SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge of environmental management tools for permitting and auditing in the water services sector 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117005  Demonstrate knowledge of environmental management tools for permitting and auditing in the water services sector 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to demonstrate knowledge of best available technology (BAT), cleaner production and waste minimisation and environmental management systems in pollution control. It will enable the learner to set relevant limit values and other conditions related permitting and auditing in the water services sector and evaluate the impact of these on the municipal and resource receiving environments. This will contribute towards the protection of the country's environmental resources. This knowledge will broaden the learner's range of competence and improve his/her employment potential in water and other related sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Knowledge of water related legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Health Act and wastewater treatment process; literacy NQF level 4 or equivalent, mathematical calculations NQF4. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Licence: Licence for discharge of effluents in terms of Section 21 of the National Water Act.

Risk to staff: Relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations dealing with chemicals. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate an understanding of Best Available Technology (BAT) concept using case studies within own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The legislation concerning Best Available Technology (BAT) is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The methodology of the legislation concerning Best Available Technology (BAT) is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The principles of Best Available Technology (BAT) and generic BAT practices are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The ability to identify current techniques/process in an industry is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The ability to link techniques/processes in an industry with Best Available Technology (BAT) techniques is proven. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The ability to make a decision on relevant criteria by comparing current industry practice and Best Available Technology (BAT) is shown. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The ability to assess industries plans to modify raw materials, chemicals, process and cleaning technology to meet Best Available Technology (BAT) requirements is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Demonstrate an understanding of Cleaner Production (CP) and Waste Minimisation using case studies in own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Principles of cleaner production are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Methodology of cleaner production is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Principles of waste minimisation are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Methodology of waste minimisation is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Sources of funding for cleaner production initiatives is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The ability to find reports on previous studies within the relevant type of industrial sectors is shown. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The ability to evaluate the Cleaner Production reports for a specific industrial sector is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Demonstrate knowledge of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and the application of its elements using a case study in own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Knowledge of commonly used Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Understanding of the principle of continuous improvement, and the use of tools such as the Industry's benchmarking on local industry so as to set appropriate targets and goals for performance is proven. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Understanding of the elements of an Environmental Management System (EMS) is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The use of the Environmental Management System (EMS) minimum requirements to fulfil authorisation and auditing requirements is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Demonstrate the ability to set an Industrial Effluent Standards using case studies. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Understanding of the treatment process/efficiency at a wastewater treatment works is demonstrated in own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The ability to extract relevant information on the capacity of and loading to the wastewater treatment works is proven by example. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Mass balances across wastewater treatment works and contributions by all sources in a catchment are undertaken. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Knowledge of different treatment methods and technology used/available to treat/reduce the load/concentration at a source is demonstrated by case studies covering five major industry types. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Understanding of the biodegradability, corrosivity, toxicity and persistent pollutant effect of the effluent on the receiving environment is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Links between the source, municipal infrastructure and water resource is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
A case study using Best Available Technology (BAT) and Cleaner Production (CP) used for the simulation of the setting of permit concentrations and load limits for at least five problem pollutants, linking the setting of the standards to the transparency, fairness and other requirements of administrative justice, is undertaken. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate impact of a discharge on infrastructure and receiving water resource environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Risk to operating staff and public, water services authority and municipal infrastructure and water resource receiving environment associated with a pollutant is demonstrated through a case study within own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Understanding of different toxicity analyses and their applications are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Understanding the consequences, behaviour and reactions of pollutants from an effluent stream in the sewage system, treatment works and receiving water resource environment is demonstrated through a practical example within own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The ability to assess the effect of persistent pollutants on the receiving environment is demonstrated. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Best Available Technology (BAT), investigation and understanding of different (BAT) process technologies.
  • Cleaner Production (CP) and its application.
  • Waste Minimisation and its application.
  • Administrative justice and access to information.
  • Environmental Management Systems.
  • Risk assessments.
  • Chemical interactions of effluents.
  • Toxicity and its analysis.
  • Ability to assess hazardous properties of industrial materials.
  • Persistent pollutants, biodegradability and corrosivity.
  • Basic treatment methodology of a wastewater treatment works.
  • Construction of sewer networks.
  • Safety requirements of staff working with sewer infrastructure.
  • Mass balances.
  • Effluent treatment at source.
  • Setting of industrial effluent permit standards.
  • Evaluating effect of industrial effluents discharges on receiving environments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria:
  • The ability to make a decision on relevant criteria by comparing current industry practice and Best Available Technology (BAT) is shown.
  • The ability to assess industries plans to modify raw materials, chemicals, process and cleaning technology to meet Best Available Technology (BAT) requirements is demonstrated.
  • Links between the source, municipal infrastructure and water resource is demonstrated.
  • Understanding the consequences, behaviour and reactions of pollutants from an effluent stream in the sewage system, treatment works and receiving water resource environment is demonstrated through a practical example within own scope of work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.

    Assessment criteria: All. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria: All. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment criteria:
  • The ability to make a decision on relevant criteria by comparing current industry practice and Best Available Technology (BAT) is shown.
  • The ability to assess industries plans to modify raw materials, chemicals, process and cleaning technology to meet Best Available Technology (BAT) requirements is demonstrated.
  • The ability to evaluate the Cleaner Production reports for a specific industrial sector is demonstrated.
  • The ability to extract relevant information on the capacity of and loading to the wastewater treatment works is proven by example.
  • Mass balances across wastewater treatment works and contributions by all sources in a catchment are undertaken.
  • Links between the source, municipal infrastructure and water resource is demonstrated.
  • Risk to operating staff and public, water services authority and municipal infrastructure and water resource receiving environment associated with a pollutant is demonstrated through a case study within own scope of work.
  • Understanding the consequences, behaviour and reactions of pollutants from an effluent stream in the sewage system, treatment works and receiving water resource environment is demonstrated through a practical example within own scope of work.
  • The ability to assess the effect of persistent pollutants on the receiving environment is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation.

    Assessment criteria: All. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Assessment criteria: All. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Assessment criteria: All. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    It is recommended that simulations and case studies are used extensively to assess knowledge and understanding of Best Available Technology, Cleaner Production and waste minimisation, EMS as well as the setting and evaluating of standards for industrial effluent permits.

    Administrative justice in this context refers to 1996 Constitution: Bill of Rights, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, relevant sections of own scope of work municipal bylaws dealing with administrative justice requirements, Promotion of Access to Information Act.

    Due to the wide range of Best Available Technology's one Best Available Technology (BAT) on a sector should be looked at.

    Legislation in this context refers to National Environmental Management Act and the Policy on Integrated Pollution Control and Waste Management. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59201   National Certificate: Generic Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.