Environmental Affairs
The Office of Environmental Affairs (OEA) is responsible for ensuring compliance with the University's various environmental permits, including air, stormwater, oil, and waste. OEA is also responsible for the management of regulated wastes including hazardous waste, biohazardous waste, radioactive waste, and universal waste.
Do you have comments or suggestions for ESSR's Office of Environmental Affairs? Tell us more here.
Regulated Waste
Waste & Waste Pickups
Regulated Waste Pickup and Removal Requests are available online (use for Hazardous, Chemical, Biological, Pathological, Medical and Low-level Radioactive Waste).
Spills
The Emergency Response Guide includes information on how to deal with emergencies and spills. Each lab should have a chemical response spill kit. You may order a chemical response spill kit or replacement items for the spill kit from Chemistry Stores.
Incompatible Chemicals
Some substances may react violently with one another and must be kept apart.
Waste Minimization
Waste Minimization is a waste management approach that focuses on reducing the amount and toxicity of hazardous waste generated. EPA encourages the minimization of all wastes. Waste minimization techniques focus on preventing waste from ever being created, otherwise known as source reduction, and recycling. The Campus Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization Guidelines will help you minimize the environmental impact of your waste producing operation.
Shipping Hazardous Materials Off Campus
The safe transportation of hazardous materials is a discipline that is learned with formal technical training, "on-the-job" experience, and knowledge of the vast shipping regulations. Failure to meet all regulatory and safety requirements could result in detrimental mishaps and/or monetary fines incurred by the shipper.
Broken Fluorescent Lamp Clean-Up
Clean-Up ProceduresEnvironmental Compliance
Stormwater Management
Stormwater management, permitting, and pollution control is a major priority for the University of Maryland. The College Park campus is centrally located within the Anacostia Watershed and discharges stormwater to 3 tributaries. Stormwater is significantly regulated within Maryland to protect water quality.
Public Notifications
In accordance with our MS4 permit (13-SF-5501), the permittee (UMD) must comply with all State and Federal public notice requirements for any regulated activity associated with this general permit. This page allows the public access to the University's spill reports, illicit discharge detection elimination investigations, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) inspections.
Oil Operations and Management
Proper oil storage and handling are crucial for the safety of the University of Maryland