Asbestos Program
This is a mandated program to ensure all asbestos abatement and handling is conducted in accordance with NYSDOL, OSHA, and EPA requirements.
Hazardous Waste Management Program
Our program complies with federal and state hazardous waste regulations to ensure hazardous waste is properly handled from cradle to grave.
Lead Paint Management
This program identifies and properly manages lead-based paint in accordance to applicable regulations. It is also run by the Asbestos Control Group.
Tank Compliance Inspection
Each tank is inspected regularly by legal mandate. This ensures tanks are in good condition which reduces the chance of oil spills that could contaminate surface and ground water.
Enhanced Refrigerant Management
All heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigerant management systems use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free refrigerants. This reducing the impact of the building on the atmosphere’s ozone layer.
Mercury-Free Hospital
An award-winning program at Strong Memorial Hospital where all unessential mercury use was discontinued. This included mercury blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, feeding tubes, and histopatholgy stains containing mercury.
Chemical Substitution
Involves the use of less toxic chemicals whenever possible. University labs used to generate over 7,000 lbs. per year of chromate-based labware cleaner. Now chromate-free cleaners and xylene substitutes such as Propar are used. Also water-based paints (rather than solvent-based) are used when possible.
Solvent Redistillation
Selected solvent waste streams are distilled to a grade that enables them to be used for their intended purpose rather than be thrown away. Xylene, acetone and ethanol are redistilled as are some of the xylene substitutes.
Safe and Separate Storage for Hazardous Waste
On-site building separate from campus activities that houses and monitors waste inside a controlled environment. Prevents accidents and release of chemicals to the environment.