LANDFILL

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (20 July 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide): The Minister for Environment and Conservation has been advised that:

1. The requirements to manage, what has commonly been referred to as 'clean fill' as outlined in the EPA's Standard for Production and Use of Waste Derived Fill (the Standard), have been in place since 1997. 'Clean fill' has always been classified as a waste and since 2003, referred to as 'waste fill' in EPA legislation. This new Standard now enables waste to become a product known as 'waste derived fill'.

2. The EPA have advised that they undertook comprehensive consultation with industry and the community in relation to the draft standard, including with the Civil Contractors Federation and Master Builders Association. The issues of costs and approval timeframes associated with the Standard were raised during the consultation process and these are being addressed by the EPA.

3. The EPA have also advised they are working to provide the Department of Planning and Local Government with guiding documents. This will ensure that requirements outlined in the Standard are highlighted early in the planning process, to allow appropriate forward planning and to alleviate unnecessary delays in the development approval process.