Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), there are two frameworks that regulate the transport and disposal of asbestos. These are the regulated waste framework and the contaminated soil framework. The nature of the material being transported and disposed will determine which framework applies. A recent update has been made to the information available on the Asbestos Queensland website (see: https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/removing-or-disturbing-asbestos/transport-and-disposal-asbestos-waste/requirements-transporting-asbestos) that summarises when each framework applies and provides several examples for transporting asbestos.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When transporting asbestos contaminated waste (including soil) under the regulated waste framework:
- An environmental authority (EA) for ERA 57 (Regulated Waste Transport) must be held.
- The vehicle transporting the waste must be recorded on the EA, for the duration that the vehicle is utilised for transportation of regulated waste. The department provides Online Services allowing operators to update vehicles recorded on their EA at any time.
- The conditions outlined in the EA specify the responsibilities of the transporter which must be complied with.
- Waste Tracking must be completed and submitted to the department in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
When transporting asbestos contaminated soil under the contaminated soil framework:
- A soil disposal permit must be held where contaminated soil is being removed from land listed on the Environmental Management Register or the Contaminated Land Register.
- All conditions in the soil disposal permit must be complied with.
It is important that all transporters are aware of their obligations and refer to the legislation and the guidance available on the Asbestos Queensland website (see: Homepage | Asbestos).
If you have any questions about your obligations when transporting asbestos contaminated waste, please contact the department’s Permits and Licensing team at palm@des.qld.gov.au.
