Environment Protection
Information will be progressively added to this site in the following areas:
Current Issues
Review of Development Application Referral Schedules
On 2 November 2006 the EPA undertook a review of the Development Referral Schedules subsequently removed 13 development application referral categories from Schedule 21 of the Development Regulations.
These were activities of 'environmental significance' that required referral to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for advice prior to any final decision being made by the relevant planning authority. http://www.governmentgazette.sa.gov.au/2006/november/2006_064.pdf
As a substitute to advice previously provided the EPA, the EPA is preparing a series of guideline to assist council staff. These Guides contain details about basic information requirements, environmental assessment considerations and standard recommended conditions of development approval. The Guides are now available on the EPA's public consultation draft document webpage as follows: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/instructions.html
The second phase of this has now commenced with a review of the remaining development application referral categories in Schedule 21 of the Development Regulations 1993 being conducted. This review is being conducted in consultation with the LGA and a range of other State Government departments, including Planning SA and in June 2007 a number of Councils took the opportunity to respond to the Environment Protection Authority's online questionnaire regarding the review of the development application referral schedules involving EPA advice.
Environment Protection Authority Guidelines for Separation Distances
The Environment Protection Authority is proposing to formalise the Guidelines for Separation Distances.
In August 2000 the Environment Protection Authority published the consultation draft 'Guidelines for Separation Distances'. The draft guidelines gave a recommended separation distance for a range of new or expanding industries to ensure that environmental nuisance was minimised at neighbouring sensitive receptors. Since August 2000 the draft guidelines have been used by the EPA, the public, Councils, planners and developers. The draft guidelines include a mechanism for a developer to demonstrate that a separation distance other than the recommended distances is appropriate and are also designed to protect both the community and developers. Taking into account feedback received as part of consultation on the draft in 2000, and changes to developments referred to the EPA, the EPA now proposes to formalise the guidelines.
EPA/Local Government Subcommittee
In 2005 an EPA/Local Government Subcommittee was established under section 17(1) (b) of the Environment Protection Act 1993 as a forum for formal discussion and resolution between the EPA and Local Government, on matters regarding the administration of the Environment Protection Act.
Discussions between the EPA and Local Government in relation to the sharing of environment protection responsibilities have been underway since the introduction of the Environment Protection Act in 1993. As a result of preliminary discussions between the two spheres of government the EPA/Local Government Subcommittee was established in 2005 to address a range of issues including the possible development of an agreement to formalise the arrangements regarding the inter-governmental management and protection of the environment.
The EPA/Local Government Subcommittee is responsible for advising the EPA Board on issues affecting their relationship with Local Government, and to act as an interface between the EPA and Local Government on such issues. Click here for the EPA/Local Government Subcommittee Terms of Reference.
Existing members of the Sub-committee are:
- Stephen Hains, City Manager, City of Salisbury and EPA Board Member (Chair)
- Michael Barry, Director, LGA
- John Coombe, Chief Executive Officer, Alexandrina Council
- Verity Sanders, Strategic Planner Environment Policy, City of Port Adelaide Enfield
- Tony Circelli, Director Corporate Strategy, Governance & Communications, EPA
- Peter Dolan, Director Science & Sustainability, EPA
- David Whiting, Major of The Corporation of the Town of Walkerville
- Tom Spirat, Group Manger Infrastructure Services, Corporation of the City of Whyalla
EPA/Local Government Working Groups
To assist the EPA Local Government Subcommittee two working groups comprised of Local Government and EPA staffs have been established to identify issues of interest, and to investigate means to address those issues in an efficient and effective manner. These two working groups, one metropolitan Councils and one for country Councils, meet 2-3 times a year identify issues and make recommendations to the EPA/Local Government Subcommittee on how to address the issues collaboratively. For a copy of the EPA/Local Government Working Groups Terms of Reference Click here.
Existing members of the REGIONAL WORKING GROUP are:
- John Coombe, Chief Executive Officer, Alexandrina Council
- Yvonne Menere, Environmental Health Officer, Lotxon Waikerie Council
- Tony Irvine,Chief Executive Officer, District Council of Ceduna
- Frank Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, Wattle Range Council
- Stephen Rufus, Chief Executive Officer, Berri Barmera Council
- Mark Mariale, Manager Environmental Services, District Council of Barunga West
- Bob Netherton, Environmental health Officer, Tatiara District Council
- Stephen Bateman, Community Services Manager, District Council of Mallala
- Tom Spriat, Group Manager Infrastructure Services, City of Whyalla
- Venu Sarma, Planner, Barossa Council
- Colin Howard, Environmental Protection Authority
Existing members of the METROPOLITAN WORKING GROUP are:
- Verity Sanders, Strategic Planner Environment Policy, City of Port Adelaide Enfield
- Troy Olds A/Manager Development & Policy, City of Burnside
- Megan Howard, Manager, Waste and Environment Policy Team, City of Playford
- Paul Davenport, Team Leader Compliance from West Torrens, City of West Torrens
- Steve Sowter, Environmental Health Officer, City of Unley
- Laura Laskowski, Environmental Health Officer, City of Marion
- David Whiting, Mayor of the Cooperation of the Town of Walkerville
- Colin Howard Environmental Protection Authority
Useful links
Environment Protection Authority
- Home Page: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/
- Latest News: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_epa/whats_new
- Media Releases: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_epa/media_room/media_releases
- Publications/guidelines/fact sheets: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_epa/publications_and_resources
- Environmental Planning: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/businesses/environmental_planning
- Licensing/permits: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/permits.html
- Legislation: http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/legislation
