Environmental Auditing
Vic Audits has experience on over 150 Environmental Audits across Victoria, providing Certificates and Statements of Environmental Audit on a range of projects, from owner-occupied single residential refurbishments to multi-level, high-density residential developments and large-scale industrial land reclamation projects.
The new Environment Protection Act 2017 came into effect on 1 July 2021, which has resulted in changes to the Environmental Audit system. Environmental Auditors are now appointed by EPA to carry out several statutory functions including Preliminary Risk Screen Assessments and Environmental Audits.
A Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) is a new environmental assessment process under the Environment Protection Act 2017. The PRSA process relates to a site’s existing or proposed future use, identifies potential for land contamination and is conducted by Environmental Auditors to determine whether there is a requirement for an Environmental Audit on a site.
An Environmental Audit provides advice on the suitability of site uses, an assessment of risk and recommendations to manage any identified risks. An Environmental Audit is commonly required by Planning Authorities to assess site suitability when a change in land use is proposed or if a property is located within an Environmental Audit Overlay (EAO). Environmental Audits can also be requested by EPA or Planning Authorities to provide an assessment of risk of harm to human health and the environment from an industrial process or activity, contamination, waste or noise.
Compliance & Verification
Vic Audits provides Auditor verification and compliance reviews.
Auditor verification is undertaken to address the requirements of contracts, financiers, Victorian EPA Notices and Directions and Planning Authority requirements.
Preparation of compliance review and Auditor verification documentation can include Statement Condition compliance review or "sign off", following the completion of an Environmental Audit. Compliance tasks can also include verification of third party documentation (including work plans, management plans, clean-up plans, risk assessments and detailed site investigation reports) required as part of an EPA Notice or EPA Direction.
Peer Review & Liaison
Vic Audits provides peer review services for Planning Authorities, assessment consultancies and other Environmental Auditors.
Peer review services can also include liaison with regulators and Planning Authorities on behalf of a Client, as well as engagement with relevant stakeholders or community groups that may have an interest in the outcome of a specific project or site.
