The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority is seeking feedback on its recently developed definition for what constitutes a significant effect on the environment.

The chair of the NT EPA, Dr Bill Freeland, said the concept of a significant effect on the environment, or the potential for there being such an effect, was the basis of all processes under the Environmental Assessments Act (EA Act).

“But the lack of a definition has caused uncertainty for proponents and the community because they had been left to their own devices to determine whether a particular action might have a significant effect on the environment,” Dr Freeland said.

Better understanding of how the NT EPA determined potentially significant effects on the environment would aid Government ministers, proponents, authorising agencies and the community in the performance of their roles during the Environmental Impact Assessment  process.

“It is hoped that comments and new thoughts gained through consultation, which will inform the final guideline, will alleviate that uncertainty,” Dr Freeland said.

The period for comment closes 15 August 2016.

 www.ntepa.nt.gov.au/news/2016/nt-epa-develops-significant-effect-definition

For further information:  Helen Farquhar 0437 458 213