It is reported that the Quality Air Bill is due to be enacted this month. The legislation provides that the Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister may set national norms and standards for ambient air quality, emissions, air quality monitoring, management and air quality information management which effectively gives government more clout to prosecute pollution offenders

Department of Water Affairs to act against illegal water users

The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, the custodian of all water resources in South Africa, has reported that it will be taking firm action against anyone using water illegally. The Department is mandated to ensure that water users do not take more than their allocated share of water. Minister Ronnie Kasrils warned last year that the Department was monitoring illegal water use by using images taken by satellite. Based on this satellite data, the Department has begun taking action against offenders throughout the country.

Brought to you by:

The Environment, Mining, Energy and Natural Resources practice area at Bowman Gilfillan.

Bowman Gilfillan provides the Newsflash service to assist our clients to keep up to date and informed of changes to policy and the law in the environmental and mining fields.

This Newsflash is not intended to supplement or amend your environmental legal register. We have presented information regarding changes to policy and the law which may be of interest to you.

Contact Claire Tucker, head of the practice area for more information.

Tel: + 27 (11) 669-9402
Fax: + 27 (11) 669-9001
e-mail: c.tucker@bowman.co.za
or visit www.bowman.co.za