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DRAFT EIA REVIEW PRESENTED AT TEN YEARS OF EIA IN SA
CONFERENCE The draft report on the effectiveness and efficiency of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system in South Africa was today presented
to delegates attending the Ten Years of EIAs in SA conference in Somerset West.
The two day conference concluded today. The Department of Environmental Affairs
and Tourism commissioned an independent review to assess the effectiveness and
efficiency of regulated EIA since its implementation in 1997. The findings by
the independent consultants were presented today and the draft report was
released for comment. The draft report serves as a resource document and forms
the basis for discussion, debate and consultation with regards to contributing
towards the development of an Environmental Impact Management Strategy and
Action Plan. o A more strategic approach to Environmental Impact Management is required and that there is a definite need to move away from an "EIA only"-system to one based on integrated environmental management. o Overall there was a significant improvement in effectiveness and efficiency of EIA from the Environment Conservation Act (ECA) regulations to the National Environment Management Act (NEMA) regulations. o The overall effectiveness of EIAs in South Africa in meeting requirements of ECA and NEMA is deemed in the draft report as moderately effective but with substantial room for improvement. o The EIA process in SA is implemented relatively efficiently if one considers the average time it takes to produce and evaluate EIAs. o The draft report states that public participation in EIA is effective. Some areas of concern indicated in the draft report include: o Monitoring and enforcement in Environmental Management is one area where the current EIA system is not effective or efficient. o The high turnover of personnel in departments, consultancies and corporate sector is highlighted as an area requiring attention. o The cumulative (combined) impacts aspect is generally not considered effective and there is a lot of room for improvement. "A Project Steering Committee, Task Teams/Working Groups and a reference group will be established to work on finalizing the draft document. They will comprise of government, industry, NGOs and other key stakeholders," said Ms. Lize McCourt, Chief Director of Environmental Impact Management at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the draft report to DEAT by 15 February 2009. To obtain the report, contact the DEAT call centre on 086 111 2468 or visit www.deat.gov.za (under hot issues). Please note that comments should be forwarded to Chantal
Matthys (012 310 3158 & cmatthys@deat.gov.za) or Wayne Hector (012 310 3001
& whector@deat.gov.za)
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