FULL REPORT: ‘No pollution is happening’ – EnviroServ
The monitoring committee recently met to view the latest results pulled from the H2S monitors.
DURING a recent monitoring committee meeting, EnviroServ shared its data that showed there was no pollution being emitted from the local landfill.
The monitoring committee, which includes representation from the community, authorities and the company, met at the KwaLinda Community Hall in KwaNdengezi.
The meeting was held as required in terms of the company’s Waste Management License.
EnviroServ Waste Management’s CEO, Dean Thompson, said the company’s two US Environmental Protection Agency approved H2S monitors confirmed the remediation has been successful.
The monitors run 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have continued to do so for the past few years.
Samples are taken every few minutes and the collected monitoring data is available in real-time.
The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and the eThekwini Municipality also have access to the monitors in real-time.
ALSO READ: FULL REPORT: EnviroServ convicted on charges of violating environmental and air quality regulations
“The site is operating well below the H2S limits specified by the independent experts appointed. Therefore no pollution is happening,” said Thompson.
The waste management giant noted that its work to reduce the levels of air pollution has been well documented over the past few years and has complied with an extensive set of action, as required by the Department of Environmental Affairs.
“As a result, our Waste Management Licence was renewed,” said Thompson.
He noted the company would be able to maintain the current level of air quality.
Convicted
In December last year, EnviroServ was convicted in the Durban Regional Magistrate’s Court for the contravention of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEM: AQA).
EnviroServ plead guilty to one of five charges against it.
The company was handed a fine of R4 million, R2 million payable now and R2 million suspended for three years.
The company would also need to reimburse the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) for R1.2 million, while the Upper Highway Air non-profit company (UHA NPC) was awarded R1.2 million in damages and costs in pursuing the case.
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