Newsgroups: rec.scouting
Subject: The Sensitive Poop
From: jim.speirs@canrem.com (Jim Speirs)
Date: Wed, 28 Dec 94 04:14:00 -0500

Article #R33.
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The Environmentally Sensitive Poop
Ben Kruser
The Leader, April 1992


One of the interesting literary obstacles to presenting an
article on this subject is knowing that many people have
difficulty talking about their bodily functions.  As an outdoor
organization, Scouting spends a good deal of time discussing,
training, and practising technical outdoor camping skills. 
Learning about proper sanitation practices is an important lesson
in basic camping.  We all know that the more clothing layers we
add the warmer we'll be and the greater will be the need to go to
the bathroom when we're finished dressing.

While it might be uncomfortable to address the topic of
defecation, the increasing public use of wilderness areas and
rising concerns for health make it necessary for Scouting to
explore the parameters of the high fibre experience.

To begin, a small hole called a cat hole, dug 10 cm to 25 cm into
the ground is recommended for one person's solid waste.  The
humus or top layer of soil contains the most active decomposers,
and will hasten breakdown.  For that reason, a deeper latrine is
not necessarily better or as environmentally efficient. 
Experienced campers suggest the relieve-yourself-first,
dig-later, approach.  Spreading a layer of dirt or replacing the
sod intact into the hole aids the biodegradation process and
keeps the smell down.

If your group has six or more people planning to stay camped for
a few days, dig a latrine.  Human diseases are carried through
our wastes.  Latrines minimize the likelihood that animals will
dig up these wastes and distribute disease.

To prevent pollution, do all bathroom functions well away from
water courses and marshes.   The recommended distance is at least
50 metres.

Water-Borne Disease

Giardia (pronounced JAR-deeya) is a common parasite that causes a
diarrhea infection, also known as "beaver fever" and "purple
burps".  When you drink contaminated water, Giardia enters the
body as a microscopic cyst.  Once inside the stomach the parasite
hatches out and causes intestinal problems.  Symptoms are:

- Onset of explosive diarrhea seven to 10 days after ingestion

- Foul smelling, loose (not watery) stools

- Abdominal distention, flatulence and  cramping, especially
after eating

- May include nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, headaches and
low-grade fever

The sad thing is that many of Canada's pristine rivers and lakes
now have Giardia, thanks to careless campers who defecate in or
close to water.  The disease is spread further by aquatic mammals
such as beavers and muskrats.

Health ministries now recommend that campers always boil their
water, no matter how clean it looks, for at least five minutes. 
This includes the water you use to brush your teeth.  And wash
your hands before handling any foods, since Giardia is spread by
a fecal-oral route.

Other Problems

For wilderness campers, there's also the question of toilet
paper.  Some prefer the stick, smooth rock, pine cone, or leaf
approach.  If you are one of these, beware of using grass that
can cut.  Never strip off entire branches for leaves and be
reasonably sure what leaf you are using.

If you use toilet paper, be sure it is well buried and not left
hanging about.  Some suggest burning it, but this method has
caused several forest fires, something you don't want to be
caught in with your pants down!

And what about bowel movements at winter camps.  What do you do
when the snow's too deep or the ground too frozen to dig a hole? 
In high use public winter camping areas, the thought of frozen
body wastes being washed into rivers with spring melt should send
shivers down our spines.  Again, make sure you are well away from
water course areas.  You then can dig a convenient stoop hole in
a snow bank to sit on, or use a can or plastic bag in your tent
and carry it far away from camp and traffic.

This leads to a discussion around a growing trend, both ethically
and regulatory, of packing out your waste.  With the rise in
pooper-scooper laws for dogs, more campers will start running
into similar expectations for people in high use public
wilderness areas.  Already in the U.S., many river trip
outfitters are required by law to pack out all solid waste.

Admittedly, the idea of carrying your body wastes in your
backpack is not only revolutionary, but somewhat revolting. But
then, perhaps it is no more revolting than having to pick your
way through a minefield of poop, sanitary napkins, and disposable
diapers at a local campsite.

And remember, to preserve environmentally sensitive areas such as
alpine meadows, we simply can't dig them up under any
circumstances.  The choice for Scout groups who want to explore
and enjoy these fragile areas in the future, if not now, will
include packing out their excrement until a more suitable habitat
or waste station is found.

The environmentally-sensitive poop may seem an absurd topic but,
at heart, it is a very important topic to think about.  And we
all know when we do our best thinking, don't we? 

Resources
How to S--t in the Woods, by Kathleen Myers; Ten Speed Press,
California
Explore Magazine, May #42, Earthwatch test
What is Giardia, Ontario Ministry of Health brochure