Environmental Authorisations
And Licenses

Home > Our Services

Environmental Authorisations and Licensing Services

We guide clients through the full process of obtaining environmental authorisations and licences in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act 107 of 1998) and its associated legislation. Our team manages every stage from initial application and specialist coordination to stakeholder engagement and final submission ensuring a seamless and efficient approval process that meets all statutory requirements. We work with private developers, municipalities, engineers, and industries to ensure that proposed projects are legally compliant, environmentally responsible, and strategically aligned with South Africa’s environmental legislation. 

Basic Assessment Reports (BARs)

Certain listed activities under Listing Notice 1 or Listing Notice 3 of the EIA Regulations (2014, as amended) require a Basic Assessment Process. Ecosphere prepares comprehensive Basic Assessment Reports (BARs) that:

  • Identify potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development.
  • Describe feasible mitigation and management measures.
  • Include environmental management plans (EMPs) and layout maps.
  • Facilitate consultation with stakeholders, interested and affected parties, and the competent authority.

Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

For projects with potentially significant or complex environmental impacts, a full Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment is required under Listing Notice 2. Ecosphere manages the entire EIA process, including:

  • Scoping to define the project parameters and key issues of concern.
  • Coordination of all required specialist studies (e.g. biodiversity, heritage, traffic, noise, visual, or socio-economic).
  • Compilation of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs).
  • Facilitation of public participation and integration of community and stakeholder input.
  • Submission of final reports and responses to comments to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) or the relevant provincial authority.

Waste Management Licences (WMLs)

Under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEM:WA, Act 59 of 2008), certain waste-related activities require a Waste Management Licence (WML). Ecosphere prepares and submits applications for:
  • Category A (Basic Assessment) waste activities such as storage, recycling, and treatment of general waste.
  • Category B (Scoping and EIA) activities including hazardous waste disposal or incineration.
  • Category C registrations for activities regulated under Norms and Standards (e.g. storage, composting, or sorting).

Water Use Licences (WULs)

Under the National Water Act (NWA, Act 36 of 1998), activities that use, abstract, store, divert, or discharge water or alter a watercourse may require authorisation. Ecosphere assists clients in determining whether their project qualifies under a General Authorisation (GA) or requires a Full Water Use Licence (WUL). We manage the entire process, including:

  • Water use verification and classification under Section 21 of the NWA.
  • Wetland and watercourse delineations and hydrological assessments.
  • Compilation of technical reports and submission via the DWS e-WULAAS system.
  • Engagement with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to facilitate approval.

Biodiversity and Species Permits

Activities involving threatened, protected, or invasive species may require permits under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA, Act 10 of 2004). Ecosphere supports clients with:
  • Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) permits.
  • Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) permits for the control or removal of listed species.
  • CITES permits for trade in restricted flora and fauna.

How we approach Environmental Authorizations or Licenses

From project inception to final authorisation, Ecosphere manages all components of the environmental approval process, including:

  • Regulatory scoping to determine applicable triggers and legislation.
  • Specialist coordination to ensure integrated and high-quality technical inputs.
  • Stakeholder and public participation as required under the EIA Regulations.
  • Authority liaison to facilitate efficient review and feedback.
  • Report compilation, submission, and compliance monitoring.

Our goal is to deliver clear, defensible, and legally compliant environmental applications that enable clients to proceed with confidence.

Need Assistance?
Send via WhatsApp
Scroll to Top