BANQUE AFRICAINE DE DEVELOPPEMENT AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Reference No: P-ZA-FF0-003 Language: English

Environment & Social Team Members: Amel Hamza & Kelello Ntoampe Original: English

ESMP SUMMARY

XINA SOLAR ONE PROJECT

Republic of South Africa

MAY 2014

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY

Project Title: Xina Solar One Project

Project Number: P-ZA-FF0-003
Country: South Africa
Division: OPSM 3

1. Brief description of the project and key environmental and social components

1.1 The Pofadder Solar Thermal Plant, being planned by !XiNa CSP South Africa (Pty) Ltd is
proposed to consist of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and Concentrating/Tracking
Photovoltaic Power (CPV) components. !XiNa CSP is located on Portion 4 of the Farm
Skuit-Klip 92, which lies approximately 30 km north-east of the town of Pofadder in the
Northern Cape in South Africa; the same site covered by the !Kaxu ESIA. The environment
and social impact assessment done in the !Kaxu EIA covers both !Kaxu and !Xina projects
cumulatively. !XiNa Solar One (RF) (Pty) Ltd, (“XiNa”), is a special purpose vehicle
(“SPV”) established to carry out the 100 MW concentrating solar power project CSP XiNa
Solar One (the Project). The Project entails the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of a turnkey, concentrating solar power project with a nominal power of 100
MW. The plant will use parabolic trough technology and a superheated steam cycle with a
storage capacity of 1,650 MWh (equivalent to approximately 5 hours of full capacity
operation), configured to be used during the South African peak load demand. Following an
extensive site identification process undertaken by !XiNa CSP, a 33 km2 site which falls
within the Khai !Ma Local Municipality was identified for consideration within an EIA
process. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken during the Scoping Phase which identified
potentially sensitive areas which should be avoided within the broader 33 km2 site. These
sensitive areas included natural drainage lines, areas of increased gradient/slope, and areas
containing vegetation of conservation importance. As a result, the southern portion of the
triangular shaped site was identified as a preferred area for development of the solar thermal
plant, based on the following characteristics:

» Relief profile: the high relief areas within the north-western and the north-eastern corners of
the site should be avoided as the former includes the Konkonsieskop hill and the latte
» Centre of Endemism: the north-western portion of the site falls within the core vegetation
type of the Gariep Centre of Floristic Endemism.
» Proximity to the grid connection point: being in close proximity to the point of connection to
the grid will minimise the length of the power line that is required between the proposed
facility and the Paulputs Substation. In turn, this would reduce the potential for the linear
disturbance associated with the power line including the potential for impacts on avifauna
species.

1.2 Subcomponents among others will include:

» A steam turbine and generator typically housed within a 2-storey building
» A generator transformer and a small substation located outside and adjacent to the 2-storey
building

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 » An auxiliary steam generator and associated energy storage vessels containing saturated
steam, oil or salt (i.e. fossil fuel steam boiler/ generator), proposed to be fired by either diesel
fuel or liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
» An overhead power line feeding into the Eskom electricity network at the Paulputs
Substation, which is situated adjacent to the site
» An abstraction point on the Orange River and an associated water supply pipeline to the
facility of approximately 30 km in length
» A suspension reservoir located approximately 3-6 km south of the raw water abstraction
point (i.e. outside the boundaries of the identified site) to rid the raw water of particles in
suspension (silt)
» A storage reservoir located within the boundaries of the identified site. The water stored
within the reservoir will be used during the steam generation process (boiler makeup), for
washing of the heliostats/mirrors, troughs and PV panels, potable water supply and fire
protection supply.
» Lined evaporation ponds to allow for the evaporation of process waste water not to be re-
used within the facility
» External access road leading to the site from the R358 which branches off the N14 towards
Onseepkans
» Internal access roads for construction and maintenance purposes
» Workshop, office and storage areas

Figure 1: CSP Technology

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1.3 As shown above, the parabolic concentrator is made of curved mirrors which track the sun
from east to west during the day to ensure that the sun is continuously focused on a synthetic
oil filled absorber pipe. The oil in absorber pipe is heated to 395°C and is then transferred to
a heat exchanger. At the heat exchanger the oil is used to heat water and generate steam
which is used to turn a 100MW steam turbine. The oil is also used to heat 47,155 tons of
molten salt, which is placed in massive thermal energy storage tanks which can generate
electricity for 5 hours after sunset. Unlike other intermittent, non-dispatchable sources, such
as photovoltaic and wind power, where energy cannot be stored and later be converted into
electricity, CSP’s dispatchability is clearly a key point to supply electricity at evening peaks.
It offsets diesel fueled open cycle gas turbine (OCGT) operating at peak demand and avoids
fossil fuel electricity generation.

1.4 This field plant will be interconnected by a 3km transmission line (“t-line”) to the existing
Paulputs substation located adjacent to the Project site on the land owned by Abengoa.
Abengoa will construct, finance, own and operate this new short, USD 5.4 million, 220kV
line. Due to the location of the sub-station, no relocation or wayleaves are required for the t-
line. The t-line is expected to take 3 months to construct, leaving enough buffer until
completion of the plant. In accordance with South African law, a minimum stake of 8% has to
be held by a local community trust, referred to as Broad Black Based Economic
Empowerment company (“BBBEE”). The project will therefore enable BBBEE ownership in
the Project and facilitating local economic development through their implementation. In
order to achieve these objectives the project shall target the allocation of 20% of the
shareholding in the Project Company to a BBBEE. Dividends flowing to the BBBEE HolCo
over the life of the project will be applied towards local economic development beneficiary
projects.

The specialist studies undertaken in the EIA Phase did not identify any absolute no go
areas for the proposed facility. However, the following potentially sensitive areas within the
preferred south-eastern portion of the project area were identified:

» Areas of ecological sensitivity (i.e. drainage lines, areas with remaining natural vegetation
and protected tree species, potential habitat for various red data species, and activities which
lead to the proliferation of alien invasive plants)
» Sensitivity in terms of water resources (i.e. in terms of drainage lines and riverine areas
along the Orange River at the abstraction point)
» Issues regarding avifaunal sensitivity (i.e. potential impacts on red data species through
collision or electrocution events with the overhead power line and the solar infrastructure)
» Areas of geological sensitivity (i.e. drainage lines on-site which may be more susceptible to
erosion)
» Visual sensitivity (i.e. the visibility of sensitive receptors along major routes, arterial, and
secondary roads in the area, built-up centres or populated places and on individual/isolated
landowners/homesteads identified within the study area)

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2. Major environmental and social impacts

2.1 Various planning, construction, and operation-related environmental impacts identified

includes disturbance of the ecological environment (i.e. flora and fauna); impacts on avifauna
(i.e. particularly on Red Data Species); impacts on water resources (i.e. in terms of quantity
and quality); impacts on the visual aesthetics and sensitive receptors; impacts on the
underlying geology (i.e. in terms soil disturbance and erosion; impacts on heritage resources
and socio-economic impacts.
2.2 Fauna - it was concluded that no mammal, reptile or amphibians species of conservation cold
occur in the project area. Those that would be found would be temporarily affected during
construction and Avifauna habitats would also be affected through collision with the
infrastructure and electrocution for all fauna.
2.3 Flora - vegetation in the area may be affected during construction and there would be loss of
habitats. The area has vulnerable Aloe Dichotoma and protected tree species in the area
include Camel Thorn, Grey Camel Thorn, Sheppard’s Tree and Cape Ebony but in the
project’s area only Sheppard’s Tree was identified. The trees are however in the part of the
area where there will be no construction.
2.4 Water catchment - the non-perennial drainage lines and water courses are classified as
wetlands or water resources and therefore construction may lead to changes in the catchment
area
2.5 Ecosystem health - Honey Mesquite shrub is potentially the most problematic alien invasive
species that may result in ecosystem disturbance in the area.
2.6 Soils & Geology - excavations, compaction, and construction at large will result is
acidification, water logging, soil erosion and pollution of land.
2.7 Water resources - riparian vegetation in the area is already in a deteriorated state and
construction or concretising some areas may irreversibly destroy the areas during
construction.
2.8 Visual impacts - the project shall affect visual impacts both during construction and
operations. Within 4km the users of a secondary road with very little traffic volumes will be
affected. Between 8-16 km sections of the N14 users and some households may be impacted
by sight of the infrastructure.
2.9 Social - the project’s impacts on social are mostly positive. They include creation of
employment (400-600 jobs during construction and up to 80 during operation) and skills
development opportunities. Negative social impacts include disruption to family life,
increased number of sexually transmitted diseases, increased crime and alcohol and substance
abuse.

3. Enhancement and mitigation program

3.1 Fauna disturbance would be managed through ensuring that construction does not affect
unnecessarily large areas and that the same vegetation is kept to ensure continuation of the
same ecosystem. Flora removed during construction (especially the Bushmanland Arid
Grassland and Lower Gariep Broken Veld) shall be replanted. The same applies for tree
species even though none were identified even along the lines. Catchment management will
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 be mitigated by complying to permit conditions issued by Department of Water Affairs.
Avifauna losses will be minimised by avoiding development in the north eastern site and
minimum vegetation shall be cleared. The servitudes of the lines will follow existing roads to
avoid disturbance of avifauna. Bird deterrent equipment will be installed around the site to
minimise collision incidents and perching in general where nesting happens on site, species
preservation shall be done by having a procedure of relocating after getting permission from
the Northern Cape Department of Environment for relocation of nests for sociable weavers
and White Browed Sparrow Weavers.

3.2 Soil erosion control measures will be adopted, chemicals and other polluting substances shall
be handled at designated areas. A buffer area of 16 km has been provided for aesthetics and
the facilities have a life of 30yrs. The transmission visual impacts are not easy to mitigate due
to the flat landscape but will be absorbed by existing lines in the area. Riparian vegetation
will be protected by staying away from such areas and preserving as much vegetation as
possible especially woody vegetation. Storm water from the site shall be channelled
accordingly. Sediment laden runoff from the proposed site of the solar plant is unlike but
elevated sediment input into the Orange River during development of the abstraction point
will be minimised through sediment traps, and installing stilling basins to capture large
volumes of run off. Social impacts shall be mitigated by ensuring that most employees are
from the surrounding areas, working with an existing or creating an HIV/AIDS awareness
program. Further mitigation is entailed in the monitoring program below.

4. Monitoring program and complementary initiatives

Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe

DESIGN FAILURE IMPACT
Undertake pre-construction geotechnical surveys. Specialists Design phase
Consider design level mitigation measures recommended by the specialists, EPC contractor, solar Design review
especially with respect to visual aesthetics, flora, water resources and associated component suppliers, stage
ecology, avifauna, and heritage, as detailed within the EIA report and relevant and !XiNa CSP
appendices.
Appropriate bird deterrent devices must be placed at locations around the facility EPC contractor Design phase
to lessen the impact on avifauna. !XiNa CSP
Obtain all relevant permits (e.g. protected plants and trees) prior to construction EPC contractor Design phase
in an area. !XiNa CSP
Access roads to be carefully planned to minimise the impacted area and prevent EPC contractor Design phase
unnecessary over compaction of soil. !XiNa CSP
Road alignments must be planned in such a way that the minimum of cut and fill EPC contractor Design phase
operations are required. !XiNa CSP
As far as possible, existing roads must be used or upgraded. “ Design phase
A detailed geotechnical investigation is required for the design phase. !XiNa CSP Design phase
Compile a comprehensive storm water management plan for hard surfaces (e.g. EPC contractor, and Design phase
substation and power islands footprints) as part of the final design of the project !XiNa CSP
(refer to Appendix D).
A sustainable design approach should be considered in finalising the design of EPC contractor, and Tender design,
key elements. !XiNa CSP and design review
stage
Submit a final layout to DEA prior to the commencement of construction
EPC contractor, and Pre-construction
!XiNa CSP
ROUTE & SUB-STATION DEGRADING VISUAL AESTHETICS, LOSS. OF INDIGENOUS FLORA, EROSION etc.

Select an alignment that curtails environmental impacts and enhances EPC contractor, !XiNa Prior to
environmental benefits. CSP submission of
Final EIA

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
Consider design level mitigation measures recommended by the specialists, EPC contractor Design phase
especially with respect to visual aesthetics, flora, ecology (i.e. drainage lines),
avifauna, and heritage, as detailed within the EIA report and relevant appendices.
Plan new access roads according to contour lines to minimise cutting and filling EPC contractor Design phase
operations.
Use bird-friendly power line tower and conductor designs. EPC contractor Design phase
Monopole bird friendly structures must be used for the power line to minimise the EPC contractor Design phase
number of electrocutions
The most sensitive landscape features for planning purposes in the study area will EPC contractor Design phase
be the presence of drainage lines, and areas of indigenous natural vegetation
LOSS OF IMPORTANT HABITAT AND FRAGMENTATION OF THE RIVERINE SYSTEMS
Select a favourable site having the least impact or within an area that is least !XiNa CSP Planning &
sensitive, i.e. the south-eastern portion of the site (i.e. south of the existing Eskom design phase
132kV distribution line).
Select a favourable site, having the least impact or within an area that is least !XiNa CSP Planning, and
sensitive, i.e. the south eastern portion of the site below the existing Eskom 132 design phase
kV distribution line.
POOR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
The most significant form of mitigation would be to select a development area EPC contractor Planning, design,
that contained no drainage lines. However due to the nature of the site, this was and operation
not possible, thus an area, with the least number of riparian systems was phase
earmarked, i.e. the south eastern corner of the site. Any stormwater within the site
will be handled in a suitable manner, i.e. splitting clean and dirty water streams
around the plant, install stilling basins etc.
AFFECTED LAND OWNERS AND LAND USE
Compile and implement a grievance mechanism procedure for the public to be !XiNa CSP Pre-construction
implemented during both the construction and operational phases of the facility (construction
(refer to generic grievance mechanism included within Appendix E). This procedure)
procedure should include details of the contact person who will be receiving Pre-operation
issues raised by interested and affected parties, and the process that will be (operation
followed to address issues. procedure)
Develop and implement a grievance mechanism for the construction, operational !XiNa CSP “
and closure phases of the project for all employees, contractors, subcontractors Contractor
and site personnel. This procedure should be in line with the South African
Labour Law.
Liaison with landowners is to be undertaken prior to the commencement of !XiNa CSP Pre-construction
construction in order to provide sufficient time for them to plan agricultural Contractor
activities
CAMP DEVELOPMENT
The siting of the construction equipment camp will take cognisance of any !XiNa, and EPC Pre-construction
sensitive areas identified by the EIA studies. The location of this construction contractor
equipment camp shall be approved by the project ECO.
No temporary site camps will be allowed outside the footprint of the development EPC Contractor Contract duration
area.
As far as possible, minimise vegetation clearing and levelling for equipment EPC contractor Construction
storage areas.
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas at the construction equipment camp as soon as EPC contractor Post construction
construction is complete within an area.
SITE ESTABLISHMENT
Secure site, working areas and excavations in an appropriate manner. EPC contractor Construction
Where necessary to control access, fence and secure area. EPC contractor Construction
Fence and secure Contractor’s equipment camp. EPC contractor Construction
All development footprints for roads, buildings, underground cables, laydown EPC contractor Construction
areas should be fenced off or demarcated.
There is to be no disturbance outside these demarcated areas without the
permission of the ECO.
Establish the necessary ablution facilities with chemical toilets and provide EPC contractor Construction
adequate sanitation facilities and ablutions for construction workers (1 toilet per
every 15 workers) at appropriate locations on site.

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
Ablution or sanitation facilities should not be located within 100 m from a 1:100 EPC contractor site
year flood line including water courses, wetlands or within a horizontal distance establishment,
of less than 100 m, whichever is applicable. construction, and
operation
Supply adequate waste collection bins at site where construction is being EPC contractor Construction
undertaken.
Dispose of all solid waste collected at an appropriately registered disposal sites Contractor Construction

Where a registered waste site is not available close to the construction site, EPC contractor Site
provide a method statement with regard to waste management establishment, &
construction
EMPLOYMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION
Ensure that as many as possible of the low-skilled workers are sourced from the EPC contractor Before and during
local area. construction
Where required, implement appropriate training and skills development EPC contractor phase
programmes prior to the initiation of the construction phase. commences.
Identify potential opportunities for local businesses. !XiNa CSP / EPC
contractor
Where possible source low-skilled workers from the local area, the local area EPC contractor Before
being in and around the towns of Pofadder, Keimoes, and Kakamas where construction
possible. phase
Identify local contractors who are qualified to undertaken the required work and !XiNaEPC contractor Before
afford them the opportunity to tender for opportunities. construction
Develop a Code of Conduct to cover the activities of the construction workers !XiNa CSP and, EPC phase commences
housed on the site contractor
Ensure that construction workers attend a briefing session before they commence !XiNa CSP, and EPC Before
activities, the aim of the briefing session is to inform them of the rules and contractor construction
regulations governing activities on the site as set out in the Code of Conduct. phase commences
Ensure that all workers are informed at the outset of the construction phase of the EPC contractor Before
conditions contained on the Code of Conduct. construction
phase commences
On completion of the construction phase all construction workers must leave the EPC Contractor At the end of the
site. construction
phase
Implement an HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention plan (refer to Appendix F) EPC Contractors Construction
Phase
SAFETY, DUST, NOISE, AIR, NUISANCE, FARMING
Ensure that open fires on the site are not permitted. EPC Contractors Construction
Phase
Ensure construction personnel are aware of the consequences of starting a fire on EPC Contractors Construction
site to avoid Phase
Implement dust suppression measures for heavy vehicles such as wetting roads on EPC contractor Pre-construction
a regular basis when required by climatic conditions, such as strong wind and during
conditions and ensuring that vehicles used to transport sand and building construction
materials to and from site are fitted with tarpaulins or covers.
Ensure that all vehicles are road-worthy, drivers are qualified and are made aware EPC contractor
of the potential noise, dust and safety issues.
Ensure that drivers adhere to speed limits. EPC contractor Construction
phase
Ensure that damage to roads is repaired before completion of construction phase. EPC contractor Prior to
completion of
construction
phase
Ensure that maintenance is done on all public and private access roads used by EPC contractor Construction
the contractor in order to minimise erosion and surface damage. Potholes, rutting phase
must be repaired and storm water management mechanisms must be maintained.
Public and private roads used by the contractor must be maintained and cleaned. EPC contractor Construction
Litter, spilled cement and gravel must be cleared from the roads phase
Minimise the footprint of the facility and the associated infrastructure. !XiNa CSP, and EPC Duration of
contractor construction
Rehabilitate disturbed areas on completion of the construction phase. EPC contractor
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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
Roads must be maintained to a manner that will ensure that nuisance to the EPC contractor Site
community from dust emissions from road or vehicle sources is not visibly establishment
excessive. Ensure that damage to roads is repaired before completion of Duration of
construction phase. construction
Appropriate dust suppressant must be applied on all exposed areas and stockpiles EPC contractor Duration of
as and where required to minimise/control airborne dust. contract
Haul vehicles moving outside the construction site carrying material that can be EPC contractor Duration of
wind-blown must be covered with tarpaulins. contract
Speed of construction vehicles must be restricted, as defined by the XiNa’s Safety EPC contractor Duration of
Manager. contract
The frequency of application of dust control/suppressants may have to be EPC contractor Duration of
increased during periods of high winds if visible dust is blowing toward nearby contract
residences.
Disturbed areas must be re-vegetated as soon as practicable as per requirements EPC contractor Completion of the
of the Vegetation Management Plan construction
phase
Vehicles and equipment must be maintained in a road-worthy condition at all EPC contractor Duration of
times. contract
If monitoring results or complaints indicate inadequate performance against the EPC contractor Duration of
criteria indicated, then the source of the problem must be identified, and existing contract
procedures or equipment modified to ensure the problem is rectified.
VEGETATION
Clearance of indigenous vegetation must be kept to a minimum and rehabilitation EPC Contractor Construction
of the cleared areas must start as soon as possible. phase
All species of special concern (SSC) must be identified and every effort must be EPC Contractor Construction
made to rescue and/or protect them. Specialist phase
The Aloe Dichotoma tree is endemic to the Northern Cape. Care must be taken as EPC Contractor Construction
to not damage these trees. If removal of these trees must be done, the necessary Specialist phase
permits must be obtained from the relevant Department
The construction impacts must be contained to the footprint of the infrastructure. EPC contractor Construction
phase
Limit unnecessary impacts on surrounding natural vegetation must be avoided, EPC contractor Construction
e.g. driving around in the veld, use access roads only. phase
Disturbed areas must be rehabilitated as soon as possible once construction is EPC contractor Construction
completed in an area. phase
All flora and natural features to be protected during construction must be EPC contractor and Construction
identified, located and mapped. ECO phase
Areas around to protected flora and natural features that may become damaged EPC contractor Construction
during construction must be demarcated/fenced for protection phase
Vegetation demarcations must be maintained until the completion of construction EPC contractor Construction
work. phase
Do not remove any trees or shrubs outside the working areas. Trees earmarked for EPC contractor Construction
removal must be marked prior to felling. phase
No construction equipment, machinery of vehicles may be parked under any tree. EPC contractor Construction
phase
No vegetation or natural feature may be disturbed, destroyed or removed, whether EPC contractor and Construction
fenced, marked or not, for the duration of the Contractor’s presence on site, ECO phase
unless authorized by the ECO.
Permission must be obtained from the ECO to proceed with any vegetation EPC contractor and Construction
clearing. ECO phase
Avoid creating conditions in which alien plants may become established: EPC contractor, and Construction, and
» Keep disturbance of indigenous vegetation to a minimum. !XiNa CSP operational phase
» Rehabilitate disturbed areas as quickly as possible.
» Do not import soil from areas with alien plants.
An alien invasive management plan must be compiled and implemented during EPC Contractor Construction
construction and operation of the facility. The plan must include mitigation phase Operational
measures to reduce the invasion of alien species and ensure that the continuous phase
monitoring and removal of alien species is undertaken.
Establish an on-going monitoring programme to detect and quantify any alien EPC contractor, and Construction, and
species that may become established and identify the problem species (as per !XiNa CSP operational phase
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act).

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
Immediately control any alien plants that become established using registered EPC contractor, and Construction, and
control methods. !XiNa CSP operational phase
All invasive and exotic alien plants to be eradicated must be identified, located EPC contractor, and Construction, and
and mapped. !XiNa CSP operational phase
DRAINAGE LINES AND ECOLOGY
For any new construction, cross watercourses perpendicularly to minimise EPC contractor, Construction, and
disturbance footprints. operational phase
Rehabilitate any disturbed areas as quickly as possible. EPC contractor, and Construction, and
Control storm water and runoff water. ECO operational phase
Obtain a permit from DWA to impact on any wetland or water resource. EPC contractor, and Construction, and
ECO operational phase
Restrict construction activity within disturbance areas. ECO and EPC Before and during
Access roads to be carefully planned and constructed to minimise the impacted contractor construction
area and prevent unnecessary excavation, placement, and compaction of soil.
Dust control on construction site: wetting of denuded areas, where and when ECO and EPC During
required. contractor construction
Minimise removal of vegetation which adds stability to soil. “ “
Rehabilitate disturbance areas as soon practicable when an area is vacated. “ “
Soil conservation: Stockpile topsoil for re-use in rehabilitation phase, protect ECO and EPC Before and during
stockpile from erosion. contractor construction
Erosion control measures: Run-off attenuation on slopes (sand bags, logs), silt ECO and EPC Before and during
fences, storm-water catch- contractor
Where access roads cross natural drainage lines, culverts must be designed to ECO and EPC Before and during
allow free flow and regular maintenance must be carried out. contractor construction
Control depth of excavations and stability of cut faces/sidewalls. Maintenance for
Compile and implement an erosion management plan for monitoring and EPC Contractor duration of
rehabilitating erosion events associated with the facility. Appropriate erosion contract
mitigation must form part of this plan to prevent and reduce the risk of any
potential erosion.
Any stormwater within the site will be handled in a suitable manner, i.e. clean EPC contractor Planning, design,
and dirty water streams around the plant will be separated and install stilling construction and
basins to capture large volumes of run-off, trapping sediments and reduce flow operation phase
velocities (i.e. water used when washing the mirrors).
The placement of pump inlets and the supporting infrastructure to prevent the
potential for scour / erosion and downstream sedimentation of the Orange River.
The current placement is within an area of dense reed growth (Phragmites
australis), and would not be considered a severe impact. Care should however be
taken that if any clearing is done, that this area is monitored for plant re-growth,
firstly to prevent alien plant infestations and to ensure no erosion or scour takes
place.
» The risk of erosion and bank slumping or collapse during both pre-construction, EPC contractor Planning, design,
construction work can readily be prevented by careful design and planning. construction and
» Appropriate hard-engineered bank erosion protection structures. operation phase
» Careful rehabilitation using natural riparian vegetation to stabilize the
riverbanks and all disturbed areas in the riparian zone.
» Local storm-water run-off over the flood embankments and natural riverbanks
could potentially cause erosion and subsequent bank slumping, unless storm-
water drains are correctly located and designed with appropriate erosion-control
features.
» During construction, adjacent riparian habitats outside the “footprint” of the
new infrastructure should be declared sensitive habitats and out of bounds for all
construction activities and for all construction workers.
HERITAGE
Provision for on-going heritage monitoring which provides guidelines on what to !XiNa CSP;ECO and Before
do in the event of any major heritage feature being encountered during any phase EPC contractor commencement
of development or operation. of development
All features and sites of social/or cultural historical significance must be EPC contractor and Construction
identified, located and mapped to be protected during construction. ECO phase
Should any archaeological sites, artefacts, palaeontological fossils or graves be !XiNa CSP Construction
exposed during construction work, work in the immediate vicinity of the find ECO phase
must be stopped, SAHRA informed and the services of an accredited heritage

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
professional obtained for an assessment of the heritage resources must be made.
VISUAL IMPACTS
Implement an environmentally responsive planning approach to roads and EPC contractor During
infrastructure to limit cut and fill requirements. construction
Adopt responsible construction practices aimed at containing the construction EPC contractor During
activities to specifically demarcated areas thereby limiting the removal of natural construction
vegetation to the minimum.
Limit access to the construction sites (during both construction and operational EPC contractor Construction /
phases) along existing access roads. operational
Rehabilitate all disturbed areas to acceptable visual standards. EPC contractor phases
Maintain the general appearance of the facility in an aesthetically pleasing way by !XiNa CSP Construction and
maintaining the site in a neat and tidy condition and keeping the site free of litter. Operational phase
The visual impact of the pipeline must be mitigated by placing the pipe EPC contractor Construction and
underground and rehabilitating the vegetation within the pipeline servitude. operational
Ensure that proper planning is undertaken regarding the placement of lighting EPC contractor and phases
structures. Undertake regular maintenance of light fixtures. !XiNa CSP
Ensure that proper planning is undertaken regarding the placement of lighting EPC contractor Construction,
structures. operation, and
maintenance
Care must be taken in the planning and placement of light fixtures in order to EPC contractor Erection and
reduce visual impacts associated with glare and light trespass. maintenance
Maintain the general appearance of the facility in an aesthetically pleasing way. !XiNa CSP Operation and
Undertake regular maintenance of light fixtures. !XiNa CSP maintenance
Limit access to the solar energy facility site, power line, water supply pipeline !XiNa CSP
and associated infrastructure.
Avoid the unnecessary removal of vegetation for the distribution power line EPC contractor and
servitude and limit access to the servitudes (during both construction and !XiNa CSP
operational phases) along existing access roads.
TRAFFIC & MOVEMENT OF EQUIPMENT
All relevant permits for abnormal loads must be applied for from the relevant EPC contractor Pre-construction
authority.
A designated access to the proposed site must be created to ensure safe entry & EPC contractor Pre-construction
exit.
No deviation from approved transportation routes must be allowed, unless roads EPC contractor Duration of
are closed for whatever reason outside the control of the contractor. contract
Appropriate road management strategies must be implemented on external and EPC contractor Pre-construction
internal roads with all employees and contractors required to abide by standard
road and safety procedures.
Appropriate dust suppression techniques must be used to minimise dust emissions EPC contractor Duration of
on un-surfaced roads when and if required. contract
Times for arrival and departure of heavy vehicles must be co-ordinated to EPC contractor Duration of
minimise congestion as is possible. contract
Any traffic delays as a result of construction traffic must be co-ordinated with the EPC contractor Duration of
appropriate authorities. contract
The movement of all vehicles within the site must be on designated roadways. EPC contractor Duration of
Signage must be established at appropriate points warning of turning traffic and EPC contractor contract
the construction site (all signage to be in accordance with prescribed standards).
Appropriate maintenance of all vehicles of the contractor must be ensured EPC contractor
All vehicles of the contractor travelling on public roads must adhere to the EPC contractor Duration of
specified speed limits and all drivers must be in possession of an appropriate contract
valid driver’s license.
Keep hard road surfaces as narrow as possible. EPC contractor Duration of
Prevent damage to roads by construction vehicles. EPC contractor contract
Fine grained aggregates transported to and from site must be covered with EPC contractor
tarpaulins.
Overloading of any transport vehicles is prohibited. EPC contractor
Compile and implement a traffic management plan for the site access road to EPC Contractor Construction
ensure that no hazards would result from the increased truck traffic and that
traffic flow would not be adversely impacted. This plan must include measures to
minimise impacts on local commuters.

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CHEMICALS AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND WASTE
Spill kits must be made available on-site for the clean-up of spills and leaks of EPC contractor Duration of
contaminants. contract
Corrective action must be undertaken immediately if a complaint is received, or EPC contractor Duration of
potential/actual leak or spill of polluting substance identified. contract
This includes stopping the contaminant from further escaping, cleaning up the
affected environment as much as practically possible and implementing
preventive measures.
Implement an effective monitoring system to detect any leakage or spillage of all EPC Contractor Duration of
hazardous substances during their transportation, handling, use and storage. This contract
must include precautionary measures to limit the possibility of oil and other toxic
liquids from entering the soil or storm water systems.
Leakage of fuels must be avoided at all times and if spillage occurs, it must be EPC Contractor Duration of
remediated immediately. contract
Where practically possible, construction and general wastes on-site must be EPC contractor Duration of
reused or recycled. Bins and skips must be available on-site for collection, contract
separation, and storage of waste streams (such as wood, metals, general refuse
etc.).
Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements, EPC contractor Duration of
including the use of licensed contractors and disposal at appropriately licensed contract
waste disposal sites.
Hydrocarbon waste must be contained and stored in sealed containers within an EPC contractor Duration of
appropriately bunded area. contract
Waste and surplus dangerous goods must be kept to a minimum and must be EPC contractor Duration of
transported by approved waste transporters to sites designated for their disposal. contract
Documentation (waste manifest) must be maintained detailing the quantity, EPC contractor and Duration of
nature, and fate of any regulated waste. ECO contract.
Waste disposal records must be available for review at any time.
An incident/complaints register must be established and maintained on-site.
The sediment control and water quality structures used on-site must be monitored EPC contractor Duration of
and maintained in a fully operational state at all times. contract
An integrated waste management approach that is based on waste minimisation EPC Contractor Duration of
must be used and must incorporate reduction, recycling, re-use and disposal contract
where appropriate. A waste management plan must be implemented for the
duration of construction (refer to Appendix J).
Upon the completion of construction, the area must be cleared of potentially EPC contractor Completion of
polluting materials. construction
Wire fencing around all development footprints in areas of natural vegetation as ECO and EPC To be completed
determined by the ecological specialist. The wire to be inter-threaded with two Contractor prior to
coloured shade cloth netting, and signage saying “Sensitive Area – Keep Out / construction
Sensitiewe Gebied – Bly Weg” placed on fences at appropriate intervals. activities
All temporary facilities, equipment, and waste materials must be removed from EPC contractor Following
site. execution of the
works
All temporary fencing and two coloured shade cloth netting must be removed EPC contractor Following
once the construction phase has been completed. completion of
Necessary drainage works and anti-erosion measures must be installed, where EPC contractor construction
required, to minimise loss of topsoil and control erosion. activities in an
area
Hazardous substances (such as used/new transformers) must be stored in sealed !XiNa CSP Operation
containers within a clearly demarcated designated area.
Storage areas for hazardous substances must be appropriately sealed and bunded. !XiNa CSP Operation
All structures and/or components replaced during maintenance activities must be !XiNa CSP Operation
appropriately disposed of at an appropriately licensed waste disposal site or sold
to a recycling merchant for recycling.
Care must be taken to ensure that spillage of oils and other hazardous substances !XiNa CSP Operation and
are limited during maintenance. Handling of these materials should take place maintenance
within an appropriately sealed and bunded area. Should any accidental spillage
take place, it will be cleaned up according to specified standards regarding
bioremediation.
Waste handling, collection, and disposal operations must be managed and !XiNa CSP / waste Operation

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
controlled by a waste management contractor. management
contractor
Used oils and chemicals: Appropriate disposal must be arranged with a licensed !XiNa CSP Operation
facility in consultation with the administering authority. Waste must be stored and
handled according to the relevant legislation and regulations.
General waste must be recycled where possible or disposed of at an appropriately !XiNa CSP Operation
licensed landfill.
Hazardous waste (including hydrocarbons) and general waste must be stored and !XiNa CSP Operation
disposed of separately.
Disposal of waste must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements, !XiNa CSP Operation
including the use of licensed contractors.
DISTURBED AREAS
A rehabilitation plan should be drawn up that specifies the rehabilitation process EPC contractor, !XiNa Pre-construction
and should be approved by the ECO. CSP and ECO
Disturbed areas must be rehabilitated/re-vegetated with appropriate natural EPC contractor, ECO Following
vegetation and/or local seed mix. Re-use of native/indigenous plant species completion of
removed from disturbance areas in the rehabilitation phase to be determined by construction
the ECO. activities
Re-vegetated areas may have to be protected from wind erosion and maintained !XiNa CSP, ECO Post-
until an acceptable plant cover has been achieved. rehabilitation
Erosion control measures should be used in sensitive areas such as steep slopes, !XiNa CSP, ECO Post-
hills and drainage lines where necessary. rehabilitation
On-going alien plant monitoring and removal must be undertaken on all areas of !XiNa CSP, ECO Post-
natural vegetation on an annual basis. rehabilitation

Vehicle movements must be restricted to designated roadways. !XiNa CSP Operation

Existing roads must be maintained to ensure limited erosion and impact on areas !XiNa CSP Operation
adjacent to roadways.
An on-going weed monitoring and eradication programme must be implemented, !XiNa CSP Operation
where necessary.
An environmental manager must be appointed during operation whose duty it will !XiNa CSP Operation
be to minimise impacts on surrounding sensitive habitats.
A botanist familiar with the vegetation of the area should monitor the !XiNa CSP and Annual
rehabilitation success and alien plant removal on an annual basis. specialist monitoring until
successful re-
establishment of
vegetation in an
area
Fire breaks should be established, where appropriate and applicable. !XiNa CSP Duration of
contract
Appoint an environmental manager during operation whose duty it will be to !XiNa CSP Operation
minimise impacts on surrounding sensitive habitats.
PROTECTION OF AVIFAUNA AND PRIORITY BIRD SPECIES
Fit the earth wire with bird marking/deterrent devices (i.e. in defined problem EPC contractor and Construction
areas) which have proved to be extremely effective in preventing bird collisions !XiNa CSP
by making the line more visible.
The power line should be kept as low as possible taking into account engineering EPC contractor Construction
and legal requirements.
The span lengths should be kept as short as possible taking into account EPC contractor Construction
engineering and legal requirements.
Notes of electrocution and collision events must be sent to a qualified !XiNa CSP Operation
Ornithologist for the recommendation of further mitigation measures
FIRE CONTROL
Provide adequate fire-fighting equipment on-site. EPC contractor Duration of
Provide fire-fighting training to selected operation and maintenance staff. EPC contractor construction
Ensure that appropriate communication channels are established to be !XiNa CSP Pre-construction
implemented in the event of a fire.
LABOUR UNREST

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Mitigation: Action/Control Responsibility Timeframe
Retrenchments should comply with current South African Labour Legislation. !XiNa CSP At
decommissioning

5. Institutional arrangements and capacity building requirements

As the proponent, !XiNa CSP shall ensure that the implementation of the solar energy facility
complies with the requirements of any and all environmental authorisations and permits, and
obligations emanating from other relevant environmental legislation and lender’s
requirements. This obligation is partly met through the development of the ESMP, and the
implementation thereof through its integration into the contract documentation. !XiNa CSP
will retain various key roles and responsibilities during the construction of the solar energy
facility. These are outlined below.

The Project Manager (EPC contractor’s on-site representative) will:

 Ensure that all specifications and legal constraints specifically with regards to the
environment are highlighted to the EPC Contractor(s) so that they are aware of these
 Ensure that the EPC Contractor(s) are made aware of all stipulations within the ESMP
 Ensure that the ESMP is correctly implemented throughout the project by means of
site inspections and meetings with the site Manager, ECO and EPC Contractor. This
will be documented as part of the site meeting minutes
 Be fully conversant with the EIA for the project, the EMP, the conditions of the
Environmental Authorisation (once issued), and all relevant environmental legislation

The Site Manager (!XiNa CSP’s on-site representative) will:

 Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of the EIA
 Be fully knowledgeable with the contents and conditions of the Environmental
Authorisation (once issued)
 Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of the ESMP
 Be fully knowledgeable with the contents of all relevant environmental legislation,
and ensure compliance with these
 Have overall responsibility of the ESMP and its implementation
 Conduct audits to ensure compliance to the ESMP
 Ensure there is communication with the Project Manager, the ECO, and relevant
discipline engineers on matters concerning the environment.
 Ensure that no actions are taken which will harm or may indirectly cause harm to the
environment, and take steps to prevent pollution on the site
 Confine activities to the demarcated construction site

An independent Environmental Control Officer (ECO) shall be appointed by !XiNa CSP

prior to the commencement of any authorised activities. The ECO will be responsible for
monitoring, reviewing, and verifying compliance by the EPC Contractor with the
environmental specifications of the EMP and the conditions of the Environmental
14
 Authorisation. The ECO shall remain on site on a full-time basis until the end of Phase 4 as
per the Project Management Plan. Thereafter, monthly or bi-weekly site compliance
inspections would probably be sufficient, reducing as construction proceeds, provided
compliance is maintained. However, in the absence of the ECO there should be a designated
environmental officer present to deal with any environmental issues that may arise such as
fuel or oil spills. The ECO shall remain employed until all rehabilitation measures, as
required for implementation due to construction damage, are completed and the site handed
over for operation.

An Environmental Officer (EO) shall be appointed by the EPC contractor prior to the
commencement of any authorised activities. The EO will be responsible for ensuring
compliance by the EPC Contractor with the environmental specifications of the EMP and the
conditions of the Environmental Authorisation.
o a minimum, as far as possible

EPC Contractors and Service Providers: All contractors (including sub-contractors and
staff) and service providers are ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to the
environmental management specifications; ensuring that Method Statements are submitted to
the Site Manager and ECO for approval before any work is undertaken

The Project Manager may suspend any activity if the EPC contractor fails to comply with any
specifications of the EMP and/or relevant environmental, Health and Safety and Construction
legislations.

6. Public consultations and disclosure requirements

In order to ensure that the views and interests of all project stakeholders are taken into
accounts, public consultation has been carried out with relevant decision making and
regulating authorities at national, provincial and local levels. Authority consultation with the
National Department of Environment (the competent authority for authorisations) are
conducted throughout all phases (pre, during and post) the development. A 30 day public
review of the scoping report was undertaken and all stakeholders’ inputs were recorded and
taken into consideration. The ESIA report also went through a 30-day public review process.
The Authorities were given an opportunity to visit the project site and among the consulted
authorities. Among others authorities consulted included The South African Heritage
Resources Agency; Department of Water Affairs; South African National Roads Agency
Limited; Department of Agriculture; Department of Public Works; the municipality and
conservation authorities. The public were encouraged to participate by registering as
interested and affected parties. Interactions with the public were done in the form of focus
groups meeting, public meetings advertised trough local press and email and fax where
required. A general meeting was held on 29 November 2010 at the municipality offices.
Issues raised by the public pertained to community development and employment
opportunities; development of renewable energy projects; site selection motivation; project
progress; the use of water resources and public participation. All issues raised by the public
were included as part of the ESMP update approved in 2014 by the Department of
Environmental Affairs. The EMP update further went through a 30 day public review process
in 2013.

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7. Estimated costs

Plan Cost /
Currency
1 - Construction Environmental Management Plan 916/456 $
2 - Public relations / stakeholder / community management plan 8.000 $
3 - HIV-AIDS awareness and prevention program (Annexed to H&S Plan) 5.000 $
4 - Security protocol and plan (Annexed to H&S Plan) 1.1 MUSD
5 - Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (Annexed to H&S Plan) 1.3 MUSD
6 - List of Hazardous Materials that will be on site during construction (Annexed to Inc. @ pt.8
H&S Plan)
7 - Waste Management Plan during Construction 295.484$
8 - Health and Safety Plan 20M$
9 - Project Construction Management Plan 8000$
10 - Fire Management Plan (Annexed to H&S Plan) (Inc. @ pt.8)
11 - Stormwater Management Plan 3M Euros
12 - Worker's Grievance Mechanism 8.000$
13 - Quality Plan 212.736$
14 - Labour Accommodation Plan 480.000$

8. Implementation schedule and reporting

The implementation agreement foresees up to 36-month construction period, commercial
operation, followed by 20 years of operation. Nominated turnkey EPC Contractor is a joint
venture comprising Abener & Teyma, subsidiaries of Abengoa and a BBBEE entity. Eskom
Holdings will be the off-taker (20y PPA with energy payment, take-or-pay, and grid connection
agreement with Eskom). O&M will be undertaken by another SPV predominately owned by
Abengoa (20y O&M contract). The project will report any archeological findings to the South
African Heritage Authority as and when they are suspected or found. The project will report to
the Department of Water affairs as per all the water licence requirements. There will also be
reporting to the Department of Environmental Affairs in line with the record of decision and its
subsequent updates A decommissioning plan shall be submitted for approval to the national
environmental authorities in line with the authorisation. The project shall conduct a full ESMP
compliance audit and the report thereof shall be submitted to the AfDB annually during operation
and quarterly during construction. The departments of water and environmental affairs will also
undertake compliance monitoring in line with their authorisations and such reports shall be made
available to the AfDB as part of the annual reporting.

16