NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: AIR QUALITY ACT 39 OF 2004: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LISTED ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATED MINIMUM EMISSION STANDARDS IDENTIFIED IN TERMS OF SECTION 21 OF THE ACT
Notice Title: National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (“NEMAQA”): Proposed Amendments to the Listed Activities and Associated Minimum Emission Standards Identified in Terms of Section 21 of the Act
Government Notice: GN 6548 in GG 53241 on 29 August 2025
Commencing date: Comments to be submitted on or before 29 September 2025
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in terms of sections 21(1)(b), 32, 53(o), 55, 56, and 57 of the NEMAQA, intends to amend the list of activities which result in atmospheric emissions which have or may have a significant detrimental effect on the environment, including health, social conditions, economic conditions, ecological conditions or cultural heritage, as published under GNR 893 of 22 November 2013.
The purpose of the proposed amendments is to address regulatory shortfalls that were identified in the implementation of the existing Notice. The proposed amendments are required to improve the implementation of the currently regulated activities by:
(i) improving the efficacy of implementation of the licensing and reporting functions;
(ii) strengthening the pollution prevention and minimizing the emissions from the listed activities identified in terms of section21 of the NEMAQA
(iii) providing clarity for improvement of interpretation; and
(iv) implementing court orders on specific sections.
Members of the public are invited to submit comments on or before 29 September 2025. For a copy of the Government Gazette Notice click here: National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act: Proposed Amendments to the Listed Activities and Associated Minimum Emission Standards Identified in terms of Section 21 of the Act
For more information or assistance please contact Jan Nel at jan@shangoni.co.za.
