Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to perform environmental assessment work for the SAPS Faure Complex. This includes drafting, submitting, and obtaining approvals for environmental reports related to the upgrade of the HV electrical supply, replacement of overhead power lines with underground cables, and the construction of a new perimeter fence/wall. The services aim to ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation, facilitate project approvals, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with the infrastructure upgrades.

Scope

The scope encompasses several key tasks:

• Site Identification: Providing reports on property description, land use, ownership, heritage, environmental aspects, access, feasibility, and alternative options.
• Site Audit: Verifying the suitability of the proposed site, including assessments of land title, topography, servitudes, heritage, water, geotechnical conditions, contamination, traffic, and community support.
• Land Procurement: If no suitable state land is available, conducting negotiations and preparing reports for land acquisition or alternative site options.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Drafting and submitting reports, assessing ecology, biodiversity, wetlands, watercourses, heritage, marine and freshwater ecology, and preparing environmental screening and management guidelines.
• Statutory Processes & Finalization: Preparing all necessary environmental reports, conducting public participation, responding to stakeholder comments, obtaining approvals (EIA, WULA, Heritage, ORV), and ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Project Management & Reporting: Developing a Project Execution Plan (PEP), submitting monthly progress reports, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure timely approvals and project milestones.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope includes:

• Drafting comprehensive environmental reports aligned with legislation such as NEMA and Water Act.
• Conducting site inventory, analysis, and environmental studies (ecology, heritage, marine, freshwater, vegetation).
• Assessing environmental sensitivities, mapping ecological corridors, wetlands, and watercourses.
• Preparing environmental management guidelines and screening reports.
• Applying for and obtaining environmental authorizations, water use licenses, heritage permits, and other approvals.
• Conducting environmental audits during construction and post-completion.
• Appointing environmental control officers for construction phases.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and standards throughout all project phases.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Experience in conducting EIAs and related environmental assessments within the past 5 years, with proof of completed projects.
• Registered environmental assessment practitioners (EAPs) with at least 5 years relevant experience, supported by registration certificates.
• Capability to prepare detailed environmental reports, screening, and management plans.
• Understanding of environmental legislation, including NEMA, Water Act, Heritage Act, and other sectoral regulations.
• Proven ability to manage public participation processes and stakeholder engagement.
• Technical expertise in ecology, biodiversity, heritage, water resources, and environmental management.
• Capacity to coordinate multidisciplinary studies and specialist inputs as required.
• Ability to develop and implement environmental management plans and conduct audits.
• Effective project management skills, including planning, reporting, and compliance monitoring.