The EPA's approach to compliance and enforcement consists of integrated actions to educate, support, monitor, investigate, and enforce compliance, to continually reduce risk and improve performance and environmental outcomes.
The EPA Compliance and Enforcement Policy applies to the enforcement of the provisions of Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, subordinate legislation and other legislation administered by the EPA.
Compliance and Enforcement Policy 2022 (PDF 595Kb)
In March 2022 section 51C of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) was enacted, making it an offence to conduct a ‘level 2 activity’ without authorisation. Level 2 activities are listed in Schedule 2 of EMPCA. These activities may cause environmental harm if the environmental risks associated with them are not managed appropriately. To lawfully conduct a level 2 activity, you must apply for a planning permit from council or, if a permit is not required, you must refer the proposed activity to the EPA Board for assessment. See the below policy for more information about level 2 activities and the actions the EPA may take in response to the conduct of unauthorised activity.