EPA Victoria - 30A approvals

Brief description

Section 30A is an overriding provision of the Environment Protection Act under

which the EPA can authorise discharges, emissions, storage, treatment,

disposal and handling of waste in emergencies and other temporary situations

that would otherwise be an offence under the Act.



30A approvals are not issued lightly, as they permit activities that would not

normally be allowed.



Owners, occupiers or operators of commercial or industrial premises (with or

without an EPA licence) may apply for a 30A approval. Examples of 30A

approvals include emergency events (such as clean-up after a bushfire or

flood), temporary events (like temporary relief of a public nuisance or

community hardship) and commissioning (bringing new equipment on or offline).



EPA decides when to issue a 30A approval on a case-by-case basis, but we must

respond to applications promptly. The approval must be consistent with the

purpose, principles and other provision of the Act.



EPA takes a risk-based approach to the assessment of a 30A approval to ensure

that the proposed activities:

 are appropriate for the event

will not cause any long-term damage to the environment

consider the needs of the community and other stakeholders.



30A approvals can last for up to 120 days.