Environmental Issues

Chemical Releases into the Environment

Waste Disposal

Chemical Releases into the Environment

The storage of materials that, if spilled, would cause groundwater contamination, is prohibited in rooms that have floor drains connected to the storm sewer system. Drains not connected to the sanitary sewer system cannot be used to drain away floor cleaning materials or compressor blowdown.

If an accidental release of a chemical to the environment occurs, the contractor must notify Public Safety immediately at 911. Public Safety will contact the Facilities Manager of Environmental Compliance or EHS. A release to the environment may include a spill directly into water (including groundwater) or a spill directly onto land.

Occasionally, roofing and other types of contractors test waterproof membranes or pipe systems with a non-toxic colored dye. Notification of a tracer dye release, including date, time and color to be used, must be reported to either Public Safety at 258-3134 or Environmental Health & Safety at 258-5294 at least 24 hours in advance. An MSDS for the dye to be released should be faxed to EHS at 258-1804.

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Waste Disposal

All contractors must take precautions to ensure hazardous chemicals or materials are disposed of in accordance with federal and state regulations. Materials which may not be disposed in regular trash include, but are not limited to, used solvents or oils, building materials which may contain asbestos, lead paint chips, sand-blasting grit which may contain lead paint, and unwanted paints and stains.

Contractors are responsible for removing hazardous wastes from the work site and disposing of them properly. No hazardous materials may be left on campus without the written approval of Environmental Health & Safety.

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