Water quality Management
Monitoring and surveillance of water quality and availability that is intended for human consumption, recreational and industrial use. - Monitoring water quality and availability, including mapping of water sources and enforcing laws and Regulations relating to water quality management.
- Ensuring water safety and accessibility in respect of quality (microbiological, physical and chemical), and access to an adequate quantity for domestic use as well as in respect of the quality of water for recreational, industrial, food production and any other human and animal use.
- Promoting access to water for all communities, by providing inputs towards the planning, design and management of water supply system and ensuring healthy community water supplies through surveillance.
- Ensuring monitoring of and effective wastewater treatment and water pollution control, including the collection treatment and safe disposal of sewage and other water borne waste and surveillance of the quality of surface water (including the sea) and ground water.
- Advocacy on proper and safe water usage and wastewater disposal.
- Water sampling and testing in the field and examination and analysis in a laboratory.
- Surveillance of waterborne related diseases to ensure healthy community water supplies.
SANS241- Drinking Water Quality Standards Food safety Food Control is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement by National or Local authorities to provide consumer protection and ensure that all foods during production, handling, storage, processing and distribution are safe, wholesome and for human consumption; conform to quality and safety requirements and are honestly and accurately labelled as prescribed by law. Food Control as included in the definition of ‘municipal health services’ in the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), inter alia, includes: - Enforcement of the food related provisions of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 9Act No: 54 of 1972) and Regulations.
- Routine inspections of food handling establishments (premises) and of foodstuffs covered by the relevant legislation.
- Investigation of outbreaks/incidences of food borne diseases (infections and poisonings) and introduce appropriate preventative and remedial control measures.
- Implementing measures for the recall and/or condemnation and proper disposal of foodstuffs unfit, unwholesome for human consumption in accordance with applicable legislative procedures.
- Implementing control programmes for specific high risks foodstuffs, such as milk, meat, eggs, seafoods and prepared foods.
- Supporting industry about the health certification of consignments of foodstuffs destined for export and with special monitoring programmes implemented by approved certifying authorities (Agriculture, SABS, etc) aimed at promoting the export of foodstuffs to other countries.
- Issuing of certificate of acceptability in terms of Regulations R638.
- Law enforcement by issuing of notices/summons.
Air Quality Our function is to protect and enhance air quality, prevent air pollution and environmental degradation while promoting justifiable economic and social development for eThekwini citizens. The department provides five services in relation to air quality management as detailed below. Air Quality Monitoring and Data Management The objective of Ambient Air Quality monitoring is to ensure compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Ambient Air Quality monitors for seven priority pollutants viz. CO (carbon monoxide), SO2 (sulphur dioxide), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), PM10/2,5 (particulate matter or dust with an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm/2,5 µm) O3(Ozone), C6H6(Benzene). The Air quality Monitoring Network (AQMN) consists of 15 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations and whilst there is also one mobile station. Data derived from AQ monitoring stations is reported live into the South African National Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS). The unit operates and manages non continuous monitoring stations which are strategically placed throughout the EMA. These stations monitor compliance for dust and SO2. Atmosphere Emission RegulatoryReceipt, process and issue Atmospheric Emission Licence applications (AEL’s), associated applications (variations, renewals & transfers etc) and ensure various sectors report their emissions on the web-based emission inventory. This team also conducts National Ambient Emission Inventory System (NAEIS) audits Certain industries who conduct listed activities must apply for an AEL in terms of Section 21 of the NEM: AQA in order to operate. These activities cover amongst others: • Combustion installations • Petroleum industry • Carbonisation and Coal gasification • Metallurgical Industry • Mineral Processing • Mineral Processing, storage and handling • Organic chemicals • Inorganic chemicals • Disposal of hazardous and general waste • Pulp and Paper manufacturing • Animal matter processing Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement (in respect of AEL’s) To ensure compliance of regulated facilities in relation to legislation, licence conditions and additional interventions were required. To gather evidence for enforcement action and take appropriate action for non-compliance. To provide guidance to regulated facilities to ensure they understand the compliance requirements. The team is comprised of designated Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs). Air Quality Management Planning The NEM: AQA requires that each municipality develop an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to systematically address air quality concerns. The ideal outcome of any AQMP will be to achieve compliance with air quality objectives and to ensure that ambient air is not harmful to health and the wellbeing of the citizens. Air Quality would therefore need to meet the requirements of Section 24 of the Bill of Rights and the health based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The AQMP is a strategic document with a vision and goal over a five-year period. This strategic plan guides budgets and the allocation of resources to air quality management. Ambient Air Quality monitoring- http://saaqis.environment.gov.za/ Air Emission Licensing- http://saaqis.environment.gov.za/ Air Emission Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement- https://www.environment.gov.za/projectsprogrammes/emi Air Quality Management Plan- http://saaqis.environment.gov.za/ Air Quality Management By-law- https://durban.gov.za/storage/Documents/By-Laws/Draft By-Laws/Air Quality Management.pdf Disposal of the dead Disposal of the dead involves the monitoring of funeral undertakers, mortuaries, embalmers, crematoriums, graves and cemeteries for compliance, and managing, controlling and monitoring exhumations and the reburial or disposal of human remains. EHPs are responsible for issuing a certificate of competence to compliant operators. In order to prevent the occurrence of nuisances at such premises, regulations governing the establishment and operation of mortuaries by enforcing Regulation R363(regulations relating to management of human remains) and the scope includes: - Controlling, restricting or prohibiting the business of an undertaker or embalmer, mortuaries and other places or facilities for the storage of dead bodies.
- Monitoring practices at cemeteries, crematoria and other facilities used for the disposal of dead bodies.
- Managing, controlling and monitoring exhumations and reburials or the disposal of remains.
- Issuing certificates of Competency to Funeral Undertakers premises complying with legislation.
- Investigating and performing pauper burials.
Regulation R363 Application for CoC Vector ControlPest control in premises plays a key role in the prevention and control of major vector-borne diseases. Transmission of disease from pest infestations can occurs in both the internal and external environment of premises through contamination of equipment, surfaces, food or water. The scope of profession for Environmental Health prescribes the role of environmental health practitioners in vector control monitoring to include the following - Identifying vectors, their habitats and breeding places
- Conducting vector control in the interest of public health, including control of arthropods, molluscs, rodents and other alternative hosts of diseases;
- Removing or remedying conditions resulting in or favouring the prevalence of or increase in rodents, insects, disease carriers or pests;
- Ensuring the residual spraying of premises and precincts;
- Investigating zoonotic disease and vector-borne diseases in the working and living environments;
- Surveying imported cargo and livestock for the prevalence of disease vectors;
- Undertaking serological testing of rodents, dogs and other pets or animals.
Scheduled Activities Permit The Scheduled Activities Bylaw provide measures for the prevention, minimization, and management of environmental and human health impacts likely to arise from premises from which certain trades, occupations, businesses, activities, or processes are undertaken; to prohibit certain activities or conduct to ensure and promote a healthy environment; to provide for the repeal of laws and savings, and to provide for matters incidental thereto. The eThekwini Scheduled Activities By-law was published in the Provincial Gazette on the 13th of August 2020 and came into effect six months from that date. Scheduled activities are listed in Schedule 1 of the by-law. However, the municipality may also require activities that are not listed in Schedule 1 to obtain a permit, if the municipality reasonably believes that the activity can negatively impact human health, damage the environment, or cause a nuisance. If you already have a permit that was issued under the old Scheduled Trades and Occupations By-law for the City of Durban (1979) or the Offensive Trade Regulations for the Borough of Durban (1921) then you need to apply for the Scheduled Activity Permit under the new bylaw. - eThekwini Municipality Scheduled Activities Bylaw
- Scheduled Activities Permit Application form
|
.svg){kind=icon}
 (1).svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}