Eskom taking pollution ‘seriously’ as activists await judgment in ‘deadly air’ case

Eskom says it is taking the potentially adverse health effects of pollution by its power stations on the Highveld seriously, as environmental watchdog groups await judgment in a landmark court case over “deadly air”.

Air pollution was in the spotlight last week in the case related to the government’s legal obligations regarding air pollution mitigation measures, heard by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein.

Environmental groups accused government of failing to implement a plan to reduce emissions in demarcated pollution hotspots across much of Gauteng and Mpumalanga — which the high court in Pretoria in 2022 ruled was a violation of people’s constitutional rights.   

A government health impact report before the SCA in the long-running litigation wrangle acknowledged that more than 10,000 premature deaths attributable to air pollution occurred each year in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA).

Power stations and factories have been blamed for significantly contributing to emissions. Activists said a series of decisions by former environment minster Barbara Creecy and her successor Dion George had resulted in “major polluters” being granted exemptions, allowing them not to comply with minimum emission standards to limit toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

Eskom, in its defence, told TimesLIVE Premium it had significantly reduced emissions, improved its environmental compliance, and had, over the years, “taken its potential impact on health seriously.”

These reduction measures included fabric filter plants to reduce fine particles and ash, electrostatic upgrading of station boiler systems to reduce nitrogen oxide levels, and flue gas desulpherisation to reduce sulphur dioxide levels associated with a poor health. In addition funding was set aside for further emission-reduction technologies.

The power utility emphasised that it was not solely responsible for the country’s air pollution problems. “There are multiple sources of air pollution ... including industry, fugitive emissions/dust, burning local household fuels (coal, wood or dung), and burning waste, all of which can impact human health. 

Eskom acknowledged formally approaching authorities seeking exemptions in cases where it would be 'unable to comply with some of the legislated air quality standards given technical viability, station age and affordability issues'

“Eskom’s contribution to local particulate matter (dust) pollution levels is limited compared with other sources, such as indoor air pollution. For this reason, Eskom has also embarked on an air quality offset programme in communities around our power stations. This programme, which swaps out coal stoves for a combination of electric and gas and installs insulation in ceilings, will reduce emissions and direct exposure in over 36,000 homes.”

Eskom acknowledged formally approaching authorities seeking exemptions in cases where it would be “unable to comply with some of the legislated air quality standards given technical viability, station age and affordability issues.”

The parastatal emphasised its ongoing involvement with government and other stakeholders in the Just Energy Transition, which aimed to end South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels. “This transition aims not only to reduce emissions but also to repurpose and repower the coal-fired stations, ensuring they continue to contribute to the national grid and provide jobs and opportunities for local communities.” 

The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment last week said new air pollution regulations would supplement efforts to reduce air pollution.

“The newly published regulations for implementing and enforcing priority area air quality management plans will provide further mechanisms for effective co-ordination of existing regulatory tools and requirements to achieve the successful implementation of priority area air quality management plans for the benefit of the communities within the priority areas,” said department spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa.

“In addition, over the years various emission control measures and tools have been implemented to bring emitters into compliance and to contribute meeting regulated air quality levels. These include listing the activities that result in significant air emissions that have a detrimental impact on the environment and the prescribed emission standards attached to them. Emitters, unless they have been granted postponements, were required to comply with the stricter minimum emission standards by April 2020.”