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Fast-track Approvals Bill

Fast-track approval approvals process for eligible projects - Process for panel consideration of substantive application - Substantive applications

24F: EPA decides whether substantive application is complete and within scope

You could also call this:

“The EPA checks if your application is complete and follows the rules”

When you send a substantive application, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has 15 working days to check if it’s complete and within the right scope. They will talk to other relevant agencies to help them decide.

The EPA will look at three things:

First, they’ll make sure your application follows the rules in section 24C and section 24D(1) and (2).

Second, they’ll check if your application is only about a Part A listed project or a referred project.

Third, they’ll make sure your application doesn’t ask for approval for something that’s not allowed.

If your application passes all these checks, the EPA will send it to the panel convener. But if it doesn’t pass, they’ll send it back to you right away with a letter explaining why.

If your application is sent back and you want to try again, you can send a new one. But remember, the EPA will start the 15-day checking period all over again.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS969148.

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Part 2 Fast-track approval approvals process for eligible projects
Process for panel consideration of substantive application: Substantive applications

24FEPA decides whether substantive application is complete and within scope

  1. Within 15 working days after receiving a substantive application and after consulting the relevant administering agencies, the EPA must decide whether the application—

  2. complies with—
    1. section 24C ; and
      1. section 24D(1) and (2) (as applicable); and
      2. relates solely to a Part A listed project or a referred project; and
        1. on the face of the application, does not appear to seek an approval for an ineligible activity.

          1. If the EPA decides that the substantive application complies with subsection (1)(a) to (c) , the EPA must provide the application to the panel convener.

          2. If the EPA decides that the substantive application does not comply with that subsection, it must return the application immediately to the person who lodged it, with written reasons for the EPA's determination.

          3. If a substantive application is lodged again with the EPA after the EPA has returned the application,—

          4. that application must be treated as a new substantive application; and
            1. the time period specified in subsection (1) begins again for the EPA.