RIGOROUS air quality planning and management strategies will have to be applied by the City of uMhlathuze, with respect the proposed RBIDZ and Port expansions and any other future developments.
This was the message on Thursday at the 19th AGM of the Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA), where air quality data presented indicated an increase of sulphur dioxide and PM10 particles, relating to respiratory issues.
RBCAA recorded 198 complaints for 2015, with the majority of complaints related to peat fires (77) and Mondi Richards Bay odour (65).
In what was described as ‘a challenging but stable year, the operation and management of the monitoring system and data quality remained of a high standard.
‘Despite operational challenges as a result of load shedding and power instability the RBCAA can proudly state that an average data captured of 98% was achieved with a number of individual stations achieving 99% and 100%,’ Managing Director Michelle Boshoff said in her annual report.
‘Our greatest achievement in raising the profile of the RBCAA has been the publication of the NACA Paper in 2014 and subsequent recognition at National and International levels.’
She commended the RBCAA Management Committee under the chairmanship of Sandy Camminga for their sound financial and operational management of the Association and monitoring network.
‘The uniqueness of the RBCAA lies in the collective voluntary body of expertise, which no amount of money can buy,’ said Boshoff.
The following members were elected to serve on the Board of Directors: South32, Foskor, RBM, Mondi, Zululand Fire Protection Association, Donovan Barton-Hobbs (Honorary Member), Franz Schmidt (Honorary Member) and Sandy Camminga (Founder Member).
RBCAA will decommission the Mtunzini air quality monitoring station and relocate it at eNseleni.
The key functions of the RBCAA as an independent monitoring body remain: to ensure that real time monitoring of the quality of air in the Richards Bay region is undertaken, quality feedback is provided to the public and the regulators as well as for the industry members to take appropriate action.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
