Environment Protection (Waste to Resources)

Policy

TIANA NAIRN

March 2007

Project Progress• Proposed EPP features have been discussed

periodically for some time – significant developments in broader waste directions made

• Dedicated resources• Seeking Government’s approval for drafting of

EPA/ZWSA proposals for EPP• Anticipate consultation draft EPP will be

released in 3rd quarter 2007• ZWSA/EPA Boards would like to see approved

by end 2007

Proposed Waste to Resources EPP

• Will support and expand the regulatory framework to assist in achieving the SA’s Strategic Plan and SA’s Waste Strategy’s waste targets

• Supports use of waste hierarchy

Proposed Waste to Resources EPP• Only one of a range of mechanisms needed to achieve

waste to resources outcomes• Other related EPA measures include:

– Objects (s10)– General environmental duty (s25)– Major environmental offences (ss79-83)– Definition of “waste” (s3) / waste depot (Sch 1)– Licensing– EPOs– Waste depot levy (s113)– Container deposit regulation (Part 8 Div 2)– National Environment Protection Measures)

• Will necessarily be bound by Act’s parameters

Waste to Resources EPP Objects• Promote sustainable waste management• Foster the use of the waste hierarchy to conserve

natural resources while allowing development• Minimise environmental risks• Promote best practice environmental management• Promote coordinated and integrated waste

management and the conservation of resources• Manage waste cost effectively and equitably

Key features – Waste management obligations

• Defining illegally dumped or escaped waste as environmental harm to support use of s25 general duty

• Clear prevention of illegal dumping – both for higher and lower risk wastes

• Regulation of the storage and management of listed wastes by unlicensed activities

Key features – Transport of Waste• Existing requirements of 1994 EPP to be

transferred into new EPP• Will also require waste transporters to

appropriately manage material in transit• Will require waste to be taken to a

licensed facility

Key features – Material Recovery Facilities• Waste will be required to go a MRF prior

to landfill (may be specified exemptions).

• Performance targets may be set. Targets to be enforceable through licence.

• Reporting requirements may be established in EPP.

Key features – Landfills

• Specified materials may be banned from landfills (though some exemptions may apply) – due to risks or to promote the use of alternative treatments or uses

• Design, construction and operational standards for landfills and their closure will be referenced in EPP

Key features - Standards

• Need for the EPA to have regard to any design, construction and operational standards for MRFs, composting facilities, transfer stations and landfills will be referenced in EPP

• Regulation of hazardous wastes will also be more standardised.

Key features – Codes of Practice• Will explicitly recognise industry or

Local Government CoPs• CoPs to be supported by EPP to ensure

that non-compliance is enforceable through s25 general duty to avoid industry members from undermining others’ work & possibly gaining an unfair advantage

Key changes

• Many features similar to that which you have previously discussed – refined over time

• Management Plans no longer feature• Codes of Practice may be developed

working with particular industries or Local Government