Legal obligations.
WHAT TYPICALLY APPLIES
Permits for specified activities Waste handling and disposal requirements Discharge consents Emissions limits Environmental impact assessment for certain projects Reporting
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What applies to your specific activity and location.
WHY IT VARIES
Requirements depend on sector, scale and jurisdiction.
WHO TO ASK
The environmental authority, and your industry association.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT PERMITS
Whether your activity requires one Conditions attached Renewal dates
WHY CONDITIONS MATTER
Breaching them is an offence even where the permit exists.
WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ADDRESSES
Significant projects, before they proceed.
WHAT IT TYPICALLY INVOLVES
Assessment of impacts Consultation Mitigation commitments Approval
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether your project requires it, before commencing.
WHY BEFORE
Retrospective assessment is difficult and projects are halted.
WHAT INSPECTIONS EXAMINE
Permits and conditions Waste handling and disposal evidence Discharge and emissions Storage of hazardous materials Records
WHAT COMMONLY PRODUCES FINDINGS
Waste to unauthorised destinations No documentation of disposal Improper storage Discharge without consent Conditions not met
WHAT TO MAINTAIN
Records generated continuously.
WHAT TO CALENDAR
Permit renewals and reporting deadlines.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT AN INCIDENT
Contain it Report it, where required, promptly Record everything Address the cause
WHY REPORT PROMPTLY
Delay is treated as concealment and it compounds consequences.
