Perceptions on the effectiveness of EIA scoping in South Africa

Abstract

Scoping is one of the earliest stages in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process but can continue throughout the EIA process as new impacts, issues and other matters arise. Scoping is a requirement of any EIA and is primarily aimed at determining the main potential environmental impacts from a proposed development. The benefits of an EIA fall under four categories: (i) ecosystem; (ii) socio-political; (iii) economic; and (iv) governance. Despite these benefits of an EIA, the value of this process has been questioned by various parties. Scholars have suggested that one of the ways of enhancing EIA is to improve scoping which, if undertaken successfully, may contribute to an effective EIA. Effectiveness refers to whether something functions according to set expectations and accomplishes the set intentions. This research study was aimed at establishing the perceptions of South African Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) consultants on the effectiveness of scoping. Subsequently, three Research Objectives were set: (1) to determine the role and importance of scoping in the EIA process; (2) to determine the perceptions of South African EAP consultants towards effective EIA scoping; and (3) to develop criteria against which to evaluate the effectiveness of scoping. In order to meet these objectives, a review of the literature pertaining to scoping in line with the research title, problem and objectives was conducted. Additionally, an empirical investigation utilising a mixed methods research approach was followed where a sample of 37 South African EAP consultants participated through the completion of a self-administered survey questionnaire. Both the qualitative and quantitative data from the study was captured for analysis. A thematic analysis, using accepted data coding methods was carried out. The findings of the study in relation to the objectives was firstly that the role and importance of scoping in the EIA process was deemed not only as a means to determine and focus issues and impacts for discussion in the EIA phase as stated in the majority of literature, but to also serve other purposes such as presenting impact assessment methods, introducing projects to Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and obtaining I&APs support for the project. Secondly, the results demonstrated that the majority of the EAPs believe that a distinct scoping process adds value to the broader EIA process, particularly in the undertaking of complex projects. The EAPs however recommend that the scoping process must be amended in areas such as timeframes and the public participation process (PPP). Lastly, the criteria developed to evaluate the effectiveness of scoping, covered the background of the lead EAP compiling the scoping report, the EAP official reviewing the scoping report, the undertaking of the PPP and various aspects pertaining to the contents of the scoping report. It can be concluded that despite the shortcomings of the current South African scoping practice, the effectiveness of the process can be improved though the implementation of three recommendations emerging from this research study which are as follows: The final scoping report must be made available to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) and not only the Competent Authority (CA); the scoping phase should include desktop specialist studies; and that the scoping report requirements must be simplified and not mimic the EIA report.