Sasol Sustainability Report 2018

reduce its emissions through the implementation of our onsite air quality improvement roadmaps, including our community-based offsets. • We conduct detailed measurement and monitoring of our operations’ emissions to ensure we understand and adequately manage the impact of our facilities on air quality and duly report on our compliance. In addition, Sasol publishes its data on both the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) ( http://www.saaqis.org.za/ ) and on the South African National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System (NAEIS) ( https://saaelip. environment.gov.za/SAAELIP/NAEIS_FACILITY/Pages/ Main/Login.aspx ). The SAAQIS site is open to the public and reflects overall trends on all emissions. NAEIS is the online national reporting platform for government for air pollutant emission inventories which Sasol updates every year before end March as required by the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act of 2004. Sasol submits monitoring data to the authorities as well as our annual compliance reports as per the requirements of our AELs. • As part of our prior postponement applications, an independent third party modelling study was conducted to evaluate the ambient impact of hydrogen sulphide emissions (H 2 S emissions) from the Secunda Synfuels sulphur recovery plant. Predicted daily H 2 S concentrations were compared against the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2000) 24-hour health-based guideline. No exceedances of the guideline were found. Sasol took this one step further. Dr Willie van Niekerk of Infotox was consulted and the Sasol H 2 S predicted results compared favourably on an even more conservative health effect screening level as indicated in peer reviewed literature. Proposed amendments to the air quality regulatory framework (the National Framework) Following our own internal analysis and ongoing technology investigations, Sasol has participated this past year in a stakeholder engagement process in relation to proposed amendments to the National Air Quality Framework and Minimum Emission Standards regulations under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, with a focus on contributing to the advancement of the framework in diverse respects. Sasol supports alternative mechanisms that would enable sustainable improvement in ambient air quality while addressing the sulphur dioxide compliance challenge. In the medium term, Sasol relies on obtaining postponements together with other mechanisms such as air quality offsets to address our compliance challenges. We remain concerned about the limitations of the postponement mechanism, while proposed changes to the regulatory framework could also negatively impact Sasol’s approach to placing reliance on compliance extensions beyond 2025. We also continue to engage with the regulatory authorities to provide for the legislated recognition of offsets. Where we are unable to rely on mechanisms available in law or to find appropriate feasible solutions, we may, of necessity, elect to decommission or mothball essential parts of our plant for purposes of mitigating the potential non- compliance risks. Improving air quality in our communities Sasol’s air emission offset intervention is based on a diverse set of activities, which are informed by a detailed baseline assessment conducted in 2017. These activities are contained in area specific programmes aligned with the offset implementation plan. The aim of the programme is to gain experience and understanding in conducting offset programmes while continuously improving the quality of life, including air quality improvements for the communities benefiting from the interventions. The programme is inherently intended to grow and adapt over time as experience, successes, shortcomings and learnings are obtained. Sasol strives for a collaborative, constructive relationship where all parties play a meaningful role toward the successful execution of the offset implementation plan. For this reason, much emphasis is placed on ongoing stakeholder engagement and community participation as part of this plan. Based on the result of pilot studies, better insulation of reconstruction and development programme (RDP) houses coupled with improved cooking and heating methods reduces households’ need to use solids fuels like coal and wood for energy, thereby reducing air emissions, specifically particulate matter. Currently non-attainment to the ambient air quality standard for particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in diameter (PM 10 ) exists in the Zamdela airshed. Moreover, the baseline study highlighted the noticeable contribution of waste burning and veldfires to the particulate matter load in the Zamdela airshed. The baseline findings were echoed through stakeholder engagement with the communities residing in Zamdela, Amelia and Iraq. This ultimately informed the inclusion of appropriate interventions focusing on waste and veldfires in the offset implementation plan. These interventions included the improvement in waste collection through the introduction of more than 70 waste skips in the affected communities. To date in excess of 10 000 tons have been successfully removed from these areas. In order to limit emissions from uncontrolled veldfires, Sasol has deployed a rapid intervention fire- fighting vehicle to assist local authorities with veldfires in the Sasolburg region. Furthermore, Sasol has facilitated the development of proactive measures such as grass cutting in order to reduce the severity of pollution emanating from these veldfires. The Mpumalanga Department of Education has approved the rollout of a pollution-focused training and awareness programme in up to 27 primary schools. Data and assurance Environmental and product sustainability Safety, Social and Ethics About this report Sasol Sustainability Report 2018 25