Archaeology and Heritage

Our consultants render professional services in heritage and archaeological resource management and general project management to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Management Act, (Act 107 of 1998). The heritage impact assessment component is endorsed by section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA - Act No. 25 of 1999). In addition, the NHRA also protects all structures and features older than 60 years (section 34), archaeological sites and material (section 35) and graves and burial sites (section 36).

Archaeological services include the following:

• General project management
• Professional research related to archaeological, historical, socio-cultural and heritage resources
• Archaeological and Heritage Impact
• Assessments
• Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
• Liaison between specialists and regulatory authorities

Agriculture

We are able to render consulting and technical services to existing and up and coming farmers by providing them with the following services:

• Commercialization of new and alternate crops
• Conventional and organic crop production (field, vegetable, forage and industrial) and production systems
• Livestock production – poultry & ruminants
• Agro-forestry, soil classification and fertility management
• Water resource utilization and quality assessment

Integrated Land Use Planning

Integrated Land Use Planning is usually required by Local and District Municipalities to assist them in their spatial development strategies. Land Use Planning is the systematic assessment of physical, social and economic factors of a specific region. This a difficult challenge and implies a clear understanding of the interactions within a complex biological and economic system combined with the successful negotiation of lasting compromises between a wide variety of stakeholders with diverse interests.

Our work include the following:

• An environmental status quo assessment
• Ecological sensitivity assessment
• Social Consultation
• Generic Rehabilitation Plan
• Heritage Risk Assessment
• Agricultural Potential Assessment
• Initial Geotechnical Assessment

Recommendations on the implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring programs, using appropriate environmental principles and parameters as part of the planning procedures.

Engineering Geology

It is the concern of engineering geologists to assess the risk of geological hazards by technically analyzing earth material. Their role is to ensure that geological factors are identified and provided for to prevent possible engineering and/or environmental problems.

Using scientific methods they assess the soil, rock and groundwater conditions prior to construction projects. They also advise on procedures required for such developments and the suitability of appropriate construction materials.

Investigations generally include geotechnical projects such as water and transport infrastructure, commercial and tourism related development, buildings, pavement investigations and design, slope stabilization works and residential developments. Engineering geologists are also involved with other environmentally sensitive developments that need specialized investigations, such as recommendations regarding the development of service stations and buried fuel tanks, identification of new cemetery sites, landfill sites and also sewage treatment works.

Ecology Assessment

HES understands the fragile relationships between the air, water, land and living organisms with which we share the environment. HES promotes the sustainable utilization of our natural resources, thereby securing a healthy environment for our children’s children. HES also conforms to the Constitution of South Africa and promotes the right to an environment which is not harmful to the health and well-being of all South Africans. HES believes that biodiversity is the DNA of our environment and therefore strives to conserve it with responsibility, integrity and transparency. Our environment is the woven fabric that all South Africans are part of, the common soil under our feet. HES carefully facilitates the fine balance between social and economical development v/s conservation through sustainability. This is done by taking hands with all parties involved, and in the process imparting in a healthier environment as a whole.

Our services include the following:

• Baseline Fauna and Flora surveys
• Compilation of ecological assessment reports
• Ecological Sensitivity Maps
• Integrated Environmental Management Plans

Environmental Impact Assessment

HES has a competent team of environmental assessment practitioners able to address the following components of the environmental assessment process:

• Basic Impact Assessment Reports (BAR)
• Full Environmental Impact Assessment
• Reports (EIAR)
• Environmental assessment exemption reports
• Rectification applications (S24G)
• Integrated Environmental Management Plans (EMP)
• Comments and response reports
• Environmental Monitoring Plans and Programs
• Complete GIS Services

Compliance Monitoring & Environmental Auditing

HES has competent Environmental Control Officers (ECO) who are experienced in compliance monitoring and environmental audits.

The aim of monitoring and audit reports is to ensure the effective implementation of environmental management programmes by the applicable contractor, developer and management during the different phases of development (i.e. preconstruction, construction, operation and decommissioning).

GIS Services

Geographical Information Service (GIS) technology has become an essential tool for any planning or decision making that involves geographical data e.g. spatial distribution maps, locality maps, layout maps, geology maps etc. We take special care to ensure that every map we produce is attractive, readable, and clearly conveys the desired information.

Our services include the following:

• GIS data capture & Digitising
• Geo-referencing
• Processing and analysis of data
• Compiling Integrated Land Use Plans

The following mapping services can be provided:

• Locality Maps & Layout Plans
• Agricultural and Land Use Maps
• Geological and Natural Resource Mapping
• Farm Boundary Maps & Custom Maps

Occupational Health and Safety

HES are committed to ensure that our clients gain legal compliance, minimise stakeholder exposure due to workplace hazards, achieve occupational health, safety and environmental targets and goals, protect company reputation, minimise financial losses caused by incidents, protect shareholders’ interest and satisfy customer requirements.

Our services include the following:

• Assessing compliance to health, safety and environmental legislation
• Monitoring of implementation
• Construction Health and Safety Agent
• Construction Health and Safety Plans
• Health and safety hazard identification
• Construction Health and Safety Plans
• Assessing health, safety and environmental management systems in terms of risk, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
• Developing health, safety and environmental management systems in terms of risk, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of environments affected by human activities (e.g. mining) as well as natural occurrences (e.g. floods) is growing concern. The effective planning, implementation and monitoring of rehabilitation are becoming more and more complex, as higher standards are demanded, which require increasingly sophisticated means to accomplish acceptable results. HES specialise in the management of natural areas and the rehabilitation of degraded environments.

Our work include the following:

• Rehabilitation Management Plans
• Environmental Remediation Plans
• Weed Management Strategies
• Generic Rehabilitation Plan
• Bush Regeneration
• Weed Control Wetland and Stream
• Rehabilitation
• Threatened Species Rehabilitation
• Estuary Rehabilitation

Water Use License Application

The Water Use Authorisation (Water Use Licensing) process is a requirement of the National Water Act, 1998, (Act 36 of 1998). The National Water Act, 1998 (NWA) identifies 11 consumptive and non-consumptive water uses, which must be authorised under a tiered authorisation system, which include Scheduled uses, General Authorisations, or Licences. It allows for the “Reserve” and provides for public consultation processes in the establishment of strategies and making decisions, and guarantees the right to appeal against such decisions.

HES has a competent team of environmental assessment practitioners able to address the following components of the water use license process:

• Liaison with stakeholders, specialist and regulatory authorities
• Full Public participation process
• Environmental assessment exemption reports
• Assessment of environmental impacts
• Integrated Environmental Management Plans (EMP)
• Environmental Monitoring Plans and Programs
• Complete GIS Services

Waste License Application

In the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008) ("NEM: WA"), there are a variety of activities which require a waste license application to be submitted and authorised by the relevant authority before any development may take place.

Waste management is a division within HES that specializes in the compiling Waste Management Plans and Waste License Applications that focus on the reduction, recycling, removal and reporting of waste generated during the different development phases. HES actively endorses its’ aim to promote best practice in all aspects of the waste management policy of South Africa. HES chooses to shoulder it’s responsibility in ensuring that its operations do not harm to the precious natural heritage entrusted to us for future generations.

Mining Right Application

Mining and natural resource extraction and utilisation has for decades provided the backbone to the South African economy. The environmental legislation in South Africa specifically requires that a mining right or mining permit is obtained prior to commencement with mining activities. HES has experience in carrying out the required processes to prepare and submit applications for mining and prospecting rights across southern Africa.

Our work include the following:

• Environmental Management Plan
• EIA with associated specialist inputs as required
• Rehabilitation Programmes
• Social Consultation
• Complete GIS Services

Wildlife and Habitat Management Plans

Wildlife and Habitat Management Plans are very important tools in the sound environmental management of game farms, provided that the specifications are implemented and the user understands the contents of the report, and the reasons for the implementation of certain specifications.

The purpose of a management plan is to provide the following:

• Identify potential environmental impacts caused by the specific activitiess
• Minimise the extent of environmental impacts and to manage environmental impacts and where possible, to improve the condition of the environment
• Prevent long-term or permanent environmental degradation
• Ensuring that our clients complies with all applicable laws, regulations, standards and guidelines for the protection of the environment
• Provide guidance regarding method statements which are required to be implemented to achieve environmental specifications
• Define the corrective actions which must be taken in the event of non-compliance with the specifications of the management plan
• Describe all monitoring procedures required to identify impacts on the environment
• Train employees and contractors with regard to environmental obligations