Public consultation is now closed.
The Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0 for public consultation. Public consultation has now closed. This draft of the NEMP 3.0 contains important new guidance and standards, which builds on version 2.0, published in 2020.
We appreciate that you took the time to help us ensure that the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Environmental Management Plan version 3.0 is fit for purpose. We will continue to make sure it meets the needs of the Australian and New Zealand communities and the environment, by continuing to provide useful, nationally consistent guidance and standards on PFAS contamination.
The feedback contained in the over 100 submissions received is currently being used in the development of the final version of the PFAS NEMP 3.0. The National Chemicals Working Group (NCWG) is working hard to consider all matters raised and to incorporate appropriate amendments. The PFAS NEMP 3.0 will be finalised in 2024.
The draft third version of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP 3.0) builds on NEMP 2.0 with the inclusion of new and additional guidance and standards on priority areas as set out below.
The new guidance focuses on the following areas:
Theme 1: PFAS family - international approaches to grouping of PFASs.
Theme 2: Environmental data and monitoring - guidance on ambient monitoring data collection and land use classifications to enable comparability.
Theme 3: Water- risk-based criteria and guidance for beneficial reuse of biosolids.
Theme 4: Soil - guidance and standards around PFAS behaviour in soil, including leaching and associated ecological and human health guidance. It finalises and reviews two guideline values already in the NEMP and proposes two new guideline values for soil and one for wildlife diet.
Theme 5: Resource recovery and waste - guidance on management of risks associated with PFAS in resource recovery products.
Theme 6: Site specific guidance - guidance on principles and approaches to remediation and management; guidance on construction water; and guidance on estuarine, coastal and marine sediment.
The PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) provides nationally agreed guidance and standards on the investigation, assessment and management of PFAS wastes and contamination in the environment, including prevention of the spread of contamination. Developed by all state, territory and the Australian Governments, as well as the New Zealand Government, through HEPA’s National Chemicals Working Group, the plan recognises the need for implementation of best practice through individual jurisdictional mechanisms. It supports action on PFAS contamination around Australia and New Zealand.
Consultation draft PFAS NEMP 3.0 [6.2MB PDF]
Consultation draft PFAS NEMP 3.0 [3.8MB DOCX]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - Biosolids [1.9MB PDF]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - Biosolids [245kB DOCX]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - PFOA indirect ecological guideline values [1.9MB PDF]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - PFOA indirect ecological guideline values [235kB DOCX]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - Soil health investigation levels [1.6MB PDF]
Supporting document (Draft PFAS NEMP 3.0) - Soil health investigation levels.docx
We sought feedback from people on the proposed draft of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP 3.0).
We invited feedback from people across:
key industries
state and local government
the Australian community.
We asked people to include their role in the survey to better understand how the PFAS NEMP 3.0 impacts them and their interests.
We sought feedback from stakeholders through:
face-to-face consultation sessions
an online survey and submissions portal,
contacts for direct enquiries and submissions (pfasstandards@environment.gov.au).
There were 118 submissions in total.
88 people responded through our survey.
Over 750 people attended our consultation sessions
105 people responded through written submissions.
Positive feedback from participants included:
an appreciation of the genuine, open consultation and engagement by the NCWG
recognition of the difficult balance required for this national plan
generally positive feedback on the NEMP.
Questions raised through consultation fall into four main areas:
What are governments doing to stop PFASs at the source?
How were the proposed biosolids criteria and consequential costs derived?
Would Australia adopt the United States of America Lifetime Health Advisories and the European Union Maximum Limits? These are lower than current Australian health criteria (set by the Department of Health and Aged Care). There was concern that Australia’s criteria is not protective enough.
How will jurisdictions implement the PFAS NEMP 3.0?
Survey responses have identified that the PFAS NEMP 3.0:
provides clear and consistent national guidance
sets standards
takes a risk-based approach.
Responses also identified that the PFAS NEMP 3.0:
provides stakeholders with a way forward
represents collaboration with industry
is comprehensive and fit for purpose without being too prescriptive.
The area of greatest interest to stakeholders was the biosolids criteria. Matters raised included:
technical questions on the method and assumptions
how jurisdictions would apply the margins of safety for biosolids use
concerns about alternative use of biosolids,
treatment methodologies or disposal pathways
concerns about costs of implementing criteria.
The National Chemicals Working Group (NCWG) will consider all submissions and what, if any changes may be required. Your feedback will be used to inform the final version of the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP 3.0).
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