Round-table 2002
c h a l l e n g e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r a m o r e e f f e c t i v e E PA
Conference Report
Government
of South Australia
Round-table 2002
ëchallenges and opportunities for
a more effective EPA
January 2003
Round-table 2002
ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Author: Rachel Bishop
For further information please contact:
Information Officer
Environment Protection Authority
GPO Box 2607
Adelaide SA 5001
Telephone:
(08) 8204 2004
Facsimile:
(08) 8204 9393
Free call (country):
1800 623 445
ISSN 1328 5343
January 2003
¢ Environment Protection Authority
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written permission of the Environment Protection Authority.
Printed on recycled paper
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ........................................................................................................... V
1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 1
Purpose ...........................................................................................................1
Participants......................................................................................................1
The Round-table process.....................................................................................1
Process used to address areas of concern ..............................................................1
List of sessions .................................................................................................2
2
EPA ACHIEVEMENTS JULY 2001êJUNE 2002 ....................................................... 5
3
ADDRESSING THE CONCERNS: INITIATIVES FROM THE 2002 ROUND-TABLE .............. 6
Compliance and complaint management................................................................6
Education and communication.............................................................................7
Policy and planning ...........................................................................................7
Waste management and resource use ....................................................................8
4
CONCERNS IN DETAIL ....................................................................................... 9
Air and noise emissions......................................................................................9
Compliance and complaint management.............................................................. 11
Education ...................................................................................................... 15
Governance .................................................................................................... 19
Management systems ....................................................................................... 19
Partnerships with local government.................................................................... 21
Planning, major assessments............................................................................. 23
Policy and guideline development ...................................................................... 26
Radioactive wastes and uranium mining.............................................................. 30
Solid waste, recycling, resource recovery............................................................. 31
Water pollution, aquifer storage and recovery, stormwater reuse ............................. 36
ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 40
APPENDIX Aë2002 ROUND-TABLE LIST OF INVITEES ............................................... 41
APPENDIX BëROUND-TABLE FEEDBACK STATISTICS ................................................. 49
APPENDIX CëEPA PUBLICATION LIST, JUNE 2002................................................... 51
APPENDIX DëCOMMITTEES AND BOARDS IN WHICH EPA OFFICERS PARTICIPATE ......... 58
iii
iv
FOREWORD
I have pleasure in presenting the EPAçs response to the ideas and comments made during this
yearçs annual Round-table. This was the EPAçs sixth Round-table and it provided a valuable
opportunity for interested members of the community to express their views on environment
protection as well as relaying current information to the EPA on ways to improve the way we do
our work.
This environment protection forum is unique to South Australia. No other Australian EPA allows
for this type of annual consultative public forum. The EPA has used a wide range of methods and
techniques for Round-tables and this yearçs method, open space technology, successfully provided
all participants with the opportunity to express their key issues and ideas and to explore them
with other participants.
Our theme for this yearçs Round-table, åchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPAç,
allowed participants to consider their experience of working with the EPA and offer advice on our
future directions. It also incorporated the new Governmentçs intentions for establishing a more
independent EPA. Many initiatives to further the independence and effectiveness of the EPA were
recently passed by Parliament and should come into effect in early 2003. Further legislative reform
is planned for 2003.
Shortly after the Round-table conference, the Government created a new administrative body
called the Environment Protection Authority with its own Chief Executive. This new arrangement
provides greater independence to the EPA for the programs and activities that it is responsible for
delivering on behalf of the EPA Board.
The EPA has come a long way since its inception in 1995. We have steadily built our organisation,
and introduced systems to ensure proper administration of the of the Environment Protection Act
1993. We are one of the youngest EPAs in the country but I believe that we are also one of the most
progressive and committed.
The information gathered at this yearçs Round-table is an exceptionally important part of this
building and planning process. This information has been considered by key experts and
managers in the EPA to help them develop initiatives and programs for environmental protection
into the future.
This response document provides some key areas and initiatives emanating from the Round-table
as well as providing information on EPA programs and activities already under way that respond
to issues raised.
Thank you to all those who participated in the 2002 Round-table; the EPA looks forward to further
effective consultation in the future.
Stephen Walsh QC
Chair
Environment Protection Authority
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
1
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Round-table conference is one of the EPAçs main
consultation tools. The EPA has held Round-tables each year since 1997 to provide an open forum
for the community to exchange ideas, raise concerns and receive information on environmental
protection as conducted by the South Australian EPA. The Round-table conference is open to all
and in recent years has attracted over 300 participants.
The Round-table consultation process is a legislative responsibility of the EPA. Section 19 of the
Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act) states that the purpose of the Round-table is to assist the
Authority and the Minister to assess the views of interested bodies and persons on such matters
related to the operation of the Act or the protection, restoration, or enhancement of the
environment within the scope of the Act, as the Authority may determine.
Participants
Anyone can attend the EPA Round-table. Representatives from industry, business, government
agencies, local government, catchment water management boards, community groups and
individuals attend and contribute to the Round-tables.
The representation of participants for 2002 was as follows:
·
community groups
20%
·
industry
34%
·
waste management
14%
·
professional groups
12%
·
local and State government
20%
A list of invitees is included in Appendix A.
The Round-table process
In 2002 the EPA used a new and dynamic method for facilitating and organising the Round-table.
This was to ensure that participants had an unrestrained opportunity to raise issues of concern to
them, and that the EPA received the widest and most extensive feedback possible.
The åopen space technologyç (OST) format has no agendas pre-set for the day, so every participant
had the opportunity and responsibility to put forward their issues. It also allowed other
participants to choose issues of greatest interest which they could discuss and consider.
This format allowed for a variety of issues to be raised and discussed. In total, 56 discussion
sessions were held over the day.
Feedback from participants on the day suggested they were satisfied that this method worked for
the Round-table. The majority of respondents also believed that the OST format should be
considered for future Round-table events.
Participant evaluation of the 2002 Round-table is given in Appendix B.
Process used to address areas of concern
The 56 topic sessions of the Round-table canvassed many issues and identified a wide variety of
suggestions and concerns.
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Following the day, the EPA reviewed each session, found common areas of concern, grouped
them into subject areas to be addressed and conducted interview sessions with relevant EPA
senior staff and managers.
New initiatives determined by the EPA resulting from these reviews were ultimately grouped into
four main themes (see Section 3). Information on existing EPA programs relevant to the issues
raised is also provided (see Section 4).
New initiatives have been assigned to the relevant EPA branch areas for development and
implementation.
List of sessions
The following topics were considered during the 2002 Round-table. A full, unedited transcription
of proceedings is available from the EPA or from the EPA web site.
Topics raised and explored
1.
developing environmental management systems
2.
ultra low sulphur diesel
3.
leaching of chemicals into waterways from cigarette butts
4.
improved access/communication for industry and public to discuss situations with
EPA officers without delay
5.
improving the water quality of the River Murrayíhow?
6.
lack of collection facilities for recycling plastic
7.
management and operation of waste landfill sites
8.
educating the community on recycling waste and water
9.
weed invasion in South Australia
10.
no control over buffer zones
11.
improving coordination between EPA and other agencies relating to aquifer storage
and recovery schemes
12.
EIS statements under the Development Actíhow do we make them true and
believable?
13.
inappropriate siting of landfills
14.
environmental sustainability of some recycling practices
15.
duplicated with No 13
16.
pushing and pulling the EPA
16a Pulling and pushingíalong with regulation EPA must educate
17.
water, water
18.
conserving and improving native fauna and flora, conservation and biodiversity for
the future
19.
greater effort and encouragement for the reduction of containers and packaging
finding their way into landfill sites
20.
assisting rural local government areas to meet EPA aims where costs are incompatible
with council income
21.
(and 21a) sustainable developmentícleaner production, alternative resources, linking
the EP Act and Development Act
22.
the social impact on residential areas by industry
23.
review of in-situ leach uranium mining and EPA management of uranium mine
wastes
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
24.
a better way to dispose of scrap tyres
25.
addressing development approval hurdles for developing new environmental
technologies
26.
appointments to the EP Authority (now Board?)
27.
and 27a environment impact assessment and the Development Assessment
Commission
28.
and 28a local/State government interactions
29.
winery residue/effluent solutions
30.
recycling domestic hard refuse
31.
radioactive waste management
32.
and 32a better integration of occupational health and safety and environmental
systems; and better solutions for resident/industry problems
33.
zero landfill
34.
the storage, collection and correct use of our stormwater
35.
cooperation and understanding between industry and neighbours
36.
involvement in ODS and global warming substances
37.
understanding the ongoing indigenous management of our environment
38.
and 38a level playing fieldíit costs more to be green
39.
electromagnetic fields and energy transmission
40.
advance sustainable farming systems that are environmentally friendly
41.
consistency in all planning with environmental, social and economic issues for
sustainability for all
42.
air qualityíEPA should have the capacity to assess the air quality impacts of transport
and planning proposals
43.
preventing TVs going to landfill
44.
and 44a ensuring active involvement of future generations in environmental decision
making
45.
best practice wastewater management and reuse
46.
levy on landfills
47.
environment and the economyímust work together
48.
managing change
49.
foundry noise and pollution
50.
dealing with environment pollution in an integrated way
51.
relationships between EPA and waste industry
52.
holistic environmental management that involves every stakeholder group
53.
indoor air quality
54.
more customer orientated guidelines including publications to address key
environmental issues
55.
technical bulletin and managing change
56.
and 56a decisions about environmental management should be based upon real
information and knowledge not supposition and guessworkíthis requires investment
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Topics raised but not explored
The following issues were raised on the day but were not subsequently considered by discussion
groups.
·
powers of the EPA to monitor aquaculture licences and take action for breaches of the Act
· proper weight be given to long and short term economic, environmental, social and equity
considerations in deciding all matters related to environment protection, restoration and
enhancement
· ongoing commitment and integration of environmental and OHS issues at workplace and how
to resolve conflict between elderly, polluting industry and housing in inner suburbs and give
residents strategies for action
· the creation of collection facilities for plastics suitable for re-manufacture
· access to EPA to address noise and siting issues of air conditioners and reasonable access to
the courts to obtain fair and reasonable redress to complaints
· value adding and changing/providing effective solutions and use of residues from
winemaking and ensuring we share responsibility with industry
· water is the basis of all our world therefore improvement is a necessity
· controlled development is a two way street
· educating the community on recyclingíwasteíwater and tapping into natural resources
· the re-use/recycling of winery effluent
· more customer orientated guidelines including publications to address key environmental
issues
·
4
regulatory creep on industry through the issue of technical bulletins by EPA.
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
2
EPA ACHIEVEMENTS JULY 2001êJUNE 2002
Over the last year the EPA:
·
established a dedicated team of professional staff to coordinate more effective and timely
responses to developments referred to the EPA under the Development Act 1993
·
continued to undertake additional regional consultation in both outer metropolitan and rural
areas (this is a key activity to ensure greater access to the EPA as well as providing it with
relevant local information and opportunities)
·
improved our regional presence by opening up a second regional office at Murray Bridge
ideally located to respond to the ever-increasing challenges facing the River Murray
·
made allocations to strengthen and expand the EPAçs Investigation Unit (since it was
established three years ago the unitçs capacity to successfully prosecute major breaches of the
Act has dramatically improved)
·
successfully prosecuted eight companies and issued over 60 Environment Protection Orders
(EPOs)
·
established the Waste to Resources Committee to respond to the challenges facing the
community in waste management and resource recovery
·
established a sub-committee and working groups for developing the 2003 State of the
Environment Report to be completed in 2003
·
introduced key monitoring information for our communities accessible through the EPA web
siteíthe Adelaide Air Quality Index and the Adelaide Bathing Waters Quality index
·
initiated three major environmental audits during the last 12 monthsíall licensed wineries
across the State, regional solid waste landfills and key industries in the Port Adelaide Precinct
·
developed and introduced new Environment Protection Policies (EPPs) for motor vehicle fuel
quality and on controlling used packaging wastes.
For a list of EPA publications see Appendix C, or see our web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html).
5
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
3
ADDRESSING THE CONCERNS: INITIATIVES FROM THE 2002 ROUND-TABLE
There were useful and innovative suggestions from participants at the Round-table.
Many of the issues and concerns raised are currently the subject of EPA work, which may indicate
that information on our work is not being communicated well. Some of the issues raised fall
outside the responsibility of the EPA and, for these, we have tried to provide information on the
issue or the appropriate web addresses or contact details for interested people to follow up.
General areas of concern fall within the four major areas of work for the EPA:
·
compliance and complaint management
·
education and communication
·
waste management and resource use
·
policy and planning.
Under each of the four headings is further information regarding how the EPA is addressing the
issues as well as the new initiatives resulting from the 2002 Round-table.
Compliance and complaint management
The concerns
A number of concerns were raised regarding the issue of compliance management. Some concerns
pertained to the way the EPA managed the monitoring of licensed premises. Discussions were
also held about the application of licences for all businesses, regardless of their size.
Concern was expressed that the EPA needed to focus its resources on areas of greater
environmental concern.
Participants were also calling for a greater level of access to EPA staff, as well as suggesting that
EPA staff need customer service training.
How the EPA is dealing with this issue
· The EPA is introducing a new system of licence management. Known as load-based licensing,
this system will become a significant component of the EPA licensing system, with fees based
on the amount of pollution or waste generated rather than the scale of operation as currently
applies.
This application of the åpolluter paysç principle under the Act has two components: the level of
fees, and the way fees are charged. The effective combination of both of these components
aims to provide the incentive to improve environmental performance and reduce discharges of
pollutants.
· The EPA is also introducing a new way of assessing and managing staff performance. The
åCapability Profileç system will provide all staff in the EPA with information and benchmarks
on the areas of skills, abilities and knowledge required to perform their roles. All staff will be
audited against the set benchmarks for their work areas.
This information will determine training and development needs for individual staff, and
enable the EPA to determine the type of training to provide to staff. It is anticipated that if
customer service is identified as an area needing development then that training will be
provided through this process.
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Education and communication
The concerns
The role of education and communication within the EPA flowed through many topic areas. There
were calls for greater levels of education initiatives on the standards and rules the EPA applies.
There were also high levels of concern that the EPA is concentrating too heavily on compliance
without due regard to education.
Round-table participants saw education and communication as crucial components of the delivery
of effective administration under the Act.
How the EPA is dealing with this issue
· Many of the concerns raised regarding education and communication across the EPA will be
addressed through the Marketing Strategy currently being developed. This strategy aims to
more effectively communicate the EPAçs role, function and information to our customers and
stakeholders.
The strategy will be informed by substantial market research from stakeholders, industry,
business, other government and non-government agencies, and the general community so that
the needs of these groups are appropriately addressed.
· The EPA has recently been given the task of managing the åWaterCareç program. This and
other education/communication programs such as Waterwatch, AirWatch, Frog Census, Ecoefficiency courses, and a new education strategy on waste to resource management, all
combine to provide a comprehensive education approach and awareness-raising focus for the
EPA.
· The EPA Green Events grants scheme is an new initiative with which industry and community
can apply for money to help manage the cost associated with best practice waste management
for public events.
· The EPA is seeking to expand the role of its communications unit to improve its provision of
information and advice to business and industry. We have also invested in improving our web
site, which makes most of our publications and guidelines available. An index of available
publications is provided in Appendix C of this report.
Policy and planning
The concerns
A number of sessions during the Round-table dealt with issues relating to a perceived lack of
integration across government with planning decisions, and confusion over who has
responsibility for ensuring environmental outcomes within the planning system.
Concerns were also raised about devolving environmental responsibility to local government and
managing costs associated with this greater role for councils.
The role of indigenous management of our environment was also raised.
How the EPA is dealing with this issue
· The report The EPA/Local Government Partnership Demonstration SchemeíSharing Environment
Protection Responsibilities recommends that the Local Government Association (LGA)/EPA
working group further investigate future resourcing options to sustain sharing of
environmental protection responsibilities. A discussion paper prepared by the LGA/EPA
working group identified ågrants to councilsç as one of a number of possible funding options
that could be assessed by both local and State government.
7
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Currently the EPA offers reimbursement of fees for the Environment Protection Enforcement
Certificate Course if councils authorise their officers to exercise powers under the Act.
The EPA will be considering this further when it reviews the EPA/Local Government
Partnership Demonstration Scheme report. Legislative amendments are being considered,
including the ability for any regulatory authority, either the EPA or councils, to charge
administration fees for administering the Act.
· The EPA will seek advice from the Department of State Aboriginal Affairs on how it can better
respond to the matter of indigenous management of our environment.
Waste management and resource use
The concerns
Many participants at the 2002 Round-table expressed concerns over waste management. A
common issue was the amount of recyclable material going to landfill.
Participants raised a range of options including: a greater emphasis on educational support for
industry and the general community; the development of a database of best practice methods from
around the world; and a clearer mandate from Government on its target for waste to landfill.
How the EPA is dealing with this issue
· Waste management is seen as a critical environmental outcome for the State. The Waste to
Resources Committee, a sub-committee of the EPA, has been set up to drive waste
management and one of its key objectives is to achieve zero waste to landfill sites.
In recognition of the importance and effectiveness of education as a tool for environmental
change, the Waste to Resources Committee has commissioned the development of a
community education and awareness strategy. The objectives of the education strategy are to
advocate, inform and reinforce in a clear, concise and effective way that recycling, resource
recovery and waste minimisation are worthwhile practices with considerable benefits.
· The EPA has investigated waste management in landfill sites, both metropolitan and regional,
through its audit program. These audits have been designed to identify the quantity, source
and composition of wastes and to evaluate the accuracy of EPA data on these sites. The
outcomes of the audits, recently published and placed on its web site, can now be used to
develop regional waste management strategies in conjunction with regional authorities.
· The EPA is also developing an Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy that will,
among other things, look at banning all electrical waste from landfills, encompass extended
producer responsibility, and look at mandating the level of collection and recycling by setting
a minimum standard across metropolitan Adelaide. The Waste to Resources EPP will work
towards an objective of zero waste to landfill.
This policy is due to be released for consultation in 2003.
8
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
4
CONCERNS IN DETAIL
Air and noise emissions
Ultra low sulphur fuels
Q. Incentives for use of low emission vehicles (fiscal incentives).
The National Road Transport Commission and the National Environment Protection Council
(NEPC), both statutory bodies at the Federal level, are responsible for this area.
The Commonwealth is driving the use of financial incentives with good outcomes to encourage
early compliance with standards that will be in place over the next 5ë10 years. The SA EPA has
had substantial input into this process.
Q. Educational information on alternative fuels.
Environment Australia (www.ea.gov.au), Australian Greenhouse Office (www.greenhouse.gov.au),
Transport SA (www.transport.sa.gov.au), Energy SA (www.energy.sa.gov.au) and the EPA
(www.epa.sa.gov.au) all have education information available on this issue.
Foundry noise and pollution
Q. EPA requires industry to provide more disclosure of chemicals used in processes and more information
about pollution potential.
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is available on the EPA web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au) and
provides information on polluting chemicals.
The EPA has also completed specific åhot spotç air monitoring reports on two foundries (Hensley
and Castalloy). All finalised reports are available on the EPA web site.
Q. When making policy regarding noise, there needs to be other ways of setting noise criteria other than
setting decibel numbers.
The SA EPA is preparing a new policy for environmental noise that includes decibel levels as well
as history, duration and frequency of noise, and the formally designated land use of the area. The
decibel level is used as a trigger, then other factors are considered to assess impact.
It is intended that public consultation on the draft policy will occur in mid-2003.
Indoor air quality
Q. The issue: people spend ~90% of their time indoors so air quality is an important issue and needs to be
dealt with by someone.
This is an issue for the Department of Human Services, the Builders Association and WorkCover.
Indoor air pollutants sometimes have their origin from within the residence. The EPA focuses its
effort on external sources of air pollution, although it also contributes to national policy
development on indoor air pollutants and their sources, including product standards for
appliances and building materials.
Involvement in ozone depleting substances (ODS) and global warming substances
Q. Environmental issues where there is no breach of law (Forestry åscrapç burningíPeopleçs EPA).
The EPA runs several education programs to encourage environmental behaviour that goes
beyond compliance with the Act but if there is no breach of the Act the EPA is very limited in the
actions it can take.
9
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
In regard to forestry scrap burning, the EPA receives advice from Forestry SA on what they are
doing about environmentally impacting issues. EPA has investigated alternatives to further
reduce on-site burning with a view to their adoption where practicable. The EPA will continue to
monitor these activities to ensure that environmental management continues to be a Forestry SA
priority in accordance with its ISO 14000 Environment Management System.
Q. For any ongoing issues there should be dedicated people to handle the issues/s.
Agreed. Most ongoing issues are complex and require application of expertise from a variety of
scientific disciplines. The EPA has designated licence coordinators for premises that are licensed
and is developing specific issues teams when possibleífor example, the new aquaculture group.
It also establishes specific audit teams for environmental auditsífor example, the Winery Audit,
Port River Industries Audit and Spencer Gulf Industries Audit. It forms high level expert teams
when assessing major developments.
Q. The EPA should be able to direct/advise åoffendersç to use or develop cleaner alternatives even when their
actions are within the Act.
The EPA can recommend and suggest but may not direct if industries are in compliance.
Industries may choose to use voluntary Environment Improvement Programs (EIPs) if they wish
to go beyond compliance requirements. The best way to achieve outcomes beyond compliance is
to facilitate and encourage industry but ultimately it must be left to the discretion of the industry.
Air quality
Q. The EPA should have the capacity to assess the air quality impacts of transport and planning proposals.
The EPA has a close working relationship with Transport SA, which has prime responsibility for
managing all elements of the transport system and conducts impact studies on smaller scale
transport developments for comparison with criteria set by the EPA. Larger scale transport
proposals are subject to other more detailed impact assessment, with input from the EPA. The
EPA offers its expertise to Transport SA and provides advice on transport proposals in the early
stages of planning. For particular types of individual industrial and commercial development,
defined in the Development Act, the EPA assesses the likely impact and advises the planning
authorities.
Q. The EPA should have airshed modelling capabilities to identify appropriate or inappropriate locations for
land uses based on air quality considerations in a region, well in advance of a zoning decision.
The EPA has modelling capability up to a certain scale and is developing airshed modelling
capabilities on a regional scale to account for effects of developments on photochemical smog
formation. Its hotspot air quality monitoring activities throughout the State will assist that
capability. However, planning decisions ultimately reside with Planning SA.
Q. The EPAçs air monitoring role should be expanded and given some emphasis beyond verifying
compliance with national or State ambient air quality standards or guidelines. The emphasis should include
community education and information, and should relate to land use and transport activities.
The EPA has established a network of monitoring instruments. Some of these are already used to
measure ånon-legislatedç pollutants, not for compliance purposes but to investigate possible new
issues.
The EPA is developing an odour and stack emission testing capability to further complement the
åhot spotç testing and the ambient air monitoring. Transport SA is responsible for transport issues
and is developing a modelling capability to estimate traffic impacts. Roadside monitoring will be
used to validate the model.
The EPA recognises that it has a role in communicating this information, much of which is related
to transport, as indicated by the NPI figures for Adelaide. To this extent it has recently established
the AirWatch program through its Community Education and Monitoring Unit. AirWatch is an
10
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
established national schools program that raises awareness of air quality issues through
monitoring local environments. In June 2002, 17 schools had registered in the program and a
further 50 were considering joining.
Compliance and complaint management
Level playing fieldsíit costs more to be green
The Eco-efficiency course has shown that it actually costs less to be green in many cases. The
Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme has shown that efficiencies gained from a $1
investment equal $30 in improvement saving.
Q. Dairy industry exampleíindustry association, dairy farmers and EPA developed guidelines for that
industry that everyone then has to comply with.
The EPA is developing guidelines with industry on a priority system, and is currently working
with piggeries, foundries and dairies. See the EPA web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au) for guidelines.
The EPA also develops, reviews and comments on industry codes of practice.
Q. The EPA being more proactive in knowing industry members and being in contact with them.
The EPA has representatives on many industry groups and forums which have requested EPA
participation (currently involved in over 140 such groups, see Appendix D). The EPA is happy to
become involved in any such group where a mutual benefit can be demonstrated.
Q. Industry members ådob inç to the EPA others who arençt complying (the EPA needs to ensure those
details arençt passed on since they are on the EPA form).
Anonymous complaints are accepted within the current incident reporting systems but they may
not be followed up. All complaints received by the EPA are treated on a confidential basis.
Q. License small companies as well as larger operators.
Schedule 1 of the Act determines the activities that the EPA licensesíthose capable of significant
environmental impacts (regardless of size). The SA EPA licenses more companies per capita than
most other jurisdictions throughout Australia.
Q. If you cançt license them all, then provide best practice guidelines and advise small companies that they
can be audited when companies first register their business.
Guidelines are available on specific industries and other general guidelines have been developed
that apply across a wide range of industries (see the EPA web site www.epa.sa.gov.au).
Guidelines are developed with industries on a priority basis. The EPA uses them to assist in its
interpretation of the environmental standards required by the general environmental duty under
the EP Act.
Q. Have the EPA assign more of its resources to areas of greater environmental harmíin their contacts
with companies.
The EPA uses a prioritised system for its compliance activities that is designed to maximise
environmental benefits to the whole South Australian community rather than any single local
area. Of highest priority are matters relating to holders of environmental authorisations under the
Act, including activities licensed by the EPA, and any matters in sensitive areas which cause or
have the potential to cause serious or material environmental harm. Management of these issues is
essential to achieving the objectives of the EPA. Other matters, undertaken if and when resources
are available, relate to lower priority environmental issues such as local nuisance complaints (e.g.
noise, odour, dust) associated with non-licensed or domestic premises.
The EPA continues to work with other bodies, such as local government, the Office of the Liquor
and Gambling Commissioner and SA Police, to manage lower priority compliance activities.
11
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
This approach makes best use of the EPAçs significant technical and scientific expertise in the
high-risk areas of pollution impact and control and is consistent with the approach used by EPAs
in all other states.
Q. Industry associations have a role to play in getting improvement across the industry.
The EPA agrees with this and appreciates the efforts made by industry associations and other key
industry stakeholders. The EPA Strategic Plan recognises that it requires commitment and
involvement from all sections of the community to protect and enhance our environment.
Q. EPA thresholdsíchange from volumes/scale of operations to specific activities that are licensed (point
sources now contribute less to pollution and diverse sources are more important).
A range of new EPA initiatives are aimed at managing diffuse source pollution, including:
·
programs managed by the EPAçs Watershed Protection Office
·
programs managed by the EPAçs Murray Bridge Office
·
the Water Quality EPP
The EPA is aiming to educate and change peopleçs attitudes to pollution and their impacts on the
environment through a variety of programs and tools under the Act. It also supports the
catchment water management boards and council stormwater pollution prevention officers.
The EPA has also embarked upon an expansion of its pollution load-based licensing system, in
which licensed activities will be charged fees in accordance with the amount of pollution they
discharge to the environment. This system operates in other jurisdictions to provide economic
incentives for industries to reduce their pollution and wastes, rather than to focus on their volume
or scale of operation.
Q. EPAs nationally could set specific standards for specific industries.
The NEPC, through the development of National Environment Protection Measures (NEPM), sets
consistent environmental standards, guidelines or protocols across Australia. NEPMs on ambient
air emissions, waste management and vehicle emissions are currently in force. For further
information see the EPAçs Annual Report or the NEPC web site (www.ephc.gov.au).
Q. Create greater public awareness that some companies are licensed, doing the right thing and it can cost
them more than their competitors.
The EPA has run programs in the past and is looking at this approach again for further use in
modelling good behaviour. An example is the recent audits in the winery industry. The EPA is
nevertheless careful not to unfairly promote the operations of a specific industry; rather it focuses
in identifying industry-specific best practice. Other areas of Government and Business SA also
have a role to promote industry.
Q. Provide tax credits and incentives for businesses that go beyond compliance.
This is a Commonwealth issue but financial incentives are being considered by the EPA as part of
its program to expand the load-based licensing system.
Q. EPA officers could be more consistent with different industry members e.g. one winery required to have a
NATA level lab while larger competitor wasnçt.
The EPA is striving for consistency by:
·
continually improving its licensing system to ensure that licence conditions are consistent
wherever appropriate
·
conducting industry based audits, e.g. winery audits (see also the latest EPA Annual Report)
·
reviewing environmental monitoring requirements of licences.
12
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Better communication by EPAíe.g. sometimes they wonçt confirm their advice in writing and
sometimes when things go wrong they close down and wonçt talk to you for months.
Every staff member of the EPA will shortly undergo extensive capability assessments of the skills
required to do their work. Most EPA staff will be assessed on stakeholder and client service. It is
anticipated that these assessments will lead to training on a range of issues, including customer
service. The EPA is committed to continual improvement in this area.
Q. EPA to have better processes for dealing with companies proposing technical solutions in areas where the
EPA doesnçt yet have guidelinesíe.g. composting, wineries.
Agreed. EPA is developing guidelines in a prioritised way as quickly possible. The smaller or
unique issues are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Q. Greater use of EIPs for licences and authorisations.
Most EIPs are currently developed and implemented through conditions of licence to provide for
longer-term environmental improvement at these licensed sites.
EIPs require substantial time and effort to develop, both by industry and the EPAíthey are used
only when the need exists.
Information on the content and development process for EIPs can be found on the EPA web site
under Information SheetsíNo. 6 Environment Improvement Programs.
Q. EPA licence coordinators should assist more in research methodologies to enable licensees to meet their
environmental requirements.
The EPA is not a research organisation and, although it does provide information on options
where possible, the responsibility ultimately rests with the licence holder. The promotion of
environmental industry is a function of the Office of Sustainability and other groups such as the
Office of Economic Development and Business SA.
Improved access/communication for industry and public to EPA officers
Q. Talking to machine (poor response and limited after hours access).
and
Q. Phone records of complaints are not always kept.
and
Q. Need to review contracted call service (interstate based rather than local) Link access deal with problems
according to severity, questions asked need to be reviewed and information recorded as given.
and
Q. Public complaints (difficult to get the complaint through so that it is recorded and dealt with by an EPA
officer).
The EPA has a contract with Link Communications Pty Ltd, which provides a first-line telephone
contact with the community. This service (which answers about 12,000 telephone calls each year)
provides answers to frequently asked questions, allows access to EPA information sheets, and
enables fast and efficient reporting of complaints as well as direct communication to the
emergency services and the EPAçs emergency response team.
Enquiries that cannot be managed by Link are passed on to EPA staff for direct communication
with the caller. This system is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure best possible service to the
callers.
The service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pollution complaints line is 8204 2004.
13
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Proactive approach by companies to get some consultation from the EPA, these calls are often not
responded to in a timely fashion by EPA staff (messages are often ignored, calls not returned, appointments
not made).
See above. While the EPA will assist with providing advice when it can, it does not provide a
consultancy service. Environmental consultants may be contacted through the Yellow Pages.
Business SA in conjunction with the EPA has also developed a database of consultants which is
available from Business SA.
Q. E-mail service. Easy access for members of public and companies.
Members of the public and companies can e-mail the EPA via the web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au). Emails will then be registered in our database and forwarded to the appropriate officers.
Q. Phone should be transferred if EPA officer absent so that a real person answers the call.
The EPA believes that it is preferable to use voicemail (standard office practice) rather than
transferring calls to officers who are not familiar with anotherçs particular work.
Q. Response from EPA within 24 hours but need a better means of recording complaint history for
offending/polluting companies. Recognise that it may not be practicable to respond to each call/complaint.
EPA has a good system for recording complaints and updates it on a regular basis. Our protocols
require officers to respond immediately to matters deemed to be of a critical nature (emergency
response).
Officers prioritise their responses and actions according to the number and type (environmental
harm or risk posed) of incidents being considered at the time.
The EPA is currently reviewing its information management system. A process re-engineering
project is reviewing the management of operations information drawn from a range of sources
such as licensing, development application assessment and prosecutions. Lack of coordination in
the management of this information has the potential to cause duplication and gaps in our
knowledge base.
The project team is currently going through each of the EPAçs operational activities and assessing
its information management requirements. This will become a list of specifications for a system
that will ensure the necessary information capture and integration. The team is aiming to complete
this list of requirements by the end of 2002 with the specifications feeding into another project due
to begin in early 2003.
Q. Licence coordinators exist in some industries in sufficient number but more staff are needed in growing
industries like marine and aquaculture.
The EPA recognises this as an issue and is addressing it where possible. A separate aquaculture
unit has recently been established. The EPA will respond to incidents on a priority based approach
to ensure issues that cause or may cause serious or material environmental harm are appropriately
dealt with. Licensed premises are high priority matters for the EPA.
Managing change
Q. Increasing expectations, new licensing requirements should be coordinated with the typical business
investment cycle to minimise hardship but also to promote the right considerations when making
investment decisions. Business needs certainty to plan for, the EPA needs to define the end point.
Businesses can undertake a voluntary EIP at any time to match investment cycles with
improvement program investment.
Relationships between EPA and waste industry
Q. Visits to the site should be by appointment so the management is present to give and collate findings.
14
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The EPA will continue to visit sites without prior warning if it feels that this is necessary. These
powers are expressly provided to the EPA under the Act. The EPA will follow all necessary
occupational heath, safety and welfare directions for each site.
Holistic environmental management that involves every stakeholder group
Q. Facilitated consultation and mediation between EPA and industry and community.
The EPA does not provide mediation services. It has in many cases referred these to the
Neighbourhood Mediation Services section of the Legal Services Commission of SA; in other cases
the parties involved in the dispute employ independent facilitators. The EPA will assist in
mediations if the matter relates to an issue of high priority, that is to licensing matters or other
matters which cause or may cause serious or material environmental harm.
The Act does not recognise pre-existing residential or industrial usesírather it requires a polluter
to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise or eliminate any resulting
environmental harm.
The EPA has developed consultation guidelines for the public: Industry and Community
Consultation (Information Sheet No. 23) available at www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html.
Q. Benchmarking with other EPA interstate guidelines and regulations.
During the development or updating of any SA EPA guideline, interstate EPA guidelines are often
used as a framework and are routinely checked for consistency (albeit modified to respond to
specific SA requirements).
Q. Business and industry not aware of rules and conditions have EPA as info and advice role.
The EPA recognises this as an issue and is seeking to expand the role of its communications unit to
address it. This is currently subject to budgetary constraints. The EPA has invested in its web site
where most of its publications and guidelines are available. Appendix C provides an index of
available publications.
Q. Peak body generation across industry and government sectors with EPA to set best practice for industry
groups.
and
Q. Need planned approach for consultation and mediation with each industry and community with local
government involvementístrategic consultation models.
The EPAçs strategic consultation process for industry can be found on its web site under
Information Sheets (No. 23 Industry and Community Consultation). It also has statutory
consultative requirements when assessing applications for licences or renewal of licences.
Education
Ultra low sulphur diesel
Q. Educational information on alternative fuels.
Transport SA and the National Environment Protection and Heritage Council are addressing this
issue. The Federal Governmentçs web site has an array of information on alternative fuels
including research use and grants schemes (www.fed.gov.au).
Lack of collection facilities for recycling plastic
Q. Put information about collection areas on the internet.
Web-based information is available from local council sites.
Q. Educate the public about recycling issues.
15
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The EPAçs Waste to Resources Committee is developing an education strategy to address this and
other issues. This strategy will be implemented from the beginning of 2003.
Environmental sustainability of some recycling practices
Q. Education about contamination.
The EPAçs Waste to Resources Committee is developing an education strategy to address this and
other issues.
Q. CDL? Very complex.
Information on Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) is available on the EPA web site.
An expanded CDL program will come into effect on 1 January 2003.
Pulling and pushingëalong with regulation EPA must educate
Q. While EPA increases regulatory powers it needs to invest in education and support.
and
Q. EPA should have an education department within it.
The EPA supports this and does use communication and education as part of its tool kit towards
achieving environmental outcomes.
EPA education officers include those at the Watershed Protection Office, Eco-efficiency officers
and those in the Community Monitoring and Education Unit. We are currently reviewing the way
education is organised within the EPA.
Q. Issue with having separate education and regulation roles in different departments.
and
Q. Within any new legislation incentives, education and support must be integrated.
Education and regulation on environmental protection will co-exist within the EPA.
Q. EPA needs to provide consultative and education role to help industries and small business change with
improvement processes.
Agreed. The EPA is doing this through its Eco-efficiency program, through the use of voluntary
EIPs, the Clean Site program and through a variety of more general education and information
strategies.
Water, water
Q. All perennial creeks and rivers in the Adelaide Hills to be fenced against stock and vegetated with native
vegetation.
and
Q. Make Adelaide Hills farmers into water farmers.
Much of this type of work is under the management of LandCare, catchment water management
boards, the EPAçs Watershed Protection Office, and the Department for Water, Land and
Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC).
Q. Reduction/rebates on water rates for low water rates.
This is a policy decision for SA Water and the Government.
Sustainable developmentëcleaner production, alternative resources, linking the EP Act and
Development Act
Q. Best practice licences or credit licensing leading to a åclean & greenç company image.
16
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
and
Q. Some of the largest polluters have been government-owned, e.g. utilities, should lead by good example,
not bad.
and
Q. Promotion of cleaner production technologies, e.g. fish processing-dolphin friendlyímarketing
advantage to companies.
The EPA continues to support cleaner demonstration schemes and a number of programs
including:
· Eco-efficiency training for small businesses
· Greening the Supply Chain (promoting eco-efficient practices among company suppliers)
· Green Events program (promoting public place recycling by providing financial assistance to
event organisers).
Government utilities are not exempt from the requirements of the Act. SA Water, for example, has
spent $166 million and committed a further $104 million to improving its environmental
performance through its EIP, which is a condition of its operating licence. In addition to the EIP
work, SA Water spends $680,000 per year on catchment management initiatives in the Mount
Lofty Ranges.
Note that the Office of Sustainability (Department for Environment and Heritage) is a key agency
in the promotion of environmentally sustainable practices.
Q. EPA education programs at all levels, primary school to company employees and employers.
The EPA has a number of education and awareness programs aimed at the general community
(Frogwatch, AirWatch and Waterwatch) as well as education programs delivered expressly for
businesses (e.g. Eco-efficiency program). It will continue to review these programs and determine
opportunities for further improvement.
Q. Environmental best practice lobbying by networking with industries and representative business
organisations.
The EPA does perform this function to a certain extent but its main role is to interpret and enforce
the Act. Promotion of the environment management industry is a role for agencies such as the
Office of Sustainability, Office of Economic Development and Business SA.
Q. EPA to work with companies to make things happen, e.g. incentives and programs, services to industry
(consultant list).
The EPAçs prime focus is to regulate but it also has an associated responsibility to educate and
communicate. It will work collaboratively with licensees to achieve environmental improvements.
The EPA is working to establish an expanded pollution load-based licensing system, which will
provide financial incentives for licensees to minimise pollution. It has also assisted Business SA
develop an environmental consultants database, available from Business SA.
Q. Company capital budgetsíEPA to get a commitment to invest in environmental improvement and
waste minimisation projects etc.
The EPA uses voluntary EIPs to achieve this. For new industry ideas the Office of Sustainability
(Department for Environment and Heritage) has a role in supporting new green initiatives. Other
agencies such as the Office of Economic Development and Business SA should also be contacted.
Better integration of occupational health and safety and environmental systems
Q. To develop a system (electronic/booklet/other means) of communicatingíçsharing environmental
solutionsçíto specific problems similar to WorkCover Victoria on sharing OHS&W solutions.
17
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The Small Business Environmental Management Solutions Handbook was developed in
conjunction with Business SA and was released at the end of 2002. The handbook, which is based
on the WorkCover Safety Solutions handbook, provides small businesses with a systems approach
to environmental management.
Q. To develop via EPA simple ideas to reduce environmental impactsíe.g. stormwater, noise.
and
Q. To recognise the drivers for improved environmental performance which are convincing top
management. Three real issues are:
·
cost to business (of changes)
·
cost of fines, etc.
·
moral responsibility as a motivation.
The EPA has case studies, guidelines, codes of practice and Eco-efficiency training programs; the
Small Business Environmental Management Solutions Handbook was released at the end of 2002.
Q. To use eco-efficiency type courses to educate small business in how to make changes to achieve better
environmental management.
The EPA has been running Eco-Efficiency training courses since March 1996 and is currently
training 350ë400 businesses per year.
The Chemical Users Project also does this, as do a range of EPA sponsored initiatives including:
·
Business SA training package
·
University of South Australia environment training facility.
The EPA is prepared to promote responsible practices but does not promote individuals or
businesses.
Q. Need to systematically record, across residentsç groups, problems between residents and industry, and
coordinate with EPA to ensure standard solutions to noise and other pollutants.
The EPA is involved in many cases involving residents and industry. We transfer what we learn
from one case to another but must also assess each situation on its own merits and particular
circumstances.
Q. Ensure education on environmental impacts (including design, equipment) before starting up a business.
It is the responsibility of business owners to seek the information they need on any new business
or activity. Several agencies can and do provide information and assistance. The EPA web site
(www.epa.sa.gov.au) as well as our Eco-efficiency training courses are well used for such
information. The Centre for Innovation, Business and Manufacturing, Business SA, KESAB and
the catchment water management boards all provide relevant information for business operators.
Q. Produce information on how residents can raise issues/complain over buffer/encroachment/pollution
issues.
The EPA will look into the way we promote the pollution complaints hotline and the web site.
Q. Recognition of pre-existing residential or industrial use and consideration of potential conflict
management via mediation/facilitators.
The EPA does not provide mediation services. It has referred many cases to the Neighbourhood
Mediation Services section of the Legal Services Commission of SA; in other cases the parties
involved in the dispute have employed independent facilitators. The EPA will assist in mediations
if the matter relates to an issue of high priorityíthat is, to licensed premises under the Act or
matters that cause or may cause serious or material environmental harm.
18
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The Act does not recognise pre-existing residential or industrial uses; rather it requires a polluter
to take all reasonable and practicable measures to minimise or eliminate any resulting
environmental harm.
Governance
Appointments to the new EPA Board
Q. Increase size of Board from six to twelve.
Legislation recently passed by Parliament increases the number of members on the Board to a
minimum of seven and maximum of nine.
Q. Increase the representation of community-based conservationists to the board.
The appointment of individuals, and therefore who is represented, to the Board is a decision for
the Minister for Environment and Conservation and ultimately the Governor of South Australia.
The new legislation passed by Parliament requires the new Board to collectively possess a set of
skills. This moves away from the current arrangements where individuals represent areas of the
community and industry.
Q. Publication of more detailed CVs of Board members, particularly in relation to prior business or
commercial interests.
Abbreviated CVs of Board members are currently available on the EPA web site. This is consistent
with information provided by other key Government boards. Note that all Board members have a
duty to declare any relevant direct or indirect interests that they may have on any Board
considerations.
A code of conduct and responsibilities for Board members is fully explained in the SA
Government publication, Government Boards and CommitteesíGuidelines for Agencies and
Board Directors (available at www.premcab.sa.gov.au/pdf/boards&committees.pdf).
Management systems
Developing EMS
Q. EPA needs to have more operational people trained in the development of environmental management
systems.
Environmental management systems (EMS) do not guarantee an environmental outcomeíthey
provide for systems and assurances towards achieving a standard. The EPA does not rely on them
to achieve its objectives, as it is focused on the outcome of environmental protection, rather than
the means used to attain these standards. Some EPA staff are trained in EMS but it is not the role
of the EPA to develop these for industry.
Q. EPA guidelines need to be published after consultation with the various industry groupsíthis is
possibly an activity of the new Sustainability Branch.
The EPA guidelines assist its interpretation of the general environment duty under Act and it uses
these in developing conditions of licence or and other compliance tools.
There is a high level of industry involvement in the development of the guidelines deemed
necessary by the EPA, for example, the draft Audible Bird Scarers Guidelines. A full list of
guidelines and codes of practice is available at www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html.
The Office of Sustainability does not have a role in administering the Act.
Q. Better integration of occupational health and safety and environmental systems.
and
19
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Develop framework with WorkCover, Department for Administrative and Information Services and EPA
to address practical environmental and occupational health, safety and welfare (OHS&W) issues which
overlap and lead to greater ongoing improvement and commitment in small to medium sized workplaces.
The EPA has an agreement with WorkCover for environmental modules to be delivered through
their training packages and vice versa.
A åsolutions handbookç was released in late 2002 on occupational health, safety and welfare and
the environment.
Q. To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management systems and OHS&W management systems
in larger enterprises.
The focus of the EPA is on managing compliance with the environmental standards prescribed by
the Act and Policies. The EPA maintains a watching brief on the review of EMS standards by
participating on the relevant Standards Australia technical committee.
Q. To develop a system (electronic/booklet/other means) of communicatingíçsharing environmental
solutionsçíto specific problems similar to WorkCover Victoria on sharing OHS&W solutions.
The solutions handbook will address some of these issues.
Q. To develop via EPA simple ideas to reduce environmental impactsíe.g. stormwater, noise.
This has been addressed and case studies can be found on the EPA web site. The Business SA
handbook and the EPAçs Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme are examples where
innovative ideas are promoted and used by industry.
Q. To use eco-efficiency type courses to educate small business in how to make changes to achieve better
environmental management.
The EPA has been running Eco-Efficiency training courses since March 1996 and is currently
training 350ë400 businesses per year. During the current financial year a range of industry specific
courses relating to eco-efficiency will also be conducted.
Managing change
Q. Increasing expectations, new licensing requirements should provide certainty for business and
consistency between business; hardship often rewards poor performers.
While the EPA recognises a need for consistency of standards used in licences, it also needs to
remain responsive to site-specific issues managed through its licensing system.
Q. Increasing expectations, new licensing requirements should be coordinated with the typical business
investment cycle to minimise hardship but also to promote the right considerations when making
investment decisions. Business needs certainty to plan for, the EPA needs to define the end points.
Businesses can undertake a voluntary EIP at any time so as to match investment cycles with
improvement program investment. Information on EIPs can be found on our web site under
Information SheetsíNo. 6 Environment Improvement Programs (www.epa.sa.go.au/pub.html).
Q. Change should be achieved through:
·
educating business on economic benefits of change, and articulation solutions
·
promoting responsible practice
·
providing incentives and promoting benefits of ISO 14001.
The EPA supports these statements and has used these principles when designing and delivering
its Eco-efficiency program. The EPA has been running Eco-efficiency training courses since March
1996 and is currently training 350ë400 businesses per year.
20
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. EPA should work with Economic Development Board and Business SA to manage change and reward
change, e.g. awards, fostering access to ISO 14001.
The EPA does sponsor awards through KESAB, Business SA and catchment water management
boards.
Q. Improvement programs need to incorporate unlicensed businesses.
This is not possible under the current Act. Smaller improvement programs can be incorporated,
however, by issuing EPOs, which may be issued to both licensed and non-licensed activities.
Q. Access to ISO 14001 for small business needs to be improved through opportunities to share costs and
develop private sector services which are lacking in SA. Examine opportunities to increase uptake through
promotion of government mandate on only ISO 14001 suppliers within ####yearsç time.
ISO 14001 was intended for adoption by organisations regardless of their size or business activity.
ISO 14001 is currently being reviewed internationally with a view to making the standard more
meaningful for small to medium enterprises. The EPA does not support mandating ISO 14001
because, although compliance with environmental standards is a requirement of the standard, it
does not guarantee best environmental outcomes.
Partnerships with local government
Assisting rural local government areas to meet EPA aims where costs are incompatible with
council income
Q. Need for greater EPA resources to respond to environmental concerns.
Q. Greater number of EPA enforcement officers throughout regions.
This is a decision for Government. The EPA has been given additional resources for regional areas.
Current regional initiatives include:
·
regional round-table/consultation on Eyre Peninsula (August 2002)
·
audit of the Spencer Gulf (late 2002/early 2003)
·
new Murray Lands office opened in Murray Bridgeíearly 2002 (three staff)
·
one extra staff in SE OfficeíMt Gambier (total now four staff).
Q. Prioritise responses to complaints.
The EPA uses a prioritised system for its compliance activities designed to maximise
environmental benefits to the whole South Australian community rather than any single local
area. Of highest priority are matters relating to holders of environmental authorisations under the
Act, including activities licensed by the EPA, and any matters in sensitive areas which cause or
have the potential to cause serious or material environmental harm. Management of these issues is
essential to achieving the objectives of the EPA. Other matters which are undertaken if and when
resources are available relate to lower priority environmental issues such as local nuisance
complaints (e.g. noise, odour, dust) associated with non-licensed or domestic premises.
The EPA continues to work with other bodies, such as local government, SA Police, and the Office
of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, to manage lower priority compliance activities.
This approach makes best use of the EPAçs significant technical and scientific expertise in the
high-risk areas of pollution impacts and their control and is consistent with the approach used by
EPAs in all other States.
Q. Assisting council to provide the required services, e.g. through:
·
seed funding
21
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
·
grants for council officer training.
A discussion paper prepared by consultants engaged by an LGA/EPA working group identified
ågrants to councilsç as one of a number of possible funding options that could be assessed by both
local and State government. The report, The EPA/Local Government Partnership Demonstration
SchemeíSharing Environment Protection Responsibilities, recommends that the LGA/EPA working
group further investigate future resourcing options to and from local government, and their extent
and type, in order to sustain sharing of environmental protection responsibilities.
Currently the EPA offers reimbursement of fees for the Environment Protection Enforcement
Certificate Course if councils authorise their officers to exercise powers under the Act.
Q. Council charging EPA for providing resource (e.g. council officer) and recovering fees from either the
offender or from the vexatious complainant.
The EPA will be considering this when it reviews the outcomes of the EPA/ Local Government
Partnership Demonstration Scheme report. Legislative amendments being considered include the
ability for any regulatory authority, either the EPA or councils, to charge administration fees for
administering the Act.
Q. Mediation and dealing with offences
Q. Need for EPA to lead the way (e.g. through precedents):
·
policies
·
development of process
·
provision of expertise.
The above points required to assist council officers.
The EPA/Local Government support team is developing these initiatives in consultation with
councils.
Q. EPPs which incorporate the requirements.
There are existing EPPs that address this; however, key EPPs covering Water Quality and
Environmental Noise (replacing current EPPs) will soon become available.
Local and State government interactions
Q. Environment protection undertaken by local government to be funded by an environmental levy.
See answer above; an environmental levy is one of a number of resourcing options that could be
considered.
Q. The LGA to work with the EPA to recommend legislative changes to the Act to make clear
responsibilities of EPA/local government.
The EPA supports changes to the legislation but this is a decision for Government. Legislative
amendments to achieve this are currently under preparation and will involve consultation with
local government.
Q. The EPA to develop and provide training to local government officers regarding the administration of the
Burning EPP.
The EPA has provided training in the past and is able to continue this service as part of its local
government support activities.
Q. Range of resourcing options for local government to provide environment protection services must be
developed and tabled for discussion through the LGA e.g. penalties, administration fees, inspection fees,
levies, recurrent funding from State budget.
22
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The EPA supports this initiative and has worked with the LGA to investigate opportunities.
Legislative amendments are currently being prepared (see answers above).
Q. The LGA and EPA to develop a range of partnership models for further discussion with a view of
developing a common model for the whole of the State.
The EPA has endorsed, in principle, a model for sharing environmental protection responsibilities.
The EPA/Local Government Partnership Demonstration Scheme report is being assessed by an
LGA/EPA working group. The implementation relies on legislative changes.
Q. Federal enquiry into responsibility shift/cost down to local government.
This is currently under way.
Q. Local government to take on the Environment Protection Act work on a fee for service basisívoluntary
participation.
The EPA/Local Government Partnership Demonstration Scheme trial has highlighted the
perception that environmental protection is somehow totally owned by the EPA through the Act.
This perception appears to be shared by many EPA staff, councils and the community, and is
reinforced through use of ownership statements like åour Actç or åyour Actç when referring to the
EPA and the Act. This nexus needs to be broken if effective environmental management is going
to be delivered in SA.
Fee for service is one of the cost recovery models under consideration to enable any regulatory
authority that uses the Act (either the EPA or councils) to service environmental complaints based
on the polluter pays principle.
Q. Smaller councils may be able to do environment protection using fee for service.
The LGA/EPA working group will assess and report on a range of options that all councils should
be able to implement in providing environment protection services to their local communities.
Q. Need people trained in the Environment Protection Act funded.
The EPA currently provides this training free of charge.
Planning, major assessments
No control over buffer zones
Q. Establishment and management of buffer zones Planning SA / local government / EPA roles
EPA staff use the EPA Draft Separation Distance (buffer) Guidelines for environmental assessment
of development application referrals. Development Assessment staff in planning authorities use
the EPA Draft Separation Distance Guidelines for relevant proposals. These are publicly available
on the EPA web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html). Separation distances are not mandatory unless
they are used in licence conditions set under the Act.
Planning SA has recognised separation distances as an appropriate development planning tool
(see Planning SA Planning Bulletins).
Q. Buffer zones to be written in caveats on titles
This may be one way of protecting buffers from encroachment by new developmentíPlanning
SA is the lead Government agency in this matter.
Environmental impact statement initiated by Office of Sustainability rather than Minister
Q. Environmental impact statement (EIS) initiated by Office of Sustainability rather than Minister
This is a decision for Government, not the EPA. The Minister for Planning has responsibility for
the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.
23
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Independent group not developer to undertake EIS (developer pays)
Refer to Planning SA
Note that it is the EPAçs role to review and set the environmental criteria for EIA.
Q. Office of Sustainability reviews and has power to reject application through the Planning Minister with
no right of appeal
EPA is the coordinating body for major development referral across the Environment and
Conservation Portfolio. There is no right of appeal under the existing system.
Q. Need a standard format for EIS
There is a standard guideline for EIA used by Planning SA. However, all applications are different
and hence there is need for flexibility to account for these individual circumstances.
Q. Community consultation process?
Planning SA coordinates the statutory consultation process for major developments.
Q. Requirement to consult on supplementary information
EPA would support this initiative but it is the responsibility of Planning SA as the lead agency for
EIA to further any proposal for statutory change.
Q. Office of Sustainability responsible for monitoring and reporting on developments where EIS undertaken
and enforcement powers where EIS breached
The EPA is an independent body responsible for the regulation of environmental protection. If
there are breaches of the EIA development conditions then Planning SA will respond. Any
subsequent EPA licence conditions (e.g. if the proposal involved a prescribed activity of
environmental significanceísee Schedule 1 of the Act) are enforceable by the EPA.
Environmental impact assessments
Q. Take EIA out of Planning SA and place in the EPAíwill allow the independence of the EPA to provide
ådistanceç.
It is a Government decision as to where the EIA process sits.
The EPA provides independent advice into the process. A member of the Environment Protection
Board is on the Major Developments Panel which meets to determine the level of EIA, and the
guidelines for preparation of the reports, required for any proposal declared a major development
or project.
Q. Make EIA more transparent via the tightening of EIA guidelines that are specific enough to address all
parts of an EIS.
This is not the role of the EPA. EIA is governed by statutory provisions and guidelines for the
preparation of each EIA are determined through the Major Developments PanelíPlanning SA is
the lead Government agency for addressing any change to the system. The EPA continues to
provide independent advice to Planning SA on these types of development.
Q. Broaden the portfolio of the EPA from dealing with only prescribed activities and listed wastes to look at
developments that may not come under Schedule 1 of the Act, yet still impact on the environment
The EPA supports a sharing of responsibility for environmental protection. The EPA currently
focuses its effort on prescribed activities of environmental significance specified in Schedule 1 of
the Act but responsibility does extend to any matter that causes, or has the potential to cause,
serious or material environmental harm.
Q. EIS should concentrate on environmental assessment and not social and economic issues.
24
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The objects of the Act state that the use, development and protection of the environment should be
managed in a way, and at a rate, that will enable people and communities to provide for their
economic, social and physical well-being and for their health and safety.
The Act can be found on the SA Parliamentary web site at www.parliament.sa.gov.au/dbsearch/actslist.htm.
Q. The role of the Major Developments Panel should be expanded to give EPA representative greater
impact.
This is a decision for the Minister for Planning and Environment. The EPA has one representative
on the panel.
Process for managing development approvals for new environmental technologies
Q. EPA vs Office of Sustainability what is the processíwill they get stuck in-between
The EPA is the coordinating body for the Environment and Conservation Portfolio, which
includes the Office of Sustainability.
A recent review of how the EPA completes development applications showed an 80% completion
rate in the agreed time frame. The EPA is striving to make this 100%. One of the strategies
implemented is the Development Assessment Response Team, a central coordinating team
specialising in the response of development applications referred to the EPA.
Q. Case management of innovative environmental technologies through the regulatory process
and
Q. Change in EPA culture re facilitating innovative technologies consistent with policy objectives
The promotion and facilitation of the environment management industry is part of the function of
the new Office of Sustainability (part of the Department for Environment and Heritage). It has
established a Green Business Unit to work with new industries.
Q. Timely and useful feedback to proponents.
The EPA acknowledges that this is necessary and fair and is considering how it can improve
feedback. Proponents should also contact the EPA to seek such feedback.
Consistency in all planning
Q. Whole of government approach is a key starting point.
All relevant Government departments contribute to the development of the State Planning
Strategy, which is the Government vision for development of the State. The Strategy is required to
be reflected in Development Plans, which contain the policies against which all development is
considered. Planning SA is the lead agency for the process.
Q. Adopt triple bottom line test for licence/development/etc. assessment and approval.
The objectives within the Act direct the EPA to have consideration of the social, environmental
and economic implications of any action/proposal.
Q. Apply top-down assessment of industry technology impacts in order to understand the down-stream
implications.
The EPA is required to, and does consider, potential for off-site impacts in environmental
assessment of development application referrals.
Q. Develop base-line data in order to measure and model change consequences of technology impacts, policy
change, and community values. It is noted that funds need to be directed to public sector research and
development to achieve this.
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Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The EPA does monitor environmental impacts including diffuse and point source. The EPA web
site provides all monitoring information collected, so it is available to all research organisations.
The EPA is not a research institution but does contribute expertise in some situationsíe.g.
national research programs that result in NEPMs.
Q. Work towards achieving comparable methodologies for sampling/testing across networked agencies.
The EPA supports this initiative and has programs under way through its Monitoring and
Evaluation Branch work, especially in regard to diffuse water quality. It has a number of
monitoring/sampling standards already prepared in the areas of air, water and noise monitoring.
Contact the EPA for further information.
Addressing development approval hurdles for developing new environmental technologies
Q. Lack of feedback during the approval processíhard for proponents to plan project implementation.
and
Q. Timely and useful feedback to proponents
The EPA has to provide environmental assessment within statutory time frames. It can only put
the process on hold when it requires additional information on which to base its environmental
assessment. Planning SA (Development Assessment Commission) and other planning authorities
manage the process and decision-making by considering all relevant planning inputs
(environmental assessment is one significant input). Allowing time for feedback to proponents is
not built in to the system and Planning SA is the lead Government agency to address any request
for change.
Cooperation between industry and neighbours
Q. Make conditions less subjective for planning approvalíe.g. noise, odour levels
The EPA strives to make all conditions objective, such as specifying maximum noise and odour
levels, and hours of operation. Conditions that are subjective in nature are likely to be successfully
appealed in the Environment Resources and Development Court. Examples where objective
conditions have not been set should be referred to the EPA for comment.
Q. Have councils do a development plan/policy, which includes expected environmental levels and outcomes
for various parts of the council.
The EPA contributes to this through development/review of EPPs. All EPPs under the Act are
being developed/reviewed with consequent amendment to Development Plans across the State.
The Planning Minister is responsible for making sure the amendments occur, with Planning SA
facilitating the process.
Policy and guideline development
Developing EMS
Q. EPA guidelines need to be published after consultation with the various industry groupsíthis is
possibly an activity of the new Sustainability Branch.
EPA guidelines assist its interpretation of the general environment duty under the Act and it uses
them in developing licences and other compliance tools.
There is a high level of industry involvement in developing the guidelines as deemed necessary by
the EPAífor example, the recent draft Audible Bird Scarers Guidelines. A full list of guidelines
and codes of practice is available at www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html.
The Office of Sustainability (part of the Department for Environment and Heritage) does not have
a role in publishing guidelines to be used under the Act.
26
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The social impact on residential areas by industry
Q. There was a belief by the participants that mandatory policies need to be made available and implemented
through the EPA, councils and through the courts that can be used by complainants and that it is effective
in addressing the concerns of residents with regard to noise pollution and other factors.
Some polices under the Act do include mandatory provisionsífor example, the Machine Noise
EPP. Others, however, provide non-mandatory standards that are made mandatory through
conditions of licence or by issuing EPOs. This requires the EPA to determine on each occasion the
reasonableness and relevance of the non-mandatory standard. It is not possible in many situations
to mandate standards in these policies due to the regard necessary for the broad set of factors
specified under the Objects of the Act.
Managing change
Q. Need to rationalise and distinguish the difference in status between industry codes, bulletins, guidelines
and EPPs, current array is confusing for industry.
and
Q. Technical bulletins, codes of practice and guidelinesíneed explanation of these as they relate to the Act.
EPPs are subordinate legislation under the Act. EPPs may outline both recommendations and
mandatory requirements for the protection of a particular aspect of the environment, such as air,
water and waste.
Codes of practice (referred to above as åindustry codesç) are generally linked to one or more EPPs
and provide guidance for an industry in observing their environmental responsibilities. Codes of
practice are developed in consultation both with industry and the community, and outline both
mandatory and non-mandatory requirements for certain activities that secure compliance with the
Act.
As an example, codes of practice have been developed to link with the Water Quality EPP.
Environmental guidelines are also developed with input from industry, but are not legally
binding documents in their own right. They are considered by the EPA when determining
appropriate environmental standards under the Act.
EPA Guidelines (formerly called technical bulletins) give advice on how various industries can
comply with the Act and are sometimes used in licence conditions.
EPA Information documents (formerly called information sheets) provide brief information on
selected environmental topics for the general public.
The numbered series of technical bulletins and information sheets are gradually being replaced by
the new format EPA Guidelines and EPA Information.
Q. There needs to be consultation in the preparation of the guidelines etc.
The EPA does consult with stakeholders on preparing environmental guidelines and codes of
practice. However, for guidelines in particular, the EPA is required to determine standards that it
believes are reasonable, and must itself defend the reasonableness of these standards in any court
proceeding.
Q. Change should be achieved through:
·
educating business economic benefits of change, and articulation solutions
·
promoting responsible practice
·
incentives and promotion of benefits of ISO 14001.
The EPA supports the statements above and has used these principles when designing and
delivering the Eco-efficiency training. The EPA has provided Eco-efficiency training courses from
27
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
March 1996 and is currently training 350ë400 businesses per year. The promotion of ISO programs,
however, is not a specific role of the EPA.
The Chemical Users Project provides similar training, as do a range of EPA sponsored initiatives
including the:
·
Business SA training package
·
University of South Australia environment training facility.
The EPA is prepared to promote responsible practices but does not, as a rule, promote
individuals/businesses. This may be a role for the newly established Office of Sustainability and
other Government departments such as the Office of Economic Development.
Q. Incentives and promotion of benefits of ISO 14001.
It is not the EPAçs role to promote ISO programs. These programs are considered to be valuable
and do contribute to sound environmental practices but do not guarantee environmental
outcomes. For this we use EIPs and EPPs.
Q. Increasing expectations, new licensing requirements should be coordinated with the typical business
investment cycle to minimise hardship but also to promote the right considerations when making
investment decisions. Business needs certainty to plan for; the EPA needs to define the end points.
Businesses can undertake a voluntary EIP at any time to match investment cycles with
improvement program investment.
Q. EPA should work with Economic Development Board and Business SA to manage change and reward
change, e.g. awards, fostering access to ISO 14001.
The EPA does sponsor awards through KESAB, Business SA and catchment water management
boards. It has also fostered an effective working relationship with the Office of Economic
Development.
Q. Improvement programs need to incorporate unlicensed businesses.
This is not possible under the current Act. Smaller improvement programs can be incorporated by
issuing EPOs, which may be issued to both licensed and non-licensed activities.
More customer orientated guidelines including publications to address key environmental
issues
Q. Staff member coordinates the issue of information bulletinsíbut it is a slow process. Latest one due out
soon on bunding. Another issue is the prioritising of bulletins. Current output is 8ë10 p.a. Maybe more
resources and a work program with targets need to be established.
and
Q. There is an issue of pitching to the audienceícould be achieved by layering i.e. to schools, then
community then industry. There is a need to define generic audience groups within the EPA. Need to
develop tiers according to the audience.
and
Q. Concern expressed about the disappearing guidelines no explanation and no indication of future
actions/initiatives. There must be an acceptance that guidelines evolve and they need not be sanitised before
their issue.
The EPA has recently conducted a review of the generation, pitch and packaging of our
information products. One of the outcomes of this was a redevelopment of style, the use of
external editors and reorganising the use of information sheets, guidelines and bulletins.
An explanation of the products will be written and lodged on the web site in the publications
section.
28
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Guidelines should be accepted for what they are. There should be acceptance that some of these guidelines
could become more mandatory.
Guidelines can be given mandatory effect through conditions of licence or requirements of EPOs.
In both situations these may be appealed in a court of law. The EPA acknowledges that these nonmandatory guidelines may in the future become mandatory, potentially through linking them
with EPPs. Note that mandatory requirements under the Act require the consideration of
Parliament and approval by the Governor, or some alternative process approved by Parliament
and the Governor.
Q. New bulletins need to be issued on web sitesíminimal hard copy publications to allow for regular
updating.
Agreed and done.
Q. Links necessary with other publications, e.g. Australian Standards, Industry Groups NEPMs, NGOs
and connections to other web sites, e.g. councils.
Agreed. This is part of the EPAçs ongoing updating and continual review program.
Q. General guidelines need to be issued for all prescribed activities (no matter how brief) and developed in
conjunction with industry groups. Maybe consider multi-headers with those industry groups.
Prescribed activities are licensed and therefore the licence conditions supersede guidelines. In
some cases EPA guidelines may be attached to the licence as an additional condition of the licence.
Technical bulletins and managing change
Q. Need to consider consultation process in preparing technical bulletins.
Where appropriate the EPA consults on the preparation of its information products. In some
instances consultation is not undertaken, as is the case when policies or guidelines are adopted
from other jurisdictions that have undergone consultation in their areas.
A recent example of this is the EPA Guideline Designed Ground-level Concentration for Air
Pollutants. This guideline was developed by the Victorian EPA and has been adopted by the SA
EPA to assist it in determining applicable standards when using the general environmental duty
under the Act.
Q. Need a process to bring non-licensed companies into line with guidelines and technical bulletins e.g. EIP
on non-licensed premises.
The environmental requirements detailed in guidelines can be given effect by issuing EPOs to
both licensed and non-licensed premises.
The EPA administers its activities on a prioritised basis: issues involving potential or actual
serious or material environmental harm, including activities licensed under the Act, are dealt with
first. These activities represent the highest risk and are considered a core function for the EPA.
Q. Involve non-dollar drivers in pursuing environmental improvements, e.g. green tick recognised
worldwide.
In general this is not an appropriate role for the EPA and sits more with Business SA. However,
the Government has announced its intention to expand the EPAçs pollution load-based licensing
system, where licensed activities will be given a financial incentive to discharge less waste.
Decisions about environmental management should be based upon real information and
knowledge not supposition and guessworkëthis requires investment
Q. Guidelines need to be reviewed in consultation with industry/stakeholdersícurrently very limited
stakeholder participation.
29
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Guidelines are reviewed with stakeholders and industry as the EPA deems necessary. As
guidelines and other information materials are used by the EPA to interpreted general
environmental duty under the Act it is not always appropriate for the EPA to seek input from
stakeholders and industry. Where appropriate the EPA is very willing to consult and generally
this is the way we develop information products.
Q. EPA needs $$$ for research and development to develop sound practical guidelines.
This is not the EPAçs role. The EPA focuses its effort on guidelines relating to activities (either
planned or in practice) which have the potential to cause serious or material environmental harm
or environmental nuisances under the Act.
Q. Development of guidelines must be transparentíthe basis of development should be provided.
Agreed. We will develop this information and place it on the EPA web site on the publications
page.
Q. Problems with guidelines brought in from other placesíthey must be relevant to our circumstances.
Benchmarking is a common decision support tool for industry and is also relevant for the environment.
The EPA always ensures that guidelines are relevant to our local conditions and requirements. We
do use guidelines from other EPAs as a framework but in each case determine the appropriateness
for use in the SA situation. Further, the EPA must defend the use of any guideline in any
subsequent appeal/court situations.
Radioactive wastes and uranium mining
Review of in-situ leach uranium mining and EPA management of uranium mine wastes
Q. Equalisation of reporting requirements and public access to documentation between uranium mines, and
between uranium mining and other industries.
An independent review of reporting requirements was conducted by Mr Hedley Bachmann and
completed at the end of August 2002. Officers from the Radiation Protection Branch and other
areas of the EPA provided technical input to the review. Government is now considering
implementation of this report.
A Bill to review the Act has recently been passed by Parliament that includes amendment of the
åSecrecy Clauseç of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 (RPC Act). Under these changes,
the confidentiality provisions of the RPC Act will be equivalent to those under the Environment
Protection Act.
Q. For the agency regulating uranium mining to be different to the agencies managing and promoting the
industry.
Several Government agencies regulate the industry including PIRSA, EPA and Workplace
Services. The Radiation Protection Branch is now part of the EPA.
Q. For the Environment Protection Act to be amended to remove exclusions regarding the RPC Act and
management of mine waste on mining leases.
The removal of exclusions regarding the RPC Act has been passed by Parliament.
Q. For prompt information from Government on how parties can be involved in reporting review.
Submissions by interested parties were accepted during the course of the Bachmann review,
which is now complete. The EPA contributed technical input to the review.
Radioactive waste management
Q. To have the public perception through the media changed so as to allay fears that low level radioactive
waste is the danger that it is believed to be still today.
30
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
EPA will be endeavouring to raise the profile of what the EPA (through the Radiation Protection
Branch) is doing regarding the management of wastes. To this extent, an audit of all radioactive
wastes in SA will be completed in 2003.
Q. That the EPA be more involved in the management of radioactive waste and to maintain this at an
international level of expertise.
The Radiation Protection Branch has now been transferred into the EPA. Further, the recent
legislative amendments approved by Parliament allow the general environmental duty under the
Act to now apply in certain situations.
The Radiation Protection Branch has reference to standards based on international radioactive
waste management.
Q. That in the immediate future the State Government organise to have a public forum to allow the public
the opportunity to debate the need for a national depository.
This is a decision for Government.
Q. EP Act needs to be changed to incorporate radioactive waste to portfolio.
Supported. The Radiation Protection Branch, formerly with the Department of Human Services,
was transferred in July 2002 to the Environment Portfolio, under the management of the EPA.
Q. That any changes to the Act/ laws need to maintain a level of consistency in the waste management
arena.
EPA also supports this. The Government is currently considering this matter.
Solid waste, recycling, resource recovery
Environmental sustainability of some recycling practices
Q. National approach needed.
The national approach is managed through:
·
National Packaging Covenant (NPC) and the NEPM on packaging, which is currently under
review
·
Environment Protection Heritage Council, involving Federal, State and Territory Ministers,
currently developing a framework for waste and recycling issues from the national perspective
including matters such as electronic wastes, plastic bags and waste tyres.
Q. Recycling needs full cost assessment.
Full cost assessments for waste are covered under the NPC. The Nolan-ITU 2001 report, Re-use and
recycling of clean fill and building and demolition waste, addresses this issue: it identifies major
barriers and opportunities for reuse and recycling of clean fill and building and demolition waste
in the Adelaide metropolitan area and prepares scenarios to facilitate the effective recovery of
these materials over the next 10 years.
This and other Nolan ITU reports are available on the EPA web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html).
Preventing TVs going to landfill
Q. Makes sense for councils to combine TVs with other hardware collection with toxic outcomesíe.g.
smoke detectorsíand separate for recycling.
At this stage there is no existing arrangement for this to occur. However, this type of arrangement
is currently being reviewed with the electrical industry at the national level.
Q. Needs pressure put onto local councils and EPA to frame legislation and educate community to gain
acceptance.
31
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The Waste to Resources Committee is developing an education strategy that will address this
issue. The EPA is currently developing a Waste to Resources EPP, which, among other things, will
look at banning all electrical waste from landfills.
Educating the community on recycling waste and water
Q. Establish systems similar to European systems where producer responsibility is enforced.
The EPA is currently developing a Waste to Resources EPP that encompasses extended producer
responsibility. This document is due to be released for consultation in 2003.
Q. Award achievement and recognition to industry (certificates etc?). Encourage rather than enforce.
A new initiative by the EPA, referred as the EPA Green Events grants scheme, enables industry
and the community to apply for money to assist in managing the cost associated with best practice
waste management for public events.
The EPA has also supported business-sponsored awards within the environment/eco-efficiency
category.
Q. Refer to Nolan ITU report on the Economic benefits of Kerbside Recycling where net benefit was
identified as $42 per household/per annum. Need to get this good news message out to Australian
community.
The Waste to Resources Committeeçs education strategy will address this.
Water, water
Q. All new homes to have 5000-gallon tanks after December 2003 (plan better also).
Economic Development Board and local councils have a key role in this area. EPA would have a
role in commenting on Planning SA planning strategies.
Q. Reduction/rebates on water rates for low water rates.
The EPA does not have any powers to require thisíthis is role for SA Water and Government.
Greater effort and encouragement for the reduction of containers and packaging finding
their way into landfill sites
Q. Greater concern from remote rural areas.
The EPA is aware of the waste management issues facing rural areas. The EPA has conducted an
extensive Rural Landfill audit, which is available on the EPA web site
(www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html).
Q. Councils, EPA, and Government collectively work to make recycling more cost effective.
Currently local government and the EPA work together on this issue by developing and
implementing regional waste management plans. It may also be subject to the future Waste to
Resources Policy currently in preparation by the EPA.
Q. Government legislates for recycling levies to cover far more items.
Levies of this nature need to be instigated at the national level. This issue needs to be carefully
considered in light of competition policy.
Q. Pressure industry to be responsible for recycling.
Industry has taken responsibility for recycling through the NPC and a number of voluntary
systems, e.g. codes of practice.
In July 2001 the Governor of SA approved the Used Packaging Materials EPP. This resulted in a
choice for åbrand ownersç, who potentially are significant contributors to the waste stream, to
32
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
either sign an NPC or to comply with the requirement of the new policy. A total of 68 SA
companies have signed the NPC as at June 2002, an increase of 60 from the previous year.
The covenant is intended to be the lead national instrument for managing packaging waste for the
next five years. Participation in the covenant is voluntary and self-regulatory and is open to all
sectors of the packaging chain, from raw material suppliers through to manufacturers, retailers
and governments. It is based on the principles of shared responsibility through product
stewardship. It is not prescriptive; it allows signatories to undertake their covenant obligations in
a manner which best suits their circumstances.
Q. Businesses like Coles, Woolworths to be encouraged on an increasing scale to return packaging to a
recycling centre, suggest 100% by 2010.
The Environment Protection Heritage Council is presently discussing this at the national level. The
EPA also actively promotes and administers the NPC in SA, which is an industry-based program
aimed at reducing the volume of packaging waste disposed to landfill.
Q. Big emporiums charge 1% on items to help finance recycling.
Although this is supported, this is a decision for industry (see also comments on the NPC).
Q. Education ë to educate consumers to give greater consideration to what and how much goes into a bin.
The EPA is committed to education on waste matters. The Waste to Resources Committeeçs
education strategy is being developed to address this.
A better way to dispose of scrap tyres
Q. Investigate advantages of high temperature incineration.
High temperature incineration has been investigated and it was found that the retrofitting of kilns
for incineration is not cost effective. Management of emissions from such a process is both
contentious and expensive. It may be better to shred tyres and reuse.
Q. Impose levies on sales of new tyres.
National Tyre Association and the Federal Government have set up a voluntary system within the
regular safety net. In addition to this, Environment Australia has developed a National Discussion
Paper on Waste Tyres set to be released soon.
Q. Does Government wish to achieve no waste to landfill or minimal waste to landfill?
The proposed Waste to Resources policy objective is zero waste to landfill.
Q. Virgin aggregate tax. To be imposed on raw material suppliers where recycled material can be used
instead.
The EPA is currently considering a number of economic incentives, including load-based
licensing.
The Federal Government provides a number of economic incentives for environmental
initiativesífor more information go to www.fed.gov.au.
Q. Study the use of advanced disposal costs as practiced in Europe and Asiaíi.e. build in disposal costs at
point of manufacture and sale.
We are investigating these systems for their applicability to our local situation. Environment
Australia is currently working in this areaíinformation can be found at www.fed.gov.au
Q. Create will of government to levy against high cost of waste disposal or recycling.
The EPA manages waste disposal levies, however the Government sets the levy amounts. The
actual cost of disposal is set by the industry.
33
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. Form a broad-based industry group to lobby EPA to formulate a national waste tyre management
strategy which may include banning or restricting waste tyres to landfill.
This exists through the Australian Tyre Manufacturing Association. In addition, Environment
Australia has developed a National Discussion Paper on Waste Tyres set to be released soon.
Recycling domestic hard refuse
Q. Determine whether a common system for the collection of domestic hard refuse can be used by all
councils, which will allow all the recyclable materials to be recovered.
The draft Waste to Resources EPP will look at mandating the level of collection and recycling by
setting a minimum standard across metropolitan Adelaide.
Q. The more hazardous wastes in the domestic waste stream (e.g. oil, oil filters, car batteries) should be
prioritised for recycling and systems put in place for collection.
The more hazardous wastes in the domestic waste stream are prioritised for recycling and systems
exist for their collection. For instance, oil has a levy paid on it at the national level with the money
going to a re-refining process and the collection of waste oil; car batteries have a 95% recovery
rate.
Q. The disposal and recycling of domestic hard waste should be made easier for the general community.
Many councils are changing the way they collect and process domestic wastes. Some councils are
now offering three separate collection options from the roadside: general household, green waste
and recyclables. Most councils also offer at least one hard waste collection per year or an on-call
service.
Q. Roll onëroll off bins should be used for domestic hard refuse collection, the costs could derive from
council payments and waste contractor getting money from the recyclables.
This is an issue for local government and waste management industry.
Zero landfill objective
Q. Government to work towards zero landfill target.
The EPA has an objective of zero waste to landfill. The Waste to Resources EPP will work towards
this by restricting waste to landfill.
Q. All packaging to be recycled.
This is not currently a requirement under the Act. The issue is whether it should be use or material
determined. Similar polices in Germany have raised this concern.
Industry has taken responsibility for recycling through the NPC and a number of voluntary
systems, e.g. codes of practice.
In July 2001 the Governor of SA approved the Used Packaging Materials EPP. This resulted in a
choice for åbrand ownersç, who potentially are significant contributors to the waste stream, to
either sign an NPC or to comply with the requirement of the new policy. A total of 68 SA
companies have signed the NPC as at June 2002, an increase of 60 from the previous year.
The NPC is intended to be the lead national instrument for managing packaging waste for the next
five years. Participation in the covenant is voluntary and self-regulatory and is open to all sectors
of the packaging chain, from raw material suppliers through to manufacturers, retailers and
governments. It is based on the principles of shared responsibility through product stewardship. It
is not prescriptive; it allows signatories to undertake their covenant obligations in a manner which
best suits their circumstances.
Q. EPA support ($$ and education) for recycling initiatives.
34
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
A Waste to Resources education strategy is being developed to address this.
Q. Local government to insist on building and demolition sites providing recycling details when applying
for licences before building or demolishing.
and
Q. Building and demolition sites to have waste and recycling details when lodging application for licence to
build or demolish.
Different standards are used in licensing the activity. The EPA determines the standards used.
The EPA also contributes to the catchment water management boardsç education program, Clean
Sites, as well as working with the Master Builders Association, KESAB and industry to improve
waste management on building sites.
Q. Landfill cell system to be used.
It is up to the individual landfill operators to determine if they will use this system. There are
issues with the system in that the materials do become contaminated with soilíthereby making
them less useable.
Q. Database to be constructed on best practice around the world re landfill and recycling procedures.
EPA takes international standards and procedures into account but the environmental conditions
of Australia vary so much from overseas that consideration is required of local policy and
conditions.
One of the main considerations with landfill sites and practices is the local conditions. Climate,
soils and geology play a crucial part in determining the system used.
Lack of collection facilities for recycling plastic
Q. Put information about collection areas on the internet.
Collection facilities vary with council boundaries. Many metropolitan councils collect recycling
from kerbsides but this service is more limited in country areas.
The EPA is currently updating its Resource Recovery and Recycling Directory. This directory lists
waste types and the organisations that accept them for recycling. The directory is due for release
early in 2003 and will be available from http://www.recycling.sa.gov.au.
Q. Establish database.
A national perspective on waste disposal can be found in the Australian Waste DataBase which
provides data on waste disposal on a state-by-state basis around Australia. For more details, go to:
www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/water/awdb/awdb2.htm.
Q. EPA to investigate why the company Omnipol has gone into liquidation.
The company is in receivership for reasons other than environmental considerations.
Q. Labelling standards.
The NPC and Australian Recyclers (Industry) are working on specifications to address the issue.
Q. EPA to contact Total Recyclers and Plastic Recyclers of Aust to discuss market issues.
The EPA is currently in contact with Plastic Recyclers of Australia and hopes to visit their
operations before the end of the year. It is yet to hold discussions with Total Recyclers but will
seek to do this.
Q. Educate the public about recycling issues.
A Waste to Resources Committee education strategy is being developed for this purpose and will
be ready for implementation towards the end of 2002.
35
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Siting of landfills
Q. Is there a zone for waste sites?
This is a local government and Planning SA issue. The EPAçs role is to comment on the
environmental impact of development.
There are currently no specific zones in SA for waste sites. However, there are proposals for
introducing an Integrated Resource Recovery Precinct within the Port Adelaide/Enfield Council
area, around the current Wingfield landfill and some other large adjoining land holdings.
Most waste facilities are located in industry zones in metro areas and general farming zones in
rural areas.
Q. Requirement for demonstration of need for site as part of assessment process.
There is no currently requirement for ådemonstration of needç of a site as part of the assessment
process. This is a planning matter that should be referred to planning authorities. The EPA does
not consider the need for a development, as this is a commercial decision that the market is
required to make. The EPA ensures that the planning authority is aware of the necessary
environmental requirements associated with a particular development.
Q. Changes to Act to allow for new technology?
The Act does not prohibit new technology.
Levy on landfills
Q. Levy on disposable items at point of sale not just on point of disposal.
and
Q. Money raised from an increase in levy should be spent on the waste and recovery industry rather than
into EPA resources.
and
Q. Differential levy should be explored between good and bad performers.
All these matters are being considered by the Government. The EPA is not responsible for
introducing legislative requirements but does support the use of financial incentives to facilitate
good environmental practices. Part of its role is to advise the Government of these types of
initiatives.
Q. Separate charge for waste management on council rates.
This is a decision for local government but the EPA would support the introduction of separate
charges for waste management on council rates.
Water pollution, aquifer storage and recovery, stormwater reuse
Leaching of chemicals into waterways from cigarette butts
Q. Levy from excise to go to water.
Catchment water management boards can and do administer a levy on water; part of this money
goes towards infrastructure such as trash racks, as well as education initiatives such as
encouraging smokers to put their cigarette butts in a bin. KESAB and the tobacco industry are also
running a wider campaign with a similar message.
It is a Commonwealth Government decision to establish and manage a levy from the sale of
cigarettes for water management initiatives.
Q. Catchment boards to improve water quality, filter out butts from waterways.
36
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Gross pollutant traps and educational campaigns are run through the catchment water
management boards with support from the EPA. KESAB is also running an awareness campaign,
and local councils have the responsibility to regulate littering provisions. More information on this
can be obtained at www.catchments.net.
Improve water quality of the River Murrayëhow?
Q. Inspection of all moored craft over six metres with sleeping quarters, galley (kitchen)ífor holding tanks,
blackwater (not only commercial craft).
and
Q. Greywater on craft over six metres, using the River Murray, to be investigated.
The EPA is soon to begin negotiations with other Government departments to integrate the
protection and regulation of the Murray under the various Acts. The EPA strategy is to begin
inspections of river craft to ensure that they comply with legislation. The Government has also
announced its intention to develop an integrated River Murray Act, with environment protection
as a key objective.
Greywater is addressed for the first time in the forthcoming Code of Practice for Vessels on Inland
Waters that will be linked to the forthcoming Water Quality EPP. The EPA is also soon to begin a
larger project to investigate the impacts and coordinate a cross-agency response to houseboat
pollution on the Murray River.
Q. All marinas and slipways to be licensed through EPA (and policed accordingly)íCurrent figure of 50
craft in Act not suitable for the River Murrayíshould be lower number.
Licensed matters under the Act will be reviewed as a result of the proposed introduction of a loadbased licensing program. This will include a review of licensed activities, including activity
threshold for those activities.
Q. Stormwater from townships that runs off into River Murray should be addressed.
This issue is being addressed by a variety of agencies. Primarily local government has the lead
role; however, the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and the EPA also have
responsibilities in this area.
Q. Regulate camping along riverbanks, e.g. toilets, rubbish. Who has responsibility? Council or EPA?
(needs to be designated).
This is primarily a role of local government.
Q. Serviced mooring areas on riverbankícontrolled by council with liaison with EPA.
This is a position that would be favoured by the EPA and is consistent with the direction of its
negotiations with the LGA on the management of non-licensed premises under the Act.
Q. Councils to act in partnership with EPA as to policing their council area for breaches of the EP Act. 575
kilometres of riverbank is a long length to cover. Funding and resources need to be allocated to support it.
The EPA has been participating in a partnership with some councils on a trial basis to share
responsibilities under the Act. Some legislative changes proposed under the Act are being
developed to assist this partnership. A greater sharing of environment protection responsibilities
will take some time to implement.
Q. Increase current number of pump-out stations along river.
The EPA is advocating that the number of pump-out stations be increased and is soon to begin
discussions with the relevant Government agencies who administer these stations.
Q. Who is responsible for river craft? Policies on motors required for smoke and oil on water. Outlaw 2stroke motors on the river to reduce pollutioníphase them out over time
37
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
The regulation of river craft is largely the responsibility of Transport SA. The EPA agrees that 2stroke motors have the potential to cause environmental harm. Contamination of waters by fuel
and oil will be a specific offence under the forthcoming Water Quality EPP.
Improve coordination between EPA and other agencies relating to aquifer storage and
recovery schemes
Q. Only one agency to be responsible for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) process within State.
Currently EPA responsible for licensing within metro Adelaide and DWLBC in other areasíconfusion
arises as to who is doing what, what is being monitored etc.
and
Q. DWLBC be coordinating authority for ASR permitting both in and outflowsíEPA and catchment
water management boards to be referral agencies.
and
Q. Coordinated approach required to monitor ASR activity and evaluation of reports.
The EPA has been holding discussions with the DWLBC for several months on integrating
licensing, permitting and management of ASR schemes. Referral processes, where one agency may
process all applications and refer to other agencies as appropriate, are currently being negotiated
in order to simplify licensing and permitting activities.
While monitoring requirements for ASR schemes may vary, they must be addressed on a site-bysite basis due to the high variability between aquifers and even between units within the same
aquifer, and the highly variable nature of the water recharged into the aquifers.
In recognition of the importance of ASR schemes within South Australia, the EPA is currently
developing a code of practice in consultation with DWLBC and the Department of Human
Services. It is anticipated that this code of practice will be available in early 2003.
Winery residue/effluent solutions
Q. Capital expenditure is high for establishing treatment plants. Introduce measures to encourage
sustainable practices by increasing costs etc for items such as landfill, water costs and subsidising costs for
sale of recycled products.
Any changes in line with the suggestions would require a significant decision from Government.
At this stage the Government will not be subsidising recycling in this way. It is preferred that this
be market driven.
Q. Regulations to reduce/measure water use e.g. reduce the input.
This is the responsibility of the DWLBC.
Q. Collection of data not used, no feedback. Should be used to justify licence conditions.
The EPA recognises this and has undertaken a review of all licences that require monitoring data.
Better management of this information is critical to the development of a load-based licensing
system, which includes far greater assessment and feedback on monitoring data.
The storage, collection and correct use of our stormwater
Q. Linear parks or streams to be developed on all watercourses to assist in the filtration, holding of excess
water flow to enable it to be filtered and saved to aquifer levels safely.
and
Q. Councils to be more instrumental in looking at the saving of our runoff water and using it more for
incidental watering of parks and gardens.
and
38
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Q. For all councils to work together in the planning of our stormwater to be used all over Adelaide and also
in country areas.
and
Q. Catchment management board input into council planning in areas of new development.
and
Q. Planning system needs more input into urban renewal projects.
and
Q. And last but not least people must be educated in the management, and taught to not pollute any, of our
creeks, streams or waterways.
These are primarily roles of local government. The EPA will contribute to finding solutions
wherever appropriate.
Best practice wastewater management and reuse
Q. Incentives for stormwater and wastewater reuse as part of licence system.
The new Water Quality EPP encourages reuse and recycling of wastewater and stormwater. These
will be incorporated wherever possible into licences.
Q. Opportunity for EPA to provide guidelines for monitoring of industry stormwater and wastewater.
The new Water Quality EPP provides criteria that need to be met for monitoring of industry
stormwater and wastewater.
Q. Review of water pricing as control mechanism for water use/efficiency.
This area is a policy decision for Government and is partly dealt with by the Waterproofing
Adelaide Policy being developed by DWLBC.
Q. EPA to act as facilitator between industries in managing wastes.
and
Q. EPA to invest in schemes to address wastes and wastewater.
and
Q. EPA to facilitate and invest in research in managing wastes and wastewater.
Q. EPA to assist and facilitate development and implementation of new technology in pollution prevention
and control.
The EPA is dealing with industry through licensing, codes of practice, guidelines and EPPs.
It also provides training and information to small business and industry through the Ecoefficiency program. The EPA is actively working with industry through the Pollution Prevention
Program to encourage better use of wastes.
The promotion and facilitation of the environment management industry is part of the functions
for the new Office of Sustainability (part of the Department for Environment and Heritage). It has
established a Green Business Unit to work with new industries.
39
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
ABBREVIATIONS
ASR
aquifer storage and recovery
CDL
Container Deposit Legislation
DWLBC
Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
EIA
environmental impact assessment
EIP
Environment Improvement Program
EIS
environmental impact statement
EMS
environmental management systems
EPA
Environment Protection Authority
EPO
Environment Protection Order
EPP
Environment Protection Policy
LGA
Local Government Association
MVEC
Motor Vehicle Environment Committee
NEPC
National Environment Protection Council
NEPM
National Environment Protection Measure
NGO
non-government organisation
NPC
National Packaging Covenant
NPI
National Pollutant Inventory
ODS
Ozone Depleting Substance
OHS&W
occupational health, safety and welfare
RPC Act
Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982
the Act
Environment Protection Act 1993
40
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
APPENDIX A
2002 ROUND-TABLE LIST OF INVITEES
Name
Anderson, Mark
Andrews, Marc
Apostolou, George
Arnold, Kaye
Ashman, Glyn
Bagley, Eliza
Baker, Dr Robert
Baldwin, Ian
Barker, Cindy
Batterham, Rob
Beames, Rod
Beaumont-Clark, Lyn
Bell, Fraser
Belperio, Tony
Bennett, Brian
Bevan, Wendy
Bicknell, Sally
Bierbaum, Christine
Bilsborough, Darren
Bishop, Rachel
Blows, Roger
Body, Peter
Bolderoff, Daniel
Bolderoff, David
Bolster, Margaret
Bonython, Valerie
Brock, Lois
Brodribb, Peter
Brown, Alistair
Brownell, Terry
Bruce, Robin
Buckett, Dr Kevin
Button, Gary
Cannon, Jean
Carter, Lewis
Carter, Robert
Cave, Paul
Organisation
Conservation Council of SA
IT Environmental (Aust) Pty Ltd
Adelaide Mushrooms (Nominees) Pty Ltd
Adelaide Hills Council
SA Water
South Australian Farmers Federation
The Barossa Council
Hensley Industries Australia Pty Ltd
SANTOS Ltd
HMR Group
Peopleçs EPA
Waste to Resources Committee
Metalcorp Recyclers
Adelaide Cemeteries Authority
Royal Automobile Association of SA Inc
Department for Environment and Heritage
Department of Industry and Trade
Lincolne Scott Consulting Engineers
Department for Environment and Heritage
Blue Bins Waste Pty Ltd
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Remove All Rubbish Co
Remove All Rubbish Co
Conservation Council of SA
Patawalonga & Torrens Catchment Water Management
Board
National Council of Women SA Inc
Korvest Ltd
Strata Assist
Mannering Constructions Pty Ltd
Playford Greening & Landcare Group
Environmental Health Branch
Van Schaikçs Bio Gro Pty Ltd
Marina Association of Australia Pty Ltd/Inland
Holden Ltd
RG Cave
41
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Chaplin, Vince
Chapman, Andrew
Chaudhary, Hemant
Cheeson, Cathy
Chizmesya, Albert
Christensen, Jens
Christou, Maria
Clark, Alastair
Clark, Emma
Cochrane, Peter
Connew, Samantha
Cook, Brian
Cook, Mark
Cooke, Trevor
Coombe, John
Cornish, Wayne
Croll, Scott
Czupak, Maria
Daniels, Bill
Davies, Colin
Davies, Fionna
Dent, Rod
DiGaris, Ros
DiIlulio, Paul
Donnell, Linda
Dowling, Matthew
Dunn, Sharon
Eames, David
Eblen, Paul
Edgar, Terry
Edward, Alan
Edwards, Gordon
Edwards, Michael
Eliana
Evans, Julia
Eves, Laurence
Fallowfield, Dr Howard
Farrell, Denise
Fatchen, Ben
Fatcher, Angie
Felsted, John
42
Organisation
Metalcorp Recyclers
The Marina Hindmarsh Island
City of Salisbury
Transport SA
Printing Industries Association of Australia
ERS Australia Pty Ltd
Electranet SA
Dynamic Cleaning Services
Minister Hillçs Office
Incitec Fertilizers
Wirra Wirra Vineyards
Patrick Logistics
Whelan Kartaway Mini Skips
Property Council of Australia
Waste to Resources Committee
Eyre Peninsula Catchment Water Management Board
Linpox Aust Pty Ltd
orchardist
Western Region Crematorium
mining/quarrying
CA Henschke & Co
Rod Dent Transport and Logistics
Adelaide Brighton Cement
Campbelltown City Council
Geoff Merrill Wines Pty Ltd
Adelaide Parklands Preservation Association
Mobil Refining Australia
Kings Waste Disposals Pty Ltd
Motor Traders Association of SA
Wheel and Cart Away Miniskips
Beringer Blass Wine Estates
Patrick Logistics
Action Against Underground Water Contamination
Edwardstown/Melrose Pk Residents Action Group
Edwardstown/Melrose Pk Residents Action Group
Kangaroo Island Council
Department of Environmental Health
Simsmetal Limited
B & A Fatchen Pty Ltd
B & A Fatchen Pty Ltd
Adelaide Mushrooms (Nominees) Pty Ltd
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Firth, Kristy
Fitch, Jill
Fitzgerald, Helen
Flaherty, Tony
Fowles, Professor Rob
Freeman, Roger
Gabb, Robert
Gabrynowicz, Stefan
Gearing, Jim
Gillies, Ian
Glaetzer, Sam
Glamocak, Joe
Goland, Gary
Goreing, Bob
Grady, Michelle
Graham, Andrew
Gray, Kerry
Greening, Ron
Grillo, Paul
Groskreutz, Ekkehard
Haines, Malcolm
Hall, Ron
Hamann, Roy
Hames-Gipps, David
Hamsam, Dr David
Hankin, Bill
Harding, Matthew
Harvey, Michael
Harvey, Rod
Hayes, Andrew
Haywood, Mike
Heidenreich, Rick
Henderson, Kelly
Henderson, Tony
Hiles, Darian
Hill, Craig
Hill, Eric
Hillgrove, Janet
Hine, Maggie
Hiscock, Evan
Organisation
Transport SA
Department of Human Services
Dump Coalition SA
Marine and Coastal Community Network
University of South Australia, School of International
Business
Planning SA
Lucas Earthmovers Pty Ltd
Department for Environment and Heritage
Pivot Ltd
The Barossa Council
Beringer Blass Wine Estates
Adelaide Ship Construction International
Peopleçs EPA
Business SA
Conservation Council of SA
Nordstrom La Farge
Holden Ltd
Boating Industry Ass/Inland Waters
Greenpeace
Solar-Wind-Systems
Australian Worm Growers Association
Wasleys Piggery JV
Australian National Paper
Australian Conservation Council Foundation
Soil Association of South Australia
Heathgate Resources
Pioneer Construction Materials
Campbelltown City Council
Boating Industry Ass of SA Inc
ResourceCo Pty Ltd
Resize Services
Adelaide Parklands Preservation Association
Southcorp Wines
Australian World Heritage Network
Wirra Wirra Vineyards
Acoustic Planning Group
Edwardstown/Melrose Park Residents Action Group
Partnership for Local Agenda 21
Adelaide Hills Wine Region Inc
43
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Hockely, Trevor
Hodges, Jason
Holmes, Allan
Hopton, Hugo
Hughes, Vera
Humphrey, Shirley
Humphris, Paul
Inat, Henry
Inverarity, Kevin
Irvine, Michelle
Iswaran, Sivan
Jarvis, Brett
Jaucius, Edeltraut
Jenkins, Murray
Johnson, Barry
Johnston, AA
Jones, Glen
Jones, Stephen
Keen, Terry
Kelley, Ron
Kendall-Torry, Tony
Kerby, Dr Jill
King, Trevor
Klingner, Ken
Knoote-Parke, Ashley
Lake, Ronnie
Lang, Justin
Lawrence, Christean
Leadbeter, Paul
Lightbody, Paul
Lister, Robin
Livori, Michael
Lockyer, Geoff
Looi, Steve
Lothian, Andrew
Lowe, David
Lucas, Bill
Lucas, David
Lynn, Bob
MacLachlan, Agravaine
Maguire, Michelle
44
Organisation
Western Region Waste Management Authority
Paradise Wirrina Cove Resort
Department for Environment and Heritage
South East Water Catchment Board
Minister Hillçs Office
Dump Coalition SA
McMahon Services
DC of Mount Barker
Gerard Industries
Australian Institute of Environmental Health
Cleanaway
Lucas
EMPRAG
Pioneer Construction Materials
CASANZ
A C Johnston Pty Ltd
Boating Industry Ass of SA Inc
DC of Mallala
DC of Mallala
Gripfast Tyre Rubber Pty Ltd
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board
Kings Waste
Tarac Technologies Pty Ltd
tishçn enigma
BRL Hardy
Campbelltown City Council
Dublin District Ratepayers Association
Norman Waterhouse Solicitors
Waste Management Association
Building P School of ERM
Australia Institute of Environmental Health
OPAL
Paradise Wirrina Cove Resort
Department for Environment and Heritage
SA Tyre Salvage
City of Mitcham
Lucas Earthmoving Pty Ltd
Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
Kangaroo Island Council
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Mangos, Arthur
Mannering, Michael
Manthorpe, Ross
Marchesan, Lena
Martin, Felicity
Martin, Kent
Mathwin, John
Matthews, David
Matthews, Glenn
McClure, Dr Nick
McCue, Chris
McEvoy, Leith
McGregor, Ian
McKenzie, Ian
McMahon, Catherine
McQuade, Chris
Middlin, Rob
Milham, John
Mitchell, David
Monte, Tony
Morgan, Dr Phil
Morozow, Oleg
Morrison, Dr Rob
Moser, Peter
Moulds, Bryan
Mrowka, John
Mulder, Tony
Munt, Peter
Netherton, Dr Bob
Newbery, Ian
Nicholls, Philip
Nickolle, Mr B
Noonan, David
OçDonohue, Peta
OçReilly, Mike
Ockenden, Alan
Odermatt, Beat
Offler, Eric
Organisation
City of West Torrens
Mannering Constructions Pty Ltd
Local Government Association
Australian Water Quality Centre
Mt Barker Residents Ass & Convener Hills Local
Group/Aust Greens
South Australian Farmers Federation
Deputy Mayor, Holdfast Bay Council
City of West Torrens
Dynamic Cleaning Services
Flinders University Biological Sciences
McCueçs Transport
City of Mount Gambier
KESAB
Marina Ass of Australia Pty Ltd/Coastal
Department of Industry and Trade
Pasminco Port Pirie Smelter
Jurisdictional Recycling Group
National Marine Safety Commission
Department of Industry and TradeíInvest SA
Western Region Crematorium
Transport SA
Santos Ltd
Waterwatch SA
Business SA
Property Council of Australia
CASANZ
OPAL
Path Line Australia Pty Ltd
Naracoorte Lucindale Council
National Environment Protection Council
Tinlins Wines Pty Ltd
Australian Conservation Foundation
Patawalonga & Torrens Catchment Water Management
Board
OçReilly Consulting
Patawalonga & Torrens Catchment Water Management
Board
Ecomend
ETSA Utilities
45
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Page, Dennis
Palmer, Garth
Parker, David
Parnell, Mark
Paulka, Sharon
Pedicini, Joe
Perry, Les
Phillips, Freya
Pick, Matthew
Pilkington, John
Pitt, Robert
Pope, Lindsay
Porter, Emma
Pottage, Arch
Poulsen, Ben
Powell, Bruce
Power, Peter
Probert, David
Pruszinski, Andrew
Purss, Kevin
Quinten, Derrick
Ranford, Trevor
Refardt, Jaya
Reynolds, Dr Chris
Roberts, Jean
Robertson, Beverley
Robinson, Josephine
Robinson, Kaye
Robinson, Stewart
Roelsma, Alby
Roelsma, John
Rogers, Colin
Rogers, Peter
Rowe, Anthony
Ruchs, Peter
Rush, David
Ruski, Peter
Sabine, Dr John R
Safai, Bahram
Saffin, Steve
Schamschurin, Wally
46
Organisation
Forestry SA
City of West Torrens
Protec Pty Ltd
Environmental Defenders Office
Heathgate Resources
IT Environmental (Aust) Pty Ltd
Southern Region Waste Resource Authority
Origin Energy
Yaldara Estate
City of West Torrens
Centennial Park Cemetery
Linear West Residents Committee
Unley High School
City of West Torrens
Pelican Point Association
Beverage Industry Environment Council
Joe White Maltings
Tonking Consulting
Sinclair Knight Merz
Western Suburbs Residents Environmental Ass
Jim Barry Wines
Apple & Pear Growers Ass of SA
Flinders University School of Law
National Council of Women SA Inc
Kanmantoo Environmental Ass
Greenpeace
Cruises Car Wash
Fertico Pty Ltd
Southern Tyre Disposals
Southern Tyre Disposals
Peopleçs EPA
Infosearch
Waste to Resources Committee
Yaldara Estate
Engineering Employers Ass
Bardavcol Pty Ltd
Water Resource Recovery Pty ltd
International Power
City of Mitcham
Exide Technologies
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Senn, Dr Carol
Sexton, Margaret
Shaw, Mark
Simpson, Gary
Simpson, Nicola
Slattery, Gordon
Smeaton, Alan
Smeaton, Jan
Smith, Kieron
Smith, Stephen
Somers, Myles
Stanhope, David
Stasiak, Monica
Stefanovic, Tanja
Stephens, Marcus
Stewart, Jill
Storer, Rebecca
Streets, Brian G
Swansson, Brenton
Sywak, Leigh
Taylor, Trevor
Terlet, Toby
Thomas, Gary
Thomas, Joan
Thomas, Shahne
Thompson, Marc
Thompson, Will
Treloar, Brian
Trenerry, Scott
Tsanakas, Michael
Tucker, Clive R
Tzioutziouklaris, Tracy
Underdown, Rick
van der Wijngaart,
Chris
Van Dulken, Troy
Vater, Lance
Velasquez, Pablo
Venning, Jackie
Venus, Phil
Verco, Pattie
Organisation
Bresa Gen Ltd
Inghams Enterprises
Ballast Stone Estate Wines Pty Ltd
Housing Industry Association
Unley High School
Blue Bins Waste Pty Ltd
Lonsdale Landfill Pty Ltd
Lonsdale Landfill Pty Ltd
Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board
Wattle Range Council
Robarra Pty Ltd
Department for Environment and Heritage
Australian Water Quality Centre
Mid North Waste Management Strategy Group
Kanmantoo Environmental Ass
Amitie Pty Ltd
Pacific Marine Batteries
Greenpeace
Linpox Aust. Pty Ltd
Collex Pty Ltd
Custom Caves
Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Ausgaz
National Environment Protection Council
Barossa Valley Estate
DC Lower Eyre Peninsula
AMCOR Recycling
Edwardstown/Melrose Pk Residents Action Group
City of Mount Gambier
Forestry SA
Scholle Industries Pty Ltd
Yaldara Estate
Robarra Pty Ltd
Heathgate Resources
Department for Environment and Heritage
Fertico Pty Ltd
National Council of Women SA Inc
47
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Name
Verma, Dr Meera
Vestosky, Nick
Vogt, Detlev
Walford, Donny
Walker, Craig
Wallace, Prof Harry
Wallace, Simon
Waters, Melanie
Watson, Ashley
Webb, Jack
Webb, Ken
Webster, Geoffrey
Webster, Mark
Weir, Michael
Whelan, Gerard
Whinfield, Brian
White, Debbie
White, Trevor V
Wickham, Doug
Wigg, Michelle
Wigzell, Ernie
Williams, Simone
Winter, Ivan
Wolffe, Karl
Wood, Amanda
Woods, Andrea
Wyatt, David
Zajac, Chris
Zielonka, Ray
Ziemek, Ryzard
48
Organisation
Bresa Gen Ltd
Exide Technologies
Forestry SA
Department of Industry and Trade
City of Mitcham
Coorong Consultative Committee
Pacific Marine Batteries
Forestry SA
Business SA
Action Against Underground Water Contamination
CASANZ
HDS Australia
Southern Powder Coaters
Pivot Ltd
Simsmetal Limited
Animal Welfare League of SA Inc
Marine and Coastal Community Network
AusBulk Ltd
Holden Ltd
National Youth Roundtable Environment Team
Regency Institute of TAFE (Refrigeration)
Department for Environment and Heritage
Linear West Residents Committee
A Class Metal Finishers Pty Ltd
Jurisdictional Recycling Group
Wyatt and Ass
Tarac Technologies Pty Ltd
Bridgestone Australia Ltd
Jarrett Synergy Pty Ltd
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
APPENDIX B
ROUND-TABLE FEEDBACK STATISTICS
Number of responses: 87
1. This year we used the OST method to run the RT; in your view:
(a) How well did it work for this event?
Excellent
26%
Good
53%
Fair
18%
Poor
2%
(b) Should it be considered for use next year?
Yes
71%
Possibly
23%
No
6%
2. Did the RT meet your needs and expectations in relation to:
(a) Being able to put your particular issue on the agenda?
Excellent
31%
Good
53%
Fair
13%
Poor
2%
(b) Having your say about the operation of the EPA?
Excellent
19%
Good
61%
Fair
14%
Poor
6%
(c) Opportunity to speak with EPA officers?
Excellent
30%
Good
43%
Fair
23%
Poor
5%
(d) Contributing to identify ways to improve the EPA?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
18%
53%
24%
5%
3. Was there enough time available to discuss and explore issues?
Plenty
Enough
More needed
Much more time needed
9%
68%
19%
4%
49
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
4. How did you rate the facilitator in running OST method?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
33%
51%
13%
3%
5. Did you find having access to EPA specialists useful?
Yes I did
No I didnçt
Didnçt use them
70%
12%
18%
6. How did you rate the venue in terms of:
(a) Seating layout
Excellent
32%
Good
51%
Fair
15%
Poor
3%
(b) Available space to work
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Fair
10%
Poor
0%
(c) Catering
Excellent
67%
Good
32%
Fair
1%
Poor
0%
7. What sector of the public best describes you?
Community group
Local government
Industry
Waste management
Government
Professional group
50
20%
9%
35%
14%
11%
12%
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
APPENDIX C
EPA PUBLICATION LIST, JUNE 2002
EPA Information
These new EPA Information sheets will gradually replace the old numbered information sheets listed below.
Air conditioner noise (July 2002)
Construction noise (July 2002)
Environmental noise (July 2002)
Information sheets
No.
Title
2 Objects of the Environment Protection Act 1993
5 Eco-efficiency
6 Environment Improvement Programmes
Date
January 1995
November 2000
July 1999
10 Burning on Non-Domestic Premises
May 1999
11 Burning on Domestic Premises
May 1999
13 Disposal of Backwash Water from Swimming Pools
14 Disposal of Refrigeration and Airconditioning Equipment
containing Prescribed CFCs and HFCs
15 Waste Tyres
16 Detergents
17 Environment Protection Compliance and Enforcement
18 Solid Fuel Fires
19 Environment Protection Act Civil Remedies
20 Container Deposit Legislation
September 1999
January 2000
February 2001
November 1999
March 1999
May 1999
March 2000
April 2000
21 Photochemical Smog
August 2000
22 Acid Rain
January 2001
23 Industry and Community Consultation
July 2001
51
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
EPA Guidelines
These EPA Guidelines will gradually replace the EPA Technical Bulletins and will no longer be numbered.
Abrasive blast cleaning (May 2002)
Animal processing works (August 2002)
Bunding and spill management (July 2002)
Disposal of used hydrocarbon absorbent materials (May 2002)
Dredging and earthworks (August 2002)
Exhaust ventilation in commercial and institutional kitchens (August 2002)
Joineriesídust and noise control (May 2002)
Pollutant management for water well drilling (May 2002)
Spray painting boothsícontrol of air and noise emissions (May 2002)
Use of water treatment solids (August 2002)
Ventilation of fibreglass works (July 2002)
Waste levy regulations (September 2002)
Waste tracking form (October 2002)
Waste transport certificate (October 2002)
Wastewater lagoon construction (September 2002)
Technical bulletins
No.
52
Title
Date
1
Requirements for the Safe Handling, Transport, Storage and
Disposal of Wastes Containing Asbestos
March 2000
2
Storage, Transport and Disposal of Medical Wastes
July 1999
3
Independent Verification of Monitoring Programmes
May 1996
6
Landfill Environment Management Plans
January 2000
7
Closure and Post-Closure Plans for Major Landfills
January 2000
8
Determination of Classification of Waste as a Liquid
9
Minor Landfill Proposal Plans
10
Assessment of Proposals for Developments Where Music may
be Played
11
Winery and Distillery Wastewater Monitoring Programmes
November 1996
13
Irrigation with Water Reclaimed from Sewage Treatment on
Pastures Used for Grazing of Cattle and Pigs
September 1999
14
Disposal of Liquid Biosolids & Effluent from Domestic Septic
Tanks onto Agricultural Land
15
Disposal of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Wastewater
16
EPA Guidelines for Pressure Water-Blasting Activities
March 2000
June 2000
March 2000
August 2000
November 2000
July 2000
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
18
Air Conditioning and Pipework Systems ë Minimum
Requirements for Wastewater Removal
May 2000
19
Community Consultation for Waste Management and
Recycling Facilities
July 20000
21
Wastewater Removal from Fire Protection Services Pipework
Systems
22
Protection for Voluntary Environmental Audits
23
Guidelines for Classification & Disposal of Used Foundry Sand
25
Odour Assessment Using Odour Source Modelling
26
Air Quality Impact Assessment
October 200
May 1996
August 2000
July 2001
February 2002
Annual reports
Environment Protection Authority
Annual Report 1995ë1996
Annual Report 1996ë1997
Annual Report 1997ë1998
Annual Report 1998ë1999
Annual Report 1999ë2000
Annual Report 2000ë2001 (available on CD-ROM or the internet only)
Annual Report 2001ë2002
Round-table Conference
Round-table Conference Report 1998
Round-table Conference Report 1999
Round-table Conference Report 2000
Round-table Conference Report 2001 (summary report; full version on internet only)
Codes of practice and guidelines
Environmental Guidelines:
Collection Depots, October 2000
Major Solid Waste Landfill Depots, October 1998
Resource Recovery and Waste Transfer Depots, December 2001
South Australian Biosolids Guidelines, December 1996
South Australian Reclaimed Water GuidelinesíTreated Effluent, April 1999
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Codes of Practice
(Note: these codes are being updated for re-issue)
Building and Construction Industry, March 1999
Community, September 1997 (available on internet only)
Local, State and Federal Government, March 1999 (available on internet only)
Public consultation drafts
Options for Management of Irrigation Practices in the Lower Murray, October 2001
(Closed for comment 20 November 2001)
Draft Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy, December 2000
(Closed for comment 9 March 2001)
53
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Guidelines for Separation Distances, August 2000
(Closed for comment 31 October 2000)
Waste Management Discussion Paper and Background Paper, September 2000
(Closed for comment: 31 October 2000)
Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Office
State of Health of the Mount Lofty Ranges Catchments, October 2000
Fact sheets:
Aquatic Ecosystems in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Sources of Water Pollution in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Water in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Water Quality Issues in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Water Quantity Issues in the Mount Lofty Ranges
Myponga Watercourse Management Project/On-ground Works Within the Myponga Watershed
Water Quality Snapshot Project/Spatial Land Status Data
Land status data mapping
Other publications
A Cleaner South AustraliaíStatement on the Environment, Hon Dean Brown, April 1995
Air Quality Monitoring Reports:
Richmond Primary School, July 2001
Whyalla, August 2001
Hensley Foundry, October 2002
Alternative Systems for Piggery Effluent Treatment, November 2000 (consultant report)
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan for South Australia, August 2001
Ambient Air Monitoring Report: JanuaryëDecember 1996
Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Reports:
Gulf St Vincent Metropolitan Bathing WatersíReport No 1, November 1997
Lake Alexandrina and Lake AlbertíReport No 1, September 1998
Port River EstuaryíReport No. 1, November 1997
River Murray 1990ë1999, January 2002
SAçs Rivers and Streams (Chemical and Physical Quality)íReport No 1, September 1998
Sediment Quality Monitoring of the Port River EstuaryíReport No. 1, November 1997
Changes in Seagrass CoverageíAdelaide Metropolitan Coastline, September 1998
Cleaner Production case studies:
Bordex Wine Racks Australia
Carramar Lighting Pty Ltd
Coating Australia Pty Ltd
Container Reconditioning Services Pty Ltd
Cutler Brands Pty Ltd
Finsbury Print
Heyneçs Wholesale Nursery
Ilec Appliances
Joeçs Poultry Processors
Korvest Galvanisers
Monroe Australia Pty Ltd
54
Myora Farm
Omnipol Australia Pty Ltd
Port Lincoln Tuna Processors
Quality Dry Cleaners
SA Meat Corporation (SAMCOR)
Stolt Sea Farm
The Smithçs Snackfood Company Ltd
The South Australian Brewing Company
Tonyçs Tuna International
WOMAD
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Eco-efficiency Checklist No. 1íOffice, August 2001
Eco-efficiency Newsletter No. 1, September 2001
EPA Monitoring ManualíVolume 1: Air Quality Emission Testing Methodology, March 1995
($55.00)
Frog Census Reports:
1998
1999
2000
2001
Greenhouse and the National Electricity Market, March 2001
Insecticide Spraying of Australian Plague Locusts
Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide 1996-2015, June 1996
Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan AdelaideíProgress on Implementation (joint
publication with Planning SA), Jan 1999
Landfill Audits:
SA Metropolitan, February 2000
SA Regional, July 2002
National Packaging Covenant Fact Sheets:
1. What is the National Packaging Covenant?
2. Who should sign the Covenant?
3. The Environment Protection (Using Packaging Materials) Policy
Options for an Integrated Waste Management Strategy for the Adelaide Metropolitan Area: 2015
and BeyondíPublic Discussion Paper, June 1995
Organic waste economic values analysisísummary report, January 2002
Pollution Prevention Fund: Final Report on the Environmental and Economic Impacts, June 1999
Re-use and recycling of clean fill and building and demolition waste, March 2002
Review of Landfill Disposal Risks and the Potential for Recovery and Recycling of Preservative
Treated Timber, November 1999 (out of printíavailable on web site only)
Review of On-Farm Disposal Treatment Risks and the Potential for Recycling of Waste produced
from Commercial Chicken Farms and Processors, March 2000 (out of printíavailable on web
site only)
Review of Recycled Organic Wastes in South Australia, November å99 (out of printíavailable on
web site only)
Riverboat Waste Disposal Options, July 2001
Sharing Environment Protection Responsibilitiesíjoint 18-month trial report
South AustraliaíReducing the Greenhouse Effect, January 2000
Special Survey of the Port River: heavy metals and PCBs in dolphins, fish and sediment,
March 2000
State of the Environment Report for South Australia 1998íSummary
State of the Environment Report for South Australia 1998
$5.00
State of Health of the Mount Lofty Ranges Catchments, October 2000
55
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Summary Report on Responses to the Integrated Waste Management StrategyíPublic Discussion
Paper, June å96
Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment: A South Australian Perspective, July 2000.
Watercourse Survey and Management Recommendations:
North Para River Catchment, February 1999 (available on Internet only)
South Para River Catchment, February 1999 (available on Internet only)
Myponga River Catchment, July 1999 (CD-ROM or Internet only)
Wakefield Catchment, May 2000 (CD-ROM or Internet only)
Upper Marne River Catchment, July 2000 (CD-ROM or Internet only)
Tod Catchment, June 2002 (CD-ROM or Internet only)
Waterwatch:
South Australia 1999 Yearbook, July 2000
National Waterwatch Snapshot 2000ía kit for Waterwatch SA participants
National Waterwatch Snapshot 2001ía kit for Waterwatch SA participants
CD-ROM
River Management Plan for the Wakefield Catchment, May 2000
$22.00
River Management Plan for the Tod Catchment, June 2002
$22.00
Watercourse Survey and Management Recommendations for
the Upper Marne River Catchment, July 2000
$22.00
Watercourse Survey and Management Recommendations for
the Myponga River Catchment , July 1999
$22.00
Joint publications with other government departments and organisations
Alternative Systems for Piggery Effluent Treatment, November 2000 (with Rural City of Murray
Bridge)
Diffuse Source Nitrate Pollution of Groundwater in Relation to Land Management Systems in the
South East of South Australia (with PIRSA, LWRRDC, Dairy Research & Development
Corporation), November 1998
$8.00
Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Cattle Feedlots in SA (with PIRSA),
June å94
$10.00
Guidelines for Establishment of Intensive Piggeries in South Australia (with PIRSA, Local
Government Association, DTUPA, Murraylands Regional Development Board),
March å98
$10.00
Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan AdelaideíProgress on Implementation, January å99
(with Planning SA, Department of Industry and Trade)
South East Waste Management Strategy Plan (with South East Local Government Association),
November ç94
56
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
Pamphlets and brochures
CARES (Complaints and Reports of Environmental Significance), March 2002
Clean Site Kitíways to manage litter and waste, erosion and sediment control on building and
construction sites:
Painting and Plastering
Brick Works
Concrete Works
Excavating Your Site
Environment Protection Agency (an information booklet), March 2001
EPA web site flyer
Frog Census
How Healthy are our Streams?
Time to Clean Up Household Hazards
Waterwatch South Australia
Waterwise series:
Managing your watercourse
Revegetating watercourses
Exotic trees along watercourses
Woody weed control along watercourses
Farm dams
Watercourses and earthworks
57
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
APPENDIX D
COMMITTEES AND BOARDS IN WHICH EPA OFFICERS
PARTICIPATE
1.
Abundant Bird Reference Group
2.
Air Managersç Forum
3.
Air NEPM Peer Review Committee
4.
Air Toxics NEPM Project, Jurisdictional Reference Network
5.
Air Watch Steering Committee
6.
Alliance of Waste and Recycling Educators
7.
ANZECC Ozone Protection Advisory Committee
8.
ANZECC Working Group re Electrical and Electronic waste
9.
Aquaculture Advisory Committee (AAC)
10.
Aquaculture Bill interagency steering group
11.
Aquaculture MOU working group
12.
Audible Bird Scaring Devices Working Group
13.
Australian Water Association
14.
Australian Acoustical Society
15.
Australian Dental AssociationíDental Assistants Radiography Committee
16.
Australian Institute of Environmental Health (SA Division)
17.
Australian Institute of Professional Investigators
18.
Australian Standards Committee EV/10
19.
Australian Standards Sub-committee EV/10/4 (which considers train noise)
20.
Australian Water Association State Committee
21.
Australasian Market Development Network
22.
AWARE (Alliance of Waste and Recycling Educators)
23.
Berri Barmera Wastewater Reuse Scheme
24.
Beverley Environmental Consultative Committee
25.
Beverley Uranium Project Consultative Committee
26.
Beverly Environment Consultative Committee
27.
Bio-diesel Working Group
28.
Bio-solids Committee
29.
Biosolids Review Committee
30.
Blue Lake Management Committee (sub-committee of the South East CWMB)
31.
Board of the Environment Industry Cluster
32.
Boral Linwood Working group (quarry dust issues)
33.
CARES User Group
34.
Castalloy working group
35.
Catchment Water Management Boards
36.
Certification of Personal Dosimetry Services
37.
ChemCert Australia (SA) Inc.
38.
ChemCert Australia National Board
39.
Code of Practice on Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Milling
58
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
40.
Compost SA
41.
Deputy Chair, Waste to Resources Committee
42.
Development Assessment Team
43.
Electronic Data Lodgement Working Group (with Planning SA and other agencies)
44.
Energy Efficiency Strategy Working Group
45.
Enforcement, Prosecutions & Investigations Committee (EPIC)
46.
Environment Australia working group on End-of-life Vehicles
47.
Environment Australia working group on Waste Lubricating Oil
48.
Environment Australia working group on Waste Tyres
49.
Environment Protection & Heritage Council Standing Committee (National)
50.
Environment Protection and Heritage Council
51.
EPA/LGA working group
52.
EPHC Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group
53.
Exposure of Humans to Radiation for Research Purposes
54.
Flood plains bio-diversity working group
55.
Greening of Government Network
56.
Greening the Supply Chain Reference Committee
57.
Greywater and Roof Run-off Working Group
58.
Hensley Community Consultation Committee
59.
High Level Greenhouse Group Adaptation Working Group
60.
Industry Assistance Projects Steering Committee( Incorporating all CWMB-funded
council-hosted stormwater pollution prevention projects)
61.
Institute of Public Administration Australia
62.
ISL Operators Radiation Review CommitteeíBeverley
63.
ISL Operators Radiation Review CommitteeíHoneymoon
64.
Jurisdictional Recycling Groupíjoint industry and government group
65.
Kerbside Recycling Group (National Packaging Covenant)
66.
KESAB Board
67.
KESAB Patawalonga and Torrens Waterwatch Regional Steering Committee
68.
Lake Bonney Management Committee
69.
Licensing Committee at DWLBC
70.
Linear West Residentsç Committee
71.
Live Music Working Group
72.
Local Government Support Team (LGST)
73.
Lower Murray Irrigation Action Group
74.
Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Areas project group
75.
Maralinga Consultative Group
76.
Marine Managerçs Forum Working Group
77.
Marion & Mitcham Environmental Education Project Reference Group
78.
Master Builders Assoc. & KESAB management of building and construction waste
79.
Mawson Lakes WWTP and effluent reuse committee
80.
MBA technical committee
81.
Ministerçs rep on Board of KESAB
59
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
82.
Motor Vehicle Environment Committee
83.
NAB Clean Site Education Project
84.
NABCWMB/KESAB Clean Site Reference Group
85.
National Cleaner Production Round Table
86.
National Environment Protection Implementation Working Group
87.
National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Committee
88.
National Greenhouse Strategy Implementation Planning Group
89.
National Uniformity Implementation Panel (Radiation Control)
90.
Natural Resource Investigators Group
91.
Natural Resources Management Council
92.
Neutrog Kanmantoo Residentsç Working Group
93.
North West Adelaide Pollution Prevention Project Officers Group
94.
North West Adelaide Pollution Prevention Steering Committee
95.
Northern Adelaide & Barossa Catchment Water Management BoardíBe Stormwater
Smart Project, Project Officers Group
96.
Northern Adelaide and Barossa Waterwatch Regional Steering Committee
97.
OAG (Operational Air Group)
98.
Olympic Dam Community Consultative Forum
99.
Olympic Dam Environment Consultative Committee
100.
Olympic Dam Project Government Regulators Group
101.
Onkaparinga Waterwatch Regional Steering Committee
102.
Ozone Protection Accreditation Committee
103.
Patawalonga Seawater Circulation and Stormwater System Advisory Board
104.
Peopleçs EPA quarterly meetings
105.
Port Lincoln Effluent Reuse Project
106.
Port Pirie Lead Steering Committee
107.
Pre-disposal/Radioactive Waste Management
108.
Pt Adelaide/Enfield Clean Seas project
109.
Pt Pirie Lead Implementation Program Steering Committee
110.
Quarterly Radiation Reviews of Olympic Dam Operations
111.
Queensland EPA effluent reuse committee
112.
Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council of ARPANSA
113.
Radiation Health Committee of ARPANSA
114.
Radiation Protection Committee (RPC)
115.
Rail Industry Noise Working Group
116.
Reference GroupíPIRSA Code of Practice Project
117.
Resource Recovery Association (Building & Demo Industry)
118.
Reuse of Water Treatment Sludge Committee
119.
Revision of the Code of Practice on Radiation Protection in Mining and Milling of
Radioactive Ores
120.
River Murray Urban Users CommitteeíWater Wise Project Steering Committee
121.
River Murray Waterwatch Regional Steering Committee
122.
SA Greenhouse Committee
60
Round-table 2002ëchallenges and opportunities for a more effective EPA
123.
SA Inter-departmental working group on Transport Fuels
124.
SA Jurisdictional Recycling Group (JRG)
125.
SA Police SAPOL Drug and Organized Crime Investigation Branch
126.
SA Wine and Brandy Association Environment Committee
127.
Salisbury Council Effluent Reuse Initiative
128.
Security of Sources
129.
Sharing Environmental Responsibilities Steering Committee (with LGA & councils)
130.
South Australian Greenhouse Committee
131.
South Australian Law Enforcement Liaison Group
132.
South Australian Stormwater Code Working Group
133.
South East Waterwatch Regional Steering Committee
134.
Southern and Hills Local Government AssociationíGuidelines for audible bird scaring
devices
135.
Southern Stormwater Pollution Prevention Project Officers Reference Group
136.
Standards Australia Committee CS/62 on Domestic Solid Fuel Heaters
137.
Standards Australia Committee on ISO 14001 & ISO 14004 (QR11)
138.
Standards Australia Technical Committee
139.
State Chemical Biological Radiological Committee (advisory capacity)
140.
State Government Small Business Network
141.
State Regulators GroupíRoxby and Beverly Uranium Mining
142.
State Water Monitoring Sub-committee of the State Water Policy Committee
143.
Steering Committee dealing with sites for recycling (Planing SA, DIT and EPA)
144.
Stormwater Industry Association (EPA rep)
145.
Stormwater management group
146.
Stormwater Protection Project Steering Committee
147.
Sustainable Recreation Strategy for the River Murray and the Lower Lakes Steering
Committee
148.
Transport Emissions Liaisons Group (National committee)
149.
Unley Catchment Care Advisory Committee
150.
Upper Spencer Gulf WWTP effluent reuse steering committee
151.
Virginia Horticulture Subsurface Drainage Feasibility Study
152.
Waste to Resources Committee (EPA Board sub-committee)
153.
Water Resources Committees
154.
Water Reuse Guide Reference Group (multi agency)
155.
Water Sensitive Urban Design Manual Working Group
156.
Waterwise (Project operating out of the Murray Darling Assoc.) steering committee
157.
Willunga Basin Aquifer Storage and Recovery Committee.
61