The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has permitted an appeal by Sasol South Africa, to revise its base load limits of SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) coming from its boilers at the Secunda plant.
On the 11 July 2023, the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO), refused the application of Sasol South Africa Limited (SSA), in terms of Clause 12A of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) published on 22 November 2013 in terms of section 21 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004), to be regulated on an alternative emission load basis, as opposed to the current concentration-based limits, for the sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions generated from the boilers at the Secunda Operations’ steam plants from 1 April 2025 onwards.
Sasol said in an update to stakeholders, that it has been steadfast in its commitment to improve air quality and reduce the environmental footprint.
On 31 July 2023, SSA submitted an appeal to the Minister in line with section 43(1) of the National Environmental Management Act,1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), to set aside the decision of the NAQO.
On the 05th April 2024, the Minister issued her decision, upholding the SSA’s appeal and setting aside the decision of the NAQO.
The Minister concluded that SSA’s application met all the requirements of Clause 12A, and therefore replaced the NAQO’s decision by permitting that load-based limits be applied from 1 April 2025 up to 31 March 2030.
Sasol SA said it would engage the Minister to finalise the regulatory requirements for the decision to be implemented.
Picture: Supplied