Solid Wastes:
This waste stream is generally minor in its nature and is limited to artificial feed packaging, office waste paper, domestic garbage and lunchroom wastes.
The Queensland finfish aquaculture industry must not generate excessive solid wastes. Currently the feed used in finfish aquaculture is transported in paper or plastic bags.
A reduction in the level of feed packaging will reduce the costs associated with the storage and disposal of this packaging.
Finfish farm managers must, where reasonable and practicable:
- Liaise with feed suppliers in an attempt to maximise the use of recyclable packaging materials and minimise the use of non recyclable products;
- Recycle packaging material;
- Recycle waste products;
- Dispose of non-recyclable wastes in an appropriate manner, in accordance with local authority requirements;
- Determine sources of excess wastes and implement remedial management actions as necessary.
At times it is necessary for finfish aquaculturists to dispose of fish carcasses, where large numbers of fish have died. In such cases carcasses must be buried in an appropriate location and within an appropriate time frame. In the event that mortalities are due to disease or parasite infections, the procedures for disease management in this Code of Practice must be followed.
Environmental Contingency Plans Due to the difference in management techniques and site variability in the finfish aquaculture industry, the development of an industry contingency plan is not possible.
Each operator must develop in consultation with Administering Authorities, a satisfactory, site specific environmental contingency plan.
An environmental contingency plan1 must be in writing and take into account the following:
- There may be contamination of pond water in excess of normal management expectations (eg. spillage of a contaminating substance or failure of erosion control mechanisms);
- The contingency plan must be initiated to ensure that there is no or limited effect on the environment;
- There may be an escape or the potential for escape of non-endemic species from the site;
- Management techniques must be reviewed in the area specific to the problem;
- Specific procedures must be implemented until the breach is resolved and normal operating procedures are restored;
- Monitoring of environmental parameters must occur should a contingency plan be initiated;
- Consideration of notifying the Administering Authority upon implementation of contingency plan.
Environmental Complaints:
Complaints in regard to environmental issues of finfish farms may take two forms:
1. Receipt of a formal complaint from Administering Authorities;
2. Receipt of a written complaint from a third party.
Complaints will be recognised by finfish aquaculturists under this Code of Practice on the basis that the complaint:
- is in a formal or written manner
- notes the specific incident
- notes the specific concern or potential impact of the alleged incident
- notes the place of the alleged incident
- notes the date and time of the alleged incident
On receipt of a complaint made in the appropriate form, the aquaculturist will notify the Administering Authority in writing as soon as practicable of the complaint and will implement an internal investigation.
Such an investigation will include, a review of the relevant environmental records, communications with the responsible employee(s) and any other actions the finfish farm management deems as necessary.
The Administering Authority will be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation within thirty days of completion of the investigation.
In the event that a single incident is substantiated by the investigation, the finfish farmer must undertake a review of operating procedures to ensure that the incident is not repeated. If the incident identified is a continuing breach, the farm contingency plans must be implemented.
Environmental Records:
In order for aquaculturists to show they have operated in accordance with this Code of Practice, it is necessary for them to maintain adequate records in relation to environmental performance. The completion and maintenance of such records will assist operators with historical checks against which improvements can be measured and to ensure that performance standards are being maintained.
The compilation of records must include:
- Discharge and pond water quality data
- Approximate discharge volumes (±5%), where water is discharged into a waterway
- Rainfall records
- Correspondence with Administering Authorities
- Written complaints received by the facility
- A copy of all necessary approvals
- Sources, dates and details of fingerling, fish or broodstock delivery, receipt or collection
- Volumes and types of chemicals used in facilities.
In accordance with this Code of Practice finfish aquaculturists must conduct an annual review of their environmental records and management systems.
Code of Practice Review:
This Code of Practice must be reviewed by the Queensland finfish aquaculture industry on an annual basis. New technology must be incorporated where appropriate, based on its efficiency and effectiveness to minimise the environmental impacts of finfish aquaculture.
Review is the responsibility of the industry which should conduct the review in consultation with Administering Authorities. This review may require the formation of a working group representing all industry groups.
Information Prepared By:
Dallas J Donovan
Information Sourced From:
