2 0 0 2 – 2 0 0 3E N V I R O N M E N T P R O T E C T I O N A U T H O R I T Y a n n u a l r e p o r t

Facsimile (08) 8204 9393

September 2003

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ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2002–2003

Environment Protection Authority

GPO Box 2607 Adelaide SA 5001

Telephone (08) 8204 2004

Free call (country) 1800 623 445

Web site www.epa.sa.gov.au

ISSN 1322-1663

Letter of transmittal

Dear Minister

Public .

CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CHAIR

The Hon John Hill MP Minister for Environment and Conservation Parliament House North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000

It is with pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report of the Environment Protection Authority for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003. This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Sector Management Act 1995

Yours sincerely

Dr Paul Vogel

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

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Foreword This report provides an overview of the work of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as the body charged with administering the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act) and the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 (the RPC Act) for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

This report highlights a number of achievements with respect to environmental outcomes as well as significant changes to the governing arrangements for the EPA. On 1 July 2002, the EPA became a separate administering agency with its own Chief Executive. This was followed, later in the year, with a revamped Act that increased the powers and level of independence for the EPA’s managing Board. These changes were consistent with the key recommendations of the Environment Resources and Development Committee review into the effectiveness of the then EPA and were a fundamental policy position of the incoming government.

The EPA recognises and accepts the challenge in responsibly and proactively using its enhanced powers and independence towards achieving its vision of a healthy and valued environment for South Australia.

Due to the recency of the changes to governing arrangements, the reporting requirements for the RPC Act for this reporting period must be undertaken as a separate report. Changes are being made to ensure the next annual report includes reporting required under both Acts. Consequently, this report only covers matters dealing with environment protection, although for the first time it covers corporate governance reporting in relation to staffing and budget, an outcome of the new governing responsibilities for the EPA.

Under the Act, the EPA’s responsibilities cover a broad range of activities including the development of Environment Protection Policies, environmental monitoring and evaluation programs, programs and investigations that promote the ecological sustainability principles embodied under the Objects of the Act, and consulting with all levels of government, the private sector and the community in matters relating to environment protection and enhancement.

The EPA has continued to administer its business in accordance with its strategic and business plans. The incoming Board began a review of these plans in early 2003 and proposed draft strategic directions for the EPA for the 2004–06 period. This included providing the opportunity for external input to these directions from stakeholders at the Round-table Conference in May 2003. The draft strategic directions will be finalised by the EPA Board by the end of 2003 and will be used to reposition the EPA and its programs into the future.

This report demonstrates that although significant efforts during the year were devoted to implementing new governing arrangements, there was continued progress by the EPA in areas such as environmental monitoring, auditing and licensing operations, proactive ‘beyond-compliance’ programs, and in developing better environmental legislation to manage environment protection. I thank all staff and all our stakeholders who, during the course of the year, committed their time and efforts in these programs aimed at protecting and enhancing our environment.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the contributions made by outgoing members of the previous Board and their support during the transition process. I also thank Mr Nicholas Newland, the previous Executive Director and acting Chief Executive of the EPA, for his efforts in shaping the change process during 2002.

Acknowledgment should also be given to Mr Stephen Walsh QC who has now retired as Chair of the EPA, although he has agreed to continue as a member of the new Board. Stephen was the inaugural EPA Chair and served in that capacity for over nine years. He has been widely recognised as managing complex and difficult issues over the years with great dedication and skill.

The Board of the EPA and its staff look forward to the opportunities ahead in working cooperatively with our stakeholders towards achieving a sustainable South Australia.

Dr Paul Vogel

CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CHAIR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

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Letter of transmittal

Foreword

Snapshot – Major Initiatives and Highlights

Introduction

EPA Board and its activities

Strategic directions

The organisation

Air—Issues and strategies

Noise—Issues and strategies

Water—Issues and strategies

Waste—Issues and strategies

Community involvement and partnerships

Enforcement and compliance

Legislative framework

Organisational support

Abbreviations

Appendices Appendix 1—Financial statements Appendix 2—Publications Appendix 3—Freedom of Information Statement Appendix 4—Other statutory information

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Snapshot – Major Initiatives and Highlights The Environment Protection Authority has continued to make a positive contribution to the protection and enhancement of the environment of South Australia throughout 2002-03. Some of the key achievements are highlighted below.

GOVERNANCE AND POWERS This year the EPA became a separate agency within the Environment and Conservation Portfolio. New legislation, proclaimed in April 2003, established a new governing structure for the organisation and a new EPA Board was appointed.

Legislative changes in 2002-03 also mean that, in addition to the new governing structure, the EPA has greater regulatory powers and penalties for offences have been significantly increased. They are amongst the highest in Australia and provide greater incentive to protect and enhance the environment.

AIR/ NOISE 2002-03 saw the end of lead monitoring in Adelaide due to sustained low lead levels, which are now well below required national standards. EPA monitoring confirms an overall improvement in air quality for Adelaide over the last ten years.

Completion of a CSIRO greenhouse study, commissioned by the state government, highlights the impacts of climate change on our environment and the challenges that South Australia faces in the future, especially in adapting to a warmer and drier climate predicted by scientists.

The EPA has increased its noise monitoring capability with the introduction of a monitoring unit to identify sporadic noises and provide important data for investigators. This new equipment has allowed the EPA to better respond to community concerns in relation to noise.

The EPA has developed wind farm guidelines for South Australia that set environmental noise standards to ensure a balance is achieved between the needs of industry and the community. The EPA also represents other state and territory environment protection authorities nationally in relation to the development of a national noise measurement standard for wind farms.

WATER The gazettal of the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy in April 2003 has brought South Australia in line with the National Water Quality Management Strategy and provides the state with a consistent approach to the management of water quality. The policy will come into effect from 1 October 2003 with an aim of achieving the sustainable management of our waters by protecting or enhancing water quality while allowing economic and social development.

Integrated management of water related issues is exemplified through the work of the Mt Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Office. Key achievements this year were:

• completion of the watershed’s dairy audit, against the Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1997, and

• completion of stages 1 and 2 of the winery development water quality risk assessment study. The purpose of the study is to obtain an objective view of water quality risks associated with winery and ancillary developments in the watershed, also having regard to economic development and planning objectives.

Six projects (worth $1.6 million) focussing on improving water quality in the Port River Waterways received funding from the Commonwealth and the EPA this year.

Water monitoring expanded during the year to ensure better representation across the state’s waters, with beach water quality monitoring data made available to the general public through the EPA web site.

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Research and investigation, being undertaken by the CSIRO on behalf of the EPA, has begun for the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study following completion of the initial design stage during the year. The project aims ultimately to provide options for the future management of Adelaide’s coastal waters.

WASTE Following this year’s announcement by the Minister for Environment and Conservation of the creation of a new statutory waste body, known as Zero Waste SA, the EPA provided key support to establish the new administrative unit which became operational from 26 June 2003.

Expanded provisions for beverage containers came into effect from 1 January 2003. These are expected to result in further reductions of beverage container litter, particularly flavoured milk cartons and pure fruit juice containers.

The Green Events scheme was launched in November 2003, providing financial support to a number of events where recycling and other ‘green’ practices were implemented. The scheme has so far resulted in approximately four tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill.

The successful ChemCollect program concluded in 2002-03, collecting 610 tonnes of unwanted hazardous materials from rural and regional areas of the state.

Training programs run by the EPA continued throughout the year including training for country landfill operators (in conjunction with the Local Government Association). The successful eco-efficiency program for small businesses continued for the eighth year. An education strategy has also been developed, ensuring that future waste education in South Australia will reach all sectors of the community and be more coordinated and better integrated with existing programs.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/ PARTNERSHIPS The Annual EPA Round-table conference was held in May 2003 with delegates providing feedback on the draft strategic directions for the EPA. The report on the outcomes of this event was released in August 2003.

60,000 South Australians participated in community monitoring programs coordinated by the EPA. In 2002-03 WaterCare, Waterwatch, Frog Census and AirWatch continued as invaluable tools in promoting messages of environmental sustainability to the community and in particular young South Australians.

During 2002-03 the EPA entered into an arrangement with Community Mediation Services to provide mediation for people with (relatively minor) pollution complaints in order to resolve their issues without resorting to legal or other regulatory action. The EPA provides technical support and information to the process.

Following consideration of the report based on the findings of the ‘Sharing Environmental Protection Responsibilities Trial’, the EPA developed a local government support package which provides a suite of tools to help councils deliver environment protection services to their local communities.

ENFORCEMENT The EPA’s role and responsibility in participating in the management of the aquaculture industry significantly expanded during the year with the Aquaculture Act 2001 coming into operation. A dedicated Aquaculture Unit was established to ensure the organisation’s capacity to deliver its responsibilities in regulating the industry.

The EPA worked with South Australian industry throughout 2002-03 to support environmentally responsible practices. Key point source pollution programs were maintained with some licensees where specific environmental concerns have been identified and environmental improvement programs were put in place as part of licence conditions.

In addition to ongoing inspections of licensed premises, the EPA undertook three major audits in 2002-03

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covering the Upper Spencer Gulf Region, Port River and, in conjunction with Workplace Services and the Metropolitan Fire Service, high priority hazardous waste storage sites.

As part of the EPA’s key regulatory role, the Investigations Branch undertook 28 investigations into pollution incidents through the year. The EPA’s 24-hour on-call response team dealt with 84 emergencies coordinated via the EPA emergency pollution incident response system.

LEGISLATION In addition to the major legislative reform coming into effect during the reporting period, amendments to the Environment Protection Act have been proposed, based on various reviews undertaken since 1999. The public consultation phase of this process was completed during the year.

The EPA continues to contribute to national environmental forums such as the National Environment Protection Council, including comment on and implementation of National Environment Protection Measures. In addition to these national measures, the EPA develops Environment Protection Policies (EPPs), under the Environment Protection Act, to address environment protection matters. During 2002-03 the EPP on Water Quality was released and a draft EPP for Noise was released for public consultation.

The EPA has established a framework for licensing reform that has initially involved increasing licence fees, which will be doubled over the next four years. The framework includes an accredited licensing system where licensees achieving a high level of environmental performance, who can also demonstrate an ongoing capacity and commitment to maintaining and improving environmental performance, will be able to obtain a reduction in annual licence fees.

ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT The EPA launched an innovative new licensing initiative—e-ELF (electronic–Environment Licensing Forms). This facility enables EPA clients to renew their licences electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system also has e-commerce capabilities, which allows secure payment of invoices on-line, by using a credit card.

Human Resource Development in EPA benefited from combining the HR and Training and Development units in 2002-03 following a review of those services. Key initiatives included the development of the EPA ‘capabilities’ and their inclusion in the Performance and Development Review process, and the roll-out of Workplace Dignity Training throughout the organisation to raise awareness on harassment, discrimination and bullying.

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Introduction The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is South Australia’s primary environmental regulator. It has responsibility for the protection of air and water quality, and the control of pollution, waste and noise, to ensure the protection and enhancement of the environment.

As of 1 July 2002, changes to the Environment Protection Act allowed the EPA to become an independent administering agency with its own Chief Executive and an expanded governing Board with greater responsibilities and powers.

Board members contribute skills and qualifications in environmental and natural resources management, industry and economic development, environmental conservation and community advocacy, local government, waste management, environmental law and public sector management. The Board is chaired by the EPA Chief Executive and all other members are appointed on a two-year term.

The staff of the EPA administer the Act, as do some officers of the Department for Environment and Heritage, PIRSA, SA Police and local government who have been appointed as authorised officers under the Act. Significant administrative roles under the Act include: licensing prescribed activities of environmental significance; monitoring air, water quality, waste and noise; and investigating incidents that cause, or potentially cause, serious or material environmental harm. There are also other compliance and enforcement operations under the Act. The EPA continues to manage community education and monitoring programs as well as undertaking ongoing policy development and legislative review.

At 30 June 2003, there were 1964 licences issued under the Act for industries ranging from large cement manufacturers, electricity generators and wastewater treatment plants to foundries, abattoirs and shipyards. Licences are assigned to environment protection officers who inspect the licensed premises, negotiate environmental improvements and, where necessary, carry out enforcement actions. The EPA also has a specialised operational enforcement team for more serious offences.

The EPA has delegated some of its powers to local government to deal with matters not licensed under the Act. The EPA assists these officers in training, provision of meters and ongoing technical and legal support. It is currently working with local government to investigate opportunities for expanding the role of local government in environmental protection with a lower degree of environmental risk—generally those matters not licensed under the Act. SA Police continues to use the powers under the Act to help them manage local nuisance issues, particularly relating to domestic noise.

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EPA Board and its activities

EXPANDED CORPORATE GOVERNING ROLE Amendments to the Act proclaimed on 10 April 2003 established a new EPA Board consisting of nine members with increased responsibilities to govern the administration of the Act and activities of the EPA. This was achieved by formally requiring the EPA Chief Executive to be directly accountable to the Board, to be subject to its control and direction, and to give effect to its policies and decisions. In the previous arrangement the Chief Executive was accountable directly to the Minister and not to the Board; thus the Board and the Chief Executive were jointly accountable in managing the EPA (albeit with different functions).

The new governing arrangements responded to the Parliamentary Environment Resources and Development Committee review of the EPA’s effectiveness and a review of best practice models currently in place around Australia. The new arrangements are considered to provide the EPA Board with arguably the most comprehensive set of environment protection regulatory powers and penalties in Australia along with the broadest level of independence for an environmental regulator in Australia.

The Board recognises both the opportunity to use these changes to further the objects of the Act and the challenge to ensure that it observes effective corporate governance in undertaking its functions under the Act.

CONSULTATION PROGRAM During 2002-03, the Board met formally on 14 occasions. All Board members also attended the statutory Round-table conference on the 26 May as well as participating in a two-day regional visit and a consultation forum on the Eyre Peninsula. The Eyre Peninsula event, in August 2002, was attended by previous members of the Environment Protection Authority.

The Board’s consultative program aims to ensure interested stakeholders have direct access to members, provides it with relevant and timely information on the important issues facing communities and their environments, and assists it in its role to develop strategic direction and priority setting for the EPA. It has continued to undertake a program for consultation broader than the requirement under the Act to facilitate the Round-table conference.

MEMBERS During the year the EPA was managed by two boards. From 1 July 2002 to 9 April 2003, the six-member board (then called the Authority) was in place (with a vacant position from 12 October 2002). The new nine-member Board, which began on 10 April 03, includes two members from the previous Authority. The experience and qualifications of the members of the new Board, as well as retiring members of the Authority, are outlined below.

Dr Paul Vogel EPA Chief Executive Dr Vogel was appointed in late 2002 and became ex-officio Chair of the Board on 10 April 2003. In his previous position as director of the Environmental Policy Unit within the WA Department of the Premier and Cabinet he provided high level, strategic policy advice to the Premier and Cabinet Ministers on a broad array of environmental issues with a focus on sustainability. Before this he had spent six years as a director with the WA Department of Environmental Protection involved in water and air quality protection and natural resource management. Dr Vogel brings the following skills to the Board: ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’ and ‘qualifications and experience relevant to management generally and public sector management’.

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Mr Stephen Walsh QC Mr Walsh was the inaugural Chair of the Authority, having first been appointed in September 1994. He was appointed as 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, an accredited mediator and a past president of the Law Society of South Australia; he was an alderman and councillor at the City of Burnside for 10 years. Mr Walsh has been appointed to the new Board as a member with ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’ as well as ‘legal qualification and experience in environmental law’.

Mr Stephen Hains Mr Hains was appointed as a member (and Deputy Chair) of the Authority in November 2002 for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, local government’ as well as for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, the reduction, re-use, recycling and management of waste or the environmental management industry’. Mr Hains has been City Manager of the City of Salisbury since 1991. Before this he spent eight years in the South Australian Government as Chairman of the SA Planning Commission and then Director of the Planning Division of the (then) Department of Environment and Planning, where he was responsible for metropolitan and regional planning in South Australia as well as environmental impact assessment for major developments.

Ms Linda Bowes Ms Bowes was appointed to the Board for her ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development’. She is the current Chief Executive of the SA Wine and Brandy Industry Association having been appointed to this position in 1994. Ms Bowes also has wide expertise and specialist knowledge in areas such as corporate management, strategic planning, legislative analysis and policy development.

Mr Mike Elliott Mr Elliott, who was appointed to the Board for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, environmental conservation and advocacy on environmental matters on behalf of the community’, is the Director of Northern Adelaide Partnerships at University of SA. Before this he was the leader of the SA Democrats Party (since 1993) and was a member of the Legislative Council from 1985 to 2002.

Ms Megan Dyson Ms Dyson was appointed to the Board for her ‘legal qualifications and experience in environmental law’. She practices as a sole legal practitioner and policy consultant in the area of environmental law and policy, including advising the Murray-Darling Basin Commission on legal issues relating to environmental flows. Previously Ms Dyson had been executive adviser to the chief executive of the then SA Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs where she advised on legal and policy matters, including South Australia’s response to the Commonwealth’s environmental law reform and Australia’s Oceans Policy.

Mr Allan Holmes Mr Holmes was appointed to the Board for his ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’, as well as ‘qualifications and experience relevant to management generally and public sector management’. He is Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, appointed in 2000. He previously held senior executive positions in the SA public service as Director National Parks and Wildlife, Director Heritage and Biodiversity Division, and Director Natural Resources Group.

Dr Simon Stone Dr Stone was appointed to the Board for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development’. He was the former chief executive officer of SA Aquaculture Management Group of Companies, which is involved in growing yellowtail kingfish for the world export market. He has also served in a variety of senior management roles within the banking sector and at IBM. 3

Ms Ann Shaw Rungie Ms Shaw Rungie was appointed to the Board for her ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’. She is a Director of QED Pty Ltd and consults in the fields of environmental policy, strategy and change management. She has a wide range of experience in project management, public consultation, facilitation, strategic planning and environmental management. Much of her work is in environmental and natural resources policy, particularly in the water industry, and with major infrastructure projects. She is also a former chair of the SA Water Resources Council.

Mr Max Harvey As EPA deputy Chief Executive Mr Harvey is appointed under the Act as Chair of the Board during temporary absences of the Chief Executive. Mr Harvey is the Director of the Operations Division, EPA and has held a number of senior management positions in the EPA and its predecessors over the last 20 years. He has senior management experience in the fields of waste management and environmental compliance and enforcement operations.

RETIRING MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd Dr Cruickshanks-Boyd was a member and deputy chair of the Authority until his term concluded in October 2002. He was appointed as a person with practical knowledge of the environmental management industry. He has over 20 years experience in the design, implementation and management of environmental programs and has managed technical and consultancy services in this area. He is currently SA State Manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Mr John Phillips Mr Phillips 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. His term concluded in October 2002. He is currently the Executive Director of KESAB Inc, a peak community environment education association in South Australia.

Mr Trevor Fletcher Mr Fletcher, whose term concluded in April 2003, was appointed for his practical knowledge of and experience in local government. He is currently an elected councillor with the City of Onkaparinga and has served over 16 years in local government as an elected member including terms as mayor and deputy mayor. He has represented local government and the Local Government Association (LGA) on various State, regional and local boards and committees, and during his time as a member of the State Executive of the LGA he served as vice president.

Ms Barbara Rajkowska Ms Rajkowska was appointed to the Authority as a person with practical knowledge of and experience in industry, commerce or economic development. She is currently the National Manager, Industrial and Commercial Energy Sales with TXU and has over 25 years experience in all aspects of energy and energy related industries, from management of mining operations to development and implementation of corporate strategies in a competitive electricity market. Her term concluded in April 2003.

Ms Anne Harvey Ms Harvey, whose term concluded in April 2003, was appointed to the Authority as the person assigned to a position in the public service designated by the Governor, as required by the Act at that time. She is Deputy Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, and Director of the Office of Sustainability.

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Strategic directions While the vision and mission statements of the EPA remain unchanged (see below), the incoming Board proposed revised strategic directions for the EPA for the 2004-06 period to accommodate the new governing structure and responsibilities of the EPA.

PURPOSE

VISION

We will provide leadership to protect and enhance our environment by working with the community, industry and governments.

We want to achieve a healthy and valued environment.

The draft strategic directions (see ‘Community involvement and partnerships’ section of this report) were presented to the annual Round-table meeting for discussion and also to EPA staff at two consultation sessions. The Board will consider feedback from these processes as it finalises the strategic directions in the coming financial year.

During this transition phase, 2002-03 business plans based on the strategic priorities of the former Authority continued to be administered by the EPA.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Details of established key performance indicators were included in the Portfolio Statements 2003-04, Budget Paper 2, Volume 3 (see www.statebudget.sa.gov.au).

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The organisation

ORGANISATIONAL CHART with description of division functions

Legal

Jill Fitch

SA Government Premier and Cabinet

Minister for the Environment & Conservation Hon John Hill MP

EPA Board

Chief Executive Dr Paul Vogel

Office of the Chief Executive Tony Circelli

Corporate Governance EPA Board Secretariat EPHC Secretariat Government Business Coordination

Operations Max Harvey Northern Zone

Southern Zone South East Region Murray Bridge Technical Support Licensing and Operations Services Investigation

Radiation Protection Diagnostic X-rays Radiation Health Mining and Environment Laboratory and Technical Administration

Pollution Avoidance Peter Dolan

Atmosphere and Noise Aquaculture Waste and Pollution Prevention Water and Catchments Planning and Local Government Support

Monitoring and Evaluation John Cugley

Air Quality Community Monitoring Water Quality Pollution Source Assessment Healthy Rivers Watershed Protection

Policy and Strategic Services Cath Watkins

Policy Communications Corporate Reporting Process Improvement Strategic and Business Planning Reference Centre

Corporate and Business Support John O’Daly

Administration Financial Accounting Management Accounting Human Resource Development Information Technology

EPHC—Environment Protection and Heritage Council

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Annu

al a

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ead

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Air—Issues and strategiesCONTEXT In major urban centres, air pollution is a by-product of daily domestic, commercial and industrial activities. The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (Air NEPM) sets ambient community exposure standards for six common pollutants and requires each state to measure and assess the exposure of the public to those pollutants.

South Australia has had good air quality most of the time and air quality in Adelaide has significantly improved over the last 10 years—a positive trend that has been confirmed by the EPA’s monitoring network. Ambient air quality monitoring in Adelaide has determined that levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and lead are very low and well within the Air NEPM standards. Particle concentrations are also low most of the time. Occasionally, dust storms elevate particle levels in Adelaide. In Mount Gambier a number of sources, including domestic wood combustion heaters, raise particle levels during the winter months. In the industrial centre of Port Pirie, lead from the smelter continues to be a major problem; at Whyalla, particle concentrations still occasionally exceed air quality criteria due to the influence of the steelwork’s pellet plant.

Air monitoring and research conducted during 2002–03 included:

• hotspot monitoring at Osborne, Mount Gambier and Port Stanvac oil refinery

• expandsion of the monitoring network at Whyalla to investigate emissions of particles from the pellet plant

• cessation of lead monitoring in Adelaide (since unleaded petrol was introduced in 1985 lead concentrations in air have been steadily decreasing; in 2002 levels dropped to below 1% of the Air NEPM Standard (see Figure 1))

• introduction of monitoring for air toxics (benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, xylenes and benzo(a)pyrene) and particulate matter as PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter) as part of a national study (required for the new National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure (Air Toxics NEPM) and the inclusion of PM2.5 in the Air NEPM)

Environment Australia is implementing a nationally consistent method of calculating an air quality index (AQI). SA EPA’s AQI has been successfully running throughout the last two years, reporting the quality of Adelaide’s air twice daily; the AQI for Port Pirie was established recently (see www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/atmosphere/airindex_sum.html).

Research involving Adelaide airshed modelling, updating the air pollutant inventory (in particular motor vehicles and domestic wood combustion heating) and estimating biogenic emissions, continue to inform the long-term management of our state’s air quality.

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FIGURE 1 Annual average lead concentrations (all Adelaide sites) and the Air NEPM Standard (0.5µg/m3)

PM10

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A summary of South Australia’s air quality

Two reports (in preparation and soon available on the EPA web site: www.epa.sa.gov.au) describe Adelaide’s air quality in 2002 and the long-term trends of many pollutants:

• Air monitoring report 2002: Compliance with the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure

• Annual Report no.4: Ambient air quality in South Australia.

ADELAIDE

In 2002, Adelaide’s air quality, as determined by the air quality index, was ‘very good’ 41% of the time, ‘good’ 46% of the time, fair 9% of the time, poor 2% and very poor 1%.

Fair or poorer air quality was mostly caused by elevated levels of particulate matter, measured as PM10

(particles less than 10 microns in diameter). In 2002 the Air NEPM Standard of 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) as a 24-hour average was exceeded on one occasion. Elevated particle concentrations were caused by dust storms driven by strong northerly winds following a generally dry winter period. During the worst of these storms on 11 July 2002, the daily average PM10 levels recorded at Kensington, Netley and Gawler were 104, 79 and 51 µg/m3 respectively (all in excess of the Air NEPM Standard). The air quality index on this day described air quality as very poor and is dramatically represented by the peak in Figure 2 which describes daily averaged PM10 since monitoring began at Kensington and the Air NEPM Standard.

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FIGURE 2 Daily averaged PM10 (Kensington site) against the Air NEPM Standard

Other pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, were all below the Air NEPM Standard at sites that are deemed representative of Adelaide’s metropolitan areas.

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MOUNT GAMBIER

Air quality monitoring in Mount Gambier ran from September 2001 to September 2002. During 2002, twoexceedences of the NEPM Standard for particulate matter as PM10 were measured.

Particles in Mount Gambier are from domestic wood heaters, motor vehicles and industrial sources. (For moreinformation see the report: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring—Mount Gambier, September 2001–August 2002 atwww.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html)

FIGURE 3 describes variations in daily averaged particle concentrations from the ambient monitoring site atFrew Park during 2002.

FIGURE 3 Daily averaged particle concentrations (Frew Park site) during 2002

WHYALLA

At Whyalla, PM10 particles continue to be a concern to the EPA, local residents and industry. In 2002, 18exceedences of the Air NEPM Standard were recorded at Hummock Hill. PM10 monitoring began at Civic Parkin 2001 for the purpose of providing background particle concentrations. Only one exceedence of the AirNEPM Standard was recorded at this site.

Figure 4 describes variations in daily averaged particle concentrations from the monitoring site at HummockHill (sampling once every six days until May then once every three days). Note that the NEPM standard isnot included as a comparison in this figure as the data is taken from the boundary of the steel works and isnot deemed ‘ambient’.

FIGURE 4 Daily averaged particle concentrations (Hummock Hill site) in 2002

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PORT PIRIE

Concentrations of airborne lead and sulphur dioxide (SO2) continue to be measured at levels exceeding the AirNEPM Standard (0.50 µg/m3) at Port Pirie. In 2002, the annual average lead concentration at The Terracemonitoring site was 0.74 µg/m3. Daily averaged lead at The Terrace (measured once every six days) for 2002is described in Figure 5. Concentrations in Adelaide, by comparison, are essentially zero. Based on thiscomparison it is believed that lead in this region originates solely from the smelter. The highest 24-hourconcentration was 9.90 µg/m3.

FIGURE 5 Daily averaged lead concentrations (The Terrace site) in 2002

To monitor impacts from the smelter, SO2 was measured at one site at Oliver Street, beginning in June 2002.During 2002 the maximum concentration was 0.656 parts per million (ppm). The Air NEPM Standard is0.20 ppm, which was exceeded on 23 occasions (see Figure 6). There were no exceedences of the SO2 24-houraverage of 0.08 ppm.

FIGURE 6 Daily SO2 concentrations (Oliver Street site) in the last six months of 2002

Diesel NEPM

The National Environment Protection (Diesel) Measure (Diesel NEPM), which was endorsed by the NationalEnvironment Protection Council (NEPC) in June 2001, has the desirable environmental aim of reducingpollution from in-service diesel vehicles.

The Diesel NEPM aims to achieve this by outlining a range of optional strategies. The states have discretion

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0.7

0.8

2 6 / 0 6 / 0 2 1 6 / 0 7 / 0 2 5 / 0 8 / 0 2 2 5 / 0 8 / 0 2 1 4 / 0 9 / 0 2 4 / 1 0 / 0 2 2 4 / 1 0 / 0 2 1 3 / 1 1 / 0 2 3 / 1 2 / 0 2 2 3 / 1 2 / 0 2

Date

NEPM Standard

Lead

( µg/

m3 )

SO2

( ppm

)

as to which of these strategies are implemented. The selection of appropriate strategies will require proper weight being given to environmental, economic, social and equity considerations.

To assist in the selection the EPA has established a state government steering group in conjunction with Transport SA and commissioned a study to provide emissions data on the South Australian diesel fleet.

Transport SA, with assistance from the EPA, is seeking federal government funding for a testing and repair program with the potential for establishing an ongoing test facility and an associated education program for diesel mechanics.

Fuel Quality EPP

The Environment Protection (Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy (Fuel Quality EPP) was confirmed on 28 February 2002. It is the first policy to be introduced on an interim basis and involved considerable consultation with the vehicle fuel supply industry and the Commonwealth Government.

The policy essentially prevents replacement of lead by octane-enhancing substances that result in other adverse health and environmental impacts. It aims to maintain the current quality of South Australia’s air and prevent any further degradation of the atmosphere by fuel emissions.

By applying an approach used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, the policy ensures Adelaide’s air quality is not compromised while still maintaining security of supply and flexibility in sourcing fuel blends.

All suppliers to the South Australian market have complied with the policy, as verified by periodic EPA audits of batches produced by the Port Stanvac refinery and products imported by ship from interstate and overseas.

STRATEGIES Air NEPM exceedences

The Air NEPM sets air quality goals which each state and territory in Australia has committed to meet by 30 June 2008. Although these air goals are intended to apply generally to airsheds (‘ambient’ air standards) rather than near known sources of pollution (‘local’ air quality standards) they are nonetheless a critical consideration when determining the allowable emissions from major sources of air pollution. In the event that local air quality is found to be above the air goals, the EPA develops site specific solutions to ensure that the activity causing the exceedence is required to reduce its emissions in a reasonable period. Often this is through an Environment Improvement Program (EIP) approved by the EPA and enforced through the relevant company’s licence.

The areas where the EPA has identified exceedences of the Air NEPM are highlighted in the previous section of this report. Details of site-specific programs are provided in the ‘Enforcement and compliance’ section of this report.

National Pollutant Inventory

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is an internet database providing information on the types and amounts of certain chemicals emitted to the air, land and water. Overarching goals are to:

• collect a broad base of information on emissions

• present this information in an accessible and understandable form

• use the information for the sustainable development of industrial and community activities through industry waste minimisation and cleaner production programs, and government policy development.

Over the last five years, the NPI has introduced electronic data management initiatives, revised air and water inventory emission details, introduced industry reporting systems, and augmented the EPA’s industry monitoring and assessment capabilities. The EPA has validated the NPI data using ambient air data collected by aircraft monitoring and ground-based monitoring stations across Adelaide. The extremely good correlation

11

between the NPI estimates and the actual monitoring data results has given government agencies confidence in using the data to support key decision-making, and closely link NPI data with the proposed load-based licensing scheme.

However, the NPI has been of limited effectiveness due to the lack of emission monitoring data and limited statistical assessment of discharges to the environment at specific industrial sites.

Greenhouse

The EPA continued to provide secretariat services for the South Australian Greenhouse Committee, the interagency group representing state government interests in greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation strategies. The committee acts as a focus for information exchange on, and coordination of, the range of actions undertaken by government relating to greenhouse.

CSIRO STUDY

A major achievement during the year was the completion of a study by CSIRO on Climate Change in South Australia1, which investigated regional scale climatic effects over 30-year and 70-year timeframes. Predicting regional changes in frost, temperature extremes, humidity, rainfall and surface water regimes will assist government and industry sectors in South Australia to plan for the long-term effects of greenhouse. Major findings include the following projections:

• Annual average temperatures will increase over the north of the state by 0.4–2.0°C by 2030 and 1.0–6.0°C by 2070. In the south, temperatures will increase by 0.2–1.4°C by 2030 and 0.6–4.4°C by 20702.

• Rainfall in SA will tend to decrease over most of the state (in the range of –13% to +6% in 2030 and –40% to +20% in 2070) with exceptions in the far south-east (stronger decreases) and in the north-east of the state (increases and decreases equally likely)3.

• Evaporation rates will increase significantly in the northern arid region and to a lesser extent in the south.

• Hot spells above 35°C and 40°C will increase across the entire state with the exception of the south-east and Kangaroo Island.

• Although rainfall will decrease, extreme rainfall events will increase by up to 10%. Heavy rainfall events in summer in the far north will increase in frequency and amount of rainfall leading to a 20% increase in flood frequency for that region. Drought frequency will increase by the end of the century.

• By 2100 sea levels are expected to rise by up to 88 centimetres.

The CSIRO report identifies the key impacts associated with sectors that are potentially vulnerable to climate change. Sectors analysed were water catchments, agriculture, biodiversity, coasts, health, energy and urban settlements.

NRG FLINDERS

In June 2002, the Minister announced the launch of the NRG Flinders scheme that provides a rebate of $1000 for the installation of Australian Standard-certified solar hot water systems on housing within the area administered by the Port Augusta City Council. The Board negotiated the payment by NRG Flinders of $1 million over five years for solar energy installations on behalf of the state government, as part of the utility’s long-term environmental obligations.

The scheme enables a reduction in the environmental impact that would otherwise be caused by coal-based electricity generation for domestic purposes and extends the scope of the Port Augusta City Vision. The South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT) plans to install solar hot water systems in 100 SAHT homes, so that residents in public housing can also benefit. Port Augusta City Council has agreed to be the local administrator of the scheme in partnership with the EPA.

To date, 134 applications have been received from households including 87 from SAHT, with NRG Flinders contributing $227,510 in rebates.

12

Ozone

Following discussions with each of the states, the Commonwealth Government proceeded with its proposal to take on administration of current state legislation controlling sale and use of ozone depleting substances (ODS), and accreditation of related trades personnel.

A Bill was presented to Commonwealth Parliament in June 2003 which is intended to take effect from January 2004. The new legislation includes provisions for the 5700 ODS authorisations currently administered by the EPA, which will expire in May 2004, to be recognised and transferred to the Commonwealth legislation scheme on 1 June 2004.

Wood fired heaters

A draft code of practice for dealing with wood heater complaints was developed during the year by the EPA to enable local government to effectively deal with smoke and odour complaints within their jurisdiction. The draft code allows authorised officers to determine whether smoke and/or odour from wood burning constitutes an environmental nuisance. This process has been trialled successfully in a number of local councils in conjunction with the EPA. This draft code has also been adapted to assess other environmental nuisance issues including domestic noise.

131 McInnes, KL et al. 2002. Climate Change in South Australia. Report on assessment of climate change, impacts and possible adaptation strategies relevant to South Australia. Climate Impacts Group, CSIRO Atmospheric Research.

2 Projections based on the combined estimates from 10 climate models

3 Projections based on the combined estimates from 10 climate models

Noise—Issues and strategies

CONTEXT Virtually all activity generates noise. The response to noise can be as wide and varied as the number of activities that produce it. Noise is defined as a pollutant under the Act and approximately 30% of all calls to the EPA Help Desk relate to noise pollution complaints.

The total number of environmental noise incidents has increased by 38% since 2001 (see Table 1), due in part to the inclusion of complaints to council on the EPA database and improved complaint data collection procedures. The greatest increases have related to noise from construction sites, domestic air conditioners and rubbish collection activities. Sources of noise from industrial premises totalled 494, a 14% increase on the 2001-02 complaints.

Currently the Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994 and the Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy 1994 regulate noise under the Act. The draft Environment Protection (Noise) Policy (Noise EPP), being developed to replace the two existing noise policies, seeks to provide clarity and consistency in environmental noise regulation, including clear and concise rules for a large range of noise sources, such as construction activities and industrial premises (see ‘Legislative framework’ section).

TABLE 1 Noise incidents for 2001–02 and 2002–03

Noise incidents for 2001–02 Noise incidents for 2002–03 Type Number Type Number

Industrial premises Construction sites

432 113

Industrial premises Construction sites

494 191

Rubbish bin collection 66 Rubbish bin collection 97 Airconditioners 68 Airconditioners 89

Vehicles 87 Loud music 45 Loud music 81 Bird scaring devices Power tools

49 35

Bird scaring devices Power tools

42 42

Burglar alarms Lawn mowers

30 20

Burglar alarms Lawn mowers

39 28

Refrigerated trucks 20 Refrigerated trucks Deliveries

17 13

PA systems 10 PA systems Trains

11 10

Other (<10) 113 Other (<10) 154

Total 1001 Total 1395

STRATEGIES Monitoring capability

In the past it has been difficult to assess noise complaints from activities that produce short-term sporadic noises during the day or night, since it is rare for an investigating officer to be present just at the time that the noise is being produced.

The recently acquired noise monitoring device has proved invaluable in operational matters requiring identification of noises that occur at irregular intervals and varying intensities. It has been used to identify sporadic noises from industrial operations as well as noise from trains in the Adelaide Hills. The unit can be set to trigger specifically when certain noises are present, such as trains passing by. In cases where it is

14

difficult to differentiate the noise under investigation from the ambient noise in the area, the device can be set to record continuously for weeks at a time. The device is able both to store statistical data and to record the actual noise signal along with the date and time at which it occurred. This allows post event analysis to identify and assess the noise under investigation.

Bird scaring

A working group was established to develop guidelines which can strike a balance between primary producers who use audible bird scaring devices and people who are exposed to the noise from them. The working group comprised community, industry, and state and local government representatives.

The EPA released a draft version of the guidelines for public comment on the 28 March 2003 following input from the working group (available on the EPA web site: www.epa.sa.gov.au/pdfs/bird_scarers.pdf).

Public comments closed on the guidelines on 27 June 2003 and a public hearing was held in July to enable submissions to be heard by the Board. The draft guidelines will be reviewed and amended as appropriate based on the submissions.

Live music

The EPA has continued to develop guidelines to assist planning and enforcement authorities such as councils and the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner in accordance with the recommendations of the Live Music Working Group. The group was established following public concern about the potential effect of increasing residential development in close proximity to popular live music venues.

A two-day workshop was held in June 2003 with local acoustic consultants to assist in finalising the technical content of the guidelines. The guidelines have been developed in conjunction with the draft Noise EPP to ensure consistency with the broader state noise legislation. The public consultation comment phase for the draft Noise EPP has recently closed and the policy is currently under review based on the submissions. The guidelines will be released for public consultation following review and amendment of the draft Noise EPP.

Train noise

Wheel squeal noise from trains has continued to be a significant environmental issue. Recent trials for rail lubrication proved unsuccessful, leading to the adoption of a new approach. This included determining whether wheel squeal noise is confined to particular rolling stock or whether it is a purely random event which can occur with any rolling stock at any bend.

The EPA and the rail operators are funding a project to determine the relationship between wheel squeal noise and particular rolling stock. An acoustic consultant was engaged to carry out a three-month study and the results should become available in August 2003. Following an analysis of the results the EPA will determine the most appropriate course of action to reduce wheel squeal noise.

Wind farms

A workshop attracting over 40 delegates was convened to assist in developing guidelines on noise impacts from wind farms.

The guidelines were released in February 2003 following ongoing development from technical representatives of the workshop and a consultation phase. A copy of the final guidelines is available at www.epa.sa.gov.au/pdfs/windfarms.pdf.

A core objective of the guidelines is to ensure a balance is achieved between the ability to develop wind energy projects in this state and the protection of the amenity of the community surrounding these projects with respect to noise impacts. The guidelines will assist Planning SA and planning authorities in formulating a comprehensive approach to wind farm development.

The EPA also represents other state and territory environment protection authorities on the Standards Australia Windfarm Noise Committee which is responsible for developing an Australian wind farm noise measurement standard to ensure a consistent approach is used across the country.

15

Water—Issues and strategies

CONTEXT South Australia’s surface waters (rivers and streams) support important aquatic ecosystems that sustain a diverse range of plants and animals and supply drinking water for most of the state’s population. They also sustain much of our irrigated agriculture, manufacturing, food processing and winemaking industries and provide a focus for water-based recreational activities and eco-tourism. The pollution of rivers and streams, and reduced stream flow may compromise these values.

Salinity is the most serious water quality issue facing the state. In particular there is growing concern over deteriorating water quality in the River Murray. Modelling indicates that, without further remedial action, salinity levels will increase significantly in the long term.4

The water quality of rivers and streams in the Mount Lofty Ranges is also a significant issue, particularly in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed, which provides Adelaide with a significant amount of its drinking water.

South Australia’s groundwater resources are also critical to the state, providing social, economic and environmental benefits. Groundwater provides much of the state’s irrigation water for horticulture, agriculture and viticulture, and is an invaluable drinking water supply to regions where there is little surface water runoff and effective storage sites are not available.

Groundwater close to the surface is generally the most at risk of pollution. Polluted groundwater may compromise biodiversity and reduce agricultural and horticultural productivity. Human health may also be at risk if contaminated groundwater is used for domestic supplies in an untreated state.

Water monitoring

In 2002-03 the EPA expanded the water quality monitoring program to be more representative of state waters—providing greater regional coverage reflecting hydrological and ecological variations throughout the state. Additional monitoring included significant expansion on the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas, the Adelaide metropolitan region, Far North, Kangaroo Island and the South East. The program now incorporates representative coastal regions under pressure from aquaculture developments, and unique habitats such as the Coorong.

The expanded program has been developed in cooperation with catchment water management boards (CWMBs) and the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) to provide a cost-effective integrated monitoring program.

The expanded water quality monitoring programs include:

• groundwater—160 monitoring wells in the South East, Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Northern Adelaide Plains, Barossa, Adelaide Plains and Willunga Plains aquifers

• inland waters—98 monitoring locations on 50 rivers, streams and lakes, including 43 macroinvertebrate monitoring sites (using methodology developed through the AusRivas program)

• marine and estuarine—53 monitoring locations in 15 coastal waterbodies across the state

• targeted studies of pesticides in sediments of rivers, streams, estuaries and lakes

• beach monitoring data made available to the public on the EPA web site (www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/coast/beach.html)

16

STRATEGIES Water Quality EPP

After extensive public consultation the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 (Water Quality EPP) was gazetted in April and will come into operation on 1 October 2003.

The Water Quality EPP’s main objective is to achieve the sustainable management of our waters by protecting or enhancing water quality while allowing economic and social development. The EPP provides South Australia with a consistent approach to the management of water quality and brings the state in line with the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS).

The EPA has allowed the delay between the gazettal of the EPP and its commencement to better educate key stakeholders about its implications for their activities. Accordingly, the EPA is rolling out a targeted communication and awareness campaign, and investigating enforcement mechanisms.

Adelaide Coastal Waters Study

The coastal waters and ecosystems off Adelaide have been severely impacted by industrial, sewage, and stormwater discharges. This has resulted in extensive loss of seagrass (at least 4000 hectares of seagrass lost over the last 30 years), increases in sand movement, degradation of reef systems, algal blooms, and poorer water quality. Many of these issues are interlinked and attempting to manage one can impact on others.

The objective of the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study is to develop knowledge and tools to enable the sustainable management of Adelaide’s coastal waters. It aims to identify causes of ecosystem modification and the actions required to halt and reverse the degradation. Essentially it is about good management based on good science. The study will focus on seagrass loss, water quality degradation and seafloor instability. Seagrasses were chosen as the primary ecological indicator because they are a sensitive indicator of environmental change.

The study will provide:

• information and knowledge

• options for management action

• a program to assess the effectiveness of these actions

• communication of results to stakeholders and the community.

The CSIRO was appointed to run the study. Stage 1 (detailed design) began in March 2001 and is now complete. Stages 2 (research and investigation) and 3 (synthesis of findings into products that can be used to manage the system) are being run concurrently and began in November 2002. They are expected to be completed in December 2005.

Waterwatch/ WaterCare/ Frog Census

Please see the ‘Community involvement and partnerships’ section for information on these programs.

Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council 1999 The Salinity Audit of the Murray-Darling Basin. Murray–Darling Basin Commission, Canberra.

17

4

2

•

•

•

•

•

•

Cryptosporidium

•

MOUNT LOFTY RANGES WATERSHED PROTECTION OFFICE

The Watershed Protection Office (WPO), which was established in 2000 and became operational in September of that year, is the lead component of a five-year strategy endorsed by Cabinet to address water quality issues in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed.

The watershed covers an area of approximately 1600 km encompassing Adelaide’s reservoir catchments and only 10% remains closed to human activity. A number of urban areas, rural townships and allotments are spread across the watershed and land uses include horticulture, viticulture, market gardens, dairying and grazing. The development pressure continuing to intensify within the watershed concentrates the water quality problems.

Pollution sources in the watershed are usually diffuse in nature, emanating from a range of sources within an area. The WPO collaborates with other agencies, organisations and groups working in the region including the DWLBC, SA Water, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA), Planning SA, the Bureau of Meteorology, CWMBs, local councils and community groups.

Key program achievements for 2002–03

A study was initiated of the water quality risks associated with possible future winery and ancillary developments in the watershed (see below).

A trial program assessed the environmental risks associated with the development of housing on the 4700 vacant allotments within the watershed. It indicated that over 20% of these allotments would pose significant environmental concern if developed.

The WPO administered 22 licences for Schedule 1 activities including sewage treatment works, septic tank effluent disposal systems (STEDS), waste depots, large quarries, abattoirs and wineries.

Auditing of all 99 dairies within the watershed against the Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1997 was completed. Follow up visits were made in many instances; eleven environment protection orders and six expiation notices were served, and two prosecution investigations initiated. By December 2002, 85% of dairies were operating in accordance with the policy.

The WPO was unable to complete the full program of water quality snapshot sampling due to the lack of significant rainfall events across the watershed over the year.

The WPO provided a major contribution as a partner of the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatments project, Management of Pathogens in Source Waters. The project aimed to characterise the behaviour of during storm events and identify potential indicators. Semi-permeable membrane devices were trialled as a means to identify pesticide residues present in Mount Lofty Ranges streams.

The Myponga Watercourse Restoration Project continued to assist landowners in the Myponga Riparians Group to undertake on-ground watercourse restoration works on their properties.

18

On-ground improvements

• Chemical use within the watershed has the potential to be a major threat to water quality unless well managed. The WPO has supported a number of initiatives to assist in increasing the knowledge and changing the habits of chemical users. Pesticide user profiles have been developed to link particular industries to types of pesticides and their patterns of use.

• The WPO manages the Chemical Users Project which aims to introduce the general community, particularly urban and lifestyle landholders to responsible and safe chemical use within the watershed. SA Water, PIRSA and the CWMBs support the project.

• Wastewater within the watershed poses a major potential risk to the watershed unless it is well managed. The WPO, along with other partners, has continued to support the Waste Control Systems Management Strategy Project managed by the Adelaide Hills Council to follow up on failed septic systems identified in the audit carried out last year.

• A toolkit was developed to assist STEDS operators to monitor and track the performance of their systems.

• Overflow guidelines were researched and an appropriate risk assessment system developed to identify high-risk wastewater collection network pump stations so action plans can be created to minimise this risk.

• Rural industries have been engaged by the WPO to promote the adoption of better land management practices that assist with the improvement of water quality across the watershed (in particular the horticulture, viticulture and animal husbandry industries).

Winery development water quality risk assessment study

As a consequence of the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Amendment Plan Amendment Report (PAR) being approved in June 2001, Cabinet requested an EPA review of the surface water quality risks associated with winery, cellar door sales and restaurant developments in the watershed, over a range of possible development scenarios in the next 10 years. The complexity of the study and the timeframe required warranted an experienced consultant to undertake the study. An inter-agency steering committee (which included the CSIRO and wine industry representation) was also established to engage and manage the consultant’s work.

In April 2002 consultants were engaged by the EPA to conduct this study in three stages:

1. information gathering and development of the risk assessment methodology 2. water quality risk assessment over a range of possible development scenarios 3. assessment of planning and infrastructure implications.

Stages 1 and 2 of the study were completed in June 2002 and February 2003 respectively; stage 3 began in April 2003 and is due for completion in October 2003.

This study will allow the state government to objectively review the water quality risks associated with winery and ancillary developments in the watershed within an economic development and planning context. The study’s findings could provide the foundation for future ministerial PARs dealing with these types of developments in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed.

19

Stormwater pollution prevention

The EPA hosts and funds the position of Coordinator Stormwater Pollution Prevention Projects. This valuable role provides an important link between the EPA, CWMB stormwater pollution prevention projects, local government, and unlicensed industry and small business. This partnership has been used on the unlicensed business sector as a mechanism of education/influence, in highlighting the implications of the Water Quality EPP.

The Torrens, Patawalonga, Northern Adelaide and Barossa, and Onkaparinga CWMBs fund the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Projects, which are hosted by local government across metropolitan Adelaide. Eight projects employing 18 stormwater pollution prevention officers in 13 separate local government authorities were supported and funded this year.

Project officers visit unlicensed businesses, conduct environmental site reviews, provide advice, identify areas of concern and encourage adoption of best stormwater management practices. The projects share a common goal to have all businesses complying with relevant environmental legislation in relation to stormwater management, using an integrated approach of education and awareness and enforcement in the event of non­compliance. Approximately 800 unlicensed industries and businesses were reviewed by the projects this year.

A project web page has been developed, currently hosted by the CWMBs at www.catchments.net, providing an introduction to the projects with links to individual local government project web sites. Stormwater management information and fact sheets for industry, business and mobile business operators can also be accessed from the web page.

Non-point source pollution codes and guidelines

Two kinds of pollution enter waters. Point source pollution, which is generally controlled by the EPA by a licensing system, comes from readily identifiable sources such as industrial pipes. Non-point source (NPS) or diffuse pollution is related to particular land uses. Major forms of NPS pollution include seepage from septic tanks, sediment runoff from construction sites, pesticides and fertilisers.

The EPA produced a number of codes of practice and guidelines in 2002-03 to reduce the impact of NPS pollution on South Australia’s waters.

• The draft Code of Practice for Aquifer Storage and Recovery of Surface Waters outlines the requirements of the EPA for the operation of aquifer storage and recovery in relation to the Act and the Water Quality EPP. It is near to publication but is being revised after a presentation to the EPA Board.

• The Code of Practice for Milking Shed Effluent was published in May 2003 and combines the former EPP with relevant components of the Water Quality EPP to make it easier for dairy farmers to comply with the policy’s mandatory provisions.

• The Code of Practice for Vessels on Inland Waters translates the Environment Protection (Vessels on Inland Waters) Policy 1998 into a code linked to the Water Quality EPP. It was published in May 2003.

• In the Handbook for Pollution Avoidance on Building Sites the EPA provides practical advice to help industry comply with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Code of Practice for the Building and Construction Industry 1999.

Codes of practice and guidelines developed in 2002-03, and expected to be completed in 2004, address:

• the use of pesticides

• stormwater management for industrial, retail and commercial premises

• water sensitive urban design.

Barcoo Outlet

EPA monitoring of the beaches near the Barcoo Outlet has indicated that beach water quality deteriorates following typical winter and summer rain events but generally does not pose a significant health risk to

20

swimmers. DHS has indicated that the water quality following major summer storms may be unacceptable but is not considered a high risk for swimming because the source of the contaminating organisms is not human sewage.

The EPA considers that sufficient monitoring data has been collected to determine the response of the lake and beaches to storms. This data is currently being reviewed with the intention of providing guidance to lake and beach users before the 2003-04 summer. The EPA report, anticipated by late 2003, will outline results and guidance.

The EPA, DHS, local government and CWMBs have been holding discussions in order to develop protocols to manage the Adelaide beaches following large summer storms. It is anticipated that a protocol will be in place for the 2003-04 summer. The protocol will consider impacts on microbiological and physical quality of beach water. A similar protocol currently exists in West Lakes.

Marine pest—Caulerpa taxifolia

The invasive seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia has established itself in West Lakes and the upper reaches of the Port River. This exotic seaweed is a declared marine pest in this country and invasions of it have impacted other coastal regions around the globe, severely degrading hundreds of kilometres of coastline.

The seaweed has the potential to destroy much of the marine biodiversity of both Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf, and other areas of the state including the Coorong. The economic effect would include a major loss in the commercial and recreational fishing in the state valued annually at some hundreds of millions of dollars. The resilient nature of the seaweed means that total eradication is required to prevent further spread.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (through PIRSA) has the lead role in South Australia’s response to the introduction of marine pests. The EPA issued a licence to PIRSA to dredge sections of the upper reaches of the Port River between Bower Road and the Birkenhead Bridge to remove Caulerpa infestations. This dredging work began in September 2002.

A range of possible approaches was evaluated for dealing with the infestation in West Lakes. These included decreasing the salinity, increasing the salinity, treatment with copper and/or chlorine, treatment with herbicides, light reduction and draining the lake.

Following discussions with the EPA, and in-situ trials of chemical dosing treatments, PIRSA determined that reducing the salinity of West Lakes using water from the River Torrens was the preferred option to kill the weed and minimise unintended environmental impacts.

Onkaparinga estuary

A study commissioned by Onkaparinga CWMB to assess the extent of pollution of the Onkaparinga estuary sediments identified elevated heavy metals, including arsenic. The study also highlighted previous work by DWLBC that identified potential microbiological contamination of shallow groundwater around the SA Water sludge lagoons.

A review of data presented in the report indicated that detected heavy metal concentrations were not considered to represent a risk to environmental health.

The report has been assessed by the EPA and discussed with Onkaparinga CWMB and DHS representatives. DHS advised that the results presented in the study do not indicate potential health risks associated with catching and eating fish from the estuary, or secondary contact recreational (e.g. boating and fishing) users of the estuary.

The CSIRO has been commissioned to provide expert interpretation of the elevated groundwater microbiological results and subsequent work undertaken by DWLBC and SA Water in response to discussions with the EPA. 21

Lower Murray reclaimed irrigation areas

The EPA, in partnership with several government agencies and lower River Murray irrigators, is assisting with implementation of a program that will lead to the restructuring and rehabilitation of the Lower Murray reclaimed irrigation areas (LMRIA). The work is being largely undertaken with the dairy industry in the lower Murray between the towns of Mannum and Wellington.

The EPA’s responsibility in the LMRIA is to improve water quality in the river by reducing the impact of irrigation drainage water containing cattle faeces. It is committed to achieving improved environmental outcomes by implementing a staged, progressive regulatory system.

Flood irrigators are estimated to use 173 GL of water from the River Murray each year. Almost half that water (about 80 GL) is subsequently returned to the river as surface runoff or subsurface seepage and is estimated to contain 152 tonnes of nutrient—32 tonnes of nitrogen and 120 tonnes of phosphorus—which is calculated to be 19% of the total river nutrient loading during dry years5. It also potentially contains pathogenic organisms. Water quality monitoring in the River Murray indicates elevated levels of nutrients and pathogens within the LMRIA compared to other locations in the River Murray.

These increased loads and concentrations of nutrients and pathogens could impact adversely on:

• water supplies for Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Keith and parts of metropolitan Adelaide

• agricultural users through transmission of stock pathogens, increased salinity and blue-green algae outbreaks in the lower River Murray and lakes environments

• recreational users through increased pathogen levels and blue-green algae

• the environment through elevated nutrient levels placing further stress on native species.

The EPA, in consultation with Lower Murray Irrigation and the irrigators themselves, is developing:

• a licence system that will enable landholders to continue using flood irrigation while complying with specific licence conditions

• an EIP, as part of the licence, detailing actions, targets and timeframes associated with improving on-farm management practices

• land management guidelines for the LMRIA detailing best-practice management

• a water quality monitoring program to measure the amount of pollutants being discharged from irrigated areas to assess the effectiveness of management strategies.

This staged approach will ensure an achievable, cost-effective and realistic strategy to attain the best possible environmental outcomes for each property. At the end of June 2003 the land management guidelines had been completed.

Port River pollution

The EPA has been successful in obtaining funding from the Commonwealth for six projects focusing on Port River waterways.

The projects are targeted at nutrient reduction strategies to improve water quality in the Port River estuary and are part of the Commonwealth’s Coastal Catchment Initiatives program. They cover the development of a comprehensive water quality improvement plan, codes of practice for marinas and wharf handling facilities, a pilot load-based licensing initiative, a feasibility study for a nutrients offsets program, and water quality monitoring in stormwater systems.

Of the total cost for all six projects of $1.60 million, $1.22 million is provided by the Commonwealth.

5 Murray, P. and Philcox, M. (1995) An assessment of irrigation runoff quality draining from flood irrigated dairy pastures of the Lower Murray. Report for PIRSA

22

Waste—Issues and strategies

CONTEXT A growing economy and increasing population create a rising demand for goods and services provided by businesses, industries and governments. The main drivers of waste generation in South Australia are economic growth, urban consolidation, household formation trends with fewer people in more dwellings, under-provision of garden waste and other recycling services, and community attitudes. Our consumption patterns tend to be linear: we consume natural resources to make products or provide services and waste is generated as an end result. Waste is material discarded, used up or left over in the course of industrial, commercial, domestic or other activities.

The majority of our solid waste (waste that is not in liquid form or hazardous) is sent to landfill depots for disposal—an expensive and traditional approach. The rate at which we are sending waste to landfill is increasing (see Figure 7). Hazardous wastes which pose a risk to human health and the environment require special handling and disposal. This is also the case for very low level radioactive wastes. The rate at which we are producing these wastes is also increasing. If managed improperly, waste can pollute the land, air and water.

1.2

Solid

was

te x

100

,000

ton

nes

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0 1.14

1.12

1.05

0.94

0.86

0.94

0.98

0.91

0.93

1.07

1.11

1991

-92

1992

-93

1993

-94

1994

-95

1995

-96

1996

-97

1997

-98

1998

-99

1999

-00

2000

-01

2001

-02

FIGURE 7 Metropolitan solid waste disposed to landfill, 1991–92 to 2001–02

We need to minimise the waste we generate and recycle as much as possible. Community participation in recycling is increasing as a result of the recycling services provided by local government—such as ‘kerbside’ weekly waste collection (see Figure 8). The level of recycling in the industrial and commercial sectors must be increased.

Newsprint 32%

Contamination 5%

Other Recyclable Plastics 3%

Non-CDL Glass 17%

CDL PET <1%

LPB 1%

Other Paper 9%

CDL Glass 3%CDL - Aliminium Cans 2%Other recyclable Steel & Aliminium 4%Non-Recyclable Plastics 1%

Cardboard 12%

Magazines 10%

FIGURE 8 Contents found in the 2002 domestic recycling stream

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Participation in recycling is dependent upon community attitudes and education, as well as the provision and type of collection services by council. All metropolitan councils and 17 non-metropolitan councils provide some form of domestic recycling service for bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. The average participation rate of residents who have such recycling services is approximately 64%. However, only 12 of the 19 metropolitan councils, and one non-metropolitan council (Mount Gambier), provide for the collection of garden waste, and the rate of household participation in those areas is approximately 35%. Garden waste makes up about 22% of total domestic waste, hence further scope exists to reduce the amount of this material going to landfill. About one-third of all waste materials recycled is newspapers.

In an effort to end our dependency on landfill, South Australia is now moving towards developing improved strategies for waste minimisation and waste avoidance, and the cleaner operation of businesses and industries.

Waste to Resources Committee and Office of Zero Waste

The Waste to Resources Committee (WRC) was formed by the then Minister for Environment and Heritage upon recommendation of the Authority in October 2001 and was a subcommittee of the Authority, established under section 17 of the Act. The WRC was established as a body with a strong eco-efficiency and sustainability focus, providing strategic policy advice and direction to government and stakeholders. It also provided direction for funding and projects to maximise waste reduction and promote ecological sustainability.

The WRC built on previous work of Recycle 2000 Inc, the Interim Waste Management Committee, and policies endorsed by the State Government of South Australia.

Following the announcement by the Minister for Environment and Conservation of a new statutory waste body known as Zero Waste SA, the Board of the EPA resolved to disband the WRC at its meeting on 30 January 2003. Following the disbanding, the EPA continued to manage existing approved WRC funded programs and activities (e.g: Community Education and Awareness Strategy for Waste Management).

From January to 30 June 2003 the EPA provided key support to the Project Director Zero Waste Establishment on preparing the draft Bill; levy regulation; ministerial and Cabinet briefings and a wide range of establishment matters (e.g. accommodation and staffing). The EPA’s Chief Executive participated as a member on the Zero Waste Establishment Committee and senior EPA officers attended all meetings of this committee. The Office of Zero Waste SA was gazetted as an administrative unit of the public service on 26 June 2003.

STRATEGIES Beverage container provisions expansion

New Regulations under the Beverage Containers Provisions of the Act took effect on 1 January 2003, effectively expanding the scope of container deposit legislation (CDL) in South Australia to a significantly broader range of beverage containers. A number of existing exemptions were also repealed.

The expanded scheme is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of beverage container litter, particularly flavoured milk and pure fruit juice containers of less than one litre. It is proposed to review the impact and effect of the extended scheme after a period of approximately 12 months.

Proposals for amendments to the Beverage Containers Provisions are still being considered. Stakeholder consultation is likely to be the next step in the process, before seeking the government’s endorsement of any proposals.

ChemCollect

ChemCollect, a three-year free collection and disposal service in South Australia coordinated by the EPA, started in May 2000 and concluded in October 2002. This highly successful program collected 610 tonnes of unwanted hazardous materials from rural and regional areas of the state. The emphasis was on the organochlorine pesticides such as DDT, lindane, chlordane and dieldrin, but discussions with agricultural industry leaders and community representatives pointed out the need to collect other hazardous chemicals.

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Waste oil was identified as a community problem due to the lack of collection and disposal options available in rural and regional areas. The EPA used waste oil as an incentive to get farmers to deliver their more hazardous unwanted products—they were willing to deliver 20 litres of pesticide if they could also get rid of 200 litres of waste oil. Over 367 tonnes of waste oil was delivered to collection points and later reused as a fuel source.

The main aim was to remove hazardous materials from farms and dispose of them in an appropriate and safe manner to eliminate the risk to the environment and human health, and contribute to South Australia’s clean green image. The program maximised opportunities for all farmers to participate—14 collections covered 52 rural and regional council areas and the area of the Outback Community Trust and pastoral boards, and 91 collection points operated on several dates.

The South Australian environment now has reduced risks of contamination and exposure to hazardous chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides and arsenical compounds.

Country Landfills Training Course

The Country Landfills Training Course, held in Clare over two days in April 2003, aimed to help country landfill operators understand their obligations under the Act and identify some practical methods for addressing these responsibilities.

The workshop, which was arranged by the Local Government Association (LGA) with assistance from the EPA, had three major themes: planning, environmental management and operations.

The presentations of day one covered topics such as site selection, layout and design for landfill sites, burning and fire risks on landfill sites, safe handling of hazardous materials, licence conditions and landfill environmental management plans. It included a discussion of regional approaches for establishing necessary infrastructure. The field trips on day two to landfill sites in Clare, Rhyne, Nuriootpa and Everard included demonstrations of desirable techniques for different aspects of landfill operation.

The workshop was well received by participants and another has been planned for November 2003 to meet the level of interest.

Eco-efficiency workshops

The Small Business Eco-efficiency Program was established in March 1996 and expanded in January 2001. Two full-time trainers operate across the state delivering courses to small businesses, providing information on how they can improve environmental performance and minimise operating costs by eliminating waste and improving efficiencies (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Activities in the Small Business Eco-efficiency Program

Actual for Target for Actual for Performance indicators 2001-2002 2002-2003 2002-2003

Quantity Number of participants at workshops 385 335 550 Number of businesses at workshops 310 250 273 Number of workshops 44 30 42

Quality % of attendees that acknowledged increased awareness of the need to protect the environment through the workshops 95 95 95

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Alternatives to landfill

With the constantly changing face of waste technologies in Australia and overseas, the EPA is assessing and comparing likely alternative technologies to landfill for managing waste. These included material recycling, biological treatments, thermal technologies, and other emerging technologies (including landfill technologies). The project considered the cost of the technology (dollar per tonne of input), outputs, and minimum quantities required for economic implementation of the technology.

As a second part of the project, a spreadsheet was prepared for use by landfill operators, local government and the EPA to estimate the actual cost of landfilling. It includes the cost of establishing a site, operating a landfill and closing a site, and the monitoring requirements for each stage.

The spreadsheet provides the EPA and others with a useful tool to assess the costs of landfilling in South Australia. It allows for a comparison to be made with other, alternative technologies, including the concept of a regional waste management approach.

Education strategy

Current waste education in South Australia is ad hoc and from a variety of organisations including local government, consultants, waste companies, not-for-profit organisations and schools. The main messages are how to recycle, rather than why. Encouraging messages—such as the importance of recycling and waste minimisation—are missing.

In 2002 the EPA commissioned consultants to prepare a statewide education and awareness strategy that complements current activities and has a more coordinated approach to waste education by working with already well established and respected organisations.

The primary objectives of the strategy are to increase the quantity of materials recycled and improve the quality of materials provided for recycling. It aims to reach all sectors of the South Australian community, including those currently not recycling.

The strategy, completed this year, outlines a variety of mechanisms to educate the community; it considers program costs, appropriate media, potential program partners and which particular sectors of the community are being targeted. It highlights the importance of working with other organisations and industry in providing complementary information, assistance and services to those already being provided to the community. It provides the EPA with a strategy for implementing waste education and awareness programs throughout South Australia.

Green events

Every year in South Australia, large numbers of people congregate for events such as concerts, fairs, sporting events, conferences and festivals. The environmental impact from the waste, wastewater and noise generated can often be significant. As a means of providing an incentive for event managers to minimise this environmental impact, the EPA launched its ‘Green Events’ financial assistance scheme in November 2002.

Typically the supported events will implement the following initiatives:

• separating recyclable and compostable materials

• using biodegradable cutlery and plates that could be composted

• disseminating the recycling message to patrons.

Events supported in the November round of funding include:

• 13th National Outdoor Education Conference

• Bundaleer Weekend

• King William Road Street Party—Unley Council

• O’Connell Street Food & Wine Festival

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• Prospect Fair—Prospect Council

• The Unley Way to Go Fair—Unley Council.

The amount of waste diverted away from landfill from these events was about 4 tonnes.

Used packaging

The Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Policy 2001 (which is the implementation in South Australia of the Used Packaging NEPM) gave ‘brand owners’, who could be significant contributors to the waste stream, a choice to sign a National Packaging Covenant (NPC) or comply with the requirements of the Used Packaging EPP. As at 30 June 2003, 77 South Australian companies have signed the NPC.

Under the NEPM each jurisdiction is required to establish a jurisdictional recycling group (JRG). The South Australian JRG has met on many occasions and in June 2002 started its first project, an audit of domestic waste and recycling practices. The audit was conducted at all metropolitan councils and six regional councils, and its findings were released in March 2003.

From the findings the JRG has developed an incentive scheme which provides for funding to councils that have implemented Best Practice Kerbside Collection Systems in SA. The EPA expects this initiative to begin in September 2003.

In August 2002 the EPA undertook a brand owner audit (required annually by the Used Packaging NEPM) to identify companies that are significant contributors to the waste stream. The eight companies revealed to be significant contributors to the waste stream all have head offices in other states. The respective EPAs were provided with the details of these companies.

The EPA also presented at several forums/workshops throughout the year on the NPC.

Waste to Resources Plan

The Minister for Environment and Conservation released a draft plan in 2002-03 that presents a way forward for the provision of waste and resource recovery infrastructure and kerbside services in metropolitan Adelaide following the scheduled closure of waste disposal operations at Adelaide City Council’s Wingfield Waste Management Centre (the Wingfield landfill) in December 2004.

The draft Waste to Resources Plan for Metropolitan Adelaide—Infrastructure and Kerbside Services has been prepared for the EPA, the LGA, and the Department of Business, Manufacturing and Trade (BMT).

The draft plan is a key guidance document intended to inform state and local government, industry and the community on the development of the State Waste Strategy to be prepared by Zero Waste SA. The draft Waste to Resources plan for Metropolitan Adelaide can be found on the EPA web site at (www.epa.sa.gov.au/pdfs/metro_adelaide_plan.pdf).

KESAB

The KESAB Service Agreement for 2002–03 had renewed emphasis on Clean Sites and Tidy Towns. KESAB was recognised for its achievements this past year with a national award (Environment Australia/ Housing Industry Association Green Smart Award) in the category of partnerships for the Clean Site program. This was a significant achievement and a demonstration of the partnership forged between the EPA and KESAB.

KESAB also assisted in other difficult issues such as cigarette butts, litter counts, container deposits, stormwater litter, uncovered loads, illegal dumping and influencing change through recycling.

The KESAB Service Agreement for 2003–04 will be administered and funded by the new Office of Zero Waste SA.

Plastic bags

At a meeting of the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) on 11 October 2002, ministers considered the issue of plastic bags and agreed to pursue a number of actions relating to their associated adverse environmental impacts. Ministers requested specific proposals from the National Packaging Covenant

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Council for consideration at their meeting in December 2002, and created a working party of officials, industry and community representatives— the Plastic Bag Working Group—to identify options for consideration by the National Packaging Covenant Council.

The EPA participated in the Plastic Bag Working Group and was involved in the sub-groups developing codes of practice and legislative options.

On 23 December 2002, EPHC ministers called for a reduction of 75% in plastic bag litter before the end of 2004. Retailers were to manage this issue by developing a code of practice. EPHC challenged retailers to reduce plastic bag use by 50% and to increase recycling by 50% but at the 23 May 2003 EPHC meeting, ministers unanimously agreed that industry had failed to prepare a satisfactory code. At year’s end, ministers agreed in principle to pursue nationally coordinated mandatory measures as well as seek an improved code of practice by the retailers.

Site contamination

Site contamination is usually associated with previous land uses that involved the disposal of chemicals and wastes, or the intensive use of chemicals, in urban or rural areas. The number of sites affected by contamination in South Australia is largely unknown.

The types of activities that can lead to site contamination include industrial and some commercial land uses; the disposal of wastes and chemical substances; accidental spillage of wastes and chemical substances; leakage during plant operation, storage or transportation; the spreading of sewage sludge; and the use of pesticides. The conversion from industrial to sensitive uses (such as residential development) is a major issue associated with site contamination.

An emerging site contamination issue in South Australia relates to the publicly announced ‘mothballing’ of the Port Stanvac Oil Refinery (see below). Existing environment protection legislation is totally inadequate to manage the site contamination issues known to exist at this site.

MOBIL REFINERY, PORT STANVAC

In April 2003 Mobil Oil Australia announced that it would cease operations at its Adelaide refinery at Port Stanvac but would maintain the refinery in a condition that would allow a restart in the future.

In order to reflect the mothballed condition of the refinery, the EPA is negotiating changes to the licence conditions for the site with Mobil. Additional conditions would include preparing an environmental management plan, undertaking a site contamination assessment and subsequently preparing a site assessment report.

The fuel and lube refineries are no longer processing material and it is expected that the entire refinery site including the storage tanks will be in a mothballed condition by March 2004. Throughout the course of the mothballing process the EPA has been working closely with representatives from Mobil to ensure that community concerns and all environmental issues have been suitably addressed in an appropriate manner.

Gilman– Wingfield Resource Recovery Precinct

In December 2002, the BMT commissioned the Gillman–Dry Creek Eco-Industrial Precinct Study with key support from the EPA. This study investigates a development concept for an eco-industrial precinct to provide the focus for a significant amount of the infrastructure necessary to meet the resource recovery and recycling requirements for metropolitan Adelaide. The development concept anticipates future use of the land consisting of the Dean Rifle Range and Overshoot (jointly owned by the Office of Sport and Recreation and Adelaide City Council) and the Adelaide City Council Wingfield landfill area. The study satisfies the requirement for investigations for the purposes of a ministerial PAR pursuant to the Development Act 1993.

The concept study was completed in March 2003. The EPA has been extensively involved in negotiations with key state government departments including Planning SA, BMT, Transport SA, Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH), local government councils and other stakeholders to progress the waste related aspects of the concept and determine project coordination. Key issues include community land exclusion, access from

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the Port River Expressway Development, land use zoning implications, land use ownership and other development factors.

The potential use of Gillman–Wingfield for industrial development is expected to support state economic objectives and, more specifically, provide a focus for waste management activities to help achieve wider government policy directions that encourage a shift from waste disposal to waste recovery.

As a result, on 5 June 2003, the Major Projects and Infrastructure Cabinet Committee (MPICC) met to consider a number of issues associated with the Gillman land, the implications of the Wingfield landfill closure and the eco-industrial precinct concept. The MPICC Chair appointed the Minister for Environment and Conservation as the lead minister responsible for the project while the conditions for establishing an eco-industrial precinct are set in place. The Office for Infrastructure and Development will provide the lead project coordination role.

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Community involvement and partnerships

CONTEXT The EPA actively promotes environmental awareness in the community through the formation and participation of community environment groups.

Community involvement is a two-way process of communication, interaction and respect between the EPA and the community; it values local knowledge and solutions, and recognises that these can help guide the decision-making process.

The EPA recognises that there are diverse interests, values and views in the community, and that capacities and influences of the various sectors differ. Community involvement and partnerships are, therefore, important mechanisms to help find effective and workable solutions to environmental issues.

STRATEGIES Round-table

Each year the EPA holds stakeholder consultation conferences, the EPA Round-tables. Round-table conferences are held throughout the year in various regional locations as determined by local issues and Board meetings, with one larger conference held around the middle of the year in Adelaide.

The Round-table consultation process is a legislative responsibility of the EPA. Section 19 of the Act states that the purpose of the Round-table is to assist the Board and the minister to assess the views of interested bodies and persons on such matters related to the operation of the Act or the protection, restoration, or enhancement of the environment within the scope of the Act, as the Board may determine.

The specific purpose of the 2003 Round-table was to gain stakeholder perspective and input into the draft EPA strategic directions for 2004–06 (see inset). The development of the strategic directions is a significant step for the new EPA. It is crucial to the successful operation of the EPA that our stakeholders and partners are able to develop the directions with us. In this way we hope to ensure a sound and achievable direction for the EPA for the coming years.

Draft strategic directions presented for consultation at the Round-table 2003

Draft strategic direction 1 Ensure consistent, effective and equitable application of the Environment Protection and Radiation Protection and Control Acts to support the transition to sustainability Rationale: Consistent and equitable application of the Acts builds credibility with our stakeholders and is a result of efficient internal systems and processes based on principles of quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Draft strategic direction 2 Increase the adoption of environmentally sustainable behaviour and practices by the community and industry through the development and implementation of a complementary mix of best practice tools for environment protection Rationale: Legislation, policies (both statutory and non-statutory) and programs, that are current, effective and implemented in a timely way, will support improved industry performance, discourage non­compliance and promote concepts of sustainability to the whole community. Importantly non-statutory tools assist by raising community awareness and effecting behavioural change in the community.

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Draft strategic direction 3 Ensure high quality environmental information is available to inform formulation of policy,development of sustainability criteria, and risk-weighted decision makingRationale:With the backing of sound science and quality research our stakeholders can be confident that the EPA is adequately addressing priority issues using the best available information. For example,the State of the Environment Report is a valuable tool for informing our decision making.

Draft strategic direction 4 Adopt a more strategic and coordinated approach to the resolution of emerging environmental and sustainability issues Rationale: The EPA recognises its responsibility to identify and address emerging environmental and sustainability issues. It is vital to the sustainable future of the state that the organisation consults with and communicates with government, business and the community regarding identified emerging issues. It will offer strategic advice regarding those issues and ensure adequate and proactive responses.

Draft strategic direction 5 Provide independent, competent and timely advice in the implementation of environment and radiation protection policy Rationale: Sound policy will drive the EPA and the SA community towards sustainable practices in relation to environment and radiation protection and control matters. The EPA will use its independent expertise to advise government and influence sound policy formulation. It will communicate these policies to stakeholders and provide advice and assistance for the development and implementation of best environmental management practices.

Draft strategic direction 6 Contribute to the management of state, national and international environment and radiation protection issues Rationale: The EPA will continue to work to ensure South Australia’s interests are represented on national committees. Further, it will contribute to ensuring the state is well positioned to address relevant global environmental issues.

Draft strategic direction 7 Work with all sectors of society to support and encourage involvement in environment and radiation protection Rationale: Protection of the environment requires engagement of the whole community, including industry and government. Continuing and improving our consultation processes, finding new and better ways to provide access to our services and working in partnership with others are key strategies to secure a sustainable future for SA.

Draft strategic direction 8 Build and maintain a culture of excellence and credibility through our people management and development, information and knowledge management, decision making and business processes Rationale: Valuing our staff through good recruitment and human resource development practices provides the foundation for excellence. Establishing and continuously improving systems and processes underpins the credibility and effectiveness of the EPA’s activities.

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As part of the process and outcomes of the 2003 Round-table the EPA will hold meetings with interested stakeholders to further explore specific issues and recommend actions for the Board’s consideration.

The full report on proceedings and outcomes from the 2002 Round-table (held in June 2002) is available on the EPA web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au/epa/pdfs/rtable2003.pdf).

Community education and monitoring

The Community Education and Monitoring Programs—WaterCare, Waterwatch, Frog Census and AirWatch— collectively involve over 60,000 individuals across South Australia.

Involving the community in education and action programs is critical to ensure long-term sustainable management of our environment. Education is an effective tool in bringing about change—and for achieving environmental awareness, understanding values and attitudes, improving skills and changing unsustainable behaviour.

In 2003 the EPA demonstrated its commitment to these programs by embracing WaterCare and creating three ongoing positions to support the programs.

WATERCARE

WaterCare is a whole of community, whole of government campaign that aims to raise community awareness, and provide education on water issues and responsible water use and management across all sectors of the community. WaterCare is about developing consistent messages and themes to raise awareness and change attitudes and behaviour.

The main activities for WaterCare include:

• implementing a multi-media campaign directed at the general public

• developing consistent themes and messages to avoid confusion in the general public

• promoting best practice water management—for example, awards and certification

• developing promotional resources such as posters, displays and brochures

• recognising industry.

WaterCare receives funding from the CWMBs, DWLBC and the EPA.

WATERWATCH

Waterwatch is a successful national program that encourages all members of the community to become actively involved in protecting and managing their waterways and catchments. It is about hands-on involvement in water education and awareness through community water monitoring. The EPA hosts the Waterwatch State Office.

Waterwatch has been running in South Australia since 1993. Presently six regional programs cover the state and include over 500 community and school groups. That’s 36,000 individuals with 12,000 actively monitoring over 890 sites and the remainder undertaking catchment based educational activities and on-ground action.

Waterwatch has continued to grow over the last year and has made some significant achievements:

• 58 South Australian entries in the National Race Around the Catchment Photographic Competition for 2002 (now on tour in SA Waterwatch regions)

• 38 Waterwatch groups nominated for the 2002 Waterwatch Awards (the Awards ceremony at Adelaide Zoo was attended by more than 150 people)

• 36,000 participants in Waterwatch activities to date in 2003, the International Year of Freshwater

• Saltwatch—a successful annual salinity monitoring event being run over the last three years with over 1500 people monitoring 220 sites across the state

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• Preperation of the Critter Catalogue—a resource for groups identifying life in our streams

• Preperation of the Estuarine Monitoring Manual.

FROG CENSUS

Frog Census is a South Australian initiative with a high public profile. The program increases public awareness of the health of South Australian rivers and streams, by assessing the distribution and abundance of frogs, which are bio-indicators of the health of waterways and the effects of pollution. Volunteers take recordings of frogs calling from waterways during Frog Week in September, when most species in the southern part of the state are expected to be calling. Since its inception in 1994, 2031 individuals, schools and community groups have monitored frogs at 3091 sites, making over 16,087 recordings. Some of the recordings have identified frog species in areas where they were previously unknown, as well as identifying species that do not usually occur in South Australia. The data collected each year is used to inform stakeholders, including local government and CWMBs, about the health of waterways; and was incorporated into the 1998 State of the Environment Report.

Achievements for this year include:

• successful completion of Frog Census 2002 involving 608 groups at 1000 sites

• completion of analysis of 1070 recordings and data entry

• distribution of personal results to all groups

• preparation of the 2002 Frog Census Report

• preparation of the information pamphlet, Frog Ponds for Gardens

• 25 media interviews and articles

• 32 presentations to school and community groups (over 1830 people attended these sessions)

• six displays at community events/field days.

AIRWATCH

AirWatch is an established national school program. It raises awareness of air quality issues by monitoringlocal environments and increasing community understanding of, and willingness to adopt, practices thatprotect local air quality.

AirWatch is jointly funded through the EPA and the Natural Heritage Trust (until September 2003).

Achievements include:

• recruiting 75 schools as part of the AirWatch program with 30 schools registered on the AirWatch web site

• distributing 102 primary kits at 20 professional development sessions from July 2002 to June 2003 with over 110 teachers attending

• welcoming the ministerial appointment of Mrs Anita Aspinall as the inaugural chair of the AirWatch Steering Committee

• running two AirWatch National Snapshot weeks each year

• presenting AirWatch education sessions to primary, secondary and tertiary students

• securing funding to purchase four real-time particle monitors and four global positioning system units to allow more accurate data collection in secondary schools (funding was secured from Transport SA and the EPA).

Sharing Environmental Protection Responsibilities Trial

The Sharing Environmental Protection Responsibilities Trial was implemented to identify issues that might be encountered by sharing environmental protection responsibilities between state and local government agencies under the Act.

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Three councils—City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Adelaide Hills Council and Adelaide City Council—were involved in the 18-month trial which concluded on 30 June 2002. The key recommendations of the trial report, Sharing Environment Protection Responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act 1993, were that:

• the Act be amended to:

– enable cost recovery for servicing environmental complaints based on the polluter pays principle

– allow councils to directly appoint authorised officers and use the enforcement powers and functions under the Act

• the EPA continue to improve the scope and level of service to councils through a local government support unit

• a working group of the LGA–EPA further investigate future resourcing options to and from local government, and the extent and type to sustain sharing of environmental protection responsibilities.

Local government support package

In accordance with the recommendations in the joint EPA–LGA report, Sharing Environment Protection Responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act 1993, the EPA has developed a local government support package which provides a suite of tools to help councils deliver environment protection services to their local communities. It includes:

• technical support

• legal advice

• administrative tools

• training

• information technology (IT) support

• equipment.

The EPA has formed a local government support unit to coordinate the delivery of the support package, continue to improve the scope and level of service to councils, and provide a single point of contact for councils officers to the EPA.

CARES

The Complaints and Reports of Environmental Significance (CARES) database has been operating for two years. CARES user groups, of both EPA and local government officers, have made suggestions that have led to CARES being modified to provide better searching capability, multiple incident management functions, and a wider and more comprehensive range of reports.

In addition to EPA users, the following councils and organisations are now regularly using the database:

• Adelaide City Council

• Adelaide Hills Council

• City of Charles Sturt

• Eastern Health Authority

• City of Marion

• Mount Remarkable District Council

• Port Adelaide Enfield City Council

• City of Unley

• West Torrens City Council.

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A new CARES project is being investigated that would provide services to make it possible for councils to capture environmental incidents on their in-house IT systems and then to exchange that information with CARES, relieving some council users of the burden of double entry.

Household hazardous waste depot

The EPA operates a hazardous waste depot on the corner of Magazine Road and Henschke Street, Dry Creek for householders and farmers. The depot is open from 9 am until midday on the first Tuesday of every month and from 9 am until 3 pm on four selected weekends each year.

The assortment of chemical substances collected free of charge includes waste pesticides, pharmaceuticals, paints and varnishes, solvents, paint thinners, oils and batteries. Items that will not be accepted include waste from businesses, ammunition, tyres, gas cylinders, explosives and asbestos.

Over the last year approximately 50 tonnes of waste has been collected from approximately 1100 patrons. The EPA offers this service to ensure the waste is disposed of in a safe and secure manner and ensures that illegal dumping is minimised, reducing the risk to land, groundwater, waterways and landfills.

Public Register and Freedom of Information

In 2002–03, 11 Freedom of Information applications and 158 Public Register requests were received (Table 3). Note that public register enquiries that do not require documentation are treated as informal requests and are not recorded. It is estimated that there were up to 400 such enquiries made during the year.

TABLE 3 Freedom of Information applications and Public Register requests

2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

Public Register 127 149 158 Freedom of Information 17 15 11

Pollution complaints line

The EPA maintains a pollution complaints line (8204 2004) to receive calls from the public on environmental concerns. A freecall number (1800 623 445) is provided for callers outside the metropolitan area. Depending on the nature of the call, the EPA’s response may:

• provide information to the caller (verbal advice or mailing of information)

• register a formal complaint for follow up by an authorised officer

• where applicable, refer the caller to other agencies and bodies.

Overall, there was a 3% decrease in complaints received by the EPA during 2002–03 compared to the previous year; however, there was a 47% increase in noise complaints. (Table 4). Refer to the analysis of incidents in the Noise section of this report for more information.

TABLE 4 Number of complaints received by EPA*

Type of complaint 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

Air 1696 2357 1741 Noise 660 918 1350 Water** 22 89 87 Waste 157 263 349

Total 2535 3627 3527

* Does not include complaints received by local government.

** Most water complaints are handled directly by local government.

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State of the Environment Report

Drafting of chapters for the 2003 State of the Environment (SoE) Report has been completed under the direction of the SoE Steering Committee. The report focuses on seven major environmental themes (atmosphere, biodiversity, human settlements, inland waters, coasts and marine, land and heritage) and within these addresses 22 environmental issues. It will provide an objective assessment of the condition of South Australia’s environment, the nature of the pressures upon it and current responses to those pressures. It also recommends additional measures that should be undertaken.

The SoE Report is due for release by the EPA towards the end of 2003.

EPA web site

The EPA’s web site (www.epa.sa.gov.au) provides information on the main interest areas of air and water quality, noise, radiation protection, waste reduction and eco-efficiency. It describes licensing requirements and links to copies of environmental legislation and policies. Almost all of the EPA’s publications are available for download from the web site’s publications page.

In January 2003, the EPA launched an on-line recycling directory (www.recycling.sa.gov.au) that allows people to search for recycling depots for specific types of waste.

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Enforcement and compliance

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES The EPA promotes and enforces compliance through:

• authorisations, such as licences

• licence special conditions, for example mandatory EIPs

• EPPs

• codes of practice and guidelines

• voluntary audits

• voluntary EIPs and Environment Performance Agreements

• Environment Protection Orders and Clean-up Orders.

Using these measures the EPA normally seeks compliance through cooperation and negotiation (within the context of enforcement) although enforcement through prosecution always remains an option. Planning and development assessment powers available to the EPA are also used to ensure that development with the potential to cause serious environmental harm is undertaken in a way that minimises or eliminates any resulting harm.

Development assessment

The EPA’s Planning Unit coordinates assessment of development applications of environmental significance that are referred to the EPA by councils or the Development Assessment Commission. Since the referral process began in mid-1995, the EPA has assessed over 4000 development applications, an average of around 600 per year.

This year, 617 development applications were assessed. Involvement in the planning process allows the EPA to influence and, in certain cases (e.g. Schedule 22 referrals where the EPA has directive powers because these activities will require licensing), determine the outcome of planning applications to ensure the protection of communities and the environment from pollution.

A specialist group known as the Development Assessment Response Team coordinates the assessment of most development applications referred to the EPA; officers from the Operations, and Monitoring and Evaluation divisions assess the remainder (Table 5).

The following major projects were referred to the EPA during the year for assessment:

• Myponga/ Sellicks Hill wind farm development

• Jeffries Organics resource recovery and research facility, Buckland Park.

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TABLE 5 Referred development applications

2001–02 2002–03

Development Number % completed Number % completed application type completed* on time completed* on time

Schedule 22 177 84.2 206 79.5 Schedule 21 209 70.8 234 77.8 Schedule 8 131 74.0 85 82.5 Section 49** 34 55.9 23 52.2 Non-scheduled** 46 62.2 69 88.2

Total 597 74.0 617 79.4

* Number of completed Development Application assessments ** No prescribed statutory timeframe; exceedences of timeframe are based on EPA performance measure of six-weeks

Planning policy

The Planning Unit also provided advice to proposed changes to local government development plans, through PARs. This ensures that these development plans encourage well designed, well sited and ecologically sustainable development. During the year, a total of 84 planning policy documents were assessed, including 70 PARs.

Aquaculture

The Aquaculture Act 2001 became operational in July 2002 and its implementation significantly increased the EPA’s role and responsibility in the management of the aquaculture industry in South Australia.

The Aquaculture Act requires the EPA to assess and provide comment on aquaculture licence applications, variation of licence conditions and lease conversions, all of which are managed by PIRSA.

The EPA is also represented on the Aquaculture Advisory Committee, which advises the minister responsible for administration of the Aquaculture Act on any matter relating to aquaculture.

To service the increased work demand, the EPA established a dedicated Aquaculture Unit with three staff. Table 6 provides a list of statutory issues addressed throughout 2002–03.

TABLE 6 Aquaculture issues assessed and responded to by the EPA in accordance with the Aquaculture Act and Development Act

Aquaculture assessments 2002–03 Number

Licence and licence variation applications 56 Development applications 28 Environmental monitoring programs 7 Operational and zone policies 10 Lease conversions 0 Advisory Committee meetings attended 12

In addition, the EPA has to date:

• developed a service level agreement with PIRSA identifying the roles and responsibilities in responding to aquaculture issues for each agency

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• developed a draft memorandum of understanding for compliance response to aquaculture related issues

• facilitated the development (progressing) of an environmental management system for the inland aquaculture sector

• assessed and provided comment/advice on a range of non-statutory issues associated with aquaculture as well as providing advice/assistance to other units within the portfolio

• provided membership to the steering committee which is reviewing the Fisheries Act 1982.

STRATEGIES Community mediation

For many pollution complaints of a minor nature, mediation between the parties can provide a more satisfying and successful result than resorting to legal action such as enforcement of the Act by the EPA or local government. Importantly, mediation is more likely to enhance or preserve relationships between people.

The EPA has entered into an arrangement with Community Mediation Services (CMS) to assist in managing pollution complaints arising from residential and some non-licensed commercial premises. CMS has the capacity to provide trained and skilled mediators to assist in resolving disputes.

For some years, the EPA has regarded complaints about domestic activities as having lower priority. Given that EPA intervention in these cases is unlikely, mediation through CMS can provide a mechanism to assist a complainant in working towards resolution of conflict. The approach is in its early stages and not enough information is currently available to measure its success.

The EPA provides technical support to help mediators work towards resolving issues by making appropriate staff available or providing information, guidelines and other relevant materials.

Key point source pollution programs

There are a number of major licensees with ongoing environmental issues that have warranted more intensive involvement by the EPA. Where ongoing difficulties exist, environmental improvements are sought, in the first instance, through negotiated EIPs that become part of the licence. Effective community consultation has played an important role in successful implementation of a number of the programs.

ADELAIDE BRIGHTON CEMENT

The EPA has maintained a continuous improvement management strategy with Adelaide Brighton Cement for the ongoing management and minimisation of dusts (both point source and fugitive emissions) from the Birkenhead facility. Adelaide Brighton Cement has committed to undertaking actions through an EIP that will achieve compliance with the requirements of their licence and their general environmental duty.

The EPA and Adelaide Brighton Cement have put significant effort and resources into trialling alternative fuels and raw materials for use in their cement kilns at both Birkenhead and Angaston. The process approved by the EPA for the trial was developed in consultation with Adelaide Brighton Cement in 2001-02, and is included as a condition on Adelaide Brighton Cement’s licence. The trials are gathering extensive emissions data to assess against established baseline data for the process.

The use of alternative fuels in cement manufacturing is assisting Adelaide Brighton Cement to reduce its effects on the environment and to improve its overall environmental performance. Alternative fuels and raw materials provide a waste management solution for the community and reduce the use of non-renewable resources, without adverse environmental effects.

PENRICE SODA PRODUCTS

Penrice has a set of environmental management strategies in place with the EPA to deal with both air quality issues (particularly dust particles) and water quality issues (particularly ammonia and suspended solids).

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The company’s solids recycling plant, commissioned in April 2001, has contributed to a significant reduction in suspended solid concentrations discharged into the Port River. Dust emissions reduction has also shown some improvement during 2002 with many projects completed under the Site EIP and Milk of Lime Exemption EIP.

Strategies include a five-year Marine and Site EIP to be completed by 31 October 2006, a four-year Ammonia Reduction EIP to be completed by 31 December 2006, an ongoing Coastal Waters Monitoring Program with independent verification, and an annual Marine Impact Assessment which began on 1 June 2002.

PASMINCO

Pasminco Port Pirie successfully installed and commissioned a plant to remove metals from plant liquid effluents known as PETS. This plant was constructed as part of Pasminco’s EIP. Optimisation of this plant is continuing but significant reductions in lead and zinc in plant discharges to Spencer Gulf have been observed.

Studies by DHS have suggested that emissions from the slag fuming plant are a continuing and significant source of lead in children’s blood. This study led to a change in the EPA’s priority from marine emissions to the gulf to air borne emissions from the slag fuming plant. This is being reflected in a revised EIP currently being developed by Pasminco. Air quality monitoring and lead blood level testing will assess the effectiveness of the strategy.

CASTALLOY

The activities of Castalloy at North Plympton have caused problems for residents for some years. In late 2002, the EPA required the company to prepare an EIP to address odour and noise issues. The EPA is conducting its final assessment of Castalloy’s EIP for noise and odour, and is satisfied that a comprehensive community consultation process (which involved EPA officers), to obtain community input into the EIP, has made all reasonable attempts to gain stakeholder views.

The implementation of the EIP is expected to ultimately achieve a significantly improved amenity for nearby residents and anticipated to go beyond compliance with the Act for some aspects of Castalloy’s operation. It is expected that the EIP will be implemented over three years, a period that reasonably reflects the commercial aspects of relocating large parts of the plant while still conducting business and satisfying customer demands.

HENSLEY INDUSTRIES

Odour and noise emissions from the Hensley Industries foundry at Torrensville has been of concern to residents for many years. In December 2002 a deed of agreement was signed between the EPA and Hensley Industries Australia Pty Ltd to settle legal actions. Hensley relinquished any right to renew its licence to carry out scheduled activities at its Torrensville site after 31 March 2004.

However, in March 2003, the possibility of another company operating a restructured foundry on the Torrensville site was raised. The EPA has set stringent criteria for any new development, including the need to use best available technology. The EPA does not necessarily favour any future development at this site; however it recognises the legal obligation to ensure any proposal is given due and fair consideration in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Development Act.

ONESTEEL

During 2002 the level of dust measured at the boundary of the Onesteel Whyalla steelworks increased substantially, with the highest number of exceedences of the national ambient dust standard recorded at Hummock Hill since monitoring began. Further, Onesteel did not achieve the 30% dust reduction target required by the EPA by 31 March 2003.

At the request of the EPA, Onesteel undertook a health study under the guidance of a steering committee comprising representatives from the EPA, DHS, The University of Adelaide, Whyalla City Council, Onesteel and their consultants. The EPA and DHS have concluded from this study that ‘It is possible that the levels of PM10

above the national standard may impact on the health of people in the exposed community. However, an

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accurate and robust assessment of any health risk requires further investigation.’

In view of the high levels of dust measured in Whyalla in 2003, and the potential for human health effects from exposure to dust in the community adjacent to the steelworks, the EPA has reviewed its options for managing Onesteel’s dust emissions. Subject to normal regulatory appeals, the EPA intends to regulate dust emissions from the Onesteel site by imposing a licence condition that ensures that the level of dust in the adjacent community does not exceed the national standard by 2008.

Onesteel agreed to submit a report to the EPA by 2 October 2003 outlining how it will manage its operations to ensure that the national standard is achieved in the community adjacent to the steelworks by 2008. Based on this report the EPA may impose additional conditions of licence that require an incremental reduction in dust measured in the community adjacent to the plant, through performance based improvements at the steelworks.

SA WATER ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

SA Water is currently committed to implementing 17 EIPs in cooperation with the EPA. These EIPs aim to minimise the impact of wastewater treatment plants on the environment consistent with the requirements under the Act and, where applicable, the Environment Protection (Marine) Policy 1994.

To date, SA Water has completed nine EIPs and when all have been completed, total capital expenditure will amount to $292 million. Monitoring programs will be used to gauge the success of the various upgrades in reducing or eliminating environmental harm.

Audits

PORT RIVER

An audit of industries located near the Port River, begun in June 2002, focused on licensed premises with river frontage but excluded Adelaide Brighton Cement and Penrice (already subject to regular inspections, see ‘Key point source pollution programs’ above). The aim of the audit was to investigate compliance with conditions of licence as well as provide the EPA with information about the resources required and the advantages and disadvantages of the approach.

Results of the audit demonstrated that there was generally good compliance with licence conditions and the general environmental duty. Four Environment Protection Orders, related to air, water, waste and pollution of the marine environment, were issued as a result of the audit. All companies complied with requirements specified in the orders during 2002-03.

INTERAGENCY HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Interagency audits of four high priority hazardous waste storage sites licensed by the EPA were undertaken in September 2002 in conjunction with Workplace Services and the Metropolitan Fire Service. The audited sites were:

• Cleanaway Waste Treatment Plant

• Collex Liquid Waste Treatment Plant

• Mulhern Oil Removal Pty Ltd

• Patrick Logistics.

The main objective of these audits was to assess the management and operational conditions at identified sites in South Australia where hazardous materials were stored, and the likely range and scale of any potential impacts on the environment from these sites.

Issues relating to site location and land use, labelling and storage of dangerous goods, spill prevention and stormwater management were identified as being key factors. Where possible, actions towards improvement of these issues have been undertaken at all sites. The audit also recommended that an inter-agency audit process (targeting both EPA licensed and non-licensed sites) be adopted on an ongoing basis.

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UPPER SPENCER GULF

EPA compliance audits on all major industries and a number of smaller premises in the Upper Spencer Gulf region licensed under the Act aimed to ensure compliance with licence conditions, mandatory policies and the general duty of care under section 25 of the Act.

The audit did not cover existing known non-compliances that were covered by existing EIPs. The sites audited were:

• OneSteel Whyalla

• CSR Readymix (Whyalla)

• BORAL (Whyalla)

• Santos (Port Bonython)

• NRG Flinders Northern and Playford power stations (Port Augusta)

• Pasminco Port Pirie lead/zinc smelter

• Conroys rendering plant (Port Pirie)

• CSR (Port Pirie)

• MiniPave (Port Pirie).

Three Environment Protection Orders were served as a result of the audit, generally on smaller sites, and a summary report is currently being prepared.

Public release of winery audit findings

The EPA issued a public report, Wineries and the Environment—An Audit of the Environmental Management Performance of SA Wineries, in August 2002.

The document summarises the findings of the first statewide audit of 63 wineries and distilleries licensed under the Act, carried out in October 2001. The report also outlines some of the actions undertaken by the EPA to address the environmental management issues identified from the audit. The document includes examples of innovative environmental practices being undertaken by some facilities, primarily in the area of cleaner production.

Copies of the report were provided to winery operators and staff during the EPA–wine industry regional discussions held in five wine-making regions of the state to discuss the findings of the audit. Copies of the document were also distributed during the Second National Wine Industry Environment Conference & Exhibition held on 25 and 26 November 2002 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

The document can be viewed on the EPA web site at www.epa.sa.gov.au/epa/pdfs/winery.pdf.

Bonds and assurances

COOPERS BREWERY WATER LICENCE

As part of the licensing process for its new Regency Park brewery, Coopers was required to provide financial assurance covering restoration of aquifers to be used as an interim storage for the reject water (brine) stream. This stream arises from the reverse osmosis water purification plant which provides water for the brewing process. This provision allowed the brewery to begin operations before the brine discharge line to the marine environment was completed. That discharge is now also licensed.

A financial assurance package was structured to provide for instalments of $40,000 to be lodged to cover each 10 megalitres of brine stored; this amount was based on the estimated cost of aquifer restoration in the event that the licensee defaulted.

A total financial assurance of $360,000 was provided through this instalment scheme, before discharge of brine to the aquifer ceased. The marine discharge line was commissioned in April 2003, and since that time it

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has been used to directly discharge process brine as well as for aquifer recovery operations. Provision has been made for progressive reduction in financial assurance as compliance is achieved.

GARDEN ISLAND

Garden Island was closed for the reception of waste in February 2001.

During a compulsory Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court Conference in August 2001 agreement was reached between the previous operator Western Region Waste Management Authority (WRWMA), the landowner Land Management Corporation (LMC) and the EPA to enter into an Environmental Performance Agreement for closure, rehabilitation and post-closure activities for Garden Island.

The closure plan for this landfill was developed and accepted in principle by all parties in 2002; it addressed the main closure, landscaping and monitoring requirements for the site.

Currently the capping implementation plan, detailing all technical issues for rehabilitation works of the site as well as setting timeframes and outlining responsibilities for different stages of works, is being discussed and negotiated between the stakeholders.

A draft of the Environmental Performance Agreement, reflecting milestones, responsibilities and timeframes as negotiated in both the closure and capping implementation plans, is now subject to final negotiation on these matters as well as on financial commitments by WRWMA and LMC.

Inspections of licensed premises

People who undertake potentially polluting activities require an environmental authorisation from the EPA, in the form of a licence, exemption or works approval. Holders of an authorisation must comply with the conditions attached to that authorisation.

In certain circumstances the EPA has the power to vary the conditions of, or suspend, cancel or disqualify, an environmental authorisation. This means that the holder of the authorisation must immediately cease the activity for which they hold the authorisation.

During 2002-03, there were 1082 inspections of licensed premises by the EPA, where officers audited the premises against requirements of the Act and conditions of licence and, where necessary, negotiated site environmental improvements (Table 7).

Compliance with requirements under the Act is most commonly achieved by the EPA through cooperative approaches with licensees, resulting in cost effective environmental improvement, as well as engendering a positive attitude on the part of licensees toward long term compliance.

TABLE 7 Performance indicators for inspections of licensed premises

Performance indicators - Quantity 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

Number of inspections of licensed premises 1315 1381 1082 Number of authorisations 1859 1855 1964 Number of active ozone authorisations (accreditations and exemptions) 4300 5699 3,956 Number of section 7 enquiries/ responses (as required under Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994) *Automatic *Automatic *Automatic

51,053 57,204 54,579 *Manual 1,180 *Manual 1370 *Manual 1727

* Automatic enquiries to the Lands Title Office database involve perusal of the section 7 information maintained by the EPA. Manual enquiries require an EPA officer search made upon request by the Lands Title Office.

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Enforcement/investigations

The Investigations Branch conducted 28 investigations into pollution incidents including two matters relating to the Protection of Marine Waters (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1987 and two matters relating to the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 (RPC Act). Of these, eight matters are still under investigation. Three investigations resulted in a formal warning being sent to offenders. In six of the matters investigated insufficient evidence was available to pursue any charges in relation to the Act. Charges have been laid in three matters and are currently before the ERD Court. The Crown Solicitor’s Office is reviewing four other matters to determine whether sufficient evidence is available against any person in relation to offences against the Act.

Four matters were completed in the ERD Court; one resulted in a withdrawal and the other a ‘not guilty’ verdict. Matters for which ‘guilty’ verdicts were recorded are listed below.

Offender name Charges

BRL Hardy Limited 1. Charges: Breach of licence conditions 3 counts;

1. Remano winery, Renmark: discharge of winery wastewater to unauthorised location on 2

offences relate to incidents in February and June 2001

different occasions Guilty plea; convicted and fined $81,600

2. Berri Estates winery, Berri: wastewater 2. Charge: Breach of licence offence relates to discharge from woodlot incident in July 2001

Guilty plea; convicted and fined $16,000

Gregory John Gogel, Charge: Breach of licence condition licensed waste contractor of Murray Bridge Guilty plea; convicted and fined $13,650 Dumping of septic tank waste at non-approved site

Emergency response

The EPA maintains a roster of experienced staff who respond to emergency pollution incidents when notified through the EPA’s emergency 24-hour pager number. Three types of responses exist:

• whole-of-government procedure, known as the Blue Book, which deals with spills or leaks of hazardous substances onto land or into non-marine waters, and is coordinated by Emergency Services

• national response plan, which deals with oil or chemical spills at sea, coordinated by the Marine Group of the Department for Transport and Urban Planning

• other environmental incidents that do not trigger either of these emergency response systems including incidents reported by EPA licence holders, who are required to report incidents as part of their licence conditions.

During 2002–03, the EPA responded to 84 incidents through its emergency pollution incident response system. Of the calls, 61% (51) emanated from EPA licence holders.

The breakdown of the incident types (see Figure 9) shows that the most frequent were industrial spills or leaks (18 incidents), transport spills (11) and sewage overflows (11). Advice was sought from emergency response on 13 occasions on disposal of hazardous waste.

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Some of the incidents attended were:

• diesel spill (approximately 30,000 litres of diesel lost on roadway and road verge) at Redhill as a result of a tanker roll over on Highway 1

• sewage spill (approximately 220,000 litres of sewage escaped) into the Field River at Hallet Cove as a result of accidental rupture of a sewage main

• 1500 litres of hydrochloric acid leaked from a tank into a stormwater drain at an industrial site at Dudley Park

• approximately 3000 litres of caustic solution entered the stormwater drainage system as a result of a loose pipe fitting at a Woodville industrial site.

Air Quality 4%

Sewage Overflows 13%

Industrial Spills/Leak 21% Fires 11%

Burst mains 5% Urban Stormwater Pollution 6%

Haz Waste Disposal Advice 15% Transport Spills 13%

Marine Pollution 1% Other 11%

FIGURE 9 Incident types responded to through the emergency pollution incident response system

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Legislative framework

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES The EPA, under the Minister for Environment and Conservation, is responsible for administration of the Act and the RPC Act. Other acts administered by the EPA include:

• National Environment Protection council (South Australia) Act 1995

• Wingfield Waste Depot Closure Act 1999

The EPA also has regulatory responsibilities under Acts within the jurisdiction of other state government agencies such as the Aquaculture Act and Development Act. The Environment Protection Act was assented to in October 1993 and came into operation on 1 May 1995.

Changing community values and a better understanding of both environmental impact and contemporary approaches to environmental management requires an ongoing commitment to continually review and update the Act. Since the Act came into operation, parts of it have been amended, subordinate legislation, such as EPPs, has been introduced, and a number of areas where the Act could be improved have been identified.

In early 2003, the Act was amended to establish the new Board (see Statutes Amendment (Environment Protection) Act 2002 below). In addition, the draft Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2003, (the draft Bill) to amend the Act, was released for public consultation in early 2003. The draft Bill proposes to introduce provisions arising from a comprehensive review of the Act.

The new EPA has established a Policy and Strategic Services Division to coordinate the development of policy and legislative amendments. This will ensure that the EPA continues to have the most effective legislative tools to achieve the objects of the Act.

Legislative reform

Key areas of legislative reform work undertaken during 2002-03 are detailed below. In addition, scoping work was undertaken on:

• development of a site contamination package, including a Site Contamination Bill to amend the Act, to ensure that site contamination is recognised, considered and adequately addressed in South Australia

• a review of the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1984 to provide for a more efficient regulatory regime to control and prevent sea dumping.

STRATEGIES Statutes Amendment (Environment Protection) Act 2002

In December 2002, Her Excellency the Governor assented to the Statutes Amendment (Environment Protection) Act 2002 (the Amendment Act), which fulfilled the incoming Government’s election commitment to the development of a more independent EPA with stronger regulatory powers.

The main features of the Amendment Act were:

• reviewing the functions of the EPA to reflect a stronger regulatory role

• creating a new management Board of the EPA (the Board) with a collective range of skills and qualifications, as opposed to the previous requirement for members to be appointed to specific positions or qualifications

• appointing a Chief Executive under the Act who will also chair the Board and, along with staff, be no longer subject to ministerial direction but to the direction of the Board, which in turn is accountable to the minister; this new governing arrangement provides a greater level of independence and control for the new governing Board

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• introducing harsher penalties for persons and/or companies found in breach of major environmental offences under the Act; penalties have generally been doubled to a maximum penalty under the Act of $2 million, one of the highest penalties of its type in Australia

• adding the capacity of the courts to apply a further penalty to account for any economic benefit received by a person and/or company in committing the offence

• removing legislative exclusions under the Act in circumstances where the RPC Act and the Protection of Marine Waters (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1987 apply; relaxing confidentiality provisions under the RPC Act and making them consistent with those applicable under the Environment Protection Act.

Draft Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2003 In January 2003, the minister released for public consultation the draft Bill which includes proposed amendments stemming from a number of general reviews of the Act since 1999. It proposes to:

• streamline the EPP-making process by maintaining adequate consultation but reducing the number of statutory steps required, thereby shortening development time

• provide for civil penalties under the Act when more appropriate than prosecution in cases where an offender might not have intended to cause a breach of the Act and where the environmental consequences are not great

• regulate sites (such as landfills) after they have been closed (as the Act stands, once a site such as a landfill is closed it no longer requires a licence and the EPA does not have the power to monitor or regulate the site; yet continuing problems can arise from, for example, contamination of groundwater or release of landfill gas)

• provide greater powers for local government to deal with local issues, including the power to issue Environment Protection Orders and the opportunity to recover costs associated with enforcement of the Act

• put in place a number of other improvements to definitions, offences and administrative procedures under the Act.

Public consultation on the draft Bill closed in early March 2003 and at the end of the reporting period the comments were being considered and prepared for the consideration of the Board prior to forwarding recommendations to the minister.

Container Deposit Legislation

Following a review of the beverage container deposit/refund system provisions under the Act, proposed amendments were developed and will be considered by Parliament in 2003–04.

The proposed amendments will provide for efficient and equitable regulation of the container deposit/refund system by addressing immediate and ongoing ‘systemic’ issues.

Key amendments proposed include a new container approvals process to define the ‘class of container’, amended Fees and Levy Regulations, establishment of a CDL subcommittee to oversee the implementation of amendments and formulation of an industry code of practice, and provisions to address the movement of empty containers into South Australia to obtain refunds.

Other amendments will address associated issues such as a new CDL logo, unused collection areas, appeal rights for approval holders and transitional arrangements.

National policy

The NEPC, which is part of the Commonwealth EPHC, is a statutory body with law making powers established by the Commonwealth National Environment Protection Council Act 1994. Mirror legislation has been established in each of the jurisdictions (in South Australia, the National Environment Protection Council Act (South Australia) 1995). Members of the NEPC are the Commonwealth Environment Minister and ministers appointed by first ministers from each participating jurisdiction.

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The NEPC’s two primary functions are to:

• make NEPMs

• assess and report on their implementation and effectiveness in participating jurisdictions.

The objective of NEPMs prepared by the NEPC is to ensure that Australians enjoy the benefits of equivalent protection from air, water and soil pollution, and that decisions by businesses are not distorted and markets not fragmented by variations in environmental standards between jurisdictions.

While the NEPC can make NEPMs, the respective NEPC Acts do not contain implementation mechanisms. These are addressed by each jurisdictions separately according to their appropriate legislation. In South Australia, NEPMs automatically operate as EPPs under the Act (section 28A).

Two NEPMs under development are detailed below:

AIR TOXICS NEPM

The EPHC has resolved to develop NEPM for Air Toxics which will focus on benzene, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

A draft NEPM and impact statement was released in May 2003 for statutory public consultation.

The NEPM will have implications for the EPA for both monitoring and management of the sources of these pollutants. A desktop study to assess sources of these pollutants will begin in the second half of 2003 in accordance with the NEPM, to help prioritise areas for monitoring.

FINE PARTICLES—PM2.5 NEPM

In May 2003, the NEPC varied the Air NEPM to include a standard for particles less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). These are known to contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular illness.

The variation introduces advisory reporting standards for these fine particles, the objective of which is to assist in gathering sufficient data nationally on fine particles, so that the information may be used to inform the review of the Air NEPM, scheduled to begin in 2005.

The variation to the Air NEPM has implications for the EPA in both the measurement and assessment of these fine particles. Monitoring stations are currently being established at two metropolitan sites to measure levels of PM2.5 in Adelaide.

Environment Protection Policies

An EPP is one of a number of legislative tools provided for by the Act to address environment protection matters. An EPP can be made for any purpose directed towards securing the objects of the Act. EPPs provide mid-level enforcement mechanisms below prosecutions for serious or material environment harm and also provide a mechanism for managing diffuse pollution. This may include setting out requirements or mandatory provisions that will be enforceable under the Act.

When the Act came into operation on 1 May 1995, parts of the repealed legislation, including Regulations, were translated into a number of transitional EPPs, which were put in place during 1994 and 1995:

• Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Burning) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Marine) Policy 1994

• Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy 1994. 48

Since that time, the Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1997, Environment Protection (Vessels on Inland Waters) Policy 1998, the Environment Protection (Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy 2002 and the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 have been authorised.

NOISE EPP

The EPA released a Draft Noise EPP and accompanying explanatory report for public consultation for a three-month period in March 2003.

The new Noise EPP will replace the two existing noise policies, Machine Noise EPP and the Industrial Noise EPP, and seeks to provide clarity and consistency in environmental noise regulation.

Over 70 verbal and written submissions have been received, and these are currently being used to further develop the draft policy.

AIR QUALITY EPP

A new Air Quality EPP is currently being developed under the Act which will replace the current Air Quality EPP and will be broader in scope to encompass a wider range of activities that influence ambient air quality in South Australia.

A discussion paper detailing broad issues and potential mechanisms to address these issues is currently being developed for consultation with key stakeholders. Comment provided on the discussion paper will be fed into development of the drafting instructions to enable a draft policy to be developed. It is anticipated that a draft policy and explanatory report will be released for statutory public consultation in the next financial year (2003–04).

Licensing reform

In September 2002, the government decided to introduce significant reforms to licensing arrangements. These reforms include a doubling of fees phased in over four years to meet the full cost of administering licences including inspections of licensed facilities.

In 2005–06 average annual licence fees will thus be about $2900, although this is distorted by large licensees such as SA Water, Onesteel, BHAS, GH Michell and Penrice. The average annual fee paid by small and medium sized businesses will be significantly below the average.

Even after the full phase-in, licence fees in South Australia will still be substantially lower than fees charged in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, where average annual fees currently range from about $4450 to $15,200 and are set to increase significantly over the next few years.

The EPA is developing a system of accredited licences whereby a licensee who has achieved a high level of environmental performance and can demonstrate an ongoing capacity and commitment to maintaining and improving environmental performance will be able to obtain a 50% reduction in annual licence fees.

To obtain an accredited licence an operator will be required to have an environmental management system (including an environmental policy and objectives), an environmental audit and compliance program, and, if required, an EIP approved by the EPA.

There will be a system of third party certification of environmental management systems by a certified environmental auditor or certification body, and an environmental audit program carried out by an independent, EPA approved, environmental auditor.

This system will provide a significant incentive to licensees to develop improved environmental management by rewarding them with cost savings.

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Organisational support Financial, human resource and IT services are provided to the EPA by the Corporate and Business Support (CABS) Division and, as part of the Environment and Conservation Portfolio, ensure that the requirements of government, the minister, and the EPA are met.

Separation from Department for Environment and Heritage

The 2002-03 financial year at the EPA has been predominantly one of consolidation and transition from being a division of DEH to an agency in its own right. Consolidation involved the transfer of staff and budgets for the Radiation Protection Branch of DHS, investigations staff from DWLBC, and some transfers between EPA and DEH.

These transfers involved setting up new ledger accounts and payroll as well as various IT connectivity issues.

Over the course of the year CABS was engaged in a number of new activities of a corporate nature which were previously managed by DEH.

There was also significant involvement by CABS staff in cross-agency teams investigating options for portfolio-wide Corporate Services delivery. These teams are continuing to meet to deliver better outcomes across the Environment and Conservation Portfolio.

Information Technology Unit

A number of major IT initiatives over the past year have delivered significant improvements in internal information processing and client service. Development and implementation of e-ELF (electronic environment licensing forms) was one such initiative which now enables EPA clients to submit application forms for new authorisations and renewals online. The system also has e-commerce capabilities that allow secure payment of invoices online by credit card.

CARES has been enhanced and deployed to more councils. Link Communications (who operate the EPA call centre) also uses CARES to record incident information, saving data entry time for the EPA customer services officer. Automated e-mails are now sent to staff when an incident is allocated to them, resulting in considerable time saving and efficiency gains. A pilot environment reporting forms (ERF) database was created using Microsoft Access and is currently being evaluated. It was used for kerbside reporting by councils to submit information to the EPA. A vacant allotments database was developed for use in the Mount Lofty Watershed Protection Office to collect environmental data to help with development decisions in which the EPA is involved.

In accordance with the terminal server strategy, regional sites of the EPA have been converted to terminal server/ thin client technology. Win 2000 was rolled out to all PCs in the EPA, stabilising and standardising the PC environment, and reducing the number of support requests due to incompatible systems. The new cluster server gives more file storage space and a new print server has resolved printing issues.

When the Radiation Protection Division joined the EPA a significant IT effort went into migrating their systems to the existing EPA network.

Human resources

During 2002-03 the EPA reviewed the structure of the Human Resource Unit and the Training and Development Unit, previously in separate divisions, and restructured them into a combined Human Resource and Development (HR&D) Unit. The combined unit provides a better structure to link organisational development with organisational issues, challenges and business priorities.

The HR&D Unit has focused considerably on developing processes and practices to support the EPA in its new status as an independent agency, including a process improvement program for recruitment and selection operations. While future financial years should see these processes as well as other strategic human resource initiatives bedded down, a number of programs have been undertaken in 2002-03.

A key initiative involved the development of EPA ‘capabilities’ and their incorporation into a reviewed

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Performance and Development Review Process. The Human resource development section below provides a more detailed description of the capabilities, as well as the reviewed induction process and the workplace dignity program.

An exit interview process has been established to access information from people leaving the EPA about any problems with individuals and systems to be addressed. Considerable work has also gone into exploring opportunities for collaboration with human resource areas across the Environment and Conservation Portfolio.

STRATEGIES Human resource development (programs)

The EPA has continued to build on its planned approach to human resource development (HRD) which represents a significant component of the Human Resource and Development Plan, identifying key HRD objectives and priorities. A training needs analysis at the start of the financial year determined HRD programs and initiatives for the year. It included a review of the EPA’s Strategic Plan, business plans and key policies as well as interviews and focus groups with staff and managers.

A Human Resource Development Policy was developed to provide a framework for HRD within the EPA to ensure equitable access to opportunities, to encourage consideration of a range of development approaches beyond attending training courses and to assist managers in taking a planned approach to developing their staff. The previously centralised HRD budget was devolved to managers to ensure they control the resources to support their planned approach.

A major initiative this financial year has involved the development of EPA capabilities. Twelve capabilities of particular importance for all EPA staff have been selected and defined and broken down into a series of demonstrable behaviours to be exhibited by someone with the capability. The capabilities have been embedded into the Performance and Development Review (P&DR) process. All staff have received training in this new system, and have undergone a performance discussion with their manager in March–April this year. The completed P&DR process incorporates an agreed assessment against each of the capabilities, agreed expectations and goals for the next 12 months, and an agreed individual development plan. Analysis of these plans will be considered in determining HRD priorities for the next financial year.

Following a review by a process improvement team, the EPA’s induction process now involves a range of people (including managers, health and safety representatives, the HRD Unit and divisional administration officers) each providing information in a staged approach. This ensures that new starters receive the required information in a timely manner without being overloaded on the first day. Every second month divisional directors present an overview of the role played by their division as part of a formal presentation to new employees. Feedback suggests this new format has significantly increased the effectiveness of the induction process.

Other HRD initiatives include:

• defensive driving training provided to staff who use government cars with priority given to staff who logged the greatest number of driving hours or who had had accidents while driving

• re-establishment of monthly environmental forums, providing a congenial forum for staff to present information across divisions on work of common interest

• interagency work across the Environment and Conservation Portfolio to develop a collaborative framework for leadership and management development.

Evaluation of training programs is an integral part of the learning cycle and a means to assess agency investment in HRD. Course participants complete evaluation forms at the end of each course, and the performance management system provides information on the extent that staff have gained the skills and competencies necessary to be more effective in their roles after attending courses or programs.

Tables 8–10 provide statistical measures of inputs to assist in assessing agency investment.

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TABLE 8 Development Plan and qualifications Public Sector Management Act 1995 employees

% of employees with a documented individual Number of employees enrolled or completed development plan which was either implemented a qualification (or a unit from a qualification) or revised during the last 12 months# from an accredited training package#

Outcome 2002–03 Target 2003–04 Outcome 2002–03 Target 2003–04

Executives – 100 – – Senior managers* 60 100 – – Middle managers* 94 100 1 1 First line supervisors* 81 100 6 3 Others 87 100 – –

TOTAL 75 100 7 4

* Irrespective of any supervisory role, senior managers include all ASO7 and ASO8 and equivalent, middle managers include all ASO5 and ASO6 and equivalent, and first line supervisors include ASO3 and ASO4 and equivalent

# Figures for 2000-01, 2001-02 and targets for 2002-03 are not available prior to the establishment of EPA as separate entity.

TABLE 9 Training Expenditure Public Sector Management Act 1995 employees

% of training expenditure spent on % of training expenditure leadership and management training relative to relative to total remuneration costs total remuneration costs# (Benchmark of 2% determined by

Senior Management Council)#

Outcome 2002–03 Target 2003–04 Outcome 2002–03 Target 2003–04

Executives .54 2 – 2 Senior managers* 1.07 2 – 2 Middle managers* 1.22 2 .04 2 First line supervisors* 2.32 2 .31 2 Others .62 2 – 2

TOTAL 1.3 2 .35 2

* Irrespective of any supervisory role, senior managers include all ASO7 and ASO8 and equivalent, middle managers include all ASO5 and ASO6 and equivalent, and first line supervisors include ASO3 and ASO4 and equivalent

# Figures for 2000-01, 2001-02 and targets for 2002-03 are not available prior to the establishment of EPA as separate entity.

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TABLE 10 Leave management

1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

Average number of sick leave hours taken per FTE 50.1* 37.32* 39.75* 43.8

Average number of family carer leave hours taken per FTE n.a.# n.a.# n.a.# 4.1

Average number of special leave with pay hours for individual needs and responsibilities (as outlined on page 55 of PSM Act Determination 6—Leave) taken per FTE n.a.* n.a.# n.a.# 2.1

* Figures taken from divisional records when EPA was part of DEH # Figures not available prior to the establishment of EPA as separate entity

Workforce diversity

Throughout 2002-03 DEH continued to provide a corporate Human Resource service for the EPA, including a policy framework and the Disability Action Plan. Further work needs to be undertaken in the coming financial year to clarify responsibilities between EPA and DEH in terms of a service level agreement. Tables 11–13 show the extent of workplace diversity in the EPA.

TABLE 11 Indigenous employees

Total employees Male

Indigenous employees Female Total

Executives 3 Senior managers* 8 Middle managers* 29 First line supervisors* 73 Others 93 1 1

TOTAL 206 1 1

* Irrespective of any supervisory role, senior managers include all ASO7 and ASO8 and equivalent, middle managers include all ASO5 and ASO6 and equivalent, and first line supervisors include ASO3 and ASO4 and equivalent

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TABLE 12 Disability

Total employees Employees with a permanent disability Male Female Total

Executives 3 Senior managers* 8 Middle managers* 29 1 1 First line supervisors* 73 Others 93 1 1 2

TOTAL 206 2 1 3

* Irrespective of any supervisory role, senior managers include all ASO7 and ASO8 and equivalent, middle managers include all ASO5 and ASO6 and equivalent, and first line supervisors include ASO3 and ASO4 and equivalent

TABLE 13 Cultural and linguistic diversity

Country of birth Main language spoken at home (number of employees) (number of employees)

Total employees

Australia Other English Other

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

Executives 3 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0

Senior managers* 8 5 1 2 0 5 1 2 0

Middle managers* 29 17 5 3 4 17 5 3 4

First line supervisors* 73 6 25 8 4 37 25 8 4

Others 93 37 36 11 9 39 40 8 5

TOTAL 206 98 67 24 17 101 71 21 13

* Irrespective of any supervisory role, senior managers include all ASO7 and ASO8 and equivalent, middle managers include all ASO5 and ASO6 and equivalent, and first line supervisors include ASO3 and ASO4 and equivalent

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Voluntary flexible working arrangements

EPA staff have access to flexitime working conditions, and a number of staff work part-time and in job-share arrangements. In addition, several employees use purchased leave (Table 14). The age profile of the EPA is given in Table 15.

TABLE 14 Voluntary flexible working arrangements

Type of Total Number of employees using a voluntary flexible working arrangement arrangement employees Executive Non-Executive

Male Female Male Female

Purchased leave 3 1 2 Flexitime 200 118 82 Compressed weeks 2 1 1 Part-time and job share 11 3 8 Working from home 0 0 0

TOTAL 216* – – 123 93

* Double-counting has occurred where one EPA staff member uses more than one flexible working option

TABLE 15 Age profile

Age group (years)

Number of employees (persons)

% of all agency

employees

% of South Australian workforce* Male Female Total

15–19 0 0 0 0 7.3 20–24 3 2 5 2.4 10.3 25–29 8 16 24 11.5 10.7 30–34 20 23 43 20.6 11.5 35–39 13 8 21 10 11.4 40–44 17 13 30 14.4 13.1 45–49 19 6 25 12 12.1 50–54 23 8 31 14.9 10.8 55–59 18 5 23 11.5 7.6 60–64 3 2 5 2.4 3.7 65+ 0 1 1 0.40 1.5

*South Australian Workforce information [as at February 2003] sourced from ABS Supertable C2 abs.sagrn.sa.gov.au/abs/abs@nsf/abshome

Equal employment opportunity programs

A workplace dignity program was rolled out to all staff, including executive, managers, staff and contact officers, to raise awareness within the EPA on harassment, discrimination and bullying.

The EPA has worked in liaison with the Public Service Disability Recruitment Coordination Services and has considered referrals for vacant positions.

HR Data

Tables 16 and 17 provide a break-down of staff in the EPA by job classification and gender.

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TABLE 16 Executives

Executive level Number Gender Contract arrangement Fallback provisions

ExA 1 M Executive contract Yes to EL1 ExC 1 M Executive contract Yes to EL2 ExC 1 M Executive contract No

TABLE 17 Public Sector Management Act employees by stream, level, appointment type and gender as at June 2003

STREAM Ongoing Contract

Short term Contract

Long term Casual Total

M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICESAdministrative services officers

ASO1 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 4 ASO2 3 12 15 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 15 19 ASO3 7 12 19 7 12 19 ASO4 2 4 6 1 1 3 4 7 ASO5 13 5 18 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 15 8 23 ASO6 6 1 7 1 1 6 2 8 ASO7 9 1 10 9 1 10 ASO8

Managers administrative services

MAS1 MAS2 MAS3 1 1 2 1 1 2

TOTAL 42 38 80 3 3 6 0 3 3 2 1 3 46 44 92

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Professional services officers

PSO1 7 4 11 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 8 8 16 PSO2 16 10 26 1 2 3 2 2 4 19 14 33 PSO3 14 7 21 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 17 10 27 PSO4 11 4 15 1 1 11 5 16 PSO5 2 2 2 2

Managers professional services

MPS1 MPS2 MPS3 2 1 3 2 1 3

TOTAL 52 26 78 3 5 8 3 6 9 1 1 2 59 38 97

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TABLE 17 (continued)

STREAM Ongoing Contract

Short term Contract

Long term Casual Total

M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total

TECHNICAL SERVICES

TGO0 TGO1 TGO2 2 2 2 2 TGO3 9 1 10 1 1 10 1 11 TGO4 2 2 2 2 TGO5 1 1 1 1

Total 14 1 15 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 15 1 16

EXECUTIVES Executive officers

EL1 EL2 EL3 Level A 1 1 1 1 Level B Level C 2 2 2 2 Level D Level E Level F

Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 3

Other Executives

TOTAL ALL STREAMS 108 65 173 6 8 14 7 9 16 3 2 5 124 84 206

Internal environmental management

The EPA participates in environmental practices where available and monitors its progress in the following key areas:

OFFICE AND PAPER USE

Approximately 43,200 litres of waste6 (including paper, cardboard, bottles and cans) was recycled from EPA offices in the CBD during 2002–03. Data has been refined during the year to separate the number of bins collected for recycling into categories, which will improve future reporting.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

The number of long-term vehicles in use reduced by two over the year from 39 (in June 2002) to 37 by end June 2003. The transition to dual fuel and other more efficient running options continued. Of the 37 EPA vehicles, only six all-petrol vehicles remain (down from 19 at the end of 2001-02), 24 are dual fuel, 3 electric and 4 diesel.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 57

Please refer to the DEH 2002-03 Annual Report for whole-of-portfolio energy efficiency information. In addition, organic material collection facilities are available for CBD staff.

6 Based on 240 litre capacity bins

Occupational health safety and welfare

EPA has continued to implement the DEH occupational health, safety and welfare (OHS&W) system for incident reporting and investigation, and procedures, practices and performance targets (Table 18). Ongoing training is provided for health and safety representatives and staff as required.

The EPA’s OHS&W Committee meets regularly and has undertaken work to develop standard work practices for the EPA and the Chief Executive’s OHS&W Policy Statement, as well as to implement the EPA’s OHS&W Plan.

TABLE 18 EPA OHS&W data

OHS&W data* 2002–03

1 OHS&W legislative requirements Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 6.6 Nil Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 6.6 Nil Number of notices served pursuant to OHS&W Act** s35, s39 and s40 Nil

2 Injury management legislative requirements Total number of employees who participated in the rehabilitation program 1 Total number of employees rehabilitated and reassigned to alternative duties 0 Total number of employees rehabilitated back to their original work 1

3 WorkCover action limits Number of open claims as at 30 June 2 Percentage of workers compensation expenditure over gross annual remuneration 0.5%

4 Number of injuries Number of new workers compensation claims in the financial year 2 Number of fatalities, lost time injuries, medical treatment only (F) 0

(LTI) 1 (MTO) 1

Total number of whole working days lost 5

5 Cost of workers compensation Cost of new claims for financial year $2201 Cost of all claims excluding lump sum payments $5291 Amount paid for lump sum payments (s42, s43, s44) s42 Nil

s43 Nil s44 Nil

Total amount recovered from external sources (s54) Nil Budget allocation for workers compensation $40 000

6 Trends Injury frequency rate for new lost-time injury/disease for each million hours worked 2.7 Most frequent cause (mechanism) of injury Sound & Pressure Most expensive cause (mechanism) of injury Sound & Pressure

7 Meeting the organisation’s strategic targets These targets have been developed from baseline DEH data and separate EPA figures are not available. Please refer to the DEH Annual Report 2002-03 for more information.

* EPA data for 2000–01 and 2001–02 is not available as a separate set of information from DEH ** Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986

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Abbreviations µg/m3 micrograms per cubic metre AQI Air Quality Index BMT Department of Business, Manufacturing and Trade CARES complaints and reports of environmental significance CDL Container Deposit Legislation CMS Community Mediation Services CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation CWMB catchment water management board DHS Department of Human Services DWLBC Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation e-ELF electronic environment licensing forms EIP Environment Improvement Program EPA Environment Protection Authority EPHC Environment Protection and Heritage Council EPP Environment Protection Policy ERF environment reporting forms HR&D Unit Human Resource and Development Unit HRD Human Resource Development JRG Jurisdictional Recycling Group LGA Local Government Association LMC Land Management Corporation LMRIA Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area MPICC Major Projects and Infrastructure Cabinet Committee NEPC National Environment Protection Council NEPM National Environment Protection Measure NPC National Packaging Covenant NPI National Pollutant Inventory NPS pollution non-point source pollution NWQMS National Water Quality Management Strategy ODS ozone depleting substances OHS occupational health and safety P&DR Performance and Development Review PAR Plan Amendment Report PIRSA Department for Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia PM2.5 particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter PM10 particles less than 10 microns in diameter ppm part per million RPC Act Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 SAHT South Australian Housing Trust SoE State of the Environment STEDS septic tank effluent disposal systems 59

WPO Watershed Protection Office WRC Waste to Resources Committee WRWMA Western Region Waste Management Authority

Appendix 1—Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2003

2003 Note $’000

EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES: Salaries and wages and other employee related expenses 13 768 Goods and services 4 7 669 Grants and contributions 5 1 395 Depreciation and amortisation 6 923 Other expenses 8 29 Total expenses from ordinary activities 23 784

REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES: Fees and charges 9 11 347 Grants and contributions 10 2 318 Interest and dividends 507 Initial recognition of non-current assets 11 213 Net gain from disposal of non-current assets 7 3 Other revenues 12 247 Total revenues from ordinary activities 14 635

NET COST OF SERVICES 9 149

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENT: Recurrent appropriations 10 501 Contingency provision grants 3 Total revenues from government 10 504

NET TRANSFERS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY: Transfers from the Department for Environment and Heritage 3 849 Transfers from the Department of Human Services 75 Transfers from the Environment Protection Fund 3 848 Total transfers on establishment of the EPA 13 7 772

SURPLUS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 9 127

TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM TRANSACTIONS WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT AS OWNER 9 127

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CURRENT ASSETS: Cash assets Receivables Inventory Other Total current assets

NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables Other financial assets Property, plant and equipment Other Total non-current assets

Total assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payables Employee benefits Other current liabilities Provision for workers compensation Total current liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payables 18 420 Employee benefits 19 2 834 Provision for workers compensation Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

NET ASSETS

EQUITY: Accumulated surplus

TOTAL EQUITY

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets Restrictions on contributions

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2003

Note 2003 $’000

14 15

16

10 057 919

2 116

11 094

15

17 16

133 3

3 115 5

3 256

14 350

18 19

20

947 780 151 24

1 902

20 67 3 321

5 223

9 127

9 127

21 9 127

26 28

61

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2003 2003

Inflows (Outflows)

Note $’000 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: PAYMENTS:

Employee benefits and other employee related expenses (13 040) Goods and services (7 238) Grants and contributions (1 395)

RECEIPTS: Fees and charges 11 532 Receipts from loans 78 Interest income 484 Grants and contributions 2 318 Other revenues 255

CASH FLOWS FROM GOVERNMENT: Recurrent appropriations 10 501 Contingency provision grants 3 Transfer receipts from other Government entities on restructure 7 133 Net cash provided by operating activities 22 10 631

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITES: RECEIPTS:

Disposal of non-current assets 7 3 PAYMENTS:

Purchase of non-current assets (577) Net cash (used in) investing activities (574)

NET INCREASE IN CASH HELD 10 057

CASH AT 1 JULY 0

CASH AT 30 JUNE 14 10 057

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SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTERED ITEMS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2003 (REFER NOTE 1)

2003 ADMINISTERED EXPENSES AND REVENUES: Total

$’000 EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Goods and services 783 Total expenses from ordinary activities 783

REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Grants and contributions 559 Interest and dividends 44 Total revenues from ordinary activities 603

(DEFICIT) ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (180)

ADMINISTERED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:

ASSETS: Cash assets 414 Current receivables 395

Total assets 809

LIABILITIES: Payables 0

Total liabilities 0

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.OBJECTIVES AND FUNDING

(a) Establishment of the EPA

An administrative unit titled the ‘Environment Protection Authority’ (EPA) was established, by proclamation under the Public Sector Management Act 1995 in the Government Gazette dated 27 June 2002. The administrative unit was established from the Environment Protection Agency functions transferred from the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) and the Radiation Protection Branch functions transferred from the Department of Human Services. Employees relating to these functions were transferred effective from 1 July 2002 pursuant to section 7 of the Public Sector Management Act 1995.

The administrative unit was established as a separate body to the statutory authority that is also calledthe Environment Protection Authority, which was established in 1995 under the Environment ProtectionAct 1993. Subsequent amendments to the Environment Protection Act in April 2003 introduced agoverning board to the EPA, being the Board of the Environment Protection Authority, to which theChief Executive of the administrative unit is now accountable. Through this new governing arrangement,the statutory authority (through its governing Board) is responsible for the operations of theadministrative unit.

(b) EPA Objectives

The EPA objective is to achieve a healthy and valued environment for the people of South Australia, by working with community, industry and Governments. The EPA has principal responsibility for radiation protection, environment protection, policy and regulation.

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(c) Financial arrangements

The EPA has agreed that DEH continue to provide professional, technical and administrative support to the EPA. The identifiable direct costs of providing these services are met by the EPA. In addition, certain services are provided by DEH at no charge to the EPA and have not been recognised in the financial statements, as it is impractical to determine a value for these items. The costs of these services include salaries and overheads relating to the provision of various administrative services. Officers of DEH and the EPA are currently negotiating the terms of a Service Level Agreement relating to the future provision of these services by DEH to the EPA.

The EPA ’s sources of funds consist of monies appropriated by Parliament together with income derived primarily from fees, levies and licences to the public and industry.

The financial activities of the EPA are primarily conducted through Deposit Accounts with the Department of Treasury and Finance pursuant to Section 8 and Section 21 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987. The Deposit Accounts are used for funds provided by Parliamentary appropriation together with revenues from services provided and from fees and charges. All contracts and balances of the EPA are denominated solely in Australian dollars, therefore there are no foreign currency assets or liabilities.

(d) Office of Zero Waste SA

The Office of Zero Waste SA was established effective from 1 July 2003, by proclamation in the Government Gazette dated 26 June 2003 as a separate administrative unit under the Public Sector Management Act 1995. Approval has been granted by Cabinet for $650 000 of waste levy funds held in the Environment Protection Fund to be used to meet the costs of this new administrative unit in 2003–04.

When the Zero Waste SA Bill 2003 is passed, any of these funds that remain unspent will be transferred to the Waste to Resources Fund to be administered by Zero Waste SA.

(e) Administered activities

The EPA is responsible for the administration of certain activities described below on behalf of other SA Government agencies, industry, and the Minister for Environment and Conservation. The transactions relating to these activities are not recorded in the EPA ’s Statement of Financial Performance or Statement of Financial Position, as the EPA does not have any control over these activities and merely acts as an agent. Administered revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are detailed in the Schedule of Administered Items. The Adelaide Coastal Waters Study is considered to be an administered item of the EPA.

(f) Full time equivalents

The EPA was operating with 206 full time equivalent employees as at 30 June 2003.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of Accounting

This financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with the Statements of Accounting Concepts, Australian Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views (UIG’s), Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, Treasurer’s Instructions and Accounting Policy Statements issued by the Department of Treasury and Finance.

The financial statements, including the Schedule of Administered Items, have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly, revenues are recognised when they are earned or when the EPA has control over them, rather than when they are received. Expenses are recognised when they are incurred, rather than when they are paid. Some revenues are recognised when cash is received because

64

only at this time can the EPA be certain about the amounts to be collected. These revenues includeitems such as licence fees, fines and penalties.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.

(b) Property, plant and equipment

All items of property, plant and equipment controlled by the EPA have been brought to account at costof acquisition and have been reduced to reflect the portion of economic benefits that had beenconsumed since the asset was acquired. The EPA has undertaken an assessment of those assets carriedat cost at balance date and has determined that the carrying amount of these assets reflects their fair value.

Minor items of plant and equipment with an individual value of less than $2,000 are expensed in theStatement of Financial Performance at the time they are acquired.

Intellectual property, databases and information systems

The EPA controls a number of databases, registers, information systems and other intellectual property.All databases were developed in-house and are used to store and manage intellectual property owned bythe EPA. While the development and maintenance of these databases involve on-going costs to the EPA,the data has not been recognised in the financial statements as assets, as it has not been possible toreliably measure the value of those assets.

The purchase costs of information systems used by the EPA have been recognised as assets. However,the internal implementation and development costs related to the systems have not been capitalised asassets. These costs therefore have been expensed when incurred, as it has not been possible to reliablyidentify and match the expenditure to economic benefits attributable to future reporting periods.

(c) Depreciation

All items of property, plant and equipment have a limited useful life and are systematically depreciatedin a manner that reflects the consumption of service potential. The depreciation rates are reviewedannually.

Assets are subject to straight-line depreciation over the following periods:

Useful Life Years

Buildings and infrastructure 5-50 Moveable vehicles 10-15 Computing equipment 3 Application software 3-10 Furniture and fittings 3-12 Plant and equipment 3-20

(d)Repairs and maintenance

Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

(e) Income recognition

All revenue recorded in the Statement of Financial Performance, including appropriations, grants,donations, licence fees and other contributions are recognised as revenues when the EPA obtains controlover the assets comprising the contributions. Control over appropriations, licence fees and grantedassets is normally obtained upon their receipt.

(f) Cash assets

Cash assets consist of cash on hand and monies held by the Department of Treasury and Finance inSpecial Deposit Accounts. Interest is received on credit balances in accordance with standard

65

commercial terms for deposits not held by the Treasurer. Deposit Account balances are at call amounts, which earn interest at a rate determined by the Treasurer. Interest is received quarterly in arrears. The average effective interest rate for the reporting period was 4.6 percent.

(g) Receivables

Receivables in respect of fees and charges are generally settled within 60 days and are recorded at their recoverable amount. At the end of each reporting period these receivable balances are reviewed and a provision is raised in respect of any balance where recoverability is considered doubtful. Bad debts are written off in the period in which they are identified. Credit risk therefore is limited to the amount set aside as the provision for doubtful debts. The resulting carrying amount of receivables is considered to approximate their net fair values.

(h) Creditors/payables

Trade creditors are unsecured debts, recognised in the financial statements when contracted goods or services have been received by the EPA. These debts generally are settled within 30 days of invoice. Retention monies held on capital works projects are carried at their nominal face value. On-costs associated with employee benefits have been recognised as accrued payables for the period ending 30 June 2003 in accordance with Accounting Policy Statement APS 9 ‘Employee Benefits’, paragraph 30. The resulting amount of creditors/payables is considered to approximate their net fair values.

(i) Employee benefits

Amounts are raised at the end of the reporting period to reflect employee benefits relating to annual leave, long service leave and accrued salaries and wages.

(i) Annual leave

The annual leave benefit is calculated by multiplying each employee’s benefit by the remuneration rate expected when the leave is taken. The estimated rate of salary inflation is 4%. Where leave loadings are paid, they are included in the calculation.

(ii) Long service leave

In calculating long service leave benefits the EPA uses a benchmark of 7 years, based on an actuarial assessment undertaken by the Department of Treasury and Finance of a significant sample of employees throughout the South Australian public sector. The long service leave benefit estimated to be paid within 12 months of balance date, is calculated by multiplying employee benefits by the remuneration rate expected when the leave is taken. The estimated rate of salary inflation is 4%.

(iii) Sick leave

The EPA’s employees’ entitlement to sick leave is non vesting. Sick leave is only recognised as a liability at reporting date to the extent it is probable that sick leave expected to be taken in future periods will be greater than entitlements which are expected to accrue in those future periods. No sick leave liability has been recorded as it is probable that sick leave taken in future periods will be less than the sick leave benefits accrued in those periods.

(j) Leases

The EPA has entered into non-cancellable operating lease agreements for office accommodation where the lessors effectively retain all of the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the items held under the operating leases. The operating lease payments are charged to the Statement of Financial Performance over the lease term as they are representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased property. Details of operating leases are disclosed in Note 25.

The EPA has not entered into any finance leases. 66

(k) Superannuation

The EPA made contributions of $1.2 million to Employer Contribution Accounts administered by the South Australian Superannuation Board, in respect of future superannuation liabilities.

(l) Inventories

Inventories are valued in the accounts at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

(m) Goods and Services Tax

The EPA is a member of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) group. Under these grouping arrangements one group member, DEH, is responsible for the collection of GST on sales and payment of GST on purchases, and received/paid monies relating to the Australian Taxation Office, for all group members. The EPA does not recognise an asset or liability relating to the GST in its Statement of Financial Position or amounts for GST received/paid in it’s Statement of Cash Flows as they are recognised in DEH.

(n) Cash flows

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand (including petty cash and cashier floats) and Special Deposit Accounts with the Department of Treasury and Finance.

(o) Comparative figures

The general purpose Financial Statement is the first produced by the Environment Protection Authority. Comparative information is therefore not available for the Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Financial Position or Statement of Cash Flows.

(p) Rounding

All amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

3. PROGRAMS OF THE EPA

The EPA is funded by appropriation for the provision of environment protection, policy and regulatory services. In line with the objective of establishing the EPA to focus on environment protection activities the EPA conducts its services through a single program, Environment and Radiation Protection.

The Adelaide Coastal Waters Study has not been attributed to the above program as it is anadministered item of the EPA.

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2003 4. GOODS AND SERVICES $’000

Goods and service expenses for the reporting period comprised: Accommodation and service expenses Advertising Auditor’s remuneration – Auditing services Bank fees

1 553 181 59 6

Contractor expenses Consultancies

1 302 516

Computing expenses Equipment repairs and maintenance Hazardous waste storage & disposal costs Legal fees Materials and consumables

492 35

316 47

322 Media monitoring Minor plant and equipment purchases Postage, courier and freight Printing and publishing Scientific and technical services

232 100 42

304 901

Telephone expenses Travel and accommodation

318 198

Vehicle operating expenses Other

401 344

7 669 5. GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Grants and contributions for the reporting period comprised: Contributions to:

Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Department for Environment and Heritage Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA

Business SA Program Solar hot water system rebates:

SA Housing Trust Rebates to public and local councils

Waterwatch Program KESAB Service Agreement Miscellaneous grants and transfers

18 519

6 25

137 88

215 205 182

1 395

2003 6. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION $’000

Depreciation and amortisation expenses for the reporting period were charged in respect of: Buildings and infrastructure Moveable vehicles

5 4

68 Computing equipment Application software Furniture and fittings Plant and equipment

256 24 65

569

923

7. NET GAIN FROM DISPOSAL OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets 3 Less: Written down value of non-current assets 0

3

8. OTHER EXPENSES

Doubtful debts 6 Bad debts 1 Capital work in progress write-off 22

29

9. FEES AND CHARGES

Fees and charges for the reporting period comprised: Fees and licences 4 725 Waste levies 6 131 Fines and penalties 139 Section 7 enquiries 275 Sale of products and other services 77

11 347

10. GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Grants and contributions for the reporting period comprised: Commonwealth contributions 1 431 State Government grants 409 Contribution from Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA 160 Contribution from Department of Transport and Urban Planning 25 Contribution from Department for Environment and Heritage 50 Contribution from NRG Flinders 200 Sundry grants and contributions received 43

2 318

11. INITIAL RECOGNITION OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Initial recognition of non-current assets 111 Non-current assets received free of charge 102

213

12. OTHER REVENUES 2003

Other revenues for the reporting period comprised: $’000 Salary and wage expenses recouped 145 Sponsorship and donations 57 Other revenue 45

247

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13. NET TRANSFERS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EPA

Transfers from the Department for Environment and Heritage Net assets transferred to the EPA:

Cash assets 3 371 Receivables 1 174 Inventory 13 Other financial assets 4 Property, plant and equipment 2 810 Other 166

7 538 Net liabilities transferred to the EPA:

Payables 923 Employee entitlements 2 596 Provision for workers compensation 170

3 689

Net transfers from the Department for Environment and Heritage 3 849

Transfers from the Department of Human Services Net assets transferred to the EPA:

Property, plant and equipment 460

460

Net liabilities transferred to the EPA:

Payables 21 Employee entitlements 364

385

Net transfers from the Department of Human Services 75

Transfers from the Environment Protection Fund Net assets transferred to the EPA:

Cash assets 3 762 Receivables 149

3 911

Net liabilities transferred to the EPA:

Payables 63

63

Net transfers from the Environment Protection Fund 3 848

7 772

The assets and liabilities transferred on the establishment of the EPA from the Department for Environment and Heritage and the Department of Human Services represent amounts agreed to between the respective Departments and the EPA at the date of signing this report. At that date there were some matters relating to the financial transfer between the Department for Environment and Heritage and the EPA which remained unresolved and the effect of which was not measurable. The EPA recognised all the revenues and expenses for the reporting period for the functions transferred from the respective Departments.

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The Environment Protection Fund (Fund) met the accounting criteria of a controlled entity of the EPA and consequently the assets and liabilities of the Fund were recognised by the EPA effective from 1 July 2002. The EPA recognised all the revenues and expenses for the reporting period for the Fund. Previously the Fund was an administered item of the Department for Environment and Heritage.

The water regulatory functions of the Investigations Unit transferred to the EPA from the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation effective from 1 July 2002. The EPA recognised all the revenue and expenses for the reporting period for these functions. There were no asset or liability transfers to the EPA in relation to these functions.

2003 14. CASH ASSETS $’000

Cash on hand (including petty cash) 6 Accrual Appropriation Excess Fund Special Deposit Account with

the Department of Treasury and Finance 1 049 Authority Special Deposit Account with the Department of Treasury and Finance 5 536 Environment Protection Fund Deposit Account with the Department of Treasury and Finance 3 466

10 057

15. RECEIVABLES

Current: Fees and charges 847 Loans receivable 74 Accrued investment income 36 Less: Provision for doubtful debts (38)

919 Non-current:

Loans receivable 133

16. OTHER ASSETS

Current: Prepayments 114 Provision for workers compensation – Third party recoveries 2

116 Non-current:

Provision for workers compensation – Third party recoveries 5

71

2003 17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT $’000

Buildings and infrastructure – At cost 124 Accumulated depreciation (22)

102

Moveable vehicles – At cost 74 Accumulated depreciation (41)

33

Computing equipment – At cost 1 422 Accumulated depreciation (995)

427

Application software – At cost 359 Accumulated depreciation (24)

335

Furniture and fittings – At cost 713 Accumulated depreciation (190)

523

Plant and equipment – At cost 3 863 Accumulated depreciation (2 168)

1 695

Total property, plant and equipment – At cost 6 555 Total accumulated depreciation (3 440)

3 115

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2003 Buildings & Moveable Computing Application Furniture Plant & Total

Infrastructure Vehicles Equipment Software & Fittings Equipment $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Gross carrying amount Balance at 30 June 2002 - - - - - - -Additions - - 132 300 8 137 577 Initial recognition of assets - - 90 59 - 279 428 Disposals - - (24) - - (32) (56) Transfers within Government 121 74 1 227 - 705 3 501 5 628 Write off of capital work in progress - - - - - (22) (22) Transfer within classes 3 - (3) - - - -

Balance at 30 June 2003 124 74 1 422 359 713 3 863 6 555

Accumulated depreciation /amortisation Balance at 30 June 2002 - - - - - - -Disposals - - 24 - - 32 56 Depreciation expense (5) (4) (256) (24) (65) (569) (923) Initial recognition of assets - - (8) - - (207) (215) Transfers within Government (14) (37) (758) - (125) (1 424) (2,358) Transfer within classes (3) - 3 - - - -

Balance as at 30 June 2003 (22) (41) (995) (24) (190) (2 168) (3 440)

Net book value As at 30 June 2002 - - - - - - -

As at 30 June 2003 102 33 427 335 523 1 695 3 115

2003 18. PAYABLES $’000

Current: Creditors 582 Accruals 183 Environment agreement security deposit 50 Employee benefits – on-costs 132

947 Non-current:

Employee benefits – on-costs 420

19. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Current: Long service leave 97 Annual leave 632 Accrued salaries and wages 51

780 Non-current:

Long service leave 2 834

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20. PROVISION FOR WORKERS COMPENSATION

A provision is raised to reflect the liability for any outstanding (unsettled) workers compensation claims for lump sum payments, adjusted for potential recoveries from negligent third parties. It is based on an actuarial assessment prepared for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

These figures reflect an apportionment of the whole-of-government estimate of workers compensation liability, according to the EPA’s experience of claim numbers and payments based on data as at 30 April 2003, extrapolated to 30 June 2003. A separate valuation of the liabilities of the EPA has not been undertaken.

The whole-of-government estimate can be found in a report prepared by Taylor Fry Pty Ltd, consulting actuaries, and submitted to the Public Sector Occupational Health and Injury Management Section of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. This report conforms to the WorkCover Guidelines for Actuaries, Australian Accounting Standard AAS 26 ‘Financial Reporting of General Insurance Activities’ and Professional Standard PS300 ‘Actuarial Reports and Advice on Outstanding Claims in General Insurance’ of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

The allocation of workers compensation liabilities has also been split into current (ie the provision required to meet the liability over the coming year) and non-current (ie the provision required for later years).

21. EQUITY

Equity represents the residual interest in the EPA’s net assets. The South Australian Government holds the equity interest in the EPA on behalf of the community.

2003 Accumulated surplus: $’000

Transfers from the Department for Environment and Heritage 3 849 Transfers from the Department of Human Services 75 Transfers from the Environment Protection Fund 3 848 Surplus for the period 1 355

9 127

22. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO SURPLUS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Net cash provided by operating activities 10 631 Net transfers of assets to the EPA 3 270 Non-cash items: Depreciation and amortisation (923) Net gain on sale of non-current assets (3) Initial recognition of non-current assets 213 Asset accruals 9 Capital WIP write-off (22)

Movements in assets and liabilities: Increase in receivables 1 052 Increase in inventories 2 Increase in other assets 121 Increase in payables (1 367)

74 Increase in other liabilities (151) Increase in worker’s compensation provision (91) Increase in employee benefits (3 614)

Surplus from ordinary activities 9 127

2003 23. REMUNERATION OF EMPLOYEES

The number of employees whose remuneration received or receivable during the Number of Period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 falls within the following bands: Employees

$130 000 - $139 999 1 $140 000 - $149 999 1

Total remuneration received or due and receivable during the reporting period by these employees was $275 000.

24. AUDIT FEES

Audit fees of $59 400 were incurred for the period ending 30 June 2003.

25. OPERATING LEASES

At the reporting date, the EPA had the following obligations under non-cancellable operating leases. These obligations are not recognised as liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position. The operating leases held by the EPA are mainly property leases with penalty clauses equal to the amount of the residual payments remaining for the lease term. The leases are payable one month in advance. The option to renew the lease is held by the EPA. There are no existing or contingent rental provisions. The total amount of operating lease expenses recognised in the 2002-2003 Statement of Financial Performance is $1 400 000.

2003 $’000

Payable not later than one year 1 429 Payable later than one year but not later than five years 5 200 Payable later than five years 530

7 159

26. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

Contingent Liabilities

During 2002 an EPA prosecution failed in the Environmental Resources and Development Court. The defendant party has submitted a claim for compensation of the legal costs incurred by the company in this matter. The compensation claim is in the hands of the Crown Solicitor. If the claim is successful it is estimated that the amount of compensation payable could be as high as $120 000.

Contingent Assets

The EPA is not aware of the existence of any contingent assets as at 30 June 2003.

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27. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND RELATED ON-COST LIABILITIES

In accordance with the requirements of AASB 1028 employee on-costs are required to be reported as payables whilst leave liability amounts are reported separately as ‘Employee Benefits’. Below is a composite note disclosure showing the total liabilities the EPA has as at 30 June 2003 relating to employee benefits:

Note 2003 Annual leave: $’000

On-costs included in payables - current 18 118

Employee benefits - current 19 632

750 Long service leave:

On-costs included in payables - current 18 14 Employee benefits - current 19 97

111

On-costs included in payables – non-current 18 420 Employee benefits – non-current 19 2 834

3 254

Aggregate employee benefits and related on-cost liabilities 4 115

28. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED

The EPA receives contributions from various funding sources expressly for the purpose of undertaking specific projects. As at 30 June 2003, $1 553 000 of those contributions, which have been recognised as revenues in the Statement of Financial Performance during current or previous periods, are yet to be spent in the manner specified by the contributors.

Revenue Received

$’000

Unspent Amount

$’000

Environment protection 5 159 1 553

29. REMUNERATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

The total income received, or due and receivable, by Board members was $53 000. The number of Board members whose remuneration received or due and receivable fell within the following bands:

2003 Number

$NIL 3 $1 - $10 000 8 $20 001 - $30 000 1

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30. The Environment Protection Fund

The Environment Protection Fund (Fund) is established under Section 24 of the Environment Protection Act. The purpose of the fund is to provide funds which may be applied to education, training, investigations, research and pilot programs in relation to the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment and to facilitate assistance in relation to an environment performance agreement.

The fund meets the accounting criteria of a controlled entity of the EPA and consequently the assets and liabilities of the fund are recognised by the EPA in the Statement of Financial Position and the fund’s revenues and expenses have been recognised in the EPA ’s Statement of Financial Performance. The following is a summary of the amounts included in the fund. In reflecting these amounts in the EPA ’s financial statements transactions between the fund and the EPA have been eliminated.

Statement of financial performance for the period ended 30 June 2003 2003 EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES: $’000

Salaries and wages and other employee related expenses 627 Goods and services 441 Grants and contributions 1 163 Total expenses from ordinary activities 2 231

REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES: Fees and charges 1 822 Interest and dividends 175 Other 23 Total revenues from ordinary activities 2 020

(DEFICIT) FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES: (211)

Statement of financial performance as at 30 June 2003 CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash assets 3 466 Receivables 259 Total current assets 3 725

NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Property, plant and equipment 5 Total non-current assets 5

Total assets 3 730

CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payables 78 Other current liabilities 15 Total current liabilities 93

NET ASSETS 3 637

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DECLARATION BY OFFICERS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CHAIR

September 2003 September 2003

We, the undersigned, hereby state that in our opinion the foregoing financial statements and notes to the accounts, are, to the best of our knowledge, drawn up as to present fairly, in accordance with Statements of Accounting Concepts, applicable accounting standards, Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, as amended, the financial position of the entity as at the reporting date and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended.

We also state that it is our opinion that, to the best of our knowledge, internal controls over financial reporting have been effective throughout the reporting period.

Paul Vogel John O’Daly DIRECTOR, CORPORATE & BUSINESS SUPPORT

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Appendix 2—Publications released in 2002–2003 EPA Information

New format EPA Information Sheets will gradually replace the old numbered information sheets.

Air conditioner noise (was IS No. 12; July 2002)Construction noise (was IS No. 7; July 2002)Environmental noise (was IS No. 9; July 2002)Household hazardous waste—management and disposal (new; March 2003)

EPA Guidelines (EPA Guidelines have replaced the old EPA Technical Bulletins)

Air conditioning and pipework systems—wastewater removal (was TB No. 18; March 2003)Air quality impact assessment using design ground level pollutant concentrations (DGLCs)

(was TB No. 26; March 2003) Animal processing works (August 2002) Bunding and spill management (July 2002) Carpet and upholstery cleaning wastewater (was TB No. 15; March 2003) Closure and post-closure plans for major landfills (was TB No. 7; March 2003) Community consultation for waste management and recycling facilities (was TB No. 19; March 2003) Concrete batching (April 2003) Development proposal assessment for venues where music may be played (was TB No. 10; March 2003) Dredging and earthworks (August 2002) Environment management of foundries (April 2003) Exhaust ventilation in commercial and institutional kitchens (August 2002) Fire protection services pipework systems—wastewater removal (was TB No. 21; March 2003) Independent verification of monitoring programs (was TB No. 3; March 2003) Landfill environment management plans (was TB No. 6; March 2003) Liquid biosolids from domestic septic tanks—disposal onto agricultural land (was TB No. 14; March 2003) Liquid waste classification test (was TB No. 8; March 2003) Medical waste—storage, transport and disposal (was TB No. 2; March 2003) Minor landfill proposal plans (was TB No. 9; March 2003) Odour assessment using odour source modelling (was TB No. 25; March 2003) Pressure for water-blasting activities (was TB No. 16; March 2003) Protection for voluntary environmental audits (was TB No. 22; March 2003) Reclaimed water irrigation of pasture for grazing of cattle and pigs (was TB No. 13; March 2003) Used foundry sand (UFS)—classification and disposal (was TB No. 23; March 2003) Use of water treatment solids (WTS) (August 2002) Ventilation of fibreglass works (July 2002) Waste levy regulations (was TB 24; September 2002) Wastes containing asbestos—removal, transport and disposal (was TB No. 1; October 2002) Waste tracking form (October 2002) Waste transport certificate (October 2002) Wastewater lagoon construction (September 2002) Wineries and distilleries—wastewater monitoring programs (under review) (was TB No. 11; March 2003)

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Annual reports

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY Annual Report 2001–2002 (hard copy or CD-ROM)

ROUND-TABLE CONFERENCERound-table Conference Report 2002

Codes of practice and guidelines

Code of Practice for Milking Shed Effluent, May 2003 Code of Practice for Vessels on Inland Waters, May 2003 Environmental Noise Guidelines: Wind farms, February 2003

Public consultation drafts

Draft Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2003 (closed for comment 7 March 2003)

Draft Environment Protection (Noise) Policy & Explanatory Report, March 2003 (closed for comment 27 June 2003)

Draft Environmental Noise Guidelines for Audible Bird Scarers, March 2003 (closed for comment 27 June 2003)

Draft Waste to Resources Plan for Metropolitan Adelaide—infrastructure and kerbside services, April 2003 (closed for comment 27 June 2003)

Reforms to licensing arrangements under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (closed for comment 14 March 2003)

Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Office

Grazing animals and the risk of Cryptosporidium parvum contamination to the raw water supply—status report 2002, May 2003

Pollutant trace sampling, source detection and remediation program—status report 2002, May 2003

Other publications

Air Quality Monitoring Reports: Castalloy Foundry, February 2003 Hensley Foundry, October 2002

Frog Census report: 2001, August 2002

Future air quality monitoring for lead in metropolitan Adelaide, May 2003

Handbook for pollution avoidance on building sites, May 2003

Health of sub-tidal reefs along the Adelaide metropolitan coastline 1996–99, January 2003

Landfill Audit—SA Regional, July 2002

Mosquitoes in constructed wetlands, December 2002

Noise Report: Castalloy Foundry, North Plympton, June 2003

Saltwatch Summary Report May 2001 & May 2002, May 2003

Sharing Environment Protection Responsibilities—joint 18-month trial report, August 2002

Wineries and the Environment, August 2002

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Joint publication (with other government departments and organisations)

Small Business Environmental Solutions (with Business SA), December 2002

Consultancy report

Survey and audit of kerbside waste and recycling practices, December 2002

Pamphlets and brochures

River Health series (May 2003): Eyre Peninsula Far North Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island Flinders Ranges Mid North Mount Lofty Ranges River Murray South East

Water Quality of the Port River Estuary—a community summary, January 2003

CD-ROMs

Codes of Practice for the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003

EPA Annual Report 2001–2002

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Appendix 3—Freedom of Information Statement Pursuant to the provisions of section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA) the following details are provided as part of the information statement of the EPA.

Organisation structure and functions

From 1 July 2002 the EPA became a separate administrative unit under the Environment and Conservation Portfolio. The EPA is South Australia’s primary environmental regulator. It has responsibility for the protection of air and water quality, and the control of pollution, waste, noise and radiation, to ensure the protection and enhancement of the environment.

The EPA’s organisation structure and functions are set out in this annual report.

Boards and committees

Information on the EPA’s boards and committees is set out in this annual report.

Effect of organisation functions on members of the public

The EPA encourages environmental responsibility throughout the business and community sectors and works collaboratively towards achieving a healthy environment alongside economic prosperity.

The role and objectives of the EPA are detailed throughout this annual report.

Public participation in organisation policy

The public is invited to participate in development of EPA policy through:

• public consultation sessions during the development of specific EPPs

• the annual Round-table Conference

EPA also supports a number of programs to assist business and industry, community volunteers and South Australian teachers and students to become involved in protecting and enhancing the environment.

Public consultation and community monitoring programs undertaken in 2002–03 are detailed in this annual report.

Description of kinds of documents held by EPA

Publications produced by the EPA can be accessed through the department’s web site at www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html, or requested by telephoning the Customer Service Desk on 8204 2004. A list of 2002-03 EPA publications is set out in this annual report. The types of documents produced by the EPA include:

• administrative records

• asset maintenance records

• records and annual reports of boards and committees

• corporate and strategic planning records

• correspondence files

• financial records

• occupational health and safety records

• personnel records

• policy documents

• procedures and reference manuals

• survey and environmental reports and records

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Policy documents

In relation to corporate policy the EPA refers to existing DEH corporate policy except in instances where specific EPA policy has been developed. Enquiries about such policy should be directed to DEH. The following list details existing EPA internal operating policies:

• IOP001 Guideline for the preparation of an internal office policy or procedure for the EPA

• IOP002 Procedure for obtaining advice on sampling

• IOP003 Procedure to be followed when requesting legal advice

• IOP004 Overseas travel by EPA staff

• IOP005 Conference attendance by EPA staff

• IOP006 Guidelines for training & development expenditure

• IOP007 Licence renewal process for A-Class licences

Attachment 0: Designation of licences as Class ‘A’ or Class ‘B’ – Licence Consolidation

Attachment 1: Licence renewal process flow chart for ‘A’ licences

Attachment 2: Licence renewal process for A-Class licences, guidance notes for licence coordinators

Attachment 3: Full process

• IOP008 Guidelines for study assistance

• IOP009 Accessing human resource development activities

• IOP010 Induction

Attachment 1 – Process for induction of new employees

Attachment 2 – Induction checklist

Attachment 3 – Reference lists

• IOP011 Guideline in preparing EPA Board papers

Attachment 1 – Required paper format and guidance notes

Attachment 2 – Agenda item proforma

Attachment 3 – Suggested agenda item proforma

• IOP012 Vaccination protocol for field-staff

• IOP013 Licensing requirements for the transport and disposal of recyclable/reusable wastes

Access to organisation documents

Requests under the Freedom of Information Act for access to documents or amendment of personal records in the possession of EPA should be directed in writing to:

Freedom of Information Coordinator Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Telephone: 8204 2000

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Appendix 4—Other statutory information

DIRECTION BY THE MINISTER Pursuant to Section 111(2)(b) of the Act, the minister to whom the Act is committed has given no direction to the Board during the period to which this report relates.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES LISTING • Board of the Environment Protection Authority

• Radiation Protection Committee

• Winery Development Water Quality Risk Assessment Study in the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Steering Committee

OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Number of employees

Destination(s) Reasons for travel Total cost to agency*

1 USA To undertake advanced environmental crimes training course run by US EPA

$5399

2 New Zealand To attend the annual conference of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society; one officer presented an oral paper at the conference

$4464

1 New Zealand To discuss waste programs with Zero Waste New Zealand Trust and attend the Waste Minimisation Conference

Funded by Zero Waste NZ Trust

1 Japan Exchange with Osaka Environment Protection Association

$1400 Partly funded by Osaka EPA

*Salary costs for staff not included in these figures

FRAUD There have been no instances of fraud detected in the EPA during this financial year.

CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS During the 2002–03 financial year the EPA did not enter into any contractual arrangements where the total value of an individual contract exceeded $4 million.

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CONSULTANTS

a. CONTROLLED ENTITY

Under $10,000

19 consultants Total $70,431

$10,000–$50,000

Eco Management Services Winery Development Water Quality Risk Assessment – Study in the Mount Lofty Ranges Stage 3

$10,000

Chalke and Associates Watershed Protection Office—Mid Term Report $21,923

Davies Hutchens & Blackburn P/L Container Deposit Legislation awareness campaign $24,770

Flinders Consulting P/L Windrow Composting project $10,373

Flinders Consulting P/L Review of Procedures of Recyclable Organic Wastes for the City of Port Lincoln

$13,218

Hudson Howells Consultation for expansion of beverage provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993

$33,830

John Lamb Communications Payment for the media strategy for Mount Lofty Watershed $22,600

KESAB Litter Count Wave 20 February 2003 $11,272

O’Brien McGrath Advertising Media planning fee $10,249

Total $158,231

Over $50,000

Nolan-ITU Adelaide Waste Management Strategy; Domestic Waste & Recycling Structures—Report: Physical Waste Audits & Survey $128,906

b. ADMINISTERED FUNDS

Under $10,000

5 consultancies Total $22,446

$10,000–$50,000

GHD Pty Ltd Review of action plans and issue of final reports $11,300

KESAB Recycling and Resource Recovery Directory update 2002–03 $10,506

McGregor Tan Research Strategic Marketing Plan $29,050

Above $50,000

CSIRO Stage 2 of the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study $765,916 85

ACCOUNT PAYMENT PERFORMANCE The Environment and Conservation Portfolio has an accounts payable performance target of paying 85% of invoices before the due date. Over the course of the year, the EPA payment performance averaged 86%.

Particulars Number of accounts paid

Percentage of accounts paid (by number)

Value ($A) of accounts paid

Percentage of accounts paid (by value)

Paid by the due date

7078 86.55 7,043,921 70.20

Paid within 30 days or less from due date

778 9.51 2,092,839 23.37

Paid more than 30 days from due date

322 3.94 544,596 6.43

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