PFAS in waste soils

The EPA is continuing to develop a series of guidelines to supplement the principles endorsed under the PFAS National Environment Management Plan (NEMP) in a manner that is consistent with South Australia’s established guidelines and standards.

The Draft PFAS in waste soils guideline is formulated to outline the EPA’s position on the reuse of waste soils containing PFAS. It takes a precautionary approach to managing waste soils containing PFAS while still promoting the waste management hierarchy and encouraging the reuse of materials in a circular economy.

The guideline sets out when waste soils must be tested for PFAS, how this should occur, and provides criteria for two waste soil classifications – waste fill and intermediate waste soil. Both classifications could be reused in accordance with existing standards.

This guideline provides the environmental regulatory context referred to in the soil reuse section of the PFAS NEMP (section 12) and should be read and implemented in accordance with the PFAS NEMP and with the Standard for the production and use of waste derived fill.

Please click here to download the draft guideline. To provide your feedback, including specific implications for you, your business, or your sector, please:

An online information session will be held from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on 14 February 2023 for you to learn more about the guideline and speak with us. To register please phone or email us using the details above. If this time is not suitable please contact us to make alternate arrangements.

This consultation is open from 1 February 2023 until 1 March 2023.