Enviroserv fined R4m for stench at KZN dump

Enviroserv fined R4m for stench at KZN dump

Waste management company Enviroserv was fined a total of R4.4 million by the Durban Regional Court on Monday after pleading guilty to the contravention of the National Environmental Management Act.  

Enviroserv in court
Anelisa Kubheka

The company owns a landfill site in Shongweni, west of Durban. 

 

The KwaZulu-Natal company admitted to failing to prevent the emission of an offensive odour caused by activities on their premises between April 2016 and January 2017. 

 

“This foul-smelling odour, likened to that of rotten eggs, emanated from the site, into the neighbouring communities” said spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in KZN Natasha Kara. 

 READ: Ugu residents left dry as they suffer 'worst water crisis'

“EnviroServ was sentenced to a fine of R4 million, half suspended for a period of three years. They also have to pay R1.2 million to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, and a further R 1.2 million to the Upper Highway community organisation.” 

 

The company has had a few run-ins with locals who were fed up with the stench, threatening the company’s license.  

 

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