THE Department of Environmental Affairs has finally released its findings with regards to the investigation into the Shongweni landfill site.
In a recent media statement, the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Environmental Management Inspectorate, commonly known as the Green Scorpions, said they initiated a criminal investigation with the execution of a search and seizure warrant at the Shongweni landfill site on 12 September, 2016.
The following, among other things, took place during the search, namely: numerous documents were seized that provided information regarding the nature and types of wastes currently being disposed of at the landfill site, and others relating to the compliance status of the Shongweni operations, and samples of the stormwater and leachate.
“This investigation, which is still underway, not only encompasses the landfill site itself, but also looks at the Southern Waste Water Treatment Works as well as other facilities in the area that may be contributing to the smell-related complaints being reported by residents in the Hillcrest area and surrounds. Based on information at this point in time, it appears as though the operations by EnviroServ at the Shongweni landfill site are a contributor to the air related concerns in the area, albeit not the only source,” read the report.
At the same time as conducting a criminal investigation, and based on the findings to date, administrative enforcement action has also been taken by the Green Scorpions. A final compliance notice was issued to EnviroServ on 21 October. EnviroServ was instructed to, among other things: cease with the disposal of all Type 1 waste at the Shongweni Landfill Site; treat other types of waste that may still be accepted at the site, remove all leachate and contaminated storm water from the site and dispose of this at a lawful and suitable disposal/treatment facility, conduct an appropriate scientific study focusing on the impacts and/or possible impacts on health and well-being associated with the operation of the Shongweni landfill site, submit for approval both a landfill gas management plan and odour management plan, and conduct a technical assessment of the Shongweni landfill site with a view of establishing the root cause of the odours generated from this site.
The DEA said that although the law allows for certain objection procedures in relation to this compliance notice, compliance with these instructions is required, unless a decision is made to suspend any of these instructions. To date, an objection has not been lodged with the department.
“In addition to the above, the department views compliance with the instructions contained in the compliance notice in a serious light. As such, regular compliance inspections at the Shongweni landfill site will take place together with an assessment of EnviroServ’s performance in relation to the other instructions contained in the compliance notice.”
The department added that its intention was to substantively deal with the root cause of the odour problem about which the community is complaining. Residents of Hillcrest, Shongweni, Dassenhoek, KwaNdengezi and surrounds, claim that the landfill site has been emitting “toxic fumes” which is causing nosebleeds, sinusitis, bronchitis, nausea, vomiting, asthma and other illnesses.
Lauren Johnson, speaking on behalf of the residents affected by the malodour said the residents were happy that the DEA has found enough cause to issue the Compliance Notice and to stop EnviroServ from accepting type 1/class A hazardous waste, although they were hoping for a wider range of waste to be stopped.
“However, the last suspension of this waste did not alleviate the odours. We remain optimistic that once all of the facts are laid bare in a court of law, a decision will be taken to close and rehabilitate the site. The health of our communities near and around the site must take priority over anything else,” said Johnson.
EnviroServ management issued a statement which read: “We have suspended disposal of Type 1 Waste at our Shongweni site in terms of notice issued by the DEA. We are diverting this waste stream and have alerted affected clients.”
