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Inadequate Faeces Disposal in Back-country Areas, Tasmania: Environmental Impacts and Potential Solutions
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 20:23 authored by Kerry BridleKerry Bridle, Von Platen, J, Leeming, R, James KirkpatrickJames KirkpatrickIn Australia and overseas, park managers have long expressed concern about human waste management, especially along popular overnight walking tracks. Within Australia, states have implemented Minimal Impact Bushwalking guidelines (MIB) for day and overnight park users. In Tasmania, these guidelines advise walkers to bury their toilet waste in a hole approximately 15 cm deep and 100 m away from campsites or water sources. Data presented in this paper show that these guidelines are not being followed. A number of deposits of poorly buried human waste were found within 50 m of a popular hut in one national park. The impact of nutrient additions from human urine and faeces on soils and vegetation was limited to within a few metres of the hut. Human faecal contamination was detected in small pools near the hut. Management options for influencing the behaviour of overnight walkers are discussed within the framework of a 'limits to acceptable change' model.
History
Publication title
Australasian Journal of Environmental ManagementVolume
14Pagination
58-67ISSN
1448-6563Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
Environment Institute of Australia and New ZealandPlace of publication
AustraliaRepository Status
- Restricted