Chemical (gaseous) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are
perceived as odour and can generate undesirable health reactions. These could affect
the quality of life to those regularly albeit intermittently exposed, although regular
exposure may result in tolerance and loss of recognition of the odour. Consequently,
research is necessary to establish the role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
in ensuring that facilities such as WWTP do not pose a threat to local communities,
particularly in relation to housing developments for poor communities.
The aim of this study was to investigate if the EIA regulations were effectively
implemented before building of the Residential Development Proiect (RDP) houses at
KwaMathukuza, in Newcastle South Africa. Furthermore, the study intended to
determine the impact the (WWTP) has on the health of people who reside close to the
site and to establish if the families staying close to the WWTP have any common
ailments such as handicapped babies, early deaths within families. Findings would also
indicate if RDP houses should be built in close proximity to such sites.
Data was collected through a survey of 85 residents living within five kilometers and ten
residing beyond five kilometers from the WWTP. The participants were selected
randomly. Municipality employees who worked with the WWTP were also sampled
together with healthcare givers. Data included information about health of the
community, their perception of the gases released from the WWTP as well as EIA
meetings and processes related to the construction of the RDP houses.
The outcome of this study revealed that EIA regulations were not adequately
implemented and that this residential site was unsuitable for the construction of RDP
houses. It emerged that the residence regularly experience unpleasant odours released
from the WWTP. These could be associated with ill-health of the residents as well as
v
degradation the environment in general. The study also found that the effect of the
WWTP affects even those communities who reside beyond five kilometers from the
WWTP. The researcher argues for more stringent mechanisms to ensure that EIA
regulations are properly implemented to prevent adverse effects on the communities. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/11881 |
| Date | 18 October 2013 |
| Creators | Mnguni, Simphiwe Ntokozo Euphoria |
| Contributors | Moja, S.J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (xii, 129 leaves) |
| Rights | University of South Africa |
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