Colleges and Universities a Hot Spot for EPA Regulatory Attention
Rightly so, colleges and universities are being held to the same high standards as private institutions when it comes to EPA compliance. Larger educational institutions, in particular, operate like small cities with regards to their facilities and the environmental management issues that must be controlled. For example, most large campuses contain research labs, power plants, wastewater treatment facilities, water supply sources, and ground maintenance—all of which require careful monitoring.
What Happens When Universities are Non-Compliant with EPA Regulations?
Campuses that violate EPA policy face consequences that go beyond environmental damage: the EPA imposes strict fines for infractions, and they publish the names of campuses that violate regulations. (And that's a publicity wave no one wants to ride.)
Cases where campuses have been cited and fined for violations are more common than one might think. Educational institutions across the nation have been penalized for significant compliance problems, including improper handling or disposal of hazardous waste, clean-air violations from boilers and furnaces, improper underground storage tank monitoring, poorly-managed sewage treatment facilities, and improper disposal of lead-based paint and asbestos.
Be Proactive: Use Self-Audits To Help Prevent Problems
One great way to help your institution avoid EPA compliance issues is to establish a self-audit program, following the EPA's Audit Policy. By being proactive, you'll be able to identify and correct potential problems before they become more serious and costly.
The EPA strongly encourages campuses to conduct self-audits, and the EPA will even provide incentives to universities that conduct environmental audits. With proper legal planning, campuses that self-report and promptly correct violations can avoid fines associated with discovery and disclosure.
For those who need or want help with conducting a professional or professional led audit, services are available.
Employ an Environmental Management System (EMS)
In addition to a self-audit program, campuses can reduce their exposure to EPA violations by implementing a thorough EMS program. A well-designed EMS system provides a framework for campuses to achieve environmental health and safety goals by establishing a continuous cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing, and improving processes that affect the environment.
Before choosing an EMS program, look for one specifically tailored to campus settings; off-the-shelf EMS programs are designed for industrial settings, and they don't work as well in the dynamic campus environment.
At WasteStrategies, we've specifically devised an EMS for college and university campuses. We invite you to learn more about it.
For questions regarding environmental management for your campus, visit www.wastestrategies.com or call 866-241-1134.
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