Life After Coal | Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle

In an attempt to remedy this failure, the Minister has now published a second notice, in which she invites 30 days’ public comment on the same proposed amendment to the minimum emission standards which would allow all coal-fired boilers to emit double their previously-allowed SO₂ pollution from 1 April 2020.

Eskom and Sasol are South Africa’s biggest emitters of SO₂.

SO₂ is a notorious pollutant that causes significant harm to human health and the environment. It can affect the respiratory system and the functions of the lungs, and causes irritation of the eyes. Inflammation of the respiratory tract causes coughing, mucus secretion, aggravation of asthma and chronic bronchitis, and makes people more prone to infections of the respiratory tract.  Studies have linked SO₂ to low birth weight in infants and an increased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus, stillbirths, and pre-term births. Hospital admissions for cardiac disease and mortality increase on days with higher SO₂ levels.  When SO₂ combines with water, it forms sulphuric acid, which is the main component of acid rain.

“Whilst we are relieved that the Minister has finally withdrawn the illegal provision to double SO₂ pollution, groundWork and other community organisations will not only continue to oppose this proposed doubling, but will fight all efforts to weaken our already poor pollution standards”, says Bobby Peek, groundWork’s director. “Industries continue to place profit over people; disregarding and minimising the impacts their pollution has on communities’ health and wellbeing.”

Head of the Centre for Environmental Rights Pollution and Climate Change Programme, Robyn Hugo, points out, “South African law should be following the global trend of reducing pollution from industrial facilities as a matter of urgency. Instead, we are demonstrating less commitment to clean air and human health than other developing countries.”

Those concerned about their health and their health of their families are urged to comment on the draft notice by 21 June 2019:

By post to: The Director -General: Department of Environmental Affairs

Attention: Mr Olebogeng Matshediso

Environment House (Reception), 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria

By email: [email protected]

END

groundWork, Earthlife Africa and the CER form part of the Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle campaign. This is a joint campaign which aims to: discourage the development of new coal-fired power stations and mines; reduce emissions from existing coal infrastructure and encourage a coal phase-out; and enable a just transition to sustainable energy systems for the people.

Download:

• Court papers in groundWork’s application
• Gazetted notice

For media queries, contact:

• Bobby Peek, [email protected], 082 464 1383
• Tsepang Molefe, [email protected], 074 405 1257
• Robyn Hugo, [email protected] or 082 389 4357