Title: National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (“NEMAQA”): Consultation on the Proposed Regulations for Implementing and Enforcing Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans 

Gazette reference: GN 4843 in GG 50668 of 17 May 2024 

Commencement date: 17 June 2024 

On 10 May 2024, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under section 20 of the NEMAQA published the Regulations for implementing and enforcing priority area air quality management plans (“the Regulations”). 

The Regulations set out necessary requirements for implementing and enforcing any approved priority area air quality management plans. They provide for: 

• Mandatory requirements for applications, such as the inclusion of measurable emission reduction targets; 

• Mechanisms for the government to receive reporting and evaluate the effectiveness of plans; 

• Transitional arrangements; 

• Enforcement measures and penalties. 

The Regulations will apply to all key stakeholders identified to be significant contributors to poor air quality in the respective air quality management plans, including listed activities; contrlled emitters; mining operations and government stakeholders.