NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For written reply)
QUESTION NO. 1280
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 11 NW1439E
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 26 April 2010
Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1)
What (a) was the status of air quality in Secunda as at the latest specified date for which
information is available and (b) were the various measurements related to individual measured
components in the overall assessment of air quality;
(2)
whether there is any mechanism to conduct an ongoing epidemiological assessment of the local
population to determine the effect of air quality on human health; if not, why not; if so, what are the
relevant details;
(3)
whether she has found the air quality in Secunda to be acceptable; if not, what steps will she take
to rectify the situation; if so, what was her findings based on;
(4)
whether Sasol is compelled to release regular results from its own air quality monitoring stations; if
not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5)
whether the department has (a) issued any (i) notices of non-compliance or (ii) directives or (b)
brought any criminal charges against Sasol since 1 January 2009; if not, why not; if so, what are
the relevant details?
Mr G R Morgan (DA)
SECRETARY TO PARLIAMENT
HANSARD
PAPERS OFFICE
PRESS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION 1280
NW1439E
1280. THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) An annual assessment of air quality in Secunda based on the results of the four priority pollutants is as
follows:

Particulate matter (PM10): Daily concentrations of particulate matter over a 12 month period
shows non-conformances with particulate matter legal standards mostly in winter. A similar trend
is observed for PM2.5 which is a smaller fraction of PM10.
This is related to conducive
meteorological conditions (e.g. low temperatures) as well as increased fuel-combustion activities.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Daily concentrations of SO2 over a 12-month period shows compliance
with national standard throughout the year. SO2 concentrations in Secunda are related to
combustion related activities as well as long-range transport of SO2.

Ozone (O3): Ozone has high frequency of exceedance of the national standard across the whole
year. It is difficult to fully understand the main sources of ozone in the Highveld as it is well
recognized that ozone has a regional influence in this area largely due to abundant sunlight which
aid in the formation of ozone.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Assessment of NO2 data trends shows that this pollutant does not present
a problem in Secunda.
In general, the state of air quality in Secunda requires improvement particularly around particulate
matter.
Risk assessment studies done locally (see 1Rosana et al 2008) have shown serious
association between particulate matter and mortality outcomes.
(2) It is evident that Secunda has an air quality challenge, hence the declaration of the Highveld Priority
Area (HPA). Health studies might not serve much purpose at this stage. However, studies will be
required after the implementation of interventions to evaluate their effectiveness. The requirement at
this stage is an understanding of the extent of the problem and to decide on appropriate interventions
for improving the quality of the air.
1
Norman R, Cairncrosse E, Witi J & Bradshaw D 2008. Estimating the burden of disease attributed to urban
outdoor air Pollution in South Africa. SAMJ, 97:782-790.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION 1280
NW1439E
(3) Secunda falls under the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) which was declared as such in terms of Section
18(1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004) (AQA), on
the 23 November 2007. This was as a result of the existing poor air quality in this region. A
comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the HPA is still being developed to address
air quality challenges. The Air Quality Baseline Assessment, which is the initial step in developing
AQMP will soon be finalised. The assessment will provide information on the status of air quality in the
HPA and identify the sources and conditions resulting from the air quality problems. This information
will be used to decide on appropriate interventions to rectify the situation.
(4) As part of evaluating compliance against Atmospheric Emission Licenses, the department has the
prerogative to request SASOL to report on its monitoring data, as monitoring of ambient air quality
remains the function of government.
(5) A comprehensive compliance inspection was undertaken at the facility as part of the strategic
compliance monitoring project focusing on the Refineries Sector. The findings of this inspection were
issued to the facility in July 2009 and Sasol was provided with an opportunity to make representations
in response to these findings. These representations, including a significant volume of information in
the form of reports, have now been reviewed by the Department. Further clarity is being requested on
a number of issues in order for the Department to make a final decision on the compliance approach
required. It is important to note that such an approach will also involve the provincial authority as well
as the relevant municipality.
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION 1280
NW1439E