On of proposed windfarms
ed by turbines in close proximity on all three sides.
The mountain view from the homestead across the valley would be replaced by four turbines, and three more would be in close proximity to the side of the house, near the property boundary at a distance of a few hundred metres.
Negative effects … disturbing catchment drainage
The impact of the access road along the watershed is also called into question as Rivendell Fish Hatchery depends on the current undisturbed and pristine na- ture of the catchment for its clean water supply.
Run-off from roads is notorious for its negative effects on disturbing catchment drainage.
The catchment that comprises the Rivendell valley gives rise to the Oldenburgia Stream, one of the main feeder streams for the Howison’s Poort reservoir that supplies Grahamstown, and also supplies water to the Brackendale valley.
The geology is one of fissured quartzite, which extends through to the spring on the Port Alfred road. Blasting for road and foundation construction may have unforeseen consequences on these feeder springs.
The road approach area to the project comprises around 14 homesteads and cottages, most of which are occupied by people who choose not to live in town, preferring the peace and beauty of a pristine natural environment.
Most of these people commute daily into town.
The interruptions to this way of life with heavy machinery daily blocking the steep access road, blasting of foundations, increased security risks, general construction noise and disturbance, and decreased land values are of concern.
There are alternative sites
The project extension would arouse much criticism even if there were no alternative sites. However, there are alternative sites.
The current Waainek Wind Farm has potential for expansion with a readiness to accommodate turbines on private land by several nearby landowners.
The site falls outside that considered to be of high aesthetic or conservation value, and more importantly the infrastructure in terms of access roads, cables, site office and concrete construction works are all in place.
On the opposite side of Grahamstown, another proposed wind-farm project along Botha’s ridge could simply have the extra nine turbines added, rather than desecrate yet another mountain, in our one-and-only wild area.
Those individuals and organisations in Grahamstown who are concerned about the defiling of yet another of our natural treasures are urged to oppose this project with all means possible. More info: www.cesnet. co.za/waaihoek.html
• The author is the owner of Rivendell Farm Find us Online: www.grocotts.co.za/environews
Contacts for Makana Enviro-News: Nikki Köhly: n.kohly@ru.ac.za, 046 603 7205 | Tim Bull: timothybull05@aol.com, 076 289 5122 | Jenny Gon: j-gon@intekom.co.za, 046 622 5822 | Nick James: nickjames@intekom.co.za, 082 575 9781 | Philip Machanick: p.machanick@ru.ac.za, 046 603 8635.