Pollution (Control) Act, No. 10 of 2013 (Vanuatu)

The Act controls the discharge and emission of pollution in Vanuatu. It specifically mandates the application of the precautionary principle by those discharging their responsibilities and functions under the Act. Furthermore, any decision making under the terms of the Act must be guided by considerations of climate change mitigation and adaptation issues. The Act imposes an obligation to take pollution control measures, particularly requiring the owner or occupier of any premises to comply with prescribed standard for the discharge of pollution, waste water and the emission of noise, odor, or electromagnetic radiation from the premises. It provides for a permit to discharge pollutants, including the application process, revocation, suspension or variation, and transfer of the permit. It further provides for the enforcement of pollution control measures including the issuance of pollution abatement notices and orders for closure. It also specifies certain pollution offenses including the corresponding penalties.