An Act to protect the environment; to replace other environment protection legislation; and for other purposes.
Chapter 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.
3 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are as follows—(a) to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in New South Wales, having regard to the need to maintain ecologically sustainable development,(b) to provide increased opportunities for public involvement and participation in environment protection,(c) to ensure that the community has access to relevant and meaningful information about pollution,(d) to reduce risks to human health and prevent the degradation of the environment by the use of mechanisms that promote the following—(i) pollution prevention and cleaner production,(ii) the reduction to harmless levels of the discharge of substances likely to cause harm to the environment,(iia) the elimination of harmful wastes,(iii) the reduction in the use of materials and the re-use, recovery or recycling of materials,(iv) the making of progressive environmental improvements, including the reduction of pollution at source,(v) the monitoring and reporting of environmental quality on a regular basis,(vi) the proper environmental management of chemicals throughout their whole lifecycle,(e) to rationalise, simplify and strengthen the regulatory framework for environment protection,(f) to improve the efficiency of administration of the environment protection legislation,(g) to assist in the achievement of the objectives of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.s 3: Am 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [1] [2]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [1]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[1].
4 Definitions
Expressions used in this Act have the meanings set out in the Dictionary at the end of this Act.
5 Scheduled activities
(1) Listing of activities The activities listed in Schedule 1 are scheduled activities for the purposes of this Act.(2) Limitations If Schedule 1 so provides, a specified activity is a scheduled activity for the purposes of this Act only in specified circumstances, or only in specified areas or only under specified conditions.(3) Change in listings The regulations may amend or replace Schedule 1. The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the amendment or replacement of Schedule 1.
6 Appropriate regulatory authority
(1) EPA The EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority for the purposes of this Act, except as provided by this section.(2) Local councils and other local authorities A local authority is the appropriate regulatory authority for non-scheduled activities in its area, except in relation to—(a) the exercise of functions under Chapter 3 (Environment protection licences), or(b) premises defined in an environment protection licence as the premises to which the licence applies, and all activities carried on at those premises, or(c) activities carried on by the State or a public authority, whether at premises occupied by the State or a public authority or otherwise, or(c1) activities carried on by an authorised network operator (within the meaning of the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015) whether at premises occupied by the authorised network operator or otherwise, or(d) a matter for which a public authority (other than the local authority) is declared under subsection (3) to be the appropriate regulatory authority.(3) Public authorities declared by regulation A public authority is the appropriate regulatory authority for a matter for which it is declared to be the appropriate regulatory authority by the regulations (subject to such conditions or limitations as are specified in the regulations). The regulations under this subsection—(a) may declare a local authority to be the appropriate regulatory authority in respect of non-scheduled activities excluded under subsection (2), but(b) may not declare any public authority to be the appropriate regulatory authority for activities carried on by that public authority.(4) Limitation to local area A function conferred or imposed by or under this Act on a local authority, in its capacity as the appropriate regulatory authority or otherwise, may be exercised only in or in relation to the local authority’s area.Note—The regulations have prescribed certain authorities as the appropriate regulatory authorities for certain non-scheduled activities in certain areas. By virtue of this Act, the marine authority is given jurisdiction in connection with noise control notices and noise abatement directions relating to vessels (see sections 263 and 275).s 6: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [2]; 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [1]; 2023 No 7, Sch 1.19[1].
7 General relationship with other Acts
(1) Other Acts not affected Nothing in this Act affects any of the provisions of any other Act or any statutory rules, or takes away any powers vested in any person or body by any other Act or statutory rules.(2) This Act generally prevails However (subject to subsection (3))—(a) this Act prevails over any other Act or statutory rule to the extent of any inconsistency, and(b) a regulation made under this Act prevails over any other statutory rule to the extent of any inconsistency.(3) Marine Pollution Act 2012 prevails The provisions of, or made under, the Marine Pollution Act 2012 (except Part 8), in their application to State waters within the meaning of that Act, prevail over this Act, to the extent of any inconsistency.s 7: Am 2012 No 5, Sch 1.5 [1].
8 Notes
Notes in the text of this Act do not form part of this Act.
Chapter 2 Protection of the environment policies
Part 2.1 Introduction
9 Definitions
In this Chapter—environment protection goal means a goal—(a) that relates to desired environmental outcomes, and(b) that guides the formulation of strategies for the management of human activities that affect the environment.environment protection guideline means a guideline that gives guidance on possible means for achieving desired environmental outcomes.environment protection protocol means a protocol that relates to the process to be followed in measuring environmental characteristics to determine—(a) whether a particular standard or goal is being met or achieved, or(b) the extent of the difference between the measured characteristic of the environment and a particular standard or a particular goal.environment protection standard means a standard that consists of identifiable or quantifiable characteristics of the environment against which environmental quality can be assessed.impact statement means an impact statement prepared by the EPA relating to a draft policy.policy means a protection of the environment policy.Note—The Dictionary defines a protection of the environment policy as a protection of the environment policy made by the Governor under this Chapter and in force. The abbreviation PEPs is used in headings to refer to those policies.
10 Purpose of PEPs
Protection of the environment policies may be made for the purpose of declaring policies to be observed with respect to protecting the environment in New South Wales and, in particular, for the purpose of—(a) furthering the objectives of the EPA as set out in section 6 of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991,(b) managing the cumulative impact on that environment of existing and future human activities.
11 Contents of PEPs
(1) A policy must specify one or more of the following—(a) an environment protection goal,(b) an environment protection standard,(c) an environment protection guideline,(d) an environment protection protocol.(2) A policy containing an environment protection goal may specify a program by which that goal is to be achieved, and performance indicators by which the achievement of that goal is to be measured.(3) A policy may be made for the purpose of implementing in New South Wales a national environment protection measure.Note—National environment protection measure is defined in the Dictionary.(4) A policy may be made in respect of the following—(a) the whole or any part of the State,(b) the environment generally or any part of it,(c) any activity that may impact, or has impacted, on the environment,(d) any form of pollution,(e) any aspect of waste,(f) any kind of technology or process,(g) any kind of chemical or other substance that may impact, or has impacted, on the environment,(h) any matter in respect of which national environment protection measures may be made.
Part 2.2 Draft policies
12 Preparation of draft PEP
(1) The EPA may from time to time prepare draft policies in accordance with this Chapter.(2) The Minister may direct the EPA to prepare a draft policy about a particular matter in accordance with this Chapter. The EPA must comply with the direction.
13 General considerations in preparing draft PEP
(1) In preparing a draft policy, the EPA must take into consideration—(a) the environmental, economic and social impact of the policy, and(b) the simplicity, efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of the policy, and(c) any environmental planning instruments that the EPA considers relevant (including any such draft instruments that are publicly available and are still current), and(d) any national environment protection measures that the EPA considers relevant (including any such draft measures that are publicly available and are still current), and(e) the principles of environmental policy set out in the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment, as in force for the time being, and(f) any regional environmental differences within New South Wales.(2) The EPA may take other matters into consideration.
Part 2.3 General procedure for preparing draft policies
14 Application of Part
This Part applies to the preparation of a draft policy, except where Part 2.4 applies.
15 (Repealed)
s 15: Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [1]. Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[1].
16 EPA to prepare draft PEP and impact statement
(1) The EPA—(a) may prepare a draft of the policy, and(b) if it does so, must prepare an impact statement relating to the draft policy.(2) The impact statement is to include all of the following—(a) the desired environmental outcomes,(b) the reasons for the policy and the environmental impact of not making the policy,(c) a statement of the alternative methods of achieving the desired environmental outcomes and the reasons why those alternatives have not been adopted,(d) an identification and assessment of the economic and social impact on the community (including industry) of making the policy,(e) a statement of the manner in which any regional environmental differences in New South Wales have been addressed in the development of the policy,(f) the intended date for the making of the policy,(g) the timetable (if any) for the implementation of the policy,(h) the transitional arrangements (if any) in relation to the policy.
17 Public consultation
(1) Before making a policy, the EPA must publish a notice about the proposal to make the policy.(2) The notice must be published—(a) on the EPA’s website, and(b) if the EPA considers it necessary to publish the notice in other ways to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in a particular part of the State—in other ways the EPA is satisfied are likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in that part of the State.(3) The notice must—(a) state the objects of the proposed policy, and(b) advise where a copy of the proposed policy and impact statement may be obtained, and(c) invite submissions to the EPA on the proposed policy and impact statement within a period, not less than 3 months after the day on which the notice is published on the EPA’s website, specified in the notice.s 17: Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [2]. Subst 2024 No 20, Sch 9[2].
18 Other consultation during preparation of draft PEP
During the preparation of a draft policy, the EPA is to consult with such public authorities, organisations or persons as the Minister directs and may consult with such others as the EPA thinks appropriate.
19 EPA to consider impact statement and submissions
(1) In proceeding with a draft policy, the EPA is to take into consideration the following, in addition to the matters referred to in Part 2.2—(a) the impact statement that relates to the policy,(b) any submissions it receives that relate to the policy or to the impact statement.(2) Accordingly, the EPA may make appropriate alterations to the draft policy.
20 Submission of draft PEP to Minister
(1) Having completed all the steps required by this Part in relation to a draft policy, the EPA—(a) in the case of a draft policy that the Minister has, under Part 2.2, directed the EPA to prepare—must submit a copy of the draft policy to the Minister with a recommendation as to whether or not it be made, or(b) in the case of a draft policy that is not the subject of such a direction—may submit a copy of the draft policy to the Minister with a recommendation that it be made.(2) The copy of a draft policy submitted to the Minister under this section is to be accompanied by a report by the EPA about all relevant submissions made in accordance with this Part and any consultation undertaken by the EPA in connection with the draft policy.
Part 2.4 Special procedure for preparing draft policies
21 Application of Part
This Part applies to the preparation of a draft policy where the Minister so directs in accordance with this Part.
22 Directions
(1) Direction regarding implementation of national measure A direction can be given if the Minister is satisfied that the policy will, if made, implement a national environment protection measure.(2) Direction regarding minor amendments A direction can be given if the Minister is satisfied that the policy will, if made, amend or remake another policy in order to correct an obvious error in the other policy or to clarify the intention of the other policy.(3) Direction regarding interim policies A direction can be given if the Minister is satisfied that there are special reasons why the policy should be made without delay. The direction must set out those special reasons.Note—Part 2.6 provides that a policy the subject of such a direction may only be made for a period of 12 months or less and must include the special reasons set out in the direction. Under that Part, a further interim policy may not be made within 12 months after the expiry or repeal of an interim policy if it is the same in substance as the expired or repealed policy.(4) Consequential, machinery or minor matters A direction given under this section extends to matters dealt with in the policy that are of a consequential, machinery or minor nature (including for example the name and commencement of the policy, and transitional arrangements).(5) Revocation of direction The Minister may revoke a direction given under this section.
23 Effect of direction
A draft policy that is the subject of a direction under this Part can be prepared without the need to comply with Part 2.3.
24 Submission of draft PEP to Minister
(1) Having finalised a draft policy that is the subject of a direction under this Part, the EPA must submit a copy of the draft policy to the Minister with a recommendation as to whether or not it be made.(2) The copy of the draft policy is to be accompanied by a report by the EPA about any consultation undertaken by the EPA in connection with the draft policy and any submissions made to the EPA about the draft policy.
Part 2.5 Making policies
25 Recommendation for making PEP
After a draft policy has been submitted to the Minister under this Chapter, the Minister may recommend to the Governor the making of a policy—(a) in accordance with the draft policy as submitted, or(b) in accordance with the draft policy and such alterations as the Minister thinks fit.
26 Making of PEP
The Governor may make a policy in accordance with a recommendation under this Part.
Part 2.6 Interim policies
27 Interim PEPs
(1) A policy that is based on a draft policy that is the subject of a direction under section 22 (3) is an interim policy.(2) An interim policy must include a statement that it is the result of such a direction and must include the special reasons set out in the direction for which the direction was given.(3) An interim policy expires at the end of the period of 12 months after it is published in the Gazette, or a shorter period specified in the policy, unless it is sooner repealed.(4) An interim policy, being the same in substance as an interim policy that has expired or been repealed, may not be made within 12 months after the expiry or repeal of the earlier policy.(5) If an interim policy amends or repeals another policy, the expiry or repeal of the interim policy has the effect of restoring the other policy, as it was immediately before it was amended or repealed, as if the interim policy had not been made. The restoration of the other policy takes effect on the day that the interim policy expires or is repealed.
Part 2.7 Implementing policies
28 Implementing PEPs—action under this Act and other environment protection legislation
Any relevant policies must be taken into consideration—(a) by the EPA or other regulatory authority when making a decision under Chapter 3 on whether to issue a licence or when making a decision under that Chapter about a licence, and(b) by the EPA or other regulatory authority when making a decision under Chapter 4 on whether to issue an environment protection notice or when making a decision under that Chapter about such a notice, and(c) by the EPA when making a decision under Part 9.1 on whether to grant an exemption or when making a decision under that Part about an exemption, and(d) by the EPA when exercising any other licensing or regulatory environment protection function under the environment protection legislation.
29 Implementing PEPs—action under Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Any relevant policies must be taken into consideration—(a) by a local council when preparing a local environmental plan or development control plan under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and(b) by the Secretary of the Department in which the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is administered when preparing a regional environmental plan under that Act, and(c) by the Minister administering that Act when making a local environmental plan or regional environmental plan under that Act, when recommending the making of a State environmental planning policy under that Act or when giving directions under section 9.1 of that Act, and(d) by a consent authority when determining a development application under that Act, and(e) by a determining authority when consideration is being given under Part 5 of that Act to the likely impact of an activity on the environment, and(f) by the Minister administering that Act when approving under Division 4 of Part 5 of that Act the carrying out of an activity.s 29: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[1] [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[3].
30 Implementing PEPs—action by public authorities
(1) A policy must be taken into consideration by a public authority when exercising statutory or other functions, if the public authority is required to do so by that or another policy.(2) Such a requirement can be made as regards—(a) a specified public authority, or a specified class of public authorities, or public authorities generally, and(b) a specified function, or a specified class of functions, or functions generally.(3) This section does not limit the other provisions of this Part.
31 Discretions and functions of public authorities
(1) This Part does not operate to exclude a statutory discretion of a public authority, but the public authority must take the policy into consideration.(2) This Part does not operate to authorise any action by a public authority that is inconsistent with any statutory or other legal obligation of the public authority.
32 Definition of “public authority”
In this Part, includes a Minister (including the Minister administering this Act or any portion of it), and also includes the EPA.
Part 2.8 Miscellaneous
33 Amendment or repeal of PEPs
(1) A policy may be amended or repealed by another policy prepared and made in accordance with the relevant procedures set out in this Chapter.(2) Section 30 of the Interpretation Act 1987 applies to a policy in the same way as it applies to a statutory rule.
34 Publication and commencement of PEPs
(1) A policy—(a) is to be published in the Gazette, and(b) takes effect on the day on which it is so published or, if a later day is specified in the policy for that purpose, on the later day so specified.(2) Neither the whole nor any part of a policy is invalid merely because (without statutory authority) the policy is published in the Gazette after the day on which one or more of its provisions is or are expressed to take effect. In that case, that or those provisions take effect from the day the policy is published in the Gazette, instead of from the earlier day.
35 Machinery matters for which PEPs may make provision
A policy may do any one or more of the following—(a) apply generally or be limited in its application by reference to specified exceptions or factors,(b) apply differently according to different factors of a specified kind,(c) authorise any matter or thing to be determined according to the discretion of the EPA or any other person,(d) refer to or incorporate, with or without modification, a standard or other document prepared or published by a body specified in the policy, as in force at a particular time or from time to time.
36 PEPs not to create offences
A policy may not create an offence for a contravention of the policy.
37 Judicial notice and validity of PEPs
(1) Judicial notice is to be taken of a policy and of the date of its publication in the Gazette.(2) It is to be presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that all conditions precedent and preliminary steps necessary to the making of a policy under this Act have been complied with and performed.(3) The validity of a policy may not be questioned in any legal proceedings except those commenced in the Land and Environment Court by any person within 3 months after the date of its publication in the Gazette.
38 Failure to comply with procedural requirements
If—(a) there has been a failure to comply with a particular procedural requirement of this Act in preparing or making a policy, butthe failure does not invalidate the policy.(b) despite that failure there has been substantial compliance with the procedural requirements of this Act for preparing and making the policy,
39 Copies of PEPs to be available to public
(1) A copy of every policy is to be available for public inspection, without charge, at the principal office of the EPA during ordinary office hours.(2) A copy of every policy is to be available for purchase from the EPA.(3) Failure to comply with any provision of this section does not affect the validity or operation of a policy.
40 Abandonment of draft PEP
(1) Subject to any directions of the Minister, the EPA may decide at any time not to proceed with a draft policy.(2) The Minister may decline to recommend the making of a policy submitted to the Minister under this Chapter.
41 Subordinate Legislation Act 1989 does not apply to PEPs
A policy is not a statutory rule for the purposes of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
Chapter 3 Environment protection licences
Part 3.1 Introduction
42 Environment protection licences
Environment protection licences may be issued and otherwise dealt with in accordance with this Chapter.
43 Types of licences
Environment protection licences may be issued for the following purposes—(a) to authorise the carrying out of scheduled development work at any premises, as required under section 47,(b) to authorise the carrying out of scheduled activities at any premises, as required under section 48,(c) to authorise the carrying out of scheduled activities not related to premises, as required under section 49,(d) to control the carrying out of non-scheduled activities for the purpose of regulating water pollution resulting from any such activity, as referred to in section 122.Note—Scheduled activities for which a licence is required are set out in Schedule 1. Scheduled development work for which a licence is required is defined in section 47 (being generally work on premises, at which scheduled activities are not carried on, that is designed to enable scheduled activities to be carried on at the premises). This Act permits (but does not require) a licence to be issued for a non-scheduled activity—compliance with the conditions of the licence provides a defence to the offence of polluting waters under section 120.
44 Integration of licensing
(1) Licences may be issued or varied so as to cover either or both scheduled development work or scheduled activities.(2) Licences with respect to scheduled development work or scheduled activities may regulate all forms of pollution (including water pollution) resulting from that work or those activities.(3) Licences with respect to non-scheduled activities may also regulate any form of pollution in addition to water pollution resulting from those activities.(4) Licences authorising or controlling an activity carried on at any premises may also regulate pollution resulting from any other activity carried on at the premises to which the licence applies.
45 Matters to be taken into consideration in licensing functions
In exercising its functions under this Chapter, the appropriate regulatory authority is required to take into consideration such of the following matters as are of relevance—(a) any protection of the environment policies,(b) the objectives of the EPA as referred to in section 6 of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991,(c) the pollution caused or likely to be caused by the carrying out of the activity or work concerned and the likely impact of that pollution on the environment,(d) the practical measures that could be taken—(i) to prevent, control, abate or mitigate that pollution, and(ii) to protect the environment from harm as a result of that pollution,(e) any relevant green offset scheme, green offset works or tradeable emission scheme or other scheme involving economic measures, as referred to in Part 9.3,(f) whether the person concerned is a fit and proper person,Note—See section 83 for provisions relating to the determination of whether a person is a fit and proper person for the purposes of this section.(f1) in relation to an activity or work that causes, is likely to cause or has caused water pollution—(i) the environmental values of water affected by the activity or work, and(ii) the practical measures that could be taken to restore or maintain those environmental values,(g) in connection with a licence application relating to the control of the carrying out of non-scheduled activities for the purpose of regulating water pollution—whether the applicant is the appropriate person to hold the licence having regard to the role of the applicant in connection with the carrying out of those activities,(h) in connection with a licence application—any documents accompanying the application,(i) in connection with a licence application—any relevant environmental impact statement, or other statement of environmental effects, prepared or obtained by the applicant under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,(j) in connection with a licence application—any relevant species impact statement prepared or obtained by the applicant under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 or Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act 1994,(k) in connection with a licence application, any waste strategy in force under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001,(l) in connection with a licence application—(i) any public submission in relation to the licence application received by the appropriate regulatory authority under this Act, and(ii) any public submission that has been made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, in connection with the activity to which the licence application relates, and that has been received by the appropriate regulatory authority,(m) if the appropriate regulatory authority is not the EPA—any guidelines issued by the EPA to the authority relating to the exercise of functions under this Chapter.s 45: Am 1998 No 120, Sch 1.35 [1]; 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [3]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [3]–[5]; 2018 No 25, Sch 1.19 [1] [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[4].
46 Operation of this Chapter
This Chapter has effect in addition to and does not derogate from the requirements of any other Act, except as expressly provided in this or any other Act.
Part 3.2 Licences required for scheduled development work and scheduled activities
47 Licensing requirement—scheduled development work
(1) Offence A person who is the occupier of any premises at which scheduled development work is carried out is guilty of an offence unless the person is, at the time that work is carried out, the holder of a licence that authorises that work to be carried out at those premises.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.(2) Provisions relating to offences In proceedings for an offence arising under this section—(a) it is not necessary that it be established that the offence was committed on a particular day or on particular days, provided it is established that the offence was committed during a particular period, and(b) it is immaterial whether or not the work referred to in subsection (1) was or is completed.(3) Meaning of scheduled development work In this Act—scheduled development work means work at any premises at which scheduled activities are not carried on that is designed to enable scheduled activities to be carried on at the premises. However, scheduled development work—(a) also includes anything that is specified by the regulations as scheduled development work for the purposes of this Act, but(b) does not (despite the above) include anything that is specified by the regulations as not being scheduled development work for the purposes of this Act.s 47: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [6]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [1]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
48 Licensing requirement—scheduled activities (premises-based)
(1) Application of section This section applies to scheduled activities where Schedule 1 indicates that a licence is required for premises at which the activity is carried on.(2) Offence A person who is the occupier of any premises at which any such scheduled activity is carried on is guilty of an offence, unless the person is, at the time that activity is carried on, the holder of a licence that authorises that activity to be carried on at those premises.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (2) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 48: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [7]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
49 Licensing requirement—scheduled activities (not premises-based)
(1) Application of section This section applies to scheduled activities where Schedule 1 indicates that a licence is required to carry on the activity, but not for the premises at which the activity is carried on.(2) Offence A person who carries on any such scheduled activity is guilty of an offence, unless the person is, at the time that activity is carried on, the holder of a licence that authorises that activity to be carried on.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (2) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(3) Exception A person engaged in carrying on an activity by the holder of a licence that authorises that activity is not required to hold a licence for that activity.s 49: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [3]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
50 Timing of licensing of development requiring consent under EP&A Act
(1) Licensing of development controlled under EP&A Act This section applies to development that cannot be carried out without development consent under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This development is called controlled development in this section.(2) Licence to be concurrent A licence that relates to controlled development must not be granted or varied (other than on the initiative of the EPA) by the appropriate regulatory authority, unless development consent has been granted for the controlled development. However, this section does not prevent the consideration of a licence application by the appropriate regulatory authority before development consent is granted.(3) Existing use Without limiting the above, this section does not apply to the extent that development consent is not necessary under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 because of an existing use.(4) Definitions In this section—development has the same meaning as in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.development consent means consent under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and includes approval to carry out a project or infrastructure under Part 3A or Division 5.2 of that Act.existing use has the same meaning as in Division 4.11 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.s 50: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [9] [10]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.22 [1] [2]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[3] [4].
51 Integrated development
(1) The issue of a licence in relation to integrated development within the meaning of section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is subject to Division 4.8 of that Act.(2) A decision by the appropriate regulatory authority on whether it will issue a licence, or on the general terms of a licence it proposes to issue, in relation to integrated development is subject to the provisions of this Chapter (including section 45).(3) A person to whom such a licence is issued after the commencement of this section cannot question the validity of the licence on the ground of failure to comply with any relevant provisions of that Act in any legal proceedings except those commenced in the Land and Environment Court by the person before the end of the period within which an appeal under section 287 can be lodged against the decision to issue the licence.s 51: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 1.14 [1]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[5] [6].
52 Commencement of licensing requirements
(1) If, because of the enactment or the amendment or replacement of Schedule 1, it would become necessary for a person to be authorised by a licence to continue to carry out any work or activity, a licence is not required until the later of the following—(a) the end of the prescribed period after the commencement of Schedule 1 or of the amendment or replacement,(b) the relevant licence application (if any) made before the end of that period by the person has been finally determined.(2) The regulations may make provision excluding the issue of the licence from the application of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(3) This section does not apply to any work or activity for which a licence or approval was required, under an Act repealed by this Act, immediately before its repeal.Note—Schedule 5 makes provision for licences under an Act repealed by this Act to be taken to be licences issued under this Act.
Part 3.3 Issue, transfer and variation of licences
53 Application for issue of licence
(1) An application may be made to the appropriate regulatory authority for the issue of a licence.(2) The application must—(a) be made in or to the effect of a form approved by the appropriate regulatory authority, and(b) contain or be accompanied by such information as is required by the appropriate regulatory authority (as indicated in the form or in material accompanying the form), and(c) be accompanied by the fee prescribed by the regulations.s 53: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[7].
54 Application for transfer of licence
(1) An application may be made to the appropriate regulatory authority for the transfer of a licence to another person.Note—Section 59 requires the application to be made only with the consent in writing of the holder of the licence.(2) The application must—(a) be made in or to the effect of a form approved by the appropriate regulatory authority, and(b) contain or be accompanied by such information as is required by the appropriate regulatory authority (as indicated in the form or in material accompanying the form), and(c) be accompanied by the fee prescribed by the regulations.s 54: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[8].
55 Grant or refusal of application
(1) The appropriate regulatory authority may—(a) in relation to an application for the issue of a licence—(i) grant the application by issuing the licence, or(ii) refuse the application, and(b) in relation to an application for the transfer of a licence—(i) grant the application by transferring the licence, or(ii) refuse the application.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority must not refuse the application unless before doing so—(a) it has given notice to the applicant that it intends to do so, and(b) it has specified in that notice the reasons for its intention to do so, and(c) it has given the applicant a reasonable opportunity to make submissions in relation to the matter, and(d) it has taken into consideration any such submissions by the applicant.(3) If the appropriate regulatory authority grants an application for the transfer of a licence, the licence is, subject to any variation of the conditions of the licence under section 58(4), transferred subject to the conditions to which the licence is subject at the time of the transfer.Note—Section 287 enables appeals to be made in connection with licence applications within a specified period after the person is given notice of the decision concerned. The section provides that the person may appeal if the licence application is not determined within 60 days, and for the purposes of the appeal the licence application is taken to have been refused.s 55: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[9]–[11].
56 Premises to which licence applies
(1) A licence is to specify the premises to which it applies.(2) The premises so specified are to be the whole of the premises at which the activities authorised or controlled by the licence (and ancillary activities) are carried on.(3) Premises may be so specified whether or not they comprise a single allotment of land.(4) This section does not apply to a licence required under section 49 that is not related to premises.
57 Licence fees
(1) The holder of a licence must in each year pay to the appropriate regulatory authority, before the date prescribed by the regulations for the purpose, annual licence fees prescribed by or determined under the regulations.(2) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the payment of annual licence fees by instalments.(3) If an annual licence fee is to be determined by the appropriate regulatory authority under the regulations, the appropriate regulatory authority must, not less than one month before the date prescribed for payment of the fee, notify the holder of the licence of the fee so determined.(4) If the holder of a licence fails to pay an annual licence fee in accordance with this section, the appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing, require the holder to make good the default and, in addition, to pay to the appropriate regulatory authority in accordance with the notice an additional amount prescribed as a penalty for default.(5) If a fee or other amount due and payable under this Act or the regulations in relation to a licence is unpaid, the appropriate regulatory authority—(a) may recover the fee or other amount from the current holder of the licence (or the last holder of the licence if the licence has ceased to be in force), oras a debt.(b) may recover that part of the fee or other amount that relates to a period for which an earlier holder of the licence held the licence from that earlier holder,(6) This section does not apply to licences of a prescribed class or description.(7) Nothing in this section precludes the regulations from requiring payment of the first or other specified licence fee in respect of a shorter or longer period than 12 months. In that case, a reference in this Act to an annual fee is to be construed accordingly.Note—Schedule 2 contains regulation-making powers with respect to the amount of fees, including provision relating to the scheme known as “load-based licensing”.s 57: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [1]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [11].
58 Variation of licences
(1) The appropriate regulatory authority may vary a licence, including the conditions of the licence.(2) A variation includes the following—(a) attaching a condition to a licence, whether or not conditions are already attached to the licence,(b) substituting, omitting or amending a condition of a licence.(3) A licence may be varied—(a) on application and payment of the fee prescribed by the regulations by the holder of the licence, or(b) on the initiative of the appropriate regulatory authority.(3A) The regulations may also provide for the waiver or refund of the fee in the circumstances prescribed by the regulations.(4) A licence may be varied at any time during its currency, including on its being transferred to another person.(5) A licence is varied by notice in writing given to the holder of the licence.(6) If—(a) the variation of a licence will authorise a significant increase in the environmental impact of the activity authorised or controlled by the licence, andthe appropriate regulatory authority is to invite and consider public submissions before it varies the licence.(b) the proposed variation has not, for any reason, been the subject of environmental assessment and public consultation under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,s 58: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[12] [13]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[9].
59 Restrictions on making applications
(1) An application for the issue of a licence that relates to premises may be made only by or with the consent in writing of the occupier of the premises.(2) An application for the variation of a licence may be made only by or with the consent in writing of the holder of the licence.(3) An application for the transfer of a licence may be made only with the consent in writing of the holder of the licence.
60 Requirement for further information
(1) If a licence application has been made, the appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing given to the applicant, require the applicant to supply to the appropriate regulatory authority such further information as the appropriate regulatory authority considers necessary and relevant to the application and specifies in the notice.(2) In this section—information includes plans and specifications.s 60: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [1]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [12].
61 Reasons to be given for grant or refusal of certain licence applications
(1) If a licence application (other than an application for the approval of the surrender of a licence) is granted or refused, any person may make a written request to the appropriate regulatory authority for the reasons for the grant or refusal of the application and the appropriate regulatory authority is to provide a written statement of the reasons to the person.(2) The regulations may make provision with respect to any such statement of reasons, including—(a) the time within which a request for reasons must be made or within which the statement of reasons must be provided, and(b) the matters to be set out in a statement of reasons, and(c) the cases in which a statement of reasons is not required to be provided.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), a statement of reasons is not required to be provided to a person if the person has already been notified of the reasons under section 55.s 61: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [2].
62 Copyright
On an application being made under this Chapter, the applicant, if not entitled to copyright, is taken to have indemnified all persons using the application and supporting documents in accordance with this Act, against any claim or action in respect of breach of copyright.Note—Schedule 2 enables regulations to be made with respect to the amendment or variation of applications under this Chapter.
Part 3.4 Licence conditions
63 Conditions
(1) A licence may be issued subject to conditions or unconditionally.Note—Section 58 deals with the variation of a licence so as to attach, substitute, omit or amend conditions.(2) A condition cannot be attached to a licence if compliance with the condition would result in a breach of a requirement made by or under this Act.(3) If the holder of a licence cannot meet any requirement made by or under this Act without contravening a condition of the licence, the holder is, by meeting the requirement, taken to comply with the condition.
64 Failure to comply with condition
(1) Offence If any condition of a licence is contravened by any person, each holder of the licence is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) Defence The holder of a licence is not guilty of an offence against this section if the holder establishes that—(a) the contravention of the condition was caused by another person, and(b) that other person was not associated with the holder at the time the condition was contravened, and(c) the holder took all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention of the condition.A person is associated with the holder for the purposes of paragraph (b) (but without limiting any other circumstances of association) if the person is an employee, agent, licensee, contractor or sub-contractor of the holder.(3) This section extends to conditions to which the suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence is subject under section 81, including a condition varied under section 81A.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), a reference to the holder of the licence includes a reference to—(a) the former holder of the licence, and(b) another person required to comply with the condition or to whom the condition applies.s 64: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [13]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [4]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[14]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
Part 3.5 Particular licence conditions
65 Part not exclusive
This Part contains examples of conditions that can be attached to a licence. Accordingly, nothing in this Part prevents other conditions being attached to a licence.
66 Conditions requiring monitoring, certification or provision of information, and related offences
(1) Monitoring The conditions of a licence may require—(a) monitoring by the holder of the licence of the activity or work authorised, required or controlled by the licence, including with respect to—(i) the operation or maintenance of premises or plant, and(ii) discharges from premises, and(iii) relevant ambient conditions prevailing on or outside premises, and(iv) anything required by the conditions of the licence, and(b) the provision and maintenance of appropriate measuring and recording devices for the purposes of that monitoring, and(c) the analysis, reporting and retention of monitoring data.(2) False or misleading information A holder of a licence who supplies information, or on whose behalf information is supplied, to the appropriate regulatory authority under the conditions of the licence is guilty of an offence if the information is false or misleading in a material respect.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.(2A) Conditions relating to certain information The conditions of a licence may require the holder of a licence to supply to the appropriate regulatory authority information relating to a pollution incident to which Part 5.7 applies in addition to the information required under that Part.(3) Certification The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to supply to the appropriate regulatory authority a statement that is certified by the holder, by another person approved by that authority or by a person prescribed by the regulations, as correct and that states all or any of the following—(a) the extent to which the conditions of the licence, or any provisions of the regulations applicable to the activity or work authorised, required or controlled by the licence, have or have not been complied with,(b) particulars of any failure to comply with the conditions or any such regulations,(c) the reasons for any failure to comply with the conditions or any such regulations,(d) any action taken, or to be taken, to prevent any recurrence of that failure or to mitigate the effects of that failure,(e) the fee paid or payable in relation to the licence (including the manner of calculation of the fee or other specified aspect of the fee).(4) False or misleading certificates A person who gives a certificate for the purposes of a condition referred to in this section is guilty of an offence if any of the statements certified is false or misleading in a material respect.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$1,000,000, or(b) for an individual—$500,000.(5) Use of information or statements Any information or statements supplied to the appropriate regulatory authority for the purposes of a condition referred to in this section may be taken into consideration by that authority and used for the purposes of this Act. Without limiting the above, any such information and statements are admissible in evidence in any prosecution of the holder of the licence for any offence against this Act or the regulations, whether or not the information or statements might incriminate that holder.(6) Publication of results of monitoring The holder of a licence subject to a condition referred to in subsection (1) (a) must, within 14 days of obtaining monitoring data as referred to in that subsection—(a) if the holder maintains a website that relates to the business or activity the subject of the licence—make any of the monitoring data that relates to pollution, and the licensee’s name, publicly and prominently available on that website in accordance with any requirements issued in writing by the EPA, or(b) if the holder does not maintain such a website—provide a copy of any of the monitoring data that relates to pollution, to any person who requests a copy of the data, at no charge and in accordance with any requirements issued in writing by the EPA.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$20,000, or(b) for an individual—$10,000.(7) False or misleading publication of results A person who makes available or provides monitoring data in accordance with subsection (6) is guilty of an offence if the monitoring data is false or misleading in a material respect.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$20,000, or(b) for an individual—$10,000.Note—An offence against subsection (2) or (4) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 66: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [3]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [14]–[18]; 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [1]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [5]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[15]–[17]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7] [10].
67 Conditions for mandatory environmental audits
The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to comply with the requirements of a mandatory environmental audit program, in accordance with Chapter 6.
68 Conditions requiring pollution studies and reduction programs
(1) The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to undertake and submit to the appropriate regulatory authority studies into any aspect of the environmental impact of the activity or work authorised or controlled by the licence.(2) The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence—(a) to develop and submit to the appropriate regulatory authority a pollution reduction program and to comply with the program as approved by the appropriate regulatory authority, or(b) to comply with a pollution reduction program determined by the appropriate regulatory authority.(3) A pollution reduction program may include but is not limited to requirements to carry out works or to install plant for the purpose of preventing, controlling, abating or mitigating pollution.(4) The appropriate regulatory authority may approve a pollution reduction program with or without alterations.
69 Conditions relating to schemes for economic measures and environmental monitoring programs
The conditions of a licence may implement or otherwise relate to—(a) tradeable emission schemes, or(b) green offset schemes or works, or(c) other schemes involving economic measures, oras referred to in Part 9.3, 9.3A, 9.3B or 9.3C.(d) environmental monitoring programs,Note—Conditions relating to tradeable emission schemes or green offset schemes or works may also be attached to licences by the regulations (see Parts 9.3A and 9.3B).s 69: Am 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [1]. Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [19]. Am 2010 (85), Sch 1 [1] [2].
69A Chapter extends to licence conditions relating to chemicals
This chapter extends to the exercise of a function relating to licence conditions under Part 9.3E.s 69A: Am 2024 No 10, Sch 1[2].
70 Conditions for financial assurances
The conditions of a licence, including the conditions of the suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence, may require the holder or former holder of the licence to provide financial assurances, as provided by Part 9.4.s 70: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [20].
71 Conditions for remediation work on premises
The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to carry out remediation work in connection with the carrying out of the activities or works authorised or controlled by the licence.
72 Conditions for insurance cover
The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to take out and maintain a policy of insurance for the payment of costs for clean-up action, and for claims for compensation or damages, resulting from pollution in connection with the activity or work authorised or controlled by the licence.
73 Conditions to take effect later
(1) The conditions of a licence may provide that an authorisation conferred by the licence or a variation of the licence is not to take effect until the end of a specified period or on the happening of a particular event or on the occurrence of a specified state of affairs.(2) Without limiting the generality of the above, the conditions may provide that an authorisation or variation will not take effect until a financial assurance is provided in accordance with the condition.(3) This section is subject to section 84 (Date from which decision operates).
74 Conditions for positive covenants
The conditions of a licence may require the holder to enter into or arrange for a positive covenant under section 88E of the Conveyancing Act 1919, and to arrange for its registration, for the purpose of ensuring that specified requirements of a condition run with the land concerned.
75 Conditions relating to waste
(1) Information about waste The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to provide to the appropriate regulatory authority information relating to the creation, collection, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, processing, recovery, recycling, re-use or disposal of waste.(2) Environmental waste management plan The conditions of a licence may require the holder of the licence to prepare, and comply with, an environmental waste management plan. Such a plan is to set out the manner in which the holder proposes to carry out the activity or work authorised or controlled by the licence in order to achieve the required environmental outcomes, and may include a closure plan as referred to in section 76.Note—A draft plan may be required to accompany a licence application—see section 53.(3) (Repealed)(4) Waste received at premises The conditions of a licence may include the following—(a) conditions relating to the storage, handling or disposal of waste received at the premises to which the licence applies,(b) conditions requiring the holder of the licence to take only certain classes and quantities of waste at those premises, or requiring the holder to refuse to accept certain classes and quantities of waste at those premises,(c) conditions requiring the holder of the licence to provide incentives to encourage separation of waste delivered to those premises.(5) Other waste matters The conditions of a licence may include the following—(a) conditions relating to the storage, handling, treatment and processing of waste,(b) conditions imposing responsibility on the holder of the licence for the proper disposal of waste transported from the premises to which the licence applies,(c) conditions requiring the holder of the licence to report to the appropriate regulatory authority on any matters concerning waste transported from those premises,(d) conditions requiring the holder of the licence to implement a re-use, recovery, recycling or take-back and utilisation scheme in respect of any product or item manufactured or sold by the holder that creates waste.(6) Transporting waste The conditions of a licence may include the following—(a) conditions relating to the construction, maintenance and cleaning of any container, vehicle or vessel used by the holder of the licence to transport waste,(b) conditions relating to the times during which, the routes along which, and the waste facilities to which, waste may be transported by the holder of the licence,(c) conditions imposing responsibility on the holder of the licence for the proper handling and disposal of waste transported by the holder.s 75: Am 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [4]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [21]–[23].
76 Post-closure requirements for waste facilities or other licensed premises
(1) The conditions of a licence, including the conditions of the suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence, may require—(a) the holder of the licence to submit to the appropriate regulatory authority a closure plan in relation to the premises to which the licence applies or applied, and(b) the last licensee to implement a closure plan approved by the appropriate regulatory authority.(2) A closure plan in relation to premises that is required to be submitted to an appropriate regulatory authority under the conditions of a licence must—(a) specify the steps taken (or to be taken) in closing, stabilising or rehabilitating the premises and the time-frame for doing so, and(b) provide for a post-closure monitoring and maintenance program, and(c) identify any proposed future uses of the premises, and(d) comply with any other specified requirements relating to the plan.(3) The appropriate regulatory authority may approve the closure plan as submitted to it, or may vary the plan before approving it.(4) In this section—last licensee means the person who was the holder of a licence for any premises immediately before the licence ceased to be in force.s 76: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [24].
Part 3.6 Duration and review of licences
77 Duration of licence
(1) Once a licence comes into force, the licence remains in force until it is suspended, revoked or surrendered.(2) The licence is, while it remains in force, subject to any variations made to the licence under this Act.
78 Review of licences
(1) The appropriate regulatory authority is required to review each licence at intervals not exceeding 5 years after the issue of the licence.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority must give public notice of the licences that are to be reviewed as follows—(a) not less than 1 month, and not more than 6 months, before the review is undertaken, a notice of the review of each licence is to be published on the website of the EPA,(b) (Repealed)(c) the notice is to specify the activity or work to which the licence relates and the address of the premises (if any) at which it is carried out.(3) Any failure by the EPA to comply with the requirements of this section to review a licence is to be reported by the EPA to the Board of the EPA, and in the annual report of the EPA, together with a statement of reasons for the failure.(4) Any failure by a regulatory authority (other than the EPA) to comply with the requirements of this section to review a licence is to be reported to the EPA by that authority.(4A) The EPA must audit, on an industry wide or regional basis, compliance with licence requirements under this Act and whether such requirements reflect best practice in relation to the matters regulated by the licences.(5) Any failure to comply with the requirements of this section cannot be the subject of proceedings under this Act.s 78: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [25] [26]; 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [3].
Part 3.7 Suspension, revocation and surrender of licences
79 Suspension or revocation of licence by appropriate regulatory authority
(1) The appropriate regulatory authority may suspend or revoke a licence during its currency.(2) A suspension or revocation of a licence is effected by notice in writing given to the holder of the licence.(3) A suspension may be for a specified period, or until the fulfilment of specified conditions, or until further order of the appropriate regulatory authority.(3A) A licence may be revoked during the currency of a suspension.(4) The appropriate regulatory authority is not required to give the holder of a licence notice of the authority’s intention to suspend or revoke the licence (whether with or without conditions imposed under section 81) before giving a notice under subsection (2).(5) The reasons for suspending or revoking a licence may include (but are not limited to) the following—(a) the holder of the licence has obtained the licence improperly,(a1) the holder of the licence has contravened this Act or regulations made under this Act,(b) a condition of the licence has been contravened,(c) the scheduled development work to which the licence relates has not been commenced or completed and the appropriate regulatory authority is of the opinion that it is no longer appropriate that the work be carried out or completed,(d) the activities covered by the licence are completed or no longer being carried on,(e) the holder has failed to pay the annual licence fee by the due date for its payment,(e1) the holder is liable to pay a contribution in respect of waste under section 88 and has failed to pay the contribution by the due date for its payment,(f) in the opinion of the appropriate regulatory authority, the holder of the licence is no longer a fit and proper person.Note—See section 83 for provisions relating to the determination of whether a person is a fit and proper person for the purposes of this section.(6) No fees are refundable on the suspension or revocation of a licence.s 79: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [2]; 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [1]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [27] [28]; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [1]; 2018 No 25, Sch 1.19 [1] [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[11].
80 Surrender of licence
(1) A licence may, on the written application of the holder of the licence, be surrendered with the written approval of the appropriate regulatory authority.(1A) If an application for approval of the surrender of a licence has been made, the appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing given to the applicant, require the applicant to supply to the appropriate regulatory authority such further information as the appropriate regulatory authority considers necessary and relevant to the application and specifies in the notice.(1B) Without limiting the grounds for refusal, an appropriate regulatory authority may refuse an application for surrender of a licence relating to a scheduled activity if it is of the opinion that—(a) there will be an ongoing environmental impact arising from the activity after the activity ceases to be carried on, and(b) it is appropriate to manage that impact through conditions of the licence.(2) If an application for the approval of the surrender of a licence is granted or refused, any person may make a written request to the appropriate regulatory authority for the reasons for the grant or refusal of the application and the appropriate regulatory authority is to provide a written statement of the reasons to the person.(2A) The regulations may make provision with respect to any such statement of reasons, including—(a) the time within which a request for reasons must be made or within which the statement of reasons must be provided, and(b) the matters to be set out in a statement of reasons, and(c) the cases in which a statement of reasons is not required to be provided.(3) (Repealed)s 80: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [3] [4]; 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [4]; 2004 No 55, Sch 1.20 [1]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [29].
81 Conditions of suspension, revocation or surrender
(1) A licence may be suspended or revoked, or the surrender of a licence may be approved, unconditionally or subject to such conditions as the appropriate regulatory authority imposes.(2) Those conditions may include (but are not limited to) any conditions to which the licence was subject immediately before it was suspended, revoked or surrendered.(3) The appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing given to the former holder of the licence, attach new conditions to, or vary or revoke any existing conditions of, the suspension, revocation or surrender of the licence.Note—Section 64 makes it an offence to breach conditions under this section.
81A Variation of conditions of suspension, revocation or surrender to require other persons to carry out works, programs or activities
(1) This section applies if a condition of the suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence requires the holder, or former holder, of the licence to do any of the following—(a) carry out work or programs, including remediation work or pollution reduction programs,(b) provide a financial assurance under Part 9.4,(c) otherwise do an activity or thing.(2) A person other than the holder, or former holder, of the licence may apply to the appropriate regulatory authority to vary the condition to require the person, instead of or in addition to the holder, or former holder, of the licence to do any of the following—(a) carry out the work or programs,(b) provide the financial assurance,(c) do the activity or thing.(3) The application must be made with the written consent of the holder, or former holder, of the licence unless it is not reasonably practicable to obtain the consent of the holder, or former holder, of the licence.(4) The application must—(a) be made in the form approved by the appropriate regulatory authority, and(b) include or be accompanied by the information indicated in the form, or in material accompanying the form, as being required by the appropriate regulatory authority, and(c) be accompanied by the fee prescribed by the regulations.s 81A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[18].
82 Minister may suspend or revoke licence if holder convicted of major pollution offence
(1) If the holder of a licence is convicted of a major pollution offence, the Minister may, by notice in writing given to the holder—(a) revoke the licence, or(b) suspend the licence for such period as the Minister thinks fit.(2) In this section—major pollution offence means an offence the commission of which has caused or is likely to cause harm to the environment, being an offence punishable by a fine of $1,000,000 or more (in the case of a corporation) or $250,000 or more (in the case of an individual).s 82: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [30].
Part 3.8 Miscellaneous
83 Fit and proper persons
(1) This section has effect in determining whether a person is a fit and proper person for section 45(f), 79(5)(f) or 253B(1)(a) but does not limit the section.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority may take into consideration any or all of the following—(a) whether the person has—(i) contravened environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation, or(ii) held a licence or other authority that has been suspended or revoked under environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation,(b) if the person is a corporation—whether a director or former director of the corporation or a related body corporate has—(i) contravened environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation, or(ii) held a licence or other authority that has been suspended or revoked under environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation,(c) if the person is a corporation—whether a director or former director of the corporation or a related body corporate is or has been the director of another corporation that has—(i) contravened environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation, or(ii) held a licence or other authority that has been suspended or revoked under environment protection legislation or other relevant legislation,(d) the person’s record of compliance with environment protection legislation,(e) if the person is a corporation—the record of compliance with environment protection legislation of each director or former director of the corporation or a related body corporate,(f) whether, in the appropriate regulatory authority’s opinion, the management of the activities or works that are or are to be authorised, required or regulated under the relevant licence will or will not be in the hands of a technically competent person,(g) whether, in the appropriate regulatory authority’s opinion, the person is of good repute, having regard to character, honesty and integrity,(h) if the person is a corporation—whether each director and former director of the corporation or a related body corporate is, in the appropriate regulatory authority’s opinion, of good repute, having regard to character, honesty and integrity,(i) whether the person, in the previous 10 years, has been convicted in New South Wales or elsewhere of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty,(j) if the person is a corporation—whether a director or former director of the corporation or a related body corporate, in the previous 10 years, has been convicted in New South Wales or elsewhere of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty,(k) whether the person, during the previous 3 years, was personally insolvent,(l) if the person is a corporation—whether a director or former director of the corporation or a related body corporate, during the previous 3 years and while a director of the corporation or related body corporate, was personally insolvent,(m) if the person is a corporation—whether the person or a related body corporate applied to take the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors or compounded with the person’s or body corporate’s creditors,(n) if the person is an individual—whether the person is or was a director of a corporation that—(i) is the subject of a winding up order, or(ii) has had a controller or administrator appointed during the previous 3 years,(o) if the person is a corporation—whether the corporation—(i) is the subject of a winding up order, or(ii) has had a controller or administrator appointed during the previous 3 years,(p) whether the person has demonstrated to the EPA the financial capacity to comply with the person’s obligations under or in connection with the licence or proposed licence,(q) whether the person is in partnership, in connection with activities that are subject to a licence or licence application, with a person whom the appropriate regulatory authority does not consider to be a fit and proper person under this section,(r) if the person is a corporation—whether a related body corporate is in partnership with a person whom the appropriate regulatory authority does not consider to be a fit and proper person under this section,(s) another ground prescribed by the regulations.(3) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a body corporate extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the body corporate.(4) Without limiting the generality of the above, the appropriate regulatory authority may disregard contraventions referred to in subsection (2) having regard to the seriousness of the contraventions, the length of time since they occurred, and other matters that appear relevant to the appropriate regulatory authority.(5) For the purposes of this section, other relevant legislation is any legislation declared by the regulations to be other relevant legislation for the purposes of this section. The regulations may so declare legislation that has been repealed or legislation of a place outside the State.s 83: Am 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [2]–[4]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [31]; 2018 No 25, Sch 1.19 [3]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[19]–[24]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[12].
84 Date from which decision operates
(1) A decision of the appropriate regulatory authority regarding a licence operates from the date of the decision or another date specified by the appropriate regulatory authority, except as provided by this section.(2) If an appeal is made against a decision of the appropriate regulatory authority to vary, suspend or revoke a licence, to approve or refuse the surrender of a licence subject to conditions, or to attach any new conditions to, or vary any conditions of, a suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence and the Land and Environment Court directs that the decision is stayed, the decision does not operate until the stay ceases to have effect or the Land and Environment Court confirms the decision or the appeal is withdrawn, whichever first occurs.(3) A decision of the appropriate regulatory authority to approve the surrender of a licence without any condition operates from the time the authority notifies the licensee in writing of the decision.(4) (Repealed)s 84: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [5]; 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [5] [6]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [32] [33].
85 Death of licensee
(1) If the holder of a licence dies, the legal personal representative of the holder or a person approved by the appropriate regulatory authority is taken to be the holder of the licence as if it had been transferred to the representative or person.(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the suspension, revocation or surrender of the licence in accordance with this Act.
86 Notice for breach of licensing requirements
(1) If the occupier of any premises carries out work at the premises in contravention of Part 3.2, the appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing given to the occupier, require the occupier—(a) to remove the work that has been carried out, orwithin such time as may be specified in the notice.(b) to restore the premises to their previous state,(2) A notice under this section operates from the day the notice is given or from such later day as the notice specifies.(2A) If an appeal is made against a notice under this section and the Land and Environment Court directs that the notice is stayed, the notice does not operate until the stay ceases to have effect or the Land and Environment Court confirms the notice or the appeal is withdrawn, whichever first occurs.(3) A person who contravenes the requirements of a notice under this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (3) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 86: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [34] [35]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [6]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
87 (Repealed)
s 87: Am 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [5] [6]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [36]. Rep 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [5].
88 Contributions by licensee of waste facility
(1) This section applies to waste facilities that are required to be licensed under this Chapter.(2) The occupier of a waste facility to which this section applies is required to pay to the EPA in respect of all waste received at the facility such contribution as is prescribed by the regulations.(3) An occupier who fails to pay the whole or any part of the contribution payable by the occupier under this section—(a) in the manner (if any) prescribed by the regulations or as otherwise directed by the EPA by notice in writing given to the occupier, oris guilty of an offence.(b) within the time or at such intervals as prescribed by the regulations, or within the time or at such intervals as may be otherwise directed by the EPA by notice in writing given to the occupier,Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(4) (Repealed)(5) The regulations may—(a) provide for contributions to be calculated on such basis (including such estimates), and in accordance with such factors, as may be specified or described in the regulations, and(b) provide for the exemption of specified occupiers, or specified classes of occupiers, from the requirement to pay contributions, and(c) provide for the exemption of specified wastes from the calculation of contributions (including for example wastes that are recycled, re-used, recovered or processed), and(d) provide for the payment of rebates to specified occupiers or specified classes of occupiers.(6) Any contribution payable under this section becomes, if it is not paid in accordance with this section and the regulations, a debt due to the EPA that is recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction.(7) Interest is payable on any unpaid contribution or any unpaid portion of the contribution under this section at such rate and calculated in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations. Any such interest may be recovered in the same way as the contribution may be recovered.(8) In this section, liquid waste has the same meaning as it has in Schedule 1.s 88: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [37]–[41]; 2007 No 26, Sch 1 [1]–[3]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.27 [1]; 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [1]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
Chapter 4 Environment protection notices and other notices
ch 4, hdg: Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[13].
Part 4.1 Preliminary
89 Definitions
In this Chapter—clean-up notice means a notice under Part 4.2.compliance cost notice means a notice under Part 4.5.prevention notice means a notice under Part 4.3.prohibition notice means a notice under Part 4.4.
90 Classification of environment protection notices
Environment protection notices are of the following kinds—(a) clean-up notices,(b) prevention notices,(c) prohibition notices.Note—See also noise control notices under Part 8.6.
Part 4.1A Preliminary investigation notices
ch 4, pt 4.1A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90A Definitions
In this part—preliminary investigation compliance notice—see section 90G(1).preliminary investigation notice—see section 90B(2).relevant circumstances—see section 90B(1).s 90A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90B Issue of preliminary investigation notices
(1) This section applies if the EPA reasonably suspects any of the following circumstances (relevant circumstances) may exist or have existed at premises—(a) circumstances that may pose a potential risk of harm to human health or the environment from—(i) a substance, or(ii) the deposit of waste or substances suspected of being waste,(b) a pollution incident.(2) The EPA may issue a person referred to in subsection (3) with a written notice (a preliminary investigation notice) to facilitate the EPA carrying out a preliminary investigation to determine whether the relevant circumstances exist.(3) A preliminary investigation notice may be issued to—(a) an owner or occupier of the premises, or(b) a person who has caused or contributed to, to any extent, the relevant circumstances which are the subject of the notice.(4) A person to whom a preliminary investigation notice is issued must comply with the notice.Maximum penalty for subsection (4)—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.s 90B: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90C Preliminary investigation notice may be given orally
(1) The EPA may give a preliminary investigation notice orally.(2) A preliminary investigation notice given orally to a person ceases to have effect 72 hours after it was given to the person unless the notice is confirmed by the EPA by a written preliminary investigation notice.(3) A notice given orally under subsection (1)—(a) has the same effect as a written preliminary investigation notice, and(b) is taken to be a preliminary investigation notice.s 90C: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90D Content of preliminary investigation notices
(1) A preliminary investigation notice may require the person to whom it is issued to assist the EPA to—(a) investigate whether the relevant circumstances exist, and(b) if the relevant circumstances exist—determine the nature and extent of the relevant circumstances, including the nature and extent of any harm or risk of harm to human health or the environment arising from the relevant circumstances.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the preliminary investigation notice may require the person to whom it is issued to do the following—(a) collect samples of a substance and have the samples tested and analysed,(b) provide a report about the testing or analysis to the EPA,(c) preserve or prevent the disturbance of a specified substance or location at the premises for a period of time specified in the preliminary investigation notice, including—(i) moving a substance to a more secure location on the premises or on other premises, and(ii) restricting access to a substance or location, and(iii) preventing a substance from being removed from the premises.s 90D: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90E Preliminary investigation notices may be given to directors and related bodies corporate
(1) This section applies if —(a) a preliminary investigation notice (the previous preliminary investigation notice) has been given to a corporation by the EPA, and(b) the corporation has not complied with the previous preliminary investigation notice within the period specified in the notice.(2) The EPA may, by written notice (the supplementary preliminary investigation notice), direct 1 or more of the following to carry out, or ensure the carrying out of, the action specified in the preliminary investigation notice within the period specified in the notice—(a) a current director of the corporation,(b) a former director of the corporation,(c) a related body corporate.(3) The supplementary preliminary investigation notice may also require the person to whom the notice is given to provide reports to the EPA about progress on the carrying out of the action specified in the notice.(4) If the person given a supplementary preliminary investigation notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused, or solely caused, the relevant circumstances, the cost, or part of the cost, of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from another person who caused or contributed to the relevant circumstances.(5) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a corporation extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation.s 90E: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90F Action by EPA to comply with preliminary investigation notice
If a person does not comply with a preliminary investigation notice given to the person or the EPA otherwise believes it would be appropriate, the EPA may—(a) take action to comply with the notice itself or by its employees, agents or contractors, and(b) recover the relevant costs under sections 90G and 90H.s 90F: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90G Preliminary investigation compliance notices
(1) If the EPA gives a preliminary investigation notice to a person, the EPA may, by written notice (a preliminary investigation compliance notice) given to the person, require the person to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the EPA in connection with—(a) taking action or monitoring under the preliminary investigation notice, and(b) ensuring the notice is complied with, and(c) other associated matters.(2) If the EPA takes action under section 90F because a preliminary investigation notice is not complied with or the EPA otherwise believes it would be appropriate, the EPA may, by written notice, require the person to whom the notice was given or a person who caused or contributed to the relevant circumstances to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the EPA in taking the action.s 90G: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90H Recovery of amounts
(1) The EPA may recover any unpaid amounts specified in a preliminary investigation compliance notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(2) If the person given a preliminary investigation compliance notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused or contributed to the relevant circumstances, the cost of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person who caused or contributed to the relevant circumstances.s 90H: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
90I Recovery of other costs
(1) This section applies if—(a) a person (the first person) carries out the requirements of a preliminary investigation notice, and(b) another person (the second person) is issued an environment protection notice or recall notice in relation to the relevant circumstances the subject of the preliminary investigation notice.(2) The first person may recover the first person’s costs in carrying out the requirements from the second person if the second person contributed to the relevant circumstances.(3) For this section, the costs of the first person in carrying out the requirements of the preliminary investigation notice include any amount for which the first person is liable, or reasonable cost the first person has a duty to meet, under section 90G.s 90I: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[14].
Part 4.2 Clean-up notices
91 Clean-up by owners and occupiers of premises and polluters
(1) Notices The appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing, do 1 or more of the following—(a) direct an owner or occupier of premises at or from which the authority reasonably suspects that a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring,(b) direct a person who is reasonably suspected by the authority of causing or having caused a pollution incident,to take such clean-up action as is specified in the notice and within such period as is specified in the notice.(c) direct a person who is reasonably suspected by the authority of contributing, to any extent, to a pollution incident,Note—pollution incident and clean-up action are defined in the Dictionary.(1A) The appropriate regulatory authority may give a clean-up notice to a person under subsection (1)(c)—(a) whether or not another person has been given a clean-up notice in relation to the pollution incident, and(b) whether or not another person contributed to the pollution incident.(1B) Without limiting subsection (1), a clean-up notice given to a person under subsection (1)(c) may require the person to carry out clean-up actions to completely prevent, minimise, remove, disperse, destroy or mitigate pollution resulting or likely to result from the incident irrespective of the nature or extent of the person’s contribution to the incident.(2) Notices by EPA in emergency The EPA may, if it considers that it is necessary to do so because of an emergency, give the clean-up notice even if it is not the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to the pollution incident.(3) Reports The clean-up notice may require the person to whom the notice is given to furnish reports to the appropriate regulatory authority regarding progress on the carrying out of the clean-up action.(4) If the person given a clean-up notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused, or solely caused, the pollution incident, the cost, or part of the cost, of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from any person who caused or contributed to the pollution incident.(5) (Repealed)Note—See also section 144AG, which provides that this part applies to the depositing of litter or waste referred to in section 144AE(1) or the depositing of litter under Part 5.6A as if the depositing of the litter or waste were a pollution incident.s 91: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [42]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [7]; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [2]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[25]–[30]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[15] [16].
91A Clean-up notices may be given to directors and related bodies corporate
(1) This section applies if —(a) a clean-up notice (the previous clean-up notice) has been given to a corporation—(i) by the appropriate regulatory authority under section 91(1), or(ii) by the EPA under section 91(2), and(b) the corporation has not complied with the previous clean-up notice within the period specified in the notice.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority may, by written notice (the supplementary clean-up notice), direct 1 or more of the following to carry out, or ensure the carrying out of, the clean-up action specified in the notice within the period specified in the notice—(a) a current director of the corporation,(b) a former director of the corporation,(c) a related body corporate.(3) The supplementary clean-up notice may require the person to whom the notice is given to provide reports to the appropriate regulatory authority about progress on the carrying out of the clean-up action.(4) If the EPA considers it necessary for the purposes of responding to an emergency, the EPA may give a supplementary clean-up notice under this section regardless of whether the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority in relation to the pollution incident.(5) If the person given a supplementary clean-up notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused, or solely caused, the pollution incident, the cost, or part of the cost, of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from another person who caused or contributed to the pollution incident.(6) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a corporation extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation.s 91A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[31]. Am 2023 No 30, Sch 2.5[1].
91B Offence
A person who, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with a clean-up notice given to the person is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 91B: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[31]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
92 Clean-up by public authorities
(1) Directions to public authorities to take clean-up action If the EPA reasonably suspects that a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring, the EPA may, by notice in writing, direct a public authority to take such clean-up action as is specified in the notice. The public authority is authorised and required to take that action.(2) Voluntary clean-up action by public authorities If a public authority reasonably suspects that a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring, the public authority may take such clean-up action as it considers necessary. The public authority is authorised to take that action, whether or not it is directed to take clean-up action under subsection (1).(3) Operation of section Notices may be given, and action may be taken, under this section—(a) whether or not the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to the pollution incident, and(b) whether or not a clean-up notice has been given under section 91, and (if such a notice has been given) whether or not the period specified in the notice under that section has ended.(4) Taking of clean-up action A public authority may take clean-up action under this section by itself or by its employees, agents or contractors.(5) Definition In this section—does not include a State owned corporation or the lessor of a transacted distribution system or transacted transmission system under the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015.s 92: Am 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [2].
93 Clean-up directions may be given orally
(1) Oral directions A regulatory authority may, instead of giving a direction under this Part by notice in writing, give the direction orally.(2) Manner of giving oral direction A direction that can be given orally under this Part by a regulatory authority can be given orally by a person who is acting under delegated or other authority from the authority.(3) Reduction to writing A direction given orally to a person ceases to have effect on the expiration of 72 hours from the time it was given unless confirmed by the regulatory authority who gave the direction orally by a written clean-up notice given to the person.(4) Effect of oral direction A direction given orally has the same effect as a direction given by notice in writing, and is taken to be a clean-up notice.s 93: Am 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [7].
93A Development consent and approval not required for clean-up action
(1) This section applies if—(a) under this part, a person is required to take clean-up action, and(b) the carrying out of the clean-up action would, but for this section, require consent or approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(2) Despite the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or an instrument made under that Act, consent or approval under that Act or instrument is not required to carry out the clean-up action.s 93A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[17].
94 Fee
(1) The purpose of this section is to enable a regulatory authority to recover the administrative costs of preparing and giving clean-up notices.(2) A person who is given a clean-up notice by a regulatory authority must within 30 days pay the prescribed fee to the authority.(3) The regulatory authority may—(a) extend the time for payment of the fee, on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies, or(b) waive payment of the whole or any part of the fee, on the authority’s own initiative or on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies.(4) A person who does not pay the fee within the time provided under this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.Note—Section 110 (5) provides that a fee is not payable for the variation of an environment protection notice under this Chapter.s 94: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [43] [44].
Part 4.2A Recall notices
ch 4, pt 4.2A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94A Definitions
In this part—recall cost notice—see section 94M(1).recall notice—see section 94B.supply chain participant—see section 94C(1)(c).s 94A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94B Issue of recall notice
The EPA may, with the approval of the Minister, issue a notice (a recall notice) if, in the EPA’s opinion, 1 or more of the following grounds apply—(a) either—(i) a substance poses a potential risk of harm to human health or the environment, or(ii) a particular use of, or activity involving, the substance poses a potential risk of harm to human health or the environment,(b) a substance—(i) is required by environment protection legislation or a national environment protection measure to comply with a prescribed standard or other specific requirements, and(ii) does not comply with the standard or other requirements,(c) environment protection legislation has been contravened,(d) another matter prescribed by the regulations.s 94B: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94C Content of recall notice
(1) A recall notice must—(a) identify the substance the subject of the notice, and(b) state the reason under section 94B the recall notice has been issued, and(c) identify the persons or class of persons (both supply chain participants) who are subject to the recall notice, and(d) give information or advice about how to minimise the risk of potential harm from the substance, and(e) state the actions required to be taken by the supply chain participants who are subject to the recall notice, and(f) include any other matters prescribed by the regulations.(2) For subsection (1)(c), the recall notice may identify the supply chain participants in either or both of the following ways—(a) specifically by name,(b) by reference to a class of persons.s 94C: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94D Application of recall notice to supply chain participants
A recall notice may apply to any supply chain participant involved in the supply chain of the substance, including a supply chain participant—(a) producing, generating, processing or reprocessing the substance, including processing or reprocessing the substance with other substances or by mixing the substance with other substances, or(b) selling, distributing, transporting, supplying, resupplying or storing the substance, or(c) receiving or processing the substance, whether or not to supply the substance to another person, or(d) making the substance available or providing the substance to another person.s 94D: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94E Actions required by recall notice
For section 94C(1)(e), a recall notice may require a supply chain participant who is subject to the notice to do any of the following—(a) stop supplying the substance, or a particular batch of the substance, immediately or within a specified time,(b) take action to recover the substance from another person and return the substance to—(i) the supply chain participant’s premises, or(ii) another specified location,(c) take specified action in relation to the substance, including—(i) sampling, testing, remediating or disposing of the substance, or(ii) moving the substance to a specified location,(d) give information and records to the EPA about—(i) who the supply chain participant has supplied the substance to, and(ii) the supply chain for the substance,(e) if the substance cannot be recalled from a person who has received a supply of the substance—take specified actions, including the following—(i) securing the substance at its current location,(ii) taking action or giving information to the person to prevent or minimise the likelihood of the substance causing harm to human health or the environment,(f) publish, in a form approved by the EPA—(i) warnings that the substance is being recalled on the basis of 1 or more of the grounds referred to in section 94B(a)–(d), and(ii) other specified particulars, including the following—(A) batch numbers or other identifying particulars of the substance,(B) information about preventing or minimising the likelihood of the substance causing harm to human health or the environment,(C) information about the recall of the substance,(g) control the movement of the substance at premises used or controlled by the supply chain participant, including the following—(i) isolating the substance from other substances,(ii) securing, or restricting or preventing access to, the substance in place,(iii) prohibiting the movement of the substance on the premises at which the substance is located or to other premises,(h) not produce the substance for a specified period,(i) report on compliance with the recall notice,(j) if the supply chain participant has received supply or resupply of the substance—not supply the substance to another person,(k) take the following action and provide evidence of the action taken—(i) action to dispose of the substance at a facility that can lawfully receive the substance,(ii) action to destroy the substance,(l) another action prescribed by the regulations.s 94E: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94F Publication of recall notice
(1) A recall notice must be published—(a) on the EPA’s website, and(b) if the EPA considers it necessary to publish the notice in other ways to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in a particular part of the State—in other ways the EPA is satisfied are likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in that part of the State.(2) A recall notice takes effect—(a) when the notice is published on the EPA’s website, or(b) on a later date specified in the notice.(3) A recall notice must also be published in the Gazette as soon as practicable after the notice is published on the EPA’s website.s 94F: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94G Recall notices may be given to directors and related bodies corporate
(1) This section applies if —(a) a recall notice (the previous recall notice) has been issued by the EPA in relation to a supply chain participant that is a corporation, and(b) the corporation has not complied with the previous recall notice within the period specified in the notice.(2) The EPA may, by written notice (the supplementary recall notice), direct 1 or more of the following to carry out, or ensure the carrying out of, the action specified in the recall notice within the period specified in the notice—(a) a current director of the supply chain participant,(b) a former director of the supply chain participant,(c) a related body corporate.(3) The supplementary recall notice may also require the person to whom the notice is given to provide reports to the EPA about progress on the carrying out of the action specified in the notice.(4) If the person given a supplementary recall notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused, or solely caused, the circumstances the subject of the recall notice, the cost, or part of the cost, of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from another person who caused or contributed to the relevant circumstances.(5) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a supply chain participant that is a corporation extends to a person involved in the management of the corporation.s 94G: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94H Development consent and approval not required for action under recall notice
(1) This section applies if—(a) under this part, a person is required to take action under a recall notice, and(b) the carrying out of the action would, but for this section, require consent or approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(2) Despite the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or an instrument made under that Act, consent or approval under that Act or instrument is not required to carry out the action under the recall notice.s 94H: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94I Public authority may take action in relation to recall notice
(1) This section applies if—(a) a supply chain participant is given a recall notice, and(b) either—(i) the supply chain participant does not comply with the notice, or(ii) the EPA or a public authority otherwise considers it would be appropriate for the EPA or public authority to take action required under the recall notice.(2) The EPA may take action required under the recall notice if the EPA considers it appropriate to take the action.(3) The public authority may take action required under the recall notice if the public authority—(a) is directed by the EPA to take the action, or(b) otherwise considers it appropriate to take the action.s 94I: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94J Costs of complying with recall notice
(1) A supply chain participant to whom a recall notice is given must pay the participant’s own costs of complying with the notice.(2) To avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not prevent the supply chain participant from recovering costs, or making another claim for damages or compensation, to which the supply chain participant may be entitled other than under this Act.(3) If the EPA or a public authority takes action to comply with a recall notice itself or its officers, employees or contractors take the action, the EPA or public authority may recover the relevant costs under sections 94M and 94N.s 94J: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94K Reviews and appeals
For this part—(a) a decision by the Minister or EPA is not an administratively reviewable decision for the Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997, and(b) in proceedings for judicial review or other provisions, a court or tribunal must not make an interlocutory order that has the effect of staying the operation of a recall notice.s 94K: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94L Failure to comply with recall notice
A supply chain participant who is subject to a recall notice must, unless the participant has a reasonable excuse, comply with the notice.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.s 94L: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94M Recall cost notices
(1) The EPA or a public authority may, by written notice (a recall cost notice), require the supply chain participant to whom a recall notice is given to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the EPA or public authority in connection with—(a) taking action or monitoring under the recall notice, and(b) ensuring the notice is complied with, and(c) other associated matters.(2) If the EPA or a public authority takes action under subsection (1), the EPA or public authority may, by written notice given to the supply chain participant to whom the recall notice was given, require the participant to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the EPA or public authority in taking the action.s 94M: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94N Recovery of amounts
The EPA or a public authority may recover any unpaid amounts specified in a recall cost notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.s 94N: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
94O Voluntary recalls
(1) A person involved in the supply chain of a substance may initiate a voluntary recall of the substance if the person considers it necessary or appropriate, including if—(a) either—(i) the substance poses a potential risk of harm to human health or the environment, or(ii) a particular use of, or activity involving, the substance poses a potential risk of harm to human health or the environment, or(b) the substance—(i) is required by environment protection legislation or a national protection measure to comply with a prescribed standard or other specific requirements, and(ii) does not comply with the standard or other requirements, or(c) environment protection legislation has been contravened, or(d) another matter prescribed by a regulation under section 94B(d) applies.(2) If a person initiates a voluntary recall, the person must immediately give the EPA written notice of the recall.(3) The notice must include the following information—(a) that a voluntary recall is occurring,(b) details of the substance that is subject to the recall,(c) if the substance may pose a risk to human health or the environment—the circumstances in which the substance may pose the risk and the nature of the risk,(d) if the substance does not comply with a prescribed standard or other requirements—the nature of the non-compliance,(e) any information or advice for minimising any risk to human health or the environment posed by the substance,(f) the nature of the actions being taken by the person as part of the recall,(g) any other matters prescribed by the regulations.(4) If the EPA is given notice about a voluntary recall of a substance, the EPA must publish information about the recall on the EPA’s website.(5) A voluntary recall under this section does not prevent the EPA from issuing a recall notice to the person in relation to the same substance or matter.s 94O: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[18].
Part 4.3 Prevention notices
95 Meaning of environmentally unsatisfactory manner
For the purposes of this Part an activity is carried on in an environmentally unsatisfactory manner if—(a) it is carried on in contravention of, or in a manner that is likely to lead to a contravention of, this Act, the regulations or a condition attached to an environment protection licence (including a condition of a surrender of a licence) or an exemption given under this Act or the regulations, or(b) it causes, or is likely to cause, a pollution incident, or(c) it is not carried on by such practicable means as may be necessary to prevent, control or minimise pollution, the emission of any noise or the generation of waste, or(d) it is not carried on in accordance with good environmental practice.s 95: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [45].
96 Preventive action
(1) Application of section This section applies when the appropriate regulatory authority reasonably suspects that an activity has been or is being carried on in an environmentally unsatisfactory manner at any premises or by any person (otherwise than at premises).(2) Prevention notices The appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing, do either or both of the following—(a) direct the occupier of the premises,to take such action, as is specified in the notice and within such period (if any) as is specified in the notice, to ensure that the activity is carried on in future in an environmentally satisfactory manner.(b) direct the person carrying on the activity (whether or not at premises),(3) Examples The action to be taken may (without limitation) include any of the following—(a) installing, repairing, altering, replacing, maintaining or operating control equipment or other plant,(b) modifying, or carrying out any work on, plant,(c) ceasing to use plant or altering the way plant is used,(d) ceasing to carry on or not commencing to carry on an activity,(e) carrying on an activity in a particular manner,(f) carrying on an activity only during particular times,(g) monitoring, sampling or analysing any pollution or otherwise ascertaining the nature and extent of pollution or the risk of pollution,(h) action with respect to the transportation, collection, reception, re-use, recovery, recycling, processing, storage or disposal of any waste or other substance,(i) preparing and carrying out a plan of action to control, prevent or minimise pollution or waste,(j) reviewing the carrying out of an activity.(3A) Water pollution considerations The appropriate regulatory authority, when determining the action to be specified in a notice relating to an activity that causes, is likely to cause or has caused water pollution, must consider—(a) the environmental values of water affected by the activity, and(b) the practical measures that could be taken to restore or maintain those environmental values, and(c) if the appropriate regulatory authority is not the EPA—any guidelines issued by the EPA to the authority relating to the exercise of functions under this section.(4) Occupier’s duty If the occupier who is given a notice is not the person carrying on the activity, the notice is taken to require the occupier to take all available steps to cause the action to be taken.(5) Reports A prevention notice may require the person to whom the notice is given to furnish reports to the appropriate regulatory authority regarding progress on carrying out the action required to be taken by the notice.s 96: Am 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [1]; 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [8]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [46]–[48].
96A Prevention notices may be given to directors and related bodies corporate
(1) This section applies if —(a) the appropriate regulatory authority has given a prevention notice under section 96 (the previous prevention notice) to a corporation in relation to an activity, and(b) the corporation has not complied with the previous prevention notice within the period specified in the notice.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority may, by written notice (the supplementary prevention notice), direct 1 or more of the following to take the action specified in the notice within the period, if any, specified in the notice to ensure that the activity is carried on in future in an environmentally satisfactory manner—(a) a current director of the corporation,(b) a former director of the corporation,(c) a related body corporate.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the action to be taken may include any of the actions specified in section 96(3).(4) When determining the action to be specified in the supplementary prevention notice, the appropriate regulatory authority must consider the matters specified in section 96(3A).(5) The supplementary prevention notice may require the person to whom the notice is given to provide reports to the appropriate regulatory authority about progress on the carrying out of the clean-up action.(6) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a corporation extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation.s 96A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[32].
97 Offence
A person who does not comply with a prevention notice given to the person is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 97: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [49]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [8]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
98 Action in event of failure to comply
If a person does not comply with a prevention notice given to the person, the appropriate regulatory authority may take action to cause the notice to be complied with by itself or by its employees, agents or contractors.
99 Commencement of operation of prevention notices or variations
(1) A prevention notice, or a variation of a prevention notice, operates from the day the notice or notice of the variation is given or from such later day as the notice specifies.(2) If an appeal is made against a prevention notice or the variation of a prevention notice and the Land and Environment Court directs that the notice is stayed, the notice or variation does not operate until the stay ceases to have effect or the Land and Environment Court confirms the notice or the appeal is withdrawn, whichever first occurs.s 99: Subst 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [6]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [50].
100 Fee
(1) The purpose of this section is to enable a regulatory authority to recover the administrative costs of preparing and giving prevention notices.(2) A person who is given a prevention notice by a regulatory authority must within 30 days pay the prescribed fee to the authority.(3) The regulatory authority may—(a) extend the time for payment of the fee, on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies, or(b) waive payment of the whole or any part of the fee, on the authority’s own initiative or on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies.(4) The fee is not payable during the currency of an appeal against the prevention notice.(5) If the decision of the Court on an appeal does not invalidate the prevention notice, the fee is payable within 30 days of the decision.(6) A person who does not pay the fee within the time provided under this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—200 penalty units.Note—Section 110 (5) provides that a fee is not payable for the variation of an environment protection notice under this Chapter.s 100: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [51] [52].
Part 4.4 Prohibition notices
101 Prohibition on activities
(1) Application of section This section applies if the EPA recommends to the Minister that a notice be given under this section because, in the EPA’s opinion, the emission or discharge of pollutants from or within a premises, or class of premises, in which an activity is carried on—(a) is causing or is likely to cause such harm to the environment, or(b) is or is likely to be so injurious to public health, orthat the giving of the notice is warranted.(c) is causing or is likely to cause such discomfort or inconvenience to any persons not associated with the management or operation of the activity,(2) Notice The Minister may, by written notice, direct, for the period, if any, specified in the notice—(a) the occupier of the premises, or occupiers of a class of premises, to cease carrying on the activity, or a specified aspect of the activity, at the premises or at premises of the class of premises, or(b) direct the person, or persons of a class of persons, carrying on the activity to cease carrying on the activity, or a specified aspect of the activity, at any premises.(3) Occupier’s duty If the occupier who is given a notice is not the person carrying on the activity, the notice is taken to require the occupier to take all available steps to cause the activity to cease.(4) Further notice The Minister may give further notices on the expiry of the period of the earlier notice if the EPA recommends in accordance with this section that the further notices be given.s 101: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[33] [34].
101A Prohibition notices may be given to directors and related bodies corporate
(1) This section applies if —(a) the Minister has given a prohibition notice under section 101 to a corporation, and(b) the corporation has not complied with the prohibition notice.(2) If the EPA remains satisfied of the matters stated in section 101(1), the EPA may recommend to the Minister that a notice be given under this section to any of the following persons—(a) a current director of the corporation,(b) a former director of the corporation,(c) a related body corporate.(3) On the EPA’s recommendation, the Minister may, by written notice, direct the current or former director, or the related body corporate, to do 1 or more of the following—(a) cease carrying on the activity, or a specified aspect of the activity, for the period, if any, specified in the notice,(b) take all available steps to end the carrying on of the activity, or a specified aspect of the activity, for the period, if any, specified in the notice.(4) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a corporation extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation.s 101A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[35].
102 Offence
A person who, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with a prohibition notice given to the person is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 102: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [53]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [9]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
103 Action in event of failure to comply
If a person does not comply with a prohibition notice given to the person, the EPA may take action to cause the notice to be complied with by itself or by its employees, agents or contractors.
Part 4.5 Compliance cost
104 Compliance cost notices
(1) Clean-up notice—monitoring or compliance costs The appropriate regulatory authority that gives a clean-up notice to a person may, by notice in writing, require the person to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the authority in connection with—(a) monitoring action under the notice, and(b) ensuring that the notice is complied with, and(c) any other associated matters.(2) Clean-up by public authority A public authority that takes clean-up action under section 92 may, by written notice, require 1 or more of the following persons to pay all or part of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the public authority in connection with the clean-up action—(a) the occupier of the premises at or from which the authority reasonably suspects the pollution incident occurred,(b) a person who is reasonably suspected by the authority of having caused or contributed to the pollution incident.(3) Prevention notice—monitoring or compliance costs The appropriate regulatory authority that gives a prevention notice to a person may, by notice in writing, require the person to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the authority in connection with—(a) monitoring action under the notice, and(b) ensuring that the notice is complied with, and(c) any other associated matters.(4) Prevention notice or prohibition notice—non-compliance A regulatory authority that takes action under section 98 because a prevention notice is not complied with or takes action under section 103 because a prohibition notice is not complied with may, by notice in writing, require the person to whom the notice was given to pay all or any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by it in taking the action.Note—See also section 608 of the Local Government Act 1993 for charges for inspection of premises by a local council in the exercise of its functions as a regulatory authority.s 104: Am 2009 No 56, Sch 1.32 [1]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[36] [37].
105 Recovery of amounts
(1) Recovery of unpaid amounts A regulatory authority or public authority may recover any unpaid amounts specified in a compliance cost notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(2) Recovery by person given notice If the person given a compliance cost notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused or contributed to the pollution or pollution incident, the cost of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person who caused or contributed to the pollution or pollution incident.s 105: Am 2023 No 30, Sch 2.5[2].
106 Registration of compliance cost notices in relation to land
(1) If a compliance cost notice has been given by a regulatory authority or a public authority to a person, the authority may apply to the Registrar-General for registration of the notice in relation to any land owned by the person.(2) An application under this section must define the land to which it relates.(3) The Registrar-General must, on application under this section and lodgment of a copy of the compliance cost notice, register the notice in relation to the land in such manner as the Registrar-General thinks fit.(4) If the notice relates to land under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1900, the notice is to be registered under that Act.
107 Charge on land subject to compliance cost notice
(1) Application of section This section applies where a compliance cost notice is registered under section 106, on the application of a regulatory authority or public authority, in relation to particular land owned by a person.(2) Creation of charge There is created by force of this section, on the registration of the notice, a charge on the land in relation to which the notice is registered to secure the payment to the regulatory authority or public authority of the amount specified in the notice.(3) When charge ceases to have effect Such a charge ceases to have effect in relation to the land—(a) on payment to the regulatory authority or public authority of the amount concerned, or(b) on the sale or other disposition of the property with the written consent of the authority, orwhichever first occurs.(c) on the sale of the land to a purchaser in good faith for value who, at the time of the sale, has no notice of the charge,(4) Charge is subject to existing charges and encumbrances Such a charge is subject to every charge or encumbrance to which the land was subject immediately before the notice was registered.(5) Charge not affected by change of ownership Such a charge is not affected by any change of ownership of the land, except as provided by subsection (3).(6) Registration of charge is notice If—(a) such a charge is created on land of a particular kind and the provisions of any law of the State provide for the registration of title to, or charges over, land of that kind, anda person who purchases or otherwise acquires the land after the registration of the charge is, for the purposes of subsection (3), taken to have notice of the charge.(b) the charge is so registered,(7) Removal of charge The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the removal of a charge under this section.(8) Recovery of costs relating to charge A regulatory authority or public authority that lodges or registers a compliance cost notice under section 106 may, by notice in writing, require the person to whom the compliance cost notice was given to pay all or any of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the authority in respect of the lodgment or registration of the compliance cost notice and the registration of any resulting charge (including the costs of discharging the charge). The regulatory authority or public authority may recover any unpaid amounts specified in the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.s 107: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [54].
Part 4.6 Miscellaneous
108 Multiple notices
More than one notice under a provision of this Chapter may be given to the same person.
108A Single notice for multiple pollution incidents
(1) A single notice under this chapter may be given by the EPA to a person in relation to—(a) pollution incidents that relate to—(i) multiple premises in the same or different local government areas, or(ii) the whole of the State or a part of the State, or(b) matters involving the transport, storage, supply, processing, reprocessing or disposal of a substance or waste across—(i) multiple premises in the same or different local government areas, or(ii) the whole of the State or a part of the State.(2) For subsection (1)(a), pollution incidents that relate to multiple premises, or the whole of the State or a part of the State, may be treated as 1 pollution incident.(3) To avoid doubt, the EPA may issue a notice under subsection (1) even if the EPA is not the appropriate regulatory authority for all the areas, premises, activities or matters—(a) to which the pollution incidents relate, or(b) involved in the transport, storage, supply, processing, reprocessing or disposal of the substance or waste.s 108A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[19].
109 Extraterritorial application
A notice may be given under this Chapter to a person in respect of a matter or thing even though the person is outside the State or the matter or thing occurs or is located outside the State, so long as the matter or thing affects the environment of this State.
109A Interaction of notices with proceedings for offences
A notice under this chapter, including the variation of a notice under section 110, may be given to a person in relation to an activity, matter, thing or premises even though the activity, matter, thing or premises are also the subject of proceedings for an offence.s 109A: Ins 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [7]. Rep 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [5]. Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[20].
110 Revocation or variation
(1) A notice given under this Chapter may be revoked or varied by a subsequent notice or notices.(2) A notice may be varied by—(a) including a new term or specification in the notice, or(b) substituting, omitting or amending a term or specification in the notice.(3) Without limiting the above, a notice may be varied by extending the time for complying with the notice.(4) A notice may only be revoked or varied by the Minister or by the regulatory authority or public authority that gave it.(5) A fee is not payable for the variation of an environment protection notice under this Chapter.s 110: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [55]; 2006 No 58, Sch 1.24 [1]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[21].
111 Power to enter land
(1) A regulatory authority or public authority may, by its employees, agents or contractors, enter any premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of exercising its functions under this Chapter.(2) For the purpose of entering or leaving any such premises, the power conferred by this section extends to entering other premises.(3) A power to enter premises conferred by this section authorises entry by foot or by means of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, or in any other manner.(4) Entry may be effected under this section by an authority with the aid of such authorised officers or police officers as the authority considers necessary and with the use of reasonable force.
112 Obstruction of persons
A person who wilfully delays or obstructs—(a) a person who is carrying out any action in compliance with a notice under this chapter, or another person authorised by the person to carry it out, or(b) a public authority that is taking action under Part 4.2 or 4.2A, or another person authorised by the authority to carry it out, oris guilty of an offence.(c) a regulatory authority that is taking action under Part 4.1A or 4.2A or section 98 or 103, or another person authorised by the authority to take the action,Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 112: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [56]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [10]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8] [22]–[24].
113 False or misleading statements in tests, environmental monitoring and reports
A person who in a test, environmental monitoring or a report required under this Chapter and lodged with a regulatory authority makes a statement that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 113: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [57]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [11]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[38]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7] [25] [26].
Chapter 5 Environment protection offences
Part 5.1 Classification of offences
114 Classification of offences
(1) Tier 1 offences are the offences under Part 5.2.(2) Tier 2 offences are all other offences under this Act or the regulations.(3) Tier 3 offences are tier 2 offences that may be dealt with under Part 8.2 by way of penalty notice.
Part 5.2 Tier 1 offences
115 Disposal of waste—harm to environment
(1) Offence If a person wilfully or negligently disposes of waste in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment—(a) the person, andare each guilty of an offence.(b) if the person is not the owner of the waste, the owner,Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) Defence—lawful authority It is a defence in any proceedings against a person for an offence under this section if the person establishes that the waste was disposed of with lawful authority.(3) Definitions In this section—dispose of waste includes to dump, abandon, deposit, discard, reject, discharge or emit anything that constitutes waste, and also includes to cause or permit the disposal of waste.owner of waste includes, in relation to waste that has been disposed of, the person who was the owner of the waste immediately before it was disposed of.s 115: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [58]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [12].
116 Leaks, spillages and other escapes
(1) If a person wilfully or negligently causes any substance to leak, spill or otherwise escape (whether or not from a container) in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment—(a) the person, andare each guilty of an offence.(b) if the person is not the owner of the substance, the owner,(2) If—(a) the person in possession of the substance at the time of the leak, spill or other escape, or(b) the owner of any container from which the substance leaked, spilled or escaped, or(c) the owner of the land on which the substance or any such container was located at the time of the leak, spill or other escape, orwilfully or negligently, in a material respect, caused or contributed to the conditions that gave rise to the commission of the offence under subsection (1), that person, owner or occupier is guilty of an offence.(d) the occupier of the land on which the substance or any such container was located at the time of the leak, spill or other escape,(3) A person may be proceeded against and convicted of an offence under subsection (2) whether or not a person has been proceeded against or convicted of an offence under subsection (1) in respect of the leak, spill or other escape.(4) It is a defence in any proceedings against a person for an offence under this section if the person establishes that the leak, spill or other escape was caused with lawful authority.(5) In this section—container includes anything used for the purpose of storing, transporting or handling the substance concerned.owner of a substance includes, in relation to a substance that has leaked, spilled or otherwise escaped, the person who was the owner of the substance immediately before it leaked, spilled or otherwise escaped.Note—An offence against subsection (1) or (2) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 116: Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [13].
117 Emission of ozone depleting substances
(1) If a person wilfully or negligently causes any controlled substance (within the meaning of the Ozone Protection Act 1989) to be emitted into the atmosphere in contravention of the regulations under that Act and in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment—(a) the person, andare each guilty of an offence.(b) if the person is not the owner of the substance, the owner,Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) In this section—owner of a substance includes, in relation to a substance that has been emitted into the atmosphere, the person who was the owner of the substance immediately before it was emitted.s 117: Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [14].
118 General defence for tier 1 offences
It is a defence in any proceedings against a person for an offence under this Part if the person establishes—(a) that the commission of the offence was due to causes over which the person had no control, and(b) that the person took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.
119 Maximum penalty for tier 1 offences
A person who is guilty of an offence under this Part is liable, on conviction—(a) in the case of a corporation—to a penalty not exceeding $10,000,000 for an offence that is committed wilfully or $4,000,000 for an offence that is committed negligently, or(b) in the case of an individual—to a penalty not exceeding $2,000,000 or 7 years’ imprisonment, or both, for an offence that is committed wilfully or $1,000,000 or 4 years’ imprisonment, or both, for an offence that is committed negligently.s 119: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [59]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[10] [27]–[29].
Part 5.3 Water pollution
120 Prohibition of pollution of waters
(1) A person who pollutes any waters is guilty of an offence.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) In this section—pollute waters includes cause or permit any waters to be polluted.s 120: Subst 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [6]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [15].
121 Defence of authority conferred by regulation
(1) The regulations may, for the purposes of this Part, regulate the carrying out of an activity that pollutes waters.(2) It is a defence in proceedings against a person for an offence against this Part if the person establishes that—(a) the pollution resulted from an activity regulated by such a regulation, and(b) the requirements of that regulation were not contravened.
122 Defence of authority conferred by protection of environment licence or forestry authorisation
(1) It is a defence in proceedings against a person for an offence under this Part if the person establishes that—(a) the pollution was regulated by an environment protection licence held by the person or another person, and(b) the conditions to which that licence was subject relating to the pollution of waters were not contravened.(2) It is a defence in proceedings against a person for an offence under this Part if the person establishes that the act constituting the offence was—(a) the carrying out of a forestry operation in a State forest or other Crown-timber land to which an integrated forestry operations approval under Part 5B of the Forestry Act 2012 applies, being a forestry operation that was carried out in accordance with the approval, or(b) the carrying out of a forestry operation that was authorised by a private native forestry plan and that was carried out in accordance with the plan and the applicable private native forestry code of practice.s 122: Am 2018 No 40, Sch 3.11 [1].
123 Maximum penalty for water pollution offences
A person who is guilty of an offence under this Part is liable, on conviction—(a) in the case of a corporation—to a penalty not exceeding $2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—to a penalty not exceeding $500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $120,000 for each day the offence continues.s 123: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [60]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
Part 5.4 Air pollution
Division 1 General
124 Operation of plant (other than domestic plant)
The occupier of any premises who operates any plant in or on those premises in such a manner as to cause air pollution from those premises is guilty of an offence if the air pollution so caused, or any part of the air pollution so caused, is caused by the occupier’s failure—(a) to maintain the plant in an efficient condition, or(b) to operate the plant in a proper and efficient manner.
125 Maintenance work on plant (other than domestic plant)
The occupier of any premises who carries out maintenance work on any plant in or on those premises in such a manner as to cause air pollution from those premises is guilty of an offence if the air pollution so caused, or any part of the air pollution so caused, is caused by the occupier’s failure to carry out that work in a proper and efficient manner.
126 Dealing with materials
(1) The occupier of any premises who deals with materials in or on those premises in such a manner as to cause air pollution from those premises is guilty of an offence if the air pollution so caused, or any part of the air pollution so caused, is caused by the occupier’s failure to deal with those materials in a proper and efficient manner.(2) In this section—deal with materials means process, handle, move, store or dispose of the materials.materials includes raw materials, materials in the process of manufacture, manufactured materials, by-products or waste materials.
127 Proof of causing pollution
To prove that air pollution was caused from premises, within the meaning of sections 124–126, it is sufficient to prove that air pollution was caused on the premises, unless the defendant satisfies the court that the air pollution did not cause air pollution outside the premises.
128 Standards of air impurities not to be exceeded
(1) The occupier of any premises must not carry on any activity, or operate any plant, in or on the premises in such a manner as to cause or permit the emission at any point specified in or determined in accordance with the regulations of air impurities in excess of—(a) the standard of concentration and the rate, orprescribed by the regulations in respect of any such activity or any such plant.(b) the standard of concentration or the rate,(1A) Subsection (1) applies only to emissions (point source emissions) released from a chimney, stack, pipe, vent or other similar kind of opening or release point.(2) The occupier of any premises must carry on any activity, or operate any plant, in or on the premises by such practicable means as may be necessary to prevent or minimise air pollution if—(a) in the case of point source emissions—neither a standard of concentration nor a rate has been prescribed for the emissions for the purposes of subsection (1), or(b) the emissions are not point source emissions.(3) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence.s 128: Am 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [3] [4].
129 Emission of odours from premises licensed for scheduled activities
(1) The occupier of any premises at which scheduled activities are carried on under the authority conferred by a licence must not cause or permit the emission of any offensive odour from the premises to which the licence applies.(2) It is a defence in proceedings against a person for an offence against this section if the person establishes that—(a) the emission is identified in the relevant environment protection licence as a potentially offensive odour and the odour was emitted in accordance with the conditions of the licence directed at minimising the odour, or(b) the only persons affected by the odour were persons engaged in the management or operation of the premises.(3) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence.
130 Provisions prevail
(1) Sections 124, 125 and 126 have effect despite anything contained in section 128 or 129.(2) Section 129 has effect despite anything contained in section 128.
131 Exclusion of residential premises
This Division does not apply to plant or materials, or the carrying on of an activity, in or on premises used only for residential purposes.
132 Maximum penalty for air pollution offences
A person who is guilty of an offence under this Division is liable, on conviction—(a) in the case of a corporation—to a penalty not exceeding $2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—to a penalty not exceeding $500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note 1—An offence against section 124, 125, 126 or 128 committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.Note 2—An offence against section 129 committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 132: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [61]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [16]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
Division 2 Air pollution from fires
133 Prohibition by EPA of burning in open air or incinerators
(1) This section applies if the EPA is of the opinion that weather conditions are such that the burning of fires in the open or in incinerators while those conditions persist will contribute or is likely to contribute to air pollution to such an extent that the making of an order under this section is warranted.(2) The EPA may, by order published in accordance with this section, prohibit, unconditionally or conditionally, the burning of fires in the open or in all or any specified classes of incinerators.(3) An order under this section has effect for such period (not exceeding 7 days) as is specified in the order, but may be revoked by a further order under this section.(4) An order must be published in the reasonably practicable way the EPA is satisfied is most likely to bring the order to the attention of the persons to whom the order applies.(5) An order under this section may be limited in any way specified in the order, including—(a) to specified areas or classes of areas,(b) to specified persons or classes of persons,(c) to specified times or circumstances,(d) to specified purposes or classes of purposes.(6) An order under this section has effect even though it prohibits burning that is permitted by any regulation relating to the burning of fires.s 133: Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [3]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[30].
134 Directions by authorised officers concerning fires
(1) This section applies if an authorised officer is of the opinion that a fire is burning in or on any premises and—(a) the fire is prohibited by an order of the EPA under this Division or by the regulations, or(b) air pollution from the fire is injurious to the health of any person or is causing or is likely to cause serious discomfort or inconvenience to any person.(2) The authorised officer may, by notice in writing given to—(a) the occupier of the premises or person apparently in charge of the premises, ordirect the occupier or other person to whom the notice is given to extinguish the fire immediately.(b) the person apparently in charge of the fire,(3) The authorised officer may, by that notice, also direct the occupier or other person not to light or maintain a similar fire in or on the premises during such period (not exceeding 48 hours) as is specified in the notice.(4) A notice under this section may be revoked by a further notice under this section.
135 Offence
A person who, without reasonable excuse, does not comply with an order or notice under this Division is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—30 penalty units.
Division 3 Domestic air pollution
pt 5.4, div 3 (ss 135A–135D): Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [62].
135A Definitions
In this Division—chimney means a chimney, flue, pipe or other similar means of conveying smoke emitted inside residential premises to the outside.excessive smoke means the emission of a visible plume of smoke from a chimney for a continuous period of not less than 10 minutes, including a period of not less than 30 seconds when the plume extends at least 10 metres from the point at which the smoke is emitted from the chimney.residential premises means premises used wholly or partly as a residence.pt 5.4, div 3 (ss 135A–135D): Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [62].
135B Smoke abatement notices
(1) If it appears to an authorised officer of an appropriate regulatory authority that is a local authority that excessive smoke is being, or has at any time within the past 7 days been, emitted from a chimney on or in residential premises, the officer may give the person whom the officer believes to be the occupier of the premises a smoke abatement notice directing the person to ensure that excessive smoke is not emitted from the chimney at any time after 21 days following the giving of the notice.(2) A smoke abatement notice is to be in writing.(3) A smoke abatement notice ceases to have effect 6 months after the day on which it is given or when it is revoked, whichever occurs first.(4) This section does not apply to a chimney that is in or on an incinerator or is used only in relation to smoke originating from outside a residence.pt 5.4, div 3 (ss 135A–135D): Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [62].
135C Contravention of smoke abatement notices
(1) A person to whom a smoke abatement notice has been given must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with the notice while the notice remains in force.Maximum penalty—30 penalty units.(2) A smoke abatement notice does not prevent the emission of smoke that is not excessive smoke.(3) In any proceedings for an offence under this section, a document signed by the authorised officer of an appropriate regulatory authority who issued a smoke abatement notice certifying that the officer had, at a specified time and place—(a) observed a plume of smoke being emitted from a chimney on or in premises specified in the certificate for a continuous period of not less than 10 minutes, andis evidence of the matters so certified, unless the contrary is proved.(b) observed during that period a plume of smoke extending at least 10 metres from the point at which the smoke was emitted from the chimney for a period of not less than 30 seconds,pt 5.4, div 3 (ss 135A–135D): Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [62].
135D Revocation of smoke abatement notices
A smoke abatement notice may be revoked by the appropriate regulatory authority for which the person who gave the notice is an authorised officer.pt 5.4, div 3 (ss 135A–135D): Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [62].
Part 5.5 Noise pollution
136 Sale of articles emitting more than prescribed noise
(1) A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells any article of a class prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section is guilty of an offence if, when in use or operation, the article emits noise that, when measured at any point specified in or determined in accordance with the regulations, is in excess of the prescribed level.(2) The articles that may be prescribed for the purposes of this section extend to plant, motor or other vehicles, vessels or other things of any description.
137 Sale of articles required to be fitted with noise control equipment
(1) A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells any article of a class prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection is guilty of an offence if the article is not fitted in the prescribed manner with noise control equipment of a prescribed class.(2) A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells any article of a class prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection is guilty of an offence if the noise control equipment with which it is fitted has not been maintained in accordance with the regulations.(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant proves that the defendant took all reasonable steps to ensure that the equipment was maintained as required by the regulations.(4) The articles that may be prescribed for the purposes of this section extend to plant, motor or other vehicles, vessels or other things of any description.
138 Defence—sale of articles
It is a defence in any proceedings against a person for an offence under section 136 or 137 if the person establishes—(a) that the offence was committed by the person in the course of the person’s employment by another person, or(b) that on, or in the event of, the sale of the article to which the offence relates, the person received or was to be paid remuneration, by way of commission, from a person other than the owner of the article.
139 Operation of plant
The occupier of any premises who operates any plant (other than control equipment) at those premises in such a manner as to cause the emission of noise from those premises is guilty of an offence if the noise so caused, or any part of it, is caused by the occupier’s failure—(a) to maintain the plant in an efficient condition, or(b) to operate the plant in a proper and efficient manner.
140 Dealing with materials
(1) The occupier of any premises who deals with materials in or on premises in such a manner as to cause the emission of noise from those premises is guilty of an offence if the noise so caused, or any part of it, is caused by the occupier’s failure to deal with those materials in a proper and efficient manner.(2) In this section—deal with materials means process, handle, move, store or dispose of the materials.materials includes raw materials, materials in the process of manufacture, manufactured materials, by-products, or waste materials.
141 Maximum penalty for noise offences
A person who is guilty of an offence under this Part is liable, on conviction—(a) in the case of a corporation—to a penalty not exceeding $2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—to a penalty not exceeding $500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty not exceeding $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against section 136, 137, 139 or 140 committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 141: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [63]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [17]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
Part 5.6 Land pollution and waste
pt 5.6, hdg: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [3]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [64].
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 5.6, div 1, hdg: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [65].
142 Definition
In this Part—land does not include waters.s 142: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [4].
Division 2 Land pollution
pt 5.6, div 2: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66].
142A Pollution of land
(1) A person who pollutes land is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) In this section—pollute land includes cause or permit any land to be polluted.s 142A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [18]; 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[31].
142B Defence of authority conferred by regulation
(1) The regulations may, for the purposes of this Division, regulate the carrying out of an activity that pollutes land.(2) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under this Division if the person establishes that—(a) the pollution resulted from an activity regulated by such a regulation, and(b) the requirements of that regulation were not contravened.s 142B: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66].
142C Defence of authority conferred by licence
It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under this Division if the person establishes that—(a) the pollution was regulated by an environment protection licence held by the person or another person, and(b) the conditions to which that licence was subject relating to the pollution of land were not contravened.s 142C: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66].
142D Defences relating to pesticides and fertilisers and other substances
(1) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under this Division if the person establishes that the substance placed in or on, or otherwise introduced into or onto, land is any of the following—(a) a pesticide (within the meaning of the Pesticides Act 1999) placed in or on, or otherwise introduced into or onto the land, in the course of being used within the meaning of that Act,(b) a fertiliser, liming material or trace element product within the meaning of the Biosecurity Act 2015 that may lawfully be sold as such,(c) non-hazardous agricultural or crop waste, including stock feed made solely from such waste,(d) manure,(e) virgin excavated natural material,(f) biosolids or any other substances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.(2) Words and expressions used in this section have the meanings prescribed by the regulations.s 142D: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66]. Am 2015 No 24, Sch 8.32.
142E Defences relating to unlicensed landfills
It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under this Division if the person establishes that a substance was placed in or on, or otherwise introduced into or onto, land that was an unlicensed landfill site notified to the EPA in accordance with, and operated in accordance with, any requirements of the regulations.s 142E: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [66].
Division 3 Waste offences
pt 5.6, div 3, hdg: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [67].
143 Unlawful transporting or depositing of waste
(1) Offence If a person transports waste to a place that cannot lawfully be used as a waste facility for that waste, or causes or permits waste to be so transported—(a) the person, and(b) if the person is not the owner of the waste—the owner of the waste, andare each guilty of an offence.(c) if the waste is transported in a vehicle and the person is not the owner of the vehicle—the owner of the vehicle,Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) Proof of lawfulness In any proceedings for an offence under this section the defendant bears the onus of proving that the place to which the waste was transported can lawfully be used as a waste facility for that waste.(3) Defence—owner of waste It is a defence in any proceedings against an owner of waste for an offence under this section if the owner did not transport the waste and establishes—(a) that the commission of the offence was due to causes over which the owner had no control, and(b) that the owner took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.(3A) Defence—approved notice It is a defence in any proceedings for an offence under this section if the defendant establishes that—(a) an approved notice was, at the time of the alleged offence, given to the defendant by the owner or occupier of the place to which the waste was transported or was displayed at the place, and(b) the approved notice stated that the place could lawfully be used as a waste facility for the waste, and(c) the defendant had no reason to believe that the place could not lawfully be used as a waste facility for the waste.(3B) However, it is not a defence in such proceedings for the defendant to establish that the defendant relied on the advice (other than advice in the form of an approved notice) given by the owner or occupier concerned to the effect that the place could, at the time of the alleged offence, be lawfully used as such a waste facility.(3C) Defence—waste not deposited It is a defence in any proceedings for an offence under this section if the defendant establishes that the waste transported by the defendant was not deposited by the defendant or any other person at the place to which it was transported.(4) Definitions In this section—approved notice means a notice, in a form approved by the EPA—(a) stating that the place to which the notice relates can lawfully be used as a waste facility for the waste specified in the notice, and(b) that contains a certification by the owner or occupier of the place that the statement is correct.owner of waste includes, in relation to waste that has been transported, the person who was the owner of the waste immediately before it was transported.s 143: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [8]–[10]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [68] [69]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [19]; 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[39]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[32].
144 Use of place as waste facility without lawful authority
(1) A person who is the owner or occupier of any place and who uses the place, or causes or permits the place to be used, as a waste facility without lawful authority is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) In any proceedings for an offence under this section the defendant bears the onus of proving that there is lawful authority to use the place concerned as a waste facility.s 144: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [11]. Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [70]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [20]; 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [2]; 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [5] [6]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[33].
144AAA Unlawful disposal of asbestos waste
(1) A person disposing of asbestos waste off the site at which it is generated must do so at a place that can lawfully receive the waste.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) In this section, dispose of asbestos waste includes to dump, abandon, deposit, discard, reject, discharge or emit anything that constitutes asbestos waste, and also includes to cause or permit the disposal of asbestos waste.s 144AAA: Ins 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[34].
144AAB Re-use and recycling of asbestos waste prohibited
A person must not cause or permit asbestos waste in any form to be re-used or recycled.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 144AAB: Ins 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[35].
144AA False or misleading information about waste
(1) A person who supplies information about waste to another person in the course of dealing with the waste, being information that is false or misleading in a material respect, is guilty of an offence.It is a defence in any proceedings against a person for an offence under this subsection if the person establishes that the person took all reasonable steps to ensure that the information was not false or misleading in a material respect.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence under subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.(2) A person who supplies information about waste to another person in the course of dealing with the waste, being information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material respect, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—either or both of the following—(i) $1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues,(ii) imprisonment for 18 months.(2A) If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence under subsection (2) is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under subsection (1), the court may find the person guilty of the offence under subsection (1), and the person is liable to punishment accordingly.(2B) Proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) may not be dealt with before the Local Court despite section 215.(3) In this section, information is taken to be supplied to a person in the course of dealing with waste if it is supplied—(a) in the course of an activity relating to the sale or disposal of waste, or(b) in the course of an activity relating to the storage, transport, handling, deposit, transfer, processing, recycling, recovery, re-use or use of the waste.(4) In this section, information about waste means information about any of the following—(a) the type, classification, characteristics, composition or quantity of the waste,(b) the actual or proposed storage, transport, handling, deposit, transfer, disposal, processing, recycling, recovery, re-use or use of the waste,(c) the hazards or potential harm to the environment or human health associated with the waste or an activity referred to in paragraph (b).(5) In this section, information includes a record containing information.(5A) In this section, supply information includes cause or permit information to be supplied.(6) Proceedings for an offence against this section may be instituted only by the EPA.s 144AA: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [70]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [21]; 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[40] [41]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[36] [37].
144AB Repeat waste offenders
(1) For the purposes of this section, a waste offence is an offence against any of the following provisions of this Act—(aaa) section 91B, in relation to a pollution incident relating to waste,(aa) section 115(1),(ab) section 116, if the leaks, spillages or other escapes involve waste,(a) section 120 (1) (where waters are polluted by waste),(b) section 142A (1),(c) section 143 (1),(d) section 144 (1),(e) section 144AAA (1),(f) section 144AAB,(g) section 144AA(1) or (2),(h) section 286A(2),(i) section 286B(1),(j) section 286C(1).(2) A person commits an offence against this section if the person is an individual who—(a) has been convicted of a waste offence, and(b) commits a waste offence on a separate subsequent occasion within 5 years after that conviction.Maximum penalty—The maximum monetary penalty provided by this Act for the commission of the waste offence by an individual or imprisonment for 2 years, or both.(3) A reference in this section to a conviction for a waste offence includes a conviction before or after the commencement of this section and a conviction for an offence against this section.(4) If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence against this section is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of the waste offence to which the charge relates, the court may find the person guilty of the waste offence, and the person is liable to punishment accordingly.(5) Proceedings for an offence against this section may not be dealt with before the Local Court despite section 215.s 144AB: Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [5]. Am 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [8]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[42] [43]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[38].
144AC Use of approved GPS tracking device required by EPA for waste transportation vehicles
(1) The EPA may, by notice in writing, require a person who is engaged in the transportation of waste to ensure that—(a) approved GPS tracking devices are installed, used and maintained, in the manner specified in the notice, on any motor vehicles or trailers, or both, that are used by the person (or an employee, subcontractor or agent of the person) to transport waste, and(b) such devices are not tampered with.(2) A person who does not comply with a notice given to the person under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$44,000, or(b) for an individual—$22,000.(3) In this section—approved GPS tracking device means a device of a kind approved by the EPA that uses the Global Positioning System to keep track of the location of a motor vehicle.s 144AC: Ins 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [5]. Am 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [6]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[39]; 2024 No 47, Sch 2.13.
Part 5.6AA Illegal dumping
ch 5, pt 5.6AA: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
144AD Definitions
In this part—means the following—(a) an authorised officer under this Act,(b) a police officer,(c) an authorised officer under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974,(d) an authorised officer under the Forestry Act 2012,(e) an authorised officer under the Crown Land Management Act 2016,(f) an authorised officer under the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022,(g) an authorised person under regulations made under the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980.depositing litter has the same meaning as in Part 5.6A.illegal dumping offence—see section 144AE(2).litter has the same meaning as in Part 5.6A.open private place has the same meaning as in Part 5.6A.sensitive place means the following—(a) land acquired or reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, including land acquired under Part 11 of that Act that is yet to be reserved,(b) a State forest or flora reserve within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012,(c) land that is a park within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993,(d) a beach within the meaning of the Coastal Management Act 2016,(e) waters,(f) the grounds of a childcare centre, hospital or school to the extent the grounds are a public place or private open space,(g) another place prescribed by the regulations.s 144AD: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
144AE Offence of illegal dumping
(1) This section applies if a person, without lawful excuse—(a) deposits litter or waste in an amount of more than 50L or 50kg in or on—(i) a public place, or(ii) an open private place, or(b) causes or permits conduct referred to in paragraph (a).(2) The person commits an offence (an illegal dumping offence).Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) for an offence committed in or on a sensitive place—$100,000, or(ii) otherwise—$50,000, or(b) for an individual—(i) for an offence committed in or on a sensitive place—$50,000, or(ii) otherwise—$25,000.(3) If a court is satisfied a person charged with an illegal dumping offence in relation to depositing litter is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence the person is guilty of an offence under section 145—(a) the court may find the person guilty of the offence under section 145, and(b) the person is liable to punishment under that section.s 144AE: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
144AF Exceptions
(1) Section 144AE does not apply to a person who deposited the litter or waste in or on a public place if the person—(a) deposited the litter or waste in or on the place—(i) in a receptacle provided by the custodian of the place for the depositing of litter or waste, and(ii) in accordance with any conditions specified by the custodian, by a notice displayed on or near the receptacle, in relation to the depositing of litter or waste in the receptacle, or(b) placed a receptacle containing the litter or waste in the place for the purpose of the litter or waste being removed during a litter or waste removal service provided by the custodian of the place, or(c) deposited the litter or waste in the place—(i) in response to an invitation contained in a notice published by the custodian of the place, and(ii) in accordance with any conditions specified in the notice in relation to the depositing of litter or waste in the place, or(d) deposited the litter or waste in the place with the express consent of the custodian of the place.(2) Section 144AE does not apply to a person who deposited the litter or waste in or on an open private place if the person—(a) deposited the litter or waste in or on the place in any receptacle that is—(i) provided for the depositing of litter or waste, and(ii) appropriate for litter or waste of that size, shape, nature or volume, or(b) at the relevant time was the custodian of the place or was acting with the express or implied consent of the custodian of the place.(3) Section 144AE does not apply to a person who deposited the litter or waste in or on a place if the person—(a) deposited the litter or waste in the place under an authority conferred by or under this Act or another Act or a Commonwealth Act, or(b) deposited the litter or waste in accordance with regulations made for the purposes of this section or in circumstances prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of this section.s 144AF: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
144AG Clean-up of illegal dumping
(1) Chapter 4, Part 4.2 applies to the depositing of litter or waste referred to in section 144AE(1) or the depositing of litter under Part 5.6A as if the depositing of the litter or waste were a pollution incident.(2) For subsection (1), Chapter 4, Part 4.2 applies—(a) as if a reference to premises at or from which a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring, or is suspected to have occurred or is occurring, were a reference to premises on which litter or waste has been deposited as referred to in section 144AE(1), and(b) as if the maximum penalty in section 91B for a corporation were $50,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $6,000 for each day the offence continues, and(c) as if the maximum penalty in section 91B for an individual were $25,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $6,000 for each day the offence continues, and(d) with any other modifications prescribed by the regulations.s 144AG: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
144AH Direction to remove litter or waste
(1) This section applies if an authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that litter or waste has been deposited in a public place by a person in contravention of this Act.(2) The authorised officer may give the following persons a verbal direction to remove the litter or waste from the public place—(a) the person who deposited the litter or waste,(b) the person who caused or permitted the depositing of the litter or waste.(3) The person must comply with the direction.Maximum penalty—(a) if the amount of litter or waste is no more than 50kg or 50L—(i) for a corporation—$10,000, or(ii) for an individual—$5,000, or(b) if the amount of litter or waste is more than 50kg or 50L—(i) for a corporation—$20,000, or(ii) for an individual—$10,000.s 144AH: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[40].
Part 5.6A Littering
pt 5.6A, hdg: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [5].
144A Definitions
In this Part—advertising material means any paper product (including a leaflet, brochure or magazine), or other material thing, that contains advertising or promotional matter.custodian of a place or vehicle means the person who owns the place or vehicle or who has the care, control or management of the place or vehicle.depositing litter in or on a place includes—(a) dropping or throwing litter in, on, into or onto the place, or(b) leaving litter in or on the place, or(c) putting litter in such a location that it falls, descends, blows, is washed, percolates or otherwise escapes or is likely to fall, descend, blow, be washed, percolate or otherwise escape into or onto the place, or(d) causing, permitting or allowing litter to fall, descend, blow, be washed, percolate or otherwise escape into or onto the place.litter includes—(a) any solid or liquid domestic or commercial refuse, debris or rubbish and, without limiting the generality of the above, includes any glass, metal, cigarette butts, paper, fabric, wood, food, abandoned vehicles, abandoned vehicle parts, construction or demolition material, garden remnants and clippings, soil, sand or rocks, anddeposited in or on a place, whether or not it has any value when or after being deposited in or on the place.(b) any other material, substance or thing deposited in or on a place if its size, shape, nature or volume makes the place where it is deposited disorderly or detrimentally affects the proper use of that place,open private place means—(a) a private place that is situated in or on land and that is not within a building on the land, or(b) a private place that is situated in or on waters.vehicle means—(a) any thing that is capable of transporting a person, including an aeroplane, vessel, bicycle, bus, car, horse, train or tram, orand includes a motor vehicle.(b) any trailer that is attached to any such thing,s 144A: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [6].
145 Littering generally
(1) Offence of littering A person who deposits litter in or on a public place or an open private place is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$10,000, or(b) for an individual—$5,000.(2) Application of this section This section applies whether the place is in or on land or is in or on waters, but (without limiting subsection (5) (b)) does not apply to a place or class of places prescribed by the regulations as being excluded from this section.(3) Exceptions: public places Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who deposited the litter in or on a public place, if the person—(a) deposited the litter in or on the place—(i) in a receptacle provided by the custodian of the place for the depositing of litter, and(ii) in accordance with any conditions specified by the custodian, by means of a notice displayed on or in the vicinity of the receptacle, in relation to the depositing of litter in the receptacle, or(b) placed a receptacle containing the litter in the place for the purpose of the litter being removed in the course of a litter removal service provided by the custodian of the place, or(c) deposited the litter in the place—(i) in response to an invitation contained in a notice published by the custodian of the place, and(ii) in accordance with any conditions specified in the notice in relation to the depositing of litter in that place, or(d) deposited the litter in the place with the express consent of the custodian of the place.(4) Exceptions: open private places Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who deposited the litter in or on an open private place, if the person—(a) deposited the litter in or on the place in any receptacle—(i) that is provided for the deposit of litter, and(ii) that is appropriate for litter of that size, shape, nature or volume, or(b) at the relevant time was the custodian of the place or was acting with the express or implied consent of the custodian of the place.(5) Exceptions: generally Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who deposited the litter in or on a place, if the person—(a) deposited the litter in the place under an authority conferred by or under this or any other Act or any Commonwealth Act, or(b) deposited the litter in accordance with any regulations made for the purposes of this section or in such circumstances as may be prescribed by any regulations made for the purposes of this section.s 145: Subst 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [71]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[41].
145A Littering dangerous materials
(1) A person who deposits litter that is or includes dangerous material in or on either of the following places commits an offence—(a) a public place,(b) an open private place.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$50,000, or(b) for an individual—$25,000.(2) If a court is satisfied a person charged with an offence under this section is not guilty of the offence but is satisfied on the evidence the person is guilty of an offence under section 145, the court may—(a) find the person guilty of the offence under section 145, and(b) impose a penalty on the person under that section.(3) In this section—dangerous material means the following—(a) a lit cigarette or a lit cigarette butt,(b) an e-cigarette,(c) a lithium battery or an item that contains a lithium battery,(d) a syringe,(e) glass,(f) oil, fuel, grease, paint or solvent,(g) a substance, material or other thing prescribed by the regulations.syringe—(a) means a hypodermic syringe, and(b) includes—(i) anything designed for use, or intended to be used, as part of a hypodermic syringe, and(ii) a needle designed for use, or intended to be used, in connection with a hypodermic syringe.s 145A: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2024 No 20, Sch 9[42].
146 Owners and drivers of motor vehicles and trailers involved in littering
(1) Offence If litter is deposited from a motor vehicle, or from a trailer attached to a motor vehicle, contrary to section 145 or 145A, the following are taken to be guilty of an offence under that section—(a) in the case of litter deposited from a motor vehicle—the driver of the motor vehicle,(b) in the case of litter deposited from a motor vehicle—the owner of the motor vehicle,(c) in the case of litter deposited from a trailer attached to a motor vehicle—the owner of the trailer.(2) Only one person liable Subsection (1) does not affect the liability of the actual offender but, if a penalty has been imposed or recovered from any person in relation to the offence (whether the actual offender, the driver or the owner), no further penalty may be imposed on or recovered from any other person. In this subsection, penalty includes a penalty under a penalty notice.(3) Exception for passenger vehicles Subsection (1) does not apply if—(a) the motor vehicle is a bus, taxi or other public transport vehicle and is being used at the time to convey a public passenger, and(b) the litter was deposited by that passenger.(4) Exception for stolen vehicles Subsection (1) (b) does not apply if the motor vehicle was at the time a stolen motor vehicle or a motor vehicle illegally taken or used.(4A) Exception for stolen trailers Subsection (1) (c) does not apply if the trailer was at the time a stolen trailer or a trailer illegally taken or used.(5) Exception for owner when not driver Subsection (1) (b) or (c) does not apply if the owner was not in the motor vehicle, including the motor vehicle to which the trailer was attached, at the relevant time and—(a) gives notice in accordance with subsection (7) of the name and address of the person who was in charge of the motor vehicle at the relevant time, or(b) satisfies the officer who gave the penalty notice for the offence or the court dealing with the offence (as the case requires) that the owner did not know, and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained, that name and address.A notice under this subsection is, in proceedings against the person named in the notice for an offence under this Part, evidence that the person was driving the motor vehicle at the relevant time.(6) Exception for driver when not offender Subsection (1) (a) does not apply if the driver—(a) gives notice in accordance with subsection (7) of the name and address of the passenger in the motor vehicle who deposited the litter, or(b) satisfies the officer who gave the penalty notice for the offence or the court dealing with the offence (as the case requires) that the driver did not deposit the litter and did not know, and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained, the name and address of the passenger who deposited the litter.A notice under this subsection is, in proceedings against the person named in the notice for an offence under this Part, evidence that the person deposited the litter from the motor vehicle.(7) Notice given by owner or driver A notice for the purposes of subsection (5) or (6) must be in the form of an approved nomination notice and—(a) if a penalty notice has been given for the offence—the notice must be given to an officer specified in the penalty notice for the purpose within 21 days after service of the penalty notice, or(b) if a court is dealing with the offence—the notice must be given to the prosecutor within 21 days after service of the summons or court attendance notice for the offence.(7A) Despite any other provision of this Act, an approved nomination notice may be provided by a person served with a penalty notice within 90 days of the notice being served on the person if the approved nomination notice is provided in the circumstances specified in section 23AA or 23AB of the Fines Act 1996.(7B) If the owner or driver of a vehicle supplies an approved nomination notice to an officer or a prosecutor for the purposes of this section, an officer or prosecutor may, by written notice served on the owner or driver, require the owner to supply a statutory declaration for use in court proceedings that verifies the nomination contained in the approved nomination notice.(8) False statements A person who makes a statement for the purposes of subsection (5) or (6) knowing that it is false is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.(9) Definition In this section—approved nomination notice has the same meaning as in section 38 of the Fines Act 1996.s 146: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [8]; 2000 No 93, Sch 1.18 [1]–[5]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [72]; 2016 No 13, Sch 2.8 [1]–[4].
146A Depositing of advertising material
(1) Offence A person must not deposit any advertising material in or on any place, other than—(a) in a receptacle that is provided for the deposit of mail, or(b) in a receptacle that is provided for the deposit of newspapers, or(c) under the door of any premises.Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.(2) Application of this section This section applies whether the place is a public place or a private place, and whether the place is in or on land or is in or on waters, but does not apply to the deposit of any advertising material in or on a vehicle.(3) Exceptions This section does not apply to the deposit of—(a) any newspaper, or any material folded or inserted in a newspaper, or(b) anything that is of such a size, shape or volume that it is not possible or appropriate for it to be deposited in accordance with subsection (1) (a)–(c), or(c) anything in a place by a person who is the custodian of the place or is acting with the express consent of the custodian of the place, or(d) anything by a person who deposits it in accordance with any regulations made for the purposes of this section or in such circumstances as may be prescribed by any regulations made for the purposes of this section.ss 146A–146C: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [9].
146B Advertising material not to be placed in or on vehicles
(1) Offence A person must not deposit any advertising material in or on any vehicle.Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.(2) Application of this section This section applies whether the vehicle is situated in or on a public place or a private place.(3) Exceptions This section does not apply to the deposit of—(a) any material by a person who is the custodian of the vehicle or is acting with the express consent of the custodian of the vehicle, or(b) any material by a person who deposits it in accordance with any regulations made for the purposes of this section or in such circumstances as may be prescribed by any regulations made for the purposes of this section.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) (a), a person is not the custodian of a vehicle parked at a parking station merely because the person is the custodian of the parking station. In this subsection, parking station means a place (such as a car park) provided for the parking of vehicles, and includes a place or place of a class prescribed by the regulations.ss 146A–146C: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [9].
146C Offence to cause or ask person to commit offence
A person must not cause, ask, require or induce, or attempt to cause, ask, require or induce, another person to do anything that contravenes or would contravene section 146A or 146B.Maximum penalty—• in the case of a corporation—30 penalty units, or• in the case of an individual—7 penalty units.ss 146A–146C: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [9].
146D Littering reports
(1) The EPA is required to furnish to the Minister a biennial report on littering.(2) The report is to contain estimates of the composition and quantity of litter, by reference to locations considered by the EPA to be places of significant littering activity.(3) The EPA must cause advertisements to be published setting out the proposed methodology to be used in compiling such reports and inviting comments from members of the public concerning the proposed methodology. The EPA must allow at least 30 days for such comments to be made, and must consider comments received within the time allowed.(4) The Minister is to cause a copy of each report to be laid before both Houses of Parliament within 30 sitting days after receiving the report.(5) If the Minister, after consideration of the report, is of the opinion that—(a) the managers or other persons responsible for any of the locations referred to in subsection (2), orare not acting in a manner that minimises littering, the Minister may make recommendations aimed at improving litter avoidance strategies.(b) the producers of or other persons responsible for any products whose components or packaging comprise litter at any such locations,s 146D: Ins 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2001 No 112, Sch 2.29; 2006 No 58, Sch 1.24 [2]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.22 [1].
146E Restrictions on release of balloons
(1) Offence of releasing balloons A person who releases 20 or more balloons at or about the same time is guilty of an offence if the balloons are inflated with a gas that causes them to rise in the air.Maximum penalty (for a corporation or an individual): 10 penalty units.(2) Offence of causing or permitting release of balloons A person who causes or permits the release (whether by one or more than one person) of 20 or more balloons at or about the same time is guilty of an offence if the balloons are inflated with a gas that causes them to rise in the air.Maximum penalty (for a corporation or an individual): 10 penalty units.(3) Aggravated offence A person is guilty of an aggravated offence under this subsection if the person commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) and the number of balloons released is more than 100.Maximum penalty (instead of any penalty under subsection (1) or (2))—• in the case of a corporation—55 penalty units, or• in the case of an individual—33 penalty units.(4) Exceptions Subsections (1)–(3) do not apply if—(a) the balloons are released unintentionally and without negligence, or(b) the balloons are released inside a building or structure and do not make their way into the open air, or(c) the balloons are hot air balloons that are recovered after landing, or(d) the balloons are released for scientific (including meteorological) purposes.(5) Aggravation not proved If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence under subsection (3) is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2), the court may find the person guilty of the offence under subsection (1) or (2), and the person is liable to punishment accordingly.(6) Evidence In any proceedings under this section—(a) it is not necessary for the prosecutor to establish the exact number of balloons released, and(b) evidence that a balloon rose in the air after being released is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, evidence that the balloon was inflated with a gas that caused it to rise in the air.s 146E: Ins 2000 No 82, Sch 1 [1].
146F Application of Part to State waters
This Part extends to State waters within the meaning of the Marine Pollution Act 2012, but not so as to make a person liable to be punished for both—(a) an offence under this Part, and(b) an offence under the Marine Pollution Act 2012 or the regulations under that Act.s 146F: Ins 2012 No 5, Sch 1.5 [2].
Part 5.7 Duty to notify pollution incidents
147 Meaning of material harm to the environment
(1) For the purposes of this Part—(a) harm to the environment is material if—(i) it involves actual or potential harm to the health or safety of human beings or to ecosystems that is not trivial, or(ii) it results in actual or potential loss or property damage of an amount, or amounts in aggregate, exceeding $10,000 (or such other amount as is prescribed by the regulations), and(b) loss includes the reasonable costs and expenses that would be incurred in taking all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent, mitigate or make good harm to the environment.(2) For the purposes of this Part, it does not matter that harm to the environment is caused only in the premises where the pollution incident occurs.
148 Pollution incidents causing or threatening material harm to be notified
(1) Kinds of incidents to be notified This Part applies where a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened.(2) Duty of person carrying on activity to notify A person carrying on the activity must, immediately after the person becomes aware of the incident, notify each relevant authority of the incident and all relevant information about it.(3) Duty of employee engaged in carrying on activity to notify A person engaged as an employee in carrying on an activity must, immediately after the person becomes aware of the incident, notify the employer of the incident and all relevant information about it. If the employer cannot be contacted, the person is required to notify each relevant authority.(3A) Duty of employer to notify Without limiting subsection (2), an employer who is notified of an incident under subsection (3) or who otherwise becomes aware of a pollution incident which is related to an activity of the employer, must, immediately after being notified or otherwise becoming aware of the incident, notify each relevant authority of the incident and all relevant information about it.(4) Duty of occupier of premises to notify The occupier of the premises on which the incident occurs must, immediately after the occupier becomes aware of the incident, notify each relevant authority of the incident and all relevant information about it.(5) Duty on employer and occupier to ensure notification An employer or an occupier of premises must take all reasonable steps to ensure that, if a pollution incident occurs in carrying on the activity of the employer or occurs on the premises, as the case may be, the persons engaged by the employer or occupier will, immediately, notify the employer or occupier of the incident and all relevant information about it.(6) Extension of duty to agents and principals This section extends to a person engaged in carrying on an activity as an agent for another. In that case, a reference in this section to an employee extends to such an agent and a reference to an employer extends to the principal.(7) (Repealed)(8) Meaning of “relevant authority” In this section—means the following—(a) the appropriate regulatory authority,(b) if the EPA is not the appropriate regulatory authority—the EPA,(c) if the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority—the local authority for the area in which the pollution incident occurs,(d) the Ministry of Health,(e) SafeWork NSW as referred to in clause 1 of Schedule 2 to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011,(f) Fire and Rescue NSW.s 148: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [73] [74]; 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [2]–[4]; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [6]; 2015 No 19, Sch 15.14; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[44].
149 Manner and form of notification
(1) If the regulations prescribe the manner or form of notifying pollution incidents under section 148, the notification is to conform to the requirements of the regulations.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations—(a) may require that verbal notification be followed by written notification, and(b) may provide that notification to a designated person or authority is taken to be notification to the relevant person or authority under section 148.s 149: Am 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [5].
150 Relevant information to be given
(1) The relevant information about a pollution incident required under section 148 consists of the following—(a) the time, date, nature, duration and location of the incident,(b) the location of the place where pollution is occurring or is likely to occur,(c) the nature, the estimated quantity or volume and the concentration of any pollutants involved, if known,(d) the circumstances in which the incident occurred (including the cause of the incident, if known),(e) the action taken or proposed to be taken to deal with the incident and any resulting pollution or threatened pollution, if known,(f) other information prescribed by the regulations.(2) The information required by this section is the information known to the person notifying the incident when the notification is required to be given.(3) If the information required to be included in a notice of a pollution incident by subsection (1) (c), (d) or (e) is not known to that person when the initial notification is made but becomes known afterwards, that information must be notified in accordance with section 148 immediately after it becomes known.s 150: Am 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [5]–[8].
151 Incidents not required to be reported
(1) A person is not required to notify a pollution incident under section 148 if the person is aware that the incident has already come to the notice of each person or authority required to be notified.(2) A person is not required to notify a pollution incident under section 148 if the incident is an ordinary result of action required to be taken to comply with an environment protection licence, an environment protection notice or other requirement of or made under this Act.s 151: Am 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [5] [9].
151A EPA may require other notification of pollution incidents
(1) This section applies to the occupier of premises where a pollution incident has occurred in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened.(2) The EPA may direct a person to whom this section applies to notify such other persons of the incident as the EPA requires.(3) The direction is not required to be given in writing.(4) The direction may specify the manner or form of notifying the pollution incident and the information that must be provided.(5) The direction may require that an initial verbal notification be followed by written notification.(6) A person must not fail to comply with a direction given under this section.(7) (Repealed)(8) If a direction under this section is given to a person who is carrying out an activity, is engaged as an employee in carrying out an activity, or is the employer of such a person, the obligations under this section are in addition to, and not in derogation of, the obligations under section 148 (except as provided by section 151 (1)).s 151A: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [10]. Am 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [7].
152 Offence
A person who contravenes this Part is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $480,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.s 152: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [75]; 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [11]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [22]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[43].
153 Incriminating information
(1) A person is required to notify a pollution incident under this Part even though to do so might incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty.(2) Any notification given by a person under this Part is not admissible in evidence against the person for an offence or for the imposition of a penalty.(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to evidence obtained following or as a result of the notification.
Part 5.7A Duty to prepare and implement pollution incident response management plans
pt 5.7A: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12].
153A Duty of licence holder to prepare pollution incident response management plan
The holder of an environment protection licence must prepare a pollution incident response management plan that complies with this Part in relation to the activity to which the licence relates.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 153A: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [23]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
153B EPA may direct other persons to prepare pollution incident response management plan
(1) The EPA may, in accordance with the regulations, require the occupier of premises at which industry is carried out to prepare a pollution incident response management plan that complies with this Part in relation to activities at the premises.(2) A person must not fail to comply with such a requirement.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (2) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.(3) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to—(a) the class or classes of premises, or industries carried out at premises, that may be the subject of a requirement to prepare a pollution incident response management plan, and(b) the circumstances in which some or all premises within those classes may be the subject of a requirement to prepare a pollution incident response management plan.s 153B: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [24]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
153C Information to be included in plan
A pollution incident response management plan must be in the form required by the regulations and must include the following—(a) the procedures to be followed by the holder of the relevant environment protection licence, or the occupier of the relevant premises, in notifying a pollution incident to—(i) the owners or occupiers of premises in the vicinity of the premises to which the environment protection licence or the direction under section 153B relates, and(ii) the local authority for the area in which the premises to which the environment protection licence or the direction under section 153B relates are located and any area affected, or potentially affected, by the pollution, and(iii) any persons or authorities required to be notified by Part 5.7,(b) a detailed description of the action to be taken, immediately after a pollution incident, by the holder of the relevant environment protection licence, or the occupier of the relevant premises, to reduce or control any pollution,(c) the procedures to be followed for co-ordinating, with the authorities or persons that have been notified, any action taken in combating the pollution caused by the incident and, in particular, the persons through whom all communications are to be made,(d) any other matter required by the regulations.s 153C: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12].
153D Keeping of plan
A person who is required to prepare a pollution incident response management plan under this Part must ensure that it is kept at the premises to which the relevant environment protection licence relates, or where the relevant activity takes place, and is made available in accordance with the regulations.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 153D: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [25]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
153E Testing of plan
A person who is required to prepare a pollution incident response management plan under this Part must ensure that it is tested in accordance with the regulations.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 153E: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [26]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
153F Implementation of plan
If a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment (within the meaning of section 147) is caused or threatened, the person carrying on the activity must immediately implement any pollution incident response management plan in relation to the activity required by this Part.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $480,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 153F: Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [12]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [27]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[44].
Part 5.8 Motor vehicles
Division 1 Preliminary
154 Definitions
(1) In this Part—means an authorised officer appointed by the EPA.excessive air impurities—see subsection (2).mass—see subsection (3).petrol includes a mixture of petrol and any other substance, other than a prescribed mixture or a mixture of a prescribed class or description.prescribed anti-pollution device means a device specified or described in the regulations and described there as being a device designed or intended to minimise air pollution caused by motor vehicles.unleaded petrol means petrol—(a) that contains—(i) no lead or not more than the prescribed mass of lead per litre, and(ii) no phosphorus or not more than the prescribed mass of phosphorus per litre, and(b) that has a research octane number within the prescribed range.(2) For the purposes of this Part, a motor vehicle emits excessive air impurities if—(a) when in operation, it emits as determined in accordance with the regulations, air impurities in excess of the standard of concentration and the rate (or the standard of concentration or the rate) prescribed in respect of the class of motor vehicles to which the motor vehicle belongs, or(b) when tested in the prescribed manner, it emits air impurities in excess of the amount per test prescribed in respect of the class of motor vehicles to which the motor vehicle belongs.(3) For the purposes of this Part, the mass of an element contained in a specific volume of a substance may be determined by reference to the mass of the element present as a constituent of a compound contained in that volume.s 154: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [7].
Division 2 Sale and maintenance of motor vehicles
155 Sale of motor vehicles
A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence if it emits excessive air impurities.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 155: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [76]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [28]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
156 Sale of motor vehicles without anti-pollution devices
A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence if—(a) the regulations require motor vehicles of the class to which it belongs to be fitted with prescribed anti-pollution devices, and(b) the vehicle is not fitted in the prescribed manner with such a device.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 156: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [77]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [29]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
157 Adjustment etc of anti-pollution devices and motor vehicles
(1) A person who—(a) removes, disconnects or impairs an anti-pollution device fitted to a motor vehicle, oris guilty of an offence.(b) causes or permits any such device to be removed, disconnected or impaired,(2) A person who—(a) adjusts or modifies an anti-pollution device fitted to a motor vehicle, or(b) adjusts or modifies any part of a motor vehicle, oris guilty of an offence if the adjustment or modification results in the emission of excessive air impurities by the motor vehicle.(c) causes or permits any such device or part to be adjusted or modified,(3) In this section—anti-pollution device means a prescribed anti-pollution device, or any other device that is designed to minimise air pollution.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.s 157: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [78]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
158 Service or repair of motor vehicles
A person who—(a) services or repairs a motor vehicle, orin a manner prohibited by the regulations is guilty of an offence.(b) causes or permits a motor vehicle to be serviced or repaired,Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.s 158: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [79]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
159 Sale of motor vehicles not serviced, maintained or adjusted as prescribed
A person who, whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person, sells a motor vehicle is guilty of an offence if—(a) the regulations require motor vehicles of the class to which it belongs to be serviced, maintained or adjusted in a specified manner, and(b) the vehicle has not been serviced, maintained or adjusted in that manner.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.s 159: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [80]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
160 Defences
(1) Sale of motor vehicle It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 155, 156 or 159 if the defendant proves—(a) that the offence was committed by the defendant in the course of employment by another person, or(b) that upon, or in the event of, the sale of the motor vehicle, the defendant received or was to receive remuneration, by way of commission, from a person other than the owner of the motor vehicle.(2) Sale of vehicle emitting excessive air impurities It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 155 if the defendant proves—(a) that the defendant took all reasonable and practicable steps to prevent the commission of the offence, and(b) that no visible air impurities were emitted by the motor vehicle.(3) Removal, adjustment, modification etc resulting in excessive air impurities It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 157 if the defendant proves that the removal, disconnection, impairment, adjustment or modification was done—(a) in order to service, repair or replace the anti-pollution device or the part of the motor vehicle concerned, or to improve its efficiency with respect to minimising air pollution, or(b) as a temporary measure, in order to facilitate the service or repair of a motor vehicle, or(c) in order to facilitate the use of a motor vehicle for motor racing or off-road motor sport (being a motor vehicle that immediately before that removal or other action was not a vehicle of a kind capable of being registered within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013) and that the vehicle is to be used in that condition only in the competition itself.(4) Adjustment or modification resulting in excessive air impurities It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 157 (2) if the defendant proves that, at the time the offence was committed—(a) the defendant did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the motor vehicle emitted excessive air impurities, and(b) no visible air impurities were emitted by the motor vehicle.(5) Sale of vehicle required to be serviced as prescribed It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 159 if the defendant proves that the defendant took all reasonable steps to ensure that the motor vehicle was serviced, maintained or adjusted as required by the regulations.(6) Sale of vehicle for use in competitive sport It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 155 or 156, if the defendant proves that the motor vehicle—(a) was constructed or has been modified solely for use in motor racing or off-road motor sport, and(b) was not a vehicle of a kind capable of being registered within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013.s 160: Am 1999 No 19, Sch 2.32 [1] [2]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.64 [1].
161 Notices
(1) Notice to repair An authorised officer may, by notice in writing given to the owner of a motor vehicle which the officer reasonably suspects emits excessive air impurities, direct the owner to cause it to be serviced or repaired, within a specified period of time, so that it no longer emits excessive air impurities.(2) Notice regarding anti-pollution devices An authorised officer may, by notice in writing given to the owner of a motor vehicle, direct the owner—(a) if the vehicle is not fitted with every prescribed anti-pollution device required by the regulations to be fitted to it—to cause it to be fitted with specified prescribed anti-pollution devices, or(b) if any device fitted to the vehicle (being a prescribed anti-pollution device or any other device designed to minimise air pollution) has been removed, disconnected or impaired—to cause the device to be refitted, reconnected or repaired, orwithin a specified period of time.(c) if any such device or any part of the vehicle has been so adjusted or modified that, as a result, the vehicle emits excessive air impurities—to cause the device or part to be readjusted or restored,(3) Revoking or varying notice A notice given under this section in respect of a motor vehicle may be revoked or varied by an authorised officer by further notice in writing given to the owner of the vehicle.(4) Offence A person who uses a motor vehicle in respect of which a notice has been given under this section, or causes or permits it to be used, is guilty of an offence if at that time—(a) the person knows that the notice has been given, and(b) the notice has not been revoked, and(c) the period of time specified in the notice has expired, and(d) the notice has not been complied with.Maximum penalty—60 penalty units.(5) (Repealed)(6) Driving permitted for limited purposes A motor vehicle may be driven to a place for the purpose of—(a) having the work required by a notice under this section carried out, or(b) (Repealed)(c) having the vehicle inspected by an authorised officer or a person authorised by such an officer, or(c1) having the vehicle tested or inspected by a person approved by the EPA for the purposes of section 207 (2) (c), orwithout contravening subsection (4).(d) returning from having any such work done or vehicle tested or inspected,(7) (Repealed)s 161: Am 2006 No 120, Sch 1.22 [2] [3]; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [8].
162 Minister’s power to prohibit use of motor vehicles in certain circumstances
(1) Ministerial orders The Minister may, by written order, prohibit the use of all or any class of motor vehicles, in any area specified in the order and at all times, or during particular times, as may be so specified.(2) Purpose of order The Minister may make such an order if satisfied that it is warranted in order to prevent or minimise harm to the environment or injury to public health.(3) Period of operation of order Any such order has effect—(a) on its publication in such manner as may be specified in the regulations, and(b) for such period as may be specified in the order or, if no period is so specified, until it is revoked.(4) Publication of order The regulations may provide for the publication of any such order by means of a newspaper or television, by the display of notices or by any other method specified in the regulations.(5) Offence A person who contravenes any such order is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000.s 162: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [81]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7].
Division 3
163, 164 (Repealed)
pt 5.8, div 3 (ss 163, 164): Rep 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [82].
Division 4 Registration of motor vehicles
165 Suspension of registration
(1) The EPA may, by notice in writing to the owner of the motor vehicle, suspend the registration of a motor vehicle under the Road Transport Act 2013—(a) if the motor vehicle has not been presented for inspection in accordance with the requirements of a notice under this Part or of any other provision of or made under this Act, or(b) if the motor vehicle is in such a condition that its sale or use in that condition would constitute an offence under this Act or the regulations.(2) The EPA may remove any such suspension if satisfied, after inspecting or testing the motor vehicle, that the sale or use of the motor vehicle would no longer constitute an offence under this Act or the regulations.(3) The EPA must give written notice of any suspension, or removal of suspension, to Transport for NSW.(4) The suspension of registration of a motor vehicle takes effect when notice of the suspension is given to the owner of the motor vehicle or, if a later time is specified in the notice, at that later time.(5) The suspension of registration of a motor vehicle does not have effect while the vehicle is being taken to a place—(a) where repairs or other work required to comply with the requirements of a notice under this Part or of any other provision of or made under this Act are to be carried out, oror is being taken directly from any such place to the place where the vehicle is usually kept.(b) for the purpose of its being inspected or tested by (or with the authority of) an authorised officer,(6) While the registration of a motor vehicle is suspended under this section, the motor vehicle is taken, for the purposes of this Act, the Road Transport Act 2013 and any other Act, not to be registered under that Act.s 165: Am 1999 No 19, Sch 2.32 [3] [4]; 2011 No 41, Sch 5.34; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.64 [2]; 2020 No 30, Sch 4.77.
166 Prohibition on registration
(1) The EPA, by notice in writing to Transport for NSW—(a) may prohibit the registration under the Road Transport Act 2013 of a particular motor vehicle if it is satisfied that the motor vehicle is in such a condition that the sale or use of the motor vehicle in that condition would constitute an offence under this Act or the regulations, and(b) may remove any such prohibition if, after inspecting or testing the motor vehicle concerned, it is satisfied that the motor vehicle is no longer in such a condition.(2) The EPA must give written notice of any prohibition, or removal of prohibition, to the owner of the motor vehicle.s 166: Am 1999 No 19, Sch 2.32 [5]; 2011 No 41, Sch 5.34; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.64 [3]; 2020 No 30, Sch 4.77.
Part 5.9 General offences
167 Control equipment
(1) The occupier of any premises must maintain any control equipment installed at the premises in an efficient condition.(2) The occupier of any premises must operate any control equipment installed at the premises in a proper and efficient manner.(3) This section does not apply to any control equipment prescribed by the regulations as being excluded from this section.(4) An occupier of premises who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—$2,000,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—$500,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (4) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.Note—control equipment is defined in the Dictionary.s 167: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [83]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [30]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
167A False or misleading information
(1) A person who supplies information to the EPA that is false or misleading in a material respect is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$1,000,000, or(b) for an individual—$500,000.Note—An offence under this subsection committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.(2) It is a defence in proceedings against a person for an offence under subsection (1) if the person establishes that the person took all reasonable steps to ensure the information was not false or misleading in a material respect.(3) A person who supplies information to the EPA that the person knows is false or misleading in a material respect is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000, or(b) for an individual—$1,000,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both.(4) If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence under subsection (3) is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under subsection (1), the court may find the person guilty of the offence under subsection (1), and the person is liable to punishment accordingly.(5) Proceedings for an offence against this section may be instituted only by the EPA.(6) Despite section 215, proceedings for an offence under subsection (3) may not be dealt with before the Local Court.(7) In this section—information includes a record containing information.supply information includes cause or permit information to be supplied.s 167A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[45]. Am 2023 No 7, Sch 1.19[2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5] [7] [10].
167B Receiving monetary benefits
(1) Any of the following persons who receives, acquires or accrues a monetary benefit as a result of the commission by a corporation of a proved offence under this Act or the regulations (the underlying offence) is guilty of an offence—(a) a person who is, or was, at the time of the commission of the underlying offence, a director of the corporation,(b) a related entity,(c) a person who is, or was, at the time of the commission of the underlying offence, a director of a related body corporate.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—the maximum penalty that applies to a corporation for the underlying offence, or(b) for an individual—the maximum penalty that applies to an individual for the underlying offence.(2) Proceedings for an offence under this section may be commenced—(a) after the date on which the underlying offence is alleged to have been committed, but(b) despite section 216, no later than the later of the following—(i) the date that is 12 months after the date on which a court finds the underlying offence proved,(ii) the date by which the proceedings may be commenced under section 216(2).(3) Despite section 215, proceedings for an offence under this section may not be dealt with before the Local Court.(4) Without limiting subsection (1) or (2)(b)(i), a court finds an offence proved if—(a) the court convicts the offender of the offence, or(b) the court makes an order under the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, section 10 against the offender in relation to the offence.(5) A reference in subsection (1) to a director of a corporation or related body corporate extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation or body corporate.s 167B: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[45]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[45].
168 Ancillary offences
(1) A person who—(a) aids, abets, counsels or procures another person to commit, or(b) attempts to commit, oran offence under another provision of this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence against that other provision and is liable, on conviction, to the same penalty applicable to an offence against that other provision.(c) conspires to commit,(2) A person does not commit an offence because of this section for any act or omission that is an offence under section 169B.s 168: Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [31].
169 Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—offences attracting special executive liability
(1) If a corporation contravenes, whether by act or omission, a provision of this Act attracting special executive liability, each person who is a director of the corporation or who is concerned in the management of the corporation is taken to have contravened the same provision, unless the person satisfies the court that—(a) (Repealed)(b) the person was not in a position to influence the conduct of the corporation in relation to its contravention of the provision, or(c) the person, if in such a position, used all due diligence to prevent the contravention by the corporation.(1A) For the purposes of this section, each of the following provisions attract special executive liability—(a) section 49 (2),(b) section 64 (1),(c) section 66 (2) or (4),(d) section 102,(e) section 113,(f) section 115 (1),(g) section 116 (1) or (2),(h) section 117 (1),(i) section 120 (1),(j) section 124,(k) section 125,(l) section 126,(m) section 128,(n) section 142A (1),(o) section 143 (1),(p) section 144 (1),(p1) section 144AAA (1),(p2) section 144AAB,(q) section 152,(r) section 296C(1),(s) section 296E(1).(2) A person may be proceeded against and convicted under a provision pursuant to this section whether or not the corporation has been proceeded against or been convicted under that provision.(3) Nothing in this section affects any liability imposed on a corporation for an offence committed by the corporation against this Act or the regulations.(4), (5) (Repealed)s 169: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [84]–[86]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [32]–[34]; 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [9]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[3].
169A Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—offences attracting executive liability generally
(1) For the purposes of this section, an executive liability offence is an offence against any of the following provisions of this Act that is committed by a corporation—(a) section 47 (1),(b) section 48 (2),(c) section 86 (3),(d) section 91B,(e) section 97,(f) section 112,(g) section 129,(h) section 136,(i) section 137,(j) section 139,(k) section 140,(l) section 144AA (1),(m) section 153A,(n) section 153B (2),(o) section 153D,(p) section 153E,(q) section 153F,(r) section 155,(s) section 156,(t) section 167 (4),(u) section 167A(1),(v) section 296F(7),(w) section 296L(1).(2) A person commits an offence against this section if—(a) a corporation commits an executive liability offence, and(b) the person is—(i) a director of the corporation, or(ii) an individual who is involved in the management of the corporation and who is in a position to influence the conduct of the corporation in relation to the commission of the executive liability offence, and(c) the person—(i) knows or ought reasonably to know that the executive liability offence (or an offence of the same type) would be or is being committed, and(ii) fails to take all reasonable steps to prevent or stop the commission of that offence.Maximum penalty—The maximum penalty for the executive liability offence if committed by an individual.(3) The prosecution bears the legal burden of proving the elements of the offence against this section.(4) The offence against this section can only be prosecuted by a person who can bring a prosecution for the executive liability offence.(5) This section does not affect the liability of the corporation for the executive liability offence, and applies whether or not the corporation is prosecuted for, or convicted of, the executive liability offence.(6) This section does not affect the application of any other law relating to the criminal liability of any persons (whether or not directors or other managers of the corporation) who are accessories to the commission of the executive liability offence or are otherwise concerned in, or party to, the commission of the executive liability offence.(7) In this section—director has the same meaning it has in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth.reasonable steps, in relation to the commission of an executive liability offence, includes, but is not limited to, such action (if any) of the following kinds as is reasonable in all the circumstances—(a) action towards—(i) assessing the corporation’s compliance with the provision creating the executive liability offence, and(ii) ensuring that the corporation arranged regular professional assessments of its compliance with the provision,(b) action towards ensuring that the corporation’s employees, agents and contractors are provided with information, training, instruction and supervision appropriate to them to enable them to comply with the provision creating the executive liability offence so far as the provision is relevant to them,(c) action towards ensuring that—(i) the plant, equipment and other resources, andrelevant to compliance with the provision creating the executive liability offence are appropriate in all the circumstances,(ii) the structures, work systems and other processes,(d) action towards creating and maintaining a corporate culture that does not direct, encourage, tolerate or lead to non-compliance with the provision creating the executive liability offence.s 169A: Ins 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [35]. Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[46] [47]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[4].
169B Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—accessory to the commission of the offences
(1) For the purposes of this section, a corporate offence is an offence against this Act or the regulations that is capable of being committed by a corporation, whether or not it is an offence referred to in section 169 or 169A.(2) A person commits an offence against this section if—(a) a corporation commits a corporate offence, and(b) the person is—(i) a director of the corporation, or(ii) an individual who is involved in the management of the corporation and who is in a position to influence the conduct of the corporation in relation to the commission of the corporate offence, and(c) the person—(i) aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of the corporate offence, or(ii) induces, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, the commission of the corporate offence, or(iii) conspires with others to effect the commission of the corporate offence, or(iv) is in any other way, whether by act or omission, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the commission of the corporate offence.Maximum penalty—The maximum penalty for the corporate offence if committed by an individual.(3) The prosecution bears the legal burden of proving the elements of the offence against this section.(4) The offence against this section can only be prosecuted by a person who can bring a prosecution for the corporate offence.(5) This section does not affect the liability of the corporation for the corporate offence, and applies whether or not the corporation is prosecuted for, or convicted of, the corporate offence.(6) This section does not affect the application of any other law relating to the criminal liability of any persons (whether or not directors or other managers of the corporation) who are concerned in, or party to, the commission of the corporate offence.s 169B: Ins 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [35].
169C Evidence as to state of mind of corporation
(1) Without limiting any other law or practice regarding the admissibility of evidence, evidence that an officer, employee or agent of a corporation (while acting in his or her capacity as such) had, at any particular time, a particular state of mind, is evidence that the corporation had that state of mind.(2) In this section, the state of mind of a person includes—(a) the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief or purpose of the person, and(b) the person’s reasons for the intention, opinion, belief or purpose.s 169C: Ins 2012 No 97, Sch 1.34 [35].
170 Extra-territoriality
A person is guilty of a particular offence against this Act or the regulations in respect of any act or omission done or omitted by the person outside the State—(a) if the act or omission causes any substance to come into the State, and(b) if the substance causes harm or is likely to cause harm to the environment of the State, and(c) if (apart from this section) the act or omission would have constituted that offence if it had been done or omitted within the State.
Chapter 6 Environmental audits
Part 6.1 Preliminary
171 Relationship of this Chapter to other provisions
(1) This Chapter does not affect other provisions of this Act, which provide for—(a) conditions on environment protection licences requiring—(i) monitoring or testing, or(ii) reporting on monitoring or testing, and(b) functions exercisable by the appropriate regulatory authority or authorised officers for the purpose of auditing compliance with this Act, the regulations and conditions of licences.(2) This Chapter does not affect provisions of this or any other Act relating to pollution reduction programs or industry waste reduction programs.
172 Nature of environmental audit
An environmental audit is a documented evaluation of an activity (including an evaluation of management practices, systems and plant) for either or both of the following purposes—(a) to provide information to the persons managing the activity on compliance with legal requirements, codes of practice and relevant policies relating to the protection of the environment,(b) to enable those persons to determine whether the way the activity is carried on can be improved in order to protect the environment and to minimise waste.s 172: Am 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [9].
173 Accreditation and regulation of environmental auditors
The regulations may make provision for or with respect to either or both of the following—(a) the accreditation of environmental auditors for the purposes of this Chapter,(b) the carrying out of environmental audits by environmental auditors, including—(i) the protection of documents prepared for environmental audits, and(ii) the admissibility in a court or tribunal of documents prepared for environmental audits.s 173: Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[46].
Part 6.2 Mandatory environmental audits
174 Conditions for mandatory environmental audits
(1) The conditions of a licence may require a mandatory environmental audit to be undertaken to the satisfaction of the appropriate regulatory authority.(2) Such a condition must specify the purpose of the audit.(3) Such a condition may require—(a) appointment of an environmental auditor to undertake the audit, and(b) approval by the appropriate regulatory authority of the environmental auditor before being appointed, and(c) preparation of written documentation during the course of the audit, and(d) preparation of an audit report, and(e) production to the appropriate regulatory authority of the audit report.(4) Such a condition may—(a) specify the format and level of detail required for the audit, or(b) require the environmental auditor to submit the proposed format and level of detail to the appropriate regulatory authority for approval.
175 Circumstances in which mandatory environmental audit can be imposed
Conditions requiring the undertaking of a mandatory environmental audit may only be imposed if—(a) the appropriate regulatory authority reasonably suspects—(i) that the holder of the licence has on one or more occasions contravened this Act, the regulations or the conditions of the licence, and(ii) that the contravention or contraventions have caused, are causing or are likely to cause, harm to the environment, or(b) the appropriate regulatory authority reasonably suspects that an activity has been or is being carried out by the holder of the licence in an environmentally unsatisfactory manner (within the meaning of section 95).s 175: Subst 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [13].
176 Certification of audit report
The audit report for a mandatory environmental audit is taken not to have been duly produced to the appropriate regulatory authority unless it is accompanied by—(a) a declaration signed by the holder of the licence certifying that the holder has not knowingly provided any false or misleading information to the environmental auditor and has provided all relevant information to the auditor, and(b) a declaration signed by the environmental auditor—(i) setting out the auditor’s qualifications, and(ii) certifying that the report is accurate, and that the auditor has not knowingly included any false or misleading information in it or failed to include any relevant information in it.
177 Offences
(1) False or misleading information to auditor A person who provides information to an environmental auditor in connection with a mandatory environmental audit, knowing the information to be false or misleading in a material respect, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both, and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(2) Information not provided to auditor The holder of a licence who fails to provide information to an environmental auditor in connection with a mandatory environmental audit being carried out in relation to the licence, knowing the information to be materially relevant to the audit, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both, and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(3) False or misleading information in audit report An environmental auditor who includes information in an audit report produced to the appropriate regulatory authority in connection with a mandatory environmental audit, knowing the information to be false or misleading in a material respect, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both, and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(4) Information not included in audit report An environmental auditor who fails to provide information in an audit report produced to the appropriate regulatory authority in connection with a mandatory environmental audit, knowing the information to be materially relevant to the audit, is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both, and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(5) Retention of audit documentation The holder of a licence who—(a) fails to retain any written documentation required to be prepared by the holder in connection with a mandatory environmental audit for a period of at least 5 years after the audit report concerned was produced to the appropriate regulatory authority (or such other period as is prescribed by the regulations), oris guilty of an offence.(b) fails to produce during that period any such documentation to the appropriate regulatory authority on request,Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$240,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.s 177: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[48]–[50]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8].
178 Self-incriminatory information not exempt
Information must be supplied by a person in connection with a mandatory environmental audit, and this Part applies to any such information that is supplied, whether or not the information might incriminate the person.
179 Use of information
(1) Any information in an audit report or other documentation supplied to the appropriate regulatory authority in connection with a mandatory environmental audit may be taken into consideration by the appropriate regulatory authority and used for the purposes of this Act.(2) Without limiting the above, any such information is admissible in evidence in any prosecution of the holder of a licence for any offence (whether under this Act or otherwise).
Part 6.3
180–183 (Repealed)
ch 6, pt 6.3: Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[47].
s 180: Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[47].
s 181: Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[47].
s 182: Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[47].
s 183: Rep 2024 No 20, Sch 9[47].
Chapter 7 Investigation
Part 7.1 Preliminary
184 Purposes for which powers under Chapter may be exercised
Powers may be exercised under this Chapter for the following purposes—(a) for determining whether there has been compliance with or a contravention of this Act or the regulations or any environment protection licence, notice or requirement issued or made under this Act,(b) for obtaining information or records for purposes connected with the administration of this Act,(c) generally for administering this Act and protecting the environment.
185 Effect on other functions
(1) Nothing in this Chapter affects any function under any other Chapter of this Act or under any other Act.(2) Nothing in this Chapter limits conditions that can be attached to an environment protection licence.
186 Extension of Chapter to other environment protection legislation
This Chapter extends to the exercise of powers in connection with the following legislation—(a) Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 and the regulations under that Act,(a1) Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 and the regulations under that Act,(b) Ozone Protection Act 1989 and the regulations under that Act,(b1) Pesticides Act 1999 and the regulations under that Act,(b2) Protection from Harmful Radiation Act 1990 and the regulations under that Act,(b3) Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act 2004 and the regulations under that Act,(b4) Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 and the regulations under that Act,(b5) Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 and the regulations under that Act,(b6) any other environment protection legislation prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph,(c) any repealed provision of any Act or regulation amended or repealed by this Act, in respect to offences committed against the Act or regulation before its repeal or in respect of any other matter that continues to have any force or effect (except as provided by or by regulations under Schedule 5),(d) any provision of the Pesticides Act 1978 in respect of offences committed under that Act (before its repeal by the Pesticides Act 1999) or in respect of any other matter that continues to have any force or effect (except as provided by regulations under Schedule 5 or under Schedule 2 to the Pesticides Act 1999).Accordingly, a reference in this Chapter to this Act or the regulations includes a reference to each of those Acts or regulations.s 186: Am 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [12]; 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [2] [3]; 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [7]; 2002 No 14, Sch 1 [8]; 2012 No 73, Sch 2.2; 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [7]; 2021 No 31, Sch 3.3[1]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[51]; 2023 No 30, Sch 2.7[1]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[48].
Part 7.2 Authorised officers and enforcement officers
pt 7.2, hdg: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [9].
187 Appointment of authorised officers
(1) The EPA may appoint any person (including a class of persons) as an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act.(2) Any other regulatory authority may appoint any officer or employee of the authority (including a class of such officers or employees) as an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act.(2A) In addition, a regulatory authority that is a local council may appoint any officer or employee of another local council (including a class of such officers or employees) as an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act in respect of the appointing local council’s area.(3) In this section—employee of an authority includes a person whose services are used by the authority and who is, in respect of those services, subject to the direction and control of the authority.s 187: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [10]; 2002 No 53, Sch 1.22 [1]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.23 [1].
188 Scope of authority
(1) An authorisation of a person as an authorised officer can be given generally, or subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions or only for limited purposes.(2) If such authorisation is given subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions or only for limited purposes, nothing in this Act authorises or requires the authorised officer to act in contravention of the conditions, limitations or restrictions or for other purposes.(3) The authorisation of an authorised officer appointed by a regulatory authority other than the EPA is limited to matters concerning the functions of the regulatory authority under this Act.(4) Despite subsection (3) and any other provision of this Chapter, an authorised officer of a regulatory authority may exercise powers under this Chapter (other than under Part 7.6) for the purpose of determining whether a matter concerns the functions of the regulatory authority.s 188: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [11].
189 Identification
(1) Every authorised officer or enforcement officer, who is not a police officer, is to be provided with an identification card as an authorised officer or enforcement officer by the regulatory or other authority that appointed the officer.(2) In the course of exercising the functions of an authorised officer or enforcement officer under this Act, the officer must, if requested to do so by any person affected by the exercise of any such function, produce to the person the officer’s identification card, issued in accordance with this section, or, in the case of a police officer, the officer’s police identification.(3) It is sufficient compliance with subsection (2) if an enforcement officer, acting in the capacity of an enforcement officer, who is also an authorised officer produces his or her identification card as an authorised officer.s 189: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [12] [13]; 2004 No 55, Sch 1.20 [2]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.27 [2].
189A Powers of enforcement officers
An enforcement officer has, in respect of any of the officer’s responsibilities or functions as an enforcement officer under this Act or the regulations, the functions of an authorised officer under this Chapter (other than section 204 (2) and Part 7.6) and this Chapter applies accordingly.s 189A: Ins 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [14].
Part 7.3 Powers to require information or records
190 Application of Part
This Part applies whether or not a power of entry under Part 7.4 is being or has been exercised.
191 Requirement to provide information and records (EPA)
(1) The EPA may, by notice in writing given to a person, require the person to furnish to it such information or records (or both) as it requires by the notice in connection with any matter relating to its responsibilities or functions under this Act.(2) This section is not limited to matters in respect of which the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority.
192 Requirement to provide information and records (other regulatory authorities)
(1) A regulatory authority (other than the EPA) may, by notice in writing given to a person, require the person to furnish to it such information or records (or both) as it requires by the notice in connection with any matter relating to its responsibilities or functions under this Act.(2) This section is limited to matters in respect of which the authority is the appropriate regulatory authority.
193 Requirement to provide information and records (authorised officers)
(1) An authorised officer may, by notice in writing given to a person, require the person to furnish to the officer such information or records (or both) as the officer requires by the notice in connection with any matter within the responsibilities and functions of the regulatory authority that appointed the officer.(2) In the case of authorised officers appointed by the EPA, this section is not limited to matters in respect of which the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority.
194 Manner, time etc for compliance
A notice under this Part must specify the manner in which information or records are required to be furnished and a reasonable time by which the information or records are required to be furnished.
195 Provisions relating to records
(1) A notice under this Part may only require a person to furnish existing records that are in the person’s possession or that are within the person’s power to obtain lawfully.(2) The body or person to whom any record is furnished under this Part may take copies of it.(3) If any record required to be furnished under this Part is in electronic, mechanical or other form, the notice requires the record to be furnished in written form, unless the notice otherwise provides.
Part 7.4 Powers of entry and search of premises
196 Powers of authorised officers to enter premises
(1) An authorised officer may enter—(a) any premises at which the authorised officer reasonably suspects that any industrial, agricultural or commercial activities are being carried out—at any time during which those activities are being carried out there, and(b) any premises at or from which the authorised officer reasonably suspects pollution has been, is being or is likely to be caused—at any time, and(b1) premises at or from which the authorised officer reasonably suspects an offence against this Act or the regulations involving an industrial chemical or an environmentally hazardous chemical is being or is likely to be committed—at any time, and(c) any other premises—at any reasonable time.(2) A power to enter premises conferred by this Act authorises entry by foot or by means of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, or by an aircraft or vessel, or in any other manner.(2A) If entry is effected by means of an unmanned vehicle, vessel or aircraft, the vehicle, vessel or aircraft must be operated by or under the authority of an authorised officer.(3) Entry may be effected under this Act by an authorised officer with the aid of such authorised officers or police officers as the authorised officer considers necessary and with the use of reasonable force.(4) Entry may be effected to any premises with the authority of a search warrant under section 199.s 196: Am 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [4]; 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [8] [9]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[5].
197 Entry into residential premises only with permission or warrant
This Part does not empower an authorised officer to enter any part of premises used only for residential purposes without the permission of the occupier or the authority of a search warrant under section 199.
198 Powers of authorised officers to do things at premises
(1) An authorised officer may, at any premises lawfully entered, do anything that in the opinion of the authorised officer is necessary to be done for the purposes of this Chapter, including (but not limited to) the things specified in subsection (2).(2) An authorised officer may do any or all of the following—(a) examine and inspect any works, plant, vehicle, aircraft or other article,(b) take and remove samples,(c) make such examinations, inquiries and tests as the authorised officer considers necessary,(d) take such photographs, films, audio, video and other recordings as the authorised officer considers necessary,(e) require records to be produced for inspection,(f) examine and inspect any records,(g) copy any records,(h) seize anything the authorised officer reasonably suspects—(i) is connected with an offence against this Act or the regulations, or(ii) may present a risk of harm to human health or the environment,(h1) for the purposes of paragraph (h), direct the occupier of the premises where the thing is seized to retain it at those premises or at another place under the control of the occupier,(i) do any other thing the authorised officer is empowered to do under this Chapter.(3) The power to seize anything connected with an offence includes a power to seize—(a) a thing with respect to which the offence has been committed, and(b) a thing that will afford evidence of the commission of the offence, and(c) a thing that was used for the purpose of committing the offence.A reference to any such offence includes a reference to an offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been committed.s 198: Am 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [5] [6]; 2000 No 53, Sch 1.23 [1]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[49].
198A Power to disable intruder alarms
(1) An authorised officer may turn off or otherwise disable a building intruder alarm or a motor vehicle intruder alarm that is or has been sounding in breach of this Act or the regulations.(2) In this section—motor vehicle intruder alarm means a device that—(a) incorporates or connects to a sounding device, andbeing a device that is attached to or forms part of the motor vehicle for use as an intruder alarm, whether or not the device is also designed to be used for any other purpose.(b) on being triggered, causes the sounding device to emit sound,s 198A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [87].
199 Search warrants
(1) Application for search warrant An authorised officer under this Act may apply to an authorised officer within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 for the issue of a search warrant if the authorised officer under this Act believes on reasonable grounds that—(a) a provision of this Act or the regulations is being or has been contravened at any premises, or(b) there is in or on any premises matter or a thing that is connected with an offence under this Act or the regulations.(2) Issue of search warrant An authorised officer within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 to whom such an application is made may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, issue a search warrant authorising an authorised officer under this Act named in the warrant—(a) to enter the premises, and(b) to exercise any function of an authorised officer under this Part.(3) Division 4 of Part 5 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 applies to a search warrant issued under this section.(4) Definition In this section—matter or a thing connected with an offence means—(a) matter or a thing with respect to which the offence has been committed, or(b) matter or a thing that will afford evidence of the commission of an offence, or(c) matter or a thing that was used, or is intended to be used, for the purpose of committing the offence.offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been, or is to be, committed.Note—premises is defined in the Dictionary.s 199: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [15] [16]; 2002 No 103, Sch 4.73 [1]–[4].
199A Authorised officers may request assistance
A person may accompany an authorised officer and take all reasonable steps to assist an authorised officer in the exercise of the authorised officer’s functions under this Part if the authorised officer is of the opinion that the person is capable of providing assistance to the authorised officer in the exercise of those functions.s 199A: Ins 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [7].
200 Assistance to be given to authorised officers
(1) This section applies for the purpose of enabling an authorised officer to exercise any of the powers of an authorised officer under this Part in connection with any premises.(2) The EPA or other regulatory authority that appointed the authorised officer may, by notice in writing given to the owner or occupier of the premises, require the owner or occupier to provide such reasonable assistance and facilities as are specified in the notice within a specified time and in a specified manner.(3) Assistance and facilities can be required under this section, whether they are of the same kind as, or a different kind from, any prescribed by the regulations.
201 Care to be taken
In the exercise of a power of entering or searching premises under this Part, the authorised officer must do as little damage as possible.
202 Compensation
The EPA or other regulatory authority that appoints an authorised officer must compensate all interested parties for any damage caused by the authorised officer in exercising a power of entering premises (but not any damage caused by the exercise of any other power), unless the occupier obstructed or hindered the authorised officer in the exercise of the power of entry.
Part 7.5 Powers to question and to identify persons
203 Power of authorised officers to require answers
(1) An authorised officer may require a person whom the authorised officer suspects on reasonable grounds to have knowledge of matters in respect of which information is reasonably required for the purposes of this Act to answer questions in relation to those matters.(2) The EPA or any other regulatory authority may, by notice in writing, require a corporation to nominate, in writing within the time specified in the notice, a director or officer of the corporation to be the corporation’s representative for the purpose of answering questions under this section.(3) Answers given by a person nominated under subsection (2) bind the corporation.(4) In the case of authorised officers appointed by the EPA, subsection (1) is not limited to matters in respect of which the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority.(5) An authorised officer may, by notice in writing, require a person to attend at a specified place and time to answer questions under this section if attendance at that place is reasonably required in order that the questions can be properly put and answered.(6) The place and time at which a person may be required to attend under subsection (5) is to be—(a) a place or time nominated by the person, or(b) if the place and time nominated is not reasonable in the circumstances or a place and time is not nominated by the person, a place and time nominated by the authorised officer that is reasonable in the circumstances.(7) The authorised officer may, in the notice under subsection (5) or in a subsequent notice, authorise the person to answer the questions using an audio link or audio visual link of a kind approved by the authorised officer.(8) If the questions are to be answered by the person using an audio link or audio visual link—(a) the place at which the person is required to attend is taken to be any place having adequate facilities for the answering of questions in that way at the time nominated under subsection (6), and(b) the person must ensure the audio link or audio visual link is operated appropriately so that the answers given to the questions are clear to the authorised officer.(9) In this section—audio link means technology that enables continuous and contemporaneous audio communication between persons at different places, including telephones.audio visual link means technology that enables continuous and contemporaneous audio and visual communication between persons at different places, including video conferencing.(10) (Repealed)s 203: Am 1997 No 156, sec 203(10); 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [88]; 2020 No 5, Sch 1.25; 2021 No 5, Sch 1.22; 2022 No 5, Sch 1.14.
203A Recording of evidence
(1) An authorised officer may cause any questions and answers to questions given under this Part to be recorded if the officer has informed the person who is to be questioned that the record is to be made.(2) A record may be made using sound recording apparatus or audio visual apparatus, or any other method determined by the authorised officer.(3) A copy of any such record must be provided by the authorised officer to the person who is questioned as soon as practicable after it is made.(4) A record may be made under this section despite the provisions of any other law.s 203A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [89].
204 Power of authorised officers to demand name and address
(1) Name and address to be given if offence suspected An authorised officer may require a person whom the authorised officer suspects on reasonable grounds to have offended or to be offending against this Act or the regulations to state his or her full name and residential address.(2) Name and address to be given in connection with noise If an authorised officer forms the opinion on reasonable grounds that a noise control notice or a noise abatement direction may be issued under Part 8.6 against a person, the authorised officer may require the person to state the person’s full name and residential address.(2A) Proof of name and address An authorised officer may request a person who is required under this section to state his or her full name and residential address to provide proof of the name and address. It is not an offence under section 211 to fail to comply with any such request.(3) Power of arrest A person who, being required to do so under this section—(a) refuses to state his or her name or residential address, ormay without any other warrant than this Act be apprehended by the authorised officer and taken before a Magistrate or court officer to be dealt with according to law.(b) states a name or residential address that in the opinion of the authorised officer is false,(4) Bail A Magistrate or court officer before whom a person is taken under subsection (3) may make a bail decision under the Bail Act 2013 in respect of the person.(4A) If the person has not been charged with an offence, the Bail Act 2013 applies as if the person were accused of an offence.(4B) For the purpose of applying the Bail Act 2013, a court officer has the same functions as an authorised justice under that Act.(5) Maximum penalty The maximum penalty for an offence under section 211 in connection with a requirement under this section is 100 penalty units despite anything to the contrary in that section.(6) In this section—court officer means an authorised officer under the Criminal Procedure Act 1986.s 204: Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [1] [2]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [90]; 2014 No 5, Sch 2.27 [1]–[3].
Part 7.6 Powers with respect to vehicles, vessels and other articles
205 Definitions
In this Part—article includes any plant, motor or other vehicle, aircraft, vessel or other thing of any description.—(a) means, except in sections 206 and 208, only an authorised officer appointed by the EPA, and(b) extends, in sections 206 and 208, to a police officer, and(c) extends, in sections 206 and 208, in relation to vessels only, to an officer or employee of the marine authority authorised by the authority for the purposes of those sections, and(d) extends, in sections 206 and 208, in relation to vessels situated within marine parks and aquatic reserves, to an authorised officer appointed under the Marine Estate Management Act 2014 authorised by the relevant Ministers (within the meaning of that Act) for the purposes of those sections.s 205: Am 1998 No 120, Sch 1.35 [2] [3]; 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [8]; 2004 No 91, Sch 2.65; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [91]; 2014 No 72, Sch 4.13 [1].
205A Application of Part
Nothing in this Part limits the functions that may be exercised under any other Part of this Chapter.s 205A: Ins 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [9].
206 Power to inspect and test
(1) An authorised officer may, for the purposes of this Chapter, inspect and test any article.(2) The authorised officer may, for the purposes of any such inspection or testing—(a) enter the article, and(b) enter in accordance with this Act the premises where the article is located, and(c) operate the article, and(d) take photographs or video films of the article, and(e) inspect or test any substance being carried by the article or in any container on the article (including in a fuel tank), and(f) take a sample of any such substance for testing.s 206: Am 1998 No 120, Sch 1.35 [4]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [92].
206A Powers relating to vehicles suspected of transporting industrial chemicals or environmentally hazardous chemicals
(1) An authorised officer who suspects on reasonable grounds that an industrial chemical or an environmentally hazardous chemical is being transported by, or is situated in a container being transported by, a vehicle or vessel may—(a) if the vehicle or vessel is moving—direct that the vehicle or vessel be stopped, and(b) take, for the purpose of examination or testing, samples of a substance being transported, and(c) detain the vehicle or vessel for the time necessary to take the samples.(2) If the authorised officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the substance and a vehicle, vessel or container being used to transport the substance has been or is being used in connection with an offence against this Act or the regulations, the authorised officer may do one or more of the following—(a) seize and remove the substance and the vehicle, vessel or container,(b) direct the occupier of the place where the substance is seized to keep the substance in that place,(c) direct the owner of the substance to keep the substance in a place under the control of the occupier or owner that will, in the officer’s opinion, least endanger the environment,(d) give directions for, or in relation to, the detention of the substance, vehicle, vessel or container.(3) Sections 199A–202 extend to the exercise of functions under this section.s 206A: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[6].
207 Power to require articles to be tested or inspected
(1) An authorised officer may, by notice in writing, require the owner or person in possession of an article specified in the notice to have the article tested or inspected, within the time so specified, for the purpose of determining whether the article complies with the requirements of this Act or the regulations.(2) Any such notice may require the article—(a) to be tested or inspected at a specified place (being a place within 80 kilometres of the owner’s or person’s residence or place of business), or(b) to be tested or inspected by or in the presence of an authorised officer, or(c) to be tested or inspected at a place approved by the EPA by a person approved by the EPA.(3) Any such notice may be revoked or varied by a further notice given by an authorised officer.(4) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the approval by the EPA of—(a) the places at which articles are to be tested or inspected for the purposes of this section, and(b) the persons who may carry out any such testing or inspection.(5) Without limiting subsection (4), the regulations may make provision for or with respect to the following—(a) the issue, transfer, conditions, variation, surrender, review, suspension or revocation of an approval (including applications for the issue, transfer, variation or surrender of approvals) for the purposes of this section,(b) the maximum fee that may be charged with respect to the testing or inspection of an article under subsection (2) (c).s 207: Am 2006 No 58, Sch 1.24 [3]–[5].
208 Stopping of vehicles and vessels for inspection or testing
(1) The driver or person in charge of a vehicle or vessel that is being used in any place must, for the purpose of enabling an authorised officer to inspect or test it under this Part, comply with any reasonable direction by an authorised officer—(a) to stop the vehicle or vessel (being a direction given by displaying a sign or by any other reasonable method), or(b) relating to facilitating the inspection or testing of the vehicle or vessel by an authorised officer, or(c) to move the vehicle or vessel to a suitable place for inspection or testing.(2) If a vehicle or vessel has been stopped in compliance with such a direction (other than a direction to move the vehicle or vessel to a suitable place for inspection or testing at a later time), inspection and testing of it under this section must be carried out—(a) at or as near as practicable to the place where the direction to stop the vehicle or vessel is given, and(b) as soon as practicable, and in any case within one hour, after the vehicle or vessel is stopped in accordance with the direction.(2A) If a direction is given to move a vehicle or vessel to a suitable place for inspection or testing and the inspection or testing is not to take place at the time, the direction must be given by notice in writing specifying the time, date and place for the inspection or testing.(3) The maximum penalty for an offence under section 211 in connection with a requirement under this section is 30 penalty units despite anything to the contrary in that section.(4) In this section, vehicle includes aircraft.s 208: Am 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [10]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [93]–[95].
209 Power to seize articles (other than vehicles or vessels) to test for noise
(1) An authorised officer may take possession of an article (other than a vehicle or vessel) and take it to a place approved by the EPA for the purpose of measuring its noise level or its noise emission characteristics.(2) An authorised officer who takes possession of an article under this section must provide the person from whom it is taken with a receipt that—(a) specifies the make, model and serial number of the article, or any other information that will identify the article, and(b) specifies the time and date of issue of the receipt, and(c) specifies a date (being a date not more than 21 days after the date of issue) on or before which the article will be returned, and(d) is signed by the authorised officer issuing it.(3) The authorised officer must return the article to its owner, or to the person from whose possession it was taken, on or before the date specified in the receipt for its return.
210 Power to require information about articles
The EPA may, by notice under Part 7.3, require—(a) the owner of an article, orto furnish it with information relating to any such article.(b) the person by whom articles of a specified class or description were manufactured, assembled, imported, sold or supplied for sale,
Part 7.6A Seizure of motor vehicles or vessels used to commit repeat waste offences
pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
210A Definitions
(1) In this Part—repeat waste offence means an offence against section 144AB, and includes any such offence that there are reasonable grounds for believing has been committed.(2) A power conferred by this Part to seize a motor vehicle or vessel includes a power to remove the motor vehicle or vessel from the place where it is found and to secure the motor vehicle or vessel from interference.pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
210B Seizure of motor vehicles or vessels used to commit repeat waste offences
(1) The EPA may seize a motor vehicle or vessel that the EPA has reason to believe has been used for the purpose of committing a repeat waste offence.(2) The State, the EPA or any other person is not liable for a seizure under this Part for which there was reasonable cause.pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
210C Forfeiture of motor vehicles or vessels by order of court
(1) The Land and Environment Court may order the forfeiture of a motor vehicle or vessel that has been seized under this Part in connection with a repeat waste offence if the Court convicts a person of the offence.(2) The Land and Environment Court is not to order the forfeiture of the motor vehicle or vessel if it is satisfied that the motor vehicle or vessel was used without the authority of its owner or that its owner did not have reasonable cause to suspect that the motor vehicle or vessel would be used to commit the offence.(3) To avoid doubt, a forfeiture order is not a monetary penalty for the purposes of the provision of this Act that provides for the maximum monetary penalty that may be imposed by a court in proceedings for a repeat waste offence.pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
210D Return of seized motor vehicle or vessel
(1) If any motor vehicle or vessel has been seized under this Part in connection with a repeat waste offence and—(a) proceedings for the offence are not commenced in the Land and Environment Court within 28 days after the seizure, or(b) any such proceedings are commenced but are dismissed without a conviction for the offence, orthe EPA must return the motor vehicle or vessel to its owner.(c) the Land and Environment Court convicts a person of the offence but does not order the forfeiture of the motor vehicle or vessel,(2) If a person disputes the seizure of a motor vehicle or vessel under this Part, the EPA may allow the motor vehicle or vessel to be delivered to the person disputing the seizure, subject to the person giving security to pay its value to the EPA should it be forfeited.(3) The EPA may, at any time, return a motor vehicle or vessel seized under this Part to its owner on such conditions (if any) as the EPA thinks fit. This subsection has effect whether forfeiture has taken place or not.(4) A motor vehicle or vessel that is seized is returned to its owner for the purposes of this Part if it is returned to the person who owns it or to a person from whose possession it was seized.(5) If the owner of the motor vehicle or vessel or any such person has died, the motor vehicle or vessel may be returned to the legal personal representative of the owner or person.pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
210E Forfeited motor vehicles or vessels become the property of the State
(1) A motor vehicle or vessel ordered by the Land and Environment Court to be forfeited under this Part (or the proceeds of sale of any such motor vehicle or vessel) becomes the property of the State.(2) Any such motor vehicle or vessel may (subject to the regulations) be sold or disposed of in such manner as the EPA thinks fit.pt 7.6A (ss 210A–210E): Ins 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [6].
Part 7.7 General
211 Offences
(1) A person who, without lawful excuse, neglects or fails to comply with a requirement made of the person under this Chapter is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty, subject to sections 204 and 208—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(2) A person who furnishes any information or does any other thing in purported compliance with a requirement made under this Chapter, knowing that it is false or misleading in a material respect is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty, subject to sections 204 and 208—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both, and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(3) A person who delays, obstructs, assaults, threatens or intimidates an authorised officer in the exercise of the authorised officer’s powers under this Chapter is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty, subject to sections 204 and 208—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(3A) A person who wilfully delays, obstructs, assaults, threatens or intimidates an authorised officer in the exercise of the authorised officer’s powers under this Chapter is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty, subject to sections 204 and 208—(a) for a corporation—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $480,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues.(3B) If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence under subsection (3A) is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under subsection (3), the court may find the person guilty of the offence under subsection (3), and the person is liable to punishment accordingly.(4) A person who impersonates an authorised officer is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty, subject to sections 204 and 208—(a) for a corporation—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.s 211: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [96]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[52]–[55]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[5]–[8] [50].
212 Provisions relating to requirements to furnish records, information or answer questions
(1) Warning to be given on each occasion A person is not guilty of an offence of failing to comply with a requirement under this Chapter to furnish records or information or to answer a question unless the person was warned on that occasion that a failure to comply is an offence.(2) Self-incrimination not an excuse A person is not excused from a requirement under this Chapter to furnish records or information or to answer a question on the ground that the record, information or answer might incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty.(3) Information or answer not admissible if objection made However, any information furnished or answer given by a natural person in compliance with a requirement under this Chapter is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings (except proceedings for an offence under this Chapter) if—(a) the person objected at the time to doing so on the ground that it might incriminate the person, or(b) the person was not warned on that occasion that the person may object to furnishing the information or giving the answer on the ground that it might incriminate the person.(4) Records admissible Any record furnished by a person in compliance with a requirement under this Chapter is not inadmissible in evidence against the person in criminal proceedings on the ground that the record might incriminate the person.(5) Further information Further information obtained as a result of a record or information furnished or of an answer given in compliance with a requirement under this Chapter is not inadmissible on the ground—(a) that the record or information had to be furnished or the answer had to be given, or(b) that the record or information furnished or answer given might incriminate the person.(6) Requirement to state name and address This section extends to a requirement under this Chapter to state a person’s name and address.
212A Revocation or variation
(1) A notice given under this Chapter may be revoked or varied by a subsequent notice or notices.(2) A notice may be varied by—(a) including a new term or specification in the notice, or(b) substituting, omitting or amending a term or specification in the notice.(3) Without limiting the above, a notice may be varied by extending the time for complying with the notice.(4) A notice may only be revoked or varied by—(a) the authority that gave the notice, or(b) the authorised officer who gave the notice, or(c) another authorised officer who is a member of staff of the authority that appointed the officer who gave the notice.s 212A: Ins 1999 No 31, Sch 1.37 [13]. Am 2009 No 56, Sch 1.32 [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[51].
212B Extraterritorial application
A notice may be given under this Chapter to a person in respect of a matter even though the person is outside the State or the matter occurs or is located outside the State, so long as the matter affects the environment of this State.s 212B: Ins 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [10].
212C Actions by incorrect regulatory authority
(1) This section applies if a regulatory authority or an authorised officer of the authority exercises functions under this Act or the regulations relating to an activity or work that—(a) is not authorised or controlled by an environment protection licence, and(b) in relation to which the authority is not the appropriate regulatory authority.(2) A regulatory authority must, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of any such exercise of functions, notify the appropriate regulatory authority in writing of the functions so exercised and of any such functions that it proposes to continue to exercise or to cease to exercise in relation to the matter.(3) A regulatory authority or an authorised officer of the authority may (but is not required to), if notice is given in accordance with subsection (2), continue to exercise functions under this Act or the regulations relating to the activity or work until—(a) directed to do otherwise by the appropriate regulatory authority, or(b) an environment protection licence is granted in respect of the activity or work concerned.(4) The appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing, direct a regulatory authority (including its authorised officers) not to exercise functions under this Act or the regulations in relation to an activity or work if it becomes aware that the other authority or an authorised officer of that authority is exercising, or has exercised, functions of the appropriate regulatory authority in relation to that activity or work.(5) A direction given by the appropriate regulatory authority or the grant of a licence does not affect any proceedings already commenced by the other regulatory authority or an officer of that authority in respect of the activity or work and, for that purpose, this section and section 212D apply as if the direction had not been given or the licence had not been granted.(6) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations and any proceedings, a regulatory authority or an authorised officer of that authority who exercises a function as referred to in subsection (1), or who continues to exercise a function in accordance with subsection (3), is taken to be the appropriate regulatory authority or an authorised officer of the appropriate regulatory authority in relation to the activity or work concerned and this Act applies accordingly.s 212C: Ins 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [17]. Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [97].
212D Appropriate regulatory authority may continue to exercise functions
(1) If a regulatory authority (including an authorised officer) is required to cease to exercise functions, or ceases to exercise functions, under section 212C (3) or (4), the appropriate regulatory authority or an authorised officer of that authority may continue to exercise any functions commenced by the other regulatory authority or an authorised officer, as if the functions had been exercised by the appropriate regulatory authority or an authorised officer of that authority.(2) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations and any proceedings, any function previously exercised by the other regulatory authority (including an authorised officer) relating to the activity or work concerned is taken to have been exercised by the appropriate regulatory authority (or an authorised officer of that authority) and this Act applies accordingly.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), any notice or direction given by the other authority or an authorised officer of the authority may be enforced, or varied or revoked, as if it had been given by the appropriate regulatory authority or an authorised officer of that authority.(4) A notice issued by the other authority or an authorised officer of the authority is taken to be varied, to the extent of any inconsistency, if a subsequent inconsistent notice is issued by or on behalf of the appropriate regulatory authority or an authorised officer of that authority.(5) Nothing in this section affects the right of the other regulatory authority to recover a fee, charge or cost under this Act in relation to a notice given while exercising functions as referred to in section 212C (1) or (3).s 212D: Ins 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [17].
212E Extraterritorial exercise of functions
(1) The Minister may enter into an arrangement with a Minister of another State or Territory providing for the exercise, in another State or Territory, by authorised officers or by officers of that State or Territory of functions under this Act or the regulations.(2) An authorised officer or an officer of another State or Territory may, in accordance with any such arrangement, exercise functions under this Act, but only to the extent that the matters concerned relate to the environment of this State.s 212E: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [98].
Chapter 8 Criminal and other proceedings
Part 8.1 Preliminary
213 Application of Chapter and extension of Chapter to other environment protection legislation
(1) This Chapter applies to proceedings in connection with this Act.(2) This Chapter extends to proceedings in connection with the following Acts, including the regulations made under each Act (the relevant legislation)—(a) (Repealed)(e) any other environment protection legislation prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.(3) A reference in this Chapter to this Act or the regulations includes a reference to the relevant legislation.(4) The following provisions of this Chapter do not extend to proceedings under the relevant legislation specified—(a) (Repealed)(b) for the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021—sections 216–218, 256, 259 and 261.s 213: Am 2001 No 58, Sch 2 [8]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [99] [100]. Subst 2021 No 31, Sch 3.3[2]. Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[56]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[7].
Part 8.2 Proceedings for offences
Division 1 Proceedings for offences generally
214 Proceedings for tier 1 offences
(1) Proceedings for an offence arising under Part 5.2 may be dealt with—(a) summarily before the Land and Environment Court in its summary jurisdiction, or(b) on indictment before the Supreme Court.(2) If any such proceedings are brought in the Land and Environment Court, the maximum period of imprisonment that the Court may impose for the offence is 2 years, despite any other provision of this Act.
215 Proceedings for other offences
(1) Proceedings for an offence arising under this Act or the regulations (other than under Part 5.2) may be dealt with—(a) summarily before the Local Court, or(b) summarily before the Land and Environment Court in its summary jurisdiction.(2) If any such proceedings are brought in the Local Court, the maximum monetary penalty that the Court may impose for the offence is 2,000 penalty units, despite any other provision of this Act.s 215: Am 1999 No 85, Sch 2.50; 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [3]; 2007 No 94, Sch 2; 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [14]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[52].
216 Time within which summary proceedings may be commenced
(1) Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations may be commenced—(a) in the case of a prescribed offence—within but not later than 3 years after the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed, or(b) in any other case—within but not later than 12 months after that date.(2) Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations may also be commenced—(a) in the case of a prescribed offence—within but not later than 3 years after the date on which evidence of the alleged offence first came to the attention of any relevant authorised officer, or(b) in any other case—within but not later than 12 months after that date.(3) If subsection (2) is relied on for the purpose of commencing proceedings for an offence, the court attendance notice or application must contain particulars of the date on which evidence of the offence first came to the attention of any relevant authorised officer and need not contain particulars of the date on which the offence was committed. The date on which evidence first came to the attention of any relevant authorised officer is the date specified in the court attendance notice or application, unless the contrary is established.(4) This section applies only to proceedings that are to be dealt with summarily.(5) This section applies despite anything in the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 or any other Act.(6) In this section—means any person who is an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act, whether or not the person has the functions of an authorised officer in connection with the offence concerned.evidence of an offence means evidence of any act or omission constituting the offence.prescribed offence means—(a) an offence arising under Part 5.2, or(b) an offence arising under Part 3.2, or(c) an offence arising under section 143 (Unlawful transporting of waste) or 144 (Use of place as waste facility without lawful authority), or(ca) an offence under section 144AAA (Unlawful disposal of asbestos waste) or 144AAB (Re-use and recycling of asbestos waste prohibited), or(c1) an offence under section 142A (Pollution of land) or 144AA (False or misleading information about waste), or(c1a) an offence under section 167A (False or misleading information), or(c2) (Repealed)(c3) an offence under section 120 (Prohibition of pollution of waters) but only in relation to underground or artesian water, or(c4) an offence under section 144AB (Repeat waste offenders), or(c5) an offence arising under section 169A (Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—offences attracting executive liability generally) that is in respect of an offence against section 47 (1), 48 (2) or 144AA (1) committed by a corporation, or(c6) an offence arising under section 169B (Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—accessory to the commission of the offences) that is in respect of an offence referred to in paragraphs (a)–(c3) committed by a corporation, or(c7) an offence under section 296C(1), or(c8) an offence under section 296E(1), or(d) an offence against this Act that is declared by the regulations to be a prescribed offence for the purposes of this section.means—(a) in relation to proceedings for an offence instituted by or with the consent of the EPA or a member of the staff of the EPA—any authorised officer who is a member of the staff of the EPA, or(b) in relation to proceedings for an offence instituted by or with the consent of a local authority or an officer or employee of such an authority—any authorised officer who is an officer or employee of that authority, or(c) in relation to proceedings for an offence instituted by any other person—any authorised officer.s 216: Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [4] [5]; 2004 No 55, Sch 1.20 [3] [4]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [101]; 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [7]; 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [10]; 2017 No 63, Sch 1.15 [1]; 2018 No 80, Sch 1 [10]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[57] [58]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[8] [9].
216A Multiple contraventions
(1) Two or more contraventions of a provision of environment protection legislation by a person that arise out of the following may be charged as a single offence or as separate offences—(a) the same factual circumstances,(b) the same activity being carried on at the same premises.(2) This section does not authorise contraventions of 2 or more provisions of environment protection legislation to be charged as a single offence.(3) A single penalty only may be imposed in relation to 2 or more contraventions of a provision that are charged as a single offence.s 216A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[53].
Division 2 Who may institute proceedings for offences
217 EPA or other appropriate regulatory authority may institute proceedings
(1) EPA Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations may be instituted by the EPA.(2) Other appropriate regulatory authority Any such proceedings may also be instituted by the appropriate regulatory authority, if it is not the EPA, in connection with a matter for which it is the appropriate regulatory authority.
218 Other authorities who may also institute proceedings
(1) Local authority—offences other than excluded offences A local authority may institute proceedings for any offence against this Act or the regulations (other than an excluded offence).(2) Water Supply Authority A Water Supply Authority (within the meaning of the Water Management Act 2000) may institute proceedings for a water pollution offence (other than an excluded offence).(3) Marine authority The marine authority may institute proceedings for a noise pollution offence referred to in subsection (6) (d) or (e).(3A) The following persons may institute proceedings for a littering offence—(a) the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water or a person authorised by the Secretary,(b) the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure or a person authorised by the Secretary,(c) the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust constituted under the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 or a person authorised by the Trust,(d) the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust constituted under the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980 or a person authorised by the Trust,(e) a public authority or person prescribed by the regulations.(4) Police officers Police officers may institute proceedings for—(a) a noise pollution offence, or(b) a littering offence, or(c) an offence against the regulations relating to the operation of a motor vehicle (being an offence prescribed for the purposes of this subsection).(5) Applicant for noise abatement order A person who was the applicant for a noise abatement order may institute proceedings for an offence against section 269 of contravening the order.(6) Excluded offences For the purposes of this section, an offence is an excluded offence if it is an offence (other than a littering offence) committed in relation to—(a) scheduled activities, or(b) activities or work authorised or controlled by an environment protection licence, or(c) activities carried on by the State or a public authority, whether at premises occupied by the State or a public authority or otherwise, or(c1) activities carried on by an authorised network operator (within the meaning of the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015) whether at premises occupied by the authorised network operator or otherwise, or(d) in the case of a noise pollution offence—a vessel in navigable waters, oror it is any other offence prescribed by the regulations as an excluded offence.(e) in the case of a noise pollution offence—premises used in connection with vessels and situated adjacent to, or partly or wholly over, navigable waters,(7) Other definitions In this section—littering offence means an offence arising under Part 5.6AA or 5.6A.noise pollution offence means an offence arising under Part 5.5, 8.6 or any other provision prescribed for the purposes of this definition.water pollution offence means an offence arising under Part 5.3 or any other provision prescribed for the purposes of this definition.s 218: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [10] [11]; 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [11]; 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [3]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[54] [55].
218A Agents may institute proceedings
Proceedings that may be instituted under section 217 or 218 may also be instituted on behalf of an appropriate regulatory authority or any other authority or person specified in those sections by an agent of the authority or person appointed for that purpose.s 218A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [102].
219 Other persons may institute proceedings with leave of Land and Environment Court
(1) Any person may institute proceedings in the Land and Environment Court for an offence against this Act or the regulations if the Court grants the person leave to bring the proceedings.(1A) An appropriate regulatory authority (other than the EPA) and any person or authority referred to in section 218 may institute proceedings in the Land and Environment Court for an offence against this Act or the regulations, if the Court grants the authority leave to bring the proceedings.(1B) Nothing in section 217 or 218 limits the operation of this section.(2) The Land and Environment Court is not to grant leave unless satisfied that—(a) the EPA has decided not to take any relevant action (as defined in subsection (3)) in respect of the act or omission constituting the alleged offence or has not made a decision on whether to take such action within 90 days after the person or authority requested the EPA to institute the proceedings, and(b) the EPA has been notified of the proceedings, and(c) the proceedings are not an abuse of the process of the Court, and(d) the particulars of the offence disclose, without any hearing of the evidence, a prima facie case of the commission of the offence.(3) Relevant action for the purposes of subsection (2) is not limited to the institution of criminal proceedings, but includes action under this Act to require the defendant to prevent, control, abate or mitigate any harm to the environment caused by the alleged offence or to prevent the continuance or recurrence of the alleged offence.s 219: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [18] [19].
220 Officers and employees of authorities
(1) If an authority is authorised by this Division to institute proceedings for an offence, the proceedings may also be instituted by an officer or employee of the authority with the written consent of—(a) the authority, or(b) such member, officer or employee of the authority as may be authorised by the authority for the purposes of this Division.(2) In this section—employee of an authority includes a person whose services are used by the authority and who is, in respect of those services, subject to the direction and control of the authority.s 220: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [20].
221 Penalty notices and related proceedings
(1) This Division does not affect the power to issue a penalty notice under Division 3 or the taking of enforcement proceedings in relation to the penalty notice or in relation to the offence to which the penalty notice relates.(2) Enforcement proceedings include proceedings under Part 3 or 4 of the Fines Act 1996, including, in particular, proceedings taken under section 37 of that Act in respect of the offence to which the penalty notice relates, where the person concerned elects to have the matter dealt with by a court.(3) Proceedings referred to in subsection (2) in respect of the offence to which the penalty notice relates may be instituted—(a) by a person who is an enforcement officer within the meaning of section 226 in relation to the class of offence concerned, or(b) if such an enforcement officer is an officer or employee of a public authority—by the public authority, or by an officer or employee of the public authority under section 220.(4) In this section—employee of an authority includes a person whose services are used by the authority and who is, in respect of those services, subject to the direction and control of the authority.s 221: Subst 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [12]. Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [21] [22].
Division 3 Penalty notices (tier 3 offences)
222, 223 (Repealed)
s 222: Rep 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[1].
s 223: Rep 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[1].
224 Penalty notices
(1) An enforcement officer may issue a penalty notice to a person if it appears to the enforcement officer that the person has committed a penalty notice offence.(2) A penalty notice offence is an offence against this Act or the regulations that is prescribed by the regulations as a penalty notice offence.(3) The Fines Act 1996 applies to a penalty notice issued under this section.Note—The Fines Act 1996 provides that, if a person issued with a penalty notice does not wish to have the matter determined by a court, the person may pay the amount specified in the notice and is not liable to any further proceedings for the alleged offence.(4) The amount payable under a penalty notice issued under this section is the amount prescribed for the alleged offence by the regulations, not exceeding the maximum amount of penalty that could be imposed for the offence by a court.(5) In addition to any manner of issuing a penalty notice provided for by the Fines Act 1996, a penalty notice may be issued under this section by leaving the notice on a vehicle or at premises in respect of which the offence was committed.s 224: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [23]; 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[2]–[4].
225 (Repealed)
s 225: Rep 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[1].
226 Enforcement officers
(1) In this Division, a reference to an enforcement officer, in relation to an offence, is a reference to a person belonging to a class of officers or employees prescribed by the regulations in relation to the offence.(2) A person who is an officer or employee of a public authority cannot be an enforcement officer in relation to an offence alleged to have been committed by the authority.(3) Only an officer or employee of the EPA can be an enforcement officer in relation to—(a) an offence (other than a littering offence) alleged to have been committed in relation to activities or work authorised or controlled by an environment protection licence, or(b) an offence (other than a littering offence) alleged to have been committed in relation to activities carried on by the State or a public authority, or(c) an offence (other than a littering offence) alleged to have been committed in relation to activities carried on by an authorised network operator (within the meaning of the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015).(4) In this section, littering offence means an offence arising under Part 5.6AA or 5.6A.s 226: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [13]; 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [24] [25]; 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [4]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[56].
227 (Repealed)
s 227: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [14]; 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [26]. Rep 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[1].
228 Withdrawal of penalty notice
(1) An enforcement officer belonging to the same class of officers as the enforcement officer by whom a penalty notice has been issued—(a) may withdraw the notice within 28 days after the date on which the notice was issued, and(b) must withdraw the notice immediately if directed to do so by the EPA.(2) The following provisions have effect in relation to an alleged offence if a penalty notice for the alleged offence is withdrawn in accordance with this section—(a) The amount that was payable under the notice ceases to be payable.(b) Any amount that has been paid under the notice is repayable to the person by whom it was paid.(c) Further proceedings in respect of the alleged offence may be taken against any person (including the person to whom the notice was issued) as if the notice had never been issued.s 228: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [27]; 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[5] [6].
229 Effect on other provisions
This Division does not limit the operation of any other provision of, or made under, this or any other Act in relation to proceedings that may be taken in relation to offences.s 229: Am 2020 No 30, Sch 1.35[7].
Division 4 Restraining orders
230 Application of Division
(1) This Division applies where—(a) proceedings have been commenced against a person for an offence against this Act or the regulations and, as a result of those proceedings, the person may be required to pay an amount referred to in section 246, or(b) proceedings have been commenced against a person under section 247, or(c) proceedings have been commenced against a person for an offence against this Act or the regulations and, as a result of the proceedings, the person may be required to pay an amount that represents the amount of monetary benefits referred to in section 167B or 249, or(d) proceedings have been commenced against a person under section 251A and, as a result of the proceedings, the person may be required to pay an amount that represents the amount of monetary benefits referred to in section 251A.(2) In this Division—the defendant means the person referred to in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d).s 230: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[59] [60].
231 Nature of restraining order
(1) A restraining order is an order of a court directing that any property of the defendant is not to be disposed of, or otherwise dealt with, by the defendant or by any other person, except in such manner and in such circumstances (if any) as are specified in the order.(2) For the purposes of this section, the property of the defendant includes the amount that represents the amount of any monetary benefits acquired by the offender, or accrued or accruing to the offender.s 231: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[61].
232 Application for restraining order
(1) The person bringing the proceedings (as referred to in section 230) may apply for a restraining order in relation to property of the defendant.(2) An application under this section may be made—(a) in the case of proceedings taken before the Local Court—to the Land and Environment Court, and(b) in the case of other proceedings—to the court before which the proceedings are brought.(3) On an application under this section—(a) the court may, if it thinks fit, require the person making the application to give notice of the application to a person who the court has reason to believe has an interest in the property or part of the property, and(b) a person to whom the court requires notice to be given under paragraph (a) is entitled to appear and to adduce evidence at the hearing of the application.s 232: Am 2007 No 94, Sch 2.
233 Making of restraining order
On an application under section 232, the court may make a restraining order in relation to the defendant’s property, if it is satisfied (on the information contained in or accompanying the application) that—(a) the defendant has committed the relevant offence, and(b) amounts are or are likely to be payable under section 246 or 247, and(c) it is appropriate to make an order under this section in the circumstances of the case.
234 Undertakings
The court may refuse to make a restraining order if the person making the application refuses or fails to give to the court such undertakings as the court considers appropriate with respect to the payment of damages or costs, or both, in relation to the making or operation of the order.
235 Ancillary orders
(1) A court that makes a restraining order may make any ancillary orders that the court considers appropriate.(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), ancillary orders may include any one or more of the following—(a) an order for the examination on oath of—(i) the defendant, orbefore the court, or an officer of the court prescribed by rules of court, concerning the affairs of the defendant, including the nature and location of any property of the defendant,(ii) another person,(b) an order varying the restraining order in respect of the property to which it relates,(c) an order varying any conditions to which the restraining order was subject.(3) An ancillary order may be made on application—(a) by the applicant for the restraining order, or(b) by the defendant, or(c) with the leave of the court, by any other person.(4) Ancillary orders may be made when or at any time after the restraining order is made. An ancillary order referred to in subsection (2) (a) may be made in advance of the restraining order.
236 Charge on property subject to restraining orders
(1) Creation of charge If—(a) a court has made a restraining order in respect of particular property or all of the property of the defendant, andthere is created by force of this section, on the making of the order referred to in paragraph (b), a charge on all the property to which the restraining order applies to secure the payment to a public authority or person of the amount referred to in section 246 or 247.(b) the court orders the payment of an amount referred to in section 246 or 247,(2) When charge ceases to have effect Such a charge ceases to have effect in respect of the property—(a) on payment by the defendant to the public authority or person of the amount concerned, or(b) on the sale or other disposition of the property with the consent of the court, orwhichever first occurs.(c) on the sale of the property to a purchaser in good faith for value who, at the time of the sale, has no notice of the charge,(3) Charge is subject to existing charges and encumbrances Such a charge is subject to every charge or encumbrance to which the property was subject immediately before the order referred to in subsection (1) (b) was made and, in the case of land under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1900, is subject to every mortgage, lease or other interest recorded in the Register kept under that Act.(4) Charge not affected by change of ownership Such a charge is not affected by any change of ownership of the property, except as provided by subsection (2).(5) Registration of charge is notice If—(a) such a charge is created on property of a particular kind and the provisions of any law of the State provide for the registration of title to, or charges over, property of that kind, anda person who purchases or otherwise acquires the property after the registration of the charge is, for the purposes of subsection (2), taken to have notice of the charge.(b) the charge is so registered,(6) Charge on RP land not effective until registered If such a charge relates to land under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1900, the charge has no effect until it is registered under that Act.
237 Registration of restraining orders
(1) If a restraining order applies to property of a particular kind and the provisions of any law of the State provide for the registration of title to, or charges over, property of that kind, the authority responsible for administering the provisions is required, on application by any person, to record the particulars of the order in the register kept under those provisions.(2) If the particulars of a restraining order are so recorded, a person who afterwards deals with the property is, for the purposes of section 236 (2), taken to have notice of the charge created by this Act on the making of the order.(3) If a restraining order applies to land under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1900, a caveat may be lodged under that Act in relation to the order.
237A Recovery of costs of registering charge on land
(1) A person (including a public authority) who registers a charge on land to which a restraining order applies under section 236 may, by notice in writing, require the defendant to pay all or any of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the person in respect of the lodgment and registration of the charge (including the costs of discharging the charge).(2) The person may recover from the defendant any unpaid amounts specified in the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.s 237A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [103].
237B Recovery of costs of lodging caveat
(1) A person (including a public authority) who lodges a caveat in respect of land to which a restraining order applies under section 237 may, by notice in writing, require the defendant to pay all or any of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the person in respect of the lodgment and registration of the caveat (including the costs of withdrawal of the caveat).(2) The person may recover from the defendant any unpaid amounts specified in the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.s 237B: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [103].
238 Contravention of restraining orders
(1) Offence A person who knowingly contravenes a restraining order by disposing of, or otherwise dealing with, property that is subject to the order is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—A fine equivalent to the value of the property (as determined by the court) or imprisonment for 2 years, or both.(2) Application for order setting aside disposition of or dealing with property If—(a) a restraining order is made against property, and(b) the property is disposed of, or otherwise dealt with, in contravention of the restraining order, andthe person who applied for the restraining order may apply to the court that made the restraining order for an order that the disposition or dealing with the property be set aside.(c) the disposition or dealing was either not for sufficient consideration or not in favour of a person who acted in good faith,(3) Order setting aside disposition or dealing If an application is made under subsection (2), the court may make an order—(a) setting aside the disposition or dealing as from the day on which the disposition or dealing took place or as from the day of the order under this subsection, and(b) (if appropriate) declaring the respective rights of any persons who acquired interests in the property on or after the day on which the disposition or dealing took place and before the day of the order.
239 Court may revoke restraining order
(1) The court that made a restraining order may revoke the order, on application made to it by the person in relation to whose property it was made.(2) The court may refuse to revoke the order if the person does not—(a) give security satisfactory to the court for the payment of any amount referred to in section 246 or 247 that may be imposed on or ordered to be paid by the person under this Act in respect of the person’s conviction for the offence, or(b) give undertakings satisfactory to the court concerning the person’s property.(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the discretion of the court to revoke or refuse to revoke a restraining order.
240 Time when restraining order ceases to be in force
If, after a restraining order was made in reliance on the charging of a person with an offence against this Act or the regulations—(a) the charge is withdrawn and the person is not charged with a related offence by the time of the withdrawal—the restraining order ceases to be in force when the charge is withdrawn, or(b) the person is acquitted of the charge and the person is not charged with a related offence by the time of the acquittal—the restraining order ceases to be in force when the acquittal occurs.
Division 5 Sentencing
241 Matters to be considered in imposing penalty
(1) In imposing a penalty for an offence against this Act or the regulations, the court is to take into consideration the following (so far as they are relevant)—(a) the extent of the harm caused or likely to be caused to the environment by the commission of the offence,(b) the practical measures that may be taken to prevent, control, abate or mitigate that harm,(c) the extent to which the person who committed the offence could reasonably have foreseen the harm caused or likely to be caused to the environment by the commission of the offence,(d) the extent to which the person who committed the offence had control over the causes that gave rise to the offence,(e) whether, in committing the offence, the person was complying with orders from an employer or supervising employee,(f) the presence of asbestos in the environment.(2) The court may take into consideration other matters that it considers relevant.s 241: Am 2018 No 80, Sch 1[11].
Division 6 Continuing offences
pt 8.2, div 6, hdg: Ins 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [28].
242 Continuing offences
(1) A person who is guilty of an offence because the person contravenes a requirement made by or under this Act or the regulations (whether the requirement is imposed by a notice or otherwise) to do or cease to do something (whether or not within a specified period or before a particular time)—(a) continues, until the requirement is complied with and despite the fact that any specified period has expired or time has passed, to be liable to comply with the requirement, and(b) is guilty of a continuing offence for each day the contravention continues.(2) This section does not apply to an offence if the relevant provision of this Act or the regulations does not provide for a penalty for a continuing offence.(3) This section does not apply to the extent that a requirement of a notice is revoked.s 242: Am 1999 No 94, Sch 4.51 [1] [2]. Rep 2000 No 93, Sch 1.18 [6]. Ins 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [28].
Part 8.3 Court orders in connection with offences
243 Operation of Part
(1) Application to proved offences This Part applies where a court finds an offence against this Act or regulations proved.(2) Meaning of proved offences Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a court finds an offence proved if—(a) the court convicts the offender of the offence, or(b) the court makes an order under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 against the offender in relation to the offence (in which case the order is not a punishment for the purposes of that section).(3) Definitions In this Part—the court means the court that finds the offence proved.the offender means the person who is found to have committed the offence.s 243: Am 1999 No 94, Sch 4.51 [1].
244 Orders generally
(1) Orders may be made One or more orders may be made under this Part against the offender.(2) Orders are additional Orders may be made under this Part in addition to any penalty that may be imposed or any other action that may be taken in relation to the offence.(3) Other action not required Orders may be made under this Part regardless of whether any penalty is imposed, or other action taken, in relation to the offence.s 244: Am 2002 No 112, Sch 1.23 [2].
245 Orders for restoration and prevention
The court may order the offender to take such steps as are specified in the order, within such time as is so specified (or such further time as the court on application may allow)—(a) to prevent, control, abate or mitigate any harm to the environment caused by the commission of the offence, or(b) to make good any resulting environmental damage, or(c) to prevent the continuance or recurrence of the offence.
246 Orders for costs, expenses and compensation at time offence proved
(1) The court may, if it appears to the court that—(a) a public authority has incurred costs and expenses in connection with—(i) the prevention, control, abatement or mitigation of any harm to the environment caused by the commission of the offence, or(ii) making good any resulting environmental damage, ororder the offender to pay to the public authority or person the costs and expenses so incurred, or compensation for the loss or damage so suffered, as the case may be, in such amount as is fixed by the order.(b) a person (including a public authority) has, by reason of the commission of the offence, suffered loss of or damage to property or has incurred costs and expenses in preventing or mitigating, or in attempting to prevent or mitigate, any such loss or damage,(2) An order made by the Land and Environment Court under subsection (1) is enforceable as if it were an order made by the Court in Class 4 proceedings under the Land and Environment Court Act 1979.(3) The Local Court may not make an order under subsection (1) for the payment of an amount that exceeds the amount for which an order may be made by the court when exercising jurisdiction under the Civil Procedure Act 2005. An order made by the court is enforceable as if it were an order made by the court when exercising jurisdiction under that Act.s 246: Am 2006 No 120, Sch 1.22 [4]; 2007 No 94, Sch 3.
247 Recovery of costs, expenses and compensation after offence proved
(1) If, after the court finds the offence proved—(a) a public authority has incurred costs and expenses in connection with—(i) the prevention, control, abatement or mitigation of any harm to the environment caused by the commission of the offence, or(ii) making good any resulting environmental damage, orthe person or public authority may recover from the offender the costs and expenses incurred or the amount of the loss or damage in the Land and Environment Court.(b) a person (including a public authority) has, by reason of the commission of the offence, suffered loss of or damage to property or has incurred costs and expenses in preventing or mitigating, or in attempting to prevent or mitigate, any such loss or damage,(2) The amount of any such costs and expenses (but not the amount of any such loss or damage) may be recovered as a debt.
248 Orders regarding costs and expenses of investigation
(1) The court may, if it appears to the court that a regulatory authority has reasonably incurred costs and expenses during the investigation of the offence, order the offender to pay to the regulatory authority the costs and expenses so incurred in such amount as is fixed by the order.(2) An order made by the Land and Environment Court under subsection (1) is enforceable as if it were an order made by the Court in Class 4 proceedings under the Land and Environment Court Act 1979. An order made by the Local Court under subsection (1) is enforceable as if it were an order made by the court when exercising jurisdiction under the Civil Procedure Act 2005.(3) In this section—costs and expenses, in relation to the investigation of an offence, means the costs and expenses—(a) in taking any sample or conducting any inspection, test, measurement or analysis, orduring the investigation of the offence.(b) of transporting, storing or disposing of evidence,s 248: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [104]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.22 [4]; 2007 No 94, Sch 2.
249 Orders regarding monetary benefits
(1) The court may order the offender to pay, as part of the penalty for committing the offence, an additional penalty of an amount the court is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, represents the amount of any monetary benefits acquired by the offender, or accrued or accruing to the offender, as a result of the commission of the offence.(2) The amount of an additional penalty for an offence is not subject to any maximum amount of penalty provided elsewhere by or under this Act.(2A) For subsection (1), the prosecutor for the offence may give to the court a reasonable estimate of the amount of monetary benefits acquired by, or accrued or accruing to, a person as a result of the commission of the offence.(2B) The prosecutor may calculate the estimate—(a) in accordance with a protocol prescribed by the regulations, or(b) using another method, formula or approach the prosecutor considers appropriate.(3) In this section—the court does not include the Local Court.s 249: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [105]; 2007 No 94, Sch 2; 2013 No 60, Sch 1 [8]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[62]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[57].
250 Additional orders
(1) Orders The court may do any one or more of the following—(a) order the offender to take specified action to publicise the offence (including the circumstances of the offence) and its environmental and other consequences and any other orders made against the person,(b) order the offender to take specified action to notify specified persons or classes of persons of the offence (including the circumstances of the offence) and its environmental and other consequences and of any orders made against the person (including, for example, the publication in an annual report or any other notice to shareholders of a company or the notification of persons aggrieved or affected by the offender’s conduct),(c) order the offender to carry out a specified project for the restoration or enhancement of the environment in a public place or for the public benefit,(d) order the offender to carry out a specified environmental audit of activities carried on by the offender,(e) order the offender to pay a specified amount to the Environmental Trust established under the Environmental Trust Act 1998, or a specified organisation, for the purposes of a specified project for the restoration or enhancement of the environment or for general environmental purposes,(f) order the offender to attend, or to cause an employee or employees or a contractor or contractors of the offender to attend, a training or other course specified by the court,(g) order the offender to establish, for employees or contractors of the offender, a training course of a kind specified by the court,(h) if the EPA is a party to the proceedings, order the offender to provide a financial assurance, of a form and amount specified by the court, to the EPA, if the court orders the offender to carry out a specified work or program for the restoration or enhancement of the environment.The Local Court is not authorised to make an order referred to in paragraph (c), (d), (e) or (h).(1A) Without limiting subsection (1) (c), the court may order the offender to carry out any social or community activity for the benefit of the community or persons that are adversely affected by the offence (a restorative justice activity) that the offender has agreed to carry out. However, the Local Court is not authorised to make an order under this subsection.(2) Machinery The court may, in an order under this section, fix a period for compliance and impose any other requirements the court considers necessary or expedient for enforcement of the order.(3) Failure to publicise or notify If the offender fails to comply with an order under subsection (1) (a) or (b), the prosecutor or a person authorised by the prosecutor may take action to carry out the order as far as may be practicable, including action to publicise or notify—(a) the original contravention, its environmental and other consequences, and any other penalties imposed on the offender, and(b) the failure to comply with the order.(4) Cost of publicising or notifying The reasonable cost of taking action referred to in subsection (3) is recoverable by the prosecutor or person taking the action, in a court of competent jurisdiction, as a debt from the offender.(5) Financial assurances Sections 302–307 apply to a financial assurance provided by an offender under an order made under this section in the same way as they apply to a financial assurance given by a holder of a licence under a condition of a licence under Part 9.4.s 250: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [106]–[109]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.22 [5]; 2007 No 94, Sch 3; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [9].
250A Prohibiting a person from holding a licence
(1) A court may, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) and other matters the court considers appropriate, make the following orders—(a) an order prohibiting the offender from either of the following for an indefinite period or a period specified in the order—(i) being involved in scheduled activities,(ii) applying for or holding a licence,(b) another order the court considers appropriate.(2) The matters to which a court must have regard are as follows—(a) the offender’s record in failing to comply with this Act or the regulations,(b) any previous conviction of the offender under environment protection legislation,(c) the circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence for which the offender is being sentenced.(3) A prohibition order cannot be sought in relation to a public utility that provides an essential service.(4) In this section—public utility that provides an essential service means the following—(a) the Crown,(b) the Sydney Water Corporation constituted by the Sydney Water Act 1994,(c) the Hunter Water Corporation constituted by the Hunter Water Act 1991,(d) a local authority,(e) another person or body prescribed by the regulations.s 250A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[58].
251 Offence
A person who fails to comply with an order under this Part (except an order under section 246, 247 or 248) is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—• in the case of a corporation—$120,000 for each day the offence continues, or• in the case of an individual—$60,000 for each day the offence continues.
Part 8.3A Civil proceedings to recover particular monetary benefits
pt 8.3A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[63].
251A Recovery of monetary benefits from related persons after offence proved
(1) This section applies if a court convicts a corporation of an offence against this Act or the regulations.(2) The prosecutor for the offence may apply to the court for an order (a monetary benefits order) that any of the following persons pay an amount representing the amount of monetary benefits acquired by the person, or accrued or accruing to the person, as a result of the commission of the offence by the corporation—(a) a person who is, or was, at the time of the commission of the offence, a director of the corporation,(b) a related entity,(c) a person who is, or was, at the time of the commission of the offence, a director of a related body corporate.(3) The court may make the monetary benefits order in relation to a person only if the court is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the person acquired, accrued or will accrue the monetary benefits as a result of the commission of the offence by the corporation.(4) For subsection (2), the prosecutor for the offence may give to the court a reasonable estimate of the amount of monetary benefits acquired by, or accrued or accruing to, a person as a result of the commission of the offence.(4A) The prosecutor may calculate the estimate—(a) in accordance with a protocol prescribed by the regulations, or(b) using another method, formula or approach the prosecutor considers appropriate.(5) When making a monetary benefits order, the court may order that the person pay the amount—(a) into the Environment Protection Authority Fund or another fund the court considers appropriate, or(b) to an entity the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.(6) A monetary benefits order made by the court is enforceable as if it were an order made by the court in Class 4 proceedings under the Land and Environment Court Act 1979.(7) A reference in subsection (2) to a director of a corporation or related body corporate extends to a person involved in the management of the affairs of the corporation or related body corporate.(8) In this section—Environment Protection Authority Fund means the Environment Protection Authority Fund established under the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991, section 34A.prosecutor, for an offence, means the person who instituted the proceedings for the offence.the court does not include the Local Court.s 251A: Ins 2022 No 3, Sch 5[63]. Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[59] [60].
Part 8.4 Civil proceedings to remedy or restrain breaches of Act or harm to environment or enforce undertakings
pt 8.4, hdg: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [110].
252 Remedy or restraint of breaches of this Act or regulations
(1) Any person may bring proceedings in the Land and Environment Court for an order to remedy or restrain a breach of this Act or the regulations.(2) Any such proceedings may be brought whether or not proceedings have been instituted for an offence against this Act or the regulations.(3) Any such proceedings may be brought whether or not any right of the person has been or may be infringed by or as a consequence of the breach.(4) Any such proceedings may be brought by a person on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of another person (with their consent), or of a body corporate or unincorporate (with the consent of its committee or other controlling or governing body), having like or common interests in those proceedings.(5) Any person on whose behalf proceedings are brought is entitled to contribute to or provide for the payment of the legal costs and expenses incurred by the person bringing the proceedings.(6) If the Court is satisfied that a breach has been committed or that a breach will, unless restrained by order of the Court, be committed, it may make such orders as it thinks fit to remedy or restrain the breach.(7) Without limiting the powers of the Court under this section, an order under this section may suspend any environment protection licence.(8) In this section—breach includes a threatened or apprehended breach.
253 Restraint of breaches of an Act or statutory rules that harm the environment
(1) Any person may bring proceedings in the Land and Environment Court for an order to restrain a breach (or a threatened or apprehended breach) of any other Act, or any statutory rule under any other Act, if the breach (or the threatened or apprehended breach) is causing or is likely to cause harm to the environment.Note—Statutory rule is defined in the Interpretation Act 1987.(2) Any such proceedings may be brought whether or not any right of that person has been or may be infringed by or as a consequence of the breach (or the threatened or apprehended breach).(3) A person (other than the EPA or a member of the staff of the EPA) who brings any such proceedings is required to give a copy of the application to the EPA as soon as practicable after the application is made. The EPA is entitled to become a party to those proceedings.(4) If the Court is satisfied that a breach, or a threatened or apprehended breach, will, unless restrained by order of the Court, be committed or be likely to be committed, it may make such orders as it thinks fit to restrain the breach or other conduct of the person by whom the breach is committed or by whom the threatened or apprehended breach is likely to be committed.(5) Without limiting the powers of the Court under this section, an order under this section may suspend any environment protection licence.s 253: Am 2023 No 7, Sch 3.22.
253A Enforcement of undertakings
(1) The EPA may accept a written undertaking given by a person for the purposes of this section in connection with a matter in relation to which the EPA has a function under this Act.(1A) Without limiting subsection (1), an undertaking that the EPA may accept under that subsection includes an undertaking to carry out a restorative justice activity.(2) The person may withdraw or vary the undertaking at any time, but only with the consent in writing of the EPA. The consent of the EPA is required even if the undertaking purports to authorise withdrawal or variation of the undertaking without that consent.(3) The EPA may apply to the Land and Environment Court for an order under subsection (4) if the EPA considers that the person who gave the undertaking has breached any of its terms.(4) The Court may make all or any of the following orders if it is satisfied that the person has breached a term of the undertaking—(a) an order directing the person to comply with that term of the undertaking,(b) an order directing the person to pay to the State an amount not exceeding the amount of any financial benefit that the person has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach,(c) any order that the Court thinks appropriate directing the person to compensate any other person who has suffered loss or damage as a result of the breach,(d) an order suspending or revoking any environment protection licence held by the person,(e) an order requiring the person to prevent, control, abate or mitigate any actual or likely harm to the environment caused by the breach,(f) an order requiring the person to make good any actual or likely harm to the environment caused by the breach,(g) any other order the Court considers appropriate.s 253A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [111]. Am 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [10].
253B Prohibition orders
(1) This section applies if the EPA considers a person (the relevant person)—(a) is likely to engage again, or continue to engage, in unlawful conduct, or(b) is not a fit and proper person to hold, or continue to hold, an environment protection licence.(2) The EPA may apply to the Land and Environment Court for an order under this section.(3) The relevant person cannot apply for an environment protection licence during the period—(a) starting when the application is made to the Land and Environment Court, and(b) ending when the Court makes a decision about whether or not to make an order under this section.(4) The Land and Environment Court may make—(a) an order prohibiting the relevant person from either of the following for an indefinite period or a period specified in the order—(i) being involved in scheduled activities,(ii) applying for or holding a licence, or(b) another order the Court considers appropriate.(5) An order under this section cannot be sought in relation to a public utility that provides an essential service.(6) In this section—public utility that provides an essential service means the following—(a) the Crown,(b) the Sydney Water Corporation constituted by the Sydney Water Act 1994,(c) the Hunter Water Corporation constituted by the Hunter Water Act 1991,(d) a local authority,(e) another person or body prescribed by the regulations.s 253B: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[61].
Part 8.5 Evidentiary provisions
254 Definitions
In this Part—designated officer means an officer of the EPA designated in writing by the CEO for the purposes of this Part.information relating to an offence includes an application referred to in section 41 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979.instrument includes a notice, order or written direction.s 254: Am 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [15]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[64].
255 Evidence of threshold tests for scheduled activities
(1) In a case where there is a numerical or other threshold to be met for the purposes of determining whether activities are scheduled activities—(a) the question of whether the threshold was met is not relevant for the purposes of any proceedings under this Act, once it is established that an environment protection licence was in force in respect of the activities at the relevant time, and(b) it is immaterial for the purposes of those proceedings that the licence was not at that or any other time, or ever, needed.(2) This section does not apply to licences that are only issued to regulate water pollution resulting from non-scheduled activities.
256 Onus of proof of certain matters
(1) In any proceedings under this Act, the onus of proving that a person had a reasonable excuse or lawful excuse (as referred to in any provision of this Act or the regulations) lies with the defendant.(2) In any proceedings for an offence under Part 5.6AA or 5.6A, the onus of proving an exception under section 144AF(1)–(3), 145 (3)–(5), 146A (3), 146B (3) or 146E (4) lies with the defendant, but nothing in this subsection affects the construction or operation of any other provision of this Act.s 256: Am 2000 No 20, Sch 1 [15]; 2000 No 82, Sch 1 [2]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[62] [63].
257 Occupier of premises responsible for pollution from premises
(1) In any proceedings under this Act, the occupier of premises at or from which any pollution occurs is taken to have caused the pollution, unless it is established that—(a) the pollution was caused by another person, and(b) the other person was not associated with the occupier at the time the pollution occurred, and(c) the occupier took all reasonable steps to prevent the pollution.A person is associated with the occupier for the purposes of paragraph (b) (but without limiting any other circumstances of association) if the person is an employee, agent, licensee, contractor or sub-contractor of the occupier.(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent proceedings being taken under this Act against the person who actually caused the pollution.s 257: Am 1998 No 54, Sch 1.14 [2].
258 Evidence relating to occupier of premises
(1) In any proceedings under this Act, no proof is required (until evidence is given to the contrary) of the fact that a person is, or at any relevant time was, the occupier of any premises to which the proceedings relate.(2) In any proceedings under this Act, the holder of a licence under this Act in respect of any premises at a particular time or period is taken to be the occupier of the premises at that time or during that period.
259 Proof of certain appointments not required
In any proceedings under this Act no proof is required (until evidence is given to the contrary) of—(a) the appointment of the Chairperson, the CEO or any member of the staff of the EPA, or(b) the appointment of the general manager or any officer or employee of a local authority, or(c) the appointment of the marine authority.s 259: Am 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [16]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[65].
260 Documentary evidence generally
Any instrument purporting—(a) to be an instrument issued, made or given for the purposes of this Act, andis admissible in any proceedings under this Act and (in the absence of evidence to the contrary) is to be taken to be such an instrument and to have been so signed.(b) to have been signed by the person authorised to issue, make or give the instrument, or by another person acting as delegate or on behalf of the person,
261 Certificate evidence of certain matters
(1) A document signed by the CEO or a designated officer and certifying any one or more of the matters specified in subsection (2) is admissible in any proceedings under this Act or the regulations and is prima facie evidence of the matters so certified.(2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) are as follows—(a) that an instrument, a copy of which is set out in or annexed to the document, being an instrument purporting—(i) to be issued, made or given for the purposes of this Act or the regulations, andwas issued, made or given on a specified day,(ii) to have been signed by the person authorised to issue, make or give the instrument, or by another person acting as delegate or on behalf of the person,(a1) that notice of a matter under this Act or the regulations was given on the EPA’s website and the date and form of the notice,(b) that a person was or was not, at a specified time or during a specified period, the holder of a specified licence or a licence of a specified kind,(b1) that specified premises were or were not, at a specified time or during a specified period, the subject of a specified licence or a licence of a specified kind,(c) that a licence was or was not, at a specified time or during a specified period, subject to specified conditions,(d) that a licence was, at a specified time, revoked or suspended for a specified period or was revoked or suspended subject to specified conditions,(e) that, at a specified time, the surrender of a licence was approved or was approved subject to specified conditions,(f) that a condition was, at a specified time, revoked or varied in a specified manner or that a new condition was, at a specified time, attached to a licence or to the revocation, suspension or surrender of a licence,(g) that a person was or was not, at a specified time or during a specified period, an authorised officer or enforcement officer,(h) that a person was or was not, at a specified time or during a specified period, a member of staff of the EPA, the Department of Health, the marine authority or a local authority,(i) that an exemption was or was not given under this Act or the regulations in relation to any specified matter,(j) that any such exemption was or was not, at a specified time or during a specified period, in force or subject to specified conditions,(k) that any exemption was or was not, or that any such conditions were or were not, varied or revoked at a specified time,(l) that any consent necessary for bringing proceedings for an offence arising under this Act or a regulation under this Act has been duly given,(m) that an order, a copy of which is set out in or annexed to the certificate, was for the purposes of section 133 or 162 published in a specified manner and on a specified day,(n) that premises are within an area to which an order under section 133 applies, a copy of which order is set out in or annexed to the certificate,(o) that a register kept under this Act shows that specified premises were, at a specified time or during a specified period, within a specified classification referred to in regulations under this Act,(p) that a person was or was not appointed by the EPA as an analyst under this Act during a specified period,(q) that information required to be furnished to a regulatory authority or authorised officer pursuant to this Act or the regulations was or was not received,(r) that a document is a copy of part of, or an extract from, a register kept under this Act,(s) that an amount is payable under this Act or the regulations by a specified person and has not been paid,(t) that a person was served with a notice under this Act or the regulations,(u) that a specified function of the EPA, Chairperson or CEO was delegated to a specified person under section 21 of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 during a specified period,(v) that, at a specified time, a chemical was or was not the subject of a chemical control order,(w) that, at a specified time, a chemical control order was or was not subject to specified conditions,(x) that, at a specified time, a chemical was or was not the subject of a chemical use notice,(y) that, at a specified time, an industrial chemical was or was not listed in the NSW IChEMS register,(z) that, at a specified time, a risk management measure was or was not specified in the NSW IChEMS register for an industrial chemical.(3) For the purposes of a certificate referred to in subsection (2) (g) in respect of an authorised officer or enforcement officer, a designated officer who may give the certificate includes the appropriate regulatory authority that appointed the authorised officer or enforcement officer or an officer of that authority who is appointed by that authority for the purposes of this subsection.s 261: Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [29] [30]; 2002 No 53, Sch 1.22 [2]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [112]; 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [17] [18]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[66] [67]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[10]; 2024 No 20, Sch 9[64] [65].
262 Evidence of analysts
(1) The EPA may, by written instrument, appoint appropriately qualified persons to be analysts for this Act.(2) A certificate of an analyst prepared under this section for a regulatory authority stating the results of an analysis or examination is admissible in evidence in proceedings under this Act as evidence of—(a) the facts stated in the certificate, and(b) the correctness of the result of the analysis or examination.(3) A certificate of an analyst prepared under this section for a regulatory authority stating that a container containing a sample was received at a specified laboratory and that the container was sealed by an authorised officer or another person is admissible in proceedings under this Act as evidence—(a) of the facts stated in the certificate, and(b) the sample was the same sample as the sample obtained by the authorised officer or other person, and(c) the sample had not been tampered with since the container was sealed by the authorised officer or other person.(4) A document purporting to be a certificate prepared under this section is, unless the contrary is proved, taken to be a certificate under this section.s 262: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [113]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[68]. Subst 2024 No 20, Sch 9[66].
262A Evidence from photographs and other images
(1) This section applies to a photographic or other image of an area of land formed from data captured by a device carried by an aircraft, satellite or other craft, and information recorded on the image, that either of the following certifies as an approved image—(a) the CEO of the EPA,(b) an officer of the EPA designated by the CEO of the EPA.(2) An approved image is admissible in proceedings under this Act and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is evidence of the following—(a) the matter depicted on the image,(b) the information recorded on the image relating to the location or boundaries of the land,(c) the time when, or period during which, the image was taken,(d) other matters prescribed by the regulations.(3) In proceedings in which an approved image is admitted in evidence—(a) the image is presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to be orthorectified, and(b) evidence is not required, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the accuracy of any process used to—(i) orthorectify the image, or(ii) determine the boundaries of land recorded in the image.s 262A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[66].
Part 8.6 Noise—special provisions
Division 1 Noise control notices—regulatory authorities
263 Definition of “appropriate regulatory authority”
For the purposes of this Division, the marine authority is the in relation to—(a) vessels in navigable waters, and(b) premises used in connection with vessels and situated adjacent to, or partly or wholly over, navigable waters.
264 Noise control notices relating to premises
(1) This section applies to—(a) the person who is the occupier of any premises, or(b) the person who carries on or proposes to carry on an activity at any premises or who uses or operates or proposes to use or operate an article at any premises.(2) The appropriate regulatory authority may, by notice in writing given to such a person, prohibit the person from causing, permitting or allowing—(a) any specified activity to be carried on at the premises, oror both, in such a manner as to cause the emission from the premises at all times or on specified days, or between specified times on all days or on specified days, of noise that, when measured at any specified point (whether within or outside the premises), is in excess of a specified level.(b) any specified article to be used or operated at the premises,(3) If, in a noise control notice, there is no reference to the times or days during or on which the prohibition imposed by the notice is to operate, the prohibition operates at all times.(4) Nothing in this section affects the power under this Act to attach conditions to an environment protection licence.s 264: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [114].
265 Offence to contravene noise control notice
(1) A person who contravenes a noise control notice is guilty of an offence.(2) A person is not guilty of an offence unless it is established that the alleged offence resulted in the emission, from the premises to which the alleged offence relates, of noise that was able to be detected or perceived outside those premises without the aid of an instrument, machine or device.Maximum penalty—• in the case of a corporation—$60,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $6,000 for each day the offence continues, or• in the case of an individual—$30,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $600 for each day the offence continues.
266 Revocation or variation of noise control notices
A noise control notice may be revoked or varied by the appropriate regulatory authority by a further notice under this Division.
267 Commencement of operation of noise control notices
(1) A noise control notice operates from the day the notice is given or from such later day as the notice specifies.(2) If an appeal is made against a noise control notice and the Land and Environment Court directs that the notice is stayed, the notice does not operate until the stay ceases to have effect or the Land and Environment Court confirms the notice or the appeal is withdrawn, whichever first occurs.s 267: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [115].
267A Fee
(1) The purpose of this section is to enable a regulatory authority to recover the administrative costs of preparing and giving noise control notices.(2) A person who is given a noise control notice by a regulatory authority must within 30 days pay the prescribed fee to the authority.(3) The regulatory authority may—(a) extend the time for payment of the fee on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies, or(b) waive payment of the whole or any part of the fee on the authority’s initiative or on the application of a person to whom subsection (2) applies.(4) The fee is not payable during the currency of an appeal against the noise control notice.(5) A fee is not payable on the variation or revocation of a noise control notice.(6) If the decision of the Court on an appeal does not invalidate the noise control notice, the fee is payable within 30 days of the decision.(7) A person who does not pay the fee within the time provided under this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty (subsection (7)): 200 penalty units.s 267A: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [116].
267B Compliance costs
(1) The appropriate regulatory authority that gives a noise control notice to a person may, by notice in writing (in this section referred to as a compliance cost notice), require the person to pay all or any reasonable costs incurred by the authority in connection with—(a) monitoring action under the notice, and(b) ensuring that the notice is complied with, and(c) any other associated matters.(2) A regulatory authority may recover any unpaid amounts specified in a compliance cost notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(3) If the person given a compliance cost notice complies with the notice but was not the person who caused the noise, the cost of complying with the notice may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person who caused the noise.s 267B: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [116].
Division 2 Noise abatement orders—Local Court
268 Issue of noise abatement orders
(1) The occupier of any premises may apply to the Local Court for an order under this section.(2) The application is to be commenced by the issue of an application notice that alleges that the occupier’s occupation of premises is affected by offensive noise.(3) The respondent to the application may be a person alleged to be making or contributing to the noise or the occupier of premises from which the noise is alleged to be emitted.(4) If the Local Court is satisfied (on the balance of probabilities) that the alleged offensive noise exists, or that although abated it is likely to recur on the same premises, the Local Court may make either or both of the following orders—(a) an order directing the respondent to abate the offensive noise within the time specified in the order,(b) an order directing the respondent to prevent a recurrence of the offensive noise.(5) Part 4 of the Local Court Act 2007 applies to an application under this section.s 268: Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [6]–[8]. Subst 2002 No 99, Sch 1.7. Am 2007 No 94, Schs 1.85 [1], 2.
269 Contravention of noise abatement order
A person who contravenes a noise abatement order is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—30 penalty units.
270 Restrictions on noise abatement orders
(1) A noise abatement order has no force in so far as it is directed to—(a) the State or a person acting on behalf of the State, or(b) a public authority or a person in the capacity of a member, officer or employee of a public authority, or(c) a person or body prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.(2) A noise abatement order has no force in so far as it would have the result of affecting—(a) any activity carried on by or for the State or a public authority, or(a1) any activity carried on by an authorised network operator (within the meaning of the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015), or(b) any scheduled activity, or any other activity or work that is the subject of an environment protection licence, or(c) any activity of a class or description prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.s 270: Am 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [5].
271 Commencement of operation of noise abatement order
(1) A noise abatement order operates from the day the order is made or from such later day as the order specifies.(2) If an appeal is made against a noise abatement order and the Land and Environment Court directs that the order is stayed, the order does not operate until the stay ceases to have effect or the Land and Environment Court confirms the order or the appeal is withdrawn, whichever first occurs.s 271: Subst 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [117].
272 Revocation or variation of noise abatement orders
A noise abatement order may be revoked or varied by the Local Court.s 272: Am 2007 No 94, Sch 2.
273 Costs
The Local Court may award costs against any party in proceedings under this Division.s 273: Am 2007 No 94, Sch 3.
274 (Repealed)
s 274: Rep 2007 No 94, Sch 1.85 [2].
Division 3 Noise abatement directions—police and other authorised persons
275 Definition of “authorised person”
In this Division—means—(a) in any case—an authorised officer or a police officer, or(b) in relation to vessels in navigable waters—an officer or employee of the marine authority authorised by the marine authority for the purposes of this Division.
276 Issue of noise abatement directions
If it appears to an authorised person that offensive noise is being, or has at any time within the past 7 days been, emitted from any premises, the authorised person may—(a) direct the person whom the authorised person believes to be the occupier of the premises to cause the emission of the offensive noise to cease, oror both.(b) direct any person whom the authorised person believes to be making or contributing to the making of the noise to cease making or contributing to the making of offensive noise,
277 Contravention of noise abatement directions
(1) A person to whom a noise abatement direction has been given under section 276 (a) must not, without reasonable excuse, while the direction remains in force—(a) fail to cause the emission of the offensive noise from the premises to cease promptly, or(b) at any time within 28 days following the time at which the direction was given (or such shorter period as is specified in the direction), cause or permit offensive noise to be emitted from the premises.(2) A person to whom a noise abatement direction has been given under section 276 (b) must not, without reasonable excuse, while the direction remains in force—(a) fail to promptly cease making or contributing to the making of the offensive noise, or(b) at any time within 28 days following the time at which the direction was given (or such shorter period as is specified in the direction), make or contribute to the making of offensive noise that is emitted from the premises.(3) A noise abatement direction does not prevent the emission of noise that is not offensive noise.(4) A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—30 penalty units.
278 Restrictions on noise abatement directions
(1) A noise abatement direction (other than a direction given by an authorised officer appointed by the EPA) has no force in so far as it is directed to—(a) the State or a person acting on behalf of the State, or(b) a public authority or a person in the capacity of a member, officer or employee of a public authority, or(c) a person or body prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.(2) A noise abatement direction (other than a direction given by an authorised officer appointed by the EPA) has no force in so far as it would have the result of affecting—(a) any activity carried on by or for the State or a public authority, or(a1) any activity carried on by an authorised network operator (within the meaning of the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015), or(b) any scheduled activity, or any other activity or work that is the subject of an environment protection licence, or(c) any activity of a class or description prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.s 278: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [118]; 2015 No 5, Sch 8.21 [6].
279 Revocation of noise abatement directions
A noise abatement direction may be revoked by the person who gave (or could have given) the direction or by a person of a class prescribed by the regulations.
Division 4 Police powers regarding noise
280 Powers of entry by police by warrant
(1) Complaint for and issue of warrant On complaint being made by a police officer to a Magistrate that—(a) the police officer has been denied entry to any specified premises, andthe Magistrate may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for that belief, by warrant, authorise and require the police officer to enter the premises and to give a noise abatement direction or investigate whether a noise abatement direction has been contravened.(b) the police officer believes that—(i) offensive noise is being emitted from the premises or offensive noise has, within the past 7 days, been emitted from the premises, and(ii) it is necessary for a police officer to enter the premises immediately in order to give a noise abatement direction in relation to offensive noise emitted from the premises or to investigate whether a noise abatement direction has been contravened,(2) Manner of making complaint The complaint may be made by a police officer to the Magistrate in person or by telephone and may be made directly to the Magistrate or, where in all the circumstances it is impracticable to make the complaint directly, by causing the complaint to be transmitted by another police officer by either of those means.(3) Indirect complaint The fact that the complaint is made to the Magistrate by a police officer who causes the complaint to be transmitted by another police officer to the Magistrate does not, if the Magistrate is of the opinion that it is in all the circumstances impracticable to communicate directly with the police officer making the complaint, prevent the Magistrate being satisfied as to the matters specified in subsection (1).(4) How warrant granted The Magistrate grants the warrant by stating the terms of the warrant.(5) Magistrate to make record The Magistrate who grants the warrant is required to cause a record to be made in writing in the prescribed form of—(a) the name of the police officer who was the complainant, and(b) where the complaint was transmitted by a police officer on behalf of the complainant—the name of the police officer who transmitted the complaint, and(c) the details of the complaint, including the name of any person who is alleged to have informed the police as to the offensive noise the subject of the warrant and the grounds relied on by the Magistrate to grant the warrant, and(d) the terms of the warrant (which must include the address of the premises the subject of the warrant), and(e) the date and time the warrant was granted.(6) Execution of warrant The warrant is to be executed as soon as practicable after it is granted, but not later than 24 hours after it is granted, and may be executed by day or night.(7) Use of reasonable force A police officer may use reasonable force (whether by breaking open doors or otherwise) for the purpose of entering premises in executing the warrant.(8) Use of assistants A police officer may execute the warrant with the aid of such assistants as the police officer considers appropriate.(9) Warrant not invalidated by minor defects The warrant is not invalidated by any defect, other than a defect that affects the substance of the warrant in a material particular.(10) Police officer to make record The police officer who was the complainant is required to make a record in triplicate in the prescribed form containing the following particulars—(a) the address of the premises the subject of the warrant,(b) the name of the Magistrate who granted the warrant,(c) the name of the police officer,(d) the time at which the warrant was granted.(11) How police record to be dealt with The copies of the record made under subsection (10) are to be dealt with as follows—(a) the first copy is, on entry to the premises the subject of the warrant or as soon as practicable afterwards, if a person who appears to reside at the premises and to be of or above the age of 18 years is present, to be furnished to such a person together with a statement in the prescribed form and containing a summary of the nature of the warrant and the powers given by the warrant,(b) the second and third copies are to be endorsed with—(i) the name of the person (if any) who informed the police as to the offensive noise the subject of the warrant, and(ii) a notation as to whether any premises were entered under the warrant and, if so, the time of entry and the action taken at the premises,(c) the second copy is to be forwarded to the Director-General of the Attorney General’s Department or any other officer designated by that Director-General,(d) the third copy is to be retained by the police officer authorised to enter the premises under the warrant, to be dealt with in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations.(12) Definitions In this section—Magistrate includes any other person who is an within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.telephone includes a radio or another communication device.s 280: Am 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [9]; 2006 No 58, Sch 1.24 [6].
281 Powers of police after entry by warrant
(1) Limited powers If a police officer enters any premises under a warrant granted under section 280 for the purpose of giving a noise abatement direction or investigating whether a noise abatement direction has been contravened, the police officer may—(a) take only such action at the premises as is reasonably necessary—(i) to give the noise abatement direction or investigate whether such an offence has been committed, and(ii) to exercise any power under subsection (2) or any lawful power to arrest a person, and(b) remain at the premises only as long as is reasonably necessary to take that action.(2) Giving of names and addresses may be required If a police officer believes on reasonable grounds that offensive noise is being emitted from any premises or offensive noise has, within the past 7 days, been emitted from any premises, the police officer may require any person—(a) whom the police officer believes on reasonable grounds to be the occupier of the premises or to be, or to have been, causing or contributing to the emission of the offensive noise, andto furnish the police officer with that person’s name and address and with the name and address of the occupier of the premises if that person is not the occupier.(b) to whom the police officer has given an oral or written warning of that person’s obligation to furnish the information under this Act,(3) Offences A person—(a) who refuses or fails to comply with a requirement under subsection (2), oris guilty of an offence.(b) who, in purported compliance with a requirement under subsection (2), furnishes information that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular,Maximum penalty—(a) for an offence against paragraph (a)—(i) for a corporation—$20,000, or(ii) for an individual—$10,000, and(b) for an offence against paragraph (b)—(i) for a corporation—$40,000, or(ii) for an individual—$20,000 or imprisonment for 18 months, or both.(4) Defence A person is not guilty of an offence arising under subsection (3) (a) if the person proves that, in so far as the requirement was not complied with, the person was not capable of complying with it.s 281: Am 2022 No 3, Sch 5[69].
282 Police powers to seize equipment
(1) This section applies if a noise abatement direction is in force and the person to whom the direction is given is contravening the direction.(2) A police officer may seize or secure any equipment that is being used to contravene the direction. The police officer may not do so unless the person in charge of the equipment has been warned that the continued use of the equipment may lead to its seizure.(3) If any such equipment is seized, the police officer is to issue the person from whom it is seized with a receipt that identifies the equipment, states the time and date of seizure, identifies the police officer seizing the equipment and notifies the procedure for the return of the equipment.(4) Unless it is returned or released earlier at the discretion of a police officer, any equipment that is seized or secured under this section must be returned or released within 28 days.(5) A person is not entitled to any compensation for damage caused to equipment that is seized or secured under this section if the damage occurred as a result of the police officer being obstructed or hindered in seizing or securing the equipment.
283 Other police powers not affected
Nothing in this Division limits any other power that a police officer may have under this or any other Act or at common law to enter or remain at any premises.
Chapter 9 Miscellaneous
Part 9.1 Exemptions
284 Exemptions by EPA in emergencies and other situations
(1) Exemptions The EPA may exempt any person or class of persons from any specified provision or provisions of this Act or the regulations, in the circumstances referred to in subsection (2).(2) Situations where exemptions may be granted An exemption may be granted in—(a) an emergency (including, for example, fires, floods and fuel shortages), or(b) circumstances where—(i) the EPA is satisfied that it is not practicable to comply with the relevant provision or provisions, by implementing operational changes to plant or practices, and(ii) the EPA is satisfied that non-compliance with the provision or provisions will not have any significant adverse effect on public health, property or the environment, and(iii) the Board of the EPA approves the granting of the exemption, or(c) circumstances prescribed by the regulations.(3) Applications If the regulations prescribe the manner in which an exemption is to be applied for, the exemption must be applied for in that manner.(4) Publication and commencement An exemption—(a) is effected by order made by the EPA and published in the Gazette, and(b) takes effect from the date the order is published in the Gazette or a later date specified in the order, and(c) has effect for the period specified in the order.(5) Emergency exemption In the case of an exemption granted in an emergency, the order may take effect when it is made or on a later date specified in the order. The order is to be published in the Gazette as soon as practicable after it is made.(6) Conditions An exemption may be unconditional or may be subject to conditions specified in the order.(7) Revocation, variation or renewal An exemption may be revoked, varied or renewed by a further order made and published in accordance with this section.(8) Term An exemption may not be granted or renewed so as to have effect for a total period exceeding 5 years. A further exemption granted within 5 years after the expiry of an earlier exemption (being a further exemption that is the same in substance as the earlier exemption) is to be treated as a renewed exemption for the purposes of this subsection.(9) Reasons for exemption If an exemption is granted, any person may make a written request to the EPA for the reasons for the exemption and the EPA is to provide a written statement of the reasons to the person. The regulations may make provision with respect to any such statement of reasons, including—(a) the time within which a request for reasons must be made or within which the statement of reasons must be provided, and(b) the matters to be set out in a statement of reasons, and(c) the cases in which a statement of reasons is not required to be provided.s 284: Am 2024 No 20, Sch 9[67].
285 Exemption for fire brigades and other emergency services
(1) A person is not guilty of an offence against this Act or the regulations for any act or omission if it was done or omitted in good faith as a member of a fire brigade, a rural fire brigade, the State Emergency Service or other accredited rescue unit.(2) This section has effect despite anything in this Act.(3) In this section—accredited rescue unit has the same meaning as it has in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989.rural fire brigade has the same meaning as it has in the Rural Fires Act 1997.s 285: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [119]–[121].
286 Exemptions by regulation
(1) The regulations may exempt, or provide for the exemption of—(a) any person or class of persons, or(b) any premises or class of premises, or(c) any area or class of areas, or(d) any activity or class of activities, orfrom any specified provision or provisions of this Act or the regulations, in such circumstances (if any) and subject to such conditions (if any) as may be specified or referred to in the regulations.(e) any other matter or thing or class of matters or things,(2) The power to make regulations under this section is not limited by section 284.
286A Offence regarding resource recovery orders
(1) The EPA may, by order, impose requirements on a specified person, or a specified class of persons, in relation to the supply by the person, or persons in the specified class, of waste to which a resource recovery exemption applies.(2) A person to whom an order under subsection (1) applies must comply with the requirements imposed by the order on—(a) the person, or(b) the class of persons to which the person belongs.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$4,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$2,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $240,000 for each day the offence continues, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$1,000,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000 and, for a continuing offence, a further penalty of $120,000 for each day the offence continues.(3) The regulations may provide for further matters in relation to orders under subsection (1), including—(a) specifying the classes of waste and supply of waste in relation to which orders may be made, and(b) how notice of an order is given, and(c) when an order takes effect, and(d) the variation and revocation of orders.s 286A: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[68].
286B Records relating to resource recovery exemptions and orders
(1) A person who is required by a resource recovery exemption or resource recovery order to record information must—(a) make or keep records in accordance with the exemption or order, and(b) ensure the record is kept for at least 6 years after the record is made, and(c) make the record available for inspection and copying by an authorised officer if requested.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence relates to asbestos waste—$1,000,000, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence relates to asbestos waste—$500,000, or(ii) otherwise—$250,000.(2) The regulations may provide for additional matters in relation to records under exemptions under section 286 and resource recovery orders, including matters relating to the effect of a variation or revocation of an exemption or order on a requirement referred to in subsection (1).(3) Nothing in this section limits—(a) the conditions that may be imposed on a resource recovery exemption, or(b) the requirements that may be imposed by a resource recovery order.s 286B: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[68].
286C Information or records under resource recovery exemption or order
(1) A person who is required under a resource recovery exemption or resource recovery order to give another person information or records relating to waste to which the exemption or order relates must give the information or records to the other person—(a) within the time specified in the exemption or order, or(b) on the request of the other person—within 7 days after the request is made or the shorter period specified in the exemption or order.Note—Part 7.3 confers powers on the EPA to require a person to give information to the EPA.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$1,000,000, or(ii) otherwise—$500,000, or(b) for an individual—(i) if the offence involves asbestos waste—$500,000, or(ii) otherwise—$250,000.(2) The regulations may provide for additional matters in relation to information or records under exemptions under section 286 and resource recovery orders, including matters relating to the effect of a variation or revocation of an exemption or order on a requirement referred to in subsection (1).(3) Nothing in this section limits—(a) the conditions that may be imposed on a resource recovery exemption, or(b) the requirements that may be imposed by a resource recovery order.s 286C: Ins 2024 No 20, Sch 9[68].
Part 9.2 Appeals
287 Appeals regarding licence applications and licences
(1) The following persons aggrieved by a decision of the appropriate regulatory authority about a licence or licence application may, within the prescribed period, appeal the decision to the Land and Environment Court—(a) for a licence—a person who has held the licence,(b) for a licence application—the applicant.(1A) The lodging of an appeal—(a) in the case of an appeal against a decision to suspend or revoke a licence (whether with or without conditions)—does not operate to stay the decision appealed against, and(b) in the case of an appeal against any other decision—does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay the decision appealed against.(1B) For the avoidance of doubt, the Land and Environment Court has no jurisdiction to make an order staying a decision referred to in subsection (1A) (a).(2) An appeal under this section extends to a decision to refuse the licence application, to impose conditions on the issue of a licence, to vary the conditions of a licence, to revoke or suspend a licence, to refuse to approve the surrender of a licence, to impose conditions on a revocation, suspension or surrender of a licence or to attach any new conditions to, or to vary any conditions of, a suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence.Note—The Dictionary defines licence application to mean an application for the issue, transfer or variation of a licence or for approval of the surrender of a licence.(3) For the purposes of this section, a licence application is taken to have been refused—(a) in the case of an application for a variation of a licence about which the appropriate regulatory authority is required to invite and consider public submissions under section 58 (6), if the application is not granted within 90 days after it is duly made, or(b) in the case of an application for a licence relating to controlled development, if the application is not granted within 60 days after it is duly made or within 30 days after development consent is granted for the controlled development, whichever is the later, or(c) in any other case, if the application is not granted within 60 days after it is duly made.(4) The period commencing when an applicant is duly required under this Act to provide additional information within a specified period for the purposes of determining a licence application and ending when that information is provided or the specified period ends (whichever occurs first) is not to be taken into account in determining whether a licence application is taken to have been refused.(5) Nothing in this section prevents the determination of a licence application under this Act after the end of a period referred to in subsection (3).(6) There is no appeal under this section against a condition that is imposed on a licence, or varied or revoked, by the regulations.(7) In this section—prescribed period, for a person, means—(a) the period prescribed by the regulations, or(b) if no period is prescribed—(i) 21 days after the person is given notice of the decision of the appropriate regulatory authority, or(ii) 21 days after the person’s licence application is taken to have been refused under subsection (3).Note—Section 4.52 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 provides that, in the case of integrated development under that Act involving a licence application, the Court is under the same obligation as the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to the issue of the licence in accordance with the previous general terms of any approval by that authority.s 287: Am 2001 No 56, Sch 1.14 [12] [13]; 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [31] [32]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [122]; 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [11]; 2022 No 3, Sch 5[70]; 2023 No 7, Sch 1.19[3] [4].
288 Appeals regarding notices under section 86 relating to work at premises
(1) A person given a notice under section 86 may, within 21 days (or such other period as is prescribed instead by the regulations) after being given the notice, appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the notice.(2) The lodging of an appeal does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay the notice appealed against.s 288: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [123].
289 Appeals against prevention notices
(1) A person served with a prevention notice may, within 21 days (or such other period as is prescribed instead by the regulations) after being served with the notice, appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the notice.(1A) The lodging of an appeal does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay the notice appealed against.(2) There is no appeal against a decision of an appropriate regulatory authority to extend the time for complying with a prevention notice.(3) For the purposes of this section, a prevention notice is a notice under Part 4.3, and includes a notice that varies such a prevention notice.s 289: Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [124].
289A Appeals regarding notices under section 144AC relating to use of approved GPS tracking devices
(1) A person given a notice under section 144AC may, within 21 days (or such other period as is prescribed instead by the regulations) after being given the notice, appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the notice.(2) The lodging of an appeal does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay the notice appealed against.s 289A: Ins 2014 No 65, Sch 2.1 [12].
290 Appeals regarding noise
(1) Any person—(a) given a noise control notice, ormay appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the notice or order within 21 days (or such other period as is prescribed instead by the regulations) after service of the notice or the making of the order.(b) against whom a noise abatement order is made,(1A) The lodging of an appeal does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay the notice or order appealed against.(2) Parts 2, 3 and 5 of the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001 (as applied by section 70 of the Local Court Act 2007) do not apply to a noise abatement order.s 290: Am 1998 No 137, Sch 2.21; 2001 No 121, Sch 2.174 [10]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [125]; 2007 No 94, Sch 1.85 [3]; 2015 No 15, Sch 2.42.
291 Appeals regarding decisions under the regulations
The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the making of appeals to the Land and Environment Court or the Local Court against a decision made under the regulations.s 291: Am 2007 No 94, Sch 2.
292 Determination of appeals
(1) A court to which an appeal is made under this Act may hear and determine the appeal.(2) The decision of the court on an appeal under this Act is final and binding on the appellant and the person or body whose decision or notice is the subject of the appeal.
Part 9.3 Economic measures
293 Schemes for economic measures
(1) The EPA may develop and implement schemes involving economic measures as a means of achieving cost-effective environmental regulation or environment protection.(2) The EPA may approve of the development and implementation of such a scheme by other regulatory authorities.(3) Without limiting the above, such a scheme may involve measures that provide an economic incentive for avoiding or minimising harm to the environment when carrying out an activity.(4) An example of such a scheme is a tradeable emission scheme, as referred to in Part 9.3A, or a green offset scheme, as referred to in Part 9.3B.(5), (6) (Repealed)s 293: Am 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [2] [3]; 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [126].
293A Alteration, suspension or termination of a scheme
(1) The EPA may alter, suspend or terminate a scheme referred to in section 293 or any part of such a scheme.(2) Before taking any such action, the EPA must—(a) cause notice of its intention to do so to be published in the Gazette and in such other manner as the EPA is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of the members of the public generally or in the locality in which the scheme operates, and(b) in that notice, invite the public to make submissions on the proposed alteration, suspension or termination, and(c) allow a period of not less than 21 days for the receipt of those submissions.(3) The EPA must take into account any submission received within that period in deciding whether to proceed with the alteration, suspension or termination.(4) The EPA may alter the scheme or part of the scheme without complying with subsections (2) and (3) if it considers that—(a) the alteration is not significant, or(b) the alteration is necessary because of an emergency.(5) The EPA may suspend the scheme or part of the scheme without complying with subsections (2) and (3) if it considers that—(a) the suspension is required urgently in order to protect the environment, public health, property, or the integrity of the scheme, or(b) the suspension is necessary because of an emergency.(6) The EPA may terminate the scheme or part of the scheme without complying with subsections (2) and (3) if it considers that the termination is necessary because of an emergency.s 293A: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [4]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [4].
294 Liability of Crown
(1) The Crown does not incur any liability (including liability for compensation) for any loss (including a loss in entitlements or in the value of entitlements) incurred as a consequence of any of the following—(a) the implementation, alteration, suspension or termination of a scheme referred to in section 293 or of any part of such a scheme,(b) the alteration, suspension, cancellation or forfeiture of any rights or entitlements under such a scheme.(2) In this section—compensation includes damages or any other form of monetary compensation.the Crown means the Crown within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1988, and includes any officer, employee or agent of the Crown.s 294: Subst 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [5].
294A Exercise of functions by Minister and EPA
In exercising their functions under this Part and Parts 9.3A and 9.3B, the Minister and the EPA are to have regard to the objects of this Act, particularly section 3 (d).s 294A: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [6]. Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [127].
295 Regulations
The regulations may make provision for or with respect to any of the following—(a) the development or implementation of schemes involving economic measures,(b) the alteration, suspension or termination of such a scheme or of any part of such a scheme.Note—More specific regulation-making powers for tradeable emission schemes and green offsets are set out in Parts 9.3A and 9.3B, respectively.s 295: Subst 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [128].
Part 9.3A Tradeable emission schemes
pt 9.3A: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295A Definitions
In this Part—participant in a tradeable emission scheme means—(a) a person who holds a tradeable emission permit or credit created under the scheme, or(b) a person who holds a licence that authorises the person to carry out any activity that is regulated under the scheme or a licence of a kind prescribed by the regulations as being a licence to which the scheme applies (whether or not the person holds a tradeable emission permit or credit).tradeable emission scheme means a scheme referred to in section 295B.s 295A: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295B Tradeable emission schemes
(1) A tradeable emission scheme may include any or all of the following elements—(a) the creation of a market for entitlements to emit a particular pollutant or pollutants,(b) monitoring and reporting levels of pollution and emission of pollutants,(c) the creation of tradeable emission permits or credits,(d) the initial sale or allocation and further sale or allocation of tradeable emission permits or credits,(e) provision for the holding of tradeable emission permits or credits by members of the public,(f) the rights and duties of participants in the scheme,(g) the trading of tradeable emission permits or credits or of any entitlement conferred by them (including restrictions on trading and any other dealings),(h) safeguards against anti-competitive behaviour by participants in the scheme,(i) the alteration, suspension, cancellation or forfeiture of tradeable emission permits or credits, or other rights or entitlements under the scheme.(2) A tradeable emission scheme must include—(a) a limit on total emissions of the pollutant or pollutants to which the scheme applies, or(b) a scheme to offset pollution, or(c) a program for the surrender of tradeable emission permits or credits over time, or(d) a combination of any or all of the elements referred to in paragraphs (a)–(c).(3) A tradeable emission scheme may include elements other than those mentioned in this section.s 295B: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295C Regulations relating to tradeable emission schemes
(1) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to tradeable emission schemes, including provision for or with respect to any of the elements referred to in section 295B.(2) A tradeable emission scheme regulation is not repealed by the operation of Part 3 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.(3) A tradeable emission scheme regulation may be periodically reviewed by the Minister, in accordance with a timetable set out in the regulation. Any such review must include a review of the operation of the elements of the scheme referred to in section 295B (2).(4) The Minister is to ensure that the public is given an opportunity to make submissions with respect to the review, and that any submissions with respect to the review that are received within the period allowed for the receipt of submissions are appropriately considered.(5) In order to give the public an opportunity to make submissions with respect to the review, the Minister must—(a) cause notice of the review to be published in the Gazette and in such other manner as the Minister is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in the locality in which the scheme operates, and(b) in that notice, invite the public to make submissions with respect to the review, and(c) allow a period of not less than 21 days for the receipt of those submissions.(6) For the purposes of this section, a tradeable emission scheme regulation is a regulation that contains only the following provisions—(a) provisions that relate to a tradeable emission scheme (including any ancillary, consequential, savings or transitional provisions), and(b) provisions that deal with the citation and commencement of the regulation, or other provisions of a machinery nature.(7) This section does not limit the generality of section 295.s 295C: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [5].
295D Licence conditions
(1) The regulations may, for the purpose of giving effect to a tradeable emission scheme, impose conditions on licences.(2) Conditions of a licence that are imposed by the regulations for the purposes of this Part cannot be substituted, omitted, amended or revoked by a regulatory authority.(3) (Repealed)(4) This section does not prevent conditions with respect to a tradeable emission scheme from being attached to a licence by an appropriate regulatory authority in the manner provided for by Chapter 3.s 295D: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2002 No 14, Sch 2 [33].
295E Imposition of penalties for contravention of scheme
(1) If the EPA is satisfied that a participant in a tradeable emission scheme has caused a pollutant to be emitted in contravention of the scheme on one or more occasions, the EPA may, subject to the regulations, require the participant to pay a penalty to the EPA.(2) The penalty is to be the amount prescribed by, or calculated in accordance with, the regulations.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the regulations may provide for the penalty to be calculated on the basis of the following (or a combination of the following)—(a) the quantity of pollutant emitted by the participant in contravention of the scheme, as estimated by the EPA,(b) the amount of monetary, financial or other economic benefits obtained by the participant as a result of contravening the scheme, as estimated by the EPA.(4) The EPA is required to give written notice to a participant of—(a) any penalty the participant is required to pay under this section, and(b) the time within which the penalty is to be paid.(5) If the participant fails to pay the penalty, within the time specified by the EPA in the notice, the EPA may—(a) cancel, suspend, or order the forfeiture of, any tradeable emission permits or credits held by the participant, in accordance with the regulations, or(b) take any other action against the person (such as suspending the person from participating in the scheme) that is authorised by the regulations.(6) This section does not prevent proceedings being taken against a participant for an offence against this Act or the regulations arising as a result of a contravention of a tradeable emission scheme.(7) The EPA may take any other action authorised by the regulations (as referred to in section 295F) in addition to or instead of imposing a penalty under this section.ss 295E–295H: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295F Other action that may be taken by EPA
(1) The regulations may authorise the EPA, or a person exercising functions under a tradeable emission scheme on behalf of the EPA, to do any or all of the following, in the circumstances set out in the regulations—(a) cancel or suspend tradeable emission permits or credits, or any entitlement that they confer,(b) order the forfeiture of tradeable emission permits or credits to the EPA,(c) cancel or suspend a person’s right to participate in the scheme, or impose conditions or other restrictions on any such right.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may authorise such action to be taken—(a) for one or more contraventions of the scheme, or(b) for a failure to pay any penalty, contribution or other amount payable in connection with the scheme.ss 295E–295H: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295G Participation in scheme by EPA
The EPA may participate in a tradeable emission scheme, including by holding and trading in tradeable emission permits and credits.ss 295E–295H: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295H Cost recovery
(1) The regulations may require participants in a tradeable emission scheme to pay to the EPA a contribution towards the following—(a) the costs of management and administration of the scheme (including payment for services provided by any person or body exercising functions under the scheme),(b) the costs of ensuring compliance with the scheme,(c) any other costs relating to the scheme.(2) The amount of the contribution (or the manner in which it is to be calculated) and other matters concerning its payment are to be set out in the regulations.(3) The contribution is recoverable by the EPA as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(4) The regulations may authorise the payment of the contribution by instalments. If an instalment is not paid by the due date, the balance then becomes due and payable (together with any interest or other penalty for late payment prescribed by the regulations).(5) The regulations may—(a) require a person to continue to make a contribution referred to in this section in respect of a tradeable emission permit or credit that has been forfeited until the permit or credit is sold or re-allocated, and(b) exempt any person or class of persons from payment of a contribution referred to in this section.(6) The EPA is not required to pay a contribution referred to in this section.ss 295E–295H: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295I Tradeable Emission Schemes Fund
(1) There is to be established in the Special Deposits Account an account called the Tradeable Emission Schemes Fund.(2) Money in the Fund is under the control of the EPA and can be expended by the EPA only for the purposes authorised by this section.(3) There is to be paid into the Fund—(a) all contributions paid by participants in a tradeable emission scheme under a regulation referred to in section 295H (Cost recovery), and(a1) the proceeds of any auction or other sale of permits or credits, or any entitlement conferred by them, under a tradeable emission scheme, and(b) the proceeds of investment of money in the Fund, and(c) any gift or bequest of money for the purposes of the Fund, and(d) any other money appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Fund or required by law to be paid into the Fund.(4) There may be paid out of the Fund—(a) the costs of management and administration of tradeable emission schemes (including payment for services provided by any person or body exercising functions under the scheme), and(b) the costs of ensuring compliance with tradeable emission schemes, and(c) such other costs relating to tradeable emission schemes as the EPA directs to be paid out of the Fund.(4A) There may be paid out of the Fund to the Consolidated Fund any amount in the Fund that, in the opinion of the EPA, is in excess of the amounts required to meet the costs referred to in subsection (4).(5) A separate account is to be established in the Fund for each tradeable emission scheme.(6) If more than one account in the Fund is established under this Part, money in the accounts may be invested as a common pool. The proceeds of investments are to be distributed rateably among the accounts that contributed money to the common pool according to the amount contributed.s 295I: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2002 No 61, Sch 1 [1] [2].
295J Exercise of scheme functions by other persons and bodies
(1) The EPA may enter into agreements and other arrangements with a person or body in respect of the exercise of the functions of the EPA under a tradeable emission scheme by the person or body on behalf of the EPA.(2) The regulations may provide for the constitution of committees (as incorporated or unincorporated bodies)—(a) to provide advice on tradeable emission schemes, and(b) to exercise any other functions conferred on them by the EPA or by the regulations in connection with tradeable emission schemes.(3) A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by such a committee, a member of the committee or a person acting under the direction of the committee does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purpose of executing this or any other Act or the regulations, subject a member or a person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.ss 295J–295L: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295K Liability for operation of scheme
(1) The Crown does not incur any liability (including liability for compensation) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith by the EPA, or by a person exercising functions under a tradeable emission scheme on behalf of the EPA, in connection with the operation of a tradeable emission scheme.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), that subsection applies to anything done or omitted to be done in connection with the operation of any register or other system by which tradeable emission permits or credits, or other entitlements, are traded under a tradeable emission scheme.(3) This section does not limit the generality of section 294.(4) In this section—compensation includes damages or any other form of monetary compensation.the Crown means the Crown within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1988, and includes any officer, employee or agent of the Crown.ss 295J–295L: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
295L Application of Duties Act 1997
A tradeable emission permit or credit, or any other entitlement, created under a tradeable emission scheme is not dutiable property for the purposes of the Duties Act 1997.ss 295J–295L: Ins 2000 No 91, Sch 1 [8].
Part 9.3B Green offsets
pt 9.3B: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295M Definitions
In this Part—licensed activity means an activity authorised or controlled by a licence.participant in a green offset scheme means—(a) a person who holds a green offset credit created under the scheme, or(b) a person who holds a licence that is subject to a condition that requires or authorises the person to participate in or contribute to the scheme, or a licence of a prescribed kind, or(c) a person (other than the holder of a licence) who arranges, implements or manages the scheme.participant in green offset works means—(a) a person who holds a licence that is subject to a condition that requires or authorises the person to implement or arrange the works, or(b) a person (other than the holder of a licence) who implements or manages the works.ss 295M–295P: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295N Licence conditions
(1) A condition of a licence may be imposed in relation to a green offset scheme or work even though—(a) the scheme or work does not relate to the licensed premises, orso long as the harm arises from the same kind of licensed activities and relates to the same types of pollutants or impacts that arise from the activity authorised or controlled by the licence.(b) the scheme or work does not relate to harm arising from the activity authorised or controlled by the licence,(2) The appropriate regulatory authority may not impose any such condition on a licence unless it is satisfied of the following—(a) that the pollutants or impacts of the activity may not be otherwise prevented, controlled, abated or mitigated in a cost effective way by other measures under the licence,(b) that the proposed green offset scheme or work is likely to result in at least the same or a more beneficial effect on the environment than the use of such other measures,(c) that the effects and benefits of the proposed green offset scheme or work may be reliably estimated or ascertained by the authority,(d) that the effects of the proposed green offset scheme or work are likely to occur wholly or partly in an area affected by the pollutants or impacts that arise from the activity,(e) that the effects and benefits of the proposed green offset scheme or work are likely to last at least until the relevant impact of the activity is offset.(3) The regulations may, for the purpose of giving effect to a green offset scheme or works, impose conditions on licences.(4) Conditions of a licence that are imposed by the regulations for the purposes of this Part cannot be substituted, omitted, amended or revoked by a regulatory authority.(5) This section does not prevent a condition from being attached to a licence by an appropriate regulatory authority in the manner provided by Chapter 3.Note—Under section 69, conditions may be imposed on licences implementing or otherwise relating to green offset schemes and green offset works.ss 295M–295P: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295O Green offset schemes
(1) A green offset scheme is a scheme established for any or all of the following purposes—(a) to carry out a specified program for the restoration or enhancement of the environment that is related to a licensed activity,(b) to prevent, control, abate, mitigate or otherwise offset any harm to the environment arising (wholly or partly) from any licensed activity,(c) to make good any environmental damage arising (wholly or partly) from a licensed activity.(2) A green offset scheme may include any or all of the following elements—(a) contractual agreements or other arrangements between the person who arranges or implements or manages a green offset scheme and other participants in the scheme,(b) the creation of a market for entitlements to participate in a green offset scheme,(c) the creation of green offset credits,(d) the initial sale or allocation and further sale or allocation of green offset credits,(e) provision for the holding of green offset credits by participants,(f) the payment of contributions to the scheme for works under the scheme,(g) the implementation of works by participants in the scheme,(h) the payment of administrative costs relating to the scheme,(i) the rights and duties of participants in the scheme,(j) the trading of green offset credits or of any entitlements conferred by them (including restrictions on trading and any other dealings),(k) safeguards against anti-competitive behaviour by participants in the scheme,(l) the alteration, suspension, cancellation or forfeiture of green offset credits, or other rights or entitlements under the scheme,(m) provision for a register of green offset credits and participants and for the circumstances in which register information may be disclosed.(3) A green offset scheme may include elements other than those mentioned in this section.(4) A green offset scheme may, subject to any applicable licence conditions—(a) be arranged or implemented or managed by the holder of a licence or another person, and(b) involve both participants who are licence holders and who are not licence holders.ss 295M–295P: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295P Green offset works
(1) Green offset works are works established by or on behalf of the holder of a licence for any or all of the following purposes—(a) to prevent, control, abate, mitigate or otherwise offset any harm to the environment arising (wholly or partly) from any licensed activity,(b) to make good any environmental damage arising (wholly or partly) from a licensed activity.(2) Green offset works may include any or all of the following elements—(a) contractual agreements or other arrangements between the holder of a licence and a person who implements or manages the works,(b) the implementation or arrangement of works by participants,(c) the payment of administrative costs relating to the works,(d) the rights and duties of participants in the works.(3) Green offset works may form part of a green offset scheme.(4) Green offset works may include elements other than those mentioned in this section.(5) Green offset works may, subject to any applicable licence conditions, be implemented or managed by the holder of a licence or another person.ss 295M–295P: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295Q Regulations relating to green offsets
(1) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to green offset schemes or works, including provision for or with respect to the following matters—(a) any of the elements referred to in section 295O or 295P,(b) requirements for agreements or other arrangements relating to green offset schemes or works,(c) criteria for activities that may be covered by a green offset scheme or works,(d) inspection of premises at which a green offset scheme or works are carried out,(e) the functions of a manager of a green offset scheme or works and accountability requirements for managers.(2) The regulations must make provision for or with respect to the following matters—(a) if appropriate criteria and methodologies are available, the criteria and methodologies for determining whether green offset schemes or works meet required outcomes specified in licence conditions,(b) evaluation, on a periodic basis, of green offset schemes or works and publication of such evaluations.(3) A green offset regulation is not repealed by the operation of Part 3 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.(4) A green offset regulation may be periodically reviewed by the Minister, in accordance with a timetable set out in the regulation. Any such review must include a review of the operation of the elements referred to in section 295O or 295P.(5) The Minister is to ensure that the public is given an opportunity to make submissions with respect to the review, and that any submissions with respect to the review that are received within the period allowed for the receipt of submissions are appropriately considered.(6) In order to give the public an opportunity to make submissions with respect to the review, the Minister must—(a) cause notice of the review to be published in the Gazette and in such other manner as the Minister is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public generally or in the locality in which any relevant green offset scheme operates or relevant green offset works are located, and(b) in that notice, invite the public to make submissions with respect to the review, and(c) allow a period of not less than 21 days for the receipt of those submissions.(7) For the purposes of this section, a green offset regulation is a regulation that contains only the following provisions—(a) provisions that relate to green offset schemes or works (including any ancillary, consequential, savings or transitional provisions),(b) provisions that deal with the citation and commencement of the regulation, or other provisions of a machinery nature.(8) This section does not limit the generality of section 295.s 295Q: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129]. Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.27 [6].
295R Action that may be taken by EPA in relation to green offset schemes or works
(1) The regulations may authorise the EPA, or a person exercising functions under a green offset scheme on behalf of the EPA, to do any or all of the following, in the circumstances set out in the regulations—(a) cancel or suspend green offset credits, or any entitlement that they confer,(b) order the forfeiture of green offset credits to the EPA,(c) cancel or suspend a person’s right to participate in a green offset scheme, or impose conditions or other restrictions on the right.(2) The EPA may appoint a person to manage a green offset scheme or works on behalf of the EPA.(3) The EPA may manage or participate in a green offset scheme, including by holding, creating and trading in green offset credits, and may manage or participate in green offset works.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295S Administrative costs
(1) The regulations may require participants in a green offset scheme to pay to the EPA a contribution towards the following—(a) the costs of management and administration of the scheme (including payment for services provided by any person or body exercising functions under the scheme),(b) the costs of ensuring compliance with the scheme,(c) any other costs relating to the scheme.(2) The regulations may require participants in green offset works to pay to the EPA a contribution towards the following—(a) the costs of management and administration of the works (including payment for services provided by any person or body providing or managing the works),(b) the costs of ensuring compliance with the works,(c) any other costs relating to the works.(3) The regulations may—(a) require a person to continue to make a contribution referred to in this section in respect of a green offset credit that has been forfeited until the credit is sold or re-allocated, and(b) exempt any person or class of persons from payment of a contribution referred to in this section.(4) The EPA is not required to pay a contribution referred to in this section.(5) This section does not apply to contributions for works under green offset schemes.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295T Payment of contributions
(1) A contribution payable under this Part is recoverable by the EPA as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(2) The regulations may provide for matters concerning the payment of a contribution payable under this Part.(3) The regulations may authorise the payment of a contribution payable under this Part by instalments. If an instalment is not paid by the due date, the balance then becomes due and payable (together with any interest or other penalty for late payment prescribed by the regulations).ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295U Green Offsets Fund
(1) There is to be established in the Special Deposits Account an account called the Green Offsets Fund.(2) Money in the Fund is under the control of the EPA and can be expended by the EPA only for the purposes authorised by this section.(3) There is to be paid into the Fund—(a) all contributions for green offset schemes paid by the holders of licences, and(b) all contributions paid by participants in a green offset scheme or works under a regulation referred to in section 295S, and(c) the proceeds of any auction or other sale of credits, or any entitlement conferred by them, under a green offset scheme, and(d) the proceeds of investment of money in the Fund, and(e) any gift or bequest of money for the purposes of the Fund, and(f) any other money appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Fund or required by law to be paid into the Fund.(4) There may be paid out of the Fund—(a) the costs of green offset schemes, including management and administration of schemes and payment for works under the scheme and services provided by any person or body exercising functions under the scheme, and(b) the costs of green offset works, including management of works and payment for services by any person or body providing or managing the works, and(c) the costs of ensuring compliance with green offset schemes or the provision of green offset works, and(d) such other costs relating to green offset schemes or works as the EPA directs to be paid out of the Fund.(5) There may be paid out of the Fund to the Consolidated Fund any amount in the Fund that, in the opinion of the EPA, is in excess of the amounts required to meet the costs referred to in subsection (4).(6) A separate account is to be established in the Fund for each green offset scheme.(7) If more than one account in the Fund is established under this Part, money in the accounts may be invested as a common pool. The proceeds of investments are to be distributed rateably among the accounts that contributed money to the common pool according to the amount contributed.(8) This section does not apply to or in respect of contributions, proceeds, money or costs payable in respect of a green offset scheme implemented or managed by a public authority and approved for the purposes of this subsection by the EPA.(9) The EPA may not approve a green offset scheme for the purposes of subsection (8) unless it is satisfied that appropriate provision is made for managing and auditing the funds of the scheme.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295V Exercise of scheme functions by other persons and bodies
(1) The EPA may enter into agreements and other arrangements with a person or body in respect of the exercise of the functions of the EPA under a green offset scheme or in relation to green offset works by the person or body on behalf of the EPA.(2) The regulations may provide for the constitution of committees (as incorporated or unincorporated bodies)—(a) to provide advice on green offset schemes, and(b) to exercise any other functions conferred on them by the EPA or by the regulations in connection with green offset schemes or works.(3) A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by such a committee, a member of the committee or a person acting under the direction of the committee does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purpose of executing this or any other Act or the regulations, subject a member or a person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295W Liability for operation of scheme
(1) The Crown does not incur any liability (including liability for compensation) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith by the EPA, or by a person exercising functions on behalf of the EPA, in connection with the operation of a green offset scheme or works.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), that subsection applies to anything done or omitted to be done in connection with the operation of any register or other system by which green offset credits, or other entitlements, are traded under a green offset scheme.(3) This section does not limit the generality of section 294.(4) In this section—compensation includes damages or any other form of monetary compensation.the Crown means the Crown within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1988, and includes any officer, employee or agent of the Crown.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
295X Application of Duties Act 1997
A green offset credit, or any other entitlement, created under a green offset scheme is not dutiable property for the purposes of the Duties Act 1997.ss 295R–295X: Ins 2005 No 96, Sch 1 [129].
Part 9.3C Environmental monitoring
pt 9.3C: Ins 2010 (85), Sch 1 [3].
295Y Environmental monitoring programs
(1) The EPA may, on its own initiative, and must, at the direction of the Minister, investigate the need for a program (referred to in this Part as an environmental monitoring program) to monitor the impact on the environment and human health of activities or works authorised or controlled by licences, including pollution resulting from those activities or works.(2) If, after completing an investigation, the EPA is satisfied that an environmental monitoring program is required, it may develop and implement such a program.(3) If a proposed environmental monitoring program relates to licensed activities or works within the portfolio responsibility of the Minister administering the Biosecurity Act 2015 or the Minister administering the Transport Administration Act 1988, the Minister is to consult with that Minister about the development and implementation of the proposed program.(4) The EPA may enter into an arrangement with a person or body in respect of the exercise, by the person or body on behalf of the EPA, of the EPA’s functions in relation to an environmental monitoring program.(5) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to environmental monitoring programs, including the requirements for the EPA to review and report on any such program.(6) The EPA is to obtain, and take into consideration, advice from one or more independent persons or bodies with relevant technical and health expertise as to the cost effectiveness of any environmental monitoring program.s 295Y: Ins 2010 (85), Sch 1 [3]. Am 2023 No 35, Sch 1.16.
295Z Environmental monitoring levies
(1) The regulations may require a specified licence holder, or a specified class of licence holders, to pay to the EPA a contribution towards the costs of environmental monitoring programs (referred to in this Part as an environmental monitoring levy).(2) The amount of the environmental monitoring levy (or the manner in which it is to be calculated) and other matters concerning its payment, including interest payable for late payment, are to be set out in the regulations.(3) An environmental monitoring levy is recoverable by the EPA as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(4) For the purposes of this Part, the costs of environmental monitoring programs include—(a) the costs of investigating the need for, and the development, implementation, operation and administration of, environmental monitoring programs (including any costs incurred by the EPA before the commencement of this Part), and(b) payments by the EPA for services provided by a person or body exercising functions in relation to environmental monitoring programs on behalf of the EPA.s 295Z: Ins 2010 (85), Sch 1 [3].
295ZA Environmental Monitoring Fund
(1) There is to be established in the Special Deposits Account an account called the Environmental Monitoring Fund (the Fund).(2) Money in the Fund is under the control of the EPA and can be expended by the EPA only for the purposes authorised by this section.(3) The following are to be paid into the Fund—(a) any environmental monitoring levy paid by a licence holder,(b) money advanced by the Treasurer for payment into the Fund,(c) the proceeds of investment of money in the Fund,(d) any gift or bequest of money for the purposes of the Fund,(e) any other money appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Fund or required by law to be paid into the Fund.(4) The following are to be paid out of the Fund—(a) the costs of environmental monitoring programs,(b) such other costs relating to environmental monitoring programs as the EPA directs to be paid out of the Fund,(c) the refund, in accordance with the regulations, of an environmental monitoring levy paid by a licence holder.(5) A separate account is to be established in the Fund for each environmental monitoring program.(6) The EPA may invest money in the Fund—(a) if the EPA is a GSF agency for the purposes of Part 6 of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018—in any way that the EPA is permitted to invest money under that Part, or(b) if the EPA is not a GSF agency for the purposes of Part 6 of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018—in any way approved by the Treasurer.s 295ZA: Ins 2010 (85), Sch 1 [3]. Am 2018 No 70, Sch 3.52.
Part 9.3D Pollution incidents—analysis of risk
pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZB Definition
In this Part—relevant person, in relation to a pollution incident, means—(a) the occupier of the premises at or from which the EPA reasonably suspects that the pollution incident occurred or is occurring, or(b) the person who is reasonably suspected by the EPA of having caused the pollution incident.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZC Conduct of health risk analysis
(1) If the EPA reasonably suspects that a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring, the EPA may request that the Chief Health Officer of the Ministry of Health undertake an analysis of the risk created by that incident to the health of any person or group of persons.(2) The Chief Health Officer may undertake such an analysis.(3) If such an analysis is undertaken, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health may, by notice in writing, require any or all of the relevant persons in relation to the pollution incident to pay any or all of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Chief Health Officer in connection with that analysis.(4) The Chief Health Officer may make use of the staff or facilities of the Ministry of Health, or engage agents or consultants, for the purposes of carrying out an analysis under this section.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZD Conduct of environmental risk analysis
(1) If the EPA reasonably suspects that a pollution incident has occurred or is occurring, the EPA may undertake an analysis of—(a) the nature and extent of the pollution incident, including actual or likely harm to the environment, and(b) the actual or likely pollution resulting from the pollution incident.(2) If the EPA undertakes such an analysis, the EPA may, by notice in writing, require any or all of the relevant persons in relation to the pollution incident to pay any or all of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the EPA in connection with that analysis.(3) The EPA may engage agents or consultants for the purposes of carrying out an analysis under this section.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZE Recovery of costs of analysis
(1) If the Director-General of the Ministry of Health or the EPA issues a notice requiring payment under this Part, the Director-General or the EPA, as the case requires, may recover any unpaid amount specified in the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.(2) The reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Chief Health Officer of the Ministry of Health or the EPA in connection with an analysis are not recoverable if the person to whom a notice has been issued under this Part establishes to the satisfaction of the court that the nature and extent of the analysis conducted by the Chief Health Officer or the EPA was not reasonably necessary to respond to the potential public health or environmental concerns arising out of the pollution incident or was not otherwise in the public interest.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZF Recovery from responsible persons
If the person given a notice requiring payment under this Part complies with the notice but was not the person who caused the pollution incident, the amount of the payment may be recovered by the person who complied with the notice as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person who caused the pollution incident.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
295ZG General provisions
A notice may be given, and action may be taken, under this Part—(a) whether or not the EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to the pollution incident, and(b) whether or not a clean-up notice has been given under Part 4.2 with respect to the pollution incident.pt 9.3D (ss 295ZB–295ZG): Ins 2011 No 63, Sch 2 [19].
Part 9.3E Chemicals
pt 9.3E: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
Division 1 Industrial chemicals
pt 9.3E, div 1: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296 Definitions
In this division—Commonwealth register means the Register within the meaning of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Act 2021 of the Commonwealth.industrial chemical has the same meaning as in the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 of the Commonwealth.manufacture, an industrial chemical, has the same meaning as in the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 of the Commonwealth.use, an industrial chemical, has the same meaning as in the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 of the Commonwealth.s 296 (as originally enacted): Renumbered as sec 297A, 2024 No 10, Sch 1[12].s 296: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296A NSW Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard Register
(1) The Commonwealth register, as in force from time to time and as modified by the regulations, applies for the purposes of this part and may be referred to as the NSW Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard Register (the NSW IChEMS register).(2) The regulations may modify the Commonwealth register for the purposes of the NSW IChEMS register, including by adding, varying or omitting matter.Example—The regulations may modify the Commonwealth register by adding a chemical for inclusion in the NSW IChEMS register that is not listed in the Commonwealth register.(3) If a later amendment to the Commonwealth register is inconsistent with the regulations, the regulations prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.(4) Terms used in the NSW IChEMS register that have been applied from the Commonwealth register have the same meanings as in the Commonwealth register unless the regulations provide otherwise.s 296A: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296B Users and manufacturers to comply with risk management measures
(1) A person who manufactures or uses an industrial chemical listed in the NSW IChEMS register must comply with the risk management measures specified in the register for the chemical.(2) A failure to comply with a risk management measure referred to in subsection (1) is taken to be a pollution incident.s 296B: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296C Person must not do things prohibited by NSW IChEMS register
(1) A person must not do a thing in relation to an industrial chemical listed in the NSW IChEMS register if doing the thing is prohibited for the chemical in the register.Maximum penalty—(a) for an individual—(i) $500,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$60,000, or(b) otherwise—(i) $2,000,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$120,000.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) An activity authorised by an environment protection licence is taken not to be a contravention of subsection (1).(3) A person is not guilty of an offence against subsection (1) if the person proves the thing was done in relation to the industrial chemical in a way specified in the NSW IChEMS register as an exception to the prohibition.s 296C: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296D Licence conditions
(1) The conditions of a licence may deal with the following in relation to an industrial chemical—(a) implementing a decision to—(i) list an industrial chemical in the NSW IChEMS register, or(ii) specify a prohibition, restriction, risk management measure or other matter for, or in relation to, an industrial chemical listed in the NSW IChEMS register,(b) engaging in or carrying on another activity involving an industrial chemical listed in the NSW IChEMS register.(2) A condition imposed under this section may require compliance with the condition within a specified period.s 296D: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296E Failure to comply with phase-out conditions
(1) If a phase-out condition of a licence is contravened by a person, each holder of the licence is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty—(a) for an individual—(i) $500,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$60,000, or(b) otherwise—(i) $2,000,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$120,000.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting special executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169.(2) The holder of a licence is not guilty of an offence against this section if the holder establishes that—(a) the contravention of the condition was caused by another person, and(b) the other person was not associated with the holder when the condition was contravened, and(c) the holder took all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention of the condition.(3) Without limiting subsection (2)(b), a person is associated with the holder if the person is an employee, agent, licensee, contractor or subcontractor of the holder.(4) In this section—holder, of a licence, includes—(a) the former holder of the licence, and(b) another person required to comply with the condition or to whom the condition applies.phase-out condition means a condition—(a) imposed on a licence in relation to a Schedule 6 or 7 chemical within the meaning of Schedule 1, and(b) specified in the licence as a phase-out condition.s 296E: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
Division 2 Chemical use notices
pt 9.3E, div 2: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296F Chemical use notices
(1) The EPA may publish an order in the Gazette requiring a person to give information to the EPA in relation to a chemical (a chemical use notice) if—(a) the chemical is listed in the NSW IChEMS register, or(b) a chemical control order is in force for the chemical, or(c) the chemical, in the EPA’s opinion, has the potential to present a risk of harm to human health or the environment.(2) A chemical use notice may require persons who manufacture or use, or who intend to manufacture or use, the chemical—(a) to give information to the EPA, and(b) to pay to the EPA a fee in accordance with the regulations.(3) A chemical use notice must specify the following—(a) the information that must be given,(b) the time within which the information must be given.(4) A chemical use notice may specify the form and way in which the information must be given.(5) A chemical use notice may require a person to give information about the following—(a) the chemical,(b) if the person manufactures the chemical—the manufacture of the chemical by the person, or the use or proposed use of the chemical,(c) if the person uses the chemical—the use of the chemical by the person,(d) the use or manufacture of another substance or thing, including another chemical, that together with the chemical may increase the risk posed by the chemical,(e) the person, including the contact details of the person,(f) the premises at which the chemical is manufactured or used,(g) the quantity of the chemical manufactured, used or stored at the premises,(h) other information prescribed by the regulations.(6) A chemical use notice may require a person to update information given under the notice at the times or in the circumstances specified in the notice.(7) A person must comply with a chemical use notice.Maximum penalty—(a) for an individual—(i) $250,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$60,000, or(b) otherwise—(i) $1,000,000, and(ii) for each day the offence continues—$120,000.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 169A.s 296F: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296G Use and disclosure of information
(1) The EPA may, for the exercise of its functions, use information collected under a chemical use notice.(2) The EPA may disclose information collected under a chemical use notice if—(a) the disclosure is to an agency of this or another Australian jurisdiction, and(b) the EPA is reasonably satisfied the disclosure is relevant to the functions of the agency in relation to industrial chemicals.s 296G: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296H Chemical use notice fees
(1) The regulations may make provision about fees required to be paid to the EPA by persons who are required to give the EPA information under a chemical use notice.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may make provision about the following—(a) the method for determining the amount of the fees,(b) the payment of the fees, including the period within which the fees must be paid, payment by instalments and the payment of interest on unpaid fees,(c) the recovery of the fees by the EPA,(d) the refund or waiver of the fees, in whole or in part, by the EPA,(e) the reduction of the fees in specified circumstances, including the granting of fee discounts by the EPA.s 296H: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
Division 3 Chemical control orders
pt 9.3E, div 3: Ins 2024 No 10, Sch 1[11].
296I Grounds for making orders