By Anish Abraham
THE Environment and Tourism Department will launch the Metro’s Air Quality Management Plan (AQM) on Wednesday, 14 September, coinciding with the observance of International Atmospheric Week.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Paul Maseko will launch the plan; guests will include officials from the department of environment and tourism, Ekurhuleni councillors, environmental forum members and representatives from local industries.
The newly enforced National Environmental Management Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004), gives municipalities executive authority over controlling air pollution.
"The need for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to develop, implement and maintain an air quality management plan is driven by both national and local policies," explains Thandi Radebe, the executive manager for quality control and law enforcement.
In terms of the new act, local authorities are expected to do ambient air quality monitoring, identify priority pollutants, establish local emission standards, appoint air quality officers, develop air quality management plans and perform emission licensing authority functions.
The AQM, approved by the council in May, will guide the Metro in managing air pollution sources within its boundaries. Further, it documents the air quality management framework and monitoring systems to be put in place and outlines source quantification and emission reduction measures to be implemented over the next five years.
According to Radebe, the department has already begun enforcing parts of the AQM, but it still needs information on emissions from industries. As a result, it was decided to have an official launch for the plan that would bring together all the stakeholders.
In its quest to ensure better air quality for its residents, the Metro has already set up air quality monitoring stations in Springs and Leondale, and at the Etwatwa Library and Erin Clinic in Tembisa.
It is still to set up ambient air quality monitoring stations in Olifantsfontein, Alberton, Tsakane/Kwa-Thema, Germiston and Wattville. There will also be one transferable station.
In addition, the Metro is conducting community awareness programmes in townships, while industry representatives have attended workshops and seminars to learn more about the plan.
Such planning will ensure significant sources of air quality impacts are controlled in a cost effective and fair manner, and that best air quality management practices are routinely implemented, leading to improved air quality, Radebe concludes.
Source: www.ekurhuleni.com
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