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The Public Health Directorate has recommended that Nelson Mandela Bay should enter into an implementation protocol with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism for the designation of local authority environmental management inspectors (Green Scorpions).
A report to the Public Health Committee notes that municipal officials may be designated by the MEC in terms of the National Environmental Management Act.
Before designation, the officials must have successfully completed an Environmental Management Inspectorate training course.
Currently, the report points out, the Green Scorpions can be mandated to enforce a range of legislation depending on their particular functions, including the National Environmental Management Act, the Air Quality Act and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act.
The report says that a range of powers can be conferred on Green Scorpions, including: Routine inspections,entering premises to ascertain compliance and seizing evidence of non-compliance, and enforcement, search and seizure and arrest.
(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)
