The Environment Agency has published its Animal disease outbreak: disinfectant washwater disposal form. This necessitates registration and approval of proposals for the disposal of disinfectant washwaters during a known or suspected outbreak of infection.

The rationale must be the impact of disinfectant residues in the environment, and more so the possibility of incomplete disinfectant activity resulting in the release of viable pathogens to land and to water.

It’s a good idea, and there is some guidance as to what EA will expect to be done.

Why should this concern us? Well, as a microbiologist I think its very important. beyond that, it would logically include also disinfectant discharges from research and animal veterinary labs, and from veterinary activities, some of which might find its way to the clinical waste disposal sector. In extremis, this might extend to the wash water from cart washers in circumstances where wastes have arisen during an animal pathogen outbreak. By extension, it is not only the disinfectant residues that must be controlled, but far more importantly the possible discharge of live pathogens. Disposal to foul sewer should be adequate, but this too should be regulated.

Download the application form and associated guidance document from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-disease-outbreak-disinfectant-washwater-disposal-form