Environment Protection Authority

Annual Report 1996 - 97

Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Telephone: Facsimile: Free Call:

(08) 8204 2004 (08) 8204 2054 1800 623 445

ISSN 1322-1663

Printed on Recycled Paper

LETTER OF TRANSMISSION

The Hon David Wotton MP Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources Parliament House North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000

Dear Minister

It is with pleasure that I present to you the Annual Report of the Environment Protection Authority for the period 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. This Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Walsh Chair Environment Protection Authority

September 1997

FOREWORD

The 1996-97 year has been one of consolidation and review for the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Many of the licences issued during the initial six month transitional period, were re-evaluated and refined during renewal. Reviews of environment protection policies, which will result in updated policies for water, waste and noise, were commenced. The need for legislation dealing with contaminated sites has also been recognised and proposals to develop the appropriate legislation will be developed during 1998.

The EPA is upgrading its information technology to increase the efficiency of licence administration and improve public access to information.

The issue of waste disposal has been of particular concern to the community. The Waste Strategy is a major initiative with the following key elements: the strengthening of licence conditions, development of an environment protection policy in relation to waste, a waste reduction programme and the development of a plan for waste infrastructure. Implementation of the Strategy has begun.

At a national level, the programmes of the EPA support the role of the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources on the National Environment Protection Council. The Councili's main role is to develop National Environment Protection Measures.

In South Australia, the EPA is working with local government to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of pollution control in South Australia. A discussion paper outlining these issues is currently being finalised with several local government partners and will be released for consultation towards the end of 1997.

Another area of interest in the coming year will be the release of the EPA's Compliance and Enforcement Guidelines which will be followed by Beyond Compliance, the goal of the EPA for all business and potentially polluting activities.

Staff are to be congratulated for their dedication and commitment which has enabled the organisation to make the major achievements highlighted in this report.

Chair Rob Thomas Executive Director

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Responsibilities of the Authority 1

1.2 The Environment Protection Authority 1

2 AIR QUALITY AND ATMOSPHERIC PROTECTION 4

2.1 Point Source Emission Control Programme 4

2.2 Motor Vehicle Emissions 5

2.3 Ambient Air Monitoring 6

2.4 Ambient Air Quality NEPM 10

2.5 Ozone Protection 10

2.6 Greenhouse 11

3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION 12

3.1 Responsibility for Water Quality in South Australia 12

3.2 Water Quality Controls 12

3.3 Marine Environment 13

3.4 Monitoring of Water Quality 14

4 NOISE CONTROL 23

4.1 Noise Control Issues 23

4.2 Review of the Noise Policies 24

5 WASTE MANAGEMENT 26

5.1 Waste Strategy 26

5.2 Contaminated Sites 28

5.3 Hazardous Waste Issues 31

5.4 Litter Strategy 32

6 WORKING WITH INDUSTRY 35

7 WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT 38

7.1 Responsibilities of the EPA and Local Government 38

8 WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY 39

8.1 Public Involvement in Decision Making 39

8.2 Public Access to Information 40

9 EMERGENCY POLLUTION INCIDENT RESPONSE 42

10 LEGISLATION AND POLICY 44

10.1 Legislative Amendment 44

10.2 Environment Protection Policies 46

10.3 National Environment Protection Measures 46

10.4 State of the Environment Report 48

11 REGULATING ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES 49

11.1 Environmental Authorisations 49

11.2 Development Assessment 49

12. ENFORCEMENT 51

12.1 Enforcement Guidelines 51

12.2 Civil Enforcement 51

12.3 Prosecutions 51

12.4 Appointment of Government Investigations Officers 51

13 ADMINISTRATION 52

13.1 Staff Training and Development 52

13.2 Human Resources 53

13.3 Information Technology 54

13.4 External Consultants 55

13.5 Freedom of Information 56

13.6 Financial Statements 56

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Organisation structure of the Office of Environment Protection 57

Appendix 2 Environment Protection Authority Publications List 58

Appendix 3 Audited Financial Statements 61

FIGURES

Figure 1 Total lead emissions from petrol-fuelled motor vehicles. 6

Figure 2 Total annual petrol consumption in South Australia. 6

Figure 3 Total suspended particulate lead —Annual means. 7

Figure 4 PM,0 particulates—24-hour monthly maxima 1996. 8

Figure 5 Ozone—One-hour annual maxima — N E T L E Y 9

Figure 6 Ozone— One-hour annual maxima —Hampstead Centre, NORTHFIELD 9

Figure 7 Nitrogen dioxide—One-hour annual maxima—Hampstead Centre, NORTHFIELD. 10

Figure 8 Nitrogen dioxide—One-hour annual maxima—NETLEY. 10

Figure 9 Locations visited in 1996 by Frog Census collectors. 20

Figure 10 Comparison of national and South Australian recycling rates ( % ) for various beverage container types. 33

Figure 11 Emergency response incidents dealt with by the EPA in 1996-97 42

ABBREVIATIONS

ACCS Advisory Committee on Contaminated Sites

ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council

AUSRIVAS Australian River Assessment Scheme

CFCs chlorofluorocarbons

CFS Country Fire Service

CIDS Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme

DENR Department of the Environment and Natural Resources

DHUD Department of Housing and Urban Development

DoT Department of Transport

EDMS Environmental Data Management System

EIPs environment improvement programmes

EIS Environmental Impact Study

EMSs environment management systems

EPA Environment Protection Authority

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

FAC Federal Airports Corporation

GIO government investigation officer

HCFCs hydrochlorofluorocarbons

MDP Major Developments Panel

NEPC National Environment Protection Council

NEPC National Environment Protection Council

NEPM Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure

NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council

NPI National Pollutant Inventory

ODSs ozone depleting substances

SAECCI South Australian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SCEP Standing Committee on Environmental Protection

TBT tributyltin

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

1.1 Responsibilities of the Authority Section 13 of the Act imposes the following functions upon the Authority:

• administer and enforce the Act

• prepare draft environment protection policies

• review environment protection policies

• contribute to the development of national environment protection measures

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

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

• institute or supervise environmental monitoring and evaluation programmes

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

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

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

« prepare State of the Environment Reports

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

1.2 The Environment Protection Authority

Membership

Mr Stephen Walsh QC Mr Walsh is Chair of the Authority as a person with "qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management". He is a barrister with over 20 years experience. He practised with Ward and Partners for 20 years until 1992 when he began practising with the Independent Bar. He is an accredited mediator, past President of the Law Society of South Australia, and was an alderman and councillor at the City of Burnside for 10 years. He is also a former Chair of the City of Burnside's Planning and Policy Development Committee.

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Mr Ray Dougherty, BSc (Applied Mathematics, Physics), BEng (Elec) (Hons) MBA Mr Dougherty was appointed to the Authority as a person "with practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development". He is the Managing Director of Amdel Ltd a position he has held since 1991.

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

Mrs Anita Aspinall, BA (Social Science) Mrs Aspinall has been appointed to the Authority for her "practical knowledge of, and experience in, local government". During 1996-97, she was the Mayor of the District Council of Stirling, President of the Southern and Hills Local Government Association and of its Resource Sharing Committee, and a member of the Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board. She is also a member of the management team of the Mount Lofty Ranges Catchment Programme, Local Government component (central and northern region).

Mr Rob Thomas, BSc (Geology), BSc (Hons) (Zoology), MPhil (Applied Biology) Mr Thomas was appointed Executive Director of the Office of the Environment Protection Authority in 1992 and as such is an ex officio member of the Authority. From 1994 to 1995 he was Chairman of the Waste Management Commission. He has 23 years experience as an environmental scientist and 15 years experience in environmental project management, including a period as a Manager at Kinhill Engineers Pty Ltd.

29 September 1994 - 28 September 1996

Dr Tim Gamon BSc (Hons), MSc (Eng Geology), PhD Dr Tim Gamon is a person with practical knowledge of and experience in the reduction, reuse, recycling and management of waste and the environmental management industry.

29 September 1996 - present

Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd BSc (Hons), PhD Dr Cruickshanks-Boyd was appointed to the Authority for his, "practical knowledge of and experience in the reduction, reuse, recycling and management of waste and the environmental management industry". He has over 15 years experience in the design, implementation and management of environmental programmes and has managed technical and consultancy services in this area. He is currently the National Manager of Environment Services with PPK. He has been involved in the development and implementation of environmental management systems for the Federal Airports Corporation, Australian National and numerous other organisations.

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Members of the Environment Protection Authority (from left to right): Mr Ray Dougherty, Ms Jennifer Cashmore, Mr Stephen Walsh, Mrs Anita Aspinall, Mr Rob Thomas, Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd

Meetings and Other Activities

Over the 1996-97 period, the Authority formally met on 12 occasions.

In addition, all members attended the inaugural Round-table in February 1997 and took an active role in the discussions. Individual members have represented the Authority at a range of meetings and functions, including chairing conference sessions, and attending official openings and professional association meetings. When necessary, site visits are arranged to assist in the decision making process.

The Office of Environment Protection

The Authority is assisted in the administration of the Act by the Office of Environment Protection, a group within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Office comprises the following branches: Policy and Planning, Monitoring and Wastewater, Industry Services, Recycling and Waste, and Business Services. At 30 June 1997 the staff numbered 88 full-time equivalents. Appendix 1 provides an overview of the structure of the Office of Environment Protection.

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

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

2 AIR QUALITY AND ATMOSPHERIC PROTECTION In terms of exposure to the six pollutants commonly used to assess air quality, South Australians are reaping the benefits of 25 years of reduction in emissions due to industry focused legislation and voluntary improvements by industrial and commercial operations. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone (in photochemical smog) and lead levels have either decreased significantly in the Adelaide region or have been held below current ambient air quality goals despite growth in the urban population and the associated commercial activity.

2.1 Point Source Emission Control Programme

Licensed Premises Licensing and routine surveillance of the major sources of pollutants provides the basis for development and implementation of environment management systems (EMSs) and environment improvement programmes (EIPs) over the term of the licence. EMSs are used to include consideration of environmental issues in organisational policies, operating procedures and employee training programmes to ensure that existing compliance with legislation is maintained. Adoption of EIPs promotes the EPA objective of achieving "performance beyond compliance" in a manner and to a timetable which is integrated with the overall business plan of an organisation. For example the installation of new production equipment may also provide the opportunity to upgrade process instrumentation or control equipment and thereby reduce discharges to the atmosphere.

For example, as part of its EIP to reduce emissions from the pellet plant at Whyalla, BHP Steel announced approval, by its Board, for installation of modifications including a new gas scrubbing plant to reduce fume emissions by approximately 90% at a cost of about $38 million. Pasminco Smelter which operates the world's largest pyrometallurgical lead smelter at Port Pirie continued progress with its current EIP dealing not only with discharges to atmosphere, but also marine environment improvements. Co-treatment of jarosite from Pasminco operations in Tasmania will eliminate ocean dumping of this heavy metal-bearing waste and increase recovery of the metals in the normal smelting processes. Implementation of cleaner production techniques resulted in expenditure of over $35 million at Port Pirie.

Cast Metal Precinct Several foundries have prepared EIPs to address the concerns of nearby residents about odour and fume emissions which result in frequent complaints of nuisance and for which installation of suitable control technology is physically and financially difficult. Establishment, in 1996, of the Cast Metal Precinct at Wingfield was predicated on the adoption of international best practice by its tenants.

The decision to establish the precinct recognises the contribution of certain types of industry to the community and the State economy and that they must be provided for in planning the physical development of the State. It also marks recognition of the need for appropriate separation of incompatible land uses (such as foundries and housing or dust-sensitive commercial activities) even when those activities employ world's best technology to minimise emissions.

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The intention is to provide long-term security of operation for 24 hour production and certainty of environment protection requirements to balance the cost of the high performance controls set by the EPA. BTR Engineering Pty Ltd commenced construction at the precinct in March 1997 and will relocate from its existing site in an inner Adelaide suburb. Discussions are in progress with a number of other foundries which are investigating the feasibility and implications of relocating to the precinct.

Non-licensed sources At the smaller end of the industrial scale, conflicts involving non-licensed industries continued to make significant demands on the time and expertise of EPA technical staff. Incidents arising from the occasional malfunction of equipment, or from human error, may be minimised but not eliminated. The impact of these incidents is worsened when the activity is adjacent to residents or activities that are highly sensitive to the particular pollutants discharged.

The importance of initial location of certain types of industry is therefore paramount, and for that reason the EPA commissioned and contributed to a consultancy for the development of a number of industry specific codes of practice to be used by planning authorities in their assessment of development applications, and by proponents in primary, secondary and tertiary industries so that they will clearly understand their environmental responsibilities.

2.2 Motor Vehicle Emissions The EPA has continued its involvement in establishing vehicle emission standards both at a national and State level, and during the last year took a number of initiatives:

• Participation in the current national review of vehicle emission standards for new petrol-fuelled passenger and light goods vehicles, planned for implementation during the next decade. This follows the introduction in January 1997 of improved passenger and light goods vehicle emission standards which will be phased in over 1997-98. This standard will result in a 67% reduction in oxides of nitrogen emissions and a 77% reduction in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. It will bring Australian emission standards for passenger vehicles in line with the standard that applied in the United States between 1982 and 1993.

• Participation in the development of improved new diesel vehicle emission standards with a view to bringing our current standards in line with best available international standards. This follows the introduction of improved diesel-fuelled vehicle emission standards that were phased in over 1995-96.

During the next year the EPA will also assist the Federal Office of Road Safety in presenting a submission to the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) and the National Road Transport Commission on the need to begin a review of vehicle noise standards that apply to new vehicles sold in Australia. The review will assess the need for, and the costs associated with, introducing standards that have recently been endorsed by the United Nations and the European Union.

The Department of Transport (DoT) and SA Police are responsible, tinder the Road Traffic Act 1961, for assessing the roadworthiness of vehicles. The EPA has assisted these departments with the following initiatives:

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• the review of the Code of Practice for Motor Vehicle Noise (see Section 4)

® continuation of the EPA Smoky Vehicle Programme. Over 551 owners of vehicles (238 diesel-fuelled and 314 petrol-fuelled) have been sent requests from the EPA to repair or service their vehicle as deemed necessary by qualified engine mechanics. Around 28% of vehicle owners have returned advice to the EPA detailing the repairs undertaken. The most common causes of smoke emissions from diesel-fuelled vehicles were blocked air filters and faulty fuel injectors, both readily avoided by regular vehicle maintenance and servicing.

Smoky vehicles reported for the second time are referred to the Police for appropriate action, which may include issuing a defect notice. The Police and DoT also use their powers under the Road Traffic Act 1961 to defect smoky vehicles during random roadside vehicle inspections.

2.3 Ambient Air Monitoring Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone (in photochemical smog) and lead levels have either decreased significantly in the Adelaide region or have been held below current ambient air quality goals. Results of the ambient air monitoring programmes (for calendar year 1996 to enable comparison with trends reported in previous years) are summarised below.

Airborne lead levels in Adelaide have fallen by about 17% in 1996 from the 1995 level due to reduction of both the sales of leaded petrol and the lead content of the leaded petrol itself from 0.3 g/litre to 0.2 g/litre in September 1996 (Figures 1 and 2). Overall, airborne lead levels have dropped by about 80% since 1985 when unleaded petrol was introduced (Figure 3).

700

600

500

400 tft a> c c o

300

200

1 0 0

Figure 1 Total lead emissions from petrol-fuelled motor vehicles.

Figure 2 Total annual petrol consumption in South Australia.

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Figure 3 Total suspended particulate lead —Annual means.

None of the six metropolitan Adelaide sites exceeded the guideline recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Most sites are close to major arterial roads with heavy traffic flows and the results are therefore considered to represent an exposure greater than that of the general public.

Airborne lead at Port Pirie continues to cause concern, particularly in the northern part of the city and the central business district. Exceedences of the three-monthly means are primarily due to occasional days of relatively high lead levels rather than consistent recordings at or above the current NHMRC goal. This indicates that the contribution from plant malfunctions in the smelter is significant. The EPA is working closely with Pasminco on this issue.

Dust levels at sites located in metropolitan Adelaide, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla are below the NHMRC guideline. Although Total Suspended Particulates is falling in metropolitan Adelaide, medical authorities are now becoming concerned about particles less than 10 |_im in aerodynamic equivalent diameter (PM-10). These are the particles which are not removed in the nose and throat, and are therefore implicated in respiratory illness. At the monitoring points in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla, PM-10 particulates were less than the United States EPA Standards (Figure 4).

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Month Month

Whyalla, Gay St (Hummock Hill)

Port Augusta. Elizabeth St (Hospital)!

USEPA Standard f

160-

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

- X - Ftrt Fine hteptel, Qwd a —0—FbrtRrfe, BtenSp-Q -&-RitRrie,VferaS - f i - FP aJcntrtcwi tech EHdg;

UEffAStarcferd

JmFebl\to/iprNfyJmJUAjgSepCctN>/D3C Nfcrth

Figure 4 PM10 particulates—24-hour monthly maxima 1996.

Levels of carbon monoxide in Hindley Street, Adelaide, did not exceed the NHMRC guideline as compared with five days exceedence in 1995. This downward trend may be attributed to the gradual replacement of old cars with new cars fitted with exhaust catalysts, as indicated by a decline in leaded petrol sales and an increase in the sales of unleaded petrol (Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics Data).

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Measured levels of sulphur dioxide at a site in Christies Beach, near the Lonsdale oil refinery, have exceeded the NHMRC guideline on 13 occasions compared with six in 1995. There have been marked annual increases in sulphur dioxide concentrations from 1992 to 1996. These increases were attributed to unforeseen plant malfunctions at the refinery. The refinery management has been made aware of the importance of continued attention to its maintenance schedule to minimise such incidents.

Levels of ozone and nitrogen dioxide (photochemical smog) measured at Netley and Northfield are below the NHMRC guidelines (Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8).

NHMRC guideline

I ll i l l 65 86 87 68 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Figure 5 Ozone—One-hour annual maxima —NETLEY

NHMRC guideline

I lllllll 85 86 67 66 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 98

Figure 6 Ozone— One-hour annual maxima —Hampstead Centre, NORTHFIELD

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SG St IT II tl SO >1 12 S3 14 SI SI

0.24

0,22

0.2

0,18

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

NHMRC guideline

SS II IT II 19 SO SI I! S3 M SG SG Year Year

Figure 7 Nitrogen dioxide—One-hour annual maxima—Hampstead Centre, NORTHFIELD.

Figure 8 Nitrogen dioxide—One-hour annual maxima—NETLEY.

Work has commenced on increasing the number of monitoring sites from two to six with the objective being to study overall trends in photochemical smog in the Adelaide airshed area. The four new sites are at Gawler, Elizabeth Downs, Tea Tree Gully and Kensington Gardens. The site infrastructure and installation have been completed. Installation of state-of-the-art instruments will be completed in 1997-98. A more complete picture will emerge once data from the expanded monitoring network become available.

To ensure that monitoring keeps abreast of foreseeable legislative development, it is proposed that the substantial expansion of the Air Monitoring Network will be undertaken by a private operator whilst government maintains ownership of the equipment.

2.4 Ambient Air Quality NEPM In accordance with the National Environment Protection Council Act 1995 the intent to make an Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) has been advertised nationally (see Section 10.3).

2.5 Ozone Protection The phaseout of ozone depleting substances (ODSs) reached another significant stage in 1996. Australia now no longer imports or manufactures chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), following the requirements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

On 1 June 1996 controls were introduced into South Australia to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These substances are ODSs but are less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs. HCFCs will progressively be phased out with a total ban in 2030 in accordance with international agreement. The phase out programmes for other ozone depleting substances have consistently been accelerated as alternative substances and methods have become available. It is expected that the phase out period for HCFCs

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will be reduced due to environmental pressures and the commercialisation of benign ODS alternatives.

After six years of constant development and growth, the ozone protection programme has been stabilised and consolidated in the past 18 months. To assess the future direction of the South Australian ozone protection programme a short questionnaire was circulated to 36 interested and affected organisations, comprising 11 government agencies, 17 industry associations, four environmental and consumer organisations, and four major suppliers and users of ODSs. The conclusion was that the ozone protection programme should continue until the use of all ODSs is phased out. A national review of ozone protection programmes is planned by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) Ozone Protection Consultative Committee in 1999.

Three industry codes of practice have been revised in consultation with EPA staff; namely, the automotive code for airconditioning, domestic code for refrigeration, and a commercial and industrial code for refrigeration and airconditioning. A new code was developed for domestic airconditioning. Each code addresses the control of all fluorocarbon refrigerants. These codes are due for release in late 1997.

2.6 Greenhouse During the year, the EPA assumed responsibility for coordinating the South Australian response to the issue of climate change.

Several large South Australian businesses and organisations have joined the Commonwealth Government's Greenhouse Challenge Programme under which they commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. In addition several national companies or associations with subsidiaries or members in South Australia have joined the programme, including:

• Kimberley Clark

• South Australian Brewing Pty Ltd (subsidiary of Lion Nathan)

• Ampol

• FAI General Insurance

• James Hardie Industries Ltd

• The Body Shop

• Western Mining Corporation.

The Halifax Ecocity Project has also joined the programme.

In late 1996 the EPA launched a greenhouse component for industry to consider in their EIPs. The South Australian Government is considering entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Government to enable the Greenhouse Challenge Programme to operate cooperatively between the two spheres of government.

The Government agreed to a proposal that greenhouse targets be established for its departments and implementation has commenced through the Office of Energy Policy. The EPA was closely involved in developing this proposal.

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3 WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

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

While the EPA provides direction and guidance via policies, guidelines and codes of practice, they are implemented to improve water quality through a number of different avenues. One avenue is through newly appointed Catchment Water Management Boards which incorporate practices referred to in Catchment Management Plans. Recent Management Plans have been completed for the catchments of both the Torrens and Patawalonga Rivers. These include references to changing community and business practices, which will be undertaken in association with the EPA.

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

3.2 Water Quality Controls

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

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

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

Codes of practice are an important adjunct to the development of a Water Quality Policy and describe in some detail 'how' to go about managing and operating an activity to comply with the 'general environmental duty' contained in the Act.

Draft Stormwater Codes of Practice have been developed for:

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® the general community

• industrial, retail and commercial premises

® State, Federal and Local government

• building and construction industry.

Other codes of practice are being developed for:

• the growing of freshwater crayfish

• piggeries

• wineries.

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

Contributors to marine pollution in South Australia are:

• nutrient enrichment

• faecal waste

• particulates and turbidity.

Nutrient Enrichment The most visible result is seagrass loss or degradation. Nutrient loads to coastal waters have also been directly implicated in the increased frequency of algal blooms, particularly 'red tides' and loss of mangroves. Nutrients are from both point and diffuse sources, with the major inputs being sewage and stormwater respectively. Treated effluent is discharged at Bolivar, Port Adelaide, Glenelg and Christies Beach, and at Whyalla, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Port Pirie, Finger Point (Mt Gambier) and Port Lincoln.

Increasing attention is being given to the point source nutrient discharges at Bolivar, Port Adelaide, Glenelg and Christies Beach sewage treatment works. The EPA endorsed conceptual EIPs for these works in October 1995 which consist of a range of initiatives from nutrient reduction by additional treatment to effluent reuse. The EIPs are and will continue to be subject to change with improving technology. The estimated cost to SA Water of implementing the EIPs is about $210 million.

Stormwater Runoff Particulates and turbidity are produced mainly by stormwater runoff. Urban runoff contains solid wastes, litter, chemicals, vehicle pollutants, pesticides, bacteria, soil and dust. Offensive domestic chemicals, and oils and greases from backyard garages are sometimes directed into stormwater drains, as are chemical spills and sewer pumping overflows. Rural

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runoff may contain a combination of animal wastes, fertilisers, pesticides, agricultural chemicals and soil.

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

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

Antifoulants Organotin compounds, and especially tributyltin (TBT) have been used extensively throughout the world and in Australia as marine antifoulant paints which prevent encrustation of ship hulls and small boats by tubeworms and barnacles. Recent studies have shown TBT to be highly toxic to marine life at levels as low as parts per trillion. This, coupled with frequent findings that TBT concentrations are rising in waters with high levels of boating activity, has sparked growing concern about TBT.

The release rate of TBT based paints used in antifoulants is addressed by the Environment Protection (Marine) Policy. An ANZECC initiative, driven by South Australia, has let a consultancy, to be completed in late 1997, for a review of the use of antifoulants in Australia.

Ballast Water Discharges The discharge of ballast water from international shipping is probably responsible for the introduction of exotic microscopic algae in Australia. Of particular concern is the introduction of dinoflagellate phytoplankton, which under favourable conditions can lead to toxic 'red tides'. These algal blooms not only discolour the water, but can cause serious health problems such as paralytic shellfish poisoning for humans who consume contaminated shellfish and seafarm products.

Ballast water management is being addressed at a national level as an ANZECC initiative with techniques associated with the management of ballast water and how to communicate these to the shipping industry, as major issues. In South Australia a subcommittee to the EPA dealing specifically with the impacts of shipping on the marine environment, is examining these issues.

South Australia is also preparing a Marine and Estuarine Strategy which will integrate initiatives to maintain and improve the marine/estuarine environment, consistent with the Commonwealth Oceans Policy.

3.4 Monitoring of Water Quality The EPA, in conjunction with other agencies such as SA Water, DENR Water Resources, DENR Natural Resources, the catchment boards, Mines and Energy, and the Murray-

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Darling Basin Commission, carries out water quality monitoring throughout the State. Monitoring identifies and prioritises issues in the following EPA programmes:

e Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

• Monitoring and River Health Initiative

o Frog Census.

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

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

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

Rivers and Streams Biological monitoring is being undertaken at approximately 130 rivers and streams throughout the State. Most South Australian rivers and streams have been affected to varying degrees by development over the years so it is quite difficult to find sites that would be representative of pristine conditions. This monitoring is part of a national programme to develop a methodology, using macroinvertebrates, to assess the biological health of waterbodies. The results are being collated nationally and will be built into the next release of the Australian Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters which provides a basis for assessment of water quality conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No pesticide contamination has been detected in any of the samples collected to date. Heavy metal concentrations are generally low. Salinities vary from about 500 mg/L to about 1700 mg/L. Iron bacteria, which can cause bore blockages from deposits of ferric oxide, have been detected in many of the bore samples but are in high numbers at only a few locations. Nutrient concentrations are generally low but nitrate concentrations are well above background levels at some sites. Overall the water quality would be regarded as acceptable for drinking purposes but not good quality.

Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Programme: Marine

Bathing Waters Survey Water quality samples are collected monthly from near the seven metropolitan jetties plus a reference site at Port Hughes on the eastern side of Spencer Gulf (Map 1 ). The site at Port Hughes was selected for the extensive beds of healthy seagrasses in the area which indicate good water quality.

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

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

Port River Survey Nine sites (see Map 2) are sampled monthly for a range of water quality characteristics including chlorophyll, nutrients, turbidity, heavy metals and microbiological indicators of faecal contamination.

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

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

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

Seagrasses Aerial photos of seagrasses off the metropolitan coastline taken from 1949 to 1996 at approximate intervals of eight years have been digitised and orthorectified (corrected for photographic distortions) so that accurate comparisons can be made between years. The mapping has shown that over the whole region from Aldinga to Largs Bay approximately 33% of the seagrass present in 1949 has been lost. The total area lost is approximately 40 km2 or 4000 ha.

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

Epiphytes are algae that attach to seagrass leaves. Excessive growth of epiphytes restrict the available light to those leaves and can lead to the death of the plant. High nutrient inputs can lead to excessive epiphyte growths. The EPA has undertaken a programme to measure the growth of epiphytes on artificial seagrass leaves at various points along the metropolitan coastline and in the Port River. The technique shows some promise and is

17

being refined so that it can be used by community groups to assess the water quality in local areas.

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

Condition of Reefs The EPA, together with The University of Adelaide, is developing a methodology to assess the condition of reef systems using some relatively simple indices that can be picked up and used readily by recreational divers to provide a scientific basis for assessing the condition of reefs.

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

Insufficient data are available at this stage to make any comment on water quality in this region.

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

AUSRIVAS is a stage in the National River Health Program's Monitoring River Health Initiative which will involve sampling over 2000 potentially impacted 'test' sites across Australia in 1997. AUSRIVAS has been developed as a rapid, standardised, integrated means of assessing the ecological health of rivers. Macroinvertebrates (aquatic animals without backbones large enough to be seen with the naked eye) are used because they are common, widely distributed, easily sampled and identified by experienced biologists.

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

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

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General results The initial results are still being assessed and workable models of macroinvertebrate assemblages for riffle and edge habitats should be completed by the end of 1997.

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

Further work in 1997 involves the sampling of another 200 test sites as part of the AUSRIVAS programme. It is envisaged that another 200 sites will be sampled in 1998 and 1999 through funding under the Natural Heritage Trust. This will provide a major assessment of the ecological condition of Australia's rivers and streams.

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

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

The Frog Census programme has grown significantly since it began in 1994 when 285 observers took recordings from 456 locations. In 1996, about 600 observers recorded from 786 sites throughout the State (Figure 9).

So far we have found:

• Twelve of the 28 frog species found in SA were recorded in 1996.

• The greatest number of frogs found in any one location was six (recorded at three locations, all wetlands, in 1996).

® The common froglet (Crinia signifera) is the most commonly recorded species.

e At the sites sampled in both 1995 and 1996, the number of frog species recorded increased at 22% of the sites and decreased at 45%.

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Figure 9 Locations visited in 1996 by Frog Census collectors.

As a result of the Frog Census, the EPA will:

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

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

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

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

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Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Sites Metropolitan Bathing Waters

Map 1

Nutrients • • (Ammonia) • • Water Clarity • •

Heavy Metals (Zinc) • Chlorophyll I J Microbiology •

Nutrients • n (Ammonia) • n Water Clarity • n

Heavy Metals (Copper) • Chlorophyll LI Microbiology •

Nutrients (Ammonia) Water Clarity

Heavy Metals (Copper, Zinc)

Chlorophyll

Microbiology •

Nutrients (Ammonia) Water Clarity

• n Heavy Metals n Chlorophyll • Microbiology •

Nutrients (Ammonia) Water Clarity

• • Heavy Metals (Lead, Copper) Chlorophyll

• • Microbiology •

Outer Harbor

Largs Jetty^T-•

Semaphore Jetty

Grange Jetty A

Henley Beach Jetty

HOLDFAST BAY Glenelg Jetty

GULF ST VINCENT Nutrients (Ammonia) Water Clarity

• Nutrients (Ammonia) Water Clarity • Heavy Metals (Lead) • Chlorophyll • Microbiology •

Nutrients • (Ammonia)

• Water Clarity • Heavy Metals • (Lead, Copper) • Chlorophyll • Microbiology • Christie Creek

f j j § POOR Water Quality

I | MODERATE Water Quality

j [ GOOD Water Quality

•See section 2.2 for classification of water contaminat ion

Port Noarlunga Jetty

Kilometres

Henley Beach Jetty: A water quality monitoring site and a beach intensively used for recreation.

Port Hughes Jetty "".J

|„-.„ "—I—," Nutrients • Water Clarity I I Heavy Metals • Chlorophyll • Microbiology •

2 1

/ S South f Australia

M e t r o Bath ing

o Waters

Map 2 Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Sites - Port River

Nutrients • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals (copper) Chlorophyll

• • Microbiology •

Nutrients • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals (copper,) Chlorophyll

m • Microbiology •

Outer Harbor

Nutrients • (Ammonia) • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals m (copper, lead) m Chlorophyll m Microbiology •

Nutrients • (Ammonia) • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals m (copper, lead) m Chlorophyll m Microbiology •

Nutrients • (Ammonia) • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals (copper) • Chlorophyll i 1 Microbiology •

Water Quality Classification

POOR Water Quality

| | MODERATE Vteter Quality

j | GOOD Water Quality

The Port River-Port Adelaide Sewage Outfall

Nutrients n Water Clarity • Heavy Metals • (ccpoer. lead) • Chlorophyll a • Microbiology •

Little Para River

Dry Creek

Nutrients • (Ammonia) — Water Clarity n Heavy Metals (copper) m Chlorophyll • Microbiology •

Nutrients • Water Clarity • Heavy Metals • (copper, lead) • Chlorophyll • Microbiology n

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

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

4.1 Noise Control Issues

Open air concerts In the last year complaints have arisen from various open air concerts, most notably the KISS concert held at Memorial Drive in February 1997. Open air concerts have been held at several venues in Adelaide and country areas for many years. Where the venue is close to residences the promoter generally obtains an exemption from the Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policxj 1994 for the period of the concert. Conditions of an exemption aim to minimise the adverse effect of the noise on the residents while permitting the many thousands of concert goers to enjoy the entertainment. Breach of a condition is an offence.

Guidelines for events at the Memorial Drive Tennis Courts and the Adelaide Oval were developed some years ago and, among other things:

• require events to cease by 11 pm

• limit the number of events that may be held annually

• specify a minimum time between events.

Liquor Licensing The Liquor Licensing Commission has a responsibility to ensure that activities at premises licensed under the Liquor Licensing Act 1985 do not disturb neighbouring residents. When complaints are made to the Commission regarding noise from licensed premises, EPA officers assess the noise and advise the Commissioner. Reports are given at conciliation hearings required by the Liquor Licensing Act 1985 and, if the matter is referred to the Licensing Court for determination, in the court.

Bird scaring devices Noise from bird scaring devices are a frequent cause of complaint to the EPA.

Control under the Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994 is limited to preventing the use of noisy bird scarers at night, however many affected residents are concerned about daytime use of bird scarers. The EPA does not seek to control daytime use because the need for bird scarers and the effect of the noise varies widely from area to area. For example, in the gently undulating areas of the McLaren Vale the opportunities for locating the devices away from residential premises are greater than in the Adelaide Hills fruit growing areas. Similarly, public perception of the need for bird scarers affects individual responses to the noise. In areas such as the Riverland, where the local economy is dependent upon fruit growing, people are more tolerant of the noise than in areas where other industries are of more economic importance.

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The EPA has been assisting local governments to devise guidelines for the use of bird scaring devices that are appropriate to local needs. Local controls will more effectively address the balance between the affected residents and the needs of fruit growers.

Aircraft noise and the Adelaide International Airport The EPA assisted the Department of Housing and Urban Development in responding to the Adelaide Airport Runway Extension Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The study found that residents in North Glenelg will be subjected to slightly increased levels of noise of short duration under certain circumstances as a result of the runway extension. The noise will be little more than that of a passing motorcycle. Generally the EIS and the response to it found that the benefits of the runway extension more than outweighed the small increase in noise.

The EPA is represented on the Australian Standards Committee on Aircraft and Helicopter Noise (committee AVll). This committee is currently working on revisions to two standards AS2021-1994 Acoustics - Aircraft noise intrusion - Building siting and construction and AS2363-1990 Acoustics - Assessment of noise from helicopter landing sites.

Country Fire Service Sirens The Country Fire Service (CFS) has sirens located in fire prone areas of the State to call volunteers to an emergency and to warn residents. Several instances of inappropriately located sirens have required considerable EPA resources to be devoted to resolving the associated problems.

The CFS in consultation with the EPA has devised a draft policy for siren use. This draft is presently at the public consultation phase. It is expected that the policy will ensure that sirens are located and used so that the minimum impact is imposed on residents.

4.2 Review of the Noise Policies The EPA has advertised its intentions to develop a single noise policy to replace the two current environment protection policies that deal with noise issues: o Environment Protection (Industrial Noise Policy) 1994

• Environment Protection (Machine Noise Policy) 1994.

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

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

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The two current noise policies are documents based very closely on the now repealed Noise Control Act 1976-77, a requirement of the transitional provisions of the Act. Since 1977 there have been significant developments in the understanding of environmental noise issues both in assessment and in measurement procedures.

In addition, a recently completed review of the Australian Standard AS1055-1989 has seen it replaced by the new standard AS1055-1997 Acoustics - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. This will directly influence the management approach and measurement methodology adopted by the EPA in the review of its policies.

Transport Noise It is proposed that the transportation noise issues will not be included in the Noise Policy but will be addressed in the form of guidelines for the various transportation modes ie air, rail and road.

The EPA is currently assisting and advising the DoT with the review of the Code of Practice for Motor Vehicle Noise. The code is used by Police and DoT inspectors to conduct roadside noise tests. The proposed new code will set noise limits and measurement procedures in line with the most stringent standards currently used in Australia. In particular, it will allow for the first time in South Australia for effective roadside testing of heavy vehicles.

The EPA, on behalf of the DoT, trialed the new code during a multi-government agency enforcement programme for heavy vehicles in January 1997. The results showed that 27% of heavy vehicles would have failed the limits of the proposed new code.

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5 WASTE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Waste Strategy

Overview The Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide 1996-2015 (the Waste Strategy) was released on 12 July 1996. i

The Waste Strategy acknowledges South Australia's commitment to international and national initiatives for waste minimisation, environmentally sound waste reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal. It also has regard to the objects of the Act which promote Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and internationally recognised environmental principles.

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

The strategy was presented as part of a submission by the Authority to the Environment, Resources and Development Committee of Parliament which has been enquiring into waste management practices in South Australia.

Implementation Implementation of the Waste Strategy will provide environmental, community and economic benefit to the State through waste minimisation, resource conservation, improved processes and the potential application of new technologies.

Implementation has begun in a number of areas with the following seven key actions identified and commenced:

• development of a Strategic Plan for Waste Management Infrastructure

• review of the Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy 1994

• development and implementation of a Litter Strategy

o development of a Green Waste Management Strategy

• development of a NEPM on the Movement of Hazardous Wastes Across State and Territory Boundaries

o upgrading of licence conditions for waste depots and negotiation of EIPs (particularly relevant to the performance of existing waste depots)

• enhancing the Cleaner Production and Waste Reduction Programmes.

Strategic Plan for Waste Management Infrastructure Many existing metropolitan sites have closed or are near the end of their operating life. A comprehensive plan is therefore essential for Adelaide to provide a rational basis for the

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future waste management needs of the metropolitan area. A Strategic Plan for Waste Management Infrastructure (infrastructure plan), is being developed for this purpose.

This project is jointly managed by the EPA and Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUD). A steering committee, chaired by a senior officer of the DHUD has been established, with representation from State and local government, industry and the community, to provide a wide, balanced cross section of experience and input. The steering committee will report to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development and the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources.

The steering committee formed in December 1996 is likely to continue to sit beyond 1997. Phase 1 of the plan is to determine the future medium and long-term landfill options for metropolitan Adelaide. The organisational structures required to accommodate the proposed infrastructure also need attention and a consultant is to be engaged to explore the options available. As the future landfill picture becomes clearer the major focus of the steering committee will move to the network of resource recovery, recycling and transfer facilities and how they are best sited and managed.

The infrastructure plan will address waste transfer, treatment and resource recovery facilities, and landfill options with particular focus on the associated planning and development issues. The infrastructure plan will specifically include:

• siting criteria

• designated sites for infrastructure development

• streamlining of the process for approval of sites.

Conflict between waste facilities (proposed and existing) and urban development has become increasingly prevalent as people are no longer willing to accept poor operating practices and intrusion into their lifestyles. A prime consideration during the planning process is that waste management arises from a community need. As society has continued to develop, the quantities of waste produced by humans has risen dramatically, for reasons including:

• increasing consumption and marketing

• manufacturing

• population growth and urbanisation.

While the infrastructure plan will help to minimise these conflicts, it is important that the community recognises its portion of responsibility in the production of waste and becomes involved in the planning processes and ultimately, in the management system which is established. In this way the amount of waste going to landfills may be minimised.

Waste Reduction Initiatives The quantity of waste received at metropolitan landfills increased during the last 12 months after steadily declining since 1990 (Table 1). However, increased recycling of construction and demolition waste, the expansion of a green organics recycling industry and actions by local government to promote further kerbside recycling have been evident.

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Year Solid waste (tonnes)

1990- 1991 1991 - 1992 1992- 1993 1993- 1994 1994-1995 1995- 1996 1996- 1997

1296 300 1144 000 1150 000 1053 400 939 400 859 000 942 000

Table 1: Solid waste received at landfill in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

This increase, provides evidence that unless policies and waste services change drastically, South Australia will not achieve the ANZECC target of 50% reduction in waste to landfill by the year 2000. To assist in achieving this target, the EPA is reviewing the Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy with a view to developing measures aimed at promoting further waste minimisation.

Recycle 2000 continues to gain funds through the levy on waste received at metropolitan landfill depots. There has been a close association between Recycle 2000 and the EPA in the preparation of a consultant's report on the establishment of Integrated Resource Recovery Centres.

The EPA is turning its attention to developing measures to reduce the quantity of commercial and industrial waste being disposed to landfill. Funding was made available for the appointment of an environmental officer by the South Australian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAECCI) to promote cleaner production and waste minimisation within industry and to assist with the development of industry codes of practice (see Section 6).

Green Organics A draft Green Organics Strategy was released by Recycle 2000 in August 1996. The management of green organics must be addressed if waste to landfill is to be reduced by 50%. Market development for green waste products such as compost is the key to reducing the amount of waste. This is underway with the funding of trials with CSIRO by Recycle 2000 to use the composted green waste material under vines and almond trees to improve water usage by reducing evaporation and the need for herbicides, and hopefully increasing yields. However it is important to ensure that the development of green waste collection is timed correctly to ensure that there is a market for the product.

The EPA is currently developing guidelines for the siting of greenwaste processing and composting sites, and these should be released for comment from industry and the public by the end of 1997.

5.2 Contaminated Sites Overview The issue of site contamination became prominent in South Australia in the late 1980s as a result of establishing residential housing on former industrial land affected by hazardous substances. Contaminated sites can be a risk to human health and the environment. The risks depend on the extent and type of contamination, the proposed land use, whether

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groundwater is contaminated and the potential beneficial uses of the groundwater. Currently, the EPA provides advice under Planning Practice Circular 17 under the Development Act 1993. There is a need to improve legislative control, and amendments are being developed.

Legislative Amendment In January 1996 the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources gave approval under section 17 of the Act for the Authority to establish an Advisory Committee on Contaminated Sites (ACCS) which was required to make recommendations to the EPA. These recommendations could form the basis for amendments to the Act so that government could deal with contaminated sites.

ACCS membership was drawn from the following organisations:

• South Australian Health Commission

• Conservation Council of South Australia (represented by Flinders University)

• Australian Bankers Association

• Corporation of the City of Adelaide

• Urban Development Institute of Australia

• Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (represented by Pasminco-BHAS)

• Local Government Association of South Australia

• Real Estate Institute of South Australia

• Australian Finance Conference

• Crown Solicitor's Office

• EPA.

ACCS met nine times during 1996-97 to consider and make recommendations on the following issues:

• appropriate definitions of terms to be used in amendments to the Act

• administrative procedures which may be required for - notification of contaminated sites - maintaining appropriate restrictions on future use of sites - using environmental auditors - assessing the qualifications and experience of consultants undertaking site

assessments

• technical processes required to ensure - the nature and quality of site investigations - scientific assessment of risk to public health and the environment - validation by the environmental auditor of the contamination status of the site

• financial liability for site remediation.

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A draft consolidated report was prepared by ACCS and circulated to member organisations for comment in February 1997. The Environmental Defenders Office was also given an opportunity to comment on the draft report.

The draft consolidated report and responses will be used by the EPA to prepare a submission to Cabinet and ultimately form the basis of recommendations for drafting amendments to the Act and preparation of an environment protection policy.

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

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

Upon completion of the review process the auditor provides a report to the landowner or developer indicating the current contamination status of the site and the land uses appropriate for the site. Twenty-five site audit reports have been completed, 13 in 1996, and 12 in 1997 to 31 July. A further 37 audits are being undertaken. These have involved a range of contaminated sites including decommissioned service stations, industrial and manufacturing facilities, and land previously owned by government.

Future amendments to the Act will formalise the current auditor process as described in EPA Information Sheet No. 8.

Public Disclosure and the Nature of Site Investigations Amendments to the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Regulations 1995 are proposed, requiring vendors to provide details of: their knowledge of specified activities that are occurring, or have occurred, on their land; environmental audits relating to the land; environment performance agreements; and, environment protection orders, clean up orders and clean up authorisations issued by the EPA. Some of this information will be provided by the EPA from the Public Register pursuant to section 109 of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

The proposed amendments may require the EPA to advise about the existence and availability of contaminated (environmental and/or health risk) site reports concerning land being sold. Currently, all contaminated site records (588) are being verified to ensure certainty of advice. Of the 588 site records, 62 sites are subject to review by an environmental auditor.

Environment Protection Orders have been issued for four sites due to environmental and/or health risk concerns. An additional 55 sites are being investigated to assess off-site effects, particularly when contaminated groundwater has migrated beyond property boundaries. The Contaminated Sites Unit is developing a standard approach to require the occupier of the site to determine the extent of contamination where the site poses a risk to

30

either the environment (ie ground or surface waters) or to human health and to ensure that all appropriate utilities and agencies are notified.

EPA Participation in National Reference Groups Leaking underground storage tank systems can be a significant source of soil and/or groundwater contamination. The EPA has represented the State on a national reference group for the development of environmental guidelines for the management of underground petroleum storage systems. The guidelines recommend a site classification system (in terms of groundwater susceptibility to contamination and permeable soils), the installation of equipment of a specified standard, and leak monitoring systems based upon the site classification.

The guidelines should be presented to ANZECC's Standing Committee on Environmental Protection (SCEP) by early 1998.

The EPA has participated in the development of a National Framework for the Ecological Risk Assessment being prepared by the ANZECC Contaminated Sites Technical Review Committee.

5.3 Hazardous Waste Issues

National Environment Protection Measure for the Movement of Hazardous Wastes Across State and Territory Boundaries In accordance with the National Environment Protection Council Act 1995 the intent to make a NEPM on the Movement of Hazardous Wastes Across State and Territory Boundaries has been advertised nationally (see Section 10.3).

Hazardous Household and Farm Chemical Wastes The EPA operates a depot at Dry Creek where unwanted hazardous household chemicals and farm pesticides are received from the community without direct charge. The facility is open on the first Tuesday of each month.

This service provides an option to the community for safe disposal of these unwanted chemicals. Hundreds of people have used the Dry Creek facility during the 1996-97 financial year. Types of waste received include pesticides, used oil, paints, photographic chemicals, acids and used batteries.

The wastes received are managed in a fashion that reduces their environmental impact. This includes treatment in South Australia, transport to licensed facilities elsewhere in Australia and long-term storage.

Organochloride Pesticides Nationally, the continued storage of organochloride pesticides on farms has the potential to cause detrimental effects on the environment and to contaminate produce destined for export markets. South Australia is cooperating with other states and territories in developing a proposal for a national collection, storage and destruction scheme.

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Generation of Hazardous Waste The EPA continues to operate a hazardous waste manifest system using the Transport Certificate, to enable tracing of waste from the place of production to the place of storage or final disposal. The system provides data on the total quantity of hazardous wastes produced (Table 2).

Quantity (kL)

Waste Type 1991 1996

Plating and heat treatment 2464 2824

Acids 3400 2423

Alkalis 7137 6459

Inorganic chemicals 1230 3936

Reactive chemicals 8 1

Paints, resins, inks, dyes, etc 1004 7519

Organic solvents 467 3457

Pesticide washings 380 165

Organic chemicals 909 309

Table 2 Comparison of volumes of hazardous waste produced in 1991 and 1996.

NOTE: Some figures indicate discrepancies because of changes in the way that wastes are reported, however, it is apparent that more work needs to be done to reduce the volumes of hazardous wastes currently generated.

5.4 Litter Strategy Litter is probably the most apparent sign of improper waste disposal. Litter poses a threat to animals, which can be strangled or choked, pollutes waterways, and can be a threat to humans through personal injury by, for example, needles or broken glass. The Litter Strategy Discussion Paper, Litter; It's Your Choice! details several strategies to reduce litter.

Litter Committee The Litter Committee was formed in late 1996 and comprises membership from the Conservation Council of SA, Local Government Association, Retail Trader's Association, EPA, KESAB, McDonalds Family Restaurants, Recyclers of South Australia, the Beverage Industry Recycling Fund, the Beverage Industry Environment Council and SAECCI. It is chaired by Mr Robert Brokenshire MP JP, and reports directly to the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources.

The committee is reviewing the Litter Strategy and adjusting time lines for implementation of programmes. A significant number of initiatives identified in the strategy are already underway.

Container Deposit Legislation Targets for non Container Deposit Legislation beverage litter have been developed by the Litter Committee and will be monitored using a statistically valid sampling analysis of the

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litter stream. Companies have two years to voluntarily reduce their litter or face regulation by container deposit legislation.

The legislation continues to be popular with the community and this is evidenced by the low litter rates, and very high recycling rates of the packaging. The latest litter statistics from across Australia show that in the litter stream in South Australia:

o aluminium beer cans are encountered 70% less often than the average in other states

• aluminium soft drink cans are encountered 30% less than the average

• PET bottles are encountered 25% less than the average

• glass beer bottles (small) are encountered 30% less than the average

• glass soft drink bottles are encountered over 50% less than the average

• other beverage bottles are encountered 70% less than the average.

Recycling rates for CDL containers are also relatively high as shown in Figure 10.

Alum'n Glass PET

Figure 10 Comparison of national and South Australian recycling rates (%) for various beverage container types.

Increased fines Litter fines were increased in 1997 in order to provide a stronger deterrent to littering. The increases are consistent with Government policy on the environment as expressed in the Integrated Waste Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide 1996-2015, Litter! It's Your Choice and Cleaner South Australia documents.

Expiation notices have been increased from a $50 expiation fee to $200. Litter fines have increased from $200 to $4,000 for major offences. In addition, the number of agencies authorised to give out fines is to be increased, and will include most government bodies involved in law enforcement, eg EPA, Primary Industries SA, the SA Police and local government.

In addition, issues such as lack of resources, cost recovery and a lack of powers of authorised officers, which in the past had inhibited enforcement by councils, have been addressed by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 1997.

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Plastic Bags The Plastic Bag Summit held in September 1996 discussed the use of plastic shopping bags and their alternatives. A number of industry representatives were present, along with conservation groups and manufacturers of alternative bags.

Some sections of industry have taken up the challenge to reduce plastic bag litter and have embarked on the development of codes of practice for littering and its reduction through the Retail Traders' Association. Other initiatives have included the promotion of alternatives such as paper bags, calico bags, recycling schemes, and 'Say No' campaigns in their stores. The Litter Committee will be reviewing progress on this issue and will make recommendations for industry and government action.

KESAB KESAB has a major role to play in litter abatement and education, and will form a major component of the Government's Litter Strategy. In 1996-97, KESAB received a grant of $155,000 from the EPA.

KESAB activities include:

• Correctional Services Roadside Clean-up.

• Waste Watch Programme.

• Clean Waters Programme.

• Supply of litter bins to special events around Adelaide.

• Tidy Towns Programme.

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6 WORKING WITH INDUSTRY The EPA recognises the need to work with industry to ensure compliance with the Act, and ultimately to extend performance beyond compliance. The EPA continued to run the successful Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme and has started the Small Business Pollution Prevention Project.

Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme In November 1993, the EPA launched its Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme (CIDS). The aim of the scheme has been to demonstrate through working examples how industry can improve production, minimise environmental impact and save money through cleaner production techniques.

The projects implemented by the successful applicants have achieved the aims of the scheme with assistance from the EPA through:

• technical assistance

• installation of new equipment

• consultancies to identify and assist in implementing cleaner production opportunities through modifications to processes, work practices and procedures.

The following benefits have accrued to participating companies and the environment:

• estimated annual savings of at least $1.8 million to SA industry

• substantial energy, water and resource conservation (water use reduced by approx. 100 million L per year)

• significant reduction in emissions to air and water

• reduction in generation of solid waste

• ehmination of hazardous chemicals (solvents, acids, heavy metals) in many industries resulting in marked improvement in Occupational Health and Safety, and waste minimisation.

Apart from these measurable benefits, less tangible productivity improvements in many of the participating companies have come from improved employer-employee relationships, including a greater sense of involvement and commitment from all staff involved in developing cleaner production options.

Applicants who received CIDS funding during 1996-97 were:

• Fasson Pty Ltd ($100,000 loan): reduced solvent usage in the manufacture of pressure sensitive labels thereby avoiding heptane vapour emissions of 105,000 L per annum and saving the company $60,000 per year in heptane orders.

o Plastic's Granulating Services ($15,000 grant): to investigate a method for the resource recovery and recycling of used high density polyethylene (HDPE) wool bales.

• The Smith Snack Food Company Ltd ($15,000 grant): to investigate possibilities for water conservation, by-product recovery and opportunities for solid waste minimisation in their operations.

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• Quality Dry Cleaners ($16,068 loan): to install a solvent extraction unit to recover perchlorethylene from industrial dry cleaning and laundering activities; benefits include a 20% reduction in the use of perchlorethylene.

• Aneil Press ($4,100 grant): for the purchase of a dampener cleaner to reduce water usage and cleaning time.

e South Australian Brewing Company Pty Ltd ($15,000 grant): to investigate the viability of recovering potentially valuable by-products currently being lost to sewer.

o Joe's Poultry Processors ($15,800 grant): to investigate areas of current waste and establish where changes/modifications or acquisition of new equipment would bring savings to the company.

e Furniture Teclinik ($69,000 loan): to install an innovative roller coating stain and lacquer applicator to eliminate use of solvents and thinners in their application.

o BTR Engineering ($15,000 grant): to investigate recovery and re-use of coal dust and bentonite emissions from the foundry operations.

o Oilier Powder Coating ($10,000 grant): to develop a reverse osmosis plant to recover water, for re-use, from the process chemical rinse tanks.

Recycling and Resource Recovery Fund During 1996-97, the fund provided loans and grants to the following applicants:

• VCI Australia ($30,000 loan): for the purchase of equipment to recycle coloured HDPE, into items including road bumpers, tree stakes and extruded lattice sections for gardens.

• Overseas Pharmaceutical Aid for Life (OPAL) ($13,060 grant): to assist in the operation of a scheme that provides unused pharmaceuticals from homes, as aid to developing countries.

• Focareta Unitext Coatings ($15,000 grant): to undertake development of a method to re-use waste polystyrene into a texture coating that can be used to render buildings.

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

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

Small Business Pollution Prevention Workshops This initiative, started in early 1996, aims to provide businesses with the tools to identify and implement environmental improvements at reasonable cost. By the end of June 1997,

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72 businesses in the Edwardstown and Melrose Park areas had participated in the workshops with 85% undertaking environmental improvements. Most of these businesses found that reducing environmental impacts reduced waste handling costs and improved their bottom line. The project will be expanded into the Wingfield and Hindmarsh areas from July 1997.

Appointment of Environment Project Officer to SAECCI In February 1997, SAECCI and the EPA entered into an agreement for an environment project officer to be employed by SAECCI to assist in providing industry with advice on:

• pollution prevention

• development of education materials

• development of training programmes

• preparation of codes of practice.

Funding for the position comes from the solid waste levy, collected by the EPA.

Initiatives as a result of this position include: • development of a series of three educational courses for inclusion in SAECCI's training

programme • incorporation of an environmental module, presented by EPA staff, in SAECCI's Small

Business Management Certificate course

• a survey of SAECCI members on the development and targeting of programmes and information.

This as an innovative way to communicate to industry the responsibilities and benefits associated with waste minimisation and sound environmental management.

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7 WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT The EPA is involved with local government in several areas. Under schedules 21 and 22 of the Development Regulations, local government is required to refer development proposals to the EPA for evaluation (see Section 11).

In addition, local government currently administers the issue of noise from bird scaring devices (see Section 4), recycling through Recycle 2000 (see Section 5) and the enforcement of the Environment Protection (Burning) Policy 1994.

7.1 Responsibilities of the EPA and Local Government Both State and local government have responsibilities for pollution prevention and control other than those discussed above. These arise from Acts such as the Environment Protection Act 1993, Public and Environmental Health Act 1987, Local Government Act 1934 and the Development Act 1993. These responsibilities overlap and are currently not defined.

An informal working group is currently developing a paper for public discussion on how these responsibilities could be shared in the future. The group includes representatives from the Local Government Association, three metropolitan councils, the EPA, the Office of Local Government and SAECCI.

The discussion paper, due for release in late 1997, will put forward a number of options. Public submissions will be considered when formulating an agreement defining how State and local government will work together on environment protection.

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

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

8.1 Public Involvement in Decision Making The public is involved in decision making at various levels. The EPA is required to hold a Roundtable Conference annually. In the making of an environment protection policy, the EPA is required by legislation to seek public input. Further, the EPA must consult with 16 representative organisations prescribed under the Act, which include the Conservation Council of SA and SAECCI. There is also opportunity for the public to be involved in the granting of authorisations and in the process of amending conditions of a licence.

Roundtable The EPA held its inaugural Roundtable Conference on 9 February 1997 at the SARDI Aquatic Science Centre, West Beach. The Conference was well attended by representatives from community environmental groups, conservation bodies, industry, local government, the Local Government Association, the Natural Resources Council and a number of government agencies.

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

Through an independent survey of EPA clients and focus group sessions, a number of key issues were identified. The issues included:

® consistency and accessibility e education and expert advice a communication e licensing 8 enforcement e cooperative partnerships.

These issues provided a focus for the conference programme.

The inaugural Roundtable was very successful. Participants expressed their views and concerns clearly and openly both in the open forum and group discussions. The results of the day, as summarised in the proceedings, form the basis for the EPA to enhance its

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performance in a number of areas, such as communication, accessibility and its strategic planning.

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

Pollution Complaints Public complaints through the EPA's Customer Services Desk are one of the EPA's primary sources of information about pollution events. Over the past year 976 complaints were received. All complaints are docketed and filed with the EPA but complainant details are kept confidential. A complaint may result in one or more of the following actions being taken:

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

• civil enforcement action in the form of an environment protection order or clean-up order;

• amendment of licence conditions where these are no longer appropriate, either immediately or upon renewal of the licence;

• prosecution.

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

• public register kept pursuant to section 109 of the Act (includes information relating to, environmental authorisations issued by the EPA, applications for development authorisations referred to the EPA, orders issued by the EPA, details of prosecutions and other enforcement action under the Act)

« newsletter of the EPA, EPA South Australia

• EPA's World Wide Web Site

° public meetings

® public events the EPA is involved in

® documents published by the EPA (see Appendix 1 for a full list of EPA publications).

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

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

® an inventory of available Information Sheets, Technical Bulletins and Pamphlets

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

• public notices

• links to DENR

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

Public Meetings A public meeting is an important consultation mechanism for providing information to the public and seeking opinion. Whereas public meetings are required under the Act for the making of Policies, the EPA also conducts non-statutory meetings, such as those for the Waste Strategy.

In 1996-97 public meetings were held in Adelaide, and in regional areas, in relation to:

• draft Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy

• draft Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy

• draft NEPM in relation to the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI)

• discussion paper for the NEPM on Ambient Air Quality.

EPA Events In the 1996-97 reporting period the EPA was involved in the following major events:

• 13th International Clean Air and Environment Conference - 2000 Then What? - major sponsor

® 1996 Royal Adelaide Show —interactive display on Industry Pollution Prevention at the headquarters of the Environment Trail

• DENR display for Meet the Buyer exhibition

• Smoky Vehicle Programme display at the finish point of the Solar Challenge

• Gardens Alive in conjunction with Recycle 2000 — display on Frog Census, Hazardous Waste and the development of the Water Policy

• World Environment Family Fun Day and World Environment Schools Showcase.

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9 EMERGENCY POLLUTION INCIDENT RESPONSE During 1996-97 the EPA continued to maintain a roster of experienced staff who responded to emergency pollution incidents when notified through the EPA's emergency 24-hour phone number. The purpose of the emergency pollution incident response system is to:

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

® participate in the national plan for responding to oil spills at sea

• deal with major breaches of the Act which are reported to the EPA by the public outside normal office hours.

The Blue Book procedure is initiated if the Police or Fire Service decide that any spilled or leaked material may adversely affect human health, the environment, public facilities private property and/or stock. The Fire Service acts as the combating authority. The Department of Industrial Affairs coordinates technical advice from support agencies, such as the EPA, Health Commission, DoT, SA Water and local councils, to the combating authority at an incident.

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

stormwater fjSh kills

Figure 11 Emergency response incidents dealt with by the EPA in 1996-97

During 1996-97 the EPA received notification of 74 incidents through its emergency response system. Most of these calls were from members of the public while about one third of calls were from the Fire Services, Department of Industrial Affairs or DoT combined, and related to Blue Book incidents or marine spills in all parts of the State.

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Figure 12 presents a breakdown of incidents which the EPA was notified of and/or became involved in responding to through its emergency response system.

Significant emergency pollution incidents which the EPA responded to during 1996-97 included an oil spill to the marine environment from an oil transfer pipe at Port Stan vac; a road tanker spill of its load of detergent at the bottom of Mount Barker Road which drained into the Patawalonga and the ocean; an oil tanker rollover near Strathalbyn which threatened to drain into the nearby creek; and a large spill of indigo dye into the Keswick Creek from a dry cleaning company.

Foam in the Patawalonga River, caused by detergent spilled when a semi-trailer rolled over on Mount Barker Road, Glen Osmond.

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10 LEGISLATION AND POLICY

10.1 Legislative Amendment

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

A review of these particulars was completed by the EPA during 1996-97. The review resulted in the development of a package of reform proposals. It is anticipated that the new section 7 service will become operational early in 1998, providing the following benefits:

® The responsibility for providing information will be split between vendors and the EPA.

• Purchasers will be given an improved information service about activities which have been undertaken on land, waste, contamination and remediation issues, and also about environment protection orders, clean-up orders, clean-up authorisations and environment performance agreements registered on Certificates of Title.

Development (Major Development Assessment) Amendment Act 1997 On 2 January 1997 the Development (Major Development Assessment) Amendment Act 1996 commenced, resulting in consequential amendments to the Development Act 1993 and the Development Regulations.

Changes of interest to the EPA are:

• The introduction oftxvo additional levels of assessment for projects or developments (as defined in the Development Act). A proponent may now be required to prepare an Environment Impact Statement, a Public Environment Report or, in the case of an activity that falls within the definition of development in the Development Act, a Development Report.

o The creation of the Major Developments Panel (MDP), which has the main functions of: - determining the appropriate level of assessment (EIS, PER or DR) that should be

applied to a project or development referred to it by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development

- formulating guidelines to be used when making a determination of the level.

Where a project or development involves activity of environmental significance as listed in schedule 1 of the Act, the MDP must, in formulating guidelines, consult with the EPA.

Membership of the MDP includes a member of the EPA appointed by the Minister, currently Mr Rob Thomas, with Mr Stephen Walsh QC acting as deputy.

Fees and Levies Review The Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations 1994 specify fees for prescribed activities. These fees will be subject to open review, for two reasons:

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e In late 1994 SAECCI and the EPA agreed that a review of fees and levies charged under the Act should be undertaken following the second year of operation of the Act, with a view to achieving greater application of the polluter pays principle.

« The Council of Australian Government's Competition Principles Agreement requires the review and, where appropriate, reform of all legislation which restricts competition by the year 2000. The Act, and the Fees and Levy Regulations may possibly influence competition by affecting entry to markets and conduct within markets.

With the exception of licence fees for marine discharges, the current licensing system uses production and throughput indicators to determine licence fees. The EPA is particularly interested in the possibility of implementing a more extensive and rigorous load-based licensing system. Prehminary work has begun on the review which is a priority task for the EPA during 1997-98 and will include substantial community consultation. Completion is currently scheduled for the end of 1998.

Water Resources Act In July 1997 the Water Resources Act 1997 was proclaimed, repealing the Water Resources Act 1990 and the Catchment Water Management Act 1995. As a result of consequential amendments to the Environment Protection Act 1997, the EPA is now required to:

• notify the relevant water resources authority and seek submissions before determining an application for an environmental authorisation that would authorise an activity for which a permit would otherwise be required (such as erecting, constructing or enlarging dams in specified areas; draining or discharging water into a well; constructing, backfilling or otherwise changing wells) under the Water Resources Act 1997

• notify the relevant water resources authority and seek submissions before varying the conditions of an environmental authorisation that authorises an activity for which a permit would otherwise be required under the Water Resources Act 1997

• refer specified applications for environmental authorisations to the Water Resources Minister

® before issuing or varying an environment protection order or clean-up order (other than an emergency order) which would require an activity for which a permit would otherwise be required, give notice to the authority which would be responsible for issuing the permit under the Water Resources Act 1997.

National Environment Protection Council Act The National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) is a body composed of Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers, established for the purpose of making and reporting on the implementation of NEPMs, which may consist of goals, standards, protocols and guidelines. Its purpose is to improve national consistency in environment protection outcomes.

The implementation of a NEPM is the responsibility of the individual jurisdiction and, for different measures, may vary in the legislative mechanisms utilised for implementation. Schedule 2 of the National Environment Protection Council (South Australia) Act 1995, amended the Environment Protection Act 1993. The major amendment is to automatically

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make a NEPM that has come into operation, an environment protection policy under the Act.

Miscellaneous Amendments The Environment Protection Act 1993 came into operation on 1 May 1995. As with all new legislation, the implementation of the Act is being monitored and assessed continuously with the objective of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental outcomes. This objective has resulted in a number of changes to the Act and to regulations under the Act during the past year.

Section 12 of the Act was amended to allow the Governor to appoint any member of the EPA to act as deputy to the Chair. Prior to the amendment, the position was held by the Executive Director. The deputy position is now undertaken by Mrs Anita Aspinall. The EPA is an independent body for a number of functions and the amendment seeks to avoid any perception of a lack of independence arising from a Government employee acting as Chair of the EPA.

Section 120A, was inserted to deter the making of deliberately false reports to the EPA. Similar provisions relating to the making of false or misleading statements or reports exist in comparable legislation in other jurisdictions.

There have also been a number of changes to the Regulations under the Act. Section 29 allows a simplified procedure for making policies in instances where the Minister recommends to the Governor that a document or standard prepared by a prescribed body be approved as an environment protection policy without going through the normal public consultation procedure.

As part of the funding of the implementation of the Waste Strategy, the levy on solid waste was increased by $0.60 per tonne. Of this amount, $0.40 is being used to fund the EPA with the remaining $0.20 per tonne being used to fund a position in SAECCI (see Section 6).

10.2 Environment Protection Policies The Environment Protection (Milking Shed Effluent Management) Policy 1996 was the only environment protection policy that came into operation in the 1996-97 financial year. The EPA advertised its intent to review and consolidate all environment protection policies relating to:

• noise

• waste

• water.

Reviews of the policies relating to air quality will commence in 1998.

10.3 National Environment Protection Measures In accordance with the requirements of the National Environment Protection Council Act 1995, the intent to make the following NEPMs was advertised nationally during 1996:

• Ambient Air Quality

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• National Pollutant Inventory (NPI)

® Transportation of Hazardous Wastes Across State and Territory Boundaries

• Contaminated Sites Assessment.

Each measure is prepared by a project team under a project chair who is a member of the NEPC Committee. The Executive Director of the EPA, Mr Rob Thomas, is the project chair for the Transportation of Hazardous Wastes Across Jurisdictional Boundaries NEPM. A project manager, based in the NEPC Service Corporation, is responsible for the coordination of the preparation and carriage of the draft NEPM and Impact Statement through to approval by the NEPC.

The project teams are composed of members from the various jurisdictions, however they do not represent the interests of any particular jurisdiction. This is the role of the Jurisdictional Reference Network established for each NEPM. The project teams are helped in the preparation of the NEPM by technical advisory panels and non-government organisations which include representatives from industry and environmental groups.

Ambient Air Quality A discussion paper, Towards a National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality was released on 12 June 1997 for consideration by major stakeholders. A draft NEPM is due for release later in 1997. The NEPC is expected to decide on making the NEPM in February 1998.

The focus of this first NEPM for ambient air quality is the human health impacts of six air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, photochemical oxidants, sulphur dioxide, lead and particles) traditionally monitored in Australia. These indicators were selected because there is already a great deal of information in Australia on the levels to which people may be routinely exposed, particularly in urban areas. Information on the health effects of these pollutants continues to be discovered in major international and Australian studies. However, there is still controversy about the exact levels at which standards should be set in some cases.

National Pollutant Inventory The NPI NEPM will enable the collection of information on emissions of pollutants to air, land and water. This information will be available to users in government, industry and the community and will help to create an informed community which should in turn lead to waste minimisation.

The draft NEPM and Impact Statement for a NPI was released for public consultation in June 1997. In South Australia, public meetings on the proposed NPI NEPM, coordinated by the EPA, will be held in August 1997 in Adelaide, Port Pirie and Mount Gambier.

National Environment Protection Measure for the Movement of Hazardous Wastes Across State and Territory Boundaries The key features of the proposed draft NEPM are:

• lists of hazardous and controlled wastes

• a national uniform tracking system

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• high levels of consultation and authorisation

• the mutual recognition of transporter licences.

The NEPM is required because the tracking of hazardous and controlled wastes:

® is an important element in ensuring that they are managed in a manner that will reduce their impact on the environment

® will increase public confidence in the waste management process

® will enable accurate data to be gathered which can be used for planning purposes

® will assist in fulfilling Australia's obligations under international treaties.

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

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

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

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

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

It is expected that further consultation with key stakeholders will be held during late 1997.

10.4 State of the Environment Report Under section 112 of the Act, the EPA is required to prepare a State of the Environment Report at least once every five years.

State of the Environment Reporting is a means of providing quantifiable information to evaluate progress towards ecologically sustainable development and to assess the effectiveness of the Government's environmental programmes and policies. As such it is also a strategic tool in that it may be used to set the direction of policy formation.

The Report will utilise a set of environmental indicators developed by DENR, the Natural Resources Council and the EPA. The information required goes beyond that held by the EPA. Accordingly, a State of the Environment Committee comprising Ms Jennifer Cashmore, EPA member, Mr John Scanlon, Chief Executive of DENR and Professor Martin Williams, Presiding Officer of the Natural Resources Council was established in early 1997. The Committee is overseeing a Project Team which will prepare the Report. The Project Team has commenced the collection of data from relevant agencies. It is anticipated that the Report will be released towards the end of 1998.

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

e it licenses and controls through licence conditions the manner in which these activities are undertaken

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

11.1 Environmental Authorisations Environmental authorisations may be in the form of a licence, works approval or exemption. In the current reporting period, the EPA experienced a slight increase in the number of exemptions compared to the previous year (Table 3).

Indicator 1994-95

(2 months only)

1995-96 1996-97

Number of licences 204 1600 1732

Number of exemptions (other than ozone).

2 6 11

Ozone exemptions 2156 1863 1935

Total 2362 3469 3678

Table 3 EPA licences and exemptions.

End of the Fee Waiver In order to allow industry to adjust to the application of the polluter pays principle, as required under the Act, the EPA offered a waiver of licence fees ending 30 April 1997. Consequently, during the first two years of operation of the Act, the level of fees paid by licensees closely reflected the fees paid under the repealed legislation. This initiative offered significant cost savings to industry but, with the end of this settling in period, licensees now pay the fees specified in the Environment Protection (Fees and Levy) Regulations 1994.

11.2 Development Assessment

Development distance guidelines Draft Development Distance Guidelines are being developed with the view to ensuring that development proposals involving activities with the potential to cause emissions of air pollutants or noise are sited in such a manner that impacts on sensitive land uses are minimised. The use of the draft Guidelines is not an alternative to the use of best practice environmental management. Rather it is an additional measure of protection to address those occasional unplanned incidents such as accidents and unusual meteorological conditions. The draft guidelines will be used to:

e assess development proposals involving industrial activities

• ensure that sensitive land uses, such as dwellings, schools, hospitals, and incompatible industrial activities, do not encroach upon existing industry.

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The draft guidelines are being evaluated by the EPA which has worked closely with the Economic Development Authority and the Planning Division of DHUD, to develop the guidelines.

Development Assessments: Councils and the Development Assessment Commission Under the Development Act 1993 and Regulations, councils and the Development Assessment Commission are required to refer to the EPA certain activities in the Mount Lofty Ranges and the River Murray Water Protection Areas and activities of environmental significance as listed in schedules 21 and 22 of the Regulations (Table 4).

Informal Water Protection Area

Schedule 21 Schedule 22 Total

95-96 134 82 429 93 718

96-97 64 58 283 138* 543

Table 4 Development referrals by category.

Of the 138 schedule 22 development applications, the EPA directed that only one be refused.

Environmental Impact Statements: Major Developments Panel The following proposals were deemed to be major projects or developments by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development and were referred to the EPA for comment:

• CSR Enviroguard: restoration of the Highbury sandpit by landfill of general solid waste

• Olympic Dam Extension

• Pathline Australia Inkerman Landfill

• Adelaide International Airport runway extension

• IWS Balefill

• Capital City Project.

The Capital City Project is the first project to be dealt with under the amendments to the Development Act introduced by the Development (Major Development Assessment) Amendment Act 1996.

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12. ENFORCEMENT

12.1 Enforcement Guidelines In 1996 the EPA commenced the development of Enforcement Guidelines. The guidelines will explain the various enforcement mechanisms, both civil and criminal, that are available to the EPA and provide guidance as to the use of the available enforcement tools. It is anticipated that this document will be released for public comment towards the end of 1997.

12.2 Civil Enforcement

1994-95 1995-96 1996-97

Environment Protection 5* 99 315 Orders (82 orders issued by the

SA Police—parties and domestic noise)

(287 orders issued by the SA Police)

Clean-up Orders - * 6 2

Table 5 Orders issued by the EPA. * Statistics for 1994-95 were only for May and June 1995, as the Act commenced on 1 May 1995.

12.3 Prosecutions There have been no successful prosecutions by the EPA in the current period. A prosecution under the previous Waste Management Act was dismissed by the Magistrates Court. However several alleged breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1993, Waste Management Act 1987 and Water Resources Act 1990, are currently under either investigation or consideration. Some of these investigations have taken over 12 months and are ongoing.

12.4 Appointment of Government Investigations Officers An agreement was reached with the Crown Solicitor's Office in late 1996 that it would be appropriate for the EPA to obtain attention to urgent matters requiring investigation by a government investigation officer (GIO) outplaced at the EPA.

As at the end of the financial year, the EPA had one GIO working on a range of matters and another GIO investigating the odour events associated with the operation of the Bolivar Sewerage Treatment Works.

At present, the EPA has an ongoing need for at least one GIO in its office to address matters arising through everyday operations. All GIO's placed with the EPA have previously held senior commands in the police force. An element of their work is the education of EPA authorised officers.

51

13 ADMINISTRATION

13.1 Staff Training and Development Considerable investment in staff training and development was provided by the EPA during 1996-97 in the following programmes:

• Air Pollution Control Course

® Environment Protection Workshops (Recycling, Greenhouse Agreements, and Water Environment Policy)

a Investigation Methods and Investigation Processes for all authorised officers

® Expert Witness Workshops for authorised officers

® Expiation and Licensing Workshops for authorised officers

® EPA Public Register Seminars

® Container Deposit Legislation Seminar

® computer training courses

® performance management seminars

® team working development workshops

• conflict resolution workshops

® managing stress seminars

® occupational health and safety courses (Office Ergonomics/Manual Handling, Hazardous Substances, Diver Training and Senior First Aid Certificate course)

Staff also participated in the following educational programmes during 1996-97:

® Management Development Programme with The University of Adelaide and SAECCI

« Environment Protection Certificate Course for environmental officers in industry, local and State government—provided by the Australian Centre for Environmental Law, The University of Adelaide in partnership with the EPA

® Diploma of Environmental Management at DETAFE - four EPA staff

® Graduate and post-graduate university courses - 15 EPA staff are being provided with financial support and study leave in order to add value to the intellectual resources of the EPA.

The EPA and the University of South Australia have designed and developed in partnership a Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Management) to be available first semester 1998. This course is six months full-time study, or part-time equivalent over two years. Subject areas include Pollution and the Environment; Public Relations and Negotiation; Legal Obligations; and Environmental Management Systems. The structure of the course relies heavily on case studies conducted in the student's own workplace.

52

13.2 Human Resources

Executive Appointments Classification Female Male Total

CEO* 28 0 1 1

CEO 30 0 1 1

Table 6 Executive Appointments

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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

Non-Executive Employment Classification Female Male Total

ASO-1 6 1 7

ASO-2 8 4 12

ASO-3 3 4 7

ASO-4 1 1 2

ASO-5 1 3 4

ASO-6 0 4 4

ASO-7 0 1 1

MAS-1 0 1 1

MAS-3 1 0 1

Total 19 19 38

Table 7 Administrative Services Stream Administrative Services Officer (ASO) Manager Administrative Services (MAS)

53

Classification Female Male Total

TGO-O 0 2 2

TGO-1 3 0 3

TGO-2 2 7 9

TGO-3 1 9 10

TGO-4 0 5 5

Total 6 23 29

Table 8 Technical Stream Technical Grades Officer (TGO)

Classification Female Male Total

PSO-1 1 2 3

PSO-2 0 • 3 3

PSO-3 0 3 3

PSO-4 0 9 9

PSO-5 0 1 1

Total 1 18 19

Table 9 Professional Services Stream Professional Services Officer (TGO)

Categories of Employment Permanent Casual Temporary 1-5 Year Contract Total FTEs

83 2 4 0 87.45

Table 10 Categories of Employment

Leave Management The average number of days sick leave taken per full-time equivalent employees during the year was 5.5. This compares with the rate of 4.6 days in 1995-96.

No accident resulting lost time occurred during 1996-97.

13.3 Information Technology Information Technology has been recognised as an essential component of EPA business strategy. A five year Strategic Information Technology Plan has been developed and states that information systems must "enhance and support the operations of the EPA and improve productivity".

54

The EPA regards information as a valuable asset which must be managed effectively. Over the past year the EPA has undertaken a number of major initiatives which, when complete, will deliver significant improvement in information management and reporting. These systems have been driven from an identified need to improve internal information processing and client service.

Integrated Information System (IIS) Project This two year project is due for completion by February 1998 and is a major undertaking within the EPA. It aims to integrate existing systems so they will store and manage information pertaining to core business systems such as licensing. Underpinning this project is the need to ensure compliance with legislation. A key component of this project is the provision of information to the public via an accessible Public Register.

Environmental Data Management System Project The Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) is expected to be operational by the end of 1997. It will improve access to all types of monitoring data and provide a broader view of the environment. The system will hold and manage ah, water, noise and soil data generated by various EPA programmes, as well as data sent to the EPA by licensees and other organisations. The data will be used to assess the environmental condition of waterbodies, air sheds and parcels of land as well as problems caused by noise and waste sites.

13.4 External Consultants Consultants Amount ($)

o Below $10,000

19 consultancies of less than $10,000 each were let. Total Value 38,174.10

• $10,000-$50,000 Document EPA work practices Waste Strategy Forum Project Environmental Performance Criteria Project Water Quality Policy Health Gulf St Vincent Ambient Water Quality Monitoring EPA Information Systems Project Bridgestone Investigation Monitor Health of Reefs Antifouling Project

RB Consultants Pty Ltd Eco Waste Pty Ltd Hassell pty Ltd John Botting & Assoc PH Environment Aust Government Analytical Labs Cole Solicitors Crown Solicitors Office Luminis Consulting Hyder Environmental Pty Ltd

11,260.00 13,847.00 24,340.00 10,875.00 33,395.00 33,327.00 11,962.00 34,273.95 40,000.00 25,000.00

238,279.95

• Above $50,000 Environmental Data Management System Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

Steven Rowe & Assoc SA Water

113,692.00 94,853.95

208,545.95

Total $485,000

55

13.5 Freedom of Information During the year ended 30 June 1997 seven applications were received under the Freedom of Information Act 1991, for information in respect of EPA licensees.

Of these requests, four were granted in full and three in part.

13.6 Financial Statements The audited financial statement as required by section 111 of the Act is contained in Appendix 3.

56

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Appendix 2 Environment Protection Authority Publications List

* These documents were updated or produced and published in the 1996-97 year

Information Sheets:

No 1 A New Approach in SA to Environment Protection Jan '95

No 2 Objects of the Environment Protection Act 1993 Jan '95

No 3 How Your Company wiil Benefit from the Environment Protection Act Jan '95

* No 4 EPA Organisational Structure Feb '97

No 5 EPA Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme Sept '96

No 6 Environment Protection Programmes Sept '95

No 7 Construction Noise Oct '95

No 8 Assessment Procedure for Contaminated Land Nov '95

No 9 Noise Control May '96

* No 12 Air Conditioner Noise Sept'96

* No 13 Disposal of Backwash Water from Swimming Pools Oct '96

* No 14 Ozone Protection Notes The Disposal of Refrigeration and Airconditioning Equipment Containing Prescribed CFCs and HFCs Mar '97

Technical Bulletins:

* No 4 Waste Transport Certificate Nov '96

* No 11 Winery and Distillery Wastewater Monitoring Programmes Nov ' 96

* No 12 Land Application of Alum Sludge from Water Treatment Feb '97

* No 13 Irrigation with Water Reclaimed from Sewage Treatment on Pastures Used for Grazing of Cattle and Pigs Nov '96

No 21 Independent Verification of Monitoring Programmes May '96

No 22 Protection for Voluntary Environmental Audits May '96

Pamphlets: Hazardous Wastes

Don't Let Our Waterways Go Down The Drain

Cleaner Production in South Australia—Case Studies

Stop Our Waterways Going Down the Drain Series: How Your Shop or Restaurant Can Help

58

How to Dispose of Problem Household Waste How You and Your Household Can Help How Cleaning Contractors Can Help How Your Mobile Vehicle Service Business Can Help How Your Workshop Can Help How Your Factory Can Help How Builders and Do-It-Yourselfers Can Help

Codes of Practice and Guidelines:

Biosolids Guidelines Parts A & B For Consultation

South Australian Biosolids Guidelines

SA Reclaimed Water Guidelines for Consultation

Stormwater Pollution Control:

General Code of Practice for Local Govt—Post Consultation Draft

General Code of Practice for the Community—Consultation Draft

Building and Construction Industry—Consultation Draft

State and Federal Agencies — Consultation Draft

Free

$10.00 (incl. post) Free

Free

Free

Booklets:

Policy:

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

Free

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

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

Development of an Environment Protection Water Quality Policy - Discussion Paper Free

Reports:

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

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

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

The Australian Marine Debris Status Review ANZECC Strategy to Protect the Environment (EPA acting as distributor)

$45.00 (incl. post)

59

Three Decades of Air Pollution Control 1961-1991 Free

Air Quality Branch Annual Report 1991-1992 Free

Ambient Air Monitoring Report—January to December 1995 Free

Environment Protection Authority Annual Report—1994/95 Free

* Environment Protection Authority Annual Report—1995/96 Free

* Round-table Report 1997 Free

* EPA Strategic Plan - January 1997 Free

Manuals: EPA Monitoring Manual—Volume 1 : Air Quality Emission $50.00

Testing Methodology for Air Pollution Posted $55.00

60

Appendix 3 Audited Financial Statements

61

. WL-J* Auditor-GeneralJs Department

Ref: A 9 7 / 2 2 0

18 September 1997

Mr S Walsh Chairman Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Dear Sir,

The audit of the financial operations of the Environment Protection Authority and the audit of the financial statements of the Environment Protection Fund for the year ended 30 J u n e 1997 have been completed.

Audit coverage for 1996-97 encompassed all major areas of financial operation and was undertaken in two phases. The first phase of the audit focussed on :-

• financial compliance matters associated with the administration of the Environment Protection Fund; and

• the financial reporting requirements of the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment Protection Fund.

The second phase of the Audit encompassed a follow-up of issues of a strategic and operational nature which were raised as part of the 1995-96 audit.

In accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Department of Treasury and Finance pronouncements, the financial operations of the Environment Protection Fund for the 1996-97 financial year have been reported on an accrual basis for the first time. This move towards the accrual basis of accounting represents a significant departure from the cash basis of accounting and involves significant changes in the accounting policies, practices and philosophies previously employed by the Authority.

The year end financial statement verification process revealed that the Authority encountered significant difficulties in the preparation of the financial statements on an accrual basis. Specifically, the Authority encountered the following difficulties:-

establishing various Statement of Financial Position opening and closing balances, resolving balancing problems within the trial balance of the Environment Protection Fund resulting in reconciling differences between the various financial statements of the Fund (ie the Operating Statement, Statement Of Financial Position, and Statement Of Cash Flows). identification and elimination of inter-Authority transactions, preparation of financial statement note disclosures, reconciliation of financial systems (ie Telnet Receipting System)

These difficulties significantly protracted the audit verification process as a number of issues/errors were identified by Audit which required corrective action.

epajnL 97.doc

9th Floor, State Administration Centre, 200 Victoria Square, Adelaide. South Australia 5000 Telephone +61 +8 8226 9640 Facsimile+61 +8 8226 9688 DX 56208 Victoria Square

Auditor-General's Department

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

TO THE CHAIRMAN, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

SCOPE

As required by Section 31 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 , I have audited the financial statements of the Environment Protection Fund for the year ended 30 June 1997. The financial statements comprise: -

An Operating Statement; A Statement of Financial Position; A Statement of Cash Flows; • Notes to and forming part of the financial statements; and Statement by the Chairman, Environment Protection Authority and the Principal Accounting Officer.

The members of the Environment Protection Authority are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements and the information contained therein. An independent audit of the financial statements has been conducted in order to express an opinion on them to the Chairman. Environment Protection Authority.

The audit has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, and Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

Audit procedures included examination on a test basis of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial statements and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. Those procedures were undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with Treasurer's Instructions promulgated under the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, appropriate Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements (Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views) so as to present a view which is consistent with my understanding of the Environment Protection Fund's financial position and the results of the Environment Protection Fund's operations.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

AUDIT OPINION

In my opinion, the financial statements present fairly in accordance with the Treasurer's Instructions promulgated under the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, appropriate Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements, the financial position of the Environment Protection Fund as at 30 June 1997 and the results of the Environment Protection Fund's operations for the year ended 30 J u n e 1997.

P

18 September. 1997 K. I. MacPHERSON AUDITOR-GENERAL

9th Floor, State Administration Centre, 200 Victoria Square, Adelaide 5000 Telephone (08) 8226 9640 Facsimile (08) 8226 9688 DX 56208 Victoria Square

It should be noted that the additional resources applied by Audit during the year end verification process will have an impact on the audit fee payable by the Authority for 1996-97 .

As previously mentioned, the Authority encountered difficulties in reconciling the Telnet Receipting Module to the General Ledger to ensure all monies received are banked intact and correctly reflected in the General Ledger. Although progress was made by your officers during the year end verification process, it was noted that the reconciliation had not been completed at the conclusion of the Audit. As a result, Audit undertook additional substantive testing to gain sufficient assurance that the revenue reported in the financial statements of the Fund was free of material misstatement. Notwithstanding, it is considered that such a reconciliation be performed on a monthly basis to ensure transactions processed through the Fund are subject to adequate internal controls. The status of this reconciliation will be followed-up by my officers during the 1997-98 audit.

Returned herewith are the financial statements of the Environment Protection Fund together with my Independent Audit Report.

Yours faithfully

K I MacPHERSON AUDITOR-GENERAL Enc.

epa_ml_97.doc

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FUND

Operating Statement for the year ended 30 June 1997 1997

Note S'000 OPERATING EXPENSES:

Salaries, wages and related expenses 4 546 Goods and services 4 2 832 Grants and transfers 5 580 Depreciation 6 29

Total Operating Expenses 7 987

OPERATING REVENUES: Fees and charges 8 3 780 Transfer from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 9 4 558 Interest revenues 55 Other revenues 10 22

Total Operating Revenues 8 415

REVENUES FROM GOVERNMENT: Recurrent Appropriations 761

Total Revenues from Government 761 Total Revenues 9 176

OPERATING SURPLUS BEFORE ABNORMAL ITEM 1 189 Add: Abnormal Item 17 1 485

OPERATING SURPLUS AFTER ABNORMAL ITEM 2 674

Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 1997

1997 Note S'000

CURRENT ASSETS: Cash on hand and on deposit 11 3 251 Receivables 12 234 Inventory 13 22 Other 14 5

Total Current Assets 3 512

NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Receivables 12 442 Property, plant and equipment 15 176

Total Non-Current Assets 618 Total Assets 4 130

CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payables 16 487

Total Current Liabilities 487 Total Liabilities 487

NET ASSETS 3 643

EQUITY: Accumulated surplus

TOTAL EQUITY 22

3 643

3 643

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 1997 1997

Inflows (Outflows)

Note S'000 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: PAYMENTS:

Salaries, wages and other related payments (4 543) Goods and services (2 538) Grants and other transfers (580)

RECEIPTS: Fees and charges 3 475 Interest income 53 Transfer from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 043

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 23 1 910 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Payments - Purchase of non-current assets (205) Net Cash used in Investing Activities (205)

CASH FLOWS FROM GOVERNMENT: Recurrent appropriations 761

Net Cash provided by Government 761 NET INCREASE IN CASH HELD 2 466 CASH AT 1 JULY 785

CASH AT 30 JUNE 11 3 251

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Objectives and Funding Objectives The major objectives of the Environment Protection Authority are to establish environment protection standards and policies, to improve, protect and monitor water and air quality, to regulate waste management and promote waste minimisation practices, to promote cleaner production techniques, and to regulate industrial emissions.

The Authority also is responsible for the administration of the Environment Protection Fund, in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 1993.

Fund Purpose Subsection 24(1) of the Environment Protection Act 1993, established the Environment Protection Fund.

Subsection 24(4) of the Environment Protection Act 1993, provides that the Fund may be applied by the Minister or by the Authority with the approval of the Minister (without further appropriation than this subsection):

(a) in making any payment required in connection with a financial assurance under Division 5 or Part 6; or (b) in making any payment required by the terms of an environment performance agreement under Part 7; or (c) in making payments for or towards the cost of action taken to deal with an environmental emergency or its effects; or (d) for the purposes of education and training programmes in relation to the protection, restoration or enhancement of the

environment; or (e) for the purposes of any investigations, research, pilot programmes of other projects relating to the protection,

restoration or enhancement of the environment; or (f) towards the cost of administration of this Act.

Financial Arrangements The Environment Protection Fund's sources of funds consist of a prescribed percentage of fees, licences and levies charged under the Act, fines and expiation fees, interest revenues, sundry charges for services to the public and industry, revenues from levies under the Petroleum Products Regulation Act 1993, monies appropriated by Parliament and transfers of funds from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Environment Protection Fund is an interest.bearing Deposit Account pursuant to subsection 21 (1) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987.

In accordance with the provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993 the Authority has delegated certain powers and functions to officers within the Office of Environment Protection Authority (OEPA). The OEPA is one of the six operational groups of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The OEPA is responsible for providing the necessary technical and administrative resource support to the Authority.

The direct costs of providing these services are met by the Fund, however certain services and facilities are provided by the OEPA at no charge to the Authority. These services and facilities provided by OEPA at no charge include the use of certain items of plant and equipment, and various administrative services.

74

Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Accounting

The financial statement is a general purpose financial report, and has been prepared in accordance with Statements of Accounting Concepts, Australian Accounting Standards, Treasurer's Instructions and Accounting Policy Statements issued by the SA Department of Treasury and Finance, and in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

The financial report has been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly revenues are recognised when they are earned or when the Authority has control over them, rather than when they are received and expenses are recognised when they are incurred, rather than when they are paid. Some revenues are recognised when cash is received because only at this time can the Authority be certain about the amounts to be collected. These revenues include items such as licence, exemption and accreditation fees.

The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, with the exception of certain types of non-current assets which are valued at written down current cost, in accordance with SA Department of Treasury and Finance guidance.

The financial report sets out the revenues, expenses and financial position of the Authority as a single entity and accordingly all intra-Authority transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Accrual accounting was adopted by the Authority on 1 July 1996 and hence comparative figures are not available.

(b) Property, Plant and Equipment When accrual accounting was adopted by the Authority on 1 July 1996, various problems were encountered which made it difficult to reliably identify and value fixed assets controlled by the Authority prior to that date.

In accordance with the transitional provisions of Australian Accounting Standard AAS29 'Financial Reporting by Government Departments', the Authority has recognised assets acquired since 1 July 1996 (at cost) but has elected not to recognise assets acquired prior to this date as:

reliable cost or valuation data was not available; and/or

• the existence of moveable plant and equipment has not been verified as a full stocktake of assets has not yet been performed.

The statement of Financial Position therefore does not include all property, plant and equipment controlled by the Authority.

In addition, the Authority has not recognised certain items of plant and equipment purchased by DENR which have been provided for use by the Authority at no charge to the Fund. (Refer to Note 1 Financial Arrangements).

As a consequence these assets and related depreciation charges are reflected in the financial statements of DENR.

Minor items of plant and equipment with an individual value of less than S2 000 are expensed in the Operating Statement at the time they are acquired.

(c) Depreciation All items of property, plant and equipment, with the exception of land and unique heritage assets, have a limited useful life and are systematically depreciated in a manner which reflects the consumption of service potential. The depreciation rates are reviewed annually.

Years Plant and equipment 5 - 25 Computing equipment 3 Other 3 - 1 5

(d) Repairs and Maintenance Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

(e) Income Recognition All revenues, including recurrent appropriations are recorded in the Operating Statement. Appropriations, grants, donations and other contributions are recognised as revenues when the Authority obtains control over the assets comprising the contributions. Control over appropriations and granted assets is normally obtained upon their receipt.

Licence, exemption and accreditation fees, where the period of the licence, exemption or accreditation is greater than one reporting period, are recorded in their entirety as revenue in the period in which the Authority obtains control over the assets comprising the fees. Control over such fees is normally obtained when the fees are received from customers.

(f) Receivables Receivables in respect of fees, charges and loans 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.

Significant Accounting Policies (continued) (g) Employee Entitlements and Other Employee Related Provisions

Employee entitlements and other employee related provisions are not reflected in the financial statements of the Environment Protection Fund, as the officers providing the necessary technical and administrative support to the Authority are employed by DENR. As a consequence such provisions are reflected in the financial statements of DENR.

The services of OEPA staff are provided to the Authority in accordance with a service agreement between DENR and the Authority. The Fund pays for these services on the basis of actual cost to DENR plus an on-cost for long service leave and workers compensation expenses. In return for these on-cost payments the Environment Protection Fund is indemnified against any future claims with respect to long service leave and workers compensation as the liability for such payments rests with DENR.

(h) Superannuation The Authority made contributions of S501 000 to Employer Contribution Accounts administered by the SA Superannuation Board, in respect of future superannuation liabilities.

(i) Accommodation DENR has contracted with external parties for the provision of office accommodation for the officers providing the necessary technical and administrative support to the Authority. Although the obligations for these future operating lease payments rests with DENR, the full costs of occupancy are met out of the Environment Protection Fund (refer Note 4).

(]) Inventories Finished goods and stores are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

(k) Cash Flows For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand, Deposit Accounts with the SA Department of Treasury and Finance, and cash in transit.

(I) Rounding All amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

Programs of the Authority The Authority operates solely in the program area of Environment Protection and Restoration, thus no further information is provided as the expenses, revenue, assets and liabilities attributable to this program is detailed in the Operating Statement and the Statement of Financial Position.

Goods and Services 1997 Goods and services expenses for the reporting period comprised: S'000

Accommodation and service expenses 882 Contractor expenses 480 Consultancies 485 Travel expenses 179 Vehicle expenses 141 Materials and consumables 131 Computing expenses 140 Publications, reports and advertising 98 Audit fees 32 Legal fees 30 Minor plant and equipment 21 Other - 213

2 832

Grants and Transfers Grants and transfer expenses for the reporting period comprised:

Cleaner production grants 158 Marine research grants 32 Environment protection and policies grant 41 Waste levies remitted to SAECCI* 210 Transfer of project funds to DENR 54 Transfer of funds to DENR for building fit outs 77 Other 8

580

* South Australian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

Depreciation Depreciation expenses for the reporting period were charged in respect of:

Plant and equipment 3 Computing equipment 25 Other 1_

29

7. Provision for Doubtful Debts 1997 S'000

Balance at 1 July 98 Amounts provided for during the year Less: Amounts written off against the provision 98_

Balance 30 June

8. Fees and Charges Fees and charges for the reporting period comprised:

Fuel levies 3 326 Waste levy revenues 210 Prescribed percentage of licences and levies 244

3 780

9. Transfers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Transfers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the

reporting period comprised: Revenues transferred from DENR 4 386 Grants received from DENR for specific projeqts 172

4 558

10. Other Revenues Other revenues for the reporting period comprised:

Salary recoups 14 Donations received 8_

22

11. Cash and Bank Balances Deposit account with SA Department of Treasury and Finance 3 251

3 251

12. Receivables Current:

Fees and charges 180 Cleaner Industry Development Scheme loans 43 Accrued interest income 5 Other 6 Less: Provision for doubtful debts

234

Non-Current: Cleaner Industry Development Scheme loans 442 Less: Provision for doubtful debts

442

13. Inventory Raw materials and consumables 8 Finished goods held for resale 14_

22

14. Other Current Assets Prepayments 5

1997 Property, Plant and Equipment Written

Accumulated Down Cost Depreciation Value

$'000 S'000 S'000 Plant and equipment at cost 34 3 31 Computing equipment at cost 163 25 138 Other at cost 8 1 7

205 29 176

16. Payables 1997 Current: $'000

Creditors 374 Accruals 113

487

17. Abnormal Item During the reporting period project funds totalling $1 485 000 which related to projects controlled by the Authority were transferred to the Environment Protection Fund from the DENR Deposit Account.

18. Remuneration of Auditors Amounts received or due and receivable by the Auditors for auditing the accounts for the year were $32 000.

The Auditors received no other benefits.

19. Consultancies The cost of consultancies engaged by the Authority during the course of the year amounted to $485 000.

20. Remuneration of Authority Members 1997 The number of Authority members whose total remuneration received or due and Number of

receivable fell within the following bands was: Members SNil 1 $1 -$10 000 *5 $10 000-$20 000 1

* Includes one member whose term expired during the year and one member who was appointed during the year.

The total remuneration received or due and receivable by these members was $55 000, of which $8 000 was donated back to the Environment Protection Fund resulting in a net charge to the Fund of $47 000.

21. Remuneration of Executives 1997 The number of executives whose remuneration received or receivable falls Number of

within the following bands: Executives S110 001-$120 000 1

Total remuneration received or due and receivable by this executive was $118 000.

22. Equity Equity represents the residual interest in the Authority's assets. The South Australian Government holds the equity interest in the Authority on behalf of the community.

1997 Accumulated

Surplus S'000

Balance at 1 July 969 Surplus during the period 2 674

Balance at 30 June . 3 643

23. Reconciliation of Net Cash provided by Operating Activities to Operating Surplus after 1997 Abnormal Item S'000

Operating surplus after abnormal item 2 674 Depreciation 29 Provision for doubtful debts (98) Revenues from government (761) Movements in assets and liabilities:

(Increase) in receivables (230) (Increase) in inventories (17) (Increase) in other assets (5) Increase in payables 318

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 1 910

J

E 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

Financial Statements for the year 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997

STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER

We, the undersigned, the Chairman, Environment Protection Authority and the Acting Manager, Business Services, Office of Environment Protection, hereby state that in our opinion the foregoing Operating Statement, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows, together with applicable Statements of Accounting Concepts and applicable Australian Accounting Standards and the Public Finance and Audit Act, 1987, as amended, so as to give a true and fair view of the financial transactions for the year ended 30 June 1997 and the state of affairs at that date.

Postal Address Level 5. 6&7 Freecall: 1 800 623 445 GPO Box 2607 77 Grenfell St D X : 228 Adelaide Adelaide South Australia South Australia 5001 5000

Contact: Paul Castle Tel: (08) 82042088 Fax: (08) 82042020 Email: Ref: ENR 1081/95

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FUND

/ S. WALSH CHAIRMAN, / ACTING MANAGER,

BUSINESS SERVICES, OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION PROTECTION AUTHORITY

D£NR D E PA R T M E N T () i- E N V I R O N M E N T A N D N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S