The Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area (OSCA) forms part of the national coastal protection zone. The aim of coastal protection zones is to protect:
- Ecological integrity and functioning in the coastal zone
- People, property, and economic activities of the coastal zone
- Social and aesthetic value of the coastal zone
OSCA regulations were established to promote sustainable development in regulated sensitive coastal areas at small-scale, property levels, controlling activities in these areas. The OSCA regulations identify development activities which can have detrimental impacts in the regulated areas. The OSCA application process requires the identification and implementation of mitigation measures to prevent potential impacts from the identified activities.
Guiding legislation
Regulations regarding identified activities concerning the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area (OSCA) (GN. R 881 of 1996) were made under the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No. 73 of 1989). The regulations set out requirements and procedures for permit applications, and the requirements for environmental impact reports supporting the application.
Activities controlled in the regulated areas are set out in Identification of activities which may have a detrimental effect on the environment: Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area Extension (GN. R1526 of 1998). These activities are summarised below:
| Activity | Definition |
|---|---|
| Disturbance of vegetation | Trampling, cutting or removal of vegetation. |
| Earthworks | Excavation, moving, removal, depositing or compacting of soil, sand, rock, or rubble. |
| Dredging | Dredging, excavation, removal or moving of soil, sand or rock from a river, tidal lagoon, tidal river, floodplain or wetland. |
| Dune stabilisation | Planting on, or covering dunes or exposed sand surfaces with any vegetative, natural or synthetic material. Erection of structures and walls to prevent the sand from being eroded, accreted or moved by wind or water. |
However, should the landowner wish to undertake a listed activity according to the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998): Environmental Impacts Assessment Regulations (2014) a Basic Assessment (BA) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will have to be undertaken by a qualified Environmental Assessment Practitioner.
Extent of the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area (OSCA)
The OSCA boundary spans along the coast from Tergniet, close to Groot Brakrivier, to the Bloukrans River, at the border between the Western and Eastern Cape. It therefore spans the coastal areas of towns such as Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Nature’s Valley. The extent also includes exclusion zones not regulated under the OSCA legislation. The map below illustrates the OSCA boundary (extending from the black line to the high-water mark), and exclusion zones.
Responsibilities of landowners: Applications and environmental impact reports
Landowners with property in the OSCA are required to obtain a permit from the local authority before undertaking listed activities. Local authorities include local municipalities, such as the George, Knysna, Bitou, and Mossel Bay Municipalities.
The permit application must be supported by an environmental impact report compiled by the landowner or an environmental consultant. The environmental impact report identifies sensitive areas on the property, and the likelihood and severity of potential impacts resulting from listed activities. The report also provides mitigation and rehabilitation measures to be implemented during and after the activities. Once the permit is issued, the mitigation and rehabilitation measures recommended in the permit must be implemented on the property.
Below is a guide to landowners on the OSCA application process:
Apex Conservation Services
Apex is situated in Sedgefield, in the heart of the OSCA extent. Our team has many years of experience in specialist assessments, environmental management and the implementation of rehabilitation projects. We are perfectly positioned to facilitate OSCA applications for landowners and compile environmental impact reports that ensure effective environmental management during and after developments.
For more information on the important work we are involved in, visit our social media pages!