About the EPA

The Board of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) came into effect in Tasmania on 1 July 2008 and is part of the State's resource management and planning system. Its establishment has recognised the strengths of the current regulatory system and the integrity of the Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS) in integrating planning and environmental decision making.

The EPA is established under section 13 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA). It commenced operation in July 2008. Board membership is specified in section 13A of EMPCA.

The EPA has a number of statutory responsibilities under the environment legislation including assessing and regulating large industry in Tasmania. Other statutory functions include the assessment of Environmental Improvement Programs, Environmental Agreements and Environmental Audits. The EPA Board may also advise the Minister on matters that may significantly affect the achievement of the objectives of the Act.

The EPA Board's predecessor was the Board of Environmental Management and Pollution Control.

The functions of the EPA are as follows:

Environmental Assessments
Environmental Agreements
Mandatory Environmental Audits
Environmental Improvement Programs

The Board is also required to produce an Annual Report on its operations for Parliament each year.