Press release
12 November 2020
An application by the Yara fertiliser blending plant to extend their operations in Paarl has been approved, provided that the company adheres to several stringent conditions before and after the completion of the extension.
These conditions include: the introduction of various measures to mitigate environmental impact; a condition that certain emission levels may not be increased as a result of the extension; a limitation on the throughput of fertiliser per annum; and a limitation of the actual activities on site.
The Drakenstein Municipality Appeal Committee on 5 November 2020 considered Yara’s application for the amendment of conditions to allow an extension of the existing granular fertiliser plant. This application dates back to a decision by the Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee of the Municipality in 2017 to turn down the application for this facility to be expanded. This was followed by an appeal submitted by Yara during 2017 against the decision of the Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee. The meeting of the Appeal Committee followed a protracted process where the appeal was previously upheld, but permission was granted by the High Court for the Appeal Committee to reconsider the matter afresh.
During the past two years, Drakenstein Municipality applied thorough due diligence relating to all relevant legislative requirements and legal advice as to the aspects to be considered relating to the proposed extension. Further environmental studies were undertaken and the Municipality interacted with all relevant public authorities that are mandated to regulate specific environmental aspects that could have an influence on the proposed Yara extension. In addition, all relevant interested and affected parties were given an opportunity to comment on the study.
After all inputs were considered and from a planning, environmental and legal perspective, all political parties represented on the Appeal Committee unanimously found in favour of Yara’s application for extension, provided that Yara adheres to the stipulated set of conditions.
The Municipality is satisfied that it duly considered all relevant aspects that relate to this matter and that the interest of both the residents and the relevant industry have been thoroughly weighed. Drakenstein Municipality is also satisfied that the decision and conditions attached to it address all aspects in a fair and reasonable manner and in the interest of all concerned.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
