Classifying and assessing the water quality of wetlands impacted by Eskom’s Matla Power Station in the Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mokobodi, Makoena Refilwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wetlands - Environmental aspects - South Africa , Wetland ecology - South Africa , Water - Pollution - South Africa , Water quality - South Africa - Analysis , Water quality biological assessment , Eskom (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/58783 , uj:16490
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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- Authors: Mokobodi, Makoena Refilwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Wetlands - Environmental aspects - South Africa , Wetland ecology - South Africa , Water - Pollution - South Africa , Water quality - South Africa - Analysis , Water quality biological assessment , Eskom (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/58783 , uj:16490
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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A critical evaluation of EIA quality in the hazardous waste management sector : a case study of EIA reports in the Gauteng Province of South Africa
- Ceronio, Willem Abraham Foord
- Authors: Ceronio, Willem Abraham Foord
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Gauteng , Hazardous wastes - South Africa - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292538 , uj:31792
- Description: M.Sc. (Environmental Management) , Abstract: In South Africa, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) (Act No. 59 of 2008) makes a distinction between general waste and hazardous waste. Whereas general waste can be disposed of in municipal landfill sites, more stringent controls are required for the disposal and the recycling of hazardous wastes in South Africa. Furthermore, the management and recycling of hazardous wastes require an environmental impact assessment for licencing purposes. This requirement is based on compliance with the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations, National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA) (Act No. 39 of 2004), as well as the NEMWA (Act No. 59 of 2008). Poor Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) quality has the potential to negatively impact environmental decision-making as well as sustainable development in any country. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the reports created are of satisfactory quality. Effective EIARs is the first step in complying with the goals of the precautionary principle and long term sustainability for any planned infrastructural development projects (Glasson et al., 2012). EIARs should provide useful information to the government regulator and all interested and affected parties on whether or not the proposed development actions have significant environmental impacts and to what extent they can be mitigated successfully (Aucamp, 2009). This study has reviewed the quality of 5 EIARs using the adapted Lee and Colley Review Package as well as the EIA Quality Index. The adaptation of the review package was a modified version of the ‘South African Lee and Colley (1992) Review Package’. The EIARs evaluated were based on proposed hazardous waste-related projects in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The results of this study showed that generally all of the assessed EIARs were compiled in a satisfactory manner, thus achieving “A-C” quality grades. Sixty percent (60%) of the EIARs received the “A” quality standard. This quality rating represents an excellent and outstanding performance on the part of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) or compilers of these reports. Twenty percent (20%) of the EIARs achieved a “B” quality, implying that the reports were generally satisfactory and completed with only a few minor omissions. Lastly, another 20% of the EIARs achieved a “C” rating as their quality was characterised as ‘just satisfactory’ despite omissions and inadequacies. Since 40% of the reports were rated either with “B” or “C” symbols, there is a need for improving EIAR report quality where deficiencies were found failing which weaknesses in planning hazardous waste control projects will not be addressed in this sector. If hazardous waste is disposed of inappropriately, this may lead to human health risks or major environmental risks. Given the importance of the hazardous waste management sector in South Africa and the amounts of hazardous waste materials that are produced from the manufacturing and mining sector, it is imperative that such wastes are disposed of effectively or are treated properly whether or not there is any recycling (Bosman, 2009).
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- Authors: Ceronio, Willem Abraham Foord
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Gauteng , Hazardous wastes - South Africa - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292538 , uj:31792
- Description: M.Sc. (Environmental Management) , Abstract: In South Africa, the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) (Act No. 59 of 2008) makes a distinction between general waste and hazardous waste. Whereas general waste can be disposed of in municipal landfill sites, more stringent controls are required for the disposal and the recycling of hazardous wastes in South Africa. Furthermore, the management and recycling of hazardous wastes require an environmental impact assessment for licencing purposes. This requirement is based on compliance with the National Environmental Management Act (Act No. 107 of 1998), 2014 NEMA EIA Regulations, National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (NEMAQA) (Act No. 39 of 2004), as well as the NEMWA (Act No. 59 of 2008). Poor Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) quality has the potential to negatively impact environmental decision-making as well as sustainable development in any country. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the reports created are of satisfactory quality. Effective EIARs is the first step in complying with the goals of the precautionary principle and long term sustainability for any planned infrastructural development projects (Glasson et al., 2012). EIARs should provide useful information to the government regulator and all interested and affected parties on whether or not the proposed development actions have significant environmental impacts and to what extent they can be mitigated successfully (Aucamp, 2009). This study has reviewed the quality of 5 EIARs using the adapted Lee and Colley Review Package as well as the EIA Quality Index. The adaptation of the review package was a modified version of the ‘South African Lee and Colley (1992) Review Package’. The EIARs evaluated were based on proposed hazardous waste-related projects in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The results of this study showed that generally all of the assessed EIARs were compiled in a satisfactory manner, thus achieving “A-C” quality grades. Sixty percent (60%) of the EIARs received the “A” quality standard. This quality rating represents an excellent and outstanding performance on the part of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) or compilers of these reports. Twenty percent (20%) of the EIARs achieved a “B” quality, implying that the reports were generally satisfactory and completed with only a few minor omissions. Lastly, another 20% of the EIARs achieved a “C” rating as their quality was characterised as ‘just satisfactory’ despite omissions and inadequacies. Since 40% of the reports were rated either with “B” or “C” symbols, there is a need for improving EIAR report quality where deficiencies were found failing which weaknesses in planning hazardous waste control projects will not be addressed in this sector. If hazardous waste is disposed of inappropriately, this may lead to human health risks or major environmental risks. Given the importance of the hazardous waste management sector in South Africa and the amounts of hazardous waste materials that are produced from the manufacturing and mining sector, it is imperative that such wastes are disposed of effectively or are treated properly whether or not there is any recycling (Bosman, 2009).
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An evaluation of fire prevention environmental management mechanisms used at filling stations in the Brong-Ahafo region in Ghana
- Authors: Asomah, Frederick Osei
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Fire prevention - Safety measures , Service stations - Fires and fire prevention , Fire management - Ghana , Service stations - Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295278 , uj:32151
- Description: Abstract: Fire outbreaks have recently become a regular occurrence in Ghana with thousands of lives and millions of United States Dollars (USD) worth of properties being lost annually. The Brong-Ahafo Region has the third-highest number of filling station fire outbreaks in Ghana. Hence, this case study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fire prevention environmental management mechanisms being used at filling station in the Brong-Ahafo Region in Ghana. A total of 67 filling stations were audited using questionnaire-administered interviews. The respondents in these interviews were the respective filling station managers. The findings reveal that, while Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are performed adequately to proactively predict and manage impacts, the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) are poorly implemented. In addition, managers do not sufficiently comply with Ghana’s National Fire Safety Standards. Furthermore, there are a number of factors such as poor maintenance of fire extinguishing equipments as well as the lack of effective precautionary measures at these facilities and their customers. This case study has concluded that the environmental management mechanisms being used to avoid fire outbreaks at filling stations in Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana fall below national standards. Adequate law enforcement, supervision of managers and close monitoring of the activities of filling stations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana and Ghana National Fire Service are recommended to address the causes of the numerous fire disasters in the Brong-Ahafo Region. , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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- Authors: Asomah, Frederick Osei
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Fire prevention - Safety measures , Service stations - Fires and fire prevention , Fire management - Ghana , Service stations - Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295278 , uj:32151
- Description: Abstract: Fire outbreaks have recently become a regular occurrence in Ghana with thousands of lives and millions of United States Dollars (USD) worth of properties being lost annually. The Brong-Ahafo Region has the third-highest number of filling station fire outbreaks in Ghana. Hence, this case study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fire prevention environmental management mechanisms being used at filling station in the Brong-Ahafo Region in Ghana. A total of 67 filling stations were audited using questionnaire-administered interviews. The respondents in these interviews were the respective filling station managers. The findings reveal that, while Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are performed adequately to proactively predict and manage impacts, the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) are poorly implemented. In addition, managers do not sufficiently comply with Ghana’s National Fire Safety Standards. Furthermore, there are a number of factors such as poor maintenance of fire extinguishing equipments as well as the lack of effective precautionary measures at these facilities and their customers. This case study has concluded that the environmental management mechanisms being used to avoid fire outbreaks at filling stations in Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana fall below national standards. Adequate law enforcement, supervision of managers and close monitoring of the activities of filling stations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana and Ghana National Fire Service are recommended to address the causes of the numerous fire disasters in the Brong-Ahafo Region. , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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Aspects of the biological integrity of the rivers flowing into the hyper-eutrophic Roodeplaat Dam : a comparative study
- Authors: Modley, Lee-Ann Sadé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rampedi, I.T., Prof. , Eutrophication - Research - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Water quality management - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Water - Pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401372 , uj:33540
- Description: Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract. , D.Phil. (Environmental Management)
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- Authors: Modley, Lee-Ann Sadé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rampedi, I.T., Prof. , Eutrophication - Research - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Water quality management - South Africa - Roodeplaat Dam , Water - Pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401372 , uj:33540
- Description: Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract. , D.Phil. (Environmental Management)
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Effectiveness of EIA public participation for mixed land-use developments : a case study of legal compliance with 2010 and 2014 EIA regulations in the Gauteng Province
- Authors: Kaekae, Kagiso Virginia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401067 , uj:33501
- Description: 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)
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- Authors: Kaekae, Kagiso Virginia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/401067 , uj:33501
- Description: 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)
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Evaluating the performance (effectiveness and efficiency) of waste management and minimization practices in the district municipalities (Umkhanyakude and Zululand) in the KwaZuluNatal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Dlamini, Bonginkosi Robert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Integrated solid waste management - Law and legislation - South Africa , Environmental management - Law and legislation - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/417216 , uj:35324
- Description: Abstract: During the last two decades, South Africa has witnessed significant legal and regulatory reforms for improving environmental management at strategic and operational levels, including new provisions for effective and efficient solid waste management. One of these provisions entail improved municipal solid waste management for pollution prevention and a prioritization of steps towards increased minimization of all waste streams through the recovery, re-use, and recycling of waste materials. However, there is limited knowledge on how different stakeholders such as municipalities and residential communities are responding to these new legislative imperatives and the national goal towards zero waste by the year 2022. Moreover, much of the research effort has focussed on mostly urban areas, especially in the large metropolitan municipalities of South Africa. Knowledge generated from such studies is vital for assessing how much progress is being made towards effective waste management and what are the barriers for increased solid waste recycling. .. , Ph.D. (Environmental Management)
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- Authors: Dlamini, Bonginkosi Robert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Integrated solid waste management - South Africa - KwaZulu-Natal , Integrated solid waste management - Law and legislation - South Africa , Environmental management - Law and legislation - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/417216 , uj:35324
- Description: Abstract: During the last two decades, South Africa has witnessed significant legal and regulatory reforms for improving environmental management at strategic and operational levels, including new provisions for effective and efficient solid waste management. One of these provisions entail improved municipal solid waste management for pollution prevention and a prioritization of steps towards increased minimization of all waste streams through the recovery, re-use, and recycling of waste materials. However, there is limited knowledge on how different stakeholders such as municipalities and residential communities are responding to these new legislative imperatives and the national goal towards zero waste by the year 2022. Moreover, much of the research effort has focussed on mostly urban areas, especially in the large metropolitan municipalities of South Africa. Knowledge generated from such studies is vital for assessing how much progress is being made towards effective waste management and what are the barriers for increased solid waste recycling. .. , Ph.D. (Environmental Management)
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Assessment of water and sediment quality in the Kaalspruit river (South Africa) using physico-chemical and biological monitoring techniques
- Authors: Morole, Malebo Salome
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pesticides - Environmental aspects , Environmental management , Water quality
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458573 , uj:40737
- Description: Abstract: Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The river forms a confluence with the Olifantspruit towards the north which flows further northward and into the Hennops River. The Kaalspruit has been plagued with water quality issues over the previous years with various concerns about the health risks posed by the level of pollution in the river to the surrounding communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the ecological status of the river through physico-chemical assessment of water and sediment in the river; biological and habitat assessment of macroinvertebrates; and finally, the development of recommendations for a management plan for rehabilitation. Field surveys were undertaken during the wet season (September 2018) and dry season (June 2019). In-situ water quality parameters were measured during field visits. Laboratory analyses were performed on nutrients, total phosphates, chlorophyll-a and faecal coliforms. The presence of metals and chemical compounds (OCPs, SVOCs, PCBs and Phenols) was also determined in both water and sediment through lab analyses. Macroinvertebrate assessment and habitat assessment was conducted through South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS) and Integrated Habitat Assessment System (IHAS) to determine the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities and the availability of habitat. The water quality results revealed generally poor conditions with minimal seasonal variations; showing low dissolved oxygen, and high faecal coliforms and nutrient concentrations. Metal concentrations showed variations with some metals present in intolerable amounts. Chemical compounds also showed higher concentrations for sediment, with OCPs such as DDT showing higher concentrations at sites close to agriculture fields. Finally, macroinvertebrate results showed poor diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate taxa with low SASS scores and ASPT values; with all taxa identified being pollution tolerant. Habitat assessment results also generally showed poor availability in habitat quality and mostly supporting the poor diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate communities. The general interpretation of the results is that the system is negatively impacted, and the ecological integrity is degraded. These results indicate that a strong management plan ought to be developed with stringent rehabilitative measures. As such, recommendations for a management plan which includes multi-departmental collaboration and community engagement, including water quality improvement measures are also provided in this study. , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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- Authors: Morole, Malebo Salome
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pesticides - Environmental aspects , Environmental management , Water quality
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458573 , uj:40737
- Description: Abstract: Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The river forms a confluence with the Olifantspruit towards the north which flows further northward and into the Hennops River. The Kaalspruit has been plagued with water quality issues over the previous years with various concerns about the health risks posed by the level of pollution in the river to the surrounding communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the ecological status of the river through physico-chemical assessment of water and sediment in the river; biological and habitat assessment of macroinvertebrates; and finally, the development of recommendations for a management plan for rehabilitation. Field surveys were undertaken during the wet season (September 2018) and dry season (June 2019). In-situ water quality parameters were measured during field visits. Laboratory analyses were performed on nutrients, total phosphates, chlorophyll-a and faecal coliforms. The presence of metals and chemical compounds (OCPs, SVOCs, PCBs and Phenols) was also determined in both water and sediment through lab analyses. Macroinvertebrate assessment and habitat assessment was conducted through South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS) and Integrated Habitat Assessment System (IHAS) to determine the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrate communities and the availability of habitat. The water quality results revealed generally poor conditions with minimal seasonal variations; showing low dissolved oxygen, and high faecal coliforms and nutrient concentrations. Metal concentrations showed variations with some metals present in intolerable amounts. Chemical compounds also showed higher concentrations for sediment, with OCPs such as DDT showing higher concentrations at sites close to agriculture fields. Finally, macroinvertebrate results showed poor diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate taxa with low SASS scores and ASPT values; with all taxa identified being pollution tolerant. Habitat assessment results also generally showed poor availability in habitat quality and mostly supporting the poor diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate communities. The general interpretation of the results is that the system is negatively impacted, and the ecological integrity is degraded. These results indicate that a strong management plan ought to be developed with stringent rehabilitative measures. As such, recommendations for a management plan which includes multi-departmental collaboration and community engagement, including water quality improvement measures are also provided in this study. , M.Sc. (Environmental Management)
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