Environmental Health
The following are designed to ensure regulatory compliance and provide safe work practices related to air and water quality and management and disposal of unwanted hazardous materials.
Core Responsibilities
of the University’s Environmental Impact Programs
This list provides an overview of the guidance, oversight, and coordination related to the evaluation of current practices which may impact the environment, thus, the University’s Title V Air Permit and Stormwater Management Plan. Regulated waste management is addressed in a separate document.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of tasks or functions conducted by EHS personnel in support of the University’s air and water quality programs.
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Note: This is not a comprehensive list of tasks or functions conducted by EHS personnel in support of the University’s air and water quality programs.
Environmental Safety – Smoking Indoor Clean Air Act
As a state agency, the University of Utah is required to enforce the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all university buildings—whether leased, owned, or operated—as well as in state vehicles. Additionally, smoking is not allowed within 25 feet of any operable window, entrance, or air intake vent.
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Pollution Prevention: Storm Water
Only clean water should enter storm drains on campus. Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains do not lead to a treatment plant. Instead, stormwater runoff flows directly into natural waterways such as washes, rivers, or lakes without treatment. This makes pollution prevention essential to protecting the environment.
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Stormwater Management Program
The University of Utah is a Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) with a discharge permit that was issued by the Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) in April 2003. The University’s Storm Water Management Program Plan describes the MCMs, BMPs, measurable goals, target dates, and our program rationale.
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Core Responsibilities
of the University’s Hazardous Waste Management Program
The University of Utah’s Hazardous Waste Management Program is dedicated to ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous (non-radioactive) waste. This program provides direction, oversight, and coordination to maintain regulatory compliance and environmental safety. Key responsibilities include managing the Packaging Facility, developing contingency plans, removing hazardous materials no longer in use, and securing contractor services for waste disposal, including infectious waste disposal contracts.
This program also supports the university’s broader commitment to waste minimization, recycling efforts, and pollution prevention.
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Unwanted Hazardous Materials Disposal
Working with chemicals in a laboratory environment inevitably generates waste. Chemicals may become unwanted due to usage as a reactant, solvent, degreaser, or cleaner; process changes; expiration; or degradation over time. The chemical properties of these materials often classify them as regulated waste for transportation and disposal purposes.
The University of Utah follows the EPA’s Academic Lab Rule, requiring labs to refer to laboratory chemical waste as Unwanted Materials. This allows regulatory determination to occur at the university’s regulated waste management facility, alleviating laboratory personnel from making waste code determinations.
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Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials, also known as dangerous goods, pose an elevated risk to public health, property, or the environment during transit. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces regulations to ensure safe transportation. Anyone involved in shipping hazardous materials must receive training relevant to their duties. Regulated activities include packaging, marking, labeling, preparing shipping papers, driving, and loading. Failure to comply with regulations can result in fines or imprisonment.
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Household Hazardous Waste Use and Disposal
Everyday household products can pose serious risks if not handled and disposed of properly. From paints and cleaners to oils and pesticides, many common items contain hazardous substances that can harm human health and the environment. Understanding how to store, use, and dispose of these materials safely is essential to keeping our campus community and waterways clean.
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Refrigeration Equipment and Appliance Disposal
Refrigeration equipment and appliances often contain refrigerants such as freon gas, which is considered a regulated hazardous material for disposal. Various types of freon, coolants, and oils are found in appliances, and since identifying the exact type can be challenging, all are treated as potentially hazardous.
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Radioactive Waste Management
The University of Utah's Radioactive Waste Management Program ensures the safe collection, storage, processing, packaging, and disposal of radioactive waste. All activities comply with government regulations to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
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