GEORGE NEWS - Emissions from the Much Asphalt plant at Witfontein are well within legal limits, according to tests conducted by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) at the plant and in Heather Park.
These tests were done in response to complaints from some residents of the neighbourhood, located on the other side of the N12, who alleged there was a link between the plant's operations and odours, certain health conditions they periodically experienced and soot some had noticed on cars and curtain rails. They believe the plant is situated too close to town.
It has been operating from its current location for more than 30 years.
The GRDM supplied the results of the air quality testing done at two homes
in the neighbourhood over 134 days (16 November 2024 to 30 March 2025).
Dr Johann Schoeman, district manager for air quality control, explained that these tests focused on the four compounds linked to the complaints - carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These are emitted through the typical combustion processes at the facility in question.
"What makes this complaint complex is the fact that there are also vehicle emissions involved, and the analyser does not differentiate between the pollutants released by the facility and the same pollutants typically released by vehicles, especially those driving over the Outeniqua Pass."
He said in terms of health effects, the results show that the South African ambient air quality standards for the measured pollutants are not being exceeded.
"The facility also complies with its specific emission limits set in its atmospheric emission licence [AEL]. Both these emissions standards are inter alia based on health effect. Therefore, it is regarded not to have a health effect if these standards are not exceeded."
Schoeman said the company has also taken all reasonable steps to prevent emissions of any offensive odours in terms of the the Air Quality Act, Section 35.
Melissa-Ann Jansen van Vuuren, Much Asphalt's SHEQ manager.
Melissa-Ann Jansen van Vuuren, safety, health, environment and quality manager, said Much Asphalt's own, latest emission monitoring reports confirm the plant is operating in full compliance with its licensing conditions. "We take pride in what we do and the way we do it. Our strategy is beyond compliance.
"Our staff members undergo strict annual medical check-ups and are testament to the safety at our plants. Most of them have been with the company for years, some for decades," she said.
She said in response to the nuisance complaints, they have also implemented several additional mitigation measures. As for the soot, she said there is no operational activity that could reasonably result in such emissions.
In a report presented to the complain-ants in Heather Park, Schoeman said the complaint is regarded as closed, but that monitoring would continue.
Plant meets planning regulations
Delia Power, deputy director of Development and Environmental Planning at George Municipality, said the department had investigated the land use and found no contravention.
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