The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on a draft Contaminant Limits Guide designed to provide clarity and consistency around how contaminant limits are determined.
The draft Guide was developed in response to stakeholder feedback during the Independent Review of the Resource Recovery Framework. The Guide aims to improve transparency and consistency when the EPA assesses applications for specific resource recovery orders and exemptions for waste-derived fill materials. It also outlines expectations for sampling, statistical assessment and expert input.
The EPA is seeking feedback from councils, developers, resource recovery facilities, environmental consultants, site auditors, industry associations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and others involved in preparing, assessing, regulating or reusing fill materials. Feedback is being sought on the application of the risk-based approach and the investigation and screening levels outlined in the draft Guide, as well as the proposed contaminant limits.
The EPA is also seeking comments on sampling, statistical assessment and expert requirements, the clarity and usability of the Guide, and any technical or implementation challenges. Stakeholders can also raise additional matters or emerging issues they believe should be considered.
According to the EPA, feedback will be used to refine and finalise the Contaminant Limits Guide before its release. The consultation is open until 5pm on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
Submissions can be made through the EPA’s online survey, which is expected to take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Respondents can also upload a completed Comment Table and supporting documents as part of their response. Comments can alternatively be emailed to the EPA.
The EPA said feedback may include personal information such as a name, address, email address, internet protocol address and other information contained in a submission.
The EPA may publish all or part of feedback on its website, online consultation platform or in a consultation report. Respondents who want material withheld from publication are asked to identify this when making their submission.