The City of Cape Town will host an information session for industrialists, councillors and air quality role players on the proposed changes to its Air Pollution By-law tomorrow.

The City of Cape Town’s Specialised Health Department has drafted a strengthened air pollution by-law. Several control mechanisms have been implemented, such as ensuring compliance, enforcement and licensing of listed activities and the appointment of environmental management inspectors at local government level.

The event will also promote partnerships between the City and industry such as the Bellville South Environmental Forum (BELSEF).

The City’s new green house gas monitor and diesel vehicle testing tool, the Hartdrige monitor, will be on display.

Date: Thursday, 11 June 2009

Time: 09:30 to 13:00

Venue: Council Chamber, 6^th Floor, Podium Block, Civic Centre, Cape Town

Although the current by-law and related interventions have lead to considerable and measureable improvements in air quality within the city since 2003, it is no longer compatible with contemporary environmental legislation, the City says.

The current air pollution by-law was promulgated in response to delegated responsibilities from the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Act 65 of 1965). This Act is, however, no longer compatible with more recent environmental legislation, such as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the National Environmental Management Air Quality Act.

The new by-law will repeal the existing by-law.