home icon
search icon
menu icon
close
Prospective Students arrow_forward_ios Students arrow_forward_ios Alumni & Career arrow_forward_ios Lecturer & Staff arrow_forward_ios International Visitors arrow_forward_ios Information Systems arrow_forward_ios Accreditation & Achievement arrow_forward_ios Work Units arrow_forward_ios

> News > Universitas Sumatera Utara Implements Processes to Prevent Polluted Water Discharge

Universitas Sumatera Utara Implements Processes to Prevent Polluted Water Discharge

Published At

10 July 2024

Published By

-

USU’s water quality monitoring laboratories further strengthen this system by supporting academic research, environmental management courses, and early detection of pollution indicators. The combination of physical infrastructure and academic expertise enables the university to respond quickly if any potential water quality threats are detected.

Medan, Indonesia, 10 July 2024 — Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has developed a comprehensive water protection and pollution prevention system to ensure that no contaminated or untreated water is discharged into the environment. This integrated system, which combines engineering infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and independent monitoring, is designed to operate not only under normal conditions but also in situations involving operational incidents or pollution risks. It reflects USU’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and sustainable campus management.

According to the UI GreenMetric (UIGM) USU 2024 Sustainability Report, the university operates several Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) located at major facilities, including the Digital Learning Center, USU Hospital, and the Dental and Oral Hospital. Each STP is equipped with full biological and mechanical wastewater treatment capabilities and can process wastewater from toilets, laboratories, and greywater sources before it is safely discharged.

Comprehensive treatment and strict compliance

USU’s STPs use multi-stage treatment systems that combine aerobic and anaerobic biological processes with filtration, chlorination, and sedimentation to remove pollutants effectively. Through these treatment stages, both organic and inorganic contaminants are broken down or removed before the treated water is released into the environment.

The university adheres to national wastewater standards as set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Permen LHK) No. P.68/MENLHK/Setjen/Kum.1/8/2016, which regulates the quality of effluent discharged into natural water bodies. Only water that fully meets these standards is allowed to be released, ensuring minimal environmental impact and full compliance with Indonesian environmental regulations.

Independent monitoring and quality assurance

To maintain high water quality and reduce pollution risks, USU conducts regular third-party inspections of its wastewater systems. These assessments are carried out by PT SUCOFINDO, a government-accredited inspection and certification agency, and by the North Sumatra Provincial Environmental Agency (DLH).

The inspections measure key parameters such as pH, ammonia, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and coliform bacteria. Continuous testing ensures ongoing compliance and provides early warning signals if any irregularities appear, including those that may result from accidents or unexpected operational incidents.

This independent monitoring framework adds an important layer of transparency and accountability, reinforcing USU’s reputation as a data-driven institution that takes environmental responsibility seriously.

Infrastructure for runoff control and pollution prevention

In addition to STPs, USU manages stormwater and surface runoff to prevent pollution of nearby water bodies. Across its campuses, the university has installed rainwater retention ponds, infiltration wells, and bio-pore systems to slow down runoff, support groundwater recharge, and keep contaminants from entering rivers and drainage channels.

USU’s water quality monitoring laboratories further strengthen this system by supporting academic research, environmental management courses, and early detection of pollution indicators. The combination of physical infrastructure and academic expertise enables the university to respond quickly if any potential water quality threats are detected.

A proactive and preventive institutional system

Through multiple layers of engineering safeguards, external audits, and scientific monitoring, USU has built a robust pollution prevention framework that minimises the likelihood of untreated or contaminated water reaching the environment, even when accidents or operational incidents occur. Standard operating procedures, regular inspections, and early warning systems ensure that corrective actions can be taken promptly whenever risks are identified.

This comprehensive framework shows that USU, as an institution, does have formal processes to prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including in situations caused by accidents or incidents on campus. The approach is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which calls for improving water quality, reducing pollution, and minimising the release of hazardous substances.

By integrating regulatory compliance, preventive measures, and continuous monitoring, Universitas Sumatera Utara not only meets environmental standards but also demonstrates leadership in sustainable water management and environmental protection within Indonesia’s higher education sector.

News SDGs SDGs 6

Find Other News