A Power Plant EIA

Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power
Plant and Gas Supply Facility
Environmental Impact Assessment

Power Plant and Specific
Associated Infrastructure
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COPYRIGHT: ENVIRO DYNAMICS CC, 2015 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PROJECT NAME Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas
Supply Facility: Power Plant
STAGE OF REPORT Final
CLIENT Xaris Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd

Enquiries: Tilana de Meillon
Tel: +27-12-940 5293
E-Mail: tilana@xaris.com.au
LEAD CONSULTANT Enviro Dynamics cc

Enquiries: Norman van Zyl
Tel: +264-61-223 336
E-Mail: norman@envirod.com
DATE OF RELEASE May 2015
CONTRIBUTORS TO THE Eloise Carstens, Quzette Bosman,

REPORT Sheldon Husselmann, Eddy Kuliwoye
Reviewer: Norman van Zyl
EIA - Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility: Power Plant
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that I:
 have knowledge of and experience in conducting assessments, including

knowledge of the Environmental Management Act (7 of 2007), its
regulations and guidelines that have relevance to the proposed activity;
 have performed the work relating to the application in an objective

manner, regardless of whether or not the views and findings were
favourable to the applicant;
 have complied with the Act, and its regulations, guidelines and other
applicable laws.
I also declare that there is, to my knowledge, no information in my possession that

reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing –
 any decision to be taken with respect to the application in terms of the Act
and its regulations; or
 the objectivity of this report, plan or document prepared in terms of the Act
and its regulations.
Norman van Zyl

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Xaris Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd (the proponent) intends to construct and manage an
Open Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant on 40 hectares of land in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The power plant initially will be sized to be able to yield 300 MW of power to the
national grid of Namibia (please refer to the locality plan overleaf) (Figure A).
It is the intention of the proponent to offload Liquid Natural Gas from incoming
vessels, and to utilize a Floating Storage Regasification Unit for the storage and
regasification of the Liquefied Natural Gas. The extracted natural gas will then be
fed via a marine pipeline located on a light trestle (trestle jetty) (approximately 2.4
km) and the rest (approximately 12.5 km) on land to the power plant.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was conducted and completed

in 2014 with the intention to apply for Environmental Clearance (EC). The client
decided to appoint Enviro Dynamics to continue with the application for EC in 2015
and comply with lender requirements with a second round of public consultation,
additional specialist studies and compiling three separate Environmental Assessment
Reports (each including its own Environmental Management Plan (EMP)).
Due to time constraints and to secure flexibility in applying for EC, the proponent, in
consultation with the Environmental Consultant and the Directorate of
Environmental Affairs, has opted to treat the major components of the project as
separate EIAs and EMPs, but with a combined public participation process. This EIA
therefore covers only the power plant and specific associated infrastructure of the
overall proposed project and serves as an application for EC as per the
Environmental Management Act, No 7 of 2007 for only these components. The other
components, i.e. the pipeline and the marine components will be submitted
separately and need to be approved before the project can be implemented.
During project planning, it was decided that one public participation process will be
carried out, combining all the project components to present the whole project to
the public. Site and press notices were placed informing and inviting the public to
take part in the process. Public and authority meetings were held and comments
and concerned synthesised into the assessment process. All issues and concerns
have been documented and are included in the report. Main concerns with
respect to the power plant have been highlighted and relate to the proposed
location, air quality, noise, visual impacts, civil aviation concerns and impacts
associated with water supply.
These concerns have been considered guided by a review of applicable legislation

and addressed further in an impact assessment. The impact assessment determined
that the impacts identified could be effectively addressed/mitigated so as to
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reduce their significance to an acceptable standard. Mitigation measures are

described in greater detail in the EMP.
The draft EIA report for the power plant component was circulated for public
comment for ten days to all registered Interested and Affected Parties from 5 – 15
May 2015. Comments received on the draft report are documented in a Comments
and Responses Trail.
The power plant and its specific associated infrastructure, as proposed in this report,
can be implemented with no significant impacts if executed according to the EMP
when Environmental Clearance has been approved.
It is therefore recommended that Environmental Clearance be granted for the

proposed power plant and specific associated infrastructure as described in this
report:
 The construction of a 300 MW gas power plant;
 The rezoning of the proposed site (if need be);
 The construction of a wastewater treatment plant (including pipelines); and
 The construction of a substation and overhead transmission cables to connect
to NamPower transmission lines.
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Figure A: Locality of the proposed overall project
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................iii
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................viii
LIST OF APPENDICES................................................................................................................. x
ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... xi
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................. 1
1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 3
1.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY ............................................................................................ 3
1.5 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 3
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 5
2.1 OVERALL PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 5
2.1.1 FUEL SELECTION .................................................................................................. 6
2.1.2 KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................ 9
2.2 POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................... 10
2.2.1 POWER PLANT ................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................... 13
2.2.3 WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................................... 15
2.2.4 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................... 21
2.2.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................................................... 21
2.2.6 DECOMMISSIONING ........................................................................................ 22
3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 23
3.1 NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 23
3.2 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 24
4 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................... 29
4.1 NATIONAL POWER SUPPLY SITUATION................................................................... 29
4.2 OVERVIEW WALVIS BAY ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 29
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4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 31
4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POWER PLANT AND WATER PIPELINE

ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................................... 32
5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS ................................................................................ 40
5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 40
5.2 PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ............................................ 41
5.3 RECENTLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................ 41
5.3.1 INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES (I&APs)................................................. 41
5.3.2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 42
5.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK ................................................................................................... 48
5.5 PUBLIC CONCERN ................................................................................................... 48
6 ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................. 51
6.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 51
6.2 ‘NO GO’ ALTERNATIVE ........................................................................................... 51
6.3 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS ....................................................................................... 52
6.4 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN ........................................................... 55
6.4.1 AERODERIVIATIVE VS HEAVY FRAME INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES ............... 55
6.4.2 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OGCT) VS COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE

(CCGT) CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................. 57
6.4.3 WATER FROM A PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT VS. WATER FROM THE
WALVIS BAY MUNICIPAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP) ........................ 59
7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 62
7.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 62
7.2 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 62
7.2.1 OVERALL APPROACH ...................................................................................... 62
7.2.2 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES .............................................. 64
7.2.3 MONITORING .................................................................................................... 64
7.2.4 DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................... 75
8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................ 78
9 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................... 79
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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1: Relevant IFC performance standards .............................................................. 25
Table 2: Summary weather statistics for Walvis Bay ...................................................... 30
Table 3: Summary description of key environmental features pertaining to the

Power Plant and Water Pipeline environment ................................................ 32
Table 4: Description of environmental sensitivities and associated impacts

pertaining to the proposed project.................................................................. 37
Table 5: Identification of Interested and Affected Parties ........................................... 42
Table 6: Notifications placed in the press....................................................................... 43
Table 7: Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level ..
............................................................................................................................... 46
Table 8: Summary of issues raised during the consultation process ........................... 49
Table 9: Comparison of risk factors associated with the potential location of the
proposed power plant.................................................................................... 54
Table 10: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of an aeroderivative
vs. heavy frame industrial gas turbines......................................................... 55
Table 11: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of OCGT vs CCGT
configuration .................................................................................................... 57
Table 12: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use different water
sources. ............................................................................................................. 59
Table 13: Description of criteria used to define the significance of the impacts ... 63
Table 14: Assessment of potential impacts ................................................................... 65
Figure 1: Three EIA components of the entire project ................................................. 2
Figure 2: The Environmental Assessment Process .......................................................... 4
Figure 3: Components of raw natural gas (source: www.naturalgas.org) ............... 6
Figure 4: Carbon footprint of various fuels in power generation (Xaris Energy (Pty)
Ltd)) ..................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 5: Global LNG supply market predictions .......................................................... 8
Figure 6: Key project components and technologies ................................................. 9
Figure 7: Conceptual layout of the proposed power plant ..................................... 10
Figure 8: Processes of a gas turbine associated with the open-cycle mode ........ 12
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Figure 9: Inner components of a gas turbine .............................................................. 13
Figure 10: Water balance for the proposed use of raw effluent from the Municipal
WWTP ................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 11: Benefits for the proposed use of treated effluent from the Municipal
WWTP ................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 12: View from the proposed site westward toward Dune 7 ............................ 34
Figure 13: View of the proposed site from the west ..................................................... 34
Figure 14: Birds paradise artificial wetland .................................................................... 34
Figure 15: Land use surrounding the proposed site and pipeline route .................... 35
Figure 16: Biophysically sensitive areas affected by the propsed project ................ 36
Figure 17: Public Meeting in Walvis Bay ......................................................................... 45
Figure 18: Alternative locations for the power plant considered during the
NamPower tendering process (Site 1 is the preferred alternative for this
project) ............................................................................................................. 53
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Environmental Management Plan
Appendix B Public Consultation Process
Appendix C Legal Framework
Appendix D Specialist Reports
Appendix E Overall Project Alternatives
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ABBREVIATIONS
AIDS Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome
BID Background Information Document
CAGR Compounded Annual Growth Rate
CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine
CO Carbon monoxide
DEA Directorate of Environmental Affairs
EC Environmental Clearance
ED Electro Deionisation
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMA Environmental Management Act 7 of 2007
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction
FSRU Floating Storage Regasification Unit
GE General Electric
HIV Human Immuno-deficiency Virus
HRSG Heat Recovery Steam Generator
I&AP Interested and Affected Party
IFC International Finance Corporation
LNG Liquid Natural Gas
LNGC Liquid Natural Gas Carrier
MBR Membrane Bioreactor
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MET Ministry of Environmental and Tourism
MTPA Mega Tons Per Annum
MW Mega Watt
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NSA Namibia Statistics Agency
OCGT Open-Cycle Gas Turbine
O&M Operation and Maintenance
PPA Power Purchase Agreement
RA Roads Authority
RO Reverse Osmosis
SANS South African National Standard
SAPP South African Power Pool
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SSV Safety Shutoff Valve
TB Tuberculosis
uPCV Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
WBM Walvis Bay Municipality
WBMC Walvis Bay Municipal Council
WHO World Health Organisation
WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant
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1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter aims to introduce the proposed project and Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), providing a brief overview of the key processes while laying the
background for the more detailed discussions to follow in the next chapter.
1.1 BACKGROUND
Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd, a Namibian company, intends to develop, construct, operate
and maintain a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) import and regasification terminal in the
Walvis Bay North Port area. The regasified natural gas will be used as fuel for an
open cycle gas fired power plant able to deliver 300 MW approximately 12 km east
of the port. The development will comprise the following components:
 Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU),
 Light marine trestle (trestle jetty) and overland pipelines for transporting the
gas,
 Open cycle gas turbine power plant and water treatment plant.
Due to time constraints and to secure flexibility in applying for environmental

clearance, the proponent, in consultation with the Directorate of Environmental
Affairs and Enviro Dynamics, has opted to treat the major components of the project
as separate EIAs and EMPs, but with a combined public participation process (Figure
1). Each EIA component is mentioned below. This document contains the findings
of EIA 3, fitting into the overall project environmental assessment process as outlined
below:
 EIA 1: Ship based processes on-board the FSRU, berthing area of the FSRU and
transport of the gas from the ship along a trestle jetty to the port premises
(including associated dredging activities);
 EIA 2: Overland pipeline from the port premises to the power plant (including
the port premises);
 EIA 3: Power plant including treatment plant for the refinement of semi-
purified effluent from the Walvis Bay Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant
(WWTP).
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION
Xaris intends constructing and managing an Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT)
power plant on 40 hectares of land within the proposed heavy industrial zone of the
Walvis Bay Municipality (Farm 58), just east of Dune 7 and in the Dorob National
Park.
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Figure 1: Three EIA components of the entire project
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1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE
The EIA had been conducted in terms of the requirements as stipulated in the
Environmental Management Act (EMA) which were used to guide this EIA process.
The scope of work for EIA 3 relates only to the proposed power plant (and specific
associated infrastructure). During the assessment consideration was given to the
receiving environment (baseline description of the environment); alternatives to and
within the proposed project as well as the legal framework.
A public participation process was also conducted in accordance with the EMA for
the entire project. The results of the public participation process were integrated
with the above mentioned considerations and addressed in the Impact assessment
chapter (Chapter 7) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) (see APPENDIX A).
1.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY
Namibia is currently a net importer of power from the Southern African Power Pool
(SAPP). In the short and medium term this supply pool is severely constrained due to
pressure from demand growth in the region and lack of expansion to the required
infrastructure to support this. Namibia is expected to face a supply deficit by mid-
2016 when key contracts with neighbouring suppliers expire and therefore requires
the development of additional base load generation capacity that will allow the
country to move toward an acceptable level of autonomy from its neighbours.
It is for this reason that NamPower has called for tenders to supply short-term critical
energy until the Kudu gas power project starts functioning in 2018 and in conjunction
with this thereafter. Xaris have embarked on the development of a suitable power
generation project that addresses the NamPower and country requirements. The
project will improve the reliability and stability of the power supply system to meet
the power shortage in the country. The project also makes provision for the
incorporation of natural gas from the Kudu gas project, which may become
available within the region.
1.5 METHODOLOGY
The usual procedure for conducting an Environmental Assessment is described in

Figure 2 below. The procedure is based on the requirements of the EMA and its
regulations. The EIA team is responsible for coordinating the process as an entity,
which is independent from the project proponent.
An EIA process was conducted and completed in 2014 with the intention to apply
for Environmental Clearance (EC). The client decided to appoint Enviro Dynamics
to continue with the application for EC and comply with lender requirements in 2015
EIA - Xaris Walvis Bay Gas Fired Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility: Power Plant
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by a second round of public consultation, additional specialist studies and compiling

three separate Environmental Assessment Reports (each including its own EMP).
During the inception/internal scoping meeting it was decided to continue

immediately with a full EIA due to the historical environmental assessment process
(Scoping) which had been conducted. Specialist studies, previously conducted,
were considered during the compilation of this report. These include:
 Air quality impact assessment (see APPENDIX D);
 Water balance impact assessment (see APPENDIX D);
 Noise impact assessment (see APPENDIX D); and
 Civil aviation impact assessment (see APPENDIX D).
This EIA followed the steps described in Figure 2 except for the report that is usually
produced at the end of the Scoping Phase. Since there was a previous combined
EIA and scoping done, the DEA advised that a full EIA could now follow on that
work. The proceedings required for the Scoping Report have been fully
incorporated in this final EIA Report.
Figure 2: The Environmental Assessment Process
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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Xaris provided a project description, which has been detailed below. This includes a
brief overall project description followed by a specific project component
description. The purpose of Chapter 2 is to glean aspects of the project that may
potentially affect the social and biophysical environment.
2.1 OVERALL PROJECT OVERVIEW
From receiving the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) by means of LNG Carrier (LNGC)
vessels to generating 300 MW of electricity, the following processes are applied:
 Liquid Natural Gas is transferred from the LNGC vessel to a permanently
moored Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) located approximately 2.4
km from the shore within the Port of Walvis Bay SADC Gateway.
 Steam from the FSRU boilers is used to heat sea water circulated through the
shell-and-tube vaporizers in the regasification plant. This increase in the
temperature of the LNG results in the LNG to change from liquid to gaseous
form.
 The gas is then conveyed to shore via a trestle pipeline to the control station
on land. A subsurface pipeline of 12.5 km conveys the gas further to the
power plant in the proposed heavy industrial area behind Dune 7 (Figure 1).
In terms of land acquisition and required approvals Xaris Energy has secured or is in
the process of securing the following:
 The proposed site for the power plant: The Walvis Bay Municipal Council
(WBMC) has resolved to conclude a lease agreement with a purchase option
for the site as soon as possible. This is structured as a tri-partite agreement
including government as signatory until the site is fully transferred to the
Council.
 The proclamation of the heavy industrial zone and rezoning of the allocated
land: In progress.
 Way leaves for the port premises (on land), gas and water pipelines:
Negotiations with Namport, Walvis Bay Municipality (WBM), Roads Authority,
Government and NamPower respectively in progress.
 A port usage agreement: Negotiations with Namport in progress for the usage
of the marine area in the Port (i.e. not including dry land).
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2.1.1 FUEL SELECTION
2.1.1.1 PROPERTIES OF NATURAL GAS
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is found in porous geological reserves beneath the
earth’s surface. In a gas state it consists of a blend of combustible hydrocarbon and
non-hydrocarbon gases including methane, ethane, propane, butane, and
pentane (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Components of raw natural gas (source: www.naturalgas.org)
When chilled to extremely low temperatures (-162 °C), the gas liquefies and has a
600 fold reduction in volume. This allows for the effective storage and transportation
of a fuel with a much higher energy density (Chan, Hartline, Hurley, & Struzziery,
2004).
A typical liquefaction consists of the following processes:

 The gas is extracted and transported to a processing plant.
 It is purified by removing any condensates such as water, oil, mud, as well as
other gases such as CO2 and H2S.
 Trace amounts of mercury is removed from the gas stream to prevent mercury
from reacting with aluminium in the cryogenic heat exchangers.
 The gas is then cooled down in stages until it is liquefied.
 Natural Gas is finally stored in storage tanks and can be loaded and shipped.
 The natural gas liquefaction process inherently produces a product with
reduced contaminants due to the phase change of the gas.
Typical regasification is achieved through heating the liquid natural gas so that it
expands and changes form from liquid to gas.
Natural Gas has the following properties which makes it the ideal fuel source:
 It is odourless, colourless, non-corrosive and dissipates when spilled.
 The propagation speed of its flame is approximately 40 cm/second which is
why it is called a “lazy flame”. A large amount of energy is stored in Natural
gas which makes it a good fuel source but because of the slow propagation
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speed, the energy in Natural Gas cannot be released rapidly enough to

create an explosion in an unconfined space.
 Natural gas can only burn if the concentration ratio of Natural Gas to air is
within the flammable range of 5 percent to 15 percent. For Natural Gas to
burn, it must first vaporize (return to a gaseous state), then mix with air in the
proper proportions and then be ignited. If a leak occurs in the storage
containers or pipeline, Natural Gas vaporizes rapidly, turning into a gas
(methane plus trace gases), and mixing with air. Only if this mixture is within
the flammable range (temperature) will there be a risk of ignition, but not
explosion.
 Natural Gas has a high ignition temperature and cannot be ignited
unintentionally.
 When burning, the reaction yields carbon dioxide and water. All free carbon
is consumed which is why it does not create black smoke.
 No chemicals or high pressures are used in the regasification or liquefaction
process of Natural Gas.
 Because Natural Gas is lighter than water it will not mix when spilled in water.
It will float on top until it evaporates, leaving no residue behind.
2.1.1.2 CARBON EMISSIONS
The carbon content of Natural Gas is typically between 60-70% and hence the
products of natural gas combustion contain less Carbon Dioxide than fuels with
higher carbon content. As illustrated in Figure 4, for an equivalent amount of heat,
burning natural gas produces about 30 percent less carbon dioxide than burning
petroleum and about 45 percent less than burning coal (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd).
Natural gas typically has low sulphur levels (0.05 to 0.18% by mass) and therefore
emissions of SOx from natural gas combustion are low. Because natural gas is a
gaseous fuel, filterable Particulate Matter (PM) emissions are also typically low. NO x
emissions are controlled by the use of Dry Low NOx technologies and or turbine
water injection.
Natural gas exists as a vapour at normal conditions and therefore any potential loss
of gas would result in air emissions (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd). Gas loss would typically be
detected by pipeline pressure drop, in which case the pipeline will be shut off from
the supply and investigated to ensure no further loss of product and reduced
environmental impact. Natural gas has a very limited risk of soil and groundwater
pollution.
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Figure 4: Carbon footprint of various fuels in power generation (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd))
2.1.1.3 NATURAL GAS MARKETS
World trade in Natural Gas has more than tripled over the last 15 years, moving from
an annual trade of 66 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) in 1997 to 240 MTPA in
2013 (Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd).
The Natural Gas market has been regionally split into the Atlantic Basin and Pacific
Basin Markets. The Atlantic Basin is historically dominated by European buyers and
the Pacific Basin dominated by Japanese and Korean buyers. The highest portion of
global imports are attributed to the Pacific Basin (181.50 MMTPA) whereas the
Atlantic Basin imports account for 62.05MMTPA (Figure 5).
Projections over the years 2015 to 2021 period indicate that supply will grow with a
compounded annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 8.7%, from 264 MTPA in 2015 to 436
MTPA.
Figure 5: Global LNG supply market predictions
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2.1.1.4 COMPATIBILITY WITH KUDU GAS
The selected technologies fully support the development of the Kudu gas field as the
Power Plant is flexible with respect to the proposed load factor. This means that
once the Kudu gas project becomes operational, liquefied gas from the Kudu gas
field can be supplied to the FSRU for use at the power plant. Furthermore any future
gas infrastructural development in the region would seamlessly integrate with gas
supply from the Kudu Fields.
The skills developed and utilised in the construction and operation of the plant, as
well as the FSRU, overland and marine gas pipeline, will be invaluable in the
development of skills for the Kudu gas field and any future Power Plant Projects.
2.1.2 KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS

The overall proposed project will consist of the following components (Figure 6):
 Ship based processes on board the FSRU including cooling water discharge,
berthing infrastructure to safely moor the FSRU and LNGC for regasification
and transport of the gas from the ship along a trestle jetty to the port premises
(including associated dredging activities);
 Overland pipelines for transporting the gas to the power plant
 Open cycle gas turbine power plant and water treatment plant.
Fuel storage Fuel transport Overland fuel 300 MW gas fired Power into the grid
and to port transport to power power plant for power
regasification plant generation
Figure 6: Key project components and technologies
The next section provides more information on the power plant and specific
associated infrastructure as the focus of this report.
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2.2 POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE
2.2.1 POWER PLANT
2.2.1.1 SITE LOCATION
The proposed site for the Power Plant is located within the proposed heavy industrial
area within the Walvis Bay Townlands (Farm 58). The site comprises a footprint area
of 16 ha (on a 40 ha piece of land). The balance of land is for possible future
expansion. This area will initially be leased with an option to purchase as soon as it
becomes available.
Figure 7: Conceptual layout of the proposed power plant
The conceptual layout takes into consideration key aspects such as fuel supply,
power evacuation and future expansion of the power plant (Figure 7).
The site has been selected due to the:

 Close proximity to existing and planned services corridors and servitudes,
 Proximity to road infrastructure,
 Earmarked industrial site,
 Close proximity to 220kV sub-station planned,
 Close proximity to port.
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The WBMC has resolved that the site will be allocated

for the Xaris Energy power project. Xaris Energy has
subsequently commenced to negotiate a lease
What is the difference
agreement and offer to a purchase option as soon as
between an open and a
possible which has been received favourably by the
closed gas turbine?
WBM and the WBMC. The proclamation of the heavy
industrial zone and rezoning of the allocated land and During an open-cycle
way leaves for the gas and water pipelines are also in combustion process
progress. Xaris is also engaging with Government in this some of the heat
regard. Consultations with the Roads Authority (RA) generated is lost through
regarding access to the proposed site from the District exhaust fumes. A
Road D1984 are underway. combined cycle is able
to make use of some of
this heat and is thus more
efficient.
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2.2.1.2 PROCESS DESIGN
The power generation is based on an Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) design,

which will utilise natural gas as the source of fuel. The Gas turbines will be operated
in an open-cycle mode (Figure 8) with space and equipment provisions for future
conversion to combined-cycle if required. This technology selection was made as it
is a simple, robust technology with LM6000 units deployed all over the world (more
than 1100 units produced with 25 million fired hours).
The open-cycle mode includes the following processes:

 Piped gas is supplied to the power plant through the receiving and metering
station.
 Fuel is distributed to six LM6000PC SPRINT gas turbines.
 The fuel is used to turn a generator rotor that produces electricity.
 A compressor sucks air in from the atmosphere and compresses it through a
number of compressor stages.
 Fuel is then pumped into a combustion chamber and mixed with the
compressed air.
 The fuel/air mixture is ignited to form hot, high velocity gas.
 This gas is passed through turbine blades that turn the shaft that is attached to
the rotor of the generator.
 The rotor turns inside the stator and electricity is generated.
 This electricity is then distributed via the high voltage network to where it is
needed
Figure 8: Processes of a gas turbine associated with the open-cycle mode
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2.2.1.3 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINES (OCGTs)
Each turbine (Figure 9) will generate 42.2 to 49.4 MW of electrical power. The
efficiency of the turbine is partly determined by the temperatures at which it
operates, with higher temperatures leading to higher efficiency. Gas temperatures
at the turbine inlet can reach up to 1400 ˚C. In order to protect the components
from thermal damage, evaporative SPRINT air-cooled technology will be used to
cool the condenser down.
Figure 9: Inner components of a gas turbine
Nonetheless, the temperatures associated with exhaust gas leaving the turbine will
remain in the range of 600 ºC. Should a combined cycle configuration be
implemented later on, the waste heat expelled through the exhaust stack (15 m
high) can be recovered and utilised for the production of electricity, thereby
improving the efficiency of the power plant.
In order to control mono-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, demineralised water

(treated to be of boiler-quality) is injected into the turbine either upstream of the low
pressure compressor or between the low pressure and high pressure compressors.
This cools the combustion flame temperature to reduce the formation of NOx. Once
injected to the combustor the demineralised water is exhausted to atmosphere in
the form of steam.
The turbine and generators will be housed in enclosures designed to reduce noise
levels.
2.2.2 ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
2.2.2.1 220 kV SUBSTATION
The generated power will be distributed via a high voltage 220 kV substation
located within the site boundary.
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The substation will comprise an outdoor double bus substation, which includes:
 6 generator incoming bays, including link to the Generator Step-Up (GSU)
transformer;
 1 bus coupler bay;
 2 outgoing 220 kV line bays; and
 2 station transformer bays.
The power will be connected to a double 220kV transmission line connected to

feeder bays within 220 kV NamPower Kuiseb substation, located 14 km to the north-
east of the proposed site, to be constructed in the near future.
Two emergency diesel generators will be provided for safe shutdown of the power
plant (1000 kVA with step up to 6.6 kV and closed transition change over at 6.6 kV).
The units shall consist of a diesel engine directly coupled to a generator, mounted
on a common steel base with a fuel tank and a self-contained enclosure. In case of
failure of normal power supply the diesel generators shall start automatically to
supply power to the essential loads of the power plant for a safe shutdown.
11 kV power generated per gas turbine is reticulated using 11 kV single core cables
in trefoil on racks to the generator circuit breaker and GSU.
2.2.2.2 POWER PLANT AUXILIARY POWER INSTALLATION
Part of the electricity produced is consumed by the power plant’s auxiliary system.
Typically, an auxiliary system includes components such as pumps, fans and soot
blowers, most of which are driven by motors. The auxiliary system proposed consists
of:
 2 station transformers (10 MVA 220/6.6 kV),
 Station medium voltage panel,
 6 auxiliary transformers,
 2 auxiliary main distribution boards (each 3-section with bus couplers),
 2 emergency diesel generators (1000 kVA with step up to 6.6 kV and closed
transition change over at 6.6 kV),
 Medium voltage and low voltage power cabling,
 Uninterruptible power supply systems – 20 kVA uninterruptible power supply
system for each of distributed control system and Admin,
 Earthing grid and lightning protection,
 Building lighting and small power,
 Street and area lighting, and
 Security.
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2.2.3 WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE

Namibia has limited freshwater resources for both human consumption as well as
industrial development, impacting negatively on its growth potential. The power
plant has a maximum demineralised water consumption requirement of 850 000
m3/annum (approximately 3730 m3/day of raw effluent translating to approximately
2400 m3/day of demineralised water) (Figure 10). The water usage will vary based
on a number of factors that include NamPower’s dispatch profile and ambient
conditions. The water usage is thus expected to be on average approximately 65-
75% of the maximum usage.
The power plant’s water demand will be supplied by a proposed Membrane

Bioreactor (MBR) plant that will treat effluent obtained from the Municipal WWTP
premises, which is under the ownership of the Water, Waste and Environmental
Management Department of the WBM. Parts of the Municipal WWTP will be
expanded so that the current bottleneck does not adversely affect the power
plant’s water requirement.
In order to ensure that the Municipal WWTP keeps operating within its discharge
permit conditions, 6000 of the plants current total of approximately 8500 m3/d will be
intercepted to undergo lime/soda softening. This will remove calcium, magnesium
and bicarbonates, while adding some sodium via soda ash and chlorides via
hydrochloric acid required for neutralisation afterwards. The solids that will
precipitate are calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. The solids
generated will be dumped to the municipal waste disposal site, although there may
be value for the mining industry as an alkalinity source which could be explored. The
softened water will be distributed as a portion of the feed to the Xaris MBR plant,
with the remainder being fed with non-softened water to the existing Municipal
water treatment system, consisting of trickling filters and a Pasveer system.
After the intercepted water (6000 m3/day) passes through the softener
approximately 60% will be fed to the MBR is fed while the remaining 40% will be fed
back into the Municipal WWTP (more specifically to the trickling filters – see Figure
10). The MBR consist of a bioreactor portion and a membrane separation portion.
The membranes filter in the ultra-range and therefore presents sufficient filtering pre-
treatment for the downstream reverse osmosis system. No bacteria can escape
through the membrane.
The MBR allows for removal of all Biological Oxygen Demand. Aeration is provided
to assist bacteria to consume organic (carbohydrates) components. The
carbohydrates are converted to gaseous carbon dioxide and water. Also, the
bacteria multiplies and grows. The water and the solids are separated using
membranes. A portion of the solids is wasted from the system as Waste Activated
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Sludge (WAS) with the remaining sludge recycled to the bioreactor to control the
population density and sludge age. The WAS is fed to the existing digesters at the
Municipal WWTP.
The treated effluent will be transferred via a pipeline approximately 12.8 km in

length. This pipeline will have right of access within the boundary of the road reserve
and NamPower Transmission servitude, as provided and approved by the WBM, RA
and NamPower.
The water from the pipeline will be fed to a demineralisation plant, constructed at
the power plant site that will in turn supply water for the control of NOx (see below).
The brine returning from the power plant is split between the irrigation system and
the discharge to the artificial wetland. This is to ensure that both streams out of the
municipal WWTP (irrigation and discharge to the wetlands) remain within the permit
requirements.
The amount of water that makes its way to the artificial wetland/ Birds Paradise will
be reduced, however the salinity of the wetland will not be affected. The project
will consume the current oversupply of water to the artificial wetland. By remaining
within the discharge permit conditions at the Municipal WWTP, the water quality of
the wetland will not be affected. The reduction of water going into the wetland has
the benefit of reducing excess water infringing on future spatial development plans
and curbing existing mosquito breeding problems resulting from the current over
supply of water This issue has been addressed in a specialist investigation (see
APPENDIX D) in Chapter 7 below and the EMP (see APPENDIX A).
2.2.3.1 POTABLE WATER
Potable water will be provided by a municipal water connection. Potable water will
be transferred to standpipes and buildings via High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
pipes as required. This water will be used for domestic purposes only. Potable water
piping will be mechanically protected where installed on pipe racks.
2.2.3.2 DEMINERALISATION WATER SYSTEM
The demineralisation plant and 48 hour water storage is provided at the power plant
for the purposes of evaporative cooling, NOx control (through water injection), fire
control and wash water as required by the turbines. Two 1 500 m3 demineralisation
water storage tanks will be provided. The maximum demineralised water
consumption will be approximately 100 m3/hr (Figure 10).
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Figure 10: Water balance for the proposed use of raw effluent from the Municipal WWTP
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The demineralisation plant will consist of Reverse Osmosis (RO) followed by Electro-
Deionisation (ED). The RO system will consist of a minimum of three parallel trains,
with one unit on standby for redundancy purposes and the remaining units full in
operation to produce the required water. One ED unit will provide the full capacity
with a second unit being on standby.
The original equipment manufacturer (General Electric (GE)) scope includes the
demineralised water booster pumps at each turbine. Demineralised water will be
transferred via unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)/ polypropylene piping
(mechanically protected where installed on pipe racks).
Two pipelines will be installed between the Municipal WWTP and the power plant site
– one to supply the demineralisation plant with the treated effluent and a second for
the distribution of the brine (i.e. wastewater produced after demineralisation). The
brine returning from the power plant is split between the Municipal irrigation system
and the discharge pipeline to the artificial wetland (Figure 10). This is to ensure that
both streams out of the Municipal WWTP (irrigation and discharge to the wetlands)
remain within the WBM effluent discharge permit requirements. The supply pipe will
be sized to accommodate 3700 m3/day while the brine return pipeline will be sized
to accommodate 1300 m3/day. Either HDPE or uPVC pipes will be utilised and will
adhere to the South African National Standard (SANS) 966 Part 1.
From the Municipal WWTP, the water pipelines run between the southern border of
the B2 Trunk Road servitude and the northern border of the Municipal WWTP (Figure
15). The pipelines then run eastbound along the southern boundary of the C14 Main
Road servitude between the road reserve and NamPower Transmission servitude.
The pipelines then turn northeast and cross the C14, to the west of the C14-D1984
District Road intersection and continue on this bearing until entering the proposed
WBM services corridor (Figure 15). The total length of the proposed pipeline route is
12.8 km. Consultations with the RA regarding road crossings are underway.
The use of treated effluent from the Municipal WWTP will have several advantages.
These include a reduction in flow delivered to the wetland by a maximum of 2 400
m3 per day, which will reduce the problem of the wetlands encroaching on the road
and planned developments. Furthermore this will result in a reduction in the current
mosquito problem and the generation of hydrogen sulphide and its associated
effects. A list of other positive impacts are given in Figure 11 below.
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Figure 11: Benefits for the proposed use of treated effluent from the Municipal WWTP
2.2.3.3 FIRE WATER SYSTEM
A fire water system built to the United States National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) standards will be provided.
The system includes an electric fire pump, diesel back-up pump and two jockey
pumps. The fire/potable water storage will be suitably rated to NFPA standards.
One 2 500 m3 tank will be provided, with space provided for a second tank if
required in future. The upper section of each tank is intended for potable water
storage but is available for use as fire water if required. The fire water storage will be
reviewed and amended if necessary during the detailed design phase.
A fire water ring main of 300 mm diameter will be provided. The fire water ring main
will be HDPE below ground and steel above ground.
The fire water system includes 4 hour storage as required, outdoor hydrants,
transformer spray systems and indoor hose reels.
2.2.3.4 Waste Water (WAS)
Construction phase waste water shall be managed and treated by the Engineering,
Procurement and Construction Contractor.
Operational phase waste water will be treated as follows:

 A used wash water tank will be provided per turbine. The wash water will be
removed by an appropriate, registered waste water services provider; and
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 Oily wash water from transformer bund areas will be collected and passed
through an oil-water separation process. The residue will be collected and
disposed of by a specialist. The oily waste water system will consist of an oil-
water separator, sumps and submersible pumps.
2.2.3.5 UTILITY SERVICES
The following utility services will be provided at the power plant:
UTILITY SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Gas system Gas intake header, safety shutoff valve, gas pressure let down,
metering, gas heating and distribution pipework.
Raw/service/ water Incoming pipework from intake point at Municipal WWTP, raw
water tank (shared with fire water), treatment to boiler
standards for and distribution to service points.
Potable water Potable water pipes connected to existing municipal potable

water network and distributed to buildings and standpipes.
Fire water system One raw/fire water tank (2 500 m3), fire water pumps (electric,
diesel and 2 by jockey pumps), fire ring main with hydrants, hose
reels and building supply points.
Demineralised water Demineralised water plant, storage and distribution to points of

system use.
Instrument and service air 2 by 100% (or 3 by 50%) filter, compressor, dryer, fine filter trains,
instrument air distribution ring with buffer vessel to moderate
pressure, service and pulse filter cleaning air distribution ring and
service air supply to the maintenance building.
Waste wash water system Pumps and pipework for collection from the Generating
Turbines (GT) to an underground tank.
Oily waste water system Collection sumps in the transformer bunded area and GT area.
Sumps Sumps fitted with submersible pumps to pump to oily water

separator. The hazardous waste (oily water) will be removed by
registered service providers.
Sewage collection and Treated on site using a packaged sewage treatment plant –
trickling filter system. Sewage will be treated to near potable
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UTILITY SERVICE DESCRIPTION
treatment system standards and remain on-site (i.e. will not be connected to the
municipal sewage system).
Civil works Bulk earthworks, major equipment foundations (GT, stacks, GSU
transformer and station transformers), roads and parking,
perimeter fencing, minor equipment plinths and rainwater
2.2.4 CONSTRUCTION
The detailed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the power plant
will be outsourced by Xaris to Garanti Koza Energy (GKE) (EPC Contractor).
Building materials will be sourced locally where possible. Local sourced materials will
be tracked and reported on during project implementation.
At the peak of the construction phase, the total number of workers employed
(skilled and unskilled) will be approximately 400. These workers will be sourced
locally as far as possible. Migrant labour will be accommodated at a temporary (for
the duration of construction period) construction accommodation facility on the
remainder of the proposed power plant farm, which will be supplied with formal
accommodation, ablution and cooking facilities, basic medical services and
transport. Labour sourced from Walvis Bay will not reside at the construction
accommodation facility. Local sourced labour will be tracked and reported on
during project implementation.
The estimated time for construction (from site establishment to final commissioning) is
12 – 18 months. Xaris intends to commence with construction in June 2015.
The current total estimated cost for the EPC is US$250 million.
2.2.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Approximately 49 permanent staff will be employed during the operation and
maintenance phase of the proposed power plant. Approximate 75% of these
employees (+/- 37) will be sourced locally.
The planning, construction and operation of the proposed power plant will have to
be executed in accordance with a related legal framework. This framework is
presented in the following section.
The current estimated total annual cost for operation and maintenance of the
power plant and its specific associated infrastructure is US$26 million.
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2.2.6 DECOMMISSIONING
It is envisaged that the proposed power plant will continue as long as the town
exists, hence decommissioning is not expected. However measures will be
prescribed in the EMP (APPENDIX A) in the event that the proposed power plant
needs to be decommissioned.
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3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
3.1 NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The Environmental Management Act (EMA) (Act No. 7 of 2007) Government Notice
No. 29 of 2012 stipulates, which activities require an Environmental Clearance
Certificate in Namibia. In terms of this assessment and proposed power plant and
specific associated infrastructure the following activities apply:
Activity 1. The construction of facilities for –

(a) the generation of electricity.
A permit will need to be secured from the Electricity Control Board for the
generation of electricity.
Activity 5.1: The rezoning of land from –
(d) use of nature conservation or zoned open space to any other land use.
The proposed site for the power plant falls within a nature conservation area (Dorob
National Park). The land ownership and zoning details of the land are yet to be
finalised. The Municipal Council has however approved that the use may continue
while these statutory matters are being processed. This EIA needs to consider the
suitability of the proposed power plant on the land in question, even though it has
already been earmarked industrial activity according to the Walvis Bay Spatial
Development Framework.
Activity 8.6 Construction of industrial and domestic wastewater treatment plants and
related pipeline systems.
The relevant permits should be obtained by the Walvis Bay Council WWTP and Xaris
from the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry.
Activity 9.3 The storage or handling of a dangerous goods, including petrol, diesel,
liquid petroleum gas or paraffin, in containers with a combined capacity of more
than 30 cubic meters at any one location.
Activity 10.1 The construction of –

(a) cable ways.
Transmission cables will be laid within the power plant site.
A more detailed treatment of the information summarised above can be found in

APPENDIX C.
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3.2 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Relevant SANS need to be adhered to with respect to noise and air quality
concerns.
The International Finance Corporation has compiled a series of performance

standards and guidelines to assure accountability in the financing process in terms of
the socio-economic and biophysical environment. The relevance of these
performance standards to this project is set out below in Table 1.
The IFC Guidelines provide a particular focus on:

 On-shore oil and gas development, which cover matters such as:
o Air emissions;
o Wastewater/ effluent discharges;
o Solid and liquid waste management;
o Noise generation;
o Terrestrial impacts and project footprint; and
o Spills
 Waste Management Facilities, which cover waste generated by:
o Human dwellings;
o Construction sites;
o Power plants; and
o Wastewater treatment plants.
 Water and sanitation, which cover matters such as:
o Transport, treatment, storage and disposal of residential wastewater;
and
o Transport, treatment, storage and disposal of industrial wastewater
 New thermal power plants, which cover matters such as:
o Air and water quality and associated monitoring and reporting; and
o Considerations for Environmental Assessments.
The guidelines listed above have been addressed in the EMP (APPENDIX A).
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Table 1: Relevant IFC performance standards
PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREA AND DESCRIPTION RELEVANCE AND REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSED IN

STANDARD
Emphasizes “the importance of managing social and Limited relevance, which is likely only to indirectly Chapter 5
Assessment and Management
environmental performance throughout the life of a enhance long term socio-economic conditions.
EMP
1: Social and Environmental
project”.
Establish and maintain a Social and Environmental (APPENDIX A)
The management process of “plan, implement, check Management System that is applicable to the size
and act entails the thorough assessment of potential and nature of the project.
social and environmental impacts and risks from the early
Require Social and Environmental Assessment,
stages of project development and provides order and
relevant Management Plan, organizational
Systems:
consistency for mitigation and managing these on an

capacity, training, community engagement,
ongoing basis”.
monitoring and reporting
Acknowledges “that the pursuit of economic growth Adopt a human resources policy appropriate to EMP
2: Labour and Working
through employment creation and income generation the project size that sets out its approach to (APPENDIX A)
should be balanced with protection for basic rights of managing employees in conformance with the
workers”. IFC requirements
Conditions
A “sound worker-management relationship is a key

ingredient to the sustainability of the enterprise”.
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STANDARD
Recognizes “that increased industrial activity and Managed through the Social and Environmental Chapter 6
3: Pollution Prevention and
urbanization often generate increased levels of pollution Management Systems and must be incorporated and 7
to air, water and land that may threaten people and the therein.
EMP
environment at the local, regional and global level”.
(APPENDIX A)
Outlines “a project approach” towards “pollution
Abatement
prevention and abatement” in line with “internationally

disseminated technologies and practices”.
4: Community Health, Safety and
“acknowledges the public authorities’ role in promoting Managed through the Social and Environmental Chapter 6
the health, safety and security of the public”, Management Systems and must be incorporated and 7
therein.
“addresses the clients responsibility to avoid or minimize EMP
the risks and impacts to community health, safety and Entails adherence to Environmental Health and (APPENDIX A)
security that may arise from project activities”. Safety Guidelines for:
 Thermal Power Plants;

 Onshore Oil and Gas Development;
Security
 Waste Management Facilities; and

 Water and Sanitation.
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STANDARD
Recognizes that “project-related land acquisition and The Project site is situated within the Dorob N/A
restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts on National Park and planned heavy industry zone.
Involuntary Resettlement
communities and persons that use this land. Involuntary The project does not entail land acquisition or
5: Land Acquisition and
resettlement refers both to physical displacement resettlement of communities. This Performance

(relocation or loss of shelter) and to economic Standard is thus not applicable to this Project.
displacement (loss of assets or access to assets that leads
to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood1)
as a result of project-related land acquisition and/or
restrictions on land use.
Recognizes “that protecting and conserving biodiversity Managed through the Social and Environmental Chapter 6
Resource Management
and its ability to change and evolve, is fundamental to Management Systems and must be incorporated and 7
Sustainable Natural
sustainable development”. therein.

Conservation and
EMP
This Performance Standard “reflects the objectives of the The habitat is considered as modified by existing (APPENDIX A)
6 Biodiversity
Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve biological human activities. This includes the area of
diversity and promote use of renewable natural resources channel and berth dredging and foundation
in a sustainable manner”. piling.
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STANDARD
Recognizes that Indigenous People (“social groups with No relevance to the project for there is no N/A
identities that are distinct from dominant groups in indigenous people affected by the project.
national societies”) are often among the most
“marginalized and vulnerable segments of the
population”. Indigenous People are exposed to “different
types of risks and severity of impacts than other
communities including loss of identity, cultural and natural
7: Indigenous Peoples
resource-based livelihoods”, etc.
On the other hand development projects “may create

opportunities for Indigenous People to participate in and
benefit from project-related activities that may help them
fulfil their aspiration for economic and social
development.
“recognizes the importance of cultural heritage for Managed through the Social and Environmental N/A
current and future generations”. Management Systems and must be incorporated
8: Cultural
therein.
Heritage
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4 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
The information outlined below has been sourced from primary data (site visits
conducted) and secondary sources (e.g. published literature, previous EIA reports
etc.). The biophysical description below has relied on reports compiled for previous
assessment work conducted in the area and Mendelsohn, et al. (2009), while the
social environmental description has been sourced from the Walvis Bay Integrated
Urban Spatial Development Framework (Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012).
The structure of this receiving environment chapter is as follows:

 Firstly a broad overview description of the Walvis Bay Townlands is provided;
 Secondly an overview of the environment affected by all three project
components is provided; and
 Finally a description of the environment directly affected by the individual
project component (i.e. the power plant and associated infrastructure) is
provided.
This chapter also identifies sensitivities of key environmental features affected by the
power plant and associated infrastructure as well as the potential impacts
associated with these affects (Table 4).
4.1 NATIONAL POWER SUPPLY SITUATION
Namibia’s current peak electricity demand is approximately 600 MW (NamPower,

2015). Namibia has the capacity to supply up to 70% of this demand, depending on
the run of the Kunene River (NamPower, 2015). Namibia makes up for the difference
(which varies over time) through a number of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
with members of the SAPP (NamPower, 2015). One significant PPA will expire this
year and another in 2017, which currently puts Namibia at risk in terms of power
supply.
4.2 OVERVIEW WALVIS BAY ENVIRONMENT
Walvis Bay is located within the central coastal region of Namibia. This environment
has been (and continues to be) shaped by a combination of large scale ocean and
atmospheric conditions, namely the northward flowing cold Benguela ocean
current and the South Atlantic Anticyclone (a large scale high pressure system)
respectively.
Weather conditions in and around Walvis Bay are unique and are driven by the
large scale features mentioned above. The main features include low radiation and
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sunshine levels, low temperatures, low rainfall, but frequent fog and strong and
frequent winds (see Table 2 below).
Table 2: Summary weather statistics for Walvis Bay
VARIABLE VALUE VARIABLE VALUE
Ave. annual temperature (°C) <16 Prevailing wind direction South-west
Fog frequency (days/year) 50-100 Ave. wind speeds (m/s) 2-4
Ave. annual rainfall (mm) <50 Radiation (kWh/m2/day) <5.4
Humidity (%) summer & winter >90 & 65 Sunlight (hours/day) <5
The cold Benguela ocean current is a major driver of marine life. Winds driven by
the South Atlantic Anticyclone cause the offshore movement of surface water and
gives rise to flow of colder nutrient rich water from the ocean depths. This
phenomenon is known as upwelling and is responsible for the abundance of fish and
other marine resources. Several upwelling cells occur along the Namibian coastline,
one of which is located adjacent to Walvis Bay’s coastline.
A coastal spit is a landform which develops as a result of sediment deposition as

sediment is transported along the coast. A coastal spit (terminating at Pelican Point)
provides protection for Walvis Bay from turbulent conditions in the Atlantic Ocean.
This southernmost portion of this sheltered area (i.e. the lagoon) is a biodiversity
hotspot demonstrated by its declaration as a Wetland of International Importance
(Ramasar Site).
The Walvis Bay environment consists of several key physical geographical features.
Dune fields (coastal, inland, vegetated and unvegetated) are one such prominent
feature, most notably the Namib Sand Sea located to the south of the townlands. A
major ephemeral river – Kuiseb River (and its delta) is another prominent feature and
forms the boundary between sand sea to the south and the gravel plains to the
north (Figure 16). The lower reaches of the Kuiseb River are underlain by a
productive groundwater reserves (aquifers) which supply Walvis Bay’s potable water
needs. An artificial wetland has developed overtime from the discharge of Walvis
Bay’s treated wastewater. The unique biophysical configuration of the Walvis Bay
environment, and the coastal Namib in general, gives rise to high levels of species
endemism and biodiversity.
The economy of Walvis Bay is based largely on fishing and aquaculture, tourism, port
activities and manufacturing. The Walvis Bay population was estimated at 80 000 in
2012 and with a population growth rate of 4.7% (averaged over the past 16 years) is
expected to more than double by 2030 to approximately 180 000 (Urban Dynamics
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Africa, 2012). Unemployment for the Erongo region is estimated at 30% (Republic of
Namibia (RN): National Statistics Agency (NSA), 2011).
The major constraints to the future development of Walvis Bay include the sensitive
Kuiseb Delta area to the south and a prominent dune belt to the north, both which
fall within the Dorob National Park. This national park is a state protected area.
Hence, the reasonable growth direction is eastward (inland).
Existing serviced industrial land is scarce and not suitable for noxious industrial
activity. In light of this, the Walvis Bay Municipal Council (WBMC) has approved the
establishment of a heavy/noxious industrial area to the east of Dune 7, north and
west of the Rooikop Airport. This area is part of the Spatial Development Framework
for Walvis Bay, which has been approved by the public and the WBMC. This area
however still falls within the Dorob National Park. Ambiguity also exists regarding the
ownership of the proposed site, which is identified as “Farm 58”. The Ministry of
Environment and Tourism (MET) and the WBM will need to clarify this matter and the
way forward.
The WBM has adopted a new vision for the period 2012-2022. The WBM is aiming to
“facilitate the substantial transformation of Walvis Bay from its present status as a
small tourism destination and a semi-industrial port town based mainly on fishing, into
a modern regional capital and the primary industrial city of Namibia” (Urban
Dynamics Africa, 2012). In line with this vision the WBM has plans to expand the
harbour and their road network. The establishment of several residential and
industrial townships is also planned in order to keep pace with current growth trends.
4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT
The project-specific receiving marine environment is located near the northern edge
of the sheltered bay area. The area affected by the FSRU (and associated
development) and Trestle Jetty is approximately 6.5 km in length stretching from the
high water mark approximately 1.5 km north of the current built-up area off-shore in
a north-westerly direction.
The project-specific receiving terrestrial environment can generally be divided into

two components, namely, the coastal and inland dune fields and the gravel plains
further inland (Figure 16). The coastal and inland dune fields are located along the
fringes of the existing built-up area and as such have been exposed to human
activity and the associated habitat degradation. The gravel plains have a unique
biologically sensitive soil crust that supports several endemic plant species, most
notably lichens. These lichens are located mostly north and east of the proposed
power plant site. These plains likewise because of their proximity to Walvis Bay’s
existing built-up area have been subjected to habitat disturbance and degradation.
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4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POWER PLANT AND WATER PIPELINE ENVIRONMENT
Table 3: Summary description of key environmental features pertaining to the Power Plant and Water Pipeline environment
BASELINE ENVIRONMENT
BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
Biodiversity  Biophysical uniqueness within the Namib Desert and hence Infrastructure  The Rooikop Airport is located approximately 4.5 km to the
species diversity and endemism, increases with a reduction south-east of the proposed site (see Figure 15).
& Services
in the distance from coastal area.  The proposed site is located approximately 1 km from the
 The gravel plains, located east of the Dune 7 belt (Figure existing railway line and adjacent to the gravel District Road
16) in general are largely vegetationless, but exhibit a D1984, which links up to the Main Road C14 (see Figure 15).
relatively high overall species diversity and endemism,  The RA intends to upgrade the D1984 and parts of the C14 to
notably lichen and invertebrate communities (Urban a dual carriage way in future (see Figure 15).
Dynamics Africa (UDA), 2012). However, no lichen
 Options for access to potable water for construction and
communities have been observed on-site due to human-
operation purposes include purified effluent from the
induced habitat destruction. These arid environments have
Municipal WWTP (water conserving option) and the municipal
a slow recovery time with respect to habitat disturbance.
supply of potable water.
 Inland hummock dune fields a (see Figure 16) in general
are sparsely vegetated (mostly salsola bushes) with
moderate overall species diversity (UDA, 2012). However,
affected areas have been degraded by human activity.
 The artificial wetland (Figure 14) east of the Municipal
WWTP exhibits high bird diversity. This wetland is expanding
across the C14 road and existing transmission line owing to
an increase in domestic effluent. This results in increased
bird mortalities due to powerline interactions and water
damage to the C14 road
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Landscape,  Mostly flat topography gently sloping north-west towards Land  Ambiguity currently exists regarding the ownership of “Farm
the coastline. 58”. According to the WBM “Farm 58” has been under its
Elevation Ownership
 < 50 m above sea level ownership since 2004, prior to the extension of the Dorob
and Soils
National Park boundary in 2010. The MET and the WBM
 The Petric gypsisols of the gravel plains (Figure 16) underlie
should engage one another to clarify this matter and the way
the proposed site.
forward.
 The servitude for the proposed semi-purified effluent pipeline
is under the ownership of the WBMC.
Air quality  Background concentrations for PM10 (Particulate Matter, Population  Incidence of HIV/AIDS is high but decreasing. HIV/AIDS
aerodynamic diameter size less than 10μm) currently known prevalence rates in the 15-49 age group has decreased from
statistics
to exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of 16.1% in 2000 to 14.3% in 2013 (World Bank, 2014).
75 μg/m3 (see air quality study – APPENDIX D)  High Tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate – 655 per 100 000 people
 Dust fallout for the period 2009-2011 were recorded at 500 (World Bank, 2014).
mg/m2/day, which is below the South African dust fallout  Gender distribution of population (more women than men)
standard of 600 mg/m2/day for residential areas (see and poor living conditions give rise to an increase in
APPENDIX D). prostitution (EON Consulting, 2015).
 There is no background data available for nitrogen oxides
(NOx) or carbon monoxide (CO).
 Temperature inversion exists near the Dune 7 belt.
Water  Walvis Bay’s water is supplied by Kuiseb aquifer Noise  No sensitive noise receptors within 5 km of the propose power
groundwater reserves. Potable water resources are scarce plant site.
and currently utilised to capacity.  The baseline noise level recorded during a field survey was
 No nearby potable groundwater. However, saline 37.9 dB(A) during daytime (07:00-22:00) and 37.9 dB(A) during
groundwater reserves underlie the proposed site and the night time (22:00-07:00). These values are approx. half the
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pipeline route. SANS guideline noise rating limit – 70 and 60 dB(A)

respectively (see noise study – APPENDIX D).
Land Use  The proposed site is located within an area designated for
heavy/noxious industrial activity (see Figure 15).
 Tourism activities take place along the Dune 7 (Figure 12)
belt, located approximately 1 km to the south-west of the
proposed site (see Figure 15). These are daytime activities,
which include walking on the dune, dune boarding,
cooking/picnic facilities, photography etc.
 Business located near Birds Paradise wetland.
A clear depiction of the area is shown in the photos below.
Figure 12: View from the proposed site westward Figure 13: View of the proposed site from the west Figure 14: Birds paradise artificial wetland
toward Dune 7
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Figure 15: Land use surrounding the proposed site and pipeline route
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Figure 16: Biophysically sensitive areas affected by the propsed project
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Table 4: Description of environmental sensitivities and associated impacts pertaining to the proposed
project
FEATURE DESCRIPTION SENSITIVITY POTENTIAL IMPACT
BIOPHYSICAL
Biodiversity The proposed site is located Biogeographical Loss of

within a wider uniqueness of the Namib biogeographically
biogeographical area Desert, particularly the unique areas and
within the Namib Desert, Inner (coastal) Namib, as the species they
which in general is sensitive. evidenced by small support.
However the site is bioclimatic envelopes
degraded.
A temperature inversion Nearby habitat of Loss of

exists near the Dune 7 belt. invertebrates (dune belt) invertebrate
Pollutants released in this located beneath biodiversity due to
area will therefore be temperature inversion air pollution
capped and will not layer.
escape. Fog can then
dissolve these pollutants,
which may precipitate on
the dune belt.
The power plant will use Limit expansion of the Positive: Reduced
semi-purified water from the wetland and hence bird risk of bird
Municipal WWTP. This will habitat south of C14 collisions with
reduce the rate of road and transmission power line.
expansion of the artificial line. Reduce mosquito
wetland. problem,
encroachment on
future urban
development and
generation of
Hydrogen
Sulphide and
associated effects
The artificial wetland will  Less water available to  Loss of plant

reduce in size and sustain freshwater species diversity
potentially increase in plants dependent on  Illegal reduction
salinity owing to a reduction the artificial wetland in wetland
in water available to the  Reduction in water water quality
wetland because of and quality of wetland
release of brine by the
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power plant.
Groundwater Saline groundwater reserves Construction activities Contravention of

under the proposed taking place above Water Act by
pipeline route and relatively shallow saline contaminating of
proposed power plant site. groundwater reserves groundwater.
SOCIAL
Employment Regional unemployment, Construction, operation Positive: Creation

currently at 30%, is a and maintenance of 400 temporary
concern for the WBMC. activities associated with and 49 permanent
the power plant and jobs.
installation of the pipeline
will require labourers.
Power supply 300 MW of base load power Namibia is currently Positive: security
will be generated nationally dependent on imported of power supply.
power to meet local
demand.
Land use Ambiguity regarding the Ownership of “Farm 58” is Uncoordinated

ownership of “Farm 58” unclear. development of a
exists. heavy industry
complex in a
national park.
Land use conflict.
Air quality Particulate matter (dust) will Residents are located in Nuisance dust
be generated during the vicinity of the water impacts.
construction of the pipeline pipeline.
and plant.
Noxious gases will be Emissions, when Impacts on

emitted from the power combined cumulatively human respiratory
plant. with other noxious health.
emissions might exceed
WHO guideline values.
Tourism Tourists frequent Dune 7 and The structures can be Visual impact
the C14 road en-route to visually intrusive,
the coast and back inland. changing the sense of
place and potentially
adversely impact on
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tourism activities.
Noise will be generated by Tourists frequent Dune 7, Noise impacts

various components within located approximately 1
the power plant. km to the south-west of
the proposed site.
Health and A flammable gas will be Employees working in Injury or loss of life
safety handled within the power proximity to flammable due to failure or
plant site, where gas gas, where gas conduits leakage of gas
conduits may fail or leak. may fail or leak. conduits.
Spread of Construction labourers will Increase in disposable Increased number

disease be employed from beyond income of construction of HIV infections
the town boundaries. labourers. Increase in
People will flock to Walvis risky sexual activity.
Bay in seek of employment. Existing prostitution
activity among poor.
People will flock to Walvis Overcrowding in informal Increased number

Bay in seek of employment. settlements and nutrition of TB infections
is a predisposing factor.
Civil aviation An electromagnetic field Avionic instruments are Impact negligible

will be generated by the prone to experiencing as per Aviation
activities at the proposed interruptions from Specialist Report
power plant. electromagnetic fields (Appendix D4)
Structural A military base located The power plant facility Compromised

integrity within the vicinity of the might not be designed to structural integrity
power plant is known to withstand seismic activity of power plant
occasionally carry out
detonations, which may
result in seismic activity.
However, no media records
exist of such seismic activity
Economic The artificial wetland will Birds move away and Impact on
losses reduce in size owing to a some vegetation will profitability of Birds
reduction in water available potentially die off Paradise business
to the wetland due to use reducing the aesthetic
by the power plant. and tourist appeal of the
wetland.
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5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS
As mentioned in the project description, the power plant is a component of a

greater project. However, a joint public participation process was conducted for
the project at large. Specific concerns with regard to the power plant have been
highlighted at the end of this chapter. During the public consultation process
identified Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) were introduced to the project as
a whole, allowing them to participate on all three components. This chapter
provides a description of how the public consultation process was carried out by
describing:
 the Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs),
 the means of communicating with them, and
 common themes resulting from the consultation process.
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Public participation forms an important component of an Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) as it provides potential I&APs with a platform where they can raise
any issues or concerns relevant to the proposed project. This assists the consultant in
considering the full spectrum of potential impacts and to what extent further
investigations are needed.
In addition, the public participation process also grants I&AP’s an opportunity to

review and comment on all the documents produced throughout the EIA process.
This is done in accordance with both the Namibian Environmental Management Act
of 2007, its Regulations (2012), as well as international best practice principles.
The IFC’s manual “Doing Better Business through Effective Public Consultation and
Disclosure: A Good Practice Manual” provides action oriented guidelines aimed at
ensuring that consultation is both effective and meaningful. The guidelines
emphasise the need for the project sponsor to ensure that the process of public
consultation is accessible to all potentially affected parties, from national to local
level. Emphasis is placed on the engagement of local stakeholders, namely people
who are likely to experience the day-to-day impacts of a proposed project. On a
practical level, the sponsor has to ensure that:
1. all stakeholders have access to project information;
2. the information provided can be understood;
3. the locations for consultation are accessible to all who want to attend; and
4. measures are put in place that ensure that vulnerable or minority groups are
consulted.
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5.2 PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION
To this end Xaris Energy has carried out targeted and specific consultation meetings
with key stakeholders of the project. This consultation assisted to develop and guide
the project scope in preparation for the project Expression of Interest and Request
for Proposal. It was also aimed at building relationships and to inform national
authorities and the relevant interested parties about the project and to allow for the
identification of key constraints within the proposed power plant project. This is a
continuous process which helps to refine the project, secure the necessary
approvals and support and ensure the ultimate success of the project.
As part of the initial EIA (not part of this EIA process), a number of focus group
meetings were held during 2014. A public meeting was also arranged to obtain
public input and to present the intended development to the public. The public
meeting was held on 8 May 2014 at the Pelican Bay Hotel in Walvis Bay.
Advertisements about the meeting were placed in the Namib Times and Republikein
newspapers respectively over a 2 week period.
I&APs that participated in this EIA process provided valuable inputs and are
acknowledged.
5.3 RECENTLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Subsequent to a meeting with the DEA, the client decided to repeat the public
consultation process which is now part of the new EIA process.
5.3.1 INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES (I&APs)

Previously identified stakeholders were informed of the change of Environmental
Consultant and were provided with updated project information, whilst inviting them
to again provide their comments.
Additional I&AP’s (not previously included in the communication) were identified

using the existing Enviro Dynamics’ stakeholder database and information provided
by the proponent.
Notices regarding the project were also placed in various newspapers inviting the
public to register as I&AP’s. All of this was done in compliance with the following
definition of an interested and affected party:
“(a) any person, group of persons or organization interested in

or affected by an activity; and (b) any organ of state that may
have jurisdiction over any aspect of the activity’ (MET, 2010).”
(Environmental Management Act, 2007).
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A summary of the stakeholder groups, consisting of authorities and interest groups at

national, regional and local level, are presented in Table 5. The complete IAP list
can be viewed in APPENDIX B.
Table 5: Identification of Interested and Affected Parties
ITEM LEVEL DESCRIPTION
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Ministry of Mines and Energy
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
Ministry of Trade and Industry

NATIONAL
Ministry of Works and Transport
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Namibia Defence Force / Ministry of Defence
NamPower
STAKEHOLDER DATABASE
NamWater
Erongo Regional Authorities

REGIONAL
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) & Directorate Civil Affairs (DCA)
Erongo RED
Roads Authority
Walvis Bay Municipality
Walvis Bay Town Council
NamPort
LOCAL
Tourism Associations
Walvis Bay Chamber of Commerce
Walvis Bay Corridor Group
NGOs
Local interest groups e.g. Dolphin group and NACOMA
All individuals, groups, organisations and organs of state registered as I&AP’s on the
project are kept up to date for the duration of the EIA study.
5.3.2 METHODOLOGY
The consultant used various means of contacting the I&APs including telephone
calls, faxes, e-mails and published invitations to public meetings in the media
(newspaper adverts). These tools are used to inform the largest possible number of
people around the project area and the country about the proposed project.
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5.3.2.1 NEWSPAPER NOTICES
Newspaper notices were placed for two consecutive weeks in national (and local)
circulars (see Table 6). The notice served as an introduction to the project, also
indicating its locality, while inviting the public to register as I&AP’s (APPENDIX B).
After the project scope had changed another round of notices were placed in two
newspapers indicating the amendment.
Table 6: Notifications placed in the press
NATIONAL
DATE CIRCULATION INFORMATION SHARED
NEWSPAPER
Afrikaans Newspaper, Project introduction, Invitation to

26 February 2015 Republikein
National public meeting
Project introduction, Invitation to

27 February 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local
public meeting
English Newspaper, Project introduction, Invitation to

5 April 2015 Namibian
National public meeting
Project introduction, Invitation to

6 April 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local
public meeting
Afrikaans Newspaper,
9 April 2015 Republikein Amendment to project scope
National
10 April 2015 Namib Times English Newspaper, Local Amendment to project scope
5.3.2.2 POSTERS
Notices (i.e. Posters) were fixed at conspicuous places and available notice boards
throughout Walvis Bay (See APPENDIX B), namely:
o Woermann Brock (Town Centre) o Immanuel Ruiters Primary School

Kuisebmond
o Walvis Bay Spar
o Woermann Brock (Narraville)
o Walvis Bay Shoprite
o Public Library (Narraville)
o Walvis Bay Municipality
o Erongo Region Police Station Head
o Woermann Brock (Kuisebmond)
Office in Walvis Bay
o Shop4Value Kuisebmond
These notices were not place at the site as required by the EMA EIA Regulations,
because the locations above proved to be more practical in notifying the public.
They have a greater visibility and audience to that of the site area which is not
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visited by such a large portion of the community. The notices provided the following
information:
 The application is done in accordance to the Environmental Management
Act of 2007 and its regulations;
 The nature and location of the proposed project;
 Where further information can be obtained (inviting them to a public
meeting); and
 The contact information of Enviro Dynamics who is responsible for the EIA
application.
5.3.2.3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION DOCUMENT (BID)
A BID containing up to date information of the project was also circulated to all
identified stakeholders as well as registered I&AP’s via e-mails or fax (APPENDIX B).
The BID informed them about the proposed project, its locality as well as the public
meeting and contact details if they require additional information. When the
project scope changed, the BID was updated and re-circulated.
5.3.2.4 MEETINGS
Meetings were held at national, regional and local levels. The following meetings
were called and invitations were sent out by fax and e-mail:
 Authority meeting 11 April 2015, 14:00 at Ministry of Mines and Energy
Auditorium; Aviation Road; Windhoek.
 Authority meeting 12 April 2015, 14:00 at Town Hall, Walvis Bay Municipality.
 Public consultation meeting 12 April 2015, 18:00 at Emmanuel Ruiters Primary
School, Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay (Figure 17).
A Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level is given
in Table 7. The meetings’ proceedings can be viewed in APPENDIX B.
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Figure 17: Public Meeting in Walvis Bay
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Table 7: Summary of the meeting conducted at national, regional and local level
OBJECTIVES THE MEETING MAIN ISSUES RAISED
NATIONAL LEVEL
 To engage with relevant ministries  Held on Wednesday, 11 April 2015 in  Air and noise pollution from the power plant.
to solicit their ideas and concerns Windhoek at the Ministry of Mines and  Hydrates in the natural gas pipeline and how this is
about the project. Energy - Auditorium. dealt with.
 This was expected to assist the  19 attendees including representatives  Safety zones and standards for this type of energy
consultant in defining the from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, project.
parameters for the study in terms of Ministry of Trade and Industry, NamPower,
 Land ownership associated with the power plant.
issues to explore. NamWater, Namibia Airports Company,
 Strategic considerations of the project with other
Ministry of Works and Transport and the
projects in the area.
Walvis Bay Corridor Group.
 Impact of reduced water supply to Birds Paradise.
 Stack heights and the potential impact on the
airport.
 Tariff and off take prices associated with the project.
REGIONAL LEVEL
 To engage with relevant authorities  Held at the Municipality’s Town Hall in  Effects of electromagnetic induction from the
that have jurisdiction over the area Walvis Bay on the 12th of April 2014. substation on the airport controls.
to solicit their ideas and concerns  19 people attended including  Impact of the project on existing water sources.
about the project. representatives from the Walvis Bay  Visual impact.
Municipality, Erongo Regional Council,
 Effect on the dolphin communities in the area.
ErongoRED, Namport, Ministry of Fisheries
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OBJECTIVES THE MEETING MAIN ISSUES RAISED
and Marine Resources, Namibian Navy,  Land issues – Municipal land vs. state land.
and the Namibia Airports Company.  Effect of wind on the buried pipeline.
 Effect of the permanent temperature inversion layer
in the area of Dune 7.
 Impact of reduced water supply to Birds’ Paradise.
 Impacts associated with pipeline failures.
LOCAL LEVEL
 To create a platform whereby the  Held on the 12th of April 2015 at 18h00 at  Effect of corrosive environment on the infrastructure.
concerns of individuals, groups, or the Immanuel Ruiters Primary School in  Consideration of existing SEA and EIAs done for
local communities could be Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay. Namport.
conveyed  31 people attended, local business owners  Close proximity of the natural gas pipeline to
and representative from the Namibian communities – potential safety concerns.
Dolphin Project, the press and NGOs such
 Seismic activity in the area due to detonations by
as NACOMA, as well as some community
the military.
members
 Existing diesel pipeline from Engen in proximity.
 Environmental sustainability of Natural Gas and its
extraction.
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5.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK
All the comments received on this project are included in the Issues and Responses
Trail (APPENDIX B). These issues have been considered and included in the EIA
reports where applicable.
The draft EIA report for the power plant component was circulated for public
comment for ten days to all registered I&APs from 5 – 15 May 2015. Comments
received on the draft report are documented in a Comments and Responses Trail
(see APPENDIX B).
This report highlights comments raised from the public on the documents and
contains statements of how these are addressed and incorporated into the final
document. After incorporating the comments, the final version of the document will
be submitted to the Directorate of Environmental Affairs for consideration of
environmental clearance.
5.5 PUBLIC CONCERN
From the comments submitted to Enviro Dynamics, a number of key issues came to
our attention. It is clear that they should be considered at a strategic level for the
proposed project. The key concerns are listed below in Table 8.
For this particular power plant environmental assessment, the relevant issues are
highlighted in bold.
These issues, as well as the sensitivities identified in the baseline section are collated
in Chapter 4 where the potential impacts related to the sensitivities are further
assessed.
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Table 8: Summary of issues raised during the consultation process
THEME POTENTIAL IMPACT PUBLIC CONCERN
BIOPHYSICAL Impact on the  Stack heights and the potential impact on the airport.
ENVIRONMENT airport  Effects of electromagnetic induction from the
substation on the airport controls.
Impact on water  Impact of the project on existing water sources.

sources
Impact on marine  Lighting impact on birds.

ecology  Effect on the dolphin communities in the area.
 Marine water quality, with respect to, dredging, and
cold-water discharge from the FSRU.
 Effect of dredging activities on surrounding mariculture
projects.
Impact on land  Impact of reduced water supply to Birds’ Paradise.

based ecology  Positive impact on reduced habitat on bird collisions.
 Effect of wind on the buried pipeline.
 Effect of the permanent temperature inversion layer in
the area of Dune 7.
 Environmental sustainability of Natural Gas and its
extraction.
Impact of  Air and noise pollution from the power plant.

pollution  Effect of spoil grounds for dredging material on the
surrounding environment.
Alternatives  Rail to transport the staff
Local climate  Impact of local climate on the project – corrosion,

wind and wind-blown sand.
SOCIO- Safety concerns  Safety zones and standards for this type of energy
ECONOMIC project.
ENVIRONMENT  Seismic activity in the area due to detonations by the
military.
 Existing diesel pipeline from Engen in proximity.
 Close proximity of the natural gas pipeline to
communities – potential safety concerns.
 Safe access for incoming and outgoing oil and Natural
Gas tankers which will be discharging to the oil
terminal and FSRU.
 Safety requirements of the trestle and related pipelines
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THEME POTENTIAL IMPACT PUBLIC CONCERN
from the FSRU and its compatibility with those of the

incoming oil terminal pipelines.
 Impacts associated with pipeline failures.
 Fire risk.
Land use  Land ownership associated with the power plant.

concerns  Land issues – Municipal land vs. state land.
Impact on sense  Visual impact.

of place
Strategic  Consideration of existing SEA and EIAs done for

considerations Namport.
 Strategic considerations of the project with other
projects in the area.
 Alignment with existing and planned infrastructure
particularly with the planned new freeway, its
intersections and interchanges.
Decommissioning  There should be a closure plan for decommissioning.
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6 ALTERNATIVES
When considering development proposals, the analysis and comparison of feasible

alternatives is the key to well informed and justifiable decision making. This chapter
provides such a comparison and analysis of different kinds of alternatives.
6.1 OVERVIEW
Throughout the course of the project development, decisions are made concerning
e.g. the possible locations, the type of technologies and the processes involved in
the proposed development. Many of the identified alternatives are not viable due
to technical, regulatory, time and economic constraints. This chapter provides a
description of the various alternatives associated with the overall project as well as
the specific power plant project and how they were considered. A full description
of the various overall project alternatives have been included in Appendix E these
include:
 Alternative activities including the “no-go” alternative;
 Alternative fuel sources;
 Location alternatives for the power plant; and
 Design and technology alternatives.
The power plant alternatives have been detailed below. Only the preferred
alternative will be considered during the assessment of potential impacts.
6.2 ‘NO GO’ ALTERNATIVE
As the power plant is a vital component of a much larger project, the larger project
would not be able to continue without the construction of the power plant (and its
specific associated infrastructure). This ‘no-go’ alternative predicts the future
scenario which would exist in the absence of this larger project. Due to the looming
supply deficit Namibia is expected to face when key contracts with neighbouring
suppliers expire in 2016; the ‘no-go’ option is not considered the preferred
alternative.
If the power plant is not constructed and the larger project does not go ahead, the
wider benefits to the stability and availability of electricity and associated benefits to
the national economy will not be realised. By implementing the project the reliability
and stability of the power supply system will be improved to meet the power
shortage in the country and possibly even contribute to the shortage in the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP).
The ‘no-go’ alternative is not considered to be a viable alternative.
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6.3 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
The NamPower Request for Proposal provided four possible sites considered by
NamPower as suitable (Figure 18). Shortlisted bidders were allowed to base their
proposal on the site of their choice. The site chosen was evaluated in terms of:
 fuel supply,
 fuel delivery logistics,
 power evacuation,
 possible future expansion and desalination options, and
 the availability of support services and utilities.
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Figure 18: Alternative locations for the power plant considered during the NamPower tendering process (Site 1 is the preferred alternative for this project)
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Location within the proposed industrial area was allocated by the Walvis Bay
Municipal Council (WBMC) but was optimised to ensure power evacuation and site
access. Table 9 below indicates the risk factors considered in determining the
preferred site location:
Table 9: Comparison of risk factors associated with the potential location of the proposed power plant
RISK PROPOSED POWER PLANT LOCATION (SITE 1 ALTERNATIVE POWER PLANT

FACTOR IN FIGURE 18) LOCATIONS (FIGURE 18)
Distance to In terms of fuel supply and fuel delivery, a Site 2, 3 and 4 are located too
the harbour key determining factor is the distance to far from the port and are less
the port. The LNG vessels will make use of technically and economically
the existing port and therefore the feasible in terms of transporting
proposed OCGT site needs to be located the gas.
sufficiently close to the harbour. Site 1
fulfils this requirement.
Connection The selected site is located sufficiently Connection points are available
to power close to the power network to ensure that for the other alternatives.
grid it can connect to new power line routes.
Alternative  The site of the OCGT is in an area All the alternative sites (2, 3 and
landuses earmarked for heavy industry and is 4) are located in parks and not
some way out of town. planned for industrial use.
 The proposed power generation
activities are therefore compatible with
surrounding land uses; and fuel supply to
(and power evacuation from) the site.
Future The proposed location allows for sufficient All the alternative sites (2, 3 and
expansion expansion to the east of the site since this 4) are located in parks.
area is still located within the proposed
industrial zone.
Social and The Site is available at minimal cost and The alternative sites do not pose
environmen with minimal social and environmental social risks, however, due to the
tal risks disruption sensitive surrounding biophysical
environment, it does pose
significant environmental risks.
Support Another key consideration is the Most of the alternative sites are
services availability of road and/ or rail located close to road
and utilities infrastructure. The proposed site is located infrastructure and services
near the planned highway and railway line corridor supported by WBM and
Namport.
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The site selected is the best available option and is regarded as the preferred
alternative because:
 it is located in an area earmarked for industrial development;
 it is located close to the port and therefore provides better fuel transport
logistics with reduced costs; and
 infrastructure is available on site (e.g. connection can easily be made to the
power grid, road and rail infrastructure and services corridor is available close
to the site).
6.4 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN
6.4.1 AERODERIVIATIVE VS HEAVY FRAME INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES

Gas turbines are similar in their design to steam turbines, except that it uses air
instead of water. In these turbines, high-temperature high-pressure gas enters a
combustion chamber that drives the turbine. Two types of gas turbines are typically
used in gas fired power stations, namely aeroderivative (derived from jet engine
design) (model GE LM6000) and heavy industrial turbines. The risk factors associated
with each of these turbines are discussed in Table 10:
Table 10: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of an aeroderivative vs. heavy frame
industrial gas turbines
RISK FACTOR AERODERIVATIVE GAS HEAVY FRAME PREFERRED

TURBINE INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINE ALTERNATIVE
Efficiency  Aeroderivative gas Less efficient compared Aerodirivative gas

turbines offer 10-15% to aeroderivative gas turbines are more
more efficiency turbines. efficient.
compared to heavy
frame industrial type gas
turbines.
 Ability to be shut down,
and handle load
changes more quickly
than industrial machines.
Design  Usually has smaller  Usually has bigger The robust design
horsepower output than horsepower output of the
an industrial gas turbine. than an aeroderivative gas
 Aeroderivative turbines aeroderivative gas turbine is the
are light weight and turbine. preferred
compact.  slower in speed, alternative.
 narrower in operating
speed range,
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RISK FACTOR AERODERIVATIVE GAS HEAVY FRAME PREFERRED

TURBINE INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINE ALTERNATIVE
 heavier, larger,
 higher air flow, and
 slower in start-up.
Maintenance  Based on an aircraft  Built specifically for The aeroderivative

engine, they are not continuous duty over gas turbine requires
intended to long term long periods of time. more
continuous duty and  Need more time and maintenance, but
require more down time spare parts for due to the modular
for inspection and repair. maintenance. concept,
 Suitable for baseload, maintenance is
mid-merit and peaking easier.
duty.
 Modular concept
simplifies maintenance.
Application  Remotely located Easily accessible for In terms of its

applications (including large base-load application, heavy
offshore) applications. frame industrial gas
 Are useful where smaller turbines are
power outputs are traditionally the
needed. preferred
 Quick to deploy alternative for base
compared to frames. load power plants,
but long
 Ideally suited for fast
deployment
track projects.
period.
Fuel diversity Ability to burn a wide range  Less diverse in the Heavy frame
of gaseous fuels range of gas fuels that industrial gas
could be used. turbines are limited
 Because of their large in the range of gas
frames, they normally fuels it could use.
have higher power
outputs and therefore
produce larger
amounts of emissions.
For this project, the use of aeroderivative gas turbines is the preferred alternative
because it:
 Is modular, quick to deploy and can be expanded as required,
 is more energy efficient,
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 is lighter and more compact,

 easier to maintain, and
 can make use of a wider range of gas fuels.
6.4.2 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OGCT) VS COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE (CCGT)
CONFIGURATION
There are two main types of gas fired electricity generation plants. These are:
 Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT): Air is sucked into the engine intake and
then compressed. The compressed air is ignited using fuel in the combustion
chamber and the hot exhaust gases produced drive the ‘gas’ turbine. The
gas turbine rotates to drive the generator which creates electricity.
 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT): the gas turbine cycle is combined with
a steam turbine cycle. The hot exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine is
captured in a type of boiler called a “Heat Recovery Steam Generator”
(HRSG). The HRSG uses the hot exhaust gases from the gas turbine engine to
boil water to steam. The steam is then fed into a “steam turbine” which rotates
to drive a generator, creating more electricity, in addition to the gas turbine.
The key risk factors associated with the two types of electricity generation plants is
highlighted below (Table 11):
Table 11: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use of OCGT vs CCGT configuration
RISK OCGT CCGT PREFERRED

FACTOR ALTERNATIVE
Simplicity  Since it only has three  The system is more The OCGT is a
components (i.e. compressor, complicated and simple system that
combustion chamber and costly than the is not expensive to
turbine it is inexpensive, light OCGT. implement.
weight and small with a high  It also requires a
rate of heat release. longer construction
 It can be designed to burn time.
almost all hydrocarbon fuels  Only suited for
ranging from gasoline to baseload.
heavy diesel oil.
 Quick and simple to deploy
 Suitable for baseload, mid-
merit and peaking duty.
Cost Due to the simplicity of the More costly than the OCGT is less
system, it is less expense OCGT. expensive.
compared to other plants.
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RISK OCGT CCGT PREFERRED

FACTOR ALTERNATIVE
Sensitivity  Sensitive to changes in the Corrosion and OCGT is more

component efficiencies. A accumulation of sensitive to
reduction in the efficiencies of deposits of Carbon or environmental
compressor and turbine will Tar on the Blade and elements.
rapidly lower the efficiency of Nozzles are not a
the cycle. concern. No internal
 The open cycle gas turbine is cleaning required.
sensitive to changes in the
atmospheric temperature. An
increase in atmospheric
temperature lowers the
thermal efficiency.
 Corrosion and accumulation
of deposits of Carbon or Tar
on the Blade and Nozzles.
Air rate Has high air rate compared to The waste Heat of the The excess exhaust
the other cycles, therefore, it Combustion Gases from heat is lost in the
results in increased loss of heat in the Heat and Re- OCGT while it can
the exhaust gases. heaters can be further be utilized in the
used for Heating Water. CCGT for the
This can be used in a operation of a
desalination plant. desalination plant
in the future.
Due to the simplicity and shorter construction period associated with the OCGT, it is
the preferred alternative for the start-up of the power plant. Future expansion to
CCGT is however still an option due to the excess exhaust heat that can be utilized
for the operation of a desalination plant.
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6.4.3 WATER FROM A PROPOSED DESALINATION PLANT VS. WATER FROM THE WALVIS
BAY MUNICIPAL WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP)
The power plant has a demineralised water consumption requirement of 850 000
m3/annum. This is made up from 3,730 m3/day of raw effluent, with a conservative
recovery factor of 65%, assumed to produce approximately 2,400 m3/day
demineralised water. This water is required to meet the demands of the turbines for
NOx control without impacting on the regional water constraints. To supply this, Xaris
examined two possible alternatives, namely:
 A desalination plant with a net capacity of 850 000 m3/annum – the plant
would use seawater to supply utility water for “own use” at the power plant
with the possibility of future expansion to provide water for the region.
 A water treatment plant (Figure 10) using water from the Municipal WWTP –
Excess water (up to 3730 m3/day as above) will be pumped from the
municipal WWTP to the power plant and reducing the flow delivered to the
Birds Paradise.
The risk factors associated with the two alternatives are discussed in the Table 12
below:
Table 12: Comparison of risk factors associated with the use different water sources.
RISK FACTOR OWN USE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PREFERRED

DESALINATION PLANT (USING WATER FROM THE ALTERNATIVE
(USING SEAWATER) WALVIS BAY WWTP)
Brine water  Brine water will be  Brine would be returned WWTP option is
return returned to the sea back to the WWTP preferred.
 The high saline brine system.
will affect the coastal  The loading to the WWTP
water quality. will not be increased.
Environmental  The increased salinity  Reduction in the amount  The returning of

impacts will cause the effluent of water reaching Birds brine to the sea
to sink to the bottom Paradise (not could have
which will affect the anticipated) potentially
benthic communities  Quality of the waste significant effects
 May cause increased water returned from the on the marine
water temperatures power plant is not environment and
anticipated. The current therefore require
 May contain residual
loading on the WWTP will various specialist
chemicals from the
not be increased. studies.
pre-treatment
process  Reduce mosquito  The brine
problem. discharge to the
 May contain heavy
WWTP will not
metals from corrosion  Reduce generation of
change the salt
or cleaning agents Hydrogen Sulphide,
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 Organic content in improve corrosive load (see

the brine needs to be atmosphere & health APPENDIX D).
disposed of effects.
separately and may  Reduce risk of raw
reach substantial sewerage spill into the
volumes. wetlands due to plant
failures.
 Will affect profitability of
Birds Paradise business.
Additional  The exhaust heat  Cost associated with the  The use of water
advantages from the power plant construction of the plant from the WWTP
could be used for is less. has several
desalination but this  Lower NOx emissions, and advantages,
could also be used to particularly to
 Fewer specialist studies
include plant the current
are required to assess the
efficiencies which is problem the
potential environmental
preferred as it will Walvis Bay
impacts, therefore saving
result in more power Council is
time and money.
being generated. experiencing
 The opportunity remains
 Lower NOx emissions with the excess
to implement a
water.
 Benefits of potential desalination plant or
future expansion  A desalination
expand the current plant
which could provide plant could
which could provide
increased however
increased water supply
desalinated water increase the
capability in the region.
supply capability in water supply in
 The WWTP already
the region. the region.
receives more water than
 Birds Paradise it can treat. This leads to
business left an overload of the
unaffected. system and treated water
quality suffers. Expansion
in Walvis Bay will increase
the loading. The use of
the water by the project
will reduce the loading
and avoid refurbishment
and expansion of the
current plant in the short
to medium term.
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 The salt loading of the

wetland will be
unaffected (see
APPENDIX D). The inflow
into the wetland will be
reduced by 2400m3 per
day. This will substantially
reduce the Walvis Bay
Municipality’s concern of
the wetland encroaching
on areas to be
developed, affecting
roads and causing a
mosquito problem.
 The opportunity reduces
the need to refurbish or
optimise the current
plant.
While the construction of a desalination plant poses risks that would require
extended investigations, it represents a benefit to the project, in terms of an
unlimited water source through sea water intake.
The water treatment plant has a number of benefits, most notably the ability to
support the Municipal WWTP to continue to operate efficiently and effectively. The
associated time it would take to undertake the necessary specialist studies for the
desalination alternative was also a consideration. The demineralisation plant has
thus been indicated as the preferred alternative for this project phase. The option of
constructing a desalination plant in the future has however not been excluded for
future expansion for the power plant and water supply to the region. It is
acknowledged that a desalination plant will indeed be a major advantage to the
Walvis Bay community and the Region.
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7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
7.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides an assessment of the significance of the potential impacts

identified by the public and those related to the sensitivities of the power plant and
water pipeline environment. It is based on the assumption that the project
description provided by Xaris will be implemented as is.
The impacts assessed in Table 14 below have been sourced from the sensitivities and
impacts table (Table 4) in the Receiving Environment chapter (Chapter 4) and the
issues summary table (Table 8) in the Public Consultation chapter (Chapter 5).
7.2 METHODOLOGY
7.2.1 OVERALL APPROACH

The Environmental Consultant was tasked to consider the following when identifying
potential impacts:
 The type of effect that the proposed activity will have on the environment;
 What will be affected; and
 How will it be affected?
The sources of risk are, where possible, based on accepted scientific techniques.
Failing this, the specialists and project team made a professional judgment based
on expertise and experience. Specialists were appointed to conduct investigations
where there was a lack of information, or uncertainty regarding a potential impact.
All potential impacts that result from the proposed project have been evaluated for
the construction and operational phases.
Potential Impacts were identified considering the sensitivities of the social and
ecological qualities of the area, as well as the issues raised during public
consultation.
The impact assessment methodology is contained in Table 13 below.
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Table 13: Description of criteria used to define the significance of the impacts
DESCRIPTION
NATURE Reviews the type of effect that the proposed activity will have on the relevant
component of the environment and includes “what will be affected and how?”
EXTENT Geographic area. Indicates whether the impact will be on-site (on site where
construction is to take place); local (limited to within 15 km of the area); regional
(limited to ~100 km radius); national (limited to the coastline of Namibia); or
international (extending beyond Namibia’s boarders).
DURATION Whether the impact will be temporary (during construction only), short term (1-5
years), medium term (5-10 years), long term (longer than 10 years, but will cease
after operation) or permanent.
INTENSITY Establishes whether the magnitude of the impact is destructive or innocuous and
whether or not it exceeds set standards, and is described as none (no impact); low
(where natural/ social environmental functions and processes are negligibly
affected); medium (where the environment continues to function but in a
noticeably modified manner); or high (where environmental functions and
processes are altered such that they temporarily or permanently cease and/or
exceed legal standards/requirements).
PROBABILITY Considers the likelihood of the impact occurring and is described as uncertain,
improbable (low likelihood), probable (distinct possibility), highly probable (most
likely) or definite (impact will occur regardless of prevention measures).
SIGNIFICANCE Significance is given before and after mitigation. Low if the impact will not have an
influence on the decision or require to be significantly accommodated in the
project design. Medium if the impact could have an influence on the environment
which will require modification of the project design or alternative mitigation (small
incremental changes). High where it could have a “no-go” implication regardless
of any possible mitigation (where alternatives to the given activity should be
considered).
STATUS OF THE A statement of whether the impact is positive (a benefit), negative (a cost), or
IMPACT neutral. Indicate in each case who is likely to benefit and who is likely to bear the
costs of each impact.
DEGREE OF Based on the availability of specialist knowledge and other information.
CONFIDENCE IN
PREDICTIONS
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7.2.2 MITIGATION AND ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

Where negative impacts have been identified, mitigation objectives have been set,
and practical, attainable mitigation measures are recommended that will minimise
or eliminate the impacts.
In the case of positive impacts, enhancement measures are recommended for

optimising the benefit to be derived.
Table 14 below provides the principle of the mitigation to be applied, but the
detailed mitigation is provided in the EMP.
7.2.3 MONITORING
Monitoring requirements with quantifiable standards to assess the effectiveness of
mitigation actions have been recommended where appropriate. These should
indicate what actions are required, by whom, and the timing and frequency
thereof.
Monitoring is recommended in Table 14 below as principles, but the detailed

recommendations in this regard are contained in the EMP (APPENDIX A).
The outcome of the impact assessment is presented in Table 14 below.
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Table 14: Assessment of potential impacts
POTENTIAL IMPACT EXTENT DURATION INTENSITY PROBABILITY STATUS DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE

CONF.
PRE- MITIGATION/ POST-
MITIGATION ENHANCEMENT MITIGATION
PLANNING AND DESIGN
Conflict with other Local Short term Medium Probable Negative with other High Low to Identify all other None
pipelines and stakeholders. medium infrastructure corridors
services (existing and future)
infrastructure in and plan a detailed
the area. route to avoid, cross or
construct underneath.
Uncoordinated Local Medium Medium Definite Negative. Ambiguity High Medium Pursue resolution in None
development of a term regarding whether terms of land ownership
heavy industry state or municipal and use rights.
complex in a council owners of
national park. Farm 58. However,
Land use conflict this area has been
deemed suitable for
industrial activity in the
WB Spatial
Development
Framework.
Compromised Site- Long term High Improbable Negative. Medium Medium  Contact military base Low
structural integrity specifi Detonations, which to ascertain
take place at a frequency and
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CONF.
of power plant c military facility within magnitude of

the vicinity of the detonations and
proposed power plant verify seismic activity.
site may cause seismic  If deemed a
activity, which may significant threat,
affect the structural apply relevant
integrity of the plant. design modifications
However no records to the relevant
exist of seismic activity structures.
Loss of plant Site- Long term Medium Probable Negative. High Low to Ensure that only Low
species diversity specifi medium vegetation located
c outside the 2030
wetland planned
boundaries die out.
Illegal reduction in Site- Long term High Improbable Negative. High Low to Install monitoring holes Low
wetland water specifi medium to monitor fluctuations
quality c in saline and fresh
water
Impact on Site- Long term Medium Probable Negative. High Medium An agreement based Low
profitability of specifi on a specific rate of
Birds Paradise c water use should be
business signed between Xaris
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CONF.
and the owners of the

Birds Paradise business.
CONSTRUCTION
Groundwater and Local Long term Medium Probable Negative: High Medium Spill and waste Low
soil pollution Groundwater reserves management, cement
near the artificial mixing on impermeable
wetland are saline, layer, other provisions in
but should be EMP.
protected in terms of
legislation.
Nuisance dust Local Short term Low to Highly Negative. High Low  Soil to be stacked in Low
impact. medium probable Construction activity heaps to reduce

will generate dust. wind-blown sand.
Construction site is  Topsoil to be stored
downwind and separately from
isolated from subsoil and replaced
residential areas. back in natural order.
 Backfill and compact
the trench area to
prevent loose sand.
Noise Impact (see Local Temporary Low Improbable Negative. High Low  Noise Monitoring Low
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CONF.
noise study Construction activities

APPENDIX D) will generate noise
audible to nearby
receptors.
Loss of unique Local Short term Low Highly Negative. High Low  Avoid destruction of Low
biogeographical probable Invertebrates and any salsola bushes
areas and the salsola bushes will be (They stabilise the soil
species they lost through the and provide habitat
support. clearing of land and to desert life)
other construction  Replace soil layers in
activities. the same order as
they were found.
Employment Local Short term Medium Highly Positive. Up to 400 High Medium  Unskilled labour to be Medium to
Creation probable temporary jobs sourced from Walvis high
created. Bay area.
 Skilled labour to be
sourced locally
where possible.
 Female labour to be
prioritised where
possible.
Increased number Local Short term Low to Probable Negative. Medium Low to  Pre-employment and Low
regular screening of
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CONF.
of TB infections medium medium employees for TB.

 Employee and local
community
awareness
education
programme to
include preventative
measures (balanced
nutrition) and early
identification of
symptoms of TB and
influenza.
 Construction camps
to comply with
health standards.
Increased number Local Long term Medium Highly Negative. Migrant High Medium to  Co-opt health/social Medium
of HIV infections probable construction labourers high worker to conduct
with an increase in HIV/ AIDS training
disposable income and awareness
may engage in risky among workers and
sexual behaviour. local community.
Existing prostitution  Provide condoms to
activity among poor. migrant workers.
 Voluntary screening
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CONF.
for HIV status of

employees
 Employ labour from
the area.
Visual impact. Local Short term Low Highly Negative. High Low  Keep the trenches Low
probable Construction activity open for the shortest
like digging of possible time.
trenches will take  Constant waste
place near residential management.
and tourist areas.  General neatness of
the site according to
the EMP.
 Backfilling and
rehabilitation
according to the
EMP.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M)
Security of power Region Long term High Highly Positive. 300 MW of High High N/A N/A
supply al probable base load power will
be generated locally
Employment Local Short term Medium Highly Positive. 49 High Low to  Local people Medium
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CONF.
Creation and long probable Permanent jobs medium employed where

term. created. possible.
 Female Labour to be
prioritised where
possible.
Reduced risk of Local Long term Medium Highly Positive. Artificial High Low to N/A N/A
bird collisions with probable wetland will retreat medium
power line. south of the C14/
power line owing to
water use for power
plant, thus reducing
risk of collisions.
Injury or loss of life Local Long term Low Improbable Negative. Employees High Low to  Good Low
during operation. working at the power medium communication
plant can be affected about the health and
by leaks or failure of safety risks.
gas conduits.  Constant monitoring.
 Training of staff.
 Leakage detection.
 Emergency plan for
failures.
 Other measures in
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CONF.
the EMP.
Impacts on Local Long term Low Improbable Negative. Noxious High Low  Water injection Low
human respiratory gases will be emitted system to reduce
(see air quality by the power plant NOx
study APPENDIX smoke stacks.  Use of CO catalysts
D) However, where water injection
concentrations are system used.
below guideline
values.
Loss of Local Long term Low to Probable Negative. Pollutants Low Low- See row immediately Low
invertebrate medium emitted by the power medium above.
biodiversity due to plant stacks will be
air pollution trapped by the
temperature inversion,
dissolve in the fog and
precipitate on the
nearby dune belt
Visual impact Local Long term Medium Probable Negative. Structures High Low  Colours of all Low
of a contrasting structures to blend in
nature to the with that of the
surrounding gravel surrounding
plains landscape will landscape as far as
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CONF.
be erected. Impact possible

on tourism  Architect to consider
visual concerns
during detailed
design phase.
Sustainability of Local Long term High Definite Negative. Project High Medium  Include these matters Medium to
project due to proponent will incur in the O&M contract. low
high maintenance costs.  Consider wind and
maintenance corrosion matters in
(wind and final design.
corrosion effects).
Noise impact (see Negative. The

noise study turbines and
APPENDIX D) equipment will
Local Long Term Low Improbable High Low  Noise Monitoring Low
generate noise
audible to nearby
receptors.
Compromised Local Long term High Improbable Negative. Low Low Construction to Low
aviation safety Electromagnetic fields internationally
generated by the recognised codes and
power plant could standards including IEC
interfere with avionic International Electro-
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CONF.
instruments. technical Commission

Standards
DECOMMISSIONING
Flooding of the Local Long term High Probable Negative. The Medium Medium Xaris to inform WBM two
areas outside the wetland will flood years in advance if the
2030 wetland beyond its 2030 wastewater treatment
planned planned boundaries in plant) is to be
boundaries the event that the decommissioned.
Xaris WWTP is
decommissioned if the
WBM does not have a
contingency plan.
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7.2.4 DISCUSSION
There are no impacts with a “high” pre-mitigation significance rating. However, the
following potential impacts required specialist investigation owing to lack of
information and certainty as to their significance. The following conclusions have
been drawn from the respective specialist studies (see APPPENDIX D):
 Impact on Air quality: the specialist investigation conducted dispersion
modelling for fine dust (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide
(CO). Emissions scenarios for each air quality variable were found to be
below the WHO guideline and/or SANS recommended values. Cumulatively
the maximum predicted concentration generated for PM10 combined with
the maximum daily background concentration exceeds the WHO guideline
value, however these concentrations are still deemed to be minimal and will
be restricted to the construction period. No background data is available for
NOx and CO. These need to be determined in order to accurately assess the
cumulative impact of these air quality variables. Dust suppression methods
are recommended during the construction phase. A water injection system is
recommended for NOx generated by the turbines during operation. CO can
be controlled with the use of CO catalysts where the water injection system is
used.
 Noise impact: Ambient/background noise levels will be exceeded during
construction period, but this is not deemed significant, because it will be
temporary. The noise impact from the power plant is deemed minimal due to
the distance from the nearest noise sensitive human receptors. The noise limits
set by the IFC Environmental Noise Guidelines for daytime and night time are
not exceeded.
 Impact on artificial wetland (Birds Paradise): The use of water from the
Municipal WWTP feed will reduce the amount of water available to the
artificial wetland. This will reduce the amount of water available for sustaining
the growth of the existing freshwater vegetation and existing bird activity. This
will result in dying of some vegetation and the exodus of a portion of the birds
utilising the wetland. This will have a potentially negative affect on the nearby
Birds Paradise business in terms of reducing the appeal of the wetland from an
aesthetic, bird-watching and hence tourism point of view. This may affect the
profitability of the business. It should be noted that the wetland at present is
already expanding beyond its 2030 planned boundary and thus poses a risk to
future planned development. In order to mitigate the impact on the
vegetation and business it recommended that only vegetation beyond the
2030 planned wetland boundary be allowed to die. Furthermore an
agreement between Xaris and the business owners regarding an acceptable
rate of water use should be reached and put in writing.
The return of brine from the WWTP located at the power plant has the
potential to increase the salinity of the wetland. However this impact is
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unlikely given the design interventions introduced (see Water Balance Impact
Assessment APPENDIX D) which ensure that the water quality of the brine
discharged to the artificial wetland is of a similar standard. However careful
monitoring is required to identify potential salinization impacts on the wetland.
If salinization becomes a problem, the alternative of brine disposal into the
ocean should be investigated and a separate EIA conducted for that
investigation.
The wetland will flood beyond its 2030 planned boundaries in the future event
that the Xaris WWTP is decommissioned, if the WBM does not have a
contingency plan. To avoid this Xaris should inform the WBM two years in
advance if the wastewater treatment plant is to be decommissioned. The
WBM should then devise a contingency plan to utilise the necessary volume of
water.
 Impact on civil aviation: As the Power Plant will be situated within 8kkm of the
Walvis Bay Airport, the project may present a physical danger in terms of the
six exhaust stacks as well as be a source of radio interference due to
electromagnetic radiation. As per the Namibian Civil Aviation Regulations,
2001 no obstacle higer than 45m above the mean level of the landing area
shall be erected or allowed to come into existence within a distance of 8 km
unless approved by the Director of the Namibia Directorate of Civil Aviation
(DCA). Although the stacks have been proposed to be only 15m high and
not in line of sight of the landing strip, it is still recommended that the DCA
must be approached to brief, explain and clarify the planned design of the
power plant.
As per the Aviation Report (APPENDIX D) it is noted that “with distance the
exposure to electromagnetic radiation decreases exponentially, tending
towards zero” and as the Power Plant will be constructed to internationally
recognised codes and standards including IEC international Electrotechnical
Commission standards that address non-ionizing radiation emission standards,
the proposed Power Plant will have a negligible impact or radio interference.
Furthermore, ambiguity surrounding the ownership of Farm 58 poses a potential

threat to the proposed project if not resolved. The WBMC and the Ministry of
Environment and Tourism (MET) should engage in consultations regarding the matter
in order to lay guidelines for future industrial activity in a national park environment.
From a planning perspective Farm 58 is suitable for heavy industrial activity, such as
the operation of a power plant. This is confirmed by the Walvis Bay Spatial
Development Framework (Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012).
Impacts associated with the decommissioning of the proposed power plant, will be
similar to that of constructing the plant – i.e. dust, noise and general construction
waste management. Mitigation measures will be prescribed for these in the EMP.
Enviro Dynamics cc
May 2015
77
The assessment above indicates that all of the potential impacts can be mitigated
effectively to reduce the significance to acceptable levels.
Detailed mitigation and enhancement may be found in the EMP.
Enviro Dynamics cc
May 2015
78
8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Namibia is currently partially dependent on neighbouring nations to meet it power

demand. The need for additional local supply is undeniable. This need can be met
by the proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power Plant and Gas Supply Facility, of which the
power plant is a key component.
Potential impacts associated with the proposed project have been identified and
their significance determined. None of the potential impacts identified had a “high”
impact significance. Specialist studies have been conducted where uncertainty
and a lack of information about potential impacts existed. These have been
discussed in Chapter 7.2.4 above and include:
 Impact on air quality;
 Noise impacts;
 Impact on artificial wetland (Birds’ Paradise); and
 Impact on civil aviation.
The ownership of Farm 58 needs to be resolved between the WBMC and the MET
before the project is implemented. It should be noted that the proposed site, from a
future spatial planning point of view is suitable.
All identified impacts can be mitigated so as to reduce the significance of these

impacts to an acceptable level. Mitigation measures are described in greater detail
in the EMP. Hence, the project, as proposed in this report, can be implemented with
no significant impacts if executed according to the EMP.
It is therefore recommended that Environmental Clearance be granted for the

proposed power plant and specific associated infrastructure as described in Chapter
2 above:
 The construction of a 300 MW gas power plant;
 The rezoning of the proposed site (if need be);
 The construction of a wastewater treatment plant (including pipelines); and
 The construction of a substation and overhead transmission cables to connect
to NamPower transmission lines.
Enviro Dynamics cc
May 2015
79
9 REFERENCES
Chan, A., Hartline, J., Hurley, R. J. & Struzziery, L., 2004. Evaluation of Liquefied Natural
Gas receiving terminals for southern California, Santa Barbara: University of
California.
EON Consulting, 2015. Health Impact Assessment - Gas Fired Power Plant and
Operation of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit, Erongo Region, Walvis Bay, s.l.:
s.n.
NamPower, 2015. EIA for the Proposed 300 MW Gas Power Station in Walvis Bay -
Information Request [email], s.l.: s.n.
Urban Dynamics Africa, 2012. Walvis Bay Integrated Urban Spatial Development
Framework, Walvis Bay: Walvis Bay Municipality.
World Bank, 2014. Namibia Overview. [Online]

Available at: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/namibia/overview
[Accessed 13 April 2015].
Xaris Energy (Pty) Ltd, n.d. Request for proposal on the joint development of a 230
MW - 250 MW power station - Volume 2: Minimum funtional specification, South
Africa: Xaris Energy.
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May 2015

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A Power Plant EIA

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Proposed Xaris Walvis Bay Power

Plant and Gas Supply Facility

Environmental Impact Assessment

COPYRIGHT: ENVIRO DYNAMICS CC, 2015 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

STAGE OF REPORT Final

CLIENT Xaris Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd

LEAD CONSULTANT Enviro Dynamics cc

DATE OF RELEASE May 2015

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE Eloise Carstens, Quzette Bosman,

Reviewer: Norman van Zyl

I hereby declare that I:

 have knowledge of and experience in conducting assessments, including

 have performed the work relating to the application in an objective

I also declare that there is, to my knowledge, no information in my possession that

Norman van Zyl

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was conducted and completed

These concerns have been considered guided by a review of applicable legislation

reduce their significance to an acceptable standard. Mitigation measures are

It is therefore recommended that Environmental Clearance be granted for the

Figure A: Locality of the proposed overall project

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..............................................................................................................iii

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................................................viii

1.1 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................... 1

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................. 1

1.3 TERMS OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 3

1.4 NEED AND DESIRABILITY ............................................................................................ 3

1.5 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 3

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 5

2.1 OVERALL PROJECT OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 5

2.1.1 FUEL SELECTION .................................................................................................. 6

2.1.2 KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS ............................................................................ 9

2.2 POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................... 10

2.2.1 POWER PLANT ................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2 ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................... 13

2.2.3 WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................................... 15

2.2.4 CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................... 21

2.2.5 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................................................... 21

2.2.6 DECOMMISSIONING ........................................................................................ 22

3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 23

3.1 NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 23

3.2 INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 24

4 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ..................................................................................... 29

4.1 NATIONAL POWER SUPPLY SITUATION................................................................... 29

4.2 OVERVIEW WALVIS BAY ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 29

4.3 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 31

4.4 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF POWER PLANT AND WATER PIPELINE

5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS ................................................................................ 40

5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 40

5.2 PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ............................................ 41

5.3 RECENTLY CONDUCTED PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................ 41

5.3.1 INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES (I&APs)................................................. 41

5.3.2 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 42

5.4 PUBLIC FEEDBACK ................................................................................................... 48

5.5 PUBLIC CONCERN ................................................................................................... 48

6.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 51

6.2 ‘NO GO’ ALTERNATIVE ........................................................................................... 51

6.3 ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS ....................................................................................... 52

6.4 ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN ........................................................... 55

6.4.1 AERODERIVIATIVE VS HEAVY FRAME INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES ............... 55

6.4.2 OPEN-CYCLE GAS TURBINE (OGCT) VS COMBINED CYCLE GAS TURBINE

7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................... 62

7.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 62

7.2 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 62

7.2.1 OVERALL APPROACH ...................................................................................... 62