Singapore Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) – Air and Water Management

ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE

Enacted 1999 (last amended 2023)

Enforcement: Enacted 1999 (last amended 2023)

Overview

This is the core industrial pollution prevention law overseen by the National Environment Agency (NEA). It strictly manages permits and limit values for stationary-source air pollutants (SOx/NOx) and industrial wastewater (BOD/COD standards) from factories and business premises.

Enforcement Timeline

1999: EPMA enacted.

2023: Tightening of emission limit values and technical emission standards, particularly for fine particulate matter.

Business Impact

- Obligation to obtain emission permits

- Compliance with emission standards

- Ongoing emissions monitoring

- Establishing advanced environmental management systems