Targeted Compliance Program: 2024-25

The EPA continued its precautionary approach to PFAS contamination, focusing on 51 high-priority sites across NSW. Actions included water and biota sampling, issuing dietary advice, and coordinating monthly updates with Fire & Rescue RNSW and the Rural Fire Service. Investigations included sites in Botany Bay, Hawkesbury River, Blue Mountains, and Mangrove Mountain. Results generally showed low PFAS levels, but precautionary advice was issued for specific locations. The EPA also responded to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Measures Survey and updated its PFAS Program for 2025/26. The project reinforced the need for ongoing monitoring, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration to effectively manage PFAS legacy contamination.

Amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) in early 2024 repealed the Environmentally Hazardous Chemicals Act 1995 (EHC Act) with licenses under the former EHC Act now transition to the POEO Act. The EPA reviewed 23 former EHC Act licences, developed standard licence conditions, and issued new POEO licences where licences were still required. The project delivered improved regulatory consistency and ensured the licensing of hazardous and industrial chemicals remains fit for purpose. It also addressed gaps in record-keeping and inspection regimes. The project highlighted the need to review all Chemical Control Orders issued under the former EHC Act to align with modern regulatory frameworks. The EPA will progress this work in 2026/27 as a part of its implementation of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS).

The EPA conducted a targeted compliance project to assess Forestry Corporation NSW’s (FCNSW) compliance with Site-Specific Biodiversity Conditions (SSBCs) for the Greater Glider under the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (CIFOA). Spatial tools were developed to monitor trackline incursions into exclusion zones, survey timing, and habitat tree retention. Of 52 active plans, all were compliant with survey submission timelines, though technical and regulatory challenges remain—particularly around verifying habitat tree retention post-harvest due to measurement limitations. Recommendations from the project include revising habitat tree definitions, improving data access, enhancing officer training, and refining spatial tools. The project strengthened oversight of forestry operations and biodiversity protection.

The EPA conducted a targeted compliance campaign across 60 medical and dental practices in NSW to assess compliance with the Protection from Harmful Radiation Act 1990 and associated regulation. The project included desktop audits and inspections, identifying non-compliances such as expired licences and uncertified radiation units. All assessed practices received outcome letters, and corrective actions were initiated, including licence variations and internal audits. The project enhanced EPA visibility in the sector, built officer capability, and improved industry understanding of its radiation safety obligations. Recommendations from the project include licensing system improvements, increased proactive engagement with the regulated community, and continued officer training to strengthen future regulatory efforts.

This project focused on ensuring asbestos waste generators and transporters were registered and using the new Integrated Waste Tracking System (IWTS), which replaced WasteLocate in February 2024. Data analysis and stakeholder engagement revealed gaps in usage, data quality issues, and accessibility challenges. While registration numbers were comparable to previous years, many organisations were not using IWTS. Feedback highlighted difficulties with registration and system usability. Recommendations from the project include improving IWTS functionality, enhancing user support, and collaborating with SafeWork NSW to promote compliance.

This project assessed compliance with resource recovery orders for compost, mulch, and pasteurised garden organics (PGO) at eight licensed premises. Sampling revealed exceedances of pathogen and physical contaminant limits in some compost and PGO products. Pollution Incident Response Management Plans (PIRMP) at all inspected sites were found to be non-compliant, key issues were failure to test the PIRMP, its availability to staff and inadequate information. Regulatory actions included advisory letters, and formal warnings. The project highlighted deficiencies in record keeping, sampling protocols, and PIRMP awareness. Recommendations include revising definitions in orders, improving PIRMP guidance, and enhancing EPA staff training. 

This project assessed air quality management at 18 metalliferous mines across NSW. The EPA conducted inspections, reviewed dust management practices, and trialled advanced air quality monitoring technologies. A high level of compliance with licence conditions was observed, and the project highlighted inconsistencies in dust-related licence conditions and monitoring requirements. The project identified a number of opportunities for regulatory improvement, including standardised dust conditions, requiring Dust Management Plans to be more outcomes focussed, enhanced community engagement by the mining sector, and exploration of real-time monitoring technologies.

This project focused on erosion and sediment controls at licensed premises with sediment basins. Of 85 sites selected for the project, 21 were inspected. While no basins were found to be at risk of overtopping due to sediment build-up, most sites lacked formal procedures for checking sediment levels. Many basins were maintained primarily for water storage for dust suppression rather than sediment runoff pollution control. The project improved EPA’s oversight of sediment basin maintenance and highlighted the need for on-going monitoring and maintenance with licensees to reduce environmental risk.