Waste Water Disposal from Animal Houses, Laboratories & Aquaria This document is provided on the basis of relaying information only. Each situation regarding water disposal will be different and to this end the reader is responsible for ensuring that their disposal procedures are in accordance with recognised requirements. The University of Queensland has a responsibility to ensure water released from Animal Facilities is compliant with the relevant environmental legislation. The key statutory requirements being, The Water Supply Act (2008) and The Environmental Protection Act (1994) and subordinate legislation and regulations. Generally, the campuses are connected to local authority sewer. If the animal facility you are utilising discharges liquid waste to ponds (currently only the QASP Facility at the Gatton campus), you are required to ensure that it is chemically inert, free of any pathogens not typically found in the animals’ faeces and free of disinfectants. At point of discharge, regardless of facility, all liquid waste must comply with Trade Waste Guidelines. If there is no treatment between the discharge point and the local authority’s treatment plant, it is important that you ensure the water is treated prior to discharge as required. Liquid waste that is classed as contaminated is to be treated in accordance to the criteria as set out in the Trade Waste Guidelines. Risk assessments should also inform what can/can’t be discharged. To obtain more detailed guidance please refer to: UQ Sustainability Policies & Procedures The Environmental Protection Act (1994) Water Supply Act (2008) Trade Waste Guidelines For further information, please refer to: Sustainability Office Property and Facilities Division Level 5, Building 42 St Lucia Campus The University of Queensland Qld 4072 Email: sustainability@uq.edu.au http://www.uq.edu.au/sustainability/index.html