, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Introduction
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a structured and legally mandated process designed
to evaluate the potential environmental and social consequences of a proposed development before
any construction begins (GGH3705, 2025). In South Africa, the EIA process is underpinned by the
National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) of 1998 and is a practical application of Section
24 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to an environment that is not harmful to
their health and well-being. The EIA ensures that decision-makers consider environmental
consequences at the earliest planning stages, contributing to more sustainable and responsible
development practices. (South African Government, 1998)
The environmental assessment process typically begins with screening, which determines whether a
development proposal requires a basic assessment or a full EIA. This initial step is critical in
identifying the scale and nature of the anticipated impacts. Based on national legislation, including
the 2017 Listing Notices under NEMA, a range of development activities automatically trigger the
need for environmental review. These include projects such as large-scale commercial developments,
fuel stations, infrastructure exceeding size thresholds, and any activity occurring in or near protected
or sensitive environments. (Aucamp, 2012)
The overarching goal of EIA is to identify and mitigate negative environmental, social, and health
impacts before a project is approved. It also ensures that community voices and expert knowledge
are integrated into the planning process. Public participation is a cornerstone of the EIA process,
allowing interested and affected parties (I&APs) to raise concerns, suggest alternatives, and
influence project outcomes. Alongside community engagement, the EIA process also requires
compliance with various environmental laws, including the National Water Act, Air Quality Act, and
Waste Act, all of which may require separate permits or licences based on the nature of the
development. (Aucamp, 2012)
This portfolio applies the EIA framework to a proposed business complex development in Table
View, Western Cape. It assesses the need for a full EIA based on listing criteria, identifies relevant
environmental legislation, evaluates anticipated impacts, outlines stakeholder engagement strategies,
and proposes appropriate mitigation measures. The analysis highlights the importance of accurate
screening, legislative compliance, and inclusive public involvement in ensuring the project aligns
with both environmental protection and social responsibility goals.
, 1. GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION
Site A: Corner of Riverview Road & Beacon Hill Drive, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a historic university town in the Western Cape province, approximately 50 km east of
Cape Town. Nestled in the Eerste River Valley and surrounded by the Cape Winelands, the area is
known for its scenic beauty, Mediterranean climate, and a mix of agricultural, academic, and urban
development. It is a regional hub for education, research, and tourism.
Exact Location
Coordinates: 33.9321° S, 18.8602° E
Map:
(33°55'55.6"S 18°51'36.7"E · -33.932111, 18.860194, 2019)
Site Characteristics
Land Use History: Previously used for agriculture (disturbed land).
Accessibility: Connected to local road networks; moderate accessibility from national
highways.
Environmental Sensitivity: Located outside high biodiversity zones, low ecological
sensitivity.
Infrastructure: Proximity to existing stormwater, sewer, and electrical infrastructure.
Visual & Aesthetic Considerations: Potential visual intrusion along scenic corridors leading
to wine estates.
Noise/Traffic Impact: Minimal, due to distance from dense residential areas.
Introduction
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a structured and legally mandated process designed
to evaluate the potential environmental and social consequences of a proposed development before
any construction begins (GGH3705, 2025). In South Africa, the EIA process is underpinned by the
National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) of 1998 and is a practical application of Section
24 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to an environment that is not harmful to
their health and well-being. The EIA ensures that decision-makers consider environmental
consequences at the earliest planning stages, contributing to more sustainable and responsible
development practices. (South African Government, 1998)
The environmental assessment process typically begins with screening, which determines whether a
development proposal requires a basic assessment or a full EIA. This initial step is critical in
identifying the scale and nature of the anticipated impacts. Based on national legislation, including
the 2017 Listing Notices under NEMA, a range of development activities automatically trigger the
need for environmental review. These include projects such as large-scale commercial developments,
fuel stations, infrastructure exceeding size thresholds, and any activity occurring in or near protected
or sensitive environments. (Aucamp, 2012)
The overarching goal of EIA is to identify and mitigate negative environmental, social, and health
impacts before a project is approved. It also ensures that community voices and expert knowledge
are integrated into the planning process. Public participation is a cornerstone of the EIA process,
allowing interested and affected parties (I&APs) to raise concerns, suggest alternatives, and
influence project outcomes. Alongside community engagement, the EIA process also requires
compliance with various environmental laws, including the National Water Act, Air Quality Act, and
Waste Act, all of which may require separate permits or licences based on the nature of the
development. (Aucamp, 2012)
This portfolio applies the EIA framework to a proposed business complex development in Table
View, Western Cape. It assesses the need for a full EIA based on listing criteria, identifies relevant
environmental legislation, evaluates anticipated impacts, outlines stakeholder engagement strategies,
and proposes appropriate mitigation measures. The analysis highlights the importance of accurate
screening, legislative compliance, and inclusive public involvement in ensuring the project aligns
with both environmental protection and social responsibility goals.
, 1. GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION
Site A: Corner of Riverview Road & Beacon Hill Drive, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a historic university town in the Western Cape province, approximately 50 km east of
Cape Town. Nestled in the Eerste River Valley and surrounded by the Cape Winelands, the area is
known for its scenic beauty, Mediterranean climate, and a mix of agricultural, academic, and urban
development. It is a regional hub for education, research, and tourism.
Exact Location
Coordinates: 33.9321° S, 18.8602° E
Map:
(33°55'55.6"S 18°51'36.7"E · -33.932111, 18.860194, 2019)
Site Characteristics
Land Use History: Previously used for agriculture (disturbed land).
Accessibility: Connected to local road networks; moderate accessibility from national
highways.
Environmental Sensitivity: Located outside high biodiversity zones, low ecological
sensitivity.
Infrastructure: Proximity to existing stormwater, sewer, and electrical infrastructure.
Visual & Aesthetic Considerations: Potential visual intrusion along scenic corridors leading
to wine estates.
Noise/Traffic Impact: Minimal, due to distance from dense residential areas.
