Environment Protection Authority
Agency overview
Formed1 December 2021[1]
JurisdictionTasmania, Australia
Headquarters40 Elizabeth Street
Hobart, TAS 7000
Parent agencyTasmanian Government
Websitewww.epa.tas.gov.au

The Tasmanian Environmental Protection Authority (referred to as the EPA, stylised as EPA Tasmania) is an independent regulatory body of the Tasmanian Government responsible for the environmental protection and management in the state of Tasmania, Australia. The EPA's primary role is to independently monitor, regulate, and enforce environmental laws and regulations to ensure the protection of Tasmania's natural resources and ecosystems.

The EPA was founded as an autonomous statutory body in accordance with the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA), functioning as an essential component of Tasmania's Resource Management and Planning System (Tasmania).[2] In September 2021, it was announced that the EPA would separate from the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tasmania) into a standalone independent government body.[3]

Agency responsibilities

The EPA holds significant importance due to its independent reporting, safeguarding and managing Tasmania's natural environment.

Environmental regulation

The EPA develops and enforces environmental regulations and standards to address various aspects of environmental protection, including air and water quality, waste management, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.

Environmental monitoring

The agency monitors environmental conditions and assesses the impact of human activities on the environment. This involves conducting regular surveys, collecting data, and analyzing information to track changes in environmental quality and identify potential issues.

Robbins Island wind farm

Robbins Island, as photographed by NASA in 1999

In 2023, renewables developer ACEN Australia was forced to revise its plans for a $1.6B wind farm on Robbins Island in Tasmania's north-west following a condition imposed by the EPA which required a five-month annual shutdown due to the migration of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. The proposed 900-megawatt (1,200,000 hp) Robbins Island wind farm's turbine count was reduced from 122 to 100, with maximum height lowered from 270 metres (890 ft) to 212 metres (696 ft).[4] The wind farm is vital for Tasmania's 200% renewable energy goal by 2040 and aligns with national emission reduction targets. The project, adjacent to Jim's Plain Renewable Energy Park, intends to span Robbins Island's western section with potential battery storage. While approved by the Circular Head Council, State and Federal Governments, the wind farm proposal has faced opposition by environmental groups, including the Bob Brown Foundation over ecological concerns.[5][6]

Licensing and permits

The EPA issues permits and licenses for various activities that have the potential to impact the environment. This includes industries, businesses, and other entities that may discharge pollutants into the air or water, generate waste, or engage in activities that could harm the ecosystem.

Compliance and enforcement

The EPA ensures that individuals and organizations adhere to environmental laws and regulations. It conducts inspections, investigates complaints, and takes enforcement actions when violations are identified. These actions can range from fines and penalties to legal action, depending on the severity of the violation.

Illegal dumping of industrial waste

In 2023, the EPA began investigating the illegal disposal of controlled waste at multiple sites in the state's north and north-west. The waste likely stems from scrap metal shredding and processing, containing plastics, foam, rubber, fabrics, wood fibers, soil, metals, hydrocarbons, and chemicals. Hundreds of tonnes of this material may have been misrepresented as inert or general waste. Suspected sites include private and municipal landfills, as well as privately owned land. Chemical analysis of samples reveals cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants, classifying it as controlled waste. Despite not being soil, the EPA rates it as level 4 contaminated soil due to high contamination. Safe disposal in Tasmania is limited to the Copping C-Cell facility, with approved transporters. The EPA is notifying relevant parties about environmental risks and checking for additional waste sites.[7] Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff urged the State Government to impose more stringent permit conditions, ensuring complete adherence and strict enforcement of any violations.[8]

Public awareness and education

The EPA plays a role in raising public awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. It may engage in educational campaigns, provide resources for individuals and communities, and collaborate with stakeholders to foster environmental stewardship.

Policy development

The agency may contribute to the development of environmental policies and strategies at the state and local levels. This could involve participating in discussions, providing expert advice, and offering recommendations to government bodies.

See also

Further reading

  • Environment Protection Authority (Tas.). (2009), "electronic texts : PDF files, col. ill., ports.", Strategic plan, [Hobart, Tas.]: Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority, nla.obj-1864028430, retrieved 13 August 2023 – via Trove
  • Environment Protection Authority (Tas.). (2009), "online resource : colour illustrations, portraits.,online resource.", Annual report (Environment Protection Authority (Tas.)), Hobart, Tasmania: Environment Protection Authority, ISSN 1837-6193, nla.obj-2944563627, retrieved 13 August 2023 – via Trove

Notes

  1. ↑ "Environment Protection Authority Agency Outline". treasury.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  2. ↑ "About the EPA". epa.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  3. ↑ Jaensch, Roger (8 September 2021). "A Stronger Environment Protection Authority". premier.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  4. ↑ Vorrath, Sophie (17 July 2023). "Giant wind farm sizes down in bid to beat turbine shutdown order". Renew Economy. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  5. ↑ Powell, Meg; Briscoe, Tony (7 March 2023). "EPA appeals for and against Robbins Island wind farm puts $1.6b project further in doubt". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  6. ↑ "BBF Appeals Robbins Is Wind Farm Approval". Tasmanian Times. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  7. ↑ "EPA Investigating Illegal Waste Disposal in North and North-West". Tasmanian Times. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  8. ↑ Woodruff, Rosalie (15 June 2023). "Minister Must Act on Industrial Waste". Australian Greens. Retrieved 13 August 2023.


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