NEMP 3.0

Written By Jordan Macdonald

You can find a copy of the NEMP3.0 here

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, stains, grease, and water. However, their bio-accumulative behaviour in the environment can pose potential health risks, raising significant concerns. In response, environmental regulators in Australia and New Zealand have developed the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP). The 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 regulation through individual jurisdictional mechanisms. It supports action on PFAS contamination around Australia and New Zealand.

Evolution of the PFAS NEMP

The PFAS NEMP has undergone several iterations to incorporate emerging scientific knowledge and address evolving challenges:

  • Version 1.0: Established the initial framework for PFAS management.

  • Version 2.0 (2020): Expanded guidance on PFAS-contaminated materials and sites, reflecting advancements in understanding and regulatory approaches.

  • Version 3.0 (2024): Introduced significant updates and new guidance across six key themes.

Key Themes in PFAS NEMP 3.0

The latest version, PFAS NEMP 3.0, focuses on the following areas:

  1. PFAS Family: Explores international approaches to grouping PFAS compounds, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of their behavior and risks.

  2. Environmental Data and Monitoring: Provides guidance on collecting ambient monitoring data and land use classifications to ensure data comparability across regions.

  3. Water: Offers risk-based criteria and guidance for the beneficial reuse of biosolids, aiming to protect water quality while promoting sustainable practices.

  4. Soil: Addresses PFAS behavior in soil, including leaching processes, and updates ecological and human health guidance. This theme finalizes and reviews existing guideline values and proposes new ones for soil and wildlife diet.

  5. Resource Recovery and Waste: Guides the management of risks associated with PFAS in resource recovery products, supporting safe recycling and waste management practices.

  6. Site-Specific Guidance: Provides principles and approaches to remediation and management, including guidance on handling construction water and managing estuarine, coastal, and marine sediments.

The development of PFAS NEMP 3.0 represents a significant advancement in the management of PFAS contamination in Australia and New Zealand. By providing updated guidance across critical areas, it aims to protect environmental and human health while supporting sustainable practices in waste management and resource recovery. Ongoing reviews and stakeholder engagement will be crucial to ensure the plan's effectiveness in addressing the challenges posed by PFAS.

Information pertained above contains exerpts from the Australian Government PFAS Taskforce.

Jordan Macdonald