What is the Difference Between an EMS, an EMP and an EP?
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is typically an organisation-wide document that provides a perspective on all of an organisation’s activities, from broad level policy to specific operational tasks, outlined in environmental management procedures. (Further information can be obtained from Standards Australia.) An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is an activity-specific environmental management document that is presently required for all proposals under State jurisdiction. The content of an EMP is detailed here. It is anticipated that for offshore proposals in State waters, the requirement for an EMP will be replaced by the requirement for an Environmental Plan (EP) when legislation is introduced to mirror the new Commonwealth regulations. An EP is a requirement for offshore proposals under Commonwealth jurisdiction under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Management of Environment) Regulations 1999 (Cwlth). The content of an EP is detailed here. The EP is an activity-specific
