Remedial Notices – Victoria
(Disclaimer – the following is not intended as legal advice. Further information is available on EPA Victoria’s website)
What Should I do in Response to EPA Victoria Remedial Notices?
If a remedial notice has been issued by EPA Victoria, it creates legal obligations under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic). Understanding the purpose of the notice and the steps required to comply is important to ensure environmental risks are appropriately managed. This page provides general guidance on the types of remedial notices issued in Victoria and the steps commonly involved in responding to them.
What Is a Remedial Notice?
Remedial notices are regulatory instruments issued where EPA Victoria considers that contamination, pollution, waste, or activities present an actual or potential risk to human health or the environment. Such notices typically:
- Specify the environmental issue of concern
- Set out actions that must be undertaken
- Include timeframes for completion or reporting
- Require documentation or evidence of compliance
Remedial notices are legally enforceable and must be addressed within the timeframes specified.
What Types of EPA Victoria Remedial Notices might be issued?
EPA Victoria may issue different types of notices depending on the nature of the risk or non‑compliance identified.
Environmental Action Notices (EANs)
Issued where contamination, pollution, or waste is causing, or is reasonably likely to cause, harm to land, groundwater, surface water, or the broader environment.
Improvement Notices
Issued where EPA Victoria identifies non‑compliance with duties under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic), or where action is required to prevent environmental harm.
Notices to Investigate
Require investigation into the presence, nature, or extent of contamination, pollution, or waste. This may include soil sampling, groundwater assessment, or environmental risk assessment.
Prohibition Notices
Require an activity to stop until specified environmental risks are controlled or eliminated.
Waste Abatement Notices
Require removal of waste, changes to waste management practices, or restoration of affected land.
What do I need to Consider?
When responding to a remedial notice, it is important to consider:
- Alignment with EPA Victoria guidance and standards
- Documentation quality and traceability
- Communication with EPA Victoria regarding progress or changes in scope
- Timeframes and dependencies with other approvals or site activities
The scope and complexity of a response can vary significantly depending on site conditions and the nature of the notice.
Who Remedial Notices Commonly Apply To
Remedial notices may be issued to:
- Landowners and occupiers
- Developers and construction companies
- Councils and government agencies
- Industrial and commercial operators
- Agricultural and rural landholders
Responsibility is generally assigned based on control of the land or activity associated with the environmental risk.
Seeking Professional Assistance
While engaging specialist assistance is not mandatory in every case, technical and regulatory expertise may assist with:
- Interpreting notice requirements
- Designing compliant investigation programs
- Implementing appropriate remediation measures
- Preparing documentation for regulator review
Early clarification of scope and expectations can assist with efficient compliance.
If you’ve received a remedial notice from EPA Victoria, or would like advice before responding, Landserv can assist with clear, practical guidance.
Our Approach to Remedial Notice Responses
Landserv provides end‑to‑end remedial notice support in Victoria, with a focus on clarity, compliance, and practical outcomes.
- Notice Review and Advice – We review the notice conditions and explain the requirements, options, and likely regulator expectations.
- Site Investigation and Assessment – Where required, we undertake EPA‑aligned investigations and environmental risk assessments.
- Remediation Planning and Implementation – We develop and deliver remediation or risk management measures appropriate to the site and notice conditions.
- EPA Victoria Liaison and Reporting – We assist with submissions, reports, and ongoing communication with EPA Victoria.
- Closure and Ongoing Management – Where applicable, we support validation reporting, regulator acceptance, and longer‑term site management strategies.
