EnvironmentalReportGuidance-DepartmentofDefence.docVIP

Version No: 1 GUIDANCE ON THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT Technical Authority: ASEE Issue Date: Jan 14 Subject Matter Expert: DEPA Review Date: July 14 Purpose of this Document This document provides guidance on the minimum requirements for preparing an Environmental Report (ER) for the Department of Defence. What is an Environmental Report (ER)? An ER evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a Defence action, the significance of those impacts and any relevant management measures to avoid, minimise or offset environmental harm. ER’s have replaced Initial Environmental Reviews (IERs) and Environmental Scoping Studies (ESSs). An ER does not replace a more detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Impact Study or Public Environment Report. ER’s are not the sole document pathway for environmental impact assessment in Defence – but they will be the most common starting point for major projects or those actions likely to disturb environmental or heritage values on the Defence estate. An ER determines whether significant impacts on matters protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) are likely to occur as a result of the Defence action. The ER therefore informs Defence’s position on whether the action requires formal referral to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment (the Environment Minister). The ER also assists Defence determine whether the action requires more detailed impact assessment. Note that these two outcomes can be independent of each other – Defence may commission further studies without ultimately referring the action in question and Defence may also refer the action at this point without conducting any further impact assessments. Where a referral is required, the information prepared for the ER will form the basis of the referral. Similar to IERs and ESSs, the preparation of an ER usually involves a desk-based review of existing documentation. However, an