EPA Victoria - 30A approvals

Section 30A is an overriding provision of the Environment Protection Act under\r\nwhich the EPA can authorise discharges, emissions, storage, treatment,\r\ndisposal and handling of waste in emergencies and other temporary situations\r\nthat would otherwise be an offence under the Act. \r\n \r\n30A approvals are not issued lightly, as they permit activities that would not\r\nnormally be allowed. \r\n \r\nOwners, occupiers or operators of commercial or industrial premises (with or\r\nwithout an EPA licence) may apply for a 30A approval. Examples of 30A\r\napprovals include emergency events (such as clean-up after a bushfire or\r\nflood), temporary events (like temporary relief of a public nuisance or\r\ncommunity hardship) and commissioning (bringing new equipment on or offline). \r\n \r\nEPA decides when to issue a 30A approval on a case-by-case basis, but we must\r\nrespond to applications promptly. The approval must be consistent with the\r\npurpose, principles and other provision of the Act. \r\n \r\nEPA takes a risk-based approach to the assessment of a 30A approval to ensure\r\nthat the proposed activities: \r\n are appropriate for the event \r\nwill not cause any long-term damage to the environment \r\nconsider the needs of the community and other stakeholders. \r\n \r\n30A approvals can last for up to 120 days.\r\n\r\n