Environmental impact assessment follow-up in selected Cape Town case studies as an indicator of effectiveness
Master Thesis
2012
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
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.
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Includes bibliographical references.
Reference:
Georgeades, D. 2012. Environmental impact assessment follow-up in selected Cape Town case studies as an indicator of effectiveness. University of Cape Town.