Summer December 2018
Welcome to the summer 2018 edition of the EPA Connect Newsletter. We’re using this bumper, new-look edition to look back on some of the EPA’s initiatives and achievements in environment protection this year. We also take the opportunity to look ahead to the next chapter in our 2017-21 Strategic Plan.
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From the Chair and CEO
Welcome to the summer 2018 edition of the EPA Connect Newsletter. We’re using this bumper, new-look edition to look back on some of the EPA’s initiatives and achievements in environment protection this year. We also take the opportunity to look ahead to the next chapter in our 2017-21 Strategic Plan.
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Over 1 billion containers returned!
After just one year in operation, Return and Earn has seen more than 1 billion containers taken to return points across the state and has already resulted in a 44 per cent reduction in eligible drink container litter volume. This is a significant achievement for the scheme, which was introduced to reduce litter.
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New powers and penalties to combat environmental crime
Legal action against environmental offenders during 2018 resulted in more than 60 prosecutions and a landmark case in which the offender was the first to be jailed in NSW under new anti-dumping legislation.
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If it’s not in the bin, it’s on you!
EPA’s Don’t be a Tosser! Campaign took off in October with a big presence across TV, digital video, social media, radio and outdoor. We are now well on track to exceed the Premier’s Priority target of a reduction in litter volume by 40% by 2020 in NSW.
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New rules for native forestry operations on public land
The new Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOA) was signed by the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Lands and Forestry on 16 November 2018. The new Coastal IFOA delivers improved protections for environmental sustainability, biodiversity and key threatened species, while providing long-term security to the forestry sector.
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China waste restriction prompts local recycling initiatives
The NSW Government this year announced a one-off package of up to $47 million to support local government and industry to respond to China’s National Sword Policy which restricts the types of recycled material China will accept for processing. The draft policy for a dynamic Circular Economy for NSW was also released in response.
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Rapid response: EPA quickly joins forces in aftermath of fires
The EPA’s rapid response this year was put to the test with two large-scale incidents. Fire broke out onboard the ship MV Iron Chieftain at Port Kembla in June, and a devastating bushfire struck the town of Tathra in the state's far south in March.
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Communities centre on waste and recycling innovation
Regional centres are embracing initiatives like the Aboriginal Waste Management Program and Community Recycling Centres (CRCs). The Muli Muli community’s waste management pilot project won a NSW Premier’s Award last month, while the total number of CRCs in NSW grew to 91.
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Spreading the word on chemical and hazardous waste
A customer-centric approach to spray drift education is helping EPA staff increase awareness about responsible pesticide use, and promote positive behaviour change amongst farmers. In recent months, the EPA also delivered public safety awareness initiatives on asbestos.
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Stakeholder profile: Meet the OEH Science Division
The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) scientists provide a broad range of advice and services to the EPA – from analysing water quality and soils, running Australia’s largest air monitoring network, and providing chemical forensics, to providing expert advice on the risk and impacts of contaminants on people and the environment.
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Regulatory action
The EPA uses many regulatory tools to achieve environmental compliance. The following table provides a tally of the regulatory actions taken by the EPA across NSW from 1 January to 30 November 2018.