The Green Scorpions (Environmental Management inspectorate) yesterday, 9
February 2010 granted the Wasteman operated incinerator in Klerksdorp, North West, an extension on the facility shut down date from 15 February to 9 March 2010.
A blitz into several of the Wasteman premises executed in late November last year had found the Klerksdorp incinerator to be in contravention of many of its permit conditions.
A final compliance notice was served on Wasteman in respect of the activities at the Klerksdorp incinerator on 24 December 2009 providing them with 35 working days within which to cease with all operations at the site. The due date for cessation of operations was therefore 15 February 2010.
Wasteman was also requested to provide the department with reasons as to why the permits applicable to the site should not be suspended or revoked. The office of the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs has received an application from Wasteman requesting the instructions in the notice to be suspended and objecting to the notice. The Minister is in the process of considering this application.
A site inspection by the Green Scorpions on 5 February 2010 revealed that a significant amount of work in a short space of time has been done in the form of upgrades and refurbishments, which have resulted in a substantial decrease in the fugitive emissions. The visual inspection also indicated that the incineration process has been optimised, resulting in more efficient air flows and an improvement in combustion efficiency.
This will, however, need to be confirmed by the emission test results due to be submitted to the department at the end of this week. A safety health and environmental officer is also on site to oversee all operations until the date of closure and to ensure compliance with protocols, procedures and conditions of applicable permits.
The extension of time for closure of the facility until 9 March 2010 will allow for the results of the emissions testing to be considered as part of the application for suspension and objection. Wasteman is expected to urgently inform their customers of the timeframe extension.
For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
10 February 2010
