Skip to main content

Bitumen Works: EIS Guideline


The purpose of this guideline is to identify matters which are relevant to the environmental impact assessment of bitumen works. The guideline is intended for applicants for bitumen works proposals, as well as government agencies and consent authorities involved in the approval process for these developments. The guideline considers the following matters: • factors to be considered when preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) • locational considerations for bitumen works • issues which may be relevant for an environmental assessment of a bitumen works proposal. The guideline applies to proposals for new bitumen works, and significant alterations or additions to existing facilities, whether they are fixed or mobile plants. However, not all matters referred to in the guideline will apply to every proposal. The EIS should be tailored to suit the scale of the proposal and its potential impacts. It is essential to focus on key environmental issues. If the EIS considers the relevant matters identified in this guideline, there should be sufficient information for the assessment of most bitumen works. The issues in this guideline apply whether an EIS, statement of environmental effects (SEE) or review of environmental factors (REF) is being prepared. This guideline should be read in conjunction with any relevant EPA environmental management guidelines for bitumen works. Bitumen works produce hot mix and cold mix bituminous or asphaltic materials by mixing bituminous material with aggregates such as gravel and sand, fly ash and other additives. The bitumen may be used on-site or transported offsite in batches for use at construction sites. This guideline applies to bitumen works associated with facilities for the manufacture of bitumen products, as well as on- or off-site bitumen or asphalt plants or similar works involved in the production of bituminous materials. All bitumen works have the potential to cause significant environmental impacts. Careful site selection and ongoing environmental management are necessary to ensure that bitumen works operate in an ecologically sustainable manner.