Durban South Basin Strategic Environmental Assessment
Strategies to Address Air Quality in the Durban South Basin

The Durban South Basin Strategic Environmental Assessment recognises air quality as a significant issue in the Durban South Basin. A number of strategies have been recommended to improve the existing situation and promote/manage development in the area.

Objective: To obtain information to establish current air pollution levels in DMA, focusing on Durban South Basin

Tactics:

• Measure, monitor and assess SO2, NOx and other significant pollutants, and examine cumulative effects of 'cocktail'
• Proceed on an ongoing basis with source emission inventory and expend to cover other significant pollutants
• Measure and monitor emissions from small industries as well as large industries
• Continue to maintain passive monitoring survey
• Incorporate data provided by passive samplers as well as that provided by the bubblers into the analysis process
• Integrate information regarding air quality with risk assessment exercise for the Durban South Basin

• Formulate policy regarding emission levels conducive to public health
• Proceed with Health Study as basis for policy formulation
• Incorporate information and findings from Island View Risk Assessment exercise, and that arising from expanded Risk Assessment for the Durban South Basin
• Formulate air pollution by-laws
• Provide input into national guidelines formulation, preparation of proposed pollution control and waste management legislation and liaise with other Durban Metropolitan areas

• Undertake detailed investigations of specific air quality issues
• Establish steering committees/forums to take responsibility for addressing air quality issues in specific areas and undertake co-regulation of industries
• Promote the reduction of SO2 emission through various measures
• Promote reductions at source by encouraging technological changes, alternative processes, etc
• Undertake dispersion modelling to indicate impact of increased stack height, and where appropriate, allow their installation
• Control industrial developments through development approval and EIA procedures and boiler restrictions
• Promote reduction in vehicle emissions by encouraging increased use of public transport, car pooling, etc
• Promote reduction in vehicle emissions by encouraging adoptions of technological changes
• Educate smaller industries on 'clean air' procedures and appropriate technologies

Objectives: Continue to monitor and enforce air quality regulations

• Continue to enforce reduction in emission levels
• Continue to extend monitoring of emissions levels
• Encourage community to report offences
• Continue to educate offenders, rather than prosecute repeat offenders
• Promote formation of committees of public, private and IAPs to undertake co-regulation of industries
• Educate smaller industires on 'clean air' procedures and appropriate technologies

Objective: Facilitate improved air quality for residents