Abstract
M.Sc.
The aim of this study is to produce an environmental audit report for an
environmental audit of an existing Environmental Management System (EMS)
compiled for the section (P31-3) of the provincial road R712, which passes
through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP). This
environmental audit report of the environmental audit will serve as a revision
to the existing EMS and will thus update it.
The focus of the environmental audit was on the sensitive environment
adjacent to the roadway, and all structures, road camps, dams, borrow pits,
and environmental policies related to it. In order to conduct the audit, it was
necessary to: review the existing EMS and other documentation (e.g. minutes
of site meetings) related to the construction of the upgraded road; conduct
field studies of the present condition of the environment on either side of the
length of the roadway; and conduct interviews with key personnel from the
Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, and of the GGHNP.
The findings of the environmental audit reveal that the existing EMS was not
completely implemented during the construction and post-completion phases
of the roadway. The audit findings were evaluated and analysed, and
corrective measures prescribed for elements which were only partially
effective, or did not conform to the existing EMS recommendations.
This environmental audit report verifies the status quo of the existing EMS
and the related environment. The compilation and implementation of this
report, thus plays a very important role in the future environmental
management of the roadway and the sensitive environment related to it.