(NEMA) environmental impact assessment (EIA) and of Environment Conservation
Act (ECA) EIA applications during festive period 2006/07
29 November 2006
1. Issuing of ECA authorisations and NEMA environmental authorisation
The department will issue the last authorisation in terms of the ECA, 1989
(Act No 73 of 1989) for this calendar year on 8 December 2006 and will
recommence with the issuing of ECA authorisations on 8 January 2007.
Due to the legislated time frames with respect to the issuing of
environmental authorisations in terms of the NEMA, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998),
no cut-off date may be implemented. It must be noted that there are a number of
public holidays over this period and that many officials will be taking their
annual leave during the said period. If required, appropriate arrangements must
be made.
2. Public participation process (PPP)
The department recommends that the applicant(s) and/or environmental
assessment practitioners (EAPs) do not conduct PPP over the festive season,
i.e. 15 December 2006 to 7 January 2007.
However, should the PPP extend into the festive period the department
recommends that the PPP period is adjusted and/or extended to ensure that those
interested and affected parties have sufficient time to participate in the PPP.
Adequate motivation is, however, required should the applicant wish to proceed
with a PPP during the festive period (e.g. if the location of the proposed
activity is in a recognised holiday destination such as coastal towns).
3. Submission of notice of intent, application forms and reports
The department recommends that applicant(s) and/or EAPs refrain from
submitting notice of intents, application forms and reports (basic assessment,
scoping and EIA) after 8 December 2006. This would ensure that all time frames
as stipulated by the NEMA EIA regulations are adhered to by all parties
concerned. The department will therefore issue the last acknowledgement letter
for the year on 22 December 2006.
Enquiries:
Mr C Rabie
Director: Integrated Environmental Management - Region A
Tel: (021) 483 4793
Fax: (021) 483 3633
Mr A Barnes
Director: Integrated Environmental Management - Region B
Tel: (021) 483 4094
Fax: (021) 483 4372
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning,
Western Cape Provincial Government
29 November 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
