Environmental Impact Classification

On the basis of the information provided in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and in accordance with Section 98 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000, the Minister, using a set of publicly developed and disclosed criteria, must classify the level of environmental impact of any proposed activity. The classification will either be low, medium or high and will be made in consultation with the Department of Planning and Local Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department for Water and the Environment Protection Authority. Protocols have been established under various service agreements between PIRSA and these Departments. Copies of the service agreements currently in place are available in Administrative Arrangements with other Agencies.

An outline of the Petroleum and Geothermal Group's philosophy of what constitutes an environmentally significant project or activity is outlined in the summary paper, Criteria and Methodology for Determining Project Environmental Significance (.PDF) 28KB. 

Criteria for Classifying the Level of Environmental Impact of Regulated Activities  (.PDF) 95KB outlines the criteria upon which the level of environmental impact of a regulated activity will be assessed and subsequently classified. Guidelines for the application of these criteria are included.

The Petroleum and Geothermal Group uses this Proforma to complete an Environmental Significance Assessment  (.XLS) 21KB. The proforma includes consideration of the type of impact (including impact on the natural environment, social environment and economic environment), the potential consequences and the level of predictability and manageability.