History and Highlights

30 years of the EPA, 1995–2025

Over the years the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has evolved and developed as the state’s leading environmental regulator. We are proud of our history and significant achievements in protecting South Australia’s air and water quality, controlling pollution, waste, noise and radiation.

Expand each section below, to learn more about that year in the EPA's history.

1995 highlights

The EPA was established – with six members appointed to the Board for their knowledge and experience in relevant areas.
The Office of the EPA became a group within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which assisted in the administration of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

1996 highlights

South Australia introduced controls to phase out ozone-depleting hydrochloroflurocarbons and EPA codes of practice were developed for automotive, domestic, and commercial and industrial air conditioning.
For the financial year to 30 June 1996:
- 1512 licences administered.
- 100 environment protection orders issued (including those issued by police and council officers).
An Integrated Waste Management Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide was released in May.
Five Airtrak units at a cost of $1.2 m were installed in the Adelaide metropolitan area in June to monitor photochemical smog.
The Pollution Prevention Project was launched providing businesses with the cost-effective tools to identify and implement improvements.
Grants via the Cleaner Industries Demonstration Scheme (CIDS) provided technical and financial assistance for companies to develop and implement cleaner production technologies.

1997 highlights

The EPA held its inaugural roundtable conference, offering a platform for diverse stakeholders to share their views on the implementation of the Environment Protection Act 1993 and the protection, restoration and enhancement of the environment within its framework.
During 1996–97 the EPA received 74 emergency pollution incidents including a detergent spill on Mount Barker Road that reached the Patawalonga and the ocean, an oil tanker rollover near Strathalbyn, threatening a nearby creek, and a large indigo dye spill into the Keswick Creek from a dry cleaning company.
The Integrated Information System (IIS) was introduced to efficiently manage information related to core agency operations including licensing, inspections, enforcements, development applications, environment improvement programs, and contaminated sites.

1998 highlights

A departmental restructure in July resulted in the Office of Environment Protection becoming the Environment Protection Agency, serving the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The 1998 State of the Environment Report, prepared by the EPA, with contributions from various agencies, offered 18 recommendations to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable development.
A new Investigations Unit was established, with two environmental protection officers to conduct a range of compliance audits, training in investigation techniques and enforcement activities.

1999 highlights

The EPA focused on reducing industrial pollutions in the Port River and Barker Inlet Estuary waterways, and better managing the region’s coastal estuaries, wetlands and rivers.
In July, State Parliament established an inquiry into the EPA’s operations by the Environment, Resources, and Development Committee. The inquiry made 40 recommendations to improve the Environment Protection Act 1993, enhance the Authority's powers and resources, and improve consultation, communications, licensing, and monitoring.

2000 highlights

The EPA continued its involvement in the Smoky Vehicles Program, in partnership with SA Police and Transport SA, to control excessive vehicle emissions by ordering mandatory repairs of unroadworthy vehicles.
The Myponga Watercourse Restoration Project was launched following an EPA survey which identified that unrestricted livestock access and degraded or absent riparian vegetation were having detrimental impacts on water quality within the Myponga Reservoir catchment.
To improve the water quality for the reservoir, raw water supply and the aquatic ecology, the EPA and landholders began a seven year project targeting 62 sites within the catchment.
The EPA confronted its first major site contamination issue which was identified at West Lakes. Sewage sludge originating from the Port Adelaide Wastewater Treatment Plant had been distributed across some areas of the West Lakes development.
The EPA worked closely with the West Lakes Consultative Committee and residents on the progress of the investigation and its findings.
The Watershed Protection Office (WPO) was established to deal with the wide range of diffuse sources of pollution across the Adelaide watershed area. The WPO worked with catchment water management stakeholders to raise awareness of diffuse pollution issues and improved practices to reduce environmental harm.

2001 highlights

The EPA worked with WOMADelaide organisers to make the event waste-free. With over 75,000 people attending the two-day event, the EPA allocated $20,000 to support waste minimisation, separation and recycling. The success of the project benchmarked waste and encouraged other event organisers to conduct waste-free events.
The EPA commenced an environmental management audit of 61 South Australian wineries to ensure that each licensed winery meets the standards specified in its licence. Staff worked closely with the industry to ensure the correct disposal of winery effluent.
Mobil Refining Australia Pty Ltd was convicted in the Environment Resources and Development Court for illegal discharge of oil in June 1999 and was fined.
The EPA launched its internet-based environmental incident recording system called CARES (Complaints and Reports of Environmental Significance). CARES enabled councils and the EPA to record and manage environmental reports and identify repeat offenders. The IT system won a gold Technology and Productivity Award presented by the Federal Government.

2002 highlights

The EPA launched a program called AirWatch which was a community monitoring and education program for schools to raise awareness of air quality issues.
A service agreement between the EPA and Business SA was established to assist in delivering effective environmental services to its members.
A restructure saw the Radiation Protection Division (formerly operating within the Environmental Health Branch in the Department of Human Services) move to the EPA with responsibility for administration of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982.
In August, the government announced major reforms to the EPA licensing, including a 100% increase in fees phased in over four years. The introduction of additional financial incentives encouraged improved environmental performance and an increased use of load-based licensing.
The South Australian Environment Protection (Motor Vehicle Fuel Quality) Policy 2002 was confirmed, establishing standards for the quality of motor vehicle fuel, in order to maintain or enhance air quality in South Australia. This Policy, provided South Australia with some of the most stringent fuel standards in Australia.
The interim Environment Protection Policy was superseded when Commonwealth fuel standards come into effect in 2006.

2003 highlights

A new electronic licensing system, electronic–Environment Licensing Forms, became operational, allowing EPA clients to renew their licences electronically 24/7 and make online invoice payments using a credit card.
The Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 came into effect on 1 October, to achieve sustainable management of the State’s water bodies and protect or enhance water quality while allowing economic and social development.
The 2003 State of the Environment Report was released in November detailing the environmental trends and challenges facing South Australia.
Flavoured milk and pure fruit juice containers (less than 1 litre), non-carbonated soft drink containers (up to and including 3 litres) were added to the Container Deposit scheme as refundable items.
The EPA launched an audit of both licensed and unlicensed premises that could potentially present an environmental risk to the River Torrens, which was prompted by a major diesel spill into the Torrens Lake in July.
Ongoing concerns about red dust emissions from OneSteel’s Whyalla steelworks led the EPA to increase regulation of the operations and impose a condition of licence stipulating that dust measured at a specified monitoring station should not exceed the national standard for ambient air quality outlined within The Commonwealth National Environment Protection Council Act 1994. As a result of OneSteel ultimately achieving the national standard, the amenity of the affected area was improved.
The first full audit of radioactive material to be conducted in Australia found that radioactive waste in South Australia is safe, secure and not a public health risk. The audit was the most comprehensive assessment of radioactive waste storage to be conducted in Australia. The EPA began working with owners of radioactive waste to improve the safety and security of their stored material.

2004 highlights

The EPA began its River Murray Risk Assessment for properties, houseboats and shacks from Murray Bridge to Wellington. The assessment examined potential hazards such as sewerage systems, stormwater, boats and farms, and determines the likely risk of damage to the river ecosystem and drinking water supplies.
The EPA introduced new odour detecting and measuring equipment known as a Nasal Ranger Field Olfactormeter which can measure and quantify odour strength in the ambient air. The device is used as a proactive monitoring and enforcement tool for odour measurement.
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention program was launched which involved EPA project officers visiting unlicensed businesses, conducting environmental site reviews and encouraging best stormwater management practices.
The EPA joined forces with the other agencies to create the WaterCare public awareness campaign, which raised awareness of South Australia’s water issues and encouraged the community to use water responsibly.

2005 highlights

The Environment Protection (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2005 strengthened the powers of the EPA. The legislation provided:
Civil penalties by allowing for the first time in an Australian state, civil penalties of up to $120,000 to be negotiated for less serious breaches of the Act.
Greater power for EPA when industries close sites with a post-closure environment protection order for certain industrial sites which have closed that allows the EPA to require the site owner to test and monitor the land if there are environmental concerns.
Easier prosecutions for environmental nuisance.
Local government to protect their communities against polluters with optional direct powers as administering agencies.
The EPA provided South Australian industry with greater stability through the provision of a standard 5-year licence. The new license gave industries greater stability and reduced red tape by not having to apply for a new licence every year.
An audit of both licensed and unlicensed premises that could potentially present an environmental risk to the River Torrens was completed which identified 47 industries along the Torrens that the EPA will work with to introduce better practices and stop pollutants from entering the river system.
All industries that were audited agreed to voluntarily comply with EPA directions to improve their practices.
The audit was prompted by a major diesel spill into the Torrens Lake in July 2003.

2006 highlights

SA’s Container Deposit scheme was added to the list of Bank SA Heritage Icons. Container deposit legislation was introduced in 1975 by former Premier Don Dunstan and has since been recognised around Australia and the world as one of the best and most popular conservation measures ever adopted.
South Australia became the first State or Territory to adopt a negotiated civil penalty tool for environment protection. The new legislation introduced in July gives the EPA powers to negotiate civil penalties with alleged environmental offenders as an alternative to criminal prosecutions.

2007 highlights

The Environment Protection Act 1993 was amended to include provisions that assign responsibility for site contamination, to establish a statutory audit system for South Australia and give the EPA powers to deal with site contamination. The legislation forms part of a set of measures to ensure that site contamination is adequately managed in South Australia.
The EPA completed targeted soil sampling at the former Lightburn factory site at Novar Gardens. Soil sampling was undertaken on public reserves and footpaths at 13 locations throughout the area in August 2006. Samples were tested for waste sludge and solvents produced during the company’s operations.
The EPA announced a new licence fee structure for stakeholders that conduct activities of environmental significance and are licensed under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
In November, the EPA audited houseboats on the River Murray around Morgan for sewerage containment systems to be compliant with the Code of Practice for Vessels on Inland Waters (2003).
The EPA imposed its first civil penalty in November by negotiating a $3750 fine with the SA Brewing Corporation for discharging approximately 200 litres of beer into the River Torrens in December 2006.

2008 highlights

The Radiation Protection and Control (Cosmetic Tanning Units) Regulations 2008, effective 14 March, prohibited UV radiation exposure of young people and others with sensitive skin types
The EPA’s Radiation Branch administered 150 South Australian solaria licences and enforced compliance starting in early 2009 with A 12-month moratorium for operator training.
The Adelaide Coastal Waters Study was released, reporting on the impact of industrial, sewage and stormwater discharges in the coastal waters and ecosystems off the Adelaide metropolitan area. The study paved the way for the development of the Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan.
On 1 September, the beverage container deposit increased from 5 cents to 10 cents, the first rise since the scheme’s 1975 introduction
The change encouraged more recycling and reduced street litter and less waste to landfill. Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill announced the increase at the Ottoway KESAB recycling depot.
In October, the EPA developed a Code of practice for vessel and facility management: (marine and inland waters) to encourage environmental management for marinas, vessel service facilities and vessel operators, with a focus on greywater management. This was informed by a 2004 EPA report that indicated the contaminant load from untreated greywater discharge into the River Murray was around 200 mega litres annually.
In November, the EPA detected elevated groundwater and soil vapour concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE), vinyl chloride and dichloroethene (DCE) in the Clovelly Park area. Despite adverse weather, the EPA and SA Health quickly assessed the situation, advising residents not to use bore water until further testing took place.

2009 highlights

Between January and March, the EPA and SA Health sampled soil vapour and air at Clovelly Park, to assess contamination and health risks.
Most homes had TCE concentrations below levels that required further investigation. However, a block of flats had concentrations in ground floor units that exceeded acceptable levels, leading to tenant relocation and building demolition.
The EPA continued to work with nearby industrial site owners to assess the contamination and to develop a remediation strategy.
In January, the South Australian Government introduced legislation to ban checkout-style plastic bags with a transitional period until 4 May 2009, to allow retailers time to adjust to the ban. Non-compliant bags were removed from distribution, with no formal compliance action taken.
Mulhern’s Waste Oil Removal Pty Ltd was fined $460,000 for an oil spill at Largs North, for breaching the Environment Protection Act 1993, the largest fine of its kind in South Australia’s history. The company plead guilty to serious environmental harm and multiple violations. The penalty was reduced to $145,000 on appeal, but a subsequent EPA appeal to the Supreme Court reinstated a $415,000 fine.
Third party compliance inspections of diagnostic medical and dental X-ray machines were accelerated due to a 50% increase in radiation apparatus registration applications in 2008.
Qualified technicians are now accredited by the EPA to conduct compliance tests, following South Australia’s 2004 agreement to adopt third party assessor accreditation, under the National Directory for Radiation Protection framework.
Environment and Conservation Minister announced a new licensing regime to improve environmentally sustainable practices amongst industry.
The EPA’s Sustainability Licences were issued to businesses that commit to reducing their use of resources and their impact on the local environment.
Motorcycle component manufacturer New Castalloy Pty Ltd at North Plympton was the first business to receive the new licence.
Since the first EPA prosecution in April 1999 there has been a total of 51 prosecutions – including 5 negotiated civil penalties.
- Fines totalling $1,619,034 have been imposed by the ERD Court, Magistrates courts and the EPA (in negotiated penalties).
- In two of the 51 cases the defendants were found not guilty and a further three were dismissed or withdrawn.
- All but five cases related to breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1993; two related to the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982 and three related to the Pollution of Marine Waters (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1987.

2010 highlights

Drought conditions and water resource overuse in the Murray–Darling Basin continued to threaten water quality in the lower River Murray (below Lock 1) and Lower Lakes. The EPA conducted monitoring and assessment of water quality in the Lower Lakes. The program provided advance warning of water quality issues, allowing the State Government to take action to prevent environmental and community impacts.
The EPA also managed the Lower Lakes Acid Sulfate Soil Research Program in close collaboration with the Department for Environment and Heritage, conducted to better understand acid sulfate soil risks in the Lower Lakes and inform management actions.
The EPA coordinated a program to measure landfill gas in Seacliff Park after reports of gas coming from a former landfill (1950s to 1970s). While the risk was low, 138 homes in Seacliff, Kingston Park and Marino were offered testing for signs of landfill gas, which found no gas.
The EPA worked with councils to conduct further investigations of the landfill to manage future risks.
New 'waste to resources' legislation, effective 1 September, strengthened EPA’s power to reduce landfill waste and increase reuse of resources. Over three years, various waste items, including those electronics and whitegoods, were banned from landfill and diverted for recovery, reuse and recycling.
The Environmental Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010, under the Environment Protection Act 1993 strengthens waste diversion management practices in South Australia. It supports strategies by Green Industries SA that have reduced landfill by 14.4% since 2002–03.
During 2009–10, the EPA responded to 121 incidents, a 13% increase from the previous year mostly from EPA licence-holders and the public. Notable incidents included:
- a fire at Plastics Granulating Services in Kilburn with wastewater entering stormwater drains
- a diesel spill at Malvern due to a low-speed collision between two trucks.
- a 10,000 litre effluent leak at Wingfield into the stormwater system.
- a fire at Rand Refrigeration, Wingfield, with concerns about wastewater runoff.
As of 30 June, the EPA held approximately 2,100 licences and applied a risk-based approach to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
During 2009–10, the EPA undertook 961 inspections leading to warnings, environment protection orders (EPOs) and, in serious cases, civil or criminal prosecutions under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
The EPA’s Radiation Protection Branch managed over 7,800 licences and registrations for use of radiation apparatus and for the mining, use or storage of radioactive substances.

2011 highlights

Groundwater and site contamination investigations dominated the year, with the EPA overseeing large-scale investigations at several sites attracting considerable public attention.
Site contamination is generally historical in nature. South Australia, like other urbanised cities in the world, manages site contamination issues that are the direct result of past polluting practices. These range from former petrol stations and gasworks to heavy manufacturing complexes. Dealing with this legacy and managing its impacts is a complex and challenging issue.
As the environmental regulator, the EPA oversees the site contamination system, ensuring the responsible parties meet their obligations in accordance with the 2009 amendments to the Environment Protection Act 1993.
Investigations at Edwardstown, Central Edwardstown, Solomontown, Port Pirie, South Road Edwardstown, Glenelg East, Elizabeth and Marleston all required significant engagement and communications with current and previous site owners, local residents and work sites, to appropriately manage the identified contamination and safeguard community health and safety.
The EPA improved communication by publishing groundwater contamination notices launching an online public register directory for public access to contamination information in their local area. This online tool was progressively expanded to include public access to EPA licences, applications, orders, and prosecutions and civil penalties.
The EPA awarded Sustainability Licences to the University of Adelaide and OneSteel in Whyalla to promote strong and proactive compliance.
The EPA completed two industry sector audits on inland marinas and coffee roasters, focussing on pollution risks and emissions. Of 27 vessel facilities inspected, 15 required an EPA licence, and 7 coffee roasters also needed one.
On 30 June, the EPA had approximately 2100 licences and inspected 257 high priority sites, actioning warnings and environment protection orders (EPOs). For serious cases of non-compliance, the EPA commenced civil or criminal prosecutions under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
The EPA negotiated two civil penalties: $6,545 with United Water International Pty Ltd for environmental harm, and $3,075 with Fibrelogic Pipe Systems Pty Ltd for the discharging wastewater into the stormwater system.
Aquatic Ecosystem Condition Reports were launched for creeks and rivers across South Australia with sites including Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges; SA Murray Darling Basin; Northern and Yorke; Eyre Peninsula; South East; and Kangaroo Island, with reports also available for the Lower Lakes.

2012 highlights

The Illegal Dumping Unit conducted a month-long campaign targeting vehicles transporting uncovered or unsecured waste in the metropolitan area.
The EPA requires waste transporters to secure loads and maintain vehicles to prevent spillage, adopting a zero-tolerance approach to those who pollute.
On 1 July, a new licence to possess a radiation source was introduced under the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982, aligning South Australia with other jurisdictions.
The licence is required for individuals or companies possessing, selling or disposing of a radiation source, including:
- x-ray apparatus
- sealed radioactive sources
- premises handling unsealed radioactive substances
- cosmetic tanning units.
An index of environment protection orders (EPOs) was made available on the EPA website to make environmental information easily accessible to the public.
The EPA developed waste management guidelines banning from landfill disposal of metropolitan Adelaide waste unless it undergoes resource recovery.
A range of materials were progressively banned from disposal to landfill including fluorescent lighting, televisions and computers, with Zero Waste SA (now known as Green Industries) providing information for households and businesses on disposal options.

2013 highlights

Six households at Clovelly Park were notified of indoor air sampling, returning levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) above the USA EPA Reference Concentration.
In June the EPA informed 650 residents in the Allenby Gardens and Flinders Park area that a water prohibition area would be established for the first time since amendments were made in July 2009, to the Environment Protection Act 1993. This made it an offence to use groundwater for any purpose in the prohibition area with a maximum penalty of $8,000.
The State of the Environment Report 2013 highlighted positive trends in renewable energy, water and electricity efficiency, and recycling. However, concerns included declining biodiversity, increased natural resource use, rising temperatures, development in sensitive areas, more private vehicle use, and reduced River Murray water flows.

2014 highlights

The EPA prosecuted Gilbert Motors Pty Ltd in Mount Barker for discharge of hydrocarbon contaminated water (a listed pollutant), resulting in a conviction, a fine and costs totalling $2160.
The EPA advised 1500 owners and occupiers in Keswick of investigations into groundwater and soil vapour contamination, and advised not to use groundwater until further notice.
Around 1,400 residents in Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park were notified of a drilling program to assess groundwater and soil vapour contamination. An Environmental Project Management Team was set up as a central point of contact, with further testing also beginning in Beverley near industrial sites.

2015 highlights

About 200 households living near the proposed Riverside Park development at Allenby Gardens in addition to 280 residents in Glenelg East, were advised of further groundwater and soil vapour testing.
The EPA investigated a report of illegal dumping of asbestos and building materials at Mutton Cove, near Osborne in Adelaide’s northwestern suburbs.
The EPA were called upon to investigate thirteen decomposed horse carcasses discovered in the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park, about 60 km south of Adelaide.
A Kidman Park man was prosecuted by the EPA on one count each of illegal waste disposal and for failing to clean up waste after being issued an environment protection order. He was then ordered by a judge to pay fines and costs totalling more than $20,000 for illegally disposing concrete waste on a private property.
The EPA assessed preliminary results from groundwater and soil vapour testing undertaken in April and May in Beverley, as part of an ongoing investigation into site contamination caused by previous industrial activities.
Environmental tests confirmed contamination at lower levels than previous results had shown, however solid vapour data returned readings higher than expected.
The director of an earthmoving business was fined over $26,000 for threatening and abusing EPA officers during inspections at his Angle Vale property in 2013. In February, he pleaded guilty to making threats and using abusive language in person and over the phone.
In addition to the fines, Judge Cole ordered the accused to pay $1,500 in court costs.
The EPA undertook several significant consultations during 2015, one being the Local Nuisance Bill which was released for public consultation on 15 July 2015.
The EPA also commenced consultation in regional SA on the discussion paper Reforming waste management: Creating certainty for an industry to grow which sought feedback on wide-ranging legislative and policy reform options to expand the waste management and recovery sector and create jobs. Subsequently, 59 written submissions were received.
In a landmark case, the Corporation of the City of Adelaide (ACC) was found guilty by the Environment, Resources and Development Court (ERD) Court for failing to meet a deadline to cap a landfill waste site, in breach of its licence conditions. The case was deferred until February 2016 for sentencing.
In response to community concerns about site contamination in Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park (2014‒15), a specialist committee reviewed the EPA’s management of site contamination identifying areas for improvement in inter-agency coordination, capability, community engagement and transparency.
The EPA announced that all solid fuel wood heaters, sold and installed in South Australia from 2015 onwards must comply with an Australian Standard for smoke emissions under the Environment Protection (Solid Fuel Heaters) Policy 2015.
The inaugural edition of the Good for the Environment Good for Business showcasing best business practices was released.
In late 2015, a significant bushfire in the Pinery region caused loss of life, homes, buildings and livestock. The EPA assisted recovery efforts by advising on waste disposal, including fire-affected asbestos and animal carcasses. The EPA and state government also waived the waste levy for councils and the community, due to the large amount of waste generated.

2016 highlights

The Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015, effective 1 January 2016, followed a review of the 2003 policy and related policies and legislation on water quality management in South Australia. This policy ensures all activities, regardless of scale or licensing, operate under consistent water quality conditions.
The EPA oversaw a landmark case where Gabriel Paul Ivanyi was sentenced to prison for repeatedly dumping building and construction waste on public land over two years. This was the first time a jail sentence had been imposed by a South Australian court for illegally dumping waste under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
A Salisbury Downs man was the first charged for offering cosmetic tanning for a fee to the public.
The EPA issued South Australia’s first aerodrome to regulate the impact of flight movements on Aldinga residents
On 11 June, the EPA announced that it had begun an investigation into the use of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the state in response to reports around the use of the chemical at defence bases.
Environmental assessments of groundwater and soil vapour in Glenelg East found no contamination in 90% of 420 properties. In South-Eastern Edwardstown, an assessment confirmed safe levels of chemicals, including TCE and no need for private home testing.
In July, the state government established the Orphan Site Fund and Orphan Site Committee to proactively manage site contamination with potential health risks.
The Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 came in to effect, gaining statewide media attention, particularly surrounding the sale and installation of wood heaters, and the management of burning in the open.
The EPA upheld a strong presence in Port Augusta this year when Flinders Power demolished one of its stacks. EPA compliance officers conducted dust monitoring during the demolition and worked with Flinders Power to ensure all reasonable and practicable measures were being taken to prevent or minimise dust emissions, with a focus on management of the ash dam area.
The EPA concluded the year by undertaking ‘Operation Cover-Up’, targeting truck drivers who failed to properly cover waste material posing community health and safety risks. The initiative identified over 40 trucks in the Adelaide CBD and metropolitan roads with uncovered loads.

2017 highlights

South Australia marked 40 years of container deposit legislation, continuing to lead the nation in recycling and litter reduction of beverage containers. That year, over six million containers were returned, with an 80% average annual return rate, totalling 583 million containers recycled, leading to landfill waste reduction.
In early 2017, the EPA addressed dust concerns in Port Augusta, issuing an environment protection order (EPO) to Flinders Power, owner of the former Port Augusta power stations. Heavy rains and winds reduced the effectiveness of dust suppressants on the site’s ash dam, raising community health concerns.
In May, the EPA sought public information after discovering eight bags of illegally dumped asbestos at Willunga Hill and Mosquito Hill. The bags, containing 160 kg of broken asbestos and soil, were in bushes at a rest area on Willunga Hill.
In July, 2017, the EPA sought public information after 900 kg of asbestos was found on a nature strip at Kokoda and Goolwa Roads, Mosquito Hill. The asbestos was wrapped in 30 bags labelled ‘asbestos waste’ and five packages sealed in duct tape.
The EPA announced a waiver of the asbestos waste disposal levy, effective 1 July 2017. The waiver was part of reforms encouraging people to dispose of asbestos waste safely at an approved depot or landfill.
During 2017, the EPA conducted indoor vapour testing at some Thebarton and Mile End properties after soil vapour results showed high concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE) in some areas.
Significant legislation came into effect when local councils were granted more powers to resolve local nuisance issues such as noise, smoke and dust. The Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 makes councils responsible for investigating and dealing with local nuisance, and it also provides a consistent statewide framework.
Commencement of the Environment Protection (Waste Reform) Amendment Act 2017 on 28 November 2017, in order to modernise and strengthen powers under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act) to better support a strong, legitimate resource recovery sector and improve the EPA’s ability to prosecute illegal dumping cases.

2018 highlights

The EPA began by announcing two formal groundwater prohibition areas: Edwardstown on 9 January and Glenelg East on 20 December.
In January, a significant fire damaged the Thomas Foods International’s (TFI) abattoir site at Murray Bridge. As one of the state’s biggest processing plants, a collective and intensive effort was made from the South Australian Government, TFI and community to work through the complexities and logistics of the incident to ensure safety at the site and the company’s continued operations.
The EPA achieved several positive outcomes in the ERD Court:
- A 36-year-old-man from Broken Hill was fined $4,800 and ordered to forfeit 45,000 beverage containers for attempting to claim a refund fraudulently.
- Additionally, a company was convicted for transporting over 1 tonne of unsealed asbestos in an open-topped truck trailer and operating an unlicensed waste depot, while a waste operation was sentenced for violating EPA licence regulations.
In May, the Minister for Planning approved Flinders Ports’ development application to widen the Outer Harbor channel and swing basin, subject to 8 conditions. The EPA required the use of modern dredging methods to minimise environmental impact, reducing seagrass loss by up to 82% compared to the original proposal. The community was consulted on the plan.
The EPA commenced a dust study in Hallett Cove and the Lonsdale Industrial precinct working collaboratively with residents.
The EPA released South Australia’s State of the Environment Report 2018, offering recommendations to help safeguard South Australia’s environment, with a strong focus on preparing for changing climate.

2019 highlights

The EPA began the year by reviewing the Container Deposit Scheme and inviting feedback on the scoping paper, ‘Improving South Australia’s Recycling Makes Cents’. The paper and summary sparked public conversation about opportunities to improve the scheme.
In early 2019, public interest in Flinders Ports dredging remained high. On 12 March, the EPA had issued an environmental licence after community consultation, with dredging taking place from 7 June to 18 September 2018.
On 5 April, the EPA announced that houseboat owners could install cheaper and simpler greywater systems under updated Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) requirements. Greywater from galley sinks must be contained on board and pumped to land for disposal due to its potential to carry pathogens, and contaminants.
In the ERD Court, a South Australian demolition and asbestos contractor received a record fine for operating an illegal waste depot, a skip bin operator was fined $21,000 storing asbestos without an EPA licence, and a father and son were fined $31,400 for running an illegal waste depot at Churchill Rd, Cavan.
The Victoria Road Air Quality Study, launched in July, is a community co-design project by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and the EPA, with air quality sensor locations being chosen by the community, advised by the EPA and SA Health. The study monitored air quality and traffic emissions on Victoria Road and surrounding residential areas, examining how air quality varies along the road, extends into neighbourhoods, and is affected by weather conditions.
In August, four monitoring stations set up in Lonsdale and Hallett Cove, chosen by the community, with our air quality scientists. These stations collected real-time air quality data, while community members contributed observations, photos and videos using an online reporting tool.
From 12 September 2019, bore water was prohibited in parts of Hendon, Royal Park, Seaton and Albert Park due to chemical contamination. Residents in 2,800 homes in Adelaide’s western suburbs were notified of the Groundwater Prohibition Area (GPA).

2020 highlights

Devastating bushfires began on 20 December across South Australia, with six major fires. The EPA supported recovery efforts by advising the community and local government on waste disposal, including fire-affected asbestos and animal carcasses. EPA officers were stationed on Kangaroo Island to assist with waste disposal and provide specialist advice on water quality impacts.
On 15 March, the SA Premier declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. Since then, the EPA has focussed on maintaining operations, while protecting its workforce and support to licensees.

2021 highlights

The new Radiation Protection and Control Act 2021 was introduced, the first state legislation to adopt the National Directory for Radiation Protection. Aligning with modern environment protection legislation and including principles of ecologically sustainable development, this legislation allows the benefits of radiation to be safely and justifiably accessed by our South Australian community. Through this legislation, the EPA is able to regulate the radiation industry in a simple and efficient manner.’
On March 1, South Australia introduced a ban on single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers. The EPA has overseen compliance of this legislation using an educational approach.
In late 2021,The final section of the North-South Corridor design was revealed, with the EPA proactively providing environmental regulatory requirements and advice during planning. Due to its scale, the project involves various environmental concerns, including air quality, noise, planning, waste and recycling and water quality. To streamline environmental advice and approvals, the EPA appointed a Project Manager as the primary contact for managing environmental regulatory requirements for this major state infrastructure project.

2022 highlights

The Minamata Convention on Mercury took effect globally on 7 March 2022, with Australia ratifying it on 7 December 2021. While South Australia’s existing laws already restrict mercury exposure from industrial activity, the new treaty’s restrictions will impact new proposals and developments. Changes at facilities like metal smelting, waste incineration, cement production and coal-fired boilers will now be assessed to meet the convention’s commitments.
On 9 February, the EPA announced its first position statement on climate change adaptation,. outlining a regulatory framework to help businesses build resilience, prepare for extreme weather events and reduce waste for a more circular economy. The EPA’s approach began with the 2021 EPA Board Summit, focussed on climate change risks, liabilities, and remedies for small to medium businesses.
The EPA established a groundwater prohibition area in parts of Edinburgh, Direk, Burton, Salisbury North, Penfield, Paralowie and Waterloo Corner to prevent residents and workers from accessing contaminated groundwater.
The EPA assisted in recovery efforts during the River Murray floods in late 2022/early 2023, providing advice to the community and local government.
The Mount Barker Woodsmoke Study launched in 2022, assessed wood smoke’s impact on air quality in collaboration with the Mount Barker Council and residents, measuring particulate levels to determine compliance with national standards.
The EPA began recording interest in certificates of title in assessment areas with an environmental assessment report, enhancing transparency on legacy contamination. This followed a Supreme Court judgement ruling on the information to be flagged on titles beyond those directly related to the land.
Thomas Foods International was granted an EPA licence for its new abattoir at Pallamana, northwest of Murray Bridge, creating 350 jobs and up to2,000 jobs once fully completed. The EPA imposed conditions to minimise and prevent environmental harm, including an odour management plan, due by 16 December, to mitigate impacts on the community.
The EPA began the final phase of public consultation on the draft Environment Protection (Commercial and Industrial Noise) Policy 2022, aiming to protect human health by providing a legal framework for assessingcommercial and industrial noise issues.
On 1 March, the single-use plastic ban expanded to include polystyrene cups, bowls, plates and clam-shell containers, and oxo-degradable plastic products, with the EPA responsible for ensuring compliance with this legislation.
In May 2022, the South Australian Government declared a climate emergency, reaffirming the urgent need to decarbonise the South Australian economy and shift to renewable sources of energy.

2023 highlights

New legislation, the Radiation Protection and Control Act 2021 and the Radiation Protection and Control Regulations 2022, came into effect in South Australia, replacing a 40-year-old Act and promoting national uniformity by adopting Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) codes and standards.
The EPA began consultation on two new PFAS-related guidelines as part of the its PFAS management regulatory strategy, the:
Draft PFAS-contaminated waste disposal site suitability guideline.
Draft PFAS in waste soils guidelines.
The EPA renewed Nyrstar’s Port Pirie smelter licence for five years, until June 2028, after a thorough review to strengthen licence conditions.
The EPA approved the disposal of PFAS-contaminated solid waste at Cleanaway Inkerman landfill, north of Adelaide, aligning South Australia with the rest of the country. This decision followed a 2.5-year assessment and community engagement, addressing broader PFAS-contaminated waste management policies.
Groundwater prohibition areas were established at West Lakes and Royal Park, Melrose Park, Elizabeth South and Woodville North.
The new South Australian Environment Protection (Commercial and Industrial Noise) Policy 2023, effective 31 October, replaces the 2007 policy. It provides an updated legal framework to protect human health from commercial and industrial noise impacts.
The 2022-23 Aquatic Ecosystem Condition Reports focussed of the Southern Spencer Gulf marine ecosystem and the Far North and Flinders Ranges inland waters with results released in July 2023.
In 2023 the Environment Protection Act 1993 (EP Act) was amended to add climate change mitigation and adaptation.

2024 highlights

On 23 February, the 2023 State of the Environment Report was launched and provided recommendations to government to address the most significant environmental issues, and data and analysis to assist government, industry, and the community to take action to improve environmental outcomes.
South Australia will join other states and territories in banning certain engineered stone products from July 1, 2024 to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica dust. The national ban, based on Safe Work Australia’s recommendation, prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.
A groundwater prohibition area was established at Royal Park
The AECRs reports for the western Mount Lofty region and Kangaroo Island were published on 1 November 2024
Public consultation was undertaken on a review of the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015
Public consultation opened on the review of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010
Public consultation was undertaken on the governance of SA’s container deposit scheme.
In July, LGA South Australia and the Environment Protection Authority renewed their commitment to work together to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for local communities.
The EPA began developing a series of documents titled Guidelines for groundwater quality monitoring of regulated activities. The first guideline in the series has now been published, Guideline 3 – Establishing baseline groundwater quality.
Councils now have powers to deal with nuisances in their communities caused by light or nuisance noise from refrigerated vehicles under new regulations under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 that commenced on 1 April.
New regulations commenced for nuisance light and noise pollution, allowing councils to further assist their communities with the resolution of light nuisance complaints. The regulations are part of the first stage of reforms to the legislation to be delivered by State Government.
Climate change knowledge and experience were included as attributes that must be held by the EPA Board. The amendments came into effect on 1 March 2024.
The Government of South Australia is working to develop a statutory Environment Protection Policy for climate change to enable a clear, transparent, and equitable approach to secure the climate related Objects of the EP Act within the EP Act’s regulatory framework.

2025 highlights

The EPA celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the proclamation of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

Name:
Email:
Phone:
Comments:
Captcha:

My list

Your list is empty!