Upper Parramatta River Catchment Education Resource Kit, 2002

Geography Activities

AG6 - School Pollution Prevention Plan

Click here for Printer Friendly Version of this document

To investigate the ways in which the school may be contributing to stormwater pollution, divide the class up into research teams. Each team can be allocated a portion of school activities to survey. The checklist will help to identify potential risk areas in the day to day operation of the school.

Curriculum Links- 5A3 – Issues in Australian Environments

5.1 identifies, gathers and evaluates geographical information

5.2 analyses, organises and synthesises geographical information

5.3 selects and uses appropriate written, oral and graphic forms to communicate geographical information

5.9 applies geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to demonstrate active and informed citizenship.

Keeping School Grounds and Outdoor Surfaces Clean	Yes				No
Outdoor surfaces are never cleaned by hosing off dirt into the drain.
Outdoor surfaces are cleaned using a broom, vacuum or shovel.
Sweepings are properly disposed of away from stormwater drains.
Run-off from graffiti cleaning is prevented from entering the stormwater drains.
Stormwater drains around the school are free from pollution eg litter, grease, oil, leaves.
Maintaining Stormwater Drains	Yes				No
Garbage is covered and stored in an area where it cannot contaminate or pollute the stormwater drain during rain.
Spill clean up kits are kept on site and maintained.
Stormwater drains are kept free of litter, leaves and dirt.
Brooms are used to clean the surfaces around the school.
What other features does the school have in place to prevent stormwater pollution?
Handling and Storing Materials	Yes				No
Containers awaiting recycling or disposal are covered and properly labelled as to their contents.
Materials are handled carefully and the school is kept orderly to prevent spills.
Containers for storage of liquids are kept in properly covered and bunded areas.
Delivery areas are bunded to prevent possible contamination from spills and breakages occurring during transfer of goods.
Dumpsters and other waste containers are kept covered.
Education			Yes			No
(a) School stormwater drains are clearly marked with a suitable sign eg “This Drain Is Only For Rain”.
Signs are used to advise and remind staff and students of ways to avoid pollution in the school.
Your pollution prevention practices are publicised by the school and parents and staff are advised how they can help prevent pollution.
The school community is educated about water quality, waste management and procedures for preventing pollution.
The school community is encouraged to attend workshops or have other continuing environmental management training.
Protecting the Environment			Yes			No
When choosing products for use in your school, the most environmentally friendly product is always used.
Your school follows best environmental practice through all stages from purchasing through to minimisation and recycling of waste.
Your school looks for opportunities to use materials more efficiently to reduce waste.
Your school is actively involved in caring for the local creek and the environment.
What other school activities that could pollute stormwater even if all the practices outlined in this assessment were followed?
Stormwater Management		Yes		No
A spill prevention and clean up plan has been developed by the school.
Appropriate spill clean up equipment is kept on site.
The school community is familiar with the above plan and know how to respond promptly to a spill.
The school community is aware of the school’s commitment to protecting the environment.
The school community is aware of all current environmental legislation.

Managing Wastes

List the kinds of waste that your school generates and indicate whether or not it is hazardous and whether or not you recycle it. Recyclable materials include concrete, tyres, batteries, metals, oils, solvents, paper, glass, aluminium, plastic, sludge, computer parts, chemicals.

Type Of Waste	Hazardous	Recycled

Identify Risks

From the checklist, identify the areas of risk in the school operations. Make a list of the issues of concern. (Any “no” responses indicate an area that requires action).

Develop Action Plan

From the list of actions required prepared above, develop an action plan to address each risk. Use the tables on the following pages to assist the process.

Resources and Links

UPRCT Education Kit Information Sheets

· Biodiversity

· Environmental Legislation

· Flooding

· Impacts of Urban Development

· Water Pollution

· Weeds

· www.epa.nsw.gov.au/stormwater/hsieteachguide

Develop strategies to address risks

Risk (Issue to be addressed)	Strategy to address the risk

Develop Action Plan

Make a list of the actions that need to be taken to address stormwater pollution risks in the school. Decide who is responsible for taking these actions and when they need to be completed. It is important to involve the school executive in the plan.

What	Who	When

Priority / Issue	Strategy	Actions	Who	Date
1.





2.





3.





4.