The cost of non-compliance

South African legislation regards the environment as a public trust, and incorporates principles such as “general duty of care for the environment”, “the polluter pays principle”, gradle-to-grave” and the “risk averse and cautious” approach.

It is important that companies ensure compliance with these principles and the vast array of environmental regulations. Consequences of non-compliance includes corrective notices, temporary shut downs (and loss in revenue), fines, and/or imprisonment. It is important to note that directors, managers, officers and employees of a company can be held accountable in their personal capacity.

With the ever changing environmental legislation and increased enforcement thereof, can you afford not to be compliant?