Shale gas in South Africacosts, benefits, obstacles and the way forward

Treasure Karoo Action Group thanks Department of Water & Environmental Affairs and US Dept. of State for this opportunity

DealJonathan

elements of debate

community

sustainability

development

environment

environment vs. development, science off-side

the impasse

Climate change debate

Growth – resources - prosperity debateUnsettled science – no agreeable platformPolitical – corporate revolving doorIndustry record and conduct

contributing factors

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 appliedNGO’s not included on overseas visits

SA de facto

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 proceduresPlanning, authorisation and process to be open to the public via online sites developed and maintained by Gov.

The way forward – suggestions /1

The way forward – suggestions /2

Baselines and monitoring (municipal / regional / national)

No proprietary secrecy

Effective / real / measured rehabilitation

NPO’s entrenched in a watchdog body

Adequate provision for financial penalties

Appropriate financial modelling of infrastructure/environmental costs

Limited and specifically approved exploration locations

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 answersCivil 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

mission critical

“science” and “scientific” are expansive terms that refer to the full spectrum of scientific endeavors, e.g., basic science, applied science, engineering, technology, economics, social sciences, and statistics. The term “scientist” refers to anyone who collects, generates, uses, or evaluates scientific data, analyses, or products.

closingin

SA needs to sweep the clutter off the table

Process must be open, inclusive, science-based and controlled by the government

The term “scientist” refers to anyone who collects, generates, uses, or evaluates scientific data, analyses, or products.

“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