How was the new fee structure developed?
Why was the fee structure changed?
How do I calculate my new licence fee?
Why is my fee increasing?
Why is my fee decreasing?
How can I reduce my licence fee?
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How was the new fee structure developed?
The EPA developed the new fee structure in conjunction with independent
consultants who provided advice on options for an improved fee
structure and details on the chosen fee structure.
The EPA undertook an extensive consultation process for the development
of the new fee structure. This included consultation with the
Reference Group¹ as well as two stages of
public consultation in November—December 2004 and May—June
2006. The EPA made changes to the draft fee structure to address
the issues raised during public consultation and in consultation
with the Reference Group.
The fee structure has now been finalised.
Why was the fee structure changed?
The fee structure has been changed because:
- In 2000 the Environment, Resources and Development Committee
of Parliament recommended that a larger proportion of licence
fees should be based on the amount and type of pollutants discharged
to the environment. In view of this, the State Government decided
to extend the use of load-based licensing.
- The EPA's experience as an environmental regulator since the
commencement of the EP Act has shown that although some activities
cost more time and effort than others, this was not fully reflected
in the existing fee structure.
- It is considered good practice to review the fee schedules
regularly, about once every 10 years, when the regulations expire.
How do I calculate my new licence fee?
Use the 'Request for licence
fee estimate form (76KB PDF)', to fax
or email relevant information to us and we will calculate your
future licence fee for you. Contact us on 8204 1096, or by
email epainfo@epa.sa.gov.au
if you would like us to send or fax you a copy of the form.
If you prefer, you can calculate your future licence fee by using
the EPA Guidelines: Licence fee
structure—fee schedules (1.74MB PDF).
Why is my fee increasing?
The new fee structure is based on 'user pays' and 'polluter pays'
principles. Some licensees will have an increase in fees while
others will have fees that decrease. Your fee may be increasing
due to one or more of the following reasons:
- regulation of your industry group (taking into account factors
for some types of industries such as level of emissions) uses
more of the EPA's resources than was reflected by your previous
fee
- you discharge key load based pollutants above threshold levels
to the environment
- you discharge more than 10 ML of water that is below 1,500
mg/l salinity to the marine environment (reflecting a discharged
resource that should be conserved).
Why is my fee decreasing?
The new fee structure is based on 'user pays' and 'polluter pays'
principles. Some licensees will have an increase in fees while
others will have reduced fees. Your fee may be decreasing due
to one or more of the following reasons:
- regulation of your industry group (taking into account factors
for some types of industries such as level of emissions) uses
less of the EPA's resources than was reflected by your previous
fee
- you do not discharge key load-based pollutants above threshold
levels and are therefore not liable for load-based fees
- you do not discharge more than 10 ML of water that is below
1,500 mg/l salinity to the marine environment.
How can I reduce my licence fee?
All licensees can reduce their licence fees by 50% by applying
for an accredited licence. For more information, refer to the
EPA Guidelines: Accredited licences (2007) (80KB
PDF).
In addition to this, some licensees can reduce their licence
fees by reducing pollutant emissions. This applies to licences
with emissions of key pollutants above the thresholds in the fee
structure.
Many other licensees can reduce their fees by making environmental
improvements. For example:
- sewage treatment works can reduce their licence fees by reusing
wastewater instead of discharging it to inland or marine waters
- landfills can reduce their fee level by meeting certain requirements.
Refer to the factors in the environment management fee schedule
for your particular activity to see if fee reductions could
apply to you.
¹ The Licence Fee Structure
Reference Group consists of representatives from Business SA,
Engineering Employers Association of South Australia, SA Chamber
of Mines and Energy, SA Water, SA Wine Industry Association, SA
Farmers Federation, energy sector in the Port River region, Department
of Trade and Economic Development, Northern Industry Environmental
Forum, Waste Management Association, Local Government Association
and the Environmental Defenders Office representing the community.
This page was last modified 22-07-2008
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