Reducing Marine Pollution

The University of Newcastle’s Environmental Sustainability Policy sets out our commitment to protect waterways, wetlands and coastal areas and to prevent pollution of water systems and aquatic ecosystems, including pollution arising from land-based campus activities.

The policy took effect on the 8th of December 2022 and was in force during 2025. It linked the University's environmental commitments to campus and facilities management, research, teaching and community engagement.

Under the Water section of the Environmental Sustainability Policy, the University committed to:

" Prevent the pollution of our water systems and aquatic ecosystems. "

The same policy also committed the University to protecting the waterways, wetlands and coastal areas on which it operates and to conserving the wetlands and aquatic ecosystems associated with its campuses.

How We Reduce Pollution from Campus Activities

Preventing marine and waterway pollution starts on land. The University combines infrastructure standards, water-sensitive design, waste reduction and spill controls to reduce the risk of pollutants reaching local waterways and, ultimately, coastal and marine environments.

  1. Stormwater and Drainage Controls
    The University's Hydraulic Services Design Standards, Version 2.0 (November 2024), set minimum requirements for stormwater and subsoil drainage across University buildings and facilities. All stormwater and subsoil discharges must meet applicable water-quality and discharge-rate requirements from local water authorities, local councils and the NSW EPA. The standards also require erosion and sediment controls for new developments and refurbishments that affect stormwater runoff.
  1. Water-Sensitive Urban Design 
    Water-sensitive urban design is incorporated into new buildings and public-domain redevelopment. University design standards call for approaches such as bioretention swales, rain gardens, stormwater filtration and rainwater capture and reuse, helping slow and treat runoff before it enters downstream waterways.
  1. Reducing Plastic Pollution 
    The University's Plastic Free initiative works with staff, students, retailers and partners to reduce single-use plastics and shift towards reusable, compostable and plastic-free alternatives. The program set a goal to remove single-use plastic products from key campus areas by the end of 2025, helping reduce the amount of plastic that can enter local waterways through litter and stormwater.
  1. Managing Spills and Hazardous Materials 
    Facilities and grounds teams have access to spill-response equipment, while laboratory and chemical-management processes require safe storage, spill containment and scheduled chemical-waste collection. These controls help prevent chemicals and hazardous materials from entering drains, soil and waterways. Learn more about the University's chemical spill and waste management arrangements.

These measures connect University policy with practical action across campus infrastructure, waste management, and pollution prevention, helping protect local waterways and the coastal and marine ecosystems they support.

Researching Pollution and Aquatic Ecosystem Health

University researchers also study the effects of contaminants such as microplastics, nutrients and heavy metals on estuarine and marine organisms. This research helps build a better understanding of how pollution affects aquatic ecosystems and supports evidence-based environmental management.

Video

How big is the small plastics problem? 3:46