SECUNDA – Representatives from Sasol explained to the community why Sasol asked for a postponement of the compliance of Regulation 11 of Section 21.
With this section, Sasol must comply to minimum emissions set by Government regarding the environment.
This new law came into effect in November last year.
The Department of Environment wants the new minimum standards to be implemented by 2020.
These standards are about the ambient air quality and will ensure people can exercise their rights to clean air.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss and comment on the contents of the draft motivation and atmospheric impact reports, to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to verify the issues and concerns raised during the announcement phase and to raise any additional comments for consideration in the comment and report report.
The community has the opportunity to comment on Sasol’s report until 13 June.
Some of the residents are concerned about the gases that Sasol emits into the air and how these affect people’s health.
“I am disappointed in Sasol, they make millions and some people’s health is at risk,” said a resident.
Managers of Sasol took note of these concerns and will put it in the report.
“It is a known fact that people who live in Secunda suffer worse from asthma than people living in other areas,” he said.
“Sasol will not increase its emissions through these application,” said Mr Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager at Sasol.
According to him, a reason for the application for the postponement is that Sasol in many cases already complies with the minimum emission standards.
“We can comply to these standards, but we need more time,” said Mr Anderson.
For more information or to comment, contact SRK Consulting at 011 441 1111.
