Cleanaway has operated its Inkerman site for over a decade, and is regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in accordance with Licence #14463.
In May 2020, Cleanaway advised the EPA that it was intending to apply to have per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) added to the list of wastes that it is currently licensed to receive (please click on the licence above to review this list). The EPA informed Cleanaway that before an application could be accepted, it must undertake 12 months of groundwater monitoring and requested Cleanaway to undertake engagement with the local community.
Cleanaway has operated its Inkerman site for over a decade, and is regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in accordance with Licence #14463.
In May 2020, Cleanaway advised the EPA that it was intending to apply to have per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) added to the list of wastes that it is currently licensed to receive (please click on the licence above to review this list). The EPA informed Cleanaway that before an application could be accepted, it must undertake 12 months of groundwater monitoring and requested Cleanaway to undertake engagement with the local community.
Cleanaway had established the Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group (ILCRG) in 2018, comprising of adjacent landowners, representatives from the Wakefield Regional Council, Cleanaway and the EPA. For further information about this group please visit the Cleanaway website.
For further information about the work undertaken to date, see the timeline on this page.
On 22 May 2023, the EPA notified the ILCRG and other key stakeholders that it has approved PFAS-contaminated solid waste to be disposed of at the Cleanaway Inkerman landfill, north of Adelaide.
It means that South Australia will now join the rest of Australia in providing a landfill site where PFAS-contaminated waste can be safely contained and disposed of.
The decision came after a rigorous 2.5-year assessment process being undertaken alongside community engagement, including further work regarding the broader policy and operational management of PFAS-contaminated waste in South Australia.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with our staff about this application, please get in touch on:
Cleanaway landfill at Inkerman South Australia is located just off the Princes Highway, 85 kilometres north of Adelaide.
CLOSED: This map consultation has concluded.
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How the EPA regulates landfills
Check out the guideline, Environmental management of landfill facilities – solid waste disposal https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/4771343_guide_landfill.pdf
Community Engagement report, FAQs, risk assessment and more
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
On 20 May 2020, Cleanaway notified the EPA that it was attending to apply to receive and dispose of PFAS contaminated waste. EPA request community engagement plan and 12 months of groundwater monitoring.
August 2020: Cleanaway commences community engagement
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
Cleanaway commences engagement, writing to the Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group, Wakefield Regional Council and Member for Narrunga.
September 2020: advice to Community Reference Group
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group meeting.
May 2021: Cleanaway completes groundwater monitoring
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
Following receipt of 12 months of groundwater data, the EPA undertook a preliminary groundwater screening risk assessment and subsequently requested Cleanaway to undertake a formal human and environmental health risk assessment.
June 2021: Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
On 10 June 2021, Cleanaway provided an update to the Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group, with the EPA answering questions about the process change request and assessment.
July 2021: EPA assessment process
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The EPA commences assessment of the application against state and national guidelines. See 'Important links' to view.
April 2022: Human health & ecological risk assessment
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
Cleanaway developed and submitted a human health & ecological risk assessment to the EPA for review and determination as to whether the application can proceed.
Aug-Oct 2022: EPA assessment and review
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The EPA finalised its formal assessment in accordance with state and national guidelines, and prepares for public consultation.
30 Nov 2022: Three-month community consultation
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The EPA will seek formal submissions for consideration during the assessment process, following on from engagement with the Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group that commenced in August 2020.
9 February 2023: Community information session
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The EPA will host a community information session, from 12-6pm at the Port Wakefield Golf Club, to provide an opportunity to speak with staff from Cleanaway, the EPA and SA Health.
28 Feb 2023: Community consultation closes
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The consultation closes on 28 February 2023 and the EPA will have regard to all submissions and interactions received during this time, ahead of making a final decision.
23 Mar 2023: publication of community engagement report
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) has finished this stage
The EPA has collated the information from the community during the three month consultation and has published a community engagement report to this webpage.
22 May 2023: EPA notifies community of outcome
Inkerman landfill (Cleanaway) is currently at this stage
On 22 May 2023, the EPA advised the Inkerman Landfill Community Reference Group and other key stakeholders that it had approved the application.
Check out the guideline, Environmental management of landfill facilities – solid waste disposal https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/4771343_guide_landfill.pdf