Environmental whizzes recently met in what turned out to be a day-long consultative workshop, exploring two key environmental documents namely the draft Air Quality Management Plan and the draft Integrated Waste Management Plan.
The consultative workshop that was championed by the Department of Integrated Environmental Management (DIEM) and held at Krugersdorp Game Reserve lured scores of city councillors, West Rand District Municipality officials, representatives from Gauteng Province and Mogale City officials who through questions wanted to see long-term goals established in maintaining a healthy environment.
According to Mogale City Local Municipal Health Services Manager Dominic Nyokana, the consultative workshop’s aim was to present the two documents for consultation and to capture stakeholders’ comments in an effort to ensure that the final reports would reflect the unique Mogale City situation.
“The two documents are being finalised in accordance with Air Quality Act no 39 of 2004 and Waste Act no 59 of 2008. The final report also should make a concrete proposal to the municipality with regard to short-term and long-term projects to be incorporated into the IDP as required by the above-mentioned legislation,” Nyokana pointed out.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Councillor Andy Mathibe who also heads the environmental portfolio saw it as an opportunity for relevant stakeholders to engage and assist service providers appointed by council to compile the two documents.
“From our environmental department we really appreciate everyone for heading to the call and for the contributions you have made in developing such documents that will assist in making our environment safe,” said Mathibe.
Ciaran Chidley, a representative from the company appointed to compile the Waste Management Plan, Nemai Consulting, gave a detailed presentation addressing the full probable impact (including risk assessment) of any given project on the environment, the environmental project life cycle as structured under Planning, Construction, Operations and Eventual Decommissioning phases.
Chidley offered expert advice on the probable environmental impact of any project from conceptualisation and the probability of achieving environmental authorisation.
“This pre-feasibility stage – for example screening a proposed site – can save time and money by highlighting potential risk. Hence, we provide extensive advice and guidance on the proposed development at the earliest stage possible,” said Chidley.
According Nyokana, both documents are available for viewing and comments at the Department of Integrated Environmental Management located at Coronation Park and comments can also be forwarded to the department through ward councillors.
