Proposed EIA amendments announced

The amendments follow the EIA regulations which came into effect in July last year and reduced the need for EIAs where strategic spatial tools are in place, reports EnAct International. The significant proposed amendments to the regulations are the revisiting of thresholds to cut out activities with minor impacts and the inclusion of timeframes for appeal procedures. The amendments to chapter five will focus on providing environmental management tools other than EIA, expanding exclusion provisions to spatial development frameworks and norms and standards and providing for exemptions from EIAs. The proposed amendments have already faced criticism from environmental groups including the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa who regard the amendments as a response to pressure from many governmental departments insistent on development at any cost. The amendment processes are expected to be concluded by the end of July this year. Visit the EnAct International Web site