Energy: Utility denies pollution report

Published Jun 23, 2014

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Eskom on Friday disputed a report that air pollution from two of its coal power stations caused the deaths of 17 people yearly. Spokesman Andrew Etzinger said: “The impact is significantly exaggerated. The study is not applicable and it is not accurate.” The Mail & Guardian reported that air pollution from two coal power stations in two provinces killed at least 20 people a year and this could rise to 617, with 25 000 hospitalised once all its stations were running. According to the report, the figures were in reports from 2006 that Eskom was forced to release after non-government organisation, the Centre for Environmental Rights, filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act application. Etzinger said the study was based on plans for Eskom to build two power stations in the Free State and Mpumalanga. – Sapa

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