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Bird Impact Assessment Study The proposed deviation of a portion of the 400kV Duvha-Minerva power line to the east of Kusile Power Station
March 2011

Prepared by: Chris van Rooyen Consulting 30 Roosevelt Street Robindale Randburg 2194 South Africa Tel. International: +27 824549570 Tel. Local: 0824549570 Fax: 0866405205 Email: vanrooyen.chris@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Proposed mining operations to the east of the Kusile Power Station necessitates the deviation of the Duvha-Minerva 400kV transmission line, because it is currently located in the area where proposed mining operations will be undertaken. In order to deviate the 400kV Duvha-Minerva power line, a portion of the existing line must be decommissioned and the deviation (or new portion of the power line) must be constructed, which requires an EIA to be undertaken. This study deals with the potential impacts on avifauna, of the proposed deviation. Electrocutions Electrocution refers to the scenario where a bird is perched or attempts to perch on the electrical structure and causes an electrical short circuit by physically bridging the air gap between live components and/or live and earthed components. Due to the large size of the clearances on overhead lines of 400kV, electrocutions are ruled out as even the largest birds cannot physically bridge the gap between energised and/or energised and earthed components. Collisions The most likely impact that the proposed line could potentially have on Red Data birds are collisions with the overhead earth wire. This impact is most likely to occur close to wetlands, where the line skirts a dam or where it is positioned across a drainage line. Species at risk are water birds of several species where it skirts larger dams, including the Yellow-billed Stork and Black Stork. Another collision hazard exists where the line will cross patches of grassland, as this is the preferred habitat of most of the remaining large terrestrial Red Data species, including the Blue Crane (if it still occurs), Secretarybird and two species of Korhaan. Habitat destruction A limited degree of habitat destruction always takes place when a power line is constructed. In this instance some areas of the study area has been intensively transformed through agriculture and mining, which has destroyed some of the original grassland. However, some wetlands have survived and this could be damaged in the course of construction activities. This could in turn impact on birds using in the wetlands. Generally speaking though, habitat destruction is not foreseen as a major impact, because of the extensive impacts already evident in the study area. Disturbance No significant disturbance of birds is foreseen. Such disturbance as would take place is likely to be temporary and should cease after the dismantling of the existing line and the construction of the deviation. Preferred alignment From the analysis of various risk related factors, alternative 4 has emerged as the preferred option from a bird interaction perspective. RECOMMENDATIONS Those sections of line that will require the application of bird flight diverters (BFDs) are indicated on the accompanying sensitivity map (Appendix C). Sensitive sections will include dams, wetlands, drainage

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crossings and areas of grassland. The proposed BFD is the Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter. BFDs should be placed on the earthwires, staggered, alternating black and white, 10 metres apart. The construction of access roads in sensitive wetland habitat should be avoided.

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LIST OF CONTENTS 1 BACKGROUND 1.1 ...... Scope .............................................................................................................. 5 1.2 ...... Terms of reference ............................................................................................ 5 1.3 Sources of information ....................................................................................... 5 1.4 Assumptions & Limitations .................................................................................. 6 DESCRIPTIONS ........................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Vegetation ........................................................................................................ 6 1.6 Bird micro-habitats ............................................................................................ 7 TYPICAL IMPACTS OF POWER LINES ON BIRDS ............................................................... 8 1.7 Electrocutions ................................................................................................... 8 1.8 Collisions .......................................................................................................... 9 1.9 Habitat destruction ...........................................................................................10 1.10 Disturbance .....................................................................................................11 PROPOSED STRUCTURE TYPES .....................................................................................11 POWER LINE SENSITIVE BIRDS ....................................................................................11 DISCUSSION .............................................................................................................13 1.11 Electrocutions ..................................................................................................13 1.12 Collisions .........................................................................................................13 1.13 Habitat destruction ...........................................................................................14 1.14 Disturbance .....................................................................................................14 IDENTIFYING A PREFERRED ALIGNMENT .......................................................................14 CONCLUSIONS ...........................................................................................................16 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................17 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................17

4 5 6

7 8 9 10

LIST OF TABLES Table Table Table Table Table 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: Vegetation composition of 2529CC and 2528DD (Harrison et al. 1997) ....................... 6 Red Data species potentially occurring in the study area ..........................................11 The results of the measurements for each option ....................................................15 Weights assigned to factors .................................................................................15 The final scores for the respective options .............................................................16

APPENDICES APPENDIX A: APPENDIX B: APPENDIX C: Map of study area Bird habitat Sensitivity map

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1 1.1 BACKGROUND Scope

Proposed mining operations to the east of the Kusile Power Station necessitates the deviation of the Duvha-Minerva 400kV transmission line, because it is currently located in the area where proposed mining operations will be undertaken. In order to deviate the 400kV Duvha-Minerva power line, a portion of the existing line must be decommissioned and the deviation (or new portion of the power line) must be constructed, which requires an EIA to be undertaken. The following components for the deviation are being taken into consideration (See the Draft Scoping Report for full details (Zitholele Consulting 2011)): Location of the deviation: The existing power line located on the coal reserve needs to be decommissioned by cutting the power line to the east and west of the coal reserve and dismantling the towers / pylons in the coal reserve footprint. Additionally a new route to deviate the power line around the coal reserve needs to be assessed. Size of the servitude: It is proposed that a 150 metre wide corridor be assessed for the required 55m wide servitude (27.5m on either side). This is to enable Eskom to deviate slightly around sensitivities identified within the corridor once approved. Length of the line to be deviated: The length of the deviation is dependent on the alternative approved by the DEA (approximately 15 km). Additionally the length of the portion of the line to be decommissioned is between 13 and 16 km.

See Appendix A for a map showing the study area with the proposed alignments. Zitholele Consulting was appointed by Eskom Transmission to facilitate the Environmental Impact Assessment process as required by legislation. Chris van Rooyen Consulting was appointed to conduct the investigations into the potential bird impacts that might occur as a result of the construction of the deviation. 1.2 Terms of reference

The terms of reference for this bird impact assessment report are as follows: 1.3 a description of the existing environment, bird communities and micro habitats; a description of potential impacts; indication of confidence levels; selection of a preferred alternative; rating of impacts; and proposed mitigation measures. Sources of information

The following information sources were consulted in order to conduct this study: Bird distribution data of the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP2) was obtained from the Animal Demography Unit website (http://sabap2.adu.org.za, 2009), for the Quarter-Degree Grid Cells (QDGCs) traversed by the proposed line (2529CC and 2528DD). The conservation status of all species considered likely to occur in the area was determined as per the most recent iteration of the southern African Red Data list for birds (Barnes 2000), and the most recent and comprehensive summary of southern African bird biology (Hockey et al.

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2005). QDGCs are grid cells that cover 15 minutes of latitude by 15 minutes of longitude (15. 15.), which correspond to the area shown on a 1:50 000 map. The power line bird mortality incident database of the Eskom - Endangered Wildlife Trust Strategic Partnership (1996 to 2007) was consulted to determine which of the species occurring in the study area are typically impacted upon by power lines and the extent to which they are impacted on. A classification of the vegetation types in the QDGCs was obtained from Southern African Bird Atlas Project 1 (Harrison et al. 1997). Information on the micro habitat level was obtained through visiting the area in February 2011 and obtaining a first-hand perspective. Data from the Co-ordinated Avifaunal Road count project (CAR) for the Mpumalanga precincts were obtained (Young, Harrison, Navarro, Anderson and Colahan, 2003). This data was of particular importance in order to establish what densities of large terrestrial birds could be expected to occur in the study area, and especially what the habitat preferences of those species are. Assumptions & Limitations

1.4

This study made the assumption that the above sources of information are adequately reliable. However, there are factors that may potentially detract from the accuracy of the predicted results: Bird distribution patterns may fluctuate in response to climatic conditions, particularly rainfall. Sources of error in the SABAP2 database, particularly limited coverage of some QDGCs. This means that the reporting rates of species may not be an accurate reflection of the true densities in QDGCs that has to date been sparsely covered during the data collecting. The 2529CC QDGC has not yet been well covered by SABAP2 with a total of only 38 checklists to date, but it does provide an up to date set of data with regard to the species that are likely to occur. The 2528DD QDGC has been better covered with a total of 80 checklists to date. Predictions in this study are based on experience of these and similar species in different parts of South Africa. Bird behaviour can never be entirely reduced to formulas that will hold true under all circumstances. However, power line and substation impacts can be predicted with a fair amount of certainty, based on experience gained by the author through the investigation of hundreds of localities in southern Africa, since 1996, where birds have interacted electrical infrastructure. DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Vegetation

2 2.1

Table 1 below shows the vegetation composition of the two relevant QDGCs (Harrison et al 1997). It is generally accepted that vegetation structure, rather than the actual plant species, influences bird species distribution and abundance (in Harrison et al 1997). Therefore, the vegetation description below does not focus on lists of plant species, but rather on factors which are relevant to bird distribution. The description makes extensive use of the work of Harrison et al (1997). Table 1. Vegetation composition of 2529CC and 2528DD (Harrison et al 1997). Biome Grassland Woodland Vegetation type Sour grassland Moist Woodland 2529CC 94% 6% 2528DD 95% 5%

The study area falls predominantly within the Grassland biome, with Sour Grassland being the dominant vegetation type.

The dominant plants in the grassland biome are grass species, with geophytes and herbs also well represented. Grasslands are maintained mainly by a combination of the following factors: relatively high summer rainfall; frequent fires; frost and grazing. These factors preclude the growth of trees and shrubs. This biome has been largely transformed in South Africa through various land uses such as afforestation, and in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, by crop cultivation. Sweet grassland is generally found in the lower rainfall areas - vegetation is taller and sparser, and nutrients are retained in the leaves during winter. Sour grassland generally occurs in the higher rainfall areas on leached soils. Many grassland bird species show a preference for sour grassland over sweet or mixed grassland. Mixed grassland is a combination or a transition between the two grassland types above. Grassland Red Data species that have been recorded in 2528DD by SABAP2 include Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius, White-bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis and Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus which could potentially be impacted by the power line. Secretarybird and Southern Bald Ibis were also recorded in 2529CC. Woodland (or savanna) also occurs marginally in the study area and it is defined as having a grassy under-storey and a distinct woody upper-storey of trees and tall shrubs (Harrison et al. 1997). Moist woodland comprises predominantly broadleaved, winter deciduous woodland. Soil types are varied but are generally nutrient poor. The savanna biome is relatively well conserved compared to the grassland biome and contains a large variety of bird species (it is the most species-rich community in southern Africa) although very few bird species are restricted to this biome. The biome is particularly rich in large raptors, and forms the stronghold of Red Data species such as White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus, Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, and Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotis. Apart from Red Data species, it also serves as the stronghold of several non-Red Data raptor species, such as the Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus, Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis, and a multitude of medium-sized raptors for example the migratory Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus, African HarrierHawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus, Wahlbergs Eagle Aquila wahlbergi and African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster. Apart from raptors, woodland in its undisturbed state is suitable for a wide range of other power line sensitive birds, including the Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori. In the study area natural woodland is evident in scattered patches, with mostly small Acacia karroo trees in areas of natural grassland. Some of the woodland in the area consists of invader species, particularly Eucalyptus, of which substantial pockets are evident. Generally, the original woodland has been cleared to make way for agricultural activity and the absence of woodland in the study area is reflected in the Red Data bird species composition, with none of the above species having been recorded in the study area by SABAP2. 2.2 Bird micro-habitats

Whilst much of the distribution and abundance of the bird species in the study area can be explained by the description of the broad vegetation types above, it is even more important to examine the micro habitats available to birds. These are generally evident at a much smaller spatial scale than the vegetation types, and are determined by a host of factors, such as vegetation type, topography, land use and man made infrastructure. The most important bird micro-habitats that were identified during the field visit are the following (see also Appendix B): Wetlands and dams: This habitat is represented in the study area by several man-made impoundments (farm dams), natural wetlands and small drainage lines. Amongst large terrestrial birds, it is especially cranes species that depend on shallow, vegetated wetlands that are unpolluted and not excessively disturbed by live-stock and fire. When wetlands are made deeper by dredging or the construction of weirs (as is the case in some instances in the study

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area), or made shallower by the digging of drainage ditches or infilling, their ecological functions are disrupted (Young et al. 2003). Many of the waterbodies in the study area have modified the natural drainage in wetlands and watercourses to such an extent that they will not be suitable for cranes anymore. Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus and Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum were recorded in 2529CC QDGC by SABAP1 but it is unlikely that these species are still found in the study area, due to extensive transformation of habitat, particularly for industrial purposes (mining and infrastructure construction). Some of the dams and wetlands, including the modified ones, might be suitable for other species such as various species of ducks, cormorants, African Marsh-Harriers Circus ranivorus and (possibly) Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, which was recorded in both QDGCs by SABAP2. Dryland cultivation: The study area has been extensively transformed through dryland cultivation. The land is used for a variety of mixed farming practices. Grazing is developed in parallel with crop farming. The region has summer rainfall and therefore intensive crop farming is practiced on a wide scale. Data from the CAR project indicates that agricultural land in the Mpumalanga Highveld is used to a limited extent by large terrestrial birds, and that they prefer grassland. Although the preference is for grassland, fallow fields are used to a limited extent by Blue Cranes in summer whilst they might use recently ploughed fields in winter (Young et al. 2003), but, as mentioned earlier, it is very unlikely that the species still occur in the study area. Other species that may make limited use of agricultural areas is the Blue Korhaan (Harrison et al. 1997) and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (pers. obs.). Grassland: Large tracts of grassland are found in the study area, some of it is comprised of old lands that have been abandoned and have now been transformed into a form of grassland. The CAR data indicates that grassland remains the preferred habitat of large terrestrial birds in the Mpumalanga Highveld (Young et al. 2003) and the importance of the grassland in the study area is reflected in the presence of several typical grassland bird species recorded by SABAP2. These include Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius, White-bellied Korhaan Eupodotis senegalensis, Monotonous Lark Mirafra cheniana , Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni. A potential problem for the grassland species is the high level of disturbance and habitat fragmentation that is evident in the study area, especially in the western part of the study area, close to site of the Kusile power station. TYPICAL IMPACTS OF POWER LINES ON BIRDS

Because of their size and prominence, electrical infrastructures constitute an important interface between wildlife and man. Negative interactions between wildlife and electricity structures take many forms but two common problems in southern Africa are (a) electrocution of birds and other animals and (b) birds colliding with power lines (Ledger & Annegarn 1981; Ledger 1983; Ledger 1984; Hobbs & Ledger 1986a; Hobbs & Ledger 1986b; Ledger et al. 1992; Verdoorn 1996; Kruger & Van Rooyen 1998; Van Rooyen 1998; Kruger 1999; Van Rooyen 1999; Van Rooyen 2000, Anderson 2001). Other problems include electrical faults caused by bird excreta when roosting or breeding on electricity infrastructure (Van Rooyen et.al. 2002), disturbance and habitat destruction during construction and maintenance activities. 3.1 Electrocutions

Large birds of prey are the most commonly electrocuted on power lines. The large transmission lines from 220kV to the massive 765kV structures usually do not pose an electrocution threat to large birds, because the pylons are designed in such a manner that the birds do not perch in close proximity to the potentially lethal conductors. In fact, these power lines have proved to be beneficial to birds such as Martial Eagles, Tawny Eagles, White-backed Vultures, and even occasionally Verreauxs Eagles Aquila verreauxii by providing safe nesting and roosting sites in areas where suitable natural alternatives are scarce (pers. obs). Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres have also taken

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to roosting on power lines in certain areas in large numbers, while Lappet-faced Vultures Torgos tracheliotis are increasingly using power lines as roosts, especially in the Northern Cape (pers. obs.). Unfortunately the same can not be said of the smaller sub-transmission and reticulation lines of 11kV to 132kV (Van Rooyen 1998; 2000). Raptors and vultures instinctively seek out the highest vantage point as suitable perches from where they scan the surrounding area for prey or carrion. In flat, treeless habitat power pylons often provide ideal vantage points for this purpose. The vast majority of electrical structures were designed and constructed at a time when the awareness of the danger that they pose for raptors was very limited or totally absent. Depending on the design of the pole, a large raptor can potentially touch two live components or a live and earthed component simultaneously, almost inevitably resulting in instant electrocution and a concomitant disruption in the electrical supply (Van Rooyen 1998). 3.2 Collisions

Anderson (2001) summarizes collisions as a source of avian mortality as follows: The collision of large terrestrial birds with the wires of utility structures, and especially power lines, has been determined to be one of the most important mortality factors for this group of birds in South Africa (Herholdt 1988; Johnsgard 1991; Allan 1997). It is possible that the populations of two southern African endemic bird species, i.e., the Ludwigs Bustard Neotis ludwigii and Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, may be in decline because of this single mortality factor (Anderson 2000; McCann 2000). The Ludwigs Bustard (Anderson 2000) and Blue Crane (McCann 2000) are both listed as vulnerable in The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (Barnes 2000) and it has been suggested that power line collisions is are one of the factors responsible for these birds present precarious conservation status. Collisions with power lines and especially overhead earth-wires have been documented as a source of mortality for a large number of avian species (for example,. Beaulaurier et al. 1982; Bevanger 1994, 1998). In southern Africa, this problem has until recently received only limited attention. Several studies however have identified bird collisions with power lines as a potentially important mortality factor (for example, Brown & Lawson 1989; Longridge 1989). Ledger et al.(1993), Ledger (1994) and Van Rooyen & Ledger (1999) have also provided overviews of bird interactions with power lines in South Africa. Bird collisions in this country have been mainly limited to; Greater and Lesser Flamingos, various species of waterbirds (ducks, geese, and waders), Stanleys Neotis denhami, Ludwigs Bustards, White Storks Ciconia ciconia, Wattled Grus carunculatus, Grey Crowned Balearica regulorum and Blue Cranes (for example, Jarvis 1974; Johnson 1984; Hobbs 1987; Longridge 1989; Van Rooyen & Ledger (1999). Certain groups of birds are more susceptible to collisions, namely the species which are slow fliers and which have limited maneuverability (as a result of high wing loading) (Bevanger 1994), and birds which regularly fly between roosting and feeding grounds undertake regular migratory or nomadic movements. Birds flying in flocks or that fly during low-light conditions are also vulnerable. Other factors which can influence collision frequency include; the age of the bird (younger birds are less experienced fliers), weather factors (decreased visibility, strong winds, etc.), terrain characteristics and power line placement (lines that cross the flight paths of birds), power line configuration (the larger structures are more hazardous [for collisions; with electrocutions the opposite is the case]), human activity (which may cause birds to panic and fly into the overhead lines), and familiarity of the birds with the area (therefore nomadic Ludwigs Bustards would be more susceptible) (Anderson 1978; APLIC 1994).

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Although collision mortality rarely affects healthy populations with good reproductive success, collisions can be biologically significant to local populations (Beer & Ogilvie 1972) and endangered species (Thompson 1978; Faanes 1987). The loss of hundreds of Northern Black Korhaans Eupodotis afraoides due to power line collisions would probably not affect the success of the total population of this species and would probably not be biologically significant, but if one Wattled Crane was killed due to a collision, that event could have an effect on the population that would be considered biologically significant. Biological significance is an important factor that should be considered when prioritizing mitigation measures. Biological significance is the effect of collision mortality upon a bird populations ability to sustain or increase its numbers locally and throughout the range of the species. There are many methods that can be used to mitigate avian power line interactions (for example, APLIC 1994) and several investigations dealing with the collision problem have recently focused on finding suitable mitigation measures (see APLIC 1994 for an overview). The most proactive measures are; power line route planning (and the subsequent avoidance of areas with a high potential for bird strikes) and the modification of power line designs (this option includes line relocations, underground burial of lines, removal of over-head ground wires, and the marking of ground wires to make them more visible to birds in flight). In many instances, decisions on power line placement and possible mitigation measures are however eventually based on economic factors. The relocation of an existing line is the last option that is usually considered when trying to mitigate avian collisions. The huge expense of creating a new line and servitude usually cannot be justified unless there are biologically significant mortalities. Underground burial of power lines is another option available to managers in areas of high collision risk. This will obviously eliminate collisions, but the method has many drawbacks. The costs of burying lines can be from 20 30 times (or more) higher than constructing overhead lines (Hobbs 1987), and such costs are related to the line voltage, type and length of cable, cable insulation, soil conditions, local regulations, reliability requirements, and requirement of termination areas. Limitations of cable burial include: no economically feasible methods of burying extra high voltage lines have been developed, there is a potential to contaminate underground water supplies if leakage of oil used in insulating the lines occurs, and extended outage risks due to the difficulty in locating cable failures (APLIC 1994). Since most strikes involve earth-wires (more than 80% of observed bird collisions) (for example, Beaulaurier 1981; Faanes 1987; Longridge 1989), the removal of these wires would decrease the number of collisions (Beaulaurier 1981; Brown et al. 1987). Faanes (1987) has argued that the large number of earth-wire collisions is because birds react to the more visible conductors by flaring and climbing and then collide with the thinner earth-wires. Earth-wire removal is however, not a simple matter. Due to the need for lightning protection and other types of electricity overload, it is only possible on lower-voltage power lines (where polymer lightning arresters can be used). The marking of overhead earth-wires to increase their visibility is usually considered to be the most economical mitigation option for reducing collision mortality (Morkill & Anderson 1991; Brown & Drewien 1995). This is particularly so for the thousands of kilometres of established power lines through areas of high potential for avian interaction which cannot be rerouted. 3.3 Habitat destruction

During the construction phase and maintenance of power lines, some habitat destruction and alteration inevitably takes place. This happens with the construction of access roads and the clearing of servitudes. Servitudes have to be cleared of excess vegetation at regular intervals in order to allow access to the line for maintenance, prevent vegetation from intruding into the legally prescribed clearance gap between the ground and the conductors, and to minimize the risk of fire under the line which can result in electrical flashovers. These activities could have an impact on birds breeding, foraging and roosting in or in close proximity of the servitude, through destruction of habitat.

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3.4 Disturbance

The construction of a power line can be highly disturbing to birds breeding in the vicinity of the construction activities. Many birds are highly susceptible to disturbance and should this disturbance take place during a critical time in the breeding cycle, for example, when the eggs have not hatched or just prior to the chick fledging, it could lead to temporary or permanent abandonment of the nest or premature fledging. In both instances, the consequences are almost invariably fatal for the eggs or the fledgling. Such a sequence of events can have far reaching implications for certain large, rare species that only breed once a year or once every two years. 4 PROPOSED STRUCTURE TYPES

The self-supporting tower design is the one that is considered to be suitable for the proposed deviation. This was supported by the technical requirements of the proposed deviation as well as considering the needs of the land owners whereby this tower design does not require big portion of land. Furthermore, the existing Duvha-Minerva power line design is a self-supporting suspension tower and therefore Eskom would like to keep uniformity of tower designs within that specific project. Details of the tower design are contained in the Draft Scoping Report (Zitholele 2011). 5 POWER LINE SENSITIVE BIRD SPECIES

Generally speaking, it is unavoidable that birds get killed through interaction with electricity infrastructure, including power lines, despite the best possible mitigation measures. It is therefore important to direct risk assessments and mitigation efforts towards species that have a high biological significance, in order to achieve maximum results with the available resources at hand. In accordance with this principle, the risk assessment is primarily aimed at determining the potential threat to Red Data species (see the concept of biological significance under 3.2). Table 2 below, lists the Red Data species that have been recorded in the relevant QDGCs by SABAP1 and SABAP2, together with an indication of their favourite habitat, power line sensitivity and the chances of them occurring along the proposed alignments. It must be stressed that while the study concentrates on Red Data species, the non-Red Data species that share the habitat with the Red Data species will benefit equally from the proposed mitigation measures. Table 2: Red Data species potentially occurring in the study area Species Conservation status (Barnes 2000) near threatened Preferred habitat (Harrison et al 1997, Barnes 2000, Hockey et al 2005, personal observations) Always associated with water dams, wetlands, rivers, marshes, even small pools. Vulnerable to collision with power lines Prefers open grassland, densities low in maize growing areas. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Likelihood of interaction with the proposed power line Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be a visitor to larger waterbodies in the study area. Could be encountered anywhere in the grassland areas, where collisions with the power line are possible.

YELLOW-BILLED STORK Mycteria ibis

SECRETARYBIRD Sagittarius serpentarius

near threatened

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AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER Circus ranivorus vulnerable Favours large permanent wetlands with dense reed beds. Sometimes forages over smaller wetlands and grassland. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Prefers natural grassland. Very limited use of fallow lands. Vulnerability to power line collisions tempered by reluctance to fly long distances. Often in the interface between grassland and savanna. Avoids severely grazed and recently burnt sites. Vulnerability to power line collisions tempered by reluctance to fly long distances Small and nimble species, likely to use the power line as hunting perch. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be present at some of the wetlands in the area, but probably only as an occasional visitor. Likelihood of interactions is low. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be encountered anywhere in the study area away from dense settlements, particularly in grassland areas, where collisions with the power line are possible. Could be encountered anywhere in the grassland areas, where collisions with the power line are possible.

BLUE KORHAAN Eupodotis caurulescens

near threatened

WHITE-BELLIED KORHAAN Eupodotis senegalensis

vulnerable

LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni

vulnerable

LANNER FALCON Falco biarmicus

near threatened

Generally prefers open habitat, but exploits a wide range of habitats. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Potential occurrence due to presence of suitable large tracts of grassland and wetlands. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines.

BLUE CRANE Anthropoides paradiseus

vulnerable

BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra

near threatened

Rivers, large dams, cliffs. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines.

Could be encountered anywhere in the grassland and agricultural areas. No negative impacts expected from power line. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be encountered anywhere in the grassland and agricultural areas, where collisions with the power line are possible. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be encountered anywhere in the study area away from dense settlements, particularly in grassland areas, where collisions with the power line are possible. However, unlikely to occur in the study area anymore. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be a visitor to larger waterbodies in the study area.

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PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus near threatened High cliff faces, also urban areas. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Not recorded by SABAP2. Young birds could be encountered anywhere in the study area as vagrants, away from dense settlements, particularly in grassland areas, where collisions with the power line are possible. Could be encountered on some of the bigger waterbodies in the study area. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be encountered on some of the bigger waterbodies in the study area. Not recorded by SABAP2. Could be encountered on the fringes of wetlands in the study area.

GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber LESSER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber

near threatened

near threatened

Open shallow, euthropic wetlands. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Open shallow, euthropic wetlands. Vulnerable to collisions with power lines. Normally associated with pristine, well managed grasslands usually in close proximity of water, but also in alien vegetation structurally resembling tall grass. Susceptibility to collisions unknown. Open climax Themeda grassland, pastures and fallow lands.

AFRICAN GRASS-OWL Tyto capensis

vulnerable

MELODIOUS LARK Mirafra cheniana

Near threatened

Could be encountered in remnant patches of grassland. No interaction with the power lines is envisaged.

6 6.1

DISCUSSION Electrocutions

Electrocution refers to the scenario where a bird is perched or attempts to perch on the electrical structure and causes an electrical short circuit by physically bridging the air gap between live components and/or live and earthed components (van Rooyen 2004). Due to the large size of the clearances on overhead lines of 400kV, electrocutions are ruled out as even the largest birds cannot physically bridge the gap between energised and/or energised and earthed components. 6.2 Collisions

The most likely impact that the proposed line could potentially have on Red Data birds are collisions with the overhead earth wire. This impact is most likely to occur close to wetlands, where the line skirts a dam or where it is positioned across a drainage line. Species at risk are water birds of several species where it skirts larger dams, including the Yellow-billed Stork and Black Stork. Another collision hazard exists where the line will cross patches of grassland, as this is the preferred habitat of most of the remaining large terrestrial Red Data species, including the Blue Crane (if it still occurs), Secretarybird and two species of Korhaan (Young 2003).

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6.3 Habitat destruction

A limited degree of habitat destruction always takes place when a power line is constructed. In this instance some areas of the study area has been intensively transformed through agriculture and mining, which has destroyed some of the original grassland. However, some wetlands have survived and this could be damaged in the course of construction activities. This could in turn impact on birds using in the wetlands. Generally speaking though, habitat destruction is not foreseen as a major impact, because of the extensive impacts already evident in the study area. 6.4 Disturbance

No significant disturbance of birds is foreseen. Such disturbance as would take place is likely to be temporary and should cease after the dismantling of the existing line and the construction of the deviation. 7 IDENTIFYING A PREFERRED ALIGNMENT

One of the objectives of this study is to arrive at a preferred alignment for the proposed power line in terms of impacts on avifauna. The following factors were incorporated in the formula to arrive at a preferred alignment, primarily using high resolution Google Earth imagery as the main source of data: Wetlands and dams: Wetlands and dams are always of particular importance for birds. The presence of wetlands and dams are an indicator of a higher collision risk. Rivers: The study area contains a few small drainage lines. These drainage lines are obviously important for birds and many water bird species occur along these drainage lines. Drainage lines are therefore an indication of a higher collision risk. Transmission lines: It is a proven fact that placing a new line next to an existing line reduces the risk of collisions to birds. The reasons for that are two-fold, namely it creates a more visible obstacle to birds and the resident birds, particularly breeding adults, which are accustomed to an obstacle in that geographic location and have learnt to avoid it (APLIC 1994; Sundar & Choudhury 2005). Other transmission lines running parallel to the proposed alignments were therefore treated as a risk reducing factor. Roads: These were taken as an indication of human activity and particularly vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It was assumed that the birds will avoid the immediate vicinity of larger roads due to the presence of traffic and pedestrians, and therefore it will reduce the risk of collision with lines running next to roads (small farm tracks were discounted). Towns and industrial activity: These are obvious centres of human activity and are generally avoided by large power line sensitive species. The presence of towns, settlements and industrial activity is therefore a risk reducing factor. Grassland: According to Young et al. (2003) the large terrestrial species on the Mpumalanga Highveld favour grassland habitat in contrast to agricultural landscapes. Grassland was therefore taken as a higher collision risk. Agricultural lands. Although some Red Data species make use of agricultural lands, e.g. Secretarybird, they are overall not as important as natural grassland. Agricultural lands were treated as a risk reducing factor.

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The factors mentioned above were incorporated into a formula to arrive at a risk rating for each alignment. The formula was designed as follows: Wetlands and dams: The length of alignment running across or within 100m of a dam or wetland was measured. The number of drainage lines crossed by each alignment was counted. The distance, of which the proposed alignments are running parallel to existing roads within a 200m zone, was measured. The length of line running through or within 500m of settlements/industrial activity was measured. The distance, of which the proposed alignments are running directly next to existing transmission lines, was measured. The length of alignment skirting or running across grassland was measured. The length of alignment skirting or running across agricultural lands was measured.

Table 3: The results of the measurements for each option (km). Factor Number of drainage Dams and wetlands TX lines Roads Suburban/industrial Grassland Agricultural lands Alternative 1 3 1.24 0 0 0 4.14 5.09 Alternative 2 3 2.27 2.1 0 0 3.73 4.44 Alternative 3 3 2.48 1.7 0 0 5.08 4 Alternative 4 3 1.99 3.87 1.6 0.6 6.41 4.45

Obviously all these factors do not have an equal impact on the size of the risk, therefore a weighting was assigned to each factor, based on the authors judgment on how important the factor is within the total equation. The following weights were assigned. Risk reducing factors were assigned a negative weight: Table 4: Weights assigned to factors Factor Dams/wetlands Drainage lines Existing TX lines Roads Sub-urban/industrial Grassland Agricultural lands Weighting 5 3 -1 -2 -5 4 -2

The final risk score for a factor was calculated as follows: measurements/counts x weighting. The final risk rating for an alignment was calculated as the sum of the risk scores of the individual factors:

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Table 5: The final scores for the respective options Factor Drainage lines Dams and wetlands TX lines Roads Suburban/industrial Grassland Agricultural lands Total Alternative 1 9 6.2 0 0 0 4.14 -10.18 9.16 Alternative 2 9 11.35 -2.1 0 0 3.73 -8.88 13.1 Alternative 3 9 12.4 -1.7 0 0 5.08 -8 16.78 Alternative 4 9 9.95 -3.87 -3.2 -3 6.41 -8.9 6.39

From the analysis above alternative 4 has emerged as the preferred option from a bird interaction perspective. 8 IMPACT ANALYSIS

The significance (quantification) of potential avifaunal impacts identified during the specialist investigations was determined using a ranking scale, based on the following: Probability of occurrence (how likely is it that the impact may occur?) Duration of occurrence (how long may it last?) Magnitude (severity) of impact (will the impact be of high, moderate or low severity?), and Scale/extent of impact (will the impact affect the national, regional or local environment, or only that of the site?)

Each of these factors has been assessed for each potential impact using the following ranking scales: Probability: 5 Definite/dont know 4 Highly probable 3 Medium probability 2 Low probability 1 Improbable 0 None Duration: 5 Permanent 4 - Long-term (ceases with the operational life) 3 - Medium-term (5-15 years) 2 - Short-term (0-5 years) 1 Immediate Magnitude: 10 - Very high/dont know 8 High 6 Moderate 4 Low 2 Minor

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Scale: 5 International 4 National 3 Regional 2 Local 1 Site only 0 None The environmental significance of each potential impact was assessed using the following formula: Significance Points (SP) = (Magnitude + Duration + Scale) x Probability The maximum value is 100 Significance Points (SP). Potential environmental impacts were rated as high, moderate or low significance on the following basis: More than 60 significance points indicates high environmental significance. Between 30 and 60 significance points indicates moderate environmental significance. Less than 30 significance points indicates low environmental significance.

Table 6: Impact assessment table Impact Collisions with the earthwire Habitat destruction Disturbance 9 Probability 3 3 3 Duration 4 4 2 Magnitude 6 4 4 Scale 3 2 2 SP 39 (moderate) 30 (moderate) 24 (low)

RECOMMENDATIONS Those sections of line that will require the application of bird flight diverters (BFDs) are indicated on the accompanying sensitivity map (Appendix C). Sensitive sections will include dams, wetlands, drainage crossings and areas of grassland. The proposed BFD is the Double Loop Bird Flight Diverter. BFDs should be placed on the earthwires, staggered, alternating black and white, 10 metres apart. The construction of access roads in sensitive wetland habitat should be avoided. REFERENCES

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ANIMAL DEMOGRAPHY UNIT (ADU). 2011. The southern African Bird Atlas Project 2. University of Cape Town. http://sabap2.adu.org.za. Accessed 05/03/2011. AVIAN POWER LINE INTERACTION COMMITTEE (APLIC). 1994. Mitigating Bird Collisions with Power Lines: The State of the Art in 1994. Edison Electric Institute. Washington D.C.

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ANDERSON, M.D. 2001. The effectiveness of two different marking devices to reduce large terrestrial bird collisions with overhead electricity cables in the eastern Karoo, South Africa. Karoo Large Terrestrial Bird Power line Project. Kimberley (SA): Directorate Conservation & Environment Northern Cape. (Eskom Report No. 1). BARNES, K.N. (ed.) 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife South Africa . Johannesburg. HARRISON, J.A., ALLAN, D.G., UNDERHILL, L.G., HERREMANS, M., TREE, A.J., PARKER, V & BROWN, C.J. (eds). 1997. The atlas of Southern African birds. BirdLife South Africa, Vol. 1 & 2. HOBBS, J.C.A. & LEDGER J.A. 1986a. The Environmental Impact of Linear Developments; Power lines and Avifauna. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environmental Quality and Ecosystem Stability. Israel, June 1986. HOBBS, J.C.A. & LEDGER J.A. 1986b. Power lines, Birdlife and the Golden Mean. Fauna and Flora, 44:23-27. KRUGER, R. & VAN ROOYEN, C.S. 1998. Evaluating the risk that existing power lines pose to large raptors by using risk assessment methodology: The Molopo Case Study. Proceedings of the 5th World Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls. August 4-8,1998. Midrand, South Africa. KRUGER, R. 1999. Towards solving raptor electrocutions on Eskom Distribution Structures in South Africa. Bloemfontein (South Africa): University of the Orange Free State. (M. Phil. Mini-thesis) LEDGER, J. 1983. Guidelines for Dealing with Bird Problems of Transmission Lines and Towers. Eskom Test and Research Division. (Technical Note TRR/N83/005). LEDGER, J.A. & ANNEGARN H.J. 1981. Electrocution Hazards to the Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) in South Africa. Biological Conservation 20:15-24. LEDGER, J.A. 1984. Engineering Solutions to the Problem of Vulture Electrocutions on Electricity Towers. The Certificated Engineer, 57:92-95. LEDGER, J.A., J.C.A. HOBBS & SMITH T.V. 1992. Avian Interactions with Utility Structures: Southern African Experiences. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Avian Interactions with Utility Structures. Miami (Florida), Sept. 13-15, 1992. Electric Power Research Institute. SUNDAR, K.S.G. and CHOUDHURY, B.C. 2005. Mortality of Sarus Cranes (Grus antigone) due to electricity wires in Uttar Pradesh, India. Environmental Conservation, 32 (3): 260269. (Foundation for Environmental Conservation) VAN ROOYEN, C.S. & LEDGER, J.A. 1999. Birds and utility structures: Developments in southern Africa. Pp 205-230, in Ferrer, M. & G.F.M. Janns. (eds.). Birds and Power lines. Quercus, Madrid (Spain). Pp 238. VAN ROOYEN, C.S. 1998. Raptor mortality on power lines in South Africa. Proceedings of the 5th World Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls. Midrand (South Africa), Aug.4 8, 1998. . VAN ROOYEN, C.S. 1999. An overview of the Eskom-EWT Strategic Partnership in South Africa. EPRI Workshop on Avian Interactions with Utility Structure.s Charleston (South Carolina), Dec. 2-3 1999.

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VAN ROOYEN, C.S. 2000. An overview of Vulture Electrocutions in South Africa. Vulture News, 43: 522. (Vulture Study Group, Johannesburg, South Africa). VAN ROOYEN, C.S. VOSLOO, H.F. & R.E. HARNESS. 2002. Eliminating bird streamers as a cause of faulting on transmission lines in South Africa. Proceedings of the IEEE 46th Rural Electric Power Conference. Colorado Springs (Colorado), May. 2002. VERDOORN, G.H. 1996. Mortality of Cape Griffons Gyps coprotheres and African Whitebacked Vultures Pseudogyps africanus on 88kV and 132kV power lines in Western Transvaal, South Africa, and mitigation measures to prevent future problems. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Raptors: Urbino (Italy), Oct. 2-5, 1996. YOUNG, D.J. HARRISON, J.A. NAVARRO, R.A. ANDERSON, M.D. & B.D. COLAHAN (ed). 2003. Big Birds on Farms. Mazda CAR Report, 1993 2001. (Avian Demography Unit. University of Cape Town). ZITHOLELE CONSULTING. 2011. The proposed deviation of a portion of the 400kV Duvha-Minerva power line to the east of Kusile Power Station. Draft Scoping Report.

20 APPENDIX A: MAP OF STUDY AREA

21 APPENDIX B BIRD HABITAT

Figure 1: Old lands reverting to grasslands

Figure 2: Agricultural activity in the study area, and an existing 400kV transmission line

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Figure 3: Old lands with mining activity in the background

Figure 4: A man-made dam

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Figure 5: Natural grassland

Figure 6: Industrial activity

24 APPENDIX C SENSITIVITY MAP

Sections to be marked with BFDs

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