The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act no. 39 of 2004) ) listed in Government Notice No. 248, Gazette No 33064 stipulates that that any facility producing air pollution – which in terms of the Act is referred to as an atmospheric emission – must ensure that they have in place an effective air quality management plan. Certain industries have been documented as carrying out “listed activities”, in which case they need to apply for an Atmospheric Emission License (AEL).
Atmospheric Emission Licence Annual Reporting
AEL holders are required to submit an annual AEL report to the relevant licensing authority at least once a year. This report is made up of various documents and reports for example stack monitoring results, a summary of complaints and management plans etc.
AEL holders are also required to submit an AEL compliance audit report as part of the annual AEL Report. The audit is an important document that is used to assess the level of compliance of an AEL holder with all the conditions contained within the licence and will highlight areas that require improvement. AEL compliance audits should be conducted at least once a year by an independent consultant.
South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP)
The development of the South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP) accommodates both the System for National Atmospheric Emission Licencing (SNAEL) and the National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS)
NAEIS is an internet-based emissions reporting system that allows facilities to report their emissions on an annual basis. In terms of the National Atmospheric Emission Reporting Regulations, NAEIS regulates the reporting of data and information from sources of atmospheric emissions within South Africa for the purpose of compiling a National Atmospheric Emission Inventory profile.
NAEIS reports must be submitted by anyone who undertakes: Activities which require an AEL ;
- Activities declared as controlled emitters (these are temporary asphalt plants, small-scale char and small-scale charcoal plants and small boilers);
- Mining activities; and,
- Facilities generating criteria pollutants (identified within certain jurisdictions in accordance with applicable and relevant municipal by-laws.
N.B. NAEIS reports must be submitted by 31st March on an annual basis. Should operators fail to submit NAEIS applications before this deadline, this is regarded as an offence and such operators could face penalties.
KCM has extensive experience in undertaking the following services:
- AEL Application Process
- SAAELIP
- AEL compliance audits
- AEL Annual Reporting
- NAEIS updates and Reporting
For assistance with your SAAELIP and NAEIS requirements, please contact us via mail info@kcmenviro.co.za or call us on 061 568 5510.