Although local government officers and the EPA have a 'policing' role in relation to environmental legislation, they encourage businesses to develop practices that will minimise environmental impact-and consequently avoid the chance of prosecution.
NSW environmental regulatory authorities support a cleaner production approach to achieving improved environmental performance. This approach supports the use of environmental education, training and information-sharing in parallel with strong environmental regulations.
Do you need an environment protection licence from the EPA?
Generally, small businesses do not require environment protection licences.
Environment protection licences in the main apply to larder industries or to industries that have been identified as having the potential to seriously affect the environment (e.g. oil refineries, steel works and abattoirs). These licences impose conditions; for example, emission limits, operating hours and monitoring requirements. If you are uncertain about whether or not you need an EPA licence, call the EPA's Pollution Line on 131 555 and ask for a copy of the publication Do I Need A Licence ?
Although your business will most probably not require an environment protection licence from the EPA, NSW environmental legislation still applies to your business activities.
What about other licences or permits?
｡?enerally, businesses must have a written agreement or permit to discharge trade wastewater to the sewer. You must negotiate a trade waste permit with Sydney Water, Hunter Water or your local council before discharging any trade waste to the sewer. The permit establishes the discharge conditions for the wastewater. (Refer to information sheet 3, 'Water Quality Management', for information about applying for a trade waste permit.)
｡?f your business keeps Dangerous Goods you may need a licence issued by the NSW WorkCover Authority. Dangerous Goods include flammable, toxic and corrosive substances (such as petrol, solvents, chlorine and LPG) displaying diamond-shaped labels. Contact the WorkCover Authority about dangerous goods licensing.
In summary
All businesses have a responsibility to protect the environment. Under the law this is called 'due diligence'. Due diligence means that all employers, managers, directors and occupiers:
・need to take all reasonable steps to prevent pollution and protect the environment
