Vegetation
The site forms part of the Grassland Biome. The vegetation according to Acocks, 1975, and Bredenkamp and Van Rooyen, 1996, is Rocky Highveld Grassland. The northern and central section of the property is still relatively undisturbed, with internal gravel roads and a few building structures mostly used for residential and tourism purposes. The natural vegetation along the southern section of the property has been altered by agricultural activities, this is also the section of the property were the 42 m high mast will be located

Climate
The site falls withine the summer rainfall region. The mean annual precipitaion is +/ 550mm, while the mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures for the area are 35 C (July), respectively.

Topography

The regional topographical setting of the study area is classified as Parallel Hills. The project area itself drapes from the relatively sharp crest of a prominent hill in the north onto the relatively flat plains in the south. The lowest point is located in the south-eastern corner of the property at an elevation of approximately 1 375m above mean sea level (mamsl), with the highest point occurring in the north at an elevation of approximately 1 650mamsl.

Surface water

The study area is located within the quaternary drainage region C23C, situated within the Upper Vaal Catchment Management area. The property drains mainly by means of surface run-off (i.e.: sheetwash) with surface water flowing towards the non-perennial streams traversing the north, central and southern sections of the property.

These streams form tributaries of the regionally important, perennial Vaal RIver that occurs to the south of the property.
It must be noted that stream flow along these stream generally occurs only during and directly after heavy precipitation events, and may continue for a short period directly after a particularly good rainy season. An old dam is located along the central section of the property.

Land use
The project area is situated within the core area of the Vredefort Dome Management Area, which is currently in the process of being proclaimed as a World Heritage Site by the South African Government. The property is currently used for tourism activities (i.e. quad biking) and environmental education programmes. The surrounding farms are for agriculture, governmental, tourism and residental purposes.

Possible Environmental Impacts

The following preliminary significant environmental issues have been identified and will be investigated during the EIA process:
» Surface and groundwater pollution, especially the effect of on site sanitation systems on the surface
   and subsurface water regimes;
» Noise and Dust generation;
» Visual Impact and Possible Loss of Sense of Place;
» Safety and Security.
The pricess involves the undertaking of specialist investigations (Visual Impact Assessment and Civil Engineering) to determine the existing environmental conditions.

The studies will assess the significance of the impact of the projest on the environment. The results from the specialist studies will be included in the draft EIA Report, which will be made available to all registered (I&AP's).

Public Participation

All interested and affected parties (I&AP's) are invited to participate in the public participation process. It affords all I&AP's with an opportunity to raise possible environmental, economic and social concerns in relation to the proposed project. Notices will be placed on site, as well as the "Gazette" and the "Potchefstroom Herald" to inform people about the project and request them to register as interested and affected parties (I&AP's). All the adjoining landowners and all the relevant local organisations and relevant authorities will receive written notification.

Contact Info

Holistic Environmental Services (HES)
Mr Bennie Pretorius
Tel: (015) 298 8035
Cell: 082 885 3546
Fax: 086 538 9453
Mail: Suit no. 26; Private ag x9687; Polokwane; 0699
E-mail: bpretorius@holistic-services.co.za
Website: www.holistic-services.co.za