Industrial Wastewater Management Guide for

ABATTOIRS

Kampala Pollution Control Task Force

2 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS
 About this guide

This Wastewater Management Guide provides abattoir operators, regulatory agencies and
others with practical information about mitigating water pollution from abattoirs.

The objectives of the Guide are:

To provide abattoirs with a reference tool for managing

wastewater.

To help better understanding of the need for wastewater

management and the associated benefits.

To provide key information on the existing institutional and legal

framework as well as best practices for cleaner production and
resource recovery and reuse optimization.

This Guide has been developed in close consultation with key stakeholders and through
review of relevant literature regarding best practices and cleaner production in abattoir
operations. In addition, formal and informal technical discussions with members of the
Kampala Pollution Control Task Force (PTF) have been used to generate expert opinion
on wastewater management for abattoirs.

The preparation of the Guide has been supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Reform of the Urban Water and Sanitation Sector
Programme (RUWASS) as well as the International Water Stewardship Programme
(IWaSP), implemented by GIZ on behalf of German Development Cooperation and DFID.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE 3

Why wastewater management?

It’s the law

Proper management of wastewater is required by law. Failure to comply with regulatory
and legal requirements may lead to fines and/or other penalties.
(See page 10)

It’s better for the environment

Toxic pollutants released in wastewater cause damage to the environment, affecting plant
and animal life.

It’s better for public health

Toxic pollutants in wastewater contaminate surface water and ground water, and may end
up in the food chain, exposing people to serious public health issues.

It makes financial sense

Water is a resource like any other, and therefore has an associated cost. The more water
used, the higher the costs. By reducing the amount of water used, and by recovering and
reusing water wherever possible, companies can save money and be more competitive.

In many cases pollutants in wastewater represent wasted raw materials. When properly
handled, these can be recovered and reused leading to cleaner wastewater and cost
savings on materials for companies.

Reducing the pollution load in water sent for treatment by NWSC will reduce the cost of
treatment. This may in turn translate into reduced costs of water procured from NWSC.

4 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

When released into water sources, the organic load associated
with abattoirs degrades using oxygen, reducing levels of
dissolved oxygen in the water body. This may kill or drive away
fish. The reduced fish catch in Lake Victoria’s Murchison Bay
may partly be attributed to high organic load pollution.

Almost all the surface and ground water in Kampala is polluted

and the city’s inhabitants are therefore exposed to serious
health risks associated with water pollution. According to
Ministry of Health and KCCA, last year’s outbreak of typhoid
was partly due to polluted surface and ground water.

After implementing water conservation measures, Ngege Fish

Factory reduced its water consumption from 11.8m3 per ton of
raw fish to 8.2 m3 per ton of raw fish (30.5% reduction in water
usage) translating into savings of $6,338 per year.

For example, since 2010, Leather Industries of Uganda’s

investment in cleaner production to prevent pollution and
reduce resource consumption has led to a savings of $2.2m
(about UGX7.5b) against investment of $1.7m (about UGX5.6b),
which represents a healthy return of 130% over six years.

WHY WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 5

What to avoid

IMPROPER CLEANING IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF POUCH NO ROOF COVER ON PROCESSING

METHODS MANURE AREA
Manual cleaning using basic Pouch contents washed away Lack of protection from the
equipment ➡ Pollution & waste elements
➡ More water and cleaning ➡ Stormwater contamination
agents used

IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF GROUND COVER NOT IMPROPER HANDLING OF OPEN DRAINS AND
LAIRAGE EFFLUENT IMPERMEABLE BLOOD BY-PRODUCTS RUNOFF
Untreated animal Organic load mixes with Blood drained out on Fats, blood and solid
sewage in wastewater water and seeps into the ground waste are washed away
➡ Pollution & waste groundwater ➡ More organic load in ➡ High organic load
➡ Pollution & public wastewater
health issues

6 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

 Managing wastewater

EFFECTIVE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT RELIES

ON A TWO-STAGE APPROACH
Reducing the amount of Ensuring wastewater is
wastewater generated as clean as possible

Making processes more efficient and Ensuring end-of-pipe wastewater is properly

reusing water wherever possible will lead treated and meets effluent discharge
to an overall reduction in the amount of standards will lead to a reduction in toxins
wastewater generated. entering the environment.

STEPS TO REDUCE WASTEWATER GENERATION

Use pre-clean and dry cleanup methods before wet cleaning. This
reduces the volume of water used and the volume of wastewater
generated.

Use the minimum amount of cleaning agents and detergents. This

saves on the costs of cleaning agents in addition to minimizing the
amount of cleaning agent pollution in wastewater.

Avoid use of wastewater streams as a transport medium. Transfer

solids and particulate matter by mechanical means.

Ensure employees are trained and aware of how to minimize water

usage and wastewater generation.

Fit drains with screen and/or traps to prevent solid materials from
entering the effluent system.

MANAGING WASTEWATER 7
 BEST PRACTICE AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Use high pressure Roof or isolate unload-

hoses fitted with ing areas, stockyards
automatic shut off and processing plant to
spray nozzles to minimize contamination
prevent water loss/ of stormwater, wastewa-
wastage. Use cool ter and wash water.
water for washing
carcasses to reduce
removal of fats. Fit drains with screens/
sieves which act as a
filter, catching the solids
but letting the water
through. Install fat traps
in drainage channels
to remove suspended
solids and fats.

The process area should have Optimize chemical use and

an impermeable ground cover, ensure all water from washing
preferably concrete, graded to and cleaning is directed to a
wash down drains. collecting container.

Animals should be left to bleed

for a minimum of 7 minutes in an
area fitted with troughs to direct
the blood flow into the blood
collection area. It is recommend-
ed that blood is collected and
used for human consumption or
animal feed production.

Empty paunches without water

first and then rinse the sack
using an efficient water spray
system. Paunch manure should
be composted and marketed as
fertilizer or soil conditioner.

All collected wastewater

should be sent to the treat-
ment plant for treatment prior
to reuse or discharge.

8 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

 Managing wastewater

EVERY ABATTOIR FACILITY SHOULD

HAVE AN EFFLUENT TREATMENT
PLANT

Drainage from the lairages must be separated Small and affordable

from other effluents and directed to municipal effluent treatment
sewage connections where possible. Where no such plants can be assembled
connections exist, lairage effluents should be treated using locally available
(separately) prior to discharge. equipment.

BIOGAS
PRODUCTION 1 ANAEROBIC
TREATMENT 2 AERATION
3 SEDIMENTATION
4 DISINFECTION &
FILTRATION
Biodegradation of Micro-organisms Stimulates bio- Removes suspended Removes any
organic load from break down degradation solids from remaining bacteria
abattoirs produces biodegradable of pollutant wastewater. from water making
methane which can materials. components. it ready for reuse or
be captured. discharge.

Sludge removed from Treated wastewater that has been Regularly monitor treated water
treatment plants can be disinfected and filtered can be being discharged to ensure
dried and used/sold as reused for cleaning floors. compliance with effluent
manure. standards.

MANAGING WASTEWATER 9
Wastewater regulations

Abattoirs should be aware of and comply with the following basic legal requirements for the
operations with a special focus on waste and wastewater.

Permit/License/Certificate Law/Regulations Fee (UGX)

EIA Certificate of Approval • National Environment Act Cap 153 If project/business cost
(for new, expansions or refurbishments) • National Environment (Impact is:
Assessment) Regulations, 1998
<50M 250,000
50M-100M 500,000
100M-250M 750,000
250M-500M 1,000,000
500M-1B 1,250,000
1B -5B 2,000,000
>5B 0.1% of the project cost

Note: The developer also incurs costs for consultant

who carries out an EIA

Pollution License • National Environment Act Cap 153 Determined in accordance with Polluter Pays
(for activities polluting the environment Principle
in excess of standards)

License to Own and Operate • National Environment (Waste)

Management Regulations, 1999
Application fee
License fee
50,000
300,000
a Wastewater Treatment
and Disposal Plant

Wastewater Discharge • The Water Act, Cap 152 Permit processing fees 650,000
• The Water (Waste Discharge) Annual discharge fees depend on volume
Permit Regulations SI 152-1 and the biological and
physiochemical quality
of waste

The charges range from 500,000 to 13,000,000 and

are calculated based on the criteria set out in the
regulations

License for Waste Storage • National Environment (Waste) Application fee 50,000
Management Regulations, 1999 License fee 200,000

License to Transport Waste • National Environment (Waste) Application fee 50,000

(this can be outsourced to licensed waste Management Regulations, 1999 License fee 100,000
transporters) • Basel Convention on Trans-boundary
movement of wastes, in case the
batteries are imported
Note: If transportation is outsourced, the cost
depends on negotiation with the transporter

Suitability of Premises • Public Health Act Fee 200,000

Certificate
- Medical Examination (required for • Public Health Act Fee 20,000 per person
Suitability of Premises Certificate)

Approval for Discharge into • National Water and Sewerage

Corporation Act, 1995
80% of water bill
If not NWSC customer, water consumption is esti-
NWSC Sewerlines mated

10 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

Issuing Authority How to Apply Validity

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Carry out an EIA (EIA conducted by certified Has no validity period but it is
EIA practitioners) subject to implementation of the
project starting within five (5) years
Submit to NEMA for consideration from the date of issuing an EIA
certificate of approval

Pollution Licensing Committee (PLC) - NEMA Apply to PLC through NEMA as a Validity period – determined by
secretariat with documents indicating the the discharge i.e. how long will the
characteristics and quantity of wastewater facility require before rectifying the
that will be discharged problem

Pollution Licensing Committee (PLC) - NEMA Carry out an EIA and obtain an EIA One (1) year
Certificate of Approval

Apply to PLC through NEMA as a secretariat

and attach the plant designs

Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) - Install a wastewater treatment plant Permit duration between one (1)
Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) year and three (3) years
Start operations, and then: apply to
Director, DWRM

Pollution Licensing Committee (PLC) – NEMA Apply to PLC through NEMA as a secretariat One (1) year

Pollution Licensing Committee (PLC) - NEMA Apply to PLC through NEMA as a secretariat One (1) year

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Apply to KCCA for certification One (1) calendar year
KCCA inspects and makes a decision

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) KCCA examines and makes a decision 6 months

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Must first pre-treat wastewater to meet Open
standards for discharge into sewer
lines, apply for approval from sewerage
department or water quality management
department, NWSC for connection

REGULATIONS & RESOURCES 11

Periodic checks

Periodic checks and audits form an important part of a strategy to identify inefficient use of resources,
inadequate management of waste, and opportunities for improvement. Increasing the efficiency
of the utilization of resources, and reducing and avoiding the generation of pollutants is integral
in protecting and improving the environment, ensuring the health of human beings, promoting
sustainable development, and generating economic benefits to businesses.

Below is a summary of periodic checks that may be applicable for abattoirs.

MANDATORY CHECKS
Type Responsible Frequency Fees Procedure
institution

Compliance National Environmental

Management Authority
Annual No NEMA fees, only
the Environmental
Engage a
NEMA certified
Environmental (NEMA) Auditor needs to be Environmental
Audit paid Auditor. (List
available from
NEMA)

RECOMMENDED CHECKS
Type Responsible Frequency Fees Procedure
institution

Adoption Uganda Cleaner

Production Centre (UCPC)
As and when
required
UCPC fees depend
on the size of the
Contact UCPC for
more information
of Cleaner enterprise
Production Small – up to $2600
Practices Medium - up to $3800
Large - up to $6600

Self-Internal Firm/NEMA As and when

required
Environmental Auditor
fees - depend on the
Engage a
NEMA certified
Audits magnitude of work Environmental
Auditor. (List
available from
NEMA)

12 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

 Directory

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

Website: www.nemaug.org
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256 414 251068

Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) - Ministry of Water and

Environment (MWE)

Website: www.mwe.go.ug
Tel: +256 414 505942

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)

Website: www.kcca.go.ug
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256 204 660800

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC)

Website: www.nwsc.co.ug
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256-313 315 100/312-260 414/5

Uganda Cleaner Production Centre (UCPC)

Website: www.ucpc.co.ug
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256 414 287938

Licensed Waste Handlers

A full list of licensed waste handlers is available from NEMA. It can be downloaded from the
NEMA website by going to http://nema.go.ug/index.php/enviromental-mgt-complaince/waste-
handlers and clicking on “Click here to download full document”.

For further information or enquiries call the NEMA Hotline on any of the following numbers:

+256 414 251064 +256 414 251065 +256 414 251068

REGULATIONS & RESOURCES 13

 Kampala Pollution Control Task Force

The Kampala Pollution Control Task Force (PTF) was formed with support from the
GIZ RUWASS Programme. It comprises of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the
Ministry of Waster and Environment’s Directorate of Water Resource Management
(DWRM), the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and National
Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)
and Uganda Cleaner Production Centre (UCPC) were also brought on board to
enhance the engagement of the industrial sector through a Public-Private Dialogue
(PPD) regarding Cleaner Production and improved resource recovery and reuse
efficiency, with a focus on water, waste and energy optimization.

Key priorities of the task force include the following:

• Information exchange and collaboration among key government

institutions including: DWRM, KCCA, NEMA, NWSC to jointly engage the
public and private sector about legal provisions and regulations on
wastewater discharge and pollution control.

• Launch campaigns to enhance compliance to DWRM/NEMA permit

regulations regarding wastewater discharge.

• Conduct joint industrial assessments and disseminate pollution

monitoring information to the public and private sector.

• Engage potential priority polluters and the private sector in general in

a dialogue with the public sector through the Kampala Public – Private
Wastewater Dialogue on wastewater management and pollution control
to increase awareness and trust.

For more information please vist the PTF webpage at:

http://www.kcca.go.ug/pollution-control-task-force

14 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT GUIDE - ABATTOIRS

Also available in this series are Industrial Wastewater Management Guides
for the following industries:

Battery Recycling Industries

Paint Industries
Soft Drink Industries
Dairy Industries
Textile Industries
Garages
Steel Rolling Mills

National Environment Management Authorityy

E NS

T
EN
UR

IN
P

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

G LO
SU E VE
S TA I
Ministry of Water and Environment NABLE D