Attention:  Mr. Raphalalani,

This formal objection is being lodged by Merewest Community Foundation against  Associated Additive’s (Landsdowne Road), application for an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) for the purpose of conducting a listed activity sub-category 4.13: lead smelting, as per section 21 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) as amended. 

We are supported by those living in Merebank, particularly Navy and Chinatown who will be worst affected if this licence is granted.  We are deeply concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts of such an operation in close proximity to our community.  Our community has for decades been on the receiving end of disregard by multimillion rand companies whose actions have affected the health and lives of our community, causing many innocent deaths due to poisoning, deadly fumes, toxic waste and other emissions released in the air and ground.  These have cause deadly diseases such as cancer, asthma, skin conditions, respiratory conditions, tumours etc.

Our objections are based on the following grounds:

1. Environmental Impact: 

a. Air Quality: Lead smelting is known to release hazardous air pollutants, including lead and other heavy metals, into the atmosphere. These pollutants can have severe health implications for nearby residents. The potential for increased lead levels in the air is a major concern.

b.  Soil and Water Contamination: Lead emissions can settle in the soil and be carried into nearby water bodies, posing a threat to the local ecosystem. Lead is a persistent and toxic substance that can harm and contaminate drinking water sources.

c. Noise and Vibration: Lead smelting operations often generate significant noise and vibration, which can disrupt the peace and well-being of the community.

2. Health Concerns: 

a. Lead Exposure: Exposure to lead is especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to cognitive and developmental issues, making it crucial to prevent any potential increase in lead emissions in our area.

b. Respiratory Health: The release of particulate matter and other pollutants from lead smelting can exacerbate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among residents.

3.  Nearly Schools:  

The schools that surround this company are attended by learners who come from impoverished backgrounds.  Struck with poverty, ill health, unhygienic conditions, crime, danger, poor sanitary facilities and other difficulties, these innocent learners were sent to these schools to get an opportunity to better their lives by enjoying better quality education.  The sacrifices these parents make to ensure their children have a brighter future are unbelievable. 

However, instead of finding safety and a bright future at these schools, they are faced with additional danger, risks to their lives and illnesses due to the smelting process.  This is so unfair because it robs them of their goal to better their lives, a move their parents made in desperation, unknowingly putting them in harm’s way again.

4.  The elderly, frail, ill, and vulnerable residents.  

It would be very difficult for our elderly and vulnerable residents to get a rested night’s sleep if the noise levels are extremely high.  They are already exposed to unnecessary toxic emissions from industries that existed from long ago in their community when these were imposed on them without consultation.  Depriving a person of sleep is tantamount to attempted murder if it is continuous.  Worse if it is an ailing, frail, elderly person, of which our community has many.  They are entitled to live their lives with dignity.

5. Lack of Adequate Mitigation Measures: 

a. The application lacks comprehensive details regarding the measures that will be implemented to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with lead smelting, as we, the public have not received any documents that informs us as to how will this process will pan out, It is essential that stringent controls and safeguards be in place to minimize these risks.

6. Insufficient Public Consultation: 

a. There has been a lack of meaningful public consultation regarding this application. Community members should have the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive clear information about the potential impacts of this operation.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request the following actions:

1. Complete Rejection of the AEL Application in its entirety: We urge the regulatory authorities to deny the issuance of an Atmospheric Emission Licence for lead smelting in our community due to the significant environmental and health risks it poses.

2. Going forward, should such an application be brought to your offices again we, the residents demand a Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment: We request that a thorough and independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be conducted to assess the potential risks and provide a transparent evaluation of the proposed lead smelting operation.

3. In any future application, we request for Community Engagement: Ensure that the affected community is properly engaged and informed about the potential impacts of this operation, and that their input is considered in the decision-making process.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will give due consideration to the objections raised. It is essential that we prioritize the well-being of our community and the protection of our environment, more especially as their rights have long been disregarded and with the new government a new constitution ensured that the residents’ rights are entrenched within the Bill of Rights.

Please acknowledge receipt of this objection, and we look forward to hearing about the steps taken in response to these concerns.

P. Deonath

_________________________

Premilla Deonath

Chairperson

 

MEREWEST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

                            NPO NO: 269-026 NPC NO: 2022/628343/08

    P.O. Box 31065, Merebank, Durban 4059

CELL : 0813399290 / 0762154223

 Email : merewestcf@gmail.com