Eskom   Annual Report 2008
 
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Impact on the Environment  
   
 

Ambient air quality monitoring and modelling

Eskom runs an ambient air quality monitoring and modelling programme at sites around the country to define general air quality and emissions associated with our operations.

Ambient air quality data gathered over 20 years has enabled extensive modelling of the dispersion of air emissions. Impact studies have been undertaken, including a wet and dry deposition monitoring programme, both within South Africa and in neighbouring countries.

The intention of our ambient air quality monitoring and modelling programme is to monitor ambient particulate, SO2 and NOx concentrations on population agglomerations potentially affected by power station emissions, and at other sites deemed necessary in order to understand the current and future impact of Eskom’s activities on ambient air quality.

Modelling of ambient particulate, SO2 and NOx concentrations from Eskom power stations is carried out and compared with ambient measurements at appropriate sites.
 
Ambient air quality

In October 2007, DEAT released a discussion document on the establishment of national standards for ambient air quality. Research has been initiated to compare both measured ambient air quality data and modelled data against the proposed standards. Monitored results from 2003 to 2006 will be analysed and assessed against DEAT’s proposed standards. Impacts from all pollution sources on population densities are to be assessed and modelled.

  
   
  Map of air quality monitoring sites
 
 
 

The Palmer site was closed in 2004 after ten years of monitoring.
The Makalu site was closed in April 2005 after 21 years of continuous monitoring.
The Camden site was commissioned on 26 June 2003
The Grootstryd site was closed in August 2006 and relocated to Marapong.
The Kendal B site was closed in July 2007 and relocated to Phola township in August 2007.
The following air quality stations were commissioned during 2006:

  • Marapong (Matimba)
  • Kendal B (old Wilge power station)
  • Komati
  • Grootdraai (Grootdraai dam)
  • Grootvlei

Annual mean of oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

 
 

The DEAT guidelines were not exceeded at any of the monitoring sites.
The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 - Ambient Air Quality Standards sets an annual average of 200 parts per billion (ppb).

Annual Mean Fine Particulate Emissions (PM-10)
 
 

The DEAT annual guideline value of 60ug/m3 was exceeded at Leandra, but it should be noted that the data capture was low, and this may not be a true reflection of the annual mean.

The DEAT daily mean guideline value of 180ug/m3 was exceeded at Camden on one occasion.

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 - Ambient Air Quality Standards sets an annual average of 60 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3).

We were unable to calculate annual mean PM10 at Verky

kkop as two different types of monitoring are in use and there was not sufficient data from either to allow calculation.

The figures for 2004/05 are not representative due to reduced data capturing at the Kendal site.

Annual mean sulphur dioxide (SO2)

 
 

The network measures not only Eskom emissions but all emissions from surrounding sources.

The DEAT annual guideline value of 19ppb was not exceeded at any of the monitoring stations. The DEAT daily mean guideline value of 48ppb was exceeded at Kendal on two occasions.

The DEAT hourly mean guideline value of 134ppb was exceeded at Kendal on 57 occasions, at Leandra on 14 occasions, at Verkykkop and Marapong on five occasions, and at Camden on three occasions.

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004, Schedule 2 - Ambient Air Quality Standards sets an annual average of 19 parts per billion (ppb).

Looking forward
Air quality

Our approach to ensure continual improvement in atmospheric air quality management is guided by the following:

  • commitment to diversification of our dominant coal energy mix, including the use of cleaner coal technologies, nuclear and renewables
  • minimising adverse health impacts of atmospheric emissions
  • the identification and use of the best practicable environmental option to control emissions
  • the use of detailed cost-benefit analyses to balance the option to control emissions against environmental risks and other factors
  • source significance of emissions ranked on health impacts of the emissions, not just on the quantities
  • accommodation of the interests of Eskom’s stakeholders by considering economic, social and environmental factors, as far as is reasonably practicable
  • taking into account national and international requirements, comparisons and trends
  • consideration of potential future legislative requirements
  • developing sustainable human resource skills and advanced technology
  • compliance with national legislation
  • the decision to adopt mitigation technologies based on scientific studies and on a case-by-case basis

Eskom participates in government’s “Basa Njenjo Magoga” programme (the “Clean Fires Campaign”) – a programme aimed at introducing an efficient way of lighting fires in urban areas and where low-level air emissions are high as a result of household fires.
   
 
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