Who needs an Atmospheric Emission License?

Any facility who carries out or intends to carry out an activity or activities as listed in terms of Section 21 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004) listed in Government Notice No. 248, Gazette No 33064 must apply for permission on a designated application form to the Licensing Authority. The process for applying for an AEL is shown in the image to the right:

Atmospheric Emission Licence Annual Reporting

Any facility that has been issued an AEL is legally required to comply with the conditions of that licence. All AEL holders are required to submit an annual AEL report to the relevant licensing authority at least once a year. This report is made up of various documents and reports for example stack monitoring results, a summary of complaints and management plans. All AEL holders are also required to submit an AEL compliance audit report as part of the annual AEL Report. The audit is an important document that is used to assess the level of compliance of an AEL holder with all the conditions contained within the licence and will highlight areas that require improvement. AEL compliance audits should be conducted at least once a year by an independent consultant.

South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP)

The development of the South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP), which “houses” both the System for National Atmospheric Emission Licencing (SNAEL) and the National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS), has allowed for a central platform within which facilities can manage licence applications, existing licences, reporting requirements, annual emission inventories and compliance reports.

National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS)

The National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS) is an internet-based emission reporting tool that allows facilities to report their emissions on an annual basis. In terms of the National Atmospheric Emission Reporting Regulations, NAEIS regulates the reporting of data and information from sources of atmospheric emissions within South Africa.

The system aids the with the development of a national emission inventory and allows South Africa to meet reporting obligations in line with international policies.  Reporting occurs between 01 January and 31 March of each year.

Rayten has years of experience in undertaking the following services:

• AEL Application Process
• SAAELIP
• AEL compliance audits
• AEL Annual Reporting
• NAEIS Reporting (due by 31 March each year)