eThekwini welcomes R8m SAPPI pollution fine
eThekwini Municipality's called on businesses to re-examine their factory operations to make sure they aren't harming communities and the environment.
The city has welcomed an R8 million fine imposed on pulp and paper company SAPPI for polluting the air in Umkomaas.
The group pleaded guilty in the Scottburgh Regional Court last week to breaching air quality laws a decade ago.
Sulphur dioxide emissions at SAPPI's Sighkor Mill were found to have exceeded the legal limit set by the Air Quality Act between July 2012 and December 2014.
The fine, however, was suspended on condition the company comply with a confiscation order and pay eThekwini R5 million and the Criminal Assets Recovery Account R3 million by 28 April.
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"Excessive emissions have a negative impact on the environment and human health and are closely monitored by the city," says the municipality's Lindiwe Khuzwayo.
"The SAPPI fine is proof that eThekwini is taking the implementation of environmental laws seriously. The call on all businesses working with municipalities to ensure they comply with all laws regularities and to ensure production process does not impact neighbouring communities."
