Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management
 

Environmental Health

Hazardous materials management      

Identification

Identification of potentially hazardous materials begins with comprehensive reviews of the Material Safety Data Sheets.  Consideration is given to chemical and physical characteristics, proper procedures for storage & handling, and recommended personal protective equipment.  A high priority must be established to the possibility of substituting a less hazardous material.  All persons involved with hazardous materials must be made aware of the potential risks and precautions.  In accordance with federal regulations, copies of all Material Safety Data Sheets must be available to affected employees.  Additionally, a copy must be sent to the central file in this office.

Inventory monitoring

Maintaining the Inventories of hazardous materials is a continuous responsibility of those persons procuring and using the substances.  Storage areas must be secured and posted with warnings applicable to the nature of the materials.  Materials that have been contaminated or are stale must be stored away from those in inventory, and prepared for removal from campus.

Release and containment

Release response and containment procedures are outlined on the Material Safety Data Sheets, and must be available to responders.  This office has a variety of containment and absorptive materials to assist with controlling release incidents.  Additionally, hazardous material response contractors are available through this office to provide extra equipment and personnel for large or complex spills.

Disposal

Disposal of hazardous wastes must comply with federal, state and local laws.  To assist with the proper labeling, packaging, transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes, we have arrangements with licensed contractors.  Areas generating hazardous wastes that coordinate disposal through this office include Biology, Chemistry, Medical and Maintenance.  If there is doubt as to the proper procedure, contact this office.

Indoor air quality       

Asbestos abatement procedures

Asbestos abatement procedures are strictly followed by qualified contractors.  These procedures have required sealing off parts of buildings, shutting off HVAC systems and other steps that contain asbestos fibers and protect personnel.  Air monitoring during and after abatement procedures provide assurances of non-contamination and  successful abatements.

Mold prevention, detection and abatement

Mold prevention is a serious concern as it tends to accumulate and grow in about a week in environments with high humidity and minimal air movement.  Students are advised not to block air vents in residential rooms and to dry wet clothing & towels as soon as possible.  Leaks from rain storms and plumbing must be reported quickly in order to further reduce the possibility of mold growth.  

During humid weather, windows should be kept closed to help minimize moisture accumulation.  If mold is found, a damp cloth or paper towel should be used to remove it. Spraying with cleansers may cause the mold to release spores into the air and become a respiratory hazard.

Storm water pollution prevention        

Drain identification

There are over 400 storm water drains throughout the campus.  These drains lead to underground pipes that conduct storm water off the campus, primarily in a north to south direction, eventually entering the Elizabeth River.  NSU is concerned about the natural environment, and is striving to prevent contaminants from entering the system that might pollute the waters.  These drains are not be confused with sanitary drains that serve kitchens and restrooms.

Public awareness

Public awareness of the purpose of the drains is an important element in the prevention of debris and contaminants from entering the drains.  The draining of vehicle oils and anti-freezes is strictly prohibited outside of the maintenance garage.  Releases of such fluids must be reported immediately to the University Police.  

This office will respond with containment and absorbent materials in an effort to protect the outfall areas.  Fluids that enter the drains are not processed as in sanitary sewers, but flow untreated into the Elizabeth River.  In support of this initiative is the Nutrient Management Program which strives to use appropriate fertilizers and minimize vegetative soil enhancements that fall on pavement or are prone to removal by storm waters.

Regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance with federal and state regulations is a responsibility of this office.  Periodic reports to regulatory officials detail program progress and system improvements.  Annual reports to the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation are required during the earlier years of the program.

Energy conservation       

Vehicle fleet alternative fuel program

As part of a program to conserving fuel, reduce emissions and operating costs, all purchased vehicles are researched to see if the manufacturer offers an alternative fuel option.  Alternative fuels include ethanol, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen, but are not always locally available.  

NSU has received credits from the U.S. Department of Energy based on the nature of our vehicle fleet.  Fuel consumption by NSU vehicles is closely monitored and recorded.   Additionally, unlicensed electrically powered vehicles are used on campus to help reduce atmospheric contaminants.

Building heat

NSU is completing a multi-year program to convert all buildings to natural gas fired boilers and furnaces.  The gas is supplied by underground pipes and eliminates the need for underground fuel oil tanks.  Natural gas units are more efficient, emit much lower air pollutants and lower heating costs.

Underground storage tanks         

NSU has converted all buildings to clean burning natural gas, which is supplied by underground pipelines.  All prior heating oil tanks have been closed or removed.  There is only one active underground storage tank, and it contains gasoline for state owned vehicles.  The tank and piping were installed with electronic monitoring equipment for leak detection and inventory control.  

The Department of Environmental Quality conducts periodic inspections, and receives documentation from this office.