Environmental Health Australia (SA) Inc

Murrayland & Regional SIG Meeting Agenda Location: Mannum Council Office, 49 Rd, Mannum Date: 14 December 2018 Time: 10.00am 1. Welcome Meeting opened at 10.05am and all members welcomed by Chairperson – Rebecca Burton ()

2. Confirmation of previous minutes The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed as a true and correct record

Moved: Emily Smith (Rural City of Murray Bridge) Seconded: Rebecca Burton (Berri Barmera Council)

3. Present: Stephen Fricker (University of SA), Julie Savill (Rural City of Murray Bridge) , Emily Smith (Rural City of Murray Bridge), Tom McKellar () , Cassie Tuck (), Karen Bandt (), Melinda Coleshill (Town of Gawler) , Deirdre Reimann (Town of Gawler) , Dara Frankel (District Council of Loxton Waikerie), Caroline Thomas (), Rebecca Burton (Berri Barmera Council), Katina Nikas (Remark Paringa Council), Kirstin Ross (Flinders University), Harriet Whiley (Flinders University), Anthony Hill (Exiis)

4. Apologies: Jeremy Byrnes (Rural City of Murray Bridge)

5. Guest presenters 5.1 Clan lab clean ups – Anthony Hill from Exiis - Anthony Hill from Exiis gave an overview regarding Clandestine Drug Labs and the cleanups 5.2 Mozzie Monitors - Stephen Fricker from Uni SA - Stephen Fricker from University of SA provided an overview with the Mozzie monitors program 5.3 General Duty from SA Public Health Act -Kirstin Ross & Harriet Whiley from Flinders University - Discussion was had about the survey sent to all EHA members relating to the General Duty of the SA Public Health Act. - The link will be sent out again to regional SIG Members.

6. Items for Discussion 6.1 Tiny Houses Caroline provided an overview of the discussion had with the RDA regarding the possibility of introducing Tiny Houses into SA. They are becoming quite popular in Australia however they can pose problems with Development Act and Wastewater legislation requirements.

6.2 Hydrotherapy pool bacterial outbreak investigation An Officer provided an overview of their dealings with a confirmed case of a mycobacteria notification from CDCB that has been sourced from either the pool itself or from a carrier who has swum in the pool. The pool water levels tested positive for mycobacteria. This is quite a common bacteria throughout the environment ie dust etc. There have been no real cases of this in the State so there are limited processes in place on how to deal with this sort of situation. Council did not have a plan of the pipework for the pool. So this is a handy point for all EHOS to remember when looking at public pools particularly for dead legs.

The question has arisen whether Hydrogen Peroxide is a suitable disinfection method and whether this will be considered as part of the Public Health Regulation review.

6.3 Defective wastewater system at a commercial premises (approved under current Regulations)

A food business where the Wastewater system caters for the toilet portion of the business contacted Council about their AWTS complaining about problems with odour and pressure build up in the system. The system is 2 years old. The original wastewater approval was undertaken without an Engineers report and following legal advice, Council is liable for replacement of the WW system so Council is now undertaking replacement of the system.

6.4 Privately certified planning and building approvals

There are issues at some Council’s where Land Divisions are being approved without wastewater being addressed. Legal advice is currently being sought however it may be possible when full development is issued. Currently, the EHOs are being notified when the privately certified application comes in and a quick assessment is undertaken for wastewater matters. A letter is then sent to the owner to advise them that this must be addressed prior to full Development approval being issued. If the wastewater issue hasn’t been addressed when development approval is issued then a precautionary notice will be issued along with the full development approval.

6.5 AWTS service providers

Is everyone still following them up? One company in particular is being a bit hit and miss with the supply of their reports. This is something that the University students can be undertaking for Council’s as part of their field placements. Email Kirstin if you want this to happen.

6.6 OTR plumbing inspection

One of the Officers recently had an inspector from the Office of the Technical Regulator undertake an inspection in their area and they picked up quite a few issues. They are quite happy to assist us out in the field.

6.7 Wastewater issues at a Regional Airfield

One of the Officers spoke about an Illegally developed site where Council is asking for a retrospective wastewater application. They have all now submitted a wastewater application with an Engineers report however it does not seem to meet all the requirements. It was discussed that the Officer should obtain an expert report under Regulation 29 as there are no appeal rights on request for expert advice. Another Council has currently received legal advice about how to obtain an expert’s report. She will send through info. Note for EHO’s - Kitchen water is not classed as Blackwater – it is technically grey water.

6.8 Foodborne illness reduction strategy

SA Health sent a letter to SA Health as an update on the foodborne illness reduction strategy. Most EHOS haven’t seen this.

6.9 Discontinuation of the Local Government Public Health Program

Most CEO’s have sent in letters not supporting the cuts. Appears to be a huge reduction in public health promotion which is resulting in the increase in expenditure on clinical needs.

6.10 BBQ Festivals

Query was raised by an Officer regarding these events. It was discussed that if the food is given away then it is not a business and there fore does not require a food business notification. Unley Council have had an event like this one previously so contact should be made with them.

7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes

7.1 Refer to action list

8. Standing Items

8.1 2020 Conference Tailem Bend Committee

There are currently 6 people that are keen to participate.

9. Other Business 9.1 Chopping and preserving of fruit

One business from a local Council was Implicated in the Charlesworth nuts issue – SA Health stepped in due to the absence of the Council EHO. SA Health served a Prohibition notice on a supplier who was chopping and drying fruit. SA Health have now requested that this business is registered as a food business. This is contrary to previous advice that they are not captured as a food business. This has now raised the question of whether these businesses are captured as a primary producer. Council’s just do not have the resources to inspect these businesses.

9.2 Staff Movements Phil Eckert has now resigned from Rural City of Murray bridge and Jeremy is now acting Team Leader.

10. Next Meeting

March 22nd – Location TBC

Meeting closed at 12:49pm

Action List

Responsible Number Action Officer Kaylie Baker 2.1 Provide feedback to SA Health that timeframes be considered in the review of the Code for the supply of service reports by agents to Council. Rebecca Burton 2.2 Provide feedback to SA Health regarding their leadership in reminding engineers that wastewater reports must meet the criteria in the Code. Develop, in conjunction with SA Health, a flowchart to guide engineers to meet the reporting criteria requirements. Katina Nikas 2.3 Share advice received regarding the administration of the Water Industry Act and Public Health Act. Katina Nikas 2.7 Speak to local winery regarding a tour (1 hour) for EHOs to better understand the operations of a winery Dara Frankel 2.9 Send invite to OTR – Gas for next meeting. Rebecca Burton 2.10 Provide desludge letters to Roxanne for sharing on knowledge base. Other members were encouraged to provide documentation they have available. Needs clarification as to who manages the knowledge base now.