Authority

Annual Report 1997 - 98

of South Australia

Environment Protection

Government

Environment Protection AuthorityGPO Box 2607ADELAIDE SA 5001

Telephone: 08 8204 2004Facsimile: 08 8204 9393Free Call (country): 1800 623 445

ISSN 1322-1663

Printed on Recycled Paper

LETTER OF TRANSMISSION

The Hon Dorothy Kotz MP Minister for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs Parliament House North Terrace ADELAIDE SA 5000

Dear Minister

It is with pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report of the Environment Protection Authority for the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998. This Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Walsh Chair Environment Protection Authority

November 1998

FOREWORD

The 1997-98 year has been one of change with the departmental restructure resulting in the formation of the Environment Protection Agency. Although the role and function of the Environment Protection Authority have not been directly affected by the restructure, the Authority believes the new Agency will lead to significantly enhanced service delivery resulting in improved environmental protection for the State.

This report reflects the broad range of activities and achievements undertaken to meet the objectives of the Environment Protection Act 1993, with the assistance that the Authority receives from the Agency. The Authority has continued to work closely with industry, Government instrumentalities, local government and the community to promote ecologically sustainable practices in the areas of Air, Noise, Waste and Water Quality.

The Authority has consulted with relevant groups in developing it’s Policies and Codes of Practice. This has been evident in the development of the draft Water Quality Environment Protection Policy and Stormwater Codes of Practice, which have been welcomed by the community and industry. Recognising the importance of water quality to South Australian’s, the EPA continues to produce Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Reports which assess the health of inland and marine waters.

Significant success in ozone protection has occurred with assistance being provided to other Pacific countries through the United Nations Environment Programme.

The Authority has spent substantial time and resources in assessing, for the Development Assessment Commission, environmental impacts of landfill proposals. Progress towards Waste Minimisation has continued and is best illustrated by the success of the Small Business Pollution Prevention workshops.

Work continued throughout the year on the State of the Environment Report, which will be released late in 1998.

The Authority would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Agency for their dedication and commitment, without which, a successful year would not have been possible.

Stephen Walsh QC Rob Thomas Chair Executive Director

Env i ronment P ro tec t i on Author i t y Member s

Photo courtesy of The Courier

Mr Stephen Walsh QC

Mr Walsh is Chair of the Authority, being a person with “qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management”. He is a Barrister with over 20 years experience. He practiced with Ward and Partners for 20 years until 1992. He was made a QC in November 1991 and in 1992 started practicing with the Independent Bar. He is an accredited mediator, past President of the Law Society of South Australia and was an Alderman and Councillor at the City of Burnside for 10 years where he held the position of Chair of the City of Burnside’s Planning and Policy Development Committee.

Mrs Anita Aspinall, BA

Mrs Aspinall has been appointed to the Authority for her “practical knowledge of and experience in local government”. She is the Mayor of the Adelaide Hills Council, past President of the Southern and Hills Local Government Association and a member of the Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board. She has recently been appointed to the Onkaparinga Catchment Board. Mrs Aspinall is Deputy Chair of the Authority.

Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd BSc (Hons) PhD

Dr Cruickshanks-Boyd was appointed to the Authority as a person with practical knowledge of the environmental management industry. He has over 15 years experience in the design, implementation and management of environmental programmes and has managed technical and consultancy services in this area. He is currently the National Manager of Environment Services with PPK Environment and Infrastructure Pty Ltd. He has been involved in the development and implementation of environmental management systems for the Federal Airports Corporation, Australian National and numerous other organisations.

...continued ☞

Mr Nicholas Begakis, B.Tech

Mr Begakis has been appointed to the Authority as “a person with practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development”. He has experience, at a senior level, in manufacturing industries ranging from electric motors, washing machines, high technology and bakery equipment to fertilisers, industrial chemicals and grain bagging. He has spent time in corporate recovery and mergers and acquisitions work for a merchant bank. He is also involved in community groups such as the Australia Day Council (SA) and in various economic development agencies, both public and private. He is a Director of several private companies, including Bellis Fruit Bars which is South Australian owned and managed.

Ms Jennifer Cashmore, AM

Ms Cashmore was appointed to the Authority as a person with “practical knowledge of and experience in, environmental conservation and advocacy on environmental matters on behalf of the community”. Ms Cashmore was a member of the House of Assembly from 1977 to 1993 and Minister of Health and Minister of Tourism from 1979 to 1982. She held numerous shadow portfolios including Environment and Planning. She is Chairperson of the Playford Memorial Trust and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Rob Thomas, BSc (Hons) MPhil

Mr Thomas is Executive Director of the Environment Protection Agency, a Division within the Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director in September 1992 he was Manager of the South Australian Environmental Group of Kinhill Engineers Pty Ltd and a Project Director for the Kinhill Metcalf and Eddy Joint Venture. In addition, from 1994 to 1995 Mr Thomas was Chairman of the Waste Management Commission and from 1994 to 1997 was a Council Director of the Environment Management Industry Association of Australia. He has 25 years experience as an environmental scientist and 15 years experience in environmental project management.

CONTENTS

LETTER OF TRANSMISSION I

FOREWORD II

FIGURES IV

1 INTRODUCTION 11.1 Responsibilities of the Environment Protection Authority 1

1.2 Environment Protection Authority 1

2 AIR QUALITY AND ATMOSPHERIC PROTECTION 52.1 Point Source Emission Control Programme 5

2.2 Motor Vehicle Emissions 6

2.3 Ozone Protection 7

2.4 Greenhouse 8

2.5 Hydrocarbon Inventory 8

3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION 93.1 Responsibility for Water Quality in South Australia 9

3.2 Water Quality Controls 9

3.3 Marine Environment 10

3.4 Monitoring of Water Quality 12

4 NOISE CONTROL 204.1 Noise Control Issues 20

4.2 Review of the Noise Policies 21

5 WASTE MANAGEMENT 225.1 Waste Strategy 22

5.2 Contaminated Sites 25

5.3 Hazardous Waste Issues 26

5.4 Litter Strategy 27

6 WORKING WITH INDUSTRY 306.1 Pollution Prevention Programme 30

6.2 Environment Project Officer at SAECCI 31

7 WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY 337.1 Public Involvement in Decision Making 33

7.2 Public Access to Information 35

8 EMERGENCY POLLUTION INCIDENT RESPONSE 36

9 LEGISLATION AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY 38 9.1 Legislative Amendment 38

9.2 Environment Protection Policies 40

9.3 National Environment Protection Measures 40

10 REGULATING ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES 43 10.1 Environmental Authorisations 43

10.2 Development Assessment 43

11. ENFORCEMENT 45 11.1 Enforcement Guidelines 45

11.2 Civil Enforcement 45

11.3 Investigations 45

11.4 Prosecutions 46

12 ADMINISTRATION 47 12.1 Staff Training and Development 47

12.2 Human Resources 49

12.3 Information Technology 50

12.4 External Consultants 51

12.5 Freedom of Information 52

12.6 Financial Statements 52

Appendix 1 Environment Protection Agency Publications List 53

Appendix 2 Audited Financial Statements 56

FIGURES

Figure 1 Rivers and Streams 13

Figure 2 Locations visited in 1997 by Frog Census collectors. 18

Figure 3 Comparison of national and South Australian recycling rates (%) for various beverage container types. 28

Figure 4 Emergency response incidents by the EPA in 1997–98. 37

TABLES

Table 1 Growth of Frog Census. 18

Table 2 Solid waste received at landfill in the Adelaide metropolitan area. 24

Table 3 Breakdown of litter items collected in February 1998. 27

Table 4 EPA licences and exemptions. 43

Table 5 Development referrals by category. 44

Table 6 Orders issued by the EPA. 45

Table 7 Executive appointments. 49

Table 8 Administrative services stream. 49

Table 9 Technical stream. 50

Table 10 Professional services stream. 50

Table 11 Categories of employment. 50

Table 12 External consultants. 51

ABBREVIATIONS

ACCS

ANZECC

AUSRIVAS

CFC

CFS

CIDS

CWMB

DEHAA

EDMS

EIP

EIS

EMS

EPA

ESD

FAC

GIO

HCFC

MDP

NEPC

NEPM

NHMRC

NPI

ODS

SAECCI

SCEP

T B T

t he A c t

Advisory Committee on Contaminated Sites

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council

Australian River Assessment Scheme

chlorofluorocarbon

Country Fire Service

Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme

Catchment Water Management Board

Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs

Environmental Data Management System

environment improvement programme

Environmental Impact Study

environment management system

Environment Protection Authority

Ecologically Sustainable Development

Federal Airports Corporation

government investigation officer

hydrochlorofluorocarbon

Major Developments Panel

National Environment Protection Council

National Environment Protection Measure

National Health and Medical Research Council

National Pollutant Inventory

ozone depleting substance

South Australian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Standing Committee on Environmental Protection

t ribu t ylt in

E nv iro nm ent Pro t ect io n Act 19 9 3

1 INTRODUCTION The Environment Protection Authority has been in operation since May 1995, with the introduction of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act). The Authority is a six-member statutory body with members appointed by the Governor for a maximum term of two years. Authority members are appointed because of their practical knowledge of, and experience in, defined areas as indicated below.

1.1 Responsibilities of the Environment Protection Authority Section 13 of the Act requires the Authority to:

• administer and enforce the Act

• prepare draft environment protection policies

• review environment protection policies

• contribute to the development of national environment protection measures

• consider development applications referred to it under the Development Act 1993

• promote the pursuit of the objects of the Act by all levels of government, the private sector and the public

• institute or supervise environmental monitoring and evaluation programmes

• encourage and assist the development and implementation of best environmental management practices, and for that purpose encourage environmental audits, emergency planning, environmental improvement programmes, environment performance agreements and similar measures

• promote the development of the environment management industry of the State

• conduct or promote investigations, research, public education and other programmes and projects in relation to the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment

• prepare State of the Environment Reports

• perform any other functions assigned to the Authority by or under any other Act.

1.2 Environment Protection Authority

Membership

Mr Stephen Walsh QC Mr Walsh is Chair of the Authority as a person with “qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management”.

Mr Ray Dougherty, BSc (Appl Mathematics, Physics), BEng (Elec) (Hons), MBA Mr Dougherty was appointed to the Authority as a person “with practical knowledge of,and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development”.Mr Dougherty held this position until 28 September 1997.

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Mr Nicholas Begakis, BTech Mr Begakis replaced Mr Dougherty in December 1997.

Ms Jennifer Cashmore AM Ms Cashmore was appointed to the Authority as a person with “practical knowledge of, and experience in, environmental conservation and advocacy on environmental matters on behalf of the community”.

Mrs Anita Aspinall, BA (Social Science) Mrs Aspinall is Vice Chair of the Authority appointed for her “practical knowledge of, and experience in, local government”.

Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd BSc (Hons), PhD Dr Cruickshanks-Boyd was appointed to the Authority for his, “practical knowledge of and experience in the reduction, reuse, recycling and management of waste and the environmental management industry”.

Mr Rob Thomas, BSc (Geology), BSc (Hons) (Zoology), MPhil (Applied Biology) Mr Thomas as Executive Director of the EPA is an ex officio member of the Authority.

Meetings and Other Activities Over the 1997–98 period, the Authority met formally on 17 occasions.

In addition, members attended the Round-table in February 1998.

The Round-table, held annually, is used as an avenue for interested individuals and groups to express their views to Authority members and the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs on any matters relating to either the operation of the Environment Protection Act 1993 or the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment within the scope of the Act. (section 7.1).

Individual members have represented the Authority at a range of meetings and functions, including chairing conference sessions, and attending official openings and professional association meetings. To assist in the decision making process Authority members have visited a number of sites throughout the year including:

• Northward Fill (Inkerman)

• Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority (Medlow Road)

• Integrated Waste Services (Dublin)

• Bridgestone (Edwardstown and Salisbury)

• Neutrog

• Wingfield Landfill (ACC)

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The Office of Environment Protection The Authority was assisted during the reporting year, in the administration of the Act, by the Office of Environment Protection, a group within the Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (DEHAA). The Office comprised the following branches: Policy and Planning, Monitoring and Wastewater, Industry Services, Recycling and Waste, and Business Services. At 30 June 1998 the staff numbered 97.6 full-time equivalents.

Many of the Authority’s powers and functions under the Act have been delegated by the Authority to staff within the Office. The level of delegation varies from the Executive Director solely, to branch managers, to employees who have been appointed as authorised officers for the purposes of the Act. However the Authority remains the decision maker on significant or contentious issues. This Report incorporates the administration of the Act by both the Authority and the Office acting as delegate of the Authority. Together these bodies are referred to as the EPA.

Importantly, the Office also provides services to the Minister for Environment and Heritage who has responsibility for the development of policy and legislation. The services provided to the Authority and the Minister by the Office are guided by a Strategic Plan which has been jointly endorsed by both the Authority and DEHAA.

EPA Restructure

The 1997–98 year has been one of change and development.

Following the State election, there was a major change of all government departments, with restructuring carried out to improve the efficiency of the South Australian Government. The main change to the Department was that Aboriginal Affairs joined and the Lands Titles Office transferred to Administrative and Information Services, with the new Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs being under the Ministerial leadership of the Honourable Dorothy Kotz MP.

As part of the departmental restructure, from the 1st of July 1998 the Office of Environment Protection will become the Environment Protection Agency, to be referred to as the EPA. The Environment Protection Authority (the Authority) will be serviced by staff of the EPA.

The creation of the EPA will result in a significant increase in staff numbers with the majority being from the former Water Resources Group of DEHAA including representatives from regional offices at Berri, Murray Bridge, Pt Augusta and Mt Gambier. Staff from the Coast Protection Branch will also join the new EPA.

The EPA will operate with the following branches:

• Operations

• Evaluation

• Strategy

• Business Services

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Policy will be incorporated within the new dedicated departmental Environment Policy Division (EPD), a move which will enable improvement and better coordination of policy development for both the EPA and the department as a whole.

Planning for the restructure has involved staff in considerable change and increased work loads.

Overall, the Authority believes the changes will enable a significant improvement of service delivery resulting in improved environmental protection for South Australia in the coming years.

State of the Environment Report for South Australia The Authority is required under the Act to publish a State of the Environment Report at least every five years.

The Authority has been instrumental in overseeing the reporting process and has worked closely with the State of the Environment Reporting Committee and Project Team in the development of the 1998 report, which will be released later in 1998.

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2 AIR QUALITY AND ATMOSPHERIC PROTECTION The most notable aspect of air quality management in the past year was the adoption of the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) for Ambient Air Quality by the National Environment Protection Council in June 1998. The NEPM sets legally binding standards to be achieved within 10 years for carbon monoxide, lead, fine particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and photochemical oxidants (as ozone). These replace goals recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council which were previously used in South Australia for assessment of ambient air monitoring results.

2.1 Point Source Emission Control Programme Licensing and routine surveillance of the major sources of pollutants provides the basis for development and implementation of Environment Management Systems (EMSs) and Environment Improvement Programmes (EIPs) over the term of the licence. EMSs provide the means for formally including environmental issues in an organisation’s policies, operating procedures and employee training programmes to ensure continued compliance with legislation. Adoption of an EIP promotes the EPA objective of continuous improvement, or performance beyond compliance in a manner and timetable which is integrated with the overall business plan of an organisation. Currently approximately 180 businesses are developing EIPs.

An environmental audit is usually the first step in a comprehensive EIP, and to date the EPA has been notified of more than 135 voluntary environmental audits by organisations.

Castalloy Ltd completed such an audit in its programme to reduce the odour emissions associated with operating its large aluminium foundry complex at North Plympton. BTR Engineering Ltd successfully completed the relocation of its foundry from an inner western suburb of Adelaide to the Cast Metal Precinct at Wingfield, at a cost of $26 million. BTR began commercial scale production in its new premises in the first quarter of 1998 as the first foundry to be established in the Precinct. The precinct is a Government initiative intended to provide long-term security of operation for 24-hour production and certainty of environment protection requirements to balance the cost of the high performance controls set by the EPA.

Odour continues to be the predominant cause of complaint to the EPA; of 697 air pollution complaints received in the past year, 373 related to odour.

Odour has been the cause of intense conflict for several years between Adelaide Mushroom Nominees Pty Ltd and residents of the new suburbs surrounding the company’s composting and mushroom growing facilities at Woodcroft. The conflict has continued despite erection of a shed to enclose the composting operation and an odour scrubbing system. It exemplifies the need to preserve adequate separation between incompatible land uses such as houses and activities which are either inherently odorous or difficult to control effectively. Retrofitting pollution controls to equipment not designed for them is not always practicable for technical or financial reasons, and may not achieve the reduction needed to eliminate conflict.

In some cases even when best available technology is employed the residual pollutant discharge at the boundary of the activity may not be compatible with residential or other sensitive land uses. Separation also minimises the potential for surrounding inhabitants to

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suffer nuisance effects should equipment malfunction result in greater than normal emission, even if occurrences are rare and of short duration.

Resolution of the conflict at Woodcroft is therefore being pursued by relocation of the industry with the assistance of several government agencies. A Development Application has been lodged with the District Council of Murray Bridge to establish a new type of composting process with lower odour potential, remote from sensitive land uses. Protection of the buffer zone currently around the site is also being sought through amendments to the area’s planning principles, to ensure the long term viability of the multi-million dollar operation at its chosen site.

2.2 Motor Vehicle Emissions The EPA has continued its involvement in establishing vehicle emission standards at both national and State levels.

Participation in the current national review of vehicle emission standards for new petrol-fuelled passenger and light goods vehicles is planned for implementation during the next decade. This follows the introduction in January 1997 of improved passenger and light goods vehicle emission standards which are being phased in during 1997 and 1998. These standards will result in a 67% reduction in oxides of nitrogen emissions and a 77% reduction in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions from new vehicles.

The EPA is participating in the development of new diesel vehicle emission standards with a view to bringing current Australian standards in line with the best available international standards. This follows the introduction of improvements that were phased in over 1995–96.

Assistance is being provided in the establishment and operation of the national Motor Vehicle Environment Committee (MVEC). The MVEC is a committee of Commonwealth and State government personnel responsible for the development and implementation of design standards for new and in-service vehicles. The EPA has supplied one of the four environment representatives on MVEC, which also has four representatives from the transport portfolio.

The EPA has continued to assist the SA Police with random roadside operations targeting excessive vehicle noise from both commercial and passenger vehicles. In July 1997 the EPA and Transport SA introduced best practice standards for in-service vehicle noise. Vehicles which the EPA found to be non-compliant were issued defect notices by the SA Police, which resulted in either the repair or replacement of the exhaust muffler system.

The EPA Smoky Vehicle Programme has continued. The programme commenced in April 1996 with 1171 vehicles having been spotted in that time. Of these, this year 403 vehicle owners were sent requests from the EPA to repair or service their vehicle as deemed necessary by a qualified engine mechanic. Since the programme commenced 344 vehicle owners have returned forms indicating their vehicle has been repaired.

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The most common causes of smoke emissions from diesel-fuelled vehicles were blocked air filters and faulty fuel injectors, both of which can be readily avoided by regular maintenance and servicing.

The Police and Transport SA also used their existing powers under the Road Traffic Act 1961 to defect smoky vehicles during random roadside vehicle inspections. EPA and Transport SA are currently reviewing the programme with a view to increasing its effectiveness.

2.3 Ozone Protection The Act prohibits the manufacture, storage, sale or offer for sale, use, service, disposal or escape of a prescribed substance, or product containing a prescribed substance, except in accordance with exemptions issued by Regulation or by the EPA.

Last year the EPA issued approximately 1800 ozone protection exemptions to allow the continued use of medium to large scale building airconditioners, refrigeration units (such as those in supermarkets) and other appliances subject to strictly enforced codes of practice.

South Australia’s high reputation and expertise in phase out of ozone depleting substances led to the short term secondment of an EPA officer in late 1997 to the United Nations Environment Programme in Fiji and Western Samoa to write phaseout programmes, codes and training for those Pacific nations.

Participation in the national forum continued through representation on the Ozone Protection Consultative Committee and the National Halon Essential Uses Panel.

With the success in phaseout and replacement of chlorofluorocarbons, emphasis has shifted to the continuing use of methyl bromide, principally used as a fumigant, and halons.

The 9th meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in September 1997 saw a number of key agreements including:

• advanced phaseout of methyl bromide in developed countries, with final phaseout for soil fumigation by 2005

• a phaseout timetable for methyl bromide in developing countries, with final phaseout for soil fumigation by 2015

• a ban on trade of bulk methyl bromide with non-Parties

• a compulsory licensing system for new, used and recycled ozone depleting substances (ODS)

• a national strategy in place for all Parties for the transition to CFC-free metered dose inhalers (asthma puffers) by 31 January 1999.

A Draft National Methyl Bromide Response Strategy was prepared with the assistance of the EPA representative in consultation with users and researchers to address the advanced phaseout timetable.

Existing codes of practice for automotive airconditioning, domestic refrigeration, and industrial and commercial refrigeration and airconditioning were revised.

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2.4 Greenhouse The role of coordinating the South Australian response to the issue of climate change, necessitated the establishment and recruitment of a full time Climate Change Adviser.

The EPA also chaired the South Australian Greenhouse Committee, which acted as the forum for coordinating government agency action plans in a whole of government approach to the revision of the National Greenhouse Response Strategy. One of the actions already showing success in energy and cost reduction is the implementation of the Government Greenhouse Targets Programme, coordinated by the Office of Energy Policy.

The EPA continued to participate in the National Greenhouse Inventory Committee, whose role includes responsibility for development of appropriate methodologies for quantifying emissions of greenhouse gases from all anthropogenic sources and activities, as well as the compilation of emission data. The National Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1995 was released in September 1997 as was the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Land Use Change and Forestry Sector 1988–1995. The latter was critical to the development of Australia’s position at the conference in Kyoto which secured recognition of Australia’s situation in relation to emission targets.

The inventories will be important means of verifying Australia’s performance in meeting the targets set by international agreement, such as those set in train at Kyoto in December 1997.

The EPA supported the adoption of the Greenhouse Allies programme for small business.

Advice was also provided to government on carbon credits. Emissions trading in carbon credits is a market mechanism aimed at controlling the emission of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. Emitters such as fossil fuels fired power stations will require more credits to operate than renewable energy systems such as wind farms that need none. Trees, which absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, can generate credits. Credits would be brought and sold when trading, which might be both national and international, becomes available.

2.5 Hydrocarbon Inventory During the year a graduate was employed to update the 1985 emission inventory for Metropolitan Adelaide.

The relative proportions of Hydrocarbons attributed to major categories, showed significant difference from the 1985 report. This was primarily due to a change in the emission factors for motor vehicle emissions based on actual in-service tests conducted for the Federal Office of Road Safety (FORS) study.

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3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

3.1 Responsibility for Water Quality in South Australia The water management legislative framework within South Australia relies on the Development Act 1993, the new Water Resources Act 1997, and the Environment Protection Act 1993. These should be regarded as companion Acts for the management of water within South Australia. The Water Resources Act concentrates on water quantity management issues and establishes a Catchment Water Management Board framework to manage water issues locally while the Environment Protection Act (the Act) concentrates on water quality issues.

The EPA provides direction and guidance through policies, guidelines and codes of practice, but these are implemented to improve water quality through a number of different strategies. One strategy is the newly appointed Catchment Water Management Boards (CWMB) which develop and implement Catchment Management Plans. Management plans have been completed for the catchments of the River Torrens and Patawalonga River, and are being developed for other catchments (Northern Adelaide, Onkaparinga, River Murray). The plans include references to changing community and business practices, which will be undertaken in association with the EPA. All the boards have broader responsibilities in water quantity and quality management under the new Water Resources Act than formerly under the Catchment Water Management Act 1995.

3.2 Water Quality Controls

Licensing The EPA licenses those activities which are likely to have an impact on water quality. Licence conditions generally have a requirement for the licensee to monitor any discharge to the receiving environment and to develop an Environment Improvement Programme (EIP) aimed at reducing or eliminating the discharge.

Environment Protection Policies and Codes of Practice under Development The current Environment Protection (Marine) Policy 1994, controls activities only in relation to the marine environment. An Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy is being developed to protect both marine and inland waters (including groundwater).

A discussion paper on the development of the Water Quality Policy was released for public comment in February 1997 and a draft policy is expected to be available later in 1998. The policy will seek not only to protect and improve the quality of the State’s waterbodies, but also to encourage better use of wastewater by waste avoidance or elimination, minimisation, reuse and recycling; waste treatment to reduce potential degrading impacts; and finally disposal.

Codes of practice are an important adjunct to the development of a Water Quality Policy and describe in some detail how to manage and operate an activity to comply with the ‘general environmental duty’ contained in the Act.

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Industry specific guidelines have been, or are being, developed with a number of industry groups and relevant government agencies. These include guidelines for cattle feedlots, piggeries, wineries and dairies. These guidelines are largely being implemented by the industries themselves in a co-regulatory partnership with EPA.

Stormwater Codes of Practice have been developed for:

• the general community

• industrial, retail and commercial premises (draft)

• State, Federal and Local government

• building and construction industry (draft).

Other codes and guidelines that have been developed cover:

• the growing of freshwater crayfish

• biosolids reuse

• major solid waste landfills

3.3 Marine Environment Increased population, transport and industrial technology has increased the amount and speed of land runoff from larger towns and the city of Adelaide, with that runoff reaching the sea with a greater load of soluble and insoluble contaminants. Sewage treatment contributes a separate load of nutrients, heavy metals and organic compounds that may still be biologically active (such as oestrogen or its mimics). Industrialisation has increased the concentration of metals in upper Spencer Gulf. In the South East, drainage of coastal swamp land and consequent agricultural development almost certainly has changed the quality of inshore waters.

C ontribu t ors to ma rine pollu t ion in Sou t h Aus t ra lia are:

• nutrient enrichment

• faecal waste

• particulates and turbidity.

Nutrient Enrichment T he mos t vis ible res u lt of Sou th Au s tra lia ’s ma rine pollut ion is sea gras s loss or degra d a t ion. Nu t rient loa d s to coa s t al wa t ers ha ve als o been direc t ly im p lic at ed in t he inc rea s ed frequ enc y of alga l bloom s , pa rt ic ula rly ‘red tid es ’ and los s of ma ngroves . Nu t rient s com e from bot h p oint and dif f u s e sou rc es , wit h the ma jor inp u t s being sewa ge and st ormwa t er res p ec tively. T reat ed ef flu ent is dis cha rged at Boliva r, Port Ad ela id e, Glenelg and Chris t ies Bea ch, and at Whyalla , Port Au gu s t a , Vic t or Ha rbor, Port Pirie, Finger Point (Mt Ga m bier) and Port L incoln.

Increasing attention is being given to the point source nutrient discharges at Bolivar, Port Adelaide, Glenelg and Christies Beach sewage treatment works. The EPA endorsed conceptual EIPs for these works in October 1995 which consist of a range of initiatives from

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nutrient reduction by additional treatment to effluent reuse. The EIPs are and will continue to be subject to change with improving technology. The estimated cost to SA Water of implementing the EIPs is about $210 million with a completion date of March 2001.

Stormwater Runoff Particulates and turbidity are produced mainly by stormwater runoff. U rban ru noff conta ins s olid wa s t es , litt er, chem ic a ls, vehic le pollu t a nt s, pes tic id es , ba c t eria , soil and du s t . Of f ens ive d om es t ic chem ic a ls , and oils and greas es from ba c kya rd gara ges are som et im es direc t ed int o s t orm wa t er dra ins, as are chem ic a l spills and sewer pu m p ing overf lows . Ru ra l ru nof f ma y c onta in a com binat ion of anim a l wa s t es , fertilis ers, pes tic id es , agric ult u ra l chem ica ls and soil.

As well as making water unpleasant or dangerous for swimming, turbidity can interfere with the health of animals and plants. Reefs off Adelaide are being depleted of organisms, partly because of turbidity. There is also a strong link between water clarity and seagrass health—the more turbid the water the more stress for the seagrass off our metropolitan coasts.

Management plans being developed by the CWMBs will improve the quality of water being discharged into the marine environment. The management plans will be supported by EPA codes of practice focusing on stormwater quality improvement for domestic and commercial premises with the intention of reducing pollutant loads to street and thence urban drainage. The codes can now be invoked under the ‘general environmental duty’ provisions of the Act and in future under the Water Quality Policy.

Antifoulants Tributyltin (TBT) is a toxic component of marine antifoulants. Its non-target effects, particularly on oysters, are minimised by controls on release rate from coatings. In South Australia those controls are applied through the Environment Protection (Marine) Policy 1994.

The EPA has managed a review of use of TBT in Australia and New Zealand, on behalf of ANZECC. That study, funded partly from the Marine Environment Protection Fund, produced a draft Code of Practice for application, use, removal and disposal of all antifoulants, a scheme for registration of antifoulants in Australia, and advice on an Australian negotiating position for a possible ban on TBT through the MARPOL Convention. The draft Code is currently with each State and Territory for local endorsement prior to submission to a plenary session of ANZECC.

Through 1997 - 98 the EPA established baseline values to monitor TBT in sediments in Port Adelaide, and is involved in developing nationally consistent sampling and analytical techniques for TBT in sediments.

Ballast Water Discharges T he dis c ha rge of ba lla s t wa t er from int erna tiona l ship p ing is proba bly res p ons ible for the int rod u c t ion of ex ot ic mic ros c op ic alga e in Au s t ra lia . Of pa rt icu la r conc ern is the int rod u c t ion of dinof la gella t e phyt opla nkt on, whic h und er fa vou ra ble cond it ions ca n bloom int o tox ic ‘red tid es ’. Thes e bloom s not only dis c olou r the wa t er, bu t ca n ca us e seriou s hea lt h p roblem s suc h as pa ra lytic shellf is h pois oning for hu m a ns who cons u m e cont a m ina t ed s hellf is h and seaf a rm prod u c t s .

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B a lla s t wa ter ma na gem ent is being ad dres s ed at a nat iona l level as an ANZE C C init ia tive. T ec hniqu es as s oc ia t ed wit h the ma na gem ent of ba lla st wa t er and how to com m u nic a t e thes e t o the shipp ing ind u s t ry are maj or iss u es . In Sou t h Au s t ra lia a su bc om mit t ee to the EP A d ea ling sp ec if ic ally with the im p a c t s of ship p ing on the ma rine environm ent , is ex a mining t hese is s u es .

3.4 Monitoring of Water Quality The EPA, in conjunction with other agencies such as SA Water, the CWMBs, Mines and Energy, and the Murray–Darling Basin Commission, carries out water quality monitoring throughout the State. Monitoring identifies and prioritises issues in the following EPA programmes:

• Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

• Monitoring and River Health Initiative

• Frog Census.

Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Programme: Freshwater The Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Programme has been in operation since 1995. It is designed to assess long term trends in water quality in areas where human impact would indicate that changes can be expected over time and complements programmes run by other agencies.

The programme covers the chemical and biological quality of rivers and streams, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert, certain key areas in the South East including the Blue Lake, the Willunga Basin, and the North Adelaide Plains aquifer. Reports on the findings of the programme to date are being prepared and will be updated annually or as appropriate.

Data from the ambient monitoring programme are being recorded on the Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) developed by the EPA.

Rivers and Streams Biological monitoring is being undertaken at approximately 215 sites throughout the State, which is an increase of 85 sites for this year. Most South Australian rivers and streams have been affected to varying degrees by development over the years so it is quite difficult to find sites representative of pristine conditions. This monitoring is part of a national programme to develop a methodology, using macroinvertebrates, to assess the biological health of waterbodies. The results are being collated nationally and will be built into the next release of the Australian Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters which provides a basis for assessment of water quality conditions.

Monthly water quality samples are collected from water flow gauging stations at 15 rivers around the State, and analysed for nutrients, heavy metals, salinity, turbidity, and other variables. The results are highly variable, but generally indicate that most systems have moderate water quality most of the time, with occasional variation from poor to good. (Figure 1).

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Figure 1 Rivers and Streams

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Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert Monthly water quality samples are collected from five sites on Lake Alexandrina and three sites on Lake Albert. Samples are analysed for nutrients, some heavy metals, salinity, suspended matter and other variables. The programme was expanded in 1997 to cover algae which can be a problem on the lakes at certain times of the year.

The results indicate that water quality is generally poor. High turbidity is reducing water clarity. Concentrations of some nutrients and heavy metals (particularly copper) are elevated. Salinity has dropped over recent years probably due to floods in the River Murray and release of water from the Hume Reservoir. For some sites the water has poor to moderate quality for drinking purposes.

Results have confirmed that Lake Albert is nearly three times more saline than Lake Alexandrina but approximately only half as turbid. Mean total phosphorus concentrations are elevated in both lakes and nitrate concentrations are relatively low. Mean copper concentrations in both lakes are slightly above the level set in the Australian Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters for the protection of the aquatic ecosystems but are considerably less than the criteria set in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for potable use.

Reports for Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina will be released in 1998.

South East Aquifers and the Blue Lake Extensive water quality monitoring is carried out in the South East region of the State. Profile data are collected from the Blue Lake three times per year and bores in the Blue Lake capture zone are sampled annually for nutrients, heavy metals, organics, pesticides and other variables. Bores around Mt Gambier and the areas of Millicent, Padthaway, Naracoorte, Glencoe, Coonawarra and Keith are sampled annually for a similar range of variables.

Of principal concern is the elevated concentration of nitrate in many groundwater sites as a result of leguminous crops (which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere), fertilisers containing nitrate, and waste containing nitrogen that is discharged into the aquifer (from septic tanks etc). With high rainfall in the area, nitrates applied to the surface readily percolate through the underlying limestone strata and enter groundwater aquifers.

Before human settlement the nitrate concentrations of groundwater in this area would have been negligible so current levels are an indicator of the extent of change since settlement. Some other areas of the State have naturally high nitrate concentrations in groundwater supplies (for example in northern areas where nitrates are believed to occur as a result of leaching from termite mounds).

Willunga Basin and North Adelaide Plains Aquifers Eight bores in the Willunga Basin and the same number in the North Adelaide Plains aquifers are sampled every six months for nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, and iron bacteria. The bores chosen are at different depths and provide wide coverage of the aquifers in the regions.

No pesticide contamination has been detected in any of the samples collected to date. Heavy metal concentrations are generally low. Salinities vary from about 500 mg per litre to

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about 1700 mg per litre. Iron bacteria, which can cause bore blockages from deposits of ferric oxide, have been detected in many of the bore samples but are in high numbers at only a few locations. Nutrient concentrations are generally low but nitrate concentrations are well above background levels at some sites. Overall the water quality would be regarded as acceptable for drinking purposes but not of good quality.

Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Programme: Marine

Bathing Waters Survey Water quality samples are collected monthly from near the seven metropolitan jetties plus a reference site at Port Hughes on the eastern side of Spencer Gulf. The site at Port Hughes was selected for the extensive beds of healthy seagrasses in the area which indicate good water quality.

The samples are analysed for nutrients, chlorophyll (algae), microbiological indicators of faecal contamination, some heavy metals and turbidity (water clarity). Not surprisingly the results from the reference site indicate good water quality for all variables. Results from the metropolitan area are not so encouraging with elevated levels of chlorophyll, turbidity, some nutrients, especially ammonia, and some heavy metals, particularly copper and zinc.

Microbiological quality is good at the reference site but only moderate at a number of the metropolitan sites. In addition, samples taken from some metropolitan sites exceed the NHMRC Guidelines for the maximum number of indicator micro-organisms in a sample with the quality poor at times. Nevertheless, taken over the whole period, all sites meet the requirements for primary contact bathing water. (Refer to Publications List - Appendix 1).

Port River Survey Nine sites are sampled monthly for a range of water quality variables including chlorophyll, nutrients, turbidity, heavy metals and microbiological indicators of faecal contamination.

Nutrients, particularly ammonia and nitrate, are high at most sites, as are chlorophyll levels. Turbidity levels are elevated throughout the estuary and levels of some heavy metals (particularly copper, lead and zinc) are above national guidelines. Microbiological quality is however quite good.

Sediment samples are collected from eight sites around the estuary every six months. Samples are collected from near the surface of the sediments and analysed for heavy metals, organochlorines and TBT.

One site has high levels of copper and moderate levels of zinc, lead and cadmium. Heavy metal concentrations at all other sites are low except for one site which had elevated levels of mercury. Organochlorines are generally not detected (chlordane, a pesticide, was detected on one occasion). TBT levels are slightly elevated at two sites. (Refer to Publications List - Appendix1).

Seagrasses Aerial photos of seagrasses off the metropolitan coastline taken from 1949 to 1996 at approximate intervals of eight years have been digitised and orthorectified (corrected for photographic distortions) so that accurate comparisons can be made between years. The

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mapping has shown that over the whole region from Aldinga to Largs Bay approximately 33% of the seagrass present in 1949 has been lost. The total area lost is approximately 40 km2 or 4000 ha.

Comparisons between years has shown that seagrass loss in the Glenelg to Largs Bay area was very rapid from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. Loss is still occurring in all areas surveyed.

Algae that attach to seagrass leaves are epiphytes. Excessive growth of epiphytes restricts the available light to the leaves and can lead to the death of the plant. High nutrient inputs can lead to excessive epiphyte growths. The EPA has undertaken a programme to measure the growth of epiphytes on artificial seagrass leaves at various points along the metropolitan coastline and in the Port River. The technique shows some promise and is being refined so that it can be used by community groups to assess the water quality in local areas.

Results were compared with the reference site at Port Hughes in Spencer Gulf where there are healthy beds of seagrass. Relative to the reference site, there is high epiphyte growth in the Port River estuary and at some metropolitan sites.

Condition of Reefs The EPA, together with The University of Adelaide, has developed a methodology to assess the condition of reef systems using some relatively simple indices that can be picked up and used readily by recreational divers to provide a scientific basis for assessing the condition of reefs. The Reef Watch Programme run by the SA Conservation Council is evaluating the methodology with recreational divers.

Boston Bay Survey The EPA, in conjunction with the Ports Corporation, has commenced water quality monitoring of Boston Bay at Port Lincoln. The programme involves taking monthly samples from five sites. Variables analysed include nutrients, turbidity, chlorophyll and microbiological indicators of faecal contamination.

Data from this region will be assessed during 1998–99.

Monitoring River Health Initiative In South Australia biologists from the EPA and the Australian Water Quality Centre have been participating in a joint programme to assess the ecological health of our rivers and streams. This work forms part of the Australian River Assessment Scheme (AUSRIVAS), the first national assessment of river health to be conducted on a continental scale anywhere in the world.

AUSRIVAS is a stage in the National River Health Program’s Monitoring River Health Initiative which will involve the sampling of over 6000 potentially impacted ‘test’ sites across Australia from 1997 to 1999. AUSRIVAS has been developed as a rapid, standardised, integrated means of assessing the ecological health of rivers. Macroinvertebrates (aquatic animals without backbones large enough to be seen with the naked eye) are used because they are common, widely distributed, easily sampled and identified by experienced biologists.

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Scope of the Work in South Australia In South Australia a total of 111 reference and 30 test (potentially impacted) sites were sampled in autumn and spring in both 1994 and 1995. Sites were distributed across the major catchments of the State, ranging from Eight Mile Creek in the lower South East to Cooper Creek in the north. Sites were sampled from the South East, Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mt Lofty Ranges, River Murray, Flinders Ranges, Eyre Peninsula and the far north-east of the State.

Data from the reference sites are being used to develop predictive models for the macroinvertebrates which inhabit the two main habitats found in South Australian riverine environments: ‘edges’ (the areas along creeks with still to slow-moving water) and ‘riffles’ (characterised by fast-flowing, shallow water over a rocky substrate).

General Results The initial results are still being assessed and workable models of macroinvertebrate assemblages for riffle and edge habitats should be completed by the end of 1998.

Initial results from autumn and spring 1994 suggest that the following sites were significantly different from expected according to the reference datasets: North Para River, Rowland Flat; Dutton River; River Murray, Murtho; River Murray, Woods Point; Dawesley Creek, Bird in Hand; Middle River; Salt Creek, Mangalo; Lenswood Creek; Aldgate Creek; Sturt River, Sturt Road; River Torrens, South Road; and River Torrens, Tapleys Hill Road. In general, all of these sites had much lower diversities than expected based on their water chemistry and habitat features. Analysis of work from 1995 will verify if these initial trends were consistent. The complete results for 1994 and 1995 will be published in a separate report.

Further work in 1997 involved the sampling of another 200 test sites as part of the AUSRIVAS programme with an additional 200 sites to be sampled in both 1998 and 1999 through National Heritage Trust Funding. Sampling occurs in autumn and spring. This will provide a major assessment of the ecological condition of Australia’s rivers and streams.

Frog Census The Frog Census is a community survey of frogs in South Australia which provides an opportunity for the general public to help monitor the health of aquatic environments.

The Frog Census provides a ‘snap shot’ of the distribution and abundance of frogs in this State by members of the community taking tape recordings of frogs calling in streams, rivers, wetlands, ponds and dams each year during one week in September (Figure 2). The results are used to describe the distribution of our different frog species, broadly determine their status and identify areas which may need restoration or conservation action in the future. By comparing the results from year to year, the EPA may be able to determine whether a species is in decline and identify what should be done to conserve our frog populations.

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The Frog Census programme has grown significantly since it began in 1994 (Table 1).

Table 1 Growth of Frog Census.

1994 1996 1997

Collectors 285 600 652

No. of locations 456 786 812

Species found 12 13

South Australia has 28 known frog species of which a total of 13 have been recorded since the programme began. The greatest number of frogs found in any one location was six (recorded at three locations, all wetlands, in 1996).

The common froglet (Crinia signifera) has been the most commonly recorded species, followed by the spotted grass frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis), eastern banjo frog (Limnodynastes dumerili) and brown tree-frog ( Litoria ewingii). The remaining species were found at less than 5% of locations.

Figure 2 Locations visited in 1997 by Frog Census collectors.

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As a result of the Frog Census, the EPA will aim to do the following:

• Assess the habitat condition and water quality of sites which consistently have no frogs present and also those with a high diversity of species.

• Encourage moves to re-establish riparian vegetation along our river systems for the purpose of increasing the area of habitat available for wildlife.

• Assess whether the water quality of waterways is improving. This should be evident by improving the quality and quantity of point source and stormwater discharges (largely through EPA policies, codes of practice and licensing conditions, and industry and public involvement), particularly in urban areas.

• Encourage better weed management practices along waterways through minimising the use of chemicals which may be toxic to aquatic organisms.

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4 NOISE CONTROL Over the past twelve months, the EPA has been addressing a variety of noise control issues including noise from licensed venues, Adelaide Airport, bird scaring devices, open air concerts, transport noise, country fire service sirens and premises holding an environmental authorisation.

In addition the EPA has begun a review of the environment protection policies that regulate noise issues.

4.1 Noise Control Issues

Liquor Licensing The Office of the Liquor Licensing Commissioner has a responsibility to ensure that activities at premises licensed under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 do not disturb neighbouring residents. Complaints made to the Commissioner regarding noise are investigated by Commission inspectors. If technical or other assistance is required the Commission requests that assistance from the EPA.

In addition the Commissioner coordinates a task force to carry out detailed inspections of licensed premises. The EPA is a member of this task force and assesses noise emissions from premises. The task force has had a high level of success in resolving complaints against licensed premises.

Noise in Rural Areas Noise of audible bird scaring devices such as gas guns continues to cause many complaints from residents. Particular problems exist where new vineyards are being developed in mixed residential/agricultural areas such as the Adelaide Hills. A recent review of guidelines for the use of gas guns in the Adelaide Hills Council district found clear divisions between those who believed the guidelines were effective and those who did not. Some residents believe that operators of new vineyards should be prevented from using audible bird scarers by conditions of development approval. Residents have appealed against approvals that did not contain such conditions to the Environment, Resources and Development Court. In at least two such cases the matter was resolved in conciliation, with the operator agreeing to limit or avoid the use of gas guns.

Increasingly, fruit and vegetable growers are using large fans to prevent frost damage to their crops. The fans work by mixing warmer air with the cold air close to the ground. They are very effective and have saved crops with a value many times the cost of the fans. An unfortunate and unavoidable by-product of these fans is the noise they make which sounds like a hovering helicopter. Frosts usually occur during the early morning hours when most people are sleeping and the noise is sufficient to waken anyone within several hundred metres of the fan. The EPA is seeking an appropriate balance between the considerable economic benefits of the fans with the significant disturbance caused to affected residents.

Aircraft Noise and the Adelaide International Airport The EPA is represented on the Australian Standards Committee on Aircraft and Helicopter Noise (committee EV11). This committee has been considering revisions to two standards

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AS 2021–1994 Acoustics—Aircraft noise intrusion—Building siting and construction and AS 2363–1990 Acoustics—Assessment of noise from helicopter landing sites. Both draft standards have been released for public consultation.

The new owners of the airport, Adelaide International Airport Ltd, are required by the Airports Act 1996 to prepare a master plan and an environmental strategy for the airport. In addition the new owner is preparing a land use plan for the airport which will reflect land uses adjacent to the airport and will seek to minimise the impact of the airport on nearby residential areas. State Government departments and the EPA are regularly consulted on the development of these documents which will lead to a well coordinated and environmentally appropriate future for the airport.

4.2 Review of the Noise Policies The EPA has advertised its intentions to develop a single noise policy to replace the two current environment protection policies that deal with noise issues:

• Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy 1994.

Machine Noise Noise from specific machines including lawn mowers, power equipment and air conditioners is controlled under the Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy. This specifies maximum permitted noise levels during certain hours. Machine noise outside specified hours is regulated by the ‘general environmental duty’ under section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act).

Industrial Noise Industrial noise and noise from commercial premises is controlled under the Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy. This prescribes maximum permitted noise levels for a range of specified areas. Compliance with the policy is enforced using environment protection orders.

The two current noise policies are documents based very closely on the now repealed Noise Control Act 1977, a requirement of the transitional provisions of the Act. Since 1977 there have been significant developments in the understanding of environmental noise issues both in assessment and in measurement procedures.

In addition, a recently completed review of the Australian Standard AS 1055–1989 has seen it replaced by the new standard AS 1055–1997 Acoustics—Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. This will directly influence the management approach and measurement methodology adopted by the EPA in the review of its policies.

Current Review A Noise Working Group of key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors has been working with EPA staff to develop the new policy. Issue scoping papers produced by the group will cover the range of issues to be addressed in the policy. These will be designed as green papers to open discussion, pose options and gauge response, and will be made available for broader consultation in early 1999.

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5 WASTE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Waste Strategy

Overview The Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide 1996–2015 released in July 1996 has set a strategic framework on which to build the waste management systems required by Adelaide’s metropolitan community to satisfy its needs into the next century. It is not prescriptive; rather it sets and discusses broad principles and objectives which are to be implemented through a series of plans and programmes with associated development of policies, codes of practice, guidelines and legislation where necessary.

Throughout the year, work continued on implementation of the strategy.

Implementation The Waste Strategy identified a number of key elements for action:

• improved waste management infrastructure

• strengthened depot licence conditions

• a review and expansion of the Environment Protection (Waste) Policy 1994

• enhanced waste reduction and resource recovery programmes

• introduction of a green waste management programme

• implementation of the Litter Strategy (see section 5.4).

Improved Waste Management Infrastructure The Waste Management Infrastructure Steering Committee was established in December 1996 to assist in preparation of the Strategic Plan for Waste Management Infrastructure to meet the needs of the Adelaide metropolitan area. Some of the issues which have been considered by the committee include:

• adoption of ‘best practice’ standards for solid waste management

• adoption of a three-tier approach to resource recovery centres with regional, district and neighbourhood level facilities

• refinement of planning controls for waste management infrastructure

• the need for significant additional operational landfill capacity for the northern metropolitan area, particularly if the recently approved Northern Landfill at Dublin does not become operational

• pursual of the orderly closure of the Wingfield and Garden Island landfills

• continuation of negotiations between the State Government, local government and industry groups to reform institutional arrangements for solid waste management with a view to improving coordination of service delivery

• identification, zoning and availability of sites for the storage and processing of green waste, to the waste industry in order for green waste to be diverted from general landfill.

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Strengthening Regulation of Waste Depot Licences The Waste Strategy also identified as an issue of high priority, the need for existing landfill licences to be reviewed and amended if appropriate to ensure:

• compliance with statutory requirements (including planning consents)

• provision for Environment Improvement Programmes if needed

• improved environmental monitoring and reporting.

Priority has been given to major landfills, particularly those serving metropolitan Adelaide. Upgraded licences have been developed for all major landfills such as the Adelaide City Council’s at Wingfield, the Southern Region of Councils’ at Pedler Creek, and Southern Waste Depot. Attention has also been given to controls for recently closed landfills at Highbury and St Agnes, and the partial closure and redevelopment of the Waterloo Corner Remove All Rubbish Company landfill. Work continues on rural and regional waste depot licenses, and this is being expedited by additional legal resources in the licensing area.

The EPA is analysing past SA Waste Management Commission (SAWMC) records to assess the locations and current status of decommissioned landfills. This will help identify any environmental and human health issues such as landfill gas, leachate and groundwater contamination which should be addressed. It is also planned to liaise with local government to identify and address old non-licensed waste disposal sites which were used prior to SAWMC.

Guidelines form a major component of conveying the message of improved waste management and as a source for reference in the development approval and licensing processes. Guidelines for the siting and operation of major landfills have been completed and approved for publication.

Guidelines under development include the following:

• Siting and Operation of Green Waste Processing Facilities

• Guidelines for the Development of Landfill Environment Management Plans

• Guidelines for Siting and Operation of Waste Transfer Stations and Resource Recovery Facilities

• Guidelines for the Development of Closure/Post Closure Programmes for Landfill Sites.

Environment Protection (Waste) Policy Work has commenced on the development of an Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy to review and extend the existing waste policy.

Scope of the Policy It is intended that the Waste Management Policy will be comprehensive, covering the full range of matters relating to waste including its prevention, recycling and disposal. It will be State wide in scope and aim to challenge existing practices and lift community expectations of acceptable waste practices in the early 21st century.

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The Policy will require local government bodies, waste generators and the waste industry (including waste transporters and waste or recycling depot operators) to comply with prescribed standards by specified dates.

Landfill Gas Management A Landfill Gas Management Policy is under development to address immediate concerns over landfill gas migration and inappropriate standards of operation.

Waste Reduction and Resource Recovery Programmes

Review of Recycle 2000 Funds received over the period 1994–98, have allowed a consultant to be retained to undertake a rigorous evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Local Government Recycling and Waste Management Board (Recycle 2000) in the delivery of its programmes.

Institutional Reform of Recycle 2000 Officers from the Local Government Association, SA Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAECCI) and the EPA have been developing a model which could be considered by the various stakeholders as a replacement body for Recycle 2000.

Waste Audit A major waste audit of Adelaide’s construction, demolition, and commercial/industrial waste stream was scheduled to begin in March 1998. However due to poor weather and protracted negotiations, this has now been rescheduled later in 1998. This audit will assist in quantifying types and sources of waste, and in developing strategies to reduce and recover these wastes, and develop markets for these materials. This is the first such audit to be undertaken in South Australia.

Waste Reduction Initiatives The quantity of waste received at metropolitan landfills increased marginally during the past twelve months (Table 2).

Table 2 Solid waste received at landfill in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Year Solid waste (tonnes)

1990–91 1296 300

1991–92 1144 000

1992–93 1150 000

1993–94 1053 400

1994–95 939 400

1995–96 859 000

1996–97 942 000

1997–98 984 190

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Pollution Prevention Programme Waste reduction initiatives are being implemented as part of the Pollution Prevention Programme (section 6.1).

Green Waste Management The draft green waste strategy, released by Recycle 2000 in August 1996, has not been

broadly supported by metropolitan councils and has not been effectively implemented. A number of metropolitan councils have however implemented separate kerbside collection of green waste. The absence of appropriate infrastructure for effectively dealing with the quantity of green waste being collected is creating difficulties for councils and for the two existing commercial composting operations in metropolitan Adelaide.

These existing composting facilities (Peats Soil at Willunga and Jeffries Garden Soils at Wingfield) have been experiencing great difficulty in complying with appropriate environmental authorisations and standards. Jeffries Garden Soils, with the facilitation of the EPA, has been able to gain the necessary approvals and move its composting operations to ACC landfill site at Wingfield.

Restrictions on the scale of the two existing operations, and the limited avenues for treatment and markets for processed materials, continue to have the potential to seriously inhibit the viability and further development of green waste programmes.

The effective management of green waste is critical if there are to be significant reductions in waste disposal to landfill, particularly in the area of domestic waste. This requires appropriate collection, infrastructure, market identification, production and distribution.

The EPA has developed and distributed for consultation, draft guidelines for the siting of green waste processing and composting sites. In addition, the EPA has been involved with other State (Planning SA) and local government agencies in identifying potential green waste processing/composting sites within or adjacent to metropolitan Adelaide (within a 30 km radius), which will facilitate local government or private sector investment in infrastructure.

5.2 Contaminated Sites

Overview The issue of site contamination became prominent in South Australia in the late 1980s when residential housing was being established on former industrial land affected by hazardous substances. Contaminated sites can present a risk to human health and the environment. The risks depend on the extent and type of contamination, the proposed land use, whether groundwater is contaminated and the potential beneficial uses of the groundwater. Currently, the EPA provides advice under Planning Circular 17 under the Development Act 1993. There is a need to improve legislative control to provide greater certainty to landowners, developers and financial institutions. Amendments to the Act are being developed.

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Legislative Amendment A working party of officers from within the EPA has developed drafting instructions for an amendment to the Act dealing with contaminated sites. The development of the report took into consideration the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Contaminated Sites and legislative changes in other States.

Environmental Auditors With the increasing public awareness of the potential effects that contaminated sites may have on human health and the environment, more sites are being identified for investigation and subsequent remediation or management.

In November 1995, the EPA endorsed the use of Victorian EPA accredited Environmental Auditors (Contaminated Land) to review independently, site assessments conducted by consultants. The adoption of the system has provided a high degree of certainty to vendors, developers and financial institutions that land is suitable for the proposed use.

Upon completion of the review process, the auditor provides a report to the landowner or developer indicating the current contamination status of the site and the land uses appropriate for the site. During the year 37 site audits were completed. These have involved a range of contaminated sites including decommissioned service stations, industrial and manufacturing facilities and land previously owned by the government.

5.3 Hazardous Waste Issues

Movement of Controlled Wastes Some Controlled (hazardous) wastes are transported to another State or Territory for treatment. Since 1993 the management of this movement of wastes has been administered under the National Guidelines for the Management of Waste. This is a cooperative venture between the States, Territories and the Commonwealth but lacks statutory effect in some jurisdictions. The establishment of the National Environment Protection Council provided an opportunity for this system to be reviewed and to be given statutory effect through the development of a National Environment Protection Measure.

In June 1998 the National Environment Protection Council made a National Environment Protection Measure to address this topic. This Measure will be implemented in South Australia during the 1998 - 99 financial year and will coincide with implementation in other jurisdictions.

Household Hazardous Waste Management The EPA’s Dry Creek Depot has recently been upgraded and was opened for special occasions such as Clean-up Australia Day and World Environment Day. The depot has been made more accessible and has been opened for special consignments of waste from farmers and rural households.

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5.4 Litter Strategy The litter stream is an indicator of poor waste disposal and environmental management at a community level. Litter is a highly visual form of pollution especially with the new lightweight packaging being used across a broader range of consumer products. Plastic litter for example pollutes waterways and the marine environment impacting on birds and mammals. Personal injury at recreational areas such as beaches is often the direct result of glass littering by consumers.

During 1997–98 the EPA in conjunction with KESAB formulated a targeted Litter Strategy with a focus and commitment to reduce litter in the environment.

Litter Committee The Litter Committee was established in 1996 and played a key role in the formulation of the Litter Strategy. It continues to meet regularly with membership drawn from the Local Government Association, Retail Traders Association, KESAB, SAECCI, Conservation Council of South Australia, McDonalds Family Restaurants, Recyclers of SA and the Beverage Industry Environment Council. The Committee is chaired by Robert Brokenshire MP, and reports directly to the Minister for Environment and Heritage.

The main focus of the committee is to oversee the implementation of key components and strategies identified in the Litter Strategy including:

• monitoring of the quarterly litter counts

• monitoring of the 25% beverage litter reduction target

• development of a Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry and support for the industry awareness campaign

• implementing a Covered Load campaign

• increasing litter awareness through the KESAB Tidy Towns Program.

The primary organisation responsible for implementation of these campaigns will be KESAB.

Litter Counts Litter counts are conducted each quarter (in February, May, August, November) at 151 sites. The February 1998 count revealed 17 820 items of litter (Table 3).

Table 3 Breakdown of litter items collected in February 1998.

Litter item Percentage of total number of items

Cigarette butts 40

Paper/paperboard 27

Plastic 21

Glass 2

Metal 1

Miscellaneous (eg tyres and tyre pieces, construction 9 materials, illegal dumping)

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Container Deposit Legislation The Litter Strategy identified a target of 25% reduction for beverage container litter items not presently covered by Container Deposit Legislation. The reduction target is supported by a statistically valid count and analysis of the litter stream which identifies in measurable terms, trends of beverage litter items during the term of the Litter Strategy. A moratorium, subject to review in November 1999, in is place for those items not presently covered by the legislation.

Container Deposit Legislation in South Australia enjoys wide community support evidenced by the significantly high return recycling rates for containers covered by the legislation. Overall, return rates for beverage containers in SA are favourably high compared to those in other states (figure 3).

The Litter Strategy Monitoring Report (February 1998) identified the following:

• Cigarette butts contributed almost 40% of total litter items.

• 6% of all items counted were ‘non-deposit’ beverage containers.

• 1% of all beverage containers counted were ‘deposit’ containers.

• Glass and metal beverage containers were not commonly found at any count site.

• Only highway sites recorded more than 1% of deposit beverage containers.

• Deposit glass containers contributed just 0.6% of total litter.

• Deposit plastic containers contributed just 1% of total litter.

• Deposit metal containers contributed just 0.4% of total litter.

90

80

70

60

50

40

30SA 20

National 100

Alum'n Glass PETAlum'n Glass PET

Figure 3 Comparison of national and South Australian recycling rates (%) for various beverage container types.

Litter Penalties Penalties for littering under the Environment Protection Act 1993 and Local Government Act 1934 were increased in August 1997. Expiation notices (on the spot fines) for littering were

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increased to $200. Penalties for major littering offences were increased to not more than $4000. The number of agencies authorised to administer fines has also been increased.

The impact of increased fines is reliant upon authorised officer activity. During 1998–99 a survey is planned to determine levels of litter enforcement undertaken by local government throughout South Australia.

KESAB KESAB (Keep South Australia Beautiful) plays a major role in litter abatement education and campaigns. In 1997–98 KESAB received increased government funding to support anti-litter initiatives embraced by the Litter Strategy. This was made possible by a Service Agreement between DEHAA and KESAB.

In addition to the Litter Strategy, KESAB-supported programmes include:

• Tidy Towns (314 towns in 1998)

• Clean Waters (200 community water quality monitoring groups)

• Road Watch (100 volunteer groups)

• Correctional Services Clean Ups (135 targeted area roadside clean ups)

• Education Centre (approx 6000 students and teachers attended the centre)

• Litter Bin support and litter awareness control to major and special events.

Cigarette Butts Cigarette butts make up 40% of all litter items. In addition to key components of the Litter Strategy, KESAB conducted a successful targeted campaign to reduce cigarette butt litter. During the summer period KESAB conducted the ‘Please Bin Your Butts’ campaign in the City of Adelaide. Supported by radio and poster awareness, this successful campaign resulted in some 200 special purpose design ‘Butt Out’ bins being installed within the CBD.

Monitoring of the bins show favourable acceptance and use by smokers. It is anticipated that an estimated 1.5 million cigarette butts will be diverted from the litter stream during the next twelve months. This represents a collection rate of 50%.

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6 WORKING WITH INDUSTRY The EPA recognises the need to work with industry to ensure compliance with the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act), and ultimately to extend performance beyond compliance. The EPA continued to provide funding for cleaner production and recycling and resource recovery initiatives through the Pollution Prevention Fund. The Small Business Pollution Prevention Workshops continued their success over the last year and the Environment Officer at the SAECCI provided a valuable link to industry.

6.1 Pollution Prevention Programme The following waste reduction initiatives are being implemented as part of the Pollution Prevention Programme.

Small Business Pollution Prevention Workshops The Small Business Pollution Prevention Workshops take a neighbourhood approach and are aimed at demonstrating to small business that improved environmental management can lead to improvements in productivity and product quality. Since their inception a total of eight workshops (5 sessions per workshop) have been completed with 107 businesses involved. Results to date have been excellent, with 85% of participants making real improvements to their operations.

Independent surveys have revealed strong support for the workshops.

Two contracted trainers have been appointed to provide the course for the next two years. The aim is to reach over 300 small businesses during the next 12 months.

Pollution Prevention Fund The Recycling and Resource Recovery Fund, and the Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme have been reviewed and consolidated into one EPA financial assistance scheme, the Pollution Prevention Fund.

The Pollution Prevention Fund provides a single avenue for South Australian businesses to apply for financial assistance for either cleaner production or off-site recycling projects. Pollution prevention is defined as any type of activity that reduces the amount of waste generated and/or pollution released to reduce the risk to public health and the environment. The first preference of pollution prevention is the use of cleaner production followed by environmentally sound off-site recycling. Pollution prevention addresses all types of waste and environmental releases to the air, water and land.

Financial assistance is offered through interest free loans (up to a maximum of $50 000 but not exceeding 50% of the project cost) to assist with capital purchase of equipment, and grants (up to a maximum of $15 000) for consultancy studies to recommend and implement improvements.

Environmental and associated economic benefits are documented by the companies receiving assistance and continue to be impressive.

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Currently applications for funding are received biannually and assessed on their environmental and economic merit. Promotion has been primarily through industry, industry associations, SAECCI, local development boards and local government.

Applicants who received PPF approval for funding during 1997–98 were:

• BRL Hardy Ltd ($15 000 grant): to investigate reduction and possible alternatives in the use of caustic solution in the cleaning of wine production equipment at their Stonehaven Winery at Padthaway. The estimate of caustic usage is 10 000 litres per annum at a cost of $1 per litre (L). The resulting saline waste is currently directed to woodlots where there is growing potential to increase salinity of local groundwater.

• Container Reconditioning Services Pty Ltd ($16 250 loan): to assist with the installation a tunnel washing unit for used 205 L drums. This is expected to reduce water consumption by 50% (approx 166 kL), energy consumption by 15% (approx 10 324 units), solvent usage by 87% (approx 14 964 L) and caustic by 33% (approx 6047 L). Savings are estimated to be in excess of $120 000 per year.

• Motor Traders Association of SA Inc ($10 200 grant): for a consultancy study to develop a manual and wall chart containing guidance to environmental compliance, pollution prevention, recycling and disposal options relevant to its members.

• Tyrewaste Pty Ltd ($6000 grant and subsequent $30 000 loan): for the production of a business plan which was then used to assist with the development and purchase of equipment to recover high grade rubber from scrap large earthmoving and fork lift tyres. The resulting rubber crumb is readily marketable for use in products such as Play Safe.

• Tip Top Bakeries ($15 000 grant): for a consultancy to conduct an integrated energy and water usage and waste management review of their current operations with an expected cost saving of $20 000 per year.

• Cape Divine Pty Ltd ($50 000 loan): to assist with the construction of a mobile shredder capable of shredding scrap steel and wood waste. Scrap steel from rural landfills and farm properties is to be gathered and shredded into economically viable loads for transportation to Adelaide. Wood waste and logs from forestry plantations, which is currently burnt, is to be gathered and shredded into a marketable product.

• OmniPol Pty Ltd ($30 000 loan): for the production of specialist moulds to produce star droppers and oyster moulds. Waste plastic, of a variety of types, is ground and recycled into a conglomerate material to produce these products.

6.2 Environment Project Officer at SAECCI This programme, which has been running since February 1997, continues to be a very valuable exercise. It is funded from the 20 cents being appropriated from the waste levy ie solid waste going to landfill. One environment project officer is employed at the SA Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAECCI) to undertake the programme, and is supported by SAECCI and EPA staff. This officer assists industry with advice on:

• pollution prevention

• development of education materials

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• development of training programmes

• preparation of codes of practice.

This year has seen a series of training seminars undertaken in conjunction with the EPA and SAECCI under the auspices of the programme. This is the first such time that environment has formed a part of the regular SAECCI training programme.

Two surveys of businesses have been undertaken. These targeted how best to provide information to business in South Australia, and the attitudes of business to the environment.

The collaboration has also seen specific seminars developed on air quality and odour, and workshops held by the Environment Management Industries Association of Australia (EMIAA).

A new Environmental Handbook is being developed expressly for SA businesses.

The programme together with DEHAA is sponsoring Ecobiz 98, an expo of environmental industries and their products.

Significant contact has been made and maintained with industry also through the SAECCI newsletter, with extensive articles on:

• cleaner production

• results of the environmental surveys

• green waste and concrete recovery expansion

• environmental awards programmes

• litter control

• demolition recycling

• new appointments to the EPA

• the National Pollutant Inventory and its impact on business

• the environment expo, Ecobiz 98.

These initiatives could not have been undertaken without the development of the joint programme between SAECCI and the EPA. The effectiveness in gaining access to industry has been substantial.

In addition the officer acts as a resource to South Australian industry by answering queries from industry in relation to EPA licensing and guidelines, recycling, waste disposal and treatment, and other environmental issues.

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7 WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY Protection of the environment is not solely the prerogative of the EPA or even of DEHAA—it is the responsibility of every member of the South Australian community. To ensure that the EPA is reflecting as well as leading the community’s environmental expectations, it is committed to listening to the expressed needs of the community as well as providing information to guide and direct the community. The community comprises the general public, organisations, industries and industry groups, environmental and conservation bodies, educational institutions and other government agencies.

In formulating policies or amending legislation, or when determining licensing applications, the EPA is committed to consulting the community to allow more informed decision making.

7.1 Public Involvement in Decision Making The public is involved in decision making at various levels. The EPA is required to hold a Round-table Conference annually. In the making of an Environment Protection Policy, the EPA is required by legislation to seek public input. Further, the EPA must consult with the 16 representative organisations prescribed under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act), which include the Conservation Council of SA and SAECCI. There is also opportunity for the public to be involved in the granting of authorisations and in the process of amending conditions of a licence.

Round-table The second EPA Round-table Conference was held on 16 February 1998 at the Australian Mineral Foundation, Glenside. It was well attended by representatives from conservation bodies, industry and industry organisations, local government, and a number of government agencies.

The Round-table provides an avenue for interested individuals and groups to express their views on any matters relating to either the operation of the Act or the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment within the scope of the Act, direct to the Authority.

Information relating to several issues raised in the Open Forum is as follows:

Development of Internet It is anticipated that by the end of 1998 a much more user friendly and informative departmental site will be available. It will include key information relating to Environmental Protection.

South East Officer This matter is being addressed and it is anticipated that an officer will be appointed later in 1998.

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Interstate Houseboat Inspections NSW manage houseboats and their discharges under the Clean Waters Act. They do not at the time undertake inspections as SA recently undertook. Victoria does not have control of the river in relation to boats, they are managed via NSW. A Code of Practice for Vessels on Inland Waters in SA is being developed by the EPA.

After Hours Emergency Response Following issues raised at the Round-table changes were made to the after hours emergency contact procedure.

Community Right to Know Results of tests and monitoring, submitted to the Authority, will be available via the Public Register from 1 July 1998.

Group discussions to identify key issues and possible solutions were conducted in relation to Education, Local Government/EPA Relations, Development Assessment, Monitoring Waste and Water.

The 1998 Round-table was successful with participants expressing their views and concerns clearly and openly both in the open forum and group discussions. The results of the day, as summarised in the proceedings, form the basis for the EPA to enhance its performance in a number of areas, such as communication, accessibility and strategic planning.

Renewal and Granting of Environmental Authorisations The EPA is in most cases required to advertise details of an application for an environmental authorisation and to seek public comment on the application. The EPA must take all public submissions received into account when making a determination. If the conditions of an environmental authorisation are to be relaxed, public comment must be sought.

Pollution Complaints Public complaints through the Customer Service Desk are one of the EPA’s primary sources of information about pollution events. Over the past year 1096 complaints were received, a slight increase from 1996-97. All complaints are docketed and filed with complainant details being kept confidential. A complaint may result in one or more of the following actions being taken:

• discussions with the individual or organisation, whose activity led to the complaint, with the aim of either improving or ending that activity

• civil enforcement action in the form of an Environment Protection Order or Clean-up Order

• amendment of licence conditions when they are no longer appropriate, either immediately or upon renewal of the licence

• prosecution.

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7.2 Public Access to Information Members of the public have substantial access to information either held or produced by the EPA through:

• public register

• web site

• public meetings

• public events

• published documents (see Appendix 2 for a full list of publications).

Public Register The public register is kept pursuant to section 109 of the Act and includes information relating to environmental authorisations issued by the EPA, applications for development authorisations referred to the EPA, orders issued by the EPA, details of prosecutions and other enforcement action under the Act). During 1997–98 there were 49 requests for register information.

Web Site The increasing availability of access to the Internet by individuals and organisations is recognised by the EPA as being a valuable communication medium. The EPA Web Site (http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/) will be increasingly used to provide information to clients and the general public.

Changes to the site over the past year have focused on providing more accurate and current information. The site currently includes:

• an inventory of available information sheets, technical bulletins and pamphlets

• links to up to date legislation (Australasian Legal Information Institute)

• links to SA Central, the designated Government entry point to SA Information.

Public Meetings A public meeting is an important consultation mechanism for providing information to the public and for seeking opinion. Whereas public meetings are required under the Act for the making of Policies, the EPA also conducts non-statutory meetings. Several public meetings were conducted in relation to the National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure and the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure.

EPA Events In the 1997–98 reporting period displays were provided for the following major events:

• 1997 Royal Adelaide Show—interactive display on Frog Census and information on the Pollution Prevention Programme at the headquarters of the Environment Trail

• Gardens Alive in conjunction with Recycle 2000—interactive display on pollution and the motor car, and stormwater pollution prevention

• Police Expo ’98—emergency response and interactive noise display.

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8 EMERGENCY POLLUTION INCIDENT RESPONSE During 1997–98 a roster of experienced staff was maintained to enable emergency pollution incidents, notified through the EPA’s emergency 24-hour pager number, to be responded to efficiently.

The emergency pollution incident response system enables the EPA to:

• participate in the ‘whole of government’ (Blue Book) procedure for dealing with spillages or leakages of hazardous substances onto land or into non-marine waters

• participate in the national plan for responding to oil or chemical spills at sea

• deal with major breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act) which are reported to the EPA outside normal office hours.

The Blue Book procedure is initiated if the Police or fire service decide that any spilled or leaked material may adversely affect human health, the environment, public facilities private property and/or stock. The fire service acts as the combating authority. The Department of Administrative and Information Services coordinates technical advice from support agencies, such as the EPA, Department for Human Services, Department of Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts (DTUPA), SA Water and local councils, to the combating authority at an incident.

The National Plan for responding to oil and chemical spills at sea is initiated through the DTUPA Marine Safety Unit on the basis of information supplied from the public, industry, local councils, other government organisations and vessel operators. Any call received by the EPA through its emergency pollution incident response system which relates to oil spills at sea is redirected to the DTUPA’s Marine Safety Unit 24-hour phone number. The DTUPA acts as the combating authority for oil and chemical spills at sea in South Australia. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority provides resources at major incidents. When requested, the EPA provides advice to the combating authority about the environmental implications and response priorities at an oil or chemical spill.

During 1997–98 the EPA received notification of 55 incidents through its emergency response system. Figure 4 presents a breakdown of incidents which the EPA was notified of and/or became involved in responding to via its emergency response system.

Significant emergency pollution incidents which the EPA responded to during 1997–98 included:

• an accident between a truck and two carriages of a train carrying diesel with all of the diesel spilling directly into a stormwater drain

• spillage of several containers of 2,4D pesticide into a stormwater drain leading to the Port River

• an unknown but large quantity of lubricating oil being discharged into a high flowing drain which discharged into Barker Inlet

• wastewater containing a solvent-based degreaser discharged into the stormwater drainage system.

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dumped wastes 2%

marine incidents transport spills

31% 37%

Oil on inland waters

4%

stormwater industrial pollution

spills/leaks 10% 16%

Figure 4 Emergency response incidents by the EPA in 1997–98.

During 1997 - 98 there were no incidents of inland fish kills or chemical fires requiring emergency pollution incident response by the EPA.

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9 LEGISLATION AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY

9.1 Legislative Amendment

Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act Section 7 of the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994 requires vendors to provide purchasers with a detailed statement about land and businesses which are the subject of sale. The EPA is responsible for, or holds, information referred to as the ‘Particulars Relating to Environment Protection’ as specified in the associated regulations.

A review of these Particulars was completed by the EPA during 1996–97 and following extensive consultation on draft amendments, revised Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Regulations 1995 were to be gazetted on 2 July 1998. The new section 7 service will become operational on 3 November 1998.

The key features of the amendments to the Particulars Relating to Environment Protection include:

• Striking the previous questions from the Particulars.

• New Questions 1(1), 1(2), 2(1) and 2(2) which require vendors to provide details of their knowledge of certain activities undertaken on land and environmental assessments relating to the land.

• All other questions are to be answered by the EPA on behalf of DEHAA.

• New Question 2(3) requires DEHAA to advise whether or not the EPA holds a copy of any environmental assessment of land which is the subject of sale that has been carried out at any time by or on behalf of the owner or occupier of the land pursuant to the following sections of the Environment Protection Act 1993 - 52(1)(b) & 52(2) Conditions Requiring Tests, Monitoring or Audits, 59 Environment Performance Agreements, 83 Notification of Incidents, 93 Environment Protection Orders, 99 Clean-up Orders and 100 Clean-up Authorisations. Through this question DEHAA is also required to advise whether or not the EPA holds a copy of any environmental assessment of land which is the subject of sale that has been carried out by the Authority (whether alone or jointly with another authority) or by a Contaminated Sites Auditor who is recognised by the Authority.

• New Questions 3 and 4 continue to address matters regarding licensing of waste depots and the production of certain wastes under the repealed South Australian Waste Management Act 1979 and the repealed Waste Management Act 1987 as was the case with questions 10 and 11 of the former Particulars. These questions now also address the licensing (both current and past) of the operation of waste depots and the production of listed wastes under the Environment Protection Act 1993.

• The new Question 5 requires records obtained by the former Waste Management Commission of waste being deposited on land between 1 January 1983 and 30 April 1995 to be provided. The definition of waste used under the repealed Waste Management Act 1987 will be used for this question. A similar requirement to provide such records under the Act is not practical given the very broad definition of waste, defined as “any solid, liquid or gas (or combination thereof) that is left over, surplus or an unwanted by-product from any business or domestic activity, whether of value or not”.

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• The disclosure requirements for the EPA (on behalf of DEHAA) and vendors only concern matters of which both parties should be aware. They represent a fair division of responsibility for providing information regarding environmental matters in ‘Section 7 Statements’.

• The new questions as a package serve as a comprehensive replacement for question 9 which was struck from the Particulars at an earlier date.

As part of their ‘Section 7 Statements’, vendors are also required to provide details of mortgages, charges and prescribed encumbrances that affect land and/or businesses which are subject to sale. These matters are addressed in the Table of Particulars of Section 7 Statements.

In accordance with various provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act) the EPA has resolved to register Environment Protection Orders, Clean-up Orders, Clean-up Authorisations and Environment Performance Agreements (‘orders or agreements’) issued by itself or its delegates on the relevant Certificates of Title.

The Act specifies that once orders and agreements are registered they are binding on each owner and occupier of land. Registration also provides a means of informing interested parties about properties which are affected by orders and agreements.

The Table of Particulars has been amended to require that orders and agreements which have been registered on a Certificate of Title are cited by vendors in their Section 7 Statements. The information regarding these matters will be provided to vendors by the EPA as part of its Section 7 service.

Review of the Environment Protection Act 1993 Preliminary arrangements have been made for review of the Act which will commence during 1999.

Fees and Levies

Regulations

• The Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations 1994 were amended in June 1998 to increase the solid waste levy by $1.30 per tonne in metropolitan Adelaide to $4.52 per tonne from 1 July 1998. This includes the 4.5% movement in the Government’s composite salaries and price index. The increase provides a 30 cents per tonne allocation for KESAB projects.

• In rural areas the increase in the solid waste levy has been restricted to the 4.5% movement in the Government’s composite salaries and price index. This means that as from 1 July 1998, the solid waste levy in rural areas will be $2.28 per tonne.

• In addition, licence fees specified for 1999 in the Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations were extended to apply beyond this date so as to ensure continuity in licensing.

Review

• The Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations specify fees for prescribed activities. These fees are currently subject to examination. With the exception of licence

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fees for marine discharges, the current licensing system uses production and throughput indicators to determine licence fees. The question currently being examined is whether it is possible to implement a more extensive and rigorous load-based licensing system. Preliminary work needed to underpin a review has commenced, with initial focus on an evaluation of the New South Wales, Victorian and Western Australian load-based licensing systems. The emphasis in South Australia will be upon the development of a load-based licensing system which provides additional incentive to industry reduce its pollution loads whilst also being practical and cost efficient for industry in this State. Substantial community consultation will be part of the process of developing any alternative to the current system.

9.2 Environment Protection Policies The Environment Protection (Vessels on Inland Waters) Policy 1998 came into operation on 8 January 1998 and regulates the disposal of waste from vessels used on watercourse or lakes. The provisions specify the design and capacity of holding tanks and related matters and are a translation from the former Water Resources Regulations 1990.

Reviews of the Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994, the Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy 1994, the Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy 1994 and the Environment Protection (Marine) Policy 1994 continued as part of the development of Environment Protection Policies (EPPs) covering noise, water quality and waste.

The most advanced of the EPP reviews is that involving the development of the draft Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy for South Australia’s inland (surface and underground), estuarine and marine waters. Currently there is no effective State legislation that allows waterbodies to be protected on the basis of their environmental value and there is a need for a consistent State-wide approach to the issue to ensure that waters are not degraded over time. Preparations for the development of this policy have been more extensive than required by statute and have included the release of a public discussion paper and the conduct of public meetings throughout the State in 1996–97. More than 100 submissions, some quite detailed, were received in response. During 1997–98 the EPA prepared a comprehensive report which summarised the responses and has used this material to assist with the preparation of a draft EPP, the preparation of which is well advanced. An EPA subcommittee is assisting the development process. The next important stage of the review will be the release of the draft EPP for public consultation.

9.3 National Environment Protection Measures In accordance with the requirements of the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994, the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) made the following National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs) during 1997–98:

• National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure

• National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure

• National Environment Protection (Movement of Controlled Wastes between States and Territories) Measure

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Each measure was prepared by a Project Team under a Project Chair who is a member of the NEPC Committee. The Executive Director of the EPA, Mr Rob Thomas, was the Project Chair for Movement of Controlled Wastes between States and Territories NEPM and also provided the Chair for the associated Management Options Working Group. A Project Manager is based in the NEPC Service Corporation and works closely with the Project Team. The Project Manager is responsible for coordinating the preparation and carriage of the draft NEPM and Impact Statement through to approval by Council.

The Project Teams are drawn from various jurisdictions for their expertise. In addition, each jurisdiction nominates a Jurisdictional Reference Network member for each NEPM to represent the jurisdictional viewpoint to the Project Team. The Project Teams are assisted in the preparation of the NEPM by Technical Advisory Panels and non-government organisations which include representatives from industry and environmental groups. The EPA provided Project Team members for development of the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and Controlled Waste NEPMs.

Ambient Air Quality The focus of this NEPM is ambient air quality that allows for the adequate protection of human health and well-being. The NEPM sets the goal of attaining specified National Environment Protection Standards for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, photochemical oxidants (as ozone), sulphur dioxide, lead, and PM10 particles within 10 years of commencement. In accordance with the provisions of clause 3 of the NEPM, participating jurisdictions must establish monitoring procedures and begin assessment and reporting within three years of the NEPM’s commencement.

National Pollutant Inventory The NPI NEPM provides for the collection of information on emissions of pollutants to air, land and water. Industrial facilities using more than a specified amount of chemicals will be required to estimate (or monitor) and report emissions of these substances annually. In addition government will also estimate emissions from a range of other sources.

During the first year, reports will address 36 of a total of 90 substances on the reporting list. In subsequent years the emission of all 90 substances must be reported on. The first reporting year will commence on 1 July 1998, however industry is not required to commence the estimation of emissions for NPI until three months after approved industry handbooks have been provided.

In South Australia, the EPA has established a team to work with industry on its reporting obligations and to undertake the estimation work required by the State.

NPI emissions information will be available to users in government, industry and the community via an Internet database. Such information will help to create an informed community which should in turn lead to waste minimisation.

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Movement of Controlled Wastes The key features of the Movement of Controlled Wastes between States and Territories NEPM are:

• lists of hazardous and controlled wastes

• a national uniform tracking system

• high levels of consultation/authorisation

• the mutual recognition of transporter licences.

The ultimate objective of the draft NEPM is to reduce the environmental impact from the movement of hazardous and controlled wastes across State or Territory boundaries by:

• ensuring the wastes reach a facility licensed or approved to receive it

• establishing an agreed set of objectives or levels of competency to ensure these wastes are managed appropriately

• assisting environment authorities and emergency services in dealing with leaks and spills

• requiring that transporters of the waste comply with agreed jurisdictional benchmarks.

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10 REGULATING ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES The EPA regulates prescribed activities of environmental significance in two ways:

• It licenses and controls through licence conditions the manner in which these activities are undertaken.

• It has input in the initial stages when a development is proposed.

10.1 Environmental Authorisations Environmental authorisations may be in the form of a licence, works approval or exemption. In the current reporting period, the number of exemptions increased slightly compared to the previous year (Table 4).

Table 4 EPA licences and exemptions.

Indicator 1995–96 1996–97 19997–98

Number of licences 1600 1732 1876

Number of exemptions (other than ozone) 6 11 13

Ozone exemptions 1863 1935 1149

Ozone accreditations – – 3280

Total 3469 3678 6318

10.2 Development Assessment

Buffer Distance Guidelines A draft document for Buffer Distance Guidelines has been developed which specifies appropriate separation distances between development proposals involving activities with the potential to cause emissions of air pollutants, and/or noise, and land uses that are sensitive to those impacts. The use of the draft Guidelines is not an alternative to the use of best practice environmental management. Rather it is an additional measure of protection to address those occasional unplanned incidents such as accidents and unusual meteorological conditions.

The separation distances prescribed by the document are for use in:

• assessing development proposals involving activities of environmental significance (in particular industrial activities)

• addressing the interrelationship between new developments and existing situations where either of these involve activities with the potential for off-site impacts.

The draft guidelines have been developed in close consultation with the Department of Industry and Trade, and the Planning SA Division of the Department of Transport, Urban Development and the Arts.

It is anticipated that the final document will be released late in 1998.

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Development Assessments: Councils and the Development Assessment Commission Under the Development Act 1993 and Regulations, councils and the Development Assessment Commission are required to refer to the EPA certain activities in the Mount Lofty Ranges and the River Murray Water Protection Areas and activities of environmental significance as listed in schedules 21 and 22 of the Regulations (Table 5).

Table 5 Development referrals by category.

Informal Water Protection Schedule 21 Schedule 22 Total Area (Schedule

8)

1996–97 64 58 283 138* 543

1997–98 44 44 279 142 509

Of the 142 schedule 22 development applications, the EPA directed that only one be refused.

Major Developments or Projects Under the Development Act (formerly Environmental Impact Statements) The Development Act provides for the involvement of the EPA in consideration of proposals declared by the Minister for Transport and Urban Planning to be of major environmental, social or economic importance.

The following proposals have been considered in the 1997–98 financial year:

• Capital City Adelaide Proposal (redevelopment of the John Martins site)

• Adelaide Central Plaza Redevelopment (redevelopment of John Martins site)

• Memorial Drive Tennis Centre Redevelopment

• SA–NSW 275 kV Transmission Line Proposal (Riverlink)

• Tumby Bay Marina Proposal—amendment

• Glenelg Foreshore and Environs: Holdfast Quays Proposal—amendment

• Hindmarsh Stadium Redevelopment

• Beverley Uranium Mine.

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11. ENFORCEMENT The most important aspects of the EPA’s work are:

• to promote defined principles of ecologically sustainable development

• ensure that all reasonable and practicable measures are taken to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment.

The EPA does not see criminal enforcement as being the most effective nor efficient way of enforcing environmental law. Cooperative means of achieving compliance is used whenever possible, however there will always be occasions when enforcement is required.

11.1 Enforcement Guidelines Enforcement guidelines explaining the various enforcement mechanisms, both civil and criminal, available to the EPA, and guidance as to the use of available enforcement tools were released for authorised officers in February 1998.

11.2 Civil Enforcement The orders issued by the EPA during the 1997–98 year are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Orders issued by the EPA.

1995–96 1996–97 1997–98

Environment Protection 99 315 321 Orders

(82 orders issued by (287 orders issued by (292 orders issued by the SA the SA Police) the SA Police—parties Police—parties and and domestic noise) domestic noise)

(1 order issued by local council)

Clean-up Orders 6 2 1

11.3 Investigations A Government Investigations Officer was seconded to the EPA from the Crown Solicitor’s Office, Attorney-General’s Department on a contractual basis for the period 7 October 1997 to 30 June 1998.

This initiative was implemented to support the effective and efficient operation of the EPA to enforce compliance with provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

The key role of the investigator was to:

• conduct timely investigations into suspected offences

• collect evidence

• interview witnesses and suspected offenders

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• prepare briefs of evidence

• attend and give evidence in Court as required

• provide advice to officers of the EPA in respect to the conduct of effective investigation techniques, protocols and requirements

• provide advice as to the preparation and presentation of exhibits, statements and interviews

• contribute to the development of effective investigations by presenting sessions on investigation techniques and requirements at the Environment Protection Enforcement Certificate courses conducted at the Faculty of Law, The University of Adelaide.

A wide variety of issues have been investigated including:

• disposal of waste tyres

• illegal waste dumping

• discharge of waste waters

• oil spills

• brick kiln emissions

• breaches of environmental authorisation.

Some of the investigations have resulted in the issuing of Environment Protection Orders, others have been resolved and some are being further investigated with the view of possible prosecution.

An Investigations Unit will come into effect from 1 July 1998 with the following roles:

• Investigate major, NOT minor breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1993, Coast Protection Act 1972 and the Water Resources Act 1997. Major breaches are those that are most likely to result in a recommendation to the Environment Protection Authority that a prosecution should be launched.

• Undertake compliance audits against specific Environment Protection Policies, eg the Milking Shed Effluent Management Policy 1997 and the Marine Policy 1994.

• Undertake licence performance checks. Environment protection officers have been asked to provide information on any non-compliant licensees.

• Provide support and advice to any environment protection officers on request.

• Train environment protection officers and give input into training at the Environment Protection Enforcement Certificate Course at The University of Adelaide.

11.4 Prosecutions There have been no prosecutions by the EPA during the reporting period.

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12 ADMINISTRATION

12.1 Staff Training and Development Investment in staff training and development by the EPA during 1997–98 included the following programmes:

Authorised Officer Training

• Development Act and Assessment Procedures

• Investigation Interviewing Methodology

• Verbal Judo: Psychological control of conflict situations

• Environment Protection Enforcement Certificate Course

• Breach Investigation Procedures

• Expiation Notice Training

• Breach Interview Practice Training

• External Observer Training Course

Environment Protection and Management Training

• ISO 14000 Environment Management Systems

• SA Water Industry Seminar

• Oil Spill Training Course

• GeoEnvironment 97

• Aquifer Heterogeneity & Optimal Capture of Contaminants

• Environmental Auditing Course

• Ausplume Modelling Course

• International Winter Environment School (Solid Waste & Composting)

• Aerial Agricultural Technical Workshop

Staff Development Programmes

• Staff Induction Training

• Accrual Accounting Seminars

• Media Training

• Working in Teams

• Managing Upwards Workshops

• Emotional Intelligence Workshop

• Business English/Grammar & Usage Courses

• Springboard (Management Development for Women)

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• Professional Communications at Work

• Benchmarking and Best Practice

Information Technology/Computer Training

• Windows 95 Upgrade

• Office 95 Overview

• Email Training

• Word 6 & Windows 95 Introduction

• Recfind Training

• Integrated Information Systems 1, 2 & 3

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare

• Manual Handling & Office Ergonomics

• OH&S Level 1 Training

• Diving & Occupational Scuba Training

• Collision Avoidance & Defensive Driving

• OHS Auditor Certification Training

• Managing OHS in the Workplace

• Fire Safety Certification

• St Johns First Aid Training

Staff also participated in the following educational programmes during 1997-98:

• Diploma of Environmental Management for three staff at DETAFE

• Graduate and postgraduate university courses at The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia for twelve EPA staff who are being provided with financial support and study leave in order to add value to the intellectual resources.

The EPA and the University of South Australia have designed and developed in partnership a Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Management) to be available first semester 1999. This course is six-months full-time study, or part-time equivalent over two years. Subject areas include Pollution and the Environment; Public Relations and Negotiation; Legal Obligations; and Environmental Management Systems. The structure of the course relies heavily on case studies conducted in the student’s own workplace.

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12.2 Human Resources

Executive Appointments

Table 7 Executive appointments.

Classification Female Male Total

CEO* 28 0 1 1

CEO 30 0 1 1

CEO Chief Executive Officer

Both members are employed on a contract basis under the Public Sector Management Act 1995 and have the right to be appointed to a further position in the public sector at the end of a limited term appointment.

Non-Executive Employment

Table 8 Administrative services stream.

Classification Female Male Total

ASO-1 6 1 7

ASO-2 12 3 15

ASO-3 3 4 7

ASO-4 2 2 4

ASO-5 4 2 6

ASO-6 0 5 5

ASO-7 0 1 1

ASO-8 0 1 1

MAS-1 1 1 1

MAS-2 0 0 0

MAS-3 0 1 1

EL-1 0 1 1

EL-2 0 0 0

EL-3 0 1 1

Total 29 23 52

ASO Administrative Services Officer MAS Manager Administrative Services EL Executive Level

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Table 9 Technical stream.

Classification Female Male Total

TGO-0 0 2 2

TGO-1 0 0 0

TGO-2 2 9 11

TGO-3 1 12 13

TGO-4 0 2 2

Total 3 25 28

TGO Technical Grades Officer

Table 10 Professional services stream.

Classification Female Male Total

PSO-1 4 5 9

PSO-2 0 4 4

PSO-3 0 4 4

PSO-4 1 12 13

PSO-5 0 1 1

Total 5 26 31

PSO Professional Services Officer

Categories of Employment

Table 11 Categories of employment.

Permanent Casual Temporary 1-5 Year Contract Total FTEs

97.6 0 10.6 1 109.2 (97.6)

1 executive contract (R Thomas)

Leave Management The average number of days sick leave taken per full-time equivalent employees during the year was 3.8. This compares with the rate of 5.5 in 1996–97.

No accident resulting lost time occurred during 1997–98.

12.3 Information Technology The EPA has a need to store and provide information relating to both its statutory obligations and its stated strategic objectives to develop high-quality information systems which allow informed decision making on issues pertaining to the South Australian environment.

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Integrated Information System (IIS) Project Over the last two years the EPA has undertaken the integration of existing fragmented databases. The Integrated Information System (IIS) officially commenced on the 9 June 1998 and allows more complex and accurate reporting on an individual and aggregated basis.

While the major function of the IIS system is to store and process details about Environmental Authorisations, it also hosts a number of other significant information holdings:

• Complaints • Inspections

• Contaminated Sites • Ozone Accreditations

• Development Applications • Ozone Exemptions

• Emergency Incidents • Public Register

• Environmental Enforcements • Section 7 Responses

• Environmental Improvement Programmes • Waste Manifest

Environmental Data Management System Project The EPA has developed an EDMS to hold data generated by monitoring programmes initiated by the organisation, data supplied as a condition of licence requirements on licensees, and data from other sources. The data comprise air, noise, soil and water quality information, and are being used to assess trends, provide rapid assessments of environmental quality, provide information needed for State of the Environment Reports, determine performance against National Environmental Protection Measures, assess compliance with performance measures, and many other purposes.

The system took approximately 2 years to develop and commenced operation in September 1997. To date over a million results have been added to the database, mostly older data, some of which goes back to the 1940s.

12.4 External Consultants

Table 12 External consultants.

Consultants Amount ($)

Below $10 000

Total value (23 consultancies, each less than $10 000) 72 657.00

$10 000 – $50 000

Proposed Ambient Air Monitoring in SA Capital Strategies Pty Ltd 11 766.00

Adelaide Coast Waters Ecosystem Study CSIRO Marine Research 35 000.00

ANZECC Consultancy on Antifouling Hyder Consulting 25 000.00

Revenue IT Procedures Upgrade Project RB Consultants 23 006.00

Environmental Database Management System Steven Rowe & Associates 34 617.00

Above $50 000

Monitoring Health of Reefs Luminis Pty Ltd 54 169.00

Adelaide Airtrak Network Evaluation Mineral Control 72 000.00

Total $362 044.00

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12.5 Freedom of Information During the year ended 30 June 1998 18 applications were received under the Freedom of Information Act 1991, for information in respect of EPA licensees and other matters.

Of these requests, 12 were granted in full, two in part, and four were still in progress as at 30 June 1998.

12.6 Financial Statements The audited financial statement as required by section 111 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 is contained in Appendix 2.

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Appendix 1 Environment Protection Agency Publications List

Information Sheets:No 1 A New Approach in SA to Environment Protection

No 2 Objects of the Environment Protection Act 1993

No 3 How Your Company will Benefit from the Environment Protection Act

* No 4 EPA Organisational Structure

* No 5 Pollution Prevention Fund

No 6 Environment Improvement Programmes

No 7 Construction Noise

No 8 Assessment Procedure for Contaminated Land

* No 9 Noise Control

* No 10 Burning on Non-Domestic Premises

* No 11 Burning on Domestic Premises

No 12 Air Conditioner Noise

No 13 Disposal of Backwash Water from Swimming Pools

No 14 Ozone Protection Notes The Disposal of Refrigeration and Airconditioning Equipment Containing Prescribed CFCs and HFCs

* No 15 Waste Tyre Disposal

* No 20 Detergents

Technical Bulletins:No 4

* No 5

No 11

No 12

No 13

No 21

No 22

Pamphlets:

Waste Transport Certificate

Disposal Criteria for Contaminated Soil

Winery and Distillery Wastewater Monitoring Programmes

Land Application of Alum Sludge from Water Treatment

Irrigation with Water Reclaimed from Sewage Treatment on Pastures Used for Grazing of Cattle and Pigs

Independent Verification of Monitoring Programmes

Protection for Voluntary Environmental Audits

Hazardous Wastes

Frog Census* How Healthy Are Our Streams* Don’t Let Our Waterways Go Down The Drain

Jan ‘95

Jan ’95

Jan ‘95

Jul '97

Nov '97

Sept ‘95

Oct ‘95

Nov ‘97

April '98

Mar '98

Mar '98

Sept ‘96

Oct ‘96

Mar ‘97

July '97

Oct '97

Nov ‘96

Nov ‘97

Nov ‘96

Feb ‘97

Nov ’96

May ‘96

May ‘96

Free

Free

Free

Free

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Stop Our Waterways Going Down the Drain Series: Free How Your Shop or Restaurant Can Help How to Dispose of Problem Household Waste How You and Your Household Can Help How Cleaning Contractors Can Help How Your Mobile Vehicle Service Business Can Help How Your Workshop Can Help How Your Factory Can Help How Builders and Do-It-Yourselfers Can Help

Pollution Prevention Fund Kit Free

Codes of Practice and Guidelines: South Australian Biosolids Guidelines $10.00

(inc. post) Stormwater Pollution Prevention:

Code of Practice for Local, State and Federal Government Free

Code of Practice for the Community Free

Code of Practice for Building and Construction Industry—Consultation Free* Draft

Code of Practice for Industrial, Retail and Commercial Free* Premises—Consultation Draft

Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Cattle Feedlots in SA Office of EPA and Primary Industries, June 1994 $10.00

Interim Criteria for Major Landfill Depots Free* Consultation Draft—Submissions closed 12 December 1997

Environmental Guidelines for composting Works and Organic Waste Free* Treatment Depots in South Australia—Submissions closed 27 February 1998

Reports: A Cleaner South Australia—Statement on the Environment Free Hon. Dean Brown, April 1995

South East Waste Management Strategy Plan—South East Local Govt $10.00 Association and Office of the EPA, November 1994 (incl. post)

Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide 1996–2015, June 1996 $10.00

Summary Report on Responses to the Integrated Waste Management Strategy—Public Discussion Paper, June 1996 $5.00

Options for an Integrated Waste Management Strategy for The Adelaide $20.00 Metropolitan Area: 2015 and Beyond Public Discussion Paper, April 1995 (incl. post)

The Australian Marine Debris Status Review $45.00 ANZECC Strategy to Protect the Environment (EPA acting as distributor) (incl. Post)

Three Decades of Air Pollution Control 1961–1991 Free

Ambient Air Monitoring Report—January to December 1995 Free

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Ambient Air Monitoring Report—January to December 1996 Free

Environment Protection Authority Annual Report—1994–95 Free

Environment Protection Authority Annual Report—1995–96 Free

Environment Protection Authority Annual Report—1996–97 Free* Round-table Report 1997 Free

EPA Strategic Plan, January 1998 Free* Independent Audit of Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant to determine the* Causes of a Major Odour Event $70.00

Water Monitoring Report* Ambient Water Quality Monitoring of the Port River Estuary—Report No. 1 Free

Water Monitoring Report* Ambient Water Quality Monitoring of Gulf St Vincent Metropolitan Bathing Free Waters—Report No. 1

Water Monitoring Report Free* Sediment Quality Monitoring of the Port River Estuary—Report No. 1

Protecting Gulf St Vincent. A Statement on Its Health and Future Free* DENR September 1997

Manuals: EPA Monitoring Manual—Volume 1: Air Quality Emission $55.00 Testing methodology for Air Pollution (incl. Post)

* documents updated or produced and published in the 1997–98 year

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Appendix 2 Audited Financial Statements

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