Question NW400 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs

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17 March 2017 - NW400

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

With reference to the site inspection at Portion 100, Bokfontein 448JQ, by her department, (a) what corrective measures will the owner of Microlife Organic Products implement and (b) by what date will the owner of the specified site comply with the implementation of the specified measures?

Reply:

The Environmental Management Inspectors from the Department of Environmental Affairs did not undertake an inspection at this site. We have been informed however, that Inspectors from the North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (NW READ), which is the department responsible for issuing the Environmental Authorisation in respect of the facility, did carry out such an inspection.

A. The matter was investigated and it appeared that the facility is undertaking certain processes and using equipment which are not included in the Environmental Authorisation. Accordingly, an administrative enforcement process was initiated by the North West READ and a pre-compliance notice was served on Microlife on 2 March 2017. This notice provides the facility with an opportunity to provide representations (as required by administrative law) in response to the allegations against them and to provide reasons why a final compliance notice should not be issued. We are advised that the representation from Microlife was received on 6 March 2017 and is currently being evaluated by the provincial officials. Thereafter, a decision will then be made as to whether or not a compliance notice with corrective instructions will be issued.

B. As mentioned above, although an administrative enforcement action has been initiated, further investigation and review of information is required prior to making a decision on any final instructions.

 

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