Environment Protection Authority (Victoria)
| EPA | |
|
Environment Protection Authority logo | |
 An air monitoring station adjacent to Alphington railway station | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 July 1971 |
| Headquarters | 200 Victoria Street, Carlton, 3053 |
| Employees | 450 approx |
| Agency executives |
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| Website | www.epa.vic.gov.au |
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA)
The EPA’s role is one of both prevention and response relevant to reducing the harmful effects caused to the environment by pollution. During emergency events EPA provides expert advice to emergency services. The EPA is called on regularly to respond to pollution incidents, such as industrial spills, and natural disasters, such as bush fires or floods. During bushfire season, the EPA provides advice and forecasting on the impacts of bushfire smoke.
The EPA also monitors compliance with the Environment Protection Act. In line with current international regulatory practice, the EPA adopts a ‘risk based’ regulatory approach. This means that it allocates resources where the greatest difference can be made regarding potential harm to the environment and the likelihood of non-compliance.
EPA aspires to create a healthy environment that supports a liveable and prosperous Victoria. By effectively regulating pollution in Victoria, EPA is striving to deliver clean air, healthy waterways, safe land, and minimal disturbances from noise and odour for Victorians.
The EPA is currently under review by the state government. The Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) for the independent Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority delivered its report to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water on 31 March 2016. The Government's response is expected mid 2016.
On Monday 16 May the Government released the MAC report which makes 48 recommendations to set the EPA up for the next generation. http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-step-towards-a-modern-epa/
Lily D'Ambrosio MP is the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. She was appointed to the role on 23 May 2016 and is the minister responsible for the EPA.
EPA employs close to 450 staff, based at seven locations across Victoria. Staff include scientists, engineers, lawyer, administrators, community engagement staff, Environment Protection Officers as well as specialist investigators and prosecutors. Offices are located across Victoria at Carlton (head office), Macleod, Dandenong, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Bendigo, and Geelong.
History
Established under the Environment Protection Act 1970, EPA is the world's second oldest environmental regulatory agency.[1] It was established to address environmental problems across the state in a systematic and integrated way, bringing together a range of legislation and powers to be administered by a central authority.
References
- ↑ "Between a rock and a hard place. The story of the development of the EPA", EPA Victoria, 1996, p.13.