Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.

The Environmental Protection Regulations 1987, established under Western Australia's Environmental Protection Act 1986, are an extensive framework designed to regulate and safeguard the environment from various adverse impacts. They consist of twelve parts, each addressing specific environmental concerns. Administrative Matters: These provisions govern public access to draft policies, publication of minutes, and confidentiality surrounding sensitive documentation submitted by proponents, such as trade secrets or personal information. It also prescribes guidelines for referring significant environmental proposals, including those involving hydraulic fracturing or petroleum activities. Pollution Control: This section outlines criteria for prescribed premises and their registration. It specifies fees for licensing, approvals, amendments, and transfers, alongside best practice criteria for environmental management. Fee structures are updated periodically to reflect economic adjustments. Waste Management and Tyres: Dedicated to handling waste, this segment prescribes regulations for landfill levies, disposal and storage of tyres, and transportation limitations. It includes exemptions, refund procedures, and conditions for ensuring compliance. Monitoring Requirements: Monitoring programs are mandated with approved equipment and standards to ensure accurate reporting. Detailed conditions, appeals, and revocation procedures are included for safeguarding against misuse. Miscellaneous Provisions: These include rules about audible alarm periods, restrictions on anti-fouling paints, and burning vegetation on development sites. Appeals Mechanisms: Processes for lodging, publishing decisions, and notifying stakeholders are defined to facilitate transparency. Modified Penalties and Infringement Notices: The regulations prescribe forms for penalty notices and provide directions for dealing with offences, withdrawal notices, and handling forfeited items. Landfill Levy System: This system is pivotal in calculating fees for waste disposal and promoting accountability through audits and record-keeping. The regulations emphasize adaptability by allowing for periodic amendments, such as those reflected in hydraulic fracturing restrictions under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources framework. This highlights the intent to address evolving challenges within environmental management.