COMPONENTS OF AQMP DEVELOPMENT

1. COMPONENTS OF AQMP DEVELOPMENT In developing AQMPs for priority areas, the following processes were completed: • Baseline Assessment: • Emission inventories: quantification of emissions of pollutants from specific sources (industry, domestic burning, vehicles, etc.) • Dispersion modelling: using computer models to characterise how pollutants disperse and how they impact on ambient air. • Ambient air quality monitoring data – to look at the concentrations and trends in ambient air quality • Geographical data: Characterisation of population affected, topography, climate, land-use etc. • Threat assessment (WBPA only): • Characterising future emissions based on future activities such as additional mining and power stations expected in the area • Problem analysis: • Framework analysis to understand the root causes of pollution problems and possible solutions • Development of intervention strategies: • Specific interventions that government and other stakeholders have to implement towards improving air quality

2. Overviewof Progress • The department has been providing capacity through trainings to provincial & local government officials. • The department has provided trainings to NGOs on air quality to assist them to effectively participate in AQM forums • Invlovement of NGOs on air quality issues. • VEJA, Earthlife, CER, Greater Middleburg Resident Association, Groundworks, etc • A number of awareness campaigns have been done by NGOs, this was seen in the increase number of community interest and participation on air quality forums/activities • Department established structures for coordinating implementation and reporting e.g ITTs, MSRGs, Authorities’ meeting • Establishment of air quality monitoring networks in all priority areas • Industries continues to implement emission reduction strategies and report progress to the department and the said structures.

3. PA Budget

4. VAAL AQMP REVIEW • The Vaal AQMP was reviewed by the department during 2012-2013. The purpose was to update the emission inventories and review the implementation of interventions: • The following inventories were updated: • Industrial Sources • Domestic Fuel Combustion • Biomass Burning • Agricultural Activities • Wind Blown Dust From Denuded Areas • Emissions from Burning of Waste • The review of the interventions indicated that • DEA: Implemented 65% of the proposed interventions, with other work in progress • Local government: Implemented 52% of the proposed interventions • Other national departments: 50% not achieved and 50% could not be ascertained* • Industry: Implemented 78% of interventions

5. VAAL AQMP REVIEW

6. VAAL HEALTH STUDY - Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) The Department of Environmental Affairs is currently conducting a health study in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA). The HHRA results (first part of the study) are as follows: • Sulphur dioxide (for both the hourly and daily exposure limit) does not pose any health risk to the community. This is mainly because the SO2 levels are seldom exceeded consistently for the identified stations in the study area. • For NO2, the hourly exposure limit does not pose any health risk while the annual exposure limit poses moderate health risk to the Diepkloof and Zamdelacommunities. These communities are at the highest risk to chronic health effects due to exposure to NO2 in relation to others in the VTAPA. Nitrogen dioxide causes a decrease in lung function and chronic exposure to NO2 increases susceptibility to respiratory infections. • PM10 (for both daily and annual exposure limits) poses a moderate to high health risk to the Sebokeng, Zamdela, and Kliprivier communities (it has an HQ of above 1) – these are the communities most affected by PM10. PM10 is responsible for health impacts such as cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular effects, cerebrovascular-stroke and mortality • Results for community survey and children lung tests are being finalised