The EPA provides the WA Minister for Environment with advice on the environmental acceptability of development proposals and statutory planning schemes, including:
- Development proposals for mining and industry
- Proposals for infrastructure such as ports, railways and pipelines
- Local and regional government planning schemes and amendments which may impact the environment
The EPA considers these proposals and decides whether or not they require formal environmental impact assessment (EIA), and if so at what level.
A triage and prioritisation framework has been developed for the EPA to help prioritise environmental impact assessments (EIAs).
The EPA’s formal EIA process is undertaken in a structured and transparent manner with opportunities for the public to comment.
The proponent is required to submit documentation describing the proposal, the potential environmental impacts and how these impacts would be managed.
The EPA considers the documentation, any public input, and advice from relevant experts and agencies to determine whether the proposal should be implemented and if so, whether conditions should be placed on a proponent to ensure appropriate environmental management.
In making its decision, the EPA considers the object and principles of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the environmental objectives for relevant environmental factors, and the environmental significance of the proposal or scheme.
At the completion of the assessment, the EPA prepares a report and recommendations for the Minister for Environment. This report is made publicly available and is open for a public appeal period.
The Minister for Environment considers the EPA’s report and any public appeals before determining, in consultation with other Ministers, whether the proposal or scheme should be allowed to proceed and, if so, under what conditions.
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