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Air Quality

29 Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners of Oudtshoorn Promote Clean Air and Healthier People during National Heritage Celebrations on 24 September 2025 in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners of Oudtshoorn Promote Clean Air and Healthier People during National Heritage Celebrations on 24 September 2025 in Oudtshoorn

29 September 2025

During the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on 24 September 2025, attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, and other national and provincial ministers, EHPs from the GRDM Oudtshoorn office incorporated the World Environmental Health Day theme, ‘Clean Air, Healthy People,’ into the health promotion activities.  They reached a broad audience of approximately 5000 people with vital health and environmental messages.

The attendees at the event included various cultural groups, schools, religious leaders, community leaders, and more. National Heritage Day educational activities, both before and during the celebrations, highlighted the adverse health effects of tobacco use and the importance of smoke-free environments. Awareness efforts emphasized tobacco control and the significance of clean air in promoting respiratory health and preventing pollution-related illnesses. The EHPs health promotional activities encouraged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and support initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and improving air quality, ultimately fostering a healthier and a more sustainable environment for all.

By combining cultural celebration with health education, a joint health education team, including EHPs from GRDM, Community Development Workers (CDW) from Oudtshoorn Municipality, the Event Safety officer, catering unit of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, EHPs from the Presidential Medical Unit as well as community leaders and caterers, all work together.

Health education and awareness topics included the following:

  • Avoid smoking in buildings, tents and during food preparation, smoke only in demarcated areas;
  • Prevent smoke pollution;
  • Proper waste management;
  • Prevent littering and avoid environmental pollution;
  • Consume only drinking water from reputable and safe water sources;
  • Practice good sanitation; and
  • Ensure hygienic food preparation and food safety.

The VIP guests were treated to a mouth-watering braaivleis lunch that honoured our rich local culinary heritage. The meal was prepared under hygienic conditions in a braai area designed to release smoke without causing smoke pollution in the adjacent Bridgton Secondary school hall, where the guests enjoyed their lunch.

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07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The “National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System” (NAEIS) is an internet-based emissions reporting system which is a component of the South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory System (SAAELIP) portal. NAEIS allows for regulated industries, as well as authorities to report atmospheric emissions from all sectors, for the purpose of compiling a national atmospheric emission inventory profile.

The system is legislated through the National Emission Reporting regulations that prescribe NAEIS reporting. Emission inventory means an accounting of the number of pollutants discharged into the atmosphere and it contains the total emissions for one or more specific greenhouse gases and air pollutants originating from all sources in a certain geographical area and within a specified time span.

Furthermore, the system is a web-based atmospheric emissions monitoring and reporting system that is aimed at providing accurate, current and complete information on all significant sources of identified atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions from South Africa. NAEIS introduces a single national reporting system of atmospheric emissions, which will be used:

  1. To inform policy formulation;
  2. For the Republic of South Africa to meet its obligations under the United Framework Convention on Climate Change and any other international treaties to which it is bound; and
  3. To establish and maintain a National Emission Inventory Profile.

To comply with the reporting regulations, Facilities must report emissions from the preceding year.  The NAEIS system is open for reporting from 1 January to 30 June each year.

Since the start of NAEIS reporting in 2015, the GRDM Air Quality Unit, under leadership of Dr Johann Schoeman, District Manager for Air Quality, arranged training sessions for its industries to assist them with their NAEIS reporting. Since the start, the Garden Route had a 100% submission of NAEIS reports.

Schoeman highlighted: “This 100% submission rate was achieved through relentless assistance to our Industry”. In addition, Schoeman explained GRDM’s role and said: “We guide the industry through special NAEIS completion target-group sessions, appointments and personal assistance”. He further stated that most of the larger industries also have the capacity to appoint consultants to assist them with NAEIS reporting. “We therefore focus on the smaller industries that do not have the capacity to do the reporting, he added.

“Within the Garden Route, we have 25 Facilities that must report on NAEIS and for 2025 we again achieved a 100% submission rate with all of them reporting within the deadline”.

After the NAEIS reporting cycle, Authorities will audit the NAEIS report after which the National Department will do the National verifications.

ENDS

20 June 2025 What You Need to Know About Emission Licensing and the GRDM

What You Need to Know About Emission Licensing and the GRDM

20 June 2025

“GRDM’s Air Quality Management Unit regulates, amongst others, industrial emissions to maintain a healthy environment. Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) are issued by the GRDM team to industries operating on the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), said Dr Johann Schoeman, GRDM Manager: District Air Quality Control.

“Local municipalities have a role to play by enforcing air quality laws, regulating small pollution sources (like fuel-burning appliances), and managing air quality nuisances outside their jurisdictions.”

Industries that require an AEL are referred to as ‘Listed Activities’, classified under Government Notice 893 of November 2013 (as amended). The law recognises industrial activities that could harm the air you breathe, impact public health, disrupt environmental and cultural heritage, and possibly impact social and economic conditions.

To make sure air quality is managed sustainably, the GRDM has an Air Quality Management Plan. It was recently unanimously adopted by the GRDM Council after extensive consultations. The document is available at tinyurl.com/4vpskzy7 or via the municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Which activities are listed on the Garden Route?

There are 10 broad categories of listed activities, each with subcategories of industries that need licensing. GRDM has 24 Section 21 Listed Activities and three Controlled Emitters, regulated under Section 23 of the Air Quality Act. Here’s what they include:

  • Combustion installations (Power stations and industrial boilers that burn fossil fuels for energy)
  • Petrochemical Industry where fuels are produced and stored by refining and processing crude oil, coal, gas, and biomass.
  • Coal gasification and carbonization (the process of converting coal into gas or solid carbon-based products) or tar processes in which creosote or tar is heated or distilled in any manufacturing process.
  • Metallurgy (Processing and refining metals like steel, aluminium, and iron)
  • Handling, storing, and processing minerals (crushing, screening, and transporting mined materials) The clay brick making process is also part of this category.
  • Organic chemical industry which covers the manufacturing of organic chemicals and compounds.
  • Inorganic chemical industry where specific inorganic chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, etc., are manufactured or used.
  • Treatment of Hazardous and General Waste (incineration of waste materials, including hazardous and medical waste; crematoria, etc.)
  • Pulp and paper manufacturing activities including by-product recovery such as lime recovery kilns, chemical recovery furnaces, etc.
  • Animal matter processing plants such as bone or fishmeal processing plants and tanneries.

A couple of fixed and mobile air quality monitoring stations keep an eye on these activities:

  • George – Located at the Roads Depot (Mission Street)
  • Mossel Bay – Located at the MHS offices

The Earthsense mobile analyser of the GRDM is moved around in the district to check specific potential air quality hot spots.

Data from these stations goes to the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), accessible at saaqis.environment.gov.za.

Global air pollution poses risks to both human health and the environment, so the GRDM Air Quality Management Unit, Local Municipalities and the National Government remain committed to regulating industrial emissions.

Feature image: The Earthsense mobile analyser of the GRDM is moved around in the district to check specific potential air quality hot spots.

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23 May 2025 Media Release: Winter is upon us – keep warm and stay safe – caution when using an imbawula

Media Release: Winter is upon us – keep warm and stay safe – caution when using an imbawula

23 May 2025

As winter is approaching and ambient temperatures begin to drop, communities across the Garden Route are turning to traditional heating methods to keep warm. While the use of the imbawula for the burning wood is practical and affordable, it can pose health and fire risks including air pollution.

What is an Imbawula?

An imbawula is a do-it-yourself heater made from a metal drum that is suitable for making fire inside. It is commonly used in rural homes in the colder regions all over South Africa to burn wood for heating and cooking purposes. The use of the imbawula indoor or in small space with poor ventilation can negatively impact a person’s health.

How can it impact your health?

The burning of wood produces gases such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter (fine dust particles) and volatile organic compounds. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas, which makes it particularly dangerous to detect before it is too late. The inhalation of these gases can cause headaches, lung infections, coughing, and worsening of asthma, bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary diseases, lung cancer or TB especially in children, elderly and those suffering from immune-compromised illnesses. It can even cause death.

In short, the harmful gases can cause:

  • Fire hazards
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Respiratory problems

The smoke from an imbawula, open fires, and the burning of waste does not disappear into the air. During cold nights and early mornings, a layer of cold air sits close to the ground while warmer air traps it from above. This also traps all the smoke, gases, and pollution near the surface, right in our breathing zone. The gasses only escape later in the day when the sun heats the ground, and the air starts moving again.

Safety tips when using an imbawula

For those considering to use a traditional imbawula during the colder months, here are a few tips for making use of the imbawula in a safe and responsible manner:

  1. Always use dry untreated wood
    • Dry firewood burns cleaner and produces less smoke.
    • Treated wood when burned releases more toxic gases
  2. Place the imbawula outside or in a well-ventilated space.
    • Never use it in a closed room or small shack.
    • Make sure there is sufficient airflow — open a window or door nearby.
  3. Start your fire by making use of dry paper, dry twigs, or sawdust instead of using plastics or old motor oil.
  4. To avoid any fire risks always extinguish the fire before going to bed. Set your alarm in case you fall asleep while it is still burning.

The GRDM urges the public to protect their health and safety by opting for safer heating and cooking methods, and always prioritise proper ventilation to prevent the build-up of harmful gases. Do not sleep with the imbawula still in your home – your life and the lives of your family depend on it.

Feature image: AI-generated imbawula in a shack.

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25 April 2025 Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

Media Release: Renewal and development of the Garden Route fourth Generation Air Quality Management Plan

For immediate release
25 April 2025

Air Quality Management planning is a requirement for all municipalities in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).  This process is done every 5 years to adapt to a changing environment.  The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recognizes its responsibilities, not only as stipulated in the Air Quality Act, but also as a constitutional mandate in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). The third generation Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) that was approved during 2019 was up for review and renewal, and after more than a year of hard work, the fourth Generation plan was approved by the GRDM Council on 23 April 2025.

During the Council meeting, the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, said: “What makes this project unique is that the Garden Route took the lead, not only developing and renewing its own AQMP, but also coordinating and assisting our local municipalities with the development of their respective AQMPs.  This was also a cost-effective initiative as most of the local municipalities contributed financially towards the development of the AQMPs.”

In the foreword to the AQMP, the Executive Mayor also mentioned:
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to oversee the well-being of our district and its residents. We are a vibrant district that thrives on progress, innovation, and collaboration. I am proud to announce the beginning of a crucial step towards a healthier future for everyone in our district: the renewal of our comprehensive fourth generation Air Quality Management Plan.

According to Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager for District Air Quality at GRDM: “At its essence, an AQMP serves as a strategic roadmap designed to address the pressing issue of air pollution within an outlined geographical area. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing air quality conditions, entailing the identification of pollutant sources and a meticulous analysis of temporal trends. Subsequently, the plan describes targeted interventions aimed at mitigating health hazards and environmental degradation stemming from suboptimal air quality.”

The primary objective of this endeavour was to ascertain the municipality’s progress towards the objectives described within the extant AQMP and to provide recommendations for the forthcoming plan spanning the period from 2025 to 2030. The GRDM is also the first municipality in the Western Cape that is on its fourth generation plan.  The AQMP process was facilitated by Rayten Engineering and a copy of the plan is be published on the GRDM website.

Click here to download the document.

The vision of the previous plans, namely: “To have air quality worthy of the name ‘Garden Route’” was carried over to the revised plan as this vision is still relevant to minimise the impact of air pollution emissions on the population and the natural environment of the Garden Route.  The plan was a collaborative effort, with inputs welcomed from the public, industries, consultants, various governmental sectors, and the Air Quality officers of all the municipalities within the Garden Route.  The plan lists all the sources of emissions with the formulation of practical objectives within an implantation plans with timeframes to address air pollution in the whole of the district.

Air quality is a constitutional right and the GRDM recognises the impact air pollution may have on the health, safety, and quality of life of all our citizens. With increased urbanisation and industrial activity in the Garden Route, it is essential to manage the air pollution and ambient air quality.  The commitment to this plan, is to ensure that the Garden Route remains an area that is healthy and safe to live in and to ensure that it remains a pristine tourist attraction.

“Cleaner air will lead to healthier communities, improved economic opportunities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Dr Schoeman.

Mayor Andrew Stroebel also said: “I encourage every member of our community to familiarise themselves with the AQMP, know their rights and, and share your thoughts and concerns with us. Together, we can live up to our vision of worthy air quality”.

ENDS

18 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

18 November 2024

On Friday, 15 November 2024, the Air Quality Management Unit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) presented the 2024 Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize to the winning school, Oakhill Primary School in Knysna. The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, and Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, joined Dr. Johan Schoeman for the handover ceremony.

uring a brief assembly session at the school, Mayor Stroebel explained, “Nine years ago, GRDM launched a special air quality awareness campaign to improve community well-being and environmental health. The initial focus was on guiding Oudtshoorn communities on ‘Clean Fires,’ but the initiative expanded to George, and over the past six years, GRDM has provided curriculum-aligned ‘Clean Air’ information packs to Grade 3 classes throughout the district,” he said.

In 2024, the Clean Air Project engaged 78 schools, involving 186 Grade 3 Teachers and 5,639 learners in areas from as far as Klipdrift and Nolls Halte, through George, Sedgefield, Knysna, Touwsranten and Karatara to Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas. This marks a significant increase in scope, compared to the previous years and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to broadening the impact of environmental education.

Mayor Stroebel further explained that by targeting Grade 3 learners makes sense because the theme of ‘Clean Air’ already forms part of the grade curriculum for Environmental Studies. Also, the best way to ensure a better, safer, and healthier environment in the not-too-distant future, is to create positive awareness in young minds now. The project offers extensive support for teachers through online information sessions and a self-study training course, which concludes with the awarding of 5 *CPTD points and a certificate of completion. *CPTD – Continuing Professional Teacher Development.

“As a special incentive to encourage a constructive approach to environmental education and effective use of the provided information and resources, the 2024 project included a competition with a grand prize of R10,000. Today, we are here to present this award to Oakhill Primary School. Your school demonstrated the highest level of engagement and innovative use of the resources. The criteria for winning included attendance at the online sessions, completion of the self-study course, and proof of creative implementation in classrooms, and your school, led by Mr. James Cross, stood out above the rest. We hope the funds will benefit the school. Congratulations on winning the prize money, and good luck with the exams. Enjoy your festive season!”Cllr Stroebel concluded.

Lastly, Mayor Stroebel extended a word of gratitute to Mr Dreyer Lötter MD: SATeacher e-Learning (Pty) Ltd for the excellent working relationship and innovation over the past years to make this project a success. He also thanked him for donating the R10 000 prize money.

Featured Image Caption: On the picture from left to right: Mr Dreyer Lotter from SA Teacher e-learning, Dr Johann Schoeman – GRDM Manager District Air Quality Control, Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor, Mr James Cross – Head of the Prep School, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard – Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Ms Caroline Cross – Grade 3 Teacher and Mr Howarth – Principal of the school.

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10 October 2024 Notice of Public Participation Information Sessions, 4 – 7 November 2024 – Renewal of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Air Quality Management Plan

Notice of Public Participation Information Sessions: Renewal of the GRDM’s Air Quality Management Plan,
4 – 7 November 2024

Notice Number 32/2024

Notice is hereby given that public participation sessions will take place from 4 – 7 November 2024 in the Garden Route district to solicit inputs for the renewal of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Air Quality Management Plan. Herewith the schedule as follows:

4 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
HESSEQUA
Civic Centre Side Hall (Glaskas), Van den Berg Street,  Riversdale

4 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
KANNALAND
Council Chambers, Queen Street, Ladismith

5 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
OUDTSHOORN
Thusong Community Centre, 12th Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn

5 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
MOSSEL BAY
D’Almeida Community Hall, Mossel Street, D’Almeida, Mossel Bay

6 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
GEORGE
Banqueting Hall, 71 York Street, George

7 November 2024, 09:00-12:00
BITOU
Piesang Valley Community Hall, 7 Green Point Avenue, Plettenberg Bay

7 November 2024, 13:00-16:00
KNYSNA
5 Clyde Street, Knysna Central, Knysna

Click here to download the Official Notice

26 September 2024 Media Statement: Innovative Measures Announced to reduce sporadic offensive odours in Great Brak River

Media Statement: Innovative Measures Announced to reduce sporadic offensive odours in Great Brak River

26 September 2024

There are currently three industries in Great Brak River that are regulated through Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) issued by the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Air Quality Unit. According to Dr Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control: “It is important to emphasize that these AEL`s have stringent conditions, and the industries are mostly compliant with their respective licence requirements. The industries are regulated through various conditions of their licence, of which the annual emissions monitoring by an independent authority, is a key requirement.  The industries meet the minimum emission limits, which are established based on factors such as the potential health effects on the surrounding environment.”

“Since early 2024, residents from various communities near these industries have reported suspected offensive odours.  Some of these industries emits compounds known for releasing an offensive odour and has a low odour detection threshold,” says Dr Schoeman. He further explained, “Weather conditions play a significant role in the dispersion of odours, which tend to be more noticeable during the colder winter months.”

GRDM and the industries acknowledge all concerns and are working together to address them. Dr Schoeman noted that while the industries comply with its minimum emission limits, the companies recognizes that offensive odours may occasionally be released. Some of these industries are also regulated in terms of their operating times, to minimize the effect during the night and over weekends.

In response to these concerns, the industries have committed to best available technology to address the offensive odours. Some of which has already being implemented. In collaboration with GRDM, the industries have proposed a phased approach to reduce any odours. These measures include, among other things, the venting of gas through pipe ducting systems filled with water and odour suppressant liquid to act as a scrubber system. There is also an installation of rubber curtains at building entrance points to address wind drafts, the replacement of old boilers with improved technology with improved combustion, and the conversion of manufacturing processes to more energy efficient technology, which lowers fuel usage and subsequent emissions. It must also be noted that all these measures come with capital and operational costs and some of these changes do require environmental approval from the relevant authorities before it may be implemented. Dr Schoeman pointed out that “measures requiring authorisation are bound to take longer to implement, however, it is anticipated for the long-term measures to be implemented within the next 1-2 years”.

There remains strong cooperation between GRDM and industry, and all parties are confident that these measures will effectively mitigate and reduce the offensive odours associated with their respective industry.

ENDS

16 September 2024 Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Media Release: Ozone Day – International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

For immediate release
16 September 2024

Ozone Day, or formally called the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is celebrated annually on September 16. This day is commemorating the date (in 1987) of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The closure of the hole in the ozone layer was observed 30 years after the protocol was signed, but due to the nature of the gases responsible for ozone depletion their chemical effects are expected to continue for between 50 and 100 years.

The ozone layer is important as it protects earth from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun. It also helps to keep the temperature of the earth moderate by reflecting the harmful sun rays which makes the life of living organisms suitable on earth.

Climate change is linked to ozone depletion as many of the same gases that are causing ozone depletion are also contributing to climate change. These gases, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are greenhouse gases, absorbing some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, thereby effectively heating the Earth’s surface.

Conversely, changes in the climate of the Earth could affect the behaviour of the ozone layer, because the ozone is influenced by changes in the meteorological conditions and by changes in the atmospheric composition that could result from climate change. Ozone loss can also impact climate change, as ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere can create a cooling effect on the earth.

“We can protect the ozone by banning ozone-depleting substances which will allow the ozone layer to slowly recover,” said Dr Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at Garden Route District Municipality. In addition, Viljoen emphasised that a healthy ozone layer protects millions of people from skin cancer and eye cataracts, safeguards ecosystems and slows down climate change – as many ozone-depleting substances ODSs are also potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that contribute to climate change.

Click here to read a related Facebook article.

ENDS

11 July 2024 Media Release: Vehicle Emission Testing done in Hessequa

Media Release: Vehicle Emission Testing done in Hessequa

11 July 2024

Vehicle emission testing was recently conducted by Garden Route District (GRDM) and Hessequa Municipalities. The main objective of this ‘drive’ was to raise public awareness about vehicle emissions and to minimize their impact on ambient air quality in the region. The Garden Route district comprises of seven municipal areas, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control, said: “Vehicle emissions testing is listed as a function of local authorities in terms of the National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa and is also regulated under Section 15 of the Hessequa Municipality: Air Pollution Control By-Law”.

“We stopped vehicles and each one had to undergo a visual inspection, and further testing was conducted with a ‘Smoke Check 1667 Opacity Meter’ on vehicles that emitted excessive dark smoke,” he said.

According to Schoeman, vehicles that were tested and failed were issued a repair notice, directing each owner to take their vehicle to a specified location for re-testing.

The vehicle emission testing campaign was conducted at the Sunrise picnic spot on the western entrance to Riversdale on the N2. A total of twenty-five (25) vehicles were stopped for inspection and testing.

Schoeman said drivers cooperated and all the vehicles passed the inspection. This indicates proper maintenance, especially of the large mainline trucks.

The GRDM’s Air Quality Management Section would like to thank Shagon Carelse and his team for their assistance and excellent cooperation in making the campaign a success.

Feature Image and Other Pictures Caption: Officials conducting visual and smoke check inspections during the recent vehicle emission testing in Hessequa.

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