The EPA has established an ongoing program to undertake a rigorous evaluation of outcomes associated with its decisions. The evaluation program focuses on three theme areas:
- the effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment process in predicting and managing the environmental impact of proposals and schemes;
- the effectiveness of the guidelines and strategic advice provided by the EPA in influencing decisions and environmental outcomes; and
- the on-ground environmental outcomes that are achieved after implementation of proposals and/or schemes.
Two evaluation projects addressing the first theme have been completed:
- Review of the content and effectiveness of public advice provided by the EPA for proposals; and
- Review of the content and effectiveness of public advice provided by the EPA for schemes and scheme amendments.
Two further projects will be concluded through 2017:
- Review of mine closure plans, addressing evaluation theme 1; and
- Review of the environmental condition of Weeli Wolli Creek, Pilbara Region, addressing evaluation theme 3.
The EPA will establish new evaluation projects each year, and use the outcomes of each of the projects to improve its approach to environmental impact assessment and the provision of advice.
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