NPI in Victoria
EPA has the responsibility for implementing the NPI program in Victoria. In October 1998 the NPI was incorporated into Victorian legislation as the Industrial Waste Management Policy (National Pollutant Inventory), the first State instrument developed in response to the requirements of the NPI National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM).
EPA has a strong commitment to the NPI as an important mechanism for providing environmental information to the Victorian public. It is a key 'community right to know' tool. We have been committed to expanding and building on the current NPI program.
It is also EPA's responsibility to work with facilities, industry groups and all other stakeholders to ensure that information on the program is communicated effectively to all parties. EPA has run industry workshops to help facilities understand their reporting requirements. Your industry group should be a good initial source of information about this program.
EPA's vision for the NPI
The NPI is another vehicle in EPA's drive to spread the sustainable development message. The public nature of the NPI database means companies are placed in the spotlight, side by side with others in their field, encouraging companies to look for better ways of going about their business. This provides a new impetus for resource efficiency.
The NPI facilitates competition between firms in terms of environmental performance. Industry will then be able to look more closely at the environmental implications of how they make their product, and those firms which are able to report improved performance will be rewarded by the community. The result of this focus on innovation and minimisation of waste will result in better outcomes for the environment and generate significant dollar savings for the company – less waste means less wasted money.
It provides a resource that can be used in our schools to make a difference to the way the next generation strives for a better environment in which to live. We hope that over time the NPI becomes another tool to influence behavioural change in our society, where people think more about the environmental impacts of decisions they make such as how they get to work, go to the local shop or what products they buy.
NPI is one the environmental management tools and initiatives EPA uses to help in meeting the aspirations of Victorians for a safe and ecologically sustainable environment.
