‘Protection of the environment ─ Prohibition on undertaking of environmentally detrimental activities without written authorisation of competent authority as intended in s 22 of Environment Conservation Act 73 of 1989 (ECA) ─ Scope of mandate of competent authority; - the words ‘storage’ and ‘handling’ facility for dangerous and hazardous substances are broad enough to include a filling station. - decision taken in terms of policy guidelines not irrational ─ a party seeking to impugn rationality of decision must demonstrate exceptional basis to succeed in review application. - section 36(2) of ECA read in context, together with s 35, does not constitute a time bar to the institution of review proceedings after internal remedies have been exhausted.’

(Source: http://www.justice.gov.za/ )