Foul smell in Gauteng caused by industry emissions, govt task team finds
A task team appointed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has pointed the finger at industries for the foul smell in parts of Gauteng and North West.
The task team was appointed in June after residents complained about the smell of sulphur over parts of Gauteng and the North West.
The department’s spokesperson Albi Modise says the smell may have blown over to Gauteng.
“At this juncture, the interim investigations show that a low-pressure system in the north of the Mozambique channel caused a relatively unusual circulation pattern over the region during the days on which the public raised complaints about the strong sulphurous odour.
“These conditions may have created prevailing south-easterly winds that transported air pollution from Mpumalanga into Gauteng and the North West, particularly over Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Pretoria.”
Modise says the task team will also investigate and recommend possible policy interventions to reduce hydrogen sulphide pollution.
“The ongoing investigation will include engaging with industries from identified areas where hydrogen sulphide is of concern, to discuss short-term and long-term management of sulphurous odorants.”
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