ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY
Annual Report 2004–2005 Annual Report 2004–2005 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
The Hon John Hill MP Minister for Environment and Conservation 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 2004 to 30 June 2005. This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Public Sector Management Act 1995.
Yours sincerely
Dr Paul Vogel Chief Executive and Chair Environment Protection Authority
30 September 2005
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 i
FOREWORD
This report provides an overview of the some 25 key interest groups, gave us the course of the year, committed their work of the Environment Protection valuable insights into the community’s time and efforts to these programs to Authority (EPA) as the body responsible expectations of the EPA, and assisted protect and enhance our environment. for administering the Environment us to better defi ne our how we can Protection Act 1993 (the Act) for the contribute to the sustainability agenda. The Board of the EPA and its staff look period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005. forward to the opportunities ahead Another fundamental policy driver is in working in collaboration with our Under the Act, the EPA’s responsibilities the South Australian Strategic Plan, stakeholders towards achieving a cover many activities. These include released in 2004. The EPA has reviewed sustainable South Australia. regulation of activities that pose a its programs to ensure it aligns itself signifi cant risk to the environment, the with this initiative. Along with the development of environment protection input from its consultative program, policies, environmental monitoring and the Board, in consultation with EPA evaluation, programs and investigations staff, has performed a thorough review that promote ecologically sustainability of its previous strategic plan, and Dr Paul Vogel development, and consultation with at year’s end was in the process of Chief Executive and Chair all levels of government, the private fi nalising its 2005–08 Strategic Plan. Environment Protection Authority sector and the community on matters The key priorities for the organisation related to environmental protection and were: improving its service orientation; management. enhancing stakeholder engagement and relationships; exploring more innovative The EPA Board has continued to provide methods to effectively infl uence proactive governance for the EPA, community and industry behaviour and has worked to refi ne the strategic towards environmental protection and directions for the organisation to enhancement; and contributing to the achieve our vision of a clean, healthy development of a more effective land and valued environment that supports use planning and assessment system. social and economic prosperity for South Australians. As well as concentrating on the future, this report demonstrates the The Board’s comprehensive stakeholder extensive work of the EPA over the and regional consultation program has last 12 months in all facets of its continued, providing it with useful and operations—in policy development; in timely information on the important attaining better science and greater issues that face communities and understanding of our environmental their environments. This two-way systems; in improving the organisation’s exchange with key stakeholders, both communication with people; in in metropolitan and regional areas, has enhancing internal operations and allowed the Board to understand the guidelines for its role in development aspirations of the community. Part of assessment; and clarifying its approach this program, the annual Round Table to compliance and enforcement. I thank Conference, with participants from all staff and stakeholders who, during
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 iii ABBREVIATIONS
µg/m3 micrograms per cubic metre EPA Environment Protection NPI National Pollutant Inventory CARES Complaints and Reports of Authority ODS ozone depleting substances Environmental Signifi cance EPO Environment Protection OHSW occupational health, safety (web site) Order and welfare CDL container deposit legislation; EPP Environment Protection P&DR performance and correctly, beverage container Policy development review provisions of the Environment ERD Court Environment, Resources PAH polycyclic aromatic Protection Act and Development Court hydrocarbons CE chief executive FTE full time equivalent PIRSA Department of Primary CMS community mediation GoGO Greening of Government Industries and Resources, services Operations South Australia
CQMS Central Queensland HRD human resource PM10 particles of less than Mining Supplies development 10 microns in diameter CSIRO Commonwealth Scientifi c KESAB Keep South Australia PMW (PoPS) Protection of Marine Waters and Industrial Research Beautiful Act (Prevention of Pollution from Organisation L&D learning and development Ships) Act 1987 CSO Crown Solicitor’s Offi ce LEMP landfi ll environmental ppm parts per million CWMB catchment water management plan RPC Act Radiation Protection management board LGA Local Government Association and Control Act 1982 DEH Department for Environment LMRIA Lower Murray Reclaimed SARDI South Australian Research and Heritage Irrigation Area and Development Institute DoH Department of Health MIL monitoring investigation level SoE Report State of the Environment DTEI Department of Transport, MoU memorandum of Report for South Australia Energy and Infrastructure understanding the Act Environment Protection DWLBC Department of Water, Mt mega tonnes Act 1993 Land and Biodiversity NEPC National Environment WPO Watershed Protection Offi ce Conservation Protection Council ZWSA Zero Waste SA EIP environment improvement NEPM National Environment program Protection Measure e-ELF electronic-Environment NPC National Packaging Licensing Form Covenant
vi LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL i WASTE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY 31 FOREWORD iii Country Landfi lls Training Course 31 ABBREVIATIONS vi Landfi ll guidelines 32 HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES 1 Waste to Resources EPP 32 Policy and strategy development 1 Small Business Eco-effi ciency Training Program 33 Science and smarter regulation 2 Greening the Supply Chain Program 33 Engagement and review 3 Beverage container provisions expansion 33 INTRODUCTION 4 Used packaging 34 EPA BOARD AND ITS ACTIVITIES 6 POLICY AND LEGISLATION 35 Meetings and strategic planning 6 Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Stakeholder consultation program 2004–05 6 Amendment Act 2005 35 EPA Board members 8 New EPA position statements 36 EPA Strategic Plan 2005–2008 11 State of the Environment Report 36 WATER QUALITY 12 Review of licence fee structure 36 Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 12 New dolphin sanctuary object to Codes of practice 13 the Environment Protection Act 37 Vessel and Facility Code of Practice: National policy 37 Marine and Inland Waters 13 Environment protection policies (EPPs) 37 Water monitoring 13 Site contamination 38 Nepean Bay (Kangaroo Island) 13 Regional Impact Assessment Statement 38 Heavy metals in dolphins 13 ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS 39 Razorfi sh in the Northern Spencer Gulf 13 Round-table 2005 39 River Murray and Lower Lakes catchment Community programs 41 risk assessment for water quality 14 EPA web site 41 Lower Murray reclaimed irrigation areas (LMRIA) 14 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT 42 Stormwater pollution prevention 15 Compliance and enforcement guidelines 42 Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Offi ce 15 EPA audits 42 South East dairy industry effl uent Freedom of Information and the Public Register 43 management program and guidelines 17 Inspection of licensed premises 43 Lake Bonney South East 17 Pollution complaints line 44 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study 18 CARES 44 SA Water environment improvement programs 18 Community mediation 44 EPA Port River projects 18 Local government support 44 Aquaculture 19 EPA-PIRSA Memorandum of Understanding 45 AIR QUALITY 20 EPA-DAIS Memorandum of Understanding 45 National Environment Protection Measure 20 Illegal dumping in South Australia 45 South Australia’s air quality 20 Key point source pollution programs 45 Fuel Quality EPP 23 Emergency response 47 Diesel NEPM 24 Environment protection orders 47 NRG Flinders 26 Enforcement and investigations 48 SUSTAINABLE LAND USE 27 Planning policy 27 ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS 49 Development assessment 27 Information technology 49 Finance and administration 49 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE 29 Fraud 50 Noise monitoring 29 Consultancies 50 Train noise 29 Executive employment, staff employment Wind farm noise 30 and other human resource matters 51 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT 57 Figure 21 GoGO Priority Area 3—recycling GoGO Priority Area 1: energy management 57 of containers 58 GoGO Priority Area 3: waste management 58 Figure 22 GoGO Priority Area 5—proportion of unleaded fuel used in dual fuel vehicles 59 GoGO Priority Area 5: travel and fl eet management 59 Figure 23 GoGO Priority Area 5—greenhouse ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE gas emissions 59 RADIATION PROTECTION AND CONTROL ACT 1982 LIST OF TABLES JULY 2004–JUNE 2005 60 Table 1 Aquaculture assessments 2004–05 19 APPENDIX 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING NOTES 76 Table 2 PM10levels recorded on 23 June 2004. 21 APPENDIX 2 PUBLICATIONS RELEASED Table 3 Referred development applications OR UPDATED IN 2004–2005 110 completed 27 APPENDIX 3 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Table 4 Small business eco-effi ciency workshops 33 STATEMENT 112 Table 5 Freedom of Information applications and Public Register requests 43 APPENDIX 4 OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION 116 Table 6 Inspections of licensed premises 43 LIST OF FIGURES Table 7 Number of complaints received by the EPA 44 Figure 1 Anticipated expediture for key EPA functions 5 Table 8 Environment protection orders 47 Figure 2 Mount Lofty Ranges watershed 16 Table 9 Cases completed in the ERD Court 2004–05 48 Figure 3 Sources of nitrogen and phosphorus Table 10 Cases proceeding in various courts 2004–05 48 in the Port Waterways in 2004 19 Table 11 Consultancies 50 Figure 4 Adelaide’s air quality index for 2004 20 Table 12 Accounts payment performance 50
Figure 5 PM10 at the Kensington, Gawler, Netley Table 13 Employee numbers, gender and status 51 and Elizabeth monitoring sites in the Table 14 Number of employees by salary bracket 52 afternoon of 23 June 2004 21 Table 15 Status of employees in current position 52
Figure 6 PM10 data for Hummock Hill site, Table 16 Number of executives by status in Whyalla, 2004 21 current position, gender and classifi cation 52
Figure 7 PM10 data for Civic Park site, Table 17 Average days leave taken per full time Whyalla, 2004 22 equivalent employee 52
Figure 8 PM10 data for Walls Street site, Table 18 Number of employees by age bracket Whyalla, 2004 22 by gender 53 Figure 9 Port Pirie’s air quality index for 2004 22 Table 19 Number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Figure 10 Daily average particulate lead Strait Islander employees 53 concentrations at the Oliver Street Table 20 Number of employees with ongoing monitoring site, Port Pirie, 2004 23 disabilities requiring workplace adaptation 53 Figure 11 Daily average particulate lead Table 21 Cultural and linguistic diversity 53 concentrations at the Frank Green Park Table 22 Number of employees using voluntary monitoring site, Port Pirie, 2004 23 fl exible working arrangements by gender 54 Figure 12 Sulfur dioxide daily averages in Table 23 Documented individual performance Port Pirie, 2004 23 development plan 54 Figure 13 Sulfur dioxide daily maximum 1-hour Table 24 Training expenditure as a percentage averages in Port Pirie, 2004 24 of total remuneration expenditure by Figure 14 The waste hierarchy 32 salary bands 54 Figure 15 Emergency response—incidents reported Table 25 OHS&W statistics 55 by type 47 Table 26 Workers compensation 56 Figure 16 Emergency response—source of calls 47 Table 27 Performance against annual energy Figure 17 Number of staff leaving EPA 51 use targets 57 Figure 18 Workers compensation—annual trends 56 Table 28 IT equipment and energy consumption 57 Figure 19 Workers compensation—hazard/incidents Table 29 Printer consumables recycling 58 reports 56 Table 30 EPA vehicle fl eet 59 Figure 20 GoGO Priority Area 3—paper diverted Table 31 Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions 59 from landfi ll 58 Table 32 Apparatus, sealed sources and premises registered under the RPC Act 69 HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES
Policy and strategy Position statements • materials handling on wharves development • wastewater overfl ow management The Board released the EPA Position • the oyster industry. Statement Managing the Health Environment Protection Impacts of Pollution, which considers The EPA conducted an extremely (Miscellaneous) management approaches for dealing successful program of consultation Amendment Act 2005 with the effects of pollution. The with stakeholders during development EPA also prepared a draft position and after release of the codes. Stakeholders included statutory The second phase of the government’s statement for consultation, ‘The role of the EPA in working towards authorities, local government, legislative review program for industry, retail and commercial environmental protection was sustainability’. This statement describes how the EPA uses its businesses, commercial and completed in 2005. The review recreational boating users, marina covered many of the EPA’s activities, decision-making powers, and program and policy development, to contribute and slipway operators, and owners, and was informed by two discussion operators and contractors of wharf papers on environmental offences to the sustainability agenda. It also describes its contribution to achieving facilities. In addition to promotion, a under the Environment Protection range of non-regulatory tools will be Act 1993 (the Act); the fi ndings of the objectives of the South Australian Strategic Plan. used to assist in the implementation Parliament’s Environment, Resources of the codes, including training and and Development Committee accreditation schemes. (May 2000); programs undertaken Strategic Plan with local government to pilot sharing of environment protection The EPA Board put a considerable Dairy guidelines responsibilities under the Act; and effort during the year into reviewing a number of election commitments its strategic plan, taking into account In conjunction with the dairy of this government. Most exciting of issues raised by stakeholders during industry and Primary Industries and the reforms was the establishment the Board’s consultative program, Resources SA, the EPA is running a of civil penalties in South Australia. presentations made by external parties program to improve the environmental The reform will provide an alternative from business, community and local performance of dairying operations in mechanism for the EPA to deal with government, presentations by EPA the South East region. The program less serious offences under the Act offi cers, and consultation with EPA will refi ne the standards for dairy in a civil jurisdiction. The EPA is the staff. The Plan will be released early in effl uent management to encourage fi rst environment protection regulator the 2005–06 fi nancial year. improved management at existing in Australia to have access to civil sites and environmentally sustainable penalties. Codes of Practice– expansion of the industry in the region. Water Quality Management Compliance and The revised South East Dairy Industry enforcement policy The EPA released several draft codes Effl uent Management Guidelines was of practice that cover water quality launched in June 2005. The regional The EPA completed a review of its management. All codes will be linked program will enable the EPA to better Compliance and Enforcement Policy to to the Environment Protection (Water communicate the revised guidelines clarify and improve consistency in the Quality) Policy 2003. The codes are for: with the industry, and assist farmers way that it deals with non-compliance • industrial, retail, and commercial in applying the guidelines to their with the Act. The Policy was approved stormwater management activities. by the Board in early 2005, following • vessel and facility management: consultation with legal, business and marine and inland waters community stakeholder groups.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 1 Science and smarter The EPA’s responsibility in the LMRIA Adelaide Coastal Waters regulation is to improve water quality in the river Study (ACWS) by reducing the input of pollutants via irrigation drainage water. River Torrens audit Coastal waters and ecosystems off Adelaide have been severely affected The EPA has worked with consultants by industrial, sewage, and stormwater An EPA audit of industry along and local irrigators to develop discharges. This has resulted in an the Torrens has resulted in greater environmental management and extensive loss of seagrass (at least protection for the river system that improvement plans for each irrigated 4000 hectares of seagrass have been runs through the heart of Adelaide. property in the LMRIA. The plans, lost over the last 30 years), increases The EPA audited 47 businesses that which have formed part of the current in sand movement, degradation of are licensed by the EPA, to identify regional restructure, have been drafted reef systems, more frequent algal environmental risks to the river system using funding from the National blooms, and reduced water quality. The and improve business practices. All Action Plan for Salinity and Water objective of the ACWS is to improve the businesses audited voluntarily Quality. The farm-specifi c plans outline knowledge and develop tools to assist complied with EPA directions to activities and timeframes. They will help with the sustainable management improve their practices. irrigators improve their environmental of Adelaide’s coastal waters by management. The EPA will continue to monitor identifying the causes of ecosystem degradation and what can be done to businesses operating adjacent to Port River programs the Torrens and work with them to halt and reverse the damage. minimise their infl uences on the The EPA has participated in several waterway. A steering committee, chaired by projects to improve water quality in the Chief Executive of the EPA and the Port Waterways catchment. These comprising key stakeholders, oversees River Murray projects include the development of the study. Stakeholders have provided a water quality improvement plan to project funding of approximately $3 • Risk assessment protect the environment of the Port million. The CSIRO is managing the In conjunction with stakeholders, Waterways by achieving nutrient project and, along with a number of the EPA undertook the River Murray discharge and environmental fl ow research organisations, is researching Risk Assessment project to develop targets. The plan is supported by the problem. All research programs strategies to minimise pollution risks a catchment monitoring program have been fi nalised and the study is to the River Murray. Through a series to provide accurate information on expected to be completed in June 2006. of workshops, groups of stakeholders discharges from surrounding urban outlined local concerns and problems catchments. with water quality. These were Policy mix study compiled into a database. Each hazard The project has sought methods of for the Mount Lofty will be analysed to assess its effect on determining nutrient inputs to the Ranges Watershed the ecosystem, potable water supplies, waterways from all major sources, irrigation and recreational uses of the and developed a decision support In conjunction with government river. An action plan for each region tool to determine sustainable and industry stakeholders, the EPA will be developed in late 2005 with a nutrient loads. It has developed a is studying mixes of legislative and fi nal report to be completed in early plan to achieve targeted nutrient non-legislative tools that will achieve 2006. reductions consistent with agreed water quality objectives and mitigate environmental values. The EPA is pollution impacts on the Mount Lofty • Lower Murray Reclaimed also working with major point source Ranges Watershed. The project has Irrigation Areas (LMRIA) dischargers to achieve further nutrient two phases: addressing more general, In partnership with several load reductions as technology and high level issues, and then issues government agencies and lower economics permit. This work will be specifi c to the watershed. The study River Murray irrigators, the EPA is fi nalised by late 2005. recognises that new, innovative and implementing a program of restructure cost-effective approaches need to be and rehabilitation in the LMRIA to employed to address diffuse sources of improve water quality in the river. pollution in the watershed. This program involves structural works to minimise water use and drainage returns to the river, improvements to farm management and monitoring of water quality.
2 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Introduction
Engagement and review Licence fee review
Board engagement program The EPA is developing a new system to determine licence fees and released a Understanding key environmental discussion paper in 2004 to seek public issues across the state is important for feedback. Over 80 submissions were the Board’s vision for environmental received and analysed by the EPA. In regulation. The Board’s relationship March 2005 the EPA Board endorsed a with stakeholders is vital to inform licence fee structure which consists of: the strategic directions for the • a basic fee, which represents the EPA, and to identify partnership minimum paperwork required for approaches to environmental every licence protection and enhancement. Its • an environmental management com- program of consultation included a ponent, which refl ects the work the visit to the Riverland, communication EPA must do to manage the environ- with local government authorities, mental risk of the activity(s) to be stakeholder involvement in Board licensed strategic planning, discussions with • a load-based performance compo- members of Parliament, dialogue with nent, in which fees are based on representatives of heavy industry the amount and type of pollution in SA, and the annual Round-table created. Conference. The EPA is currently refi ning the licence fee structure, which will Development assessment involve further public consultation process review in early 2006.
The EPA has reviewed its role and processes in the development application referral system. The primary objective of the review was to assess the EPA’s development assessment function and discover opportunities to improve performance, in both quality and timeliness of delivery. The review found ways in which improvements can be made, including organisational structure and culture, infrastructure and information systems. An implementation plan has been developed and six working groups established to focus on areas that require improvement. The EPA Board endorsed the fi ndings of the review and its recommendations in May 2005. Implementation of the review recommendations will continue in 2006.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 3 INTRODUCTION
The EPA is an independent statutory • prepare draft environment protection Signifi cant administrative authority, and forms part of the policies, contribute to national responsibilities under the Act include: Environment and Conservation Portfolio environment protection measures, and licensing prescribed activities of of South Australia for government regularly review the effectiveness of environmental signifi cance; monitoring administrative purposes. The portfolio policies, regulations, measures and air and water quality, waste and noise; also includes the Department for practices, and advise the Minister and investigating incidents that cause, Environment and Heritage (DEH), about them or could cause, serious or material the Department for Water, Land and • facilitate the pursuit of the Objects environmental harm. There are also Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) under the Act by government, the other compliance and enforcement and Zero Waste South Australia (ZWSA). private sector and the public, by operations under the Act. The EPA advising on, and assisting with, the maintains a program of community The EPA is South Australia’s primary development of best environmental involvement and environmental environmental regulator. It is management practices monitoring, as well as developing responsible for the protection and • regulate, control and/or monitor policy and reviewing legislation. enhancement of air and water quality, activities through an authorisation and control of pollution, waste, system for controlling and minimising At 30 June 2005, there were 1997 and environmental noise. The EPA pollution and waste, and through licences issued under the Act for uses a number of ways to manage investigation, compliance assessment, industries ranging from large cement environmental risk and to ensure environmental monitoring and manufacturers, electricity generators that the environment is considered evaluation and enforcement. and wastewater treatment plants, to by business, government and the foundries, abattoirs and shipyards. community in their daily operations. The staff of the EPA administer Licences are assigned to environment the Act, and are assisted by South protection offi cers who inspect licensed The EPA’s mission is to manage and Australia Police and local government premises, negotiate environmental infl uence human activities to protect, offi cers who have been appointed as improvements and, where necessary, restore and enhance the environment authorised offi cers under the Act. The enforce regulations. and to support human wellbeing. This EPA Board is the governing body under is seen in the EPA’s capacity to regulate the Act, and hence is accountable environmentally signifi cant activities, for its administration. The Radiation and its role in infl uencing others and Protection and Control Act 1982 is building partnerships with stakeholders also administered by the EPA, but and the community. through delegations by the Minister for Environment and Conservation to The functions of the EPA are detailed the EPA Chief Executive. As such, the in the Environment Protection Act 19931 reporting requirements for the RPC Act (the Act). In summary, they are to: for this reporting period are covered in • administer and enforce the Act, and a separate section of this report. advise the Minister on administration of the Act and of other legislation that might affect the environment
1 Refer to section 13(1) of the Environmnent Protection Act
4 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Introduction
Community Some EPA powers are delegated to local engagement General & behaviour government to deal with matters not policy change licensed under the Act. The EPA assists advice to programs Advocacy role for ESD & Radiation government 4% pollution prevention these offi cers with training, provision protection 6% 2% & control of meters, and ongoing technical and activities legal support. It is currently working 6% with local government to investigate opportunities for expanding their role Enforcement 10% in managing low risk environmental protection matters-generally matters Environmental Development monitoring & assessment not licensed under the Act. SA Police evaluation 7% Regulatory activities 42% continue to use the powers under 14% Licensing Environment the Act to help them manage local (authorisatins) Protection 17% Policies nuisances, particularly domestic noise. (EPPs) 6% Projects & transfers3 26% Future directions
National Environment Protection Measures Figure 1 shows the anticipated (NEPMs) 2% expenditure against the key EPA functions as described in this report. A key challenge for the EPA, and 2 Figure 1 Anticipated expediture for key EPA functions one that will be assessed during the following fi nancial year, is reviewing its future funding allocations to ensure appropriate alignment and delivery of the priorities in the strategic plan.
2 Total funding incorporates recurrent and Environment Protection fund allocations. 3 Projects and transfers include the transfer of waste levy revenue to Zero Waste SA and externally funded projects.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 5 EPA BOARD AND ITS ACTIVITIES
The nine members of the EPA Board Meetings and In reviewing the issues raised, it is are appointed by the Governor. They strategic planning clear that some are more important are chosen for their qualifi cations, for a particular region, such as the expertise and experience in a number Riverland community’s concerns about During 2004–05, the Board met of areas. These include: environmental coordination of regulation between formally on 12 occasions. In addition to protection and management; industrial, government departments along the formal meetings, it also holds various commercial or economic development; River Murray, or water quality as it consultation sessions with stakeholders, local government; the environmental pertains to houseboats. Other issues which are detailed below. management industry; environmental raised refl ected the group consulted— conservation and advocacy and for example, local government’s desire The EPA Board is responsible for environmental law. This wide spectrum to discuss partnership programs and setting priorities for the organisation. of expertise gives the EPA the clarify roles and responsibilities. During the year, the Board sought capacity to make decisions on the input to assist them to develop the complex problems that confront our However, some key themes became EPA’s Strategic Plan. This included environment. evident during the Board’s consultation stakeholder consultation that provided program. These include: the Board with information on The Board is the governing body of • land use planning—the effects of important environmental issues, as well the EPA. As such it provides strategic industry and agriculture close to as the challenges and opportunities direction, develops environmental residential developments, changing that confront the organisation. policy and monitors performance. It land use and site contamination also makes decisions on signifi cant • rural solid waste management— environmental issues under the Act. Stakeholder consultation improving standards, landfi ll program 2004–05 guidelines, long-term regionally based The Board: planning and illegal dumping. • is independent and makes unbiased, The EPA Board initiated a number of balanced decisions based on the best consultation sessions with stakeholders Also evident from the consultation available evidence in 2004–05 in addition to the process is the need for the EPA to • is open and responsive to its legislative requirement to hold an better communicate its role to the stakeholders annual EPA Round-table conference. community and stakeholders. • is professional in its business These sessions proved extremely • is pro-active and progressive benefi cial to all participants and • strives to provide quality and timely provided the Board with an opportunity information and advice to hear directly from stakeholders • values the contribution of its support about environment protection matters and partnership organisations. of importance to them. This program of consultation contributed greatly to refi ning the EPA’s priorities.
EPA Mission: To protect and restore the environment as the basis for a sustainable future
6 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Epa Board And Its Activities
Riverland regional visit, October 2004 saw the Board hold Actions taken in response to MPs’ 16–17 November 2004 a networking session in Adelaide concerns included revision of the EPA’s The Board travelled to the Riverland with representatives from the system for managing correspondence region in November and hosted Walkerville, Port Adelaide Enfi eld, from members of parliament, and a regional Round-table in Berri. and Adelaide Hills Councils, and the provision of contacts to MPs seeking Approximately 50 people attended, Local Government Association (LGA). information about progress of issues including representatives from local Each group had an opportunity to raised with the EPA. government, grape growers and the talk with Board members. Common boating industry. Waste management, themes included the need for improved Heavy industry water quality, noise and land systems for processing development Representatives of heavy industry management were discussed. A full applications, land use planning legacy met with Board members in May for a write-up of the session is available on issues, and the need for both EPA and Round-table lunch. Discussion focused the EPA web site at
Local government Members of parliament In August 2004 the EPA Board held its The EPA Board met with members monthly meeting at the Adelaide Hills of parliament on 1 March 2005. The Council chambers where they met with meeting resulted from an invitation council members from the Adelaide by the Minister for Environment and Hills and Mt Barker. Issues highlighted Conservation, the Hon John Hill MP, during discussions included water to members of parliament to meet quality and management, land use with the Board following debate planning and partnerships with local in parliament on the Environment government. Members were taken on Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment a familiarisation tour to see fi rst-hand Bill. Members from both houses some of the environmental problems in attended and took the opportunity the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed. to meet Board members, comment on their observations of EPA operations and raise concerns.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 7 EPA Board Members City Manager of the City of Salisbury since 1991. Mr Hains is also a member of the Board of Zero Waste SA, and is Chair of the EPA Local Government Subcommittee (of the EPA Board), which is drafting a formal agreement to support the shared provision of environment protection services to the South Australian community. Mr Hains is also a member of the Northern Ms Megan Dyson Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Ms Dyson was appointed to the Dr Paul Vogel (Chair) Management Board and Chair of the Board for her ‘legal qualifi cations and EPA Chief Executive Dr Vogel was Barker Inlet Port Estuary Committee. experience in environmental law’. She appointed in late 2002 and became is a sole legal practitioner and policy ex-offi cio Chair of the Board at the consultant in environmental law and commencement of the new governing policy, including advising the Murray- arrangements for the EPA. In his Darling Basin Commission on legal previous position as Director of the issues related to environmental fl ows, Environmental Policy Unit within the and the South Australian Government Western Australian Department of the on a number of mainly water-related Premier and Cabinet, he provided high and natural resource management level policy advice to the Premier and matters. cabinet ministers on environmental issues, focusing on sustainability. Ms Linda Bowes Before this, he spent six years as a Ms Bowes was appointed to the Board director with the WA Department of for her ‘practical knowledge of, and Environmental Protection in water experience in, industry, commerce or and air quality protection and natural economic development’. She is the resource management. Dr Vogel brings current Chief Executive of the SA Wine to the Board ‘qualifi cations and Industry Association, having been experience relevant to environmental appointed to this position in 1994. protection and management or Ms Bowes also has wide expertise and natural resources management’ and specialist knowledge in areas such Mr Allan Holmes ‘qualifi cations and experience relevant as corporate management, strategic Mr Holmes was appointed to the Board to management generally and public planning, legislative analysis and policy for his ‘qualifi cations and experience sector management’. development. relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’, as well as ‘qualifi cations and experience relevant to management generally and public sector management’. He is Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, appointed in 2000. He previously held senior executive positions in the South Australian public service as Director National Mr Stephen Hains Mr Mike Elliott Parks and Wildlife, Director Heritage Mr Hains was a member (and Deputy Mr Elliott, who was appointed to the and Biodiversity Division, and Director Chair) of the former EPA Board (then Board for his ‘practical knowledge Natural Resources Group. called the Authority) appointed in of, and experience in, environmental November 2002 for his ‘practical conservation and advocacy on knowledge of, and experience in, environmental matters on behalf of the local government’ as well as for his community’, is the Director of Northern ‘practical knowledge of, and experience Adelaide Partnerships at University of in, the reduction, re-use, recycling South Australia. Before this he was a and management of waste or the member of the Legislative Council from environmental management industry’. 1985 to 2002, during which time he He was appointed to the new Board at was leader of the SA Democrats Party its proclamation. Mr Hains has been for nine years.
8 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Epa Board And Its Activities
Mr Andrew Fletcher Mr Victor Farrington Outgoing member of the Board Mr Andrew Fletcher is a highly respected Mr Farrington has over 30 years Dr Simon Stone engineer with more than 30 years experience in environmental Dr Stone was appointed to the Board experience in senior management roles management and engineering. He has for his ‘practical knowledge of, and in the engineering and construction worked in consultancy, industry and experience in, industry, commerce or industry. In 2004 he was named as government, and is currently Senior economic development’. He is currently one of Australia’s ‘100 Most Infl uential Principal Environmental Engineer a consultant to the aquaculture Engineers’ by Engineers Australia. He with URS Australia. His experience industry, is a director of Thoroughbred is a current member of the Economic includes environmental assessment and Racing SA Inc, and serves on a number Development Board and has extensive approval documentation for a range of government advisory committees corporate governance experience in the of projects, including major planning on conservation and wildlife. He was private and public sectors, including and transport projects; water resource the former chief executive offi cer of signifi cant personal interests in the management; industrial, mining and SA Aquaculture Management Group of South Australian wine industry. He petroleum sector projects; power Companies and has served in a variety was appointed to the Board for his stations and distribution systems; and of senior management roles within the ‘practical knowledge of, and experience major infrastructure projects including banking, IT and telecommunications in, industry, commerce or economic roadways, railways, marine facilities and sectors. His term concluded on 9 April development’. airports. He has worked in Australia, 2005. The EPA thanks Dr Stone for his Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, India, valuable contribution to the Board over Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. Mr the past two years, and his commitment Farrington was appointed to the Board to the protection of the environment of for his ‘practical knowledge of, and South Australia. experience in, the reduction, re-use, recycling and management of waste in the environmental management industry’.
Ms Ann Shaw Rungie Ms Shaw Rungie was appointed to the Board for her ‘qualifi cations and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’. She is a director of QED Pty Ltd and consults in environmental policy, strategy and change management. She has extensive Mr Max Harvey experience in project management, As EPA Deputy Chief Executive, Mr public consultation, facilitation, Harvey is appointed under the Act as strategic planning and environmental Chair of the Board during temporary management. Much of her work is in absences of the Chief Executive. Mr environmental and natural resources Harvey is the Director of the EPA’s policy, particularly in the water industry, Operations Division and has held a and with major infrastructure projects. number of senior management positions She is also former Chair of the SA Water in the EPA and its predecessors over Resources Council. the last 20 years. He has senior management experience in waste management and environmental compliance and enforcement.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 9 The organisation SA Government Premier and Cabinet
Minister for Environment and Conservation Hon John Hill MP
EPA Board
Chief Executive Dr Paul Vogel
Policy Coordination and • Policy and legislation Strategic Services • Communications and Stakeholder Relationships Tony Circelli • Strategic and Business Planning • Board and Misisterial Support • Continuous Improvement Services • Legal Services • Media and Public Affairs
Operations • Legal Max Harvey • Northern Zone • Southern Zone • South East Region • Murray Bridge • Technical Support • Licensing and Operations Services • Investigations
Radiation Protection • Diagnostic X-rays Keith Baldry • Radiation Health • Mining and Environment • Laboratory and Technical Administration
Pollution Avoidance • Atmosphere and Noise Peter Dolan • Aquaculture • Waste and Pollution Prevention • Water and Catchments • Planning and Local Government Support
Monitoring and Evaluation • Air Quality Dr John Cugley • Water Quality • Pollution Source Assessment • Healthy Rivers • Watershed Protection
Corporate and Business Support • Administration John O’Daly • Financial Accounting • Management Accounting • Human Resource Development • Information Technology
10 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Epa Board And Its Activities
EPA Strategic Plan Innovation—Using lateral thinking and The plan sets out seven 2005–2008 initiative for creative and innovative cross-goal strategies: problem solving. Cross-goal strategy 1: enhancing Under the new governing arrangements Integrity—Honesty, transparency and organisational capability, accountability for the EPA established in 2003, the taking responsibility for all we say and do. and responsiveness EPA Board is responsible for setting directions for the organisation and Cross-goal strategy 2: contributing to monitoring performance. During the Environmental goals a more sustainable SA last 12 months the Board has reviewed The Strategic Plan has fi ve the Strategic Plan, a process that environmental goals. They are Cross-goal strategy 3: promoting the involved stakeholders and EPA staff. As deliberately aspirational, and achieving adoption of eco-effi cient practices by a result, emphasis has been given to them will require longer than the three business the fi ve environmental goals, supported years of the Strategic Plan, as well as by seven cross-goal strategies. The the coordinated and focused attention Cross-goal strategy 4: developing Strategic Plan also includes fi ve of all sectors of the community. strategic partnerships & ensuring corporate values that arose from staff stakeholder engagement consultation. The Strategic Plan is Goal 1—clean and healthy air publicly available on the EPA web site4. Goal 2—water quality that meets Cross-goal strategy 5: ensuring agreed environmental values a predictable, consistent and Vision fair approach to compliance and Goal 3—communities protected from enforcement A clean, healthy and valued unacceptable noise environment that supports social and Cross-goal strategy 6: timely provision economic prosperity for all South Goal 4—sustainable land use of reliable and relevant environmental Australians. information Goal 5—communities protected from Mission unacceptable radiation. Cross-goal strategy 7: timely development of innovative and relevant We manage and infl uence human Cross-goal stratergies policy advice and legislation. activities to protect, restore and Covering the EPA and all environmental enhance the environment and to elements, the cross-goal strategies Key performance indicators support human well being. refl ect a large part of the EPA’s work. Details of established key performance They include support functions such as indicators were included in the Portfolio Values IT systems and fi nancial management, Statements 2005–06, Budget Paper as well as the methods to integrate 4, Volume 2 (available at
4
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 11 WATER QUALITY
Water quality problems in South • assessment of aquaculture licences or Codes of practice Australia are largely attributable to lease variations under the Aquaculture point source wastewater discharges, Act 2001 Codes of practice assist industry by broad-scale diffuse pollution or a • awareness raising and behaviour describing what a person undertaking combination of both. In general, change programs to encourage adop- an activity needs to do to comply pressures on water quality are related tion of eco-effi cient and/or best envi- with the Water Quality EPP. The EPA, to the degree of urban and rural ronmental management practices and in partnership with industry groups, development. compliance with the Act, the Environ- consulted the public on a number of ment Protection (Water Quality) Policy industry and activity based codes of The EPA works in partnership with and associated codes of practice practice during 2004–05, including: resource managers to protect and • monitoring, assessment and research • Vessel and facility management: manage water quality across the state. into the state of resources, the marine and inland waters In South Australia, resource managers or functioning of aquatic eco-systems • Materials handling on wharves stakeholders involved in water quality • Industrial, retail and commercial management include SA Water, natural and the identifi cation of sources and stormwater management resource management boards, a range effects of pollution of other state government agencies, • development and use of decision • Wastewater overfl ow management local councils, industry groups and the support tools such as water quality • Environmentally responsible community. models to assist to determine the best pesticide use way to deal with problems. • Oyster farming industry. In its role as a modern environmental regulator, the EPA provides leadership Examples of these programs are further in water quality management by detailed in subsequent sections. The challenge when developing these developing, applying, coordinating codes is to provide an effective and promoting innovative tools and Environment Protection regulatory tool that is reasonable and programs. These include: practical and considers environmental, • development and implementation of (Water Quality) Policy social and economic issues. The codes the Environment Protection (Water are due to be completed and linked to The Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy and related codes of the Water Quality EPP during 2005–06. Quality) Policy 2003 (Water Quality practice EPP), which came into operation on The scope of programs required to • licensing and compliance monitoring 1 October 2003, aims to achieve the coordinate the implementation of of scheduled activities sustainable management of our waters each of the codes of practice will be • environmental complaint manage- by protecting or enhancing water defi ned with the assistance of steering ment, enforcement and prosecution quality while supporting economic committees. These plans will provide (including providing support to other and social development. The Water vision and a foundation on which agencies, such as local councils, who Quality EPP provides South Australia the EPA can build quality behaviour choose to use the Act’s compliance with a consistent approach to the change programs in partnership with and enforcement tools) management of water quality and stakeholders and ensure the adoption • advice on planning policy and as- brings the state in line with the and success of the codes. sessment of referred development National Water Quality Management applications Strategy.
12 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Water Quality
Vessel and Facility Code • 43 rivers and streams and four lake Heavy metals in dolphins of Practice: Marine and systems • 126 groundwater wells in the South An EPA study looked at heavy metals Inland Waters East, Willunga Plains, Adelaide Plains, in the liver, kidneys and bones of the Northern Adelaide Plains, Barossa three dolphin species that occur in The development of the Code of Practice Valley and Eyre Peninsula aquifers South Australian waters. The study for Vessel and Facility Management: • nine estuary systems, including the found elevated mercury and cadmium Marine and Inland Waters has been a Port River, the Coorong and coastal levels in all three species from all signifi cant undertaking due to both waters of Adelaide, Encounter Bay and areas, suggesting that the mercury its scope (freshwater and marine Spencer Gulf. and cadmium is naturally sourced. This applications), and management of grey– is consistent with regional geology. and blackwater discharges from vessels. Monitoring incorporates physical and Elevated lead was noted in dolphins Further adding to the complexities of chemical parameters and biological from around Adelaide, due perhaps to development was the need to apply indicators such as dolphins, bivalves and the use of leaded petrol in the past. the code to a stakeholder group that seagrasses. includes a signifi cant percentage of EPA licensed sites (which are often operated Razorfi sh in the Northern A review of the results from the program on crown land through highly variable highlighted agricultural impacts on Spencer Gulf limited land tenure lease agreements) groundwater and rivers and streams, and to revoke the existing Code of with only four of the 43 rivers and The EPA has used heavy metal levels in Practice for Vessels on Inland Waters. streams monitored containing good the razorfi sh, a bivalve that fi lters its quality water. Signifi cant levels of food from the water, as an indicator of These complexities were addressed pollutants were detected in every major metal pollution in the Upper Spencer by engaging and consulting groundwater resource. Adelaide coastal Gulf. This study found that, whilst stakeholders. The vast majority of waters are still suitable for swimming, loads discharged into Spencer Gulf have stakeholders indicated through the but ecosystems in coastal waters and decreased signifi cantly over recent formal consultation process that they estuaries remain compromised by years, heavy metals are still at elevated supported the principles of pollution nutrients. levels in aquatic organisms. avoidance that underlie the code of practice. However, they were concerned Last year the EPA produced reports on Shellfi sh collection is prohibited around that the necessary infrastructure (such Nepean Bay, razorfi sh in the Northern Port Pirie because of high levels of as waste collection facilities) and Spencer Gulf, and dolphins. The fi ndings heavy metals. Results from one site technological solutions (greywater of these reports are outlined below. In in this zone exceeded food standards, treatment) would not be available addition to these, reports on the Barcoo with lead, selenium and zinc at very to help them implement the code. Outlet, rivers and streams, Boston Bay, high levels, indicating that effects on a state-wide pesticide snapshot, the ecosystem are still signifi cant. A In response, the EPA continues Northern Adelaide and Willunga correlation between lead, selenium and to investigate partnerships for Plains aquifers and a state-wide risk zinc levels in razorfi sh and the distance implementation of the code of assessment of endocrine disruptors from the Port Pirie smelter suggests practice—for example,negotiations are currently in production. The EPA is that the smelter continues to cause have begun with the state’s transport also developing a web-based reporting signifi cant heavy metal pollution. authority to establish a method for system to provide monitoring data on gaining compliance and certifi cation High levels of mercury found in the the Internet. of wastewater management systems in region were attributed to natural vessels. The boating industry association geological sources. As part of this of South Australia has sought the EPA’s Nepean Bay study, a review of historical sediment participation in their ‘Clean Marinas’ (Kangaroo Island) metal concentrations indicated elevated program. concentrations of cadmium, lead and Water quality in Nepean Bay was zinc, although no direct correlation with Water monitoring generally moderate for ecosystem the smelter was observed. health, but compromised by nutrient The EPA monitors state waters to assess enrichment probably from agricultural their condition and to identify trends practices in the Cygnet River catchment. and problems. Over time this will allow Links were found between nutrient assessment of the effectiveness of enriched stormwater and wastewater strategies to improve water quality. discharges and seagrass loss in Nepean Bay. The report outlined further work Initiatives taken in 2004–05 were better that is needed to address seagrass loss integration of monitoring programs with and lack of re-colonisation. other government programs. The EPA monitoring program covers:
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 13 River Murray and Lower In the long term, the risk assessment An environmental authorisation will be Lakes catchment risk will help improve water quality and the issued to allow landholders to use fl ood health of ecosystems along the River irrigation while complying with EIMP assessment for water quality Murray. This will benefi t the people of conditions. An environment protection South Australia. offi cer is being recruited to assist with The River Murray is a vitally important implementation of and compliance with natural resource for South Australia. The project management committee the terms and conditions of the EIMP. Human activities on the river and is currently considering a strategy for in the surrounding catchments have the roll-out of the risk assessment, and • Drainage water reuse systems concept affected water quality, posing a risk to for reviewing with stakeholders ways plans have been reviewed in associa- all users of the Murray, from industry of managing those risks. This includes tion with DWLBC. Subsequently, some (irrigation) to recreation and drinking applications for federal funding such as plans have been revised by engineers water supply. The health of the Murray the National Water Incentive and NRM and designers. ecosystem is also infl uenced by poor based funding. water quality. It not only reduces the • Agreement has been reached with irrigators on attempting to retain aesthetic value of the Murray, but also Lower Murray reclaimed threatens the native fl ora and fauna stormwater in the main drainage that inhabit the river environs. Although irrigation areas (LMRIA) channels for up to two weeks to sampling has measured general trends reduce E. coli levels before the water in water quality, the nature and location The EPA, in partnership with several is returned to the river. of pollution sources has not yet been government agencies and lower River • Dairy milking shed effl uent systems assessed in detail. Murray irrigators—largely dairy farmers will continue to be audited through- between the towns of Mannum and out the LMRIA. This will assess and The River Murray and Lower Lakes Wellington—is implementing a program enforce compliance with the Milking Catchment Risk Assessment for Water to restructure and rehabilitate the Shed Effl uent Code of Practice and Quality project was developed by the LMRIA to improve water quality in the Water Quality EPP. Approximately 50% EPA, River Murray Catchment Water river. This program involves structural of dairy sheds have been audited to Management Board and SA Water to works to minimise water use and date. better understand how water quality is return of drainage to the river, farm • The Cowirra surface irrigation reuse management improvements, and water degraded and to establish what needs to trial, conducted on one farm in the quality monitoring. be done to address the problem. LMRIA, reduced drainage returns and It is a collaborative effort with active water usage by over 50% during the community consultation. The EPA’s role in the LMRIA is to improve water quality by reducing trial while maintaining farm pro- ductivity. The fi nal report has been The risk assessment, which began in the effects of contaminated irrigation released and is available on the EPA October 2004, was applied to local drainage water. By 2008, the EPA web site5. regions along the river. This not will require farmers to retain runoff • A large-scale water quality monitor- only broke the workload down into irrigation water on the farm and also manageable parcels, but also meant that capture the fi rst portion (5 ML/100 ing program has begun to measure consultation with stakeholders could ha) of storm runoff. Until then, the the quantity of pollutants discharged be limited to parties with a signifi cant EPA aims to improve environmental from irrigated areas and to assess the and direct interest in the area. Benefi ts outcomes by implementing a staged effi cacy of the farm rehabilitation pro- to local communities include increased program to protect the environment cess and farm management practices awareness of everyday activities that while supporting the farming industry’s in reducing pollutant loads returned affect water quality in the river— viability. The EPA is coordinating or to the river. The monitoring program helping them develop ways to manage involved in several activities. will continue until the completion of signifi cant problems—and provision of rehabilitation, when no surface irriga- reports that can be used to supplement • The Environment Protection Act tion runoff should be returned to the grant funding applications for future regulations were amended to give river (June 2008). work. LMRIA irrigators an exemption from clauses of the Water Quality EPP while Information from these programs will be The agencies involved can use the rehabilitation projects are in progress used to develop best practice for farms information to better manage water (2005–2008). in the LMRIA. quality by promoting WaterCare, recommending and supporting capital • An environment improvement and works, identifying where monitoring and management program (EIMP) has research programs would be useful, and been developed for each farm in the maintaining an up-to-date database of LMRIA. Each EIMP details actions, pollution sources. targets and timeframes for improving management.
5
14 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Water Quality
Stormwater pollution The CWMBs have engaged a consultant The EPA, through the WPO, is an to look at the stormwater pollution associate member of the eWater prevension prevention projects. The consultant will: Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). • investigate opportunities for local The eWater CRC is a partnership between The EPA hosts and partially funds the government to gain revenue and save private and public water businesses position of Coordinator Stormwater money as a result of supporting the and research groups across Australia. Pollution Prevention Projects. This projects It seeks to produce practical products valuable role links the EPA, catchment that bring economic, commercial and water management board (CWMB) • identify the best ways to deliver the message environmental benefi ts from the smart stormwater pollution prevention management of water. projects, local government, unlicensed • assess how successful the project industry and small business. It has was in changing behaviour in the unlicensed business sector. The EPA continues to pursue diffi cult been used in the unlicensed business land use planning problems, undertake sector to educate and infl uence, and compliance audits and support the to highlight the Water Quality EPP and Mount Lofty Ranges Waste Control Systems Management associated codes of practice. Watershed Protection Offi ce Strategy Project managed by the Adelaide Hills Council to address failed The Torrens, Patawalonga, Northern The EPA’s Watershed Protection Offi ce septic systems. Adelaide and Barossa, and Onkaparinga (WPO) which was established in 2000, CWMBs fund the stormwater pollution has continued the fi ve-year strategy Policy mix is being reviewed to fi nd prevention projects, which are hosted endorsed by Cabinet to address water the best combination of regulatory and by local government across metropolitan quality in the Mount Lofty Ranges non-regulatory tools that will most Adelaide. Eight projects employing 16 watershed. The WPO has recently been effectively improve water quality in people were supported and funded this provided with ongoing funding to the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed. year. continue this work. To infl uence and support future decision making, the EPA is developing Project offi cers visit unlicensed The watershed, which covers 1640 km2, computer-based catchment models to businesses, conduct environmental site includes Adelaide’s reservoir catchments estimate daily runoff and pollutant loads reviews, provide advice, identify areas and provides 60% (on average) of in the watershed. of concern and encourage adoption Adelaide’s water supply. The area is of best stormwater management home to 50,000 residents in urban Communication and extension are practices. The projects aim to have all areas, rural townships and allotments. educating and informing the community businesses comply with environmental Only 10% of the area is closed to human about the watershed and water quality. legislation on stormwater management activity. Land uses include horticulture, This is assisted by the inclusion of by raising awareness, followed when viticulture, market gardens, dairying, WPO material on the EPA web site, deemed necessary and appropriate, by forestry, horse-keeping and grazing. media releases, and engagement of enforcement. Development pressure threatens the community through the Myponga water quality, and is a challenge for Watercourse Restoration Project. A project web page, hosted by the management of the watershed. CWMBs at
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 15 -OUNT ,OFTY 2ANGES 7ATERSHED 2ESERVOIRS !.'!34/.
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3OUTH 0ARA 2ESERVOIR 7ARREN 2ESERVOIR
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Figure 2 Mount Lofty Ranges watershed
16 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Water Quality
SOUTH EAST DAIRY The program was developed to include The project is trying to identify why INDUSTRY EFFLUENT three key components: the lake is in such poor condition and • a full review of existing regional to work out how to improve it. Some of MANAGEMENT PROGRAM guidelines to ensure that they refl ect the major fi ndings include: AND GUIDELINES industry best practice • The pre-European Lake Bonney SE was • provision of an industry extension generally brackish to saline and was The dairy industry is an important offi cer to provide technical advice low in nutrients. part of the economy and community to industry operators on effl uent • The lake water is no more toxic than of the South East region and is set management at dairies (coordinated any other water of similar salinity. to further expand as a result of the by PIRSA) • Low light penetration reduces the implementation of the SA Dairy Industry • program guidance from a steering ability of plants and animals to thrive Strategic Plan 2010. A unique approach committee with representation from in the lake. was developed in which the major government, industry and dairy • It appears that resuspended cellulose stakeholders contributed to a program farmers. fi bres from historical paper mill of guidance to the industry and farm- discharges may be responsible for based technical advice. The program is already halfway much of the lake’s turbidity. through the initial three year program • The recent discovery of large This program is the only one of its and launched revised guidelines in growths of the aquatic plant, kind in Australia that receives support June 2005. In the latter half of this Ruppia megacarpa, in shallow water and fi nancial commitment from all program, effort will be directed towards along the eastern shore indicates stakeholder organisations. The program communicating these revised guidelines improvements are occurring to at brings together a number of interested to the industry. least part of the lake’s ecosystem. organisations, including the EPA, South • A detailed water model is being Australian Dairy Farmers Association, It is anticipated that this program applied to the lake to help understand PIRSA, regional dairy farm operators, will assist the industry establish a the processes in the lake and assist the South East Catchment Water framework to maintain effective effl uent in developing ways to improve water Management Board, the South East management at dairies in the region. quality and environmental values in Natural Resource Management Board, the future. and regional milk processors. Lake Bonney South East • Native fi sh species have recently been found in the lake, indicating that the In conjunction with the dairy industry The EPA, Department for Trade and lake is returning to a healthy state. and PIRSA, the EPA is undertaking a Economic Development and Kimberly- joint program to further improve the Clark Australia are funding a project Over the next six months, data will be environmental performance of dairying over 2003–06 to assess the condition collected and assessed to calibrate the in the South East region. This program of Lake Bonney SE and identify actions model, and a series of management was developed to refi ne standards for that can be taken to improve its health. scenarios will be developed and tested to dairy effl uent management to improve help determine the future management operations at existing sites, as well as Lake Bonney SE—a large coastal lake of this signifi cant lake in the South East. for the environmentally sustainable about 10 km south of Millicent in the expansion of the industry in the region. South East—has, like most of the South East region, been extensively altered since European settlement, particularly by the effects of drainage schemes and various land uses.
For over 60 years, large volumes of wastewater from pulp and paper mills have also adversely affected the health of the lake. In recent times, technological upgrades and modifi cations to the mills have signifi cantly improved the quality of wastewater discharged into the lake.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 17 Adelaide Coastal There are two dominant seagrass SA Water environment Waters Study species off Adelaide, Amphibolis improvement programs spp. and Posidonia spp. Amphibolis is an establishment species, which The coastal waters and ecosystems off SA Water is currently committed provides a stable environment for later Adelaide have been severely degraded to implementing 11 environment colonisation by Posidonia. Amphibolis by industrial, sewage and stormwater improvement programs (EIPs) in is, however, sensitive to reduction discharges. This has greatly reduced the cooperation with the EPA. These in light levels and to higher nutrient area of seagrass (at least 4000 hectares EIPs aim to minimise the effects of concentrations. It appears that human have been lost over the last 30 years) wastewater treatment plants on the intervention has changed the conditions increased sand movement, degraded reef environment, consistent with the that support healthy Amphibolis growth systems, increased the frequency of algal requirements under the Act and, where and has reduced the abundance of blooms and reduced water quality. Many applicable, the Water Quality EPP. Amphibolis compared to Posidonia. This of these issues are interlinked: attempting has created ‘blow-outs’. Gradually these to manage one can affect others. To date, SA Water has completed eleven blow-outs expand to the point where EIPs. Monitoring programs will be used the whole sea grass bed is threatened. How the different components of the to gauge the success of the various ecosystem off Adelaide interact is upgrades in reducing or eliminating A steering committee, chaired by poorly understood, making it diffi cult environmental harm. This monitoring the Chief Executive of the EPA and to manage the system effectively. is currently under way. comprising key stakeholders, oversees Much better management tools the study. Organisations represented on are needed that can be used with the Steering Committee are SA Water, EPA Port River projects confi dence, and which are based on Transport SA, the Torrens, Patawalonga good science. The study will: and Onkaparinga CWMBs, PIRSA, Coast In 2003 the EPA was successful in • add to knowledge Protection Board, Mobil Refi ning obtaining $1.22 million in funding from • fi nd ways to manage the problem Australia, TRU Torrens Island, LGA, the Commonwealth for six projects, with • work out how to assess the Conservation Council, South Australian a total cost of $1.6 million, focusing on effectiveness of these actions Fishing Industry Council, Planning SA, Port River waterways. • communicate the results to the DWLBC and the EPA. The stakeholders community. have provided funding of approximately A key project is the development of a $3 million. water quality improvement plan (WQIP) The Adelaide Coastal Waters Study for the Port waterways, comprising the (ACWS) will add to our knowledge The study is managed by CSIRO and Port River and Barker Inlet. The project and develop ways to improve the the research is undertaken by Flinders involves a number of steps: management of Adelaide’s coastal University, Adelaide University, SARDI, • stakeholder consultation to gain waters by fi nding the causes of the Water Research Centre in WA, CSIRO and agreement on environmental values problems and what can be done to some private companies with particular for the waterway halt and reverse the degradation. expertise. • determination of nutrient inputs from all major sources The study concentrates on seagrass loss, The ACWS is being undertaken in three • development of a decision support water quality degradation and sea fl oor stages: detailed design; research; and tool to determine sustainable nutrient instability. Seagrasses were chosen as syntheses of the fi ndings into products loads the primary ecological indicator because that can be used to manage the system. • a plan to achieve specifi c nutrient they are sensitive to environmental reductions over time consistent with change (like a canary in a coalmine) Stage 1 was completed in March 2002. the agreed environmental values. and because of the effects of seagrass Part of this work entailed determining loss on marine ecosystems, water what stakeholders needed and then Notwithstanding the signifi cant quality and sand movement. designing research to address these reduction of nutrients already made, needs. A Stage 1 report was produced the EPA is working with major point and endorsed by the Steering Committee. source dischargers to achieve further Work on Stages 2 and 3 began in nutrient load reductions as technology November 2003 and the study is and economics permit. This work is on expected to be completed in June 2006. schedule to be fi nalised by late 2005.
18 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Water Quality
The plan is supported by a catchment &IGURE 3OURCES OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS IN THE 0ORT 7ATERWAYS IN monitoring program that is providing accurate information about discharges from urban catchments.
As part of the project, a feasibility study was made into a nutrient offsets scheme which would use trading of discharge rights between point sources and catchment sources to reduce pollution. The study found that such a scheme is unlikely to be feasible at present in the Port River due to the 0RESENT . small number of major sources. This may 0RESENT 0 be reviewed in the future as nutrient 4/..%3 0%2 9%!2 loads are reduced.
The project also included the development of the Code of Practice for Materials Handling on Wharves and the Code of Practice for Marinas and
Boating Management, in consultation with industry and the community. It is proposed that these codes will be made enforceable under the Water Quality EPP. 0ENRICE 3ODA "OLIVAR .ET FROM 7EST ,AKES #ATCHMENTS !TMOSPHERIC 'ROUNDWATER ,OCAL 0RODUCTS 7740 3EDIMENTS 3TORMWATER Aquaculture Table 1 Aquaculture assessments 2004–05 The Aquaculture Act 2001, which became operational in July 2002, Number % completed within has now been in operation for three statutory time frame years. Whilst responsibility for its administration rests with PIRSA, the Licence and licence variation applications 51 100 Aquaculture Act stipulates statutory Development applications 27 100 requirements that must be met by the EPA. This includes the assessment Environmental monitoring programs 7 n.a. and provision of comments on aquaculture licence applications, Operational and zone policies 2 n.a. variations of licence conditions and Lease conversions 0 n.a. lease conversions, as well as statutory requirements of the Development Act Aquaculture Advisory Committee 1993 and any general aquaculture issues meetings attended 3/3 n.a. that may arise.
The EPA is represented on the In addition, in 2004–05 the EPA: • prepared draft position papers Aquaculture Advisory Committee, which • fi nalised a collaborative project with or guidelines on: advises the minister responsible for the Western Australian EPA to develop – the use of treated timber in administering the Aquaculture Act on a framework for environmental aquaculture matters pertaining to aquaculture. monitoring and management of – local government assessment marine based aquaculture in coastal of aquaculture environments in southern Australia • prepared the draft ‘Code of Practice • developed an environmental for the Environmental Management of management system for inland the South Australian Oyster Farming aquaculture Industry’. • developed guidelines for the use of chemicals in aquaculture
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 19 AIR QUALITY
In major urban centres, air pollution reduce their emissions within a Adelaide is a by-product of daily domestic, reasonable period. Often this is through In 2004, Adelaide’s air quality, as commercial and industrial activities. an environment improvement program determined by the air quality index, The National Environment Protection (EIP) approved by the EPA and enforced was ‘very good’ 46% of the time, (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (Air through the company’s licence. ‘good’ 47% of the time, ‘fair’ 6% of NEPM) sets ambient community the time, and ‘poor’ 1% of the time. exposure standards for six common At its April 2005 meeting, the national Figure 3 illustrates these results by pollutants and requires each state to Environment Protection and Heritage using combined data from the Adelaide, measure and assess the exposure of Council initiated a review of the Air Elizabeth, Netley and Kensington the public to those pollutants. NEPM. The review will involve extensive monitoring sites. The data in this stakeholder consultation and will be fi gure was calculated from validated air South Australia has had good air quality informed by a number of national quality data for all of 2004, whereas most of the time and air quality in research projects that are considering the Air Quality Index displayed on the Adelaide has signifi cantly improved the effects of urban air quality on EPA web site is based on a twice-daily over the last 10 years, a positive trend health. The SA EPA is a participant calculation from raw air quality data. that has been confi rmed by the EPA’s on the national review team. monitoring network. Ambient air quality monitoring in Adelaide has found that South Australia’s air quality levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and lead The following provides a summary of air are very low and well within Air NEPM quality in Adelaide and key regional site standards. Particle concentrations in SA. Further information on pollutants are also low most of the time, but is available at
National Environment Protection Measure &IGURE !DELAIDES AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR The Air NEPM sets air quality standards and goals which each state and &AIR 0OOR territory in Australia has committed 6ERY 'OOD 'OOD to meet by 30 June 2008. Although these requirements are intended to apply generally to airsheds (ambient air quality) rather than near known sources of pollution (local or hotspot air quality) they are nonetheless a critical consideration when determining the allowable emissions from major producers of air pollution. If local air quality is found not to meet the NEPM requirements, the EPA develops site-specifi c solutions to ensure that the operation(s) causing the problem
20 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Air quality
Fair or worse air quality was mostly a Table 2 PM levels recorded on 23 June 2004 result of elevated levels of particulate 10 matter (particles less than 10 microns Maximum 10-minute Maximum 1-hour 24-hour average in diameter—PM ), mainly as a result 10 Moniutoring site average (μg/m3) average (μg/m3) (μg/m3) of dust storms. In 2004 the Air NEPM standard of 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per Elizabeth 171 160 34 cubic metre) as a 24-hour average was exceeded once at Elizabeth, four times Gawler 146 108 24 at Gawler, once at Kensington Gardens, Kensington Gardens 223 209 40 three times at Netley and three times at Northfi eld. Since the Air NEPM goal for Netley 114 86 24
PM10 is no more than fi ve exceedences per year by 2008, all sites met the Air NEPM goal. &IGURE 0- AT THE +ENSINGTON 'AWLER .ETLEY AND %LIZABETH MONITORING SITES IN THE AFTERNOON OF *UNE In relatively dry winters, Adelaide can be subjected to dust storms driven by strong winds. A dust storm of this type occurred in the afternoon of 23 June
2004. As shown in Table 2 and Figure
5, the monitoring sites in the Adelaide '- region experienced high levels of PM M
10 over a six-hour period. However, daily average values remained below the Air NEPM standard of 50 µg/m3. In Adelaide, the goals of the Air NEPM were met for all pollutants when 0!24)#5,!4% -!44%2 0- suffi cient data was available to meet the NEPM reporting criteria, which require a minimum data capture rate of 75% for each quarter of the year. (OUR OF $AY Campaign monitoring for some +ENSINGTON 'AWLER .ETLEY %LIZABETH pollutants at the Gawler and Elizabeth monitoring sites was not conducted for the full calendar year, but the data &IGURE 0- DATA FOR (UMMOCK (ILL SITE 7HYALLA collected during the monitoring period indicated that compliance with the NEPM goals would have been achieved.
Whyalla
At the eastern end of Whyalla, '- particulate pollution continues to be M a concern. Figure 6 shows variations in daily average concentrations of
PM10 at the industrial monitoring site at Hummock Hill in Whyalla where sampling is conducted once every three days. Of the 112 samples taken, 23 0!24)#5,!4% -!44%2 0- (21%) exceeded 50 µg/m3.
$ATE
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 21 &IGURE 0- DATA FOR #IVIC 0ARK SITE 7HYALLA By comparison, PM10 monitoring at Civic Park towards the western end of Whyalla had no measurements exceeding 50 µg/m3 (Figure 7).
A new monitoring site was established
at Walls Street, in a residential area
'- at the eastern end of Whyalla, using a M TEOM monitoring unit to continuously record particulate pollution levels. Of the 357 24-hour averages obtained, 24 (6.7%) exceeded 50 µg/m3 in the 2004–5 fi nancial year (Figure 8). 0!24)#5,!4% -!44%2 0- In 2004, monitoring was calculated at Nicholson Avenue for ozone,
nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. For these pollutants the air quality $ATE was predominately very good. No exceedences of NEPM standard were &IGURE 0- DATA FOR 7ALLS 3TREET SITE 7HYALLA measured.
Port Pirie In 2004, the air quality in Port Pirie, as determined by the air quality index,
was ‘very good’ 54% of the time, ‘good’
38% of the time, ‘fair’ 6% of the time, '-
M ‘poor’ 1% of the time and ‘very poor’ 1% of the time. Figure 9 illustrates these results using validated air quality data for 2004 from the Port Pirie (Oliver Street) monitoring site.
0!24)#5,!4% -!44%2 0- Concentrations of airborne lead in Port Pirie continue to exceed the NEPM standard of 0.5 µg/m3 as an annual
average. $ATE In 2004, the annual average lead concentration was 0.63 µg/m3 at Port 3 &IGURE 0ORT 0IRIES AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR Pirie West Primary School, 0.59 µg/m at Oliver Street and 0.28 µg/m3 at 6 0OOR 6ERY 0OOR Frank Green Park . At the Ellen Street &AIR 6ERY 'OOD site, close to the smelters, the annual 'OOD average was 3.91 µg/m3.
6 Oliver Street and Frank Green Park are NEPM sites
22 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Air quality
Daily airborne lead levels at the two &IGURE $AILY AVERAGE PARTICULATE LEAD CONCENTRATIONS AT THE NEPM sites (measured once every six /LIVER 3TREET MONITORING SITE 0ORT 0IRIE days) for 2004 are shown in fi gures 10 and 11. Concentrations in Adelaide, by comparison, are close to zero and monitoring has been discontinued.
Sulfur dioxide concentrations are
recorded at the Oliver Street site to
monitor the effects of the lead smelter. '- M The NEPM sulfur dioxide 24-hour standard of 0.08 ppm was not exceeded ,%!$ in 2004. However, the NEPM 1-hour standard of 0.20 ppm was exceeded on 39 occasions (and on 27 occasions in 2003). In 2004, the maximum hourly average concentration was 0.440 ppm (parts per million) compared to 0.487 $ATE ppm in 2003 (see fi gures 12 and 13).
Fuel Quality EPP &IGURE $AILY AVERAGE PARTICULATE LEAD CONCENTRATIONS AT THE &RANK 'REEN 0ARK MONITORING SITE 0ORT 0IRIE
The South Australian Environment Protection (Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy 2002 (Fuel Quality EPP) was confi rmed in 2002. It is the fi rst environment protection policy in South Australia to be introduced on an interim basis and involved extensive '-
M consultation with the vehicle fuel
supply industry and the Commonwealth ,%!$ Government.
With the introduction of the Fuel Quality EPP, South Australia now has some of the most stringent fuel standards in Australia. The interim EPP will be superseded, except for summer $ATE volatility limits, when Commonwealth fuel standards take effect in 2006. &IGURE 3ULFUR DIOXIDE DAILY AVERAGES IN 0ORT 0IRIE
Without the Fuel Quality EPP, closure of the Port Stanvac refi nery in August 2003 would have led to replacement of low toxicity petrol with overseas blends of potentially signifi cantly higher toxicity. To date, all fuel suppliers have complied with the EPP, as verifi ed by regular EPA audits of fuel shipments arriving from interstate and overseas, and via the regular reporting required. The rate of compliance was helped by
the major refi ners’ accelerated programs 35,&52 $)/8)$% 0!243 0%2 -),,)/. to meet future national standards.
$ATE
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 23 &IGURE 3ULFUR DIOXIDE DAILY MAXIMUM HOUR AVERAGES IN 0ORT 0IRIE Air quality modelling The EPA is modelling the air quality of our major airsheds to better understand how air quality varies with weather conditions and to predict how other factors infl uence air quality. Modelling has been shown to be a powerful prognostic tool that can show how
changes in source emissions affect air quality. It can also be used to predict air quality for the next day. Work undertaken with the CSIRO
35,&52 $)/8)$% 0!243 0%2 -),,)/. model called ‘The Air Pollution Model’, or TAPM, indicated that the model predicted the meteorology and ozone
pollution situation reasonably well for the simulation period (17–31 December $ATE 2002). A report on the fi ndings from this study is available on the EPA web Diesel NEPM While environment agencies take site7. responsibility for leading South The National Environment Protection Australia’s response to NEPMs, it The Australian Air Quality Forecasting (Diesel Vehicle Emissions) Measure is often other state government System (AAQFS) is being developed (Diesel NEPM) which was endorsed by departments that implement and for Adelaide by the EPA, the Bureau of the National Environment Protection develop the strategies. The Department Meteorology and the CSIRO. Once fully Council (NEPC) in June 2001, aims to of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure tested and verifi ed, AAQFS will provide reduce pollution from diesel vehicles (DTEI), with assistance from the EPA twice-daily 24–36 hour forecasts to already on the road. This is distinct and other stakeholders, is seeking SA EPA for a wide range of pollutants. from Australian Design Rules that apply Commonwealth funding for a testing These forecasts, together with to emissions from new diesel vehicles. and repair program; this could lead to knowledge of local meteorology and air the establishment of a test facility and quality, will be used to issue daily air The Diesel NEPM aims to achieve this education program for diesel mechanics. quality forecasts on the EPA web site. through a range of optional strategies. Such forecasts may mitigate the effects The states have discretion as to which An enhanced version of the existing of air pollution on susceptible people. of these strategies are implemented. Smoky Vehicle Program has been The selection of appropriate strategies developed with signifi cant consultation Air toxics will require proper weight being given with government agencies. The In December 2004, the Government to environmental, economic, social and enhancements increase the number of of South Australia, along with other equity considerations. government offi cers authorised to deal states and territories, passed a new with smoky vehicles, the ability for the National Environment Protection (Air Compared to larger Australian cities, public to report, and a centralisation Toxics) Measure (NEPM). This NEPM Adelaide generally has good air quality of the administrative procedure within covers the following air pollutants: and Air NEPM standards are rarely DTEI. The framework to deliver the benzene, formaldehyde, benzo(a)pyrene breached. Therefore, current air quality enhanced version of the program is (an indicator for polycyclic aromatic is not a trigger for change in managing being prepared by the DTEI and the EPA hydrocarbons (PAH)), toluene and diesel emissions in South Australia. will provide assistance to the program xylenes8. following its establishment. However, diesel vehicles contribute As part of this NEPM, the EPA is disproportionately to urban air pollution DTEI is currently evaluating the use performing a desktop study of 13 South and this, coupled with continued annual of biodiesel by public transport buses Australian airsheds, using existing data, growth in fuel consumption by the and trains. As part of the Greenhouse to identify air toxics hotspots that diesel fl eet, provided the trigger for the Gas Abatement Program, four depot may coincide with areas of susceptible reduction of emissions from in-service refuelling facilities for buses have been population and so require monitoring. diesel vehicles. converted to a fi ve percent biodiesel The study is being conducted using blend and all trains use this blend. methodology agreed to by participating Trials of higher percentage blends jurisdictions and the National in both the bus and train fl eet are Environment Protection Council (NEPC). continuing.
7
24 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Air quality
The study has two stages: the fi rst As its fi rst priority, the EPA has been agriculture and land use change and highlights areas of elevated air toxics working to ensure that all licensed forestry 10% due to its net sink effect. concentration (stage 1 sites), and the facilities required to report are doing The 7% of total SA emissions attributed second locates areas with combined so. South Australia presently has 357 to industrial processes did not take elevated concentrations and susceptible facilities reporting, an increase of 5% into account the sector’s use of fuel population (stage 2 sites). on the previous year. combustion; the sector would have to consider that use in any emission At present, stage 1 of the analysis has The EPA supports the Commonwealth’s reduction programs. Total net emissions been completed for South Australia. proposal to move to online web-based in 2002 (30.9 Mt) were 3.5% lower than Analysis predicted areas of elevated industry reporting. Validation of the last in 1990 (32.0 Mt). formaldehyde concentration that year’s data was particularly important, may exceed the NEPM’s monitoring as it was a key resource in the review Ozone investigation level (MIL), based on of the current licensing fee system The Commonwealth Government correlation thresholds supplied by the for South Australia. The NPI data was completed its program to replace New South Wales EPA. A limited number assessed against existing monitoring current state legislation controlling of stage 1 sites have been identifi ed for data submitted by companies as a sale and use of ozone depleting benzene, benzo(a)pyrene and toluene, condition of their licences. substances (ODS) and accreditation of with the benzene and toluene sites related trades personnel. The Ozone predominantly associated with industry Greenhouse Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse emissions. There have been no stage 1 Government has commenced Gas Amendment Act 2003 (Cwlth) was sites identifi ed for xylenes as yet in any formulating a broad community-based passed in December 2003 but the of the South Australian airsheds. strategy to deal with climate change, Regulations for air conditioning and based on the themes of adaptation, refrigeration and for fi re protection Stage 2 of the analysis is to be emissions reduction, and innovation: systems do not take effect until 1 July completed and submitted to NEPC by Tackling Climate Change: South 2005. The Australian Refrigeration September 2005. Stage 2 sites will be Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy. Council was appointed to administer prioritised for further investigation. the national licensing scheme and In this major initiative, EPA’s role is regulations controlling refrigerants. The EPA monitors air toxics. Data has to assist the Department of Trade and The Fire Protection Industry Association been obtained for benzene, toluene Economic Development in facilitating of Australia will administer the and formaldehyde as part of the EPA’s the industry sector contribution to legislation pertaining to halon use. hotspot monitoring program and this the state strategy. The activities of Annually decreasing quotas will apply data is available in reports on the the South Australian Greenhouse to importation and use of substances department’s web site9. To date the Committee, the inter-agency group prescribed by the Commonwealth MILs have not been exceeded for any representing state government interests legislation to supplement the licensing of the target pollutants. Benzene levels in greenhouse gas reduction and systems. measured at hot-spot sites, however, adaptation strategies, were subsumed are close to the investigation level. into the work of the interagency team For the 5700 ODS state authorisations co-ordinating the strategy development. that expired on 31 May 2004, the EPA National Pollutant Inventory issued renewal notices to ensure that The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) The Commonwealth Government the existing ozone protection system provides information on the types and released the National Greenhouse continued until the Commonwealth volumes of pollutants emitted to the Gas Inventory 2003 in early 2005, scheme was implemented. The environment (air, land and water). followed by state-based inventories Commonwealth regulations allow Each year industrial companies around for the year 2002. These provided continuation of current state ozone Australia are required to decide whether data for the preparation of issues accreditations for two years from they need to report to the NPI. Levels papers released to initiate the fi rst the date of the Regulations, or until of pollutants from industrial and phase of strategy development. Of the their expiry, whichever occurs fi rst. commercial sources are reported annually 30.9 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions The fi nalisation of the Commonwealth to the state EPAs. Levels of pollutants attributed to South Australia, transport system will allow review of state from diffuse sources (aggregate was responsible for 19%, stationary legislation with a view to revocation. emissions) such as motor vehicles and energy 45%, and the combination of households are calculated by government agencies and were fi rst calculated for the 1998–99 reporting period. Data updated for the 2002–03 period was released in January 2005. NPI data is available at
9
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 25 Wood heaters NRG Flinders Wood smoke is of concern to the community and its effects on air In 2002, the Minister for Environment quality, human health and amenity are and Conservation announced the well recognised. Wood heaters are a launch of the NRG Flinders scheme, popular means of home heating, but which provides a rebate of $1000 for they can cause unnecessary pollution the installation of Australian Standard- if not operated effectively, or if damp certifi ed solar hot water systems on wood is used. housing in the area administered by the Port Augusta City Council. On EPA research found that more than behalf of the State Government, the half the wood heater owners in South EPA negotiated the payment by NRG Australia had never seen information Flinders of $1 million over fi ve years on how to use their wood heater for solar energy installations as part of effectively. Nearly 70% did not regularly the utility’s long-term environmental inspect their chimneys for excess smoke obligation. while the wood heater was operating. The scheme reduces the environmental In response to this research, in 2004 damage that would otherwise be caused the EPA ran a campaign to raise by coal-based electricity generation and awareness of the environmental extends the scope of the Port Augusta impacts of wood heaters. The campaign City Vision. The South Australian published advertisements in the Housing Trust (SAHT) has installed solar metropolitan and regional press. hot water systems on 100 of its houses, Information packs, including a DVD and so that residents in public housing also VHS explanatory fi lm, an information benefi t. Port Augusta City Council, the brochure and ‘check your chimney’ local administrator of the scheme in postcard were available free from partnership with the EPA, readvertised
In addition, a draft code of practice was developed to promote environmentally responsible wood heater use. This code prohibits the supply and sale of wood heaters that do not comply with Australian and New Zealand emission standards. It also promotes responsible and effi cient wood heater use and provides a process for neighbours and administering agencies (such as councils) to deal with heaters that are causing smoke or odour nuisance.
26 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 SUSTAINABLE LAND USE
The State of the Environment 2003 The Planning Section provided This year, 440 applications were report highlights the need to ‘...address advice on the proposed Sustainable assessed (see Table 3). The EPA can the failure of the current land use Development Bill, which is intended infl uence and, in certain cases, direct planning system and its administration to amend the Development Act. that proposals be refused or certain to deal effectively with priority conditions attached to ensure that environmental issues ...’. Development assessment the environment and community are protected, and to encourage sustainable A sophisticated and informed land The Planning Section of the EPA’s development10. use planning system would integrate Planning and Local Government Support industrial, agricultural, urban and Branch coordinates the assessment infrastructure development with of development applications of environmental and natural resource environmental signifi cance referred to management, and would assist with the EPA by local government or the managing cumulative effects at Development Assessment Commission. the regional and catchment levels. Since the referral process began in mid- Degradation of health and amenity 1995, the EPA has assessed nearly 5500 values, as well as impacts on sensitive development applications, an average of environments such as the Mount Lofty around 550 applications per year. Ranges, River Murray water protection areas, and the coast, can be minimised if the environment is considered and Table 3 Referred development applications completed potential problems addressed at the planning stage. Development Description 2003–04 2004–05 application Planning policy type No. On time (%) No. On time (%) The Planning Section advised on Schedule 8 Schedule 22: Activities of 172 79.1 172 90 proposed changes to local government Part 11 major environmental signifi cance development plans through the assessment of council and ministerial Schedule 8 Schedule 21: Activities of 184 90.2 157 92 plan amendment reports. EPA Part 10(b) environmental signifi cance assessment of proposed planning schemes encourages the development Schedule 8 ‘Non-complying’ development 79 65.8 91 68 of planning policies that support Part 10(a) in a water protection area ecologically sustainable development. The Planning Section also assessed Section 49 Crown development by 19 89.5 20 95 other planning policy documents state agencies such as the Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan Planning Strategies and Total 454 81.5 440 86.4 worked closely with Planning SA in the early stages of the development of ministerial plan amendment reports. During the year, 69 planning policy documents were assessed. 10 The EPA has directive power in relation to schedule 22 referrals, activities that require a license under the Act and for certain activities within the River Murray Water Protection Area.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 27 Assessment of major A budget allocation was made in developments and projects 2005–06 to implement the review The EPA also assesses proposals recommendations. The review has declared by the Minister for Urban commenced and will continue to Development and Planning to be of June 2006. major environmental, social or economic importance. These major developments Implementation of the and projects must be referred to the recommendations will make it more EPA if they include an activity of probable that statutory timeframes environmental signifi cance as prescribed can be met and consistent, quality in Schedule 1 of the Act. responses will be provided on development applications. It will also The following major projects were demonstrate the EPA’s commitment to referred to the EPA during the year be a ‘learning organisation’ and one for assessment: that embraces a culture of continuous • IWS Dublin Balefi ll Contaminated improvement. Soil and Liquid Treatment Plant (amendments) • Jeffries Composting Works (amendments) • Hindmarsh Square Apartment Complex (amendments) • Ceduna Keys Marina • Beringer Blass Wine Bottling and Storage Facility (amendments) • Cape Jaffa Marina.
Development assessment process review During the year, the EPA reviewed the internal development application referral system. The EPA Board endorsed the fi ndings of the review and its recommendations in May 2005. The primary objective of the review was to look at how the EPA assesses developments and to fi nd opportunities to improve performance; both in quality and timeliness. The recommendations are aligned with the EPA strategic directions and the Economic Development Board recommendations.
The review uncovered areas where improvements can be made, including organisational structure and culture, and infrastructure and information systems. An implementation plan has been developed, and six working groups established, to concentrate on areas that need improvement, including spatial information and specialist advice. A ‘quick wins’ working group has also been established to attend to immediate issues that are low risk and low cost to the organisation. The EPA has had a number of ‘quick wins’ already with successful improvements to the process.
28 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
Noise is defi ned as a pollutant under Noise monitoring A joint study by the EPA, rail track the Act and approximately 30% of all owners and rolling stock operators, calls to the EPA Help Desk are about Long-term noise from various using world-fi rst technology and the noise. Virtually all activity generates activities—including quarries, wind recent introduction of ID tags on noise and the response to noise can be farms and industry—was monitored to all rolling stock, has provided the as wide and varied as the number of assess its effect. The equipment now opportunity to focus on this issue. activities that produce it. in use by the EPA records the sound The study was able to identify in addition to its noise level. This individual wheel sets that squealed. Currently the Environment Protection enables desktop assessments that can (Machine Noise) Policy 1994 and the differentiate between noise sources In late 2004, the EPA met with all Environment Protection (Industrial and determine whether the problem rolling stock operators and the track Noise) Policy 1994 provide the was caused by the source under owner, Australian Rail Track Corporation legislative basis for regulating noise investigation. (ARTC) to discuss the results of under the Act. The draft Environment the pilot study. As a result, ARTC is Protection (Noise) Policy (Noise EPP) A signifi cant amount of data on wind establishing a permanent monitoring is being developed to replace these farm noise was obtained in the fi rst station in the Adelaide Hills. It is two policies. It will clarify and bring half of 2005. This data, supplemented expected to be operational in late consistency to environmental noise by weather monitoring, including wind 2005 and will provide data to assist in regulation, with clear and concise speed information, has been analysed implementing a noise reduction trial. rules for many noise sources such and will form the basis for review of the as construction sites, wind farms, EPA’s Wind Farms: Environmental Noise In addition, in November 2004, the EPA frost fans, air conditioning units and Guidelines in the last half of 2005. was given an opportunity to present to industrial premises. The EPP is the fi rst the Rail Environment Forum established to link directly with the Development Train noise by the National Transport Commission Act and the fi rst to specifi cally address (NTC). The NTC expanded their role to development, as distinct from existing include rail environmental impacts in Train noise includes the rumble of situations, to take a preventative 2004. The presentation recommended locomotives, the general rolling noise approach to noise. the issue of rail noise be placed on of wagons, and fl anging, wheel squeal the national agenda for consideration and wheel howl. Idling trains, shunting, The Noise EPP was released for fi nal by the Land Transport Environment signal crossings and warning signals all consultation and comments received Committee (LTEC). This proposal was make noise, a problem where residential have now been assessed. These well received by stakeholders and the development is close to the rail corridor. comments will be used to deliver a issue of rail noise standards was placed fi nal draft of the EPP that will then on the LTEC agenda for consideration in The most annoying noise—squeal from proceed through the approval process July 2005. interactions between wheels and rails, in accordance with the Environment typically on curves—is most noticeable Protection Act. when freight trains pass through the Adelaide Hills. Extensive research into In addition to standards for noise from squeal has implicated a variety of industrial, commercial and residential causes. Added to these is an element of activities, the EPP will incorporate randomness that has made it diffi cult guidelines prepared by the EPA for wind to identify consistent and therefore farms and audible bird scaring devices. predictable causes.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 29 Wind farm noise
Continued interest in electricity generation from renewable sources— in particular to secure the remaining portion of the National Renewable Energy Target—has led to numerous discussions with proponents, and referral to the EPA of a number of development applications for wind farms. These applications have been assessed using the EPA’s Wind Farms: Environmental Noise Guidelines, which continue to be the only such guidelines in Australia dealing specifi cally with noise from wind farms.
Standards Australia drew heavily on these guidelines to develop its draft standard Acoustics-Measurement, Prediction and Assessment of Noise and Wind Turbine Generators, which was fi rst released for public comment in June 2004 and is expected to be re-released in late 2005.
Standards Australia has also expressed interest in South Australian research on how wind affects the microphone used for recording noise made by wind farms. Almost a full years data was logged as part of the investigation into microphone ‘fl oor level’ effects under different weather conditions. This data will be used for a review of the guidelines in the last half of 2005.
In addition to the review, the guidelines will be incorporated into the provisions of the new Noise EPP, rather than continue as a stand-alone guide.
30 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 WASTE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
As the community becomes more and transport costs rise. Industry is Country Landfi lls aware of its effect on the environment beginning to appreciate that disposal Training Course through its pattern of production and as a sole waste solution is expensive. consumption, it expects that waste This is providing South Australia with a The third Country Landfi ll Training will be better managed. The EPA, along great opportunity to improve resource Course, held in Victor Harbor over two with Zero Waste SA (ZWSA), is working recovery. days in April 2005, helped country with industry, government and the landfi ll operators understand their community to achieve this. In regional South Australia the issues obligations under the Act and fi nd are similar: improved management some practical ways to meet their ZWSA was established in July 2003 as of smaller regional waste sites, and responsibilities. The workshop, which part fulfi lment of government policy mechanisms for calculating the cost was arranged by the Waste Management for a new legislative framework under of landfi ll, mean local government is Association of Australia and conducted which the state can work with local reassessing waste management options. with assistance from the EPA, Zero government and industry on waste Cooperation and regionalisation Waste SA and the Local Government reduction, recycling and disposal. The of waste infrastructure and waste Association, covered environmental EPA has developed a strong working management systems are being management and operation of landfi lls; relationship with ZWSA in which considered and implemented, and the costs of landfi ll development, operation it has a predominantly regulatory viability of resource recovery is being and closure; and lessons from case role, while ZWSA is responsible for reconsidered. studies. compiling the draft integrated plan for managing waste, referred to as South Waste types such as electronic goods, Presentations covered legal and Australia’s Waste Strategy 2005–2010. due to the quantities involved, need licensing matters, safe handling of To implement that strategy the EPA has to be considered at a national level to hazardous materials, landfi ll cost started to develop a new environment allow their economical management and structures, landfi ll management protection policy for waste. treatment. The EPA has been working and operational matters as well as with other jurisdictions through the occupational health, safety and welfare. In South Australia, most waste is Environment Protection and Heritage Field trips were organised to landfi lls consigned to landfi ll and, in its role Council’s Waste Working Group, on in Victor Harbor and Goolwa and to as the primary regulator of these waste tyres, electronic equipment the transfer station in Strathalbyn. The sites, the EPA issued draft Landfi ll and hazardous waste. The group is second day looked at recycling in rural Facility Guidelines in 2004 for public developing a national co-regulatory areas, EPA requirements for material consultation. Throughout the year, approach to managing these wastes resource recovery facilities, and landfi ll the EPA has consulted with local (refer to ‘Policy and legislation’). closure and post-closure considerations. government and the waste industry on Case studies from Alexandrina, Mt the guidelines through a collaborative Waste management and disposal Gambier, Coorong and Yankalilla working party. practices continue to improve. However, Councils covered a number of topics, it is important that the EPA, in such as costs of landfi ll and recycling, Disposal is not the only option, as the collaboration with other agencies such community involvement and landfi ll waste stream contains many items that as ZWSA, continues to maximise the closure. can be recycled or reused. The use of quantity of resources reused or recycled, landfi ll will change as industry adopts with the ultimate goal of zero waste to The workshop was well received by better waste management systems landfi ll. participants and it is expected that and improves its practices. Moreover, these courses will continue. the cost of disposal is increasing as landfi ll operating standards improve
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 31 Landfi ll guidelines The EPA recognises the fi nancial Waste to Resources EPP implications of this transition period The EPA reviewed its guidelines for and has supported a staged approach The policy and operational environment landfi lls for domestic, industrial and to address landfi ll sites and achieve for waste management has progressed commercial wastes, responding to an improved waste management in regional both internationally and nationally increasing demand by proponents, areas. since the existing waste management operators and licensees for: legislation was introduced. Waste is now • more detailed guidance on planning, During the year, the EPA established increasingly seen as a resource which designing and managing landfi lls an EPA Board Sub-committee and also should not be squandered, but which • more transparency in the development a collaborative working party with should be avoided, minimised, re-used, and implementation of standards and membership from local government, recycled and only disposed of as a last guidelines the waste industry and Zero Waste to resort. The application of the waste • more assurance for short-, medium- oversee the review of the guidelines. management hierarchy, as it is known and long-term planning of waste (Figure 14), is refl ected in recent policy management facilities. Further effort is also being made initiatives such as the SA Strategic to assess the costs of the proposed Plan and the SA Waste Strategy (SWS) Guidelines for waste management changes and timing of implementation. developed by Zero Waste SA. The SWS in activities such as resource recovery A landfi ll audit study, which will particular, calls for regulatory support and composting are also under review. examine a number of landfi ll case in a number of areas, most of which Revised draft documents were released studies from different areas of the state, will be developed through a Waste to for an initial eight months consultation is jointly funded through Offi ce of Local Resources EPP. in March 2004, followed by the Government, Zero Waste SA, EPA and second stage of public consultation in the Local Government Association. Although a number of measures will March–April 2005. need to be considered to provide Comments received from the suffi cient incentive for waste The revised draft guidelines for consultation, together with fi ndings minimisation and resource recovery, landfi lls propose standards that are not and recommendations from the Landfi ll the proposed Environment Protection signifi cantly different from the existing Audit Project for Selected Council (Waste to Resources) Policy (Waste to requirements which were introduced in Landfi ll Facilities, will be assessed Resources EPP) will be a fundamental 1998. However, these guidelines clarify and considered before fi nalising the tool that will prescribe both mandatory the EPA’s requirements and give landfi ll documents. The implementation plan and non-mandatory standards and operators greater fl exibility to meet will refl ect these fi ndings and consider guidelines to manage both waste the requirements. It should be noted reasonable steps and timeframes. disposal and waste reduction. that in some instances the revised draft guidelines are not as strict as the current guidelines, e.g. reduced liner and cap thickness requirements. Most preferable
The EPA has worked with landfi ll Avoidance operators for approximately four years to achieve improvements in the Reduction operation and management of licensed landfi ll sites. EPA guidelines will apply Reuse to all landfi lls in South Australia, regardless of whether they are operated Recycling by a council or privately. Recovery Local governments have raised concerns about the cost of implementing the Treatment guidelines. The EPA understands that community expectations on waste Disposal management and, in particular, resource recovery, have contributed to increases Least preferable in councils’ waste management costs. The EPA has to balance concerns Figure 14 The waste hierarchy from these groups and to respond to demands for a level playing fi eld.
32 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Waste and Resource Effi ciency
The key areas to be addressed by the Greening the Supply Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd proposed Waste to Resources EPP Chain Program The project has developed economically include the following measures: and environmentally sustainable • to enable the EPA to more effectively packaging solutions for component The Greening the Supply Chain Program regulate the waste industry to achieve parts sourced from South Australia, has continued to cooperate with compliance, targets and outcomes in Australia and overseas for MMAL’s business and industry by promoting the SWS, including: new 2005 vehicle. The vehicle will be the benefi ts of eco-effi ciency, focusing – requiring implementation of risk- launched in October 2005. based standards for waste disposal on business supply chains. Industry and resource recovery; this Association Projects include the The project streamlined the inventory covers the roles that both local following. process for the manufacture of the new government and the waste industry vehicle and has developed economical have in these areas South Australian wine industry and environmentally sustainable – establishing more effective offences The partnership project with the packaging solutions for 80 components. for illegal activities such as the South Australian Wine Industry deposition of waste to unauthorised Association was completed with the The environmental outcomes from sites (illegal dumping) launch of the Sustainable Purchasing improving supply chain effi ciency • promote and encourage resource toolkit web site11. The toolkit was include reduced waste, lower resources effi ciency in the production of goods developed to assist industry improve usage and energy savings from improved and services; this includes using the sustainability of the procurement alternative production systems to transport effi ciencies. process by providing practical increase resource recovery effi ciency. templates, fact sheets and case study examples that will help wineries and Beverage container Consultation processes for the Waste to Resources EPP will commence during vineyards work with suppliers in a more provisions expansion the 2005–06 fi nancial year. sustainable way. Legislative amendments Motor Traders Association Amendments to the beverage container Small Business Eco-effi ciency of South Australia provisions of the Act (commonly Training Program This project has provided systematic known as container deposit legislation environmental auditing, training, or CDL) are being drafted to make The Small Business Eco-effi ciency and follow-up evaluation to three key them clearer, more transparent and to Training Program has continued to train sectors of the motor trade industry to improve regulation of the CDL system. businesses from across South Australia assist with long-term environmental Stakeholder consultation on the draft in 2004–05 to help them improve their improvements. The three sectors that Bill is planned for late 2005, with the effi ciency while reducing their impact were targeted included auto repair, expectation that the legislation will be on the environment. collision repair, and new and used introduced to Parliament in mid 2006. vehicle dealerships. Workshops (Table 4) have been held in CDL media campaign locations including Port Adelaide, West Five sites from each of the sector A further round of CDL advertising was Torrens and Woodville. groups were visited. Each visit included run in May and June 2005 to reinforce an audit and then a follow-up site public awareness of the additional The program delivers courses to small inspection two months later. beverage containers (such as fl avoured businesses and provides information milk and pure fruit juice containers under and tools to help them improve An educational program was undertaken 1 litre and all soft [non-carbonated] their environmental performance with each sector group in conjunction beverages in containers up to and and minimise costs by using cleaner with the visits to present an update on including 3 litres) that have attracted production methods, recycling, waste environmental management systems and a 5c refund since 1 January 2003. minimisation and reuse. to maximise the outcomes of the visits. Press advertisements were compiled and the campaign was enhanced by the inclusion of a large coloured Table 4 Small Business Eco-effi ciency Workshops advertisement placed in a weekend paper environmental lift out and CDL Performance indicators 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 editorial for World Environment Day. No. of participants 550 364 235 No. of businesses participating 273 238 159
No. of workshops 30 28 10
11
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 33 Beverage container litter In December 2004 the EPA audited The EPA continues to monitor quarterly brand owners (required annually litter returns conducted by KESAB (Keep by the Used Packaging NEPM) to South Australia Beautiful) together identify companies that are signifi cant with container return statistics supplied contributors to the waste stream. by industry. The general trend for beverage container litter shows marked The EPA also gave presentations on the improvement, but is subject to seasonal NPC at several forums and workshops, variability that may disguise the long- delivering information on national and term situation. state-based projects of the National Kerbside Recycling Group and the state- Used packaging based Jurisdictional Recycling Group.
The Environment Protection (Used Following an extensive period of review Packaging Materials) Policy 2001 (the and consultation, in December 2004 the implementation in South Australia Environment Protection and Heritage of the Used Packaging NEPM) gave Council (EPHC) considered a proposal brand owners, who could be signifi cant to strengthen the National Packaging contributors to the waste stream, a Covenant. At the meeting, EPHC asked choice to sign the National Packaging jurisdictions to commence consultation Covenant (NPC) or comply with the on a set of targets for the Covenant. requirements of the Used Packaging NEPM/EPP. As at 30 June 2005, South In March 2005, the EPHC agreed to Australia had 93 signatories to the NPC. an interim extension of the Covenant to 14 July 2005, in order to allow the The South Australian Jurisdictional National Packaging Covenant Council Recycling Group was established under time to develop a detailed proposal the National Packaging Covenant. It for future arrangements. Copies of the arose from a cooperative approach draft Covenant (including indicative between industry and government. The target areas) and a regulatory impact result has been essential for achieving statement were then released for public a nationally consistent approach to the consultation on 15 April 2005. The lifecycle management of packaging and consultation period was aligned with paper, including its recovery, utilisation that of the Used Packaging Materials and ultimate disposal. NEPM and concluded on 19 May 2005.
The South Australian Jurisdictional Based on broad consultation and Recycling Group started the following input from jurisdictions, the National projects: Packaging Covenant Council developed • a transport logistics study for rural a fi nal draft proposal (including targets) and regional South Australia to for a strengthened Covenant. The EPHC investigate options for increasing is to decide on the future arrangements recycling rates in rural and regional of the National Packaging Covenant and areas its associated NEPM in July 2005. • public place and public recycling, developing guidelines for organisers who are responsible for running events. The guidelines are intended to encourage other stakeholders to increase their participation in waste minimisation and recycling • public attitudes study, a research project into the South Australian community’s understanding of waste reduction and recycling as well as their behaviour.
34 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 POLICY AND LEGISLATION
The EPA, under the Minister for As well as legislative policy Environment and Conservation, is development, the EPA also considers • Amendments to several offences under responsible for administering the policy development in areas such as the the Act will strengthen the power of Environment Protection Act. Other acts effects of pollution on health, and more the EPA and administering agencies, administered by the EPA include: recently, its role in and contribution to such as local councils, to protect the • Radiation Protection and Control the growing sustainability agenda. environment. Of particular impor- Act 1982 For initiatives related to legislative tance is a change to the offence of • National Environment Protection review of the Radiation Protection environmental nuisance to add a new Council (South Australia) Act 1995 and Control Act, please refer to the strict liability offence. Additionally, • Wingfi eld Waste Depot Closure separate section of this report on the protection against self-incrimina- Act 1999. the administration of the Radiation tion for corporations that operate a Protection and Control Act. licensed activity is to be limited for The EPA also has regulatory most purposes in the Act, such that responsibilities under acts within the Environment Protection information sought by, and provided jurisdiction of other State Government to, the EPA from such a corporation agencies, such as the Aquaculture Act (Miscellaneous) Amendment may be admissible in evidence in pro- 2001 and the Development Act 1993. Act 2005 ceedings for an offence under the Act. • The amendments clarify the EPA’s The Environment Protection Act was The Environment Protection power to continue to control and assented to in October 1993 and came (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act was supervise sites of environmental into operation on 1 May 1995. Changing assented to on 9 June 2005 and the concern, even though activities that community values and a better majority of the amendments were require a licence are no longer being understanding of both environmental proclaimed on 1 July 2005. undertaken on that site. Clarifying the impact and contemporary approaches EPA’s power to continue to monitor to environmental management requires The amendments stem from a number and regulate closed sites previously a commitment to continually review of general reviews of the Environment subject to a prescribed activity, is and update the Act. Since it came into Protection Act since 1999. essential to ensure proper manage- operation, parts of the Act have been ment of public health and other amended, subordinate legislation such • The EPA is empowered to negotiate environmental impacts on and around as EPPs has been introduced, and a a civil penalty for a contravention of problematical closed sites. number of areas where the Act could be the Act, or apply to the ERD Court • Consistent with the recommendations improved have been identifi ed. for an order that a person pay to the of the ERD Committee Parliamentary EPA an amount as a civil penalty. A inquiry, changes to the process of In early 2003, the Act was amended to person may elect not to enter into making EPPs are proposed to achieve establish new governance arrangements civil penalty negotiations and, if the a more timely and effective process for the EPA and increased penalties for EPA seeks to apply to the Court for for developing such policies. major offences. In June 2005, a further a civil penalty, the person may elect Bill was passed and assented to, the to be prosecuted for the contraven- Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) tion, rather than be heard in the civil Amendment Bill 2005. jurisdiction of the Court. The civil penalties will only apply to less seri- ous contraventions and strict liability offences, leaving existing criminal provisions in the Act to deal with more serious offences.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 35 • The amendments aim to clarify the and approaches used by the EPA. The The State Government released a role of local councils in administering incomplete understanding of health formal response to the SoE Report’s the Act so that better service may be impacts complicates this matter, but 116 recommendations early in 2005. provided to the community. They will be the statement calls for a number of Titled Action for the Environment, the able to volunteer a greater role in en- initiatives to continue, or be initiated, response provides an overview of the forcing the Act by becoming administer- to minimise pollution-based health many government initiatives to tackle ing agencies for non-licensed activities. risks. Critical amongst these is the environmental issues such as water The amendments introduce a range of need to develop strong collaborative quality, species loss and climate change. non-mandatory cost recovery tools to partnerships between governments, help administrative agencies recover the industry and the community to manage This is the fi rst time that the cost of administering the Act. these risks in a practicable, sensible and government has responded to timely manner. recommendations made in a state New EPA Position of the environment report14. The SoE Statements 2. The role of the EPA in attaining Report 2003 and a more detailed sustainability (draft13)—this statement Supplementary Report are available at describes how the EPA uses its decision-
12
36 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Policy and Legislation
New dolphin sanctuary While the NEPC can make NEPMs, the When the Act came into operation object to the Environment respective NEPC Acts do not contain on 1 May 1995, parts of the repealed implementation mechanisms. These legislation, including regulations, Protection Act are addressed by each jurisdiction were translated into the following separately, according to their transitional EPPs, which were put in The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Act 2005 legislation. In South Australia, place during 1994 and 1995: was assented to on 14 April 2005 and NEPMs had automatically operated as • Environment Protection (Air Quality) will be proclaimed in stages, with all of environment protection policies (EPPs) Policy 1994 Schedule 2, the amendments to other under the Act (section 28A). With the • Environment Protection (Burning) operational Acts, to be in operation passage of amendments to the Act Policy 1994 by 1 July 2005. When the Adelaide that will delete the current section • Environment Protection (Industrial Dolphin Sanctuary Act is proclaimed 28A, there will be greater fl exibility to Noise) Policy 1994 it will add a new object to the choose the most appropriate legislative • Environment Protection (Machine Environment Protection Act, to which mechanism to implement the NEPM. Noise) Policy 1994 the EPA must have regard when making During 2004–05 the EPHC has been • Environment Protection (Marine) decisions affecting the Adelaide dolphin working with major retailers to phase Policy 1994 sanctuary. out single-use, light-weight plastic • Environment Protection (Waste shopping bags. The EPHC has agreed Management) Policy 1994. National policy that should targets not be reached, legislative mechanisms to ban plastic Since that time the following EPPs The National Environment Protection bags will be developed and brought have been authorised: Council (NEPC), which is part of the into operation from the beginning of • Environment Protection (Milking Shed Commonwealth Environment Protection 2009. The South Australian Government Effl uent Management) Policy 1997 and Heritage Council (EPHC), is a has stated that it will independently • Environment Protection (Vessels on statutory body with law making powers introduce legislation to ban plastic bags Inland Waters) Policy 1998 established by the National Environment should the national process not achieve • Environment Protection (Motor Protection Council Act 1994 (Cwlth). its objectives. Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy 2002 Mirror legislation has been established • Environment Protection (Water Qual- in each state and territory (in South The NEPC has resolved to develop ity) Policy 2003 (repealing the Milking Australia, the National Environment a NEPM for product stewardship to Shed Effl uent Management EPP, the Protection Council Act (South Australia) underpin a co-regulatory regime. Marine EPP and the Vessels on Inland 1995). Members of the NEPC are the Product stewardship involves all Waters EPP). Commonwealth environment minister parties in the product chain sharing and ministers appointed by the fi rst responsibility for the environmental minister from each participating impacts of their products. Schemes aim jurisdiction. to cover whole-of-life management of a product, including both upstream and The NEPC’s two primary functions are to: downstream environmental pressures. • make national environment protection measures (NEPMs) Environment protection • assess and report on their implemen- policies (EPPs) tation and effectiveness in participat- ing jurisdictions. An EPP is one of a number of legislative tools provided for by the Act to address The objective of NEPMs prepared by the environment protection. An EPP can NEPC is to ensure that all Australians be made for any purpose to secure are equally protected from air, water the objects of the Act. EPPs provide and soil pollution, and that decisions mid-level enforcement mechanisms by businesses are not distorted, and below prosecutions for serious or markets not fragmented, by variations material environment harm and provide in environmental standards between a mechanism to manage diffuse jurisdictions. pollution. This may include setting out requirements or mandatory provisions that will be enforceable under the Act.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 37 Site contamination also placed the documents on its web site, which is publicly accessible. Site contamination is a signifi cant Consequently, comments were received issue that must be recognised and from organisations other than key considered in the purchase, sale, lease, stakeholders. development and redevelopment of all land, property and business. When The written and oral comments are a site has been contaminated, the now being analysed. On the basis of problem should be assessed, remediated these comments, the draft bill will be and managed to ensure that the land amended before its release for public is suitable for its current or intended consultation. use. A major area of concern is the development or redevelopment of land Regional Impact for a sensitive use (such as residential, childcare, preschool or primary school) Assessment Statement where the site is contaminated or is The preparation of a Regional Impact suspected to be contaminated. Assessment Statement is a requirement of the Cabinet submission process. Site contamination may result from One statement was prepared during historical industrial and agricultural 2004–05 associated with the Regulation practices and some current activities, of Pollutant Drainage Discharges in the including the disposal or intensive use Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Area. of chemicals or waste.
There is currently no effective legislation to regulate the management of site contamination in South Australia. In the interim, the EPA continues to advise and guide, using an agreed strategy and administrative processes and procedures to assist in the management of site contamination, including the use of Environmental Auditors (Contaminated Land). These processes are supported by the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure, which operates to a limited extent as an environment protection policy under the Act, and a memorandum of understanding between the EPA and the Department of Health.
The EPA and the State Government have developed a draft Site Contamination Bill to amend the Act to address site contamination.
In late 2004, the draft bill was provided to some 24 stakeholder bodies including Business SA, the LGA, the Housing Industry Association and the Property Council of Australia for comment. These bodies distributed copies of the documents to a number of their members for their comment. The LGA, for example, provided copies of the draft bill and explanatory report to all councils in South Australia and
38 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
As the EPA matures and stakeholder It also supports one of the key The Board’s draft position statement expectations of the EPA increase, a recommendations in the State of the on ‘The Role of the EPA in Attaining more comprehensive and sophisticated Environment Report 2003—that of Sustainability’ was a good basis for approach to engaging our communities building effective working relationships discussion and encouraged some very is needed. Communities in this and targeted community education and useful observations and suggestions. context are defi ned as groups such as awareness programs, both necessary to A case study focused attention on the industry, business, all three spheres move towards a more sustainable and dilemmas and sometimes competing of government, community groups prosperous way of life. priorities the EPA faces when dealing and the public. Through a range of with the impacts of pollution. forums including the EPA Round-table, The EPA currently supports targeted parliament, media, consultation events education, monitoring and participation Stakeholders were invited to discuss and market research, the EPA is more programs to raise industry and what they expect from the EPA. aware of the need to engage more community awareness, develop shared Key themes arising included their effectively with our stakeholders and ownership of environmental issues expectations of the EPA as a credible the public and have made a strong and their management, and encourage leader to which they look for guidance. commitment to address this need. environmentally sustainable behaviour. Strong regulatory leadership aligned Enhancing our engagement is important By engaging with community groups with early intervention was seen as for three related, yet distinct, reasons: and organisations, the EPA gives the important, especially involvement in community and industry sectors the the planning process as a preventative 1. to engender stakeholder confi dence, knowledge and skills to protect the process. The EPA also needs to be a trust and understanding in the EPA’s environment. facilitator of solutions and a problem ability to protect the environment solver, not just the policeman. The Round-table 2005 challenge for the EPA is to understand 2. to create meaningful dialogue with what this means for its roles, skill stakeholders to ensure our decisions Once again the Board and Executive sets and policies. The Board and the are appropriate and responsive made good use of the opportunity at EPA will consider these messages the Round-table to provide information when developing and implementing 3. to enable communities to actively on current problems and approaches, the Strategic Plan and will continue contribute to reducing damage to and gain input from stakeholders on to improve performance by reviewing our environment, leading to a more the operation of the Act and matters of internal functions and processes. sustainable future. concern for the protection, restoration or enhancement of South Australia’s The full report on proceedings and The EPA embarked on the development environment. outcomes from the June 2005 Round- of an engagement strategy to table will be available on the EPA web communicate its future directions and The people invited by the EPA to attend site later in 2005. priorities. It will focus on collaboration, the Round-table represented a range of information sharing, listening, interests and expertise in the matters consulting with and learning from to be considered. Some people have stakeholders and working in partnership attended since the inaugural Round- towards a sustainable future. This table in 1997 and some were attending program has been highlighted as for the fi rst time. one of the EPA’s four priority areas in the 2005–2008 Strategic Plan.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 39 Community programs In March 2005 Cabinet approved Community monitoring groups are WaterCare as a whole-of-government assigned categories based on their Involving the community in awareness- approach to communicating water completion of QA/QC training. The raising and action programs is critical to issues to South Australians. This data has been promoted (and used) ensure that our environment is managed gives WaterCare a strong mandate to by the EPA, the State Water Monitoring sustainably. Education and information continue to publicise the problems Committee and by organisations such as are very effective at bringing about facing South Australia’s water resources the catchment water management boards. change and encouraging people to act and to promote their sustainable use An exciting recent development is the in a sustainable manner. and management. In the coming year inclusion of salinity data in the Bureau of the WaterCare Offi ce will concentrate Rural Sciences Salinity Mapping Project The EPA’s community programs— on broadening government support for for the Mount Lofty Ranges. WaterCare, Community Monitoring, WaterCare by involving government Frog Census and AirWatch—collectively agencies outside the environment Saltwatch involve over 60,000 South Australians. portfolio. Saltwatch is a state-wide water- The EPA values the important monitoring program that encourages contribution of the many community WaterCare is a joint initiative of the communities to learn about salinity networks and stakeholder groups that EPA, DWLBC, DEH, South Australia’s and water quality in their local area. In participate in these programs and CWMBs and SA Water. May, over 1500 people monitored 370 ensure their success. sites across the state in areas from Mt Community monitoring Gambier in the south, Tumby Bay in the WaterCare (incorporating Waterwatch) west, Gladstone in the mid north and On the 13 September 2004 the Minister Following natural resource management Barmera in the Riverland. for Environment and Conservation, the reform and the subsequent change in Hon. John Hill MP, launched the new Commonwealth funding arrangements, For the fi rst time, a pilot program was WaterCare public awareness campaign. the EPA funded a review to determine trialled with business and industry This state-wide campaign was designed how it can best work with the groups in the northern Adelaide and to raise awareness of problems facing Waterwatch program. Throughout Barossa region. The pilot was very the state’s water resources, and to 2004–05 the EPA assisted with the successful with eight businesses promote the sustainable use and following: participating. management of water. • state-wide promotion, marketing and events The event received extensive media The campaign included television • maintenance of the Waterwatch coverage, informing the community and print advertising, and supporting SA web site of the salinity and water quality promotional activity. It provided a • fi nancial and technical support for issues facing the state. The data and context for its partners to inform their programs such as Saltwatch and interpretation of results from Saltwatch clients and the community in general Aquatic Snapshot under the Quality 2005 will be written into a report with about water and attempt to infl uence Assurance and Quality Control (QA/ recommendations for the future delivery their behaviour. After a nine month QC) program of the program. campaign, market research found that: • setting of state-wide standards and • awareness of stormwater pollution as policy for QA/QC. AirWatch a serious problem has increased from AirWatch is an established school 62% to 69% In addition, the EPA sought to further program that aims to raise the • awareness of water conservation as develop its involvement in community profi le of air quality by monitoring a serious issue has increased from monitoring. This has helped to local environments and increasing 60% to 68% maintain positive relationships with understanding of, and willingness to • acceptance by South Australians that the community, business and industry adopt, practices that protect local their own behaviour affects stormwa- groups, and a number of Waterwatch air quality. AirWatch is a nationally ter pollution has increased from 8.2 stakeholders. recognised program and in South to 8.5 (ranking out of 10) Australia is funded by the EPA. • acceptance by South Australians that A highlight of the year was the Over the last nine months AirWatch has their own behaviour affects water development of a pilot data categories implemented and achieved a number conservation has increased from 7.9 framework. The EPA worked with of exciting initiatives. Some of these to 8.3 (ranking out of 10). Waterwatch and community members achievements were: to develop a framework that ensures • securing Channel 9 sponsorship that water-quality data collected by the for 2005 community is of reliable quality. • the broadcast of primary students’ weather and visual air quality data weekly on the Channel 9 weather report by Keith Martyn, and his the attendance at key AirWatch events
40 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Engagement and Partnerships
• various AirWatch events including the At the end of June 2005 the ‘AirWatch Achiever Award’, ‘Smoke’s subscription service introduced in no Joke’ (a wood heater competition) May 2004 had 460 members and the and presentations at the Uraidla list is growing steadily. A newsletter Sustainable Schools Forum is e-mailed each month to list members, • AirWatch schools embarked on a including industry, government, project to work with EPA air quality educational bodies and the general monitoring scientists to measure the community throughout Australia as levels of particulates in their airsheds. well as overseas.
Initiatives that aim to engage the community to educate and encourage them to modify their behaviour were conducted under the AirWatch banner. These activities included: • fi nancial and planning support for the EPA wood heater campaign • the formation of an EPA Green Travel Plan Reference Group which is currently researching and developing a Green Travel Plan for the EPA.
EPA web site
The EPA’s web site15 provides information on air and water quality, environmental noise, radiation protection, waste reduction and eco-effi ciency, and the EPA’s role in land use, planning and development assessment. It describes licensing requirements and gives links to environmental legislation and policies. Almost all EPA publications are available for download from the publications page16. This information is provided free of charge.
In October 2004, the EPA launched a new service to improve the process of public consultation on new policies and guidelines. Those interested can now respond online using the consultation web site17 as well as by the more traditional means of post, fax and e-mail.
15
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 41 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
The Environment Protection Act is the Compliance and The audit began in late 2003 and primary pollution and waste control enforcement guidelines was completed by December 2004. It legislation in South Australia and aims covered a wide range of EPA prescribed to: activities listed under Schedule 1 of the The EPA completed and released • promote ecologically sustainable Act. During this time 47 EPA licensed the EPA Guidelines for Compliance development premises were visited and 112 site and Enforcement (March 2005). The • protect, restore and enhance the visits made. document provides guidance for using environment. the compliance and enforcement The project focused on auditing provisions of the Act. It is intended for Under the Act everyone has a general licensed premises to examine onsite use by EPA authorised offi cers and the environmental duty not to pollute the activities (i.e. chemical storage public and private sectors when dealing environment. This means that industry and handling, spill management, with environmental damage, pollution and the community (including local and stockpiles, management of waste, and other matters. state government) must care for the wastewater generation, procedures environment and not harm it. and documentation) that could affect The guidelines provide for a multi-stage water resources (i.e. stormwater, natural response to enforcing the Act. The level The EPA administers and enforces the watercourses, groundwater). of response depends on factors such Act and its subordinate legislation, as the seriousness of the offence, an including EPPs. It does this in a The Torrens Audit found some alleged offender’s history and the need number of ways, from providing advice consistent problems with the potential for deterrence. through to enforcing the law. The to contaminate the stormwater system Act provides the EPA with compliance and/or the River Torrens; every site and enforcement tools and with the EPA audits inspected was required to improve discretion to determine: performance. The following are the most • when enforcement is required River Torrens audit commonly noted management problems: • which enforcement measures are When it responded to a major diesel • 41 of the 47 sites had inadequate appropriate for the circumstance. spill into Torrens Lake in July 2003, spill management procedures and spill the EPA audited licensed premises in equipment The EPA determines whether or not the Torrens Catchment. The Torrens • many sites were not adequately to take action by carefully examining Stormwater Audit Project (TSAP) was prepared to contain a spill and balancing social, environmental a strategic project to address the • most companies did not have and economic factors. Action may following needs: documented procedures for a spill and begin with warning letters and end, if • to identify and implement ways to staff were inadequately trained to necessary, with prosecution. manage pollution sources (real and manage spills potential) in the stormwater system • at some sites wastewater was allowed and the River Torrens to discharge into stormwater drains • to reduce community concern over and into the river the likelihood of a similar incident • more effort was needed from occurring organisations to identify potential • to develop a method for, and assess pollution sources and to develop an the merit of, performing similar audits emergency plan in other catchments and/or if the method could be used in the regular licence inspection process.
42 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Compliance and Enforcement
In response to this audit: by, for example, installing wastewater Inspection of • all licensees voluntarily upgraded fl ow meters and treatment systems, licensed premises their sites and/or implemented and developing emergency response procedures where required procedures, and waste management and The Act specifi es a number of high-risk • many sites incorporated the audit incident records. In addition, some of activities that require an authorisation fi ndings and processes into their the wineries are using environmental from the EPA. This may be a licence, management systems consultants to look for further exemption or works approval. Holders • work undertaken included opportunities for improvement. The of an authorisation must comply implementing new environmental audits also showed a number of good with the conditions attached to that management systems, upgrading environmental management practices authorisation. spill management equipment and that are being used by some facilities emergency response capabilities, that could be adopted by other small In certain circumstances the EPA can staff training, building improved wineries. vary the conditions of, or suspend, bunding and new storage facilities cancel or disqualify, an environmental for chemicals and other materials. A brief EPA assessment report was sent authorisation. to each of the wineries to outline the Unlicensed winery audit fi ndings fi ndings and inform them what they During 2004–05, EPA offi cers inspected Three years after the successful 2001– need to do to address environmental 1460 licensed premises, audited them 02 environmental management audits management defi ciencies. for compliance with the Act and the of licensed wineries and distilleries in conditions of the licence and, where South Australia, the EPA completed Freedom of Information and necessary, negotiated improvements to random audits of unlicensed wineries the site environment (Table 6). (processing 500 tonnes of grapes or the Public Register less) across fi ve wine regions of the In 2004–05, 49 Freedom of Information state for vintage 2005. applications and 198 Public Register requests were received (Table 5). The audits provided a snapshot of the Public Register enquiries that do not environmental management systems require documentation are treated in these facilities. Prior to the audits, as information requests and are not the South Australian Wine Industry recorded. It is estimated that there Association (SAWIA), with support were up to 400 such enquiries (the from the EPA, conducted three half- same as 2003–04) during 2004–05. day regional seminars in October and November to help unlicensed wineries comply with environmental legislation and to improve their environmental Table 5 Freedom of Information applications and Public Register requests performance. 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 The EPA found problems in some wineries that may lead to breaches of Freedom of Information 11 48 49 the Water Quality EPP. These included insuffi cient bunding of tank farms and Public Register 158 138 198 chemical storage, and inadequate solid and liquid waste management facilities. Table 6 Inspections of licensed premises The audits also noted a lack of written procedures for handling emergency Performance indicators 2002–03 2003–04 2003–04 situations (to mitigate risk to the environment), staff environmental Number of inspections of 1,082 1,021 1,460 awareness training, and recording licensed premises of waste production, environmental incidents and complaints in many of Number of authorisations 1,964 1,986 1,997 these facilities. Number of active ozone authorisations 3,956 3,570 3,808 All the audited wineries were very (accreditations and exemptions) cooperative and attentive to the issues No. of section 7 enquiries/responses *A: 54,579 *A: 54,848 *A: 52,080 found by the EPA. Many gave positive (as required under Land and Business *M: 1,727 *M: 1,838 *M: 2,273 feedback on the environmental seminars (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994) and audit program. Some of the facilities have already improved their *A–automatic enquiries to the Lands Titles Offi ce database involve perusal of the section environmental management systems 7 information maintained by the EPA. M–manual enquiries require an EPA offi cer search made upon request by the Lands Titles Offi ce.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 43 Pollution complaints line Table 7 Number of complaints received by EPA
The EPA maintains a pollution Type of complaint 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 complaints line—8204 2004, or Freecall 1800 623 445 for callers outside the Air quality 1842 2049 2581 metropolitan area—to receive calls Air and noise n.a. 158 163 about environmental concerns (Table 7). Noise 1400 1655 1231 Depending on the nature of the call, Marine pollution 18 33 32 the EPA’s response may be to: Other 62 263 247 • provide information to theicaller Water* 175 368 284 (verbal advice or mailing of Waste 483 369 406 information) • register a formal complaint for Total 3980 4895 4944 follow-up by an authorised offi cer • refer the caller to other agencies *Most water complaints are handled directly by local government. and bodies.
From an EPA perspective, the option of • a local government support function CARES mediation has provided a mechanism to within the EPA help a complainant resolve a confl ict. • the formation of a subcommittee The on-line Complaints and Reports of Due to the confi dential nature of the of the Board of the EPA which will Environmental Signifi cance (CARES) process, fi rm data on the success or prepare a formal agreement with database has now been operating for otherwise of this approach is not the LGA to facilitate cooperation three years. A mapping function has available. However, the EPA surveyed and participation by both spheres recently been added to CARES following customer satisfaction with its Customer of government in the management suggestions from EPA staff and local Services Desk to assist in evaluating government offi cers. There was a 1% and protection of South Australia’s the service. The results of that survey environment. increase in complaints received by the should be available by September 2005. EPA during 2004–05 over the previous year. It is expected that once the EPA and Local government support local government have accepted the In addition to EPA users, there are 14 formal agreement, councils will be councils and one other government Since 1997 the LGA, councils and the approached to become administering agency that regularly use the database. EPA have explored the shared provision agencies. They will use the provisions of environment protection services. of the Act to provide environment This has included: protection services to their communities Community mediation • preparing a draft discussion paper (including cost recovery) as an on sharing environment protection alternative to the other legislative tools The EPA receives many less serious responsibilities (1997) already administered by councils. complaints through its pollution • making submissions to the complaints line, which is maintained Environment, Resources and The existing Local Government Support by the Customer Services Desk. The EPA Development Committee of Parliament Package will be further developed and continues to recommend mediation maintained. Local government support as the initial way to resolve pollution (1999) • engaging consultants to undertake will: complaints, particularly those arising • promote the need for consistent from domestic activities. In many cases, three studies—a survey of councils’ attitudes, a study of interstate compliance and enforcement enforcement of the Act could be seen standards across the state by as heavy-handed and does little to help models for sharing environmental administering agency staff and other relations between neighbours. responsibilities and a fi nal report that synthesised the outcomes of the fi rst authorised persons • encourage the community to resolve The EPA has an arrangement with two studies (2000) problems themselves if possible, in Community Mediation Services (CMS) • a trial in which three councils preference to involving authorities to assist with managing pollution shared the provision of environment and, eventually, enforcement complaints from residential and some protection services with the EPA in non-licensed commercial premises. their respective areas (2001–02). • coordinate the provision of technical CMS can provide trained and skilled advice and training to council mediators to help resolve disputes. The All the above were used to develop a authorised offi cers and delegates to EPA provided fi nancial assistance to legislative and non-legislative package enable them to meet their obligations CMS for the production of brochures on that includes: as administering agencies under the the benefi ts of mediation and how to • amendments to the Act through Act. become involved in the process. the Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2005
44 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Compliance and Enforcement
EPA-PIRSA Memorandum Illegal dumping in On 31 January 2005, the EPA imposed licence conditions on dust emissions. of Understanding South Australia Although not required by the Act, the EPA consulted the local community on In June 1999 the EPA and the A large number of illegal waste depot these conditions. OneSteel appealed Petroleum and Minerals Groups of PIRSA sites have been found, particularly on against the imposition of these signed a Memorandum of Understanding the outskirts of Adelaide, as a result of conditions in the ERD Court. (MoU) about environmental regulation increased site inspections in country of the petroleum and mineral industry. areas. Consequently, more environment OneSteel has proposed Project The MoU was to provide a framework protection orders, expiation notices Magnet to substantially reduce red for PIRSA and the EPA to effi ciently and formal warning letters have been dust emissions from the pellet plant. regulate the environmental performance issued for illegal dumping. Preliminary Project Magnet aims to replace the of the mining and petroleum industries investigation by the EPA has discovered dry processing equipment at the pellet in South Australia. that waste is illegally dumped for a plant by importing magnetite slurry variety of reasons, including: concentrate from the mine site for direct A review of the MoU began in March • limited community and industry feed to the pellet plant. This process 2003, proposed that the revised knowledge and understanding will, in all likelihood, substantially agreement would cover administrative of waste fi ll criteria specifi ed in reduce dust emissions from the pellet arrangements for petroleum, minerals Regulations under the Act plant. As part of Project Magnet, and mining, milling and treatment of • increased disposal costs at landfi lls OneSteel proposes to increase its iron radioactive ores. The administrative • demolition and earth moving ore exports through a transhipping arrangements will clarify to all parties companies convincing landowners to facility that will operate from the pellet their legislative responsibilities; they illegally accept material so that the plant wharf. OneSteel has obtained the necessary environmental approvals for will also establish criteria to facilitate company avoids transport costs and the project. consultation on how best to assess the fees at authorised landfi lls. environmental effects of petroleum An Unauthorised Waste Depot Register The Government has indicated that and mining operations, and to develop it intends to introduce a Bill into a process for imposing consistent has been compiled to identify and assess all unauthorised waste depots Parliament to amend the Broken Hill obligations for the petroleum and Proprietary Company’s Steelworks mineral industry. across the state. The Register will allow the EPA to deal with all known illegal Indenture Act 1958. It is understood sites on a priority basis and to monitor that the amendments will propose a ten- The EPA and the Petroleum Group sites where waste has been deposited in year environmental licence to be issued of PIRSA signed an administrative the past. to OneSteel Pty Ltd upon confi rmation agreement in November 2003. The EPA of commencement of Project Magnet. and the Minerals Group of PIRSA will To date, 144 unauthorised sites are This licence will replace the existing continue to negotiate and hope to listed on the Register. Of these, 70 are EPA licence and will not be subject to fi nalise an administrative agreement old sites that had been noted by the variation for the duration of the licence, in the latter half of 2005. South Australian Waste Management except with the consent of OneSteel or Commission before 1995. The EPA has at the direction of Parliament. It is also EPA-DAIS Memorandum of identifi ed a further 74 sites of which understood that under the terms of the Indenture Bill, the EPA will be charged Understanding 34 have been resolved. A further four sites are before the ERD Court, eight are with the continuing administration and being dealt with by the EPA directly and enforcement of the licence. The EPA and Workplace Services (WS) of a further 24 will be addressed using a the Department for Administrative and risk-based approach. Zinifex Information Services (DAIS) have begun Zinifex is one of the world’s largest to develop an MoU to develop a working integrated zinc and lead companies. relationship that will assist the EPA and Key point source A program to reduce the lead levels in WS to achieve consistent and effi cient pollution programs the blood of young children is focusing compliance where the obligations and on sources of oxidised forms of lead responsibilities of the parties overlap. OneSteel that are highly bioavailable. Specifi cally, It is proposed that the agreement During 2004–05, fi ne particle levels emissions from the slag fumer and kilns would be an administrative arrangement 3 area are being targeted. Zinifex has (measured as PM10) exceeded 50 µg/m that will clarify to all parties their on 24 recorded occasions at Walls Street entered into a three-year environment responsibilities under legislation. to 30 June 2005. This site has been improvement program that addresses: designated as the site to measure the • better understanding of the slag The EPA and WS will negotiate and performance of OneSteel in controlling fumer operation fi nalise the MoU and administrative iron ore dust emissions and their effects • improving the mechanical integrity agreement in the latter half of 2005. on the adjacent community. of the slag fumer and kilns plant • a total cleanup of the slag fumer and kilns plant.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 45 In addition, a statistician has been Adelaide Brighton Cement has Management Authority (Western) contracted to determine whether there committed to action through an EIP the landowner Land Management is a relationship between ambient lead that will achieve compliance with the Corporation (LMC) and the EPA to enter levels and lead levels in the blood requirements of its licence and the into an environmental performance of young children. If there is such a general environmental duty. The major agreement for closure, rehabilitation relationship, it will assist the EPA to focus of the EIP over the next three and post-closure activities for the waste further refi ne licence conditions, so years is on reducing dust emissions. depot on Garden Island. requiring Zinifex to progressively reduce Approximately $12 million has been ambient lead levels. committed for dust management. The The closure plan for Garden Island was EIP is progressive and the fi rst stage developed and accepted in principle Castalloy (Ion Automotive Pty Ltd, will commence during the new fi nancial by all parties in 2002. The capping North Plympton) year. implementation plan was then drafted, Castalloy’s appeal to the ERD Court in the aspects of which, after being relation to an environment protection The EPA has monitored ground level discussed and negotiated, have now order and licence issued in 2003 has hot spots in the Birkenhead area for been accepted by all stakeholders. carried over into 2004–05 and at year’s approximately 12 months. This ambient end remained unresolved. monitoring was performed to compare The environment performance emissions from all sources in the region agreement—refl ecting milestones, The company’s appeall—specifi cally with the air quality NEPM criteria. responsibilities and timeframes as licence conditions that address odour negotiated in both the closure and and noise emissions from the site An additional dust sampling program capping implementation plans—as well —has been the main focus of ERD was undertaken by the EPA in the as fi nancial commitments by Western Court conference proceedings which residential area adjacent to Adelaide and LMC have been fi nalised. All have continued throughout 2004–05. Brighton Cement to determine: documents are currently with Western’s A community representative was • the composition of the dust member councils for endorsement and it successful in joining the appeal and has • its source (this is particularly is anticipated that the proceedings will been involved in all court proceedings. important as there are other potential be fi nalised in the ERD Court early in sources on the LeFevre Peninsula) the new fi nancial year. The conference proceedings and • on the advice of Department of information about the appeal have Health, whether the dust poses a risk Penrice Soda Products been subject to strict confi dentiality to the health of residents. Penrice has a set of environmental requirements, restricting the EPA’s management strategies in place with ability to communicate the nature of The EPA and Adelaide Brighton Cement the EPA to deal with both air quality these activities to parties external continue to put signifi cant effort and (particularly dust) and water quality to the process. An administrator was resources into testing alternative fuels (particularly ammonia and suspended appointed to ION Limited, Castalloy’s and raw materials used in their cement solids). parent company, in December 2004 kilns at both Birkenhead and Angaston. and they have maintained the appeal. The process approved by the EPA to The company’s solids recycling plant, Since that time, signifi cant discussions investigate alternative fuels and raw commissioned in April 2001, has have been held between the EPA and materials was developed in consultation contributed to a signifi cant (20- the administrator, and a resin trial with Adelaide Brighton Cement in fold) reduction in suspended solid was conducted at the North Plympton 2001–02, and is included as a condition concentrations discharged into the Port premises. A second trial of the same on Adelaide Brighton Cement’s licence. River, maintaining an operating target resin is being conducted in July and The trials involve gathering emissions well below the licence limit. Stack dust August 2005 to better assess its data which will be assessed against emissions have been reduced during economic and environmental impacts. established baseline data. 2004–05 with a number of projects completed under the site EIP. A three- The administrator, community The use of alternative fuels in cement stage improvement plan for No. 1 milk representative and the EPA are manufacturing is helping Adelaide of lime exemption EIP was completed considering a proposal to resolve the Brighton Cement reduce its effects on and now complies with the air quality licence appeal, but it is not clear the environment and improve its overall policy limit of 250 mg/m3 particulates. whether this will be accepted by all environmental performance. Alternative Strategies to manage Penrice’s parties in its current form. The licence fuels and raw materials provide a environmental performance include: a appeal will be active until the end of waste management solution for the fi ve-year site EIP to be completed by August 2005, which is the expiry date community and reduce the use of non- 31 October 2006; an ammonia reduction of the current licence. renewable resources. EIP with two stages to be completed by 31 December 2006; and an ongoing Adelaide Brighton Cement Garden Island coastal waters monitoring program The EPA maintains a continuous During a compulsory ERD Court with EPA audit review and independent dialogue with Adelaide Brighton Cement conference in August 2001, agreement verifi cation. for the management and minimisation was reached between the previous of both point source and fugitive operator, Western Region Waste emissions from the Birkenhead facility.
46 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Compliance and Enforcement
Emergency response &IGURE %MERGENCY RESPONSE INCIDENTS REPORTED BY TYPE
The EPA responds to emergency 2ADIATION #HEMICAL SPILL pollution incidents when notifi ed -ISCELLANEOUS through the EPA’s emergency 24-hour 7ATER MAINS (AZ WASTE pager number. Emergency responses are of three types (Figure 15): • whole-of-government procedure, 4RANSPORT SPILL known as the ‘Blue Book’, which deals with spills or leaks of hazardous substances onto land or into non- marine waters and is coordinated by emergency services (police, fi re, technical adviser) /IL SPILL &IRES • national response plan, which deals !SBESTOS .OISE with oil or chemical spills at sea, and 3EWAGE !IR EMISSIONS is coordinated by the Marine Group of the Department for Transport and Urban Planning • other environmental incidents that do &IGURE %MERGENCY RESPONSE SOURCE OF CALLS not trigger either of these emergency /THER -ETRO &IRE response systems, including incidents 0ATAWALONGA reported by EPA licence holders, and 0UBLIC #&3 some incidents reported by members of the public through the pollution complaints line that require an 4ECHNICAL immediate assessment by the EPA. !DVISOR During 2004–05, the EPA responded to 135 incidents through its emergency pollution incident response system, %0! 3TAFF an increase of two incidents over the 0OLICE previous year. Most calls came from #OUNCILS licence holders and emergency services, and often involved an oil spill or a ,ICENCE (OLDERS transport incident (Figure 16). More calls were received from the public as a result of changing the response criteria. Table 8 Environment protection orders Some examples include: • a Patawalonga incident where several EPOs recorded 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 calls were received from the public as a result of numerous dead fi sh EPA 141 79 52 being found in the lake—the EPA Police 264 309 309 coordinated the initial response to this Councils no record no record 49 incident • a transport incident where the Country Fire Service responded to a report of Environment herbicide leaking from a drum during transport—advice was given as to how protection orders to contain and dispose of the herbicide • several incidents where, as a result Environment protection orders (EPOs) (iii) a condition of an environmental of transport incidents, fuel such as (Table 8) can be issued by authorised authorisation; or diesel or petrol had escaped onto offi cers under s93 (1) of the Act for the (iv) a condition of a beverage the roadway and could have polluted following purposes: container approval; or waterways (a) for the purpose of securing (v) any other requirement imposed • the rollover of a truck carrying a large compliance with: by or under this Act; or amount of kiln dust in a country (i) the general environmental (b) for the purpose of giving effect area—advice was given on how to duty; or to an environment protection policy. contain and clean it up. (ii) mandatory provisions of an environment protection policy; or
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 47 Table 9 Cases completed in ERD Court 2004–05 Police offi cers are authorised under the Act and use EPOs to deal with Offender name Charges complaints about noise from domestic premises. Some local government Kangaroo Island Council —various Seven charges of breaching conditions offi cers are authorised under the breaches of EPA authorisations relating of EPA authorisation Act, but this authority is limited to to waste depots during 2002 the council area in which they are Guilty plea to all counts, conviction employed. recorded and fi ned $75,000
Trans Adelaide—overfl ow of diesel Cause serious environmental harm Enforcement and from Adelaide rail yards into recklessly investigations Torrens Lake Guilty plea, conviction recorded The Investigations Branch investigated and fi ned $120,000 32 pollution related incidents, including Cromatec Pty Ltd—Failing to complete Breach of licence conditions fi ve from the previous year. For 12 of details of waste tracking forms as these matters there was insuffi cient required Guilty plea, conviction recorded evidence available to pursue a charge and fi ned $6,000 or prove that no offence under the Act had been committed. Eight of the matters were fi nalised by the issuing Table 10 Cases proceeding in various courts 2004–05 of environment protection orders and or expiation notices. At year’s end, the Alleged offender name Charges alleged branch was investigating eight active Adelaide Brighton Cement Pty Ltd Alleged discharge of oily bilge water from vessel matters and the Crown Solicitor’s Offi ce Accolade in Port River—14 and 17 October 2002 (CSO) was reviewing seven matters to determine whether suffi cient evidence Charge: discharge oily mixture into state waters is available to lay charges. S8 of the PMW (POPS) Act The branch also investigated three Matter is before the Port Adelaide matters related to the Radiation Magistrates Court Protection & Control Act. One matter is now before the Adelaide Magistrates Dinko Tuna Farmers Pty Ltd Alleged discharge of an oily mixture into state waters at Port Lincoln, January 2003 Court, one is with the CSO under review, from a vessel, contrary to S8 of the and no enforcement action was taken PMW (POPS) Act in relation to the other matter. During the year, the Investigation Branch was Matter is before the Port Lincoln also involved in investigating three Magistrates Court incidents pursuant to Protection of Marine Waters (Prevention of Pollution Spleithoffs (Netherlands Alleged discharged of an oily mixture into state from Ships) Act 1987. Two of these registered company) waters near Outer Harbour, August 2003, from matters are under review by the CSO a vessel, contrary to S8 of the PMW (POPS) Act and no enforcement action was taken Matter is before the Port Adelaide in the other matter. Matters under this Magistrates Court Act come under the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, Ross Dawkins Alleged receiving of waste without an EPA but are investigated as a result of authorisation S36 of Act and causing material requests from that department. environmental harm, S80 (2) of the Act Three matters were completed in the Matter is before the ERD Court ERD Court and are shown in Table 9. There are six matters ongoing Peter Mitchell Alleged receiving of waste without an EPA in various courts (refer Table 10). authorisation S36 of Act and causing material environmental harm, S80 (2) of the Act
Matter is before the ERD Court
Richard Crowley Alleged use of an ionising apparatus without holding authorisation under Radiation Protection & Control Act
Matter is before the Adelaide Magistrates Court
48 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS
The Corporate and Business Support A new radiation licensing system was amendments, but otherwise suggested (CABS) Division supports the EPA implemented in April 2005 as a module that the reforms were well received with administration and facilities of the GENI (General ENvironmental by those accountable and the initial management, fi nancial and budget Information) system, using newer intention of increased awareness and management, human resource technologies. GENI is a web-based responsibility for budget management services and development, and system, which can be accessed by all across the agency was largely achieved. information technology development staff in the EPA, including regional and maintenance. The division has a offi ces. The previous radiation licensing Another outcome of signifi cance number of corporate responsibilities to system was over 20 years old and was included the assessment and provide input into whole-of-government not meeting the needs of the Radiation implementation of the Australian processes and reporting requirements on Protection Division and its clients. GENI equivalent of the International Financial behalf of the EPA. has a built-in workfl ow to manage the Reporting Standards. Final training business process, better reports and a will be delivered early in the new year. Information technology much quicker and more effi cient renewal The fi nance risk assessment project process. was also commenced with the aim, The Information Technology Unit (ITU) not only to analyse the process risks, A spatial interface was developed has developed a number of signifi cant but also to drive the planning process for CARES (Complaints And Reports initiatives this year as part of the for the branch over the coming years. of Environmental Signifi cance) the implementation of the IT strategic plan. This is seen as not only a step toward EPA’s complaints management system. improved risk management, but also Incidents, callers and alleged breaches ELMO (ELectronic reporting of as a forward planning tool for staff. It MOnitoring data) was implemented in under the Act are spatially mapped to help staff manage them. will be instrumental in future audit and September 2004. As part of their licence planning processes. conditions, some EPA licensees are required to submit regular monitoring The ITU helped set up the networking and IT infrastructure for a new offi ce Key outcomes for accommodation reports. A pilot program was developed works were the completion of to receive the data online using ELMO area on Level 2 of SA Water House, and also to establish a purpose-built refurbishments in the main CBD from a small group of our licensees, building, including accommodation for wineries and councils (STEDS). ELMO permanent IT training facility on Level the site contamination group, and the accepts data in a standard format and 6. This will be used to train users of the establishment of an in-house training there is intelligence built into the forms various core-business IT applications facility. These facilities can be used for validation. Licensees can choose to used throughout the EPA. by up to 70 staff in a group setting, use this or a facility in ELMO to upload or approximately 12 for computer- monitoring reports in Word, Excel or any The ITU has now taken on responsibility other format. for providing GIS services and will related training. They will be cheaper develop a GIS strategy for the EPA in to operate than hiring alternative Radiation licensing and registration 2005–06. facilities. application forms can now be sent to the EPA electronically through e-ELF Finance and administration A greening initiative established in (electronic Environment Licensing 2004–05 was the development and Forms). e-ELF is a web based system The 2004–05 year was again one introduction of GoGO (Greening of which accepts application forms and of review and improvement for the Government Operations). Key targets has e-commerce facilities for payment Finance and Administration Branch. such as energy, fl eet management and of fees and invoices. Its usage for After implementation of major budget recycling were reported monthly to the environment licensing application forms reforms in the 2003–04 year, a review Executive Group and EPA staff. This was and renewals continues to increase. was undertaken to ensure these reforms well received and resulted in improved were well understood across the EPA. fl eet management. The review highlighted some minor
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 49 The plan for the 2005–06 year Consultancies incorporates projects aligned with the key functions performed by the branch. Table 11 Controlled entity consultancies These include: • administrative services Value of consultancies let No. of consultancies Expenditure • fi nancial services 2003–04 2004–05 2003–04 2004–05 • business systems • advice and training Below $10,000 12 2 40,730 11,791 • governance. $10,001–50,000 5 2 100,827 48,293 Above $50,000 5 2 335,008 162,558 Achievements in 2004–05 included a Total 22 6 476,565 222,642 review of records management methods Below $10,000 by undertaking an internal audit No. of consultants in this category: 2 Value of consultants in this category: $11,791 and developing a self-improvement Between $10,001–50,000 matrix; development of policies and procedures; adoption of further control No. of consultants in this category: 2 Value of consultants in this category: $48,293 and communications processes for BDA Group Policy Mix Review for the Mount Lofty budget and fi nancial management; and Watershed development of induction and training CSIRO Environmental impacts of acid In-Situ resources for staff. It is anticipated Leach Mining Process that the training resources will be Above $50,000 operational by 2006–07 and will ensure No. of consultants in this category: 2 Value of consultants in this category: $162,558 that staff understand the fi nance and administrative processes they are BDA Group Evaluation of Options for the SA EPA responsible for. Licence Fee Structure URS Australia Radioactive Waste Store Feasibility Study Fraud Administered entity consultancies Value of consultancies let No. of consultancies Expenditure No instances of fraud were detected 2003–04 2004–05 2003–04 2004–05 in the EPA during this fi nancial year. A fi nancial risk assessment project Below $10,000 – – – – commenced during 2004–05. The $10,001–50,000 – – – – project is assessing each fi nancial Above $50,000 1 1 795,790 476,859 process, looking at the risks associated Total 1 1 795,790 476,859 with it, along with where effi ciencies may be implemented. This project Below $10,000 will therefore examine whether new No. of consultants in this category: nil Value of consultants in this category: nil strategies are required to control and Between $10,001–50,000 prevent fraud No. of consultants in this category: nil Value of consultants in this category: nil in the future. Above $50,000 No. of consultants in this category: 1 Value of consultants in this category: $476,859 CSIRO Adelaide Coastal Waters Study
Table 12 Accounts payable performance
Particulars Number of Percentage of Value in $A of Percentage of accounts paid accounts paid accounts paid accounts paid (by number) (by value)
Paid by the due date* 7,231 91% 11,137,244 89%
Paid within 30 days or 559 7% 1,029,449 8% less from due date
Paid more than 30 days 172 2% 333,322 3% from due date
*Note: The due date is defi ned as per section 11.2 of Treasurer’s Instruction 11 Payment of Accounts. Unless there is a discount or a written agreement between the public authority and the creditor, payment should be within thirty days of the date of the invoice or the date the invoice is fi rst received by the public authority.
50 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Organisational Support and Systems
Contractual arrangements Table 13 Employee numbers, gender and status During the 2004–05 fi nancial year the EPA did not enter into any contractual 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 arrangements where the value of an individual contract exceeded $4 Persons 203 219 222 million. FTEs 195.66 214.45 214.91 2003–04 2004–05 Accounts payment performance Both the State Government benchmark Gender % Person % FTEs % Person % FTEs of paying 90% of invoices within 30 days and the performance target for Female 45.21 44.44 44.14 43.05 the Environment and Conservation Male 54.79 55.56 55.86 56.95 Portfolio of paying 85% of invoices Turnover* 2003–04 2004–05 before the due date has been achieved in 2004–05. This is an improvement on 14.16% 10.81% the 2003–04 performance where the EPA did not meet the Portfolio target. *Turnover is the ratio of staff who have left the EPA to the number of emplolyed staff.
(Table 12) 2003–04 2004–05
Executive employment, Number of people who left the agency 31 24 staff employment and other Number of people recruited to the agency 49 33 human resource matters 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05
Number of vacancies fi lled during 2004–2005 has seen developments and the fi nancial year 26 70 63 new initiatives in human resources. Number of people on leave without A key focus has been to build on pay at 30 June 5 1 5 the foundations of HR systems and processes established in the preceding year. The improvements &IGURE .UMBER OF STAFF LEAVING %0! have streamlined HR administration and increased our capacity to provide high level consultancy and advice, a service which is being well used by managers and employees. Additional tools, guidelines and templates were developed and training was provided so managers can improve recruitment and selection processes and outcomes. We have fi ne-tuned data collection and 2ESIGNATION reporting to support improved human 4RANSFER TO resource management. /THER !GENCY Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare has been a priority area for the EPA this fi nancial year, with considerable progress achieved on the OHSW Action Plan. The OSHW Committee has been reviewed and revitalised with new members and new terms of reference. #ORPORATE -ONITORING /PERATIONS 0OLICY #OORD 0OLLUTION 2ADIATION OHSW training programs were conducted "USINESS 3UPPORT %VALUAION 3TRAT 3ERVICES !VOIDANCE 0ROTECTION for executive, managers, health and $IVISION safety representatives and the OHSW Committee. Training for all other employees is scheduled for the next fi nancial year. We have established a consultative process to develop a suite of OHSW policies; the initial policies have been fi nalised.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 51 Table 14 Number of employees by salary bracket A leadership development program has been established and is set to 2003–04 2004–05 commence early in the new fi nancial year. This program promises to be Salary bracket Male Female Total Male Female Total challenging and innovative, and will enhance the skills of existing leaders $0–38,599 5 22 27 5 9 14 and develop future leaders. All staff $38,600–$49,999 15 17 32 14 28 42 were trained in ethics awareness, and $50,000–$65,999 70 47 117 71 49 120 the Public Service Code of Conduct was $66,000–$85,999 25 13 38 28 12 40 distributed to each employee. $86,000+ 5 0 5 6 0 6 The accompanying tables and graphs TOTAL 120 99 219 124 98 222 provide a picture of the EPA’s workforce and indicate changes across recent years. Table 15 Status of employees in current position Workforce diversity FTEs Ongoing Short-term Long-term Casual Total Recognising the value of workforce contract contract diversity and the benefi ts it brings to a workforce which is representative of the Female 57.85 27.96 6.7 0 92.51 community that it serves, the following Male 97.4 15 11 0 122.4 section provides information on the composition of the EPA’s workforce. Total 155.25 42.96 17.7 0 214.91
People Ongoing Short-term Long-term Casual Total contract contract
Female 61 30 7 0 98 Male 99 14 11 0 124
Total 160 44 18 0 222
Executivers Table 16 Number of executives by status in current position, gender and classifi cation
2003–04 2004–05
Class Total Ongoing Contract Contract Total tenured tenured
Male Female Total Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Total
ExecA 3 0 3 3 2 5 5 ExecC 2 0 2 1 1 1
Total 5 0 5 3 3 6 6
Leave management
Table 17 Average days leave taken per full time equivalent employee
Leave type 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05
Sick leave taken 5.84 5.95 7.33 Family carer’s leave taken 0.54 0.56 .45 Special leave with pay 0.28 0.48 .41
52 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Organisational Support and Systems
Indigenous employees Age profi le An Aboriginal person is defi ned as Table 18 Number of employees by age bracket by gender a person who is a descendant of an
Indigenous inhabitant of Australia, 2003–04 2004–05 or identifi es as Aboriginal. Age bracket % of total Female Male Total % of total SA workforce* A Torres Strait Islander is someone who is a descendant of a Torres Strait 15–19 0 0 0 0 0 7.4 Islander, or a traditional inhabitant of 20–24 1.83 4 1 5 2.25 11.3 the Torres Strait Islands. (Table 19) 25–29 15.53 23 12 35 15.77 10.0 30–34 18.72 16 16 32 14.41 10.7 35–39 14.61 19 20 39 17.57 11.1 40–44 12.79 16 14 30 13.51 12.2 45–49 10.05 6 18 24 10.81 12.3 50–54 12.33 6 17 23 10.36 11.3 55–59 12.33 7 22 29 13.06 8.1 60–64 1.83 1 4 5 2.25 4.0 65+ 0 0 0 0 0 1.6
Total 100 98 124 222 100.00 100.0
* as at February 2005 from ABS Supertable LM8
Indigenous employees Table 19 Number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees
2003–04 2004–05
% of Male Female Total % of Strategic agency agency benchmark*
Aboriginal/Torres 0.46 1 0 1 0.44 2.0% Strait Islander
* Benchmark from SA’s Strategic Plan
Disability
Table 20 Number of employees with ongoing disabilities requiring workplace adaptation
2003–04 2004–05
% of agency Male Female Total % of agency
1.37 3 1 4 2.00%
Cultural and linguistic diversity
Table 21 Cultural and linguistic diversity
2003–04 2004–05
Total % Total % SA of agency Male Female of agency community*
No. of employees 18.26 17 20 16.67 20.3% born overseas No. of employees who 0.91 0 0 0 15.5% speak language(s) other than English at home
TOTAL 19.18 17 20 16.67
* ABS Publication Basic Community Profi le (SA) Cat No. 2001.0
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 53 Table 22 Number of employees using voluntary fl exible working • Records management training was arrangements by gender provided to support the planned audit of records management. 2003–04 2004–05 • The Environment Forums series was run monthly and was alternately Total Male Female Total presented by people from within the EPA and from other agencies. Purchased leave 3 0 1 1 Flexitime 205 116 91 207 These forums were well attended and Compressed weeks 1 0 1 1 provided a mechanism for keeping Part-time job share 3 1 3 4 people up to date on trends in the Working from home 7 2 6 8 environment fi eld and work being done by the agency.
Voluntary fl exible • All staff were trained in ethics Evaluation of training programs is working arrangements awareness and the public service code part of the learning cycle as well EPA staff have access to fl exitime, and of conduct was issued to all employees as a mechanism to assess the EPA’s a number of staff work part time and in conjunction with the performance investment in HRD. Course participants in job-share arrangements. In addition, development and review process. complete evaluation forms at the end several employees use purchased leave. These programs build on work from of each course, and the performance previous years, including workplace management system provides a means Human resource development dignity, to ensure everyone is aware of judging whether staff have gained The EPA’s planned approach to of their rights and responsibilities. the skills and capabilities necessary human resource development (HRD) to be more effective in their roles as has continued during 2004–05. The • The Executive, managers, the OHSW a result of the course. Learning and Development Plan (L&D) Committee and health and safety for the year aligned with the objectives representatives were trained in OHSW. The following tables indicate inputs in the Corporate and Business Support • Operations Division staff, and staff used to assist in assessing EPA’s Division’s Business Plan, which in turn in other divisions who deal with EPA investment in HRD. aligned with the EPA Strategic Plan. clients, were trained in client service. The L&D Plan incorporated information from individual development plans, which were completed as part of the Table 23 Documented individual performance development plan 2003–04 performance and development reviews (P&DR). The capability-based 2003–04 2004–05 approach to the P&DR provided a useful summary of the skills and skill gaps of % with a plan % with a plan employees. Data from exit interviews negotiated negotiated % with a plan was also analysed and fi ndings within the past within the past older than incorporated into HRD planning. Salary bracket 12 months 12 months 12 months % no plan
HRD policies provide a framework for $0–38,599 72.8 66.67 23.81 9.52 $38,600–49,999 76.3 71.74 17.39 10.87 HRD in the EPA to ensure equality of $50,000–65,999 60.5 73.33 15.00 11.67 access to opportunities, to encourage $66,000–85,999 76.5 82.05 12.82 5.13 consideration of a fl exible range of staff $86,000+ 100 100 0 0 development approaches and to assist managers take a planned approach to Total 67.9 74.46 15.58 9.96 developing their staff.
HRD initiatives from 2004–05 include: Table 24 Training expenditure as a percentage of total remuneration expenditure • A Leadership Development Program by salary bands was established in line with the EPA Strategic Plan and will commence in 2003–04 2004–05 the new fi nancial year. The program Salary bracket Actual 2003–04 Target 2004–05 Actual 2004–05 Target 2005–06 will enhance the skills of existing leaders and develop future leaders. It $0–38,599 3.50% 3.0% 3.46% 3.5% was designed to link to an executive $38,600–49,999 3.35% 3.0% 2.73% 3.5% focus program developed for the EPA $50,000–65,999 2.88% 3.0% 3.20% 3.5% Executive team. $66,000–85,999 2.50% 3.0% 3.67% 3.5% $86,000+ 2.36% 3.0% 3.04% 3.5%
Total 2.85% 3.0% 3.23% 3.5%
54 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Organisational Support and Systems
Equal employment Table 25 OHS&W statistics opportunity programs EPA has worked with the Public Service 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 1 OHS&W legislative requirements Disability Recruitment Coordination Services and has considered referrals Number of notifi able occurrences pursuant to – 1 – for vacant positions. OHSW Regulations Division 6.6
Number of notifi able injuries pursuant to OHSW – – – Aboriginal reconciliation Regulations Division 6.6 As part of the South Australian Government’s recognition of the Number of notices served pursuant to OHSW Act – – – interests of the Aboriginal people s35, s39 and s40 through the reconciliation process, 2 Injury management legislative requirements the EPA would like to acknowledge the profound connection to land by Total number of employees who participated 1 1 – Aboriginal people and communities in the rehabilitation program across the state. The EPA has started to use a Kaurna acknowledgment Total number of employees rehabilitated – – – and reassigned to alternative duties statement at meetings, including the EPA Round-table 2005 conference. Total number of employees rehabilitated 1 1 – back to their original work To increase awareness of Aboriginal 3 WorkCover action limits heritage and culture a native title and aboriginal heritage awareness session Number of open claims as at 30 June 2 – – was held for EPA employees during Percentage of workers compensation 0.05% 0.05% 0.008% 2004–05. expenditure over gross annual remuneration
Occupational health, safety, welfare 4 Number of claims and injury management Number of new workers compensation claims 2 1 2 EPA has progressed with the in the fi nancial year development and implementation of occupational health, safety and welfare Number of: fatalities – – – (OHS&W) systems and processes to meet lost time injuries 1 – 2 legislative and agency requirements. injuries needing medical treatment 1 1 – To assist in this process, the EPA has Total number of whole working days lost 5 10 6 appointed an OHS&W Coordinator. The EPA OHS&W Committee Structure 5 Cost of workers compensation and Terms of Reference have been Cost of new claims for fi nancial year $2201 $2219 $1155 reviewed, resulting in the re-defi ning Cost of all claims excluding lump sum payments $5291 $7117 $1155 of OHS&W work groups and the election of health & safety representatives. An Amount paid for lump sum payments s42 – – – independent OHS&W systems audit was (s42, s43, s44) s43 – – – completed early in 2004–05 culminating s44 – – – an OHS&W action plan that has been Total amount recovered from external sources (s54) – – endorsed by Executive. The action plan Budget allocation for workers compensation – – is a comprehensive document that contains items that will be addressed 6 Trends over the next two years and is being Injury frequency rate for new lost-time injury/ 2.7 2.1 5.1 monitored by the OHS&W Committee. disease for each million hours worked
Most frequent cause (mechanism) of injury Sound & Work Trip, slip, pressure pressure fall Most expensive cause (mechanism) of injury Sound & Work Trip, slip, pressure pressure fall on level surface 7 Meeting the organisation’s strategic targets
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 55 Table 26 Workers compensation
Financial year 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05
Cost of new claims for fi nancial year $2201.00 $2219.43 $1154.85 Cost of pre current fi nancial year claims $4898.00 $0.00 Total claims expenditure fi nancial year $5291.00 $7117.18 $1154.85 Claims as percentage of salaries and wages ($14,812,838) .05% 0.05% 0.008% Injury frequency rate for new claims: 2 new claims for 217 FTEs 2.7* 2.1* 5.1* Most expensive cause of new injury— sprain/strain to knee $2201.00 $2219.43 $1154.85 Most frequent cause of new injury— trip slip & fall Days lost 5 10 6
* Number of injuries per 1,000,000 hrs worked
&IGURE 7ORKERS COMPENSATIONANNUAL TRENDS
.EW #LAIMS /LD #LAIMS 4OTAL #LAIMS
&IGURE 7ORKERS COMPENSATIONHAZARDINCIDENT REPORTS
!NNUAL TRENDS
n
n
.UMBER OF INCIDENTS
4YPE OF INCIDENT /THER OBJECTS "IOLOGICAL %RGONOMICS
#LIENT AGGRESSION 6EHICLE ACCIDENTS -ANUAL HANDLING 3ECURITYVANDALISM3LIPS TRIPS FALLS#ONTACT W %XPOSURE TO CHEMICALS%XPOSURE TO HEATCOLD
%XPOSURE TO FUMESSMOKEDUST "LDG OR EQUIPT FAILUREMAINTENANCE Notes: Reporting of hazards, incidents and injuries has increased due to the implementation of EPA specifi c reporting forms, a procedure, and an increase in staff awareness of the reporting process. Increase in exposure to fumes, dust and smoke: four reports relate to exposure while performing inspections in the fi eld, and the other three reports relate to internal delivery & storage procedures. Ergonomics relate to workstation equipment and placement, and work practice modifi cations. Manual handling relates to moving of equipment/objects and work practice modifi cations. 56 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN REPORT
In line with the Greening of Government Table 27 Performance against annual energy use targets Operations (GoGO) Framework, there are currently three priority areas for which GHG emissions the EPA has developed performance Energy use (GJ) Expenditure ($) (tonnes) indicators: energy management, waste management, and travel and fl eet Base year 2000–01 1,502 61,542 494 2001–02 1,336 54,561 440 management. 2002–03* 1,879 74,420 618 2003–04 1,697 67,532 558 GoGO Priority Area 1: 2004–05* 1,695 73,737 558 energy management Target (2004–05) 1,799 74,937 592 Target (2014) 1,447 60,268 476 25% reduction of base year Signifi cant energy management achievements * Note that 2002–03 incorporates the Radiation Protection Branch at Kent Town that Information technology equipment transferred from DHS and 2004–05 takes into account an additional fl oor being leased in The phased approach for the adoption the SA Water House building in the CBD. The targets for these years have been revised to of TFT (thin fi lm transistor) screens for incorporate a 25% reduction in the energy use also. desktop computers (instead of cathode ray tubes (CRT screens)) commenced in Table 28 IT equipment and energy consumption 2003–04. While there were no new TFTs 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 purchased in 2004–05, an additional 110 TFT screens will be purchased in CRT CRT TFT CRT TFT 2005–06 and a further 25 in 2006–07. screens screens screens TOTAL screens screens TOTAL That should fi nalise the replacement program. Number of desktop PCs 255 133 122 255 177 122 299 Energy used (GJ) 135 70 27 97 94 27 121 Table 28 opposite refl ects a reduction CO2 emissions (tonnes) 44 23 9 32 31 9 40 in CO2 emissions of 12 tonnes from 2002–03 to 2003–04 and, while there has been a slight increase of 8 tonnes in 2004–05, this is purely a refl ection of an increase in the number of PCs with no corresponding increase at this stage in the number of TFT screens.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 57 &IGURE 'O'/ 0RIORITY !REA PAPER DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL GoGO Priority Area 3: waste management Paper recycling The 2004–05 year saw a slight reduction in recycling to a total of 10.6 tonnes compared with 13.7 tonnes in 2003–04. This refl ects a reduction in the amount of paper used rather than a lower +),/'2!-3 percentage recycled. Printing consumables Given the success of the recycling *ULY !UG 3EPT /CT .OV $EC *AN &EB -AR !PR -AY *UNE initiative provided by Close the Loop Limited, it was expanded in 2004–05 -/.4( to incorporate decentralised offi ces, Mount Gambier in particular, with 4OTAL KG DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL Stirling and Kent Town currently using 4OTAL KG DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL Planet Ark to recycle their consumables. 4OTAL KG DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL It is intended that these two offi ces will commence using Close the Loop in 2005–06. Reports provided by the Table 29 Printer consumables recycling company are summarised in Table 29 below but show that approximately 620 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 TOTAL kilograms of waste has been diverted from landfi ll since the initiative’s CBD building inception in April 2002. Quantity diverted (no. of items) 10 209 231 275 725 Amount diverted (kg) 8.61 183.65 212.31 188.42 592.99 Fluorescent tubes Mount Gambier The EPA recycles fl uorescent lighting Quantity diverted (no. of items) 25 25 Amount diverted (kg) 26.52 26.52 tubes through a company called Total items 10 209 231 300 750 Chemsal, which treats and disposes Total weight (kg) 8.61 183.65 212.31 214.94 619.51 of them in a safe manner, given they contain a small amount of mercury, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Chemsal recovers the glass &IGURE 'O'/ 0RIORITY !REA RECYCLING OF CONTAINERS CANS BOTTLES AND CARTONS for re-use. This program, established in 2003, has been successful with approximately 324 tubes recycled in both 2003–04 and 2004–05.
Other recycled products Other waste products such as glass, plastics, tins, milk and juice cartons accounted for 8400 litres (or 70 bins) recycled from the CBD building in 2004– 05, and is reasonably stable compared with 2003–04, when 8520 litres (71
.5-"%2 /& ,)42% ").3 bins) were collected. *ULY !UG 3EPT /CT .OV $EC *AN &EB -AR !PR -AY *UNE Other (non-recycled) products -/.4( Organic waste, particularly food scraps, are collected in-house to be composted rather than sent to landfi ll. Over the past 12 months, approximately 738 kilograms from the CBD building has been composted.
58 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Energy Effi ciency Action Plan Report
GoGO Priority Area 5: Table 30 EPA vehicle fl eet travel and fl eet management At 30 June At 30 June At 30 June At 30 June Vehicle types 2002 2003 2004 2005 The SA Government Energy Effi ciency Action Plan includes a requirement to Diesel only Nil 4 3 3 increase the LPG vehicle fl eet from 10% Electric/unleaded (hybrid) 1 3 3 2 to 20% by 2005. The EPA has already Unleaded only 19 6 4 8 exceeded this target. Table 30 shows LPG only Nil Nil 2 3 the vehicle types that are currently Combined dual fuel (unleaded and LPG) 19 24 25 21 leased, taking note that the EPA currently leases 2 of the 13 government Total long-term hire vehicles 39 37 37 37 hybrid vehicles.
Table 31 shows that the EPA has Table 31 Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions again reduced both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from its 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 vehicle fl eet. During 2004–05, the vehicle management policy was revised Energy (GJ) 2566 2288 2082 CO2 emissions (tonnes) 194 170 155 to incorporate a maximum of 20% unleaded fuel to be used in dual fuel vehicles. Upon commencement of this policy, a monthly report was developed &IGURE 'O'/ 0RIORITY !REA PROPORTION OF UNLEADED FUEL USED IN DUAL FUEL to outline those vehicles exceeding VEHICLES the 20%. This led to driver behaviour changes over the year and resulted in an average of 22.8% unleaded fuel use in dual fuel vehicles outlined in
Figure 22. Given a starting position of almost 38%, this has been a signifi cant
reduction and it is likely that 2005–06 will be even better. 0%2#%.4!'% Figure 23 refl ects the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions by each fuel type and demonstrates that while *ULY !UG 3EPT /CT .OV $EC *AN &EB -AR !PR -AY *UNE the emissions from LPG vehicles are -/.4( increasing, unleaded fuel emissions account for only 39% (reduced from 54% in 2002–03) of the total fuel used by EPA vehicles. &IGURE 'O'/ 0RIORITY !REA GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
%-)33)/.3 4/..%3
5NLEADED ,0' %LECTRICUNLEADED $IESEL
&5%, 490%3
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 59 Environment Protection Authority Annual Report on the administration of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 July 2004–June 2005
Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 Adelaide SA 5001 Telephone: (08) 8204 2004 Facsimile: (08) 8204 9393 Freecall (country): 1800 623 445 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.epa.sa.gov.au
September 2005
Printed on recycled paper
60 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
The Hon John Hill MP Minister for Environment and Conservation Parliament House North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000
Dear Minister
I am pleased to provide the Annual Report on the administration of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, for tabling in Parliament in accordance with section 22 of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Dr Paul Vogel Chief Executive and Chair Environment Protection Authority
30 September 2005
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 61 FOREWORD
This report provides information on During 2004-05 the RPD continued to the administration of the Radiation implement the recommendations from Protection and Control Act 1982 (RPC the report on the audit of radioactive Act) during the year 2004–05. materials it conducted during 2003-04, to ensure appropriate The RPC Act is administered by the controls are maintained on the staff of the Radiation Protection storage of radioactive material and Division (the RPD) of the Environment management of radioactive waste. Protection Authority, which provides support for the Radiation Protection I wish to take this opportunity to Committee, established under Section thank the staff of the RPD for their 9 of the RPC Act. The committee continued outstanding efforts during advises the Minister and the RPD on this year, and the members of the radiation protection matters that it Radiation Protection Committee for considers signifi cant and on matters their contribution and valued advice. that have been referred to it.
The RPD continues to enhance its role to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation, and provide a high-quality service to our clients. Our activities include Dr Paul Vogel assessing and inspecting uranium Chief Executive mining operations, X-ray apparatus, Environment Protection Authority sealed radioactive sources, and premises in which unsealed radioactive substances are handled; investigating radiation accidents and incidents; assisting in the development of national standards and codes of practice for radiation protection; assessing licence applications; and providing training and education of general practitioners and registered nurses who operate X-ray units in rural and remote areas of the state.
62 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 ABBREVIATIONS
AEVA Australian Equine Veterinary NCP Review National Competition Policy Association Review of Radiation AHMC Australian Health Ministers’ Protection Legislation Conference NHMRC National Health and Medical ARPANSA Australian Radiation Research Council Protection and NUIP (RC) National Uniformity Nuclear Safety Agency Implementation Panel ARPS Australasian Radiation (Radiation Control) Protection Society NORM naturally occurring CT computed tomography radioactive material ELF extremely low frequency PIRSA Department of Primary EPA Environment Protection Industries and Authority Resources, South Australia GENI General Environmental RPC (Act) Radiation Protection and Information System Control Act 1982 GP general practitioner RHC Radiation Health Committee IAEA International Atomic Energy RN registered nurse Agency SAR specifi c absorption rate NDRP National Directory for Radiation Protection
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 63 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 61 FOREWORD 62 ABBREVIATIONS 63 INTRODUCTION 65 Radiation Protection Committee 65 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS 67 Review of the RPC Act 67 Non-ionising radiation 67 Exemptions granted under the RPC Act 67 Approval of personal monitoring devices 68 Radioactive waste management 68 Breaches of the RPC Act and Regulations 68 Radiation incidents and accidents 69 Registration of equipment and premises, and licensing of radiation users 69 Registration of former uranium mining and milling sites 70 Licences to mine and mill radioactive ore 70 Olympic Dam operations 71 Beverley uranium project 71 Honeymoon uranium project 71 Reporting procedures for incidents at uranium mines 71 Implementation of recommendations from the audit of radioactive material stored in South Australia 72 Equine radiography project 72 Training and education 72 Rural and remote X-ray operators 72 Maralinga rehabilitation 73 International and national activities 73 International activities 73 Radiation Health Committee 73 Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council 74 National Directory for Radiation Protection 74 Appendix Conferences attended 75
64 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Radiation Protection Protection Division by investigating The RPD supports the statutory and Control Act 1982 (the RPC Act) alleged breaches of the RPC Act and committee, which has functions set is to control activities related to regulations. out in Section 12 of the RPC Act. radioactive substances and radiation These are to: apparatus, and to protect the At 30 June 2005 the Radiation a. advise the Minister about the formu- environment and the health and the Protection Division had 15 positions lation of regulations under this Act safety of people against the harmful (14.25 full-time equivalents) comprising b. advise the Minister on the granting effects of radiation. Section 22 of 13 scientifi c and technical staff and 2 of licences under this Act, including the RPC Act requires the Environment administrative and clerical staff. the conditions to which they should Protection Authority (EPA) to present be subject c. investigate and report on any other to the Minister, for tabling in each Radiation Protection matters relevant to the administra- House of Parliament, a report on the tion of this Act at the request of administration of the RPC Act at the Committee the Minister or the South Australian end of each fi nancial year. Section 9 of the RPC Act provides for Health Commission or of its own a Radiation Protection Committee motion. The RPC Act is committed to the of 10 members, one of whom is the Minister for Environment and Chairman. The Chairman must be an The Committee appointed for the term Conservation, who has delegated offi cer or employee of the department of three years ending on 25 July 2004 its roles, functions, and powers, of the minister to whom the RPC Act was reappointed, for approximately 5 pursuant to Section 8 of the RPC is committed. The other members are months, until 31 December 2004. The Act, to the Chief Executive of the to have qualifi cations or expertise members and deputy members, and the EPA and to offi cers of the EPA relevant to the administration of the section of the RPC Act under which Radiation Protection Division (the RPC Act. each was appointed, are listed below. RPD), the principal unit responsible for administering the RPC Act. The Director of the RPD reports to the Chief Executive of the EPA. Members Deputy Members Offi cers of the RPD who are appointed Dr P Vogel (Chairman) s9(2)(a) as authorised offi cers under Section 16 of the RPC Act inspect radiation Dr TM Cain s9(2)(b) (Dr CW Lott) apparatus, radioactive sources, and Mr C Kapsis s9(2)(c) (Ms GA Upton) premises where unsealed radioactive Mr KG Smith s9(2)(d) (Dr PJ Storer) substances are kept or handled, and sites where radioactive ores are Dr GS Laurence s9(2)(e) (Dr TD Utteridge) processed or have been processed in Dr KH Lokan s9(2)(f) (Ms J Shearer) the past. They monitor all sources Dr MI Kitchener s9(2)(g) (Dr BE Chatterton) and types of radiation used in South Mr S Caplygin s9(2)(h) (Ms TL Reif) Australia to ensure that they comply with the RPC Act and its regulations. Dr PJ Sykes s9(2)(i) (Dr MT Lardelli) Mr P Dolan s9(2)(j) (Ms S Douglas-Hill) Offi cers of the Investigations Branch of the EPA Operations Division have also been appointed as authorised offi cers under the RPC Act. These offi cers assist the Radiation
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 65 On 16 December 2004, a new Committee was appointed for the three years from 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2007. The members and deputy members of the Committee, and the Section of the RPC Act under which each was appointed are listed below.
Members Deputy Members
Dr P Vogel (Chairman) s9(2)(a) Dr TM Cain s9(2)(b) Dr CW Lott Ms LM Ingram s9(2)(c) Mr C Kapsis Ms SM Paulka s9(2)(d) Mr KG Smith Dr GS Laurence s9(2)(e) Mr PJ Collins Ms J Shearer s9(2)(f) Dr KH Lokan Dr MI Kitchener s9(2)(g) Dr BE Chatterton Mr S Caplygin s9(2)(h) Mrs TL Jenson Dr PJ Sykes s9(2)(i) Dr MT Lardelli Mr P Dolan s9(2)(j) Mr TF Whitworth
Dr TM Cain resigned from the Committee and a replacement had not been appointed during the period of this report.
The Committee met four times during the year and considered matters summarised in the remainder of this report.
66 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Review of the RPC Act Non-ionising radiation associated with power lines or other On 22 June 2005 a number of Sources of non-ionising radiation sources of extremely low frequency miscellaneous amendments to the RPC that are a potential risk to health and electric and magnetic fi elds. Enquiries Act were made via proclamation of safety of workers and the public are to the RPD over the health risks of the Statutes Amendment (Environment found in many scientifi c, medical and mobile telephones and their base and Conservation Portfolio) Act 2005. industrial practices and applications, stations were also common. The changes related mainly to the and throughout the community. The transfer of administration of the harmful effects from exposure to high Exemptions granted RPC Act from the Health Portfolio to levels of non-ionising radiation are under the RPC Act the Environment and Conservation well known, but whether there are Under section 44 of the RPC Act, the Portfolio. The long title of the RPC harmful effects from chronic low-level Minister or his delegate is empowered Act was amended and is now: exposure is less clear. to grant exemptions from any provision of the RPC Act, provided ‘An Act to provide for the control The RPC Act provides for regulations such action would not endanger the of activities related to radioactive to be made to control non-ionising health or safety of any person. After substances and radiation apparatus, and radiation, the licensing of users and careful consideration, the following for protecting the environment and the registration of prescribed sources exemptions were approved, subject to health and safety of people against the of non-ionising radiation, but no conditions: harmful effects of radiation; to amend regulations have been made as yet. • On 8 July 2004, diagnostic the Health Act 1935-1980; and for other The NCP Review recommended that radiographers were granted an purposes.’ jurisdictions include nationally exemption from the requirements consistent provisions in radiation of Regulation 40 of the Radiation A working group of the Radiation protection legislation to protect Protection & Control (Ionising Protection Committee appointed for people from the harmful effects of Radiation) Regulations 2000 the term 1 January 2005 until 31 non-ionising radiation. The revised [Regulations]. This regulation December 2007 was formed to assist RPC Act must be able to accommodate specifi es practitioners who may the EPA with a major review of the regulatory controls for a wide variety authorise exposures or treatments RPC Act. The review of the this Act is of sources of non-ionising radiation. using ionising radiation. The an important project of the EPA, and exemption applies in cases where the will make necessary improvements, The RPD advises the government, exposure is directed and authorised including the adoption of provisions industry and the public on radiation by a registered nurse who works of the National Directory for Radiation safety of non-ionising radiation in the emergency Department of Protection published by the Australian sources and recommends compliance Flinders Medical Centre, Noarlunga Radiation Protection and Nuclear with standards, guidelines and codes Health Services, The Queen Elizabeth Safety Agency (ARPANSA), and of practice. The RPD constantly Hospital and the Women’s & recommendations of the report on the reviews research into the effects of Children’s Hospital for a period until National Competition Policy Review of non-ionising radiation and updates 30 June 2005. Radiation Protection Legislation (NCP public information as necessary. • On 9 September 2004, diagnostic Review), May 2001. radiographers were granted an The RPD responded to a large number exemption from the requirements of telephone enquiries from the of Regulation 40 in cases where the public on possible health effects from exposure is directed and authorised exposure to sources of non-ionising by a registered nurse who works in radiation. The most common type the Emergency Department of Lyell of enquiry was about health risks McEwin Health Service and RAH.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 67 • On 9 September 2004, a conditional (a) 0.1 mSv1 if the exposed person’s Radioactive waste management exemption from the requirement age is less than 2 years Applications for approval of annual of Regulation 40 was granted to Dr (b) 0.5 mSv if the exposed person’s radioactive waste management plans Allan George Wycherley, Dr Patrick age is between 2 and 18 years for users of unsealed radioactive John Ziesing, Dr David Neil Jones, Dr (c) 5 mSv in any other case. substances for the period 1 October Gabrielle Afi fee Cehic and Dr Sarah • On 20 April 2005, a conditional 2004 to 30 September 2005 were Helen Skinner to permit them to exemption from Regulation 18 of considered and approvals granted to authorise treatment of patients with the Regulations [the requirement 22 organisations. Applicants included radionuclides. for employers to provide personal hospitals, universities, pathology • On 4 November 2004, a conditional radiation monitors] was granted laboratories, commercial laboratories, exemption from Section 28 of the to Gribbles Veterinary Pathology and Commonwealth and state RPC Act (licence to use radioactive (‘VETLAB’ of SA) in respect of staff government laboratories. substances) was granted to urologists handling only unsealed radioactive to the extent that they may use C-14 in Type C premises. Approval to dispose of unsealed or handle radioactive I-125 while • On 5 May 2005, a conditional radioactive waste was granted when assisting radiation oncologists in a exemption from Regulation 104 (2) the waste and the disposal method brachytherapy procedure involving of the Regulations [the requirement complied with the requirements of the implantation of the prostate with for a control panel to be isolated in National Health and Medical Research I-125 seeds at the Royal Adelaide a room adjacent to or behind a fi xed Council Code of Practice for the Disposal Hospital. screen within the room in which an of Radioactive Waste by the User 1985. • On 18 November 2004, a conditional X-ray medical apparatus is installed] Methods for disposing of very low-level exemption from Section 28 of the was granted to the Women’s and radioactive waste include incineration, RPC Act was granted to urologists Children’s Hospital for the purpose disposal via sewers and fume-hoods, to the extent that they may use of paediatric emergency radiography and landfi ll burial. or handle radioactive I-125 while within the resuscitation rooms of the assisting radiation oncologists in a hospital’s emergency department. Landfi ll burial has been on hold since brachytherapy procedure involving 10 July 2003 when the Adelaide City implantation of the prostate with Approval of personal Council ceased to accept very low- I-125 seeds at Calvary Hospital. monitoring devices level radioactive waste at its Wingfi eld • On 20 January 2005, a conditional Under Part 2, Division 4 of the Waste Depot. Waste that had been exemption from Regulation 18 of Regulations, the Minister or his normally disposed of by landfi ll burial the Regulations [the requirement delegate is empowered to approve a remained in storage at several premises for employers to provide personal specifi ed monitoring device or kind that are registered under the RPC Act. radiation monitors] was granted to or class of monitoring device for Some of the organisations holding this Aquaspex Water Testing Products detecting and measuring exposure waste have limited storage capacity. in respect of staff handling only to ionising radiation. The following The EPA is monitoring this issue and unsealed radioactive thorium-232 in personal monitoring devices were pursuing options for disposal of very Type C premises. approved during the period: low-level solid radioactive wastes via • On 24 March 2005, a conditional • On 23 December 2004, specifi ed landfi ll burial. exemption from Regulation 45 personal monitoring devices issued (requirements for approval of research by ARPANSA, Radiation-Wise/ Breaches of the RPC Act involving the use of ionising radiation Landauer and ARS/NZNRL were and Regulations on human subjects) of the Regulations approved, subject to conditions, During the year the RPD received was granted in relation to persons as monitoring devices in respect expert assistance from the EPA conducting research at the Queen of Regulation 21. Investigations Branch to investigate Elizabeth Hospital and the Lyell • On 17 February 2005, the Personal three alleged breaches of the RPC McEwin Health Service. The exemption Alpha Dosimeter (PAD) issued by the Act or Regulations. At the end of specifi es that Dr L Barnden, Hospital Radiation Safety Institute of Canada the period of this report, one matter RSO, or another medical physicist was approved, subject to conditions, was before the Adelaide Magistrates who has the appropriate knowledge as a monitoring device in respect of Court, one was with the Crown and experience to perform the Regulation 21. Solicitors Offi ce under review, and no necessary dosimetric calculations, enforcement action was taken on the must be present as a member of, other matter. or as an adviser to, the Ethics of Human Research Committee of the hospital. The hospital may, under the conditions of the exemption, approve research that involves effective doses to an individual in one year that do not exceed: 1 Sv = sievert, unit of effective dose; millisievert (mSv) = 10-3 Sv
68 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Legislative And Regulatory Developments
Radiation incidents and accidents preparing radiopharmaceuticals misread the labels on the kits. The regulations under the RPC Act to prevent similar incidents from Following the incident an offi cer of require employers of radiation workers, occurring in the future. The reviewed the RPD visited the department and owners of X-ray apparatus or sealed procedures included the use and had discussions with its RSO and radioactive sources, and occupiers of double-checking of clearly identifi ed chief technologist on how to prevent premises where unsealed radioactive labels on each vial that contains a such a recurrence. Subsequently substances are used or handled, radiopharmaceutical tracer, as well the department provided the RPD to promptly report to the RPD any as on each dose syringe and its lead with a written copy of its reviewed accidents when a radiation source is shielding pot. and updated work protocols and no longer under control, or a person • The RPD received notifi cation from procedures. has received, or may have received, a nuclear medicine department an accidental exposure to ionising of an incident on 18 May 2005, Registration of equipment radiation. The RPD investigates all involving an administration of a and premises, and licensing radiation accidents and incidents to radiopharmaceutical tracer to the determine the cause and any remedial wrong patient having the same of radiation users action that could to prevent surname as the intended patient. a recurrence. The patient was given a dose of 30 Personal radiation licences and MBq of Tc-99m-O4 for a ventilation registrations of equipment and Details of accidents and incidents scan and subsequently received an premises are normally renewed involving exposure, or potential estimated effective dose of 600 annually. The functions of issuing exposure, to radiation are provided to uSv4. The department’s standard licences and registrations, and renewal ARPANSA for the National Register of protocol for administration of notices, and the management of Radiation Accidents and Incidents. a radiopharmaceutical was not information required for them have followed. The department has been carried out for approximately 20 During the period of this report the reviewed and updated its protocols/ years using a dBase database system. following incidents were reported to procedures to prevent a recurrence. During the year a new database and the RPD: • A nuclear medicine department software for managing licences and • On 17 November 2004, a survey reported a radiation incident that registrations was developed under company reported to the RPD that occurred on 27 June 2005. Four the EPA’s General Environmental one of its nuclear moisture density patients who were booked in for Information System (GENI). Data was meters (a Troxler Model 3430) bone scans were injected with transferred from the old database containing sealed radioactive Tc-99m-Pertechnetate instead of to the new GENI database, and sources (300 MBq2 caesium-137 & Tc-99m-MDP. The patients were IT and RPD staff tested both the 1.4 GBq3 americium-beryllium) had re-booked for their bone scans after transferred data and functionality been damaged in an accident on a the incident. An extra effective of the new software to ensure any road under construction. A grader dose received by each patient faults or anomalies were detected and driver had accidentally reversed over was estimated to be 11 mSv. A corrected. the meter. Although the meter was technologist who performed the dose damaged, there was no release of preparation had re-constituted two The numbers of apparatus, sealed radioactive material and no person different radiopharmaceutical kits sources and premises registered under was injured in the incident. The on that same morning and possibly the RPC Act at 30 June 2005 are given companies involved reviewed work in Table 32. practices and procedures to prevent a recurrence. • The RPD was advised of an incident Table 32 Apparatus, sealed sources and premises registered under the RPC Act that occurred on 12 January 2005 at a nuclear medicine department Type Section of Act Number registered whereby a patient was administered with a wrong radiopharmaceutical Ionising radiation apparatus 32 1808 tracer. A biliary tracer of 779 MBq Sealed radioactive sources 30 586 of technetium (Tc)-99m-Disfoenin was administered instead of a bone Premises where unsealed radioactive tracer of 779 MBq of Tc-99m-HDP substances are handled or kept 29 166 (Oxidronate). It was estimated that the patient received an effective dose of 8.0 mSv from the incorrect administration of the radiopharmaceutical. The department has reviewed its protocols and procedures for 2 Bq = Becquerel = unit of radioactivity; megabecquerel (MBq) = 106 Bq 3 gigabecquerel (GBq) = 109 Bq 4 microsievert (uSv) = 10-6Sv EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 69 At 30 June 2005, 4064 people held and Resources SA (PIRSA). The RPD Licences to mine and licences to use ionising radiation. In advised on the radiological aspects of mill radioactive ore addition, it is estimated that 2000– this work and conducted occasional 3000 people not required to hold a inspections and monitoring. However, The three current licences to mine and licence were employed in occupations neither site had been subject to mill radioactive ores, issued under that involve exposure to ionising specifi c control under the RPC Act. section 24 of the RPC Act, have been radiation. These include workers at issued to: Olympic Dam, Beverley and Honeymoon Australia signed the international • WMC (Olympic Dam Corporation) uranium projects, workers in Type C Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Pty Ltd laboratories, operators of cabinet X-ray Fuel Management and on the Safety of • Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd units and fully enclosed industrial X- Radioactive Waste Management (the (Beverley uranium project) ray units, users of industrial radiation Joint Convention) on 13 November • Southern Cross Resources Australia gauges, and people assisting with 1998. The Joint Convention came Pty Ltd (Honeymoon uranium medical, dental and veterinary X-ray into force on 18 June 2001. Following project). procedures. an assessment, the requirements of the Joint Convention and South The licences are subject to conditions When required under the provisions Australia’s legal framework and that include compliance with the of the RPC Act, radiation workers’ controls on radioactive waste in this Commonwealth Code of Practice on radiation doses were monitored using state, it was considered appropriate Radiation Protection in the Mining and approved personal dosimeters. All that the Radium Hill and Port Pirie Milling of Radioactive Ores 1987 and radiation workers’ doses recorded sites be formally registered under the Code of Practice on Management of were below the occupational limits section 29 of the RPC Act. Conditions Radioactive Wastes from the Mining and prescribed in the regulations, and applied to the registrations could Milling of Radioactive Ores 1982. the average and median of doses facilitate compliance with Article 12 received by all workers were well below of the Convention, which concerns the Transport of uranium ore concentrate occupational limits. safety of existing facilities and past to Outer Harbor is conducted in practices. The Radium Hill and Port accordance with the regulations Registration of former uranium Pirie sites were fi rst registered on 28 for the safe transport of radioactive mining and milling sites February 2003. The registered occupier substances. The former Radium Hill uranium mine, of the sites is the Minister for Primary 100 km south-west of Broken Hill, Industries and Resources SA. A 3-month trial rail shipment of was developed in the early 1950s UOC from Olympic Dam and Beverley and operated until its closure in the The initial conditions attached to via rail to Darwin was approved in early 1960s. The northern end of the the registrations were designed to January 2005. As part of the trial, 48 remaining tailings dam at Radium require the development of appropriate containers that would normally be sent Hill has been used as a repository for long-term management plans for the through Port Adelaide were trucked low-level radioactive waste since April sites. In particular, the conditions of to Islington and then loaded onto 1981, when it was gazetted under the registration required a preliminary freight trains to Darwin for export. Crown Lands Act 1929 and placed under investigation be conducted of both The trial ended on 15 March 2005 and the care, control and management sites and a report of this ‘Phase I’ Department of Premier and Cabinet is of the (then) Minister of Mines and study to be presented within 12 producing a report on the trial. Energy. months. This investigation work was subsequently conducted and reports The RPD conducts routine surveillance The Port Pirie Treatment Plant on both sites provided to the RPD. of uranium mining by auditing processed uranium ore from Radium companies’ monitoring results Hill between 1953 and 1962 and The RPD reviewed the Phase I reports and by conducting independent was operated by the (then) Mines and prepared draft conditions of monitoring. Each licensed company Department of SA. It is estimated registration for next stage of site provides quarterly occupational and that approximately 200,000 tonnes of characterisation work for endorsement environmental radiation monitoring radioactive tailings remain in tailings by the Radiation Protection Committee. data, including dose assessments, to dams at Port Pirie, on land owned by the EPA. These reports are examined the State Government, under the care Registration conditions enabling Phase by divisional offi cers, compared with of the Minister for Mineral Resources II of site investigations were endorsed RPD monitoring results if appropriate, Development. by the Radiation Protection Committee and reviewed with company offi cers at on 1 July 2004. The conditions include regular quarterly meetings. Some remediation work at both the a more detailed site characterisation Radium Hill mine site and the Port that incorporates modelling, and Pirie plant and tailings dams had been additional studies and investigations to conducted over the last 20 years by assist decision making on remediation the Department of Primary Industries methods and options. Phase II will be completed by 30 November 2006.
70 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Legislative And Regulatory Developments
Olympic Dam operations Routine transport of uranium ore Honeymoon uranium project WMC (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty concentrate from Olympic Dam to Southern Cross Resources Pty Ltd Ltd holds a licence (LM1) under the Outer Harbor continued without holds a licence (LM3) to mine and RPC Act to mine and mill radioactive incident. mill at its Honeymoon site, 25 km ores. Licence conditions stipulate from the NSW border near Broken Hill. annual reporting on the existing and In June 2005 BHP Billiton made The licence, which was renewed on 9 proposed development of the project a successful takeover bid and has February 2005 for one year, does not and details of the wastes produced. acquired more than 50% of WMC permit the recovery of uranium from The LM1 report for 2003–04 was shares. Following the change of the ore zone. received on 30 August 2004 and was ownership new senior management examined by the Radiation Protection staff and a joint company secretary The Honeymoon site remains on care Committee on 18 November 2004. were appointed. and maintenance and offi cers of the The report includes an annual dose RPD visited the site once during this assessment summary and assessment Beverley uranium project period. A licence under the RPC Act of the adequacy and effectiveness of Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd, that permits commercial operations radiation protection measures. operators of the Beverley project will be required before the operations 600 km north of Adelaide, hold a outlined in the EIS can begin. The dose summary indicated that the licence (LM4) under the RPC Act to average dose for all designated workers conduct commercial uranium mining Reporting procedures for in the mine and the processing plant operations. This licence was renewed incidents at uranium mines was 17% and 14.5% respectively of for 12 months from 4 August 2004. In early May 2002, the State the 20 mSv average annual limit. The Government announced an maximum individual dose received was The annual report of the Occupational independent review of reporting 56% of the limit. Radiation Monitoring Program for procedures for incidents at uranium 2003 indicates the average annual mines. The annual report of the Environmental dose for workers at the Beverley Management and Monitoring Program mine was approximately 3% of the The review, conducted by Mr Hedley for 2004 was presented to the 20 mSv annual occupational dose Bachmann, made recommendations Radiation Protection Committee on limit recommended for designated on incident recording and reporting 19 May 2005. This report contains employees. The maximum dose procedures, the revision of secrecy results of environmental radiation received by a worker was approximately and confi dentiality clauses of monitoring, and again confi rmed 17% of the annual limit. legislation, and mechanisms for that the radiological effects of the improving information fl ow to state operation continue to be confi ned The annual report of the Environmental and Commonwealth government within the mining lease. In particular, Radiation Monitoring Program notes agencies and the public. The report any addition to the annual radiation that environmental monitoring was submitted to the government on dose to members of the public living in confi rms doses to members of the 30 August 2002. Olympic Dam Village and Roxby Downs public as a result of the mining was assessed to be less than the operations are indistinguishable The recommended recording and detection limit for the methods used from background radiation levels. reporting mechanisms came into (5% of the 1 mSv annual limit). effect on 28 February 2003. These Four incidents were reported during were approved as part of the radiation There were three incidents during 2004–05 under the approved reporting management plans for uranium this period that were reported under procedures and subsequently mining. The requirement for radiation the approved incident reporting considered by the RPC. None of the management plans arises from procedures for uranium mines and above incidents resulted in any injury conditions attached to the licence to subsequently considered by the to workers or represented a hazard to mine or mill radioactive ores granted Radiation Protection Committee. None the environment. under Section 24 of the RPC Act. of the incidents resulted in any injury to workers or represented a hazard to Transport of product from the Beverley One of the recommendations of the the environment. The spilt materials mine continued without incident. review was that the procedures be were removed and returned to the Division offi cers visited the site on reviewed after 12 months from the tailings retention system. three occasions during this reporting date of their adoption. The review period. commenced in 2004 but was not Offi cers of the RPD visited the project completed during the period of on fi ve occasions for radiation this report. Issues being taken into review meetings, inspections and/or account include changes in mine workplace monitoring. operations, technical diffi culties encountered during the fi rst year of the application of the recording
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 71 and reporting procedures, and the • The waste shielding, containment The RPD’s involvement with radiation appropriateness of the reporting and accountancy aspects of the monitoring and observations of arrangements and recording trigger implementation were completed people involved in pre-sales equine levels. The review, which is expected and are being incorporated into radiography has enabled it to give to be completed in 2005, will involve the policy for the sustainable good advice to ARPANSA and to substantial consultation with other management of radioactive wastes; the Australian Equine Veterinary government agencies and mine ongoing surveillance of source Association (AEVA) on the AEVA operators. accountancy and waste identifi cation draft code of practice for pre-sales will be incorporated into the GENI equine radiography. A report on the Implementation of database. Equine Radiography project was being • To improve licensee control of fi nalised at the end of the period of recommendations from sources and equipment, registrations this report. the audit of radioactive are now issued for 12 months only material stored in South and no longer for three years. The RPD will continue to work closely Australia • The EPA continues to liaise with with the equine veterinary industry to PIRSA on the long-term management ensure safe practices are employed. In September 2003, the RPD completed of the Port Pirie and Radium Hill an audit of radioactive material stored sites. Training and education in South Australia and issued a report that contained 20 recommendations Equine radiography project The RPD continued to help with associated with the fi ndings of the education and training programs audit, and nine key recommendations Since late 2002, the RPD’s Diagnostic conducted by a number of for the future management of X-rays Group has investigated and organisations, including BreastScreen radioactive material in SA. monitored a protocol for radiography SA, the University of South Australia, of yearling horses before sale. Three Flinders Medical Centre, the University Many of the recommendations of the veterinary practices were surveyed of Adelaide, the Royal Adelaide report cover activities controlled at three sites during the year, using Hospital and various private medical by the EPA under the RPC Act. The monitoring badges with a minimum imaging practices. Lectures on RPD developed a project plan to sensitivity of 10 µSv, as the fi nal radiation protection legislation, address implementation of the monitoring of the project. The and the principles and practices recommendations of the report, and sensitivity of these badges reduced of protection from ionising and made signifi cant progress in this the need to monitor a large number non-ionising radiation, were given regard. Key points relating to progress of examinations. to occupational users of radiation are given below. and to groups receiving training in Operator doses were measured during occupational health and safety. • URS Australia Pty Ltd studied the the examination of two horses at feasibility of interim storage of one site with a total of 72 X-rays, Rural and remote X-ray operators radioactive wastes and options three horses at another site with Three one-week basic diagnostic for long-term management of a total of 105 X-rays. The largest radiography courses were conducted radioactive wastes. The studies were sample was when seven horses for general practitioners (GPs) and scheduled for completion at the end were examined with a total of 265 registered nurses (RNs) requiring of July 2005. X-rays. The latest radiation doses licences to perform limited • a fi rst draft of the EPA’s policy to operators were comparable with radiographic procedures. These on the sustainable management those of previous sessions. Radiation courses were held at the University of radioactive wastes was being monitoring results for one practice of South Australia, School of Medical prepared, and scheduled for indicated that adoption of the RPD’s Radiation, which is incorporated in the completion in August 2005. recommendations had reduced the School of Health Sciences. They were • The EPA was in the process of exposure of staff. supplemented by several in-service revising the RPC Act and associated training sessions in basic radiography regulations. Offi cers of the RPD also visited the X- that were presented at a number of • Safety, security and accountancy of ray repository of the Adelaide yearling rural sites. radioactive sources was to be built sales to view and audit the fi lms held into the EPA’s new GENI database, there. A random selection of fi lms from This training and fi lm audits are and ultimately, conditions related 23 practices from around Australia and considered crucial for maintaining to these placed on registrations; New Zealand was audited. Of particular appropriate standards of radiography a register of wastes was also to concern was evidence of assistants by these licensed GPs and RNs in be developed by the EPA and holding cassettes with their hands. remote locations. incorporated into the database.
72 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Legislative And Regulatory Developments
Maralinga rehabilitation International and – the draft code of practice and national activities safety guide for radiation The former British atomic weapons protection and radioactive waste management in mining and test site at Maralinga (Section 400) International activities mineral processing is currently Australian Government To ensure that South Australia’s – the draft standard for limiting land and is a licensed facility under regulation of activities involving exposure to extremely low the Australian Radiation Protection radiation keeps pace with international frequency electric and magnetic and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (Maralinga best practice, the RPD participates in fi elds (0 Hz to 300 kHz) Facility Licence FV0043). The site international activities to the extent – the draft code of practice for the includes burial trenches containing that its resources permit. radioactive materials constructed security & physical protection of radioactive sources during the Australian Government’s During the year the RPD helped to – the draft code of practice and Maralinga Rehabilitation Project, review of draft guidance documents of safety guide for radiation completed in 2000. the IAEA circulated by ARPANSA. Such protection in diagnostic and documents, when fi nalised, are often interventional radiology It is proposed that the Australian used in developing Australian policies – the draft code of practice and Government return the Maralinga and standards for radiation protection. site, including Maralinga Village and safety guide for radiation protection in veterinary science the airfi eld, to the South Australian Radiation Health Committee – the draft code of practice for Government for addition to the The Radiation Health Committee radiation protection in nuclear Maralinga Tjarutja freehold lands. (RHC) is established under the medicine The Australian Government convenes Australian Radiation Protection and – the draft code of practice the Maralinga Consultative Group, Nuclear Safety Act 1998. The RHC for the safe use of lasers in the which consists of representation of advises the CEO of ARPANSA and the entertainment industry the Australian Government, the South Radiation Health and Safety Advisory – the draft standard for Australian Government including Council on matters covering radiation occupational exposure to the RPD, and the traditional owners, protection, and develops policies ultraviolet radiation the Maralinga-Tjarutja people. The and prepares draft publications to • further development of the National Consultative Group’s tasks include promote uniform national standards Directory for Radiation Protection to developing a long-term management of radiation protection throughout deal with its application to mining plan for the site; the Maralinga Land the Commonwealth and its states and mineral processing industries and Environment Management Plan and territories. The RHC includes and naturally occurring radioactive (MLEMP). This plan details provisions a radiation protection offi cer to material (NORM) for long-term radiation monitoring and represent each states and territory. • certifi cation of personal radiation surveillance of the site. The Maralinga The Director of the RPD is a member monitoring devices site would be subject to the provisions of the RHC. The National Uniformity • use of lasers on humans of the RPC Act on the return of Implementation Panel (Radiation • the draft recommendations of ownership to South Australia. Control) [NUIP(RC)] is a working group the International Commission of of the RHC. During the previous reporting period, Radiological Protection (2005) • radioactive waste management the Consultative Group was involved Three meetings of the RHC and the strategy—development of a national in establishing provisions for return NUIP(RC) were held during the year. audit format and fi nal waste disposal of the site to South Australia and Items discussed at the meetings options the Maralinga-Tjarutja people. included: • implementation of recommendations The Consultative Group examined • development of standards, codes of the National Competition Policy a number of issues, including the of practice and safety guides for Review of Radiation Protection current radiological state of the radiation protection, including: Legislation site, responsibilities for continuing – the recommendations for • the Australian Radiation Incident management of the site under the intervention in emergency Register. MLEMP, procedures for handing back situations involving radiation the land to Maralinga-Tjarutja, and exposure (published in November The RPD also participated in working indemnity issues. 2004) groups and consultative groups that – the code of practice for the develop the standards, codes of The Consultative Group did not meet exposure of human subjects to practice and policies for inclusion in during the 2004–05 year. ionising radiation for medical the National Directory for Radiation research purposes (published in Protection. May 2005)
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 73 Radiation Health and National Directory for Safety Advisory Council Radiation Protection The Radiation Health and Safety In August 1999, the Australian Health Advisory Council is established under Ministers’ Conference (AHMC) affi rmed the Australian Radiation Protection and an approach to achieve national Nuclear Safety Act 1998. The Council uniformity of radiation protection advises the CEO of ARPANSA on a frameworks through the development range of matters including emerging of a national guidance document: issues, matters of major concern to The National Directory of Radiation the community, and the adoption of Protection. Development of the directory codes, standards, recommendations has been managed by the RHC. and policies on radiation protection and nuclear safety. ARPANSA published the fi rst edition of the directory in August 2004 following An offi cer of the RPD is a member approval of the RHC on 20 May 2004, of the Council. and the endorsement by AHMC on 29 July 2004. It is noted in the Scope The RHSAC met three times during the of the Directory that the fi rst edition year. Issues discussed at the meetings will not be applied to the mining and included: mineral processing industries. • naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) The endorsement by AHMC was • a national strategy for security of conditional on additional cost radioactive sources benefi t analysis to meet subordinate • an indicator of sustainable legislation requirements in all development for radioactive waste jurisdictions of Australia. The management additional cost benefi t analysis had • emerging issues in medical radiation been completed to the satisfaction protection of the RHC. • mobile telephones and exposure of children to RF fi elds • the status and regulatory issues in construction of the replacement reactor • current research in ultraviolet radiation exposure • the National Directory for Radiation Protection (NDRP) • the review of the Commonwealth’s mining and milling codes of practice on radiation protection and radioactive waste management.
74 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Legislative And Regulatory Developments
Appendix Conferences attended
RPD offi cers assisted in the organisation of and attended the annual conference of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society (ARPS) in Adelaide in October 2004. A range of radiation protection issues that affect the regulatory functions of the RPD were discussed at the conference, including topics on radioactive waste management; emergency preparedness and response; industrial/medical uses of radiation; and environmental radioactivity and mining and milling of radioactive ores.
One offi cer attended the workshop on ‘Developments in Radiation Protection and Clinical Dosimetry’ in Sydney in December 2004. This was organised jointly by the Physics Special Group of the Australian New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine and the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. The workshop highlighted matters of radiation protection concerning the medical use of radiation relevant to the regulatory functions of the RPD. Papers presented refl ected the issues of dose and radiation safety aspects of emerging technologies in the medical fi eld.
ARPANSA hosted a ‘National Conference on Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing’ in Melbourne during 11–13 April 2005. Three offi cers from the RPD attended the conference, which covered a range of issues on the revision and implementation of the Commonwealth mining codes of practice including: the future application of the NDRP to mining and minerals processing, materials transport, NORM and IAEA recommendations on exclusion, exemption and clearance.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 75 APPENDIX 1—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING NOTES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE For the year ended 30 June 2005 Note 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Employee benefi ts 4 16,036 15,605 Supplies and services 5 7,434 8,515 Grants and contributions 6 5,984 7,624 Depreciation 7 882 996 Net loss from disposal of non-current assets 8 7 282 Net expense from correction of an error 10 – – Other 9 (31 ) 7 Total expenses from ordinary activities 30,312 33,029
REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Fees and charges 10 20,421 18,294 Grants and contributions 11 1,817 1,765 Interest 12 323 645 Assets received free of charge 13 155 188 Other 14 46 567 Total revenues from ordinary activities 22,762 21,459
NET COST OF SERVICES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 7,550 11,570
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT REVENUES AND EXPENSES Revenues 15 8,874 8,725 Expenses 15 2,128 – Total South Australian Government revenues and expenses 6,746 8,725
NET RESULT BEFORE RESTRUCTURING (804 ) (2,845 )
Net gain/(loss) from administrative restructure 16 – (1,625) NET RESULT AFTER RESTRUCTURING (804 ) (4,470 )
CHANGES IN EQUITY THROUGH NON-OWNER TRANSACTION Net increase (decrease) in asset revaluation reserve 25 1,279 – Total revenues, expenses and valuation adjustments recognised in equity 1,279 –
TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM TRANSACTIONS WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT AS OWNERS 475 (4,470 )
76 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 30 June 2005 Note 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
CURRENT ASSETS Cash 17 5,194 6,286 Receivables 18 1,114 992 Other 19 87 75 Total current assets 6,395 7,353
NON-CURRENT ASSETS Receivables 18 43 72 Financial assets 20 5 5 Property, plant and equipment 21 4,721 3,391 Total non-current assets 4,769 3,468
TOTAL ASSETS 11,164 10,821
CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 22 1,237 1,582 Provisions for employee benefi ts 23 1,322 1,094 Other 24 6 67 Total current liabilities 2,565 2,743
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 22 425 421 Provisions for employee benefi ts 23 3,042 3,000 Total non-current liabilities 3,467 3,421
TOTAL LIABILITIES 6,032 6,164
NET ASSETS 5,132 4,657
EQUITY Asset revaluation reserve 25 1,279 – Other 25 3,853 4,657
TOTAL EQUITY 5,132 4,657
Restrictions on contributions 27 Expenditure commitments 28
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 77 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended 30 June 2005 Note 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES PAYMENTS Employee benefi ts (15,811) (14,997 ) Supplies and services (7,653 ) (8,008 ) Grants and contributions (5,984 ) (7,626) Total outfl ows from ordinary activities (29,448 ) (30,631 )
RECEIPTS Fees and charges 20,235 18,175 Grants and contributions 1,817 1,765 Interest 325 662 Loan repayments 59 70 Other 46 257 22,482 21,239
SA GOVERNMENT CASH FLOWS RECEIPTS Recurrent appropriations 8,106 8,718 Accrual appropriations 598 – Contingency funds 170 7 Total infl ows from SA Gov ernment 8,874 8,725
PAYMENTS Return of Surplus Cash (2,128) – Total outfl ows from SA Government (2,128 ) –
NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 26 (220 ) (667 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of property, plant and equipment (873 ) (1,297 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1 1 NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (872 ) (1,296)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net receipts/payments from administrative restructures – (1,808 )
NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES – (1,808 )
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH HELD (1,092 ) (3,771)
Cash at the beginning of the reporting period 6,286 10,057
CASH AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD 5,194 6,286
78 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 30 June 2005
1 OBJECTIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY
(a) Strategic context The Environment Protection Authority (the Authority) is South Australia’s primary environmental regulator for the protection, restoration and enhancement of our environment. The Authority promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development and works with government, industry and the people of South Australia, with key roles to: • review, develop and draft environmental protection policies and national environment protection measures • authorise activities of environmental signifi cance through an authorisation system aimed at the control and minimisation of pollution and waste • conduct compliance investigation and institute environmental monitoring and evaluation programmes • provide advice and assistance regarding best environmental management practice
The Authority has a key advocacy and engagement role across Government and with the people of South Australia, business and communities throughout South Australia (SA) to achieve a healthy and valued environment.
(b) Financial arrangements The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) provides some professional, technical and administrative support to the Authority. In addition, certain services are provided by DEH at no charge to the Authority and have not been recognised in the fi nancial statements as it is impractical to determine a value for these items. The costs of these services include salaries and overheads relating to the provision of various administrative services. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 31 May 2004 between DEH and the Authority relating to the future provision of these services.
The Authority’s sources of funds consist of monies appropriated by Parliament together with income derived primarily from fees, levies and licences to the public and industry. These include: • environment and radiation protection licences • waste levies from landfi ll depots • fi nes and penalties • section 7 enquiries
The fi nancial activities of the Authority are primarily conducted through deposit accounts with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) pursuant to section 8 and section 21 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987. The deposit accounts are used for funds provided by Parliamentary appropriation together with revenues from services provided and from fees and charges.
(c) Reporting entity The Authority was established by proclamation under the Public Sector Management Act 1995 in the Government Gazette dated 27 June 2002. The administrative unit was established from the Environment Protection Agency functions transferred from DEH and the Radiation Protection Branch functions transferred from the Department of Human Services. Employees relating to these functions were transferred effective from 1 July 2002. (For additional information relating to the Administrative restructure refer to note 2 (b)).
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 79 The administrative unit was established as a separate body to the statutory authority in 1995 under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act) that is also called the Environment Protection Authority. Subsequent amendments to the Act in April 2003 (section 14B) introduced a governing board to the Authority, being the Board of the Environment Protection Authority (consisting of 9 members), to which the Chief Executive of the administrative unit is accountable. Through this governing arrangement, the statutory authority (through its governing Board) is responsible for the operations of the administrative unit. Also in existence is the Radiation Protection Committee consisting of 10 members. The Committee is responsible for the formulation of regulations under the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982.
The Environment Protection Fund (Fund) is established under Section 24 of the Environment Protection Act 1993. The purpose of the Fund is to provide funds which may be applied to education, training, investigations, research and pilot programs in relation to the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment and to facilitate assistance in relation to an environment performance agreement.
The Fund meets the accounting criteria of a controlled entity of the Authority and consequently the assets and the liabilities of the Fund are recognised by the Authority in the Statement of Financial Position, and the Fund’s revenues and expenses have been recognised in the Authority’s Statement of Financial Performance. The transactions of the Fund are disclosed in Note 31.
The Authority performs functions related to Authority and administered activities. The Authority Financial Statements include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses controlled or incurred by the Authority in its own right. As administered items are insignifi cant to the Authority’s overall fi nancial performance and position, they have been disclosed in schedules of administered item revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash fl ows which the Authority administers on behalf of the SA government, industry and the Minister for Environment and Conservation but does not control. (Refer Note 32)
The administered items schedules detail the administered items’ revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash fl ows and as such the principles of consolidation have not been applied in preparing these fi nancial statements as the defi nition of an economic entity has not been satisfi ed. The administered item is Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee.
Details of the administered items’ activities are contained in Note 32 along with the associated schedules of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash fl ows.
2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of accounting The Authority’s fi nancial statements are a general purpose fi nancial report that has been prepared on an accrual basis pursuant to the Public Finance and Audit Act and in accordance with: • the requirements of the Act • Statements of Accounting Concepts • applicable Australian Accounting Standards (AAS) • other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) • Urgent Issues Group (UIG) Consensus Views • Treasurer’s Instructions and Accounting Policy Statements issued pursuant to the Public Finance and Audit Act.
Where there are inconsistencies between the above requirements, the legislative provisions have prevailed.
In the absence of a specifi c accounting standard, other authoritative pronouncement of the AASB or UIG Consensus View, consideration is given to the order of preference of other pronouncements as outlined in AAS 6 ‘Accounting Policies’.
The fi nancial statements, including administered items, have 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 as this is when the Authority gains control of these revenues. These revenues include items such as licence fees, fi nes and penalties.
80 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
The fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, with the exception of certain types of physical non-current assets which are valued at fair value, in accordance with APS guidance. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets.
The fi nancial statements detail the revenues, expenses and fi nancial position of the Authority as a single entity and accordingly all intra Authority transactions and balances have been eliminated.
(b) Administrative restructures Effective from 1 July 2003, the Zero Waste SA reporting entity was established by proclamation in the Government Gazette dated 26 June 2003 as a separate administrative unit under the Public Sector Management Act, resulting in a transfer of functions and staff from the Authority during the previous fi nancial year. (Refer Note 16)
(c) South Australian (SA) Government Revenues and Expenses
Revenues All Government appropriations are recorded as revenue in the Statement of Financial Performance at the time control passes to the Authority. In general, the Authority gains control of appropriations upon receipt of the funds.
Expenses Payments include the return of surplus cash pursuant to the cash alignment policy paid directly to the DTF consolidated account.
(d) Non SA Government Revenues and Expenses Recognition Revenues and expenses are recognised in the Authority’s Statement of Financial Performance when, and only when, the fl ow or consumption or loss of economic benefi ts has occurred and can be reliably measured.
Revenues and expenses have been classifi ed according to their nature in accordance with APS 13 ‘form and content of general purpose fi nancial reports’ and have not been offset unless required or permitted by another accounting standard.
Revenues All non SA Government revenues recorded in the Statement of Financial Performance are recognised when the Authority obtains control over the future economic benefi ts in the form of increases in assets or reductions in liabilities. With respect to licence fees and fi nes and penalties revenue, the Authority obtains control upon receipt.
The Authority is not economically dependent on one individual for its revenue, however, the amount of revenue earned from transactions with our customer base can be infl uenced by the South Australian economy.
Expenses Grants and contributions are amounts provided by the Authority to entities for general assistance or for a particular purpose subject to terms and conditions set out in the contract, correspondence or by legislation and may be for capital, current or recurrent purposes.
(e) Cash Cash in the Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Cash Flows is comprised of cash on hand (including petty cash and cashier fl oats) and monies held by DTF in special deposit accounts.
In October 2003 the Government introduced a policy with respect to aligning agency cash balances with appropriation and expenditure authority. In the current reporting period, the Authority transferred $2.13 million of its cash balance to the DTF consolidated account.
(f) Receivables Receivables are recognised and carried at the original invoiced amount less a provision for any doubtful debts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable, whereas bad (uncollectable) debts are written off as incurred.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 81 (g) Property, plant and equipment The Statement of Financial Position includes all property, plant and equipment controlled by the Authority.
Assets disclosed at valuation In accordance with the requirements of Accounting Policy Statement 3 ‘Revaluation of Non-Current Assets’ (APS 3), independent revaluations of classes of non-current assets only need to be undertaken where there existed an asset within a class that satisfi ed the criteria specifi ed in APS 3. That is, there existed an asset within the class with an original acquisition cost of at least $1 million and a useful life greater than three years. As no asset classes satisfi ed the revaluation criteria in APS 3, the Authority undertook a professional valuation exercise during the current reporting period for the following classes: • infrastructure • moveable vehicles • computing equipment • furniture and fi ttings • plant and equipment.
As a consequence of undertaking revaluations, assets within each of the above mentioned asset classes are recognised at different carrying amounts.
• Independent valuation 2004 represents assets within that class that were valued as part of the EPA Hazardous Waste Depot fi rst time recognition process and are carried at fair value. The independent valuations were performed as at 30 June 2004 by Mr Stephen F Hinkelthein—B App Sc (val), AAPI, Australian Valuation Offi ce. • Independent valuation 2005 represents assets within that class that were valued as part of the scientifi c equipment, plant and equipment and computer equipment valuation process and are carried at fair value. The independent valuations were performed as at 1 July 2004 by Simon O’Leary—AAPI (P&M), Australian Valuation Offi ce. • At cost represents assets within that class that are carried a their cost of acquisition and/or construction.
In accordance with the transitional provisions of AASB 1041 ‘Revaluation of Non-Current Assets’, any revaluation increments arising upon revaluing the above mentioned non-current asset classes to their fair value are credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve except that, to the extent that the net increment reverses a net revaluation decrement previously recognised as an expense in net cost of services from ordinary activities in respect of that same class of non-current assets, in which case the revaluation increments have been credited directly to accumulated funds.
In accordance with the transitional provisions of AASB 1041 ‘Revaluation of Non-Current Assets’, any revaluation decrements arising upon revaluing the above mentioned non-current asset classes to their fair value are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve to the extent that a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of that class of non-current assets, and any remainder of the net revaluation decrement is debited directly to accumulated funds.
Assets deemed to be at fair value For those classes of non-current assets where an independent revaluation has not been undertaken, the Authority’s non-current assets are deemed to be at fair value as determined by APS 3 ‘Revaluation of Non-Current Assets’ as issued by DTF. Accordingly, those items of property, plant and equipment controlled by the Authority have been brought to account at cost of acquisition and have been reduced to refl ect the portion of economic benefi ts consumed since the asset was acquired.
Asset classes that are deemed to be at fair value include: • application software
82 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
Intangible assets
Application software A number of software applications have been acquired and/or developed in-house by the Authority. The expenditure incurred on these applications is capitalised and recognised as an asset as it satisfi ed the defi nition and recognition criteria of an asset.
Intellectual property, databases and information systems The Authority controls a number of databases, registers, information systems and other intellectual property that were developed in-house and are used to store and manage intellectual property owned and controlled by the Authority. While the development and maintenance of these databases involves on-going costs to the Authority, the data has not been recognised in the fi nancial statements as assets, as it has not been possible to reliably measure the future economic benefi ts to the Authority.
Other The recoverable amount test prescribed in AASB 1010 ‘Recoverable Amount of Non-Current Assets’ has not been applied as the Authority is a not-for-profi t entity whose service potential is not related to the ability to generate net cash infl ows.
Property, plant and equipment provided free of charge is recorded as an asset at its fair value at the time control passes to the EPA. Assets received in this way are disclosed as revenue in the Statement of Financial Performance and Note 13.
Items of property, plant and equipment with an individual value of less than $2000 are expensed in the Statement of Financial Performance at the time they are acquired.
(h) Depreciation of non-current assets All non-current assets with an initial cost greater than $2000 having a limited useful life are systematically depreciated over their useful lives in a manner which refl ects the consumption of their service potential. Depreciation is provided for on a straight line basis, with the following depreciation periods:
• computing equipment 3 years
• application software 3–15 years
• plant and equipment 3–20 years
• moveable vehicles 10–14 years
• furniture and fi ttings 5–11 years
• buildings and improvements 5–50 years
In accordance with AASB 1021 ‘Depreciation’, an annual review of the appropriateness of depreciation rates and associated useful lives is undertaken. The results of the annual review indicated that the depreciation rates and associated useful lives for the computing equipment class required change for PC equipment from 3 years to 4 years and for monitors from 3 years to 4 or 6 years. The new useful lives are now in accordance with the Authority’s replacement program for IT equipment. The fi nancial effect of this change is refl ected in Note 7 Depreciation.
(i) Leases The Authority makes a distinction between fi nance leases, which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and benefi ts incidental to ownership of the leased assets, and operating leases under which the lessor effectively retains substantially all of the risks and benefi ts incidental to ownership.
Finance leases The Authority has not entered into any fi nance leases.
Operating leases Operating lease payments are charged to the Statement of Financial Performance in the periods in which they are incurred. Details of operating lease commitments are disclosed in Note 28.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 83
(j) Payables Those amounts which represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Authority are identifi ed as payables.
(k) Provisions for employee benefi ts In accordance with AASB 1028 ‘Employee Benefi ts’, a provision is made for the Authority’s liability for employee benefi ts arising from services rendered by employees to reporting date. These provisions represent the amounts which the Authority has a present obligation to pay to employees for services provided.
Accrued salaries and wages The liability for accrued salaries and wages represents the amount earned by employees at reporting date not yet paid by the Authority based on remuneration rates current at reporting date.
Sick leave No provision is made for sick leave as experience indicates that on average sick leave taken each reporting period is less than or equal to the accruing sick leave entitlement in each reporting period. This experience is expected to recur in future reporting periods such that it is improbable that existing accrued sick leave entitlements will be used by employees in the reporting period.
Annual leave A provision has been made for the unused component of annual leave, including annual leave loading, based on the remuneration rates expected to apply when the leave is taken and related on-costs as at reporting date. The expected remuneration rates are calculated as the current remuneration rate plus a salary infl ation factor of 4%. This calculation is consistent with the Authority’s experience of employee retention and leave taking.
Long service leave In calculating long service leave benefi ts the Authority uses a benchmark of seven years, based on an actuarial assessment undertaken by DTF of a signifi cant sample of employees throughout the South Australian public sector. The long service leave entitlement estimated to be paid within 12 months of balance date is calculated by multiplying employee benefi ts by the remuneration rates expected to apply when the leave is taken and related on-costs as at reporting date. The expected remuneration rates are calculated as the current remuneration rate plus a salary infl ation factor of 4%. This calculation is consistent with the Authority’s experience of employee retention and leave taking.
Employee on-costs In general, related on-costs of payroll tax and superannuation have been calculated by applying the standard applicable rates to leave balances as at 30 June. Superannuation on-costs are included for part only of the long service leave provision in recognition that it is estimated that 45% of the provision will be paid as a lump sum payment on cessation of employment and will not be subject to employer superannuation contributions. (Refer Note 23)
Superannuation Contributions are made by the Authority to several superannuation schemes operated by the South Australian Government. These contributions are treated as an expense when they are incurred. There is no liability for payments to benefi ciaries as they have been assumed by the superannuation schemes. Any liability outstanding at reporting date relates to any contribution due but not yet paid to the superannuation schemes and is treated as a payable not an employee benefi t.
Workers compensation The workers compensation liability recognised for the employees of the Authority is based on an apportionment of an actuarial assessment of the whole-of-government workers compensation liability conducted by Taylor Fry Consulting Actuaries based on 31 May data. Taylor Fry Consulting Actuaries extrapolate this data to 30 June. For the 2004–2005 fi nancial year the Authority has refl ected a workers compensation provision of $0.077 million (2004: $0.071 million). (Refer Note 23)
The actuarial assessment conducted by Taylor Fry Consulting Actuaries is based on the ‘payment per claim incurred’ (PPCI) valuation method. The assessment has been conducted in accordance with AAS 26 ‘Financial Reporting for General Insurance Activities’ and the WorkCover Guidelines for Actuarial Assessments. The liability covers claims incurred but not yet paid, incurred but not reported and the anticipated direct and indirect costs of settling those claims. The liability for outstanding claims is measured as the present value of the expected future payments refl ecting the fact that all the claims do not have to be paid out in the immediate future.
84 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
During the current reporting period, the Government Workers Compensation Fund (the Fund) was closed to all residual disability, redemption of future medical and income costs and death penalty claims with effect from 1 July 2004. Any new claims from 1 July 2004 are the responsibility of the Authority and as such the Provision for Workers Compensation Liability will be increased accordingly. All claims payments currently covered by the Fund (i.e. claims lodged prior to 1 July 2004) continue to be covered by the Fund and as such this liability is not relected within the Authority’s Financial Statements.
(l) Tax status The activities of the Authority are exempt from Commonwealth income tax but other Commonwealth taxes such as Fringe Benefi ts Tax (FBT), Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other State taxes including Payroll Tax are applicable.
(m) Accounting for Goods and Services Tax (GST) DEH prepares a business activity statement on behalf of the Authority under the grouping provisions of the GST legislation. Under these provisions, DEH is liable for the payments and entitled to the receipts associated with GST. As such, the GST applicable to the Authority forms part of the receivables and payables recorded in the Statement of Financial Position and the GST cashfl ows recorded in the Statement of Cash Flows of DEH.
Any GST incurred by the Authority as a purchaser that is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Offi ce (ATO) is, however, recognised as part of an item of expense.
(n) Impact of adopting Australian equivalents to international fi nancial reporting standards Australia will be adopting Australian equivalents to international fi nancial reporting standards (AIFRS) for reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2005. The Authority will adopt these standards for the fi rst time in the published fi nancial report for the year ended 30 June 2006.
In accordance with the requirements of AASB 1047 ‘Disclosing the Impacts of Adopting Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards’ a detailed assessment of the impacts of these new standards was performed on the accounts of the entity for year ended June 2005. The scope of this exercise was extensive giving rise to a number of new policies and procedures being developed to facilitate the implementation and interpretation of the new standards. While there will be changes to the disclosure for items within the notes to the accounts no material adjustments were identifi ed at the summary level of the accounts.
(o) SA Government specifi c disclosures In accordance with Accounting Policy Statement 13 ‘Form and Content of General Purpose Financial Reports’, the Authority has disclosed revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities where the counterparty/transaction is with an entity within the SA Government, classifi ed according to their nature.
(p) Comparative fi gures Comparative fi gures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation in these fi nancial statements where required.
(q) Rounding All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000) and expressed in Australian currency.
3 PROGRAMS OF THE AUTHORITY
The Authority is funded by appropriation for the provision of environment protection, policy and regulatory services. In line with the objective of establishing the Authority to focus on environment protection activities, the Authority conducts its services through a single program, Environment and Radiation Protection. The purpose of this program is to achieve a clean, healthy and valued environment that supports social and economic prosperity for all South Australians.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 85 4 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Notes 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Salaries and wages (i) 12,974 12,459 Superannuation 1,529 1,387 Annual leave 109 246 Payroll tax 807 764 Long service leave 122 108 Workers compensation 15 6 Sitting fees boards and committees 147 76 Other 333 559 Total 16,036 15,605
(i) Targeted voluntary separation packages (TVSPs) TVSP amounts paid by the Authority are included within salaries and wages expenses.
During the year a total no employees of the Authority accepted packages in line with the State Government’s policy (2004: 4).
The TVSP component of termination payments totalled nil (2004: $0.34m). When TVSP’s are offered these costs are met from a central fund administrated by the Offi ce for the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE). A total of nil has been recovered relating to 2004–2005 (2004: $0.34m).
In addition, accrued annual leave, leave loading and long service leave entitlements amounting to nil was paid to employees who received a TVSP (2004: $0.18m).
Employee remuneration The number of employees whose remuneration exceeded $100,000 was: 2005 2004
$110,000–$109,999 1 – $110,000–$119,999 2 1 $120,000–$129,999 – 2 $130,000–$139,999 1 – $220,000–$229,999 1 1 Total number of employees 5 4
2005 2004 $’000 $’000 Total remuneration received or due and receivable by employees whose remuneration exceeded $100,000 5 4
Remuneration includes salary, employer’s superannuation costs, use of motor vehicles in accordance with prescribed conditions and associated FBT and contract termination payments, but does not include any amounts payable due to retirement under the TVSP arrangements.
Average number of employees During the reporting period the Authority had an average of 210.9 employees (2004: 208).
86 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
Remuneration of Board members The number of Board members whose remuneration received or due and receivable fell within the following bands:
2005 2004
$Nil 8 2 $1–$10,000 6 17 $10,001–$20,000 6 3 Total number of Board members 20 22
In the current reporting period remuneration was paid to four members of the Radiation Protection Committee and eight members of the Board of the Environment Protection Authority. During the previous reporting period remuneration was paid to seven members of the Board of the Environment Protection Authority and eight members of the Radiation Protection Committee. Also paid in the previous reporting period was remuneration relating to the 02/03 fi nancial period for fi ve retired members of the Board of the Environment Protection Authority.
5 SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
Notes 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Accommodation and property management services 1,661 1,618 Materials and consumables 205 329 Vehicles 354 352 Travel and accommodation 173 211 Contractors 1,194 2,292 Consultant fees (i) 257 477 Fees for service 429 75 Computing 401 449 Minor plant & equipment 93 121 Printing and publishing 198 301 Postage, courier and freight 38 44 Advertising 645 181 Scientifi c and technical services 930 1,108 Telephone expenses 246 309 Audit fees 62 53 Equipment repairs and maintenance 54 58 Books, periodicals and newspapers 17 27 Entertainment 15 16 Equipment hire 10 6 Media monitoring 26 67 Conference and seminar presentation 108 82 Insurance 23 23 Transportation 90 87 Legal fees 11 47 Customer call centre costs 75 83 Hazardous waste storage and disposal costs 71 97 Membership subscriptions 12 4 Other 47 41 7,434 8,515
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 87 (i) The number and amount of consultant fees fell within the following bandwidths: Note 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Below $10,000 2 12 44 Between $10,000 and $50,000 2 44 76 Above $50,000 2 201 357 Total number and amount of consultant fees 6 257 477
Supplies and services provided by entities within the SA Government 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Accommodation and property management services 1,586 1,457 Materials and consumables 36 – Vehicles 338 272 Contractors 45 147 Fees for service 250 – Computing 49 62 Advertising 8 – Scientifi c and technical services 627 – Telephone expenses 182 138 Audit fees 62 63 Equipment repairs and maintenance 5 17 Books, periodicals and newspapers 1 – Conference and seminar presentation 6 – Insurance 23 23 3,218 2.234
6 GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Note 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
State government (i) 5,657 5,958 Local government 65 1,498 Private industry and community 161 82 Individuals 56 67 Other 45 19 5,984 7,624
88 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
(i) State government grants and contributions
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Zero Waste SA* 5,641 5,432 Environment and Heritage – 437 Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board – 79 Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board – 10 Dept of Primary Industries & Resources 16 – 5,657 5,958
* As per section 113 of the Act, the Authority earns and collects 100% of waste levies but is then required to transfer 50% of the levies collected to Zero Waste SA as per section 17 of the Zero Waste Act, 2004. This transfer represents the payment of waste levies monies to Zero Waste SA during 2003–04 in accordance with the Act. In the current reporting period, the waste levies transferred amounted to $5.14 million with the balance of $0.19 million being interest earned on the waste levies collected prior to transfer to Zero Waste SA.
7 DEPRECIATION
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Buildings and improvements 3 5 Infrastructure 11 – Moveable vehicles 5 5 Computing equipment 107 259 Application software 159 40 Furniture and fi ttings 93 65 Plant and equipment 491 64 Other 13 558 882 996
Change in depreciation due to a revaluation In the current reporting period, the Authority revalued its infrastructure, moveable vehicles, computing equipment, and plant and equipment classes upward. This revaluation process also involves a re-assessment of the useful life of each asset. As a result of the revaluation, depreciation on these assets has decreased by $0.12 million.
$’000
Infrastructure 5 increase Moveable vehicles 1 decrease Computing equipment 3 decrease Plant and equipment* 124 decrease 123
* plant and equipment subject to revaluation and associated reassessment of useful lives were transferred from other assets during the current reporting period.
The fi nancial effect of the revaluation and reassessment of useful lives (reduction of $0.12 million) is incorporated into the Depreciation Expense on the reconciliation schedule in Note 21.
Depreciation written back due to revisions to Useful Life Estimates During the current reporting period, the estimated useful lives of some computing equipment were reviewed. This resulted in the write back of depreciation expense totalling $0.09 million which appears in the ‘Depreciation Expense—Revision to Useful Life Estimation’ line of the reconciliation schedule in Note 21. EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 89
8 NET GAIN/(LOSS) FROM DISPOSAL OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets 1 1 Less: written down value of non-current assets 8 283 (7 ) (282 )
9 OTHER EXPENSES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Bad and doubtful debts (39 ) 7 Asset write-downs 8 – (31 ) 7
10 FEES AND CHARGES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Fines and penalties 161 60 Waste levies 12,107 11,580 Fees and licences 7,390 5,957 Section 7 enquiries 286 286 Fee for service 309 346 Sale of goods 9 1 Sale of services 159 64 20,421 18,294
Fees and charges earned from entities within the SA Government
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Fines and penalties 19 – Fees and licences 1,708 1,043 Section 7 enquiries 273 278 Fee for service 309 346 2,309 1,667
90 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
11 GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Notes $’000 $’000
Commonwealth Government (i) 239 646 State Government (ii) 969 438 Private Industry and Local Government 609 666 Other – 15 1,817 1,765
(i) Commonwealth Government grants and contributions
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Natural Heritage Trust 129 – DEH Canberra 90 – Rural Industries Research Development 20 – Environment Australia – 500 Other – 146 239 646
(ii) State Government grants and contributions
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Catchment Water Management Board 574 297 Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 150 – Integrated Natural Resources Management Group 100 – SA Water Corporation 50 – Trade & Economic Development 50 40 Primary Industries and Resources SA 30 – Environment and Heritage 15 101 969 438
(iii) Private Industry and Local Government
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
National Packaging Covenant 379 406 NRG Flinders 200 200 Kimberley Clark 30 30 609 666
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 91 12 INTEREST
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Interest on funds held 323 645 323 645
Interest and dividends earned from entities within the SA Government
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Interest on funds held 323 645 323 645
13 ASSETS RECEIVED FREE OF CHARGE
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Land and improvements – 170 Plant and equipment 130 – Moveable vehicles 3 – Transfers received assets 22 17 Other – 1 155 188
14 OTHER REVENUE
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Salaries and wages recoveries 34 561 Insurance recoveries 10 – Other 2 6 46 567
Other revenue earned from entities within the SA Government
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Salaries and wages recoveries 34 561 Insurance recoveries 10 – 44 561
92 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
15 SA GOVERNMENT REVENUES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Revenues Recurrent appropriation 8,106 8,718 Contingency funds 170 7 Accrual appropriation 598 – Total SA Government revenues 8,874 8,725
Expenses Return of surplus cash 2,128 – Total SA Government expenses 2,128 –
16 NET GAIN/(LOSS) FROM ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRUCTURE
The Zero Waste SA reporting entity was established with effect from 1 July 2003, resulting in the transfer of functions, staff, assets and liabilities from the EPA. The realignment resulted in a net loss of $1.625 million due to the transfer of the following assets and liabilities:
Assets
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Cash – 1,808 – 1,808
Liabilities Payables – 20 Provisions for employee benefi ts – 163 – 183 Net gain/(loss) from administrative restructures – (1,625)
17 CASH
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Authority deposit account 1,834 3,506 Environment Protection Fund deposit account 1,592 1,671 Accrual appropriation 1,763 1,103 Advance accounts 4 4 Cash in transit – 1 Cash on hand 1 1 5,194 6,286
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 93 18 RECEIVABLES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Current: Debtors 1,065 950 Loans 38 46 Interest 15 17 Other 1 1 Less: provision for doubtful debts 5 22 1,114 992
Non-current: Debtors 3 4 Loans 40 91 Less: provision for doubtful debts – 23 43 72
Receivables from SA Government entities Debtors 45 83 Interest 15 17 60 100
19 OTHER ASSETS
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Current: Prepayments 87 75 87 75
20 FINANCIAL ASSETS
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Non-current: Equity in listed entities 5 5 5 5
94 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
21 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
(a) Land buildings and improvements Land: Independent valuation 2004 100 100 Total land 100 100
Buildings and improvements: Independent valuation 2004 93 – At cost 7 136 Less: Accumulated depreciation 46 60 Total buildings and improvements 54 76
Infrastructure: Independent valuation 2004 37 – Independent valuation 2005 154 – At cost 80 133 Less: Accumulated depreciation 77 28 Total infrastructure 194 105 Total land buildings and improvements 348 281
(b) Plant and equipment Moveable vehicles: Independent valuation 2005 64 – At cost 56 78 Less: Accumulated depreciation 56 47 Total moveable vehicles 64 31
Computing equipment: Independent valuation 2005 15 – At cost 926 1,400 Less: Accumulated depreciation 622 1,008 Total computing equipment 319 392
Application software: At cost 1,059 719 Less: Accumulated depreciation 454 65 Total application software 605 654
Furniture and fi ttings: Independent valuation 2005 49 – At cost 1,072 824 Less: Accumulated depreciation 361 254 Total furniture and fi ttings 760 570
Plant and equipment: Independent valuation 2004 4 – Independent valuation 2005 3,246 – At cost 1,593 337 Less: Accumulated depreciation 2,562 260 Total plant and equipment 2,281 77
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 95 21 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Other: Independent valuation 2004 – 4 Independent valuation 2005 128 – At cost 14 3,705 Less: accumulated depreciation 82 2,328 Total other 60 1,381
Capital works in progress: At cost 284 5 Total capital works in progress 284 5 Total plant and equipment 4,373 3,110 Total property, plant and equipment 4,721 3,391
96 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Reconciliation A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment is displayed in the table below. Capital Buildings and Moveable Computing Application Furniture & Plant & Works in Land Improvements Infrastructure Vehicles Equipment Software Fittings Equipment Other progress TOTAL Gross carry amount $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance at 30 June 2004 100 137 133 78 1,400 718 824 337 3,709 5 7,441 Additions – – – – 40 – 68 106 26 555 795 Additions – transfer from capital works in progress – – – – – 92 170 14 – (276) –
Net revaluation increment/decrement – – 99 23 (3) – 4 558 63 – 744 Appendix 1–Financial statements and accompanying notes Transfers between classes (37) 39 15 (261) 251 55 3,594 (3,656) – – Assets received free of charge – – – 4 48 – – 276 – – 328 Disposals – – – – (225) (2) – (31) – – (258) Assets written-off and/or impaired – – – – (58) – – (11) – – (69) Balance at 30 June 2005 100 100 271 120 941 1,059 1,121 4,843 142 284 8,981
Accumulated depreciation/amortisation Balance as at 30 June 2004 – (61) (28) (47) (1,007) (65) (254) (260) (2,328) – (4,050) Depreciation expense – (3) (11) (5) (195) (173) (93) (491) (13) – (985) Depreciation expense – revision to Useful Life Estimates – – – – 88 14 – – – – 102 Net revaluation increment/decrement – – (20) 5 11 – 2 539 (2) – 535 Transfers between classes 18 (18) (8) 236 (232) (16) (2,241) 2,261 – – Assets received free of charge – – – (1) (26) – – (146) – – (173) Disposals – – – – 217 2 – 31 – – 250 Assets written-off and/or impaired – – – – 55 – – 6 – – 61 Balance as at 30 June 2005 – (46) (77) (56) (622) (454) (361) (2,562) (82) – (4,260)
Net Book Value As at 30 June 2004 100 76 105 31 393 653 570 77 1,381 5 3,391 As at 30 June 2005 100 54 194 64 319 605 760 2,281 60 284 4,721 EPA Annual Report2004–2005 97 22 PAYABLES
2005 2004 Notes $’000 $’000
Current: Creditors 905 832 Accruals 90 568 Employee benefi t on-costs (i) 242 182 1,237 1,582
Non-current: Employee benefi t on-costs (i) 425 421 425 421
(i) Employee benefi t on-costs Costs that are a consequence of employing employees, but which are not employee benefi ts, such as payroll tax and superannuation on-costs, are recognised as liabilities and expenses when the employee benefi ts to which they relate are recognised. The employee benefi t on-costs associated with each type of employee benefi t are as follows: 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Current: Accrued payroll tax Annual leave 58 47 Long service leave 10 5 Accrued salaries and wages 8 8 76 60 Superannuation Annual leave 140 100 Long service leave 13 7 Accrued salaries and wages 14 15 167 122 Total current employee benefi t on-costs 243 182
Non-current: Accrued payroll tax Long service leave 178 176 178 176 Superannuation Long service leave 247 245 247 245 Total non-current employee benefi t on-costs 425 421
Payables to SA Government entities Creditors 146 344 Accruals 63 403 Employee benefi t on-costs 667 665 876 1,412
98 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
23 PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Current: Annual leave 916 850 Long service leave 161 89 Workers compensation 21 21 Accrued salaries and wages 224 134 1,322 1,094
Non-current: Long service leave 2,986 2,950 Workers compensation 56 50 3,042 3,000
Costs that are a consequence of employing employees, but which are not employee benefi ts, such as payroll tax and superannuation on-costs, are recognised as liabilities and expenses when the employee benefi ts to which they relate are recognised. These employee benefi t on-costs are recognised as Payables in Note 22 as they do not accrue to employees.
The aggregate current liability from employee benefi ts and related on-costs is $1.56 million (2004: $1.28 million).
The aggregate non-current liability from employee benefi ts and related on-costs is $3.47 million (2004: $3.42 million).
24 OTHER LIABILITIES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Current: Deposits held – 50 Other 6 17 6 67
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 99 25 EQUITY
Equity represents the residual interest in the net assets of the Authority. The State Government holds the equity interest in the Authority on behalf of the community. Asset Accumulated revaluation Total funds – $’000 reserve – $’000 $’000
2005 Balance at 1 July 4,657 – 4,657 Surplus/(defi cit) for the year (804 ) – (804 ) Net increment/(decrement) related to the revaluation of: Infrastructure – 79 79 Moveable vehicles – 28 28 Computing equipment – 8 8 Furniture and fi ttings – 6 6 Plant and equipment – 1,097 1,097 Other – 61 61 Balance at 30 June 3,853 1,279 5,132
Asset Accumulated revaluation Total funds – $’000 reserve – $’000 $’000
2004 Balance at 1 July 9,127 – 9,127 Surplus (defi cit) for the year 4,470 – 4,470 Balance at 30 June 4,657 – 4,657
24 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO NET COST OF SERVICES
2005 2004 $’000 $’000
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES (220) (667) Adjustments Cash fl ows from government (6,746) (8,725 ) Depreciation and amortisation (882) (996 ) Assets received free of charge 155 188 Assets written off (8 ) – Net gain/(loss) on sale of assets (7 ) (282 )
Changes in assets and liabilities Increase/(decrease) in receivables 93 5 Increase/(decrease) in inventories – (2 ) Increase/(decrease) in other assets 12 (37 ) Decrease/(increase) in payables (262 ) (513 ) Decrease/(increase) in employee benefi ts (270 ) (552 ) Decrease/(increase) in other liabilities 61 11 NET COST OF SERVICES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (7,550 ) (11,570 )
100 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
27 RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
The Authority is engaged in a variety of funding programs involving state and Commonwealth sources who provide monies to the Authority on the premise that these funds are expended in a manner consistent with the terms of the agreement. At reporting date the Authority had the following outstanding funding commitments: 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Environment Protection 1,755 1,530 1,755 1,530
28 EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS
Operating lease commitments: The total value of future non-cancellable operating lease commitments not provided for and payable as at the end of the reporting period are detailed below. These amounts have not been brought to account in the fi nancial statements. 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Not later than one year 1,853 1,391 Later than one year but not later than fi ve years 4,646 4,115 Total (including GST) 6,499 5,506
Included in the operating lease commitments above is $0.59 million (2004: $0.50 million) which is the GST component of the operating lease payments.
The operating leases held by the Authority are mainly property leases with penalty clauses equal to the amount of the residual payments remaining for the lease terms. The leases are payable one month in advance and the Authority has the right of renewal. There are no existing or contingent rental provisions.
29 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURE
(a) Accounting policies and terms and conditions affecting future cash fl ows: Financial assets Cash deposits are recognised at their nominal amounts and interest is credited to revenue as it accrues. The Authority invests surplus funds with the Treasurer at call. Interest is earned on the average monthly balance at rates based on the DTF 90-day bank bill rate and interest is paid at the end of each quarter. The average effective interest rate for the reporting period was 5.16 percent (2004: 4.87%).
Debtors (trade accounts receivable) are generally settled within 30 days, are carried at amounts due and credit terms are net 30 days. A provision is raised for any doubtful debts based on a review of all outstanding amounts at balance date and bad debts are written off in the period in which they are identifi ed.
Loans are recognised at the nominal amounts lent and collectability of amounts outstanding is reviewed at balance date with provision being made for bad and doubtful loans. That is, where collection of the loan or part thereof is judged to be less likely rather than more likely. Loan repayments may be waived at the discretion of the minister. Interest is credited to revenue as it accrues in accordance with the fi xed interest rate loan repayment schedule. Similarly, principal repayments also occur in accordance with the loan repayment schedules and the principal is repaid in full at maturity.
Financial liabilities Creditors (trade accounts payable), including accruals not yet billed, are recognised when the Authority becomes obliged to make future payments as a result of a purchase of assets or goods and services at their nominal amounts and are generally settled within 30 days.
Borrowings are recognised when issued at the amount of the net proceeds due and carried at cost until settled. Interest is recognised as an expense on an effective yield basis.
All fi nancial assets and liabilities are unsecured.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 101 29 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURE (continued)
(b) Interest rate risk exposure: The Authority’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate for classes of fi nancial assets and fi nancial liabilities is set out below. Weighted Floating More Non average interest 1 year 1 to 5 than interest 2005 effective rate rate or less years 5 years bearing Total % $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial assets Cash 5.16 5,194 – – – – 5,194 Loans N/A – – – – 78 78 Debtors N/A – – – – 1,079 1,079 Financial assets N/A – – – – 5 5 5,194 – – – 1,162 6,356
Financial liabilities Creditors N/A – – – – 1,662 1,662 – – – – 1,162 1,662
2004
Financial assets Cash 4.87 6,286 – – – – 6,286 Loans N/A – – – – 137 137 Debtors N/A – – – – 926 926 Financial assets N/A – – – – 5 5 6,286 – – – 1,068 7,354
Financial liabilities Creditors N/A – – – – 2,003 2,003 – – – – 2,003 2,003
(c) Net fair value of fi nancial assets and liabilities: The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing monetary fi nancial assets and fi nancial liabilities approximates their carrying value. Carrying Net fair Carrying Net fair amount value amount value 2005 2005 2004 2004 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
Financial assets Cash 5,194 5,194 6,286 6,286 Loans 78 78 137 137 Debtors 1,079 1,079 926 926 Financial assets 5 5 5 5 6,356 6,356 7,354 7,354
Financial liabilities Creditors 1,662 1,662 2,003 2,003 1,662 1,662 2,003 2,003
102 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
30 AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION
Services provided by the Auditor-General’s Department with respect to the audit of the Authority totalled $0.062 million (2004: $0.063 million) for the reporting period. No other services were provided by the Auditor-General’s Department.
31 THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FUND
The following is a summary of the amounts included in the Fund. In refl ecting these amounts in the Authority’s fi nancial statements transaction between the Fund and the Authority have been eliminated. (Refer note 1(c)) 2005 2004 $’000 $’000
Statement of fi nancial performance for period ended 30 June 2005 EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Employee benefi ts 682 670 Supplies and services 624 482 Grants and contributions 131 250 Net loss from disposal of non-current assets – 5 Other (1 ) 1 Total expenses from ordinary activities 1,436 1,408
REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Fees and charges 1,134 1,049 Grants and contributions – 30 Interest 99 143 Other – 16 Total revenues from ordinary activities 1,233 1,238 NET COST OF SERVICES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 203 170 NET RESULT BEFORE RESTRUCTURING (203 ) (170 ) Net gain/(loss) from administrative restructure (refer note 16) – (1.808 ) NET RESULT AFTER RESTRUCTURING (203 ) (1.978 )
Statement of fi nancial position as at 30 June 2005 CURRENT ASSETS Cash 1,592 1,671 Receivables 54 62 Total current assets 1,646 1,733 TOTAL ASSETS 1,646 1,733
CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 186 24 Other – 50 Total current liabilities 190 74 TOTAL LIABILITIES 190 74 NET ASSETS 1,456 1,659
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 103 33 ADMINISTERED ITEM OF THE AUTHORITY
(a) Reporting entity and strategic context The major objective of the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee (the Committee) is to carry out an integrated ecological study of the marine environment off metropolitan Adelaide. The study is referred to as the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study (ACWS) and focuses on the issues of loss of seagrass, declining water quality, algal blooms, beach closures, sand loss and wide scale movement, sediment on reef systems, mangrove dieback and problems caused by exotic organisms.
(b) Administered item fi nancial arrangements The Committee’s sources of funds consist of monies contributed or to be contributed by Mobil Australia, Ports Corp, SA Water Corporation, Onkaparinga, Torrens and Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Boards, TRU Energy, the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, the Department of Primary Industries and Resources, the Coast Protection Board and the Authority.
The fi nancial activities of the Committee are conducted through the Authority’s special deposit account with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) pursuant to Section 8 of the Public Finance and Audit Act.
The Authority and DEH continue to provide fi nancial services to the Committee. Offi cers of the Authority and DEH provide technical and administrative support to the Committee at no charge. Certain facilities are also provided at no charge to the Committee include the use of plant and equipment and offi ce accommodation.
(c) Administered item summary of signifi cant accounting policies The administered item schedules of activities detail the administered item revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash fl ows.
In general, the Administered Item adopts the accounting policies of the Authority, as detailed in Note 2, deviations from these policies are as follows:
Provisions for employee benefi ts In general, the administered item utilises the services of the Authority’s and DEH’s employees rather than recruiting and appointing employees in its own right. In the majority of cases, the services provided by the employees are provided free of charge. If, however, the services provided by the employees are directly attributable to the activities of an administered item and can be reliably measured the services are charged to the administered item on a fee-for-service (cost recovery) basis. Further, the provision for the liability for employee benefi ts arising from services rendered by employees is not recognised in the administered items’ schedules as the Authority and DEH are obligated to pay employees for services provided. Accordingly, the provisions for employee benefi ts are recognised in the Authority’s and DEH’s fi nancial statements.
Details of the administered item revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash fl ows are provided in the following schedules.
Schedule 1(A): Administered Revenues and Expenses for the Year Ended 30 June 2005 Schedule 1(B): Administered Revenues and Expenses for the Year Ended 30 June 2004 Schedule 2(A): Administered Assets and Liabilities as at 30 June 2005 Schedule 2(B): Administered Assets and Liabilities as at 30 June 2004 Schedule 3(A): Administered Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2005 Schedule 3(B): Administered Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2004
104 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
33 ADMINISTERED ITEM OF THE AUTHORITY (continued)
Schedule 1(A): Administered revenues and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2005 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Supplies and services 510 Total expenses from ordinary activities 510
REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Grants and contributions 647 Interest and dividends 42 Total revenues from ordinary activities 679
NET COST OF SERVICES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (169 )
TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS 169
Schedule 1(B): Administrated revenues and expenses for the year ended 30 June 2004 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Supplies and services 806 Total expenses from ordinary activities 806
REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Grants and contributions 647 Interest and dividends 45 Total revenues from ordinary activities 692
NET COST OF SERVICES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 114
NET RESULT BEFORE RESTRUCTURING (114)
NET RESULT AFTER RESTRUCTURING (114)
TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY OTHER THAN THOSE RESULTING FROM TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS (114 )
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 105 33 ADMINISTERED ITEM OF THE AUTHORITY (continued)
Schedule 2(A): Administered assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2005 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
CURRENT ASSETS Cash 1,004 Receivables 4 Total current assets 1,008
TOTAL ASSETS 1,008
CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 144 Total current liabilities 144
TOTAL LIABILITIES 144
NET ASSETS 864
EQUITY Accumulated funds 864 TOTAL EQUITY 864
Schedule 2(B): Administrated assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2004 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
CURRENT ASSETS Cash 692 Receivables 3 Total current assets 695
NET ASSETS 695
EQUITY Accumulated funds 695 TOTAL EQUITY 695
106 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 1 – Financial statements and accompanying notes
33 ADMINISTERED ITEM OF THE AUTHORITY (continued)
Schedule 3(A): Administrated assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2005 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES PAYMENTS Supplies and services (366 ) Total outfl ows from ordinary activities (366 )
RECEIPTS Grants and contributions 637 Interest and dividends 41 Total infl ow from ordinary activities 678
NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 312
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH HELD 312
Cash held at the beginning of the reporting period 692 CASH AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD 1,004
Schedule 3(B): Administrated assets and liabilities as at 30 June 2004 Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee $’000
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES PAYMENTS Supplies and services (806 ) Total outfl ows from ordinary activities (806 )
RECEIPTS Grants and contributions 1,040 Interest and dividends 44 Total infl ow from ordinary activities 1,084
NET CASH FROM/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 278
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH HELD 278
Cash held at the beginning of the reporting period 414 CASH AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD 692
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 107 108 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 109 APPENDIX 2—PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED IN 2004–2005
Publication No. Title
EPA Information
EPA 425/05 Construction noise EPA 424/04 Environmental noise EPA 514/04 Section 7, Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994 and the Environment Protection Authority EPA 230/04 Wood burning heaters—and how to use them effectively
EPA Guidelines
EPA 485/04 Accredited licence applications EPA 578/05 Air pollution modelling—presentation of results EPA 580/04 Assessment of underground storage systems EPA 585/05 Compliance and Enforcement EPA 584/05 Composite soil sampling for contaminated sites EPA 572/04 Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) timber waste—storage and management EPA 420/04 Environment improvement programs (EIPs)—a drafting guide for licensees EPA 351/04 Waste levy regulations EPA 414/04 Wastes containing asbestos—removal, transport and disposal
EPA Position Statement
EPA 601/05 Managing the health impacts of pollution
Annual reports
EPA 551/04 EPA Annual Report 2003–04 (includes reporting under the Radiation Protection Act) EPA 573/04 Round-table 2004
Public consultation drafts
EPA 568/04 Discussion paper—Licence fee structure EPA 565/04 Draft Code of Practice for Environmentally Responsible Pesticide Use EPA 552/04 Draft Code of Practice for Environmental Management of SA Oyster Farming Industry EPA 581/05 Draft Code of Practice for Materials Handling on Wharves EPA 567/05 Draft Code of Practice for Industrial, Retail and Commercial Stormwater Management EPA 570/05 Draft Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management—Marine and Inland Waters Landfi ll Facility Guidelines: Capping systems for waste landfi lls Closure and post-closure plans for waste landfi lls Construction quality assurance Environmental assessment and water management strategies Landfi ll environment management plans Landfi ll facilities for solid waste Landfi ll gas and air quality management strategies Leachate containment and management systems Screening and siting of landfi ll facilities Site layout for landfi ll facilities Use of geosynthetic materials in base liner systems Use of geosynthetic materials in capping systems Use of geosynthetic materials in capping systems
110 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 2—Publications Released or Updated in 2003–2004
Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Offi ce
EPA 583/05 Mt Lofty Ranges Watershed (brochure)
Other publications
EPA 556/04 Air quality monitoring for sulfur dioxide in metropolitan Adelaide EPA 508/04 Ambient air quality monitoring trends in South Australia 1979–2003 EPA 588/05 Ambient water quality monitoring—Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island EPA 592/05 Burial of livestock in shallow pits in the lower South East—assessment of groundwater impact (consultancy report) EPA 555/04 Community awareness and acceptance of container deposit legislation (consultancy report) EPA 579/05 Cowirra surface irrigation reuse trial EPA 466/04 Critter Catalogue Environment management assessment checklist for unlicensed wineries EPA Web Site (fl yer) EPA 566/04 Evaluation of Air Pollution Model TAPM (v.2) for Adelaide EPA 550/04 Greener Business Alliance: Project Report Yalumba’s Role Case studies: Anthony Smith Australia Pty Ltd Collotype Labels Pty Ltd JBM Juvenal Australia LF Jeffries Nonimees Pty Ltd Scholle Industries Tarac Technologies Pty Ltd Thornborough Estate (George Girgolas) Tributary Estate White Refrigeration Pty Ltd (for Yalumba Pty Ltd) Wirra Wirra Winery EPA 561/04 Greening the supply chain—Round 3 (brochure) EPA 553/04 Heavy metal concentrations in razorfi sh and sediments across the northern Spencer Gulf EPA 575/04 Heavy metal contamination in the northern Spencer Gulf (brochure) EPA 512/04 Lake Bonney SE, South Australia—past, present and possible future Review of environmental impacts of the acid in-situ leach uranium mining process (consultancy report) EPA 574/05 River Murray & Lower Lakes Catchment Risk Assessment Project for Water Quality—Mannum to Mypolonga Trial (Vol.1A) EPA 594/05 River Murray & Lower Lakes Catchment Risk Assessment Project for Water Quality—Concepts and Methods EPA 582/05 South Australia’s ambient air quality monitoring program—a review
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 111 APPENDIX 3—FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT
The following details are provided as part of the information statement of the EPA under the provisions of section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA).
Organisation structure and functions
From 1 July 2002 the EPA became a separate administrative unit under the Environment and Conservation Portfolio. The EPA is South Australia’s primary environmental regulator; it is responsible for the protection of air and water quality, and the control of pollution, waste, noise and radiation, to ensure the protection and enhancement of the environment.
The EPA’s organisational structure and functions are set out in this annual report.
Boards and committees
Information on the EPA’s boards and committees is set out in this annual report.
Effect of organisation functions on members of the public
The EPA encourages environmental responsibility throughout the business and community sectors and works collaboratively towards achieving a healthy environment alongside economic prosperity.
The role and objectives of the EPA are detailed throughout this annual report and are published in the EPA 2005–08 Strategic Plan.
Public participation in environment policy
The public is invited to participate in development of environment policy through:
• public consultation sessions during the development of specifi c EPPs and other policy initiatives
• the annual Round-table Conference
• regional Round-table meetings
• specifi c issue forums.
The EPA also supports a number of programs to assist business and industry, community volunteers and South Australian teachers and students to become involved in protecting and enhancing the environment.
Public consultation and community monitoring programs undertaken in 2004–05 are detailed in this annual report.
Description of kinds of documents held by EPA
Publications produced by the EPA can be accessed through the department’s web site at
Other types of documents produced by the EPA include:
• administrative records
• asset maintenance records
• records and annual reports of boards and committees
• corporate and strategic planning records
• correspondence fi les
112 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 3—Freedom of Information Statement
• fi nancial records
• occupational health and safety records
• personnel records
• policy documents
• procedures and reference manuals
• survey and environmental reports and records.
Please note that standard freedom of information charges for these documents may apply.
Documents available for purchase from the EPA in accordance with Section 109 of the Environment Protection Act include:
• applications for environmental authorisations
• environmental authorisations
• development authorisations
• beverage container approvals
• details of prosecutions and other enforcement action under the Environment Protection Act.
Policy documents
In relation to corporate policy the EPA refers to existing DEH corporate policy except in instances where specifi c EPA policy has been developed. Enquiries about such policy should be directed to DEH. The following list details existing EPA internal operating policies:
• IOP001 Guideline for the preparation of an internal offi ce policy or procedure for the EPA
• IOP002 Procedure for obtaining advice on sampling
• IOP003 Procedure to be followed when requesting legal advice
• IOP004 Overseas travel by EPA staff
• IOP005 Conference attendance by EPA staff
• IOP006 Guidelines for training & development expenditure
• IOP007 Licence renewal process for A-Class licences • – Attachment 0: Designation of licences as Class ‘A’ or Class ‘B’—Licence Consolidation • – Attachment 1: Licence renewal process fl ow chart for ‘A’ licences • – Attachment 2: Licence renewal process for A-Class licences, guidance notes for licence coordinators • – Attachment 3: Full process
• IOP008 Guidelines for study assistance
• IOP009 Accessing human resource development activities
• IOP010 Induction • – Attachment 1: Process for induction of new employees • – Attachment 2: Induction checklist • – Attachment 3: Reference lists EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 113 • IOP011 Guideline for preparing EPA Board papers • – Attachment 1: Required paper format and guidance notes • – Attachment 2: Agenda item proforma • – Attachment 3: Suggested agenda item proforma
• IOP012 Vaccination protocol for fi eld staff
• IOP013 Licensing requirements for the transport and disposal of recyclable/reusable wastes
• IOP014 WinTAP: Windows Time Allocation Program for EPA • – Attachment 1: TOIL Record Sheet
• IOP015 Responding to environmental emergencies & major pollution incidents • – Attachment 1
• IOP016 Threshold criteria—Matters for EPA Board Consideration
• IOP017 Guideline for the preparation of a Cabinet submission • – Attachment 1: Cabinet submission development process fl ow chart • – Attachment 2: Cabinet submission process checklist • – Attachment 3: Guideline—When is a Cabinet submission required? • – Attachment 4: Guideline—Notifi cation of intention to draft a Cabinet submission • – Attachment 5: Instructions for using Cabinet submission templates • – Attachment 6: Preparing Cabinet submissions.
• IOP018 Hazard Incident Injury Reporting, Investigation & Management • – Attachment 1: Risk Assessment
• Hazard–Incident–Injury Reporting Risk Rating &Risk Assessment Matrix • – Attachment 2: Hazard Incident Injury Reporting, Investigation & Management Policy
• Hazard–Incident–Injury Reporting Policy • – Attachment 3: Report Forms
• Hazard Report Forms
• Incident Report Forms
• Aggression Report
• Manual Handling Report
• Needle-stick Injury Report
• Vehicle Accident Report
• Notifi cation of Dangerous Occurrence Form
• IOP019 Allocation and Use of Mobile Telephones • – Attachment: Request for mobile telephone • – Attachment: Request for mobile telephone
• IOP020 Mobile Telephone—Reimbursing Personal Call Costs • – Attachment: Mobile telephone personal calls—reimbursement form
114 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Appendix 3—Freedom of Information Statement
• IOP021 Vehicle Management • – Attachment: Non-Employee Application to Drive Government Vehicles • – Attachment: Application for Regular Home/Offi ce Travel
• IOP022 Management of Desk Telephones
Access to organisation documents
Requests for access to documents or amendment of personal records in the possession of EPA should be directed in writing to:
Freedom of Information Coordinator Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Telephone: 8204 9128
Policy documents may be inspected at Level 5, Grenfell St, Adelaide between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 115 APPENDIX 4—OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION
Overseas travel
Employee Destination Reasons for travel Total cost to agency*
Phil Hazell Hawaii Preparation of a joint $2863.00 American/Australian manual on best practice for catchment management in public water supply catchments.
Phil Gorey Berlin and Stockholm Present a paper at the 5th $8702.07 International Symposium on Management of Aquifer Recharge and meetings with European environmental protection agencies
Emma Clark London Attend and present a paper at the $9025.00 13th World Clean Air and Environment Congress
*Salary costs for staff not included in these fi gures
Direction by the minister
Pursuant to Section 111(2)(b) of the Act, the minister to whom the Act is committed has given no direction to the Board during the period to which the report related.
Boards and committees listing
• Board of the Environment Protection Authority • Sub-committees: • Pesticides Sub-committee • EPA/Local Government Sub-committee • Radiation Protection Committee
116 EPA Annual Report 2004–2005 Environment Protection Authority Annual Report 2004–2005
For further information please contact:
Information Of cer Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 Adelaide SA 5001 Telephone: (08) 8204 2004 Facsimile: (08) 8204 9393 Freecall (country): 1800 623 445 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.epa.sa.gov.au
ISSN 1322-1662 September 2005
© Environment Protection Authority This document may be reproduced in whole or part for the purpose of study or training, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source and to its not being used for commercial purposes or sale. Reproduction for purposes other than those given above requires the prior written permission of the Environment Protection Authority.
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