Reviewing the quality of EIA reports conducted in the O.R. Tambo region of the Eastern Cape Province

MSc (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is globally the most recognised- and used instrument for identifying and evaluating the possible impacts of proposed developments on the environment. This EIA process gathers information that is used to compile Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), which are used to inform decision making. The ultimate goal of an EIA is to achieve sustainable development by balancing the competing social, economic and environmental needs of the pillars of sustainable development. Therefore, the quality of EIRs produced through the EIA process plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development. In the context of this study, the O.R. Tambo region of the Eastern Cape province is faced with the problem of inadequate infrastructure due to apartheid government planning processes. In addressing this problem, through infrastructure development, it is important to recognise that the O.R. Tambo region is endowed with high biodiversity value areas such as the Maputoland-Pondoland Albany hotspot, Pondoland center of endemism and the Wild Coast which need to be protected, and therefore EIA is the relevant tool for that. However, there is no evidence suggesting that EIA reports produced in this region were ever subjected to quality review studies. It is for this reason that the main aim of this study is to review the quality of EIA reports conducted in the O.R. Tambo region of the Eastern Cape province. Subsequently, in responding to the aim, this study identified three Research Objectives which were to: (1) review the quality of sampled EIA reports using an adapted Lee and Colley review package, (2) identify and analyse areas of strengths and weakness in the EIA reports, and (3) investigate whether the EIA reports meet the minimum legal requirements. To fulfil these research objectives, a qualitative research approach, specifically a descriptive research design, was used as the research methodology. Document analysis and an adapted South African Lee and Colley review package were applied to a randomly selected sample of 21 EIA reports conducted for infrastructure projects (namely sewerage and bulk water infrastructure, low cost housing development, electrification, access roads and bridges, telecommunication and commercial mixed-use developments). The results indicated that the quality of EIA reports conducted in the O.R. Tambo region for infrastructure development projects was satisfactory (A-C). The results further demonstrated that Review Areas 1 and 4 were the best performing review areas, while Review Areas 2 and 3 were the weakest performing review areas. The results further revealed that the reviewed EIA reports demonstrated more areas of strengths than weaknesses. During the review exercise it was also observed that the reports met the minimum legal requirements. The study concluded that the quality of EIA reports in the O.R. Tambo region was satisfactory (A-C), however recommended that further research be conducted to determine the causes of weak performances in Review Areas 2 and 3, and sub-categories such as 1.1.5 (i.e. describing the nature and quantity of raw materials need), 1.2.3 (i.e. estimated duration of different phases), and 1.3.3 (i.e. methods of obtaining the quantity of residual waste). The study further recommends that in future practices, EAPs and officials should be better capacitated and the quick implementation of the Registration Authority regulations is encouraged.

Masters