Ms Barbara Creecy, minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, has put in motion the process to appoint a team of experts in terms of Section 3 of the National Environment Management Act that will advise her on appeals related to air quality matters presently being considered.
This is part of the minister’s consultation with the public on issues related to compliance with minimum emission standards and provisional atmospheric remission licenses.
Minimum Emission Standards
In a media statement, the DEFF said the minister is currently handling 10 appeals brought against the various decisions by the Department’s National Air Quality Officer. The appeals relate to the request to suspend and postpone compliance with the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) and the issuing of a provisional atmospheric emission licences. Some appeals were granted while others were refused.
According to the DEFF minister Creecy has originally enlisted the assistance of the Presidential Climate Commission but the Commission declined based on their current workload and limited capacity. As a result, said the Commission, these limitations would not allow them to adequately fulfil this assignment.
Clearing appeals backlogs
It is hoped the panel will assist in ensuring that all issues arising from the appeals can be addressed meaningfully and with finality. The team of experts will consist of a maximum of six experts appointed by minister Creecy, with qualifications in, and an extensive knowledge in, air quality, human health, economics, engineering, energy and environmental management.
Terms of reference
The Terms of Reference (ToRs) have been developed and can be accessed on the details provided below. The ToRs provide, amongst others, a detailed background, objectives and functions of the forum, workplan, timeframes, composition, deliverables and funding arrangements. Members of the public are invited to nominate suitable persons to serve on the panel by 26 May 2022.
The nominations must include the following:
- curriculum vitae of the nominee with personal details, including race, gender, disability, postal and residential addresses and contact number of the nominee;
- certified copies of both academic qualifications and identity document;
- experience of the nominee which would stand him or her in good stead with reference to the functions of Consultative and Advisory Forum as set out in the Terms of Reference; and
- acceptance letter from the nominee.
Nominations submission details
The minister will appoint the chairperson of the forum and the public is advised to send their nominations in writing. Nominations must be submitted to any of the following addresses:
By post to:
The Director-General
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Vincent Gololo
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Ground Floor (Reception), Environmental House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
By email to: vgololo@dffe.gov.za
To access the Government Notice and Terms of Reference, click on: National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998): Notice of intention to establish a national environmental consultative and advisory forum in the terms of section 3A of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) to advise the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on matters arising from the application for the suspension and postponement of compliance with minimum emission standards and the applications for the issuance of provisional atmospheric emission licences [G 46355 – GoN 2076]
