Safety Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 6: Public Health and Environmental Quality

SPPM 6.55

For more information contact:
   Environmental Health and Safety
   509-335-3041

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Responsibility

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), Facilities Services, Operations, Facilities Services, Capital, and other University departments are responsible for preventing air and water pollution in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Reporting Concerns / Emergencies

During Regular Working Hours

Contact EH&S; telephone 509-335-3041.

During Off-Hours for Concerns

Contact the Facilities Services, Operations dispatcher; telephone 509-335-9000.

During Off-Hours for Emergencies

Dial 911.

Pollution Sources

Air Pollution

Air pollution sources at WSU include the Steam Plants, Medical Waste Incinerator, Feed Plant, Seed Plant, Compost Facility, ethylene oxide sterilizers, laboratory fume hoods, open burning, and fugitive dusts generated during construction and other activities.

Water Pollution

Water pollution sources at WSU include road/parking lot runoff, construction activities, and farming practices. Industrial discharges to the sanitary sewer (or storm sewer, in some instances) include discharges from animal holding facilities, the Steam Plants, Medical Waste Incinerator, EH&S Treatment Facility, photo chemical waste processing units, sewage spills, as well as other discharges.

Storm Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Discharges

Departments and individuals are not allowed to discharge materials such as chemicals, waste oils, paints, soil, manure waste water, and other deleterious substances to either storm or sanitary sewers without prior approval from EH&S.

Contact EH&S; telephone 509-335-3041, for the proper disposal procedures for all nonradioactive materials. Contact the Radiation Safety Office (RSO) for the proper reporting and disposal procedures for radioactive materials or radioactive waste; telephone 509-335-8916.

Role of EH&S

Environmental Health and Safety helps assure that all applicable federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water pollution are met.

Services Provided

Environmental Health and Safety:

• Investigates pollution emissions and complaints.
• Reviews plans and specifications on new construction and remodel of facilities.
• Assists regulatory agencies during on-site visits and investigations.
• Upon request, evaluates potential discharges for compliance with permits and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Submits all applicable Air Operating Permit and Notice of Construction applications for air emission sources to the Washington Department of Ecology.
• Ensures that all Air Operating Permit and state Waste Water Permit monitoring, record keeping, reporting, and other compliance issues are met.
• Performs visual air emission monitoring.
• Submits all applicable federal, state and local permits for waste water and storm water discharges and Notice of Intent applications for construction activities.
• Provides sampling and analytical services for water pollution discharges.
• Marks storm drains to help prohibit waste material dumping.

Role of RSO

The RSO helps assure that all applicable federal, state, and local radiation control regulations are met with regard to radioactive discharges to the environment.

Services Provided

Radiation Safety Office:

• Reviews plans and specifications on new construction and remodeling of facilities.
• Submits all applicable Air Operating Permit and Notice of Construction applications for radioactive air emissions to the Washington State Department of Health.
• Ensures that all Air Operating Permit monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting, and other compliance issues are met regarding the use of radioactive materials.

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Revisions:  Jan. 2005 (Rev 57); Dec. 1997 (Rev. 17); Sept. 1986 – new policy (Rev. 2).