The challenges of air quality monitoring in South Africa: the case of the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area

摘要

In 2007, the then Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT now Department of Environmental Affairs, DEA) declared the Vaal Triangle Airshed as the first priority area in terms of Section 18(1) of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004). Specialist air quality studies identified six hotspot areas, and an ambient air quality monitoring network was subsequently established therein. This monitoring network consists of six fully automated stations monitoring air quality and meteorological parameters in Zamdela, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Kliprivier, Three Rivers and Diepkloof. The monitoring network has been in operation since 2007; however there are several challenges with the monitoring of air quality within the South African context. Firstly, a lack of clarity exists on a national scale about monitoring, siting guidelines, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures. This has implications on the quality of the data produced. Secondly, data recovery remains a concern with unreliable electricity supply resulting in frequent power outages. Another issue is the safety and security challenges within the stations arising from political and social unrests, and vandalism which often hinder the maintenance of the stations. Finally, the effective and sustainable maintenance and management of the monitoring network is a constant challenge because it depends on the availability of specialised technical skills and a substantial budget. This paper not only provides a background of the challenges experienced, but also highlights the lessons learnt and the counteractive measures that have been instituted. Finally it comments on recommendations for further improvement in the future.