4.0 Administrative procedures
4.2 Determination of the level of assessment
Option A: Public Environmental Report
A PER is called for to assist in assessing environmental impacts which are considered significant but limited in extent. It is not a precursor to an EIS, hence the decision on a PER or an EIS has to be made on receipt of the NOI.
Key points on a PER:
- single or limited number of environmental issues; and
- limited magnitude, duration, frequency and extent of impacts.
A generic timetable for the assessment process for a PER is illustrated at Table 1
(Table 1) Generic Timetable for the Assessment of a PER
| Action |
Timing |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Proponent notifies the responsible Minister of a proposal including details (NOI). |
Open |
| 2. | Responsible Minister notifies Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage (the Minister) of proposal. |
Open |
| 3. | Minister may require further information from proponent to assist in determining level of environmental significance. |
within 14 days |
| 4. | Minister determines the level of assessment and notifies responsible Minister and proponent that a PER is necessary. |
Open |
| 4a. | There may be a requirement here for Commonwealth input on type and level of assessment. It depends on the proposal and whether it requires a Commonwealth decision. If the Commonwealth determine that the proposal is a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act it is likely to be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the NT and the Commonwealth. |
|
| 5. | Draft Guidelines for a PER are prepared. |
Open |
| 6. | Draft Guidelines available for public comment and referred to advisory bodies. |
14 days |
| 7. | Minister finalises draft Guidelines, issues Guidelines to the proponent and directs the preparation of a PER. |
within 14 days |
| 8. | Proponent prepares PER and submits it to the Minister (Minister can determine a date for submission). |
Open |
| 9. | PER advertised for public comment and circulated for advisory body comment. |
Max 28 days |
| 10. | Minister can request further information. |
Within above 28 days |
| 10a. | If the proposal is being assessed under the bilateral agreement, public and government advisory body comments are forwarded to the proponent. The proponent prepares a Supplement to the PER and submits it to the Minister. |
|
| 11. | Preparation of assessment report and recommendations on the PER. The Minister forwards report and recommendations to responsible Minister. |
Within 14 days of expiration of the exhibition period or within 21 days of supplement delivery |
| 11a. | If the bilateral agreement applies, the assessment report is forwarded to the Commonwealth for approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. |
