(1) The EPA may, on its own initiative, and must, at the direction of the
Minister, investigate the need for a program (referred to in this Part as an
"environmental monitoring program" ) to monitor the impact on the environment
and human health of activities or works authorised or controlled by licences,
including pollution resulting from those activities or works.
(2) If, after
completing an investigation, the EPA is satisfied that an
environmental monitoring program is required, it may develop and implement
such a program.
(3) If a proposed environmental monitoring program relates to
licensed activities or works within the portfolio responsibility of the
Minister administering the Biosecurity Act 2015 or the Minister administering
the Transport Administration Act 1988 , the Minister is to consult with that
Minister about the development and implementation of the proposed program.
(4) The EPA may enter into an arrangement with a person or body in respect of
the exercise, by the person or body on behalf of the EPA, of the EPA's
functions in relation to an environmental monitoring program.
(5) The
regulations may make provision for or with respect to
environmental monitoring programs, including the requirements for the EPA to
review and report on any such program.
(6) The EPA is to obtain, and take
into consideration, advice from one or more independent persons or bodies with
relevant technical and health expertise as to the cost effectiveness of any
environmental monitoring program.