The publication of the regulations follows the recent finalisation of the national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for South Africa, for the period 2000-2010.
The Department of Environmental Affairs spokesperson Albi Modise said on Tuesday South Africa is in the process of creating a national GHG inventory system.
"The national system will ensure that the country prepares and manages data collection and analysis, as well as all relevant information related to climate change in the most consistent, transparent and accurate manner for both internal and external reporting," Modise said.
The draft regulations require proper record keeping of emissions data, the verification of information collected and supplied, and for on-site verification of emissions by a competent authority once every two years.
"It also requires that requests for the verification of incomplete or incorrect information must be prepared by an independent person with the competent expertise on the accuracy of the information to be submitted to the National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS)," Modise said.
He said an extension during the four-year transitional period which will come into effect from the date of commencement of the regulations, that allows the date provider to apply for, and report on emissions, on a lower tier than the norm, may be granted by a competent authority.
"A person convicted of an offence in terms of regulations is liable in the case of a first conviction to a fine not exceeding R5 million, or imprisonment not exceeding five years.
"In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the offender will be liable to a fine not exceeding R10m or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years," Modise said.
In both instances, the offender could be sentenced to both a fine and a prison sentence.
Members of the public are invited to submit comments within 60 days of the publication of the notice in the Gazette.
Representations can be posted to The Director-General : Department of Environmental Affairs, Attention: Mr Jongikhaya Witi, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 or hand delivered to Environment House, Attention: Mr Jongikhaya Witi, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
They can also be faxed to +27 (0) 86 586 7570 or emailed to az.vog.tnemnorivne@itiwj.
SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.
Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za
