The EPA is an integral part of Tasmania's Resource Management and Planning System. Its jurisdiction includes environmental management and pollution control matters deriving from the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994.
The EPA is governed by an independent Board and Director. Both the Chairperson and Director exercise powers at arm's length from State Government and have independent statutory powers under the Act.
The EPA in Tasmania is supported by the Environment Division of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
The Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts issued a Statement of Expectation - EPA to the EPA on 1 October 2008. The Statement sets out the Minister's objectives on matters relating to the role and functions of the Authority, during the period 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2010.
The EPA responded by issuing a Statement of Intent setting out how it will meet the objectives within the Statement of Expectation.