Load-based licensing annual returns and load data

Licensees who are subject to load-based licensing (LBL) must submit an LBL annual return to the EPA. The LBL annual return includes reporting on the pollutant loads generated by the activity undertaken at the premises.

The information provided in an LBL annual return is used to calculate the annual licence load-based fee. An invoice is sent upon submission of the LBL data. The LBL annual return can be submitted via eConnect EPA.

Licensees can calculate the assessable load data they need to complete their LBL annual return using the Load Calculation Protocol.

When using eConnect EPA the licence load-based fee is automatically calculated based on the data provided.  

Licensees receive a notification advising that their LBL annual return is available for online completion and submission.

Licensees not registered to use eConnect EPA can request access by providing the nominated users name, email address, company (if applicable) and licence number to [email protected].

Licensees who have questions about eConnect EPA or LBL annual return submission can contact the EPA at [email protected] or phone 9995 5700.

Compliance responsibilities

• Personal Certification
  The LBL annual return must be signed by the licence holder or a person approved in writing by the EPA to sign on behalf of the licensee, certifying that each year's load calculations have been completed and recorded in accordance with the Load Calculation Protocol. There are penalties for false declarations.
• Compliance Audit Program
  The EPA's compliance audit program includes scrutiny of load calculations and returns, through various manual and computerised checks on received returns, random audits of licensees' records, and full audits of licensees' compliance with all provisions of the Load Calculation Protocol.