Local government (councils) play an important role under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act). They're our partners, joint-regulators and duty holders in the environment protection framework.  

Councils regulate several key environmental and human health issues using their powers under the Act. They also act as land managers and provide key services to the community, such as waste collection and landfill management.  

Duty holders

EPA regulates council activities that may have environmental or human health impacts, including:  

• landfills 
• waste facilities such as transfer stations 
• land management including local roads and public spaces 
• construction.  

Joint regulators

Councils play an essential role in protecting the environment and human health. They do this by helping to regulate: 

• litter and waste 
• onsite wastewater management systems 
• residential noise. 

The Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment program

Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) are EPA authorised officers, based in councils. They help council officers with compliance and enforcement action for minor local pollution incidents.