Guidelines for Review of Environmental Factors Released

The Water Directorate's latest publication, Guidelines for the Review of Environmental Factors (REFs), was released last week. Initially suggested as a project by Clarence Valley Council, this document was prepared by consulting engineer, Daryl McGregor, and peer reviewed by the Water Directorate Policy Subcommittee.

Generally, activities carried out by LWUs, including the use of or subdivision of land, the erection or demolition of a building, or the carrying out of installation or construction works must be assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). A determining authority cannot carry out an activity or grant an approval for an activity unless it has determined whether the project is likely to have a significant impact on the environment. The purpose of this publication is to provide a set of guidelines to complete a Review of Environmental Factors.

In this document the Water Directorate has developed a Review of Environmental Factors Template for Small Projects. The purpose of this template is to provide a simplified format for smaller projects commonly dealt with by LWUs including minor water main extensions, sewer replacements/refurbishments or minor pump station upgrades. These are essential works that may cause some minor environmental impact outcomes such as noise or dust and that can be readily managed and mitigated.

A copy of Guidelines for the Review of Environmental Factors (REFs) has been posted to the General Manager of all member councils and an electronic copy is available to download from the members' area of the website. Additional copies can also be purchased from our online bookstore.