Limited purpose applications
What does ‘limited purpose’ mean?
The term ‘limited purpose’ refers to an activity that meets at least one of the following:
- is limited in scope
- is for a short period of time
- has no, or negligible, risk of adverse impact to the environment.
There are a small number of exceptions prescribed in the Environment Protection Act 1993, including if the activity is conducted for ‘limited purposes’, in which case the EPA may determine that a licence is not required.
How does the EPA assess applications?
The EPA assesses ‘limited purpose’ on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to apply, you need to provide sufficient information for us to make this assessment.
In assessing a limited purpose application, the EPA will consider:
- risk of adverse impact to the environment
- site and other context-specific aspects of the application
- existence of authorised premises able to undertake the activity
- integrity of the regulatory system of environmental protection
- maintenance of a level playing field within industry.
How to make a limited purposes application
To apply:
- Contact the relevant planning authority (Dept of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure or your local council) to discuss whether you need planning or building approvals
- Complete the appropriate licence application form and attachment (waste recycling depots/listed waste production or railway systems).
Please be aware that any determination by the EPA does not exempt your application from development or planning requirements. To discuss a potential application, contact the EPA on 8204 2000.