Shale Gas Exploration

Parliamentary Select Committee 25 November 2014

Shale Gas Exploration

• No exploration to be allowed in protected areas in terms of NEMPA

• Mining activities (including exploration) have been included as listed activities in the EIA Regulations

• These have been identified as having the potential to impact on the environment

Shale Gas Exploration• Applications for the exploration of shale gas

will be subjected to Environmental Authorisation (EA) in terms of NEMA

• As part of the requirements for achieving EA an assessment will need to be done, which would identify the expected environmental impacts and would propose mitigation measures

Listed Activity for Shale Gas Exploration

• The implementation date for the EIA regulations is 8th Dec 2014.

• All Exploration activities after the 8th will be subjected to NEMA EA requirements.

• Exploration activities listed in the EIA regulations are submitted as supporting documents.

Listed Activity for Shale Gas Exploration

• DEA in partnership with DWS and the provinces impacted on by Shale gas exploration have initiated a SEA which aims to identify areas which would be sensitive to shale gas exploration and then to identify the management measures to apply should shale gas exploration and production be considered.

Map identifying Shale Gas Exploration Areas