Stormwater

The University has established programs and procedures in place designed to protect the environment.  

EH&S has primary responsibility for providing guidelines regarding water, soil and air pollution prevention in compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations. EH&S acts as the UW’s liaison with regulatory agencies.

We have many permits and guidelines in place to ensure that University activities support environmental protection and regulatory compliance with respect to stormwater management.

Underground Storage Tanks

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing hazardous substances pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing petroleum or other hazardous substances pose a threat to human health and the environment, as they can contaminate soil or groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water aquifers.

Soil and Groundwater Contamination

EH&S oversees compliance activities for contaminated sites on UW properties.

Some UW properties have soil and/or groundwater contamination from past or present activities. These activities include industrial operations, dry cleaning, leaking heating oil tanks, hydraulic lifts, underground storage tanks, fuel storage or dispensing areas, improper hazardous materials storage and use, and the use of lead-based paint.

Chemical Waste Disposal

EH&S is responsible for the collection of hazardous chemical waste for the University, including all campuses and off-site locations. Hazardous chemical waste is defined as any liquid, gaseous, or solid chemical that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or persistent, and is no longer useful or wanted.

According to Administrative Policy Statement 11.2, organizational units and departments cannot contract with an outside vendor to collect hazardous waste.