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Shale gas in South Africa. c osts, benefits, obstacles and the way forward. Treasure Karoo Action Group thanks Department of Water & Environmental Affairs and US Dept. of State for this opportunity. Jonathan. Deal. e lements of debate. t he impasse.
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Shale gas in South Africa costs, benefits, obstacles and the way forward Treasure Karoo Action Group thanks Department of Water & Environmental Affairs and US Dept. of State for this opportunity Jonathan Deal
the impasse environment vs. development, science off-side
contributing factors Climate change debate Growth – resources - prosperity debate Unsettled science – no agreeable platform Political – corporate revolving door Industry record and conduct
SA de facto DMR has operated in secrecy Task team insular and exclusive Applicants have inappropriately influenced Public participation will not stand in court Government policy is vague and contradictory DMR regulations are inadequate US Standards, data and testimony selectively applied NGO’s not included on overseas visits
The way forward – suggestions /1 Government policy & research to reside under Dept. Environment DWA & DEA to adopt and openly apply Scientific Integrity Policy DMR agrees to facilitate meaningful public participation re development of regulations Landowners, communities and I&AP’s to be meaningfully included in Impact Assessment/EIA/EMP procedures Planning, authorisation and process to be open to the public via online sites developed and maintained by Gov.
The way forward – suggestions /2 Limited and specifically approved exploration locations Baselines and monitoring (municipal / regional / national) Effective / real / measured rehabilitation NPO’s entrenched in a watchdog body Adequate provision for financial penalties Appropriate financial modelling of infrastructure/environmental costs No proprietary secrecy
mission critical A lot depends on DMR co-operation NGO’s must not be marginalised – access to data relied upon by the state Government must drive an effective, community focused information and participation process The applicants must recreate EMPs/EIAs with detailed answers Civil watchdog body to be included in all phases, including production monitoring. Costs. No proprietary secrecy for ‘holders’ Land access agreements to stipulate access to watchdogs
The term “scientist” refers to anyone who collects, generates, uses, or evaluates scientific data, analyses, or products. SA needs to sweep the clutter off the table Process must be open, inclusive, science-based and controlled by the government • “science” in the context of a SEA is an expansive term that references the full spectrum of scientific endeavors - basic science, applied science, engineering, technology, economics, social sciences, and statistics.
Your attention was appreciated TKAG looks forward to being part of a process that develops the best solutions for South Africa – now and in the future The environment is the real economy