Role of the EPA in WWW treatment/management

When does a winery need an EPA licence in SA?

• When >50 tonnes of grapes are processed per year within the Mount Lofty Ranges Water Protection Area (MLRWPA)

• When >500 tonnes of grapes are processed per year else where in SA

When must a winery consult or engage with the EPA? Even if no license is required?

1. during planning and development

   • referral body for planning applications where >50 tonnes will be processed annually (anywhere in SA)

   • wineries can seek informal advice to guide development decisions

2. if not licensed, wineries still have legal duties under:

   • Section 25 of the Environment protection act 1993 - must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm

   • Clause 15 of the environment protection (water quality) policy 2015 -

     • must have a wastewater management system

     • system must be effective

     • waste must not enter water bodies or land where it may enter waters - via runoff or seepage e.g.

3. If an environmental incident occurs

   • under Section 83(1) of the act a winery must notify the EPA if there is an incident that causes or threatens environmental harm, including contamination of underground water

4. If complaints are received

   • the EPA may investigate odour, noise, or wastewater discharge complaints even for unlicensed wineries

When must a winery consult or engage with the EPA? Even if no license is required?

1. during planning and development

   • referral body for planning applications where >50 tonnes will be processed annually (anywhere in SA)

   • wineries can seek informal advice to guide development decisions

2. if not licensed, wineries still have legal duties under:

   • Section 25 of the Environment protection act 1993 - must take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm

   • Clause 15 of the environment protection (water quality) policy 2015 -

     • must have a wastewater management system

     • system must be effective

     • waste must not enter water bodies or land where it may enter waters - via runoff or seepage e.g.

3. If an environmental incident occurs

   • under Section 83(1) of the act a winery must notify the EPA if there is an incident that causes or threatens environmental harm, including contamination of underground water

4. If complaints are received

   • the EPA may investigate odour, noise, or wastewater discharge complaints even for unlicensed wineries

When does a winery need an EPA licence in SA?

• When >50 tonnes of grapes are processed per year within the Mount Lofty Ranges Water Protection Area (MLRWPA)

• When >500 tonnes of grapes are processed per year else where in SA