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Pollution prevention at ANU

The ANU community is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, including environmental pollution. Pollution directly affects people by impacting on human health and, indirectly, through impacts on the campus ecology.

To manage pollution risks the University undertakes regular environmental risk assessments on campus using the Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment Method (CERAM). These have highlighted water pollution as the University's most pressing environmental protection issue. Prevention measures are progressively being put in place to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of water pollution originating from the campus.

There are two sets of drains on campus (and in every urban area). Drains inside buildings and in some outside under-cover locations, go to a sewage treatment plant so that liquid waste and contaminants can be removed before the water is pumped out into a river. Most of the outside drains flow straight to Sullivan’s Creek through stormwater drains without any treatment at all. Any contaminants that go into those drains also go straight to the creek and, eventually, into the Murray Darling River System. It is imperative that contaminants are kept out of the stormwater drains.

How you can help

• Prevent stormwater pollution
  Set up your work area carefully to prevent spills, and be prepared to contain a spill if it happens.
• Don't flick your butts
  Cigarette butts are wastes too. Don’t stub them out in a stormwater drain — use a bin or carry your own personal butt-bin.

ANU initiatives

Stormwater Sediment Traps

Stormwater sediment traps were installed at the School of Art in June 2002 to help prevent stormwater pollution. Sediment traps have also been installed in some high-pollution-risk workshop areas.

Stormwater drain labeling

The most visible drains on campus that flow to Sullivans Creek have been marked with the words 'Drains to Sullivans Creek'.

CERAM Risk audit reports

Each year, the ANU Pollution Prevention Officer undertakes an audit of campus to identify priorities for reducing pollution risks. See a summary of the findings on our reports page.

Links and resources

• Stormwater poster [pdf, 1.63MB] to spread the word
• Urban Stormwater Initiative
  Find out about Australian stormwater projects
• CRC for Catchment Hydrology's Urban Stormwater Quality program
• Sullivans Creek Catchment Group
  Want to get more involved in protecting Sullivan’s Creek? There are new wetlands and other initiatives further upstream. Contact the Sullivans Creek Catchment Group on 6125 8168 if you want to know more. You can also write to the group at GPO Box 1875 Canberra City ACT 2601
• Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment Method (CERAM)
  CERAM is a simple, cost-effective, rigorous and flexible method for assessing and reducing potential pollution from any operation. CERAM is used to prevent pollution by The Australian National University, and by environmental regulators and operators across Australia.