Portal to make monitoring air quality easier

© Leon Swart – 123RF.com

The South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing & Inventory Portal (SAAELIP) was launched on Wednesday in addition to the existing 102 government-owned monitoring stations.

The SAAELIP allows for licensing and reporting of emissions to be done online.

"The systems are a part of government's objectives outlined in the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, and further the department's goal of putting into place systems and tools for effective and efficient air quality management," the Department of Environmental Affairs said.

The portal will allow licensing authorities across all spheres of government to process, issue and manage atmospheric emission licenses online and manage online submissions of emission reports and emission inventories, and compile local, provincial and national emissions profiles of significant pollutants from all sectors.

"The regulated community will through the portal, be able to submit applications for Atmospheric Emission Licenses online; track the status of their applications and submit compliance and inventory reports," the department said.

Members of the public will be able to search for facilities issued with Atmospheric Emission Licenses, as well as those whose licenses are being considered.

The public will also be able to access the National Emission Inventory System and download the latest National Emission Inventory Summary Report.

"While monitoring stations report to the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) members of the public are able to see for themselves how the quality of the air is in the areas where they live," the department said.