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Introduction
The powers and duties given to the EPA by the environmental legislation we administer are significant. They include a variety of tools to ensure that all reasonable and practicable measures are taken to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment. Much of this is achieved through providing advice and guidance, partnering with other organisations, education and regulation. However, in some circumstances, we will use our enforcement powers.
Our aim is that the balanced and principled use of compliance and enforcement tools will ensure that our actions are consistent, fair and effective, and will provide assurance to the community that the EPA is working to fulfill its role of protecting the environment.
This Compliance and enforcement statement sets out the principles and policy that we will apply in relation to compliance and enforcement. The Compliance and enforcement: Regulatory options and tools (1.7 MB PDF) provides more detailed information on the tools the EPA may use to manage non-compliance and the circumstances under which the tools may be applied.
Compliance and enforcement policy
- The EPA will not ignore any criminal or negligent act by any person which threatens or damages the environment or which undermines the regulatory regime.
- The EPA will have regard to and seek to further the objects of the Environment Protection Act 1993, including taking into account social, environmental and economic factors when making regulatory decisions.
- Environmental legislation provides the EPA with a variety of regulatory tools and the ability to exercise discretion to determine which tool is appropriate for particular circumstances. The suite of enforcement tools includes criminal prosecution, and administrative and civil proceedings. The various tools may be used in conjunction with one another where necessary.
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In determining an appropriate course of action, the EPA will consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to the:
- seriousness of the contravention, for example the nature and extent of the impact, harm or potential harm to the environment or the potential to undermine the regulatory regime
- extent and speed of remediation action required
- compliance history.
Principles for compliance and enforcement decisions
The EPA’s compliance and enforcement approach is based on the foundation of firm but fair regulation. We are guided by the following five core principles:
Proportional
We will ensure that any measure taken is proportional to the risks posed to the environment and the seriousness of the offence. As far as the law allows, the EPA will take into account the circumstances of each case when considering the action we will take.
Consistent
We will be fair, equitable and apply consistent processes in all cases. We will ensure all officers are trained, and there are effective systems and operational policies in place to support them.
Transparent
We will openly share information about our decisions and actions. We will assist the regulated community to understand what is required of them and what they should expect from the EPA. We will make available information on the public register as required by the law.
Targeted
We will ensure our regulatory effort is directed primarily towards those activities that pose the greatest risks, cause the greatest environmental damage or undermine the regulatory regime.
Timely
We will work in a timely manner to manage, inform and progress without delay.
Dispute resolution
There may be circumstances where you are concerned about or dispute an EPA compliance and enforcement decision, action or order. In such cases you should, in the first instance, discuss the matter with the EPA officer involved or their supervisor.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome you may lodge a formal complaint in writing (email or post) addressed to the Chief Executive Officer.
Other avenues of appeal are available via the Environment Resources and Development Court or the State Ombudsman. Appeals through the Environment Resources and Development Court usually have associated timeframes within which the appeal must be lodged. The format of the appeal is set by the Court.
More information can be obtained from the brochure (122.9 KB PDF).
Last modified: 17/12/2012 02:32 pm
