STATEMENT- CALL FOR HALT ON STANDARD AS COVID19 SCIENCE BUILDS
WASTEWATER INDUSTRY WANTS BLOCK ON BUILDING STANDARD AS AIRBORNE COVID-19 RESEARCH GROWS
June 15, 2020 MR 0620-5
The National On-Site Providers Association (NOPA), representing on-site wastewater treatment suppliers, has called for states to halt their adoption of a current standard for domestic wastewater treatment, to help halt viral outbreaks.
The central standard for on-site, domestic wastewater treatment systems (AS1546:3.2017) effectively rules out innovative below-ground biological systems in favour of older, mechanical systems which disperse effluent above ground.
Most states will adopt the standard in 2021.
NOPA President Chris Taylor says this simply doesn’t make sense in the current environment.
“More and more research is expressing concern that COVID-19 and other similar viruses are infectious through airborne or aerosol dispersal.
It’s also clear that SARS viruses like COVID-19 can survive in fecal matter and in sewage.
It beggars belief therefore that Australian homeowners are effectively forced to build on-site wastewater treatment systems which disperse effluent above ground when proven technology exists for below ground dispersal.
Why are we encouraging that risk?”
NOPA is tracking scientific evidencewhich suggest airborne/aerosol infection risks and sources are still grey areas and which argue caution is the best policy.
“Until we have conclusive evidence,” argues Mr. Taylor, “shouldn’t we at least make it easy for homeowners to choose less expensive underground systems to be 100% sure they are protecting their family and community from airborne infection from this source?”
Further information please contact James Rose 0427 419 415
NOPA is a not for profit Association established to provide the wastewater industry with an Association, a voice and a forum for the provision of high quality, cost effective on-site design, effluent treatment, installation and discharge to the environment.
Our children should always be able to play safely in our rivers, our streams and their own back yards.