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ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

ANNUAL REPORT

1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008

Environment Protection Authority Annual Report 2007 08

For further information please contact:

Information Officer Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Telephone: (08) 8204 2000 Facsimile: (08) 8124 4670Freecall (country): 1800 623 445 Email: <[email protected]> Website: <www.epa.sa.gov.au>

ISSN 1322-1662 ISBN 978-1-921125-79-9

September 2008

© 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 it 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.

Printed on recycled paper

CONTENTS

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL .............................................................................1

EPA ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND EPA BOARD ..................................................3

PRESIDING MEMBER’S STATEMENT ...................................................................3

Reconciliation statement .........................................................................5

ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................7

HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES ...............................................................9

INTRODUCTION......................................................................................... 11

EPA BOARD AND ITS ACTIVITIES .................................................................... 15

Members of the EPA Board ..................................................................... 15

Outgoing members of the Board............................................................... 16

ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS ............................................................................. 21

Clean and healthy air............................................................................ 21

Water quality that meets agreed environmental values................................... 27

Communities protected from unacceptable noise .......................................... 30

Sustainable use of resources (waste to resources management)......................... 30

EPA’S STRATEGIC ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES ................................................ 35

Better environmental regulation .............................................................. 35

Informed business behaving sustainably in South Australia and globally................ 38

Recruiting and retaining good people ........................................................ 38

Improving performance measurement........................................................ 39

ADDITIONAL KEY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUNCTIONS................................ 40

Regulatory functions............................................................................. 40

Compliance and enforcement.................................................................. 41

Development assessment ....................................................................... 45

National Pollutant Inventory ................................................................... 48

Pollution complaints hotline ................................................................... 49

APPENDIX 1 ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION ............................................... A 1

Finance and administration ...................................................................A 1

Human resources and development .........................................................A 1

APPENDIX 2 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING NOTES....................A 11

APPENDIX 3 OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION............................................A 38

APPENDIX 4 PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2007 08 ...............A 44

APPENDIX 5 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT ....................................A 46

APPENDIX 6 SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S AIR QUALITY DATA ....................................A 50

List of figures

Figure 1 Organisational directorate structure ...................................................14

Figure 2 Emergency response—reports by type..................................................44

Figure 3 Emergency response— source of calls ..................................................44

Figure 4 Hazard and incident reports—annual trends .......................................A 10

Figure 5 Paper diverted from landfill ..........................................................A 39

Figure 6 Recycling of containers (cans, bottles and cartons) ..............................A 40

Figure 7 Proportion of unleaded fuel used in dual fuel vehicles ..........................A 42

Figure 8 Greenhouse gas emissions.............................................................A 43

Figure 9 Adelaide’s air quality index 2007 ....................................................A 50

Figure 10 Netlely’s air quality index 2002 07..................................................A 51

Figure 11 Daily averaged PM10 at Walls Street and Schulz Reserve, Whyalla 2007 ......A 51

Figure 12 Annual averaged particulate lead concentrations at Port Pirie 2002 07......A 52

Figure 13 Sulfur dioxide daily maximum one hour averages in Port Pirie 2007 ..........A 53

List of tables

Table 1 Progress against 2007 08 portfolio statement targets.............................. 13

Table 2 EPA Board Members meeting attendances in 2007 08 .............................. 17

Table 3 Environmental authorisations ........................................................... 42

Table 4 Environment Protection Orders......................................................... 45

Table 5 Finalised prosecutions 2007 08......................................................... 45

Table 6 Referred development applications completed...................................... 46

Table 7 Percentage change for key air emissions based on NPi data....................... 48

Table 8 Percentage change for key water emissions based on NPi data................... 48

Table 9 Number of complaints received by the EPA .......................................... 49

Table 10 FOI applications, Public Register ....................................................... 50

Table 11 Section 7 enquiries ....................................................................... 50

Table 12 Total number of employees ............................................................A 2

Table 13 Employee gender balance ..............................................................A 2

Table 14 Number of persons separated from or recruited to EPA...........................A 2

Table 15 Number of persons on leave without pay as at 30 June 2008.....................A 2

Table 16 Number of employees by salary bracket .............................................A 2

Table 17 Status of employees in current position..............................................A 3

Table 18 Number of executives by gender, classification and status.......................A 3

Table 19 Average days leave taken per FTE employee........................................A 4

Table 20 Number of employees by age bracket and gender..................................A 4

Table 21 Number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees ..................A 4

Table 22 Cultural and linguistic diversity of employees ......................................A 5

Table 23 Number of employees with disabilities...............................................A 5

Table 24 Types of Employees disabilities........................................................A 5

Table 25 Documented review of individual performance development plan ..............A 5

Table 26 Leadership and management training expenditure.................................A 6

Table 27 Accredited training packages by classification......................................A 6

Table 28 Positions with customer service reflective in job and person specifications...A 6

Table 29 Occupational health, safety and welfare (OHSW) statistics ......................A 8

Table 30 Meeting Safety Performance Targets .................................................A 9

Table 31 Account payment performance ...................................................... A 11

Table 32 Performance against annual energy use targets* ................................. A 38

Table 33 Printer consumables recycling ....................................................... A 41

Table 34 EPA vehicle fleet ....................................................................... A 41

Table 35 Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions ......................................... A 42

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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

The Hon Jay Weatherill, MP Minister for Environment and Conservation Parliament House North Terrace ADELAIDESouth Australia 5000

Dear Minister

It is with pleasure that I present you with the Annual Report of the Environment Protection Authority for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008. This report has been prepared in accordance with requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Public Sector Management Act 1995.

Yours sincerely

Helen Fulcher Chief Executive Environment Protection Authority

30 September 2008

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EPA ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND EPA BOARD

PRESIDING MEMBER’S STATEMENT

I am delighted to present the Environment Protection Authority Annual Report for 2007 08. The past 12 months has again presented both the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the EPA Board with numerous opportunities and challenges in striving to protect, restore and enhance our environment. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved to allow the EPA to move from being a good organisation to a great one.

In his statement that introduced last year’s Environment Protection Authority Annual Report, former Chief Executive and Presiding Member, Dr Paul Vogel, addressed the EPA’s achievements and challenges during 2006 07. He reflected upon the success of the ‘culture change’ and performance improvement program in attaining improved delivery of EPA programs and services to stakeholders. The outstanding strengths of this program and calibre of senior leaders and staff in the EPA have been demonstrated through the program’s ongoing effectiveness.

As Acting Chief Executive and Presiding Member, I have had the pleasure of leading an organisation that is genuinely committed to continuous improvement so that it can maintain its focus on priority areas. The Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of the Authority identifies three strategic priorities:

better environmental regulation informed businesses behaving sustainably furthering a service oriented culture.

These are the aspirations that drive the Board and the EPA management team in leading the organisation. They have been incorporated into its day to day business through a number of initiatives over the last financial year, including:

as part of the state government’s red tape reduction program, achieving a $2 million reduction in the costs to the business community of complying with the EPA’s requirements, as confirmed through independent audit participation in an across government Business Sustainability Alliance to provide those businesses interested in improving their environmental performance with a one stop shop for assistance production and distribution of an Ecomapping CD as a practical tool for businesses seeking to reduce environmental impacts of water and energy consumption, as well as waste production, and related financial costs completion of the review of the licensing administration process review of the compliance and enforcement principles and processes completion of a reform plan in relation to regulation of the ‘waste to resources’ sector introduction of new legislation to deal with site contamination and improve the effectiveness of the container deposit system an extensive program of consultation with a range of stakeholders and interested parties.

The EPA’s development of improved approaches for effectively managing emerging environmental challenges has been acknowledged through feedback at stakeholder consultation sessions, research into stakeholder views and feedback from members of parliament. EPA leadership recognises that further changes to its operations are needed to continue to meet its priorities for reducing environmental risk and improving environmental quality. The Board and the executive team have been working closely together on a program of continued improvements to processes and policies, with a view to enhancing protection of the environment while fostering sustainable growth in the state.

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The task of being well placed to meet our environmental challenges is ongoing, and this journey is one I have enjoyed being part of during my tenure in charge of the EPA, thanks to the intelligence, energy and enthusiasm of those involved.

In the new financial year the EPA will have new leadership. The appointment of Cheryl Bart as the Presiding Member of the Board and Helen Fulcher as the Chief Executive reflect the recent changes to the Environment Protection Act 1993 to separate these roles. While this will mark the start of a new era for the EPA, the recent initiatives it has introduced to provide a more positive, responsive and goal oriented focus have already started to pay dividends.

Allan Holmes Acting Chief Executive and Presiding Member Environment Protection Authority

30 June 2008

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Reconciliation statement

The EPA would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians on whose ancestral lands the EPA carries out its business, and that it respects their spiritual relationship with their country. The EPA also acknowledges the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to country.

In fulfilling its functions, the EPA is cognisant of the cultural and natural heritage of traditional owners and strives to achieve positive outcomes wherever these matters are concerned.

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ABBREVIATIONS

ABC Adelaide Brighton Cement

ACWQIP Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan

ACWS Adelaide Coastal Waters Study

AMLR Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges

BSA Business Sustainability Alliance

CE Chief Executive

CDL container deposit legislation (or the beverage container provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993)

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

DA development application

DPA Development Plan Amendment

DTED Department for Trade and Economic Development

E2 Computer-based catchment modelling system

EA environmental authorisation

EP Act Environment Protection Act 1993

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPHC Environment Protection and Heritage Council

EPO Environment Protection Order

EPP Environment Protection Policy

ERD Court Environment, Resources and Development Court

EVs environmental values

FTE full-time equivalent

GENI General Environmental Information Systems

GoGO Greening of Government Operations

HR&D Human resources and development

HRM Human resources management

KESAB Keep South Australia Beautiful

KL kilolitres

KPIs key performance indicators

LFS licence fee structure

MLRW Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed

NEPM National Environment Protection Measure

NPi National Pollutant Inventory

NRM natural resource management

OHSW occupational health, safety and welfare

PC personal computer

PM10 particulate matter less than 10 micrometres in diameter

RPC Act Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

RPM Riparian Particulate Model

SAMDB South Australian Murray Darling Basin

SASP South Australia Strategic Plan

SOE State of the Environment Report

SOI Statement of Intent

TAC Technical Advice Coordinator

TWP TravelSmart Work Plan (EPA)

UV ultra violet

WHO World Health Organization

WQIP water quality improvement plan

WQOs water quality objectives

WRC Act Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986

ZWSA Zero Waste SA

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HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES

The following is a list of some of the EPA’s key highlights and major initiatives for 2007 08:

Corporate and business support

developed a strategic human resources management plan, incorporating knowledge management strategiesdeveloped strategies for workforce planningimplemented an inventory for skills, expertise, qualifications and experience of employees reviewed the performance and development tools and processes.

Policy, planning and communications

assent was given to the Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act on 1 November 2007. Some provisions came into operation on 10 December 2007. The remaining provisions are suspended until a day to be fixed by proclamation implemented the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy on 31 March 2007 completed a review of, and introduced to parliament proposed changes to, the administration of the beverage container provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993

implemented the Environment Protection (Used Packaging) Policy in March 2007.

Regulation and compliance

undertaking improvement to the regulatory framework for waste management and resource recovery via the Waste Management Reform Project, which is currently underway completed the review of the EPA’s licensing systems and processes currently developing an implementation plan to act on recommendations from the EPA’s review on licensing systems and processes new licence fee structure will be introduced on 1 July 2008 introduced the state component of the revised National Pollution Inventory (NPi) National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM).

Science and sustainability

completed the Kangaroo Island business sustainability Greening the Supply Chain project progressed the development of a water quality improvement plan for Adelaide coastal waters.


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INTRODUCTION

Environment and Conservation Portfolio

The Environment and Conservation Portfolio consists of the four agencies: the Department for Environment and Heritage; the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation; Zero Waste SA; and the Environment Protection Authority, which have primary responsibility for the management of the state’s natural resources.

EPA governance

The EPA is an independent statutory authority, with a Board responsible for the carriage of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act). The Board comprises nine members whose skills, knowledge and experience collectively meet the requirements of Board membership as defined by the EP Act. The Board delegates specified powers to others in order to achieve the objects of the EP Act.

The Presiding Member of the Board is also the Chief Executive (CE) of the EPA and is responsible for managing the day-to-day implementation of the EP Act. While the EP Act is committed to the Minister for Environment and Conservation, the minister does not have the power to direct the Board in making regulatory decisions, or in its role in enforcement or in making recommendations to the minister.

The CE is responsible to the Board for giving effect to its policies and decisions. These are reflected in the EPA’s Strategic Plan, which is linked to the priorities of South Australia’s Strategic Plan and provides a strategic framework for the work of the EPA. In March 2008 the government introduced legislation into Parliament to separate the roles of the Chief Executive and Presiding Member of the Board.

South Australia’s Strategic Plan: objectives

Growing prosperity

South Australians want a dynamic economy that is competitive, resilient and diverse. The state’s prosperity should benefit all citizens. Our growth will be managed in an environmentally sustainable way. Investors will be drawn to South Australia because of the quality of our workforce, the vitality of our communities, the efficiency of our government and our reputation for innovation.

Improving wellbeing

South Australians should enjoy a good quality of life at every stage of life. Our children should be able to group in a safe environment, to acquire knowledge and be equipped to make the right choices. As we mature, we need to stay connected to the community and to the environment, even as our roles change and priorities shift. We need to be in charge of our lives and not unreasonably constrained in our options.

Attaining sustainability

South Australians value the natural beauty of our state. We are concerned about the depletion of natural resources and want to minimise the impact of human activity on the environment. Our legacy must be a thriving and well-cared-for environment. The challenge of sustainable development requires the focus, commitment and ingenuity of all South Australians.

Fostering creativity and innovation

South Australia has a reputation for innovation in science and in the arts. We understand that our prosperity depends on the imagination, courage, talent and energy of our citizens. We want to reaffirm South Australia as a place that thrives on creativity, knowledge and imaginative thinking. This capacity to do things differently will determine our ability to achieve all our goals for the state’s future.


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Building communities

Democratic practices—founded on principles of free expression, equity and tolerance—are the foundation of a well-functioning society and a healthy economy. Our citizens aspire to be well-informed and engaged in decision making. We value community cohesion and inclusion, and resist insularity. Our regional populations and migrant communities give us diversity: they enrich and invigorate the state.

Expanding opportunity

Placing a value on knowledge is fundamental to securing a successful, cohesive and vibrant society. Literacy is crucial from the early years. Skills for living and working become vital in adult life. All South Australians must have the opportunity to reach their potential and to continue to learn and develop throughout their lives. Giving a helping hand to those in need is a central tenet. An educated and inspired community, actively participating in the work, life and health of South Australia, is our best legacy for the future.

EPA Strategic Plan 2007 10

The review of the EPA’s strategic plan took place in a context of change. The community and government’s response to drought, climate change and the strong economic growth agenda of the government provided significant challenges and opportunities for the EPA. Its ongoing program of organisational improvement has positioned the EPA to be able to respond in a timely and effective manner to the emerging challenges.

Our vision

A clean, healthy and valued environment that supports social and economic prosperity for all South Australians now and in the future.

Our mission

To manage and influence human activities to protect, restore and enhance the environment and to support human, social and economic well being.

Our values

Empathy Listening to the needs of our stakeholders and responding

in a timely manner, with understanding, sensitivity and

respect

Sound judgement Practical and balanced judgement guided by sound

science, analysis, evidence and law

Cooperation Achieving results through open communication and working

in partnership with each other and our stakeholders

Innovation Using lateral thinking and initiative for creative and

innovative problem solving

Integrity Honesty, transparency and taking responsibility for all we

say and do as the foundation for being accountable.


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EPA Corporate Operational Plan 2007 09

The Corporate Operational Plan is a document for internal use that:

links the EPA Strategic Plan with divisional-level business uses a risk-based approach to identify the priorities for corporate and divisional-level projects and programs provides the operational context for the work of the EPA.

The Corporate Operational Plan lists the priority projects and programs under two headings:

the strategic organisational priority projects, which are projects that address the business risks faced by the EPA, and the purpose of these projects is to ensure that the EPA is well placed to identify and respond to environmental risks corporate operational priority projects, which are projects that make a direct contribution to the achievement of the environmental goals identified in the strategic plan.

Table 1 Progress against 2007 08 portfolio statement targets

Targets 2007–08 Progress at 30 June 2008

Review of the EPA’s licensing systems and processes.

Currently developing an implementation plan to act on recommendations.

Review completed

In progress

New licence fee structure introduced on 1 July 2008 Commenced

Assent of Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act on 1 November 2007. Some provisions became operational on 10 December 2007.

The remaining provisions are suspended until a day to be fixed by proclamation.

Commenced

In progress

Reviewed and introduced to parliament proposed changes to, the administration of the beverage container provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1993

In progress

Completed the Kangaroo Island business sustainability Greening the Supply Chain project, including 40 participating local businesses

Completed

EPA Board endorse recommended improvements to the framework for waste management and resource recovery functions

Endorsement approved

Introduce a South Australian Environment Protection Policy to address the revised National Pollutant Inventory (NPi) National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM)

Completed in March 2008


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Organisational directorate structure as at 30 June 2008

Figure 1 Organisational directorate structure


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EPA BOARD AND ITS ACTIVITIES

Members of the EPA Board

The nine members of the EPA Board are appointed by the governor. They are chosen for their qualifications, experience and expertise in the areas of:

environmental protection and management industrial, commercial or economic development local government the environmental management industry environmental conservation and advocacy environmental law.

Various prescribed bodies are consulted in the appointment process for Board members.

This wide spectrum of expertise gives the EPA the capacity to make decisions on the complex problems and issues that threaten the environment.

The Board is the governing body of the EPA, and it provides strategic direction, develops environmental policy and monitors performance. It also makes decisions on significant environmental issues under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act).

Presiding Member of the Board

Under the EP Act, the CE of the EPA is appointed ex officio as the Presiding Member of the EPA Board. However, the roles of Presiding Member and the CE will be separated in the future. A legislative amendment was endorsed by parliament in June 2008, but has not yet been proclaimed. Whereas previously the same person had undertaken both roles, after this amendment is proclaimed the roles will be undertaken by separate individuals.

Once this legislative amendment comes into effect, the CE of the EPA will remain a member of the Board, but no longer have a vote on any resolutions of the Board. This will allow the CE to fully focus on implementation of Board decisions.

This change will enhance the independence of the EPA and strengthen the overall governance arrangements of the Board.

Mr Allan Holmes (Presiding Member)

Mr Holmes was appointed to the Board for his ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’

1, as well as his ‘qualifications and experience relevant to management generally and public sector management’. He is Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage, having been appointed in 2000, and acting CE of the EPA. Mr Holmes also chairs the Zero Waste SA Board and represents the state on the Murray–Darling Basin Commission. His appointment period is from 21 April 2007 to 20 April 2010.

Mr Stephen Hains

Mr Hains was a member (and Deputy Chair) of the former EPA Board, appointed in

November 2002 for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, local government’, as

well as for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, the reduction, re-use, recycling

and management of waste or the environmental management industry’. He was appointed

to the Board at its proclamation was made Deputy Presiding Member on renewal of his

appointment on 20 October 2005. Mr Hains has been City Manager of the City of Salisbury

since 1991. He also represented the EPA as a member of the Zero Waste SA Board, and is

Chair of the EPA Local Government Committee (of the EPA Board). His appointment period

is from 21 October 2005 to 20 October 2008.

1 Refers to Board member attributes required under Part 3, section 14B of the Environment Protection Act 1993


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Ms Megan Dyson

Ms Dyson was appointed to the Board for her ‘legal qualifications and experience in environmental law’. She is a sole legal practitioner and policy consultant in environmental law and policy, advising a number of state governments and government agencies, as well as the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and Commonwealth Government, on legal issues related to water and other natural resource management matters. Ms Dyson is also a member of the Board of Zero Waste SA, and has served as a member of the EPA Board since April 2003. Her appointment period is from 21 April 2007 to 20 April 2010.

Mr Andrew Fletcher

Mr Fletcher is an engineer with more than 35 years experience in senior management roles in the engineering and construction industry. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Defence SA, a member of the Defence Industry Advisory Board and a past member of the Economic Development Board. He is also a board member of Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd and has extensive corporate governance experience in the private and public sectors, including significant personal interests in the South Australian wine industry. He was appointed to the Board for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development’. His appointment period is from 21 April 2007 to 20 April 2010.

Mr Greg Panigas

Mr Panigas is State Manager of SITA/Pacific Waste Management, with 14 years experience in the waste management industry. He is a board member of KESAB and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr Panigas was appointed to the Board for his ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, the reduction, re-use, recycling and management of waste or the environmental management industry’. His appointment period is from 4 March 2006 to 3 March 2009.

Ms Yvonne Sneddon

Ms Sneddon has expertise in a wide range of areas including sustainability reporting and strategy development. She serves on a number of boards and committees and is Presiding Member of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board. Ms Sneddon has over 25 years experience as a chartered accountant, was previously a partner in Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in Adelaide and now practises as a non-executive company director. Ms Sneddon was appointed to the Board for her ‘qualifications and experience relevant to environmental protection and management or natural resources management’. Her appointment period is from 21 April 2006 to 20 April 2009.

Ms Linda Bowes

Ms Bowes was appointed to the Board for her ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, industry, commerce or economic development’. Her background includes sales and marketing, property and local government, and from 1994–2007 she was Chief Executive of the South Australian Wine Industry Association. Ms Bowes has expertise in corporate management, strategic planning, legislative analysis and policy development. She is currently proprietor of the consultancy firm Linda Bowes and Associates and chairperson of the Barossa Grape and Wine Association. Her appointment period is from 11 October 2007 to 10 October 2010.

Mrs Cheryl Hill

Mrs Hill was appointed for her ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, environmental conservation and advocacy on environmental matters on behalf of the community’. She is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species Inc and has worked with this organisation since 1997. Mrs Hill is also a member of both Zero Waste SA and Conservation Council of SA boards. Previous positions she has held include Development Manager of Anglican Community Services, Executive Director of the Flinders Medical Centre Research Foundation and Development Manager of Greenpeace Australia. Her appointment period is from 20 March 2008 to 19 March 2011.

Outgoing members of the Board

Ms Katherine Wells

Ms Wells was appointed to the Board for her ‘practical knowledge of, and experience in, environmental conservation and advocacy on environmental matters on behalf of the community’. Her term with the Board


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commenced 21 April 2007 and concluded on 30 January 2008. The EPA thanks Ms Wells for her valuable contribution to the Board and her commitment to the protection of the environment of South Australia.

Dr Paul Vogel

Dr Vogel was the EPA’s Chief Executive and Board’s Presiding Member from November 2002 until November 2007. He resigned his position to take up the role of EPA Chair in Western Australia. During his time in South Australia, Dr Vogel oversaw significant changes in the way the EPA operated and undertook its work. The EPA Board acknowledges Dr Vogel’s significant contribution both to the EPA and to environmental protection in South Australia.

General and special meetings

During 2007 08, the Board met formally on 12 occasions. The EPA Board held a governance review session on 15 April 2008. At this session, the Board reviewed its governance arrangements and identified a number of areas for further development over the coming year. It also clarified its role and function vis a vis that of the CE and management, determining matters reserved for decision by the Board, matters reserved for the CE only and matters on which the CE may be open to receive advice. As a result of the day, the Board further strengthened its governance framework and identified a number of key priorities requiring action over the next 12 months. The EPA Board also established a committee to oversee the finalisation and implementation of this work. In relation to these meetings, the Board held various consultation sessions with stakeholders, as detailed in Table 2.

Table 2 EPA Board Members meeting attendances in 2007 08

July

Augu

st

Sept

Octo

ber

Nov 2

0 *

Nov 2

1

Dec

Feb

March

April

May

June

Total

Dr Paul Vogel † 3

Allan Holmes 8

Stephen Hains 12

Yvonne Sneddon 12

Megan Dyson 12

Greg Panigas 11

Andrew Fletcher 8

Linda Bowes ‡ 7

Katherine Wells § 7

Cheryl Hill # 3

Table Key Not a Board Member at this time Attended this meeting

* There are 12 Board meetings each financial year, with two in November and none in January † Dr Vogel resigned effective November 2007 ‡ Ms Bowes was appointed in October 2007 § Ms Wells’ membership ended 30 January 2007 Participation via telelink

# Ms Hill was appointed in April 2008

Consultation and Round-table program 2007 08

The EPA Board initiated a number of consultation and Round-table sessions with stakeholders over 2007 08. As in past years, these proved extremely beneficial to all participants and gave the Board an opportunity to hear directly from stakeholders about environment protection matters they considered important. This program of consultation contributes to the review and refinement of the EPA’s priorities.


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Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker councils consultation—21 August 2007

The Board met with Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker councils to discuss issues of importance. Key themes included:

subdivision in the watershed and decision-making processes the option of electronic development application responses burning garden waste development and environmental initiatives in the Mount Barker region regional approach to waste management.

Mount Gambier regional consultation—20 November 2007

As part of its consultation program, the Board travelled to Mt Gambier where it undertook a tour of Carter Holt Harvey. A community consultation session was also held, during which the following key issues were raised:

increase in licence fees, the waste levy, illegal dumping and the high cost of landfills fluoride in the town’s water supply storage of chemicals and treated pine posts in built-up areas air quality and pollution Penola Pulp Mill development approval conditions.

Round-table with environment groups 11 December 2007

The Board held a consultation session with representatives from various environment groups including the Australian Conservation Foundation, The People’s Environment Protection Alliance, Environmental Defenders Office, Conservation Council of South Australia, Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, Keep South Australia Beautiful (KESAB), Friends of Gulf St Vincent, Nature Foundation South Australia and Project Dolphin Safe. Key themes included:

the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study, and nitrogen discharge to the Port River and its impact on the dolphin sanctuary container deposit legislation—consultation period and extended product responsibility litter issues—management, education, reduction and taking a regulatory approach recycling mobile phones, mobile batteries and compact fluorescent lights the impact of development on Port Adelaide ecosystems.

Round–table with the waste industry 19 February 2008

The Board held a consultation session with representatives from various waste industry groups. The session allowed Board members to meet with operators and obtain an insight into the issues and challenges in managing waste. Key themes included:

the EPA’s Waste Management Reform Project the waste levy standards for facilities and recognition of existing best practices the objectives of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy the National Packaging Covenant.

Round-table 2008 14 May 2008

A Round-table consultation was held on 14 May 2008 at the National Wine Centre. The theme for this Round-table was ‘Furthering a Service-oriented Culture’, which is a key strategic priority of the EPA. Participants from business, industry and community based organisations attended the Round-table to explore what service orientation means for a regulator and to provide feedback on the aspects of good regulatory service provision from their perspectives. Keynote speakers Mr Stephen Hunter and Dr Paul Vogel shared valuable insights based on their own experiences within their organisations.

Following the key note speaker presentations, participants addressed a scenario concerning a regulator dealing with an environmental issue in a regional area recovering from a local


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emergency. Board members and senior EPA staff worked with participants to facilitate and record the discussion. Some of the key themes were:

The EPA should be consistent in how it pursues its environmental protection aims. Consistency provides a level of predictability for stakeholders and the wider community generally.Environmental risks should be approached and dealt with proportionate to the extent of the risk they pose. There was recognition and significant support for the EPA’s environmental protection role for the benefit of a wider audience, ie the community. The EPA should communicate widely through its guidelines or requirements, and then consult broadly with stakeholders regarding their implementation. EPA staff need to be good communicators, able to ensure that key messages are getting through and that community issues are taken into account. Quality regulation was considered by participants to be appropriate, fair, consistent, proportionate, risk based and communicated effectively. There should be scope to challenge regulation that seems unfair or overly cumbersome.

The feedback received from participants at this Round-table will be used in further developing the EPA’s service orientation. There were also a number of valuable, more general comments received about the EPA’s regulatory role that will be incorporated into future planning.

Southern metropolitan councils consultation 20 May 2008

The Board met representatives from the City of Holdfast Bay, City of Mitcham, City of Onkaparinga and City of Marion councils to discuss issues of importance. Key themes included:

the need for clearer definition of the regulatory roles of the EPA and councils, particularly in relation to domestic noise and nuisance complaints the increase in the waste levy and the government’s plan for the future of this levy the future funding of hazardous waste collection an increase in illegal dumping (since the increase in the waste levy) and proposed strategies to address this the concept of ‘whole-of-life costing’ and progress with this approach in South Australia.

EPA Board committees

Under section 17 of the EP Act, the EPA Board may establish committees or subcommittees to advise or assist it in carrying out its functions.

Five committees reported to the Board over 2007 08:

Local Government Committee (established in June 2005) State of the Environment Report Committee (established in April 2007) Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy Committee (established in December 2007)EPA Board Roles and Responsibilities Committee (established in April 2008) Internal Audit and Risk Review Committee (established in April 2008).

Local Government Committee

The Local Government Committee was established by the EPA Board in June 2005 under section 17(1)(b) of the EP Act as a forum for formal discussion and resolution of issues between the EPA and local government, and as a mechanism for involving local government in the EPA policy development process. The committee comprised representatives from both local government and the EPA.

State of the Environment Report Committee

The State of the Environment Report Committee was established by the EPA Board in April 2007 under section 17(1)(b) of the EP Act as a mechanism to drive the development of the State of the Environment Report for South Australia 2008.


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The committee comprised representatives from the EPA Board, Natural Resources Management Council, Premier’s Round Table on Sustainability, local government, academia and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Sustainability and Climate Change Division.

Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy Committee

The Waste to Resources Committee was established by the EPA Board in December 2007 under section 17(1)(b) of the EP Act as a forum for formal discussion and resolution of issues in relation to regulation of waste to resources.

EPA Board Roles and Responsibilities Committee

This committee was established following the EPA Board’s governance review session in April 2008. Its role is to take the work the Board did at that session and bring it to a formal conclusion. It will also ensure that the outcomes of the governance session are appropriately integrated into the governance-supporting documentation of the Board.

This committee comprised three EPA Board members and is supported by EPA staff.

Internal Audit and Risk Review Committee

This committee was proposed by the Board to oversee development of an EPA corruption prevention strategy, which will include options for auditing against this strategy.

The Board considered a paper on the proposed terms of reference for this committee at its June 2008 meeting, and these are being finalised.


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ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS

CLEAN AND HEALTHY AIR

Citizens expect the air they breathe to be clean and healthy. Maintaining and improving air quality is important, for although the air quality in South Australia is generally good, even current levels of air pollution have significant health impacts and costs.

Air quality in Adelaide and regional centres is likely to decline with climate change as a result of increased temperatures and decreased humidity levels predicted for Southern Australia. Potential impacts include an increasing frequency and severity of bushfires and dust storms, that result in higher levels of exposure to particles. Higher temperatures are also expected to enhance production of photochemical smog, leading to higher exposures of people in metropolitan Adelaide to ozone. Furthermore, there remain important regional air quality problems that require resolution, and there is also a need to reduce emissions from motor vehicles.

Key point source pollution programs

Nyrstar (formerly Zinifex) Port Pirie Pty Ltd

During 2007–08, the EPA continued its significant involvement as a key partner in the tenby102

Program. The EPA continued to provide input through the tenby10 Working Group and whole-of-government Case Management Program.

EPA ambient monitoring in Port Pirie revealed some improvement in air lead levels during 2007 08.Furthermore, results (published by the Department of Health) based on a comparison of the end of the first quarter results for the past four years show significant reductions in the number of children with blood lead levels above the World Health Organization (WHO) goal3.

Reduction in blood lead levels in children aged 0 4 years in Port Pirie 4

Year Percentage of children aged 0-4 years with less than 10 g/dL BPb

2005 35.8

2006 37.8

2007 47.7

2008 54.5

The completion of significant capital works at the smelter site, including the Blast Furnace Fume Capture System5, during the year to reduce fugitive airborne lead emissions is believed to have been a primary contributor to this improvement.

A new 10-year EPA licence has been successfully negotiated with Nyrstar that reflects requirements for ongoing reductions in fugitive lead emissions. The key driver is an agreed environment improvement program that specifies a range of other additional initiatives and capital works to further reduce emissions in support of achievement of the tenby10 goal.

The impacts of sulfur dioxide emissions in Port Pirie, although considered to be relatively minor at this time when compared with lead, are being further investigated by Nyrstar. The EPA licence is likely to be amended further to address this issue in the future.

2 tenby10 Child Blood Lead Reduction Program that aims for at least 95 % of Port Pirie children aged 0 4 years, to

have a blood lead level less than the WHO goal by the end of 2010.

3 WHO goal refers to World Health Organization blood lead threshold goal of less than 10 g/dL(micrograms per decilitre) BPb (Blood lead)

4 These figures compare results for the first quarterly reporting period of each year.

5 Blast Furnace Fume Capture System is a project that was undertaken to capture and collect fugitive emissions of fume from the blast furnace, which were known to contain significant quantities of lead compounds. These emissions originally escaped into the township uncontrolled.


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OneSteel

Haematite (‘red’) dust

During the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008, fine particle levels (measured as particulate matter of 10 m or PM10 exceeded 50 g/m3 (micrometres) on 23 recorded occasions at Walls Street, Whyalla. This is a decrease of eight exceedences from the previous reporting period, and may reflect the reduction in the volume of haematite stored north of the pellet plant, as most of the reduction occurred while the pellet plant was still operating on dry haematite ore.

OneSteel has established an external stockpile area on the Iron Knob Road to reduce the impact of fugitive haematite dust on Whyalla residents. OneSteel has submitted draft plans for closing and remediating the northern haematite stockpile, and cleaning and demolishing of the plant made redundant by Project Magnet. These plans will be incorporated into the revised environmental authorisation discussed in the regulatory activities section below.

Project Magnet

The proposed conversion of the pellet plant from fine haematite to magnetite slurry feed (Project Magnet) occurred in December 2007. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in fugitive dust loss from the pellet plant. However, there are a number of outstanding issues that are causing ongoing community concern. These are:

elevated silica levels coming through with the magnetite slurry feed the need to re-screen blast furnace lump ore emission of fine magnetite from the pelleting process.

The EPA has written to OneSteel seeking a time line for the resolution of these issues.

Regulatory activities

Since 3 November 2005, amendments to the Whyalla Steel Works Indenture 1958 (SA) have replaced the EPA licence with an environmental authorisation (EA), which is administered by the EPA. Unlike a normal licence, the EA can only be changed by the Minister for Mineral Resources, and limits the powers of the EPA with regard to the ability to take enforcement actions. Upon commencement of the Whyalla Steel Works Act 1958, the EPA began regulating OneSteel in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Whyalla Steel Works Indenture 1958 (SA) and with the mandatory Environment Protection Policies not affected by the amendments to the indenture.

The current EA is being revised to reflect the conversion of the pellet plant from dry haematite to magnetite slurry feed, and the EPA is providing advice to Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia.

Adelaide Brighton Cement

The EPA continued its participation in the Adelaide Brighton Community Liaison Group meetings. Membership includes representatives from the local community, local council and Adelaide Brighton Cement (ABC).

The ABC licence was renewed in November 2007. The new licence was developed with significant community input via a subcommittee of the Adelaide Brighton Community Liaison Group. Local community concerns are addressed in the new licence. In particular, the new licence imposes additional stack and ambient particulate monitoring and reporting requirements on ABC, and also sets conditions regarding housekeeping.

The additional reporting requirements are set to provide additional data in order to focus efforts on future reduction of particulate emissions from this site.

ABC has made several improvements during 2007 08 to reduce dust emissions from the site. This includes depressurising the north end of the clinker gantry shed to reduce emissions of clinker dust, purchase of a new road sweeper to clean up dust on roadways, process changes to reduce clinker dust emissions from conveyor belts and use of new dust suppressants on stockpiles. ABC is also addressing the community’s concerns regarding noise by engaging a consultant to undertake a noise study and advise on available options to reduce noise.


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Bradken Limited

The proposed foundry upgrade by Bradken Resources was granted provisional development approval by the governor on 13 December 2007. The proposal sets to expand the current foundry operations from 12 500 tonnes to 32 000 tonnes per annum. The upgrade also addresses environmental aspects to ensure that environmental performance is improved and emissions from this site are significantly reduced.

Bradken is working with the EPA to finalise details of the reserved matters of the provisional development approval, including preparing an amended environmental management plan for construction issues and environmental management, and a monitoring plan for EPA review and approval by the governor. The EPA is seeking improvements to the site’s current operations and emissions, regardless of whether or not the foundry upgrade proceeds.

New Castalloy

The period during 2007 08 saw a continuance of the impressive environmental improvements at this site, which have occurred since the management of operations was transferred to the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company in August 2006.

As a result, the company has been able to comply with the stringent odour and noise requirements, which are key components of the EPA licence. Prior to this, foundry operations at the site had resulted in significant impacts on the local community for a number of years. Complaints to the EPA have subsequently fallen from 91 in 2005 06 to four in 2007 08.

Management of non-licensed point source pollution6

Regulation of the importation, sale and installation of wood heaters

Smoke from wood heaters is known to contribute to concentrations of airborne particles and air toxics, both in metropolitan Adelaide and in regions such as the Adelaide Hills and Mount Gambier. Wood is a useful recyclable fuel when burned correctly. If not operated well, wood heaters can produce very fine particles, most of them of sizes less than one m that are visible as smoke, which can penetrate and deposit in the deepest recesses of human lungs. Research has shown that airborne particles are associated with a range of respiratory conditions and heart disease.

South Australia has participated for many years in national collaborative programs with the industry, that aim to regulate the import, sale and installation of wood heaters, to ensure that appliances are manufactured to high standards, in accordance with AS/NZS 40137, which specifies design, performance and air emission limits. In 2007, the EPA initiated an investigation by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council’s (EPHC) Air Quality Working Group, into possible mechanisms to achieve more effective regulation of wood heaters at a national level. This may take the form of a National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) or some other agreed legislative instrument. An options report is expected to be submitted later in 2008.

Within South Australia, it is proposed that provisions relating to wood heaters be included in the Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Policy, which is undergoing a formal review during 2007 09 (refer to relevant information under the following ‘Tools, legislation, economic instruments and behaviour change programs’ section).

Management of diffuse sources of pollution

The EPA has been active for many years in promoting the SmokeWatch and AirWatch programs in schools and communities around the state, focusing in part on developing awareness of the potential impacts of smoke and improving the operation of wood heaters within the community.

6 Point source pollution is a single identifiable localised source of air, water, thermal, noise or light pollution.

Diffuse pollution comprises true non-point source contamination and pollution arising from a multiplicity of dispersed, often individually minor, point sources.

7 The Australian and New Zealand Standard 1999 (AS/NZS 4013) specifies a test method for determining the rate of particulate emission from batch-fed domestic solid fuel burning appliances and the associated particulate emission acceptance criteria.


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SmokeWatch

In 2006, the EPA developed a change-behaviour, two-year pilot program in partnership with the Adelaide Hills Council aimed at encouraging households to engage in efficient wood heating practices to minimise wood smoke. This pilot was continued in the winter of 2007, concentrating on the Woodside catchment area. Residents were encouraged to take up the SmokeWatch challenge, and they committed to undertaking four key efficient wood-heater practices throughout winter, in order to reduce wood smoke pollution, with the chance to win a variety of incentives. A strong emphasis was placed on developing the support of local businesses, in addition to encouraging teachers and students at Woodside Primary School to promote the SmokeWatch message.

As part of the pilot program, the EPA undertook air quality monitoring to obtain information on the level of wood-smoke in the Adelaide Hills region. Monitoring equipment obtained in 2007 enabled an accurate measurement of particle size and numbers, which was unavailable previously. The new data showed that a large proportion of particles counted were in the PM2.5 size range, in other words, fine particles. Further investigation is required to determine these levels on a mass basis.

Although PM2.5 particle mass was not measured in this study, there is a strong indication that in wood-smoke impacted areas, such as the Adelaide Hills, there is a high proportion of fine particles resulting in an increased health risk. On some evenings with low wind speed, there were instances of reduced air quality due to wood smoke and, if these levels had been maintained, they could have posed an even higher health risk. However, results found that the air quality was generally good throughout the monitoring period and levels did not exceed national standards.

A report is being prepared outlining the results of stage two of the two-year pilot.

AirWatch

The AirWatch Schools Program has been delivered by the EPA since 2001, and offers a valuable way for the EPA to engage school communities in air quality issues and work towards achieving behaviour change that supports clean air.

In early 2007, an internal review was undertaken of the AirWatch program and, as a result, in 2008 the program is now being delivered through a new approach. Investigations into other environmental education programs as part of the review found that many are starting to take a whole-school approach to working with schools. This delivery approach means offering schools support and resources that enables them to investigate air quality issues while considering all aspects of the school—its operations, the classroom, the physical surroundings and its relationship with the local community, with the aim of improving the quality of air in and around the school and local community.

From March to June 2008, six professional development sessions were held to train teaching staff in the delivery of this new approach. Eight schools were represented by a total of 43 teachers at these various sessions.

TravelSmart Workplace Plan (TWP)

The EPA’s three-year TWP was launched in April 2007 and, since that time, a range of initiatives have been implemented aimed at encouraging the use of sustainable transport (walking, cycling, catching public transport and car pooling) amongst staff, for both commuting and business travel.

First-year initiatives include the sale of discounted public transport tickets to EPA staff (as part of the TransAdelaide Adelaide Metro’s Workplace Deal), a sustainable induction pack and a free two-hour public transport ticket for new employees. In addition, an EPA Bicycle User Group was established, as well as a 10 000 Step Program encouraging staff to increase the amount they walk every day and a business travel competition.

An evaluation undertaken after the first year of the TWP has shown overall reductions in car journeys and increases in sustainable modes such as public transport and cycling, particularly for commuting purposes. However, more work is required to increase the use of sustainable transport for business purposes.

Although participation in business travel initiatives has been low, overall participation rates for the various initiatives have been positive: evidence that staff have embraced the challenge of increasing their participation in sustainable transport. For more information see Appendix 3.


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Data collection, modelling, inventories and research

Modelling ozone formation and transport for critical airsheds in South Australia

EPA scientists are studying the extent and impact of biogenic volatile organic compounds and other precursor chemicals on ozone production in the Adelaide airshed, through the development of models of ozone formation and transport in the Adelaide metropolitan area (refer to Appendix 6). These precursors arise from a wide range of sources, including motor vehicles, industry and domestic activities.

In particular, the Adelaide Summer Ozone Study is investigating the concentrations of ozone and nitrogen dioxide produced in the airshed between the summer periods of 2002 07. This is expected to be completed in mid 2009.

A further study is examining how local point sources contribute to ambient air quality on the LeFevre Peninsula, relative to the impacts of motor vehicles and other area sources (fugitive emissions). This project is scheduled for completion in July 2009.

Development of a fine-scale air inventory for area and line source emissions

Emissions inventories estimate and calculate the total known emissions from a whole range of sources, and this kind of inventory will ensure that relevant EPA staff have an understanding of the amounts and types of pollutants emitted into a region (an airshed) and how they are distributed. Using this information and knowledge of weather conditions and topography, sophisticated models can be developed that provide information about the likely impact on populations.

During the 2007 08 financial year, the EPA invested approximately $100 000 to develop the first stage of a major emissions inventory for South Australia. The EPA established the first project to develop a Motor Vehicle Line Source Emissions Inventory. This inventory estimates pollution that is emitted by traffic along each of the many mapped roads in South Australia. When compiled, the EPA can estimate the distribution of motor vehicle exhaust emissions across an area such as Adelaide. The EPA can then develop models relevant to South Australian conditions, designed to simulate the contribution of motor vehicle traffic both to local air quality and to air quality across the broader airshed. This can be accomplished both for the present and for future scenarios with changing population distributions, vehicle numbers, traffic patterns and fuel types over the coming decades. An important outcome is a greater understanding of the potential impacts of exhaust emissions on communities living near busy roads.

Monitoring under the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure

The EPA continued its long-term monitoring program under the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure (Air NEPM) at six locations in the Adelaide metropolitan area and in the regional areas of Port Pirie and Whyalla. An evaluation of monitoring results are shown in Appendix 6.

In general, Adelaide’s air quality standards are reasonably good when compared with current national standards, although there are some areas where particulate (PM10) levels are still too high. Ozone concentrations recorded in summer still approach the national standard at times, although actual exceedences are rare.

The Air NEPM is also undergoing a 10-year statutory review. If the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) decide to vary standards in response to the review, this may make exceedences of some national standards more likely.

Study of aromatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under the National Environment Protection (Air Toxics) Measure

The EPA has completed a desktop study of potential sites of higher levels of the air toxics species cited in the Air Toxics NEPM, including benzene, toluene and xylenes (collectively known as aromatics), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A review of this study commenced in 2007 to refine its findings, utilising modelling techniques. This is due for submission to the EPHC in June 2008. Some monitoring of PAHs was undertaken in 2007 in collaboration with researchers at Queensland University of Technology as part of a survey in several states using a new passive sampling technique still in development. Three sites were chosen in South Australia for sampling


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over four-week periods in summer and winter at busy intersections in Hindmarsh, Gawler andMount Gambier. The results are due to be published in mid 2008.

Tools (policy, legislation, economic instruments and behaviour change programs)

Development of a long-term air quality management plan for South Australia

The EPA has initiated development of a long-term air quality management plan for South Australia, aimed at guiding strategies and programs for minimising health and social impacts of air pollution on communities over the next two decades, while fostering a healthy and vigorous state economy. The project is under the direction of a steering committee chaired by the EPA and comprising senior representatives from a range of agencies from state and local government. The committee is projected to commence its formal operation in July 2008.

The government faces the challenges of balancing growing populations, expanding transport and urban areas, and physical and social infrastructure, while ensuring that risks to communities from environmental factors, including air quality, are managed within acceptable limits. At present, industrial emissions to air are well-regulated through the EP Act 1993 and the Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Policy, but the growth of transport and domestic emissions (ie wood heaters and lawnmowers) are less manageable through legislative means.

The project aims to synthesise a broad range of economic, environmental and social considerations into an agreed, practical and innovative plan that will sustain South Australia’s enviable lifestyle well into the future.

Statutory review of the Air NEPM through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council working group

The EPHC initiated a 10-year statutory review of the Air NEPM in late 2005. The review is being undertaken by a working group comprised of experts from several jurisdictions, including South Australia, with the assistance of jurisdictional environment agencies, the health sector and a wide group of stakeholders.

The review involves an evaluation of the performance of the Air NEPM in meeting its desired environmental outcome and national environment protection goal (see the Air NEPM), and an assessment of options for possible variations to this NEPM, for final decision by the EPHC. The first of two discussion papers, which addresses the purpose of the Air NEPM, structure and protocols, and performance of jurisdictions in meeting their requirements, was completed and submitted to the EPHC in September 2007.

The second paper, that is addressing national environment protection standards for air quality, commenced in late 2007 and is projected for completion in early 2009. The paper will assess new evidence for health impacts of air pollution that has become available since 1998, and evaluate Australian standards against international practice. It will also develop an agreed methodology and undertake a preliminary cost-benefit analysis for the most likely potential changes to numerical values or forms of the standards.

Revision of the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy, including incorporation of the Burning and Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality Environment Protection Policies

Currently there are three policies dealing with the management of air quality in South Australia:

Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 1994 Environment Protection (Burning) Policy 1994 Environment Protection (Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy 2002.

In addition, there are a number of NEPMs dealing with air quality matters that have effect in the state. These include the NEPMs for ambient air quality, air toxics, National Pollutant Inventory (NPi) and diesel vehicle emissions, of which only that for the NPi has been formally adopted as an Environment Protection Policy (EPP) under the Environment Protection Act 1993. Consolidation of these various policy instruments into a single comprehensive policy is desirable, to simplify the protection of air quality and reduce the regulatory burden of this plethora of policies.


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The revision of the Air Quality EPP commenced in 2002, and reached the stage of consultation about a discussion paper on the scope of a revised EPP, in 2004. Following a long period of inactivity, in December 2007, the EPA Board approved the project plan for the review, and the Minister for Environment and Conservation was consulted on the general purpose and intended effect of the revised policy in February 2008. In April 2008, Cabinet noted the review of the EPPs had recommenced.

To date, internal consultation within the EPA has been completed on the content of a revised Air Quality EPP, and preliminary drafting Instructions have been prepared. These were submitted to the Chief Executive and the Board for approval in June 2008, before transmittal to the minister and Cabinet for approval to proceed with preparing a draft EPP for air quality, to be finalised in 2009. The draft EPP is expected to be released for community consultation in late 2008.

Transport and fuels

The EPA continues to participate and support the application of the National Fuel Quality Standards Act 2001, through its membership of the National Fuel Standards Consultative Committee, chaired by the Commonwealth Department for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. This group provides high-level advice to the federal minister on issues relating to fuel quality, ranging from individual applications for exemptions under this Act to impacts of new fuels on engine performance and exhaust emissions of the Australian vehicle fleet.

Within South Australia, the regulation of fuel quality is under review, and it is proposed that the new Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Policy will incorporate relevant provisions from the current Fuel Quality Policy.

Additional air quality data for South Australia is presented in Appendix 6.

WATER QUALITY THAT MEETS AGREED ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES

Environmental values reflect community views and aspirations for South Australia’s water resources. These values, including healthy ecosystems and beneficial uses, need to be protected from the adverse impacts of pollution and waste discharges, so that the widest possible range of uses can be sustained for current and future generations. The expected reduction in available water in South Australia as a result of the drought, and low rainfall will increase challenges in this area.

Management of diffuse sources of pollution

Code of practice for vessel and facility management, for marine and inland waters

The EPA continues to promote the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters), with an emphasis on the River Murray and grey water treatment solutions. Black water holding tank audits for private river craft are used as an opportunity to promote the code of practice directly to houseboat owners. The EPA and the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board are coordinating a research trial with industry to determine the effectiveness of world-first grey water treatment technology for vessels. Standards Australia has agreed to develop an Australian Standard for grey water treatment systems on vessels to ensure that all systems meet a minimum quality standard. Liaison with interstate boating associations is continuing, with a view to improve the quality of the River Murray across the entire Murray-Darling Basin.

Development of a water quality improvement plan for Adelaide coastal waters

Funding from the Commonwealth Government and key South Australian stakeholders is being used to develop a water quality improvement plan (WQIP) to ensure an integrated and effective response to the findings of the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study (ACWS).

Community consultation has enabled the development of environmental values for Adelaide’s coast and this work, along with the knowledge gained through the ACWS, have enabled clear long-term targets to be developed.


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The WQIP will ensure that the considerable efforts currently being undertaken by a range of stakeholders including SA Water, Penrice Soda Products, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board and the Department for Environment and Heritage are undertaken in a coordinated manner, to ensure that ongoing assessments of Adelaide’s coastal environment and management actions are reported to the community.

The EPA will use the WQIP to guide decision making about discharge load reductions for industrial and wastewater discharges, to reduce the causes of environmental harm in the long term. The WQIP is due for completion in December 2008.

Industry wastewater

Wastewater re-use activities, with their associated wastewater lagoons, pose potential risks for surface water and groundwater pollution. The EPA has developed procedures to guide staff when assessing re-use proposals, including the construction requirements for wastewater lagoons and the irrigation of wastewater.

Specifically, the EPA published a Wastewater irrigation management plan A drafting guide for wastewater irrigators in April 2008. This guideline will assist licensed and unlicensed industries in developing a plan for the sustainable irrigation of wastewater to land in accordance with environmental legislation (see the guideline at <www.epa.sa.gov.au/pdfs/guide_wimp.pdf>.

One of the major projects involving significant re-use of treated wastewater is the upgrade of the SA Water Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrade will increase the capacity of the plant and improve wastewater treatment, leading to a decrease in the nutrient load to the marine environment. Increased land-based re-use activities will further reduce the pollutant load to the Gulf St Vincent, and assist SA Water reach targets for the reduction of pollutant discharge to the marine environment as recommended in the ACWS.

The EPA’s Wastewater Overflow Management Code of Practice is nearing completion, following extensive consultation with stakeholders, mainly SA Water and local councils. The code of practice sets out requirements designed for wastewater system operators to prevent or minimise the overflow of wastewater from sewerage systems and community wastewater management systems.

Data collection, modelling, inventories and research

Modification of the ambient water quality monitoring program, to deliver resource savings and greater integration with other organisations

The review of the ambient water quality monitoring program is due for completion in June 2009. A range of scientific studies are complete or underway as part of this review to inform the long-term state and regional monitoring program. These studies have been undertaken in partnership with regional NRM boards, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), other government agencies and universities. The studies are targeted at refining state monitoring needs, and include a risk assessment of endocrine disruptors to South Australian waters, studies of changes in macro-invertebrate communities in relation to habitat and land use, assessment of pesticide and nutrient pollution risks to groundwater, rivers and streams and temporal variation in groundwater quality, to inform inland water monitoring. Marine and coastal studies include a risk assessment of pollution threats to Gulf St Vincent and studies of coastal water quality variability, nitrogen pollution in seagrasses and heavy metal accumulation in mussels.

In addition to the scientific studies, a collaborative project is underway with regional NRM boards and government agencies to develop report cards for water quality reporting. This project is linked with the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation project to integrate regional and state monitoring programs. Through both projects, the EPA and partners are seeking to integrate state monitoring and reporting that is cost effective.

Enhancement and application of the Mount Lofty Ranges E2 catchment model

The Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed (MLRW) computer-based catchment model (E2) is designed for application to a range of catchment sizes. It provides output at various temporal and spatial scales. E2 can model such scenarios as changes in land-use and management, modification of riparian


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zones, construction of on-ground works (ie wetlands) to intercept and treat runoff, modification of flow regimes and responses to changing or variable climate.

During 2007 08, the Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Office, in partnership with the eWater Cooperative Research Centre, continued to develop and enhance the MLRW E2. This included an investigation into the hydrological impact (volume of water and impacts of pollutants) of the flow into the storages located within the MLRW. Also, the Riparian Particulate Model (RPM) compatible with the E2 framework was tested.

An assessment of the water quality improvements associated with the Myponga Watercourse Restoration Project was modelled using the MLRW E2 model and RPM model. The model assessed the effectiveness of the fenced and revegetated watercourse riparian buffer zones in reducing the amount of sediment entering the watercourse through overland surface waters. The results indicated that fencing and revegetation of the watercourses throughout the catchment are likely to have reduced the overall amount of sediment entering the watercourses by approximately 12% per year for the period 2000 07. However, within certain areas of the catchment in which works were undertaken more intensely, sediment amounts are likely to have been reduced by as much as 54%. The reporting requirements associated with the National Pollution Inventory NPi were satisfied with MLRW E2 outputs.

Investigations into acid sulfate soils as a threat to water quality in the River Murray and Lower Lakes

The current drought and low River Murray inflows have resulted in water levels falling substantially in the River Murray channel below Lock 1 and the Lower Lakes. This has exposed large areas of sediment, much of which is now known to comprise potential acid sulfate soils. These soils form naturally, but generate sulfuric acid upon exposure to oxygen. This acid, and associated contaminants such as heavy metals, could potentially pose risks to the environment and communities. The EPA is managing several projects on behalf of the Water Security Technical Working Group to improve the definition and management of threats to water quality by acid sulfate soils. This includes providing water quality advice, water quality modelling, acid and metal mobilisation studies, and an ecosystem and human health risk assessment. The results of these projects will inform the development of risk-management strategies.

Tools (policy, legislation, economic instrument and behaviour change programs)

Review of the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy

The EPA Board endorsed a timetable for the completion of a review of the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy by June 2009. The initial internal review of the policy is complete, and discussions have been initiated with Parliamentary Counsel for drafting of proposed changes. The first round of consultation on the policy review commences in July 2008.

Development of environmental values and water quality objectives in collaboration with regional natural resource management boards

Progress has been made on the application of the National Water Quality Strategy and the development of environmental values (EVs) and water quality objectives (WQOs) with collaboration of NRM boards in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (AMLR) and South Australian Murray-Darling Basin (SAMDB) regions.

The SAMDB NRM Board is well-advanced on the development of EVs as a component of their regional NRM plan. EVs and WQOs are expected in the latter half of 2008, and will assist with establishing regional priorities.

The AMLR NRM Board is supporting three subregional projects—the Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan (ACWQIP), the MLRW Water Quality Improvement Plan and Establishing Community Agreed Environmental Values for Groundwaters of the Willunga Basin. These projects are all expected to establish EVs and WQOs in their defined areas over the next year.


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COMMUNITIES PROTECTED FROM UNACCEPTABLE NOISE

Almost all human activity generates noise. As the population grows and land use intensifies, so can the level of noise in communities. Continued exposure to unacceptable noise levels can have adverse effects on human health.


Amendment of the wind farm guidelines to harmonise with the provisions of the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007

The draft Wind farms: Environmental noise guidelines were first published in February 2003. Since then, the new Noise Policy EPP commenced on 31 March 2008, and aspects of the guidelines have been superseded. In response, the EPA issued interim guidelines for wind farms in December 2007, after consultation with representatives of the wind farm industry. The interim guidelines provide immediate guidance for investment decisions by the industry, but requires further review before publishing a final set of EPA guidelines.

In particular, the interim guidelines do not incorporate agreed procedures for testing whether wind farms comply with noise limits after the facilities are built. Due to the low noise levels involved, accurate estimation of noise impacts from wind farms in quiet rural areas can be a challenge. The EPA initiated a research project in 2008 to develop an appropriate method to undertake these measurements, with funding assistance from the Australian Acoustical Society. The aim is to provide both the industry and regulators with a consistent, robust procedure for evaluating the noise performance of wind farms.

The EPA is also supporting research by the University of Adelaide to improve the technical performance of noise monitors under higher winds speeds than is possible with current technologies. Specifically, the noise arising from winds of speeds above five metres per second (m/s) interferes with the measurement of environmental noise. The research aims to achieve valid measurements in wind speed of 8 m/s, greatly broadening the circumstances under which noise regulators can operate in the field. The wind farm guidelines are due for completion in December 2008.

Implementation of the Environment Protection (Noise) Policy and associated guidelines

The Noise Policy is an important tool for controlling noise pollution and mitigating community risks from a range of sources in various situations. The policy is supported by EPA general guidelines for planners and other users, and specific guidelines for topics such as wind farms and bird scarers.

The Noise EPP is considered to be one of the most advanced regulations for the management of noise. As such, it is an effective tool to protect South Australian residents from excessive noise exposure.

The EPA has been implementing the Noise Policy throughout 2007 08. The program has included training to increase public awareness for recipients such as councils, other state government agencies, industry groups and the public about the new policy. The EPA is in the process of updating information available at <www.epa.sa.gov.au/noise.html>.

SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES (WASTE TO RESOURCES MANAGEMENT)

Waste and pollution are often the result of the unsustainable and inefficient use of environmental resources such as water, energy and raw materials. Costs to business and environmental impacts can be reduced if resources are used efficiently and waste minimised. Sustainable resource use will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce pressure on our natural resource stocks. The remediation of contaminated land resources (and associated groundwater resources) to enable productive and sustainable uses will ensure that land is fit for its intended purpose.


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Regulation of waste to resources management with a focus on landfill facilities

A key high-risk activity involving the management of waste is associated with the operation, management and closure of landfill facilities. In January 2007, the EPA released Environmentalmanagement of landfill facilities: Municipal solid waste and commercial industrial general waste guidelines. The guidelines provide direction on:

site selection development designconstruction operationclosurepost-closure management of municipal solid waste commercial and industrial general waste landfill facilities.

Through the adoption of the objectives of the guideline, the EPA is working with local government, private landfill operators and other government agencies to minimise the risk of adverse impacts on the water and air environments. The guidelines also encourage the rationalisation of the number of solid waste landfill facilities in the state.

Working together, the EPA, local governments and private landfill operators have made significant progress with regard to meeting the obligations of the EPA guideline. Since the release of the EPA guideline, of the 180 operational landfills8:

49 closed prior to 1 July 2008 93 are intending to close between 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2010 38 are intending to remain operational post 1 July 2010

Of the 92 sites intending to close, the EPA has received 52 related closure plans for assessment. The closure plans objectives are to coordinate the closure of the landfill site to enable the long-term protection of human health and the environment, and to maximise the potential re-use of sites.

Formation of a taskforce to identify illegal waste activities

The conduct of illegal waste activities within South Australia has been identified as a significant problem, in particular by the waste industry. Whilst not a new issue, it was alleged that illegal waste activities were increasing, in particular within the metropolitan region. As a result of concerns raised by the industry and in consideration of the increase in the waste levy, applicable from 1 July 2007, it was considered that the EPA should take a proactive approach to better understand the extent of, and address, illegal waste activities within the metropolitan region.

In response, the EPA formed a taskforce to address unauthorised waste activities focusing initially within the Wingfield precinct. The taskforce identified a number of activities that were not licensed in accordance with the requirements of the EP Act. The EPA is currently following up on all these cases to ensure compliance with the EP Act.

Based on the findings of the Wingfield task force, the EPA progressed the development of a broader strategy and response to address unauthorised waste activities based on risk (both environmental and regulatory) within the wider metropolitan area and in regional South Australia.

Consequently, a workshop organised by the EPA was held in June 2008 to focus on the issue of unauthorised waste activities. The workshop objective was to progress the development of a state-based, across-agency strategy to address unauthorised waste activities. Workshop attendees included representatives from the EPA; Planning SA; Local Government Association; Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation; Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA; Zero Waste SA; and six local councils (two metropolitan and four regional).

8 Figures as at 31 July 2008.


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The taskforce agreed to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be presented to parent organisations for endorsement. The MOU will form the basis of an across-agency management protocol for unauthorised waste activities. The protocol is being developed with regard to:

ensuring a fair and consistent approach being adopted across government to manage incidents of unauthorised waste activities factors relating to when and how to refer these activities between the relevant government bodiesclarifying the roles and responsibilities of all government bodies in relation to the management of unauthorised waste activities identifying relevant compliance and enforcement tools that can be used to underpin the management protocol.

Waste management reform project

During 2007, the EPA Board established a committee to consider the current and emerging issues and opportunities in relation to regulation of the ‘waste to resources’ sector.

The Waste to Resources Committee completed its task in October 2007, and published a report recommending the following be considered:

a comprehensive, functional framework to regulate the sector an approach for applying the framework an implementation plan, including programs for legislative changes and administrative actionsdevelopment of specific guidance on waste-derived materials.

The subcommittee’s final report is available on the EPA website <www.epa.sa.gov.au/about.html>.

As part of the implementation of the Board’s recommendations, industry and other government departments were targeted for consultation, so that they were involved in the early stages of the drafting of specific guidance protocols. Wider consultation is planned to finalise these protocols over the next 12 months.

The waste management reform project team is working closely with the project team managing the review of Schedule 1 of the EP Act. This will ensure that the objectives of both projects are aligned and considered as the projects progress.

Managing issues relating to climate change

Ecomapping training courses for small and medium enterprises and licence holders with an emphasis on greenhouse gas reduction

Throughout 2007 08, the EPA facilitated a series of seven ‘Ecomapping’ breakfast seminars attended by 85 businesses/individuals. The seminars presented the concept of ‘Ecomaps’, a simple audit tool that engages staff in the process of creating a simple environmental action plan in response to water and energy consumption along with waste production.

The EPA also developed specialised Ecomapping training packages for the motor trade and wine industries, and is currently facilitating the production of a similar package for the printing industry. In association with the Motor Trade Association, the EPA produced an Ecomapping CD using video footage, checklists and templates, which was launched by the minister in May 2008. The CD has been adopted as a national motor trade environmental audit tool and can be applied to any type of business.

During 2007 08, an Ecomapping training trial commenced in McLaren Vale with 12 participating wineries. The EPA and the McLaren Vale wine industry plan to roll the training package out across the region to produce an environmental management plan, enabling the McLaren Vale region to promote its green status globally.


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Percentage of participants in the environmental improver course who establish an environmental management system within six months of training

Throughout 2007 08, the EPA worked closely with Business SA and the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) to improve the content and effectiveness of the Environment Improvers Program. A total of 49 participants undertook this course in 2007 08.

Feedback from course participants has been positive. Many of the organisations have taken action to change lighting and water fittings to reduce consumption, with some seeking to recycle 90% of their wastes. A credit union who attended the program is now offering reduced interest ‘enviro-loans’ for environmental improvements.

As many of the organisations that participated in the course already have extensive environment management systems in place, or were from the non-industrial sector, it is not possible to accurately report on this indicator.

Promotion of eco-efficient practices by industry

Provision of assistance to the Salisbury Council to pilot the Sustainable 1000 program

During 2007 08, the EPA provided funding and advice to the Sustainable 1000 pilot program to support the auditing and implementation of water, energy and waste reduction practices for 74 businesses in the Salisbury area. Combined, these small businesses currently consume an estimated seven million kilowatt (KW) hours of electricity per annum (the equivalent to 5 600 tonnes of greenhouse gases) and approximately 40 000 kilolitres (KL) of water per annum to produce their product, and generate an estimated 1 400 tonnes of waste per annum. The pilot project aims to reduce water use by 20% and their energy and waste by 10% with the University of South Australia undertaking an independent review of the results during 2008 09.

Completion of the Greening the Supply Chain project undertaken in partnership with Kangaroo Island Development Board

The Kangaroo Island Towards Sustainability Program, undertaken throughout 2007-08, provided the opportunity for 38 participating businesses to progress through a series of sustainability assessments, workshops, mentoring programs and the retrofitting of common resource consuming devices within their businesses.

The project was largely a behaviour-change program, and significant achievements were realised by increasing community awareness of resource efficiency and providing for a renewed sense of community engagement. The 38 participants achieved an overall 4.22% (744.5 KL) reduction in water consumption, a total of 14.66% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions (based on transport and energy) and a total direct one-off saving of $55 395 associated with electricity, gas, water and transport costs. The savings achieved are likely to be ongoing.


Ratification and implementation of Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act 2007

The Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act 2007 was ratified by the governor on 1 November 2007. Work has progressed during 2007 08 on establishing the supporting legislation, systems and processes to implement the amendment Act. A detailed project plan encompassing all the key aspects of implementation of this Act has been developed and reported on monthly.

There were no delays to the commencement of the site contamination legislation. Consequential changes to the Development Act 1993 and the Land and Business (Sales and Conveyancing) Act 1994that are required to ensure a holistic approach to the management of site contamination in the state have been delayed until after the commencement of the Environment Protection Act site contamination provisions due to external factors.


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Statutory review of the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999

The NEPH Council has agreed to initiate a process to vary the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure based on recommendations made in the report prepared by the review team. The EPA is represented on the review team, and work is progressing on the approved three-year work plan.

Production of a ‘waste to resources’ policy

A draft ‘waste to resources’ Environment Protection Policy is being prepared that is aimed at endorsing a number of waste management principles, and will be aligned with current industry waste management practices. The principles of sustainable waste management, the waste management hierarchy and best practice waste management are endorsed within the draft policy. When finalised, the policy will provide direction on the management of specific waste streams and how specific waste management facilities should operate to ensure consistency with the waste management principles within the policy. It is expected that the draft policy will be circulated for public consultation by the end of 2008.

Amendment of the beverage container provisions of the EP Act and formulation of supporting regulations

In early 2008, Cabinet approved the proposed changes to the beverage container provisions of the EP Act, which are incorporated in the Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2008. The Bill was introduced in the Legislative Council and read for the first time in April, and is expected to be passed later in 2008. Supporting regulations, relating to the introduction of ‘reverse vending machines’ in particular, will be formulated, along with conditions for approval for previously non-regulated entities.

Review of the refund amount for beverage containers

Following extensive consultation, the Premier announced in February 2008 that the refund amount for Category B beverage containers (containers that are returnable to collection depots for refund) would be increased from 5c to 10c, and that the change would occur before the end of 2008.

Industry stakeholders (beverage manufacturers and distributors, beverage associations, the recycling industry and major retailers and associations) were consulted and informed of the proposal and the implementation process during the period February to June 2008.

Development and release of a draft NEPM and product stewardship agreement for tyres

The EPA assisted with the development of the Draft Tyres Product Stewardship Agreement and Draft National Environment Protection (Tyres) Measure (Tyres NEPM), and the associated Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement for End-of-life Tyre Management, which were released for public consultation by the EPHC in April 2008. The EPA will continue its involvement in this project, with expectations that the Tyres NEPM will be finalised during 2008 09, pending the outcome of a decision by the EPHC.

Development of regulations for site contamination legislation

Regulations to support the site contamination legislation were developed in consultation with Parliamentary Counsel, and these regulations have undergone public consultation. The regulations are on track to be available for commencement of the site contamination legislation.


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EPA’S STRATEGIC ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES

EPA organisational priorities

The strategic organisational priorities reflect the areas to which the EPA has been giving particular attention over the last 12 months. The specific actions and key performance indicators for each of the priorities are detailed in the Corporate Operational Plan. The strategic priorities will contribute to the way in which the organisation is moving towards its goals.

Better environmental regulation

Development of a waste to resources policy

A ‘waste to resources’ EPP is being developed by the EPA and Zero Waste SA, with the drafting of the policy currently underway. An EPA subcommittee, comprising members from the EPA and ZWSA boards, was established in December 2007, and is continuing to provide advice on the development of a draft EPP suitable for public consultation. The EPP will comprise a fundamental tool for South Australian industry and government to manage waste, and will assist the achievement of targets under South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2005 10 and South Australia’s Strategic Plan, including:

waste from metropolitan Adelaide (subject to some exceptions) to be processed to recover resources prior to any disposal to landfill to ban certain wastes from being disposed of in landfills, either across the state or within certain parts of it creation of several new offences and use of definitions to effectively deal with illegal dumping of waste waste management codes of practice developed with industry sectors to be recognised and supported to more carefully ensure the safe management, handling and disposal of various waste types, especially listed and hazardous wastes.

Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act 2007

The Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Amendment Act 2007 (the Amendment Act) passed both Houses of the Parliament, and was assented to on 1 November 2007. Certain provisions of the Amendment Act came into operation on 10 December 2007, with the remaining provisions suspended until a day to be fixed by proclamation. It is anticipated that the Amendment Act will be fully operational by early 2009.

The Amendment Act is significant legislation as, for the first time in South Australia, it allows site contamination to be addressed. The main features of the Amendment Act are that it:

enables the EPA to serve Site Contamination Assessment Orders or Site Remediation Orders on the ‘appropriate person’ defines the appropriate person as either the original polluter, the owner of the site or, under certain circumstances, the developer of the land allows the whole or partial legal transfer of liability from vendor to purchaser establishes a mechanism to accredit site contamination auditors.

The powers to issue orders to assess and/or remediate a site are to be used in circumstances where risk evaluation indicates that the serving of an order is necessary to protect human health or safety, or the environment, including water.

The Amendment Act provides for regulations to be made to support the main provisions. The draft Environment Protection (Site Contamination) Regulations 2008 were released for public consultation on 25 April 2008, with consultation ending on 6 June 2008.

Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007

The Environment Protection (Noise) Policy 2007 was authorised by the governor on 6 December 2007 and came into operation on 31 March 2008. This policy replaces the Environment Protection (Machine Noise) Policy 1994 and the Environment Protection (Industrial Noise) Policy 1994. It was


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developed through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, bodies prescribed under the Environment Protection Act and the general public.

Noise, which is the basis of more than 30% of all complaint calls to the EPA, can have social and economic impacts, and lead to long-term psychological and physiological health impacts. The policy aims to better manage the effect of noise on the community.

By providing clarity and consistency in environmental noise regulation, the new policy seeks to balance the interests of those undertaking legitimate activities that cause noise, and the interests of those who are exposed to and affected by the noise.

The Noise EPP establishes the measurement procedures to be used, and provides the standards and the approach to be applied to conflicts arising from the impact of industrial and rural activities on more sensitive land use, such as residential areas. It also provides the general noise provisions to be applied to existing situations and to development applications referred to the EPA.

Specific noise control provisions applicable to certain issues, such as the development of wind farms, the use of frost-prevention fans and the resolution of common domestic noise disputes (for example, those arising from the use of domestic air conditioners or power tools) are contained within the Noise EPP.

Beverage containers

A Bill to amend the EP Act was read in Parliament in April 2008 and should complete its passage in the latter half of 2008. The proposed amendments to the EP Act encourage a more equitable regulation of the beverage container recycling system. The container deposit legislation (CDL) system promotes litter reduction, waste reduction, recycling and the diversion of valuable resources from landfill. The CDL system is the oldest and most successful example of product stewardship in Australia, whereby manufacturers have assumed responsibility for the waste resulting from their products. In that light, it has provided a successful showcase for product stewardship and the ability of industry to efficiently use, and re-use, resources.

It is anticipated that the proposed amendments to the CDL system will provide additional support to an industry that employs over 1 300 South Australians (including 800 jobs in collection depots), many in regional South Australia. A new interstate offence for rorting will assist in preserving the CDL system in South Australia, especially in regional areas, as collection depots located close to the South Australian border will not be required to pay a refund on containers purchased outside South Australia.

National Pollutant Inventory

The Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Policy 2008 (NPi EPP) was authorised by the Governor on 21 February 2008 in accordance with section 29(1a) of the EP Act. The policy became operational on 31 March 2008.

The NPi EPP serves to give effect within South Australian legislation to the National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure 1998 (NPi NEPM). The NPi NEPM is an internet database designed to provide the community, industry and government with free information on the types and amounts of certain substances being emitted to air, land and water. The NPi reports on 90 priority substances that were selected following consideration of exposure to health and environmental risks in Australia. Regulatory provisions have now been included in the NPi EPP that can provide an important driver for ensuring that the NPi is as complete as possible. These provisions are set at Category B ($300 expiation/maximum $4 000 court), consistent with section 34 of the EP Act.

The NPi is an established program within the EP Act and in South Australia, and the continued development of the inventory will continue to supply emissions information for the national database used for environmental decision making and for satisfying the ‘right to know’ by communities of the pollutants in their local environment.


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Separation of the role of Chief Executive and Presiding Member of the EPA Board

Amendments to the EP Act, to separate the roles of the CE and the person who presides at meetings of the Board of the EPA have been introduced into Parliament.

Previous amendments to the EP Act in 2002 sought to strengthen the independence of the EPA in order to provide for better investigation and prosecution of environmental offenders. At that time, the preferred governance arrangement was for the CE of the EPA to be the presiding member of the expanded EPA Board.

While the EPA is operating well, the Bill will improve the governance of the EPA, and reinforce the independence of the Board and its power to direct the activities of the administrative unit that supports it, in all matters relating to its statutory functions. The Bill preserves the requirement for the CE to give effect to the Board’s policies and decisions related to its functions under the EP Act, but no longer allows the CE to vote on the fate of those policies and decisions.

The Bill provides for the EPA Board to continue to have up to nine voting members. One will be appointed by the governor as the presiding member, and a deputy may also be appointed to preside in the absence of that person. The CE will be an additional member of the Board, and will be available to contribute to the discussions of Board members.

The Bill also removes the requirement for the CE to preside at Round-table conferences. While the EP Act continues to require the CE or a member of the Board to be present at a Round-table conference, it has been made less prescriptive, to allow the presiding member of the Board to preside at a Round-table if they wish.

Solaria regulations to control cosmetic tanning units

The Radiation Protection and Control (Cosmetic Tanning Units) Regulations 2008 came into operation on 14 March 2008, and prohibit the exposure of young people and people with sensitive skin types to ultra-violet radiation from tanning units.

The Australian population has high rates of malignant melanoma and skin cancer that are related to high levels of ultra-violet radiation exposure. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in people 15 44 years of age.

In SA, the incidence of melanoma is steadily increasing and, in the next five to 10 years, is likely to overtake lung cancer as the fourth most common cancer in people.

Tanning units use high levels of ultra-violet radiation, often up to five times the strength of the summer midday sun, to induce a tan. International studies have shown the risk of developing melanoma increases by about 75% if a solarium user is under 35 years of age.

In recent years, the solarium industry has grown rapidly in SA and there are approximately 150 solarium salons in the state. The Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2635:2002: Solaria for cosmetic purposes (the Standard) prescribes safety requirements for solaria and their use. However, in SA there was no legislation that mandated compliance with the Standard and the solarium industry was largely self-regulated.

The new Tanning Unit Regulations will mandate compliance with the relevant requirements of the Standard as well as requirements for solaria that have been agreed at the national level, which include:

prohibiting the exposure of people under the age of 18 years to ultra-violet radiation from sun-tanning units prohibiting the exposure of people who have skin type 19 to ultra-violet radiation from sun-tanning units.

A one-year moratorium on licensing has been allowed so that there is time for operators of tanning units to complete a course on radiation safety in the use of cosmetic tanning units, or pass an

9 Skin type 1 is fair skin that always burns, never tans, and is often accompanied by red hair and freckles.


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examination on radiation safety in the use of tanning units that will be required to obtain a licence10.

Breaches of the Tanning Unit Regulations will carry a penalty of up to $5 000 for failure to comply with notifications and record-keeping requirements, and $10 000 for failure to comply with prohibitions and other safety requirements. The Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 also prescribes a maximum penalty of $50 000 or imprisonment for five years, or both, for contravention or failure to comply with a condition on a licence once this provision comes into operation in the first half of 2009.

Informed business behaving sustainably in South Australia and globally

Whole-of-government approach to the provision of industry sustainability programs

Throughout 2007 08, the EPA worked closely with Business SA and DTED to improve the content and effectiveness of the Environment Improvers Program. A total of 49 participants, approximately double that from the previous year, undertook the five-module sustainability course during 2007 08.

The EPA, in collaboration with SA Water, Zero Waste SA and DTED, as the key service provision agencies, formally developed an alliance to improve the provision of sustainability services to businesses and industry. During 2007 08, the Business Sustainability Alliance (BSA) undertook a total of 10 seminars, developed a framework for a ‘single point of entry’ website, collaborated in promoting existing programs and developed new programs such as the Resource Efficiency Assistance Program. A draft memorandum of understanding has been formulated that will allow the BSA to develop a business plan to expand the coordination to other agencies and industry associations.

Investigate the opportunity to adopt the Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting framework

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) produces sustainability reporting guidelines. More than 1 000 organisations from 60 countries use the guidelines to produce their sustainability reports. Initially released in 2000, the GRI reporting standard has now developed the third generation (G3) model, which was released in October 2006. Sustainability reporting is the process where an organisation publicly communicates their economic, environmental and social performance. The EPA is aligning its report processes to allow incorporation of these guidelines into annual reports in the future.

Recruiting and retaining good people

The projects associated with recruiting and retaining good people are concerned with ensuring that EPA staff have the skills, knowledge, attitudes and capabilities for service delivery now and for future requirements. The projects are aimed at reducing risk associated with not having the right people in the right place at the right time—all the time. The projects include:

developing a strategic human resources management (HRM) plan scoping studies for workforce planning and knowledge management developing a data repository and reporting interface for skills inventory data reviewing the performance and development tools to align to strategy.

Arising from the development of a strategic HRM plan and the projects for the scoping studies for workforce planning and knowledge management, three integrated draft documents were developed for:

strategic people and capability planning a workforce planning framework a workforce planning implementation strategy.

10 Under section 31 of the RPC Act the minister must not grant a licence or a temporary licence unless the minister

is satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence and the person to be licensed has appropriate knowledge of the principles and practices of radiation to safely carry out the work for which a licence is required.


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A working group is considering the draft documents to ensure that the three strategies meet the EPA’s requirements with regard to strategic future direction, EPA outcomes, purpose and budget considerations. The working group has used a risk assessment approach to determine immediate priority strategies. Also, consideration has been given to the available internal resources and what is realistically achievable for the immediate future (2008 09) given the impact of future events including accommodation relocation and impacts of shared services.

Furthering a service-oriented culture

During 2007 08, the EPA has initiated a number of strategies that will enhance the ongoing development of a service-oriented culture in the organisation. The internal grievance and complaints review process will provide the opportunity for EPA stakeholders, who are dissatisfied with a decision made by an EPA officer or with the way they have been treated, to have the matter reviewed internally. The initial work to develop an EPA service strategy has been undertaken, and its completion will be a priority in the forthcoming financial year. Giving expression to the EPA values has been the subject of discussion in a number of focus groups, and the values have been incorporated into the organisation’s performance and development review tool.

Review of performance development review process and tools

Following a general EPA impetus to plan for and report on performance, a review of the performance and development review process and tools commenced. Temporary staff resources assisted during May June 2008 and supported the development of this project. Job and person specifications are being developed with a stronger emphasis on EPA values and culture. The Capabilities Profile Matrix, which assists the identification of relevant EPA capabilities for positions, has been reviewed. Further general and supporting information is being developed to assist managers and employees undertaking performance and development reviews.

Development of a data repository and reporting interface for skills inventory data

The previous skills inventory undertaken in 2007 identified the skills, expertise and qualifications of employees and categorised their work experience. Skills in the inventory can be compared with the skills required by the organisation both now and in the future so that any skill shortfall or surplus can be determined. Skills information was also seen as useful in assisting the EPA to meet strategic or operational outcomes and allow identification of particular skill sets for project management.

An interface for the skills inventory database has been developed. The interface is being tested for accessibility, security and reporting, with an anticipated rollout to managers during June July2008.

Improving performance measurement

Finalise key performance indicators for air and water

Using the Program Logic model, key performance indicators (KPIs) for all environmental goals have been developed, and measuring progress against the KPIs will commence in the new financial year.

Delivery of the State of the Environment Report

The fifth South Australian State of the Environment (SOE) Report is due for release in late 2008. The report is delivered by the EPA Board to the minister every five years, and contains recommendations to government across seven themes: Atmosphere, Biodiversity, Inland Waters, Coasts and the Sea, Land, Heritage and Human Settlements, based on information presented in the report. The development of the SOE is being overseen by the State of the Environment Report Executive Steering Committee, a committee of the EPA Board.


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During the 2007 08 financial year, the majority of the drafting of the report was completed, in consultation with, and with assistance from, numerous government agencies, academics and other experts. To assist with the uptake of recommendations by the government, there will be a distinct effort made to align recommendations of the report to the existing South Australia Strategic Plan (SASP) targets where appropriate. Given the performance measurement in place for the SASP, it is expected that this alignment will improve performance measurement for the government’s undertakings in response to the recommendations of the SOE Report.

ADDITIONAL KEY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUNCTIONS

Regulatory functions

Regulatory reform in the EPA

During 2007 08, the EPA continued to identify, review and implement regulatory reform initiatives across a broad range of regulation. This included:

review of the regulation and management of the waste to resources sector delivery of the significant report on the review of the licensing administration process review of the compliance and enforcement guidelines review of the container deposit legislation review of performance targets to ensure efficient and clear reporting to all levels of the organisation.

The EPA also undertook a study into the benefits of environmental regulation. This study set out to determine whether environmental regulation was, in fact, a burden to the regulated community or whether there were measurable benefits from being regulated. A number of key findings from the study supported the principle that environmental regulation provides social, economic and environmental benefits to both the regulated and wider community.

Over the past 12 months, the EPA has continued to implement its red-tape reduction plan for the Competitiveness Council to assist in achieving the state government’s target of reducing red tape by 25% by June 2008. To date, the EPA has achieved significant red-tape reduction across a number of areas. For example, the time taken for the EPA to assess development assessment referrals has reduced by, on average, four days compared with the time taken in 2005. The EPA has also implemented default five-year licences for 80% of its licensees, providing business with greater certainty and decreasing the administration and reporting requirements for licensees. These initiatives, along with a number of others, have enabled the EPA to achieve substantial cost savings to the South Australian business community.

Implementation of a new licence fee structure

After extensive stakeholder consultation and approval by Cabinet, new regulations were passed in May 2008 that set out the way in which the EPA will determine licence fees. From 1 July 2008, the new fee system will be introduced, based on the principles of ‘user pays’ and ‘polluter pays’. The new fee structure has the following features:

elimination of the use of production indicators to set licence fees greater financial incentives for licensees to improve environmental performance a redistribution of fees in accordance with the ‘user pays’ and ‘polluter pays’ principles to ensure that fees paid by licensees more accurately reflect the EPA resources their business necessitates and their environmental impact.

The fee structure is made up of three components:

a flat minimum fee for all licences to cover the minimum paperwork common to the administration of all licences environment management fees for all licences, that reflect the resources required by the EPA to manage different activity groups as well as different licences within activity groups resource efficiency fees, that comprise two load-based sub-components: load-based fees for the discharge of selected priority pollutants above specified thresholds, with higher fees for the discharge of key pollutants in sensitive areas; and a water re-use fee for the discharge


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of water with a salinity of less than 1 500 MG of total dissolved solids per litre into the marine environment.

The regulations also include a number of criteria against which licensees can apply for a reduction in their annual licence fees.

Compliance and enforcement

Compliance and enforcement guidelines (policy statement)

The EPA protects the environment and secures compliance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act) and Radiation Protection Act 1982 (RPC Act) and its subordinate legislation, including Environment Protection Policies, through various functions, from providing advice and collaboration through to enforcing the law. Although it expects full voluntary compliance with relevant legislative requirements, it will not hesitate to use its enforcement powers where necessary. The EP Act provides the EPA with a range of compliance and enforcement tools and with the discretion to determine when enforcement is required and which enforcement measures are appropriate for the circumstances.

Over the past 12 months, the EPA has revised the EPA Guidelines for Compliance and Enforcementto ensure that they clearly set out the principles, considerations and process that will be followed when making decisions on non-compliance. These principles are:

proportionalitytransparencyconsistencytargetingtimeliness.

Consideration of these principles is fundamental to achieving the objectives of both the EP Act and RPC Act. This builds credibility and trust with our stakeholders based on a shared understanding and responsibility for achieving environmental outcomes across government, community and industry, at least cost to all parties.

Environmental Regulation using a Risk-based approach for licences

The EPA’s 2005 08 Strategic Plan identifies the need for a risk-based approach to the management of licences. The EPA has developed two processes to achieve this:

a tiered system that allocates regulatory effort to licensed sites on the basis of environmental risk a risk-based system for identifying the specific risks and treating those risks at individual sites.

The three-tiered licensing system categorises each licence into either: Tier 1—representing a higher risk, Tier 2 a medium risk and Tier 3 a lower risk. The EPA has a specific management and inspection regime for each tier. This allows regulatory effort to match environmental risk.

Over the past year, the risk-based management of licences has been taken one step further and a formal risk-based process for determining the application of conditions on licences has been developed. ‘Conditions of licence’ are a fundamental tool for regulating environmental risks, and this process provides a detailed assessment of the environmental risks posed by a facility. This process has been combined with the structured, consistent and comprehensive management of licences and is currently being implemented for all Tier 1 and 2 licences.

Review of the administrative aspects of the licensing system

A licensing system review has been undertaken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the EPA licensing system. Stage 1 of the licensing administration review was completed in February 2008. The review included licensee consultation, benchmarking against equivalent government agencies interstate and detailed process mapping of all key licensing processes.

The key outcomes identified in the review included:

All stakeholders need to have confidence in the system and its outputs in order to allow them to focus their scarce resources on environmental outcomes.


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The system needs to be transparent in order to facilitate cooperation and a higher level of understanding by regulated businesses. The performance of the system needs to be measurable, and those responsible for the system need to be accountable for its performance. The system needs to be subject to continuous improvement in other words, not just a one off reparation.

The review provided 20 key recommendations for improving the EPA licensing system. A plan is currently being developed to address these recommendations through a number of reform projects.

Inspection of licensed premises using the industry compliance audit system

The EP Act requires that persons who undertake activities of environmental significance hold an environmental authorisation. Holders of an authorisation must comply with the conditions attached to that authorisation.

The EPA has an industry compliance auditing system that is used to systematically assess compliance with the EP Act, EPP and licence conditions. The auditing process typically covers industry sectors or geographical regions.

Auditees receive a copy of the audit checklist prior to the audit so they understand what the EPA is interested in and they can carry out a self-audit if they wish. When problems are identified at an individual site they are documented, and the EPA works with the auditee so they can achieve compliance.

During 2007 08, EPA officers undertook 1 176 inspections of licensed premises to audit them for compliance with the EP Act and conditions of their licence (see Table 3).

Table 3 Environmental authorisations

Performance indicators 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Number of inspections of environmental authorisations 987 934 1 176

Number of environmental authorisations 2 120 2 146 2 249

The EPA analyses information gained from audits to identify common problems and trends in a sector or region. The information gained from auditing is then used to inform and guide the broader community. This adds considerable value to the audit process, beyond just the assessment of individual sites.

During the financial year, the EPA completed audits of surface coating and extractive industries. Surface coating is the finishing of metals by electroplating, spray painting, powder coating or hot dip galvanising. Minor environmental issues were found at all 10 audited sites. The problems encountered were due to poor housekeeping, poor understanding of appropriate stack construction, inappropriate storage of liquids and waste, and poorly maintained emissions capture systems. Seventy per cent of problems had been fixed at the follow-up site visit. The EPA are pursuing the remaining issues.

A total of 10 hard rock quarries were assessed as part of the extractive industries audit. The results of this audit are currently being assessed. As part of the audit process, the EPA collates feedback from auditees. This process has indicated that auditees were very satisfied with the audits. They found the audit process was useful and informative as well as fair and reasonable. This is consistent with the findings from last year’s audits. Audits of power stations and crematoria are currently underway and will be completed in the coming financial year.


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Regulation and administration of the beverage container deposit system

The beverage container provisions of the EP Act, more commonly known as container deposit legislation (CDL), continues to be regulated and administered by the EPA, with ongoing compliance inspections of retail and wholesale premises performed on a weekly basis. Through 2007 08, a total of 1 127 inspections were undertaken of retail and wholesale premises and collection depot facilities. A total of 200 breaches of legislation were detected, and a total of 670 different types of non-compliant containers detected. There were 143 formal warnings and 6 expiation notices associated with non-compliant containers issued.

Beverage producers/distributors must obtain approval for beverages/containers covered by the legislation prior to sale in South Australia. This requires confirmation to the EPA of the collection arrangements made for the return and recycling of the empty containers. Through 2007 08, a total of 1 505 beverage container applications were assessed and approved.

Unauthorised (illegal) waste activities in South Australia

The EPA is working with a number of key stakeholders to address the issues associated with unauthorised waste activities, including illegal dumping of waste within South Australia. The act of illegal dumping often requires an across-agency response from a number of regulatory local and state government jurisdictions. The EPA is leading the process to develop an agreed approach between local government and relevant agencies on the management of illegal dumping.

Emergency response

The EPA responds to emergency pollution incidents when notified through the EPA’s emergency 24-hour pager number (Figure 2). Emergency responses are of three types:

whole-of-government procedure, known as the ‘Blue Book’, which deals with spills or leaks of hazardous substances onto land or into non-marine waters. This procedure is coordinated by the Technical Advice Coordinator (TAC), who is responsible for coordinating the actions of any supporting agencies involved in the management of an incident national response plan, which deals with oil or chemical spills at sea, and is coordinated by the Marine Group of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure other environmental incidents that do not trigger either of these emergency response systems, including incidents reported by EPA licence-holders, and some incidents reported by members of the public through the pollution complaints line that requires an immediate assessment by the EPA.

During 2007 08, the EPA responded to 140 incidents through its emergency pollution incident response system, a 13% increase in calls from the previous year. The majority of the calls werefrom EPA licence holders and members of the public (Figure 3). Examples include:

sewer overflows to creeks and stormwater diesel, oil and fuel spills to creeks, stormwater, wetlands and Gulf waters discolouration of water in the Torrens River chemical spills in the metropolitan area asbestos removal by home owners illegal dumping in the Adelaide Hills.


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Figure 2 Emergency response reports by type

A total of 88 calls were received reporting incidents to the emergency response line during 2007 08

Figure 3 Emergency response source of calls

Environment Protection Orders

Environment Protection Orders or EPOs (see Table 4) can be issued by authorised officers under section 93(1) of the EP Act.

Police officers are authorised under the EP Act to use EPOs to deal with complaints about noise from domestic premises. Some local government officers are also authorised under the EP Act, but this authority is limited to the council area in which they are employed.


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Table 4 Environment Protection Orders

EPOs recorded 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

EPA 44 21 14

Police 416 279 131

Councils 62 57 39

Enforcement and investigations

The EPA investigation unit has conducted investigations into 16 incidents this financial year, and 17 matters carried over from 2006 07, giving a total of 33 investigations. Of the 33 matters, 18 have been finalised as follows:

three matters have been finalised in the Environment, Resource and Development (ERD) Courtone matter was dealt with by way of a negotiated civil penalty the remaining 14 matters were dealt with by other compliance actions, including the provision of advice, issuing of Environment Protection Orders or Clean-up Orders and expiation notices.

There are three matters currently before the ERD Court and yet to be concluded. One matter relates to environmental harm, the other two, a breach of an EPA licence. Currently there are:

six matters under active investigation six matters under review at the Crown Solicitors Office to determine the sufficiency of evidence.

The negotiated civil penalty matter, brought against SA Brewing Pty Ltd during 2007 08, was the first of its kind in South Australia and realised a penalty of $3 750 for causing an ‘environmental nuisance’.

Table 5 Finalised prosecutions 2007 08

Offender name Charges Penalty

South East Vacuum Transporting liquid waste without a licence $4 760

G Stilisano Operating waste depot without licence Convicted without penalty

Agnilda Pty Ltd Breach of licence x 3 $36 140

Development assessment

The EPA coordinates the assessment of development applications of environmental significance referred by local government or the Development Assessment Commission. Since the referral process began in mid-1995, the EPA has assessed over 7 000 development applications, an average of around 600 applications per year.

This year, 554 applications were assessed (see Table 6). Of those, 97 were applications for emergency dredging of the River Murray, which the EPA has fast-tracked through the system due to the drought situation. The EPA can influence and, in certain cases, direct that proposals are refused or certain conditions are attached to ensure that the environment and community are protected, and to encourage sustainable development 11.

11 The EPA has directive powers for activities referred under Schedule 22 of the Development Regulations that require

a licence under the Environment Protection Act, and for certain activities within the River Murray Water Protection Area.


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Table 6 Referred development applications completed

2006–07 2007–08

Development application type

Description

No.On

time(%)

No.On

time(%)

Schedule 8 Item 11 Schedule 22: Activities of major environmental significance

268* 98 230* 97

Schedule 8 Item 10(b) Schedule 21: Activities of environmental significance

146 96 134 96

Schedule 8 Item 10(a) ‘Non-complying’ development in a water protection area

73 99 64 95

Schedule 8 Item 9 Wind farms 0 na 1 100

Regulation 29 Land division 81 98 91 98

Section 49 Crown development by state agencies 35 100 34 97

Totals/Averages 603 98 554 97

* This figure includes River Murray Emergency Dredging applications.

EPA guideline for separation distances in consultation with relevant industry groups and for incorporation into the development assessment process

In August 2000, the EPA published Consultation draft guidelines for separation distances. These guidelines were finalised in December 2007 and presented in the report Guidelines for separation distances. The recommended separation distances are based on:

the assumption that the best available technology that is economically achievable will be implemented by industries referenced in the guidelines the knowledge that industrial activities cannot be undertaken with optimum emission control conditions all the time best available information and, in many cases, the experience and knowledge of EPA officers.

Key points:

The guidelines are advisory, and have no statutory effect. The guidelines are for use by the EPA, planning authorities, developers, consultants and others in the assessment of new development proposals. The guidelines aim to assist industry locate their operations at an appropriate distance away from sensitive land use, such as residential areas, taking account of potential air, noise and other pollution concerns. Developers can propose smaller separation distances by providing technical justification that smaller distances are appropriate. The EPA consulted widely with stakeholders, including councils and the Local Government Association, before finalising the guidelines. The guidelines are available on the EPA website and will be modified over time when new information or operational experience with various industries is available. The guidelines are already being successfully used by a wide range of users including local councils, proponents and consultants.

Assessment of major developments and projects

The EPA also assesses proposals declared by the minister with responsibility for development and planning to be of major environmental, social or economic importance. These major developments and projects must be referred to the EPA if they include an activity of environmental significance,


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as prescribed in Schedule 1 of the EP Act. Documentation relating to the following major projects was referred to the EPA during 2007 08 for assessment:

Mannum Marina Wakefield Waters Narnu Waterways Bradken Foundry Buckland Park Township Olympic Dam Mine Expansion Ceduna Keys Marina Cape Jaffa Anchorage Marina (amendments) Hanson Bay Northward Fill: Inkerman Landfill (second amendment to EIS) AAMI Stadium Lights Stansbury Marina.

The EPA embarked on a review of the development application referral schedules requiring EPA advice, contained in the 1993 Development regulations. The review was undertaken in consultation with the Local Government Association, Planning SA and the DTED, and was aimed at reducing the number of development application referrals to the EPA. Following completion of this review in October 2007, the EPA Board confirmed its support for the removal of 16 activities from Schedule 21 of the Development Regulations 1993, subject to the prior preparation of environmental assessment guides for council planners as a substitute for individual development application advice provided by the EPA. These guides were nearing completion at the end of the reporting period. However, there had been no change in the development application referral schedules at that time.

Development policy

The EPA regularly reviews proposed amendments to council development plans by assessing Statements of Intent (SOIs), development plan amendments (DPAs) and Section 30 Development Act reviews to encourage both councils and the Minister for Urban Development and Planning to adopt development assessment policies that result in sustainable development and protection of the environment. During the year, the EPA assessed 39 SOIs, eight ministerial DPAs, 21 local council DPAs and seven local council Section 30 reviews.

The EPA also contributes to the development of regional planning strategies and master plans that form part of the South Australian Planning Strategy established under the Development Act 1993. The Planning Strategy provides guidance to councils in reviewing their development plans and, thus, has a direct impact on local development. During the year, the EPA contributed to the development of the following regional planning strategies and master plans:

South Coast Master Plan Mt Gambier Master Plan Port Augusta Master Plan Whyalla Master Plan Port Pirie Master Plan Mid North Regional Land Use Framework Yorke Peninsula Land Use Framework Murray and Mallee Land Use Framework Far North Land Use Framework.

Aquaculture Act 2001

The Aquaculture Act became operational in 2002. The administration of this Act is the responsibility of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia. However, the Act stipulates statutory requirements that must be met by the EPA, such as assessment and provision of comments on aquaculture licence applications, variations of licence conditions and lease conversions. During the reporting period 54 licence applications and two lease conversions were assessed. The EPA also addresses and responds to the statutory requirements of the Development Act 1993 and to general aquaculture issues. The EPA is represented on the Aquaculture Advisory Committee, which advises the minister responsible for administering the Aquaculture Act on matters pertaining to aquaculture.


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National Pollutant Inventory

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPi) provides the community, industry and government with free information about substance emissions in Australia. The NPi shows emission estimates for 90 toxic substances and the source and location of those emissions. The NPi is a cooperative program implemented by the Australian, state and territory governments.

Managing environmental risk of significant point sources of pollution—air

Table 7 shows the percentage change in the pollution load for key air emissions from authorisation holders reporting to the NPi. This measure is based upon data reported, and the percentage difference between total emissions from facilities between 2002-07. Overall, there has been a decrease in the emissions of these key pollutants, ranging from 5% for carbon monoxide to 29% for lead and compounds. The only exception was particulate matter 10.0µm, which increased by 43%. This is primarily due to an increase in industrial activity at numerous sites.

Environment and Conservation Portfolio NPi KPI

Table 7 Percentage change for key air emissions based on NPi data

AIR EMISSIONS

Total tonnes per year Substance

Number of

reporters 2002 2007

Difference over 5 years

Carbon monoxide 91 57 637 54 802 5%

Lead and compounds 56 76 54 29%

Oxides of nitrogen 88 42 241 36 448 14%

Particulate matter 10 µm 89 11 297 16 102 43%

Sulfur dioxide 73 88 007 67 861 23%

Total volatile organic compounds 115 14 447 11 262 22%

Managing environmental risk of significant point sources of pollution—water

Table 8 shows the percentage change in the pollution load for key water emissions, from authorisation holders reporting to the NPi. This measure is based upon data reported and the percentage difference between total emissions from 2002 07. All substances showed a decrease in emissions. The differences ranged from a 3% decrease for total phosphorus to 56% for both zinc and compounds, and lead and compounds.

Table 8 Percentage change for key water emissions based on NPi data

WATER EMISSIONS

Total tonnes per year Substance

Number of

reporters 2002 2007

Difference over 5 years

Copper and compounds 4 3 2 49%

Lead and compounds 7 11 5 56%

Zinc and compounds 2 41 18 56%

Total nitrogen 7 1 738 1 147 34%

Total phosphorus 10 429 417 3%


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Pollution complaints hotline

The EPA maintains a pollution complaints line: (08) 8204 2004, or Freecall 1800 623 445 for callers outside the metropolitan area, to receive calls about environmental concerns (see Table 9).

Depending on the nature of the call, the EPA’s response may be to:

provide information to the caller (verbal advice or mailing of information) register a formal complaint for follow up by an authorised officer refer the caller to other agencies and bodies.

Table 9 Number of complaints received by the EPA

Type of complaint 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Air quality 1 278 1 091 994

Air and noise 51 45 74

Noise 919 860 939

Marine pollution 22 28 14

Other 115 97 95

Water * 142 150 101

Waste 261 210 182

Total† 2 908 2 481 2 349

* Most water complaints are handled directly by local government.

† The progressive reduction in the total number of complaints is in part due to the success in diminishing odour emissions from a significant industrial activity.

Complaints and reports of environmental significance database (CARES)

The on-line Complaints and Reports of Environmental Significance database has now been operating for six years. There has been a 6% reduction in complaints received by the EPA during 2007 08. In addition to EPA users, there are 14 councils and two other government agencies that regularly use the database.

Local government support

Both local and state governments are involved in:

the setting of appropriate standards to protect the environment ensuring that new development is sustainable the education of the community and industry about appropriate environmental management standards, andenforcing appropriate standards of environment protection where this is necessary.

Councils that use compliance and enforcement provisions in the EP Act to protect the environment and improve amenity within their areas are able to request assistance from the EPA when required.

The existing Local Government Support Package will be further developed and maintained to strengthen support to local government by:

promoting consistent compliance and enforcement standards across the state by agency administration staff and other authorised persons encouraging the community to resolve problems independently if possible, in preference to involving authorities and, eventually, enforcement coordinating the provision of technical advice and training to council authorised officers and delegates to enable them to meet their obligations as administering agencies under the EP Act.


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Freedom of Information and the Public Register

During 2007 08, 23 freedom of information applications and 154 Public Register requests were received (see Table 10).

Table 10 FOI applications, Public Register

Applications 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Freedom of information 34 33 23

Public Register 190 168 154

Table 11 Section 7 enquiries

Section 7 enquiries/responses (required under the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act

2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Automatic enquiries to the Lands Titles Office database involving perusal of the Section 7 information maintained by the EPA.

52 582 54 185 58 960

Manual enquiries requiring an EPA officer search made upon request by the Lands Titles Office.

2 169 2 414 3 694

Note: The EPA has a statutory obligation under the Land and Business (Sale and Conveyancing) Act 1994 to provide information relating to environmental protection.


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APPENDIX 1 ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

The Finance and Administration Branch achieved a number of initiatives in a year in which there was higher than the usual level of staff movements.

The administrative team implemented a centralised fleet management system, began work in the establishment of a records disposal schedule and the identification of other records management requirements, along with many other accommodation matters, in planning for the smooth transition to the VS-1 building in early 2009.

There was a successful transition of the revenue office and associated functions from the Licensing and Regulatory Services area to the finance team. The new licence fee structure was implemented with the assistance of the finance team. A cost-recovery model was developed to ensure appropriate recovery of costs through the authorisation process. In addition, the Hardcat system was implemented to record minor assets and to provide the Air Quality branch with a more effective system to manage these assets and to meet National Association of Testing Authorities requirements. Work is well underway for the introduction of additional payment options and automated production of statements for implementation in 2008 09.

The management of the relocation to VS 1 will be a challenge in 2008 09, along with the ability to forecast revenue under the new licence fee structure, to undertake sole responsibility for preparing the annual financial statements and a review of management reports.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

(People and Capability)

The Human Resources and Development Branch supports agency goals by providing: human resource management, broad organisational development, employee health safety and welfare support, including planning, development programs, policies, information, advice and business systems. Payroll services are provided by the Department for Environment and Heritage.

In 2007 08, there has been a focus on strategic alignment with organisational priorities including: developing a strategic HRM plan, conducting scoping studies for workforce planning and knowledge management, developing a data repository and reporting interface for the skills inventory data, and reviewing the tools to align to the strategy. The branch has been renamed to People and Capability. In addition the branch has undertaken a range of staff learning and development, and further established and reviewed internal Occupational Health Safety and Welfare systems.

Disability Action Plan

The EPA continued the development of a Disability Action Plan to ensure the promotion of independence for both employees and customers with disabilities. As part of this plan, an environment assessment was conducted to ensure accessibility of the organisation for people with disabilities.

Equal employment opportunity

The EPA supports and participates in various programs including: public sector equal employment opportunity, promoting a safe and satisfying work environment, while preventing and responding to inappropriate workplace behaviour. Particular focus was given to Authorised Officer training in managing inappropriate behaviour from clients when working off site.

Traineeships

The EPA continued to participate in the Government Youth Traineeship program. This has resulted in the ongoing employment of a trainee in an administrative position as a result of a successful 12 month traineeship.


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EPA workforce statistics

The accompanying tables provide details of the EPA workforce, and identifies some changes in recent years.

Table 12 Total number of employees

2006 07 2007 08

Persons 229 244

FTEs 220.28 231.72

Table 13 Employee gender balance

2006 07 2007 08

Gender % persons % FTEs % persons % FTEs

Male 55.90 57.39 54.1 55.99

Female 44.10 42.61 45.9 44.01

Table 14 Number of persons separated from or recruited to EPA

2006 07 2007 08

Separated from the agency 22 24

Recruited to the agency 39 46

Table 15 Number of persons on leave without pay as at 30 June 2008

As at 30 June 2007 As at 30 June 2008

On leave without pay 6 6

Table 16 Number of employees by salary bracket

2006 07 2007 08

Salary bracket Male Female Total Male Female Total

$0 $43 999 5 15 20 6 12 18

$44 000 $56 999 15 26 41 14 30 44

$57 000 $72 999 73 44 117 75 49 124

$73 000 $91 999 31 15 46 34 20 54

$92 000+ 4 1 5 3 1 4

TOTAL 128 101 229 132 112 244


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Table 17 Status of employees in current position

FTEs

2006-07 Ongoing Short-termcontract

Long-termcontract

Other(casual)

Total

Male 111.22 6.20 9 0 126.42

Female 73.48 19.38 1 0 93.86

TOTAL 184.70 25.58 10 0 220.28

Persons


Long-termcontract

Other(casual)

Total

Male 112 7 9 0 128

Female 77 23 1 0 101

TOTAL 189 30 10 0 229

FTEs


Long-termcontract

Other(casual)

Total

Male 104.55 17.8 7.4 0 129.75

Female 61.89 39.08 1 0 101.97

TOTAL 166.44 56.88 8.4 0 231.72

Persons


Long-termcontract

Other(casual)

Total

Male 105 18 9 0 132

Female 65 46 1 0 112

TOTAL 170 64 10 0 244

Executive employment

Table 18 Number of executives by gender, classification and status

Ongoing Contracttenured

Contractuntenured

Other(casual)

TotalClassification

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

EXEC0A 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

EXECOB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

EXEC0C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SAES1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 4 1

TOTAL 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 4 2


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Leave management

Table 19 Average days leave taken per FTE employee

Leave Type 2004 05 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Sick leave 7.33 7.31 6.26 8.50

Family carer’s leave

0.45 0.56 0.81 0.71

Miscellaneousspecial leave

0.41 0.29 0.47 0.54

Workforce diversity

Table 20 Number of employees by age bracket and gender

Age Bracket Male Female Total % of total South Australian

Workforce Benchmark*

15 19 0 0 0 0 6.7

20 24 3 5 8 3.28 10.5

25 29 9 16 25 10.25 10.2

30 34 13 20 33 13.52 9.9

35 39 13 21 34 13.93 11.2

40 44 24 16 40 16.39 11.9

45 49 18 16 34 13.93 12.3

50 54 17 6 23 9.43 11.3

55 59 23 8 31 12.7 8.6

60 64 10 4 14 5.74 5.0

65+ 2 0 2 0.82 2.4

TOTAL 132 112 244 100 100.0

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian Demographics Statistics, Labour Force Status (ST LM8) by sex, age, state, marital status employed total from February 1978 Supertable, South Australia March 2007

Table 21 Number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees

Male Female Total% of

agency Target*

Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people

0 0 0 0 2%

* Target from South Australia’s Strategic Plan


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Table 22 Cultural and linguistic diversity of employees

Male Female Total% of

agency SA

community*

Number of employees born overseas

29 26 55 22.54 20.3%

Number of employees who speak language(s) other than English at home

11 16 27 11.07 15.5%

* Benchmarks from ABS Publication Basic Community Profile (SA) Cat No. 2001.0

People with a permanent disability, are defined as employees with an employment restriction due to:

a restriction in the type of work they are able to perform a modification of working hours (a restriction of hours, different schedules, or flexible hours of attendance) a requirement for the employer to provide adaptive equipment, a modified work environment, or to provide special work-related arrangements, or a requirement for ongoing assistance or supervision to conduct workplace duties safely.

The table below provides information on the number of employees with ongoing disabilities requiring workplace adaptation.

Table 23 Number of employees with disabilities

2006-07 2007-08

Number of employees with disabilities requiring workplace adaptation

Male Female Total % of agency


TOTAL 3 1 4 1.75 1 0 1 1

Table 24 Types of Employees disabilities


Physical2 .81%

Total .81%

Employee training and development

Table 25 Documented review of individual performance development plan

Employees with… Total workforce

2006 07 Total workforce

2007 08

A review within the past 12 months 42% 53.28%

A review older than 12 months 43% 18.44%

No review 15% 28.28%


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Leadership and management development

Table 26 Leadership and management training expenditure

Employees with… Total cost 2006 07

Total cost 2007 08

Total training and development expenditure $ 550 255.25 $ 556 226.80

Total leadership and management development $ 120 739.20 $ 41 251.90

percent of total expenditure 3.36% 3.39%

percent total leadership and management expenditure 0.74% 0.25%

Accredited training packages

Table 27 Accredited training packages by classification

Classification Number accredited training package

AS03 2

AS04 2

PO1 1

P02 1

P03 1

P04 1

SAE 1

Commitment to customer service

Table 28 Positions with customer service reflective in job and person specifications

Positions %

Percentage of positions with customer service reflected in the job and person specification

84

Percentage of positions without customer service reflected in the job and person specification

16

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

The Information Technology branch was involved in the implementation of some of the major changes necessary due to changes to legislation in 2007 08. Cabinet approved new regulations to introduce a new licence fee structure under the EP Act. The implementation of the new licence fee structure involved major changes to our current licence administration system IIS (Integrated Information System). This was a significant project with tight deadlines, and all phases, requirements gathering, design, development, testing and implementation were completed in time to implement the new legislative changes in May 2008. The entire fee structure has been changed to cater for a flat minimum fee, environment management fee and resource efficiency fee that includes a pollutant-load based fee and water re-use fee.

As part of the LFS project, all the application and renewal forms for licences changed, including the online forms system, and e-ELF (electronic Environment Licensing Forms) which required major upgrades. The renewal and annual returns module of e-ELF has been upgraded and


A 7

implemented, and changes to the new application forms are in progress and due for implementation in July 2008, when the new forms will be used internally.

The Environment Protection (Site contamination) Amendment Bill was assented to in November 2007. In order to assist the EPA in administering the changed legislation, a new module of GENI (General Environmental Information System) is planned to be implemented in March 2009. A significant effort has gone in to collecting, analysing and documenting the business requirements and designing the system. The design and development of the new module is in progress.

Invoicing functionality was added to the development applications (DA) tracking module of GENI. The DA module is continuously updated to cater for changes in business processes.

The radiation licensing module of GENI has been enhanced with new functionality for tracking of unregistered sources, enhanced reporting and document generation. These changes are due to be implemented during July August 2008.

Other modules of GENI Section 7 and CDL (container deposit legislation) were enhanced to incorporate changes in business processing and legislation.

The Complaints and Reports of Environmental Significance (CARES) database, the complaints management system, has had major changes to reporting, searching capability and other functionality.

Annual personal computer roll-out was completed and all Microsoft Access databases were converted to Access 2003. New procurement processes in line with whole-of-government strategic sourcing have been implemented.

As part of the implementation of the GIS strategy for the EPA, a detailed business requirements specification is currently in progress for a corporate GIS environment for the EPA.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE AND INJURY MANAGEMENT

The Occupational, Health Safety and Welfare (OHSW) System has continued to ensure compliance with the WorkCover Performance Standards for Self Insurers. The OHSW Committee have continued to meet on a regular basis and have reviewed three policies to ensure continuous improvement of the system. A new policy for ‘Dealing with Aggressive People’ and ‘People Threatening Harm to Self or Others’ has been developed and recently endorsed by the committee following the identification of this being a high risk safety hazard for EPA employees.

The EPA has continued to implement the Safety in the Public Sector Strategy 2007-10 through meeting the requirements of the EPA Safety in the Public Sector Strategy 2007-10 Implementation Plan. Regular reports were provided to the Minister against the EPA Ministerial Checklist ensuring the EPA has met the requirements of the plan.

The EPA will be relocating to new accommodation in early 2009, changes required to implement a successful shift have been taken into consideration and communication and consultation mechanisms have been put in place to ensure employees are aware of workplace changes that will affect them. The Accommodation Committee meet on a regular basis and the OHSW Coordinator is a representative on this committee.

Key Achievements The OHSW and Injury Management Policy, the OHS&W Committee Terms of Reference Policy and the Consultation Policy were reviewed and updated to include legislative changes and reflect current organisational needs. These reviews included employee consultation.Workplace inspections continue to be conducted on a six-monthly basis. Corrective actions were identified and incorporated into checklists for action if required. Continued reporting of hazards, incidents and injuries and implementation of corrective actions has resulted in significant reduction in claim numbers and lost time injuries A total of 80 employees received flu vaccinations as part of the Flu Vaccination Program. The completion of Hazardous Substances audits and registers.


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Table 29 Occupational health, safety and welfare (OHSW) statistics

2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

1 OHSW legislative requirements

Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHSW Regulations Division 6.6

1 — —

Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHSW Regulations Division 6.6

— — —

Number of notices served pursuant to OHSW Act sections 35, 39 and 40 (default, improvement and prohibition notices)

— — —

2 Injury management legislative requirements

Total number of employees who participated in the rehabilitation program

— — —

Total number of employees rehabilitated and reassigned to alternative duties

— — —

Total number of employees rehabilitated back to their original work

— — —

Number of open claims as at 30 June — 2 —

Percentage of workers compensation expenditure over gross annual remuneration

0.006% 0.08% 0.001%

3 Number of claims

Number of new workers compensation claims in the financial year

2 5 2

Number of: fatalities (F) lost time injuries (LTI) medical treatment only (MTO)

—02

032

002

Total number of whole working days lost 2 61 0

4 Cost of workers compensation

Cost of new claims for financial year $462 $14 399 $201.95

Cost of all claims excluding lump sum payments on the settlement of a claim (under the WorkersRehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 or WRCAct)

$498 $14 399 $201.95

Future liabilities for weekly payments/medical/loss of earnings (section 42)

— — —

Permanent disability (section 43) — — —

Lump sum payment on death of spouse/child (section 44)

— — —

Amount paid for lump sum payments (section 42)

(section 43)

(section 44)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total amount recovered from external sources (WRC Act section 54) including from a negligent third party

— — —

Budget allocation for workers compensation — — —

… continued


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5 Trends 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Injury frequency rate for new lost-time injury/disease for each million hours worked

5.4 12.6 0

Most frequent cause (mechanism) of injury Body stressing

Bodystressing

Chemicals,falls, trips

& slips

Most expensive cause (mechanism) of injury Body stressing

Bodystressing

Falls, trips & slips

6 Meeting the organisation’s strategic targets Target Actual

The EPA continues to perform well against the Safety in the Public Sector 2007 10 Strategy Targets set by the Public Sector Workforce Division in 9 out of the 12 performance target areas including:

Workplace fatalities 0 0

New workplace claims 3 2

New injury claims frequency rate 7.6 5.5

Lost time injury frequency rate 0 0

New psychological injury claims 0 0

Early intervention (contact made within five business days) 80 % 100 %

Return to work within five business days 80 % 100 %

Claims still to be determined after three months 3 % 0 %

Income maintenance payment (2007 08) $4 600.00 $ 0.00

Table 30 Meeting Safety Performance Targets

Base2005 06

Performance: 12 months to end of June 2008

Final Target

Numbers or %

Actual Notional Quarterly

Target

Variation Numbers or %

1 Workplace fatalities0 0 0 0 0

2New workplace injury claims 3 2 2.8 0.8 2.4

3

New workplace injuryclaims frequency rate

8.8 5.5 7.6 2.1 7.04

4Lost time injury frequency rate 0 0 0 0 0

5New psychological injury claims 0 0 0 0 0

… continued


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6 Rehabilitation and return to work

6aEarly assessment within 2 days Not provided 33% 80% 77% 80% or more

6bEarly intervention within 5 days Not provided 100% 80% 20% 80% or more

6c RTW within 5 business days Not provided 100% 75% 25% 75% or more

7 Claim determination

7aClaims determined in 10 business days Not provided 66.7% 75% 8.3% 75% or more

7bClaims still to be determined after 3 months Not provided 0 3% or less 0 3% or less

8 Income maintenance Payments for Recent Injuries

2006 07 Injuries (at 24 months development) Not provided $9 202 $303 $8 899

Belowprevious 2

yearsaverage

2007 08 Injuries (at 24 months development) Not provided 0 $4 600 $4 600

Belowprevious 2

yearsaverage

Annual Trends

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Client Aggression

Bldg/Equip Failure/ Maintenance

Security/ Vandalism

Slip, Trips & Falls

Contact w Objects

Vehicle Accidents

Manual Handling

Ergonomics

Exposureto

fumes/gas/smoke/ dust

Exposureto

Chemicals

Exp toheat/co

ld

Equipment Strorage

BiologicalOtherType of Incidents

Number of Incidents

2005/2006

2006/2007

2007/2008

Figure 4 Hazard and incident reports—annual trends

Notes: The number of hazard/incident/injury reports has decreased by 14 (26 in 2006 07) to 12 in 2007 08. The decrease demonstrates a fall in staff reporting incidents in the workplace and highlights the need to implement a Hazard/Incident/Injury Reporting Program across the EPA at the beginning of 2008 09 to promote reporting. The low number of hazards/incidents/injuries reported result in an inability to analyse any relevant meaning from trends relating to the type of incidents.


A-11

APPENDIX 2 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING NOTES

Account payment performance

The state government benchmark of achieving 90% of the number of invoices paid within 30 days was not achieved in 2007 08.

Table 31 Account payment performance

ParticularsNumber of accounts paid

Percentage of accounts paid (by number)

Value in A$ of accounts paid

Percentage of accounts paid (by value)

Paid by the due date* 5 821 88% 6 733 423 78%

Paid within 60 days or less from due date

612 9% 1 665 341 19%

Paid more than 60 days from due date

219 3% 256 450 3%

* The due date is defined 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 30 days of the date the invoice is first received by the public authority.

Contractual arrangements

During the 2007 08 financial year, the EPA did not enter into any contractual arrangements where the total value of an individual contract exceeded $4 million.

Instances of fraud

There have been no instances of fraud detected in the EPA during this financial year. As part of the finance team annual work plan the financial risk registers are reviewed and monitored as a control measure for the prevention of fraud.

Note 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Employee benefits expenses 5 18 997 N 17 704

Supplies and services 6 7 373 6 351

Grants and contributions expense 7 11 910 N 5 999

Depreciation and amortisation8 816

N 870

Net loss from the disposal of non-current assets 9 17 N 60

Other expenses 10 ( 2) N 5

Total expenses 39 111 30 989

Income:

Fees and charges11 32 699 20 895

Grants and contributions12 1 246 944

Interest revenue13 155 93

Other income14 52 101

Total income 34 152 22 033

Net cost of providing services 4 959 8 956

Revenues from SA Government

Revenues from SA Government 15 5 300 N 9,888

Total net revenues from SA Government 5 300 9 888

341 932

The net result is attributable to the SA Government as owner

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

Net result

Environment Protection Authority

Income Statement

For the Year Ended 30 June 2008

Expenses:

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Note 2008 2007$’000 $’000

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents 16 7 597 N 7 429 Receivables 17 2 372 N 1 362 Other current assets 19 80 N 69

Total current assets 10 049 8 860

Non-current assets:

Receivables 17 3 N 15

Financial Assets 18 5 N 5

Property, plant and equipment 20 2 715 N 2 733

Intangible assets 21 625 722

Total non-current assets 3 348 3 475

Total assets 13 397 12 335

Current liabilities

Payables 22 1 963 1 096 Employee benefits 23 1 766 1 513 Provisions 24 34 28

Other current liabilities 25 1 N 299

Total current liabilities 3 764 2 936

Non-current liabilities

Payables 22 354 N 375

Employee benefits 23 3 428 3 525 Provisions 24 88 77

Total non-current liabilities 3 870 3 977

Total liabilities 7 634 6 913

Net assets 5 763 5 422

Equity

Asset revaluation reserve 26 1 222 N 1 222

Retained earnings 26 4 541 N 4 200

Total equity 5 763 5 422

The total equity is attributable to the SA Government as owner

Notes'!A1384

Expenditure commitments 29 Notes'!A1391

Contingent liabilities 30 Notes'!A1406



Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2008

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Asset

Revaluation

Reserve

Retained

Earnings

Total

Note $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at 1 July 2006 26 1 222 3 165 4 387

Adjustments - Error corrections (previously recognised) 26 - 103 103

Restated balance at 1 July 2006 26 1 222 3 268 4 490

Net result for 2006/2007 26 - 932 932 Total recognised income and expense for 2006/2007 - 932 932

Balance at 30 June 2007 1 222 4 200 5 422

Net result for 2007/2008 26 - 341 341 Total recognised income and expense for 2007/2008 - 341 341

Balance at 30 June 2008 26 1 222 4 541 5 763

All changes in equity are attributable to the SA Government as owner



Statement of Changes in Equity

As at 30 June 2008

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Note 2008 2007$’000 $’000

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash outflows:

Employee benefit payments (18,813) (16,915)

Supplies and services (6,625) (6,956)

Grant and contribution payments (11,910) (5,999)

Other payments 4 (2)

Cash used in operations (37 344) (29 872)

Cash inflows:

Fees and charges 31 418 20 741

Grant and contribution receipts 1 246 944

Interest received 140 95

Other receipts 52 124

Cash generated from operations 32 856 21 904

Cash flows from SA Government

Receipts from SA Government: 5 300 9 888

Cash generated from SA Government 5 300 9 888

Net cash provided by operating activities 27 812 N 1,920

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment (644) (496)

Net cash used in investing activities (644) (496)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 168 1 424

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 7 429 6 005

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 7 597 N 7 429



Cash Flow Statement


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1 Objectives of the Environment Protection Authority

(a)

-

-

-

-

-

(b)

-

-

-

-

2 Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) Statement of compliance

(b) Basis of preparation

-

-

-

(a)

(b)

(c)

review, develop and draft environmental protection policies and national environment protection measures

authorise activities of environmental significance through an authorisation system aimed at the control and minimisation of pollution and waste

conduct compliance investigation and institute environmental monitoring and evaluation programmes

Financial Arrangements

minimise adverse impacts of radiation on human health and the environment

The Authority has a key advocacy and engagement role across Government and with the people of South Australia, business and communities throughout South Australia, to achieve a healthy and valued environment.


Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements


Strategic Context

provide advice and assistance regarding best environmental management practice

Australian Accounting Standards include Australian International Financial Reporting Standards and AAS29 Financial Reporting by

Government Departments. Australian Accounting standards and interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not

yet effective have not been adopted by the Authority for the reporting period ending 30 June 2008, refer Note 3.

The financial report is a general purpose financial report. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable Australian

Accounting Standards, Treasurer's Instructions and Accounting Policy Statements promulgated under the provisions of the Public Finance

and Audit Act 1987.

The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) provides some professional, technical and administrative support to the Authority.The identifiable direct costs of providing these services are met by the Authority. In addition, certain services are provided by DEH at nocharge to the Authority and have not been recognised in the financial statements as it is impractical to determine a value for these items.The costs of these services include salaries and overheads relating to the provision of various administrative services. 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 andlicences to the public and industry. These include:

Environment and Radiation Protection Licences

the use of certain accounting estimates and management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Authority'saccounting policies. Areas involving a higher degree of judgement or where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financialstatements, are outlined in the applicable notes;

accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the concepts ofrelevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events are reported; and

Waste levies from landfill depots

compliance with accounting policy statements issued pursuant to section 41 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987. In the interest

of public accountability and transparency the accounting policy statements require the following note disclosures, that have beenincluded in this financial report:

Fines and Penalties

The financial 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.

Section 7 Enquiries

The preparation of the financial report requires:

revenues, expenses, financial assets and liabilities where the counterparty/transaction is with an entity within the SA Governmentas at reporting date, classified according to their nature. A threshold of $100 000 for separate identification of these items applies;

employees whose normal remuneration is $100,000 or more (within $10,000 bandwidths) and the aggregate of the remunerationpaid or payable or otherwise made available, directly or indirectly by the entity to those employees; and

expenses incurred as a result of engaging consultants;

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:

A-19

(d)

(c)

-

-

-

-

(d) Comparative information

(e) Rounding

(f) Taxation

-

-

(g) Events after balance date

(h) Income and expenses

The Environment Protection Fund as established under the Act.

DEH prepares a Business Activity Statement on behalf of the Authority under the grouping provisions of the GST legislation. Under theseprovisions, DEH is liable for the payments and entitled to the receipts associated with GST. As such, the GST applicable to the Authorityforms part of the receivables and payables recorded in the Balance Sheet and the GST cashflows recorded in the Cash Flow Statement ofDEH.

Transactions with SA Government entities below the threshold of $100 000 have been included with the non-government transactions,classified according to their nature.

A Statutory Authority also named the Environment Protection Authority established through amendments to the Environment ProtectionAct 1993 (the Act)

The financial report has been prepared based on a twelve month operating cycle and presented in Australian currency.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2008 and thecomparative information presented for the year ended 30 June 2007.

receivables and payables, which are stated with the amount of GST included.

The Fund meets the accounting criteria of a controlled entity of the Authority and consequently the assets and liabilities of the Fund arerecognised by the Authority in the balance sheet, the Fund's revenues and expenses have been recognised in the Authority's incomestatement and the Fund's changes in equity have been recognised in the Authority's statement of changes in equity. The transactions ofthe Fund are disclosed in note 34.

The Authority performs functions related to Authority and Administered activities. The Authority's financial statements include the assets,liabilities, revenues and expenses controlled or incurred by the Authority in its own right. Administered items have been disclosed in theSchedule of Administered Items which the Authority administers on behalf of the SA Government, industry and the Minister forEnvironment and Conservation but does not control. (refer note 35). The Administered Item is:

where the GST incurred on a purchase of goods or services is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office, in which case GSTis recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item applicable; and

Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee.

The restated comparative amounts do not replace the original financial report for the preceding period.

All amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($'000).

The Authority is not subject to income tax. The Authority is liable for payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, goods and services tax (GST), emergency services levy, land tax equivalents and local government rate equivalents.

The presentation and classification of items in the financial report are consistent with prior periods except where a specific AccountingPolicy Statement or Australian Accounting Standard has required a change.

Where presentation or classification of items in the financial report has been amended, comparative amounts have been reclassifiedunless reclassification is impracticable.

The Environment Protection Authority - an administrative unit established on 1 July 2002 pursuant to the Public Sector Management Act 1995 as part of a restructure of the Government's environment protection functions.

board/committee member and remuneration information, where a board/committee member is entitled to receive income frommembership other than a direct out-of-pocket reimbursement.

Reporting entity

The financial reporting entity includes the following:

The Authority's Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Changes in Equity have been prepared on an accrual basis andare in accordance with historical cost convention, except for certain assets that were valued in accordance with the valuation policyapplicable.

The Cash Flow Statement is prepared on a cash basis.

Income, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except:

Where an event occurs after 30 June but provides information about conditions that existed at 30 June, adjustments are made to amountsrecognised in the financial statements.

Note disclosure is made about events between 30 June and the date the financial statements are authorised for issue where the eventsrelate to a condition which arose after 30 June and which may have a material impact on the results of subsequent years.

Income and expenses are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the flow of economic benefits to or from the Authority will occur and can be reliably measured.

The notes accompanying the financial statements disclose income, expenses, financial assets and financial liabilities where thecounterparty/transaction is with an entity within the SA Government as at the reporting date, classified according to their nature.

Income and expenses have been classified according to their nature and have not been offset unless required or permitted by a specificaccounting standard, or where offsetting reflects the substance of the transaction or other event.

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Income

-

-

Expenses

(i) Current and non-current classification

(j) Cash and cash equivalents

(k) Receivables

(l) Financial assets

(m) Non Current Asset Acquisition and Recognition

With respect to licence fees under the Environment Protection Act, the Authority recognises this revenue upon receipt.

With respect to waste levies under the Environment Protection Act, the Authority recognises this revenue on an accrual basis.

Employee benefits

Superannuation

Generally, the Authority has obtained control or the right to receive for:

Disposal of non-current assets


Income from the disposal of non-current assets is recognised when the control of the asset has passed to the buyer and determined bycomparing proceeds with carrying amount. When revalued assets are sold, the revaluation increments are transferred to retainedearnings.

Fees and Charges

Contributions received

Revenues from fees and charges are derived from the provision of goods and services to other SA Government agencies and to thepublic. This revenue is recognised upon delivery of the service to the clients or by reference to the stage of completion.

The following are specific recognition criteria:

Appropriations for program funding are recognised as revenues when the Authority obtains control over the funding. Control overappropriations is normally obtained upon receipt.

Contributions with unconditional stipulations - this will be when the agreement becomes enforceable i.e. the earlier of when thereceiving entity has formally been advised that the contribution (e.g. grant application) has been approved; agreement/contract isexecuted; and/or the contribution is received.

Contributions with conditional stipulations - this will be when the enforceable stipulations specified in the agreement occur or aresatisfied; that is income would be recognised for contributions received or receivable under the agreement.

Contributions are recognised as an asset and income when the Authority obtains control of the contributions or obtains the right toreceive the contributions and the income recognition criteria are met (i.e. the amount can be reliably measured and the flow ofresources is probable).

Employee benefit expense includes all costs related to employment including wages and salaries and leave entitlements. These arerecognised when incurred.

Contributions paid

The amount charged to the Income Statement represents the contributions made by the Authority to the superannuation plan in respectof current services of current Authority staff. The Department of Treasury and Finance centrally recognises the superannuation liabilityin the whole of government general purpose financial report.

For contributions payable, the contribution will be recognised as a liability and expense when the entity has a present obligation to paythe contribution and the expense recognition criteria are met.

Assets and liabilities are characterised as either current or non-current in nature. Assets and liabilities that are sold, consumed orrealised as part of the normal operating cycle even when they are not expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting datehave been classified as current assets or current liabilities. All other assets and liabilities are classified as non-current.

Where asset and liability line items combine amounts expected to be realised within twelve months and more than twelve months, theAuthority has separately disclosed the amounts expected to be recovered or settled after more than twelve months.

Cash and cash equivalents in the Balance Sheet includes cash at bank and on hand and in other short-term, highly liquid investments withmaturities of three months or less that are readily converted to cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

The Authority measures financial assets at historical cost.

Collectibility of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. An allowance for doubtful debts is raised when there is objectiveevidence that the Authority will not be able to collect the debt. Bad debts are written off when identified.

For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above.

Cash is measured at nominal value.

Receivables include amounts receivable from goods and services, GST input tax credits recoverable, and other accruals.

Trade receivables arise in the normal course of selling goods and services to other government agencies and to the public. Tradereceivables are generally receivable within 30 days after the issue of an invoice or the goods/services have been provided under acontractual arrangement.

Non-current assets are initially recorded at cost or at the value of any liabilities assumed, plus any incidental cost involved with theacquisition.

Where assets are acquired at no value, or minimal value, they are recorded at their fair value in the Balance Sheet. However, if the assetsare acquired at no or nominal value as part of a restructuring of administrative arrangements then the assets are recorded at the valuerecorded by the transferor prior to transfer.

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Assets deemed to be at fair value

-

-

-

- furniture and fittings

- plant and equipment

(n) Revaluation of Non Current Assets

(o) Impairment

(p) Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

Class of Asset Useful Life

Computing Equipment 3-10 years

Application Software 3-15 years

Infrastructure 5-50 years

Plant and Equipment 3-30 years

Moveable Vehicles 10-25 years

Furniture and Fittings 10-15 years

Buildings and Improvements 30-50 years

Other 7-10 years

Land is not depreciated.

(q) Intangible Assets

(r) Payables

Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset areaccounted for prospectively by changing the time period or method, as appropriate, which is a change in accounting estimate.

For revalued assets, an impairment loss is offset against the asset revaluation reserve.

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance. Intangible assets are measured at cost. Followinginitial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Asset classes that did not satisfy the criteria and are therefore deemed to be at fair value include:

computing equipment

moveable vehicles

application software

All non-current tangible assets with a value over $5,000 or greater are capitalised.

For those classes of non-current assets where an independent revaluation has not been undertaken, as the criteria within APF III Asset

Accounting Framework have not been met, these classes of non-current assets are deemed to be at fair value.

All non-current tangible and intangible assets are tested for indication of impairment at each reporting date. Where there is an indicationof impairment, the recoverable amount is estimated. An amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount isrecorded as an impairment loss.

All non-current tangible assets are valued at written down current cost (a proxy for fair value). Revaluation of non-current assets or groupof assets is only performed when its fair value at the time of acquisition is greater than $1 million and estimated useful life is greater thanfive years.

Every five years, the Authority revalues its land, buildings and leasehold improvements on a rolling basis. However, if at any timemanagement considers that the carrying amount of an asset materially differs from its fair value, then the asset will be revalued regardlessof when the last valuation took place. Non-current tangible assets that are acquired between revaluations are held at cost until the nextvaluation, where they are revalued to fair value.

Any revaluation increment is credited to the asset revaluation reserve, except to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of thesame asset class previously recognised in the Income Statement, in which case the increase is recognised in the Income Statement.

Any revaluation decrease is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it offsets a previous revaluation increase for thesame asset class, in which case the decrease is debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve to the extent of the credit balance existingin revaluations reserve for that asset class.

The Authority undertook an independent professional valuation in 2004-2005 for property, plant and equipment.

Any accumulated depreciation, as at the revaluation date, is restated proportionately with the change in the gross carrying amount of theasset so that the carrying amount of the asset after revaluation equals its revalued amount.

Upon disposal or derecognition, any revaluation reserve relating to that asset is transferred to retained earnings.

Depreciation/amortisation is calculated on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the following classes of assets as follows:

All non-current assets, having a limited useful life, are systematically depreciated/amortised over their useful lives in a manner that reflectsthe consumption of their service potential. Amortisation is used in relation to intangible assets such as software, while depreciation isapplied to tangible assets such as property, plant and equipment.

Assets’ residual values, useful lives and amortisation methods are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate, on an annual basis.

The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. The Authority only has intangible assets with finite lives.The amortisation period and the amortisation method for intangible assets is reviewed on an annual basis.

The acquisition of or internal development of software is capitalised only when the expenditure meets the definition criteria (identifiability,control and the existence of future economic benefits) and recognition criteria (probability of future economic benefits and cost can bereliably measured) and when the amount of expenditure is greater than or equal to $5 000.

All research and development costs that do not meet the capitalisation criteria outlined in AASB 138 are expensed.

Payables include creditors, accrued expenses and employment on-costs.

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(s) Employee benefits

(t) Leases

(u) Unrecognised contractual commitments and contingent assets and liabilities

3

4 Programs of the Authority

Liabilities for salaries and wages are measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at remuneration rates current at reportingdate.

Creditors represent the amounts owing for goods and services received prior to the end of the reporting period that are unpaid at the endof the reporting period. Creditors include all unpaid invoices received relating to the normal operations of the Authority.

Accrued expenses represent goods and services provided by other parties during the period that are unpaid at the end of the reportingperiod and where an invoice has not been received.

Wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave

All payables are measured at their nominal amount and are normally settled within 30 days from the date of the invoice or the date theinvoice is first received.

Employment on-costs include superannuation contributions and payroll tax with respect to outstanding liabilities for salaries and wages,long service leave and annual leave.

The Authority makes contributions to several state government and externally managed superannuation schemes. These contributionsare treated as an expense when they occur. There is no liability for payments to beneficiaries as they have been assumed by therespective superannuation schemes. The only liability outstanding at balance date relates to any contributions due but not yet paid to theSouth Australian Superannuation Board.

These benefits accrue for employees as a result of services provided up to the reporting date that remain unpaid. Long-term employeebenefits are measured at present value and short-term employee benefits are measured at nominal amounts.

The annual leave liability is expected to be payable within twelve months and is measured at the undiscounted amount expected to bepaid. In the unusual event where salary and wages and annual leave are payable later than 12 months, the liability will be measured atpresent value.

Employee benefit on-costs

The liability for long service leave is recognised after an employee has completed 6.5 years of service. An actuarial assessment of longservice leave undertaken by the Department of Treasury and Finance based on a significant sample of employees throughout theSouth Australian public sector determined that the liability measured using the short hand method was not materially different from theliability measured using the present value of expected future payments. This calculation is consistent with the Authority's experience ofemployee retention and leave taken.

No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years byemployees is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement of sick leave.

Long service leave

The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement. The Authority hasassessed whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys aright to use an asset. The Authority has entered into one or more operating leases.

Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Balance Sheet, but are disclosed by way of a note and, if quantifiable,are measured at nominal value.

Employee benefit on-costs (payroll tax, workcover and superannuation) are recognised separately under payables.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Authority has a present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow ofresources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount ofthe obligation.

When the Authority expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but onlywhen the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the Income Statement net of anyreimbursement.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Thestraight-line basis is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.

Commitments include those operating, capital and outsourcing commitments arising from contractual or statutory sources and aredisclosed at their nominal value.

Operating Leases

The Australian accounting standards and interpretations that have recently been issued or amended, but are not yet effective, have notbeen adopted by the Authority for the reporting period ending 30 June 2008. The Authority has assessed the impact of the new andamended standards and interpretations and considers there will be no impact on the accounting policies of the financial report of theAuthority.

The Authority is funded by appropriation and revenue for the provision of environment protection, policy and regulatory services. In linewith the objectives of establishing the Authority to focus on environment protection activities, the Authority conducts its services through asingle program, Environment and Radiation Protection. The purpose of this program is to achieve a clean, healthy and valuedenvironment that supports social and economic policy for all South Australians.

Changes in accounting policies

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5 Employee benefits expenses 2008 2007$'000 $'000

Salaries and wages 13 664 12 694

Annual leave 1 366 1 225

Long service leave 617 653

Employment on-costs - superannuation 1 791 1 726

Employment on-costs - other 930 941

Board and committees fees 100 113

Other employment related expenses: 529 352

Total Employee Benefits Expenses and Other Costs 18 997 17 704

Employee Remuneration

2008 2007No. of employees No. of employees

$100,000 – 109,999 11 5

$110,000 – 119,999 3 1

$120,000 – 129,999 1 2

$130,000 – 139,999 2 1

$140,000 – 149,999 1 2

$150,000 – 159,999 2 -

$160,000 – 169,999 1 -

$180,000 – 189,999 1 -

$240,000 – 249,999 - 1

22 12

6 Supplies and services 2008 2007$'000 $'000

Supplies and services provided by entities within the SA Government

Accommodation and property management expenses 1 636 1 598

External auditors remuneration 66 64

Total: Supplies and services provided by entities within the SA Government 1 702 1 662

Supplies and services provided by entities external to the SA Government

Accommodation and property management expenses 263 276

Consultants 19 31

Contractors 883 459

Fee for service 903 749

General administration 506 350

Information technology & communication expenses 655 698

Minor works, maintenance & equipment 462 456

Monitoring fees 88 -

Scientific and technical services 763 781

Transportation 109 99

Travel and accommodation 166 149

Vehicle and aircraft 343 388

Other 511 253

Total: Supplies and services provided by entities external to the SA Government 5 671 4 689

Total: Supplies and services 7 373 6 351




The table includes all employees who received remuneration of $100,000 or more during the year. Remuneration of employees reflects all costs

of employment including salaries and wages, superannuation contributions, fringe benefits tax and any other salary sacrifice benefits. The total

remuneration received by these employees for the year was $2.670 million. (2007: $1.538m)

The total supplies and services amount disclosed above includes GST amounts not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office due to the Authority not holding

a valid tax invoice or payments relating to third party arrangements.

The number of employees whose remuneration received or receivable, greater than $100,000, falls within the following bands:

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Consultants

Number $'000 Number $'000

Below $10,000 2 3 1 1

Between $10,000 and $50,000 1 16 1 30

Total paid/payable to the consultants engaged 19 31

Auditor's remuneration 2008 2007$'000 $'000

Audit fees paid/payable to the Auditor-General's Department 66 64

Total audit fees 66 64

Other services:

No other services were provided by the Auditor General's Department

7 Grants and contributions expense 2008 2007$'000 $'000

Grants and contributions paid/payable to entities within the SA Government

Department for Environment and Heritage - 50 Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 7 -

Zero Waste SA * 11 490 5 551

Other - 81

Total: Grants and contributions paid/payable to entities within the SA Government 11 497 5 682

Grants and contributions paid/payable to entities external to the SA Government

Community Organisations and Associations 170 164 Individuals - Solar Hot Water Rebate 58 38 Local Government 10 - Commonwealth Government 118 - Universities 6 -

Other 51 115

Total: Grants and contributions paid/payable to entities external to the SA Government 413 317

Total: Grants and contributions 11 910 5 999

8 Depreciation and amortisation 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Depreciation

Buildings and Improvements 3 3

Computing Equipment 21 24

Furniture and Fittings 112 113

Moveable Vehicles 4 3

Infrastructure 12 10

Plant and Equipment 540 433

Other 2 2

Total: Depreciation 694 588

Amortisation

Application Software 122 282

Total: Amortisation 122 282

Total Depreciation and Amortisation 816 870

Change in Amortisation due to Useful Life Review

9 Net gain/(loss) from the disposal of non-current assets 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Furniture and fittings

Proceeds from disposal - -

Less: Net book value of assets disposed - (51)

Net loss from disposal - (51)

Plant and equipment


Less: Net book value of assets disposed (17) (9)

Net loss from disposal (17) (9)

Total: Assets


Less: Net book value of assets disposed (17) (60)

Total: Net loss from disposal (17) (60)

As a result of the Authority's stocktake process, the useful lives of its intangible assets were adjusted. This resulted in a $160,000 reduction in

amortisation expense for 2007/2008. It is anticipated that amortisation at the reduced amount of $122,000 will continue in future years.

2008 2007

The number and dollar amount of consultancies paid/payable (included in supplies and services expense) that fell within

the following bands:

* As per section 113 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 the Authority earns and collects 100 percent of waste levies, however is then required to transfer 50

percent of levies collected to Zero Waste SA as per section 17 of the Zero Waste SA Act 2004. This transfer represents the payment of waste levies monies to

Zero Waste SA in accordance with the Zero Waste SA Act 2004.

A-25




10 Other expenses 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Other expenses paid/payable to entities external to the SA Government

Bad and doubtful debts (2) 5

Total: Other expenses paid/payable to entities external to the SA Government (2) 5

Total: Other expenses (2) 5

11 Fees and charges 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Fees and charges received/receivable from entities external to the SA Government

Fines and Penalties 44 173

Waste Levies 24 326 11 674 Fees, levies and licences 7 905 8 556

Sale of goods 1 -

Sale of professional services 68 70

Sale of support services - 121

Section 7 Enquiries 355 301

Total: Fees and charges received/receivable from entities external to the SA Government 32 699 20 895

Total: Fees and charges 32 699 20 895

12 Grants and contributions 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Grants and subsidies received/receivable from entities within the SA Government

State Government Grants (i) 974 667

974 667

Grants and subsidies received/receivable from entities external to the SA Government

Commonwealth Government (ii) 263 277 Private Industry and Local Government (iii) 9 -

272 277

Total: Grants and subsidies 1 246 944

(i) State Government Grants and Contributions 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 368 308

Murray Darling Basin Commission Natural Resources Management Board 75 60

SA Water Corporation 40 -

Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA - 80

Zero Waste SA 213 20

Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology 150 150

Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure - 34

Department for Environment and Heritage 126 -

Other 2 15

974 667

(ii) Commonwealth Government 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Natural Heritage Trust 23 182

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts 240 90

Rural Industrial Research Development - 5

263 277

(iii) Private Industries & Local Government 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Australian Acoustical Society 9 -

9 -

13 Interest revenue 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Interest revenue received/receivable from entities within the SA Government

Interest on deposit accounts 155 93

Total: Interest received 155 93

A-26




14 Other income 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Other income received/receivable from entities external to the SA Government

Salaries and wages recoveries 51 92 Other sundry revenue 1 9

52 101

Total: Other income 52 101

15 Revenues from SA Government 2008 2007$'000 $’000


Consolidated appropriation 5 288 9 441 Contingency funds 12 447

Total SA Government Revenues 5 300 9 888

16 Cash and cash equivalents 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Deposits with the Treasurer 4 897 5 564

Environment Protection Fund Deposit Account 2 695 1 862

Cash on hand/Imprest accounts 5 3

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents 7 597 7 429

Deposits with the Treasurer

Interest rate risk

17 Receivables 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Receivables from entities within the SA Government

Accrued revenues 15 -

15 -

Receivables from entities external to the SA Government

Receivables 2 358 1 365

Less: Allowance for doubtful debts (2) (4)

2 356 1 361

Workers compensation recoveries 1 1

2 357 1 362

Total: Receivables Current 2 372 1 362

All receivable amounts disclosed above are expected to be recovered within 12 months after reporting date.

Non-Current:

Receivables from entities external to the SA Government

Receivables - 12

Less: Allowance for doubtful debts - -

- 12

Workers compensation recoveries 3 3

3 15

Total: Receivables Non-Current 3 15

Movement in allowance for doubtful debts

Movements in the allowance for doubtful debts (impairment loss) 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Carrying amount at the beginning of the period 4 7

Increase in the provision - 5

Decrease in allowance recognised in the Income Statement (2) (8)

Carrying amount at the end of the period 2 4

Interest rate and credit risk

Receivables are raised for all goods and services provided for which payment has not been received. Receivables are normally settled

within 30 days. Trade receivables, prepayments and accrued revenues are non-interest bearing. Other than as recognised in the

allowance for doubtful debts, it is not anticipated that counterparties will fail to discharge their obligations. The carrying amount of

receivables approximates net fair value due to being receivable on demand. There is no concentration of credit risk.

Includes funds held in the Accrual Appropriation Excess Funds Account. The balance of these funds is not available for general use, i.e.

funds can only be used in accordance with the Treasurer's/Under-Treasurer's approval.

Cash on hand is non-interest bearing. The Environment Protection Fund Deposit Account earns a floating interest rate. The carrying

amount of cash and cash equivalents represents fair value.

The allowance for doubtful debts (allowance for impairment loss) is recognised when there is objective evidence that a receivable is

impaired. An allowance for impairment loss has been recognised in 'Other Expenses' in the Income Statement for specific debtors and

debtors assessed on a collective basis for which such evidence exists.

A-27




18 Financial Assets 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Non-current

Equity in listed entities 5 5

Total: Other financial assets non-current 5 5

19 Other assets 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Prepayments 80 69

Total: Other assets current 80 69

20 Property, plant and equipment 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Land

Independent valuation 100 100

Total: Land 100 100

Buildings and improvements


At cost (deemed fair value) 7 7

Less: Accumulated depreciation (52) (49)

Total: Buildings and improvements 39 42

Infrastructure




Total: Infrastructure 226 232

Capital works in progress

Capital works in progress 498 19

Total: Capital works in progress 498 19

Moveable vehicles



Total: Moveable vehicles 41 45

Computing equipment



Total: Computing equipment 34 42

Furniture and fittings

At cost (deemed fair value) 1 219 1 219


Total: Furniture and fittings 627 739

Plant and equipment



Less: Accumulated depreciation (3,311) (2,881)

Total: Plant and equipment 1 004 1 439

Other:




Total: Other 146 75

Total: Property, plant and equipment 2 715 2 733

Impairment

There were no indications of impairment of property, plant and equipment at 30 June 2008.

A-28




Asset Movement Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment is displayed in the following table.

Land

Buildings and

Improvements Infrastructure

Moveable

Vehicles

Computing

Equipment$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 100 42 232 45 42

Transfers between classes - - 6 - 13

Depreciation expense - (3) (12) (4) (21)

Carrying amount at end of the period 100 39 226 41 34

Furniture and

Fittings

Plant &

Equipment Other

Capital Works

in Progress

2008

Total$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 739 1 439 75 19 2 733

Transfers between classes - 52 (71) - -

Additions - 70 144 479 693

Depreciation expense (112) (540) (2) - (694)

Disposals - (17) - - (17)

Carrying amount at end of the period 627 1 004 146 498 2 715

Land

Buildings and

Improvements Infrastructure

Moveable

Vehicles

Computing

Equipment$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 100 45 242 48 62

Additions - - - - 5

Depreciation expense - (3) (10) (3) (24)

Aramis revisions - upwards / (downwards) - - - - (1)

Carrying amount at end of the period 100 42 232 45 42

Furniture and

Fittings

Plant &

Equipment Other

Capital Works

in Progress

2007

Total$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 802 1 659 82 158 3 198

Transfers between classes - 28 (28) - -

Additions 8 195 23 231 462

Additions - Transfers to/(from) from CWIP 93 - - (370) (277)

Depreciation expense (113) (433) (2) - (588)

Disposals (51) (9) - - (60)

Aramis revisions - upwards / (downwards) - (1) - - (2)

Carrying amount at end of the period 739 1 439 75 19 2 733

Asset Movement Reconciliation 2006-2007

Asset Movement Reconciliation 2007-2008

A-29




21 Intangible assets 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Computer software (internally generated)


Less: Accumulated amortisation (1 097) (1 001)

Total: Computer software (internally generated) 625 722

Total: Intangible assets 625 722

Intangible Asset Reconciliation 2008$'000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 722 Additions 25 Depreciation expense (122)

Carrying amount at end of the period 625

2007$’000

Carrying amount at beginning of the period 696 Additions - Transfers to/(from) CWIP 308 Depreciation expense (282)

Carrying amount at end of the period 722

Computer software

Intangible assets in CWIP

22 Payables 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Payables to entities within the SA Government

Accruals 66 64

Creditors 384 242

Employee benefit on-costs 387 351 837 657

Payables to entities external to the SA Government

Accruals - 9

Creditors 1 126 430

1 126 439

Total: Payables Current 1 963 1 096

Non-Current:

Payables to entities within the SA Government

Employee benefit on-costs 354 375

354 375

Total: Payables Non-Current 354 375

Interest rate and credit risk

The balance of Capital Works in Progress (CWIP) includes $0.485m of Intangible assets. These assets are expected to be in use in

2008/2009.

All payable amounts disclosed above are expected to be paid within 12 months after reporting date.

The internally developed computer software has a carrying value of $0.625m and relates primarily to the Authority's General Environment

Information System (GENI) (carrying value $0.334m) together with various other specialised software. The entire software class has an

average remaining useful life of 3.4 years.

Creditors and accruals are raised for all amounts due but unpaid. Sundry creditors are normally settled within 30 days. Employment on-

costs are settled when the respective employee benefit that they relate to is discharged. All payables are non-interest bearing. The

carrying amount of payables represents fair value due to the amounts being payable on demand.

A-30




23 Employee benefits 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Accrued Salaries and Wages 367 292

Annual Leave 1 150 1 112

Long Service Leave 249 109

Total: Employee benefits - Current 1 766 1 513

Non-Current:

Long Service Leave 3 428 3 525

Total: Employee benefits - Non Current 3 428 3 525

24 Provisions 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Provision for Workers Compensation 34 28 Total: Provisions Current 34 28

Non Current:

Provision for Workers Compensation 88 77 Total: Provisions Non-Current 88 77

Provision movement:

Carrying amount at the beginning of the period 105 94 Additional provisions recognised - 1 Unwinding of discount and effect of change in change in the discount rate 17 10 Carrying amount at the end of the period 122 105

25 Other liabilities 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current:

Other liabilities to entities external to the SA Government

Unearned revenue - 279

Other 1 20

1 299

Total: Other liabilities - Current 1 299

26 Equity

## Asset

Revaluation

Reserve

Retained

Earnings

Total

$'000 $'000 $'000

Balance at 1 July 2007 1 222 4 200 5 422

Net result for 2007/2008 - 341 341

Balance at 30 June 2008 1 222 4 541 5 763

All employee benefit amounts disclosed above, including long service leave, are expected to be paid within 12 months after reporting date.

A liability has been reported to reflect unsettled workers compensation claims. The workers compensation provision is based on an

actuarial assessment performed by the Public Sector Workforce Division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Based on an actuarial assessment performed by the Department of Treasury and Finance, the benchmark for the measurement of the long

service leave liability was 6.5 years (2007: 6.5 years).

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. The asset revaluation reserve represents that portion of equity resulting from the revaluation of non-current assets.

A-31




## Asset

Revaluation

Reserve

Retained

Earnings

Total

$'000 $'000 $'000

Balance at 1 July 2006 1 222 3 165 4 387

Adjustments - Error corrections (previously recognised)

Depreciation errors(i)

Infrastructure 65 65

Computing 29 29

Furniture & fittings 2 2

Plant & equipment 13 13

Sub-total: Depreciation errors 109 109

Other errors

Revenue Correction 05/06 (6) (6)

Sub-total: Other errors - (6) (6)

Sub-total: Error corrections - 103 103

Restated balance 1 July 2006 1 222 3 268 4 490

Net result for 2006-2007 :

Net Result per prior year financial statements - 932 932

Balance at 30 June 2007 1 222 4 200 5 422

(i)

27 Cash flow reconciliation2008 2007

$'000 $’000

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents

Cash at year end as per:

Cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the Balance Sheet 7 597 7 429

Cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the Cash Flow Statement 7 597 7 429

Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to net cost of providing services

Net cash provided by operating activities 812 1 920

Less:

Cash flows from government (5 300) (9 888)

Less non-cash items:

Depreciation and amortisation (816) (870)

Net loss on sale of assets (17) (60)

Movement in assets and liabilities

Increase in receivables 998 282

Increase in other assets 11 25

(Increase)/decrease in payables (772) 437

(Increase) in employee benefits (156) (638)

(Increase) in provisions (17) (11)

Decrease/(increase) in other liabilities 298 (153)

Net cost of providing services (4 959) (8 956)

28 Restrictions on contributions received

2008 2007$'000 $’000

Environment Protection Fund 2 695 1 858

NRG Flinders 435 482

Chemcollect 348 490

Externally Funded Projects 372 309

3 850 3 139

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:

Depreciation Errors

During the 2006/2007 financial year, the Authority undertook a comprehensive review of the fixed asset processes for recording, revaluing,

reconciling and reporting in the statutory accounts. Through this process errors in depreciation expense in prior periods for a small number

of assets were identified. These errors were adjusted for in the 2006-07 reporting period.

A-32




29 Expenditure commitments 2008 2007$'000 $’000

Operating lease commitments:

Not later than one year 905 1,334

Later than one year but not later than five years 413 859

Total: Operating lease commitments 1 318 2 193

Remuneration commitments:

Not later than one year 735 789

Later than one year but not later than five years 2 296 1 678

Total: Remuneration commitments 3 031 2 467

30 Contingent liabilities

31 Remuneration of Board and Committee Members

Board of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

M Dyson

L Bowes (appointed 11/10/2007)

S Hains

C Hill (appointed 20/03/2008)

G Panigas

Y Sneddon

K Wells (resigned 30/01/2008)

Radiation Protection Committee

J Fitch (appointed 01/01/2008)

Dr G Laurence

Dr K Lokan (term expired 31/12/2007)

Dr M Lardelli

S Paulka

K Smith (term expired 31/12/2007)

K Taylor (appointed 01/01/2008)

The number of members whose remuneration received or receivable falls within the following bands:

2008 2007No. of members No. of members

$nil 2 2$1 - $9,999 6 4$10,000 - $19,999 6 4$20,000 - $29,999 - 2

14 12

32 Events subsequent to reporting date

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.

In accordance with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet's Circular Number 16, government employees did not receive any remuneration for

board/committee duties during the financial year.

Lease commitments have decreased due to the Authority's current operating lease agreement expiring in November 2008. There is no present

obligation for the lease commitment for the new premises because as at balance date, the lease agreement had not been finalised.

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 financial statements.

There are no known events after balance date that affect this general purpose financial report in a material manner.

Amounts disclosed include commitments arising from executive and other service contracts. The Authority does not offer fixed-term

remuneration contracts greater than five years.

Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under fixed-term employment contracts in existence at the reporting date but not

recognised as liabilities are payable as follows:

During the 2007/08 financial year, members of the Board were paid superannuation of $6,137 (2007: $6,226).

Members that were entitled to receive remuneration for membership during the 2007/2008 financial year were:

Unless otherwise disclosed, transactions between members and the Authority are on conditions no more favourable than those it is reasonable to

expect the Authority would have adopted if dealing with the related party at arm's length in the same circumstances.

Remuneration of members reflects all costs of performing board/committee member duties including sitting fees, super contributions, fringe

benefits tax and salary sacrifice arrangements. The total remuneration received or receivable by members was $115,160 (2007: $125,521).

The Authority is seeking legal advice on a licensing matter that may result in a settlement of $162,000.

A-33




33 Financial instruments/Financial risk management

Categorisation of financial instruments

Carrying

amount

Fair value Carrying

amount

Fair

value $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents 7 597 7 597 7 429 7 429 16

Receivables Loans and receivables (at cost) 2 375 2 375 1 377 1 377 17

Financial assets Held to maturity investments (at cost) 5 5 5 5 18

Financial liabilities

Payables Financial liabilities (at cost) 2 317 2 317 1 471 1 471 22

Credit risk

Ageing analysis of financial assets

Current

(Not overdue)

Overdue for

< 30 days

Overdue for

30–60 days

Overdue for

> 60 days

Total

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Not impaired

Receivables 2 096 131 102 44 2 373 Financial assets 5 - - - 5

Impaired

Receivables - - 2 2

Financial assets - - - - -

Not impaired

Receivables 1 094 127 52 100 1 373 Financial assets 5 - - - 5

Impaired

Receivables - - 4 4 Financial assets - - - - -

Maturity analysis of financial assets and liabilities

< 1 year 1-5 years > 5 years Carrying

amount$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 7 597 - - 7 597 Receivables 2 372 3 - 2 375 Financial assets 5 - - 5

Total financial assets 9 974 3 - 9 977


Payables 1 963 354 - 2 317 Borrowings - - - -

Total financial liabilities 1 963 354 - 2 317

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 7 429 - - 7 429 Receivables 1 362 15 - 1 377 Financial assets 5 5 Total financial assets 8 796 15 - 8 811


Payables 1 096 375 - 1 471 Borrowings - - - - Total financial liabilities 1 096 375 - 1 471

The following table discloses the ageing of financial assets and the ageing of impaired assets.

Category of financial assets and financial

liability

2008

Note

number

2007

2008

Financial assets item

Financial statements item

The following table discloses the maturity analysis of financial assets and financial liabilities.

2007

Contractual maturities

Credit risk arises when there is the possibility of the Authority’s debtors defaulting on their contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss to the

Authority. The Authority measures credit risk on a fair value basis and monitors risk on a regular basis.

2007

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement, and the basis on

which income and expenses are recognised with respect to each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note

2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies".

The Authority has minimal concentration of credit risk. The Authority has policies and procedures in place to ensure that transactions occur with

customers with appropriate credit history. The Authority does not engage in high risk hedging for its financial assets.

Balance Sheet line item 2008

Allowances for impairment of financial assets are calculated on past experience and current and expected changes in credit rating. Currently the

Authority does not hold any collateral as security for any of its financial assets. Other than receivables, there is no evidence to indicate that the

financial assets are impaired. Refer to note 17 for information on the allowance for impairment in relation to receivables.

A-34




Liquidity risk

Market risk

34 The Environment Protection Fund

Income Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2008

2008 2007$'000 $’000

Expenses

Employee benefits expenses 112 128 Supplies and services

773 315 Grants and contributions 152 113 Other expenses 6 Total: Expenses 1 037 562

Income

Fees and charges 1 584 1 173 Grants and contributions 2 3 Interest revenue 155 93 Total: Income 1 741 1 269

Net result 704 707

Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2008

2008 2007$'000 $’000

Current assets

Cash 2 695 1 862 Receivables 142 167 Total Current Assets

2 837 0

2 029

Total Assets 2 837 2 029

Current liabilities

Payables 148 44

Total Liabilities 148 44

Net Assets 2 689 1 985

Equity

Retained earnings 2 689 1 985

Total: Equity 2 689 1 985

Statement of Changes in Equity as at 30 June 2008

Retained

EarningsTotal Equity

$'000 $’000

Balance at 30 June 2006 1 278 1 278

Net result for 2006/2007 707 707

Balance at 30 June 2007 1 985 1 985

Net result for 2007/2008 704 704

Balance at 30 June 2008 2 689 2 689

Liquidity risk arises where the Authority is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Authority is funded principally from

appropriations by the SA Government. The Authority works with the Department of Treasury and Finance to determine the cash flows associated

with its Government approved program of work and to ensure funding is provided through SA Government budgetary processes to meet the

expected cash flows. The Authority settles undisputed accounts within 30 days from the date of the invoice or date the invoice is first received. In

the event of a dispute, payment is made 30 days from resolution.

The Authority's exposure to liquidity risk is insignificant based on past experience and current assessment of risk.

A sensitivity analysis has not been undertaken for the interest rate risk of the Authority as it has been determined that the possible impact on profit

and loss or total equity from fluctuations in interest rates is immaterial.

The Authority has no interest bearing liabilities as at the end of the reporting period. There is no exposure to foreign currency or other price risks.

The following is a summary of the amounts included in the Fund. In reflecting these amounts in the Authority's financial statements, transactions between

the Fund and the Authority have been eliminated.

A-35




Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2008

2008 2007$'000 $’000

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash outflows

Board member remuneration payments (113) (128)

Payments for supplies and services (668) (375)

Grant and contribution payments (152) (113) Total: Cash used in operations (933) (616)

Cash inflows

Fees and charges 1 624 1 052

Grant and contribution receipts 2 3

Interest received 140 90 Total: Cash generated from operations 1 766 1 145

Cash generated from SA Government - -

Net cash provided by operating activities 833 529

Cash at the beginning of the financial year 1 862 1 333

Cash at the end of the financial year 2 695 1 862

35 Administered Item of the Authority(a) Reporting Entity and Strategic Context

(b) Administered Item Financial Arrangements

(c) Administered Item Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Employee Benefits

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 the 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 liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by

employees is not recognised in the Administered Item's schedules as the Authority and DEH are obligated to pay employees for services provided.

Accordingly, Employee Benefits are recognised in the Authority's and DEH's financial statements.

Effective from 1 July 2008, the Steering Committee resolved that the contractual obligation for the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study (ACWS) had

been fulfilled and it was agreed by the financial contributors that any ACWS funds remaining would be used to assist the funding of the Adelaide

Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan controlled by the EPA.

The Committee’s sources of funds consist of monies contributed or to be contributed by Mobil Australia, Ports Corp, SA Water Corporation, Adelaide

and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, TRU Energy, the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, the

Department of Primary Industries and Resources, the Coast Protection Board and the Authority.

The financial 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, 1987 .

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.

The Administered Item schedule of activities details the Administered Item income, expenses, assets and liabilities.

In general, the Administered Item adopts the accounting policies of the Authority, as detailed in Note 2. Deviations from these policies are as

follows:

The Authority and DEH continue to provide financial services to the Committee. Officers 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 including the use of plant

and equipment and office accommodation.

A-36




Schedule 1(A): Disclosure of Administered Items as at 30 June 2008

Adelaide Coastal Waters Study Steering Committee

2008 2007$'000 $’000

Administered expenses

Supplies and Services 65 225

Total administered expenses 65 225

Administered income

Grants and contributions - 18

Total administered income - 18

Net cost of providing services 65 207

Administered current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 150 170

Total administered current assets 150 170

Total administered assets 150 170

Administered current liabilities

Payables 45 -

Total administered current liabilities 45 -

Total liabilities 45 -

Net Assets 105 170

Administered Equity

Retained Earnings 105 170

Total Administered Equity 105 170

A-37


A 38

APPENDIX 3 OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION

Board and committee listing Board of the EPA Committees:

Local Government Committee State of the Environment Report Committee Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy Committee EPA Board Roles and Responsibilities Committee Internal Audit and Risk Review Committee

Radiation Protection Committee.

Energy efficiency action plan report

There are currently three priority areas for which the EPA has developed performance indicators: energy management, waste management, and travel and fleet management.

Priority area 1: energy management

Annual energy consumption for EPA locations

The figures for 2007 08 show a continuing improvement in the reduction of energy use per M2

from the previous year. Office energy consumption is the main source of power usage. The EPA is required to meet a 25% reduction by 2014. However EPA offices have already reduced energy consumption by 20%. In 2008 09 the EPA is moving most of its office staff to a new energy efficient building which will further improve our energy consumption.

Table 32 Performance against annual energy use targets*

Total for EPA EPA office locations Air monitoring sites

Energy use(GJ)

Expendi -ture ($)

GHGemissions(tonnes)

Energyuse(GJ)


Businessmeasure

(m2)

Energy useper m2

Energy use(GJ)


Base year

2000 01 1 934 $79 259 636 1 694 557 4 867 0.35 240 79

2001 02 1 699 $69 402 560 1 497 492 4 867 0.31 203 67

2002 03 1 928 $76 377 634 1 634 538 4 867 0.34 295 97

2003 04 1 760 $70 055 579 1 493 491 4 867 0.31 268 88

2004 05 1 800 $78 303 593 1 525 502 4 987 0.31 275 91

2005 06 1 678 $73 672 553 1 432 471 5 280 0.27 246 81

2006 07 1 737 $78 125 571 1 460 480 5 280 0.28 277 91

2007 08 1 698 $79 959 396 1 458 340 5 280 0.28 240 56

Target(2014)

25% reduction of base year 0.26

* Note: Business measures in 2004 05 and 2005 06 and an increase in the use of office space on Level 2 of

SA Water House Building. This table has been amended to reflect correct charging and energy use, and the

transfer of Radiation Protection Branch from the Department of Human Services. In 2007 08 the emissions

conversion factor has changed to show only direct emissions, in accordance with the National Greenhouse

Accounts (NGA) Factors produced by the Department of Climate Change. Previous years emission

conversions did not determine direct and indirect emission as this information was unavailable.


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Priority area 2: waste management

PAPER DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL (kg)

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Financial Year

KIL

OG

RA

MS

Figure 5 Paper diverted from landfill

Paper recycling

There has been a decrease in the paper diverted from landfill and the amount of paper used over the last three years.

Fluorescent tubes

The EPA recycles fluorescent lighting tubes through Chemsal. The glass from tubes is reused and the toxic liquid mercury waste is safely disposed. In 2007 08, 200 fluorescent tubes were recycled.


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Container recycling

RECYCLING OF CONTAINERS

Cans, Bottles and Cartons

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Financial Year

NU

MB

ER

OF

12

0 L

ITR

E B

INS

Figure 6 Recycling of containers (cans, bottles and cartons)

Other recycled products

Waste products such as cans, plastics, tins, glass, milk and juice cartons accounted for 9 480 litres (or 79 bins) recycled from the CBD building in 2007 08. This is similar to the 2006 07result of 9 600 (80 bins).

Printing consumables

The recycling initiative provided by Close The Loop Limited was extended further to include the Murray Bridge Office in 2006 07, which was relocated to Stirling. Stirling discontinued using this service in 2007 08 and transferred to Planet Ark. Reports for 2006 07 are not available and estimations are used for 2007 08 reporting period. A summary is provided in Table 34 showing a total of 1 261.15 kg of waste printing consumables have been diverted from landfill since the initiative’s inception in April 2002.


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Table 33 Printer consumables recycling

2001 02 02 03 03 04 04 05 05 06 06 07 07 08 TOTAL

CBD Building

Quantity diverted (no of items)

10 209 231 282 289 377 367 1765

Amount diverted (kg) 8.6 183.7 212.3 194.8 209.0 203.4 156 1167.8

Stirling


9 47 47 103

Amount diverted (kg) 8.9 18.4 18.4 45.7

Kent Town


33 32 65

Amount diverted (kg) 14.1 16.45 30.55

Murray Bridge


21 0 21

Amount diverted (kg's) 17.1 0 21

Total items 10 209 231 282 298 478 446 1954

Total weight (kg) 8.6 183.7 212.3 194.8 217.9 253 190.85 1261.15

Other (non-recycled) products

Organic waste such as food scraps, are collected in house to be composted rather than sent to landfill. Over the past year, approximately 1 398 kgs of kitchen waste from the CBD building has been composted. This is increase of 273 kgs compared to the amount collected in 2007 06 (1 125 kgs).

Priority Area 3: travel and fleet management

Travel Smart Workplace Plan (TWP)

Table 34 EPA vehicle fleet

Vehicle types At 30 June2003

At 30 June2004

At 30 June2005

At 30 June2006

At 30 June 2007

At 30 June2008

Diesel only 4 3 3 3 3 4

Electric/unleaded (hybrid) 3 3 2 0 0 0

Unleaded only 6 4 8 6 10 10

LPG only 0 2 3 7 3 2

Combined dual fuel (unleaded and LPG) 24 25 21 19 19 15

Total long-term hire vehicles

37 37 37 35 35 31

Note: Table 32 shows the vehicle types that are currently on long-term leases to the EPA ie: leases of two or three year durations. Of the total 31 vehicles at 30 June 2008, 55% have LPG or the ability to run on LPG, which is well in excess of the requirements of the South Australian government Energy Efficiency Action Plan.


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Table 35 Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions

2002 03 2003 04 2004 05 2005 06 2006 07 2007 08

Energy (GJ) 2 566 2 288 2 082 2 082 1 939 1 946

CO2 emissions (tonnes) 194 170 155 154 144 126

Note: Table 33 shows that the EPA has maintained energy and greenhouse gas emissions from its vehicle fleet at similar levels to last year, but the overall figures show a marked improvement from the 2002 03financial year. In 2007 08 the emissions conversion factor has been changed and is now based on direct emission from the vehicle only, in line with the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors produced by the Department of Climate Change. Previous years emission conversions did not determine direct and indirect emission as this information was unavailable.

PROPORTION OF UNLEADED FUEL USED IN DUAL FUEL VEHICLES

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Financial Year

PERCEN

TA

GE

Figure 7 Proportion of unleaded fuel used in dual fuel vehicles

Note: The current vehicle fleet management policy incorporates a maximum of 20% unleaded fuel to be used in dual fuel vehicles. Since 2002 03 there has been a significant improvement towards the 20% target and although it increased to 25.5% in 2006 07 the EPA has improved to 23.5% in 2007 08.


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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS (CO2)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Unleaded LPG Electric/

Unleaded

Diesel

FUEL TYPES

EM

ISSIO

NS (

TO

NN

ES)

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Figure 8 Greenhouse gas emissions

Note: Figure 8 reflects the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions by each fuel type. In 2007 08 there has been decrease across all fuel types and this relates to the overall reduction of 4 vehicles throughout the 2007 08 financial year. In 2007 08 the emissions conversion factor was changed and is now based on direct emission from the vehicle only, in line with the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors produced by the Department of Climate Change. Previous years emission conversions did not determine direct and indirect emission as this information was unavailable.

The CBD vehicle fleet was centralised in April 2008. This is expected to provide the opportunity to review the vehicle mix, size, and fuel type, with a view to providing a fuel efficient fleet whilst meeting the transport needs of the agency.

EPA Travel Smart Program

In April 2007 the EPA became the first state government agency to launch a TravelSmart Workplace Plan (TWP), providing a variety of measures making it easier for staff and operational practices to participate in sustainable transport for both commuting and business related travel. Since its introduction, a number of initiatives have been implemented including:

the sale of discounted public transport tickets for staff and their families

a 10 000 Step Program encouraging staff to increase the amount they walk everyday

a Bicycle User Group to encourage the uptake of cycling and improve cycling conditions

'Travel A K The Green Way' business travel competition, and

a sustainable transport induction pack for new employees.

An evaluation of year one of the TWP undertaken in April 2008 found overall reductions in car journeys and an increase in sustainable transport modes such as public transport and cycling, particularly for commuting purposes. The evaluation also found that overall participation rates for the various TWP initiatives delivered throughout the year have been positive, evidence that staff have embraced the challenge of increasing their participation in sustainable transport. Implementation of year two of the TWP began in April 2008.


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APPENDIX 4 PUBLICATIONS RELEASED OR UPDATED DURING 2007-08

Corporate publications

EPA Annual Report 2006 07 (includes reporting under the Radiation Control Act 1982)

EPA Corporate Operational Plan

EPA Round-table 2007: Record of proceedings

EPA Strategic Plan 2007 10

Guidelines

Application of the Environment Protection Act 1993 to mining projects

Audible bird scaring devices: Environmental noise guidelines

Environment assessment guides for planners: abrasive blasting

Environment assessment guides for planners: aquaculture (marine)

Environment assessment guides for planners: cattle feedlots

Environment assessment guides for planners: composting works

Environment assessment guides for planners: dog keeping/dog kennels

Environment assessment guides for planners: materials handling

Environment assessment guides for planners: road transport depot

Environment assessment guides for planners: saleyards

Environment assessment guides for planners: surface coating (spray painting and powder coating)

Environment assessment guides for planners: wood processing works

Wind farms: Environmental noise guidelines (interim)

Environmental regulation using a risk-based approach: a guide for EPA staff

Environmental regulation using a risk-based approach: poster

Establishing environmental values and water quality objectives

Explanatory notes for landfill sites closing before 2010

Guidelines for separation distances

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for a site undertaking multiple activities and with significant emissions of pollutants

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for sewage treatment works and septic tank effluent disposal schemes

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for waste transport businesses

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for waste depots

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for wineries and distilleries

Licence fee structure: how to calculate licence fees for waste transporter businesses

Safe and effective pesticide use: a handbook for commercial sprayers

Safe and effective pesticide use: a handbook for lifestyle landholders

Safe and effective pesticide use: a handbook for near-water applications

Site contamination: acid sulfate soil material

Waste tyres

Waste-derived materials: guiding principles for determining approval processes and product standards

Wastewater irrigation management plan: a drafting guide for wastewater irrigators


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Information sheets

Greywater requirements for vessels on inland waters: frequently asked questions

Site contamination: selecting an environmental auditor

Site contamination: use of an environmental consultant

Licence fee structure: frequently asked questions and answers

Managing vessel wastewater for black and/or grey water

Monitoring the recovery of the Todd River following the Eyre Peninsula bushfire of January 2005

Wastewater requirements for vessels on inland waters

Codes of practice

Code of practice for materials handling on wharves

Code of practice for the environmental management of the South Australian abalone aquaculture industry

Public consultation drafts

Draft guidelines for groundwater investigation and monitoring for landfills

National Pollutant Inventory reports

SA EPA NPi update 2008

Brochures

Adelaide coastal waters study overview: A summary of the study, outcomes and recommendation

Changes to the National Pollutant Inventory in South Australia

Protecting South Australia's waters

Site contamination and the EP Act 1993

Reports

Ambient air quality at Whyalla, South Australia monitoring campaign 2004 06

EPA Board Waste to Resources Subcommittee Report

EPA industry compliance audit report for the surface coating industry

Hazardous waste strategy 2006 10

Myponga Watercourse Restoration Project final report 2000 07

Port Waterways Water Quality Improvement Plan

Protecting drinking water quality into the future: priority areas and land use compatibility in Adelaide's Mount Lofty Ranges watershed

Review of environmental impacts of the acid in-situ leach uranium mining process: implementation of recommendations

Risks from endocrine disrupting substances in the South Australian aquatic environment

SmokeWatch: Adelaide Hills Pilot Study Part 1, 2006

Soil investigation at former Lightburn factory in Novar Gardens, South Australia

South Australia's air quality 2006

Western Yorke Peninsula seagrass aerial photography 1979 81 and 2004


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APPENDIX 5 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 (South Australia).

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 board 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 Strategic Plan 2007 10.

Public participation in environment policy

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

public consultation sessions during the development of specific EPPs and other policy initiativesthe annual Round-table conference regional Round-table meetings specific 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 2007 08 are detailed in this Annual Report.

Description of kinds of documents held by the EPA

Publications produced by the EPA can be accessed through the department’s website at <www.epa.sa.gov.au/pub.html> or requested, free of charge, by telephoning the Customer Service Desk on (08) 8204 2004. A list of 2007 08 EPA publications is set out in this Annual Report. 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 files financial 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 EP Act include:


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applications for environmental authorisations environmental authorisations development authorisations beverage container approvals details of prosecutions and other enforcement action under the EP Act.

Policy documents

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

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

IOP002 Procedure for obtaining advice on sampling

IOP003 Procedure to be followed when requesting legal advice

IOP004 Overseas travel by EPA staff

IOP005 Conference attendance by EPA staff

IOP006 Guidelines for training and development expenditure

IOP007 Licence renewal process for A-class licences—this policy is now obsolete

IOP008 Guidelines for study assistance

IOP009 Accessing human resource development activities

IOP010 Induction

Attachment 1—Process for induction of new employees Attachment 2—Induction checklist Attachment 3—Reference lists

IOP011 Guideline in preparing EPA Board papers

Attachment 1 Attachment 2

IOP012 Vaccination protocol for field 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 and 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 flow chart Attachment 2—Cabinet submission process checklist Attachment 3—Guideline: When is a Cabinet submission required? Attachment 4—Guideline: Notification 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 and management

Attachment 1—Risk assessment Hazard incident injury reporting risk rating Risk assessment matrix

Attachment 2—Hazard incident injury reporting, investigation and management policy

Hazard incident injury reporting policy


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Attachment 3—Report forms Hazard report forms Incident report forms Aggression report Manual handling report Needle stick injury report Vehicle accident report Notification of dangerous occurrence form

IOP019 Allocation and use of mobile telephones

Attachment—Request for mobile telephone

IOP020 Mobile telephone—Reimbursing personal call costs

Attachment—Mobile telephone personal calls reimbursement form

IOP021 Vehicle management

Attachment—Non-employee application to drive government vehicles Attachment—Application for regular home and/or office travel

IOP022 Management of desk telephones

IOP023 Filling of positions during restructure

IOP024 Role and responsibilities of the Emergency Response Team

IOP025 Volumetric survey assessment

IOP026 Manifest audit process for liquid waste

IOP027 Weigh data audit process for solid waste

IOP028 A system for managing industry compliance audits

IOP029 Civil penalties

EPA policy for calculation of civil penalties under the EP Act

IOP030 Security Level 7 reception

IOP031 Accredited licensing system

IOP032 EPA risk management policy (draft)

Attachment—Government of South Australia (2003) risk management policy statement

IOP033 The development and application of licence project plans

IOP034 The exercise of delegated authority

IOP035 Environment Protection Orders

IOP036 Assessment of waste or recycling depots and activities producing listed waste for limitedpurposes

Attachment 1 Application form (including attachment for detailed information) Attachment 2 Assessment and determination by delegate for 3(3) waste or recycling depots for limited purpose Attachment 3 Templates for letters of determination for 3(3) waste or recycling depots Attachment 3a 3(3)(i) Determination that no licence is required Attachment 3b 3(3)(i) Refused—licence required Attachment 4 Assessment and determination by delegate for 3(4) activities producing listed waste Attachment 5 Templates for letters of determination for 3(4) activities Attachment 5a 3(4) Determination that no licence is required Attachment 5b 3(4) Refused—licence required


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Attachment 6 GENI DA response template—non referral limited purposes 3(3) or 3(4)

Access to organisation documents

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

Freedom of Information Coordinator Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001

Telephone: (08) 8204 9128

Policy documents may be inspected at Level 5, 77 Grenfell Street, Adelaide between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.


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APPENDIX 6 SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S AIR QUALITY DATA

South Australia’s air quality

A summary of highlights of air quality is provided here. More information on air quality and pollutants in Adelaide and key regional sites in South Australia is available at <www.epa.sa.gov.au>. This includes Information on short-term monitoring projects as well as more details on the ambient air quality for Adelaide. The EPA’s reporting against the Ambient Air NEPM is also available at <www.ephc.gov.au>.

Very good, 38.0%

Very Poor, 1.2%

Poor, 1.8%

Good, 51.6%

Fair, 7.4%

Figure 9 Adelaide’s air quality index 2007

The plot of Adelaide’s air quality index shown above describes the general air quality in the Adelaide metropolitan area. This is a summary of air pollution levels that were monitored in this region. For details on the air quality index, please visit the EPA website at <www.epa.sa.gov.au>. Air quality in Adelaide can be considered good, or very good nearly 90% of the time. There has been a slight increase in occurrences when air quality falls into the fair, poor and very poor classifications over the previous year. This was mainly due to high particle levels.

Generally, dry conditions mean that when winds are high enough, dust blown from regional areas can combine with other forms of particle pollution from industry, motor vehicles and sources in the metropolitan area to cause dust levels above the NEPM standard.

In recent years, however, there have also been occasions when ozone levels have been high. On rare occasions it is believed that emissions from bushfires have provided the additional precursor pollutants that caused ozone levels to rise to NEPM standard limits, revealing an incipient problem that needs to be managed to prevent future high concentrations.


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Netley

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

Num

ber

of

Exceedences o

f N

EP

M S

tandard

Figure 10 Netlely’s air quality index 2002 07

There were 11 exceedences of the NEPM PM10 particle standard at the Netley site in 2007. This is consistent with levels in 2006. These exceedences are due to a combination of dry conditions and anthropogenic emissions and have been deteriorating over recent years.

0

50

100

150

200

01/07 02/07 03/07 04/07 05/07 06/07 07/07 08/07 09/07 10/07 11/07 12/07 01/08

Date

Co

nc

en

tra

tio

n (

g/m

3)

SchulzReserveWalls St

Figure 11 Daily averaged PM10 at Walls Street and Schulz Reserve, Whyalla 20071

1 The standard measurement is an annual average of each calendar year.


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Dust levels in Whyalla have been of concern to residents, local industry and the EPA for some time. The EPA has monitored dust levels in Whyalla for many years and continues to do so, but using improved methods. The Schulz Reserve site was established in April 2007, to replace the old Civic Park site that was no longer suitable as a monitoring site (has become surrounded by trees).

In 2007, particle levels continued to be high at the Walls Street site located at the eastern end of the town, near local industry. In 2007, PM10 particle concentrations exceeded the NEPM standard 25 times at this site and five times at Schulz Park during the monitoring period.

An industry run project began towards the end of 2007 that is expected to reduce dust emissions in the Walls Street area. This should become apparent as more data is obtained beyond 2007. Monitoring is now continuous at both these sites, generating improved information when compared with that from the previous manual, one-in-six-day high volume sampling method.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Year

Co

nc

en

tra

tio

n (

g/m

3)

Pirie West Primary School

Oliver St

Ellen St

Frank Green Park

NEPM Standard

Figure 12 Annual averaged particulate lead concentrations at Port Pirie 2002 07

Airborne lead monitoring continues at Pt Pirie. In 2007, annual average lead concentrations at four EPA sites are described in the graph above.

The annual average lead concentrations for 2007 was 0.43 µg/m3 at Port Pirie West Primary School, 0.18 µg/m3 at Frank Green Park and 0.51 µg/m3 at Oliver Street. These levels are lower than previous years, but the Oliver Street site still does not meet the NEPM standard.

At the Ellen Street site, close to the smelter, the annual average was 2.41 µg/m3. This site is intentionally located adjacent to the boundary of the smelters and so the NEPM standard should not be applied here, but it serves to show lead levels close to the smelters.

The ongoing ‘tenby10’ program run by the smelters to make improvements to the plant is designed to reduce emissions and, thereby, ambient air concentrations of lead, with the aim of reducing blood lead levels in children in the community.

No monitoring for lead is conducted in Adelaide, since the removal of leaded petrol from sale.


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0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

12/2006 02/2007 04/2007 06/2007 08/2007 10/2007 12/2007

Date

Co

nc

en

tra

tio

n (

pp

m)

Oliver St, Daily Max 1hr Average

NEPM Standard

Figure 13 Sulfur dioxide daily maximum one-hour averages in Port Pirie 2007

To further monitor impacts from the smelter, the EPA operates a sulfur dioxide monitor at one site at Oliver Street. In 2007, the maximum hourly average concentration was 0.594 ppm (parts per million). The NEPM Standard is 0.20 ppm as a daily value—there were 29 exceedance days in 2007 (see Figure 12). There were no exceedences of the sulphur dioxide 24-hour average of 0.08 ppm in 2007.

The apparent increase of lead and sulfur dioxide from 2006 to 2007 is accounted for by the fact that the lead smelters had shut downs for development during the middle portion of 2006, when emissions were significantly reduced.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

Annual Report on the administrationof the Radiation Protection and

Control Act 1982

2007 08

Annual Report on the administration of the Radiation Protection and

Control Act 1982

1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008


Annual Report on the administration of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

2007 08

For further information please contact:

Information Officer Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Telephone: (08) 8204 2000 Facsimile: (08) 8124 4670Freecall (country): 1800 623 445 Email: <[email protected]> Website: <www.epa.sa.gov.au>

ISSN 1322-1662 ISBN 978-1-921125-79-9

September 2008

© 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 it 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.

Printed on recycled paper

CONTENTS

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL .............................................................................1FOREWORD ...............................................................................................3ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................5INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................7STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS ................................................................................8

EPA Radiation Protection Division Strategic Plan .............................................8EPA Radiation Protection Division Corporate Operational Plan 2007 09 ..................8

HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES ............................................................. 10Introduction of new Regulations to control solaria ......................................... 10Review of the Radiation Protection and Control Act ....................................... 11Regulatory framework for uranium mining................................................... 11Dental X-ray unit inspection project .......................................................... 11Population dose reduction strategy in diagnostic imaging................................. 11Radioactive waste store and repository implementation project ........................ 12

RADIATION PROTECTION COMMITTEE ............................................................. 13Functions and legislative responsibility....................................................... 13Membership........................................................................................ 13Meetings ........................................................................................... 14

ADMINISTRATION OF THE RPC ACT AND REGULATIONS........................................ 15Exemptions granted under the Radiation Protection and Control Act ................... 15Approval of monitoring devices ................................................................ 15Radioactive waste management plans ........................................................ 16Radiation incidents and accidents ............................................................. 16Radiation emergency response ................................................................. 17Registration of equipment and premises, and licensing of radiation users ............. 17Registration of mining operations ............................................................. 18Registration of former uranium mining and milling sites .................................. 18Licences to mine and mill radioactive ore ................................................... 18Reporting procedures for incidents at uranium mines ..................................... 19Olympic Dam operations ........................................................................ 19Beverley uranium project ....................................................................... 20Honeymoon uranium project ................................................................... 20Transport of uranium ore concentrate........................................................ 20Maralinga .......................................................................................... 20Non-ionising radiation ........................................................................... 21

TRAINING AND EDUCATION .......................................................................... 22Rural and remote X-ray operators’ radiography course .................................... 22Emergency response training ................................................................... 22

INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL ACTIVITIES ..................................................... 23Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management ............................................................... 23Radiation Health Committee ................................................................... 23Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council ............................................... 24National Directory for Radiation Protection ................................................. 24

OTHER STATUTORY MATTERS ...................................................................... 25APPENDIX 1 CONFERENCES ATTENDED ...................................................... 26

List of tables

Table 1 Personal licences and registrations under the RPC Act .............................. 17

1

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

The Hon Jay Weatherill, MP Minister for Environment and Conservation Parliament House North Terrace ADELAIDESouth Australia 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 2007 to 30 June 2008, for tabling in parliament in accordance with section 22 of the Act.

Yours sincerely

Helen Fulcher Chief Executive Environment Protection Authority

30 September 2008

3

FOREWORD

This report provides information on the administration of the Radiation Protection and Control

Act 1982 during the year 2007 08 by the staff of the Radiation Protection Division of the Environment Protection Authority with the advice of the Radiation Protection Committee.

The Radiation Protection Division continues to enhance its role to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and to provide a high-quality service to its clients. The Division’s activities include: assessment and inspections of uranium mining operations; X-ray apparatus, sealed radioactive sources and premises in which unsealed radioactive substances are handled; investigations of radiation accidents and incidents; assisting in the development of national standards and codes of practice for radiation protection; assessment and licensing of radiation users; providing expert advice on radiation incident response; and promoting good radiation protection practices amongst users of radiation.

During 2007 08, the Radiation Protection Division made progress with the review of the RPC Act and worked with other agencies to develop a more effective and efficient regulatory regime for uranium mining. The Division worked with Commonwealth, state and territory regulators to facilitate national approaches to emerging radiation technologies and issues. A key achievement was the preparation of drafting instructions for the Regulations under the RPC Act to control the use of solaria in South Australia. The Division also continued a strategy for reducing doses to patients from medical imaging and promoted best practice through sharing knowledge with operators, owners and suppliers of X-ray equipment.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their continued outstanding efforts during this year, and the members of the Radiation Protection Committee for their contribution and valued advice.

Allan Holmes Acting Chief Executive and Presiding Member Environment Protection Authority

30 June 2008

5

ABBREVIATIONS

AHMC Australian Health Ministers’ Conference

ARPANSA Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

CBRN Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Committee

COP Corporate Operational Plan

EIS environmental impact statement

EPA Environment Protection Authority

Joint Convention Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

LM Mining Licence a number is attached to define the type of licence

mSv millisievert

national directory National Directory for Radiation Protection: Edition 1.0

PIRSA Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

RPC Act Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

RHC Radiation Health Committee

the Standard Australian and New Zealand AS/NZS 2635:2002: Solaria for cosmetic purposes

the Division Radiation Protection Division

TLD thermo luminescent dosimeter

UIF Uranium Industry Framework

UV ultra-violet

Annual Report 2007 08 on the administration of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

7

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 (RPC Act) is to protect the environment and the health and safety of people against the harmful effects of radiation. It provides for the control of activities related to radioactive substances and radiation apparatus. Section 22 of the RPC Act requires the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to present a report to the Minister on the administration of the RPC Act following each financial year, for tabling in each House of Parliament.

The RPC Act is committed to the Minister for Environment and Conservation, who has delegated roles, functions and powers under the RPC Act and its Regulations (pursuant to section 8 of the RPC Act) to the Chief Executive of the EPA and to officers of the EPA Radiation Protection Division (the Division), the principal unit responsible for administering the RPC Act. The Director of the Division reports to the Chief Executive of the EPA.

The Division supports the Radiation Protection Committee, which is an expert advisory body established under section 9 of the RPC Act. The committee advises the Minister and the Division on the granting of licences under the RPC Act, on radiation protection matters that it considers significant and on matters that have been referred to the committee.

Officers of the Division who are authorised under section 16 of the RPC Act conduct inspections of radiation apparatus, radioactive sources and premises where unsealed radioactive substances are kept or handled, and sites where radioactive ores are processed or have been processed in the past. They undertake surveillance of sources of radiation used in South Australia to ensure compliance with the RPC Act and its Regulations.

Officers of the Investigations Branch of the EPA Regulation and Compliance Division have also been appointed as authorised officers under the RPC Act. These officers assist the Division by investigating alleged breaches of the RPC Act and Regulations.

As at 30 June 2008, there were 15 positions in the Division (14.25 full-time equivalents), of which 12 were scientific and technical staff, and three administrative and clerical staff.


8

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

EPA Radiation Protection Division Strategic Plan

The goal of the EPA Radiation Protection Division is to protect the community from unacceptable radiation. This forms part of the Environment Protection Authority Strategic Plan

2007 2010, which has been developed to align the organisation with the strategic directions set out in South Australia’s Strategic Plan 2007.

During 2007 08, the Division’s strategies and key priorities to achieve its goal were to develop:

effective legislation that incorporates national and international standards through updating the RPC Act and associated Regulations

strategies for the sustainable management of radioactive wastes by implementing the government’s response to the radioactive materials audit carried out by the EPA in 2003, including:

delivering feasibility studies for storage and long-term management of radioactive wastes

developing a policy on management of radioactive materials

systems to effectively regulate an expanding uranium mining industry through a regulatory framework in consultation with other departments and operators that allows cost-effective, risk-based and equitable regulation of uranium mines

strategies that enable the control of doses of radiation to the public, such that they are as low as reasonably achievable by:

undertaking an effective and efficient inspection and evaluation program for radiation-generating machines, facilities and radioactive sources

establishing competency criteria and evaluating competencies for users of radiation

developing a strategy document to address the increasing doses from new medical imaging technologies.

EPA Radiation Protection Division Corporate Operational Plan 2007 09

The Corporate Operational Plan (COP) links the EPA Strategic Plan with the work of the Division. It uses a risk-based approach to identify priorities for the Division’s projects and programs, and provides the operational context for the work of the Division.

Under the COP, the Division’s key performance indicators are to ensure:

radioactive sources, premises and users of radiation comply with the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

licensed uranium mines and proposals for new projects comply with the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982

that X-ray machines comply with legislation.

The Division’s programs and projects cover the following areas of responsibility:

management of point sources of radiation through:

development of a strategy to address the expansion in medical imaging radiation doses

development of a licensing and inspection program to protect the community from medical radiation doses


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protection of workers and the public from sources of radiation in industry, mining, medicine and science

development of a strategy to address expansion in uranium mining

development of a licensing and inspection program to protect the environment from radiological risks from mining and mineral processing

development of guidelines for compliance and environmental best practice in mining

assistance with a project to develop a store and repository for SA radioactive waste

facilitation of the sustainable management of radioactive waste.

management of non-licensed sources of radiation through:

development of a strategy to assess risks and protect workers and the community from non-ionising radiation.

collection of data, modelling, establishment of inventories and research by:

conducting air, soil and water sampling at mine sites

monitoring of occupational dose trends

carrying out performance assessment of radiation generators.

assessment of new projects by:

assessing new mine applications

evaluating new equipment and uses

establishing competency of radiation users.


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HIGHLIGHTS AND MAJOR INITIATIVES

Introduction of new Regulations to control solaria

The Australian population has high rates of malignant melanoma and skin cancer, which are related to high levels of ultra-violet (UV) radiation exposure. In 2005, 25 600 people in South Australia (SA) were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer and 728 people were diagnosed with melanoma. There were 79 deaths from melanoma alone. A recent international review of epidemiological studies of solaria users found a significant increase in risk of melanoma in people who used solaria before the age of 35 and an increase in risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Nationally, the solaria industry has been self-regulated, utilising the Australian and New

Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2635:2002: Solaria for cosmetic purposes (the Standard) for practical guidance. However, the lack of compliance with the Standard amongst owners and operators of solaria has been a major concern to health authorities and radiation regulators. In view of these concerns, the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council recommended in 2007 that a nationally consistent approach to the regulation of solaria be undertaken. At the time, there were no Regulations under the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 that provided for controls of solaria, and the EPA had no regulatory power to enforce compliance with the Standard.

During 2007 08, the EPA prepared drafting instructions for new Regulations to control the use of solaria, based on the requirements of the Standard. Cabinet approved the drafting instructions, which resulted in the preparation of the Radiation Protection and Control

(Cosmetic Tanning Units) Regulations 2008 and the Radiation and Protection Control (Non-

ionising Radiation) Regulations 2008.

The Cosmetic Tanning Units Regulations came into operation on 14 March 2008. These Regulations require solaria businesses to comply with the Standard and prohibit owners and operators of solaria from exposing, to UV radiation, people who have a skin type that always burns and never tans, and those under the age of 18 years. Businesses were required to provide the EPA with details of their business activity within 60 days from commencement of the Regulations.

During May 2008, the EPA reviewed the number of businesses operating solaria in SA, and found that there had been a dramatic decline in use following media reports concerning the health risks associated with cosmetic tanning units. Of the 150 businesses originally listed on the EPA contact list, 75 currently owned cosmetic tanning units, of which 63 were using units and 12 had units on their premises but had ceased using them and were awaiting sale or removal of the units.

The Radiation and Protection Control (Non-ionising Radiation) Regulations 2008 will come into operation on 1 March 2009. These Regulations will require owners and operators of cosmetic tanning units to be licensed. In order to obtain a licence, applicants are required to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principles and practices of radiation protection associated with the use of cosmetic tanning units. This may be demonstrated by passing an approved training course or examination. With regard to training, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) commenced developing a national training scheme, which is anticipated to be established by December 2008.

During the 2007 08 financial year, the EPA inspected a small number of solaria and provided guidance for implementing the Regulations. Inspections for compliance with the Regulations are ongoing.


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Review of the Radiation Protection and Control Act

The review of the RPC Act is a major project of the EPA, which is aimed at making necessary improvements to the RPC Act, including the adoption of provisions of the National directory for

radiation protection: Edition 1 (national directory) published by ARPANSA in 2004 and recommendations of the report: National competition policy review of radiation protection

legislation, published in 2001.

During 2007 08, the Division completed a discussion paper that outlines the proposed changes to the RPC Act, and progressed with development of drafting instructions for the Bill. The EPA intends to consult stakeholders on the proposed changes to the RPC Act, through the release of the discussion paper. The completion of the drafting instructions for the Bill to revise the RPC Act will take place during 2008 09.

Regulatory framework for uranium mining

During 2007 08, the Division continued to work with the Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) to improve the uranium mining regulatory framework.

The Division was actively involved with the Uranium Industry Framework (UIF), an industry, and Commonwealth and state government group, that is also seeking to harmonise regulatory arrangements across jurisdictions, ensure an effective and transparent regulatory regime, and effective and efficient coordination between relevant regulatory agencies. The UIF is also considering the training and skills needs for an expanded uranium mining industry in Australia.

Dental X-ray unit inspection project

Each year the Division receives a large number of applications for registration of X-ray units that are either new or subject to change of ownership. The Division inspects all X-ray units to determine compliance with the regulatory requirements prior to granting approval of registration under section 32 of the RPC Act.

During the last six months of the reporting period, the Division conducted a campaign of compliance inspections of dental X-ray apparatus. A total of 182 dental X-ray units were inspected during the six months. Of these, approximately 20% did not meet the regulatory requirements, which resulted in corrective action or replacement to bring apparatus in line with standards.

Population dose reduction strategy in diagnostic imaging

The use of computed tomography in medicine and dentistry, and computed or digital radiography in medical, dental, veterinary, chiropractic and podiatry radiography is increasing. Whilst there are many benefits from technological advances, radiation doses from procedures performed on individuals and to the population as a whole can be higher than normally required to achieve good diagnostic images. To address this issue, in 2006 07 the Division implemented a strategy involving dose reduction to the population as a key performance indicator. Dose reduction can be achieved through licensing of users, registration of apparatus and correction of deficiencies in equipment, but best practice by the operators to achieve effective and efficient use of the equipment is also very important.

During 2007 08, the Division progressed its strategy for reducing doses to patients from medical imaging and promoted best practice through sharing knowledge with, and providing advice to, operators, owners and suppliers of X-ray equipment. The Division also made available to radiation safety professionals quality assurance and testing equipment to undertake tests to achieve dose reduction in diagnostic imaging.


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Radioactive waste store and repository implementation project

A feasibility study of South Australia establishing a store and repository for its radioactive waste, and the suitability of Olympic Dam and Radium Hill for locating the store and repository, was completed during 2005 06. The study recommended that implementing the store and repository at either site was preferable to existing multiple-site arrangements, but noted that Olympic Dam has advantages over Radium Hill. In response to the feasibility study, the government made a commitment to establish the store and repository for the state’s radioactive waste in the Olympic Dam region. The reports on the feasibility study are available on the EPA website at www.epa.sa.gov.au.

During 2007 08, the EPA liaised with other government departments regarding the requirements and options for implementation of the interim store and repository.


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RADIATION PROTECTION COMMITTEE

The Radiation Protection Committee consists of 10 members, one of whom is the presiding member, appointed by the governor pursuant to section 9 of the RPC Act. The presiding member must be an officer or employee of the department of the minister to whom the RPC Act is committed (the EPA). The specific qualifications or expertise relevant to the administration of the RPC Act of other members are prescribed in section 9 of the RPC Act.

Section 10 of the RPC Act provides that the governor may appoint a suitable person to be a deputy member of the committee.

The Division provides the committee with administrative support and professional advice.

Functions and legislative responsibility

The functions of the committee, as set out in section 12 of the RPC Act, are to:

advise the minister in relation to the formulation of Regulations under this Act

advise the minister in relation to the granting of licences under this Act, including the conditions to which they should be subject

investigate and report on any other matters relevant to the administration of this Act at the request of the minister or of its own motion.

Membership

The members and deputy members of the committee during the first half of the reporting period, and in relation to the section of the RPC Act under which they were appointed, are listed below.

Members Deputy members

Dr P Vogel (Presiding Member) s9(2)(a)

Dr S Constantine s9(2)(b) Vacant

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 Vogel resigned from the position of Chief Executive of the EPA in November 2007, and Mr Allan Holmes, Acting Chief Executive of the EPA, was appointed to the position of presiding member of the committee for a period from 3 November 2007 until such time as a person is appointed as the Chief Executive of the EPA. The term of appointment of the other members and deputy members of the committee ended on 31 December 2007.

On 13 December 2007, a new committee was appointed by the Governor of South Australia for the term 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2010. Several members and deputy members were re-appointed to the committee. The members and deputy members as at 30 June 2008, and in relation to the section of the RPC Act under which they were appointed, are listed as follows:


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Members Section of Act Deputy members

Mr A Holmes (Presiding Member) s9(2)(a)

Dr S Constantines s9(2)(b) Dr MJ Moss

Ms LM Ingram s9(2)(c) Ms SJ Hartman

Ms SM Paulka s9(2)(d) Ms K Taylor

Dr GS Laurence s9(2)(e) Mr PJ Collins

Mrs J Fitch s9(2)(f) Dr E Bezak

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 T Circelli s9(2)(j) Vacant

Meetings

During 2007 08, the committee met on four occasions and considered many of the matters addressed in this report.

Members and deputy members of the committee also participated in working groups established to consider the review of the RPC Act, and radiation protection training and accreditation.


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ADMINISTRATION OF THE RPC ACT AND REGULATIONS

Exemptions granted under the Radiation Protection and Control Act

Under section 44 of the RPC Act, the minister or delegate is empowered to grant exemptions from any specified provision of the RPC Act, provided such action would not endanger the health or safety of any person. The authority to grant exemptions has been delegated to the Director of the Radiation Protection Division.

After careful consideration by the Division, the director granted several exemptions from regulations under the RPC Act, subject to conditions specified in exemption notices published in the Government Gazette. The exemptions granted included:

a conditional exemption from regulation 18 of the Radiation Protection and Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2000 (the requirement for employers to provide personal radiation monitors) was granted to BAE Systems Australia, with regard to staff operating a Fischerscope X-ray Spectrometer

a conditional exemption from regulation 40 (which specifies practitioners who may authorise exposures or treatments using ionising radiation) was granted to Dr Vito Rubino MBBS, FRACP permitting him to authorise specified treatment of patients with radionuclides

a conditional exemption from regulation 40 (which specifies practitioners who may authorise exposures or treatments using ionising radiation) permitting diagnostic radiographers to take X-rays authorised by Cassandra Ryan, Melissa Curtis and Stuart Smith (nurse practitioners at an emergency department) and Lee-Anne Hussey and Gillian Mibus (neonatal nurse practitioners)

a conditional exemption from regulation 18 (the requirement for employers to provide personal radiation monitors) was granted to Clinpath Laboratories with regard to staff handling only unsealed radioactive C 14 in Type C premises1

a conditional exemption from regulation 45 (the requirement for approval of research involving the use of ionising radiation on human subjects) was granted to persons conducting research at the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia

a conditional exemption from section 28 of the RPC Act (the requirement to hold a licence to use or handle a radioactive substance) was granted to veterinary assistants at the Adelaide Veterinary Specialist and Referral Centre to the extent that they may use or handle radioactive I 131 for the purposes of assisting veterinarians in therapy procedures involving administration of radioactive I 131 to cats, caring for the cats and handling radioactive waste resulting from the procedures.

Approval of monitoring devices

Under regulation 21 of the Radiation Protection and Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2000, the minister or delegate may approve a specified monitoring device, or kind or class of monitoring device to be an approved monitoring device for the purposes of measuring a radiation worker’s exposure to ionising radiation as a result of their employment.

1 Premises where unsealed radioactive substances are kept or handled are classified as Type A, B, or C

depending on the radionuclides kept or handled, the maximum activities handled, and the types of

operations performed in the premises, as prescribed in Schedule 3 of the Radiation Protection and

Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2000. Type C premises are typically laboratories in hospitals or

universities or nuclear medicine facilities where unsealed radioactive substances are kept or handled,

and are the lowest classification in terms of the activities handled and the hazards from operations

carried out in the premises.


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Subject to conditions specified in the approval notices published in the Government Gazette, the director approved the following personal radiation monitors:

TLD (thermo luminescent dosimeter) and its holders (models PB5, PB10 or Ring) and film dosimeters and its holders (Orange, Yellow or Blue) issued by the Australian Radiation Services Pty Ltd/New Zealand National Radiation Laboratory

TLD and its dosimeters (radiation dosimetry company models) Type 82 XBGN, Type 83 XBGN/TE and Type 05 XBG Ring) issued by Global Medical Solutions Australia Pty Ltd.

Radioactive waste management plans

During the 2007 08 reporting period, the Division assessed applications for approval of disposal of radioactive waste, including annual radioactive waste management plans for users of unsealed radioactive substances submitted by 25 organisations. These approvals are required under regulations 137 and 138 of the Radiation Protection and Control (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2000. Applicants included hospitals, universities, pathology laboratories, commercial laboratories, and Commonwealth and state government laboratories.

Approval to dispose of unsealed radioactive waste was granted when the waste and the disposal method complied with the requirements of the National Health and Medical Research Council Code of practice for the disposal of radioactive wastes by the user (1985).

Radiation incidents and accidents

The Regulations under the RPC Act require employers of radiation workers, owners of X-ray apparatus or sealed radioactive sources, and occupiers of premises where unsealed radioactive substances are used or handled to promptly report to the Division any accidents where a radiation source is no longer under control or a person has received or may have received an accidental exposure to ionising radiation. The Division investigates all radiation accidents and incidents to determine the cause and any remedial action that could be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Details of accidents and incidents involving exposure or potential exposure to radiation are provided to ARPANSA for the National Register of Radiation Accidents and Incidents.

During the reporting period, the following incidents were reported to the Division:

A patient at a nuclear medicine facility undergoing a bone scan received a radiation dose without diagnostic benefit due to a mistake by a nuclear medicine technologist student. From the scan’s appearance, it was evident that there had been a mistake with the administered dose. It was concluded that the wrong radio-pharmaceutical had been inadvertently administered. The requirement for direct supervision of student technologists at all times when drawing up radio-pharmaceutical doses was re-emphasised.

A patient at a nuclear medicine facility was administered with a cardiac reagent dose instead of a bone scan dose resulting from the use of an incorrect colour-coded lid on the reagent container. The facility reviewed its radio-pharmaceutical preparation protocols to prevent a recurrence.

A radiology practice reported two incidents involving mistaken identity of elderly and disoriented patients. To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, the practice reviewed its protocols, and all staff were advised to verify each patient’s details (name, date of birth, clinical indications, referral doctor, etc) before conducting any imaging procedure.

An emergency department reported that a patient referred only for a chest X-ray was inadvertently also given an abdominal X-ray. To prevent a recurrence of this incident, the department reviewed its protocols and all staff were advised to verify each patient’s


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details (name, date of birth, address, clinical indications, referral doctor, etc) before conducting any imaging procedure.

Radiation emergency response

The Division is the agency responsible for providing expert advice to the combatant agency in incidents and emergencies involving radioactive material. During 2007 08, there were no incidents that required attendance.

Officers of the Division participated in the following emergency response related committees:

State Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Committee

State CBRN Committee - Scientific Advisory Group

Health Emergency Management Advisory Committee

Health Emergency Management Response Subcommittee.

The Division provided training to emergency service personnel in response to incidents and emergencies involving radioactive substances, as outlined later in this report.

Registration of equipment and premises, and licensing of radiation users

Personal radiation licences and registrations of equipment and premises are renewed annually. The numbers of personal licences and registrations that were current or subject to applications under the RPC Act, as at 30 June 2008, are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Personal licences and registrations under the RPC Act

Type of licence or registration Section of RPC Act

Number licensed/ registered

Number subject to application

Licence to use or handle radioactive substances

28 866 52

Licence to operate ionising radiation apparatus

31 3904 92

Registration of ionising radiation apparatus

32 1847 329

Registration of sealed radioactive sources

30 649 58

Registration of premises in which unsealed radioactive substances are handled or kept

29 176 6

In addition to people holding personal radiation licences, it is estimated that 2000 3000 people who are not required to be licensed were employed in occupations involving exposure to ionising radiation. These include workers at Olympic Dam, Beverley and Honeymoon uranium projects, workers in Type C premises, operators of cabinet X-ray units and fully enclosed industrial X-ray units, users of industrial radiation gauges and people assisting with medical, dental and veterinary X-ray procedures.

Where required under the provisions of the RPC Act, radiation workers’ radiation doses were monitored using approved personal dosimeters. All radiation workers’ doses recorded were below the occupational limits prescribed in the Regulations, and the average and median of doses received by all workers were well below occupational limits.


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Registration of mining operations

Some mining operations do not involve radioactive ore, but may generate process streams and wastes that contain unsealed radioactive materials. Where there is sufficient radiological risk to warrant regulation, these operations are registered as premises under section 29 of the RPC Act. Conditions of registration are similar to those attached to licences issued under section 24 of the RPC Act, to protect people and the environment from radiological hazards. The primary condition is compliance with the Commonwealth Code of practice for radiation protection and

radioactive waste management in mining and mineral processing (2005).

Registrations in relation to Australian Zircon’s Mindarie mineral sand operation were first granted in March 2006, as various process streams involve unsealed radioactive materials.

Prominent Hill Prospect was first registered on 29 September 2006. Although the average ore grade is below the current regulatory definition of a radioactive ore, the operators (Oxiana Prominent Hill Pty Ltd) sought registration in order to ensure full regulatory compliance once the RPC Act is changed to incorporate recommendations from the national directory for radiation protection. As Prominent Hill is considered to present a very Iow radiological risk as an open-cut operation, the mine will be subject to limited monitoring and reporting requirements to determine the nature and scale of any ongoing regulatory controls that may be required.

Registration of former uranium mining and milling sites

The former Radium Hill uranium mine, 100 km southwest of Broken Hill, was developed in the early 1950s and operated until its closure in the early 1960s. The northern end of the remaining tailings dam at Radium Hill has been used as a repository for low-level radioactive waste since April 1981, when it was gazetted under the Crown Lands Act 1929 and placed under the care, control and management of the (then) Minister for Mines and Energy.

The Port Pirie Treatment Plant processed uranium ore from Radium Hill between 1953 and 1962 and was operated by the (then) Mines Department of South Australia. It is estimated that approximately 200 000 tonnes of radioactive tailings remain in tailings dams at Port Pirie, on land owned by the state government, under the care of the Minister for Mineral Resources Development.

Australia is a signatory to the international Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. To comply with the requirements of the Joint Convention and South Australia’s legal framework for controlling radioactive waste in the state, the EPA sought registration of the Radium Hill and Port Pirie sites under section 29 of the RPC Act, and both sites were first registered in 2003. The registered occupier of the sites is the Minister for Mineral Resources Development.

Conditions that the Division attached to the registrations were the development of appropriate long-term management plans for the sites and site characterisation of both sites. Site characterisation work continued during the reporting period and is expected to be completed during 2008 09.

Licences to mine and mill radioactive ore

Licences to mine and mill radioactive ores, issued under section 24 of the RPC Act, are currently held by:

WMC (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty Ltd

Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd (Beverley uranium project)

Southern Cross Resources Australia Pty Ltd (Honeymoon uranium project).


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The licences are subject to conditions that include compliance with the Commonwealth Code of practice for radiation protection and radioactive waste management in mining and mineral processing (2005).

The Division conducts routine surveillance of uranium mining activities by auditing companies’ monitoring results and conducting inspections and independent monitoring. Each licensed company provides quarterly occupational and environmental radiation monitoring data, including dose assessments, to the EPA. These reports are examined, compared with the Division’s monitoring results where appropriate and reviewed with company officers at quarterly meetings.

Reporting procedures for incidents at uranium mines

Uranium mining operations in South Australia are required to record and report incidents (for example, spills of process materials) as part of approved radiation management plans. The requirement for radiation management plans arises from conditions attached to the licence to mine or mill radioactive ores granted under section 24 of the RPC Act.

Olympic Dam operations

WMC (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty Ltd (now part of the BHP Billiton Group) holds an LM12 type licence for commercial operations under the RPC Act to mine and mill radioactive ores. Licence conditions stipulate annual reporting on the existing and proposed development of the project and details of the wastes produced. The LM1 Report for 2006 07, examined by the Radiation Protection Committee on 13 March 2008, included an annual dose assessment summary and assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of radiation protection measures.

The dose summary indicated that the average dose for all designated workers in the mine and the processing plant was 4.1 mSv (millisieverts) and 2.9 mSv (21% and 15% respectively of the 20 mSv average annual limit for workers). The maximum individual dose received was assessed to be 9.2 mSv (46% of the limit).

The BHP Billiton Annual Report of the Environmental Management and Monitoring Program for 2007 contained results of environmental radiation monitoring and confirmed that the radiological effects of the operation continue to be confined within the mining lease. In particular, any addition to the annual radiation dose to members of the public living in Olympic Dam Village and Roxby Downs was assessed to be less than the detection limit for the methods used (5% of the 1 mSv annual limit for members of the public).

The process of developing an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the BHP Billiton expansion project began in 2005. The Division will be one of the bodies to assess the EIS, which is expected to be completed in 2009.

Four incidents were reported under the approved incident reporting procedures for uranium mines. Three were failures of tailings pipework resulting in spills within bunded pipe corridors. The fourth related to accidental dumping of solvent extraction liquor to the solvent extraction dump ponds following a power failure in the plant. There were no environmental impacts or hazards to workers arising from the spills.

Officers of the Division visited the site on four occasions for radiation review meetings, inspections and/or workplace monitoring.

2 A class of licence authorised to mine or mill radioactive ores, issued under Section 24 of the Radiation

Protection and Control Act 1982.


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Beverley uranium project

Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd, operators of the Beverley project located 600 km north of Adelaide, holds a licence (LM4) under the RPC Act to conduct uranium mining operations, which was renewed for a further 12 months from 4 August 2007.

The Annual Reports of the Occupational and Environmental Radiation Monitoring Programs for 2007, indicated the average annual dose for workers at the Beverley mine was approximately 0.28 mSv (1.4% of the 20 mSv annual occupational dose limit recommended for designated employees). The maximum dose received by a worker was approximately 3.46 mSv (17% of the annual limit). Environmental monitoring confirms doses to members of the public as a result of the mining operations are indistinguishable from background radiation levels.

Two incidents were reported during 2007 08 under the approved reporting procedures, and subsequently considered by the Radiation Protection Committee. Both incidents involved minor spills of process solutions. Neither incident resulted in any injury to workers or represented a risk to the environment. Officers visited the site on one occasion during this reporting period.

Honeymoon uranium project

Uranium One Australia Pty Ltd holds a licence under section 24 of the RPC Act to conduct uranium mining operations at its Honeymoon site. The licence (LM5) was renewed for a further period of 12 months from 6 October 2007.

The Honeymoon project, located approximately 75 km northwest of Broken Hill, is to be an in-situ leach uranium mine, producing around 400 tonnes per annum of uranium product. Construction work was expected to commence at the site in July 2007. However, this has been postponed.

Transport of uranium ore concentrate

Uranium ore concentrate from Olympic Dam and Beverley is transported by road to Outer Harbor in accordance with the Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive substances. It is then exported either directly from Outer Harbor or transported via rail to Darwin for shipment overseas.

Transport of uranium ore concentrate from the Olympic Dam and Beverley mines was conducted without incident in the reporting period.

Maralinga

The former British atomic weapons test site at Maralinga (Section 400 land parcel) is currently Commonwealth Government land, and is a licensed facility under the Australian Radiation

Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (Maralinga Facility Licence FV0043). The site includes burial trenches containing radioactive materials, which were constructed during the Commonwealth Government Maralinga Rehabilitation Project, completed in 2000.

It is proposed that the Commonwealth Government will return the Maralinga site, including Maralinga Village and the airfield, to the South Australian Government for addition to the Maralinga Tjarutja freehold lands. The Commonwealth Government convenes the Maralinga Consultative Group, which has representation from the Commonwealth and state governments, (including the EPA’s Radiation Protection Division) and traditional owners, the Maralinga Tjarutja. The consultative group’s tasks include developing a detailed, long-term management plan for the site, which will provide for long-term radiation monitoring and surveillance of the site. The Maralinga site will be subject to the provisions of the RPC Act on the return of ownership to South Australia.

The Consultative Group did not meet during this reporting period.


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Non-ionising radiation

The Division advises the government, industry and public on radiation safety of non-ionising radiation, and continually reviews ongoing research on this issue.

Sources of non-ionising radiation include mobile telephones and base stations, powerlines, lasers and solaria used for cosmetic purposes. The harmful effects from exposure to high levels of non-ionising radiation are well-known, but whether there are harmful effects from chronic low-level exposure is less clear.

The Division responded to a large number of enquiries from the public on the potential risks from exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields associated with electricity in homes and powerlines. The Division continued to make available to the public a simple-to-use, magnetic-field-strength meter, which has proved very useful for educating the public and allaying fears and concerns of parents regarding potential risks to children from exposure to magnetic fields.

The Division also visited a number of solaria to assist operators in complying with the new Regulations that came into operation in March 2008.


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TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Rural and remote X-ray operators’ radiography course

The Division ceased conducting courses in basic radiography for general practitioners and registered nurses who require licences to perform limited radiographic procedures. In order to address the demand for training in this area, three providers developed courses for rural and remote operators, and sought approval of the courses for licensing purposes. The Division assessed the courses and granted conditional approval of all three courses.

Emergency response training

The Division ran ad hoc workshops for the South Australian Police and Country Fire Service emergency service personnel on dealing with incidents and emergencies involving radioactive substances. The workshops were based on the fortnightly sessions held in the previous reporting period, and were attended by approximately 25 emergency service personnel.


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INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

Australia is signatory to the international Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (Joint Convention), developed under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Commonwealth Government radiation protection regulator, ARPANSA, collaborates with the radiation protection regulators of the states and territories to progress compliance with the Joint Convention and promote world’s best practice for management of radioactive waste. Australian national reports on compliance with the requirements of the Joint Convention are prepared by ARPANSA with input from state and territory regulators: each provides information on measures being taken to achieve compliance within their jurisdiction.

During 2007 08, the EPA continued in its efforts to progress South Australia’s compliance with the Joint Convention and commenced preparation of its contribution to Australia’s Third National Report on compliance with the Joint Convention, being coordination by ARPANSA. The EPA maintained surveillance of radioactive waste held in South Australia and contributed to the progress of the Radium Hill and Port Pirie remediation projects being undertaken by PIRSA.

Radiation Health Committee

The Radiation Health Committee (RHC) is established under the Commonwealth Radiation

Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998. The RHC advises the Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA and the Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council on matters relating to radiation protection, and develops policies and prepares draft publications for the promotion of uniform national standards of radiation protection throughout Australia and its states and territories.

Membership of the RHC includes a radiation protection officer representing each of the states and territories. The South Australian representative is the Division’s director.

The RHC met three times during the year and discussed the:

National Directory for Radiation Protection and amendment process

regulation of solaria

Code of practice for radiation protection in the medical applications of ionising radiation

(2008)

regulation of chiropractors and other health professionals

Draft safety guide for the predisposal management of radioactive waste

Code of practice for the safe transport of radioactive material (2008)

Draft safety guide for the management of naturally occurring radioactive material

(NORM)

security of radioactive sources and Council of Australian Governments’ recommendations

the Australian Radiation Incident Register

Draft radiation protection standard for exposure limits for electric and magnetic fields

0 Hz 3 kHz

document development plan for a safety guide for the use of radiation in schools.

Summaries of meetings of the RHC can be found on the ARPANSA website at: <www.arpansa.gov.au/AboutUs/Committees/rcmt.cfm>.


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Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council

The Radiation Health and Safety Advisory Council is established under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998. It advises the Chief Executive Officer of ARPANSA on a range of matters including emerging issues, matters of major concern to the community and the adoption of codes, standards, recommendations and policies on radiation protection and nuclear safety. An officer of the Division is a member of the council.

The council met three times during the year and discussed:

naturally occurring radioactive material

emerging medical radiation issues

international developments in radiation protection and issues relating to the assessment of the safety of nuclear power plants

progress in developing a standard for limiting exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields

the commissioning of the OPAL reactor

the Code of practice on the safe transport of radioactive material (2008)

the Code of practice on radiation protection in the medical applications of ionising radiation (2008)

recent reports on effects of low doses of ionising radiation

radioactive waste management.

National Directory for Radiation Protection

In August 1999, attendees at the Australian Health Ministers Conference (AHMC) affirmed the intent to create national uniformity of radiation protection frameworks in a national guidance document (national directory) under the management of the Radiation Health Committee (RHC).

The 2001 National Competition Policy review of radiation protection legislation recommended (Annex 1, Recommendation 9) that jurisdictions participate fully and unconditionally in formulating and implementing the national directory, and reviewing its effectiveness and efficiency within three years of its commencement.

ARPANSA published Edition 1 of the National Directory for Radiation Protection in August 2004, approved by the RHC and endorsed by AHMC. Edition 1 of the national directory does not apply to the mining and mineral processing industries.

The AHMC endorsement was conditional upon additional cost-benefit analysis sufficient to meet subordinate legislation requirements in all jurisdictions of Australia. The cost-benefit analysis was then completed, and by mid-December 2005 all health ministers had confirmed that the additional work satisfied the AHMC conditions. They agreed that adoption of the national directory should proceed.

During 2007 08, the RHC considered a proposal that inclusions in the national directory be considered separately as amendments to the national directory, rather than collectively for inclusion in subsequent editions. The RHC agreed to this proposal, and development of amendments to the national directory continued under its guidance.


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OTHER STATUTORY MATTERS

The EPA provides resources for administration of the RPC Act and, therefore, statutory reporting requirements concerning the following issues are contained in the EPA Annual Report

2007 08:

financial performance of the Radiation Protection Committee

account payment performance

contractual arrangements

detection of fraud

occupational health, safety and welfare

use of consultants

human resources

staffing

equal employment opportunity

disability action plan

energy efficiency action plan reports

freedom of information

overseas travel

regional impact assessment statement

sustainability reporting

list of radioactive waste store feasibility study reports.


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APPENDIX 1 CONFERENCES ATTENDED

Three officers attended the annual conference of the Australasian Radiation Protection Society in Brisbane in September 2007. All three officers gave presentations on evolving issues relating to the regulation of radiation protection.

Three officers attended a computer/radiography seminar organised by the South Australian Institute of Radiography in November 2007. An officer who is also the Chair of the Professional Accreditation and Education Committee of the Australian Institute of Radiography co-convened the seminar.

An officer attended BreastScreen WA Fourth Multidisciplinary Conference in Perth in May 2008. The main theme was digital mammography and magnetic resonance imaging of the breast.

In June 2008, two officers attended the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy International Uranium Conference in Adelaide.