Sappi recently pleaded guilty for polluting the air through excessive sulphur dioxide emissions at their Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal and had until today to pay a R8m fine issued by the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.

eThekwini Municipality’s Environmental Health Unit and the South African National Air Quality Office started an investigation in 2014 following a review of Sappi’s monthly, quarterly, and annual emission reports for the period of 2012 to 2014.

eThekwini’s chairperson of the Community Services Cluster, Zama Sokhabase, says the fine is proof that the city is taking the implementation of the National Environmental Management Acts seriously.

“The role of our environmental health team is to monitor compliance with issued atmospheric emission licences so that we can reduce emissions that are a health threat to our communities. We will continue to do this to ensure that communities can enjoy their right to a clean and safe environment,” she adds.

She adds that excessive emissions have a negative impact on the environment and human health and are closely monitored by the city.

Sappi admitted to contravening the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act, attributing it to technical and operational challenges. R5m of the fine will be payable to eThekwini and R3m to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.