The proposed 1400 MW power plant near the ArcelorMittal Saldanha plant will have negligble to minor impact on the environment.
This, according to the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) study released for 30 days on Friday 22 July and presented at a public meeting on Thursday 11 August. Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a consultancy, was contracted to facilitate the environmental studies.
A natural gas-fired power plant is proposed by the International Power Consortium South Africa (IPCSA) firstly to supply the energy needs of the plant. The excess electricity will be made available to support and sustain an existing industry and encourage economic growth in Saldanha Bay and, by implication, the West Coast municipal district and Western Cape province.
The power plant is considered essential for affordable energy, to combat rising electricity costs, so that the plant can remain profitable in the long run. Hundreds are dependent on the plant for jobs.
The presentation is available online at www.erm.com/saldanhasteel. Submit comments on the report to ERM on or before 25 August 2016. Contact Tougheeda Aspeling on 021 681 5400 or email saldanhasteel.eia@erm.com.
