August - September 2020
The EPA is on its way to becoming a world class regulator through robust regulatory action and stronger relationships with stakeholders. Read about rail licensing, forestry regulation, food saving during Covid-19, recycling successes and watch videos on our forensics lab and Plastic-free tips in this edition.
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From the CEO
Welcome to the latest edition of EPA Connect. Robust regulatory action and meaningful relationships with our stakeholders are intrinsic to the EPA becoming a world class regulator.
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Return and Earn reaches 4 billion containers returned
The Return and Earn container deposit scheme reached another momentous milestone in August with over 4 billion containers coming through the scheme since it started in late 2017.
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New rail licences to track air and noise emissions
The EPA has been working with train rolling stock operators to reduce air and noise impacts on the community and following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the EPA has now issued new licences to rolling stock operators.
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Forestry breaches result in stop work orders
The EPA’s response to changing conditions in bushfire-affected areas of state forests shows how we are shifting our approach to regulating logging activities and adapting to risks and impacts to the environment and wildlife by the fires.
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Grow it Local thrives on saving food during Covid
NSW households wasted less food during the peak of the COVID-19 shutdown and these good habits are set to continue, according to a new study. Now, hot on its heels is the blooming ‘Grow It Local’ movement.
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Recycling surges in popularity - and the glass hits the road
The EPA’s Community Recycling Centre Network collected a record 2.971 million kilograms of waste last financial year. In other recycling news, the NSW Government has awarded more than $735,000 in grants to boost the use of recycled glass in road construction.
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Around the regions
A round-up of some of the great work happening around the state from a remediated gas works in the city, to a salinity trading scheme auction in the Hunter and an aquatic ecosystem study in the south.
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News round
EPA Connect’s information marketplace with news of events, grants, community outreach and other EPA activities, including National Science Week.
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Regulation in action
As the environmental regulator for NSW, the EPA uses a range of tools to achieve compliance including education, warnings, penalty notices, enforceable undertakings and prosecutions.