Emission Reduction and Management Plan Regulations

Background 

In October 2024, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) published the Regulations for Implementing and Enforcing Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act.  

These Regulations require affected facilities to develop, implement, and annually report on an Emission Reduction and Management Plan (ERMP) aligned with the relevant Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). 

Who may be affected 

The Regulations affect facilities that meet the requirements for NEMAQA Section 21 Listed Activities, Section 23 Controlled Emitters, and facilities with mining rights, and are located in the Highveld, Vaal Triangle Airshed (VTAPA), and Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Areas (WBPA). On 20 March 2026, the DFFE published a notice extending the boundary of the VTAPA to include: 

• The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, and 

• The West Rand District Municipality, including Mogale City, Merafong City, and Rand West City Local Municipalities. 

Key reporting requirements 

Affected facilities are required to submit ERMPs to their local authorities. The ERMPs must be aligned with the targets set out in the priority area’s AQMP.  

After the ERMP has been approved, affected facilities are required to submit annual progress reports on the implementation of the ERMP. 

Reporting timelines 

Highveld Priority Area: 

• Affected facilities in this priority area were required to submit ERMPs in 2025, with the first annual progress report on implementation required by the 30th of June 2026.  

Vaal Triangle Airshed and Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Areas:  

• These priority areas are still in the process of revising their AQMPs to include emission reduction targets. These revised AQMPs should be finalised and published by November 2026, in accordance with the timelines indicated in the ERMP Regulations. Thereafter, affected facilities will be given 6 months to submit their ERMPs. 

Why this matters  

Priority areas were declared to address significant air pollution in hotspot areas in the country. The ERMP Regulations are a compliance tool to assist in addressing air quality in these areas. Failure to comply with these Regulations may result in penalties (imprisonment and fines) aligned with the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act. 

Next steps 

Should you require assistance in assessing applicability, developing an ERMP, or supporting annual reporting and compliance going forward, we would be happy to discuss how we can support you. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to set up a discussion. 

Rumbidzai Mhunduru

rumbidzaim@catalystsolutions.global 

+27 65 875 6217