Proposed Relocation of the Siren that is Currently Located on Moolman Street to the Road Reserve of Otto Du Plessis Drive (M14) in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape
DEA Ref No: 12/12/20/1795
Eskom Holdings (Pty) Ltd (Eskom) proposes the relocation of the mast that was previously located on Moolman Street to the road reserve of Otto du Plessis Drive (M14) in Bloubergstrand. This area falls within the 16 kilometre Urgent Protective Zone of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (Koeberg). As a result, Eskom is required, in terms of the National Nuclear Regulator Act (Act No 47 of 1999), to install communication structures, i.e. sirens, as a warning mechanism in case of an emergency at Koeberg.
The proposed siren mast consists of a 13 metre high galvanised pole with a 3.7 metre high siren plate and thus has a total height of 16.7 metre. Power would be sourced from Eskom via existing power lines that may be supplemented with energy from solar panels attached to the masts. The mast would also be equipped with an antenna that would enable Eskom to communicate with the siren. The mast would have a foundation of 4.41 square metres with an above ground stub column of 0.36 square metres.
Aurecon has been appointed by Eskom to undertake the requisite environmental authorisation processes for the proposed project, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998) as amended and the EIA Regulations, 2006.
Current Project Phase
The Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) has been finalised and was submitted to the decision-making authorities, viz the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on 4 June 2010 for their consideration and decision. The Draft BAR was updated to include consideration of the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Network and the Public Participation Process held for the Draft BAR. Comments received and a Comments and Responses Report (CRR), noting the project team's responses thereto, have also been included.
The Final BAR has been made available to the public for a 21 day comment period and can be viewed at the Bloubergstrand and Koeberg Public Libraries and on our website.
Should you have any comments on the Final BAR please submit them by fax, post or email, by no later than 28 June 2010. At the end of the comment period we will collate and submit any comments to the DEA case officer, Mr Takalani Maswime: Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 or fax (021) 322 2682, or email: TMaswime@deat.gov.za.