BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT
April 2017
NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 25M COMMUNICATION MAST ON PORTION 1 OF THE FARM 348 MARSEILLE IN BUSHMANS RIVER, WITHIN THE NDLAMBE MUNICIPALITY
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT:
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the proposed project, and to indicate how interested and affected parties can become involved in the project, and contribute to the EIA process.
INTRODUCTION & PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Atlas Towers, as the applicant, proposes to erect a communications mast in the Bushmans River area. Atlas Towers has, in turn, appointed BJB Project Services to manage the construction of the cellphone tower, and has therefore appointed an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner, East Cape Diverse Consultants, to acquire Environmental Authorisation for the proposed development.
The location of the proposed mast is on Portion 1 of the Farm no. 348 Marseille. This cellphone tower will consist of a 25 m high cellular monopole mast, with a concrete foundation, on a 12×12 m base station site, with a 1.8 m x 1.8 m concrete base. The installation is enclosed with steel palisade fence with flatwrap and a steel gate. A 3m swinging gate and 2 m ramp are to be included in the construction. A new AC/DB on mounting pole with site light is proposed within the fenced installation to provide electricity to power the tower. A new connection of approximately 90 m is required to connect the tower to the nearest metered municipal AC supply point.
Tarred roads already exist to the proposed site which allows for easy access to the location without the need for additional clearing of vegetation or construction of a new road.
MOTIVATION FOR THE APPLICATION:
The proposed location is on Portion 1 of the Farm no. 348 Marseille, at an elevation allowing for a central position in an area of poor signal. A tower at this location will increase the coverage for existing residents as well as the tourists visiting this area. Sufficient space exists on the mast for a number of service providers (i.e. cellphone networks) to mount their equipment.
Project Locality
Bushmans River
Detailed project location
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
In accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act No 107 of 1998), as amended, the applicant requires the approval from the Competent Environmental Authority, in this case being the Eastern Cape’s Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism, to undertake this development. For the purpose of this development, the following listed activity in GN R. 985 is anticipated to be applicable to the proposed development:
Listed activity as described in GN R.983, 984 and 985 Description of project activity that triggers listed activity. GN R. 985 Item 3.
(a) The development of masts or towers of any material or type used for telecommunication broadcasting or radio transmission purposes where the mast or tower
(b) is to be placed on a site not previously used for this purpose; and
(c) will exceed 15 metres in height
(d) In the Eastern Cape
(e) outside urban areas; in:
(f) Areas within 10 kilometres from national parks or world heritage sites or 5 kilometres from any other protected area identified in terms of NEMPAA or from the core areas of a biosphere reserve A 25 m high monopole mast will be installed on an erf in Ndlambe Municipality, within 10 km of the Addo Elephant National Park.
ALTERNATIVES:
As part of the EIA process, various alternatives will be considered. Due to the nature and requirements of the proposed development, the alternatives are limited.
A) DESIGN
1 – PREFERRED DESIGN: MONOPOLE STRUCTURE (pictured, projected image of proposed cellphone tower to be erected).
2 – ALTERNATIVE DESIGN: TREE DESIGN
B) LOCATION
Portion 1 of the Farm no. 348 Marseille
1 – PREFERRED LOCATION: Option 1 (33o41’2.16”S 26o38’59.63”E).
2 – ALTERNATIVE LOCATION: Option 2 (33o41’7.34”S 26o39’2.02”E)
Portion 1 of the Farm no. 348 Marseille
1 – PREFERRED LOCATION: Option 1 (33o41’2.16”S 26o38’59.63”E).
2 – ALTERNATIVE LOCATION: Option 2 (33o41’7.34”S 26o39’2.02”E)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS AS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS:
The public participation process has the following objectives:
• To inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) of the proposed development
• To provide an opportunity for I&APs to raise issues, concerns and suggestions
• To promote transparency and an understanding of the project and its consequences
• To serve as a structure for liaison and communication with I&APs The public participation process aims to promote a project which is both financially and technically feasible, and as well as socially desirable (or at least acceptable).
Should you wish to deliver any issues of concerns / comments with regards the proposed development, please register as an I&AP, by completing and submitting the attached Registration and Comment Sheet on or before the 31st May 2017. Your registration in this matter will afford you the opportunity to participate and be involved throughout the EIA process.
If you would like to obtain more information on the project, please feel free to contact Adri Barkhuysen of East Cape Diverse Consulting on 082 6302448 or adriba@telkomsa.net
REGISTRATION AS AN I&AP AND INVITATION TO COMMENT:
NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 25M COMMUNICATION MAST ON PORTION 1 OF THE FARM 348 MARSEILLE IN BUSHMANS RIVER, WITHIN THE NDLAMBE MUNICIPALITY
Please send us an email with the below details to Adri Barkhuysen of East Cape Diverse Consulting at adriba@telkomsa.net on or before the 31st May 2017.
Name and surname
Company name/interest
Residential address
Postal address
Mobile number
Email address
Comments
