Antimicrobial resistance may become the next big environmental compliance challenge. Here's how Fyfe is preparing.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer seen as just a health or clinical issue. It’s now widely recognised that wastewater, agriculture runoff, landfill leachate and other environmental factors play a role in spreading resistant organisms.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and Environments (SAAFE) all recognise AMR as an environmental issue.
These organisations (and others internationally), are highlighting the need to manage AMR across entire systems, including land, water and waste.
Fyfe’s Principal Environmental Scientist, Dr Brent Davey, is part of the small but growing group of Australian scientists and consultants actively exploring AMR in the environment.
So, what’s the concern?
In short, we now know that wastewater is a major carrier of resistant organisms and the genetic material that enables them. Environmental contamination (such as through waste streams, runoff and poor containment) contributes to the development and spread of resistance in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
With little to no formal regulatory guidance in Australia (yet), industry must start preparing now.
“AMR is likely to follow the path of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),” says Brent. “It’s on the radar, but regulations will take time. When they do arrive, we’ll need a new approach to biological risks in land and water.”
As with PFAS, we first saw scientific concern, followed by stakeholder pressure and industry awareness before strict regulatory frameworks and enforcements were put in place.
Fyfe is already drawing from its work in PFAS, site contamination and wastewater management to help clients take proactive steps. These steps are particularly important on projects where AMR is first likely to matter, such as site assessments for sensitive uses like childcare centres, schools or aged care developments.
We’re also advising on landfill and wastewater projects where biological contaminants are already a concern.
Our capabilities include:
- Site and contamination assessments
- Wastewater and groundwater monitoring
- Biological risk communication
- Risk mitigation planning.
In addition, Fyfe is actively engaging with industry and research bodies as Australia’s understanding of AMR risk grows.
Environmental AMR regulation will come. But there’s no need to wait for legislation before acting. Fyfe is helping clients understand the risks, adapt existing sampling protocols and integrate a biological-based approach.
Our integrated model, combining environmental science, engineering and geospatial analysis, means we’re uniquely placed to help industry get ahead of the next wave of compliance.
To find out more or to connect with our Environment team, please contact us.