoming fluviatile to base Mosolotsane Fluvial red beds composed of siltstone and fine grained sandstone Mesozoic Karoo Beaufort Thabala Non Carbonaceous mudstones and siltstones with minor sandstones Upper Ecca Serowe Siltstones, mudstones and minor sandstones The Ntane Sandstone forms the upper member of the Lebung formation, the formation is further divided into more detailed sedimentary facies however for the purposes of the hydrogeologic regime the upper member, the Ntane sandstone is a fine to medium grained aeolian sandstone which is generally highly porous, uncemented and weakly consolidated. Below the Ntane Sandstone the lower member of the Lebung formation is the Mosolotsane formation. This formation is a thick sequence of mudstones/siltstones with thin coarse grained sandstone horizons. The Mosolotsane formation can be identified during drilling due to its red colour and fine grained texture. Usually drilling is completed when the red mudstones of this formation are intercepted. The Mosolotsane Formation along with the underlying Thabala formation forms an aquiclude which prevents vertical flow from the underlying Ecca formation. Over most of the project area the Ntane Sandstone is covered by the Stormberg Basalt. This unit is composed of continental flood basalt of Jurassic age (approx 180Ma). 5.3.2 Soils The soils of the area were described by MNRC (2007) and appended (Volume 2 Appendix 3) as follows: Association A - Plateau Sands: Occupy about 75 % of the western and southern part of the survey area and have as a parent material windblown Kalahari sand, which overlies silcretes and/or basalt. Soils are dominated by Haplic Arenosols, with Calcaric Arenosols occurring in small depressions and areas of impeded drainage. Most fall within the "sand" textural class and contain less than 6 % clay. These soils are very low in available nutrients and their moisture retaining capacity is too low to permit dependable crop yields under the prevailing rainfall. 22 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Association B - Pans: Occurs in isolated depressions within the plateau and includes a number of calcareous soil units (Calcaric Arenosols, Haplic Calcisols and Luvic Calcisols), as well as soils reflecting prolonged seasonal water logging (Eutric Planosols). These soils suffer the same problems as those of Association A and, additionally, may include calcareous or siliceous duricrusts (Lithic Leptosols). Seasonally waterlogged profiles are also frequendy saline. Association C - Plateau Margin: Probably as a result of the slightly increased precipitation enjoyed by these areas illuviation of clay has occurred in some of the subsoils, leading to the formation of Chromic Luvisols. While Haplic Arenosols remain a major component of this association, cultivation of areas of more clayey subsoil can produce low, but dependable crop yields. Association D - Channel Catchment in Plateau: These lie west of Kolokome in a depression in the surface of the plateau. Hosts soils in which a seasonally high perched water table has led to the mobilisation of iron oxides and the accumulation of plinthite in the subsoil. The combination of very low clay content, abundant plinthite and low rainfall gives these Eutric Plinthosols a very low dry land cropping potential. No dependable crop yields are to be expected from the soils of this association. Association E - Escarpment Zone: Erosion into the margin of the plateau has created an irregularly dissected, complex escarpment zone. Low cliffs and cappings of silcrete form topographic highs on which soils are skeletal or absent. Eutric and lithic Leptosols are the principal units, with petrie phases common. Where calcareous duricrusts have formed lower on the slopes, Petrie Calcisols are present. Along the flanks of ephemeral streams originating in the escarpment narrow ribbons of Eutric Fluvisols are preserved; these are, however, often seriously eroded and degraded. Soils of the Escarpment Zone are vulnerable to further degradation because of the steep slopes and resulting high potential for erosion, and cultivation should not be considered in this area. Association F - Escarpment Foothills: This is a complex association, with rapid changes of soil units in an area of dissected topography. The lower slopes are dominated by Calcic and Chromic Luvisols, but Luvic and Petrie Calcisols are also fairly common. Less common units include shallow soils (Leptosols), sandy, largely unstructured soils (Arenosols and Regosols) and Fluvisols adjoining stream channels. Because this association is relatively highly populated and cultivated, erosion and soil degradation is fairly widespread. This limits the agricultural potential of the association and requires the implementation of conservation measures. An additional problem is the presence of moderate levels of salinity in some of the soils occupying low lying topographic situations. Association G - Valley Bottoms below Escarpment: This association has the highest agricultural potential in the study area, partly because of somewhat higher rainfall, but also because of the higher moisture retaining capacity of the soils. These include Calcic Chemozems, in which the clay content of the B horizon exceeds 35 % in most areas. Calcic Luvisols and Petrie Calcisols are present locally. 5.3.3 Topography and landform The Kalahari escarpment, which divides the Kalahari sandy system from the hardveld, straddles the area separating the northern compartment of the wellfield from the southern. The escarpment is abrupt and results in a change in topography (from flat to undulating) vegetation and soil type. Altitude changes from around 1,245m to 1,100m across the escarpment (in the order of 145m drop). 23 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 5.4 Surface and groundwater environment 5.4.1 Surface water environment The escarpment has a number of drainages running north and east all of which are ephemeral although the headwaters of some originate from springs in the escarpment. The archaeological sites at Bosutswe area are based around springs and shallow wells used by earlier cultures. Above the escarpment there are no active drainages. 5.4.2 Groundwater environment Physical description As outlined in the Geological section, the Ntane Sandstone forms the upper member of the Lebung formation and is a fine to medium grained aeolian sandstone which is generally highly porous, uncemented and weakly consolidated. This formation forms the main aquifer. Below the Ntane sandstone the lower member of the Lebung group is the Mosolotsane sequence which has a lower permeability and water quality than the overlying Ntane; The Stormberg basalt underlies the entire project area; it forms a confining layer that prevents direct infiltration and recharge over much of the project area, locally it may have some vertical permeability due to fractures. The importance of the vertical permeability is that it limits the amount of infiltration to the aquifer, which then influences recharge, this affects the aquifer because it increases the age of the water because of the travel time between the recharge areas to the aquifer as a whole. The influence on recharge also affects the hydrochemical properties of the aquifer due to direct infiltration of rainwater of low TDS. Above the Basalt the project area is partially covered by the Kalahari sediments. The Kalahari sediments and the Stormberg Basalt are used locally for water supply; however for the purposes of the project they were not considered to be important reservoirs of water, their main importance is their effect on recharge. WSB (2007) identified that recharge to the aquifer of the proposed wellfield is from the Serwe Pan environs. Groundwater quality Water samples collected and analysed at the Department of Geological Survey indicate that the water quality is generally good, with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) generally being below 1000mg/l. There is a zone of low TDS around Serwe Pan, as the distance from Serwe Pan increases the water quality was found to deteriorate; this indicates active groundwater flow west-north westwards. The effect of the wellfield must be considered in terms of the possible changes in water quality over time. As the water levels change the groundwater flow direction will also change, this will affect water quality since water currently down gradient from the recharge area may have its flow direction reversed causing a deterioration in water quality. During the pumping tests a reduction in water quality observed after 72 hours of the constant rate test, borehole Z12691 demonstrated a marked increase in TDS from 1142mg/l at the start to 1436mg/l. This borehole is located to the north west of the project area. This may indicate a change in groundwater flow direction causing water with higher TDS to be drawn towards the wellfield. 24 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The water quality from the underlying Mosolotsane was found to increase to over 2000mg/l (TDS), this level is above the design limit for the power station treatment plant (1,700 mg/l) and is above the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) Class II limit, however boreholes were terminated when this formation was intersected; but the Ntane and the Mosolotsane are hydraulically linked. Most of the cations and anions are well within acceptable limits. However, the levels of Iron found in 6 boreholes are above 1.5mg/l (Table 2); at this concentration the taste of the water is affected. While the levels found were not toxic, water with levels of iron above 1mg/l are sometimes rejected because of staining of clothes and food and the bitter taste. Table 2: Iron levels in the 6 boreholes that were above the 1.5mg/l level Borehole Code Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 1st Strike End Development Start CRT End CRT mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l Z12451 n/a n/a 1.13 0.10 Z12682 9.73 7.64 1.04 0.14 Z12684 10.35 2.69 2.752 0.19 Z12691 10.33 3.91 26.82 1.88 Z12694 12.12 0.21 1.64 0.26 Z12700 7.06 n/a 2.12 n/a Iron Level above >1.5mg/l italics n/a Not Available 5.5 Ecology 5.5.1 Flora The project area was identified by MNRC to fall into the sandveld vegetation type comprising of Eastern Broadleaved Savanna on aeolian Kalahari sand. In general, three vegetation communities dominate the area: · Colophospermum mopane woodland mixed with Terminalia sericea and Combretum imberbe; · Colophospermum mopane, Acacia4 nigrescens mixed with Combretum apiculatum and Acacia tortilus vegetation community; J. botswanica Radcliffe-Smith (KB 46(1): · Terminalia sericea, Lonchocarpus nelsii mixed 142-143, ills..1991). T: Botswana, with Acacia erioloba woodland community. Northern Division (Wild & Drummond 6818 [K, LISC, PRE, SRGH]), - D: N and A full description of vegetation in the study area is SE Botswana; Brachystegia woodland. [1] Hairy herbs to 30 cm, stems few from included in the MNRC report (Volume 2 Appendix 3) a large red tuberous R; L to 9 x 7 cm, deeply 5-lobed, lobes oblong-lanceolate, A recent study carried out by Obakeng (2007) on deep to 6 x 2 cm. margins shallowly and rooted vegetation in the area came to some interesting irregularly toothed, sparsely glandular, conclusions. He found that the trees sampled accessed petioles to 2 cm; stipules 2 mm, bristly- glandular, deciduous; Inf to 8.5 cm with moisture up too 70m depth (A. erioloba and Boscia. peduncle to 4 cm, laxly flowered; male FI albitrunca). Securidaca longipedunculata (up to 60m) and with Sep to 2.5 x 1 mm, glandular, Pet T. sericea (recorded up to 15m). Fortunately, in all but two 5.5 x 1.5 mm, yellow, NGI free, St 8; boreholes, the first Ntane water strikes were below this female FI with Sep 3 x 2 mm, Pet .as in male FI, Nec disc lobed; Fr obovoid, 9 x depth at an average depth of 112.5±24.5m. The trees of 8 mm; Se not known. (Source Radcliffe- the area are not unique nor legally protected and if, in the Smith in Eggli 2002) 4Acacia in Africa have been divided into the genera Senegalia and Vachellia 25 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv unlikely event, some loss occurs, the impact on the ecology of the area would be minimal. A relatively rare plant species has been identified just west of the main road (Jatropha botswanica5) (Ecosurv/IUCN, NBSAP, 2005). This plant is not included in the IUCN Red Data List but many Jatropha species are. Its limited distribution and the commercial importance of Jatropha make this a species to monitor. 5.5.2 Fauna Avifauna The Khama Rhino Sanctuary has a bird species list of over 300 species. This high number is probably a result of the habitat diversity of the area resulting from the interface between the hardveld, escarpment, sandveld and pan. Invertebrates Although a collection of invertebrates was made of the Serowe area, there has been no specific collection made for the proposed wellfield area. Nearly 800 species of arthropod have been identified in Botswana. Table 3: Terrestrial Arthropods Identified in Botswana Order/Family Common Name Number of species Acrididae Grasshoppers 159 Lepidoptera Butterflies 240 Myrmeleontidae Antlion 62 Anthicidae Beetles 65 Dytiscidae Water beetles 117 Coccinellidae Ladybird Beetles 32 Pleidae Water Bugs 2 Scarabidae (Cetoniini) Dung Beetles 55 Odonata Dragon Flies 64 National Total 796 Source: Environmental Statistics Report, 2000 Central Statistics Office Reptiles, amphibians and mammals The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Ecosurv/IUCN, 2005) indicates that there are 34 Amphibian species in Botswana. The Giant Bullfrog is considered as threatened (Red Data List) and the Kavanga Pygmy Toad (Bufo kavangensis) is endemic. The toad is not expected to occur in the project area. The python, which occurs in the wellfield area is protected under the Conservation and National Parks Act. There are three species of endemic reptiles: Makgadikgadi Spiny Agama (Agama Makgadikgadica), Tsodilo Thick-toed Gecko (Pachydactylus tsodiloensis) and the 5The Setswaan name may be thotamadi (Cole 1995) 26 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Kavango Pigmy Toad (Bufo kavangensis). These species are found in very limited parts of the country and are not located in the project area. The presence of wildlife within the project area is discussed adequately in the MNRC Report. Apart from Khama Rhino Sanctuary there are no significant populations of wildlife either resident in or migrating through the area. 27 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 6 Socio-economic environmental setting 6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 6.1 Introduction Detailed socio-economic baseline information has been presented in the Environmental Baseline Report (MNRC, 2007). This section therefore provides a summary of the socio- economic environmental setting of the proposed development. The summaries have been augmented with data that were sourced from existing literature that includes the Central District Development Plan 6, Central District Council Land Use Plan, Botswana National Settlement Policy, Central Statistics Office documents. More data primary data were collected during fieldwork for the EIA phase. The study area is located in the Central District within the Serowe ­Palapye sub-district. The proposed project will cover a much larger area, stretching from Paje in the southeast to Palamaokuwe cattlepost in the southwest through to Mmadikolobe cattlepost in the northwest, and Mmasekotlele cattlepost in the northeast. 6.2 Land use Livestock production particularly cattle is the dominant economic activity in the area. It is driven by groundwater which supplies both livestock and residents. Few ploughing fields are found near Mmashoro village and to the east of the Serowe-Orapa road. The location of settlements and existing gazetted land uses are indicated in Figure 3. 28 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 3: Land Use and Settlement 6.3 Socio-cultural environment 6.3.1 Heritage aspects Some important archaeological sites are found within the project area. These include the Bosutswe area which is rich with iron age archaeology and it is one of the satellite sites for the Toutswemogala cultural tradition (Segobye,1998). Local people regard the area as sacred. Existing literature indicates that the general area of the proposed project is potentially rich in sites of cultural, historical and archaeological significance. From the sites already reported to the National Museum, it is clear that sites belonging to as early as the Stone Age to historic times were likely to be found within the general area. However nothing has been recorded in the vicinity of the proposed project area. Stone Age research in Serowe and surrounding areas has been very limited. Only two sides belonging to the Early Stone Age Period has been recorded within the Serowe -Paje area. Among the many Iron Age sites found were the Toutswe type sites. Toutswe is a tradition that flourished in the Eastern Botswana around AD 700 and 1400. It is evident from the National Museum site register that many Toutswe type-sites have been identified in and around the Serowe, Paje and Mmashoro areas. The sites were mostly distinctive in aerial photography and were represented in aerial photographs as white patches which were as a result of the Cenchrus cilliaries grass that is well known to distinguish the Iron Age sites. These type of sites are also recognized in three categories based on sizes of middens found; classes 1-3 with class 1 being small and located in low lying areas or on hilltops Class 29 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 2 sites were significantly larger and were always on hilltops and finally Class 3 were found on hilltops and had very large middens. The settlement sizes and distribution of this sites demonstrated social differentiation. Data from the field shows that very little of archaeological interest was found in the project area except the pottery fragments that were found around one of the cleared borehole area (Z12686). The absence of archaeological materials around the area may be due to the deep sand that tends to cover archaeological remains. The project area was also overgrown with vegetation. These conditions made the area difficult to access and, because ground visibility was reduced, also made it difficult to locate artifacts. 6.4 Socio-economic environment 6.4.1 Settlement Hierarchy Key settlements found within the project area are Paje, Mmashoro and Majwanaadipitse. They all are tertiary settlements with Paje and Mmashoro being Tertiary II while Majwanaadipitse is Tertiary IV. All the cattlepost areas are devoid of any social amenities. 6.4.2 Population All the three key settlements have experienced phenomenal population growth between 1981 and 2001 (Table 4). Majwanaadipitse experienced the highest growth of 59.3% followed by Paje (46.7%). Paje's growth could be attributed to the existence of a Botswana Defence Force training camp near the village. 30 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 4: Population figures for key settlements (1981-2001) Population per settlement Census Mmashoro Paje Majwanaadipitse year Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total 1981 n/a n/a 476 n/a n/a 1216 n/a n/a 174 1991 408 566 974 599 813 1412 n/a n/a 173 2001 693 850 1543 1385 1266 2651 212 213 425 n/a: data not available. Source - CSO 6.4.3 Livelihoods in the area The area livelihoods are derived from agricultural activities. Some farmers rear cattle for commercial purposes and the majority who are subsistence keep them for a variety of purposes such as selling excess milk and its products and to pay school fees for their children. Some locals and those from outside of the project area are employed by some farmers as herders. Formal employment is provided by civil service and a small number of private entities such as shops in key settlements. 6.4.4 Health Health data were sought from the Serowe-Palapye District Health Office. HIV/AIDS prevalence for Central Serowe is 18.2% and this is higher than the national prevalence which is 17.1% (BAIS II). Sub-district health authorities indicated that as it is the case with the national scenario, all health facilities in key settlements continuously register other sexually- transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis. The Sub-district's response plan is articulated in the National AIDS Strategic Framework (2003-2209) that outlines the following strategic actions: · To promote establishment of mobile counselling and testing to increase the utilisation of services. · Development of educational materials which emphasise positive living with HIV/AIDS 6.4.5 Housing Housing structures in key settlements are predominantly traditional structures constructed from mud and thatch roofing. Most cattle posts boast temporary structures made from materials such plastic sheets and tree branches. 6.4.6 Water supply Groundwater is the only source of water for the area. Most residents draw water either through boreholes or hand dug wells. Village water supply is the responsibility of the Central District Council while private boreholes supply livestock and cattlepost residents. 31 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Most boreholes support more than 1 household as most are grouped-owned by farmers (syndicates). Other owners allow nearby farmers' livestock to draw drinking and livestock water from their boreholes. Wells, which are shallow, are found mostly along streams on the foot of the escarpment. They are usually owned by low income families, especially women-headed households as they provide a non-mechanised and cheaper source of water. 6.4.7 Electrical Supply and other energy sources All key settlements except Majwanaadipitse are connected to the national grid. The cattlepost and lands area derive light and heat energy from use of fire and paraffin. Borehole engines are operated on diesel. 6.4.8 Services Education All the key settlements in the project area have education facilities. There is a primary school at each of these villages; Mmashoro, Paje, and Majwanaadipitse. There are two junior secondary schools at Paje and at Mmashoro respectively, which have boarding facilities to be able to cater for students from surrounding settlements. The existence of these facilities contributes to a relatively good sub-district literacy rate that stands at 70.1% with females comprising 72.5% whilst the males are at 71.4%. This represents a lower figure than the national rate of 81.2% with females comprising 81.1% and males were 80.4% but higher than the Central District rate of 62% (CSO, 2005). 32 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 7 Stakeholder engagement process 7. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROCESS 7.1 Introduction Stakeholder consultations are an important element of an EIA since it ensures that all the Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are involved in the project. It also enhances collaboration between the developers and I&APs throughout all the phases of a project. The SEP process was conducted in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, 2005 (Act 6 of 2005, the EIAA). The Stakeholder Engagement Process involved the following steps: 1) Exploration Phase Public meetings held by Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants (2007) 2) EIA Phase · Focus group discussions with syndicate (group) borehole owners; · One on one discussions with individual cattle-post and borehole owners · Phone calls to absent cattle post owners · Incorporation of the consultation results into the EIA Report; and · Feed back meetings that will be held just before the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is submitted to Department of Environmental Affairs for statutory review. The following standards guided the SEP for this project: · Inclusive consultation that has taken place with all sectors of society and that has afforded a broad range of stakeholders the opportunity to become involved · Enabling stakeholders to provide inputs by various methods, for example, semi- structured discussions with directly affected parties · Providing stakeholders with ongoing feedback and acknowledgement, and the opportunity to verify that their issues have been considered (and if not, to receive an explanation for this). The SEP had the objectives of: 33 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Identifying the relevant stakeholders, introducing the proposed project and communicate its objectives to the stakeholders; · Soliciting views, concerns, issues and comments from stakeholders with regard to the project in their respective localities; · Providing the opportunity for all parties to exchange information; · Creating a database of key stakeholders. The SEP for the proposed project has been structured into the following phases: Exploration/Scoping, Impact Assessment and Feedback on the findings of the EIA. 7.2 Exploration Phase 7.2.1 Outline of process followed Public meetings were held in some key villages (Mmashoro and Paje) found within the project area. This was undertaken by MNRC during the Environmental Baseline Report compilation phase. 7.3 Impact Assessment Phase 7.3.1 Outline of process followed Stakeholders were identified through the assistance of the Department of Animal Health and Production (Paje office), interaction with some individuals who are familiar with the project area and borehole owners database compiled by Water Surveys Botswana (2007). Consultations with farmers in the project area were conducted from 28th March to 30th March 2008 (Figure 4). These were mostly one-on-one sessions between the consultant and affected stakeholders at their respective cattle-posts. Those farmers who were not in at time of consultation were followed up through telephone calls. List of borehole and cattlepost owners that were consulted is provided in Table 5. Figure 4: Discussions with farmers residing within the wellfield area 34 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Results of Stakeholder (focus groups and individuals) Consultations Farmers that were consulted expressed the following concerns: · Many of the consulted farmers expressed displeasure with lack of consultation during the exploration phase. · The likely draw-down effect due to the BPC boreholes proximity to existing ones. This concern was attributed to the perception that BPC boreholes have been drilled deeper than the ones owned by the community. · Some farmers complained about the change in quality of their water they might experience when the project boreholes start operating. This was expressed mostly by farmers that own wells. · Owners of the wells located along the foot of the escarpment were more worried because they are tapping into a shallow water table which may be easily affected by the deeper boreholes. Solutions suggested by farmers Most farmers thought that a plausible solution to the problem of drawdown may be that BPC should cushion affected farmers against the identified impacts through the following means: · BPC should look into assisting farmers to drill their boreholes deeper (as deep as the project boreholes). One of the farmers remarked that the mitigation worked when it was implemented after one of the boreholes in Mokene cattlepost dried due to its proximity to BPC boreholes in the Paje Wellfield. · BPC should provide water for residents and livestock of boreholes that would have dried due to drawdown. Conclusions The general concern was that the proposed project would have a negative impact on the private boreholes and wells in the area and would ultimately affect sources of livelihoods. However, farmers indicated that they would welcome the proposed development only if feasible mitigations for effects such as draw-down and change in water quality are devised and fully implemented. The proposed feedback meetings should communicate the suggested mitigations to the affected people through public meetings. Table 5: List of Farmers Consulted Name Cattlepost Contact details Remarks (telephone) R.B. Watson Makhimangana 4630420 L. Mathoame Mantika 2 4630235 M. Letamo is current caretaker (72379895) L. Wright Tshoswane 71645364,71578446, 4633457 A. Mbakile Xara 71302700 P. Tsamai Kamotaka 71456112 4920200 (ext 172) work D. Gasenna Tshoswane Not provided L. Rampapo Mmadipudi Not provided Has 6 to 7 dependents E. Manwedi Mmadipudi 71578605 I. Mokone Not provided 35 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Name Cattlepost Contact details Remarks (telephone) K. Sedike Kolokome 74378128 Contact person: Agnes Seruthe - 71411560 G. Noge Kolokome Not provided M.B. Mogoiwa Not provided Contact person is Thankane Tebogo Thankane - 72274791. 4 dependents with about 600 cattle Moswetsi Moswetsi Contact person: B. Syndicate of 14 Syndicate Sebina - 71403068 farmers G. Tiroyaone Metsiamonate 4633538 Mhise Mhise Contact person: Buru Syndicate Modisenyane- 4630772 E.Maphanyane Madibamantsho 71300428 Mokgobelele Mangana Not provided Lesenepole Chief G. Moampe Monganaesi Not provided Chepete is the brother to the owner Molato Khubulantsa Not provided Contact person: Boitaolo K. Molato (Dennis Motors) T. Motswagole Makhi 4633594 D. Blackbeard Xwagoree 4630420 M. Ntshabiwa Mokene Not provided K. Dinaane Bosutswe Not provided Q. Notha 4630358 O. Gasenna Tshoswane 71895660 Koonyatse Mmasekotlele 71899258 Contact person: Syndicate Kgosi Koonyatse (Paje)-71899258 36 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 8 Identification of impacts 8. IDENTIFICATION OF IMPACTS 8.1 Introduction Potential impacts of the project during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the development are discussed in this section. 8.2 Summary of Issues Identified Sensitivity analysis was used to combine information and concerns identified from consultations, existing literature and this study into three areas of concern i.e. physical, biological and social. Information has been combined using GIS and based on a simple ranking of issues from 0 = no concerns identified for the variable through 1 = minor concerns, 2 = moderate concerns, to 3 = serious concerns identified. These concerns and issues have not been assessed in terms of expected impacts, and simply serve to identify issues and concerns and to indicate where these are located. 8.2.1 Physical Environmental Issues Identified A number of data sets (Table 6) were used to identify physical environmental issues and concerns. The information and location of concerns are shown in Figure 5. The main issues and concerns are: · The presence of an escarpment cutting between the northern and southern compartments of the wellfield. This escarpment is rugged and prone to erosion when tracks and pipelines are created and installed. · Soils in the area have been classified by Landflow/FFM (2000 in the CDILUP) into vulnerability to erosion from water and wind. The soils below the escarpment appear to be at increased risk from erosion due to project development activities (access tracks and pipelines). · The hydrogeologist has identified the potential for reduced water quality in the north western portion of the wellfied due to the potential of drawing in groundwater of higher TDS. · A number of seep areas were observed on satellite imagery. The location of these seeps in relation to the aquifer is important. If there are hydrological linkages between the Ntane aquifer and the seeps, there may be an impact on poorer communities due to drying up of seep areas. WSB (2007) has also identified the drying up of seeps as a potential impact of wellfield operation. 37 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 5: Diagram of approximate location of physical environmental issues and concerns 38 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis of Physical Environmental Issues Issue/Concern Explanation Ranking and Buffers Drawdown Core drawdown zone for Not ranked scenario 2 and scenario 4 Increase in groundwater TDS Areas where there is Zone falling into scenario 2 potential that abstraction will (recommended option by draw in groundwater with WSB) = 3; and Zone falling higher TDS into scenario 4 = 2 Area where seeps observed Seep zones Ranked 3 from imagery Slope (Derived from contour) Risk of gullying and tracks Steep slopes = 3 eroding Soils (sensitivity to erosion) Derived from CDILUP 0-3 (0= low sensitivity and 3 = highly sensitive to erosion) Soils (fertility and arable Fertile soils are regarded as 0-3 low to high value value) ranked in the important resources CDILUDP) Rivers & streams Buffer distance of 50m All rivers ranked 3 Pollution risk Areas vulnerable to pollution 3 = high risk of ground and surface water (CDILUDP). Note they fall downstream of the area 8.2.2 Biological Issues Identified Biological issues were drawn from the vegetation mapping CDILUP, MNRC (2007) and NBSAP (Ecosurv/IUCN, 2006). Of key concerns are indicated in Figure 6 and are as follows: · Biodiversity of plant communities; the area contains a diverse range of plant habitats due to the sharp interface between the Kalahari system and the hardveld. This difference is accentuated by the change in altitude and changes in drainage. Communities of highest diversity are the riverine and wooded escarpment vegetation. · The NBSAP identified the small pans to the north of the area as important habitats for biodiversity. · A relatively rare plant species has been identified just west of the main road (Jatropha botswanica) (Ecosurv/IUCN, NBSAP, 2005). This plant is not included in the IUCN Red Data List but many Jatropha species are. Its limited distribution and the commercial importance of Jatropha make this a species to monitor. · High biomass of the wooded escarpment ridge (this community is both heavily wooded and contains many species of use to local communities for food notably the Strychnos species). This is a unique habitat limited to the escarpment edge. · Protected areas: The Khama Rhino Sanctuary contains a substantial wildlife population and a significant portion of the remaining White Rhino population of Botswana. The pan is a recharge area for the wellfield aquifer. 39 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 6: Diagram of approximate location of biological Issues and concerns 40 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 7: Sensitivity analysis of biological issues Issue/Concern Explanation Ranking and Buffers Plant communities Riverine and hill habitats 0-3 low to high (CDILUDP) highlighted based on woody species diversity Plant habitat biodiversity Areas of high habitat 0-3: low to high habitat (NBSAP) diversity should be avoided diversity and presence of so as to minimise potential rare or endangered plant biodiversity loss species Wooded escarpment ridge Escarpment wooded habitats All dense vegetated escarp vegetation ridge areas ranked 3 Protected areas The status of protected areas Protected areas = 3 can be affected by developments Wildlife observations DWNP Wildlife remains an important Presence of wildlife (based aerial surveys component in rural areas on 1996 aerial survey wet season) (low densities = 1 8.2.3 Social Issues Identified These issues arise from both the sensitivity analysis and the stakeholder consultations; the main issues identified are highlighted in Figure 7 and are: · The entire project area lies on tribal land that is administered by the Ngwato Land board and falls under the administrative area of Serowe-Palapye Sub-District. Key settlements are Paje, Mmashoro, Majwanaadipitse and Mabeleapodi. Pastoral farming is the main economic activity in the area and a source of livelihood. Livestock kept include cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys and horses. Cattle constitute the largest and a significant number of cattle farmers rear for commercial purposes. · Groundwater is the only source for the area. Most residents draw it either through boreholes or hand dug wells. Village water supply is the responsibility of the Central District Council while private boreholes supply livestock and cattlepost residents. · Boreholes support more than 1 household as most are group-owned by farmers (syndicates). Other owners allow nearby farmers' livestock to drink from their boreholes. · Wells, which are shallow, are found mostly along streams on the foot of the escarpment. They are owned mostly by low income families especially women as they provide a non-mechanised and cheaper source of water. · Any impacts such as drawdown or salinisation on existing boreholes will have ripple effects on both the local livelihoods as well as at the national level. This is due to the mono-economy (pastoral farming) of the area that is dependent only one source of water. · Settlement: There are a number of cattleposts, settlements and villages in and near the proposed wellfield area. These people rely on groundwater for their use and for 41 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv watering livestock. Competition over these resources or reduced water quality (through increase in TDS) will be of concern. · Distribution of people: There is a higher concentration of people in the Mmashoro area and along the base of the escarpment due to the historic availability of shallow groundwater and reasonable arable soils. · The CDILUP identified the road corridor particularly from Mmashoro north and Paje south, as an area of relatively high infrastructure investment and development intensity. · There are soils suitable for rainfed arable agriculture to the north of the escarpment. · The gazetted land use indicates commercial agriculture occurring within the south east corner of the southern wellfield compartment. · Historical sites have been identified around the base of the escarpment well within the wellfield area. · The Bosutswe area of tourism potential has been identified during the CDILUP, and it lies within the northern compartment of the wellfield. · Mineral exploration areas cover most of the study area. 42 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 7: Diagram of approximate location of socio-economic issues 43 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 8: Sensitivity analysis of Social issues Issue/Concern Explanation Ranking and Buffers Settlements All cattle posts buffer Cattle posts 3 distance 200m, localities Settlements 3 500m km and villages 3 km Villages 3 Boreholes and cattleposts 500m buffer distance Boreholes 3 Population density Polygon coverage from 0-3: low to high density CDILUDP Land use intensity Total intensity of use 0-3 low to high (CDILUDP) combining all developments Land suitability for rainfed Based on soil type High suitability = 3, Medium arable agriculture = 1 (CDILUDP) Gazetted land use Polygons Communal grazing ranked 1 and lease areas for BLDC commercial activities ranked 2 Historical sites Buffer 200m Ranked 3 Areas of tourism value Polygon Ranked 2: not presently used (CDILUDP) as a tourism site Mineral exploration areas Polygons from CDILUP Exploration areas ranked 1 8.3 Sensitivity Based on the issues identified above and their rankings (Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8), three sensitivity indexes of the area were generated i.e. physical, biological and social sensitivities. The three sensitivity indexes were combined to create a single coverage which should be useful in guiding placement of infrastructure and the development and use of the wellfield. The combined sensitivity indicates that there will be substantial issues relating to the development of the northern compartment of the wellfield and far fewer in the southern compartment. 44 January 2009 EIA Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Figure 8: Combined social, physical and biological sensitivity of the wellfield area 45 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 9 Assessment of impacts 9. ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS 9.1 Introduction Potential impacts of the project during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases of the development 9.2 Impact assessment and mitigation For simplicity, the impacts have been classified within these tables as impacts on the biophysical environment and impacts on the socio-economic environment. The impacts are further classified in terms of the phase of the development in which they are likely to occur namely construction phase, operational phase or decommissioning phase. The significance of potential impacts and the residual (post-mitigation) impacts are marked according to the following colour code: Impact of high significance Impact of medium significance Impact of low significance 9.2.1 Construction phase impacts and mitigation measures Only two negative impacts of high significance were identified during the assessment of the construction phase namely the potential increase in HIV from construction teams in the area and the potential loss of archaeological sites. The medium impacts related to the escarpment crossing the area and the associated potential of gully erosion and negative sentiment created by limited communication with communities within the area (Table 9). 9.2.2 Operational phase impacts and mitigation measures The operational phase has a number of potential impacts ranked as high. These all relate to water abstraction and include the effect of drawdown of the aquifer, potential decrease in groundwater quality and the potential impact on the council wellfield that supplies Mmashoro village. Mitigation measures will be able to significantly reduce these impacts. 46 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The following medium level negative impacts were identified; gully erosion of the escarpment and lower slopes; loss or reduced period of active seepage from the base of the escarpment into north flowing drainages and; drawdown of water in areas of shallow wells and thus impacting on the poorer segment of society. Mitigation measures will be able to reduce impacts but some will require compensation such as the impact of drawdown on existing private cattle owners. 9.2.3 Decommissioning phase impacts and mitigation measures Two medium level negative impacts were identified during the decommissioning phase. These were continued erosion due to lack of rehabilitation of access routes and the potential of cutting people off from water and power if they had been supplied as part of the wellfield mitigation/compensation measures. Table 9: Summary of potential construction phase environmental impacts, mitigations and residual impacts (note that mitigations are written directly under each impact) No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic CA1 Access & Exposed Sheet and Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure surfaces gully soil escarpment areas sensitive to and water erosion erosion runoff No roads or tracks to traverse Neg. Low the escarpment. All pipelines crossing escarpment to (1) separate top soil from subsoil, (2) be fully compacted, (3) topsoil to be replaced on upper layer (4) groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored Biotic CB1 Clearing of Removal Loss of Located in the southern Neg. Low access, power of sandveld compartment of the wellfield lines, borehole vegetation vegetation sites and roads Plan for minimum width pipeline Neg. Low trenches, service tracks to follow powerline routes where possible CB2 Clearing of Removal Loss of Located mainly in the northern Neg. Low access, power of escarpment compartment of wellfield and NE lines, borehole vegetation edge area of southern compartment sites and roads woodland, escarpment woodland and riverine Plan for minimum width pipeline Neg. Low trenches, service tracks to follow powerline routes where possible CB3 Clearing of Removal Loss of rare Presence of Jatropha botswanica Neg. Low access, power of or in the western side of the lines, borehole vegetation endangered southern compartment and sites and roads plants possibly along the escarpment. Induction to ensure that Neg. Low excavator operators aware of J. botswanica 47 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation CB4 Establishment Noise, Disturbance Entire wellfield area Neg. Low of construction human of wildlife areas and presence, camp hunting Inform contractor crews of zero Neg. Low tolerance for illegal hunting. Breach should entail removal of offender from site Land Use CL1 Establishment Bush Reduced Located in the eastern side of the Neg. Low of the wellfield cutting, value of northern wellfield compartment. powerlines Bosutswe and tourism access potential tracks All bush clearing for reticulation, Neg. Low powerlines and access routes to be invisible from Bosutswe. Full rehabilitation of pipelines crossing escarpment. CL2 Construction Bush fires Loss of Mainly in the sandveld areas Neg. Low areas and grazing in camp surrounding livestock areas Induction of all construction Neg. Low teams; All fires controlled; emergency procedures in place to extinguish fires. (not applicable during wet season) Social CS1 Exploration Little Speculation Wellfield and surrounding Neg. Medium Drilling communic and communities ations with concerns local about the communiti development es Regular Kgotla meetings at Neg. Low Mmashoro and with main land board to appraise people of progress. CS2 Exploration Wide axel Damage to Exploration area Neg. Low and widths and tracks in construction deep Kalahari tracks of sands areas. trucks and Difficulties machines for communities to access cattleposts Establish wellfield access tracks Neg. Low and avoid existing local tracks CS3 Construction of Excavatio Loss of Sites known to exist along the Neg. Medium abstraction ns archaeologic base of the escarpment within points, access al sites the Bosutswe area. AIA tracks and underway assessing potential pipelines (Located in northern compartment of wellfield sites at abstraction points 48 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Induction by archaeologist on Neg. Medium chance finds procedures. Contact NMMAG in the case of sites being located CS4 Exploration Working Increase in Construction crews will be Neg. High and crews HIV/AIDS present in the area during the construction situated in construction period rural areas Inform DHT of numbers and Neg. Medium location of construction camps; Contractors to have proven SHE or HIV AIDS policy in place; Induction from DHT; Procedures in place for the provision of condoms at each construction camp CS5 Exploration Working Increase in Opportunities for sale of products Pos. Low and crews cash and goods construction situated in available in rural areas the rural area None Pos. Low 49 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 10: Summary of potential operational phase environmental impacts mitigations and residual impacts No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic OA1 Access & Exposed Soil erosion Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure surfaces and by water escarpment areas sensitive to gullying of erosion drainages No roads or tracks to traverse Neg. Low the escarpment. All pipelines crossing escarpment to (1) separate top soil from subsoil, (2) be fully compacted, (3) topsoil to be replaced on upper layer (4) groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored OA2 Water Intrusion of Decreased Heavy pumping may reduce Neg. Medium abstraction groundwater groundwater the long term water quality of high in TDS quality the aquifer for other users Limit pumping to southern Neg. Low wellfield; Use multiple source of water supply option for the power station to allow less mining of groundwater and longer recovery periods. Monitor and compensate when TDS fall below human and livestock standards (BoBS) Biotic OB1 Water Drop in Reduced Centre of the northern Neg. Medium abstraction groundwater period of compartment and north levels in flow in eastern area of the southern seepage drainages. component areas Degradation of riparian vegetation and riverine grazing Limit pumping to southern Neg. Medium wellfield; Use multiple source of water supply option for the power station to allow less mining of groundwater and longer recovery periods. OB2 Operational Cooking and Veld fires Mainly the grasslands above Neg. Low and maintenance and the escarpment between 250 maintenance camps associated (southern compartment) and crews loss of 700 km2 grazing Induction of wellfield Neg. Low operational crews; All fires controlled; emergency procedures in place to extinguish fires. (not applicable during wet season) OB3 Surrounding Surrounding Fire within Damage to equipment and Neg. Low land uses communities the wellfield utilities clearing old grass or 50 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation lands by burning Emergency fire procedures in Neg. Low place and arrangements with Mmashoro VDC or Kgotla in place for assistance in case of emergency Land Use OL1 Development Infrastructur Conflict with Between 15 km2 (scenario 2) - Neg. Low of wellfield e and existing 25 km2 (scenario 4) of overlap operation commercial in land use agriculture in the SE section of southern compartment (BLDC Ranch) Establish cordial relations with Neg. Low BLDC OL2 Abstraction of Drop in Reduced Mmashoro has a population of Neg. High groundwater groundwater water supply approximately 1,628 people. levels and to Mmashoro Village water supply located increase in village within the northern TDS in and/or drop compartment of the wellfield Mmashoro in water and in the area potentially wellfield quality most affected by increase in TDS Limit use of northern Neg. Low compartment of wellfield until impacts on Mmashoro are better understood. Ensure monitoring wells in place to monitor potential impact on the Mmashoro wellfield. In the case of impact, cease operation of boreholes affecting the Mmashoro wellfield Socio-economic OS1 Water Intrusion of Groundwater North western sections of the Neg. High abstraction groundwater unsuitable wellfield high in TDS for human consumption . Monitor for drop in water Neg. Medium quality beyond the wellfield compartment. If identified, reduce abstraction from the western production boreholes until water quality stabilises OS2 Water Intrusion of Groundwater North western sections of the Neg. Low abstraction groundwater unsuitable wellfield high in TDS for livestock consumption - reduced livestock production 51 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Monitor for change in water Neg. Low quality within and beyond the wellfield compartment. If identified, reduce abstraction from the western production boreholes until water quality stabilises OS3 Water Drop in Drying up of Along the northern escarpment Neg. Medium abstraction groundwater seeps and (probably > 10 wells and levels wells and seeps, no documentation. loss of livelihoods by poorer segment of society Operate southern Neg. Low compartment scenario only. Monitor drop in piezometric surface in NE area of escarpment. Reduce BOREHOLE abstraction in areas shown to be affecting seepage and springs OS4 Water Drop in Reduced Wellfield as per groundwater Neg. High abstraction groundwater groundwater drawdown contours. Northern levels availability limits not identified. Affects ca for human 11 private boreholes scenario and livestock 2 and 35 in Scenario 4 use Replace water supply for Neg. Low affected legitimate borehole owners. Operate multiple water supply options for the power station to reduce drawdown and increase sustainability of wellfield OS5 Maintenance Increased Increase in Approximately Approx Neg. Low of roads and access into wood and 10,230ha in Scenario 4; tracks escarpment wild fruit 4,100ha in scenario 2 and area harvesting 3,150ha in area between the 2 by non compartments residents of the area (urban communities ) Monitor non consumptive use Neg. Low of escarpment vegetation in wellfield area and limit access to area if destructive use of vegetation is identified OS6 Maintenance Visual Reduced Aesthetic value of site Neg. Low of abstraction impact tourism and disrupted in Scenario 4 and points, access cultural partially affected by Scenario 2 tracks, power value of the lines and Bosutswe pipelines sites No new tracks or access Neg. Low cutlines opened after the construction phase; Rehabilitate areas affected by construction phase 52 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation OS7 Power supply Powerlines Electrocution Rural communities within the Neg. Low to wellpoints crossing of children wellfield area are concerned rural areas that their children are not aware of electricity and could get electrocuted As part of the regular meetings Neg. Low with the community at Mmashoro, information on electricity and any associated dangers, are to be explained and concerns addressed. All power transmission poles to be marked with warning signs and have measures to prevent children climbing them Table 11: Summary of potential decommissioning phase environmental impacts mitigations and residual impacts No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation Abiotic DA1 Access & Exposed Soil erosion Escarpment and lower Neg. Medium Infrastructure surfaces escarpment areas sensitive and to erosion. Mainly Scenario gullying 4 from runoff water No roads or tracks to Neg. Low traverse the escarpment. All pipelines crossing escarpment to (1) separate top soil from subsoil, (2) be fully compacted, (3) topsoil to be replaced on upper layer (4) groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored DA2 Infrastructure Metals Visual impact Entire wellfield area Neg. Low and partially affected plastics left in the area All surface structures fully Neg. Low decommissioned and removed to landfill. Decommissioning audit. All access tracks rehabilitated DA3 Decommissioning Oil leaking Pollution of Point sources at each Neg. Low of transformers into the groundwater from wellpoint groundwat non er decommissioned power transformers Decommission and remove Neg. Low all power transformers from decommissioned wellfield unless ownership changed 53 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Activity Aspect Impact Quantification and Nature Significance Details/Mitigation to a new user Social and Land Use DS1 Cessation of People Communities Depends on mitigations Neg. Medium pumping supplied reliant on wellfield by water (from wellfield mitigations) cut off from supply If communities have Neg. Low become reliant on BPC water supply, transfer legal obligation for operation and ownership to dependent DS2 Decommissioning Removal Communities Depends on BPC Neg. Low of power supply of power using power agreement with farmers lines supply cut off from grid If communities have Neg. Low become reliant on BPC power supply, transfer legal obligation for payment and use to dependent DS3 Failure to Visual Long term In northern compartment of Neg. Low decommission impact reduction in wellfield only infrastructure tourism potential of the area. All surface structures fully Neg. Low decommissioned and removed to landfill. Decommissioning audit. All access tracks rehabilitated 9.3 Mitigations The impact specific mitigations have been outlined in blue in Table 9; Table 10; and Table 11 above. These mitigations assume that: 1. The water pumping scenario (No. 2, i.e. use of the southern compartment only) recommended by WSB (2007) is implemented. 2. BPC implements water use minimization, the identification and repair of all leakages along the pipeline and the prevention of alternative uses of the water resource by third parties. 3. An information and communications plan is established which includes health, fire management and suppression support and monitoring support 4. A baseline of all boreholes and wells within the area affected by drawdown. Have on record all legal registrations, depth, operation, water quality, numbers of livestock or families using the boreholes. 5. There is full and written commitment by Ngwato Land Board not to allocate any further boreholes within the area affected by drawdown for both the southern and northern compartments 54 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 6. BPC will work with MCL on the provision of raw NS water as a viable alternative to use of groundwater. 55 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 10 Assessment of Alternatives 10. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES 10.1 Introduction Alternatives are discussed in terms of (1) source of water supply; (2) project, no project options; (3) Scenarios for water abstraction as described in the hydrogeological assessment; (4) Multi-source water supply 10.2 Source of water Supply During the initial investigations carried out by BPC with regard to water supply for the Morupule B Power Station, a number of alternatives were assessed (PB Power 2004). These were: 1. Water provision from groundwater (options considered were the extension of the Paje Wellfield; Palapye wellfield; Tuli basin Lebung aquifer; Khurutshe wellfield; Pala Road wellfield}, 2. Surface water options such as damming the Lotsane River or drawing water off the North South Carrier The results of the assessment can be summarised as follows: 1. Natural runoff from the Lotsane River would be unlikely to meet the needs of the power station. 2. A dam on the Lotsane would have exceedingly high evaporation rates and when modelled it was found that "In all cases this (the effective long-term average supply) is less that the target abstraction of 2 Mm3/annum." (PB Power 2004). 3. The North South Carrier: WUC feels that there are possibilities to supply the power station requirements via the North South Carrier as there is predicted surplus water for at least 15 years after the creation of the Lower Shashe Dam. It is unclear as to the volume of water that would be made available and at what cost. The consultants indicated concerns about reliability of the supply given the semi-arid nature of eastern Botswana and the high evaporation rates from dams. 4. The Paje wellfield extension was a relatively understood development as BPC has been operating the Paje wellfield for a number of years, can process the water and is able to control supply. The Paje wellfield does not require another facility (Water Utilities Corporation) and would not be subject to fluctuations in price. 56 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The decision taken by BPC was to establish a wellfield to secure water supply for the power station expansion. 10.3 Project, No Project Alternatives The main alternative available to the EIA process is the "project", "no project" options. · Project: the environmental impacts have been identified and the cost in terms of environmental costs are low whilst the cost, in terms of loss of livelihoods or land use, in the absence of mitigations, can be calculated from the approximate livestock production for the sandveld (southern compartment) and the hardveld (northern compartment). This could be considered for areas where drawdown will be in excess of 10 or 20 m depending on the depth of existing private boreholes. If mitigations are put in place to provide alternatives sources of water then the environmental and social impacts will be very low. · The no project option means that BPC will have to identify an alternative site or switch to relying on the NS Carrier for water. Looking for an alternative site would have a major national cost in terms of halting the construction and operation of the Morupule B Power Station. Reliance on the NS Carrier will have a national cost in terms of increase cost of power (relating to the cost of purchase of water) and increase risk of power failure as BPC would not control the means of water supply. There would also be an increased strain on the existing supply reservoirs further reducing flows downstream of the reservoirs and increasing competition for strategic water resources during times of drought. Given the relatively low environmental and social cost of the proposed wellfield development, the need for BPC to control their water supply and the importance of the project to maintaining national development, the project option is the preferred option. The technical and managerial alternatives to developing and using the wellfield are therefore addressed as mitigations. These are as follows: 10.4 Pumping Scenarios as per the Hydrogeoloical Study The discussion of the water supply options that were prepared by the hydrogeological consultants (WSB & Aqualogic, 2007) have been outlined in Section 4.2.3. Of the four alternative scenarios presented, scenario 2 is the EIA preferred option based on the following: · Low social impact · Low environmental impact · Abstraction limited to the southern compartment which is relatively well understood by the hydrogeologists · Water requirements can be met with less than a 30% drawdown over 20 years. Scenario 2 is the EIA preferred wellfield pumping scenario. 57 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 10.5 Multi-source Alternative The hydrogeologial modeling report (WSB, Aqualogic, 2007) indicates that recharge is low and abstraction is not renewable. Their best-case scenario for sustainable aquifer yield was estimated at approximately 258 000 m3/year or 707 m3/d with inflow being captured most efficiently in the vicinity of the recharge mound at Serwe Pan. It is considered that the existing Paje wellfield is optimally positioned to take advantage of the active replenishment of aquifer storage in this area. However, even a moderate abstraction from the aquifer will be unsustainable, and will mine the aquifer over extended periods of time. The key question is therefore `how long can we make the available freshwater storage in the aquifer last?' To reduce the rate of drawdown and allow as much time for recharge as possible, it would be useful to balance water use for the power stations from both groundwater and surface water. I.e. during wet years when there is large volumes of surface water available in reservoirs feeding the NS carrier, power station water requirements should be met from raw surface water provided by the NS Carrier thus conserving the groundwater for periods when NS Carrier water is needed elsewhere or when there are breakdowns in pumping along the NS Carrier. This approach would reduce the likelihood of social conflict and provide a more sustainable option for long term water supply. The preferred long term option is the multi-source water supply option with north south carrier water being used in preference to wellfield water and the new Paje wellfield being used at low/sustainable abstraction. Full pumping of the wellfield should only occur when north south carrier water is not available. This approach would allow for the most effective and sustainable use of national water resources. 58 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 11 Conclusions and Recommendations 11. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It is clear from the water resource report (WSB, 2007) that the new Paje wellfield can supply the water resources required by BPC for the Morupule expansion activities in the medium term. Pumping will not be sustainable particularly if further expansion of the power supply occurs. The southern compartment will be able to supply the water required for Morupule B while further work and monitoring on the northern compartment will allow better modelling and predictions as to the drawdown of the wellfield as a whole. Drawdown within the southern compartment of the wellfield will have social impacts while the development and operation may have a number of environmental impacts. The main social impact will be either drawdown of the water table to levels below existing private boreholes within the wellfield drawdown zone (at least 14 boreholes) or (to a lesser extent) increase in TDS of private water supplies. These impacts can be largely mitigated through either alternative water supply from the BPC wellfield or the replacement of private boreholes with boreholes drilled to the same depth as the production boreholes. There is some environmental and social concern that drawdown may impact on the seeps and shallow wells at the base of the escarpment. There are different models as to how these seeps and shallow water supplies operate and only monitoring of the impact of drawdown will be able to ascertain if the seeps and shallow wells are hydraulically linked to the piezometric surface of the Ntane. If these are found to be linked then compensation for these loses would be required. In this regard the annual wellfield hydrogeological audit would be the key tool in determining impacts. Given recent research, some of the trees existing in the wellfield may be using groundwater up to 70 m down. If this is the case, there may be either limited tree deaths or trees will come into leaf later in the season in response to the rains rather than spring temperatures. HIV/AIDS remains a major concern particularly during construction phase. Only the implementation of a health plan prepared and advocated by the contracting companies will the impact be limited. In the assessment of options, the consultants' have taken the view that groundwater is an important and non-renewable resource. The preferred option is for Morupule power station to draw on surface water via the north south carrier whilst this option is available. This approach, in conjunction with a steady and low abstraction rate from the wellfield will reduce social and environmental impacts and allow for a more sustainable use of the strategic groundwater resources. 59 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 12 References 12. REFERENCES Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS) II Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, 2004. Botswana National HIV/AIDS Framework 2003-2009, National AIDS Coordinating Agency CCI (Pty) Ltd, Landflow Solutions (Pty) Ltd & FFM Botswana (Pty) Ltd; October 2000; Central District Integrated Landuse Plan; Department of Lands, Ministry of Lands and Housing. Central Statistics Office (2005), Report on the Second National Survey on Literacy in Botswana Cole D.T. 1995 Setswana ­ Animals and Plants (Setswana ­ Ditshedi le ditlhare). Published by the Botswana Society. Ecosurv/IUCN 2005 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: National Stocktake. Prepared for Department of Environmental Affairs. Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants; Environmental Baseline Report; January 2007 Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development Project (Morupule Power Station Expansion); Botswana Power Corporation. Ministry of Local Government, Lands and Housing: Central District Planning Study Document (1992) Obakeng, O.T. 2007 Soil moisture dynamics and evapotranspiration at the fringe of the Botswana Kalahari, with emphasis on deep rooting vegetation. Thesis study, Vrije University, Nederlands. PB Power in association with GIBB, SRK, G4, Aqualogic, Groundwater Consultants 2004 Water Resource Assessment, Volume 4: Feasibility Study for the Proposed Generation Expansion at Morupule Power Station. Prepared for BPC. Population and Housing Census, (2001). Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Population and Housing Census, (1991). Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Population and Housing Census, (1981). Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Radcliffe-Smith (description in 1991) in Eggli U. 2002 Dicotyledons. Springer 546 pages. Republic of Botswana ­ Ministry of Finance and Development Planning: National Development Plan 9, 2003/04 ­ 2008/09. March 2003. 60 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Republic of Botswana - The Acquisition of Property Act of 1955 Republic of Botswana - The Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974 Republic of Botswana - The Atmosphere Pollution (Prevention) Act of 1971 Republic of Botswana - The Forest Act of 1968 Republic of Botswana - The Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act of 1978 Republic of Botswana - The Mines and Minerals Act (As amended in 1999) Republic of Botswana - The Mines, Quarries, Works Machinery Act of 1978) Republic of Botswana - The Monument and Relics Act 1998 (Act 12 of 2001) Republic of Botswana - The Public Health Act of 1981 Republic of Botswana - The Town and Country Planning Act of 1980 Republic of Botswana - The Tribal Land Act of 1970 (As amended in 1993 and 1999) Republic of Botswana - National Settlement Policy, 1998 Republic of Botswana - The Waste Management Act of 1998 Republic of Botswana - The Water Act of 1968 Report of the Second National Survey on Literacy in Botswana (2005). Central Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Segobye A K Early Farming Communities in Ditswammung 1998 Pula Press Gaborone, pp101-108 Smith, R.A. 1984 The Lithostratigraphy of the Karoo Supergroup in Botswana. Bulletin 26, Department of Geological Survey; Botswana. Specification 32:2000, (2000). Botswana Standard Water Quality Guidelines for Acceptable Drinking Water (BOS 32:2000), Botswana Bureau of Standards. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (2002). Water Surveys (Botswana) (Pty) 2007 Monitoring of groundwater and pollution at Paje Wellfield. Prepared for BPC. Water Surveys (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd; and Aqualogic (Pty) Ltd; Volume 11A Project Data Book; December 2007. Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station Project. Botswana Power Corporation Water Surveys (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd and Aqualogic (Pty) Ltd Volume 1 December 2007; Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station Project; Botswana Power Corporation. Water Surveys (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd and Aqualogic (Pty) Ltd; Volume 11 Project Data Book December 2007. Groundwater Resources Investigation and Development for the Morupule B Power Station Project. Botswana Power Corporation. 61 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Section 13 Environmental Management Plan 13. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 13.1 Introduction The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) was established by an Act of the Republic of Botswana's Parliament, and is wholly owned by the Government of Botswana. BPC is the sole utility in the country that has a mandate of supplying Botswana with power. Thus BPC is responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the country. In recognition of their mandate, BPC intends to construct a new coal-fired power station (Morupule B Power Station) adjacent to the existing Morupule Power Station. The proposed 600 MW Morupule B Power Station is scheduled to be ready for commercial operation by 2010. As part of the development is the need to secure groundwater resources. These have been identified in the region around Serowe and the Paje Wellfield. These resources would ensure a sustainable and fully integrated Water Supply to meet the water demand of 2million m3/year by the year 2023 for the Morupule B Power Station Project. The Impact Assessment Phase of the wellfield development (including specialist investigations) has been conducted and a number of possible impacts of the project on the biophysical and socio-economic environment have been identified. Recommendations for the prevention and mitigation of these impacts during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases are captured in this Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The EMP should be included in the Tender and Contract documentation for Contractors working on the project and for use by the future managers of the wellfield (the wellfield will probably be named the Mmashoro Wellfield). 13.1.1 Overview of EMPs The EIAA (2005) defines an EMP as "...a document representing the administration of efforts that will be made to manage any significant environmental impact resulting from the implementation of the activity". In addition the European Environment Agency (2006) defines an EMP as follows: An action plan or system which addresses the how, when, who, where and what of integrating environmental mitigation and monitoring measures throughout an existing or proposed operation or activity6. 6http://glossary.eea.eu.int/EEAGlossary/E/environmental_management_plan 62 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv At the project level, EMPs are usually compiled at three stages in a project lifecycle: · Construction; · Operation and; · Decommissioning 13.2 Mmashoro Wellfield Organisational Structure Figure 9: Proposed organizational structure for construction and operation of the wellfield Construction: The Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) will oversee the implementation of the EMP on site. It will be the responsibility of the ELO to consult with the Representative Engineer (RE) regarding instructions pertaining to contravention, corrective actions or working methods. Except in an emergency situation, where instructions may be given directly to the Contractor, all instructions given by the ELO shall go through the RE, who will then convey these to the Contractor. BPC shall appoint an Environmental Manager/ Officer (EM) who will undertake regular audits of the construction site. The EMP will be an item of site meetings, and the ELO shall attend these meetings in order to provide input with respect to compliance with the EMP. Copies of the minutes are to be sent to BPC. During the construction phase, the ELO and EM will be responsible for ensuring contractor compliance with the EMP. 63 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv During the operational phase the EM will be responsible for ensuring employee compliance. Annual audits of the wellfield are to be carried out by an independent water resources company and results reported to BPC and should be available to interested and affected parties. 13.3 Roles and Responsibilities 13.3.1 Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) BPC will be responsible for the overall implementation, administration and enforcement of the EMP. · BPC shall appoint an Environmental/ Engineering Consultant, who in turn shall: · Ensure that the EMP specifications are included in all tender documents issued for building works and activities on site, and shall monitor/enforce that the prospective Tenderers/Contractors abide by the provisions thereof; · Appoint an ELO to monitor implementation of and compliance with the EMP for the duration of the works. The Consultant/RE may be required to fulfill this function when the ELO is not available; · Through the Consultant/RE issue fines or stop works orders for contravention of the EMP and give instruction regarding corrective action. · Ensure that the EMP requirements applicable to the operational and decommissioning phases are complied with and monitored by the BPC environmental officer. · Ensure that all wellfield monitoring and the annual audits are conducted and an independent review of the results is made available. 13.3.2 Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) The ELO will be responsible for monitoring implementation of the EMP requirements, reviewing and verifying compliance with the EMP by the Contractor. In particular, the ELO shall: · Be appointed by the Environmental/ Engineering Consultant to monitor on site; · Visit/inspect the site regularly, to ascertain the level of compliance of works, as well as attend weekly Contractor's meetings and monthly site meetings with the project management team and report back on the environmental issues; · Maintain inspection reports on file; · Assist the RE in ensuring that necessary environmental authorisations and permits have been obtained; · Monitor and verify that the EMP is adhered to at all times and take action if the specifications are not followed; · Monitor and verify that environmental impacts are kept to a minimum; · Review and approve construction Method Statements together with the Consultant/RE; · Assist the Contractor in finding environmentally responsible solutions to problems; 64 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Keep records of all activities/incidents concerning the environment on site in the Site Diary; · Keep a register of complaints in the Site Office and deal with any community comments or issues; · Monitor the undertaking by the Contractor of environmental awareness training for all new personnel coming onto site; or undertake environmental awareness courses themselves; · Provide material/manuals and assistance for the environmental awareness courses; · Advise on the removal of person(s) and/or equipment not complying with the specifications (via the Consultant/RE); · Monitor activities on site for compliance with legislation of relevance to the environment; · Continually, internally review the EMP and submit a report to BPC at the end of the project. 13.3.3 Representative Engineer (RE) The Representative Engineer (RE) will be responsible for monitoring, reviewing and verifying compliance with the EMP by the Contractor when the ELO is not available or when assigned to do this. The RE's duties, will include the following: · Comply with the contents of this document as well as with the EMP specifications in the Contract Document to ensure that the requirements of the EMP are met; · Monitor and verify that the EMP is adhered to at all times and take action if the specifications are not followed; · Monitor and verify that environmental impacts are kept to a minimum; · Review construction Method Statements in conjunction with the ELO; · Assist the Contractor in finding environmentally responsible solutions to problems with input from the ELO; · Keep records of all activities/incidents on Site in the Site Diary concerning the environment; · Inspect the site and surrounding areas regularly with regard to compliance with the EMP; · Issue penalties for contravention of the EMP. 13.3.4 Contractor The Contractor shall: · Ensure that the environmental specifications of this document (including any revisions, additions or amendments) are effectively implemented. This includes the on-site implementation of steps to mitigate environmental impacts; · Ensure that all Employees and co-contractors employed comply with the requirements and provisions of the EMP; · Prepare Method Statements for submission to ELO; · Monitor environmental performance and conformance with the specifications contained in this document during daily site inspections; 65 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv · Discuss implementation of and compliance with this document with staff at routine site meetings; · Report progress towards implementation of and non-conformances with this document at site meetings with the ELO; · Notify ELO of the anticipated programme of works and fully disclose all details of activities involved; · Ensure that suitable records are kept and that the appropriate documentation is available to the ELO; · Notify the ELO of all incidents, accidents and transgressions on site with respect to environmental management as well as requirements of the EMP and corrective actions/remedial action taken; · Report and record all accidents and incidents resulting in injury or death; · Inform the ELO of problems arising when implementing the EMP and ways of improving the EMP; and · Inform the ELO of any complaints received. 13.3.5 Environmental Manager/ Officer (EM) The Environmental Manager/ Officer (EM) shall be a BPC employee and shall: · Be responsible for monitoring and verifying compliance with the EMP by the Contractor on a weekly basis; · Be liable/accountable, to the relevant authority (DEA), for any contravention/non- compliance by any Contractor; · Visit/inspect the site regularly, to ascertain the level of compliance of works, as well as attend weekly Contractor's meetings; and · Report back on the environmental issues to BPC Management. 13.3.6 Independent Wellfield Auditor The wellfield groundwater auditor should: · Prepare an annual audit of the wellfield water balance and water quality; · Recommend changes to abstraction; · Notify BPC of compensation requirements when drawdown or reduction in water quality affects the public; · Implement all groundwater related monitoring requirements identified in the EIA and contained in this document. 66 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 13.4 Environmental Specifications 13.4.1 Environmental Legislation The Contractor shall ensure that all relevant legislation concerning the natural environment, pollution and the built environment is strictly enforced. Applicable environmental legislation that must be complied with includes the following: · Acquisition of Property Act of 1955; · Agricultural Resources Conservation Act of 1974; · Atmosphere Pollution (Prevention) Act of 1971; · EIA Act of 2005; · Forest Act of 1968; · Herbage Preservation (Prevention of Fires) Act of 1978 (presently being revised); · Monument and Relics Act 1998 (Act 12 of 2001); · Public Health Act of 1981; · Mines and Minerals Act (As amended in 1999); and · Mines, Quarries, Works Machinery Act of 1978; · Town and Country Planning Act of 1980; · Tribal Land Act of 1970 (As amended in 1993 and 1999); · Waste Management Act of 1998; · Water Act of 1968 (as amended); 13.4.2 General Site Procedures All works shall be undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner. A precautionary approach shall be adopted, with any works deviating from the specification being approved by both the RE and ELO. 13.4.3 Contractor's Camp/Materials Storage Area The Contractor's camp and materials storage area shall be located at a position approved by the ELO. The Contractor shall provide water and/or washing facilities at the Contractor's camp for personnel. Accommodation and facilities will be provided as per the EPC tender documentation. Water quality is to meet the national standards for drinking water. The Contractor's camp and materials storage area shall be kept neat and tidy and free of litter. 13.4.4 Demarcation of the Site It is important that activities are conducted within a limited area to facilitate control and to minimise impacts on the natural environment. For this reason, the development site will be divided into working areas and `no-go' areas. Working areas are defined, as those areas required by the Contractor to construct the Works. 67 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The Contractor shall, after confirmation has been received from the ELO, demarcate the boundaries of the Contractor's camp and ensure that all plant, labour and materials remain within the boundaries of the working areas. Disturbance of vegetation shall be limited to this area. Maintenance shall remain the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor is advised that certain areas within the site property are environmentally sensitive or "no-go" areas, and personnel and equipment shall not be permitted within these areas: · Areas containing sensitive habitats or vegetation; · Steep slopes that are sensitive to erosion; and · Archaeological resources found on site. 13.4.5 Protection of Flora, Fauna, Natural Features The EIA has indicated that there are few ecological issues relating to the establishment of the wellfield on the present site and that the area is considered to have one known rare, endangered or endemic plant species (Jatropha botswanica). The removal or picking of any protected or unprotected indigenous plants shall not be permitted and no horticultural specimens (outside the demarcated working area) shall be removed, damaged or tampered with, unless agreed to by the ELO. In the event of this happening, the Contractor shall reinstate the damaged area to the satisfaction of the ELO. All fauna (including domestic livestock) within and around the site shall be protected. Birds and animals shall not be caught or killed by any means, including poisoning, trapping, shooting or setting of snares. Any injured animals shall be reported to the RE/ELO. Natural features shall not be defaced, painted for benchmarks or otherwise damaged even for survey purposes, unless agreed by the ELO. Any features defaced by the Contractor shall be reinstated to the satisfaction of the ELO. 13.4.6 Protection of Archaeological Material The Archaeological Impact Assessment did not identify significant archaeological material on the site. However, archaeological material may be buried beneath the surface. Should any area of historical importance or archaeological sensitivity be identified it shall be demarcated and considered a "no go area" until cleared by the National Museums and Art Gallery (NMMAG). If any palaeontological/archaeological material (e.g. fossils, bones, artefacts etc) is found during construction, the Contractor shall stop work immediately and inform the ELO. The ELO shall inform the NMMAG and arrange for a palaeontologist/archaeologist to inspect, and if necessary excavate, the material, subject to acquiring the requisite approval from the NMMAG. The Contractor shall not recommence working in that area until he has received written permission from the ELO. 13.4.7 Site Clearance and Excavations All earthworks shall be undertaken in such a manner so as to minimise the extent of any impacts caused by such activities. Clearing operations should be kept to only that which is necessary to execute the works. If requested, traditional healers shall be allowed on site to collect any plants of medicinal value prior to clearing operations. 68 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 13.4.8 Ablution Facilities The Contractor shall provide the necessary ablution facilities for all his personnel. Chemical toilets shall be used. A minimum of one toilet per 15 persons shall be provided. Toilets shall be easily accessible and shall be transportable. The toilets shall be secured to prevent them from blowing over, and shall be provided with an external closing mechanism to prevent toilet paper from being blown out. Toilet paper shall be provided in all toilets. Toilets shall be cleaned and serviced regularly by the Contractor. Toilets shall be emptied before long weekends and builders' holidays. Toilets shall be locked after working hours. Abluting anywhere other than in the toilets shall not be permitted. Use of other areas within the site for ablution purposes and/or spillage of chemicals and/or waste, may result in the Contractor being penalised by the ELO. The Contractor shall also be responsible for cleaning up any waste deposited by his personnel. 13.4.9 Refuse and Waste Management A procedure for refuse and waste management must be discussed with and approved by the RE and ELO prior to commencement of this activity. Refuse and waste refers to all solid waste, including construction debris (wrapping materials, timber, cans etc), waste and surplus food, food-wrappers etc. The Contractor shall institute an on-site waste management system to prevent the spread of refuse within and beyond the site. The Contractor shall provide sufficient bins with secure, "animal-proof" lids on site to store waste and these shall be emptied regularly. The Contractor shall also institute a daily clean up of the site. The Contractor shall ensure that chemicals and/or waste from toilet-cleaning operations are not spilled on the ground at any time. Spilled chemicals or waste shall be cleaned up immediately, to the satisfaction of the ELO. The Contractor shall not dispose of any waste and/or construction debris by burning or burying. The Contractor shall ensure that all waste is deposited in the waste bins for removal by the Contractor. Bins shall not be used for any purposes other than waste collection and shall be emptied on a regular basis. All waste shall be disposed of off site at approved landfill sites. 13.4.10 Water Supply The Contractor shall provide for all his water requirements (construction and potable water). Water is a scarce resource in Botswana and water shall be conserved wherever possible. 13.4.11 Erosion and Sedimentation Control The Contractor shall protect areas susceptible to erosion by installing necessary temporary and permanent drainage works as soon as possible and by taking other measures necessary to prevent the surface water from being concentrated in streams and from scouring the slopes or other areas. Any runnels or erosion channels developed during the construction period or during the vegetation establishment period shall be made good. Stabilisation of cleared areas to prevent and control erosion shall be actively managed. The method of stabilisation shall be determined in consultation with the RE. 69 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Traffic and movement over stabilised areas shall be restricted and controlled, and damage to stabilised areas shall be repaired and maintained to the satisfaction of the RE. 13.4.12 Equipment and Groundwater Pollution The Contractor must ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent pollution of the ground and water resources as a result of site activities. Ground contamination may hinder or prevent the re-establishment of vegetation. The Contractor shall ensure that all mechanical equipment used in construction activities is clean, and free from leaks of oil, petrol, diesel, hydraulic fluid, etc and contaminated compounds. The Contractor shall ensure that all servicing and refuelling of vehicles and equipment takes place off-site or within the Contractor's camp. The Contractor shall not change oil or lubricants anywhere on site except at designated locations, unless there is a breakdown or an emergency repair. The Contractor shall keep the necessary materials and equipment on site to deal with ground spills of any of the materials used or stored on site. The Contractor shall ensure that no oil, petrol, diesel, etc is discharged onto the ground. Pumps and other machinery requiring oil, diesel, etc that are to remain in one position for longer than two days shall have physical controls in place to prevent all lubricants and fuels from entering the ground. Contaminated water shall be disposed off site at a facility capable of handling such wastewater. Drip trays shall be cleaned before any possible rain events that may result in the drip trays overflowing, and before long weekends and holidays. The Contractor shall remove all oil-, petrol-, and diesel-soaked sand immediately and shall dispose it as hazardous waste. 13.4.13 Materials Use, Handling, Storage and Transport Procedures for materials handling must be discussed with and approved by the ELO prior to commencement of this activity. 13.4.14 Gravel and Other Borrow Material All borrow material purchased or excavated must come from legal excavation operations which hold EIA certificates and are registered with the Department of Mines. 13.4.15 Emergency Procedures General The Contractor shall ensure that emergency procedures are set up prior to commencing work. Emergency procedures shall include, but are not limited to, fire, spills, contamination of the ground, or water bodies, accidents to Employees, use of hazardous substances, the event of damaging services, etc. Emergency procedures, including responsible personnel, contact details of emergency services, etc shall be made available to all the relevant personnel and shall be clearly demarcated at the relevant locations around the site. The Contractor shall also comply with National Health and Safety Standards and any amendments and any other relevant national, regional or local regulations with regard to operations on site. 70 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv The Contractor shall advise the ELO of any emergencies on site, together with a record of action taken. Fire The Contractor shall take all the necessary precautions to ensure that fires are not started as a result of his activities on site. Open fires shall be permitted in designated areas only. Closed fires or stoves shall only be permitted at a designated safe site to be determined by the Contractor in consultation with the ELO. Fires shall also not be permitted near any potential sources of combustion, such as near vehicles that are being serviced or refuelled, fuel storage area, vegetation etc. The Contractor shall ensure that there is adequate fire-fighting equipment on the site, especially where `hot work' is to be undertaken. The Contractor shall be liable for any expenses incurred by any organisations called to assist with fighting fires, and for any costs relating to the rehabilitation of burnt areas and/or property and/or persons should the fire be caused by the Contractor's activities on the site. Safety The Contractor shall take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of all his staff. The Contractor shall ensure that all construction vehicles using public roads are in a roadworthy condition, that they adhere to the speed limits, that their loads are secured and that any local, provincial and national regulations are adhered to. Vehicles transporting materials such as sand, rock and pipes shall be covered to prevent their contents falling/blowing off and causing a traffic hazard. All accidents and incidents resulting in injury or death (during construction) are to be recorded by the Contractor and reported in accordance with National Health and Safety Standards. The Contractor shall, in addition, inform the ELO and RE of these incidents, together with steps taken to treat injuries and prevent repeat occurrences. The Contractor should prevent public access to the construction areas. The Contractor shall ensure compliance with all other relevant safety standards and the ELO and RE shall inform BPC's Senior Safety Officer of the compliance status with respect to safety. 13.4.16 Environmental Awareness Training An initial environmental and archaeological awareness training session is required prior to the contractor commencing work. The ELO will provide the Contractor with the course content for the environmental awareness-training course, and the Contractor shall communicate this information to his Employees on the site, to any new Employees coming onto site, to his subcontractors and to his suppliers. The training session shall be delivered in the languages of the site staff. All the Contractors employees and Sub-Contractors Employees and any suppliers Employees that spend more than 1 day a week or four days in a month on site, must attend an Environmental Awareness Training course presented by the Contractor, the first of which shall be held within one week of the commencement date. Subsequent courses shall be held as and when required. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that personnel 71 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv commencing work on site after the start of the contract (who therefore miss the initial training session) are also made aware of the environmental procedures before commencing work. The emphasis should be on any (potential) environmental impacts relating to the construction activities to be undertaken on site and the related environmental precautions, which need to be taken to avoid or mitigate these impacts. The Contractor shall submit a Method Statement detailing the logistics of the environmental awareness-training course. 13.4.17 Community Relations The contractor/s appointed for the construction phase should use local facilities for services and BPC should ensure that this is taken on board during the tendering stage. Where possible, contractors should attempt to hire from local communities. However, due to the low skills levels in the area, it is recognised that the majority of skilled posts are likely to be taken by people from outside the area. At the commencement of construction a complaints procedure should be established to address concerns. These complaints and the manner in which each was addressed must be available for the SHE manager and for audit purposes. The local authorities, community organizations and leaders should be informed of the project and the potential job opportunities for locals. The employment selection process should seek to promote gender equality. 13.4.18 Site and Construction Camp Rehabilitation All construction equipment and excess aggregate, gravel, stone, concrete, bricks, temporary fencing, piping and the like shall be removed from the site and contractors camp within 2 months of completion of the work. No discarded materials of whatsoever nature shall be buried on the site or on any other land within the site. Retentions will only be released after site clearing and rehabilitation activities undertaken. 13.4.19 Payment for Environmental Specifications The Contractors costs incurred for compliance with this EMP shall be included in the tender price. 13.5 Specific EMP Activities The specific management plan actions and assignment of responsibilities for the impacts identified are outlined in the following tables. 72 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 12: EMP requirements relating to the construction phase No. Impact Quantification and Key Objective Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Performance (Personnel) (Equip. & Costs Indicator Materials) Abiotic CA1 Sheet Escarpment and lower Limit probability No tracks Accelerated Contractors to Planner Compactor, ca 5% Detailed and gully escarpment areas sensitive to of erosion crossing erosion rehabilitate; (design); water, additional Design and soil erosion occurring and escarpm prevented BPC to monitor contract seedlings costs to end of erosion rehabilitate all ent. All and sign off manager trenching construction No roads or tracks to traverse the excavations trenches (implementat costs in escarpment. All pipelines fully ion) and escarpment crossing escarpment to (1) rehabilita BPC project area separate top soil from subsoil, (2) ted manager to be fully compacted, (3) topsoil to audit be replaced on upper layer (4) groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored Biotic CB1 Loss of Located in the southern Minimise loss of Single No Designer and Planner Detailed Minimal Detailed sandveld compartment of the wellfield woody vehicle unnecessary contractors (design); design design and vegetatio vegetation width tracks or contract first phase of n access double width manager construction tracks, access tracks (implementat Plan for minimum width pipeline Tracks to ion trenches, service tracks to follow follow powerline routes where possible powerline s where feasible 73 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Objective Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Performance (Personnel) (Equip. & Costs Indicator Materials) CB2 Loss of Located mainly in the northern Minimise loss of Single No Designer and Planner Detailed Minimal Detailed escarpm compartment of wellfield and NE woody vehicle unnecessary contractors (design); design design and ent edge area of southern compartment vegetation width tracks or contract first phase of woodlan access double width manager construction d, tracks, access tracks (implementat escarpm Tracks to ion ent follow woodlan powerline d and s where riverine feasible Plan for minimum width pipeline trenches, service tracks to follow powerline routes where possible CB3 Loss of Presence of Jatropha botswanica Status of J. Zero loss J. botswanica Consulting Induction by Assess 4 Immediately rare or in the western side of the botswanica of J. either absent engineer and environment reticulation professiona after endange southern compartment and unchanged botswani or not contractors alist, Env. layout for J. l days reticulation red possibly along the escarpment. ca from impacted Liaison from botswanica alignments plants wellfield contractors sited Induction ensuring that excavator area operators aware of J. botswanica CB4 Disturba Entire wellfield area Limit Zero Zero BPC Environment 3 x field Induction Establishme nce of disturbance to illegal incidences environmentalist alist visits, and nt phase, wildlife wildlife in hunting reported . Induction by accommod minimum of early and wellfield area by consulting ation, travel two mid Inform contractor crews of zero constructi engineer environmen construction tolerance for illegal hunting. on team tal audits Breach should entail removal of offender from site Land Use C Reduced Located in the eastern side of the Maintain cultural Minimum Powerines, Designer and Design No None Design L Bosutswe northern wellfield compartment. and tourism visual cutlines and contractors engineer additional 1 tourism value of impact reticulation and potential Bosutswe on not visible environment 74 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Objective Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Performance (Personnel) (Equip. & Costs Indicator Materials) All bush clearing for reticulation, Bosutsw from alist powerlines and access routes to e site Bosutswe be invisible from Bosutswe. Full rehabilitation of pipelines crossing escarpment. C Loss of Mainly in the sandveld areas Minimise risk of Zero No loss of BPC Environment Fire control 20 fire Commence L grazing in unmanaged uncontrol grazing within environmentalist alist beaters at beaters ment of 2 surrounding wildlands fire led wellfield or (induction) all construction livestock wildlands surrounding Construction constructio areas fires areas. managers n camps Induction of all construction started and in teams; All fires controlled; by constructio emergency procedures in place wellfield n vehicles to extinguish fires. (not applicable constructi during dry during wet season) on teams season Social C Speculation Wellfield and surrounding Improve Support An informed BPC Kgotla/VDC Professiona 16 End design, S and communities communication fro public environmentalist and LB l time and professiona begin 1 concerns to reduce communi and consulting meetings travel l days, construction, about the negative ties engineer every four 5,000 km, 8 mid developmen rumours within months to nights construction, t and discuss accommod end Regular Kgotla meetings at surroundi development ation construction Mmashoro and with main land ng the board to appraise people of wellfield progress. area 75 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Objective Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Performance (Personnel) (Equip. & Costs Indicator Materials) C Damage to Exploration area Reduce No use of Local tracks Design engineer Design None Minimal Design S local access potential conflict local unaffected and contractors engineer; 2 tracks by with local tracks by environment heavy population over heavy alist for equipment damage to and wide induction in sands access tracks axel and audits areas. width Difficulties machines for in the communitie sandveld s to access area cattleposts Establish wellfield access tracks and avoid existing local tracks C Loss of Sites known to exist along the Reduce Any sites Correct Contractors, Archaeologic None 2 Contractors S archaeologi base of the escarpment within likelihood of occurring procedures Archaeologist al induction professiona arrival on 3 cal sites the Bosutswe area. AIA loss of are followed for of l days, 1 site underway assessing potential archaeological identified chance finds contractors night (Located in northern sites during by on chance accommod compartment of wellfield sites at construction contracto finds ation, 600 abstraction points rs and procedures km travel, reported Budget for Induction by archaeologist on to chance chance finds procedures. Contact NMMAG finds NMMAG in the case of sites procedures being located and archaeologi cal visits C Increase in Construction personnel will be on Reduce No No spike in BPC Induction by Condoms Induction Contract S HIV/AIDS site for the duration of potential for discerna local clinic environmentalist DHT by documentati 4 construction increase in ble infection rates , Contractors; environmen on and 76 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Objective Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Performance (Personnel) (Equip. & Costs Indicator Materials) Inform DHT of numbers and HIV/AIDS increase DHT talist, beginning of location of construction camps; infections and in local Audits contract Contractors to have proven SHE re-infections HIV/AIDS or HIV AIDS policy in place; infection Induction from DHT; Procedures rates in place for the provision of condoms at each construction camp C Increase in Opportunities for sale of products None None None None None None None None S cash and goods 5 available in the rural area None 77 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 13: EMP requirements relating to the operation phase No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) Abiotic OA1 Soil Escarpment and lower Limit No tracks Accelerated Contractors to Planner Compactor, ca 5% Detailed erosion escarpment areas sensitive to probability of crossing erosion rehabilitate; (design); water, additional Design by water erosion erosion escarpme prevented BPC to monitor contract seedlings costs to and end No roads or tracks to traverse the occurring and nt. All and sign off manager trenching of escarpment. All pipelines crossing rehabilitate all trenches (implementati costs in constructi escarpment to (1) separate top excavations fully on) and BPC escarpme on soil from subsoil, (2) be fully rehabilitat project nt area compacted, (3) topsoil to be ed manager to replaced on upper layer (4) audit groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored OA2 Decrease Heavy pumping may reduce the Increase Reduced Deterioration BPC monitoring Annual water Compensat Profession Baseline d long term water quality of the sustainability rate of in wellfield and wellfield resource ion al time, establish groundw aquifer for other users of wellfield wellfield water quality management audit. travel, ed prior ater water quality deteriorati Detailed field to quality and ensure, on and record of allowance, pumping Limit pumping to southern though fair boreholes compensa wellfield; Use multiple source of monitoring, compens established tion rates water supply option for the power that affected ation for agreed station to allow less mining of parties are parties groundwater and longer recovery fairly affected periods. Monitor and compensate compensated. by when TDS falls below human and deteriorati livestock standards (BoBS) on in water quality Biotic 78 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) OB Reduced Centre of the northern Limit impact Reduced Drawdown BPC monitoring Annual water Linkage to NS Carrier Prior to 1 period of compartment and north eastern on seep areas rate of less than and wellfield resource NS Carrier linkage wellfield flow in area of the southern component by Increasing wellfield predicted; management audit. established shared operation drainage the drawdown Seeps Detailed with MCL; s. sustainability ; Monitor unaffected record of cost of Degradat of wellfield impact on boreholes water ion of water through seeps established. riparian reducing vegetatio drawdown. n and riverine grazing Limit pumping to southern wellfield; Use multiple source of water supply option for the power station to allow less mining of groundwater and longer recovery periods. OB Veld fires Mainly the grasslands above the Minimise risk Zero No loss of BPC wellfield Wellfield Fire control 20 fire Commen 2 and escarpment between 250 of unmanaged uncontroll grazing within operators management beaters at beaters cement associate (southern compartment) and 700 wildlands fire ed wellfield or and manageme of d loss of km2 wildlands surrounding Mmashoro nt office operation grazing fires areas. leadership and in BPC Induction of wellfield operational started by vehicles crews; All fires controlled; wellfield during dry emergency procedures in place to operators season. extinguish fires. (not applicable Establish during wet season) emergency procedures with closest Kgotla OB Fire Damage to equipment and utilities Reduce All fires No loss of BPC wellfield Wellfield Fire control 21 fire Commen 3 within the likelihood of entering equipment to operators management beaters at beaters cement wellfield unplanned the wildlands fire and manageme of 79 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) Emergency fire procedures in wildands fires wellfield Mmashoro nt office operation place and arrangements with entering the area are leadership and in BPC Mmashoro VDC or Kgotla in place wellfield and controlled vehicles for assistance in case of causing during dry emergency damage to season. equipment Establish emergency procedures with closest Kgotla Land Use O Conflict with Between 15 km2 (scenario 2) - 25 Minimise No Positive BPC wellfield Wellfield None Minimal Prior to L existing km2 (scenario 4) of overlap in land conflict conflict working operators management operation 1 commercial use with other relationship agriculture land in the SE managers section of southern compartmen t (BLDC Ranch) Establish cordial relations with BLDC O Reduced Mmashoro has a population of Minimise Low Mmashoro BPC wellfield Wellfield Monitoring Establish Prior to L water supply approximately 1,628 people. and, if impact to wellfield manager management boreholes ment and operation 2 to Settlement water supply located identified, the operation and between monitoring of the Mmashoro within the northern compartment of stop Mmashor unaffected hydrogeologic the of 2 wellfield settlement the wellfield and in the area impacts to o wellfield (no related al specialist Mmashoro monitoring and/or drop potentially most affected by increase Mmashoro loss of water wellfield boreholes in water in TDS wellfield quality or and the quality water new Paje 80 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) Limit use of northern compartment of availability wellfield wellfield until impacts on Mmashoro due to the are better understood. Ensure new Paje monitoring wells in place to monitor wellfield potential impact on the Mmashoro wellfield. In the case of impact, cease operation of boreholes affecting the Mmashoro wellfield Socio-economic O Groundwate North western sections of the wellfield Minimise, Prevent TDS in BPC wellfield Wellfield Regular Establish Prior to S r unsuitable and if reduction monitoring manager management monitoring ment and operation 1 for human identified, in water boreholes and of monitoring of the consumptio stop loss quality, north west of hydrogeologic monitoring of 2 wellfield n. of water that is the wellfield al specialist boreholes monitoring Monitor for drop in water quality quality to due to stable west of NW boreholes beyond the wellfield compartment. If areas west new Paje of the identified, reduce abstraction from the of the wellfield wellfield western production boreholes until wellfield operation water quality stabilises s, occurring to the west of the wellfield O Groundwate North western sections of the wellfield Minimise, Prevent TDS in BPC wellfield Wellfield Regular Establish Prior to S r unsuitable and if reduction monitoring manager management monitoring ment and operation 2 for livestock identified, in water boreholes and of monitoring of the consumptio stop loss quality western side hydrogeologic monitoring of the wellfield n - reduced of water that is of the al specialist boreholes monitoring livestock quality occurring wellfield boreholes production within and due to stable Monitor for change in water quality to areas new Paje within and beyond the wellfield west of the wellfield compartment. If identified, reduce wellfield operation abstraction from the western s production boreholes until water quality stabilises 81 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) O Drying up of Along the northern escarpment Monitor Poorer Wells and BPC Wellfield Regular Establish Prior to S seeps and (probably > 10 wells and seeps, no that wells segment seeps shown management monitoring ment and operation 3 wells and documentation. and seeps of society to be and of monitoring of the loss of at base of using hydrogeologic hydrogeologic monitoring of the wellfield livelihoods escarpme wells and ally al specialist boreholes monitoring by poorer nt are not seeps disconnected boreholes segment of affected by unaffecte from the society wellfield d by wellfield Operate southern compartment operation wellfield aquifer scenario only. Monitor drop in operation piezometric surface in NE area of escarpment. Reduce BOREHOLE abstraction in areas shown to be affecting seepage and springs O Reduced Wellfield as per groundwater Establish No loss of Livestock BPC and Record NS Carrier NS Carrier NS S groundwater drawdown contours. Northern limits linkages to livestock farmers able Ngwato Land baseline of linkage; linkage carrier 4 availability not identified. Affects ca 11 private NS carrier productio to operate Board existing replacemen shared linkage for human boreholes scenario 2 and 35 in for power n from the normally. boreholes and t of with MCL; and and Scenario 4 station wellfield Prospective assess Boreholes cost of operation livestock water area future owners monitoring by re- water; al use supply. fully informed results in drilling Compens procedur 82 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) Replace water supply for affected Establish relation to legitimate ation e prior to legitimate7 borehole owners. Operate compensat baseline affected replaceme operation multiple water supply options for the ion Boreholes nt of of power station to reduce drawdown procedure to base of between wellfield. and increase sustainability of s Ntane 11 - 35 Compens wellfield. Ensure that Ngwato Land boreholes ation Board is fully aware of the wellfield replacem area and informs prospective future ent as borehole owners of the risks involved identified within the wellfield area and their non from ­ eligibility for compensation. monitorin g O Increase in Approximately Approx 10,230ha in Ensure Sustainab No obvious BPC wellfield None Photograph Minimal Commen S wood and Scenario 4; 4,100ha in scenario 2 and consumpti le use of loss of woody manager s of access cement 5 wild fruit 3,150ha in area between the 2 ve use of wellfield plant cover tracks near of harvesting compartments vegetation vegetatio main road wellfield by non within the n access operation residents of wellfield is the area sustainabl (urban e communities ) 7There are two types of legitimate borehole owner within the Mmashoro Wellfield area. There are those allocated boreholes prior to the area being allocated to BPC as a wellfield for exploration and development area and there will be those allocated borehole rights after BPC was allocated the wellfield area. Those allocated (and issued certificates) prior to the wellfield will be eligible for compensation if wellfield monitoring indicates a significant drop in their borehole water levels or significant change to their water quality due to operation of the BPC Mmashoro wellfield. Those allocated and issued certificates after the allocation of the wellfield area to BPC will not be eligible for any form of compensation relating to drawdown or changes in water quality as a result of BPC wellfield operation. Compensation could take the form of either replacement of water supply (through either new boreholes or provision of water from the BPC boreholes) or financial compensation as agreed between the parties. BPC would deal with legitimate owners of boreholes only and not third parties or other dependents. 83 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibility Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance (Personnel) (Equip & Costs Indicator Materials) Monitor non consumptive use of escarpment vegetation in wellfield area and limit access to area if destructive use of vegetation is identified O Reduced Aesthetic value of site disrupted in Maintain Minimum Powerlines, Designer and Design No None Design S tourism and Scenario 4 and partially affected by cultural visual cutlines and contractors engineer and additional 6 cultural Scenario 2 and impact on reticulation environmental value of the tourism Bosutswe not visible ist Bosutswe value of site from sites Bosutswe Bosutswe No new tracks or access cutlines opened after the construction phase; Rehabilitate areas affected by construction phase O Electrocutio Rural communities within the wellfield Inform No Electrocutions BPC wellfield Meetings with Information Minimal Commiss S n of children area are concerned that their children public members or vandalised manager Mmashoro leaflets if ioning of 7 are not aware of electricity and could about of the power VDC and deemed power get electrocuted potential public equipment Kgotla necessary supply As part of the regular meetings with hazards of electrocut by the VDC the community at Mmashoro, electricity ed during information on electricity and any wellfield associated dangers, are to be operation explained and concerns addressed. All power transmission poles to be marked with warning signs and have measures to prevent children climbing them 84 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Table 14: EMP requirements relating to the decommissioning phase No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibilit Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance y (Personnel) (Equipt & Costs Indicator Materials) Abiotic DA1 Soil Escarpment and lower Limit No tracks Accelerated Contractors to Planner Compactor, ca 5% Detailed erosion escarpment areas sensitive to probability of crossing erosion rehabilitate; (design); water, additional Design erosion. Mainly Scenario 4 erosion escarpment prevented BPC to contract seedlings costs to and end of occurring . All monitor and manager trenching constructi and trenches sign off (implementat costs in on No roads or tracks to traverse rehabilitate fully ion) and escarpme the escarpment. All pipelines all rehabilitate BPC project nt area crossing escarpment to (1) excavations d manager to separate top soil from subsoil, audit (2) be fully compacted, (3) topsoil to be replaced on upper layer (4) groundcover to be fully rehabilitated (5) recovery to be monitored DA2 Visual Entire wellfield area partially Effectively No long- All surface BPC BPC Trucks, Two End of impact affected decommissi term visual structures management maintenance back month wellfield on the or removed and teams or actors, contract operationa wellfield environmen only inert sub- compressor and l life All surface structures fully tal impact materials contractor and equipment decommissioned and remaining in jackhamme costs removed to landfill. the ground rs Decommissioning audit. All access tracks rehabilitated DA3 Pollutio Point sources at each Effectively No long- All BPC BPC Trucks and Short term End of n of wellpoint decommissi term transformers management maintenance lifting gear. contract wellfield ground on the environmen removed or teams or and operationa water wellfield tal impact ownership sub- equipment l life from and contractor costs. Or, non responsibility purchase/t decom legally ransfer mission transferred agreement ed s power transfor mers 85 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibilit Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance y (Personnel) (Equipt & Costs Indicator Materials) Decommission and remove all power transformers from decommissioned wellfield unless ownership changed to a new user Social and Land Use DS1 Commu Depends on mitigations Ensure All agreed Water BPC Preparation None Variable End of nities public not mitigation supplies management of unless wellfield reliant worse off agreements ensured or agreements replacemen operationa on due to maintained responsibility and t boreholes l life wellfield closure or replaced transferred transfers required water in a manner (from acceptable mitigatio to affected ns) cut parties off from supply If communities have become reliant on BPC water supply, transfer legal obligation for operation and ownership to dependent DS2 Commu Depends on BPC agreement Ensure All agreed Power BPC Preparation None Variable End of nities with farmers public not mitigation supplies management of unless wellfield using worse off agreements ensured or agreements alternative operation power due to maintained responsibility and power al life supply closure or replaced transferred transfers sources cut off in a manner required from acceptable grid to affected If communities have become parties reliant on BPC power supply, transfer legal obligation for payment and use to dependent 86 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Impact Quantification and Key Target Key Responsibilit Resources Resources Estimated Deadline Details/Mitigation Objective Performance y (Personnel) (Equipt & Costs Indicator Materials) DS3 Long In northern compartment of Visual No visual Bosutswe BPC BPC Trucks, Two End of term wellfield only impact on impact unaffected by management maintenance back month wellfield reductio Bosutswe the teams or actors, contract operation n in site decommissio sub- compressor and al life tourism minimised ned wellfield contractor and equipme potential jackhamme of the rs nt costs area. All surface structures fully decommissioned and removed to landfill. Decommissioning audit. All access tracks rehabilitated 87 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 13.6 Monitoring Requirements These monitoring requirements are in addition to (and in some cases are to be added to) the requirement for an annual groundwater audit of the wellfield to be carried out by an independent water resource company. 13.6.1 Monitoring Requirements relating to EIA Recommendations Table 15: Monitoring requirements for the construction phase No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recc. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e Abiot CA1 Erosion Soil loss Rehabilit BPC Pipelines Biannual Qualitativ Any Excavate of soil ation of wellfiel crossing survey e form of side from vegetatio d escarpm immediat assessm gullying drain, pipeline n to bind manag ent ely prior ent replace trenches soil er to rains included topsoil, and and mid in annual plant access rain report seedlings tracks season at beginnin g of rains Biotic CB1 Loss of Area of No Contrac Reticulati Assess Area (ha) None None woody cleared unnecess tor and on design affected vegetatio vegetatio ary consulti network and to be n n removal ng and during reported of woody engine access bush at end of vegetatio er tracks clearing constructi n activities on CB2 Loss of Presence Preservat BPC Western survey of End of Zero Transpla the of J.b ion of environ area of reticulatio constructi loss nt back species along species mentali wellfield n on report unless after J. reticulatio st network indicating high pipeline botswani n presence densitie trench ca (J.b) network, of J.b. s occur rehabilita before and post ted and after constructi excavatio on n survival CB3 Wildlife Illegal Minimise BPC Wellfield Environm Audit Zero Removal disturban hunting illegal environ and ental reports incident of ce offtake mentali constructi audits s offenders st on from camps project area Land Use CL1 Visual Visibility No visual BPC Bosutsw Photogra Audit No Rehabilit impact of impact environ e ph before reports visual ation of on cutlines, on mentali and after impact woody 88 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recc. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e Bosutsw pipeline, Bosutsw st exceedi vegetatio e site access e ng 5 n or tracks years realignm and ent of powerline infrastruc ture CL2 Loss of Ha Reduce BPC Wellfield Estimate Audits No Extinguis grazing grazing risk of environ and of extent wildlan h any and lost to uncontrol mentali constructi of fires ds fire uncontrol property fire led st. on created due to led blaze. due to wildlands Constru camps by constru Safety uncontrol fires ction wellfield ction measure led being foreme constructi activitie s for wildlands created n on crews s or cooking fires by or crews fires constructi activities on activities Social CS1 Heighten Concerns Keep the BPC Villages Meeting Minutes None None ed public raised at affected in the with of concerns meetings public area and Landboa meetings informed Ngwato d and for to Land VDC/Kgo inclusion minimise Board tla in misinfor environm mation ental audits CS2 Damage Use of Heavy Contrac Sandveld Visual Audit < 10% Rehabilit to local sandveld equipme tors; tracks observati reports of local ation of access tracks by nt and Audited within ons and tracks affected tracks contracto wide axel by wellfield complaint affecte tracks creating rs width environ s at d resentme vehicles mentali public nt not to st meetings use local sandveld tracks CS3 loss of Archaeol Record BPC Escarpm Report Brief To be archaeol ogical of any and ent and chance archaeol decided ogy sites chance Archae base of finds and ogical by site during finds ologist escarpm archaeol report to archae wellfield ent ogical NMMAG ologist reticulatio assessm (based n and ent on access NMMA track G constructi ranking on s CS4 Increase Local Minimise BPC Construct Clinical End of None d clinical STD Environ ion records constructi HIV/Aids records infection mentali camps and on 89 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recc. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e infection and rates st and local availabilit rates due Presence clinics y of to of condoms presence available in camps of condoms constructi at camps on crews Table 16: Monitoring requirements for the operational phase No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recom. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e Abiotic OA1 Erosion Soil loss Rehabilit BPC Pipelines Biannual Qualitativ Any Excavate of soil ation of wellfiel crossing survey e form of side from vegetatio d escarpm immediat assessm gullying drain, pipeline n to bind manag ent ely prior ent replace trenches soil er to rains included topsoil, and and mid in annual plant access rain report seedlings tracks season at beginnin g of rains OA2 Deterior TDS in Monitor BPC Wellfield Annual Annual BOBS Compens ation of monitorin change predomin assessm wellfield standar ation for wellfield g and in water antly to ent of monitorin ds to and water private quality the water g report be closure quality borehole and western monitorin used of wells s identify margin g results affected based on parties regular monitorin g program me outlined in the WSB wellfield report (2007) Biotic OB1 Wellfield Piezomet Monitor BPC Wellfield Annual Annual Model Increase drawdow ric water change predomin assessm wellfield predicti use of n levels in water antly to ent of monitorin ons alternativ particula quality the NE of water g report e water rly in the and the monitorin supplies NE of identify southern g results 90 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recom. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e the affected compart based on southern parties ment and regular compart the entire monitorin ment. northern g compart program ment me outlined in the WSB wellfield report (2007) OB2 Loss of Ha Reduce BPC Wellfield Estimate Audits No Extinguis grazing grazing risk of wellfiel of extent wildlan h any and lost to fire uncontrol d of fires ds fire uncontrol property led manag created due to led blaze. due to wildlands er by constru Safety uncontro fires wellfield ction measure lled being constructi activitie s for wildland created on crews s or cooking s fires by or crews fires operation activities al activities OB3 Loss of Equipme Reduce BPC Wellfield Record Audits Wildlan Increase grazing nt risk of wellfiel of ds fires fire and damaged wildfire d damage prevent manage property due to damage manag ed from ment due to wildlands to er crossin controls uncontro fires wellfield g such as lled equipme wellfiel additional wildland nt d firebreak s fires s entering the wellfield area Land Use OL1 Wellfield BLDC To work BPC Eastern Borehole Annual Reduce Compens drawdow borehole with wellfiel side of monitorin hydrogeo d water ation or n impact s dry up BLDC to d the g logical supply replacem on monitor manag southern audit or TDS ent of BLDC impact of er compart below borehole ranch wellfield ment standar operatio on BLDC ds ns water supply OL2 Reduced TDS and Monitor BPC Western Borehole Annual Drop in Closure water piezomet potential wellfiel side of monitorin hydrogeo piezom of quality ric levels impacts d the g logical etric western and and manag southern audit levels wellfield water change er compart or drop borehole quantity operation ment in water s in s of quality affecting Mmasho wellfield of the the ro to appropr Mmashor wellfield minimise iate o area impact to monitor the ing Mmashor borehol o es wellfield 91 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recom. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e Social OS1 Reduced TDS Monitor BPC NW side Borehole Annual Reduce Change water potential wellfiel of the monitorin hydrogeo d water in quality impacts d southern g logical quality abstracti due to and manag compart audit in on rates pumping change er ment appropr of drawing operation iate borehole water of s of monitor s high wellfield ing creating TDS to borehol problem from the minimise es NW of impact the on wellfield BOREH OLE west of NW of wellfield OS2 Reduced TDS Monitor BPC NW area Borehole Annual Reduce Change water potential wellfiel of the monitorin hydrogeo d water in quality impacts d southern g logical quality abstracti due to and manag compart audit in on rates abstracti change er ment appropr of on operation iate borehole drawing s of monitor s water, of wellfield ing creating high to borehol problem TDS, minimise es from the impact NW of on the BOREH wellfield OLE water quality OS3 Wells Piezomet Monitor BPC NE area Shallow Annual Reduce Change and ric levels potential wellfiel of the borehole hydrogeo d water in seeps at of impacts d southern monitorin logical levels abstracti escarpm monitorin and manag compart g audit in on rates ent base g change er ment at appropr of affected borehole operation the base iate borehole by s that are s of of the monitor s wellfield disconne wellfield escarpm ing creating operatio cted from to ent borehol problem n the Ntane minimise es impact on wells and seeps OS4 Drawdo Availabilit Allow BPC Wellfield Borehole Annual Reduce Increase wn y of water existing manag operation monitorin hydrogeo d water use of affects in private livestock ement al areas g and logical levels NR 92 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Paramet Objectiv Respo Location Method Reportin Thresh Recom. er e nsibilit g olds Action y Structur e existing borehole productio establish audit in Carrier livestock s n to ment of appropr waters; producti continue private iate Compens on unaffecte borehole monitor ation d by baseline ing through wellfield borehol replacem operation es ent borehole s for private land users OS5 Non Qualitativ Manage BPC Wellfield photogra Wellfield Estimat Review sustaina e wellfield manag access phs at audit ed 10% objective ble use analysis vegetatio ement routes GPS every 5 loss of and if of woody of tree n in adjoining points years trees applicabl vegetati loss sustainab the main e control on le way road access OS6 Visual Visibility No visual BPC Bosutsw Photogra Audit No Rehabilit impact of impact environ e ph before reports visual ation of on cutlines, on mentali and after impact woody Bosutsw pipeline, Bosutsw st exceedi vegetatio e site access e ng 5 n or tracks years realignm and ent of powerline infrastruc ture OS7 Electroc Injuries Minimise BPC Wellfield Injuries Annual Zero Investigat ution of and/or chance wellfiel power reported wellfield e children vandalis of injury d supply at local monitorin incident, m of from manag clinics g report change power electricity er informati compone on and nts improve safety precautio ns Table 17: Monitoring requirements for decommissioning No. Aspect Parame Objecti Respo Loca Method Rep Thresholds Recom ter ve nsibili tion ortin mended ty g Action Stru cture Abiotic DA Erosio Soil loss Rehabili BPC Pipeli Biannua Quali Any form of Excavat 1 n of tation of wellfiel nes l survey tative gullying e side soil vegetati d cross immedia asse drain, from on to manag ing tely prior ssme replace pipelin bind soil er escar to rains nt topsoil, e pme and mid inclu plant trenche nt rain ded seedling s and season in s at access annu beginnin tracks al g of repor rains t 93 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv No. Aspect Parame Objecti Respo Loca Method Rep Thresholds Recom ter ve nsibili tion ortin mended ty g Action Stru cture DA Visual All Full BPC Wellfi ToR and Clos Zero wellfield Re- 2 and surface decomm manag eld contract ure surface commis environ structure issionin ement for repor structures sion mental s g of decomm t unless closure pollutio wellfield issionin ownership team n compon g and ents that responsibility have legally ceased transferred to being new user used DA Visual All Full BPC Wellfi ToR and Clos All Re- 3 environ surface decomm manag eld contract ure transformers commis mental structure issionin ement for repor removed sion pollutio s g of and/or decomm t unless closure n wellfield new issionin ownership team compon owner g or and ents that s transfer responsibility have agreem legally ceased ents transferred to being new user used DS Visual All Full BPC Wellfi ToR and Clos All Re- 1 environ surface decomm manag eld contract ure transformers commis mental structure issionin ement for repor removed sion pollutio s g of and/or decomm t unless closure n wellfield new issionin ownership team compon owner g or and ents that s transfer responsibility have agreem legally ceased ents transferred to being new user used DS Visual All Full BPC Wellfi ToR and Clos Zero wellfield Re- 2 and surface decomm manag eld contract ure surface commis environ structure issionin ement for repor structures sion mental s g of decomm t unless closure pollutio wellfield issionin ownership team n compon g and ents that responsibility have legally ceased transferred to being new user used 13.6.2 Monitoring Requirements Arising from the Hydrogeological Assessment of Impacts In the local area the effect of the wellfield on private boreholes will lead to localised problems because boreholes in the area serve as the only water supply for many cattle posts. Increased monitoring will give accurate information on changes in water levels in the vicinity of private boreholes, if this is done in collaboration with the individual user groups the 94 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv detrimental effects on water levels can be quantified over time. This will allow for possible action like drilling deeper boreholes to be planned for in advance. The effect of the wellfield in the short term can be mitigated by increasing the depth of private boreholes; in the long term however the implication of mining water from the Ntane sandstone must be considered. Environmental Aspect Long term dewatering of Effect of dewatering the aquifer in the long term. the aquifer Water level changes Drawdown in water level caused by wellfield abstraction related to escarpment And effect on seepage from the base of the escarpment and Seepage the subsequent effect on vegetation. Water level changes Water levels drops in private borehole as a result of pumping related to private from the wellfield and subsequent dewatering. boreholes Water level changes Changes in water level in shallow wells causing dewatering related to shallow wells of shallow well Water quality changes Changes in regional groundwater flow direction causing inflow of poor quality water Parameter to be Monitored Long term dewatering of Water level in mbgl converted to mamsl the aquifer Water level changes Water level in mbgl converted to mamsl related to escarpment Seepage Water level changes Water level in mbgl converted to mamsl related to private boreholes Water level changes Water level in mbgl converted to mamsl related to shallow wells Water quality changes pH, TDS (mg/l), Fe (mg/l) Monitoring Objective Long term dewatering of Establish rate of decline in water levels the aquifer Water level changes Establish effect of changes in water level related to related to escarpment escarpment base level Seepage Water level changes Quantify direct effect of abstraction on water levels in private related to private borehole boreholes Water level changes Quantify direct effect of abstraction on water levels in related to shallow wells shallow well Water quality changes Establish if water quality is declining due to large scale Abstraction effecting regional flow directions Responsibility Party/Agent Long term dewatering of BPC the aquifer Water level changes BPC related to escarpment Seepage 95 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv Water level changes BPC related to private boreholes Water level changes BPC related to shallow wells Water quality changes BPC Monitoring Location Long term dewatering of Regular water levels monitoring at production boreholes and the aquifer designated monitoring boreholes Water level changes Measure water levels in shallow wells and boreholes at the related to escarpment base of the escarpment seepage Water level changes In addition to measuring water levels at monitoring related to private boreholes borehole, direct measurement of water levels using dipper access tubes at selected private boreholes Water level changes Measure water levels in shallow well which are in regular related to shallow wells use Water quality changes Monitoring boreholes to the North and West of the area affected by the designated pumping regime. Monitoring Method Long term dewatering of Electronic dipper measurements of water level at the aquifer designated times in the pumping cycle, if measurement are taken it is essential that the time the borehole has been pumped is recorded. If water levels measured as recovery level a fixed time after pumping cessation must be used. Without the implementation of these guidelines comparison will be difficult and they're monitoring potentially flawed. Telemetry could be another method however a manual method must act as a backup. Water level changes Measure water levels in boreholes and shallow wells. related to escarpment Initially the depth of the water point must be ascertained in Seepage order to assess to source of the water. Water point elevation needs to be measured using DGPS. Water level changes Measure water levels in boreholes using a dipper access related to private boreholes tube. Ideally the depth of the borehole must be ascertained in order to assess to source of the water. The borehole elevation needs to be measured using DGPS. Water level changes Measure water levels in shallow wells which are in active related to shallow wells use using a dipper access tube. Ideally the well must be ascertained in order to assess to source of the water. The elevation of the well needs to be measured using DGPS. Water quality changes Monthly field sampling of monitoring boreholes using establish sampling protocols for EC, pH and Fe. Threshold or Existing Standard Long term dewatering of Water levels related to pump intake depth and available the aquifer drawdown. Water level changes Water levels related to baseline of existing flora and related to escarpment therefore changes related to water level decline. Seepage Water level changes Water levels related to pump intake depth of private related to private borehole. Depth of borehole should be ascertained in order 96 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv boreholes to assess if increased pump setting is a option. Water level changes Water levels related to the existing depth of the shallow well related to shallow wells should be known. In addition the source of the water for the well must be established. The designation of an active water point must also be established as several wells were reported to dry out annually Water quality changes The water quality changes using BOBS classes of EC, pH and Fe Recommended Action where Thresholds are Exceeded Long term dewatering of If water levels are seen to decline at a rate exceeding 1m the aquifer per annum the model need to be reviewed. In addition to the review serious consideration must be given to a conjunctive water use using the north south carrier excess capacity during period where the surface reservoirs have excess capacity. Water level changes Review of model with increased emphasis on the source of related to escarpment water to the escarpment seepage. Assessment of changes seepage using satellite images of the area showing seepage vegetation anomalies. Water level changes Assessment of whether pump intake can be deepened related to private significantly, if this is not possible a new borehole should be boreholes drilled which fully penetrates the Ntane sandstone. Water level changes If the source of the water for the well is the Ntane sandstone related to shallow wells and the well drying out is not a regular occurrence a borehole should be drilled and equipped. Water quality changes In the event of water quality decreasing the boreholes closest to the change should first be pumped at ah lower rate, then decommissioned if change continues. Private boreholes must be tested to establish a baseline inn order to assess changes related to the baseline. Significant deviation from the model should be must lead to a review of the model using a different contractor in order to get an impartial and objective assessment. 97 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 14. ANNEXURE 1: APPROVAL OF THE SCOPING/TOR REPORT (SEPTEMBER 2005) 98 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 99 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 100 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 101 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 15. ANNEXURE 2: NATIONAL MUSEUMS APPROVAL OF THE AIA 102 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 16. ANNEXURE 3: PERMISSIONS FROM THE NGWATO LAND BOARD FOR WELLFIELD EXPLORATION 103 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 104 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 17. ANNEXURE 4: LIST OF BOREHOLE AND WELL OWNERS AS SUPPLIED BY THE GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION CONSULTANTS Owner Cattlepost Coordinates Drawdown (Scenario 2) Name S E Min (m) Max (m) L. Mathoame Mantika 2 454244 7557956 5 10 L. Wright Tshoswane 453375 7562407 5 10 P. Tsamai Tshoswane 451505 7563724 10 20 D. Gasenna Tshoswane 454313 7565890 20 25 M.B. Thankane Mogoiwa 463030 7564359 10 15 Moswetsi Syndicate Moswetsi 466973 7562343 0 5 E. Maphanyane Madibamantsho 448175 7568879 5 15 D.Blackbeard Xwagoree 445045 7562235 5 10 O. Gasenna Tshoswane 453052 7563947 10 20 Moswetsi 0 0 0 5 Mogoiwe 0 0 10 15 Mmurie 0 0 10 15 0 0 0 5 0 0 10 20 105 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 18. ANNEXURE 5: LIST OF PEOPLE CONTACTED DURING THE EIA 18.1 Public Consultations (Mantswe Natural Resources Consultants) Paje Kgotla 2nd February 2007 L. Koonyatse N.S. Martin K. Moreri M. Tiroyamodimo O. Wantle G. Ranko T. Kotopo E. Mothankana M. Phologolo L. Gakebao M. Mogami M. Keolobetse O. Nkape D. Koobonye K. Nthonamo G. Rantsokwane G. Mothontana P. Tsalayabotshelo K. Keitiretse R. Kenaope S. Seetswane G. Mashabelwa D. Ontshositse M. Bogosi D. Gabaake M. Kootsere W. Onneetse Mmashoro Kgotla 24th January 2007 Mr Mompati Mr Disang Mr Tshenolo Mr A. Disang Mr Dintwa And approximately 50 villagers, mainly young people and women 18.2 Farmers Name Name R.B. Watson E. Maphanyane L. Mathoame G. Moampe L. Wright T. Motswagole A. Mbakile D. Blackbeard P. Tsamai N. Ntshabiwa D. Gasenna K. Dinaane L. Rampapo Q. Notha E. Manwedi O. Gasenna I. Mokone G. Noge K. Sedike G. Tiroyaone M.B. Thankane Syndicate Name Koonyatse Syndicate Mhise Syndicate Moswetsi Syndicate 18.3 Feedback Public Meetings 19-21st August 2008 (Ecosurv) MABELEAPUDI E. Sephatla T. Phuthego D. Molosiwa G. Gabonakemo K. Kenaope T. Modua G.Tebatso S. Ranna M. Gaodirelwe I. Malebye L. Olaotse K. Monnawatala T. Gagolepe L. Thusego O. Tumediso L. Lekota M. Gasewame S. Mokae T. Khutsafalo M. Tsitsibogo K. Seduke M. Tebelelo O. Letsamaile P. Batsile A. Olopile R. Mokae O. Batsile M. Ramkgola P. Tirafalo O. Gabagwe M. Rabashona G. Tshilwane M. Mokgalagadi L. Gaelebale K. Sesinye D. Mmomadibe O. Maatla M. Ramorula T. Tekwa M. Oeditswe G.M. Mojakgomo M. Kemodimo K. Tshimologo TSHIMOYAPULA 106 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv D. Molosiwa T. Phuthego E. Sephatla L. Keipheditse P. Ntshontsho B. Lerubisi L. Keipheditse M. Tlhekwa K. Ramarea K. Leothame O. Lesole W. Ketlano G. Phole M. Bofitha S. Nowe N. Baitsile S. Gabanamotse M. Njadingio L. Mosarwe V.K. Kgari G. Kgotleng N. Tomeretso L. Modise P. Moselathi L. Modimootsile G. Lerubisi France M. Moselathi D. Khubibu L. Selei O. Obonetse T. Mosarwe G. Gasebatho M. Mothanka G. Mmoalefhe D. Kegopotse C. Kebonyemotho D. Tsamaisang L. Lesete O. Ntshontsho S. Ramathono G. Ditshenyo E. Peter K. Tshenkego P. Kelediyakgotla P. Makgetho M. Kabelo M. Kelemogile N. Bolele B. Moetse L. Motlhanka T.Lesaso G. Baetseng B. Mananena O. Otsile K. Mmualefe T. Motsamai G. Kebalepile K. Mogale G. Motsumi M. Lekoko G. Kealetile O. Lerubisi M. Rakereng L. Galephakele L. Ramokgosana O. Mmolaatsie K. Maitatho O. Emang O. Motale B. Makgetho O. Makgetho D. Keobonye T. Mongwaketse M. Kebetseng M. Machipa G. Gabikane A.Kemiso G. Lerubisi G. Kgotleng MAJWANAADIPITSE D. Molosiwa T. Phuthego E. Sephatla O. Sutelang K. Rebannetse M. Gabaduelwe K. Molaodi R. Sikwane O. Gofamodimo K. Ditshego O. Kgosana B. Bafeletse O. Keobonye M. Senana L. Bafeletse M. Kegopotse G. Mokgala O. Gabaduelwe A.. Kopanngwe K. Gabaoduelwe K. Rabaloi G. Gabalefelwe O. Marapo K. Tshwarang B. Tenowe K.Zebela M. Gaekgosi O. Gabotalelwe O. Keaitse G. Phuthego T. Onkokile` B. Tumo Raboloi K. Montshupi S. Thuwa T.Gaorutwe K. Ditshego K. Keikabetswe MMASHORO D. Molosiwa E. Sephate T.Phuthego K.R. Modisagape O.K. Disang W. Mompati T. Tshoto J. Gonge R.A. Senna K. Kgosiesele S. Kgalelelo G. Teseletso M. Rntshokong G. Seema B. Dikologang T. Nkanokeng M. Tebelelo W. Modise S. Maphala K. Kebusitswe K Kebusitswe K. Boikepetse D.D. Gabanakgosi M. Gasemotse K. Gabanakgosi B. Motshwanaetsi O. Ketshamekile T. Nowe B. Keneilwe G. Keneilwe B. Phaleche O. Keakile B. Thebeetsile S. Ontse T. Motshobi O. Seeme T. Khona S. Keneilwe K. Kebusitswe K.Ntaolang T. Mompati W. Motshwanaesi M. Mothokenna T. Boitumelo K. Ramokongwa N. Thupa O. Chaa G. Ramosetheng O. Monyamane M. Phenyego K. Gabanakgosi G. Tshamekang W. Kgomotso L. Lefatshe G. Koboto M. Kutlwano K. Kokamo L. Baikonne L. Motsumi K. Motsumi B. Rantsho B. Molato S. Kereketswe T. Kereketswe R. Tshamekang K. Letlhapa K. Ntholang S. Rantoki B. Rapula O. Tobego D. Lebang E. Kesetsekae M. Morwa O. Maikutlo B. Obegile K. Ntwayagae PAJE D. Molosiwa E. Sephate T.Phuthego T. Seaye G. Kelefhe M. Tiroyamodimo B. Tshukudu K. Keiteretse G.Moithobogi L.L. Mathoame M. Thanka P.P. Tsamai M. Thankane C. Lekoko M. Kootsere D. Mataboge S. Mathongwane R. Kenaope S. Seetswana B. Baikitse B. Matabogwe T. Thuso B. Mmutle K. Mathothora G. Goitsekgosi K. Seaye M. Thakakgolo K. Maseko K. Mogotho N. Motlhanka K. Moesi L. Lukase O. Tiroyamodimo O. Gaotswelwe O. Thuso T. Gaosupelewe B. Ramokanyo G. Mashabalewa K. Magapu K. Bakoko R. Moloi M. Bogosi G. Sesinyi W. Oneetse M. Sesinyi T. Kutuso S. Busang G. Olebeng G. Osupile K. Othusitse G. Ramatseke K. Keitiretse G. Aleseng M. Sekgaphanyane R. Seyakgosing 107 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 19. ANNEXURE 6: DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE EIA, EIS AND EMP (EXCERPT FROM THE BPC TOR, 2005) 108 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 109 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 110 January 2009 Morupule B Power Station Groundwater Investigation Final ESIA Ecosurv 111 January 2009