2022 Sasol Sustainability Report - Book - Page 65
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE AGAINST OUR FOCUS AREAS
INTRODUCTION
DATA AND ASSURANCE
MANAGING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
Environmental compliance
We are committed to adhering to applicable environmental regulatory requirements,
consistent with our Code of Conduct and underpinned by various Sasol policies.
OUR APPROACH
We are cognisant of the diversity of our environmental compliance obligations across
the numerous jurisdictions in which we operate. This is demonstrated by our adherence
to applicable local and international laws, regulations and standards.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Sasol follows a robust process aimed at reporting
and mitigating environmental incidents, including
any deviations from legal requirements that
could lead to environmental harm. This approach
is based on an incident classification system
which includes assessing incidents based on
their potential to create significant degradation
or pollution of the environment. Incidents are
investigated and detailed assessments are
conducted as necessary in order to ensure
effective remedial measures are implemented.
We share learnings from these investigations
throughout the Group to reduce the likelihood
of a similar incident re-occurring again.
We collaborate with the authorities on
environmental inspections conducted at our
facilities. Our responses to findings include
key remedial interventions aimed at
sustaining compliance.
PERFORMANCE
SEO
Heavy rainfall during the reporting period severely impacted the water balance onsite, including the storm water systems. Certain dams also
reached capacity and there was some overflow to the environment.
SEO reported on exceedances that were experienced on certain discharge parameters to DWS. Remedial actions were implemented with no further
requirements having been prescribed by the authorities.
During routine maintenance activities, an incident occurred at the Nitric Acid Plant which caused an unplanned release of nitric acid solution into
the chemical sump and a portion of the solution leaked into the soil. The release was contained, and actions ensued to remedy any environmental
impacts. The incident was reported as a NEMA Section 30 incident to DFFE.
We experienced challenges at the Cyanide Plant with regards to certain emission limits. The plant was subsequently shutdown for additional
maintenance and for improvement activities to be conducted. The plant was brought back online and is being closely monitored with further
mitigation actions planned. Reporting to the local licensing officer was completed.
NATREF
A NEMA Section 30 incident was reported to the DFFE on 23 September 2021. At Natref’s Durban operations a loss of containment incident occurred
on an underground 24 diesel pipeline during the transfer of diesel from Berth 9 to Fynnland site 1. This resulted in soil contamination in the area
surrounding the leaking diesel pipeline. The leak was contained, and necessary remediation activities conducted.
SASOL MINING
In October 2021 at the defunct Sigma Mine, mine water indirectly decanted into the Leeuspruit from an adjacent sand mine area which is not
specifically under Sasol’s control. The incident was duly reported to DWS. As reported previously, Sasol Mining is planning the sustainable closure
of the defunct Sigma Mine and is making progress on the necessary activities.
SASOL ENERGY
Equipment failure at a Sasol retail site in Umzinto in KZN, resulted in a spillage of petroleum product on site. The spillage was contained and clean up
activities were conducted. A NEMA section 30 incident was reported to DFFE.
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