FEZILE DABI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Transcription

1 FEZILE DABI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN SEPTEMBER

2 REPORT AUTHORS Nicola Walton Loren Webster - Gondwana Environmental Solutions (Pty) Ltd - Gondwana Environmental Solutions (Pty) Ltd 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Geographic Overview Methodological Approach for the development of an Air Quality Management Plan for Fezile Dabi District Local Air Quality Management Plans Outline of Report POLICY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Air Pollution Prevention Act 45 of National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of Legislation for Local Government Local Air Quality By-Laws Ambient Air Quality Guidelines and Standards National Ambient Air Quality Standards Listed Activities and Minimum Emission Standards METEOROLOGICAL OVERVIEW AND AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OF FEZILE DABI DISTRICT Macroscale Air Circulations Mesoscale Air Circulations Local Wind Field Temperature Precipitation Current Ambient Air Quality Situation Ambient Particulate Concentrations Diurnal Concentrations Sulphur Dioxide Concentrations Diurnal Concentrations Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations Diurnal Concentrations STATUS QUO OF THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN FEZILE DABI DISTRICT Baseline Emissions Inventory Industries Domestic Fuel Burning Transportation Agriculture Biomass Burning Waste Treatment and Disposal Summary of Air Pollution Sources in the District Predicted Ambient Air Quality in Fezile Dabi District Gap Analysis AIR QUALITY PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES WITHIN PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Government Structure and Functions Provincial Level District Level Local Level Air Quality Management Tools Complaints Response Database Emissions Inventory Database Dispersion Modelling Software Data Reporting Practices PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES ANALYSIS Small Industries

4 Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Scheduled and Mining Processes Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Domestic Fuel Burning Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Vehicle Emissions Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Agriculture and Biomass Burning Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Landfills Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives Air Quality Management Capacity Problem Analysis Causes Effects Objectives CAPACITY BUILDING WITHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT Human Resources Air Quality Management Tools Emissions Inventory Database Dispersion Modelling Software Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Financial Implications EMISSION REDUCTION INTERVENTIONS Small Industries Proposed Interventions Mining Operations Proposed Interventions Petrochemical Industry Sasol Emission Reduction Commitments NATREF Emission Reduction Commitments OMNIA Fertilizer Emission Reduction Commitments Proposed Interventions Power Generation Eskom Emission Reduction Commitments Proposed Interventions Domestic Fuel Burning National Government Interventions

5 Proposed Interventions Transportation National Government Interventions Proposed Interventions Agriculture Proposed Interventions Biomass Burning Proposed Interventions Waste Treatment and Disposal Proposed Interventions RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Pollutants, Sources and Impact Areas Capacity Building within Government Air Quality Management Tools Emission Reduction Interventions Industries Domestic Fuel Burning Transportation Agriculture and Biomass Burning REFERENCES APPENDIX A CRITERIA POLLUTANTS AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH IMPACTS A.1 Human Health Impacts A.1.1 Particulate Matter A.1.2 Sulphur dioxide A.1.3 Nitrogen dioxide A.1.4 Ozone A.1.5 Carbon monoxide A.1.6 Volatile Organic Compounds

6 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Local Municipalities of Fezile Dabi District Municipality Figure 2: Population density of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality (Census 2001) Figure 3: Topography of Fezile Dabi District Municipality Figure 4: Diurnal variation of local winds on slopes (after Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000). 36 Figure 5: Diurnal variation of local winds in valleys (after Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000)..37 Figure 6: Period surface wind roses for Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]) Figure 7: Figure 8: Figure 9: Figure 10: Diurnal wind roses (00:00 06:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]) Diurnal wind roses (06:00 12:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]) Diurnal wind roses (12:00 18:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]) Diurnal wind roses (18:00 24:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]) Figure 11: Maximum and minimum temperature ( C) for Kroonstad for the period Figure 12: Average monthly rainfall (mm) for Kroonstad for the period Figure 13: Location of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in the District Figure 14: Figure 15: Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at Makalu for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m Figure 16: Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at Zamdela for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m Figure 17: Diurnal PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations Figure 18: Figure 19: Figure 20: Daily average SO 2 concentrations (pbb) at Makalu for The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb Daily average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb.56 Daily average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at Zamdela for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb Figure 21: Diurnal SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations...58 Figure 22: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (pbb) at Makalu for

7 Figure 23: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period Figure 24: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at Zamdela for the period Figure 25: Diurnal NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations...63 Figure 26: Spatial distribution of industrial sources in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Figure 27: Household coal usage in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Figure 28: Figure 29: Contribution by Local Municipality to the total domestic fuel burning emissions of SO 2 (top left), NO (top right) and PM10 (bottom) Contribution by Local Municipalities to the total vehicle emissions of SO 2 (top left), NO (top right) and PM10 (bottom) Figure 30: Biomes of South Africa (National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, 2004) Figure 31: South African Municipalities classified according to four levels of veld fire risk (Kruger et al., 2006) Figure 32: Spatial distribution of fires in Fezile Dabi District Municipality for Figure 33: Location of waste disposal sites in Fezile Dabi District Municipality (for sites where co-ordinates were obtained) Figure 34: Highest daily average PM10 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Figure 35: Annual average PM10 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Figure 36: Highest hourly average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Figure 37: Highest daily average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Figure 38: Annual average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Figure 39: Organisational structure for Air Quality Management in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Figure 40: Problem Tree for Small Industries Figure 41: Objectives Tree for Small Industries Figure 42: Problem Tree for Scheduled and Mining Processes Figure 43: Objectives Tree for Scheduled and Mining Processes Figure 44: Problem Tree for Domestic Fuel Burning Figure 45: Objectives Tree for Domestic Fuel Burning Figure 46: Problem Tree for Vehicles Figure 47: Objective Tree for Vehicles Figure 48: Problem Tree for Agriculture and Biomass Burning Figure 49: Objectives Tree for Agriculture and Biomass Burning Figure 50: Problem Tree for Landfills Figure 51: Objective Tree for Landfills Figure 52: Problem Tree for Air Quality Management Capacity Figure 53: Objectives Tree for Air Quality Management Capacity Figure 54: The Basa Njengo Magogo fire-lighting Method (left) and classical fire lighting method (right)

8 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Population per Local Municipality in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 2: Table 3: Air quality responsibilities and functions of National, Provincial and Local Government National standards (µg/m 3 ) with allowable frequencies of exceedance for immediate compliance. The values indicated in blue are expressed in ppb Table 4: Meteorological stations in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 5: Number of exceedances of the National daily PM10 standard at all stations over the respective monitoring periods Table 6: Highest hourly, daily and annual average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold Table 7: Number of exceedances of the National hourly (top) and daily (bottom) SO 2 standards at all stations over the respective monitoring periods Table 8: Highest hourly, daily and annual average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold Table 9: Number of exceedances of the National hourly NO 2 standard at all stations over the respective monitoring periods Table 10: Highest hourly, daily and annual average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold Table 11: Types of scheduled processes in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 12: Summary of Industrial Sources in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 13: Household fuel usage in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 14: Emission factors for domestic fuel burning (FRIDGE, 2004) Table 15: Vehicle sales per licencing district in Fezile Dabi District for the period Table 16: Fuel sales per magisterial district within Fezile Dabi District for January December Table 17: Highveld emission factors for petrol vehicles (Wong and Dutkiewicz, 1998) Table 18: Highveld emission factors for diesel vehicles (Stone, 2000) Table 19: Burned area using number of detected fires as a proxy Table 20: Waste Disposal Facilities in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 21: Waste water treatment works in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Table 22: Air pollution sources and their associated emissions in Fezile Dabi District Table 23: Table 24: Air quality responsibilities of Fezile Dabi District Municipality as per the National Requirements Approximate costs for the appointment of air quality personnel in Fezile Dabi District Municipality

9 Table 25: Table 26: Table 27: Table 28: Approximate costs for emissions inventory and dispersion modeling software and hardware Approximate costs for the installation, operation and maintenance of a complete ambient air quality monitoring station for a period of one year Proposed emission reduction strategies for small industries within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for mining operations within the Fezile Dabi District Table 29: NATREF emission reductions since Table 30: Table 31: Table 32: Table 33: Table 34: Table 35: Table 36: Proposed emission reduction strategies for the petrochemical industry within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for the power generation industry within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for domestic fuel burning within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for transportation within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for agriculture within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for biomass burning within the Fezile Dabi District Proposed emission reduction strategies for waste treatment and disposal within the Fezile Dabi District

10 ABBREVIATIONS AEL - Atmospheric Emission License AFIS - Advanced Fire Information System APPA - Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Act No.45 of 1965) NEM(AQA) - National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004) AQO - Air Quality Officer AQM - Air Quality Management AQMP - Air Quality Management Plan C 6 H 6 - Benzene CAPCO - Chief Air Pollution Control Officer CBOs - Community Based Organisations CH 4 - Methane CO - Carbon monoxide CO 2 - Carbon dioxide CSIR - Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research DEA - Department of Environmental Affairs DMR - Department of Mineral Resources DWA - Department of Water Affairs FDDM - Fezile Dabi District Municipality GIS - Geographical Information Systems GGP - Gross Geographic Product H 2 O - Water H 2 S - Hydrogen sulphide IDP - Integrated Development Plan LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas LSF - Low sulphur fuels MODIS - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer NAAMSA National Automobile Association of South Africa NGO - Non-Governmental Organisation NH 3 - Ammonia NO - Nitrous oxide NO 2 - Nitrogen dioxide NO x - Oxides of nitrogen O 3 - Ozone Pb - Lead PM10 - Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm PM2.5 - Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm PPB - Parts per billion PPM - Parts per million SAAQIS - South African Air Quality Information System SABS - South African Bureau of Standards 10

11 SANS - South African National Standards SANAS - South African National Accreditation Services SoER - State of the Environment Report SO 2 - Sulphur dioxide SO x - Oxides of sulphur µg/m³ - Micrograms per cubic meter USEPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency VEP - Vehicle Emissions Project VOC - Volatile Organic Compounds VTAPA - Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area WHO - World Health Organisation 11

12 1. INTRODUCTION Chapter 3, Section 15 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (AQA) requires Municipalities to introduce Air Quality Management Plans (AQMP) that set out what will be done to achieve the prescribed air quality standards. Municipalities are required to include an AQMP as part of its Integrated Development Plan as contemplated in Chapter 5 of the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). Fezile Dabi District Municipality (FDDM) is located in the northern part of the Free State Province in South Africa. Fezile Dabi is comprised of four Local Municipalities, namely, Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe. Metsimaholo forms part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area. The District comprises of several air pollution sources including heavy industries, a refinery, a power station, motor vehicles, small industries as well as households using coal for domestic fuel burning purposes. The overall project objective is to develop an Air Quality Management Plan for Fezile Dabi District Municipality in accordance with the provisions of the Air Quality Act and the manual for developing Air Quality Management Plan s in South Africa. This Plan seeks to identify and reduce the negative impacts on human health and the environment, and ultimately through vigorous implementation, the Air Quality Management Plan should efficiently and effectively bring air quality in the District Municipality into sustainable compliance with National air quality standards within agreed timeframes. The immediate project objectives of the Fezile Dabi District Air Quality Management Plan are: a) The Participation Objective to ensure the FDDM AQMP is developed in accordance with the spirit and letter of the cooperative and participatory governance requirements and principles contained in Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the National Environmental Management Act, the Integrated Pollution and Waste Management Policy and the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act. b) The Planning Objective to ensure the FDDM AQMP is based on current, accurate and relevant information, informed by best practices in the field of air 12

13 quality management and that it provides a clear and practical plan to effectively and efficiently bring air quality in the area into sustainable compliance with National ambient air quality standards within agreed timeframes. c) The Capacity Development Objective to ensure the District Municipality is capacitated in preparation for the implementation of the FDDM AQMP and to be able to effectively and efficiently manage the implementation process. In order to meet these objectives, the immediate goals are: - a) A Problem Analysis to determine pollution sources, ambient pollutant concentrations and the potential for human health effects in the Fezile Dabi District, b) A Strategy Analysis to develop problem and objectives trees for identified problems, c) Intervention Descriptions to identify and describe interventions with feasible timeframes for implementation, d) An Air Quality Management Plan for Fezile Dabi District Municipality. 13

14 1.1 Geographic Overview Fezile Dabi District Municipality covers an area of approximately m 2. The four Local Municipalities of Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe fall within the District (Figure 1). The four Municipalities are made up of fifteen urban centres and surrounding rural areas of which Kroonstad, Parys, Sasolburg and Frankfort form the main centres. Figure 1: Local Municipalities of Fezile Dabi District Municipality. The prominent economic activities in Fezile Dabi District are industry, mining, agriculture and tourism. The Petrochemical industry in and around Fezile Dabi s largest town, Sasolburg, constitutes 49% of the District s Gross Geographic Product (GGP). This sector includes the production of synthetic rubber, plastics, pure and impure waxes as well as agro-chemicals. Coal, diamonds and gold mining is also an important economic activity for the region, contributing 6.7% to the GGP of the area. Much of the Fezile Dabi landscape is dominated by agricultural activities. The district produces a considerable 14

15 percentage of South Africa s grain crop, including maize, wheat and sunflowers. The frost free climate is also suited to the cultivation of tobacco, sorghum and peanuts while livestock farming for dairy, beef, wool and mutton production is also popular throughout the area. Agricultural activities contribute 5.3% to the GGP of the Free State, making it the third biggest contributor to the economy of the province, after mining and tourism. The district serves as an important tourist destination as it is rich in Afrikaans history and is host to South Africa s 7 th world heritage site, the Vredefort Dome which is the world s largest and oldest meteorite crater. The area is also home to numerous nature reserves as well as the Vaal Dam which is the main source of water to South Africa s industrial heartland. Based on the Census 2001, Fezile Dabi District has a total population of approximately (Table 1). The most recent Community Survey in February 2007 shows a 3% population growth rate in the District, with a total population of approximately Moqhaka Local Municipality, which includes the towns of Kroonstad, Steynsrus, Vierfontein and Viljoenskroon has the largest population in the District Municipality (36%). Metsimaholo Local Municipality, which has the second largest population (33%) in the District, experienced a growth rate of 33% from 2001 to Ngwathe Local Municipality has 20% of the population in the District and includes the towns of Parys, Koppies, Heilbron and Edenville. The smallest population group (11%) is found in Mafube Local Municipality. Both Ngwathe and Mafube experienced a negative growth rate (-20% and -7%, respectively) from 2001 to The spatial distribution of the population in Fezile Dabi District is given in Figure 2. Table 1: Population per Local Municipality in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Local Municipality Census 2001 Community Survey 2007 % Growth Rate Mafube Metsimaholo Moqhaka Ngwathe Total

16 Figure 2: Population density of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality (Census 2001). The terrain of the Fezile Dabi District is similar to that of the entire Free State Province in that it is predominately characterized by flat boundless plains. A gradual increase in elevation from the western border to the eastern border is evident. Altitude in the western extremity of the Fezile Dabi region is estimated at 1290 m while ground level along the opposing eastern border is estimated at 1660 m. The partial ring of hills along the north-western border clearly depicts the Vredefort Dome in the vicinity of Parys and Vredefort (Figure 3). 16

17 Figure 3: Topography of Fezile Dabi District Municipality. 1.2 Methodological Approach for the development of an Air Quality Management Plan for Fezile Dabi District The development of an Air Quality Management Plan for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality was undertaken in a phased approach, which included a Problem Analysis, Strategy Analysis, Interventions Descriptions, an Air Quality Management Plan as well as ongoing consultation with all key stakeholders in the District. Problem Analysis A Problem Analysis was undertaken as part of the first phase of the Plan which included a detailed baseline assessment of the meteorological conditions and the ambient air quality situation in the District. Meteorological data was obtained from various agencies including the South African Weather Services, the Agricultural Research Institute and 17

18 Government. Ambient air quality monitoring data was obtained from monitoring stations operated by National Government and industries within Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Ambient pollutants recorded include particulates (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Ambient air quality monitoring is not undertaken in any of the other Local Municipalities. An emissions inventory was compiled for air pollution sources in the District with specific focus on quantifiable sources such as industries, vehicles and domestic fuel burning. The development of an emissions inventory of industrial sources was initiated by the District Municipality during the development of the Plan. Information for industrial sources within Metsimaholo Local Municipality has already been collated as part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Air Quality Management Plan. For sources such as vehicles and domestic fuel burning, use was made of international and local emission factors to estimate emissions. Vehicle traffic counts were obtained from Mikros Traffic Monitoring for major roads and highways in the District. The composition of the vehicle fleet on the roads was based on vehicle sales per region as obtained from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). Fuel sales per magisterial district were obtained from the Department of Mineral Resources. For domestic fuel burning, household fuel usage was obtained from the Census 2001 and Community Survey databases. Other sources such as agriculture, biomass burning and waste disposal sites are discussed but not quantified due to the availability of accurate, current information for these sources. Within the District as a whole, air pollution sources, in particular, large industrial operations, occur predominantly within Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Use was therefore made of dispersion modeling simulations undertaken for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Air Quality Management Plan for this region. Further modeling studies were not required given the nature (small, non-scheduled processes) and distribution of industries within other areas in the District. The current capacity of Government (Local, District and Province) for air quality management and control was also evaluated in terms of personnel, skills, resources and tools. Recommendations to address the identified shortages in Government for air quality management were given. 18

19 Strategy Analysis The second phase included the development of problem and objective trees for identified problem complexes. Seven problem complexes were identified in the District and include: small industries, scheduled and mining processes, domestic fuel burning, transportation, agriculture and biomass burning, landfills and air quality management capacity. The Logical Framework Approach was applied to each of the above mentioned problem complexes. Intervention Descriptions Emission reduction strategies were proposed for the major source contributors with achievable timeframes associated with each intervention. Emission reduction measures identified as part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan for industrial sources in Metsimaholo Local Municipality were included in this plan to prevent duplication. Air Quality Management Plan The development of the Air Quality Management Plan for Fezile Dabi District incorporated the findings from the Problem Analysis, Strategy Analysis and Intervention Descriptions. An overview of National air quality legislation as well as legislation influencing Local Government is provided. Recommendations are also made for the implementation of an air quality monitoring programme in the District. Stakeholder Engagement Ongoing throughout the development of the Air Quality Management Plan is stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of the Plan. Monthly stakeholder meetings were held in the District including representatives from each sphere of Government. Two public participation meetings were held in June 2010 in Sasolburg and Kroonstad, respectively, and included representatives from Government, Industry and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). 19

20 1.3 Local Air Quality Management Plans The Air Quality Act aims to provide reasonable measures to prevent air pollution and give effect to Section 24 of the Constitution. The Air Quality Act states that local authorities are required to develop AQMPs as part of their Integrated Development Plans. Within South Africa, various Municipalities have addressed their responsibilities and developed AQMPs, including Rustenburg Local Municipality (2005), Capricorn District Municipality (2006), Eden District Municipality (2008), City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (2003), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (2004), City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality (2006), City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (2006), ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality (2007), Cape Winelands District Municipality (2008) and Waterberg District Municipality (2009). Chapter 4, Section 18 of the Air Quality Act also makes provision for the identification of priority areas where the air quality is regarded as poor and detrimental to human health and the environment. The Vaal Triangle was declared the first priority area in South Africa by the Minister of Environmental Affairs on the 21 st of April Once declared, a Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan must be developed within 6 months after declaration. The Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan was the first Air Quality Management Plan to be developed for a priority area in South Africa. Metsimaholo Local Municipality falls within the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area. The Highveld was declared the second priority area by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on the 23 rd of November The Highveld Priority Air Quality Management Plan is currently in the process of being developed. 1.4 Outline of Report Section 2 describes the policy and legislative requirements with specific reference to air quality legislation and the National air quality standards. Section 3 provides an overview of the prevailing meteorological conditions in the District as well as an assessment of the current air quality situation. The baseline assessment, which includes the development of an emissions inventory, dispersion modeling predictions and gap analysis, is presented in Section 4. The capacity for air quality management and control within Fezile Dabi District is given in Section 5. The problem and objectives trees for the seven identified problem complexes are outlined in Section 6 with the required human 20

21 resources and air quality tools described in Section 7. Emissions reduction strategies to be implemented in Fezile Dabi District are outlined in Section 8. The recommendations and conclusions are summarized in Section 9. 21

22 2. POLICY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 2.1. Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 45 of 1965 The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 45 of 1965 (APPA) focused mainly on source based control with registration certificates issued for Scheduled Processes. Scheduled Processes are defined as processes which emit more than a defined quantity of pollutants per year. This legislation made provision for the control of noxious or offensive gases from Scheduled Processes which are subject to the Best Practicable Means (BPM) of pollution abatement. BPM is a set of guidelines issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) stipulating the level of technology that is the best practicable means of preventing or reducing to a minimum the escape of noxious or offensive gases into the atmosphere at source. The Chief Air Pollution Control Officer (CAPCO) of DEA was responsible for the implementation of the BPM approach. Control of smoke emissions was enforced by local authorities through regulation and smoke control zones. Dust emissions from mining and quarrying activities were also controlled and enforced by the CAPCO as well as by the Department of Minerals and Energy through the inspection of mines. Provision was also made for the control of vehicle exhaust emissions. However, APPA is outdated and is being replaced with the Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (AQA) which came into effect on 11 September Section 60 of AQA repeals APPA but provision is made for sections of APPA to remain in force pending the establishment of appropriate systems and services introduced by AQA and for different provisions of AQA to come into effect at different times National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 has shifted the approach of air quality management from source-based control to receptor-based control. The main objectives of the Act are to: Give effect to everyone s right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being Protect the environment by providing reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation, (ii) promote conservation 22

23 and (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development The Act makes provision for the setting and formulation of national ambient air quality standards for substances or mixtures of substances which present a threat to health, well-being or the environment. More stringent standards can be established at the provincial and local levels. The control and management of emissions in AQA relates to the listing of activities that are sources of emission and the issuing of emission licences. Listed activities are defined as activities which result in atmospheric emissions and are regarded to have a significant detrimental effect on the environment, including human health will be identified by the minister of DEA. Once published, atmospheric emission standards will be established for each of these activities and an atmospheric emission licence will be required to operate. The issuing of emission licences for Listed Activities will be the responsibility of the metropolitan and district municipalities. In addition, the minister may declare any substance contributing to air pollution as a priority pollutant. Any industries or industrial sectors that emit these priority pollutants will be required to implement a Pollution Prevention Plan. Municipalities are required to designate an air quality officer to be responsible for co-ordinating matters pertaining to air quality management in the Municipality. The appointed Air Quality Officer will be responsible for amongst others, the issuing of atmospheric emission licences. The Act also introduces the compulsory monitoring of ambient air quality. The national framework will legislate protocols, standards and methodologies for monitoring. The Act also requires relevant national departments, provinces and municipalities to introduce Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) that set out what will be done to achieve the prescribed air quality standards. Metropolitan, District and Local Municipalities are required to include an AQMP as part of its Integrated Development Plan. The content of such air quality management plans is prescribed in terms of section 16(1) of the NEM: AQA. An air quality plan must, as a minimum contain the following components: To give effect, in respect of air quality, to Chapter 3 of NEMA to the extent that that Chapter is applicable to it; To improve air quality; 23

24 To identify and reduce the negative impact on human health and the environment of poor air quality; To address the effects of emissions from the use of fossil fuels in residential applications; To address the effects of emissions from industrial sources; To address the effects of emissions from any point or non-point source of air pollution other than those listed; To implement South Africa s obligations in respect of international agreements; To give effect to best practice in air quality management; Describe how the relevant national department, province or municipality will implement its air quality management plan; and Comply with requirements as may be prescribed by the Minister. Reporting frequency is prescribed in terms of Section 17 of the NEM:AQA. The annual report which an organ of state must submit in terms of section 16(1)(b) of the NEMA must contain information on the implementation of its air quality management plan, including information on the following: Air quality management initiatives undertaken by it during the reporting period; The level of its compliance with ambient air quality standards; Measures taken by it to secure compliance with those standards; It s compliance with any priority area air quality management plans applicable to it; It s air quality monitoring activities. A summary of the functions and responsibilities of National, Provincial and Local Government, as informed by the new Air Quality Act and the National Framework for Air Quality Management in the Republic of South Africa, are given in Table 2. 24

25 Table 2: Air quality responsibilities and functions of National, Provincial and Local Government. National Government Provincial Government Local Government Establish and review National Framework Identify National priority pollutants Establish National air quality standards Establish National emission standards Appoint National Air Quality Officer Prepare a National AQMP as a component of their EIP Execute overarching auditing function to ensure that adequate air quality monitoring occurs None Identify Provincial priority pollutants Establish Provincial air quality standards (stringent than national standards) Establish Provincial emission standards (stringent) Appoint Provincial Air Quality Officer Prepare a Provincial AQMP as a component of their EIP Ambient air quality monitoring None Identify priority pollutants (in terms of its by-laws) Establish Local air quality standards (more stringent) Establish Local emission standards (stringent than both spheres) Appoint Air Quality Officer Develop an AQMP as part of their IDPs Ambient air quality monitoring Declare National priority areas Declare Provincial priority areas None Prepare National priority areas AQMP Prepare an annual report regarding the implementation of the AQMP Prescribe regulations for implementing and enforcing the priority area AQMP Prepare Provincial priority areas AQMP Prepare an annual report regarding the implementation of the AQMP Prescribe regulations for implementing and enforcing the priority area AQMP None Prepare an annual report regarding the implementation of the AQMP None List activities List activities None Assist in matters relating to emission licensing Perform emission licensing authority functions Perform emission licensing authority functions Declare controlled emitters Declare controlled emitters None Declare and set requirements for controlled fuels Set requirements for pollution prevention plans Prescribe measures for the control of dust, noise and odours Investigate and regulate transboundary pollution Declare and set requirements for controlled fuels Establish a programme of public recognition of significant achievement in air pollution prevention Prescribe measures for the control of dust, noise and odours None None None None None 25

26 Investigate potential international agreement contraventions None None 2.3. Legislation for Local Government The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, together with the Municipal Structures Act, establishes local government as an autonomous sphere of government with specific powers and functions as defined by the Constitution. Section 155 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of Category A, B and C municipalities which each has different levels of municipal executive and legislative authorities. According to Section 156(1) of the Constitution, a municipality has the executive authority in respect of, and has the right to, administer the local government matters (listed in Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5) that deal with air pollution. Section 156(2) makes provision for a municipality to make and administer by-laws for the effective administration of any matters which it has the right to administer as long as it does not conflict with national or provincial legislation. The Municipal Systems Act as read with the Municipal Financial Management Act requires municipalities to budget for and provide proper atmospheric environmental services. In terms of the National Health Act 61 of 2003, municipalities are expected to appoint a health officer who is required to investigate any state of affairs that may lead to a contravention of Section 24(a) of the Constitution. Section 42(a) states that each person has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000, in conjunction with Section 32 of the Constitution, entitles everyone to the right of access to any information held by government and private individuals. The relevance of the right to information is that government, industry and private individuals can be compelled, through court proceedings if required, to make information available regarding the state of the atmosphere and pollution. The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 which was introduced by the State to give effect to Section 33 of the Constitution provides everyone with the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair and the right to be given written reasons when rights have been adversely affected by administrative action. 26

27 2.4. Local Air Quality By-Laws Section 156(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa makes provision for a Local Municipality to make and administer by-laws for the effective administration of the matters which it has the right to administer so long as such by-laws do not conflict with National or Provincial legislation. Within the Fezile Dabi District, no current air quality by-laws have been established at either the District or Local levels. Air pollution control is addressed in the Municipal Health Services by-laws published in the Government Gazette on 27 March This by-law applies to the regulation of smoke emissions from fuel burning appliances and dwellings, emissions from open burning and vehicles as well as nuisance-related emissions. Regulations for fuel burning appliances include: 1) Prohibition dark smoke shall not be emitted any premises for an aggregate period exceeding three minutes during any continuous period of thirty minutes, 2) Installation of fuel-burning equipment No person shall install, alter, extend or replace any fuel-burning equipment on any premises without the prior written authorization of the Council, which may only be given after consideration of the relevant plans and specifications, 3) Operation of fuel-burning equipment No person shall use or operate any fuelburning equipment on any premises contrary to the authorization referred to in section 145(1), 4) Installation and operation of obscuration measuring equipment Council or an authorized person may give notice to any operator of fuel-burning equipment or any owner or occupier of premises on which fuel-burning equipment is used or operated, or intended to be used or operated, to install, maintain and operate obscuration measuring equipment at his or her own cost. Regulations for compressed ignition powered vehicles include: 1) Prohibition No person may on a public road drive or use, or cause to be driven or used, a compressed ignition powered vehicle that emits dark smoke, 2) Stopping of vehicles for inspection and testing In order to enable an Council or an authorized person to enforce the provisions of this Part, the driver of a vehicle 27

28 must comply with any reasonable direction given by an authorized person: (a) to stop the vehicle; and (b) to facilitate the inspection or testing of the vehicle, 3) Testing procedure An authorized person must use the free acceleration test method in order to determine whether a compressed ignition powered vehicle is being driven or used in contravention of section 153(1), 4) Repair notice A repair notice must direct the owner of the vehicle to repair the vehicle within a specified period of time, and to take the vehicle to a place identified in the notice for re-testing before the expiry of that period. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has developed a generic air pollution control by-law for Municipalities. It is recommended that an air quality by-law for the Fezile Dabi District should be modeled on these by-laws Ambient Air Quality Guidelines and Standards Guidelines provide a basis for protecting public health from adverse effects of air pollution and for eliminating, or reducing to a minimum, those contaminants of air that are known or likely to be hazardous to human health and well-being (WHO, 2000). Once the guidelines are adopted as standards, they become legally enforceable. Air quality guidelines and standards can be developed for the following averaging periods, namely an instantaneous peak, 1-hour average, 24-hour average, 1-month average and annual average. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), in collaboration with DEA, established ambient air quality standards for criteria pollutants. Two standards were published as part of this process: SANS 69: Framework for setting and implementing national ambient air quality standards SANS 1929: Ambient Air Quality - Limits for common pollutants SANS 69 defines the basic principles of a strategy for air quality management in South Africa. This standard supports the establishment and implementation of ambient air 28

29 quality objectives for the protection of human health and the environment. Such air quality objectives include: Limit values - to be based on scientific knowledge, with the aim of avoiding, preventing or reducing harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole. Limit values are to be attained within a given period and are not to be exceeded once attained. Target values - to be set to avoid harmful long-term effects on human health and the environment. Target values represent long-term goals to be pursued through cost-effective progressive methods. At these values, pollutants are either harmless or unlikely to be reduced through expending further reasonable cost on abatement due to background sources or other factors. Alert thresholds - refer to levels beyond which there is a risk to human health from brief exposure. The exceedance of such thresholds necessitates immediate steps. The SANS 1929 standard sets limit values based on human health effects of SO 2, PM10, NO x, O 3, Pb and C 6 H 6 concentrations National Ambient Air Quality Standards The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism issued ambient air quality guidelines for several criteria pollutants, including particulates, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, lead, ozone and carbon monoxide. The Air Quality Act of 2004 adopted these guidelines as National ambient air quality standards. On 2 June 2006, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism announced his intention of setting new ambient air quality standards in terms of Section 9(1)(a) and (b) of the Air Quality Act. The proposed new standards were published for public comment in the Government Gazette of 9 June 2006 with revised National standards, including allowable frequencies of exceedance and compliance timeframes, published for comment on 13 March On 25 December 2009, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs established National ambient air quality standards (Table 3). 29

30 Table 3: National standards (µg/m 3 ) with allowable frequencies of exceedance for immediate compliance. The values indicated in blue are expressed in ppb. Pollutant Averaging Period Concentration Frequency of Exceedance 10-min average 500 (191) 526 Sulphur dioxide SO 2 1-hr average 350 (134) hr average 125 (48) 4 Annual average 50 (19) 0 Nitrogen dioxide NO 2 Carbon monoxide CO Ozone O 3 Particulate Matter PM10 Lead Pb Benzene C 6 H 6 1-hr average 200 (106) 88 Annual average 40 (21) 0 1-hr average (26 000) 88 8-hourly running average 8-hourly running average (8 700) (61) hr average Annual average 50 0 Annual average Annual average 10 (3.2) Listed Activities and Minimum Emission Standards In terms of Section 57 (1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act of 2004, listed activities and associated minimum emission standards were published in the Government Gazette on 31 March All identified listed activities will require an Atmospheric Emission Licence to operate. Listed activities have been identified to include: 30

31 Category 1: Combustion Installations (1) Subcategory 1.1: Solid fuel combustion installations (2) Subcategory 1.2: Liquid fuel combustion (3) Subcategory 1.3: Solid biomass combustion installations (4) Subcategory 1.4: Gas combustion installation Category 2: Petroleum Industry (1) Subcategory 2.1: Combustion installations (2) Subcategory 2.2: Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products (3) Subcategory 2.3: Industrial fuel oil recyclers Category 3: Carbonization and Coal Gasification (1) Subcategory 3.1: Combustion installation (2) Subcategory 3.2: Coke production and coal gasification (3) Subcategory 3.3: Tar production (4) Subcategory 3.4: Char, charcoal and carbon black production (5) Subcategory 3.5: Electrode paste production Category 4: Metallurgical Industry (1) Subcategory 4.1: Drying (2) Subcategory 4.2: Combustion installations (3) Subcategory 4.3: Primary aluminium production (4) Subcategory 4.4: Secondary aluminium production (5) Subcategory 4.5: Sinter plants (6) Subcategory 4.6: Basic oxygen furnace steel making (7) Subcategory 4.7: Electric arc furnace and steel making (primary and secondary) (8) Subcategory 4.8: Blast furnace operations (9) Subcategory 4.9: Ferro-alloy production (10) Subcategory 4.10: Foundries (11) Subcategory 4.11: Agglomeration operations (12) Subcategory 4.12: Pre-reduction and direct reduction (13) Subcategory 4.13: :Lead smelting (14) Subcategory 4.14: Production and processing of zinc, nickel and cadmium (15) Subcategory 4.15: Processing of arsenic, antimony, beryllium chromium and silicon 31

32 (16) Subcategory 4.16: Smelting and converting of sulphide ores (17) Subcategory 4.17: Precious and base metal production and refining (18) Subcategory 4.18: Vanadium ore processing (19) Subcategory 4.19: Production and casting of bronze and brass, and casting copper (20) Subcategory 4.20: Slag processes (21) Subcategory 4.21: Metal recovery (22) Subcategory 4.22: Hot dip galvanizing Category 5: Mineral Processing, Storage and Handling (1) Subcategory 5.1: Storage and handling of ore and coal (2) Subcategory 5.2: Clamp kiln for brick production (3) Subcategory 5.3: Cement production (using conventional fuels) (4) Subcategory 5.4: Cement production (using alternative fuels and/or resources) (5) Subcategory 5.5: Lime production (6) Subcategory 5.6: Glass and mineral wool production (7) Subcategory 5.7: Ceramic production (8) Subcategory 5.8: Macadam preparation (9) Subcategory 5.9: Alkali processes Category 6: Organic Chemicals Industry (1) Subcategory 6.1: Organic chemical manufacturing (2) Subcategory 6.2: Printing works Category 7: Inorganic Chemicals Industry (1) Subcategory 7.1: Primary production and use in manufacturing of ammonia, fluorine, and chlorine (2) Subcategory 7.2: Primary production of acids (3) Subcategory 7.3: Primary production of chemical fertilizer (4) Subcategory 7.4: Manufacturing activity involving the production, use in manufacturing or recovery of antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, selenium, not associated with the application of heat (5) Subcategory 7.5: Production of calcium carbide (6) Subcategory 7.6: Production of phosphorus and phosphate salts not mentioned elsewhere 32

33 Category 8: Disposal of Hazardous and General Waste Category 9: Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Activities, including By-Products Recovery (1) Subcategory 9.1: Lime recovery kiln (2) Subcategory 9.2: Alkali waste chemical recovery furnaces (3) Subcategory 9.3: Copeland alkali waste chemical recovery furnaces (4) Subcategory 9.4: Chlorine dioxide plant (5) Subcategory 9.5: Wood drying and the production of manufactured wood products Category 10: Animal Matter Processing 33

34 3. METEOROLOGICAL OVERVIEW AND AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OF FEZILE DABI DISTRICT An overview of the macroscale and mesoscale atmospheric circulations influencing airflow and the subsequent dispersion and dilution of pollutants is discussed. The local meteorological conditions in the District are evaluated using surface meteorological data from weather stations operated by various agencies including the South African Weather Service, Agricultural Research Institute, industry and National Government Macroscale Air Circulations The mean circulation of the atmosphere over southern Africa is anticyclonic throughout the year due to the dominance of three semi-permanent, subtropical high-pressure cells over the subcontinent. Seasonal changes in the intensity and position of the highpressure cells, together with the influence of the easterlies in the north and westerlies in the south, controls the climate of southern Africa. Synoptic circulations within the general circulation influence the everyday weather of southern Africa. Subtropical control of southern Africa is effected through the three semipermanent anticyclones, tropical control occurs through tropical easterly waves while temperate control occurs through travelling perturbations in the westerlies. Anticyclones centered over the subcontinent are associated with subsidence of air which produces clear, dry, stable conditions. The frequency of occurrence of anticyclones reaches a maximum over the interior plateau in June and July (79%) with a minimum during December (11%). Although the dominant effect of winter subsidence is such that the mean vertical motion is downward, weather occurs when uplift is produced by localized systems. Subsidence associated with anticyclones is conducive to the formation of absolutely stable layers in the troposphere that prevent the vertical transport of pollution. Over the interior plateau, three stable layers occur at 700 hpa, 500 hpa, 300 hpa respectively with another layer at 800 hpa between the plateau and the coast. On days when these stable layers occur, dense haze layers are evident (Tyson et al., 1996). Absolutely stable layers at the surface in the form of surface inversions develop due to cooling during the night. Surface inversions prevent the vertical distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere which can reduce visibility during the early morning. During the day, 34

35 the stable boundary layer is eroded away by heating and a mixing layer develops which may erode away the surface inversion (Tyson et al., 1988). Pollutants trapped below the surface inversion are then able to rise and disperse. Over southern Africa, semi-stationary easterly waves form in deep easterly currents in the vicinity of an easterly jet. The waves are barotropic (axes not displaced with height) and the perturbations take the form of open waves or closed lows which are evident near the surface. Surface convergence and upper air divergence to the east of the wave produces strong uplift, instability and the potential for precipitation. Ahead of and to the west surface divergence and upper air convergence occurs, ensuring clear, dry conditions. Easterly lows are deeper systems than easterly waves, with surface convergence through the 500 hpa level to the east and divergence to the west. Such phenomena are associated with copius rains if airflow has a northerly component. Tropical disturbances are mainly a summer phenomenon and peak during the summer months of December and February. Westerly waves are baroclinic, Rossby waves and are tilted westward with height. Westerly waves are associated with surface convergence and upper-level divergence which produce gentle uplift of air. Subsidence and stable conditions occur ahead of the trough with cloud and precipitation to the rear of the trough. Other disturbances in the westerlies include cut-off lows, southerly meridional flow, ridging anticyclones, westcoast troughs and cold fronts. Cold fronts occur together with westerly waves, depressions or cut-off lows. Cold fronts occur most frequently in winter and bring cool weather due to airflow from the south and south-west. Ahead of the front, northerly airflow is associated with divergence and subsidence that brings stable, clear conditions. Behind the front, southerly airflow, associated with low-level convergence causes cool conditions and rain (Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000). With the passage of a cold front, wind direction changes from north-west to west and south-west Mesoscale Air Circulations Air transport near the surface can either be induced by horizontal spatial discontinuities in temperature, pressure and density fields or by topographically induced local winds such as those on slopes and in valleys. Such mesoscale circulations have implications for the transport and recirculation of pollutants in an airshed. 35

36 On slopes, differential heating and cooling of the air produces local baroclinic fields (Figure 4). During the day, the absorption of radiation by the slopes warms the air near the surface, initiating low-level, up-slope anabatic flow with an upper-level return flow to complete the closed circulation. During the night, the mechanism and the circulation are reversed as surface cooling produces down-slope katabatic flow and its return flow. The formation of frost hollows and the accumulation of fog and pollutants are associated with down-slope flow (Atkinson, 1981). Figure 4: Diurnal variation of local winds on slopes (after Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000). Within valleys, local airflow is dependent on the geometry (depth and orientation) of valleys and the time of day or night (Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000). In valleys whose slopes are equally heated (east-west valleys), early morning circulations are up-slope and down-slope in the evening (Figure 5). During the day, up-valley valley winds occur with an upper-level anti-valley wind to complete the closed circulation. During the night, down-valley mountain winds and the return anti-mountain wind occur. In valleys at right angles to the rising and setting sun (north-south valleys), the flow patterns are similar except that a unicellular circulation is set up at sunrise and sunset. These wind fields control the transport and dispersion of low-level pollutants within valleys (Tyson et al., 1988). Nocturnal mountains winds can transport pollution long distances down valleys under stable conditions while daytime valley winds can effectively disperse and dilute pollution trapped within the valley. Valley winds dominate and are strongest in summer when heating is greatest while mountain winds dominate and are strongest in winter when cooling is strongest (Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000). 36

37 Figure 5: Diurnal variation of local winds in valleys (after Tyson and Preston-Whyte, 2000) Local Wind Field Characterisation of the wind field in the Fezile Dabi District was undertaken using surface meteorological data from available weather stations in the District. Surface meteorological data was obtained from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) only station in Kroonstad. The Agricultural Research Commission (ARC) operates a network of monitoring stations in the District as part of a larger National Meteorological Monitoring Network. Meteorological monitoring is also undertaken by various agencies in Metsimaholo Local Municipality including the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) which own a station in Zamdela and Sasol which operate five stations in Sasolburg. Meteorological data was also obtained from the decommissioned Makalu station previously owned by Eskom. Meteorological parameters were obtained from these stations for the period January 2006 December 2008 (given data availability for each station). A summary of the meteorological stations operated in the Fezile Dabi District is provided in Table 4. 37

38 Table 4: Meteorological stations in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Monitoring Agency Station Name Town/Farm Latitude ( S) Longitude ( E) Status Monitoring Period Parameters Measured Averaging Period Agricultural Research Council Bothaville - Doornhoutrivier Bothaville Active Ditsem Active Oct current Jan current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals 10 sec intervals Gladdedrift Klippoort Klippoort Active Jan current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals Koppies Koppies Active June 2000 current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals Midvaal: Zuikerbosch Zuikerbosch Active June 2004 Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals Moray Moray Active Aug current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals Rietpan Viljoenskroon Viljoenskroon Active Dec current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals Villiers Silo Villiers Active Dec current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 sec intervals DEA Zamdela Zamdela Active Mar current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Radiation, Rainfall 10 min intervals Eskom Makalu Decommis sioned Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Relative humidity, Sigma Theta Hourly 38

39 Monitoring Agency Station Name Town/Farm Latitude ( S) Longitude ( E) Status Monitoring Period Parameters Measured Averaging Period Sasol AJ Jacobs Sasolburg Active Present Wind speed, Wind direction 10 min intervals *Boiketlong Sasolburg Active Present Wind speed, Wind direction 10 min intervals Hospital Sasolburg Active Present Wind speed, Wind direction 10 min intervals *Steam Station Sasolburg Active Present Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Rainfall 10 min intervals Leitrum Sasolburg Active Present Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity 10 min intervals South African Weather Services Kroonstad Kroonstad Active current Wind speed, Wind direction, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Rainfall 5 min intervals Note: * Meteorological data to be obtained from Sasol for inclusion into the report. 39

40 Wind roses summarize the occurrence of winds at a location, representing their strength, direction and frequency. Calm conditions are defined as wind speeds less than 1 m.s -1. Each directional branch on a wind rose represents wind originating from that direction. Each directional branch is divided into segments of different colours which are representative of different wind speeds. Wind speed classes are represented as 1 2 m.s -1 (slow), 2 4 m.s -1 (moderate), 4 6 m.s -1 (strong) and > 6 m.s -1 (fast). Significant variation in the wind field is observed across the Fezile Dabi District (Figure 6). The wind field in the south-eastern parts of the District is characterised by moderate to strong airflow from the east, north-north-east and northerly directions at the Kroonstad station. A similar wind pattern is recorded at the Koppies station, located approximately 50 km inland to the northnorth-east of Kroonstad. Winds at the Rietpan station in Viljoenskroon originate predominantly from the north-north-west with faster winds recorded from the westerly sector. The Bothaville station in Doornhoutrivier shows a different wind field with moderate to fast winds from the northerly and easterly sectors. Airflow at both the Ditsem and Moray stations in the northern parts of the District is influenced by the nearby Vredefort Dome. Winds at Ditsem originate predominantly from the north-west with a decrease in wind speeds observed at this station. The Moray station, which is located within the Vredefort Dome, has winds frequently occurring from the west-north-west and the north-north-west. A number of meteorological stations can be found in Metsimaholo Local Municipality as various agencies undertake monitoring in and around the Sasolburg area. Despite their close proximity to each other, all the stations in the area have slightly different wind patterns. Slow to moderate winds are recorded at the AJ Jacobs and Hospital stations with an increase in wind speeds observed at the Leitrum station. Winds at AJ Jacobs originate from the north-east and northnorth-east with a shift to the east-north-east and west-north-west observed at the Hospital station. Fast winds originating from all sectors are recorded at Leitrum. The Makalu station, located 3.5 km to the north-east, has moderate to fast winds from the easterly and northerly sectors. Bordering Metsimaholo to the north is the Midvaal station which has winds originating from the east-north-east and north. In the eastern parts of the District, a similar wind pattern is observed at both Villiers and Gladdedrift, with winds occurring from the east and west. 40

41 To be obtained To be obtained Ditsem Moray AJ Jacobs Fenceline Hospital Steam Statioin eitrum L Bothaville Makalu Rietpan Midvaal Koppies Villiers Kroonstad Gladdedrift Figure 6: Period surface wind roses for Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]). 41

42 The diurnal variation of winds in Fezile Dabi District is given in Figure 7 - Figure 10. A distinct diurnal variation in wind patterns is observed at all the meteorological stations across the district. Winds originate from the easterly and northerly sectors during the night-time (18:00 06:00) and early morning (06:00 12:00) periods, with a distinct shift to the westerly and northerly sectors evident during the afternoon (12:00 18:00) period. An increase in wind speeds is also observed in the afternoon. As is usually observed, a lower percentage of calm conditions are recorded during the day-time with a higher percentage during the night-time. The diurnal shift in airflow is evident at Kroonstad as winds originate from the easterly and northerly directions during the night-time and the westerly and northerly directions during the day-time (afternoon). A similar shift in wind patterns is also observed at the inland Koppies station and at the Rietpan station in the western parts of the District. The Bothaville station to the far west shows a slightly different diurnal wind pattern, although the afternoon shift in wind direction is evident. The topographical influence of the Vredefort Dome is evident in the diurnal signature at both the Ditsem and Moray stations. Winds at Ditsem remain predominantly from the north-east over most time periods although winds shift to a more westerly and northerly direction and increase in speed during the afternoon period. The same effect is recorded at the Moray station with winds occurring predominantly from the west-north-west over most time periods, with winds from the westerly sector becoming more frequent in the afternoon period. In the northern parts of the district, in Metsimaholo Local Municipality, AJ Jacobs, Hospital, Leitrum, Makalu and Midvaal all reflect the same change in diurnal wind patterns. Villiers and Gladdedrift in the eastern parts of the district exhibit a strong diurnal signature as winds show a predominant east to west signature at these two stations. 42

43 Not obtained Not obtained Ditsem Moray AJ Jacobs Fenceline Hospital Steam Statioin eitrum L othaville B Makalu Rietpan Midvaal Koppies Villiers Kroonstad Gladdedrift Figure 7: Diurnal wind roses (00:00 06:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]). 43

44 Not obtained Not obtained Ditsem Moray AJ Jacobs Boiketlong Hospital Steam Statioin eitrum L othaville B Makalu Rietpan Midvaal Koppies Villiers Kroonstad Gladdedrift Figure 8: Diurnal wind roses (06:00 12:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]). 44

45 Not obtained Not obtained Ditsem Moray AJ Jacobs Boiketlong Hospital Steam Statioin eitrum L othaville B Makalu Rietpan Midvaal Koppies Villiers Kroonstad Gladdedrift Figure 9: Diurnal wind roses (12:00 18:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]). 45

46 Not obtained Not obtained Ditsem Moray AJ Jacobs Boiketlong Hospital Steam Statioin eitrum L thaville Bo Makalu Rietpan Midvaal Koppies Villiers Kroonstad Gladdedrift Figure 10: Diurnal wind roses (18:00 24:00) for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality for the period (except for the Eskom Makalu station [2004], ARC Ditsem station [2009] and Sasol stations [ ]). 46

47 Temperature The Free State Province experiences a continental climate, characterised by warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Long-term average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures for Kroonstad are given in Figure 11. Average maximum temperatures range from 29.7 C in January to 18.7 C in July in with average daily minima ranging from 15.9 C in January to -1.1 C in July. Figure 11: Maximum and minimum temperature ( C) for Kroonstad for the period Precipitation The Free State is a summer rainfall region, with summers being hot but experiencing most rainfall. Monthly average rainfall in Kroonstad varies between 99 mm in January and 5 mm in July (Figure 12). 47

48 Figure 12: Average monthly rainfall (mm) for Kroonstad for the period Current Ambient Air Quality Situation Limited air quality monitoring information is available in Fezile Dabi District as a whole, making it difficult to accurately quantify the current state of the air quality across the District. Continuous ambient air quality monitoring is limited to Metsimaholo Local Municipality with no other monitoring occurring in the other Local Municipalities. Reference is made to data obtained from existing and discontinued monitoring stations in the region. Ambient air quality monitoring has previously been undertaken by various industries in the region as well as more recently, by National Government. The location of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in the District is shown in Figure 13. Eskom operated a station in Makalu, approximately 12 km south-south-west of Lethabo Power Station between 1984 and This station was commissioned to assess the impacts from the Vaal and Highveld power stations but was found to be outside the maximum impact zone and subsequently decommissioned at the end of Sasol operate five complete monitoring stations in Sasolburg at AJ Jacobs, Sasolburg Hospital, Boiketlong, Leitrim and Steam Station. Sasolburg Hospital is located on the north-eastern border of Sasolburg residential area with AJ Jacobs School located in the 48

49 south-western suburbs. Boiketlong was decommissioned at the end of 2007 and relocated for fenceline monitoring purposes. Leitrum is situated on the border of the Zamdela residential area and the Steam Station site is located within the Sasolburg Chemical Industrial Complex. The Department of Environmental Affairs established and commissioned an ambient air quality monitoring station in Zamdela in February 2007 as part of a network of six monitoring stations in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area. This station measures a range of pollutant parameters including PM10, PM2.5, NO x, SO 2, CO and O 3 as well as a various meteorological parameters. Figure 13: Location of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations in the District. 49

50 Ambient Particulate Concentrations Eskom Makalu Station Ambient PM10 concentrations rarely exceed the National daily standard at the relatively remote Makalu station in 2004 (Figure 14). A maximum daily average concentration of 145 µg/m 3 was recorded over the 12 month period. Exceedances of the standard are observed when westerly and south south-westerly winds transport emissions from Sasol and the neighbouring residential areas such as Boiketlong and Zamdela. However, winds from these sectors have a low frequency of occurrence. Increased PM10 concentrations also coincide with airflow from the north-west and north north-west. Figure 14: Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at Makalu for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m Sasol Monitoring Network Elevated daily average PM10 concentrations are recorded at all stations over the monitoring period (Figure 15). PM10 concentrations increase during the autumn and winter months. Maximum concentrations are recorded at the Leitrum station where frequent exceedances of the standard are recorded (Table 5 and Table 6). Concentrations at the AJ Jacobs and Hospital stations exceed the standard on occasion. 50

51 These elevated ambient PM10 concentrations can be attributed to the combined impact of domestic fuel burning in Zamdela and the surrounding areas together with industrial emissions from Sasol. Figure 15: Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m DEA Zamdela Station Ambient PM10 concentrations at Zamdela frequently exceed the National daily standard (Figure 14) with a maximum concentration of µg/m 3 recorded in 2008 (Table 6). Higher concentrations are recorded at this station compared to the other monitoring stations. However, a similar trend in concentrations is recorded at both the Leitrum and Zamdela stations, given their close proximity to each other. 51

52 Figure 16: Daily average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at Zamdela for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 120 µg/m Diurnal Concentrations Diurnal PM10 concentrations are shown in Figure 17. A distinct diurnal signature is recorded in PM10 concentrations at Zamdela due to the use of domestic fuels for heating purposes in the early morning and evening periods. This same signature is also reflected in both the Sasol Leitrum and Eskom Makalu stations although a delay in the morning peaks is observed at both these stations. Given the close proximity of the Letirum and Zamdela stations to each other, it is interesting to note the difference in diurnal trends recorded at these stations. 52

53 Figure 17: Table 5: Diurnal PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations. Number of exceedances of the National daily PM10 standard at all stations over the respective monitoring periods. Monitoring Agency Station Daily PM10 Exceedances DEA Zamdela x AJ Jacobs x Sasol Hospital x Leitrum Eskom Makalu x x x x 53

54 Table 6: Highest hourly, daily and annual average PM10 concentrations (µg/m 3 ) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold. Monitoring Agency Station Highest Hourly Average Highest Daily Average Annual Average DEA Zamdela x x x AJ Jacobs x x x Sasol (1) Hospital x x x Leitrum Eskom (2) Makalu x x x x x x x x x x x x Notes: (1) Particulate monitoring at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum is from July December 2007, therefore highest daily average and annual average concentrations for 2007 are shown are for this period. (2) Makalu monitoring station was decommissioned in x Indicates that station was not operational - Indicates that data was not available 54

55 Sulphur Dioxide Concentrations Eskom Makalu Station Sulphur dioxide concentrations at Makalu are low and do not exceed the daily average standard (Figure 18) although it was approached on one occasion with a maximum daily average concentration of 47 ppb (124 µg/m 3 ). Increased SO 2 concentrations coincide with airflow from the north-west and north north-west which are indicative of emissions from Sasolburg s industrial area. The industrial signature evident in the diurnal concentrations at Makalu supports this (Figure 21). The contribution of Lethabo Power Station to SO 2 concentrations at Makalu is low due to the low frequency of occurrence of winds from the north and north-east. No seasonal variation is observed in SO 2 concentrations at Makalu due to its remote location. Figure 18: Daily average SO 2 concentrations (pbb) at Makalu for The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb. 55

56 Sasol Monitoring Network In the Sasolburg region, daily average SO 2 concentrations exceed the daily standard on several occasions over the monitoring period (Figure 19). Hourly average SO 2 concentrations also exceed the standard on numerous occasions at all stations (Table 7). Maximum hourly average concentrations fell in the range of ppb (Table 8) with maximum daily average concentrations of between ppb. Annual average concentrations ranged from ppb over the three year monitoring period. The highest hourly, daily and annual average concentrations occurred at AJ Jacobs due to the combined influence of industrial emissions and domestic fuel burning. A distinct seasonal signature in SO 2 concentrations is not observed at the stations in Sasolburg. This is indicative of a very strong industrial signature as industrial activity is less prone to seasonal cycles and therefore the observed SO 2 data is more indicative of industrial emissions. Higher concentrations are recorded at the Sasolburg stations compared to other industrial sites. Figure 19: Daily average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb. 56

57 DEA Zamdela Station Daily average SO 2 concentrations recorded at Zamdela fall below the daily standard over the monitoring period (Figure 20). Although maximum hourly average concentrations exceed the hourly standard, the recorded number of exceedances is in compliance within the allowable frequency of exceedance (Table 7 and Table 8). Figure 20: Daily average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at Zamdela for the period The red line represents the National daily standard of 48 ppb Diurnal Concentrations Diurnal SO 2 concentrations recorded at all stations show a similar diurnal trend, indicative of an overall regional impact in SO 2 concentrations (Figure 21). A combined industrial and domestic fuel burning signature is recorded within the Sasolburg region with a similar diurnal trend observed at all the monitoring stations. This combined source influence is also recorded at the remote Makalu station. This diurnal trend is associated with emissions from tall stacks. During the night-time, plumes from elevated sources emitting above or within the surface inversion are unable to reach ground level. Increased convection during the day-time erodes the surface inversion, promoting the down-mixing and entrainment of elevated plumes which result in the peak concentrations observed during this period. 57

58 Figure 21: Diurnal SO 2 concentrations (ppb) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations Table 7: Number of exceedances of the National hourly (top) and daily (bottom) SO 2 standards at all stations over the respective monitoring periods. Monitoring Agency Station Hourly SO 2 Exceedances DEA Zamdela x AJ Jacobs Sasol Hospital Leitrum Eskom Makalu x x x x Monitoring Agency Station Daily SO 2 Exceedances DEA Zamdela x AJ Jacobs Sasol Hospital Leitrum Eskom Makalu x x x x 58

59 Table 8: Highest hourly, daily and annual average SO 2 concentrations (ppb) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold. Monitoring Agency Station Highest Hourly Average Highest Daily Average Annual Average DEA Zamdela x x x AJ Jacobs Sasol Hospital Leitrum Eskom (1) Makalu x x x x x x x x x x x x Notes: (1) Makalu monitoring station was decommissioned in x Indicates that station was not operational - Indicates that data was not available 59

60 Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations Eskom Makalu Station Low NO 2 concentrations were recorded at the Eskom station in 2004 with no exceedances of the one hour average standard (Figure 22). Concentrations remain fairly constant over the monitoring period although a slight increase is observed during the months of June and September when stable conditions promote the stagnation of pollutants. Sources within the Sasolburg area are possible contributers to the increased NO 2 concentrations recorded at this remote station. Figure 22: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (pbb) at Makalu for Sasol Monitoring Network Ambient NO 2 concentrations recorded at the Sasolburg stations are well in compliance with the hourly standard (Figure 23). A similar seasonal trend is recorded at all three stations, indicative of the increased seasonal use of fuels for domestic purposes at these sites. Exceedances of the hourly standard were recorded on one occasion at Leitrum (Table 9) with a maximum hourly average concentration of 121 ppb during 2006 (Table 10). 60

61 Figure 23: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at AJ Jacobs, Hospital and Leitrum for the period DEA Zamdela Station Slightly lower NO 2 concentrations are recorded at Zamdela compared to the Sasol stations (Figure 24) with no exceedances of either the hourly or annual average standards (Table 9). A similar seasonal trend is observed to the Sasol stations. 61

62 Figure 24: Daily average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at Zamdela for the period Diurnal Concentrations Diurnal NO 2 concentrations recorded at all the stations show a similar diurnal trend over the monitoring period (Figure 25). This is indicative of a similar type of pollution source(s) and the regional influence of the prevailing meteorological conditions. Increased concentrations are recorded in the early morning (05:00 09:00) and late afternoon/early evening (17:00 21:00) periods. These periods are associated with increased traffic volumes in urban areas as well as possible emissions from domestic fuel burning. The reduced diurnal signature at the Makalu station could be attributed to the remote location of the station. However, increased stability during the evening period produces the peak in NO 2 concentrations observed at the other monitoring stations. 62

63 Figure 25: Diurnal NO 2 concentrations (ppb) at the Eskom, Sasol and DEA stations Table 9: Number of exceedances of the National hourly NO 2 standard at all stations over the respective monitoring periods. Monitoring Agency Station Hourly NO 2 Exceedances DEA Zamdela x AJ Jacobs Sasol Hospital x x 0 - Leitrum Eskom Makalu x x x x 63

64 Table 10: Highest hourly, daily and annual average NO 2 concentrations (ppb) recorded at the monitoring stations. Exceedances of the National air quality standards (where applicable) have been highlighted in bold. Monitoring Agency Station Highest Hourly Average Highest Daily Average Annual Average DEA Zamdela x x x AJ Jacobs Sasol Hospital x x x x x x Leitrum Eskom (1) Makalu x x x x x x x x x x x x Notes: (1) Makalu monitoring station was decommissioned in x Indicates that station was not operational - Indicates that data was not available 64

65 Based on the available ambient air quality monitoring data for Metsimaholo Local Municipality, the major findings of the air quality assessment indicate that: Particulate concentrations are elevated in the Sasolburg region, with PM10 concentrations generally approaching and exceeding both the daily and annual average standards, Sulphur dioxide concentrations are also elevated in Sasolburg with short-term hourly concentrations exceeding the standard at all stations, Nitrogen dioxide concentrations are low in Sasolburg although a seasonal signature is observed in NO 2 concentrations with increased concentrations during the winter months. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations have a regional impact within the region. 65

66 4. STATUS QUO OF THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN FEZILE DABI DISTRICT 4.1. Baseline Emissions Inventory An emissions inventory for Fezile Dabi was compiled for air pollution sources where information was available or where emission factors could be applied to quantify emissions. Potential air pollution sources in Fezile Dabi have been identified as: Agricultural activities, Biomass burning (veld fires), Domestic fuel burning, Industrial operations, Mining, Vehicle tailpipe emissions, Waste treatment and disposal (landfills and incineration), Vehicle entrainment of dust from paved and unpaved roads, Other fugitive dust sources such as wind erosion of exposed areas. Particulate and gaseous emissions from industrial operations, domestic fuel burning and vehicle tailpipe emissions were quantified for this assessment, due to the availability of data for these sources. Emissions from other sources could not be accurately quantified due to the limited availability of data and information. However, it is recognised that some of these sources could contribute significantly to the ambient air quality in the District. Ambient pollutants that were assessed include the criteria pollutants, SO 2, NO 2 and PM Industries Scheduled Processes, as defined by the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act, are processes that emit more than a defined quantity of pollutants per year. No person may carry on a scheduled process in or on any premises unless he is the holder of a current registration certificate. Scheduled processes in the District include power generation, petrochemical and chemical activities, brickworks and abattoirs (Table 11). 66

67 Table 11: Types of scheduled processes in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Process Description Mafube Metsimaholo Moqhaka Ngwathe Process 3: Gas Liquor Processes Process 4: Nitric Acid Processes Process 5: Ammonium Sulphate and Ammonium Chloride Processes Process 7: Hydrochloric Acid Processes Process 8: Sulphide Processes Process 9: Alkali Waste Processes Process 12: Carbon Disulphide Processes Process 14: Hydrocarbon Refining Processes Process 15: Bisulphite Processes Process 16: Tar Processes Process 21: Hydrofluoric Acid Processes Process 29: Power Generation Processes Process 30: Iron and Steel Processes Process 33: Producer Gas Processes Process 34: Gas and Coke Processes Process 35: Ceramic Processes Process 39: Waste Incineration Processes Process 42: Phosphorous Processes Process 43: Ammonia Processes Process 54: Metal Recovery Processes Process 63: Silicon Processes Process 69: Animal Matter Reduction Processes Overall, Fezile Dabi District is not considered to be an industrialized area with most medium to large-scale industries located in Metsimaholo Local Municipality. The petrochemical industry in Sasolburg forms the economic base of Fezile Dabi District 67

68 Municipality. Other smaller scale industries are located within the town of Kroonstad in Moqhaka Local Municipality. The spatial distribution of industries within Fezile Dabi is shown in Figure 26. Figure 26: Spatial distribution of industrial sources in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. An emissions inventory of industrial sources in Fezile Dabi was compiled using information obtained from the APPA Registration Certificate Review database as well as various studies undertaken in the Vaal Triangle region (Scorgie, 2004; Liebenberg- Enslin et al, 2008). This inventory was updated and verified through new source information provided by the District Municipality as well as through site visits to selected towns. Main industries within each Local Municipality have been identified as: Ngwathe Moqhaka Mafube Van Slab, Twin Palms Meat Abbatoir, Floreat Foundary, Koepel Abbatoir Voorspoed and Lace diamond mines, gold mining, Sasko Mill, Kroonstad Regional Laundry, Arabest, CC Chickens and Country Meat Abbatoirs. FAC Abbatoir, Clover, Mill 68

69 Metsimaholo Lethabo Power Station, Sasol Chemical Industries Complex, Natref, Omnia Fertiliser, Karbochem and Safripol as well as Sigma Colliery and Wonderwater strip-mining operations (both Sasol Mining) Table 12: Summary of Industrial Sources in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Municipality Source Process Description Longitude ( S) Latitude ( E) Ngwathe Atla Granite Granite Manufacturing Van Slab Brick Manufacturing Van Niekerk Broers Sand and Brick Depot Terblanche Sand Depot Rock I Parys (RIP) Funerals Funeral Services Twin Palms Meat Abbatoir Abbatoir Parys Dry Cleaners Dry Cleaning Parys Provincial Hospital Hospital Parys Gietery (Floreat Foundary) Foundry Koepel Abbatoir Abbatoir Heilbron Hospital Hospital Moqhaka Voorspoed Diamond Mine Diamond Mining Lace (Crown) Diamond Mine Diamond Mining Power Station (decommisioned) Power Generation Boitomelo Regional Hospital Hospital Premier Foods (IWISA) Food Manufacturing Sasko Mill Grain Mill Kroonstad Regional Laundry Laundry Services Arabest Tissue Manufacturing CC Chickens Abbatoir Abbatoir Country Meat Abbatoir Abbatoir Kroonstad Fuel Depot Fuel Depot Kroon Hospital Hospital Community Health Centre Hospital Mafube Concor Roads Road Construction Frankfort Provincial Hospital Hospital FAC Abattoir Abbatoir Clover Butter Manufacturing Mill Grain Mill Villiers Abbatoir Abbatoir Metsimaholo African Catalyst (Seud chemie) Fabuleis (Pty) Ltd Rendering Plant JJ Bricks Brick Manufacturing Karbochem (Senmin) Rubber latex Lethabo Power Station Power Generation Merichem Sasol Phenolic purification Natref Crude Oil Refinery Omnia Fertilizer Fertilizer Polifin (AECI Midlands) Chemical Production Polifin (Sasolburg) Chemical Production Rubnic Oil and Solvent Oil and Solvent Supplier Safripol (Pty) Ltd Polyethylene And Polypropylene Sasol Chemical Industries Chemical Production Sasolburg Provincial Hospital Hospital Separation and Recovery System Coal Tar Recovery Plant Sigma Colliery Colliery SMX Sasolburg (Sasol Nitro) United Carbon Products Vaal Silicon Smelters Silicon Manufacturing Midland (EAC) Tannery Tannery Coalbrook Colleries Colliery

70 The emissions inventory compiled for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan was requested from the Department of Environmental Affairs to prevent duplication of information obtained from industries during the development of thevaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan. However, this information was not provided by the Department of Environmental Affairs and could not be included in this plan. It is recommended that Fezile Dabi District Municipality follow up with the Department of Environmental Affairs to ensure that this information is maintained at the District Level Domestic Fuel Burning Fuels used for domestic burning include coal, wood, paraffin and gas with other fuels such as animal dung used to a lesser extent. Where available, electricity is also used, although factors such as cultural traditions and affordability influence electricity consumption in many of these low-income areas. Other factors such as rapid urbanization and the growth of informal settlements have also resulted in backlogs in the distribution of basic services such as electricity and waste removal. The backlog in household electrification in the Free State Province was estimated to be 25% in Although a high percentage of households are electrified in Fezile Dabi, use is still made of domestic fuels such as coal, wood and paraffin for cooking and space heating purposes (Table 13). Areas in the District still utilizing domestic fuels include Namahadi and Qalabotjha (Mafube), Refengkgotso and Zamdela (Metsimaholo), Rammulutsi and Moakeng (Moqhaka) and Phiritona and Kwakwatsi (Ngwathe), Pollutants released from these fuels include CO, NO 2, SO 2, inhalable particulates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Particulates are the dominant pollutant emitted from the burning of wood. Smoke from wood burning contains respirable particles that are small enough in diameter to enter and deposit in the lungs. These particles comprise a mixture of inorganic and organic substances including aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, trace metals, nitrates and sulphates. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced as a result of incomplete combustion and are potentially carcinogenic in wood smoke (Maroni et al., 1995). The main pollutants emitted from the combustion of paraffin are NO 2, particulates, carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Domestic fuel burning shows a characteristic diurnal and seasonal signature. Periods of 70

71 elevated domestic fuel burning, and hence emissions, occurs in the early morning and evening for space heating and cooking purposes. During the winter months, an increase in domestic fuel burning is recorded as the demand for space heating and cooking increases with the declining temperature. Table 13: Household fuel usage in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Fuel Lighting (%) Cooking (%) Heating (%) Census 2001 CS 2007 Census 2001 CS 2007 Census 2001 CS 2007 Electricity Gas Paraffin Wood Coal Animal dung Solar Other The spatial distribution of household coal burning in Fezile Dabi District is shown in Figure 27. The spatial distribution of household paraffin and wood burning is similar to that for coal and is therefore not shown. Domestic fuel burning occurs predominantly in informal areas in and around the major towns in the District where population densities are the highest. 71

72 Figure 27: Household coal usage in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Information on the numbers and spatial distribution of households using domestic fuels for domestic purposes in Fezile Dabi District was estimated based on fuel use statistics and household numbers from the Census Monthly fuel consumption figures for low-income households (Afrane-Okese, 1998) were used together with the numbers of households using the various fuel types to estimate the total quantities of fuels being consumed. The emission factors used to calculate domestic fuel burning emissions are given in Table

73 Table 14: Emission factors for domestic fuel burning (FRIDGE, 2004). Emission Factors Fuel SO 2 (g/kg) NO (g/kg) PM10 (g/kg) Coal 11.6 (a) 4 (d) 12 (f) Paraffin 0.1 (b) 1.5 (e) 0.2 (e) Wood 0.2 (c) 1.3 (c) 17.3 (c) (a) Based on sulphur content of 0.61% and assuming 95% of the sulphur is emitted. The lowest percentage sulphur content associated with coal used by local households was used due to previous over predictions of sulphur dioxide concentrations within residential coal burning areas. Previous predictions were significantly above measured sulphur dioxide concentrations. With the assumption of a sulphur content of 0.61%, predicted sulphur dioxide concentrations are slightly above, but within an order of magnitude, of measured concentrations. (b) Based on sulphur content of paraffin (<0.01% Sulphur). (c) Based on US-EPA emission factor for residential wood burning (EPA, 1996). (d) Based on the Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC) household fuel burning monitoring campaign (Britton, 1998) which indicated that an average of 150 mg/mj of NO x were emitted during cooking and space heating. Given a calorific value of 27 Mj/kg, the emission rate was estimated to be ~4 g/kg. (e) US-EPA emission factors for kerosene usage (EPA, 1996). (f) Initially taken to be 6 g/kg based on 2001 synopsis of studies pertaining to emissions from household coal burning (Scorgie et al., 2001). Results from simulations using this emission factor undertaken as part of the current study indicated that fine particulate concentrations within household coal burning areas are under predicted by a factor of two. This emission factor was therefore scaled to 12 g/kg in order to facilitate the more accurate simulation of airborne fine particulates within household coal burning areas. Estimated SO 2, NO and PM10 emissions due to paraffin, coal and wood burning in each Local Municipality in Fezile Dabi is given in Figure 28. Emissions have been calculated using household statistics from the Census The more recent Community Survey 2007 records a decrease in the number of households using domestic fuels due to increased electrification since 2001 and therefore current domestic fuel burning emissions (due to paraffin, wood and coal burning) is overestimated. However, this survey only provided information at the lowest level of Municipalities and was therefore was not used. 73

74 Figure 28: Contribution by Local Municipality to the total domestic fuel burning emissions of SO 2 (top left), NO (top right) and PM10 (bottom) Transportation Vehicle Emissions One of the major contributors to urban air pollution is vehicular emissions. Atmospheric pollutants emitted from motor vehicles include hydrocarbons, CO, NO x, SO 2 and particulates. Hydrocarbon emissions, such as benzene, result from the incomplete combustion of fuel molecules in the engine. CO is a product of incomplete combustion and occurs when carbon in the fuel is only partially oxidized to carbon dioxide. NO x are formed by the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen under high pressure and temperature conditions in the engine. SO 2 is emitted due to the high sulphur content of the fuel. Particulates such as lead originate from the combustion process as well as from brake and clutch linings wear. With the introduction of unleaded fuel, lead emissions have been reduced. Diesel engines are a significant source of particulate emissions. Vehicle emission rates are affected by specific vehicle-related factors such as vehicle class, model, fuel-delivery system, vehicle speed and maintenance history; fuel-related factors such as fuel type, oxygen, sulphur, benzene and lead content and environmental factors 74

75 such as altitude, humidity and temperature (Samaras and Sorensen, 1999). The Fezile Dabi District road network is made up of National, Provincial and Local roads. The N1 and N3 National roads pass through Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Vehicle count data was obtained from Mikros Traffic Monitoring for major roads and highways within the District for the period However, the traffic count data provided by Mikros Traffic Monitoring was limited to Mafube, Moqhaka and Ngwathe Local Municipalities and did not include Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Based on vehicle and fuel sales, Metsimaholo Local Municipality is likely to be the main source of vehicle emissions in the District. The composition of light and heavy vehicles to the vehicle fleet on these roads is shown in Table 15, as per the vehicle sales for each region (NAAMSA). Fuel sales per magisterial district were obtained from the Department of Minerals and Energy and are given in Table

76 Table 15: Vehicle sales per licencing district in Fezile Dabi District for the period Market Fuel Type Edenville Frankfort Heilbron Koppies Kroonstad Parys Sasolburg Steynsrus Viljoenskroon Vredefort BUS Diesel HCV Diesel LCV Diesel LCV Petrol MCV Diesel MCV Petrol PAS Diesel PAS Hybrid 1 1 PAS Petrol XHV Diesel Total PAS Passenger Vehicle BUS Bus (> 8500 kg) LCV Light Commercial Vehicle (< 3501 kg) MCV Medium Commercial Vehicle ( kg) HCV Heavy Commercial Vehicle ( kg) XHV Extra Heavy Vehicle (> kg) 76

77 Table 16: Fuel sales per magisterial district within Fezile Dabi District for January December Local Municipality Magisterial District Petrol Diesel Mafube Frankfort Metsimaholo Sasolburg Moqhaka Kroonstad Ngwathe Heilbron Ngwathe Koppies Ngwathe Parys Moqhaka Viljoenskroon Ngwathe Vredefort As part of the Vehicle Emissions Project (VEP), emission factors were developed for tailpipe exhaust emissions from petrol (Wong and Dutkiewicz, 1998) and diesel driven vehicles (Stone, 2000). In the study undertaken by Wong and Dutkiewicz (1998) two light duty diesel vehicles were tested using a local and European reference diesel at the coast (Cape Town) and Highveld (Johannesburg), respectively. These emission factors were only determined for fixed driving cycles and are not correlated to different vehicle speeds. In addition, no evaporative emission rate factors were established. Emission factors are given for specific vehicle models such as carburetted and fuel injected models. In the later study done by Stone (2000), exhaust emissions from six locally manufactured heavy diesel engines were measured at the coast (Cape Town) and highveld (Sasolburg). The emission factors used in the plan are given in Table 17 and Table

78 Table 17: Highveld emission factors for petrol vehicles (Wong and Dutkiewicz, 1998). Pollutant Leaded Petrol (g/km) Unleaded (g/km) NO x CO CO SO Total HCs Methane Benzene ,3 Butadiene Formaldehyde (mg/km) Acetaldehyde (mg/km) Particulates Table 18: Highveld emission factors for diesel vehicles (Stone, 2000). Pollutant LCV (g/km) M&HCV (g/km) NO x CO CO SO Total HCs Methane Benzene ,3 Butadiene Formaldehyde (mg/km) Acetaldehyde (mg/km) Particulates Estimated total vehicle emissions for Fezile Dabi District are given in Figure 29. Vehicle count data was provided by Mikros Traffic Monitoring for major roads and highways in the District with the exception of Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Although not represented on the pie charts below, this Municipality is likely to be the main contributor to vehicle emissions in the District with Moqhaka the second largest contributor due emissions from the N1 highway. 78

79 Figure 29: Contribution by Local Municipalities to the total vehicle emissions of SO 2 (top left), NO (top right) and PM10 (bottom) Airports Airports are important generators of air pollution due to airport operations, vehicle traffic, on-site fuel storage facilities and aircraft maintenance and operation. On a local level, commercial aircraft are a significant contributor to urban air pollution. Airports produce large amounts of air pollution, emitted from aircraft operations, ground service equipment, vehicular activity (motor vehicles, taxis and buses), fueling facilities and other stationary sources such as airport power sources. Air pollution sources from airport activities can be categorised into the following (Dracoulides, 2002) - Aircraft activities (taxi in and out, runway queue, aircraft takeoff and climb-out,, aircraft approach and landing, aircraft parking and routine engine testing) Ground support equipment and auxiliary power units while the aircraft is parked at the gates, Vehicle activities (traffic within and around the airport, parking lots), 79

80 On-site fuel storage tanks and emissions from emergency power generators. Aircraft engines produce CO 2, H 2 O, NO x, CO, SO x, VOCs, particulates and other trace elements. About 10% of all aircraft emissions, except hydrocarbons and CO, areproduced during ground level activities and during landing and takeoff. The majority of aviation emissions (90%) occur at higher altitudes (FAA, 2005). Emission factors have been developed for the estimation of gaseous emissions from aircraft engines. Emission factors are available for different aircraft types, which can have several different engine combinations. These factors are provided in kg of pollutant per landing-takeoff cycle and in kg of pollutant per ton of fuel used to calculate landingtakeoff emissions and cruise emissions, respectively. Emissions generated by the ground support equipment, generators and auxiliary power units can also be estimated. Stationary sources, such as power and heating plants, fuel storage tanks and incinerators can be calculated using emission factors from the USEPA AP-42 database (Dracoulides, 2002). Information required to estimate emissions from airports includes an inventory of aircraft types, average durations of taxi in and out operations, frequency of landings and takeoffs, auxiliary power units operation, amount of fuel burned etc. No major airports are located within Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Small airfields are located in some of the larger towns including Frankfort, Heilbron, Kroonstad, Parys, Sasolburg and Villiers. These airports provide for the landing of small aircraft to the District. Emissions from these airports are considered to be insignificant to ambient pollution levels and are therefore not quantified as part of this plan Agriculture Emissions from agricultural activities are difficult to control due to the seasonality of emissions and the large surface area producing emissions (USEPA, 1995). Expected emission resulting from agricultural activities include particulates associated with wind erosion and burning of crop residue, chemicals associated with crop spraying and odiferous emissions resulting from manure, fertilizer and crop residue. Dust associated with agricultural practices may contain seeds, pollen and plant tissue, as well as agrochemicals, such as pesticides. The application of pesticides during 80

81 temperature inversions increases the drift of the spray and the area of impact. Dust entrainment from vehicles travelling on gravel roads may also cause increased particulates in an area. Dust from traffic on gravel roads increases with higher vehicle speeds, more vehicles and lower moisture conditions. Air emissions from pesticides arise because of the volatile nature of many active ingredients, solvents, and other additives used in formulations, and of the dusty nature of some formulations. Most modern pesticides are organic compounds. Emissions can result directly during application or as the active ingredient or solvent volatilizes over time from soil and vegetation. Organic compounds and particulate matter are the main air emissions from pesticide application. The active ingredients of most types of synthetic pesticides used in agriculture have some degree of volatility, ranging from non-volatile, semi-volatile to volatile organic compounds (e.g fumigants). Many pesticide formulations are liquids or emulsifiable concentrations which contain volatile organic solvents such as xylene, emulsifiers, diluents and other organics. Of the total area of the Free State Province, agriculture accounts for 90% of the total land use. About 57% of the land is used for stock farming, including beef and dairy cattle and sheep while 33% is for crop production, including maize, sorghum, wheat, groundnuts and sunflowers (Hoffman et al, 1999). Maize is the most important crop in the Free State with the north-western areas, including Viljoenskroon and Kroonstad, being where most maize is produced. The highest concentration of cattle is in Brandfort, Frankfort, Harrismith and Vrede while the south, western and southern areas, as well as the eastern Free State are the main sheep production areas (Free State SoER, 2008). The agricultural sector of the Free State is estimated to consume 20% of the total domestic fertiliser consumption. Maize is estimated to be the largest single consumer of fertiliser, with almost 40% of the total fertiliser market, followed by sugar cane (15%) and wheat (10%). The other crops together represent approximately 35% of the total fertiliser market (van der Linde and Pitse, 2006). Information on the amount and type of chemicals sold and used in the agricultural sector is not available. The Provincial Department of Health is in the process of collecting data that includes chemical usage and incidents of poisoning to determine the status of chemical usage and human health impacts (Free State SoER, 2008). 81

82 Biomass Burning Biomass burning emissions constitute a significant proportion of the aerosols and trace gases present in the prevalent haze layer found over southern Africa (Li et al., 2003). In southern Africa, fires are mostly lit by people for land management or by lightning (Roy et al., 2005). In the southern African region, fire is the dominant process producing hydrocarbons and aerosols (Swap et al., 2003) and burning is a significant source of greenhouse gases, especially CO 2 and methane (CH 4 ), and photochemical gases (NO x, CO and hydrocarbons) that lead to the production of tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) (Levine et al., 1996; Piketh and Walton, 2004). The properties of emissions are directly related to the type of burning process, fuel type and age of the smoke (Li et al., 2003). Smouldering fires (less efficient) have less complete combustion and release more CO, whereas, flaming (intense, efficient) fires have more complete combustion and release more CO 2 (Ward et al., 1996; Scholes et al., 1996 ). A flaming fire, due to the lack of oxygen, will lead to the formation of soot, which due to its absorbing properties may disturb the regional vertical temperature profile (Ross et al., 1998). Flaming combustion usually dominates in the early burn of savanna and scrubland where emissions such as NO x are favoured over CO or CH 4 (Barbosa et al., 1999). This is followed by a smouldering stage that can continue for a number of days or possibly weeks (Edwards et al., 2006). Fully oxidised products such as CO 2 and NO x usually result from the combustion of grasslands, whereas the smouldering nature of leaf litter and twigs in woodland beds generate more products of incomplete combustion (Korontzi et al., 2004). Fire is less common in arid regions in the west and south-west interior of southern Africa, as there is insufficient available biomass fuel (e.g. dead wood, grass, shrubs and litter) (Roy et al., 2005). South Africa has a complex relationship between fire incidence and rainfall. This is a consequence of winter rainfall and summer/autumn burning on the south west coast and summer rainfall and winter/spring burning over the rest of the country. In general, there is an inverse relationship between fire incidence and rainfall, i.e. burning occurs mainly during the dry season. The emissions released due to burning can be calculated by using active fire detection as a proxy for burning and applying emissions factors for relevant vegetation types. 82

83 Kruger et al., 2006 developed a classification of veld fire risk for Municipalities in South Africa based on the prevailing vegetation type. Areas of extreme risk occur mainly within the savanna and grassland biomes while areas of high risk occur in the savanna and fynbos biomes. As the Free State Province, and hence, Fezile Dabi District falls within the Grassland biome (Figure 30), the veld fire risk has been classified as extreme (Figure 31). Figure 30: Biomes of South Africa (National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment, 2004). 83

84 Figure 31: South African Municipalities classified according to four levels of veld fire risk (Kruger et al., 2006). Burned areas for Fezile Dabi District are approximated by assuming each fire is 1 km 1 km (Table 19). The spatial distribution of fires in the District is shown for the period in Figure 32. As a whole, biomass burning has a low frequency of occurrence within the District. Neighboring regions such as Gauteng Province to the north has a higher frequency of occurrence and is a likely contributor to ambient air quality concentrations in the District, particularly during the fire burning season. Table 19: Burned area using number of detected fires as a proxy. Period Burned area (km 2 )

85 Figure 32: Spatial distribution of fires in Fezile Dabi District Municipality for Waste Treatment and Disposal Waste treatment and disposal methods which are of interest in terms of the toxicity and odiferous nature of their emissions include: incineration, landfills and waste water ponds used for the treatment, storage and disposal of liquid wastes Landfills Emissions from landfills are a concern in terms of the potential for health effects and the odours generated. Landfills are important sources of the greenhouse gases such as CH 4 and CO 2, which account for approximately 40 60% of all landfill emissions. Landfill gases also contain trace amounts of non-methane organic compounds, including various 85

86 hazardous air pollutants and VOCs (USEPA, 1995). Odourous emissions from landfills can also be a severe public nuisance. Based on air quality impact assessments conducted for general and hazardous waste disposal sites (Liebenberg-Enslin and Petzer, 2005) found that within 500 m of the landfill severe health effects occur, odour is potentially an issue between 200 m and 5 km depending on the management of the facility and nuisance dust impacts are usually restricted to the landfill boundary. In terms of the Environment Conservation Act No 73 of 1989, all landfill sites must obtain a disposal site permit before such sites are established or operated. The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) was previously responsible for the issuing of these permits. With the transfer of the permitting function from DWA to DEA, DEA initiated the Waste Disposal Site Permitting Backlog Project to address the backlog in landfill permits. Currently, there are four permitted waste disposal facilities in Fezile Dabi District with most landfills not being permitted (Table 20). Most of the waste disposals sites are used for general waste disposal, including domestic waste, garden waste as well as commercial and industrial waste. The distribution of landfills in the District is shown in Figure

87 Figure 33: Location of waste disposal sites in Fezile Dabi District Municipality (for sites where co-ordinates were obtained). 87

88 Table 20: Waste Disposal Facilities in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Local Municipality Landfill Site Latitude ( S) Longitude ( E) Status Classification Mafube Cornelia - - Not Permitted G:C:B Frankfort - - Not Permitted G:C:B Tweeling Not Permitted G:C:B Villiers Not Permitted G:C:B Metsimaholo Deneysville Not Permitted G:C:B Holly Country Oranjeville Not Permitted G:S:B Sasolburg - - Not Permitted - Moqhaka Kroonstad Permitted G:S:B- Steynsrus - - Permitted G:C:B- Vierfontein Not Determined G:S:B Viljoenskroon Not Permitted - Ngwathe Edenville - - Not Permitted - Heilbron Not Permitted G:C:B- Koppies - - Permitted G:C:B- Parys Permitted G:S:B- Vredefort Not Permitted G:C:B- 88

89 Incinerators Waste incineration processes (Scheduled Process 39) are processes for the destruction by incineration of waste that contains chemically bonded halogens, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur or metal, or any waste that can give rise to noxious or offensive gases. Incinerators are classified into various classes, whereby Class 1 incinerators are incinerators in which the waste serves as the fuel or supplementary fuel in an industrial process (e.g use of cement kilns for the disposal of waste), Class 2 incinerators are used for the disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous waste and medical waste and Class 3 incinerators are used for the disposal of general waste. Since March 1998, Environmental Impact Assessments have been required for proposed incinerator operations. The Department of Environmental Affairs is in the process of introducing air emission standards for the treatment of hazardous waste and coprocessing of alternative fuels and raw materials in cement kilns. The listed activities and minimum emission standards in the Government Gazette on 31 March 2010 identify the disposal of hazardous and general waste as a listed activity. Minimum emission standards have been proposed for facilities with an incinerator capacity of 10 kg of waste processed per hour or larger capacity. Pollutants released from waste incineration include sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, acid gases, dioxins and furans, which represent a considerable air quality and human health risk. Particulate emissions from incinerators may also contain heavy metals such as chromium and cadmium, which are suspected human carcinogens. Information on incinerator operations within Fezile Dabi District is limited, although incineration is likely to occur on a small-scale within the District. Parys Provincial Hospital, Frankfort Provincial Hospital and Sasolburg Provincial Hospital have been known to operate incinerators although their status is currently unknown. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 89

90 Waste Water Treatment Works Pollutants released during waste water treatment include a range of Volatile Organic Compounds. Species measured at local waste water treatment works include hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, ammonia, formaldehyde, acetone, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes, perchloroethylene, butyric acid, propionic acid, valeric acid and acetic acid. Waste water treatment works also have the potential to generate unpleasant odours, which can result in annoyance and consequently have a detrimental effect on a local population. Species associated with odours include hydrogen sulphide and ammonia as well as a variety of organic sulphides and organic nitrogen based compounds along with some oxygenated organic compounds and organic acids. Waste water treatment works within Fezile Dabi was obtained from the Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan: Cycle 1 report developed by the CIP Programme Management Unit (2009) and is given in Table 21. Table 21: Waste water treatment works in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Local Municipality Site Class Process Description Main Type of Process Mafube Cornelia B Activated sludge Activated sludge Namahadi D Bio filtration Bio filter Tweeling E Oxidation ponds Oxidation ponds Villiers C Activated sludge and bio filtration Bio filter Metsimaholo Deneysville - Bio filtration Bio filter Moqhaka Ngwathe Oranjeville - Bio filtration Bio filter Kroonstad B Activated sludge and bio filtration Activated sludge and bio filter Viljoenskroon C Activated sludge Activated sludge Koppies Heilbron Parys Vredefort C C B C Activates sludge and bio filtration Activated sludge and bio filtration Activated sludge and bio filtration Activated sludge and bio filtration Activated sludge Activated sludge Activated sludge Activated sludge Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 90

91 Summary of Air Pollution Sources in the District The main air pollution sources in the District Municipality have been identified and where possible, quantified. A summary of the air pollution sources and their emissions are provided in Table 22. Table 22: Air pollution sources and their associated emissions in Fezile Dabi District. Sector Source Description PM10 SO 2 NO 2 Other Abbatoirs CC Chickens Abbatoir Abbatoir Country Meat Abbatoir Abbatoir FAC Abattoir Abbatoir Koepel Abbatoir Abbatoir Twin Palms Meat Abbatoir Abbatoir Villiers Abbatoir Abbatoir Agriculture Mafube and Moqhaka, Wheat, maize and cattle farming Biomass burning Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Agricultural burning and veld fires Ngwathe (controlled and uncontrolled) Brickworks JJ Bricks Brick Making Van Slab Brick Making Domestic fuel burning Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Coal, paraffin and wood burning in Ngwathe informal settlements Hospitals Boitomelo Regional Hospital Hospital Community Health Centre Hospital Frankfort Provincial Hospital Hospital Heilbron Hospital Hospital Kroon Hospital Hospital Parys Provincial Hospital Hospital Sasolburg Provincial Hospital Hospital Landfills Cornelia General waste disposal Deneysville General waste disposal Edenville General waste disposal Frankfort General waste disposal Heilbron General waste disposal Holly Country General waste disposal Koppies General waste disposal Kroonstad General waste disposal Oranjeville General waste disposal Parys General waste disposal Sasolburg General waste disposal Tweeling General waste disposal Steynsrus General waste disposal Vierfontein General waste disposal Viljoenskroon General waste disposal Villiers General waste disposal Vredefort General waste disposal Mining Coalbrook Colleries Colliery Lace (Crown) Diamond Mine Diamond Mining Sigma Colliery Colliery Voorspoed Diamond Mine Diamond Mining Gold Mines (Names Unknown) Gold Mining Petrochemical and Chemical African Catalyst (Seud chemie) Karbochem (Senmin) Rubber latex Merichem - Sasol Phenolic purification Natref Crude Oil Refinery Omnia Fertilizer Fertilizer Polifin (AECI Midlands) Chemical Production Polifin (Sasolburg) Chemical Production Safripol (Pty) Ltd Polyethylene And Polypropylene Sasol Chemical Industries Chemical Production SMX Sasolburg (Sasol Nitro) Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 91

92 Sector Source Description PM10 SO 2 NO 2 Other Power generation Eskom Lethabo Power Station Power Generation Small Industries/Other Arabest Tissue Manufacturing Atla Granite Granite Manufacturing Clover Butter Manufacturing Concor Roads Road Construction Fabuleis (Pty) Ltd Rendering Plant Kroonstad Fuel Depot Fuel Depot Kroonstad Regional Laundry Laundry Services Midland (EAC) Tannery Tannery Parys Dry Cleaners Dry Cleaning Parys Gietery (Floreat Foundary) Steel Foundry Premier Foods (IWISA) Food Manufacturing Rock I Parys (RIP) Funerals Tombstone Manufacturing Rubnic Oil and Solvent Oil and Solvent Supplier Sasko Mill Grain Mill Separation and Recovery System Coal Tar Recovery Plant Terblanche Sand Depot United Carbon Products Vaal Silicon Smelters Silicon Manufacturing Van Niekerk Broers Sand and Brick Depot Villiers Mill Grain Mill Trans-boundary transport Neighbouring countries and Municipalities (inc. Vaal Triangle region) Biomass burning emissions will impact Fezile Dabi District during the spring season Tyre burning Illegal tyre burning for extracting Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and copper and for space heating Ngwathe purposes Vehicle entrainment on unpaved roads Vehicle tailpipe emissions Wind-blown dust Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe Dust emissions from vehicle activity on dirt roads in the District High vehicle volumes on the National (N1 and N3) and major roads Wind erosion of exposed, open areas in the District Predicted Ambient Air Quality in Fezile Dabi District Dispersion modeling simulations have previously been undertaken for sources in Sasolburg as part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan (Liebenberg-Enslin et al., 2006). Given that this is the main industrial area within the District as a whole and dispersion modeling simulations have already been undertaken, further quantification of concentrations in the area is not required. Within Sasolburg, daily and annual average PM10 concentrations were predicted to exceed their respective PM10 targets while SO 2 concentrations were found to be problematic in the short-term, exceeding the 10-min and 1-hour targets. Daily and annual average SO 2 concentrations were in compliance with their respective targets (Figure 34 - Figure 38). Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 92

93 Based on the modeled results, the residential areas of Sasolburg, Coalbrook and Zamdela were identified to be a priority hotspot zone in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area due to industrial and mining activities and domestic fuel burning. Within this zone, the main sources of emissions are petrochemical processes which contribute more than 90% of SO 2, NO and NO 2 emissions. For PM10 emissions, petrochemical processes contribute 70% and mining activities contribute 18%. Ranked in order of importance, petrochemical processes, power generation, iron and steel processes and domestic fuel burning were identified to be the main contributors to SO 2, NO and NO 2 concentrations in this zone. Mining operations were the main contributors to PM10 concentrations. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 93

94 Figure 34: Highest daily average PM10 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations. Figure 35: Annual average PM10 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 94

95 Figure 36: Highest hourly average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations. Figure 37: Highest daily average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 95

96 Figure 38: Annual average SO 2 (µg/m 3 ) concentrations Gap Analysis The following assumptions and limitations need to be taken into account for this assessment: The air quality baseline assessment was only undertaken for Metsimaholo Local Municipality given the availability of continuous ambient air quality monitoring data only for this Local Municipality, Small industries and boilers in the District were identified through a site visit to selected towns during the development of the Plan but not quantified further. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 96

97 The contribution of industries to PM10, SO 2 and NO 2 emissions in the District could not be evaluated as emissions information for these sources was not provided. The emissions inventory compiled for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Air Quality Management Plan was requested from the Department of Environmental Affairs but not provided during the development of this Plan. The contribution of vehicles to PM10, SO 2 and NO 2 emissions in Metsimaholo Local Municipality could not be evaluated as traffic count data was not available for major roads in this Municipality. Vehicle emission estimations were limited to the National highways (N1 and N3) and major roads where traffic counts where available. Domestic fuel burning emissions were estimated from the Census 2001 database of household fuel burning. Domestic fuel burning emissions are potentially overestimated for informal areas in the District as the Community Survey 2007 shows an increase in electrification and hence, a decrease in the percentage of households using domestic fuels. Use was made of the dispersion modeling simulations undertaken for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan in Updated simulations were undertaken by the Department of Environmental Affairs in 2009 although this information could not be obtained for this study. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 97

98 5. AIR QUALITY PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES WITHIN PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 5.1. Government Structure and Functions The capacity for air quality management and control within Fezile Dabi District is assessed within the various spheres of Government. The current capacity at Provincial, District and Local levels is evaluated in terms of available personnel, functions and resources Provincial Level The responsibility for air quality management in the Free State Province lies within the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. However, air quality management functions within the Free State are not undertaken as no personnel are available to undertake this function District Level Air quality management is the responsibility of the Environmental Health Practitioners in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. The organisational structure for a quality management in the District is given in Figure 39. Environmental and air quality related functions at this District are the responsibility of Municipal Health and Environmental Services. Current functions include the investigation of air quality complaints from the public. Fezile Dabi District Municipality is part of the Sasol Community Working Group which is involved in the Basa Njenjo Magogo project. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 98

99 Director: Community, Health and Environmental Services (L.K Mahlatsi) Deputy Manager: Disaster Management (Aletta Moshoeshoe) Deputy Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services (Andre van Zyl) Assistant Manager: Municipal Health Services West Region (Paulina Radebe) Assistant Manager: Municipal Health Auxiliary Services (Chakane Sibaya) Assistant Manager: Municipal Health Services East Region (Andre van Zyl) Senior Pollution Control Officer (Vacant) Environmental Health Practitioner: Pollution Control (Jacquelene Peterson) Industrial Pollution Control Officer (Mcebo Mkhatshwa) Figure 39: Organisational structure for Air Quality Management in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Local Level On 1 July 2004, all Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) were transferred from the Local Municipalities to Municipal Health Services at the District and Metropolitan Municipalities. As a result, Local Municipalities do not have enough capacity in terms of personnel, budget or equipment to undertake their air quality functions in terms of AQA. Therefore, few air quality management or control functions are undertaken by the Local Municipalities. Air quality related queries and functions within Mafube, Metsimaholo, Moqhaka and Ngwathe are referred to Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 99

100 5.2. Air Quality Management Tools Complaints Response Database A complaints register was initiated by the District Municipality at the end of 2009 to log any air quality related complaints. It is important that air pollution complaints received from the public are recorded in an electronic database, investigated and addressed within each level of Government. Pollution complaints need to be logged into a centralised electronic pollution complaints database at the Department of Environmental Affairs to ensure the effective co-ordination and management of complaints received. Prior to such a system being implemented, it is recommended that the District maintain a complete complaint system, keeping records of responses, letters, notices and feedback to the complainant Emissions Inventory Database The development and regular maintenance of a comprehensive emissions inventory database is an important component of any air quality management system. Such a database contains information regarding pollution sources (point, line, volume and area), source parameters (stack height, diameter, gas exit velocity and gas exit temperature) and emission rates. An emissions inventory of industrial sources in Metsimaholo Local Municipality was compiled as part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan and is currently held with the Department of Environmental Affairs. A preliminary assessment of industrial sources in the other Local Municipalities has been undertaken as part of this plan in conjunction with the District Municipality. Emissions information for these identified sources will need to be obtained by the District Municipality and compiled into an electronic database Dispersion Modelling Software Limited software and knowledge exists within each sphere of Government to support dispersion modelling. Dispersion modelling software is not available at either the Local, Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 100

101 District or Provincial levels. The use of such modelling software is critical to the understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of pollutants in the atmosphere Data Reporting Practices Ambient air quality monitoring is currently not undertaken by any of the Local Municipalities or the District Municipality. Ambient air quality monitoring is undertaken in the Vaal Triangle region which falls within Metsimaholo Local Municipality, although these stations are owned and operated by Sasol and the Department of Environmental Affairs. The management of the Department of Environmental Affairs station at Zamdela will soon be transferred to the South African Weather Services. Within South Africa, the co-ordinated transfer of data from all monitoring stations to a centralised database is a critical component to ensure the effective and efficient management and verification of the monitoring data. As part of the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), a centralised database will be developed at the South African Weather Services to which all verified ambient monitoring data will be transferred and databased. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 101

102 6. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES ANALYSIS From the outcomes of the baseline assessment, a number of key issues or problems were identified. These issues were either classified as emission or non-emission problem complexes and include: Small industries (non-scheduled processes), Scheduled and mining processes, Domestic fuel burning Vehicle emissions, Agriculture and biomass burning Landfills Air Quality Management Capacity The Logical Framework Approach was applied to each of the above identified problem complexes. The Logical Framework Approach is a project design methodology aimed at assisting planners and implementers in analysing the existing problems, establishing a logical hierarchy of means by which objectives will be reached, identifying the potential risks to achieving the objectives and in establishing how outputs may best be monitored and evaluated. For each identified problem complex, a problem tree was developed around which cause and effect relationships were established. These problems were then restated into achievable objectives that would result in the desired outcome Small Industries Various fuel burning appliances, including boilers at dry-cleaners, hospitals and abattoirs, are located within the Fezile Dabi District Problem Analysis Small industrial sources generally have low stack heights with a related poor dispersion potential. Therefore, pollutants released from these sources tend to have a localised impact. The problem is further complicated as emissions from small industrial sources are often uncontrolled and unregulated and as a result, emissions are unquantifiable. A Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 102

103 detailed emissions inventory of small industrial sources in Fezile Dabi District is not available and therefore the sources, pollutants and their respective emissions are unknown Causes The main cause of the problem in this sector is the previous absence of legislation and regulations to effectively manage emissions from small industries. Given the absence of such legislation and limited capacity of Government for control and enforcement, emissions from these sources are generally unknown and unregulated. The problem tree for small industries is provided in Figure 40. Possible human health effects Possible environmental effects Effects Possible exceedance of ambient air quality standards Emissions are un-quantified Focal Point Emissions from industries unregulated Poor atmospheric dispersion potential Not controlled under APPA Short stacks result in low level emissions Causes Figure 40: Problem Tree for Small Industries. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 103

104 Effects The main effect is that emissions from small industries are not quantified, and therefore the impacts on the environment and human health remain largely unknown and uncontrolled Objectives The objectives tree for small industries is given in Figure 41. The main objective is to develop a detailed emissions inventory of all small industrial sources in Fezile Dabi District Municipality which will ensure all sources are characterised and quantified in the District Municipality. Proper regulation and regular monitoring will ensure that these sources are in compliance with the National ambient air quality standards. In the case of industries that are identified to emit large quantities of pollution, these sources, in accordance with the Air Quality Act, can be declared as controlled emitters if considered to have a significant environmental and health impact. Provision is also made in the Air Quality Act for the setting of emission standards for controlled emitters. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 104

105 Acceptable air quality Emissions quantified (emissions inventory) Emissions from industries regulated Compliance and enforcement (monitoring) Controlled through Section 23 of AQA and Local By-Laws Figure 41: Objectives Tree for Small Industries Scheduled and Mining Processes Metsimaholo Local Municipality is the main industrial hub of Fezile Dabi District Municipality with coal mining, petrochemical and power generation activities occurring in this Municipality. Coal mines include Sigma Colliery and Coalbrook Colleries in Metsimaholo with the diamond mines of Voorspoed and Lace in Moqhaka. The main petrochemical industries include the refineries of Sasol and Natref in the Sasolburg area in Mesimaholo. Lethabo Power Station is also located within Metsimaholo Problem Analysis Gaseous and particulate emissions are the main problems associated with scheduled processes while excessive dust emissions are the main problem in the mining sector. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 105

106 Causes With scheduled processes, particulate emissions are associated with dust emissions from the waste dumps and stockpiles, as well as the combustion process which generates both particulate and gaseous emissions. Fugitive dust emissions associated with mining activities arise from the mine pits, haul roads and materials handling operations. The problem tree for scheduled processes is given in Figure 42. Human health effects Environment and Climate Effects Exceedance of ambient air quality standards (SO 2 and PM10) Elevated gaseous and particulate emissions from scheduled processes Focal Point Transportation, storage and processing Extraction of minerals and fossil fuels Use of fossil fuels for industrial processes Need for goods and commodities High energy demand Causes Figure 42: Problem Tree for Scheduled and Mining Processes. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 106

107 Effects The resultant effect of the identified problems is non-compliance of the scheduled processes and mining activities with the ambient air quality standards due to excessive particulate and/or gaseous emissions from these sources Objectives The main objectives for the scheduled and mining processes are to reduce emissions to be in compliance with the National ambient air quality standards Figure 43). Stricter ambient air quality targets have been proposed for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area which should be considered for implementation in Metsimaholo Local Municipality given its location within the Priority Area. Listed activities and associated minimum emission standards were published for public comment in the Government Gazette on 24 July As per the requirements of the Air Quality Act, all identified listed activities will require an Atmospheric Emission Licence to operate. The implementation of Atmospheric Emission Licences, and the enforcement thereof, will ensure that emissions from this sector are regulated and controlled. Emissions from scheduled processes can be reduced and/or minimised through various measures such as improving process efficiency, the application of best available techniques including process design, process control optimization, high efficiency dust collectors, primary NO x control measures and post-combustion control technologies. Mining activities can minimize both gaseous and particulate emissions through good materials handling practices (such as covered conveyer belts, chemical suppressants at loading and offloading areas), controlled crushing and screening (enclosed with extraction systems venting through bagfilters) and best practice techniques to reduce emissions from haul roads, waste dumps and stockpiles. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 107

108 Reduced human health effects Reduced environmental and climatic effects Reduced frequency of exceedance of ambient standards Emissions are in compliance with emission standards Implement emission reduction measures using BAT and BPEO Awareness and behavioural change Improved process efficiency Figure 43: Objectives Tree for Scheduled and Mining Processes Domestic Fuel Burning The use of domestic fuels such as coal, wood and paraffin still occurs in Fezile Dabi District Municipality despite many areas being electrified. Areas in the District still utilizing domestic fuels include Namahadi and Qalabotjha in Mafube, Refengkgotso and Zamdela in Metsimaholo, Rammulutsi and Moakeng in Moqhaka and Phiritona and Kwakwatsi in Ngwathe Problem Analysis Emissions from domestic fuel burning in informal settlements result in respiratory and cardiovascular health effects due to exposure to low level pollution in these areas, particularly during the winter months. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 108

109 Causes The continued use of domestic fuels in informal settlements in the District is directly related to poverty, which makes electricity and other cleaner fuels inaccessible, either through its un-affordability or through its unavailability (Figure 44). Poor planning for informal settlements (in terms of infrastructure requirements) together with access to basic services such as electricity and waste removal, continues the use domestic fuels in these areas. Poverty Effects Human health effects Exposure to low level pollution in informal settlements Focal Point Use of domestic fuels for heating and cooking purposes Inaccessibility of electricity and other cleaner fuels Behavioural use of domestic fuels Poverty Poor town planning for low income households (infrastructure) Causes Figure 44: Problem Tree for Domestic Fuel Burning. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 109

110 Effects The main impact of domestic fuel burning is human health effects, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular effects, associated with prolonged exposure to pollution. Coal burning emits a large amount of gaseous and particulate pollutants including sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, total and respirable particulates including heavy metals and inorganic ash, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzo(a)pyrene. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are recognised as carcinogens. Pollutants arising due to the combustion of wood include respirable particulates, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate benzo(a)pyrene and formaldehyde Objectives The main objective is to reduce the current air pollution concentrations to acceptable levels in domestic fuel burning areas by making available alternative energy sources that are affordable and accessible (Figure 45). Education and awareness-raising campaigns should be initiated in domestic fuel burning areas around the negative health impacts associated with the use of such fuels and the alternative methods available (e.g the use of the Basa Njengo Mago method for fire-lighting purposes). Electrification programmes, together with the use of cleaner energy sources in these areas, should be considered to be the primary option to address emissions from domestic fuel burning. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 110

111 Human health effects minimised Reduced pollution and exposure to pollution Decreased use of domestic fuels Access to and affordability of electricity and alternative fuels Education and awareness-raising Electrification programme Town planning includes infrastructure and capacity building Figure 45: Objectives Tree for Domestic Fuel Burning Vehicle Emissions The main vehicle activity within Fezile Dabi District is confined to the main routes. These include the N1 and N3 National roads which pass through the western and eastern parts of the District. Vehicle emissions were only quantified for Mafube, Moqhaka and Ngwathe Local Municipalities based on the available traffic count data for these regions. However, based on vehicle and fuel sales, Metsimaholo Local Municipality is likely to be the main source of vehicle emissions in the District. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 111

112 Problem Analysis Overall, vehicle emissions are not considered to be a significant source of air pollution in the District. The problem tree developed for the transportation sector is given in Figure Causes Emissions from vehicles include gaseous and particulate emissions from vehicle tailpipes as well as particulate emissions generated from travelling on secondary dust roads. An unsafe and unreliable public transport system has resulted in an increasing number of privately owned vehicles which results in congestion on the major roads and highways. More time spent idling in traffic results in more emissions. Emissions from vehicles are generally uncontrolled and therefore the contribution of vehicular emissions to ambient air quality, and human health, is unknown. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 112

113 Effects Human health effects Environmental effects Emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles Uncontrolled emissions (no emission standards) Focal Point Vehicle tailpipe emissions Particulate emissions (tailpipe and fugitive) Congestion on roads (private car use) Poor vehicle maintenance Secondary dust roads Unsafe and unreliable public transport Increasing number of privately owned vehicles Causes Figure 46: Problem Tree for Vehicles Effects Emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles have the potential to impact the ambient air quality in the District in the future, which could result in both human health and environmental impacts. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 113

114 Objectives The objectives tree for transportation is provided in Figure 47. To prevent emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles becoming a problem in the future, a safe and reliable public transport system is needed in the major towns in the District, which will in turn decrease the number of privately owned vehicles. Town planning should include future infrastructure requirements for future transport developments. Vehicle emissions can be regulated through their declaration as controlled emitters if considered to have a significant environmental and health impact. Emission standards can then be set for such controlled emitters. Regular vehicle maintenance and monitoring will also ensure that vehicles, especially heavy diesel vehicles, are well maintained, which will in turn minimize emissions. Reduced human health and environmental effects Reduced emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles Reduced congestion on the roads Vehicle emissions are regulated through emission standards Regular vehicle maintenance and monitoring Safe and reliable public transport system Decreasing number of privately owned vehicles Figure 47: Objective Tree for Vehicles. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 114

115 6.5. Agriculture and Biomass Burning Agriculture is a predominant land use in both the Free State Province and the District. Within the District, maize is grown in Viljoenskroon and Kroonstad with cattle farming occurring in Frankfort. Despite falling within the grassland biome and having a high veld fire risk, biomass burning has a low frequency of occurrence in the District. Neighbouring regions such as Gauteng Province are a likely contributor to biomass burning emissions in the District Problem Analysis Agricultural activities and biomass burning contributes to elevated gaseous and particulate emissions, although the contribution of these sources remains unknown Causes Agricultural activities include land tilling operations, fertiliser and pesticide applications and harvesting. Land tilling operations includes dust entrainment, wind-blown dust and scraping and grading activities which generate fugitive dust emissions. The application of fertiliser and pesticides generates fugitive dust emissions through vehicles driving on unpaved roads and exposed soil as well as releasing gaseous pollutants such as NO, NO 2, NH 3, SO 2 and VOCs. Cattle farming releases significant quantities of fugitive dust generated during the handling and disposal of manure and the use of animal feeds. Manure is the largest contributor to air pollution from farming and releases H 2 S, CH 4, NH 3 and CO 2 gases as well as odours emissions. Uncontrolled illegal burning (non-permitted) for agricultural management purposes, as well as accidental veld fires contributes to elevated pollution levels in the District. Lack of awareness around suitable meteorological conditions for controlled burning is also a contributing factor. Crop burning, under poor meteorological conditions, such as inversion conditions, will result in smog and reduced visibility which can have an impact for many kilometres from the source. The problem tree for agriculture and biomass burning is given below in Figure 48. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 115

116 Effects Human health effects Exceedance of ambient air quality standards Smog and reduced visibility Elevated levels of gaseous and particulate pollution Focal Point Accidental veld fires Uncontrolled illegal burning for agricultural management purposes Lack of awareness around suitable meteorological conditions for burning Agricultural activities (tilling, plowing etc) Causes Figure 48: Problem Tree for Agriculture and Biomass Burning Effects Elevated levels of gaseous and particulate pollution are experienced during seasonal burning periods in the District, resulting in poor ambient air quality and potential human health impacts Objectives The main objective is to minimise air pollution associated with agricultural activities and biomass burning (Figure 49). Emissions from the agricultural sector can be reduced through agricultural best management practices such as chemical irrigation, integrated pest management, limited activity during a high-wind event and artificial wind barriers. Crop burning should be managed by the District Municipality through local bylaws which have regulations for controlled farm burning. Controlled burning should be undertaken during periods of good dispersion potential, such as during the middle of the day and at the beginning of the dry season. Public awareness, specifically with farm Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 116

117 owners, should be raised about the dangers around uncontrolled fires and the implications for air quality and human health. Possible forms of media include community forums, television, radio, newspapers and posters. Human health effects Minimize impact of gaseous and particulate pollution Reduced emissions from agriculture and biomass burning Reduced number of accidental veld fires Agricultural burning controlled through local by-laws Increased awareness around suitable meteorological conditions for burning Good agricultural management practices Figure 49: Objectives Tree for Agriculture and Biomass Burning Landfills Currently, there are four permitted waste disposal facilities in Fezile Dabi District with most landfills not being permitted. Most of the waste disposals sites are used for general waste disposal, including domestic waste, garden waste as well as commercial and industrial waste Problem Analysis Most landfills in the District Municipality are unpermitted and hence, uncontrolled and therefore the contribution of landfill emissions to ambient air quality in the District remains unknown and un-quantified. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 117

118 Causes The poor regulation and management of landfills, together with poor service delivery in informal areas, has resulted in the creation of many small illegal and unpermitted landfill sites (Figure 50). Uncontrolled waste burning also occurs at these sites which releases toxic and odourous gases to which residents living in and around the landfills are exposed to. Greenhouse gases (CO 2 and CH 4 ) Odour emissions Effects Uncontrolled emissions from landfills Focal Point Illegal waste dumping and burning Illegal and unpermitted landfills Poor service delivery Poor regulation of landfills Causes Figure 50: Problem Tree for Landfills. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 118

119 Effects Emissions from landfills are a concern in terms of the potential for health effects and the odours generated. Landfills are important sources of the greenhouse gases such as CH 4 and CO 2, which account for approximately 40 60% of all landfill emissions. Landfill gases also contain trace amounts of non-methane organic compounds, including various hazardous air pollutants and VOCs (USEPA, 1995). Odourous emissions from landfills can also be a severe public nuisance Objectives The key objective is to control emissions from all landfills sites in the District (Figure 51). Illegal waste burning in informal areas can be reduced through effective and efficient municipal waste collection services. Emissions from uncontrolled burning in landfill sites can be minimized if all landfill sites are regulated and permitted. The Department of Environmental Affairs has taken over the permitting of landfills from the Department of Water and Forestry. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 119

120 Reduced greenhouse gases (CO 2 and CH 4 ) Reduced odour emissions Controlled emissions from landfills Illegal waste dumping and burning is controlled and minimised Landfills controlled and permitted Improved service delivery Better regulation of landfills (DEA) Figure 51: Objective Tree for Landfills Air Quality Management Capacity Air quality management capacity is evaluated in terms of available human resources, finances and tools for air quality management and control within each sphere of Government. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 120

121 Problem Analysis Limited capacity is available for air quality management in the Free State Province and the four Local Municipalities which prevents Government from being able to carry out their legal mandate in terms of the Air Quality Act Causes The problem tree for air quality management capacity is given in Figure 52. Limited capacity is available within all spheres of Government with no air quality functions undertaken by the Province and all four Local Municipalities due to staff shortages. Air quality functions are undertaken by Fezile Dabi District although this is limited to the investigation air quality complaints from the public. Air quality functions are the responsibility of Municipal Health and Environmental Services at the District with air quality functions forming part of other MHS functions. There are no dedicated personnel for air quality management or a separate, dedicated air quality division within the District Municipality. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 121

122 Potentially poor air quality Effects Unavailability of air quality data and information Air quality management functions not undertaken by Government Limited air quality management capacity for Government to carry out legal mandate Focal Point Lack of support from Province No air quality division in Fezile Dabi District or Local Municipalities No dedicated staff for air quality management No resource allocation for air quality management Air quality issues not prioritised by council Causes Figure 52: Problem Tree for Air Quality Management Capacity Effects Municipalities have not allocated resources for air quality management and therefore minimal to few air quality functions are undertaken in Government. Within Fezile Dabi Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 122

123 District, the lack of capacity has resulted in District officials not being able to undertake functions such as compiling emissions inventories, ambient air quality monitoring and regulating and enforcing the Air Quality Act. Delays in implementing such functions have resulted in the unavailability of air quality data and information on which informed decisions for air quality management can be made in the District. As a result, the air quality situation, with the exception of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, is generally unknown and unquantified Objectives The main objective is to develop capacity within all spheres of Government, in terms of resources, tools and finances (Figure 53). Air quality issues need to be prioritized by Council so that resources and funds are allocated for air quality management. It is essential that a separate, dedicated air quality division is established within Fezile Dabi District (and the Local Municipalities when required) to focus on air quality management and control. A dedicated Air Quality Officer should also be appointed in the District and undergo training on emission inventories, dispersion modeling, air quality monitoring and emission licencing. Over time, as air quality data and information is collected and collated, air quality in the District can be effective managed through informed decisions. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 123

124 Air quality can be effectively managed in the District Air quality data and information is available to make informed decisions Air quality management functions are undertaken by Government Capacity for Government to undertake air quality management Air quality officer appointed in Free State Province Air quality division in Fezile Dabi District and/or Local Municipalities Dedicated and trained staff for air quality management Resources and funds allocated for air quality management Air quality issues prioritised by council Figure 53: Objectives Tree for Air Quality Management Capacity. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 124

125 7. CAPACITY BUILDING WITHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT 7.1. Human Resources Air quality functions are primarily the responsibility of the District Municipality, with little to no capacity for air quality management in the Local Municipalities. For the Fezile Dabi District AQMP to be effective, co-operative governance and political buy-in across all spheres of government will be required, as well as the capacity to enforce compliance with the new legislation. In terms of the Air Quality Act, air quality management and control is primarily a function of the Local Municipalities with emission licencing functions undertaken by Metropolitan and District Municipalities. In order to increase the capacity in Municipalities, authorities need to invest both time and capital. For Municipalities to fulfill their regulatory role in terms of air quality, dedicated Air Quality Officers and personnel need to be appointed. Universities and Technikons do not have dedicated courses and degrees in Air Quality Management and Modelling. Courses in Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Management specific to air are only part of other courses. Environmental Health Practitioners are trained specifically on occupational health and safety issues related to environmental health with some focus on ambient air quality issues. Certain universities such as the University of Johannesburg and the University of Potchefstroom do offer short courses in air quality management. Such courses focus on air pollution topics such as sources of air pollution, meteorology, emissions inventory compilation, dispersion modeling, air quality monitoring and air quality management planning. All existing and newly appointed Air Quality Officers should be sent to undergo such training. Municipalities are also required to undertake monitoring, data analysis and reporting on ambient air quality as per their mandate as air quality authorities. Training on calibration and maintenance of analysers in ambient monitoring stations will be required, as well as training on data acquisition and the analysis thereof. For this task, technical personnel will need to be appointed. Such functions and personnel are currently not required for Fezile Dabi District Municipality as monitoring is not undertaken by the District Municipality. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 125

126 According to legislation, Municipalities are required to appoint an Air Quality Officer. Currently, no dedicated Air Quality Officers have been appointed at either the District or the Local Municipalities, with air quality functions forming part of other responsibilities. At a minimum, the following appointments are recommended within the District Municipality: One Air Quality Officer This person will be responsible for air quality management within both the District and Local Levels (until such capacity is available within each Local Municipality). This person should have a good understanding of air quality issues within Fezile Dabi District. Duties and functions of Air Quality Officers, as outlined in AQA, include: o Coordinating the development of an Air Quality Management Plan, o Preparing the Municipal Air Quality Officer s Annual Report. The report should include the Municipality s progress towards the implementation of its Air Quality Management Plan, o Submitting the Municipality s report to the Provincial Air Quality Officer, o May require the holder of an atmospheric emission licence to appoint an Emission Control Officer. Other responsibilities could include: o General air quality management and control, o Development and maintenance of a comprehensive emissions inventory for the District (including point, non-point and mobile sources), o Undertake dispersion modeling simulations of predicted pollutant concentrations, o Emission licencing of scheduled processes, o Enforcement and control of non-scheduled processes, o Training of Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) One Air Quality Technician (as and when required) This person will be responsible for the technical aspects of air quality management including maintenance and calibrations of ambient air quality monitoring stations as well Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 126

127 as the co-ordination and implementation of passive sampling campaigns. This person will report directly to the Air Quality Officer. Within the Local Municipalities, it is recommended that an Air Quality Officer be appointed in Metsimaholo given the occurrence of most major industries in this Local Municipality. Until such a time that this appointment is made, Fezile Dabi District should continue to undertake all air quality functions in Metsimaholo as well as Mafube, Moqhaka and Ngwathe through a service level agreement. No capacity currently exists in the Free State Province to provide air quality management support to Fezile Dabi District Municipality. A summary of the air quality responsibilities of Fezile Dabi District as per the National requirements are given in Table 23. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 127

128 Table 23: Air quality responsibilities of Fezile Dabi District Municipality as per the National Requirements. Air Quality Functions National Requirements Current Resources Required Resources Identify priority pollutants Municipalities may in terms of a bylaw identify substances or mixtures of substances which represent a threat to health, well-being or the environment in the Municipality As per the generic air pollution control by-law, a Municipality must compile a list of substances (using set criteria) which must be submitted to the Standards South Africa to develop local emission standards Six National criteria pollutants have been identified (SO 2, NO 2, O 3, CO, Pb, PM10 and C 6 H 6 ) No clear capacity exists for the identification and prioritisation of priority pollutants in the District Such measures are currently not required for any additional priority pollutants in the District. In the future, such measures may be required for Metsimaholo Local Municipality given its location in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area. Establish local emission standards Municipalities may in terms of a bylaw establish local standards from point, non-point and mobile sources If National or Provincial standards have been established, a Municipality may not alter such standards except by establishing stricter standards As per the generic air pollution control by-law, a Municipality must formally request the Standards South Africa to develop local emission standards The Standards South Africa will develop (using a set methodology) local emission standards Once developed, the local emission standards will be published National emission standards have been developed as part of the Listed Activities and Minimum Emissions Standards project. Insufficient capacity exists for the drafting of local emission standards The National emission standards should be adopted for the District. More stringent local emission standards are currently not required for pollution sources in the District. In the future, more stringent emission standards may be required for sources in Metsimaholo Local Municipality given its location in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area. Establish local air quality standards No provision is made for the setting of standards by local authorities However, Local Government may establish more stringent local air quality guidelines for the purpose of National air quality standards have been published by DEA Local air quality guidelines have not been established for the District. The National air quality standards should be adopted for the District Stricter ambient air quality targets have been recommended for Metsimaholo Local Municipality as Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 128

129 air quality management part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan. Appoint Air Quality Officer Each Municipality must designate an Air Quality Officer from its administration to be responsible for air quality management Duties and functions for an Air Quality Officer have been prescribed in the draft generic air pollution control by-law One Air Quality Officer is appointed in the District However, air quality functions form part of other functions and is not a separate, dedicated function A dedicated Air Quality Officer to be appointed in the District Municipality and Metsimaholo Local Municipality. All Air Quality Offices to attend air quality courses including monitoring, modeling and management Develop and implement an Air Quality Management Plan Each Municipality must include an Air Quality Management Plan in its Integrated Development Plan An annual report must be submitted on the implementation of its Air Quality Management Plan Limited capacity is available to develop and implement an Air Quality Management Plan An AQMP Implementation Task Team to be established in the District comprising representatives from industry, Government, NGOs, CBOs and other institutions Implementation Task Team to meet on a quarterly basis during the implementation phase Ambient air quality monitoring The National Framework will establish national norms and standards for Municipalities to monitor ambient air quality Ambient air quality monitoring is not undertaken by either the District or Local Municipalities. Ambient air quality monitoring is only undertaken in Metsimaholo Local Municipality (Sasolburg) by Sasol and DEA When required, an ambient air quality monitoring network should be installed in the District. At such a time, a trained, skilled technician should be appointed in the District. Precision checks to be undertaken every two weeks with a full dynamic calibration every three months Future stations to be SANAS accredited Perform emission licensing authority functions Metropolitan and District Municipalities must implement the atmospheric licencing system and perform the functions of a licencing authority Such functions include the Limited capacity exists for the District Municipality to undertake its emission licencing functions. The District Municipality will need to be restructured for this purpose. Emission licencing is proposed to be undertaken by the District Municipality Once implemented, the issuing of atmospheric emission licences will become the responsibility of the Air Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 129

130 processing of atmospheric emission licences of applicants and the issuing of the licence fee Quality Officer Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 130

131 7.2. Air Quality Management Tools Emissions Inventory Database For effective air quality management and control, an accurate, electronic emissions inventory of point, non-point and mobile sources needs to be established. An emissions inventory includes information on source parameters (source location, stack height, stack diameter, exit gas velocity, exit temperature) and associated pollutant emission rates. An emissions inventory serves the following functions - Providing spatially resolved source strength data on each pollutant for dispersion modeling, Predicting environmental impacts, Helping in urban and regional planning, Supporting the design of regional monitoring networks, Contributing a basis for evaluating trends, Assisting in the formulation of air quality management policies. Emissions inventories can either be developed by a) estimating emissions using emission factors and manually integrating into a database or by b) using existing emissions inventory software which has built-in emission factors. The selection of software for this purpose should take into account the applicability of this software for the local environment, accessibility to software support and its interface between a suitable dispersion model and Geographical Information System (GIS). Possible emissions inventory software for this purpose includes the Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC) EMIT software, which is already being used by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. EMIT is an Emissions Inventory Tool that can be used to store and assess emissions data from a variety of sources such as industrial sources (point and area) and major roads and rail sources (line). EMIT can store data from small area sources that are treated as average emissions on a 1 km 2 grid such as commercial and domestic using activity data. Emission rates for road and rail traffic are calculated using traffic flows, number of vehicle kilometres travelled and trips made. For industrial sources, activity data includes fuel consumption, the amount of raw materials used and the number of Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 131

132 products produced. In order to calculate emissions from activity data associated emission factors are required. A range of emission factors datasets are held in EMIT to estimate mobile emissions and industrial sources using various inventories. Datasets are also available to estimate emissions from electricity and fuel used for power generation. Emissions can also be estimated in EMIT by using population statistics. However, many of these emissions factors cannot be used locally due the factors being based on UK sources. Currently, local emissions factors are available for vehicle emissions and domestic fuel burning. As a whole, Fezile Dabi District is not considered to be an industrialised area, with the exception of Sasolburg in Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Given the number, nature and distribution of sources in the District, it is not necessary for the District to purchase emissions inventory software. Emissions information should instead be electronically captured into either Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access. This information should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure the database is updated and complete. As part of SAAQIS, all source and emissions data recorded within each Municipality and Province will be incorporated into a National electronic database, allowing for easy access and manipulation of data from any sphere of Government. Fezile Dabi District will need to ensure they have a complete emissions inventory database that is incorporated into the SAAQIS Dispersion Modelling Software Atmospheric dispersion modelling forms an integral component of air quality management and planning. Air quality models are used to establish a relationship between emissions and air quality. Dispersion models require the input of data which includes: Meteorological conditions such as wind speed and direction, the amount of atmospheric turbulence, ambient air temperature and the height to the bottom of any inversion layers in the upper atmosphere, Emission parameters such as source location and height, stack diameter, exit gas temperature and exit velocity, Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 132

133 Terrain elevations at the source and surrounding regions, Location, height and width of any obstructions (such as buildings). Dispersion modelling is typically used to determine compliance with ambient air quality guidelines or standards, assist in health and environmental risk assessments, provide information for ambient monitoring networks and to assess source contributions to air quality concentrations. When selecting an appropriate model, the following considerations should be taken into account, including: Applicability to the local environment, in particular, an urban airshed, Compatibility with a GIS such as ArcGIS 9.3, Compatibility with emissions inventory software, Availability of meteorological data (ie should upper air data be required), Accessibility to software support (local and international), Chemical reactions such as ozone formation, IT requirements. Within South Africa, a range of urban airshed models are currently being utilised, including ADMS Urban by the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Cape Town, the Norwegian AirQuis model by ethekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the locally developed Dynamic Air Pollution Prediction System (DAPPS) model, the latter not currently available for purchase. Other USEPA regulatory models such as CALPUFF and AERMOD are freely downloadable from the USEPA website. CALPUFF is designed to model long-range transport of pollutants and is most applicable in areas of complex terrain. AERMOD has replaced ISC as the USEPA approved preferred regulatory model. The Department of Environmental Affairs is in the process of developing an internal discussion document which relates to dispersion modeling in general. Once this document has been developed, the Department will be in a position to provide guidance to Municipalities on dispersion modeling. This document will take into account a wide range of factors including the cost of the models, the cost of support and training and Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 133

134 model validation and appropriateness for use in South Africa. AERMOD is likely to become the preferred regulatory model for South Africa. A short description of the model is provided in the section below AERMOD AERMOD, a state-of-the-art Planetary Boundary Layer air dispersion model, was developed by the American Meteorological Society and USEPA Regulatory Model Improvement Committee (AERMIC). AERMOD utilizes a similar input and output structure to ISCST3 and shares many of the same features, as well as offering additional features. AERMOD fully incorporates the PRIME building downwash algorithms, advanced depositional parameters, local terrain effects, and advanced meteorological turbulence calculations. The AERMOD atmospheric dispersion modeling system is an integrated system that includes three modules: A steady-state dispersion model designed for short-range (up to 50 kilometers) dispersion of air pollutant emissions from stationary industrial sources. A meteorological data preprocessor (AERMET) for surface meteorological data, upper air soundings, and optionally, data from on-site instrument towers. It then calculates atmospheric parameters needed by the dispersion model, such as atmospheric turbulence characteristics, mixing heights, friction velocity, Monin- Obukov length and surface heat flux. A terrain preprocessor (AERMAP) which provides a physical relationship between terrain features and the behavior of air pollution plumes. It generates location and height data for each receptor location. It also provides information that allows the dispersion model to simulate the effects of air flowing over hills or splitting to flow around hills Ambient Air Quality Monitoring An ambient air quality management system consists of various hardware, software, communication systems as well as activities related to the ongoing maintenance and calibration of the system. Continuous ambient air quality monitoring requires among Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 134

135 other things; a set of trace gas analysers housed in a secure shelter, meteorological equipment, a data communication and acquisition system, as well as various other mechanical, civil and electrical structures such as an inlet manifold, fencing, concrete plinth, air conditioner, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and safety devices such as a lightning conductor. As part of a monitoring network design (macro and micro-siting) it is important to consider the following aspects: Proximity to residential areas, Location of industries, major roads, domestic fuel burning emissions etc, Dominant wind direction, Dispersion modelling results, Topography, Location of existing monitoring stations, Sensitive environments, Sensitive populations, Trans-boundary transport of air pollution from neighbouring sources Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Continuous ambient air quality monitoring of atmospheric emissions ensures that the environment is being properly protected and helps Local Government manage their impact on the environment. Such monitoring provides continuous, accurate data on pollution concentrations at a specific location. However, limitations of this type of monitoring are associated with spatial coverage, technical skills required for maintenance and calibration as well as the ongoing financial implications. Municipalities would need to acquire air monitoring equipment as well as a system that will automatically retrieve air quality data from loggers and sensors for the management of remote data acquisition equipment. This system should have data correction functions for quality assurance. An ambient air quality monitoring station requires a person responsible for maintaining the network, calibrating the instruments as well as analysing data and compiling reports for compliance assessment. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 135

136 An ambient air quality monitoring station requires ongoing maintenance and calibration and is not just a once-off capitol expense. Ongoing maintenance costs should be budgeted for at the onset of the project. Approximate costs associated with the installation, operation and maintenance of a complete ambient air quality monitoring station for a period of one year are given in Table 25. The maintenance and calibrations of such stations should be undertaken on a regular basis, with zero and spans performed every two weeks and a full dynamic calibration undertaken every three months. In addition, all stations should obtain SANAS accreditation to ensure the standardisation of monitoring practices in the region Passive Diffusive Monitoring Passive monitoring is an inexpensive method of monitoring over a large area and requires little human intervention. Passive badges can measure a range of pollutants including SO 2, NO 2, O 3, hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), hydrochloric acid, VOCs and various aldehydes among others. Passive badges have a detection limit of 0.1 µg/m 3, 0.2 µg/m 3 and 1 µg/m 3 for NO 2, SO 2 and O 3, respectively, and a precision of ± 5%. Passive diffusive sampling calculates an average reading over a time period as opposed to realtime data acquisition that continuous monitoring can provide. Passive badges have to be sent away to an accredited laboratory for analysis further extending the lag time in getting results (2 3 weeks). Passive sampling conforms to international methodologies and standards and can be used to validate dispersion modelling results Proposed Air Quality Monitoring for Fezile Dabi Based on the location of air pollution sources, residential areas and available ambient air quality monitoring data, an extensive continuous ambient air quality monitoring network is currently not required in the District. Continuous ambient air quality monitoring is already undertaken in Metsimaholo Local Municipality by National Government and Industry and therefore further monitoring stations are not required in this Local Municipality. A passive badge monitoring campaign is recommended in the short to medium-term for the purpose of characterizing the spatial distribution of air pollutant concentrations Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 136

137 across the District. Ambient SO 2 and NO 2 monitoring should be undertaken for three four months preferably during the winter months. The results from the passive badge monitoring campaign can then be used to determine zones of maximum concentrations in the District and possible continuous ambient air quality monitoring sites Financial Implications The required budget for the District has been based on the required human resources, software and hardware for air quality monitoring and management within the District (Table 24 Table 26. Please note that approximate figures have been provided. Table 24: Approximate costs for the appointment of air quality personnel in Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Position Unit Approximate Price Air Quality Officer Per annum R Senior Technician Per annum R Junior Technician Per annum R TOTAL R Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 137

138 Table 25: Approximate costs for emissions inventory and dispersion modeling software and hardware. Requirements Unit Approximate Price Dispersion Modelling Software Option 1 (ADMS Urban) (1) R ADMS Urban (Permanent Licence) Once off R Annual support (optional) Per annum R Option 2 (AERMOD) R AERMOD View Once off R Annual maintenance (optional) Per annum R Emissions Inventory Software R EMIT (Permanent Licence) Once off R Annual support (optional) Per annum R Other R ArcGIS 9.3 and Spatial Analyst Once off R Courses/Training Per Person R Computer Once off R Note: ADMS Urban can either be purchased with an annual licence which is valid for one year and inclusive of support for the period covered by the licence or a permanent licence which is valid for use indefinitely and support for the first year is covered by the licence. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 138

139 Table 26: Approximate costs for the installation, operation and maintenance of a complete ambient air quality monitoring station for a period of one year. Equipment Requirements Unit Approximate Price Trace Gas Analysers (SO 2, NO x, O 3 and CO) Four analysers R PM10 Instrument (Beta Gauge) Per instrument R PM2.5 Instrument Per instrument R Gas Chromatograph (VOCs) Per instrument R Meteorological station (1) Per station R Shelter, air conditioner, glass inlet manifold, UPS and alarm system Once off R Installation Civils (concrete plinth and fencing) Once off R Delivery, Installation and Commissioning Once off R Operation and Maintenance Zero and spans every two weeks (outsourced) Full Dynamic Calibration (outsourced) Every two weeks R Quarterly (4) R Meteorological Calibration Per annum R Consumables, maintenance and repairs for analysers Per annum R SANAS Accreditation (optional) SANAS accreditation calibration (by a SANAS accredited laboratory) Preparation of quality manual and application to SANAS SANAS accreditation audit (by SANAS) Four Analysers R Once off R Per annum R Hardware and Software Data acquisition and communication for Point Source analysers Data transmission and verification for Point Source analysers Once off R Per annum R TOTAL (Point Source) R Note: (1) Wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, solar radiation, pressure, rainfall and 9 m mast Equipment and associated costs are provided for Thermo point source analysers. Other equipment options include Teledyne-Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, Open Path Monitoring System (OPSIS) etc. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 139

140 8. EMISSION REDUCTION INTERVENTIONS Emission reduction measures are proposed for sources identified in the Fezile Dabi District. Where possible, dates have been assigned to each intervention. If dates are unknown, generic timeframes ranging from short-term (1 2 years), medium-term (3 5 years) and long-term (5 10 years) have been assigned. Emission reduction measures identified as part of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan for industrial sources in Metsimaholo Local Municipality were included in this plan to prevent duplication Small Industries Proposed Interventions Limited information is available on small industries within Fezile Dabi District with small to medium-sized industries located in the towns of Frankfort and Villiers in Mafube, Kroonstad in Moqhaka and Parys in Ngwathe Local Municipality. Prior to the development of this plan, the District Municipality had compiled a list of small industries in these towns, which was verified during the plan through a site visit. Further to this, the District Municipality will need to compile a detailed electronic emissions inventory which includes information on: Company name and contact details, Latitude and Longitude co-ordinates, Type of fuel burning appliance (e.g. boiler, incinerator, furnace), Make and model of fuel burning appliance, Type of fuel, Quantity of fuel used, Stack parameters (height, diameter, gas exit temperature and gas exit velocity), Sulphur and ash content of fuel (where applicable), Periods of operation, Control equipment (e.g. grit collectors). Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 140

141 Emission reduction interventions for small industries are given in Table 27. Possible medium- to long-term interventions to be introduced by National Government could include the declaration of fuel burning appliances as controlled emitters. Table 27: Proposed emission reduction strategies for small industries within the Fezile Dabi District. Intervention Responsible Party Timeframe Electronic database of all small industries to be compiled by District Municipality FDDM Short Term (2011) Periodic site inspections and emissions measurements Develop a permit system for all non-listed activities Model scheduled trade by-laws Small boilers to be declared as controlled emitters FDDM DEA FDDM DEA Ongoing Short Term Short medium Term (2013) Short medium Term 8.2. Mining Operations The main mining operations within Fezile Dabi District include Sigma Colliery in Sasolburg, Coalbrook Colleries in Coalbrook and Voorspoed and Lace Diamond Mines in Kroonstad. Gold mining also occurs on the boundary of Moqhaka Local Municipality near Orkney in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. The proposed interventions for the mining sector are given in Table 28. The mineral processing industry has been identified to be a listed activity (Category 5) in the Listed Activities and Minimum Emission Standards published in the Government Gazette on 24 July All new and existing installations will need to comply with the emission standards and monitoring protocols/requirements that have been set out. All identified listed activities are now required to have an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) to operate and will need to lodge an application with Fezile Dabi District Municipality which will be the licencing authority for the region. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 141

142 Proposed Interventions Table 28: Proposed emission reduction strategies for mining operations within the Fezile Dabi District. Intervention Responsible Party Timeframe Obtain comprehensive emission inventories from the mines Submit detailed emission reduction strategies to DEA and FDDM ensure compliance with ambient air quality standards Issuing of AELs to mining operations in the District Municipality Implement emission reduction measures as part of listed activity requirements for the Mineral Processing Industry Compliance with listed activities and minimum emission standards Sigma Colliery, Coalbrook Colliery, Voorspoed and Lace Diamond Mines Sigma Colliery, Coalbrorok Colleries, FDDM, Mines FDDM, Mines Sigma Colliery, Coalbrook Colliery, Voorspoed and Lace Diamond Mines Short Term Short Term Short Medium Term Short Medium Term Short Medium Term 8.3. Petrochemical Industry The main petrochemical industries within Fezile Dabi District include Sasol, Natref and Omnia Fertilizers, located near Sasolburg. The emission reduction measures outlined below for Sasol, Natref and Omnia have been extracted from the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan Sasol Emission Reduction Commitments Sasol, Sasolburg continuously strives towards implementing cleaner technologies as a way of reducing its environmental impact of its chemical processes. As a result, the Sasolburg operations converted from a predominantly coal based feedstock to a natural gas feedstock and through this conversion have realized improvements in their emissions to atmosphere, water and land (Waste). Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 142

143 This was done prior to the declaration of the Vaal Triangle as a priority area. The present boilers operated as part of the steam and power generation systems have also been optimised and are operated at emission concentrations much lower than the current allowable emission limits. The course ash heap, which is a source of wind-blown dust, is presently being mined and used for brick making and hence it is foreseen that this ash heap and dust associated with it will disappear within the next couple of years. As a result of the abovementioned interventions Sasol would be required to make major capital investment to further improve on its atmospheric emission sources. Sasol, Sasolburg according to the latest baseline assessment report is required to reduce ambient particulate concentrations by 1%, SO 2 concentrations by 7% and NO 2 concentrations by 18%. This equates to a minor reduction at the respective point sources. Sasol is committed to reduce its point source emissions, however to commit to a time frame where large capital expenditure is required for minor changes in the absence of emission standards does not make business sense. Therefore, Sasol Sasolburg is committed to submit an improvement plan to DEA after the Minimum National Emission Standards have been published which will indicate time frames to which Sasol and other companies will comply with the new standards NATREF Emission Reduction Commitments The National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) have an approved Environmental improvement plan mutually agreed with DEA and NGO s in The refinery currently awaits legislation to be promulgated about further improvements in fuel specifications and therefore does not have a mandate to include long range improvement projections. However, the refinery remains committed to fulfill its commitments towards the improvement plan by 2009 agreed upon in The improvements agreed upon as well as projections towards 2009 and indicative 2015 improvements are reflected in Table 29. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 143

144 Table 29: NATREF emission reductions since Pollutant (tons/day) Capital Invested (RM) % Improvement Refinery static (point) source emissions SO NO VOC Post 2006 improvements SO NO VOC Mobile source emissions (vehicles) SO >80 NO VOC Post 2015 improvements (subject to DMR/DEA regulations) SO 2 1 > >80 NO (t/d) VOC (t/d) Note 1 Not adjusted for increased product volumes Note 2 Operating cost and or renewal maintenance It was also agreed with DEA that Natref will submit an update of its environmental improvement plan by June 2008 when the current improvement plan comes to its end. This will also allow incorporation of the anticipated impacts of the second phase of South African fuel specification improvements. In order to comply with the intended improvements, the routine operational monitoring associated with point source management as well as routine ambient air quality monitoring station information interpretation (operated by Sasol) will continue. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 144

145 OMNIA Fertilizer Emission Reduction Commitments In order to comply with the relevant environmental legislation for air pollution control, Omnia has installed emissions monitoring and control systems at its various production units at the Sasolburg site and is also investigating others. Air emission reduction systems have also been installed and optimisation plans to improve their effectiveness are currently underway. In order to comply with the stricter ambient air quality requirements for the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area, Omnia will optimise the existing emissions monitoring, control and reduction strategies. In addition, Omnia will investigate and commission new emission reduction strategies as detailed in this report. Omnia is currently implementing the EnviNO x project for the abatement of NO x emissions from the nitric acid plant. The design studies have been completed and the technology has already been procured and construction has commenced. This technology will reduce N 2 O by 94% as a minimum. The project will reduce the NO x emissions from the current levels to below 30 ppm which is in-line with international standards. The committed capital for this project is ZAR 55 million and the expected commissioning date is 1st quarter of A pilot study for the reduction of airborne particulate matter at the raw material offloading bins has been completed. The study focused on the efficiency of dust suppression hoppers in reducing dust emissions. This system was commissioned and results were positive in that the dust in the raw material storage area was reduced by over 50% and thus a marked improvement in the ambient air quality in plant vicinity. The opportunity of installing more dust suppression hoppers is being investigated. In order to develop a baseline database to be used for future design of air emissions reduction and control strategies, Omnia has purchased a mobile ambient air monitoring station. This station monitors fugitive dust emissions in the granulation plants. This station is to be commissioned by the last quarter of The cost for this project is approximately ZAR Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 145

146 Omnia is currently installing online stack analyser for the monitoring of particulate matter from the stacks at the granulation plants. One analyser has already been commissioned (May 2007) at the Granulation 3 plant with positive results. The data from the analyser is being used for online control of stack emissions by optimising the scrubbing system at this plant. Since commissioning of this project, the particulate matter emissions have reduced by approximately 50% from the pre-may 2007 average to the current permit levels in the Granulation 3 stack. An opportunity to optimise and automate this scrubbing system in order to further reduce the emissions is being investigated. The remaining 6 stack analysers will be commissioned by end The estimated cost for this project is ZAR The data from the online stack analysers will be used for the baseline database and as a design basis for future emission reductions and control systems. Going forward, Omnia will use the online data from the various stack analysers, ambient air monitoring station and the dispersion model to complete a baseline database. The baseline data will be used to design, review, optimise and evaluate different emission reduction strategies and to benchmark with other fertiliser production facilities globally. This exercise will be important for providing a correct design basis to ensure that implemented solutions will be sustainable and will result in the improvement of ambient air quality in the VTAPA as set out in the AQMP. The chosen strategies or technology must have minimal negative environmental impact as possible. For example, if emission scrubbing systems are implemented in the various production units onsite, this will have a positive impact in reducing air emissions but the negative impact will be increased usage of water (natural resource) and the increased production of effluent. Another example to be considered is the installation of bag filter plant as done by other fertiliser plants globally. This is capital intensive and there are space constraints as typically these bag filters require large space for adequate efficiency in reducing air emissions. More options of available air emissions reduction strategies or solutions will be investigated going forward. In conclusion, Omnia will complete the baseline database within the short term. During this period, the current projects will also be completed as detailed above. Also, the Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 146

147 different available air emission reduction strategies and control strategies will be evaluated using the baseline database as the design basis. At the end of this period, a suitable strategy or strategies will be chosen and this will be implemented and commissioned within the medium to long term. The primary objective is to implement air emissions reduction strategies and to improve the ambient air quality as soon as feasible, taking into account all possible constraints and impacts. Omnia Fertilizer Sasolburg is committed to sustainable development and will implement required actions in a responsible manner in order to fulfil this objective Proposed Interventions Petrochemical activities have also been identified to be a listed activity (Categories 2 and 6), and as such have associated emissions standards and require an Atmospheric Emission Licence to operate. The enforcement and compliance thereof will need to be undertaken by the Department of Environmental Affairs in conjunction with the District Municipality. A detailed list of interventions has been provided in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Air Quality Management Plan (2008). Table 30: Proposed emission reduction strategies for the petrochemical industry within the Fezile Dabi District. Intervention Responsible Party Timeframe Issuing of AELs to petrochemical industries in the District Municipality Development of government / community / industry liaison committees Compliance with listed activities and minimum emission standards FDDM FDDM Sasol, Natref, Omnia Short Medium Term Short Term Short Medium Term Companies Social Responsibility programme Sasol, Natref, Omnia Short Term Enforcement and Compliance DEA Short Term 8.4. Power Generation Eskom Emission Reduction Commitments Like all power stations, it was built with tall stacks, in this case 275 m, to prevent high ground level concentrations of SO 2 from occurring. Significant down-mixing of the plume Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 147

148 only occurs during daytime turbulent atmospheric conditions. This is observed to result in some intermittent ad hoc increases in local ground level SO 2 concentrations, normally close to the power station. It is presently not possible to evaluate the potential non compliance of these SO 2 concentration peaks, as complete national ambient air quality standards have not yet been published in regulations. Subsequent estimates of the required percentage reduction of ground level SO 2 concentrations directly attributable to Lethabo power station were based on a single modelled exceedance of a proposed limit value, rather than on comprehensive monitoring data. In order to ensure that holistic decisions, which include all environmental and economic aspects, the retrofitting of any deso x technology cannot be justified at this moment. Once Lethabo s emissions can be compared to complete ambient air quality standards a comprehensive technical assessment can be carried out which will identify the various options, associated costs, environmental and resource impacts and operational implications. Based on extensive monitoring data, some instances of poor air quality do occur in the Vaal priority area, mainly associated with particulate matter but also with some of the other criteria pollutants. Lethabo power station has already reduced particulate emissions by 51%. (8.9 kt/annum to 4.4 kt/annum). Eskom is committed to contributing to alleviating this situation, and thus has initiated work in a number of areas which will be shared on an on-going basis with DEA. These include: 1. Fully investigating the potential benefits and impacts resulting from various technologies and practices, both at the coal mine and the power station, which will result in overall reduced emissions. Such investigations will include but not necessarily be limited to the following aspects: Resource availability (water and limestone required in the case of FGD); Coal quality; Relevant power station, mine and coal technical considerations; Efficiency improvements; Non-calcium based flue gas desulphurisation; and Timing issues. Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 148

149 This work has already begun within Eskom and a final report is anticipated to be complete by the first quarter of Identify and actively contribute to suitable emission offset projects aimed at improving the overall air quality within the Vaal priority area airshed. Potential projects that Eskom will investigate include: Appropriate demand side management interventions aimed at reducing low level pollutants; Electrification of non electrified areas; and Subsidization of Basa Njengo Magogo projects within the Vaal Priority Area. This work has also already begun and an action plan identifying all suitable offset projects should be complete by the end of Proposed Interventions Power generation activities have also been identified to be a listed activity (Category 1.1), and as such have associated emissions standards and require an Atmospheric Emission Licence to operate. Lethabo Power Station participated in the APPA Registration Certificate Review Project and was issued with a new Registration Certificate in November 2009 which is valid for a period of 4 years. Lethabo Power Station will apply for a renewal of their licence within 3 years, as required in section 61 (2) (c) of the Air Quality Act (K. Ross, pers. comm). Proposed measures to address emissions from the power generation industry are outlined in Table 31. Detailed interventions have been provided in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Air Quality Management Plan (2008). Table 31: Proposed emission reduction strategies for the power generation industry within the Fezile Dabi District. Intervention Responsible Party Timeframe Development of government / community / industry liaison committees Issuing of an Atmospheric Emission Licence for Lethabo Power Station FDDM FDDM, Eskom Short Term Short Medium Term Compliance with listed activities and minimum Eskom Short Medium Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 149

150 emission standards Term Companies Social Responsibility programme Eskom Short Term Enforcement and Compliance DEA Short Term 8.5. Domestic Fuel Burning National Government Interventions In 2003, the DMR developed the Integrated Clean Household Energy Strategy. This strategy identified three phases; (1) REFINE current combustion methods and appliances, (2) REPLACE coal with electricity, Low Smoke Fuels, other alternative fuels and solar power and (3) REDUCE energy requirements of homes through the introduction of energy efficient methods (insulation and solar power). More recently in 2005, the DMR published the Energy Efficiency Strategy of the Republic of South Africa. This strategy allows for the immediate implementation of no-cost and low-cost interventions, as well as higher-cost measures with a short payback period. This strategy aims to make energy affordable to everyone, and to minimise the effects of energy usage on human health and the environment. An overall national target for energy efficiency improvement of 12% by 2014 has been set. Within the residential sector, a reduction of 10% in energy demand by 2014 has been set. Measures to reduce energy demand include the introduction of standards for housing and household appliances, energy labelling of appliances and awareness campaigns around the costbenefits of energy efficiency within households. The approach is focused on energy efficiency in higher income areas and state-subsidised housing which will incorporate energy efficiency measures. The top down ignition method (called Basa Njengo Magogo ) is considered a short medium term solution to address domestic fuel burning (Figure 60). This method, meaning make fire like grandmother is a top-down approach to fuel loading in mbawulas and stoves. In the classical bottom-up fire ignition approach, the order of preparing a fire is paper, wood then coal. In the Basa Njengo Magogo method, the order of preparing a fire is coal, paper, wood and a few pieces of coal at the top. Smoke generated in the latter method is burnt as it rises through the hot zone, resulting in Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 150

151 reduced smoke emissions. In 2004, the CSIR undertook controlled laboratory tests of the Basa Njengo Method to determine the reduction in particulate emissions. These tests demonstrated an 80% to 90% reduction in smoke emissions and a 20% reduction in fuel consumption. Figure 54: The Basa Njengo Magogo fire-lighting Method (left) and classical fire lighting method (right). National rollout of the Basa Njengo Magogo technology will occur over the next 12 years ( ). The DMR piloted the Basa Njenjo Magogo method in Orange Farm during the winter of A total of houses were directly and indirectly targeted. Approximately 76% of households reported a reduction in smoke in their homes, 67% reported less smoke in the streets after one month of using this method and 99% of households reported a saving of R26 per week and half a 25 kg bag of coal per week. The number of households still using the method was assessed in Of the households surveyed, retention was approximately 40% with approximately 64% and 61% of household reporting economic and health benefits Proposed Interventions Emissions from domestic fuel burning need to be accurately determined to ensure that the contribution to the overall ambient air quality in the District is accurately quantified. As part of the baseline assessment, a first step in the quantification of domestic fuel burning was undertaken. However, emissions from domestic fuel burning are potentially overestimated as population and household fuel usage statistics were used from the Fezile Dabi District Municipality Air Quality Management Plan 151