The cost of environmental impact assessment studies in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is regarded as one of the most successful and widely adopted policy interventions in recent decades when it comes to environmental policy tools. Exploring the cost of EIA is relevant within the South African context where calls have been made to evaluate the need for EIA, based on the perceived associated costs and time delays affecting job creation and economic growth. In light of the latter there was a need to gain deeper understanding of direct and indirect cost of EIA, critical and generic factors affecting the costs associated with the EIA process, its effectiveness and decision making. This study on costs and factors influencing the EIA cost was conducted on the EIA approval authority in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) i.e. the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The study used a qualitative research method among eleven participants who were purposefully selected, within the environmental management function representing all eleven district municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal. The purposeful sampling methodology was used to do semi-structured Interviews to collect data. The results showed that the Departmental officials have limited understanding of the direct and indirect cost of EIA applications. The direct costs varied from district to district for the same development activity for either basic assessment report or full scoping environmental impact report. Secondly the EIA review process is not operating effectively because of the EIA review process not being rigorous. The Department is sitting with a backlog of EIA applications not being speedily processed. All these factors need to be attended by the Department as they affect the costs ultimately paid by the applicant to get an EIA decision, as either poor decision are made or decisions are grossly delayed.