Public consultation on issues related to compliance with minimum emission standards and provisional atmospheric emission licenses
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Ms Barbara Creecy, has initiated the process to appoint an expert panel 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.
The Minister is presently dealing with 10 appeals against the various decisions by the Department’s National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) in relation to the requests for the suspension and postponement of compliance with the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) and the issuing of a provisional atmospheric emission licences (PAEL).
While some of the appeals were granted, others were refused.
The Minister had originally asked the Presidential Climate Commission to assist her in this regard. However, the Commission has indicated that their current workload and limited capacity, will not allow them to satisfactorily fulfil this assisngment.
The panel will assist in ensuring that all issues arising from the appeals can be addressed in a meaningful and resolutive manner.
The Panel will consist of a maximum of six experts appointed by the Minister, with qualifications in, and an extensive knowledge with respect to, air quality, human health, economics, engineering, energy and environmental management.
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 Referrence; and
- acceptance letter from the nominee.
The Chairperson of the Forum will be appointed by the Minister.
Source: Government of South Africa