We oversee the environmental audit system, including the appointment of environmental auditors under the Environment Protection Act 2017. Auditors can be appointed by EPA for a period of up to three years.

EPA issues guidelines for environmental auditors that cover matters including their appointment and reappointment, and performance of their functions.

On the completion of preliminary risk screen assessments and environmental audits, the auditor will prepare statements and reports as required under the Environment Protection Act 2017. These will be provided to the party that requests the audit and copies must also be provided to EPA.

For preliminary risk screen assessments and environmental audits that relate to risks of harm from contaminated land or potentially contaminated land, the planning authority and the responsible authority must also be provided with copies of the statement and report.

Monitoring environmental auditor performance

EPA has a quality assurance program to monitor the performance of auditors. It includes how we:

  • undertake select reviews of completed preliminary risk screen assessment and environmental audit statements and reports
  • consider the performance of auditors in their other auditor functions
  • require auditors to conduct audits only within their field of expertise and that of their expert support team.

If aspects of the auditors conduct or concerns with the quality of their work are identified, EPA may:

  • issue penalties for providing false or misleading information
  • regulate the conduct, including suspension or revocation of an appointment.

What EPA isn’t responsible for

EPA does not:

  • control the progress of preliminary risk screen assessments or environmental audit processes once they commence, as these are independent processes
  • have any involvement in the process of selecting or engaging an auditor to perform an audit.

Unless the environmental audit is a requirement in a remedial tool, EPA is not responsible for managing compliance with the recommendations of an environmental audit statement.

In some circumstances EPA may issue a remedial notice or order to give effect to audit recommendations.

Find out about the environmental audit system

Environmental audit system

Environmental audits

Preliminary risk screen assessments

Environmental auditors

Reviewed 21 September 2021