A new impact statement says Australia's per capita exposure to mercury is double the global average and raises serious questions about the performance of the pesticides regulator.
Federal and state environment ministers have released terms of reference for a review of the National Pollutant Inventory that could slash the number of sites required to report.
The Department of Environment and Energy has established a new section to develop strategies on contaminants used in firefighting foams and to consider controlling their use via an international treaty.
A new Department of Health consultation paper says legislation to be introduced next year will result in 70% fewer chemicals undergoing assessment before they are imported or used.
Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has amended hazardous waste regulations so Orica can export hazardous HCB waste to Finland for high-temperature incineration.
Orica today launched a fresh attempt to dispose of more than 10,000 tonnes of hazardous waste stockpiled in Sydney, applying for approval to export an initial 135 tonnes to Finland for destruction.