eFlash #553

Date: 28-Sep-2022

1. EoW Framework Review

We have been notified that the Department of Environment and Science (DES) is undertaking a review of the End of Waste (EoW) Framework.

The EoW review will include:

Comprehensive review of the operation of the EoW regulatory framework including interactions and operational conflicts with:
- Section 13 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 - the definition of waste
- Chapter 3 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 – Waste levy
- Schedule 2 Part 12 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 – waste related ERAs
Critical comparison of the EoW framework with waste-to-resource frameworks in other Australian and international jurisdictions
Identification of potential EoW codes that could be developed to support significant resource recovery; and quantification of the potential resource recovery benefit of each potential code, where possible

As part of the review, consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders to:

identify any positive outcomes, opinions, issues, barriers, and limitations with the EoW framework
assess their understanding of the requirements and conformance with the requirements of EoW codes

SLR Consulting has been appointed by DES to carry out the review. As a representative of the industry qldwater will be participating in the review.

To facilitate this, we are seeking interested people to come forward to be involved in the review consultation when it takes place, which seems likely to take place in mid-late October. If you would like to nominate to participate in the review, please let us know via email to lreeves@qldwater.com.au.

2. PFAS NEMP 3.0 Consultation Period Opens

The latest iteration of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP 3.0) has been released in draft for consultation. The consultation will close on 20 December 2022.

The NEMP is an Appendix to the Intergovernmental 10 Agreement on a National Framework Responding to PFAS Contamination and provides guidance on the management of PFAS contamination in the environment, including prevention of the spread of contamination. Similarly to the NEMP 2.0, the NEMP 3.0 is likely to be adopted as a “nationally agreed” default standard for PFAS management in all Australian jurisdictions.

The draft third version - PFAS NEMP 3.0 - builds on NEMP 2.0 with the inclusion of new and additional guidance and standards on priority areas as set out below.

The new guidance focuses on the following areas:

Theme 1: PFAS family – international approaches to grouping of PFASs.
Theme 2: Environmental data and monitoring - guidance on ambient monitoring data collection and land use classifications to enable comparability.
Theme 3: Water- risk-based criteria and guidance for beneficial reuse of biosolids.
Theme 4: Soil - guidance and standards around PFAS behaviour in soil, including leaching and associated ecological and human health guidance. It finalises and reviews two guideline values already in the NEMP and proposes two new guideline values for soil and one for wildlife diet.
Theme 5: Resource recovery and waste - guidance on management of risks associated with PFAS in resource recovery products.
Theme 6: Site specific guidance - guidance on principles and approaches to remediation and management; guidance on construction water; and guidance on estuarine, coastal and marine sediment.

qldwater will be providing a submission in response to the NEMP 3.0, and is working actively with the WSAA and the National Water Sector Contaminants Of Emerging Concern (CEC) Working Group to respond to the potential impacts of the NEMP 3.0 on the urban water sector. The submission on the NEMP 3.0 will be managed through the qldwater Sewage and Water Environmental Advisory Panel (SWEAP).

In the meantime, the draft NEMP 3.0 and supporting documents can be downloaded from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry consultation page at:

https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/nemp-on-pfas

3. Water Night

The Water Conservancy is hosting the annual Water Night campaign to raise awareness about water use in Australia. Research conducted by The Water Conservancy shows Australia’s water literacy is very low and so is the perceived value of tap water. All life on earth relies on water to survive yet only 42% of Australians consider tap water to be precious. Water Night improves water literacy and water awareness helping us all value water more, leading to long term behavioural change.

On Thursday 20 October 2022, individuals and households are asked to turn off all non-essential taps from 5-10pm with the aim to increase water awareness and leading to long term behavioural change.

4. Walk for Water 2022

What would you do if your closest water source was more than half an hour away? This is a daily reality for millions, but it doesn't have to be.

Join teams from all around the country raising funds and awareness for WaterAid’s vital work.

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part! All you need to do is walk, run or ride for five days from 10-14 October and ask for support from your colleagues, family and friends. Walk for Water is a great way to engage with fellow employees and your networks. Come together as a team to raise awareness and funds for people around the world to access clean water for the first time.

**5. qldwater Recruiting – New Skills Manager**

Are you passionate about water and sewerage services and believe that well skilled people are the most important asset to the industry? Join our small team in our big vision to deliver safe, secure and sustainable water services to all Queensland communities.

The Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater) provides a voice to the urban water industry through advice and advocacy on behalf of its members. As the Skills Manager, you will help build the skills and careers of water industry workers through workforce planning and capacity building programs. It is an exciting and challenging role that will suit someone with a HR / Training / Workforce Planning background. Water industry experience would be ideal.

Hours and flexible working arrangements can be negotiated, but some face-to-face meetings in Brisbane will be required.

Download the Position Description here.

To apply for the position on Seek, click here.

6. Position Available – Whitsunday Regional Council

Principal Engineer - Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations

As Principal Engineer within the Water and Wastewater team, you will be the focal point for all initiatives associated with the operation, control and optimisation of processes across the region's treatment plants.

A qualified Engineer and strong lateral thinker, you thrive on the challenge of complex problem-solving and recognise the value of open discussion and collaborative effort. Your approach is very much 'hands-on' with a100% focus on positive outcomes. From a technical perspective, you will need an impressive track record in the management of complex, modern water and wastewater treatment plants, and a thorough understanding of the associated scientific and engineering principles.

https://www.mcarthur.com.au/jobs/details/principal-engineer-water-and-wastewater-treatment-operations/11569/

7. Position Available – Redland City Council

Asset Engineer – Asset Assessment Team

We have an opportunity for an Asset Engineer to join our Asset Assessment Team! This role provides high quality general Water and Wastewater engineering service and advice to maintain and improve the community standards. The successful candidate will project manage a multi-disciplinary team, creating and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, to advocate Council's policies and strategies for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This role is within a dynamic, friendly and collaborative team who are looking for someone with initiative and experience to lead as the subject matter expert.

To find out more about this role, click here.

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