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MMC for Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) Cllr. Michael Sun has noted with concern the complaints of a pungent smell being experienced in central and northern parts of Johannesburg.
“Upon instructing the city’s Air Quality Management Unit to urgently investigate the origin of the stench they have established the smell was widespread across the city which thankfully excludes the possibility of a localized source in Johannesburg,” Cllr. Sun said.
“At this stage, I urge the people of Johannesburg not to panic. It was concluded by EISD investigators that the city is potentially dealing with a cross-boundary pollution source. They believe that this is likely a fleeting event based on prevailing weather conditions and that the quality of air in Johannesburg remains at acceptable levels.”
The current weather system is conducive to the transportation of pollution from the Highveld Priority Area and the industrial complex of Mpumalanga province which runs more power generation and petrochemical industrial operations. This ‘rotten egg’ smell observed by residents this morning is commonly associated with Hydrogen Sulphide and could be likely associated with those types of operations.
“The city commands a network of 6 operational ambient Air Quality Station that are monitoring the particulate matter, Sulphur dioxide, Oxides of Nitrogen and Ozone. The expertise controlling these stations within EISD will work with other spheres of government to track and identify the source of this smell.” Cllr. Michael Sun said.
The situation will be observed over the coming days as the weather system improves.
CLLR. MICHAEL SUN
MMC: ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
For queries, contact: Nickolaus Bauer, Deputy Director EISD – Communications & Stakeholder management
0723972269 or NickolausB@joburg.org.za
08/06/2022
