“Only a third of highly experienced skiers on multi-day trips carry their poo out, while only a fifth of less experienced visitors did the same,” said UOW. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
A study by the University of Wollongong (UOW) has suggested building toilets in remote areas of the Snowy Mountains to help reduce poo pollution.
Their research pointed out that as spring has started and the snow begins to melt, remnants of peoples used toilet paper and waste begin to be uncovered with experts saying there is more than expected.
In a survey conducted by the university, it was found that most people don’t carry out their waste to a proper disposal site, as recommended by the national park.
Some have suggested that it’s not really a big problem because animals poo where ever they want but experts say there can be a range of harmful effects from humans leaving their waste behind.
“Human poo deposited in winter won’t decompose until spring,”
“In popular areas, poo and toilet paper can pile up, which is an unpleasant visual for other visitors.
“And as the snow melts, it can carry poo into creeks, depositing cold-resistant viruses, bacteria like E. coli, and parasites such as giardia. If another skier eats contaminated snow or drinks the stream water, they can be infected.”
Their survey concluded that people were most comfortable using a toilet, rather than removing the poo themselves and its been suggested that toilets be installed in more remote areas to combat poo pollution.
However, real backcountry visitors have been opposed to this option as it takes away from the natural experience and can be expensive to remove the waste says UOW.
So to combat the poo problem, UOW recommends installing more toilets at entry and exit points while also improving campaigning around how to better dispose of human waste.
“Friends, websites, and outdoor recreation clubs are important sources of information about how to undertake a backcountry trip. To harness these sources, parks authorities could work with the wider backcountry community on the issue, with simple, targeted messages,” said UOW.
“Authorities should also make these locations clearly known on visitor maps and online, as well as making biodegradable bags or poo tubes available at entry points, information centres and gear shops.
“If we get this right, backcountry skiers will once again be able to enjoy the wildflowers. Let’s aim for spring has sprung – not spring has dung. ”
