FEARS that ash being supplied to local block makers by the Sappi Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas is toxic are unfounded after tests were conducted by an independent laboratory, according to Laura Taylor of Amanzimtoti Conservancy.
Controversy has surrounded the supply of ash to local block makers by Sappi, after a local resident raised the issue last year. It has since resulted in a formalisation process being initiated.
“There are a lot of positives and one should give credit where it’s due. The situation has turned around. Sappi has acknowledged shortcomings and taken steps to rectify the situation,” said Taylor.
“Sappi tried to formalise the supply of ash to local block makers since 2011. Various changes to the waste legislation since then has complicated and prolonged this process but did not prevent it from continuing. While this process was progressing, a member of the local community took issue with the supply of ash to local block makers and raised it with media. Sappi engaged with the concerned parties to enable the process to continue,” said Sappi regional communications manager, Zelda Schwalbach.
The mill has engaged with AfriForum, Les Spence, the complainant who is resident in Craigieburn, and Toti Conservancy through chairman, Laura Taylor, who is also an independent waste specialist, in order to discuss their concerns.
Sappi acknowledge that the way in which ash was being supplied and used was problematic from an environmental perspective, given how some block makers were using the ash and this needed urgent improvement. Sappi confirmed that all previous testing of the ash had revealed it was not toxic and was indeed suitable for block making.
However, as a sign of good faith to refute the unsubstantiated claim by AfriForum that the ash was toxic, as well as to verify the suitability of the ash for block making, Sappi agreed to do additional sampling on the ash. To ensure the independence of the process, sampling was carried out by a joint team comprising AfriForum, Toti Conservancy, Les Spence and Sappi. The ash was sent to an independent laboratory for testing and the results confirmed Sappi’s assertions.
In the meantime, Sappi continued with its application to get the block makers licensed as per the legislative requirements and a number of meetings were held with officials from national Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and from the office of the Minister of Environmental Affairs.
On 17 September, 2014, Sappi ceased the supply of ash to block makers while the authorities were deliberating the license and legal issue. Sappi recommenced supply in January, once the government had issued the necessary exemptions and conditions with which the block makers had to comply and only after it was satisfied that the individual block yards were compliant.
Of the 20 block makers that have been exempted, only 14 have met the required conditions and are receiving ash. Sappi is working with the remainder to ensure that they comply.
In November, 2014 Sappi committed to the proper resolution of this issue by appointing an environmental officer to focus specifically on ash and the management of the local block makers.
On 20 November, 2014 a representative from the DEA met with the Umkhomazi Block Makers Association (UBMA) members to explain the government’s position and intentions in relation to this issue.
On 10 December, 2014, the authorities in accordance with the current legislation issued a letter of authorisation permitting block makers from the UBMA to receive and process ash from the mill.
This authorisation is in terms of Section 74 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act. It is a temporary authorisation for seven months starting from 10 December 2014 and is dependent on the UBMA complying with a range of conditions.
The authorisation can be extended pending a decision from the authorities and the ability of the block makers to comply.Conditions related to the authorisation include that all block makers are required to be members of the UBMA. A number of environmental management controls were required for the block makers to comply with the authorisation. Beyond the meetings of government, Sappi has furthermore ensured that the block makers were made aware of these requirements.
The mill has provided a number of the block makers with financial assistance in order to assist them to comply, and has initiated environmental training for the block makers which was one of the conditions of the authorisation and is ongoing to ensure that the employees of the block makers have a clear understanding of what is required.
The mill has clarified to the Block Makers Association that any transgressions will result in the supply of ash being terminated.
Taylor has visited the block yards and is happy with the progress being made. A number of additional recommendations were made, which are being implemented.
“Sappi has put the necessary controls in place. If any member of the local community believes that the UBMA block makers have in some way fallen short of their commitments, Sappi urges them to bring such issues to its attention so that they can be investigated and remedied. All parties are committed to ensure that a waste material can be used by the local community to generate economic and social benefit in a responsible and sustainable manner. As problems or concerns arise they will be addressed to ensure that the process is not again interrupted,” said Schwalbach.
