The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is the primary environmental regulator for New South Wales. We partner with business, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the environment.
We encourage businesses to make sure their activities do not harm the environment and human health by:
issuing environment protection licences
requiring strict operating conditions and pollution reduction programs
monitoring compliance with licence conditions and investigating pollution reports
ordering the clean-up of pollution
imposing fines or prosecuting organisations and individuals who break the law.
We also:
respond to and manage pollution incidents involving hazardous materials (in collaboration with other government agencies)
develop and inform environmental programs and policy
deliver education and awareness programs
support activities that protect the environment with grants and sponsorships