The Environmental Protection Act 1986 Part IV provides the legislative framework for the EIA process. Under this process, the EPA looks at statutory planning schemes and development proposals to assess their likely impacts on the environment. If the impacts are likely to be significant then the EPA provides advice to the Minister for the Environment on whether the proposal or scheme should be allowed to proceed and, if so, under what conditions to ensure that the environment is protected.

If you require detailed information on the process click here to view EIA Process information or click here to view Legislation Part IV.

The EIA process also recognises that people want a say before the Government makes a final decision on whether a proposal or scheme can proceed. To assist you to be involved in this process, the EIA section of the EPA Website provides the following information:

• A list of proposals that have come before the EPA each week to assess their likely environmental impacts and the decision on the level at which the EPA may assess the proposal. This section also includes a link to the Appeals Convenor’s Website which provides information on how to lodge an appeal should you disagree with the decision on level of assessment made by the EPA.
• A list of proposals and schemes which are currently being formally assessed by the EPA and a list of projects for which the EPA is providing strategic advice to the Minister.
• A list of proposals and schemes which are currently on public review and inviting your comments. This includes a link to the proponent's environmental review document (if available electronically) and a link to a submission form so that you can lodge your submission with the EPA electronically.
• A list of EPA Report and Recommendations to the Minister on proposals and schemes. Those which are not Archived are currently open to a public appeal on the content and/or recommendations contained in the EPA's report. There is a link to the Appeals Convenor's Website which provides information on how to lodge an appeal.

Information is also included for decision making authorities (DMAs) and prospective proponents including:

• Guides for DMAs on whether to refer a proposal to the EPA; environmental factors and objectives; for preparing environmental scoping documents and environmental review documents. Guides for Decision Making Authorities (DMAs) on whether to refer a proposal to the EPA; environmental factors and objectives; for preparing environmental scoping documents and environmental review documents.
• referral forms for DMAs and proponents to refer proposals in to the EPA;
• a list of Guidance Statements which provide proponents with information on the EPAs current thinking in relation to various types of proposals and environmental issues.