The decision was welcomed by local environmental groups who have accused the EPA of looking after the corporations rather than communities.

The NSW Upper House said the inquiry would look into the EPA’s culture and performance and also focus on land contamination issues at Botany, and ground water contamination at the Santos coal seam gas project in the Pilliga.

The inquiry is considered a small but well overdue victory for the local environmental groups who have had long-standing issues with the EPA.

NSW EPA chairman Barry Buffier told local media the agency welcomed the inquiry.

He said it gave the opportunity to increase public awareness about the role the EPA played in protecting the state’s communities and environment.