Most of us know how important it is to safeguard our environment but are less aware of some of the dangers it faces. Environmental issues result from human production and waste, including plumbing. Fremantle Plumbing is here to educate you on the environmental challenges caused by the improper disposal of liquid waste. The first step in fixing a problem is recognising there is one.
Liquid Waste Disposal and Its Consequences
The human population produces all kinds of waste that harm the environment. In our daily lives, we can often help to minimise this in small ways, like not littering or buying single-use plastics. Liquid waste and its disposal are primarily the responsibility of businesses and companies; however, pouring things like paint down your household drain would count, too.
Australia has implemented several regulations to tackle liquid waste disposal, such as the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (New South Wales) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, enforcement and compliance remain challenging.
If you are a business owner, you need to ensure you are disposing of industrial waste correctly. If you are a customer or constituent, you need to know how to hold yourself and others accountable. Let’s delve into the details of improper disposal and the environmental consequences.
Improper Disposal
Let’s first understand what the term improper disposal means. Knowing the different types of liquid waste out there helps, too. Improper liquid waste disposal refers to the mishandling or irresponsible discharge of liquid waste. Here are some specific examples:
- Dumping Industrial Effluents into Water Bodies: Industries sometimes dispose of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater directly into rivers, lakes, or oceans. This can introduce toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and organic pollutants into aquatic ecosystems.
- Illegal Disposal of Sewage: Releasing untreated or partially treated sewage into rivers, streams, or land surfaces is a significant issue. This practice can spread pathogens, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- Agricultural Run-off: Improper management of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilisers and pesticides, can result in run-off during rain events. These chemicals can wash into nearby water bodies.
- Pouring Chemicals Down Drains: Disposing of chemicals, such as paints, solvents, and cleaning agents, by pouring them down drains can lead to contamination of municipal wastewater systems.
- Improper Disposal of Oil and Grease: Disposing of waste oils and grease from kitchens and industrial operations down drains or directly onto the ground can lead to clogged sewer systems and pollution of water bodies. Releasing Contaminated Stormwater Run-off: Urban areas often have stormwater systems that collect contaminated run-off from roads, parking lots, and buildings. Improperly managed stormwater can discharge directly into water bodies without adequate treatment.
- Dumping Medical Waste Liquids: Improper disposal of medical liquids, such as blood, body fluids, and chemical waste from hospitals and clinics, can spread infections and introduce hazardous chemicals into the environment.
- Improper Management of Mining Waste: Mining operations generate large volumes of liquid waste, including acid mine drainage and slurry. These can be improperly disposed of by releasing them into nearby streams or rivers.
- Discharging Contaminated Construction Wastewater: Construction sites often produce wastewater containing sediments, cement washout, and chemicals. Improperly discharging this wastewater into storm drains or natural water bodies can lead to significant water quality issues.
- Inadequate Treatment of Landfill Leachate: Landfills generate leachate, a liquid containing various contaminants, as it drips down through the waste. Improper management or inadequate treatment can result in the contamination of groundwater and nearby water bodies.
Environmental Impacts
Water Pollution
Australia is home to rivers, lakes, and a beautiful coastline, crucial for biodiversity, drinking water, agriculture, and recreation. Improper disposal of liquid waste into these water bodies can have devastating effects:
- Great Barrier Reef: Agricultural runoff containing fertilisers and pesticides can cause harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and damage coral reefs. This affects marine biodiversity, impacting fish populations and other marine life that depend on the reef.
- Murray-Darling Basin: Industrial effluents and agricultural run-off can introduce heavy metals, chemicals, and excess nutrients into this vital river system. These pollutants can contaminate drinking water supplies, harm aquatic life, and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.
Soil Degradation
Australia’s agricultural lands are essential for food production. Improper disposal of liquid waste, particularly from industrial and agricultural sources, can lead to soil contamination:
- Heavy Metals and Toxic Chemicals: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can seep into the soil, making it toxic for plants. When these metals enter the food chain, they not only reduce agricultural productivity but also pose risks to human health.
- Pesticides and Fertilisers: Excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers can lead to their accumulation in the soil, affecting its fertility and structure. This can result in reduced crop yields and loss of soil biodiversity.
Air Pollution
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous gases can evaporate from improperly disposed liquid waste, contributing to air pollution:
- Respiratory Issues: VOCs and other airborne pollutants can cause respiratory problems in humans and animals. Populations living near industrial areas or landfills with poor waste management practices are particularly at risk.
- Acid Rain: Pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can lead to acid rain, harming vegetation, aquatic ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Impact on Biodiversity
Flora and fauna are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Pollution from liquid waste can lead to the destruction of our local and loss of biodiversity:
- Aquatic Ecosystems: Water pollution can kill fish and other marine organisms. Chemical spills, for example, can kill fish, disrupt breeding cycles, and lead to a decline in species populations.
- Terrestrial Ecosystems: Soil contamination can harm plants and the animals that depend on them. Endangered species that rely on specific habitats can be particularly affected, leading to further threats to their survival.
Public Health Risks
The contamination of water and soil with hazardous chemicals from improper liquid waste disposal can pose serious health risks to humans:
- Drinking Water Contamination: Pollutants from industrial effluents and agricultural run-off can contaminate groundwater and surface water sources used for drinking. Exposure to contaminants like nitrates, heavy metals, and pathogens can cause a range of health issues, from gastrointestinal diseases to long-term illnesses like cancer (think of the movie Erin Brokovich!).
- Food Safety: Contaminated soil can affect crop quality, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances in food. This can pose health risks to consumers, particularly vulnerable populations.
Economic Impact
Environmental degradation caused by improper liquid waste disposal can have significant economic repercussions:
- Tourism: Natural attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and pristine beaches are major draws for tourists. Pollution can damage these ecosystems, leading to a decline in tourism revenue.
- Agriculture and Fisheries: Soil and water contamination can reduce agricultural productivity and fish stocks, affecting livelihoods and food security.
- Healthcare Costs: Increased health problems due to pollution can lead to higher healthcare costs and reduced quality of life for affected communities.
Responsible Plumbing with Fremantle
If you don’t want to be part of the problem, be part of the solution with Fremantle Plumbing. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to environmentally responsible waste management. So, contact us today and clear your conscience along with your liquid waste!