The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking feedback on proposed regulatory scheduling decisions for managing key chemicals of concern, including chemicals commonly used in fire-fighting foams.
Consultation on the proposed standards to manage three groups of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals – PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS – as well as pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) opened from 21 July 2023.
Feedback will help to ensure that Australian governments and businesses can appropriately manage the environmental risks of these chemicals.
In Tasmania, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is developing state legislation to incorporate regulating key chemicals of concern into the state's regulatory framework, for parliament's consideration, with the EPA to be the regulator. In the meantime, the EPA will continue to support, monitor and enforce compliance with existing requirements for management of industrial chemicals according to risk.
To find out more about the consultation process, visit the DCCEEW's consultation hub before submissions close on 1 September 2023.