Abstract
Abstract : Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are planning tools aimed at predicting both positive and negative environmental impacts (which may be biophysical, social and economic) resulting from proposed development projects. Public participation is an integral part of such EIA procedures, the goal being to attain and ensure representability in environmental decisions and sustainable development. This study attempts to shed light on the effectiveness of public participation for mixed land-use developments in various parts of the Gauteng province. To address this main goal, a case study of the quality of documented public participation on environmental impact assessment reports (EIARs) was conducted with special reference to legal compliance to South African 2010 and 2014 EIA Regulations. The aim of this case study was achieved by means of a modified Lee and Colley Review Package. The results of this study show that the reports undertaken in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations were well written and displayed an excellent quality rating in comparison to those undertaken under the 2010 EIA Regulations. Ten percent (10%) of the reports undertaken in terms of the 2014 EIA Regulations displayed an unsatisfactory quality rating as there were omissions and inadequacies. However, 90% of the reports in this batch were rated as satisfactory (“A-B”) because the information provided was adequate for the competent authority to make a proper decision. However, major omissions and inadequacies were observed in the reports compiled in terms of the 2010 EIA Regulations and as a result, 30% of them were rated as unsatisfactory (“D-F”), with only 70% displaying a satisfactory quality (“A-C”). The notification of Interested and Affected Parties, the supply of background information document and accessibility of the EIARs were some of the strengths derived from the analysed reports. The omissions and deficiencies noted included missing information such as the details of the EAPs, the appropriateness of language used, and indication of the duration of public participation. The results of this study are similar to some of the researches in South Africa whereby the quality of public participation is generally satisfactory despite a few problems areas. Based on the findings and conclusions in this study, some recommendations have been suggested for improved public participation in environmental decision-making processes.
M.Sc. (Environmental Management)