The First Schedule of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 2002 pertains to the list of undertakings requiring an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) or a Preliminary Environment Report (PER). This Schedule has been reviewed to exclude certain undertakings, for which 28 environmental guidelines have been prepared with a view to assist proponents to include environmental safeguards during the development and implementation of their projects.

These amendments are in line with the objectives of the Business Facilitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 which is to allow businesses to start operation on the basis of self adherence to comprehensive and clear guidelines and for the authorities to check for compliance by exercising ex-post control.

The enforcing agencies, as defined in the Fourth Schedule of the EPA 2002, will monitor compliance with the conditions in the guidelines for the media or pollutant falling under their purview. The Ministry of Environment and NDU will assure a coordinating role of the enforcement activities.