NSW EPA has recently outlined their position on the release of the Commonwealth PFAS National Environment Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP 3.0). Full statement here.
The EPA supports and uses the PFAS NEMP, which provides a framework for the environmental management of PFAS-contaminated materials and sites.
The latest version, PFAS NEMP 3.0 released on 4 March 2025, provides new and/or additional guidance for PFAS management, including for biosolids, landfills, wastewater treatment and contaminated land. The EPA is committed to working with stakeholders, including local councils, land managers, contaminated site auditors and consultants, sewage treatment plant and landfill operators and other relevant parties, as we progressively implement PFAS NEMP 3.0.
The EPA statement includes further information about applying the PFAS NEMP guideline values to current or future contamination management works.
The EPA has drafted a new proposed Biosolids Resource Recovery Order and Exemption which includes PFAS regulatory thresholds, biosolids management and testing requirements that align with the PFAS NEMP 3.0. Broad consultation will be undertaken on this draft shortly.
As part of the transition to PFAS NEMP 3.0, the EPA is considering the inclusion of monitoring requirements for PFAS on sewage treatment plant and landfill licensees. These requirements will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders in the second half of this year.
The Commonwealth PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 and supporting documents are available here.