Sample Analysis in Accordance with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No.59 of 2008).

Environmental Pollution Laboratory has developed and implemented a series tests and TCLP extractions on liquid and solid wastes as directed by the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No.59 of 2008). In accordance with this act all waste to be discarded must undergo a risk assessment before disposal. This required assessment includes the analysis of any solid and/or liquid wastes for a list of Organic and Inorganic compounds as set forth in the draft legislation (See list of compounds below). All Organic analysis are done in-house, and we only outsource 2% of our Inorganic analysis to select partners.

A TCLP leach is required for any solid waste sample containing a listed compound above the prescribed minimum limit. The purpose of this leach is to realistically quantify the leachability of said contaminants found in solid wastes. As specified by the act, all leaches are done in accordance with the Australian Standard – Wastes, Sediments and Contaminated Soils AS4439. For the purpose of analysis two leaches are done – a TCLP Zero Headspace (ZHE) leach for volatiles as well as a TCLP Bottle leach for non-volatile inorganics. The ZHE leaching procedure is specifically designed to minimise loss of volatile compounds from the leach using a gas tight leaching vessel and its use is required for all organic analytes.

Different leach types are available depending on the type of waste received as specified in the AS4439 method, listed in the tables below. As the leach type is determined by the disposal method of the waste, leach fluid selection falls to each individual client and cannot be determined by the laboratory.

Waste Disposal Act – Full Requirements – List of Required Compounds