Environmental Protection Authority's policy framework and key documents

The Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) key documents relating to Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
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The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has adopted a policy framework that is consistent with the objectives and principles of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) (EP Act). All documents within the framework relate to the EPA’s objectives, functions and powers, as defined in the EP Act.

Environmental protection policies and associated regulations

Environmental protection policies (EPPs) are created under Part III of the EP Act and have the force of law. It is mandatory for all stakeholders to comply with EPPs and their associated regulations.

Document typeDocument link
Associated regulationsEnvironmental Protection (Goldfields Residential Areas) Sulfur Dioxide Policy and Regulations 2003

Procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Administrative Procedures outline the steps and process of undertaking EIA under Part IV of the EP Act.
The Administrative Procedures may be supplemented by a Procedures Manual, instructions, templates and forms, providing detailed guidance for each stage of the EIA process.

Document typeDocument link
Administrative procedureEnvironmental Impact Assessment Administrative Procedures (2021)
Procedures manualEnvironmental Impact Assessment (Part IV Divisions 1 and 2) Procedures Manual (2021)
Procedures manualInstructions, templates and forms – Part IV process

Environmental considerations in EIA

The Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives is the primary document for the consideration of environmental factors in EIA. The statement is supported by Environmental Factor Guidelines and Technical Guidance documents.

Document typeDocument link
Statement of Environmental Principles, Factors and ObjectivesStatement of Environmental Principles, Factors and Objectives (2023)
Environmental Factor GuidelineGreenhouse gas emissions (2003)
Environmental Factor GuidelineAir quality (2020)
Environmental Factor GuidelineLandforms (2018)
Environmental Factor GuidelineInland Waters (2018)
Environmental Factor GuidelineTerrestrial Environmental Quality (2016)
Environmental Factor GuidelineFlora and vegetation (2016)
Environmental Factor GuidelineTerrestrial fauna (2016)
Environmental Factor GuidelineSubterranean fauna (2016)
Environmental Factor GuidelineHuman health (2016)
Environmental Factor GuidelineSocial Surroundings (2016)
Technical GuidanceFlora and vegetation surveys for environmental impact assessment (2016)
Technical GuidanceTerrestrial vertebrate fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment (2020)
Technical GuidanceSampling of short range endemic invertebrate fauna (2009)
Technical GuidanceSubterranean fauna surveys for environmental impact assessment
Technical GuidanceEIA of Social Surroundings – Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Advice and reference material

This is a broad category of documents that primarily relate to the EPA’s functions outside of EIA. This includes documents which provide strategic advice, policy, standards, guidance and technical materials on the avoidance or mitigation of environmental impacts and other purposes relevant to environmental protection.

Document typeDocument link
Strategic AdviceEnvironmental and water assessments relating to mining and mining-related activities in the Fortescue Marsh management area (2013)
Strategic AdviceCumulative environmental impacts of development in the Pilbara region (2014)

Reference material

The reference material category contains reference documents related to the conduct of EPA business and government documents adopted for use in EIA.

The three categories of documents are:

Mining environmental approvals