Sasol Integrated Report 2024 - Book - Page 94
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT SASOL
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
BUSINESSES
ESG
REMUNERATION REPORT
DATA AND ASSURANCE / ADMINISTRATION
ENVIRONMENT continued
REGIONAL
OPERATIONS AND
ASSET SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
continued
• On 11 March 2024 a leak was detected on the Secunda Natref Integration (SNI) pipeline. Investigations revealed that the source of the leak was an illegal tie-in assembly with valves that had been welded
onto the SNI pipeline. This device was used to tap into the pipeline to steal fuel. The device was removed and the pipeline was repaired. The leak was stopped and the necessary clean-up activities
completed. The incident was reported to DFFE as a NEMA Section 30 Incident.
• On or about 25 January 2024, in the Wadeville area, a leak was detected on the Springs to Sasolburg Gas transmission pipeline. Given the potential immediate safety risk, the pressure in the pipe
was reduced and a clamp was fitted to the pipeline to stop the leak. However, a second leak was identified on 5 February 2024. This leak was also stopped and immediately clamped. No significant
environmental impacts were noted, however the incident was reported to DFFE as a NEMA Section 30 incident. DWS was also notified of the emergency work that was required to be carried out in the
wetland area.
SECUNDA OPERATIONS
• On 11 July 2023, SO was informed that the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) had declined its application of June 2022 in terms of Clause 12A of the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) under the National
Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, to be regulated on an alternative emission load basis for the sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the boilers at SO steam plants from 1 April 2025 onwards.
• Following this, SO submitted its appeal of the decision to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on 31 July 2023, as provided for in the NEMA of 1998. The appeal process allows the
Minister to consider SO’s 12A application afresh.
• On 5 April 2024, the Minister issued her decision, in terms of which she upheld Sasol’s appeal and set aside the decision of the NAQO. The Minister concluded that SO’s application met all the requirements
of Clause 12A, and therefore replaced the NAQO’s decision by permitting that load-based limits be applied from 1 April 2025 up to 31 March 2030. SO has submitted a further response to the Minister to
finalise the regulatory requirements for the decision to take full effect, upon which the SO atmospheric emission licence will have to be varied accordingly.
• As reported previously, on 27 July 2022, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) served Sasol with a summons instituting criminal proceedings. The charges relate to historical aspects of environmental
management at SO. The matter is presently before the courts and Sasol is adhering to the ongoing legal process.
• A leak on a Strip Gas Liquor pipeline resulted in flow of effluent in an underground structure which surfaced close by. The effluent flowed on surface towards a concrete stormwater channel and entered
the API drainage channel and discharged into the Klipspruit River. The spilled effluent was subsequently diverted to a holding facility within the site and necessary repairs were completed to stop the
pipeline leak. Various mitigation actions were initiated including monitoring of the Klipspruit River. The incident was reported to DWS and to DFFE as a NEMA Section 30 Incident.
NORTH
AMERICA
MOZAMBIQUE
• SO had applied to DWS for the renewal of its site-wide WUL, which was subsequently granted on 14 November 2023. SO continues to engage with DWS on challenges with regards to certain conditions
of the renewed WUL. This process is ongoing.
Two Government audits/inspections were conducted in FY24:
• The audit of the Mozambique Exploration, Remediation and Infill Campaign (MERIC) Project was conducted in October 2023 by the Mozambican Environmental Inspection Authority (AQUA). The audit report
was issued in January 2024, finding zero non-conformances and noting four opportunities for improvement.
• The inspection of the Production Sharing Agreement IPF (batch plant) was held in April 2024 by AQUA. The inspection audit report has not yet been issued by the authorities.
• At the CPF facility, minor incidents with regards to effluent overflow and discharge of wastewater were reported to authorities as part of the normal reporting cycle. The accidental effluent overflows/
discharges were from the sewage system sumps and ponds. Sasol Mozambique is engaging with the Mozambique Water Authority (ARA Sul) in this regard.
• On 24 January 2022, Sasol Chemicals (USA) LLC received a Notice of Potential Violation and Opportunity to Confer from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This was the result of a compliance
audit performed by the EPA from January 2021 to July 2021.
• On 4 April 2024 Sasol received the final fully executed Administrative Order on Consent and Consent Agreement and Final Order. On 1 May 2024, Sasol paid a penalty and will complete by 3 April 2025
six compliance actions stipulated by the EPA. The signing of these agreements did not constitute any admission of fault or non-compliance.
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