Eliminating persistent organic pollutants in Pacific Island countries
Client
GHD Pty Ltd (for AusAID / SPREP Project)
Sector: Environmental Consulting
Region: 13 Pacific Island Countries
The Challenge
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as DDT, PCBs and Dieldrin had accumulated across Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in poorly managed stockpiles, posing serious risks to human health and fragile ecosystems. These remote nations lacked the infrastructure, resources, and regulatory capacity to safely manage or dispose of these chemicals.
Our Approach
Contracted by GHD Pty Ltd, Hatlar Group was responsible for field services across multiple islands, including:
- On-site identification, chemical testing, and categorisation
- Sorting, repackaging and labelling hazardous substances
- Coordinating secure containment for shipment
- Ensuring compliance with international protocols (Basel and Waigani Conventions)
- Supporting logistics for the safe transport to Australia for final destruction
All activities were executed under strict safety and environmental protocols, with in-country stakeholder engagement to support local awareness and capacity-building.
Results
Contributed to the successful removal of over 140 tonnes of hazardous chemicals from 13 Pacific Island nations
Enabled final destruction in Australia using advanced non-incineration technologies
Supported Australia’s strategic leadership in regional hazardous waste management
Enhanced local understanding and preparedness for future chemical management
Why it matters
This project exemplified a successful international collaboration involving Hatlar Group, GHD, national governments, and regional bodies like SPREP. By working together, the team delivered practical outcomes in remote and logistically complex environments. Hatlar’s on-the-ground expertise complemented GHD’s program leadership and AusAID’s policy support, demonstrating the power of coordinated action in achieving regional environmental health and compliance with global chemical conventions.
Hatlar Group
Hatlar Group is an environmental consultancy based in Melbourne, Victoria, providing waste management, process engineering, feasibility and safety services to industry and government across Australia and the Pacific.
