Mandatory PFAS Monitoring from October 2023

Starting October 2023, licenced landfills and sewage treatment plants in New South Wales will be mandated to monitor and report PFAS levels in wastewater. This requirement aligns with new guidelines from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The Chemical Control Order (CCO) aims to establish consistent, science-based PFAS monitoring requirements across these sites.

The PFAS National Environment Management Plan identifies landfills and STPs as secondary PFAS sources. These harmful chemicals exist in various industrial and consumer products, making monitoring crucial for managing their environmental impact. Approximately 140 licenced landfills and 260 sewage treatment plants will participate in this initiative.

Licensees must submit annual reports to the EPA, detailing PFAS concentrations in their discharges. This data will inform whether further assessments are needed based on discharge levels and potential exposure risks. Steve Beaman, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at the EPA, stated, “This is an important step in the NSW Government’s PFAS response for the health of our environment and our communities.”

This action complements the national ban on PFAS in manufacturing and imported products, set to take effect in 2025. Although the presence of PFAS in wastewater does not automatically pose a public health risk, monitoring remains essential. PFAS is widespread in everyday life through items like packaging, cookware, and personal care products.

The Chemical Control Order was finalised after public consultations with local governments, public utilities, and the general public earlier this year. The first annual reports are expected to be submitted by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the NSW Government’s PFAS Investigation programme continues to enhance understanding and management of PFAS impact on the environment and public health.