Air, Noise and Water Pollution Report against SmartMatta PTN 42 Varkfontein 25IR from Lood Vermaak (Resident GED 17 VARKFONTEIN 25IR Ward 25)

It appears that Barloworld Logistics are the holding company for SmartMatta.

We have currently reported the problem below to environmental affairs, as well as our ward councillor, Mr. Pieter Henning. Mr. Henning further reported the issue to various departments within Ekurhuleni who are addressing the matter, the details of which are outlined below.

We need to report an urgent case of illegal dumping, which is causing air, noise and water pollution that we are being subjected to by a resident operating a SmartMatta business on the piece of land across the road from us. My dad, Lood Vermaak, has tried to speak with the owner of the business, i.e. Kevin Smith more than once, but have experienced no joy whatsoever in getting the matter amicably resolved.

We don’t stand alone in our complaint, but do so with the full backing and support of our neighbours. As mentioned, we have even heard that customers have refused to dine at the Broodlik, just down the road from us, as a result of the disgusting smells.

Our complaints are outlined as follows:

Dumping of illegal waste products, that we believe should have needed to go to Holfontein, resulting in the following pollution:

1. AIR In summary, we are being subjected to continuous hideous offensive odours, obviously somewhat dependant upon the direction in which the wind is blowing, but the smells are revolting and in addition to the obvious unpleasantness of living like this, we’ve also come to realise that this is causing headaches, migraines, nausea, chest congestion, sinusitis, etc. etc.

2. NOISE The company in question receives their truck deliveries of waste disposal 24/7, without even the slightest consideration to the noise being created at obscene hours of morning. They paid no attention whatsoever to any of the lockdown regulations, it was business as usual.

3. WATER There is also absolutely no dispute to the FACT that our natural water resources are being contaminated and/or poisoned by the various illegal liquid substances that are being pumped into deposits of man-made waste created in rows of heaped mounds. We have proof of a waste manifest document for liquids being dumped on behalf of Clover – Clayvill Production as well as pictures taken onsite of the truck itself.

Please refer to Regulation R961 outlining the Code of Practice for Milk Products.

In terms of topography, PTN 42 Varkfontein 25IR lies slightly higher above sea level than us, so whatever liquid substances are being absorbed into their ground have seeped into the water tables below and have now polluted the rivers and dams downward from the waste site.

In summary, the constitution itself supports our case, i.e. Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, etc.