SAPREF SCHEDULED TRADE PERMIT ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW
At the annual performance review of their Scheduled Trade Permit with the eThekwini Health Department SAPREF reported that they consistently operate well within the requirements set by the city. This is based on results from the eThekwini Multi-Point Plan air monitoring programme which provides credible scientific data on the air quality in South Durban.
SAPREF believes that good environmental performance starts with good operational performance founded on plant integrity and reliability. That is why the company invested over R1.3 billion in 2009 to ensure the safety and integrity of its hardware. This includes a major maintenance turnaround, the replacement of the single buoy mooring, installation of double seals on pumps, and piping and equipment maintenance.
“The success of the 2009 turnaround and the integrity focus has paved the way for driving operational excellence going forward,” said SAPREF’s managing director, Bart Voet. “Operational excellence will be achieved by optimising the utilisation of the refinery through continual steady functioning of the plant, reducing wastage and efficient use of energy and other resources.”
The baseline for operational excellence established in 2009 builds on SAPREF’s previous investment of R975 million in actively and consistently improving their environmental performance. In the last ten years SAPREF has reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by over 70% largely through investment in best available technology for sulphur dioxide abatement and a switch to more expensive lower sulphur crude oil. A 86% reduction in emissions of particulate matter was also achieved through the use of cleaner burning fuels in furnaces, capital investment and operational improvements.
An ongoing programme of identifying and repairing sources of fugitive emissions has ensured that SAPREF is below the level for fugitive emissions stipulated in the Scheduled Trade Permit.
During 2009 SAPREF embarked on a flare performance improvement campaign. While flares are primarily a safety device when disruptions in operations occur, with effective management SAPREF reduced flaring by more than 60% by the end of the year.
SAPREF continues to interact with the community in a variety of ways. A toll-free line is available 24/7 for complaints with a dedicated standby team to respond. Flyers are distributed to closest residents when there are major planned maintenance activities that could result in disturbance to neighbours.
The SAPREF Community Liaison Forum, comprising representatives of over 20 community based organisations, meets monthly with senior SAPREF managers to discuss SAPREF’s operational, environmental and social performance. The members play an important role in keeping SAPREF informed of social and environmental concerns in their communities. The CLF holds SAPREF accountable and the engagement is constructively critical, which helps to shape improvements.
Voet acknowledged the leadership of the eThekwini Municipality in setting parameters for environmental performance. In referring to the review of performance against the Scheduled Trade Permit Voet said: “SAPREF’s forward focus on operational excellence will consolidate the consistent performance demonstrated during the period under review.”
For more information please contact:
Cindy Govender
Communications Officer
SAPREF
Tel: 031 480 1303 or 082 885 2909
govendci@sapref.com