Section 12, Environment Protection Agency Act, 2008

Subject to this Act, the Agency shall perform the followingfunctions:– (a) advise the Minister on the formulation of policies on all aspects of the environment and in particular make recommendation for the protection of the environment; (b) co-ordinate the activities of bodies concerned with the technical or practical aspects of the environment and serve as a channel of communication between such bodies and the Minister; (c) co-ordinate the activities of such bodies as it considers appropriate for the purposes of controlling the generation, treatment, storage, transportation and disposal of industrial waste; (d) secure, in collaboration with such persons as it may determine the control and prevention of discharge of waste into the environment and the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment; (e) collaborate and coordinate with such foreign and international bodies as the Agency considers necessary for the purposes of this Act; (f) issue environmental permits and pollution abatement notices for controlling the volume, types, constituents and effects of waste discharges, emissions, deposits or other source of pollutants and of substances which are hazardous or potentially dangerous to the quality of the environment or any segment of the environment; 8 9 Disclosure of interest. Powers of Committees of Board. Functions of No. 11 Environment Protection Agency Act, 2008 No. 11 Environment Protection Agency Act, 2008 (g) issue notices in the form of directives, procedures or warnings to such bodies as it may determine for the purpose of controlling the volume, intensity and quality of noise in the environment; (h) prescribe standards and guidelines relating to ambient air, water and soil quality, the pollution of air, water, land and other forms of environmental pollution including the discharge of wastes and the control of toxic substances; (i) ensure compliance with any laid down environmental impact assessment procedures in the planning and execution of development projects, including compliance in respect of existing projects; (j) act in liaison and co-operation with government agencies, local councils and other bodies and institutions to control pollution and generally protect the environment; (k) conduct investigations into environmental issues and advise the Minister thereon; (l) promote studies, research, surveys and analyses for the improvement and protection of the environment and the maintenance of a sound ecological system; (m) initiate and pursue formal and non-formal educational programmes for the creation of public awareness of the environment and its importance to the economic and social life of Sierra Leone; (n) promote effective planning in the management of the environment; (o) develop a comprehensive database on the environment; (p) impose and collect environmental protection levies in accordance with this Act or regulations made under this Act; (q) coordinate and monitor the implementation of national environmental policies; (r) coordinate with Government Ministries, local councils and other agencies on matters relating to environmental protection and management; (s) collect and make available to the public or interested persons or bodies, through publications and other appropriate means and in cooperation with public or private organizations, environmental data and information; (t) promote the establishment of national environmental standards; (u) act as the focal point on all issues concerning the environment; and (v) perform any other function conferred on it under this Act.