Responding to Rising EPA Pressures on Wastewater Compliance

Across Australia and New Zealand, industrial sites are facing increasingly strict environmental requirements. Regulators are tightening discharge limits for organics, nutrients, metals, PFAS, and a growing range of emerging contaminants. National guidance such as ANZG, along with EPA state regulations and site-specific licence conditions, now sets far more conservative thresholds for surface-water discharge and irrigation. These changes are placing pressure on existing treatment infrastructure that may have been operational for a decade or more, during which production volumes and discharge profiles may have shifted significantly.

Recent federal announcements confirm a major tightening of Australia’s environmental enforcement regime, with proposed penalties of up to $825 million for serious breaches and new provisions allowing regulators to strip operators of any financial advantage gained from non-compliance. The reforms also include expanded EPA powers to issue stop-work orders and intervene rapidly where an operation poses a risk of serious environmental harm.

Many industrial wastewater plants are struggling to keep pace. Ageing equipment and changes in production volumes, or manufacturing processes can all contribute to declining performance. This widening gap between regulatory expectations and plant capability is now one of the most common drivers for upgrades across the food and beverage, manufacturing, and mining sectors.

Hydroflux supports clients in closing this gap by designing and upgrading systems with a consistent and reliable performance. We specialise in complex upgrades that many providers avoid. While these projects can be challenging, we typically find a cost-effective way to integrate new treatment capability while making the most of existing infrastructure. Across all industrial sectors, these upgrades deliver more than regulatory assurance – they improve reliability, reduce operator intervention, and strengthen environmental reporting.

To stay ahead of tightening requirements, operators should periodically review key aspects of their plant’s performance, ensuring each stage of the treatment process is functioning as intended. Hydroflux can provide this type of assessment as part of a structured annual review, helping facilities identify risks early and plan targeted upgrades before compliance becomes a problem.

To to learn more contact us at [email protected], or call us on 1300 417 697.

About the Hydroflux Group

The Hydroflux Group aims to deliver the highest level of engineering and scientific know-how to the emerging issues of sustainability, climate adaptation and environmental protection with a specific focus on water and wastewater.

As part of its vision and mission, Hydroflux has always taken its climate responsibility seriously. In 2022, Hydroflux became Australia’s first water treatment and technology company to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its organisation and products. It knows that partnering with customers and clients is the most significant impact it can have in its journey. The Group employs over 100 staff and operates throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with office locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, and Suva.