GGH3705 MAY JUNE
PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DUE 30 May 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
,Exam (elaborations)
GGH3705 MAY JUNE PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 - DUE 30 May
2025
Course
Assessing Environmental Impacts (GGH3705)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Environmental Management
GGH3705 MAY JUNE PORTF0LIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 1 2025 -
DUE 30 May 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations. Ensure your success with us. ...
A new business complex is planned for development within the town/city
where you live. You are given the task of conducting an environmental
impact assessment (EIA) for this proposed development. The specifications
for the business complex include: • Eight (8) buildings for the following types
of businesses: o Medical centre o Financial services o
Canteens/restaurants/coffee shops o Legal services o Day-to-day
office/boardroom rentals (e.g. Regus or WeWork) o Educational services
(such as tutor centre, reading centre) o IT services o Beauty and wellness
services (such as spa, gym, salons) • Parking (covered and open) • Petrol
station with a motor repair workshop and carwash • Any additional features
and/or eco-features which you deem necessary within your town/city
INSTRUCTIONS Use the knowledge that you have gained during the course of
the semester and write a short, yet comprehensive, environmental impact
report related to the proposed development. Your comprehensive report
needs to include the following sections: 1. Geographical description • Choose
two (2) possible sites for the planned project, and provide the following
information for each identified site: o A geographical description of the
town/city in which each determined site is located. o The exact location of
each site (include a suitable map of acceptable quality). o An evaluation of
the site characteristics of each determined site. o A comparison between the
two selected sites. The comparison should include and/or make reference to
the no-go alternative. • After your analysis of the two selected sites, indicate
which will be the recommended proposed site and which will be the
alternative site for the project/development. Provide reasons and/or
motivations for your selection and recommendation. [15]
,1. Geographical Description
Project: Proposed Business Complex Development
Town/City: Nairobi, Kenya
Site A: Karen (Ngong Road Junction, near Karen Shopping Centre)
1.1 Geographical Description
Karen is a suburban area in Nairobi, known for its low-density zoning, greenery, and high-end
residential estates. The area experiences moderate temperatures, ample rainfall, and lies at an
elevation of approximately 1,800 metres above sea level. It has a mix of residential, commercial,
and educational institutions, making it an attractive location for mixed-use development.
1.2 Exact Location
Coordinates: 1.3297° S, 36.7154° E
Located off Ngong Road, near the Karen Shopping Centre and The Hub Mall.
Accessible via Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road.
(Insert a clear map showing the proximity of schools, roads, residential areas, rivers, etc.)
1.3 Site Characteristics
Soil: Well-drained red volcanic soil, ideal for construction.
Topography: Slightly sloped but mostly flat.
Vegetation: Grassland interspersed with trees; no protected forest or wetland in the
immediate area.
Accessibility: Excellent road infrastructure and public transport.
Surroundings: Mixed-use neighbourhood with commercial, institutional, and residential
buildings.
Site B: Ruaraka (Along Thika Superhighway near Garden City Mall)
1.1 Geographical Description
Ruaraka is an urban-industrial area in Nairobi, situated along Thika Superhighway. It is densely
populated and experiences urban sprawl, with ongoing development in residential, industrial, and
commercial sectors. It lies at an elevation of around 1,600 metres.
1.2 Exact Location
Coordinates: 1.2473° S, 36.8677° E
Adjacent to Garden City Mall and Safaricom Headquarters.
, Easily accessible from Thika Superhighway.
(Insert a clear map showing road network, nearby industries, residential units, etc.)
1.3 Site Characteristics
Soil: Clay-rich soil with moderate drainage; some areas may require soil reinforcement.
Topography: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for large-scale development.
Vegetation: Sparse; mainly grass and shrubs.
Accessibility: Excellent access via major highways; high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Surroundings: Commercial and industrial zones with proximity to major malls and
housing developments.
1.4 Comparison of Sites
Criteria Site A (Karen) Site B (Ruaraka)
Soil and Terrain Well-drained, slightly sloped Flat, but clay-heavy soils
Accessibility Good, moderate traffic Excellent, high traffic flow
Environmental Low – suburban with limited Medium – urban with potential noise
Sensitivity environmental disruption and air pollution
Nearby Land Use Residential, educational, recreational Industrial, commercial, residential
Adequate but may need minor
Utility Availability Readily available infrastructure
extensions
Medium – close to industrial
Ecosystem Impact Low – mostly disturbed grassland
emissions sources
Noise and Pollution High – due to traffic and industrial
Low
Levels activities
1.5 No-Go Alternative
The no-go alternative refers to the scenario where the development does not take place. This
would avoid any environmental disturbance such as increased traffic, air pollution, and strain on
local infrastructure. However, it would also mean a missed opportunity for economic
development, employment, and improved business services for the community.
1.6 Recommendation
Proposed Site (Recommended): Site A – Karen
Justification:
o Lower environmental impact (less air/noise pollution).