Decommissioning of power stations
Across NSW, former coal-fired power stations are being decommissioned as the energy system evolves. This involves shutting down operations, demolishing large infrastructure and managing waste, contamination and remediation activities.
The EPA ensures decommissioning, demolition and other works to prepare sites for future land use are carried out in accordance with environmental protection licences and relevant legislation.
Our focus is to protect the environment and the community and ensure operators meet their regulatory obligations throughout the transition.
Our regulatory role
We regulate the environmental aspects of power station closure and site transition, including:
- compliance with environment protection licence (EPL) conditions
- management of dust, noise, vibration and air quality
- waste handling, transport and lawful disposal
- prevention and mitigation of land and water contamination
- monitoring, reporting and compliance oversight.
Demolition or closure of a power station does not remove regulatory obligations. Licence conditions continue to apply while regulated activities are occurring, and the EPA may impose additional requirements where needed to manage risks.
If non-compliance is identified, we can take regulatory action.
Demolition of large infrastructure such as chimney stacks, boiler units and coal handling equipment are usually undertaken as part of a development assessment process, including State Significant Development.
We provide advice to consent authorities about waste, water, air, contamination and noise to assist them with their decision making.
Outside of the development assessment process, our role focuses on environmental protection and licence compliance.
For major demolition events, enforceable controls may include:
- detailed demolition and environmental management strategies
- dust suppression measures (for example, water sprays and staging of works)
- air quality monitoring before, during and after demolition
- noise and vibration controls and monitoring
- waste management requirements
- incident notification and reporting requirements.
EPA Officers may also inspect demolition activities to ensure compliance with requirements.
These measures are designed to minimise impacts on surrounding communities and the environment.
During decommissioning and demolition, key environmental risks are proactively managed through licence conditions and regulatory oversight.
Dust and air quality
Activities must implement controls to minimise dust emissions. Monitoring may be required to ensure air quality objectives are met.
Noise and vibration
Work must comply with approved noise limits and, where relevant, vibration criteria to protect nearby residents and infrastructure.
Waste and asbestos
All waste, including hazardous materials such as asbestos, must be properly classified and managed in accordance with regulatory requirements. Strict handling, containment and reporting requirements apply to protect the environment and the community.
Land and water contamination
Operators must manage and, where necessary, remediate contamination to prevent offsite pollution of soil, groundwater and surface water.
We monitor compliance through inspections, reporting requirements and review of environmental data.
Former power station sites may transition to new industrial uses, energy generation (including renewable energy and storage), or other approved land uses.
Our regulatory role continues through this transition. Depending on the proposed future use, this may include:
- ongoing regulation under an environment protection licence
- oversight of remediation activities
- assessment of contamination risks
- ensuring new activities meet environmental standards.
Any future redevelopment is subject to relevant planning and environmental approval processes.
Liddell Power Station – Muswellbrook
Liddell ceased operations in 2023 and is undergoing staged decommissioning and demolition, including the removal of major structures such as the two 160-metre-high cement chimney stacks. We oversee compliance with environmental licence conditions during demolition and subsequent site transition activities.
Wallerawang Power Station – Lithgow region
Wallerawang ceased operations in 2014 with decommissioning and demolition works progressing in stages. We regulate activities undertaken at the site as it transitions to a future land use.
Munmorah Power Station – Central Coast
Munmorah ceased operations in 2012 and has been demolished. Parts of the site are undergoing remediation works. We oversee environmental management and compliance requirements associated with the site.
Community members can contact us to report environmental concerns relating to decommissioning or demolition activities. We will assess complaints and take appropriate regulatory action where required.
For site-specific updates, stakeholders may also be directed to the relevant operator and planning authority.