Dept suspends waste disposal at Shongweni landfill site
The Department of Environmental Affairs has suspended the acceptance, treatment and disposal of waste at EnviroServ’s Shongweni Landfill site near Hillcrest.
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The department issued a statement yesterday evening confirming that the suspension was made in terms of section 56 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008.
The move follows thousands of complaints from Upper Highway residents who claim a strong chemical stench emanating from the landfill is posing a health risk to them and their families.
BREAKING: DEA has suspended acceptance, treatment and disposal of waste at the EnviroServ Waste Management (PTY) Ltd Shongweni Landfill Site
— Environmentza (@environmentza) April 4, 2017
The Department says the suspension comes into effect within four working days of receipt of notice and will remain in force until such time that officials notify EnviroServ in writing that the disposal of waste can continue and under what conditions.
ALSO READ: Upper Highway stench: Residents say enough is enough
Authorities have confirmed that the Shongweni landfill is the source of the smell that’s been plaguing Upper Highway areas – including Hillcrest, Kloof, Plantations and KwaNdengezi – among others.
The department says EnviroServ has failed to comply with the provisions of the law and conditions of the Waste Management Licence. Officials believe the situation should have been anticipated and remedial actions put in place long before the current situation.
EnviroServ is due in court over the issue on April 11. It’s said previously that it runs a fully compliant operation and needs 6 months to reduce the emissions to acceptable levels.