Introduction of risk-based scheme for NSW EPLs

Holders of environment protection licences (EPLs) could see their administration fees increase in the 2016/17 financial year.

On Friday 2 May 2014, the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Amendment (Licensing Fees) Regulation 2014 (Licensing Regulation) came into effect.  The Licensing Regulation introduces a new risk-based licensing scheme that aims to encourage EPL holders to improve their environmental performance.

The risk-based licensing scheme will change the way that EPL fees are calculated and inform the level of regulatory intervention imposed on EPL holders.

Higher fees and a greater regulatory burden will be imposed on operators who have a poor environmental management history or who are carrying out operations that pose significant risks to the environment.  Fees can be reduced when steps are taken to mitigate the environmental risks caused by an operation. 

For more information and comprehensive detail on the Licensing Regulation, please visit the McCullough Robertson website.

Samantha Daly, Patrick Holland, Kate Swain