The EPA is changing in Victoria

The AMENDED Environment Protection Act 2017 comes into effect on the 1st of July 2021.  Are you aware of what it means for your business, and for you?

The amended Act applies to all Victorians who conduct activities that pose a risk to human health and the environment, and includes the General Environmental Duty (GED).  This stipulates you must understand those risks and take reasonably practical steps to eliminate or minimise them.  The GED is criminally enforceable, with fines of up to $3.2 million.

For over 20 years we have helped customers select the products and equipment that make them compliant with legislation.  A small selection of relevant products are included below; you can find more on our website here.

If you have any questions, you can contact us via phone, 1800 432 567 or email, sales@gecko.com.au.

• The amended legislation comes into effect from 01/07/2021.
• The EPA (Environment Protection Authority) will have more powers and tools to prevent risks to the environment and human health, including enforcing the law to ensure compliance.
• The GED (General Environmental Duty) requires all Victorians to manage risks to human health and the environment.
• For businesses this can include correctly managing waste or storing chemicals correctly.
• For individuals this can include correctly managing waste or keeping household chemicals out of stormwater drains.
• Common risks to manage include:
  • business activities that produce noise, odour or runoff to stormwater
  • the storage, use and disposal of liquids and chemicals
  • management of waste and the choice of transporter or receiver of wastes.
• The EPA will support businesses to meet their obligations and help those in high-risk industries maintain their environmental performance.

To learn more about the amended legislation, head here.