OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Hill, Richard"

Browsing by Author "Hill, Richard"

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Open Access
Assessing the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment as a safeguard to biodiversity in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa
(2017) Nortje, Griffin; Hill, Richard
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is subject to challenges that undermine this process as an effective safeguard to biodiversity. Internationally, effective EIA is hindered by the following issues: a low priority assigned to the consideration of biodiversity and a limited capacity to carry out assessments; a lack of formalised procedures and inconsistent methodologies to address biodiversity within the EIA framework; and a lack of formal requirements for post-project monitoring of biodiversity aspects. Traditionally effectiveness studies in this regard have focused on evaluating the procedural aspects of EIA, and have focused less on the substantive outcomes of the post-authorisation phase of a proposed project. While South Africa has a considerable body of literature pertaining to the procedural aspects of EIA, there remain two substantial gaps in the literature. Firstly, there is an evident absence of effectiveness studies in South Africa that focus primarily on biodiversity-specific procedure. Secondly, almost no research has been conducted in South Africa which investigates the outcomes of mitigation measures, mandatory monitoring, reporting and compliance with biodiversity aspects of EIA. This research therefore aims to fill these gaps by investigating the quality of information generated in five EIAs in the Western Cape. It also examines the implementation success of mitigation measures aimed at managing unavoidable impacts in the post-authorisation phase of these projects. This research has adopted a case study methodological approach. Five EIAs were selected from a sample of 9. In no order of significance, the variables considered most important in the sampling protocol were: the presence of a biodiversity-related specialist report; availability of environmental assessment documentation; overall cases to represent at least two different local jurisdictions; and the uniqueness of adopted biodiversity-related mitigation measures. The primary method used to evaluate the quality of biodiversity-related information is a Key Performance Indicator analysis, whereby the performance of cases is measured against legal and best-practice reporting principles. The substantive outcomes of EIA have been investigated by means of site inspections and interviews with key stakeholders. This research has found that the five cases performed well with complying with best-practice EIA procedure, indicating a 53% full compliance, 29% partial compliance and 18% of best-practice principles were not complied with at all. This research has shown that direct impacts on biodiversity (such as the physical removal of indigenous vegetation) are adequately identified, and indirect impacts (typically those impacting off-site and on ecological processes) are poorly identified in EIA. Therefore, the information required to avoid impacts on biodiversity is available, but this research has found that it is underutilized in this regard. Notably, avoidance of impacts was undermined inadequate site and layout alternatives and poor decision making in terms of the regular authorisation of irreversible impacts on biodiversity. Conversely, only 18% of mitigation measures were fully complied with, 36% were partially complied with, and 45% of mitigation measures were not complied with. These results indicate a poor performance of EIA in the implementation stage of a project lifecycle. This research has concluded this is most likely due to a poor conversion of recommended mitigation measures into conditions of authorisation and a limited capacity of the competent authority to perform compliance monitoring.
Open Access
Assessing the scope of effectiveness of stakeholder engagement in the development and implementation of the Environmental Management Plan for the Berg Water Project in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
(2016) Wachi, Bothwell; Hill, Richard
This research assesses the scope of stakeholder engagement and its effectiveness in the development and implementation of an Environmental Management Plan at project level. The theoretical basis of this research is the methodological premise that stakeholder engagement encourages quality environmental decisions and further promotes acceptable interventions for environmental management purposes towards sustainable development. A case study of the Berg Water Project is used to explore this premise through an evaluation of the scope and effectiveness of engagement of stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of the construction environmental management plan, to satisfy conditions of authorization. Focus is placed on the scope of stakeholders and their issues, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the engagement process in considering the issues during decision-making processes. The scope focuses on who was involved, the context in which they were involved, and the extent to which they were involved. An engagement framework is used to assess the effectiveness of the engagement process, including project institutions for stakeholder engagement, levels and methods of engagement applied, and their contribution to an effective Environmental Impact Assessment process with regard to its review areas of procedural, substantive and transactive effectiveness. The assessment seeks insights on how issues and concerns relating to activities of engagement were dealt with, and the extent to which issues raised through engagement contributed into project decisions. Evaluation of activities applies a stakeholder mapping and analysis concept found in stakeholder engagement literature in order to establish the suitability of level of engagement and methods of engagement. Logistical support for the engagement process is also assessed to establish how the support, or lack thereof, affected engagement effectiveness. An assessment is made of project documents within formation on stakeholders engaged during the environmental impact assessment process leading to the production of the construction environmental management plan, and information obtained from 45 interviewees from stakeholders who were engaged. The engagement process is accepted to be significantly inclusive as it covered a wide spectrum of stakeholders and gave them an opportunity to voice their concerns, and the outcomes indicated that the engagement process was adequate. Some notable weaknesses of the engagement process included failure to establish clear roles and responsibilities of the environmental monitoring committee-the entity which represented the interested and affected parties, failure to establish explicit engagement targets, and failure to identify potential trade-offs of environmental, economic and social expectations of stakeholders. By and large the effectiveness of engagement during the project was found to rest on commitment by project authorities to prioritize economic benefits for the local community, and the communication of relevant messages to stakeholders. Important lessons can be derived from this research towards improving the theory and practice of Environmental Impact Assessment. Firstly, explicit legal and funding requirements for stakeholder engagement are important prerequisites which should be imposed on project implementers regarding how they conduct the engagement process. Secondly, the presence, composition and functioning of a formal entity which represents the interests of identified interested and affected parties can broaden the range of issues that can inform project decisions. This entity should have clear roles which satisfy engagement objectives through scheduled activities which receive adequate logistical support. Thirdly, a communication approach should be devised to enable communication of relevant messages and ensure feedback mechanisms which inform and can improve the process. Lastly monitoring and auditing during the engagement process should have been done to assess satisfaction of substantive outcomes of engagement and environmental impact assessment beyond mere process compliance.
Open Access
A capabilities approach to environmental assessment: enhancing the integration of human development and well-being in participatory environmental decision making
(2016) Simpson, Nicholas Philip; Hill, Richard
Building on the work of Martha Nussbaum and Amartya Sen, this research aims to enhance integration of human development and well-being in environmental assessment through developing a capabilities approach to the practice. The research emphasises the effectiveness and equity imperatives of public participation and highlights the inclusion of appropriate social considerations in environmental decision making. The participatory focus emphasises the potential for decision shaping by stakeholders and decision support for stakeholders to participate meaningfully in environmental assessment. The research develops an evaluative framework for public participation that better considers the capabilities of stakeholders. It explores the potential consilience of the capabilities approach and that of environmental assessment, with emphasis on the principles of justice in participatory decision making. A mixed methods approach explores, tests and evaluates a selection of five South African environmental assessment case studies using an applied capabilities framework. Four main methods are employed, a discourse analysis of environmental assessment reports, a conventional Q methodology, an adapted ranking Q methodology, and a survey using Likert scales. The research findings highlight the relationship between the stakeholder's capability considerations that relate to aspects of their 'ability', 'opportunity' and 'constraints' to participation. The research ranks an array of capabilities and provides insight into the types of capabilities stakeholders value highly when reflecting on their participation experience in environmental decision making. Reflecting on the emergent findings from the cases, the research contributes to the praxis of environmental assessment through theoretical development. The theoretical framework focuses on an individual's participation capabilities as well as a broader consideration of capabilities for practice to increase the realizable opportunities, or freedoms, to choose the kinds of environmental futures that can reasonably be considered as valuable and sustainable. Capability concepts of 'ceilings', 'thresholds' and 'capability sufficiency' are commended as supplementary to existing practice specifications of 'meaningful' participation. The research commends that the capabilities approach has potential to be included as a core part of the training for assessment practitioners. It also concludes that the field of environmental assessment provides a rich empirical context for the development of a more robust sustainability-orientated capabilities approach.
Open Access
A case study of the EIA for the Cape Town Film Studio : factors that undermine or underpin EIA effectiveness
(2008) Mathebula, Norman; Hill, Richard
This case study is based in South Africaand in particular in the Western Cape province. The case study was reviewed for the purpose of evaluating its EIA effectiveness in which all the EIA stages from project design to follow up were revisited and analysed against criteria for effectiveness.
Open Access
A coastal zone management framework for the Erongo Region of Namibia
(1996) Hattingh, Karen; Hill, Richard
Management of the coastal environment of the Erongo Region of Namibia is currently fraught with difficulty because of a lack of cohesive planning at national, regional, and local level; a multiplicity of agencies responsible for the management of coastal activities whose planning and management actions are not integrated; and, fragmented environmental legislation which suffers from a lack of coordination. The lack of integrated planning and management has resulted in an uncoordinated and fragmented approach to coastal zone management (CZM) in the Region. Development pressure exists on the coast of the Erongo Region because of factors such as high migration numbers into the area; an increased need for housing and employment; proposed dune mining activity; and, growth of the tourism industry with associated increases in infrastructural provision and the number of people visiting the area. Without effective planning, over-exploitation of coastal resources could occur. This could place at risk the resource base on which the Region depends as a source of income. To achieve better management of the coastal environment of the Erongo Region, the dissertation proposes a Coastal Zone Management Framework for the Region. The suggested Management Framework is applied to coastal zone management in Namibia. The analysis concerns Namibia, and not the Erongo Region, because the framework involves management planning at a national level, and not only at a regional level and local level; the setting in place of national level CZM policies, and not only regional level and local level CZM policies; the adoption of CZM legislation; the establishment of a steering committee to oversee implementation of the framework at national level; and the extension by national level authorities of the role of Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Open Access
Collaborative environmental governance in agriculture : a case-study from the Upper Breede Valley
(2013) Rumble, Juli; Hill, Richard
The focus of this research is in the area of collaborative environmental governance, specifically analysing the Upper Breede Collaborative Extension Group (UBCEG) as an operational example of collaboration. Collaboration is one approach of governing whereby various agencies consult with one another and work together to resolve a common issue or achieve a mutual goal. The research adopts a case-study approach, exploring the collaborative group UBCEG. Firstly, the research aims to improve understanding of collaborative governance in natural resource management in the context of UBCEG in the Upper Breede Valley. Secondly, the study aims to investigate the role of collaboration in practice, by analysing two environmental assessments projects influenced by UBCEG within the study area. The first was a soil conservation works project in six foothill rivers, which gained consent approval through a combined environmental assessment in 2011. The second project is an environmental assessment that includes a wetland study, which may lead to a combined environmental assessment. The second project is in the early stages of the assessment, and the outcomes were not known at the time of completion of this research. Nevertheless, the collaborative governance involved in setting up this second environmental assessment, provides further evidence for analysis of the functioning of the UBCEG group. The methods employed to collect data for this study were that of semi-structured interviews, participant observation of group and project meetings and review of documents, specifically minutes of meetings. The findings of this research highlight the attributes and aspects of UBCEG which were important for collaborative environmental governance. Stakeholder perspectives and opinions were explored, as well as the drivers and strengths of the collaboration. The findings were evaluated and referenced against two collaborative governance theoretical frameworks.
Open Access
The development of a composite sustainable development indicator for a corporate retail enterprise
(2007) Rosenburg, Saul; Mabin, Marshall; Ackermann, Neil; Fortoh, Ernest; Fuggle, Richard Francis; Hill, Richard
This dissertation proposes a conceptual and methodological framework for the creation and implementation of a Composite Sustainable Development Indicator for a retail corporate entity. It provides a review and evaluation of existing approaches to sustainability development, and in particular Corporate Sustainability. The study selects and combines aspects of existing conceptual frameworks into a new conceptual framework for a Composite Sustainable Development Indicator for the retail context. It then applies this framework and general principles and criteria of sustainability assessment, in the selection and adaptation of an existing CSDI framework, namely the Barometer of Sustainability. An illustrative example of the application of the proposed methodological framework is also provided. The study was initiated based on the need for more research into the complexity of Composite Sustainability Indicators. The study also attempts to address the lack of effective methodologies for assessing, measuring and managing sustainability within a corporate environment. It thus proposes a more rigorous approach to sustainability that may enhance the current culture of reporting.
Open Access
The development of a composite sustainable development indicator for a corporate retail enterprise
(2007) Saul Rosenburg, Marshall Mabin, Neil Ackermann, Ernest Fortoh; Fuggle, Richard Francis; Hill, Richard
This dissertation proposes a conceptual and methodological framework for the creation and implementation of a Composite Sustainable Development Indicator for a retail corporate entity. It provides a review and evaluation of existing approaches to sustainability development, and in particular Corporate Sustainability. The study selects and combines aspects of existing conceptual frameworks into a new conceptual framework for a Composite Sustainable Development Indicator for the retail context. It then applies this framework and general principles and criteria of sustainability assessment, in the selection and adaptation of an existing CSDI framework, namely the Barometer of Sustainability. An illustrative example of the application of the proposed methodological framework is also provided. The study was initiated based on the need for more research into the complexity of Composite Sustainability Indicators. The study also attempts to address the lack of effective methodologies for assessing, measuring and managing sustainability within a corporate environment. It thus proposes a more rigorous approach to sustainability that may enhance the current culture of reporting.
Open Access
Development of benchmarks and weighting systems for building environmental assessment methods : opportunities of a participatory approach
(2001) Kaatz, Ewelina; Hill, Richard
Sustainable construction is a tenns that emerged with the introduction of the concept of sustainable development in construction. Therefore, sustainable construction embraces socio-economic, cultural, biophysical, technical and process-orientated aspects of construction practice and activities. The progress towards sustain ability in construction may be assessed by implementation of good practice in building developments. Therefore, building environmental assessment methods are valuable tools of indicating such a progress as well as promoting sustainable approaches in construction. An effective building environmental assessment method requires definition of explicit benchmarks and weightings. These should take into account environmental, social and economic contexts of building developments. As the existing building environmental assessment methods largely ignore socioeconomic impacts of building developments, the implementation of a participatory approach in the development of benchmarks and weighting systems could greatly contribute to a more meaningful incorporation of social and economic aspects into the assessment process. Furthennore, the participation of stakeholders in establishing qualitative benchmarks and weights should increase the credibility of such a process. The participatory approach could allow for education of all stakeholders about the potential environmental, social and economic consequences of their decisions and actions, which is so vital for achieving their commitment to strive towards sustainable construction.
Open Access
Environmental evaluation of proposed alternative roads to the Mohale dam
(1993) Heydenrych, Reuben; Hill, Richard
This is an academic report submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree Master of Environmental Science. It is written to demonstrate the competence of the writer in undertaking work in the field of Environmental Impact Assessment. The main purpose of the report is the comparative evaluation of two proposed alternative roads, the "Western Access Route" (WAR) and the "Least Cost Alternative Route" (LCAR). Since this is an academic report, it will not be used as a decision-making document and it will not be submitted to the proponent of the alternative roads.
Open Access
Environmental impact assessment follow-up in selected Cape Town case studies as an indicator of effectiveness
(2012) Georgeades, Demitrios; Hill, Richard
The aim of this dissertation was to study Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) follow-up during construction as an important indicator of EIA effectiveness. The hypothesis for this dissertation was that EIA follow-up helped to bridge the divide between prediction and reality and is effective in ensuring an adaptive EIA process towards sustainable development. This hypothesis was explored through the investigation of six research questions in four case studies. The research questions were formulated from a conceptual framework derived from various literature sources on EIA follow-up research. These questions cover a range of issues that inform effective EIA follow-up, from theory to best practice. In the four case studies evaluated, the predicted impacts and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) mitigation measures correlated to a high degree with actual impacts. The correlation between predicted- and actual impacts did not always mean that the goal of EIA was achieved. In complex, natural systems predicting impacts cannot be completely accurate and effective. It is important to rather invest in an adaptable management system to cope with the reality of not understanding the complexity of impacts on the environment. The focus in deciding when EIA is required should therefore be the sensitivity of the receiving environment rather than predetermined triggers and thresholds. It was found that it is important to establish the baseline condition of the affected environment.
Open Access
Environmental impact assessment in Namibia: the effectiveness of the system and its implementation in practice
(2016) Husselmann, Sheldon Earl; Hill, Richard; Tarr, Peter
This research evaluates the effectiveness of Namibia's institutional framework for environmental impact assessment. This effectiveness evaluation consists of two parts: firstly, an evaluation of the extent to which the formal laws, regulations and procedures conform to internationally established norms for EIA systems; and secondly, an evaluation of the implementation of these formal laws, regulations and procedures in Namibian EIA practice. The research utilises a qualitative research approach, which is considered suitable for research that seeks to provide understanding with respect to 'why' and 'how' questions pertaining to policy phenomena. Several qualitative research methods were utilised including the case study method, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Three cases from two development sectors namely, mining (two cases) and agriculture, were selected with the aid of an experienced Environmental Assessment Practitioner in order to attain the maximum information related to the focus of this research. Two sets of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants. One set was conducted with 10 individuals, including representatives from both the state and private sector, with significant experience (i.e. more than 10 years) in terms of engagement with Namibia's EIA system. Eleven interview participants, including representatives from both the state and private sector, were interviewed as part of the three selected case studies. The findings reveal that Namibia's EIA system conforms in part to internationally established norms for EIA systems in terms of the formal laws, regulations and procedures, with a few significant omissions. The findings also reveal that the implementation of these laws regulations and procedures in practice, as observed in the three selected cases, is lacking. The environmental authority lacks capacity, both in staffing and expertise. Elements of best practice on the part of proponents and their Environmental Assessment consultants were observed, however improvement in alternatives consideration and public consultation and participation is needed. The main weaknesses relate to the screening of activities that require EIA, implementation and impact monitoring and auditing, the centrality of the findings of the EIA report to decision taking, EIA system monitoring and the environmental assessment of policies, plans and programmes. To conclude, the research findings reveal that Namibia's EIA system has a significant number of weaknesses. This is however consistent with similar research conducted within a developing country context. Further research should focus on seeking to better understand the potential causes for the observed weaknesses.
Open Access
Environmental impact assessment in the routing of high voltage overhead transmission lines : theory and practice in South Africa
(1996) Lawson, Allan Brett; Hill, Richard
This study resulted from a perception held by the author that more attention is afforded to complying with the procedural elements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in South Africa, than to ensuring the validity of its technical content. The routing of high voltage overhead transmission lines provides a relevant field of study in which to address this perception. An initial literature review to contextualise the perceived problem showed that the questionable validity of the technical content of EIA was one of six shortcomings identified. To address the problem, an inductive approach was adopted to focus on the interpretation and prediction activities of EIA and two propositions, stated as research questions for discussion, were developed. These referred to the theoretical question of whether methods are specified for high voltage overhead transmission line EIAs, and to the practical question of whether the environmental impacts that are known to result from transmission line projects are effectively addressed in such EIAs in South Africa. Investigating these questions provides insights into whether the technical content of transmission line EIA is sufficiently rigorous in South Africa. The method of study takes the form of a sequentially more focused examination of the literature on EIA, from the strategic level, to the sectoral level and culminating at the project level. EIA methods specified for linear developments were identified at the sectoral level, while at the project level the known environmental impacts that result from high voltage overhead transmission lines were determined. A theoretical background was compiled in this way, which allowed for comparison with the practice as determined from benchmark and case study Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs).
Open Access
Environmental impact assessment rectification process for Shell fuel storage tanks in Gauteng, South Africa
(2007) Gbandi, Vivien; Raji, Racheal; Chaka, Isheunesu; Young, Aaron; Hill, Richard
This report is on the Environmental Impact Assessment Rectification Process conducted by Environmental Resource Management (ERM) on behalf of Shell Marketing (Pty.) Ltd. for Shell's fuel storage installations within the province of Gauteng, South Africa. This is a feedback report on a selection of sites in Gauteng assessed by four University of Cape Town students who assisted ERM in the project. South African legislation (Environmental Conservation Act 73 of 1989) requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to be carried out before the installation of fuel storage tanks. A number of Shell's fuel storage tanks within South Africa were installed without conducting EIAs in violation of this legislation. The Gauteng Government gave Shell and other such companies a six month amnesty period to conduct EIAs retrospectively for fuel tank installations, terming this activity an EIA Rectification Process. Shell thus was expected to conduct Rectification EIAs within the province. Shell commissioned ERM, an independent consultancy, to conduct the EIA Rectification Process. The EIA Rectification process was conducted under the specification of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE). ERM divided the applicable tank locations amongst five teams, with a total of 176 sites in Gauteng. Two teams consisted of four University of Cape Town (UCT) Master of Philosophy students in Environmental Management, who assessed 39 sites, on which this report is mostly based. A list of the 39 sites is provided in appendix H, with examples of actual compiled reports shown in appendices G-J. The site inspections conducted by the UCT Masters students were in strict accordance with the environmental assessment requirements stipulated by GDACE for the EIA Rectification Process. The major findings, based on site environmental assessments of tank installations, are that: * the location of the majority of tanks are not accurately listed in Shell's database; * 44% of tank installations are in a dilapidated condition; * 28% of sites show evidence of product leakage; * 92% of sites do not have any pollution prevention measures; and * 87% of sites were assessed to be in the 'moderate vulnerability' category in terms of groundwater pollution analysis. Based on the findings of the study, a number of recommendations have been made to Shell, these include: *
Open Access
Environmental initiatives in South African Wineries : a comparison between small and large wineries
(1999) Knowles, Laura; Hill, Richard
This paper reports on an interview-based survey of small and large wineries, which considered the perceptions and experiences of both ISO 14001 and an industry specific initiative, called the Integrated Production of Wine Scheme (IPW). Large wineries have not yet implemented ISO 14001 but several intend to in future. Small wineries had a poor knowledge of ISO 14001 and believed that ISO management systems (i) are not required by the niche-markets they sell to, (ii) require resources that they do not have, and (iii) are unsuitable for their informal management style. Although wineries do face market-related environmental pressure, especially those that export to large supermarkets, there is as yet no pressure to introduce ISO 14001. The majority of wineries are members of the IPW scheme and are willing to make the changes required by it. IPW needs effective systems for monitoring and for removing non-complying wineries if the system is to improve environmental performance throughout the industry and achieve credibility amongst stakeholders.
Open Access
Environmentally-sensitive river management : assessment and mitigation of impacts on urban rivers
(1998) Luger, Michael Karl; Hill, Richard
Urban development and engineering works have resulted in the majority of rivers that drain urban areas being severely degraded, both ecologically and in terms of their potential amenity value. This dissertation explores the reasons for this "spiral of degradation" and it describes the ecological and social impacts on rivers caused by urban development, channelisation and canalisation. It then suggests possible measures to mitigate the impacts at the levels of the catchment, floodplain and river channel. The present cycle of degradation of urban rivers in the Cape Metropolitan Area (and elsewhere) can be halted. In addition, where degradation has already occurred, mitigation and rehabilitation are possible and could restore some of the lost conservation and ecological values, as well as the potential amenity, recreation and education functions. Early colonisation of Cape Town by Europeans inflicted severe impacts on the rivers surrounding and passing through the city. These included: catchment degradation, water abstraction, the disposal of unpurified sewage and industrial effluents, removal of riparian forests, clearing of instream vegetation and the draining of wetlands. During the 20111 century, many urban rivers have been "improved" by straightening or confining within rectangular concrete-lined canals in order to protect urban development in flood-prone areas. The unquestioning faith in technology during this period and the attitude that human ingenuity could "improve nature" are now regarded by the scientific community, together with some local and regional authorities and informed members of the public, as mistakes that resulted in ecological and environmental degradation. These technical solutions merely treated the symptoms of the problem without recognising, let alone attempting to treat, the causes, that is poor catchment and floodplain management. However, there is still a public demand for canalisation of the remaining "natural" rivers in the greater Cape Town area and beyond. At the same time, there has been an increase in environmental awareness, as well as a growing appreciation of the value of holistic and multi-objective planning in the engineering and planning professions. This dissertation aims to assess the impacts of urbanisation, channelisation and canalisation on the aquatic ecosystem and socio-economic environment of urban rivers, and to develop possible measures to mitigate these impacts.
Open Access
Evaluating the role of spatial planning and environmental impact assessment in facilitation environmentally appropriate development : the case of the Big Bay development in Blaauwberg, Cape Town
(2009) Aaron, Samuel; Hill, Richard
This dissertation assesses the roles of spatial planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in informing appropriate development in the case of the Big Bay development. The roles considered are those that relate to the planning of the biophysical environment. The dissertation further assesses how the roles relate to the nature of the relationship between the processes followed by the two disciplines. The study found out that planning and EIA had essential roles in informing the development. The roles of EIA related to the identification of environmental issues while those of planning related to the incorporation of those environmental issues into the development proposal. The nature of the roles related to the levels at which the two disciplines were applied and the manner in which they related. EIA was applied at the project level long after the decision to develop the site was made. EIA was thus not used to evaluate the development alternatives so as to identify the development that was suitable for the Big Bay bio-physical environment. The proponents of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) argue that SEA is best placed to inform the selection of appropriate development. Planning was applied at various levels and, thus, it was involved at both the strategic level and the project level. At the strategic level, planning attempted to identify environmental issues but could not go beyond obvious physical features like dune systems and the coast. At the project level, planning relied on EIA for the identification of environmental issues for incorporation into development proposals. Throughout the planning process, the Big Bay site was sub-divided into smaller precincts with guidance from the EIA on environmental issues. At the lowest level of planning including Site Development Planning (SDP), however, many precincts were so small that the EIA did not identify any new environmental issues - each precinct was either entirely suitable for conservation or development. Planning and EIA related in a series of coordinated interactions. The dissertation associates the interactions with integration and mutual adjustment. In their interaction, planning and EIA mutually adjust to each other. On several instances, the two disciplines had to compromise their positions to facilitate consensus in decision making. In the case study it was found that the two coordinated so well and the flow and incorporation of information was successful. The flow of information was done in time and the information influenced the outcomes of each process.
Open Access
An evaluation of the implementation of the normative objectives set for Environmental Management Frameworks in selected case studies in Gauteng and the Northwest Province, South Africa
(2011) Van Wyk, Marthinus Wessel; Hill, Richard
Three case studies were used to evaluate whether the set normative objectives were achieved in the development planning processes of these Environmental Management Frameworks (EMFs): the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality’s Zone of Choice EMF, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s EMF and the Tlokwe Municipality’s EMF. The objectives include the provision of a mechanism and decision support tool for the study area (identification of geographical areas) for competent authorities as well as proactive input into development proposals. EMFs functioning as a repository were found to facilitate effective and efficient decision making that is achieved through integrating all relevant and viable spatial information into a single workable platform that will provide input into local Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) and IDPs.
Open Access
Getting people out of their cars : a case study on Cape Town's Phase 1A-bus rapid transit starter route and the potential impact of a modal shift on the carbon footprint
(2011) Dolan, Ryan T; Lewis, Yvonne; Hill, Richard
Open Access
Improving partnership-based governance for special management areas: lessons from the Nuwejaars Wetland Special Management Area
(2012) Van Breda, Shannon; Hill, Richard
Recognizing its constitutional obligation to ensure environmental sustainability, the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) has adopted a bioregional planning approach to promote sustainable development in the province. One of the mechanisms designed by the PGWC and advocated for implementing bioregional planning at the local level is the Special Management Area (SMA)...This research is motivated by a desire to understand the nature of such a partnership arrangement, how it was established and sustained and how it functions to ensure successful transitions to sustainability. The researcher decided to explore these questions by examining the NW SMA.