The Department will issue the last authorisation in terms of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989) ("ECA") for this calendar year on 8 December 2006 and will recommence with the issuing of ECA authorisations on 8 January 2007.

Due to the legislated timeframes with respect to the issuing of environmental authorisations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) ("NEMA"), no cut-off date may be implemented. It must be noted that there are a number of public holidays over this period and that many officials will be taking their annual leave during said period. If required, appropriate arrangements must be made.

2. Public participation process (PPP)

The Department recommends that the applicant(s) and/or environmental assessment practitioner ("EAP") do not conduct public participation process ("PPP") over the festive season, i.e. 15 December 2006 to 7 January 2007.

However, should the PPP extend into the festive period, the Department recommends that the PPP period is adjusted and/or extended to ensure that that Interested and Affected Parties ("I&AP's") have sufficient time to participate in the PPP. Adequate motivation is however required should the applicant wish to proceed with a PPP during the festive period (e.g. if the location of the proposed activity is in a recognized holiday destination such as coastal towns).

3. Submission of Notice of Intent, Application Forms and Reports

The Department recommends that applicant(s) and/or EAP's refrain from submitting Notice of Intents, Application Forms and Reports (Basic Assessment, Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment) after 8 December 2006. This would ensure that all timeframes as stipulated by the NEMA EIA regulations are adhered to by all parties concerned. The Department will therefore issue the last acknowledgement letter for the year on 22 December 2006.

Enquiries:

Mr C. Rabie : Director: Integrated Environmental Management - Region A

Tel: 021 483 4793
Fax: 021 483 3633

Mr A. Barnes: Director: Integrated Environmental Management - Region B

Tel: 021 483 4094
Fax: 021 483 4372

Postal Address

Private Bag X 9086, Cape Town , 8000

Physical Address