River Murray flood

Animal carcasses must be removed without compromising the more pressing needs of farmers, residents and emergency services. The EPA will render assistance to farmers and emergency services to undertake this necessary activity while protecting water resources.

The EPA and PIRSA recommend that affected farmers and residents contact their insurers prior to disposal of stock.

This information will assist farmers and emergency services in the initial review of the safe and appropriate disposal of animal carcasses under local conditions, and should be read in conjunction with PIRSA advice.

Preferred method of disposal

Isolated carcasses located throughout a property in the order of 10 per hectare (10/Ha) can be left to decompose naturally on site.

Dry rendering at an abattoir is the usual preferred method of carcass disposal, but this may not be a viable option. Burial is the preferred option for disposal of larger numbers of carcasses.

On-farm disposal of animal carcasses

For information on the handling and removal of asbestos, refer to the guideline Wastes containing asbestos – removal, transport and disposal and the Asbestos disposal fact sheet.

For more information on the management of flood-damaged asbestos, see the Asbestos SA website.

The chemicals and heavy metals present in CCA-treated timber poses a risk to ground and surface water quality, human and animal health, and soil quality.

Do not dispose of CCA treated timber by burning or burying on site.

For further information on how to manage and dispose of CCA timber waste, please see the Guideline on copper chromated arsenate (CCA) timber waste—storage and management.

After a flood, water in rainwater tanks may contain contaminated water and debris. Residents may wish to drain and discard the water to a watercourse and clean the tank.

SA Health has advised that in most cases, potable mains water will remain safe. Check out this fact sheet to ensure that your rainwater supply is suitable for drinking. 

When handling flood-affected, unlabelled or damaged chemicals and their containers, appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn to avoid contact and inhalation. This includes but is not limited to wearing impermeable gloves, eye protection, protective face mask/dust mask, clothing with long sleeves/pants and suitable enclosed footwear.

Stock, pets and children should be excluded from affected areas to prevent contact, inhalation and ingestion of harmful chemicals.

Storage and disposal

If flood-affected, unlabelled or damaged chemicals and their containers are to be stored/stockpiled prior to disposal, storage should occur in a bin or container which can contain any leakage.

Alternatively, such items can be stored on an impermeable surface such as concrete, paving or bitumen and be covered to prevent leaching and further dispersal of chemicals to the surrounding environment.

A licensed waste transporter (listed in the Yellow Pages) should be used to transfer chemical wastes safely to an appropriate landfill site.

Dredging and excavation of soils may be required to reinstate vessel channels, boat mooring/launching areas, or remove sand/soil that has subsided from river banks. Spoil may be contaminated and therefore any stockpiles must be located at an appropriate distance from waterways so they are not likely to re-enter waterways.

For further information on how to undertake dredging and manage excavated soils, please refer to the Dredge guideline.