40
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EPA collaborates with other regulators via an Interagency Working Group on Emerging Contaminants in Biota to better understand the risks of exposure to PFAS. The working group oversees a program to understand the extent of emerging contaminants, including PFAS, in waterfowl and recreationally caught fish in Victoria – this includes analysis of PFAS sampling in biota (fish and ducks) and the ambient environment (water, soils and sediment). Participating regulators include Parks Victoria, the Game Management Authority and the Victorian Fisheries Authority. 42 EPA shares updates and results from the studies via its website. 43
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EPA is also undertaking work with Agriculture Victoria to assess and better understand the distribution and elimination of PFOS in livestock. EPA advised that it is also working with Agriculture Victoria on the adequacy of the risk assessment models in use with respect to agriculture.
Since this commitment was made, IGEM has observed DTF's continued emphasis on the importance of regulators working together and sharing information, along with evidence of information sharing and collaboration between relevant regulatory agencies. IGEM therefore considers that the commitment has been addressed. IGEM also notes that the Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 promotes information sharing where appropriate, including through section 452(d), which provides that EPA may collect or use information from, or disclose information to, another government agency if necessary for research, and if in the public interest.
Finding IGEM considers this commitment has been implemented.
Recommendation 23 That the Victorian Government take a lead role in identifying safe levels of PFCs for water and soil in Australia. Government commitment: Continue to provide input (to the Commonwealth Government) into the development of such standards, while appropriately implementing them through its legislative and policy framework. Lead agency
EPA
Status
Complete
The inquiry found that standards for safe levels of PFAS in water, soil, food and human blood had not been established in Australia, reflecting a lack of scientific evidence as to what levels of PFAS pose a threat to human health. The absence of standards made it hard for regulators to monitor threats effectively. The government supported Recommendation 23 in principle but noted that the Australian Government was responsible for determining nationally consistent standards. The government committed to continue to provide input into the development of these standards and implement them through its legislative and policy framework.
42
Other working group members include the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.
43
Refer to www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/news-and-updates.
