DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT (57/2002): DIRECTIONS REGARDING MEASURES TO ADDRESS, PREVENT AND COMBAT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 REGULATION TO NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PERMITS AND LICENCES.

Government Notice (GN 970) was published by Minister Barbara Creecy on 9 September 2020, stipulating that arrangements made with regards to timeframes by licensing authorities and competent authorities prevails over the Directions published on 9 September 2020.

The notice applies to:

1. All national, local and provincial authorities who are involved and responsible for the processes listed in the EIA Regulations, NEM:WA, Waste Tyre Regulations, NEM:AQA and the National Appeal Regulations;
2. All proponents, applicants, appellants, EAPs, specialist companies, I&APs, commenting authorities, stack emissions testers or other professionals involved with processes listed in the EIA Regulations, NEM:WA, Waste Tyre Regulations, NEM:AQA and the National Appeal Regulations;
3. Other parties obtaining the services or involved in processes listed in the EIA Regulations, NEM:WA, Waste Tyre Regulations, NEM:AQA and the National Appeal Regulations.

The GN indicates that any decisions or processes affected by the previous Directions published on 5 June 2020 (GN650) for which processes, services or actions were suspended, extended or deemed extended from 27 March 2020 (inclusive of period of  validity of decisions or dates on which audit reports were due for submission) adheres to the following arrangements:

If decisions or processes resumed under Alert Level 2: Actions and steps must be taken in terms of the applicable legislation within 30 days of the publication of the GN (i.e. between 9 September 2020 and 9 October 2020). Should the actions or steps not be possible to conclude before 9 October 2020, a reasonable and appropriate timeframe must be agreed to and confirmed by the relevant authority before 9 October 2020 and communicated to the applicant, holder of the decision, appellant or any other I&APs.

If decisions or processes resumed under Alert Level 3: Processes, services or actions must continue to adhere to GN 650 as published on 5 June 2020.

* Should the article be relevant to you or your organisation, please take time to read the full Direction before implementation

To access the Government Notice 663 of 9 September 2020, click here