EPA changes to operating licence clauses

EPA has published changes to operating licences including new requirements such as that all sites have a decommissioning plan and sites have a hard copy of the licence on site. EPA has published a webinar and  draft guideline document with further details. A consultation survey for direct feedback will close Sunday 3 May 2020.

VicWater has commenced discussions with EPA to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden associated with new licence conditions. As well as potentially changing the wording of draft licence conditions, EPA also welcomes an industry approach which specifies a low burden approach to compliance, whilst managing risks and achieving the regulatory intent. For example, a hypothetical model water industry decommissioning plan could eliminate further steps if decommissioning is not planned within the next 10 year period. VicWater will prepare a brief written submission in consultation with members of the EPA Water Industry Reference Group.