The final scoping report for the Spitskop East Wind Energy Project near Riebeeck East is about to be submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
The final scoping report for the Spitskop East Wind Energy Project near Riebeeck East is about to be submitted to the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
Sustainable Futures ZA this week announced its intention to submit the report, jointly prepared with Savannah Environmental, to the DEA. The Final Scoping Report is available for comment on the website www.savannahsa.com
Plans are already at an advanced stage for the construction of the wind farm to the west of Riebeeck East. Approval by the DEA will allow Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Southern Africa to move ahead to the next stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
The integrated comments and response report, which accompanied the notification email, reveal sharply contrasting responses. Here is a sample:
"I would like to know if there are any possible measures that may be taken to reduce the risk of impact between turbine blades and avifauna, as this may be a huge threat to the bird species if this form of energy generation is intended to expand across the country," wrote University of the Western Cape student, Kukhanya Ncube.
"I am for the project, green energy is the way of the future to clean our atmosphere of fossil fuels," wrote land owner Chad Comley, of Tweefontein, Kommadagga.
"We object, due to the visual aspect," wrote Carole Royale, of neighbouring eZulu Game Reserve.
"We’ve gone to great expense to remove all electric power lines so it does not mar the visual outlook of the area and so a wind farm and the electric poles/lines etc. will definitely not be a pretty sight for us."
"I am a landowner in the area. I am concerned about the visual impact pollution affecting a pristine nature environment and the established business that rely on this environment in our area," wrote Michael Weeks, of The Safari Lodge.
According to Sustainable Futures' Shawn Johnston, comments on the Final Scoping Report must be submitted directly to National DEA.
