Guidance for managing PFAS in SA
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are manufactured chemicals that have been used in a range of industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. PFAS are of concern around the world because they do not naturally degrade, can bioaccumulate in our food and can travel long distances through groundwater.
Australia’s Environment Ministers endorsed the country’s first PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) in January 2018. The plan provides governments with a consistent, practical, risk-based framework for the environmental regulation of PFAS-contaminated materials and sites. The Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand released the draft PFAS NEMP version 3.0 for public consultation.
The plan provides valuable guidance around storage, reuse and disposal of contaminated material to facilitate proactive decision-making for the management of sites impacted by PFAS. The EPA has developed the following guidelines consistent with the NEMP:
- Landfill disposal criteria for PFAS-contaminated waste (SA)
- Environmental management of landfill facilities – solid waste disposal (SA)
In July 2023, the EPA issued the draft PFAS in waste soils guideline as the PFAS in waste soils interim guideline, after a targeted industry consultation. This guideline may be used until the Environment Protection Regulations 2023 have been updated to address PFAS.
For more information about the EPA's guidance for managing PFAS in SA, please visit:
