FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about EIAs, BARs, Water Use Licences, ECO services, environmental audits and legal support in South Africa.
What does LexEco do?
LexEco is an environmental consultancy that provides science-based, legally aligned services including relevant applications for and management of Environmental Authorisations, specialist studies, compliance audits, ECO services, rehabilitation planning, ESG support and integrated environmental project management.
What industries do you work with?
We support all industries inclusive of mining, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, energy, renewables, construction, land development and waste management.
Do you offer a free consultation or assessment?
Yes. We offer a free mini audit / legal screening to identify your regulatory gaps, risks and next steps before you commit to a full project.
How do I know which environmental licence or study I need?
If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you. Our team assesses your activity and identifies possible regulatory triggers and site conditions to determine exactly which authorisations, specialist studies or audits are legally required — and which are not.
How long does an EIA, BAR or WUL take?
Timelines depend on regulatory requirements, complexity and authority turnaround times.
- Basic Assessments: 6-9 months
- EIAs: 6–12+ months
- WULs: 6–12 months
We’ll provide clear timelines before you start so you can plan your operations.
Do you handle the entire compliance process?
Yes. From screening, fieldwork and specialist coordination to public participation, report writing, submissions and authority engagement, we manage the full process so you can stay focused on operations.
Can LexEco assist with environmental legal issues?
Yes. LexEco works closely with Bishop Fraser Attorneys, a leading environmental and regulatory law firm that supports clients with complex interpretations, enforcement matters, appeals, Section 24G rectification applications, and high-risk compliance issues.
Our teams frequently collaborate on specialist environmental insights, including published thought-leadership on Lexology, where we cover emerging regulatory trends, compliance pitfalls, and best-practice guidance for high-impact industries.
You can read our recent Lexology contributions here:
• Bishop Fraser Attorneys’ Davide Bishop Recognised Among the World’s Leading Environmental and Climate Change Lawyers
• Davide Bishop recognised in the Lexology Index Thought Leaders: Environment & Climate Change 2025 Report
What if my project is already non-compliant?
Let us help. Our team identifies gaps, prepares a corrective action plan, and advises on the best approach to improve compliance, whether there is a need for amendment, additional authorisation, rectification, rehabilitation or other remedies. We’ll get it sorted. Early intervention reduces enforcement risk.
Do you offer on-site ECO services?
Yes. We provide independent Environmental Control Officer services for all phases of any project or undertaking, including monitoring, reporting, incident management and record-keeping.
Do you work nationally?
Yes. While our head office is in Sandton, we conduct fieldwork, audits and project support across South Africa.
What documents do you need from me to get started?
Depending on your project:
- Site location (GPS coordinates, address and or maps)
- Project description or layout
- Previous or existing authorisations (EA, WUL, WML, AEL, EMPr)
- Specialist reports (if any)
- Monitoring data (if applicable)
We’ll send a clear checklist after your first consultation.
How do your fees work?
We provide clear, honest scopes based only on what is legally required, no inflated tasks or unnecessary work.
Quotes and proposals are transparent and aligned with project complexity, fieldwork needs, specialist inputs and regulatory requirements.