Draft Amendments to NEMAQA Listed Activities and Emission Standards
Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment has gazetted draft amendments to the list of detrimental emissions-related activities and minimum emission standards.
In terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, No. 39 of 2004, the proposed changes seek to update the regulatory framework governing activities that result in atmospheric emissions. The Department notes that these listed activities have significant negative implications for the environment, ecological conditions, human health, socio-economic conditions, and cultural heritage.
The draft amendments focus on refining the list of activities requiring an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) and revising the minimum emission standards that such activities must adhere to. The public consultation process allows stakeholders to provide input on the technical feasibility and environmental necessity of the proposed standards.
The deadline for the submission of written comments or input is 28 September 2025.
What this means for you, your business, or your clients
- For yourself: Environmental law practitioners and compliance officers must review the draft list to identify shifts in regulatory thresholds that may affect legal advice regarding industrial operations.
- For your business: Industrial and manufacturing firms must conduct a gap analysis to determine if their current emissions meet the proposed minimum standards or if new operations will now require an Atmospheric Emission Licence.
- For your clients: Clients in high-emission sectors should be advised to prepare for potential capital expenditure requirements if the draft standards necessitate technology upgrades or enhanced monitoring systems to maintain compliance.
Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/atmospheric-emissions-input-sought-on-proposed-changes-to-listed-activities