The EPA's risk-based licensing system commenced on 1 July 2015. Risk-based licensing aims to ensure that all environment protection licensees receive an appropriate level of regulation based on the environmental risk of the activity. This allows the EPA to better target regulatory efforts towards high risk and poor performing licensees. The regulatory framework also provides incentives for licensees to improve environmental performance and compliance.
The EPA undertakes risk assessments for each licensed facility in consultation with the licence holder. The EPA has developed a risk assessment tool, which takes into account site specific risks posed to the environment and the licensee's environmental performance.
The risk-based licensing system also introduces changes to how licence administrative fees are calculated.
The questions and answers page explains in detail the risk-based licensing system.
A fact sheet on risk-based licensing (PDF 366KB) is also available which outlines key aspects of the system.