1. Environmental Law.
“Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her wellbeing”.
This right goes even further by adding the following” “Everyone has the right to have the
environment protected, for benefit of present and future generations, through
reasonable legislative and other measures”.
What does the Environment entails?
“Environment means the surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up
of:
i. The land, water and atmosphere of the earth;
ii. Microorganisms, plant and animal life;
iii. Any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the interrelationship among and
between them; and
iv. The physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the
foregoing that influence human health and wellbeing;”
What is Environmental Law?
i. Litigation
This can be either to enforce the above-mentioned rights and legal requirements
on to specific business entities, or to protect the specific business entities from
such claims.
ii. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
This is the consideration, investigation, assessment and reporting of potential
impact on the environment, socioeconomic conditions and cultural heritage of
activities listed in the EIA regulations (as amended).
iii. Licensing, Permissions and Authorities
This includes the application of all required licenses, permissions and authorities
for a specific activity as required by all the different legislations and governmental
departments involved through the scope and effects of this activity.
iv. Environmental Management Systems
The development, implementation and assessment of an environmental
management system for companies of legal entities.
2. v. Legal Compliance Assessment
A comprehensive assessment will be carried out on a company or business to
asses and ensure full compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and
requirements of relevant governmental departments.
vi. Labour Law
We can provide all full service in relation to labour matters including the drafting
of Health and Safety Policies in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
A comprehensive assessment can be carried out on a company or business to
asses and ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
and regulations, Mine Health and Safety Act and regulations and any other
Labour legislation.
vii. Carbon Tax
Assessment of a company or business in terms of current proposed Carbon Tax
legislation as well as assessing the possibilities of obtaining Carbon Credits or
Carbon Credit Certification.
viii Property
We can manage and administrate the environmental impact assessment process
and streamline this process through liaison with all role-players and relevant
governmental departments on behalf of prospective developers or new owners.
We will administrate and manage all assessments in regards of contaminated or
potentially contaminated land, including advice regarding waste management
and air pollution mitigation. Administrate and complete a detailed assessment
regarding all relevant environmental requirements, licensing, authorities and
permissions needed in terms of all relevant environmental legislation and
governmental departments in regards to proposed developments and pre-
acquisition of property.