PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 2.0
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About this Plan
This is the current version of the PFAS NEMP. It was agreed by Heads of EPAs in October 2019. It has been endorsed by Environment Ministers and is being implemented in the following jurisdictions:
- Commonwealth
- New South Wales
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
In those jurisdictions that have endorsed it, this version supersedes the first version of the NEMP published in 2018.
The PFAS NEMP 2.0 provides new and revised guidance on four of the areas that were identified as urgent priorities in the first version of the NEMP:
- Environmental guideline values
- Soil reuse
- Wastewater management
- On-site containment
This new guidance, as well as important clarifications regarding the intent of some of the PFAS NEMP 1.0 material, was developed by the National Chemicals Working Group across 2018 and considered by Heads of EPAs and Environment Ministers in late 2018. The Commonwealth served as national coordinators for the work on behalf of the National Chemicals Working Group.
The draft PFAS NEMP 2.0 was published on 28 February 2019 with comments due by Friday 21 June 2019. Environmental regulators in all states and territories hosted public consultation sessions in all capital cities across March and April 2019, with the Commonwealth presenting the work on behalf of the National Chemicals Working Group. Around 550 people attended the sessions.
All feedback received was considered by the National Chemicals Working Group and further changes were made in response to that feedback before the document was finalised in late 2019. An ancillary document summarising the feedback and the responses made can be found on the website.
The PFAS NEMP establishes a practical basis for nationally consistent environmental guidance and standards for managing PFAS contamination. The plan has been developed by all jurisdictions and recognises the need for implementation of best practice regulation through individual jurisdictional mechanisms. It represents a how-to guide for the investigation and management of PFAS contamination and waste management.