Mondi South Africa (Pty) Ltd Richards Bay Mill (hereafter referred to as Mondi RB) is a pulp and paper mill situated on the north-east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, within the uMhlathuze Local Municipality and King Cetshwayo District Municipality. The mill produces paper, packaging paper, converted packaging products, uncoated fine paper, speciality products, and processes such as coating, release liner, as well as consumer flexibles.
On 4th November 2019, Mondi RB was granted an extension of the compliance timeframes via a postponement relating to point sources governed under Subcategory 1.1 and 1.3 of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) issued in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act 39 of 2004) (NEM: AQA).
Mondi will complete all other air quality compliance projects associated with the 2019 postponement roadmap. Construction, however, of the Fluidised Bed Boiler (“FBB”) was delayed by the impact of COVID-19 on Mondi’s annual shutdown schedule and, due to supply constraints, Sasol Gas will not renew Mondi’s contract post-2026. The later delay was due to the need to redesign the FBB to increase capacity and obtain an EA amendment for the increase. Mondi RB seeks condonation to enable the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) to consider, after 31st March 2019, the application to be made in terms of paragraph 11B of the MES under NEM: AQA (“the 11B application”). The purpose of the 11B application is, if granted, to enable Mondi RB to lawfully continue operating its three power boilers until they are replaced by the FBB. The FBB is designed to enable Mondi RB to meet the new plant standard of 50 mg/Nm3 for particulate matter (“PM”) prescribed for Subcategory 1.1: Solid Fuel Combustion Installations under the MES.
As part of the application, Mondi must submit an Atmospheric Impact Report (AIR) supported by detailed justification and reasons for the application and undertake a public participation process as per the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations. Mondi appointed SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (SRK) to assist it in preparing the Motivation Report (that will detail Mondi’s justification and reasons for the application), the AIR as well as the public participation process.
Link to Comment Form - https://forms.office.com/r/zEbLuum98a
You are also welcome to comment on the Motivation Report and AIR by:
- Writing a letter or additional written submission by email; or
- Calling SRK.
