| THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT |
| Monday, 24 May 2010 20:33 |
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Notice is given,of the publication of the National Framework by Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, in terms of section 7(1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No. 39 of 2004), for public comment. Visit http://nfaq.csir.co.za/cocoon215/nfaqg/docs/downloads.htm for the documents page to view these 2 documents (top section of page). The South African Air Quality Governance Framework Project is being run by the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) with the aim of compiling a first-generation document for publication in the Government Gazette on 11 September 2007. Rationale According to the Air Quality Act (AQA), the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism must establish the National Framework (through publishing the document in the Government Gazette) by 11 September 2007, i.e. within two years of section 7 and 8 of the AQA coming into effect. The National Framework will bind all organs of government in all spheres of government. The implementation of the plan is the responsibility of national, provincial and local government in terms of their various functions. The National Framework may be amended, but the AQA states that the Minister, with participation of stakeholders, should review it at least every five years. DEAT is now in the process of developing the National Framework with the intention of gazetting a first-generation document on 11 September 2007. It is anticipated that the document will be reviewed within one year to fill any information gaps that might exist. Objectives The objectives of the National Framework must include mechanisms, systems and procedures: * To attain compliance with ambient air quality standards, and * To give effect to the Republic s obligations in terms of international agreements. In addition, the National Framework must include national norms and standards for: * The control of emissions from point and non-point sources * Air quality monitoring * Air quality management planning * Air quality information management and * Any other matter which the Minister considers necessary for achieving the object of this Act. In turn, the national norms and standards in the National Framework must ensure: * Opportunities for public participation in the protection and enhancement of air quality * Public access to air quality information * The prevention of air pollution and degradation of air quality * The reduction of discharges likely to impair air quality, including the reduction of air pollution at source * The promotion of efficient and effective air quality management * Effective air quality monitoring * Regular reporting on air quality, and * Compliance with South Africa s obligations in terms of international agreements Overall project objective A National Framework is developed through the implementation of a process involving all stakeholders, which will ensure that there is an effective framework of norms and standards in place to guide air quality management initiatives throughout the country. The objectives of the National Framework must include mechanisms, systems and procedures: * To attain compliance with ambient air quality standards, and * To give effect to the Republic s obligations in terms of international agreements. In addition, the National Framework must include national norms and standards for: * The control of emissions from point and non-point sources * Air quality monitoring * Air quality management planning * Air quality information management and * Any other matter which the Minister considers necessary for achieving the object of this Act. In turn, the national norms and standards in the National Framework must ensure: * Opportunities for public participation in the protection and enhancement of air quality * Public access to air quality information * The prevention of air pollution and degradation of air quality * The reduction of discharges likely to impair air quality, including the reduction of air pollution at source * The promotion of efficient and effective air quality management * Effective air quality monitoring * Regular reporting on air quality, and * Compliance with South Africa s obligations in terms of international agreements |
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