Previous Fact Sheet	Fact Sheet Home	Next Fact Sheet

Topic 3 - Pollution

Overview

Environmental law plays an important role in managing the environmental and health impacts of pollution on human communities and natural ecosystems.

This chapter deals with the following areas of pollution law:

• water pollution;
• air pollution;
• odour pollution;
• noise pollution;
• contaminated land;
• waste management;
• toxic chemicals; and
• pesticides.

The main piece of legislation governing pollution in New South Wales is the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Other important pieces of legislation include:

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;
• Contaminated Land Management Act 1997;
• Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1985; and
• Pesticides Act 1999.

This legislation is discussed in more detail in the fact sheets below.

• Fact Sheet 3.1 - Water, Air and Noise Pollution

• Fact Sheet 3.2 - Contaminated Land

• Fact Sheet 3.3 - Waste Management

• Fact Sheet 3.4 - Toxic Chemicals

• Fact Sheet 3.5 - Pesticides