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2 Nov 2010

The Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI), popularly referred to as the Green Scorpions will conduct a final inspection at Maximus Bricks in Welkom to check compliance with the clean up and rehabilitation process of the illegally dumped healthcare risk waste (medical waste).

Maximus Bricks was raided on 29 November 2009 and a significant amount of medical waste was found to be buried on the site, including sharps, viles, syringes, drips, dirty bandages and general medical waste.

The execution of further search warrants uncovered illegally dumped medical waste at the Welkom showgrounds, a farm outside of Welkom and an unused Harmony Gold mine on the outskirts of Welkom.

A criminal investigation into the illegal dumping of medical waste was initiated by the Department of Environmental Affairs and South African Police Service (SAPS). The case is currently before the courts.

The cleanup of the sites commenced in March 2010 with strict conditions being set by the department for the removal, transport and disposal of the medical waste. All clean up operations were to take place under the strict supervision of the Green Scorpions from the department.

During the final inspection, the Green Scorpions, together with the independent geohydrologist, will check that the clean up and rehabilitation processes have been completed as required and will make a decision as to whether the Maximus Bricks site may be declared safe for use again as part of the brick making operations.

Media is invited to the final inspection.

Date: Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Time: 11h00
Venue: No. 1, 8th Street, Welkom Industrial, Welkom

RSVP:
Moses Rannditsheni
Cell: 082 448 2450

For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
2 Nov 2010

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