The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has finalised its assessment of Cleanaway Solid Waste Pty Ltd’s application to amend its licence (L8904/2015/1) for the Banksia Road Putrescible Landfill Facility to allow the disposal of Special Waste Type 3 – PFAS-contaminated waste.
Following a detailed risk assessment, DWER has determined that the landfill’s infrastructure and Cleanaway’s proposed operational controls are appropriate to manage the risks associated with PFAS-contaminated waste that doesn’t exceed the concentration limits for a range of other contaminants for a Class III landfill. This is undertaken in line with the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 3.0 (PFAS NEMP) and the Landfill Waste Classifications and Waste Definitions (1996) as amended in 2019. Each consignment of PFAS-contaminated waste must be tested for suitability across a range of criteria before being brought to and accepted on site.
“PFAS are persistent chemicals that require careful management,” a DWER spokesperson said.
“Our assessment considered the construction and lining of the landfill cells, leachate controls, and long-term groundwater monitoring.”
Landfill cells at the site are constructed to Class III specifications, including a high-density polyethylene liner and leachate collection systems. The revised licence maintains requirements for ongoing PFAS monitoring in groundwater.
DWER’s review of Cleanaway’s 2024 groundwater monitoring report found that PFAS concentrations were consistent with background levels and below guideline thresholds.
“We’ve also considered the concerns raised during the public consultation process, and responses to these are detailed in the published Decision Report,” the spokesperson said.
The amendment was granted on 23 April 2025 and is now subject to a 21-day public appeal period under section 102 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
