Environment
Overview
A key role of the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) is to promote best environmental management practices by delivering environmental regulatory and policy services, in a manner that maximises the responsible development of the State's mineral and petroleum resources. DMP's Environment Division is responsible for undertaking this role.
Petroleum and the Environment
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) promotes responsible practices in the petroleum industry to ensure the protection of the environment.
Regulations, legislation and policy are designed to define standards for achieving best environmental management practices. Systems that meet these standards must be developed and put into practice by companies operating in the petroleum industry. DMP provides guidance material, publications and maps to assist companies and individuals understand the requirements of legislation relating to the environment.
Proponents are encouraged to contact the Petroleum Environment Branch (PEB) before submitting an application to proceed with works having the potential for environmental impacts. PEB can assist by clarifying specific requirements related to individual operations and their locations, and provide advice on contacting other agencies where appropriate.
It is the proponent’s responsibility to identify the jurisdictions in which their proposal occurs and the legal requirements for the project. It is also the proponent’s responsibility to identify the environmental aspects of their operation, the potential environmental impacts and risks, and implement measures to avoid, mitigate or reduce environmental impacts and risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
Western Australia has some of the world’s best environmental management practices and to acknowledge and encourage these outstanding achievements, DMP established the annual Golden Gecko Awards for environmental excellence in the minerals and petroleum industries. These Awards are held annually and are an opportunity for operators to be recognised for leading practice and innovation in environmental management, and to share your experiences with government, industry and the community.
Minerals and the Environment
The Minerals Environment Branch appoints Environmental Officers to regulate the environmental management and performance of the mining industry where operations are located on Mining Act 1978 (WA) tenements. The three main functions of an Environmental Officer are;
- To assess and make recommendations on the environmental management of exploration activities and mining proposals
- To liaise with industry, other Government departments and the community on the effectiveness of environmental management practices within the mining industry
- To monitor and ensure compliance with the environmental conditions set for exploration and productive mining operations. These may be set at the time a tenement is granted or when a specific activity is approved.
Environmental Officers are allocated specific mineral fields as shown on the Environmental Regional Inspectorate Map. All enquiries regarding environmental management and requirements of minerals operations for a specific mineral field should be referred to the officer responsible for that field.
Western Australia has some of the world's best environmental management practices. To acknowledge and encourage these outstanding achievements DMP established the annual Golden Gecko Awards for environmental excellence in the minerals and petroleum industries.
To check whether your operation requires a works approval or licence from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), please contact your local DEC office or access the DEC website for more information.
