Our environment protection laws work alongside the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Together they reduce risks of harm to human health and the environment.

• Land marked for sensitive use, including residential uses, and with a high risk of contamination, must be assessed and cleaned up.
• Through planning permits and land zoning, we work with councils to protect the community from contamination risks. We also give councils advice on strategic land use decisions.
• We support a national approach to assessing and remediating contaminated land and groundwater. We do this in line with standards such as the National Environmental Protection (Assessment of Contaminated Sites) Measure.

From 1 July 2021, new laws strengthen our approach to managing contaminated land and groundwater. The Environment Protection Act 2017 gives more duty holders a stake in managing risk.

• Contaminated land duties apply to anyone in management or control of contaminated land. These are the duty to manage and the duty to notify of contamination. These duties are in addition to the general environmental duty, which applies to every Victorian.
• Notices to investigate, environment action notices, corporate redirection notices and site management orders will help EPA ensure long-term management of contaminated land.
• The environmental audit scheme is improving to ensure assessments are proportionate to risks from contamination. We’re introducing a preliminary risk screen assessment to help planning authorities make better decisions. We’re also providing a clearer process for appointing and maintaining environmental auditors.