Rutgers and EPA sign agreement Archived article from Dec 7, 2001 By Pam Orel   Rutgers has become the first university in the nation to enter into a voluntary agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to audit its own laboratory and other facilities to ensure compliance with a multitude of federal environmental laws. Under the terms of the agreement, which was signed by Rutgers and EPA Region 2 officials Nov. 28, the university will perform an extensive audit of its operations. The plan calls for the university to correct any problems that may be found. "This agreement provides an opportunity for the university to show real leadership in its approach to managing environmental risk," said JoAnne Jackson, senior vice president and treasurer. "This is a responsible approach to identifying and resolving environmental concerns on campus." "We are doing this to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and our determination to be a good citizen and neighbor," said Michael Quinlan, director of Rutgers' Environmental Health and Safety Office (REHS). The office oversees the environmental programs at the university and provides training and information on environmental management, regulation and compliance, as well as on workplace health and safety issues. These agreements, which are also used in industry, typically allow organizations to review their own operations, identify violations and submit plans for corrective action to the EPA. The audit process will begin this fall and continue through March 2003. Key areas to be evaluated in the audit process include: transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes management of underground storage tanks compliance with the Clean Air Act management of asbestos handling of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The audit will also evaluate the university's risk management plan, its use of pesticides and its compliance with federal regulations governing lead-based paint. Information on the audit program will be provided on the REHS Web site, rehs.rutgers.edu, and to individual units and departments that will be affected by the work.

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