Ms Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), plans to appoint an expert team, in line with the National Environment Management Act, to advise her on air quality issues currently under consideration. The aim of the public consultation will focus on compliance with regard to minimum emission standards and provisional atmospheric remission licenses.
Minimum Emission Standards
In a media statement, the DEFF said the minister was currently dealing with various appeals brought against decisions taken by the Department’s National Air Quality Officer. These relate to requests to suspend and postpone compliance with Minimum Emission Standards (MES) and the issuing of provisional atmospheric emission licences. Some appeals were granted while others were refused.
The Minister had originally enlisted the assistance of the Presidential Climate Commission. However, the organisation had to decline due to its current workload and limited capacity.
Existing appeals backlog
The panel would assist in ensuring that all issues arising from appeals can be meaningfully addressed and finalised. The team will consist of a maximum of six experts with the necessary qualifications and extensive knowledge in, air quality, human health, economics, engineering, energy and environmental management. Min Creecy will make all appointments.
Terms of reference (ToR’s)
The ToR’s can be accessed on the link at end of this article. It provides, inter alia, a detailed background, its objectives and functions of the Forum, as well as a work plan, timeframes, composition, deliverables and funding. The public are invited to nominate suitable persons to serve on the panel by 26 May 2022.
Nominations should include:
- curriculum vitae of nominee with personal details – race, gender, disability, postal and residential addresses and contact number;
- certified copies of both academic qualifications and identity document;
- nominee experience with reference to the functions of Consultative and Advisory Forum as set out in the Terms of Reference; and
- a letter of acceptance of the nomination from the nominee.
Nominations submission details
The minister will appoint the chair and the nominations should be send in writing and submitted to any of the following addresses:
By post to:
The Director-General
Attention: Dr Vincent Gololo
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand: Ground Floor (Reception), Environmental House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
By email: vgololo@dffe.gov.za
