GROSS POLLUTANT TRAPS

INTRODUCTION
Gross pollutants traps are structures that use physical
processes to trap solid waste such as litter and coarse
sediment. They are commonly used as the primary
treatment because they mostly remove large, non-
biodegradable pollutants.
Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT) are filters that catch
stormwater pollution before it has a chance to enter
waterways. GPT can catch most of the litter and silt but it
cant stop chemicals from going into the environment. The
contents of the GPT are emptied on a regular basis and sent
to landfill.
 WHAT ARE GROSS POLLUTANTS?

Items classed as gross pollutants are:

- Domestic plastics (plastic bags, clingwrap etc)
- Industrial packaging
- Metals (aluminium)
- Plastic bottles Paper (including) cigarette butts
- Sediments
- Organics (grass and garden clippings etc)
HOW GROSS POLLUTANT TRAPS WORKS?

There are many different types of gross pollutant traps. All

of them perform a similar function: trapping litter and
sediment above 5 millimetres in size so that they can be
removed from the water system. By removing large
pollutants, downstream treatment of stormwater can occur
more effectively.
 HOW THIS ISSUE EFFECTS YOU?

By trapping the majority of solid stormwater pollution, GPTs

aid in enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the Hawkesbury
environment. If areas are free of gross pollutants it is
possible to enjoy recreational activities such as swimming,
boating and waterskiing.
 HOW THIS ISSUE EFFECTS THE
ENVIRONMENT?
Stormwater pollution can kill plants and animals that live in
the water.
For example, sediment in the water reduces light penetration
and affects photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to
use light as their source of energy When green waste decays
in water it uses up oxygen, taking vital oxygen away from
plants, fish and other aquatic animals Soil makes waterways
cloudy and can suffocate fish by clogging their gills Litter
clogs waterways and causes toxicity as it breaks down. It
affects the health of birds, fish and other animals and plants
that live in the waterways.
TYPES OF GROSS POLLUTANT TRAPS
LITTER BOOMS
 TRASH TRAP
 BANDALONG LITTER TRAP
 TRASH SKIMMER VESSELS
 ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS

Advantages of gross pollutant traps:

have a relatively small lateral footprint
are hidden from view
Limitations of gross pollutant traps:
provide limited removal of fine sediment and dissolved
pollutants
have a high cost of build
are complex to install
require regular cleaning
BOOTH PRESENTATION