Natref is required to comply with Minimum Emission Standards (MES), published in 2010, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No 39 of 2004) (NEM:AQA). In terms of the MES, existing production facilities are required to comply by 1 April 2015 with existing plant standards, and by 1 April 2020 with new plant standards.
While most of Natref’s process emissions will comply with the future MES, there are some that cannot meet the standards within the required timeframes. Natref has made application for postponement of the MES in these specific cases.
Natref’s applications include a detailed motivation in accordance with the applicable provisions of NEM:AQA. SRK Consulting (Pty) Ltd., an independent environmental consulting firm, assisted by appropriate independent specialists, were appointed to compile the applications and undertake the independent stakeholder engagement process.
A decision with regards to Natref's MES postponement applications was made by the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) on 23 February 2015. The decision required Natref to prepare and implement an Air Quality Implementation Plan. Sasol and Natref prepared a joint plan that was approved by the NAQO in concurence with the licensing authority on the 20 May 2017.
