Question NW1800 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs

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29 June 2018 - NW1800

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

What (a) number of air quality monitoring stations (i) exist in Ethekwini Municipality and (ii) are fully operational, (b) steps have been taken to date to ensure the full functionality of all the stations and (c) plans are in place going forward to address the functionality of all the stations?

Reply:

(a) (i) EThekwini Municipality has a total number of:

  • fourteen (14) continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations;
  • ten (10) non-continuous “bubbler SO2” stations; and
  • six (6) Dust Fallout Monitors.

(ii) The non-continuous and dust fallout network are working optimally. However, the continuous monitoring network is ageing and requiring more attention from both an Operational and Capital perspective.

(b) Of the fourteen (14) continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, nine (9) are fully operational, one (1) has an electricity supply problem at the moment whilst four (4) stations have problems with the NOx analysers. A service provider has recently been appointed to repair, service and calibration of these analysers. In addition, a service provider was awarded the contract to upgrade the Data Acquisition System and ensure that the stations are communicating reporting information online. Capital Funding has been made available in the 2018/2019 financial year to commence the replacement process.

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has initiated a project of establishing the new South African National Air Quality Indicator (NAQI) stations across the country. In this program, four (4) stations from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality located at City Hall, Ganges, Settlers and Southern Works were identified as suitable stations to be utilised for the reporting of the NAQI. DEA has appointed a service provider to assist with implementation of this project over a period of five (5) years of which the four (4) stations listed above form part of this project. Some of the activities to be undertaken by the service is to carry out activities relating to this project which include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Installation and commissioning of new PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 instruments;
  • The assessment of the NAQI stations;
  • Development of an Air Quality Monitoring Plan;
  • NAQI stations data management and reporting; and
  • Capacity building for handover to network owners.

(c) The Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was approved by council during May 2018 together with a Capital and Operational Budget over a five (5) year period commencing on 01 July 2018. This includes a five year capital recommendation to refurbish the entire network over the period of the AQMP.

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