TO improve air quality management, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) hosted a session on the Air Pollution Rules (APR) targeting crematoriums and medical waste incineration.

The EMA stated via media release on Monday that the session focused on key areas of the APR, 2014 including the Source Emitter Registration (SER) process, stack emissions testing and reporting requirements.

There were 23 representatives from twelve facilities, including key stakeholders from the Medical Waste Incineration and Crematorium Sector, the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and the Attorney General’s Office – Law Reform Commission.

The session was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the national regulatory framework governing air emissions and pollution mitigation practices within these essential sectors.

Permitting at the EMA Manager Vidjaya Ramkhalawan emphasised the critical role that crematoriums and medical waste incineration services play.

Ramkhalawan highlighted that with growing public awareness around environmental issues, there was an increased responsibility for this sector to manage their emissions in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The release stated the stakeholder engagement reflected the nation’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles outlined in the National Environmental Policy, 2018.

The EMA also stated it remained committed to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders across all sectors to ensure greater awareness, compliance and accountability in environmental protection.