, HES4810 Assignment 3
Semester 2 2025 (831851)
DUE 5 September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
QUESTION 1 [20]
HES4810 “Impact Mitigation and Management” is rooted in the process of Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) that aims to protect the environment by ensuring that projects are undertaken in a way that will not
compromise water quality. During this month of August, the world will be celebrating Water Week on August
24-28, 2025. However, water pollution has been an ongoing issue in South Africa that requires effective
application of relevant legislation and policies to ensure water security and accessibility of clean water for all.
Bearing this issue in mind, answer the following questions regarding water quality.
1.1. Specify the legislation and specific sections governing water quality in South
Africa or that of the country where you live. (2)
The main legislation protecting water quality in South Africa includes:
National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)
o Section 19: Prevention and remedying effects of pollution – requires
landowners, managers, or users to prevent water pollution.
o Section 20: Control of emergency incidents that may cause water
pollution (e.g., oil spills).
Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997)
o Section 3: Everyone has the right of access to basic water supply and
sanitation services.
National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998)
o Provides principles for environmental management, requiring
avoidance of pollution and sustainable use of water resources.
1.2 Briefly describe 10 activities or actions by development that may cause water
pollution or deterioration of water quality. (10)
1. Industrial effluent discharge – release of chemicals and heavy metals into
rivers.
2. Agricultural runoff – fertilizers and pesticides contaminating surface and
groundwater.
3. Mining operations – acid mine drainage polluting water systems.
Semester 2 2025 (831851)
DUE 5 September 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
QUESTION 1 [20]
HES4810 “Impact Mitigation and Management” is rooted in the process of Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) that aims to protect the environment by ensuring that projects are undertaken in a way that will not
compromise water quality. During this month of August, the world will be celebrating Water Week on August
24-28, 2025. However, water pollution has been an ongoing issue in South Africa that requires effective
application of relevant legislation and policies to ensure water security and accessibility of clean water for all.
Bearing this issue in mind, answer the following questions regarding water quality.
1.1. Specify the legislation and specific sections governing water quality in South
Africa or that of the country where you live. (2)
The main legislation protecting water quality in South Africa includes:
National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)
o Section 19: Prevention and remedying effects of pollution – requires
landowners, managers, or users to prevent water pollution.
o Section 20: Control of emergency incidents that may cause water
pollution (e.g., oil spills).
Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997)
o Section 3: Everyone has the right of access to basic water supply and
sanitation services.
National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) (Act 107 of 1998)
o Provides principles for environmental management, requiring
avoidance of pollution and sustainable use of water resources.
1.2 Briefly describe 10 activities or actions by development that may cause water
pollution or deterioration of water quality. (10)
1. Industrial effluent discharge – release of chemicals and heavy metals into
rivers.
2. Agricultural runoff – fertilizers and pesticides contaminating surface and
groundwater.
3. Mining operations – acid mine drainage polluting water systems.
