The EPA has released a bulletin to clarify what works can be undertaken when a proposal is undergoing assessment and before the Minister has decided it can go ahead.

Environmental Protection Bulletin No. 16 - Minor or preliminary works and investigation work is part of the EPA’s effort to improve clarity, consistency and certainty in the environmental impact assessment of projects.

Provisions in the Environmental Protection Act allow ‘minor or preliminary work’ to be undertaken with the EPA’s consent. Other investigative works, such as geotechnical work or work to inform the assessment, may also be undertaken.

Proponents have sought information on the criteria used to decide what are minor or preliminary works or investigation work and the role of other decision making authorities.

The EPA’s bulletin aims to clarify what kind of activities are minor or preliminary works and investigation works, and what information proponents need to submit to secure EPA consent.