(Showroom): Dust can be defined as fine tiny particles of matter. Dust particles are considered as a major source of air pollution, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Once dust particles are suspended and carried by wind, they can be deposited near the source, or they can ever be deposited numerous kilometres from the source. The dust that is carried by wind can also carry many other types of particles that may be hazardous to health. Sources of dust include industrial, agricultural and construction activities. Dust generated from these activities can have an impact on the health and livelihoods of surrounding communities.

The National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 39 of 2004 (NEMAQA), regulates air quality in order to protect the environment. The Act provides reasonable measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation and for securing ecologically sustainable development while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In addition, it also provides the national norms and standards regulating air quality monitoring, management and control. 

In 2013, the DEFF released the National Dust Control Regulations. The regulations were founded on the need to prevent pollution and ecological degradation and ensure the protection of the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being. An important aspect highlighted in the National Dust Control Regulations is the need for a dust management plan. A dust management plan is used to identify the potential sources of dust emissions, the possible impacts associated with dust emissions and details the measures required to prevent and minimise the dust and particulate emissions.

According to the National Dust Control Regulations (GNR 827 of 1 November 2013) Reg6(2) - A dust management plan, contemplated in sub regulation (1), must:

 a. identify all possible sources of dust within the affected site;

 b. detail the best practicable measures to be undertaken to mitigate dust emissions;

 c. detail an implementation schedule;

 d. identify the line management responsible for implementation;

 e. incorporate the dust fallout monitoring plan; and

 f. establish a register for recording all complaints received by the person regarding dust fall, and for recording follow up actions and responses to the complainants.

Environmental Assurance (Pty) Ltd. (ENVASS) offers a wide range of Environmental Monitoring and Specialist services, including the compilation of dust management plans, which can be utilised for your operations.