Post on 03-Apr-2018
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AVOIDENVIRONMENTALPROSECUTION
MICHAELHANDS
PATRICKFORBESGARLICKE&BOUSFIELDINC
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Avoidingenvironmentalprosecutionquitesimplyentails
ensuringcompliancewiththeenvironmentallegislation.
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WHATISENVIRONMENTALLEGISLATION?
NEMA
(NationalEnvironmentalManagementAct)
NEMWA: NEMBA: NEMAQA: NEMPA: NEM:
WasteAct BiodiversityAct AQA ProtectedAreas ICMA
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Alsorelevantare:
WaterAct
ForestryAct
UrbanTransportAct
NationalBuildingRegulations&BuildingStandardsAct
SANS10400X
LandUseManagementSchemes
HazardousSubstancesAct
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CityofJohannesburgvGautengDevelopment
Tribunal
(Judgmentdeliveredon18June2010)
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LeSueur&AnothervEthekwiniMunicipality&
Others
(Judgmentdelivered29January2013)
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DMOSSoverlaycontrolinLUMS
Challengedonconstitutionalgrounds
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DrDebraRoberts:ThecosttotheCityofreplacingthenatural
assetsoftheenvironmentwouldbeoftheorderofR2billion
annually
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Thecourtagreedwiththeargumentthatplanningmust
necessarilyaddressenvironmentalissues
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Reasons for this: The Constitution enjoins municipalities toprovide a safeand healthy
environment.
Ignoringanddamagingthenatural featuresoftheenvironmentwould
endangertheachievementofthisobjective.
Municipalities would therefore be in breach of their constitutional
obligation.
Justasimportantly,theNEMAregulationswhichrequireenvironmental
impact assessments to be carried out have progressively been
amendedtolowerthebar.
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Asaresult,manysmalleractivitiesandprojects,justasinimicaltothe
preservationofimportantenvironmentalfeaturesasmanylargescale
activities
CUMULATIVELY,THESEACTIVITIESCOULDCAUSEASMUCH
POTENTIALDAMAGEASASINGLELARGEPROJECT
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Thereisanincreasinglikelihoodthatlandusemanagement
schemeswillcontainenvironmentalrequirementsthatmustbe
compliedwith
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BACK TO NEMAThefirstgreatcommandment:
(1A) Everyapplicantmustcomplywiththerequirementsprescribedinterms
ofthisActinrelationto
(a) Stepstobetakenbeforesubmittinganapplication,whereapplicable;
(b) Anyprescribedreport;
(c) Anyprocedurerelatingtopublicconsultationandinformationgathering;
(d) Anyenvironmentalmanagementprogramme;
(e) Thesubmissionofanapplicationforanenvironmentalauthorisationand
anyotherrelevantinformation;and
(f) Theundertakingofanyspecialistreport,whereapplicable.
(Section24(1A)ofNEMA)
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Adherencetotherequirementsofthissectionwillgenerally
keeppotentialtransgressorsoutoftrouble
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Andthesecondislikeuntoit:
(2) TheMinister,oranMECwiththeconcurrenceofthe
Minister,mayidentify
(a) activitieswhichmaynotcommencewithoutenvironmental
authorisationfromthecompetentauthority;
LISTEDACTIVTIES
NOTICES1,2&3
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(b) geographical areas based on environmental attributes, and
as specified in spatial development tools adopted in the
prescribed manner by the environmental authority, in which
specifiedactivitiesmaynotcommencewithoutenvironmental
authorisationfromthecompetentauthority
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(c) geographical areas based on environmental attributes, and
specified in spatial development tools adopted in the
prescribed manner by the environmental authority, in which
specifiedactivitiesmaybeexcludedfromauthorisationbythe
competentauthority;
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(d) Activities contemplated in paragraphs (a) and (b) that may
commence without an environmental authorisation, but that must
complywithprescribednormsorstandards:
Providedthatwhereanactivityfallsunderthejurisdictionofanother
MinsterorMEC;adecisioninrespectofparagraphs(a)and(d)must
betakenafterconsultationwithsuchotherMinisterorMEC.
(Section21(2)ofNEMA)
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COMPLIANCE LISTEDACTIVITIES
Notices1,2&3
SustainableDevelopment
GENERALDUTY
Section28NEMA
Widerapplication
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CRIMINAL//ADMINISTRATIVE
Sanctionsforgreenandbrownoffences.
Burdenofcriminalprosecution. Burdenofproof;(beyondreasonabledoubt)
Evidence;(chainofevidence)
Prosecutors;(workload)
Magistrates;(trainingandexpertise)
Criminalconvictionisafterthefact.
Criminallyprosecutingacorporation.
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ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE- Directive (command and control approach)
- ECA,NEMA,NWA,MPRDA- Notanoffenceifonedidnotcomply
Balancebetween:
Achievingbetterenvironmentalperformance;and/or
Preventionofpotentialharm
- Compliance Notice (2006 Amendment Act)- NoncompliancewithaSEMA,permit,authorisation
- Widerdiscretion(authoritiesgranted)- DirectOffence(strictermeasures)
- EnvironmentalManagementInspectors(EMIs)/GreenScorpions(betterapplication)
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Power to Issue Compliance Notice Sec31L(NEMA)
(a) iftherearereasonablegroundsforbelievingthatapersonhas
notcompliedwithaprovisionofthelawforwhichthat
inspectorhasbeendesignated..;
(b) orwithatermorconditionofapermit,authorisationorother
instrumentissuedintermsofsuchlaw.
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NEMA Act 107 of 1998 NEMASection2Principles
ThePolluterPaysprinciple4(p)
Section 28: Duty of care and remediation of EnvironmentalDamage
Everypersonwhocauses,hascausedormaycause significantpollution
or degradation of the environmentmust take reasonable measures to
prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or
reoccurring
BeforethecommencementoftheAct(CourtsvsAcademics) [GencorvsChiefBereki2006(1)SA432
(T)]
Arisesorislikelytoariseatadifferenttimefromtheactualactivitythatcausedthe
contamination;
Arisesthroughanactoractivityofapersonthatresultsinachangetopre-existing
contamination.
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To whom does this duty extend?Section28(2)Owneroflandorpremises;(successorsintitlecosts)
Personincontroloflandorpremises;
Personwhohasrighttousepremises.
(CONTRACTUALTERMSANDCONDITIONS)
WHATISSIGNIFICANTPOLLUTION,DEGRADATION
HichangeInvestmentsvCapeProduceCompany2004(1)AllSA636
Thethresholdlevelofsignificancewillnotbeparticularlyhigh(atpage
655)Normsandstandardsbeingintroduced
WHATAREREASONABLEMEASURES
Typeofactivity,harm,measurestaken,negligence,efficacy,costs,
Section2Principles
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How far does this duty extenda) Investigate,assessandevaluatetheimpactontheenvironment;
b) Informandeducateemployeesabouttheenvironmentrisksoftheirwork
andthemannerinwhichtheirtasksmustbeperformedinordertoavoidcausingsignificantpollutionordegradation;
c) Cease,modifyorcontrolanyact,activityorprocesscausingthepollution
ordegradation;
d) Contain or prevent the movement of pollutants or the cause of the
degradation;
e) Eliminateanysourceofthepollutionordegradation;or
f) Remedytheeffectsofthepollutionordegradation
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Rand Carbide Silicon Smelters
Public outcry (environmental hotline)
Green Scorpions Inspections (EMIs)
NEM: Air Quality Act : Section 22
Metallugical Processes: Listed Activity
NO LICENCE!
NEMA: Sec 28 (Pollution)
Combustion of Coal
Smelting of Ores
SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION
Compliance Notice
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Mapungubwe Vele CollieryWorld Heritage SiteUNESCO
MiningOperationsCoalMining(MPRDA)
EnvironmentNGOsoppositionDEAissuedcompliancenotices
Section24GApplication:
Theconstructionsofroads,
Theabovegroundstorageofdangerousgoods,
Activitieswithinthe1:10floodlineoftheLimpopoRiver,
The construction of a sludge dam and the installation of a water
pipelinenetwork.
Interdict Procedures NGOs / Compliance Notice Issued by Dept
EnvAffairsirothecontraventionsofNEMA
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Compliance NoticeEasier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission
ComplianceNoticemustsetout:
A.Detailsoftheconductconstitutingnoncompliance;
B.Anystepswhichmustbetakenandtheperiodwithinwhichtheymust
betaken;
C.Activitiesonemaynotdoanddurationonemaynotdoitfor;
D.Procedureforlodginganobjectiontothenotice.
Proceduralobjectionswillbecomemoredifficult
Section24G:
(2A)mustpayanadministrativefine,whichmaynotexceed
R1Million(amendmentsinthepipeline)
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Compliance Notices
Issuedby:EnvironmentalManagementInspectors(EMIs)
Widerangingpower:reasonablesuspicion
Search&seizure;
Enteringpremises;
Routineinspections;
Questioningpersons,
Requestingdocuments.
NotonlyListedActivities
Inspectallpossiblesourcesofpollution/degradationthatmayexist.
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RESPITEAdministrative Justice Requirements
PAJA Requirement ofAdministrative Justice that a pre-compliance notice must be issued. This allows for a period of dialogue
with theDepartmentandrepresentationscanbemade.
EnvironmentManagementInspector:
Must have a Mandate in terms of the applicable Act given by the
Minister/MEC(Grades15)
Mustbeabletoproduceidentification;ObjectiontotheComplianceNotice:
InwritingtotheMinister/MECwithin30days(noticeandtermsthereofstillstand)
TakedecisiononreviewintermsofPAJA
FAILURETOCOMPLYWITHNOTICE
Sec31(N)R5Millionor10Years
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SANCTIONSRAND Carbide (smelters) : Criminal ConvictionNEM: AQA Fine R2 Million (no licence)NEMA: Fine R1 Million (pollution)R13 Million spent in upgrades to the Plant to bring it in line with the legislation.This spend will be related to the conditions and requirements set out in thecompliance notice.
Vele Colliery:NEMA Sec 24 G:
Administrative fine of R9.25 Million Potential Criminal charges still under investigation
Albi Modise: Spokesperson DEAGreen Scorpions are in the process of investigating a number of other largecompanies
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PENALTIESSec24G(Rectification):1Millionand/or1year(eachoffence)
Sec28(14)(15)(Pollution):1Millionand/or1Year(eachoffence)
Sec31N(ComplianceNotice):R5Millionor10years
ProposedAmendments:
5Millionand/or5years(1stoffence)
10Millionand/or10years(2ndoffence)
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Recommentations: (soft targets)Audit Procedures:
Safety, Health, Environmental (SHE) Awareness and Training (emlpoyees workplace) Modify existing processes Cradle to Cradle Regular audit procedures Awareness of the Legislation (amendments)
Listiing activities Pollution & Degradation activities
Awareness of the Processes for compliance enforecement Awareness of the Risks (bottom line cost, reputational damages) Contractual terms and conditions: T&Cs
Buying a business; Buying land
Suppliers
Employees
Customers
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SUGGESTIONS
Awareness of the Legislation (amendments) Listing activities; Pollution & Degradation activities and risks; Legal Assistance
Awareness of the Processes for complianceenforecement your rights Awareness of the Risks (bottom line cost,reputational damage, prosecution) Contractual terms and conditions: T&Cs
Buying a business; Buying / Leasing land and/or premises;
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EMIREPORT/STATISTICS2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
Administrative Enforcement and Civil ActionsWarningletterswritten 827 176 49
Pre-directivesissued 249 60 86
Pre-compliancesnoticesissued 266 276
Directivesissued 172 95 49
Finalcompliancenoticesissued 126 110
Civilcourtapplicationslaunched 10 6 7
S24Gadministrativefinespaid
(totalamountandnumber)
R8,874,966 R8,364,870 R17,627,233
53 58 86
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AREAOFCOMPLIANCEENFORCEMENTFOCUS
REFINERIES;
CEMENTPRODUCTION;
FERROALLOY,IRON&STEEL;
PULP&PAPER; POWERGENERATION;
MINING-RELATEDACTIVITIES.
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THE WASTE ACT, 2008
businesswastemeanswastethatemanatesfrompremisesthatare
usedwhollyormainlyforcommercial,retail,wholesale,entertainment
orgovernmentadministrationpurposes;
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generalwastemeanswastethatdoesnotposeanimmediatehazard
orthreattohealthortotheenvironment,andincludes
a) Domesticwaste;
b) Buildinganddemolitionwaste;
c) Businesswaste;and
d) Inertwaste
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hazardouswastemeansanywastethatcontainsorganicorinorganic
elementorcompoundsthatmay,owingtotheinherentphysical,
chemicalortoxicologicalcharacteristicsofthatwaste,havea
detrimentalimpactonhealthandtheenvironment
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wastemeansanysubstance,whetherornotthatsubstancecanbe
reduced,re-used,recycledandrecovered
a) Thatissurplus,unwanted,rejected,discarded,abandonedor
disposedof;b) Whichthegeneratorhasnofurtheruseofforthepurposesof
production;
c) Thatmustbetreatedordisposedof;or
d) ThatisidentifiedasawastebytheMinisterbynoticeinthe
Gazette
Andincludeswastegeneratedbythemining,medicalorothersector,
but-
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(i) Aby-productisnotconsideredwasteand
(ii) Anyportionofwaste,oncere-used,recycledandrecovered,
ceasestobewaste;
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WastemustbetreatedinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheAct
andregulations,generallybydisposalatalicensedlandfillsite.
NotethatundertheWasteActactivitiesarelicensedandarenotthesubjectofenvironmentalauthorisationsorapprovals
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NB-thatevenifyouemployawastedisposalcontractortoremove
yourwaste,yourresponsibilitydoesnotnecessarilyendthere.
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Ensurethatyouhaveanenvironmentallysafeandsecurefacility
forwastestorage(temporary)onsite
Ensurethatyourwasteremovalcontractorisproperlylicensed(audit)
Ensurethatyoucontractorisdisposingofthewasteataproperly
licenseddisposalsitee.g.h:h,H:h,H:H
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Section 16
Avoidthegenerationofwaste,alternatively
Minimisethegenerationofwaste
Re-use,re-cycleandrecoverwaste
Treatanddisposeofwasteinanenvironmentallysoundmanner
Managewastefortheprotectionofhealthandtheenvironment
PreventcontraventionsoftheAct
Preventtheuseofwasteforunauthorisedpurposes
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CONTAMINATED LAND(Section36)WASTEACT
36 Identificationandnotificationofinvestigationareas
(1) TheMinister,or theMEC in respectofanareawhichaffects
therelevantprovince,may,afterconsultationwiththeMinister
of Water Affairs and Forestry and any other organ of state
concerned, by notice in the Gazette, identify as investigation
areas-
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a) Landonwhichhigh-riskactivitieshavetakenplaceorare
takingplacethatarelikelytoresultinlandcontamination;
b) LandthattheMinisterorMEC,asthecasemaybe,on reasonablegroundsbelievestobecontaminated.
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Ifaninvestigationareaisidentified
TheMinisterorMECmayundertakeasiteassessment
or
Maydirecttheownertodoso
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Wherelandisfoundtobecontaminated,directivescanbeissuedto
remedythesituationorinextremecasesthelandcouldbesterilised
forfutureuse
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Thesesectionsarenotyetinforce
butthedeadlineislooming
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Draftregulationsstipultaingnormsandstandardsrelatingtothe
processforidentifyingcontaminatedgroundandthepowersofthe
Ministertocompelremediationmeasureshavebeengazettedforcomment
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Disposal of waste is multi-faceted
Liquideffluentrequiresamunicipalpermittodischargetoseweror
apermitfromDWAtodischargetoapublicstream
Liquid effluent may also require partial treatment on site prior to
discharge
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Certaintypesofwasterequiretobestoredinclosedcontainersor
silospendingremovalfromsite
Astoragedepotonsiteisregardedasatransferstationandneedsawastelicence
Vehiclesuseforwastetransportationneedtoberigorously
cleanedandtestedforpossiblecontamination
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THATSNOTALL!!!
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P.O.C.A.
YorkTimbers
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18 Confiscationorders(1)Wheneveradefendantisconvictedof
anoffencethecourtconvictingthedefendantmay,onthe
applicationofthepublicprosecutor,enquireintoanybenefit
whichthedefendantmayhavederivedfrom
a)Thatoffence;
b)Anyotheroffenceofwhichthedefendanthasbeenconvictedatthe
sametrial;and
c)Anycriminalactivitywhichthecourtfindstobesufficientlyrelatedto
thoseoffences
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and,ifthecourtfindsthatthedefendanthassobenefited,thecourt
may,inadditiontoanypunishmentwhichitmayimposeinrespectof
theoffence,makeanorderagainstthedefendantforthepaymentto
theStateofanyamountitconsidersappropriateandthecourtmay
makeanyfurtherordersasitmaydeemfittoensurethe
effectivenessandfairnessofthatorder.
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Thankyouforyourkindattention
MHands:mhands@gb.co.za
PForbes:pforbes@gb.co.zaTel:0315705300
mailto:mhands@gb.co.zamailto:pforbes@gb.co.zamailto:pforbes@gb.co.zamailto:mhands@gb.co.za