Blueprint for a Green Campus (2002 Update) 

Table of Contents | Introduction | Climate-Friendly Campus | Growing Without Increasing Traffic | Safe/Healthy Campus | Consumption and Disposal Habits | Greening Building Design and Construction | 2001 Blueprint Update | Original Blueprint

Creating a Safe and Healthy Campus

Part I: Minimizing Hazardous Waste

The Vision

• CU reduces the amount of hazardous waste generated by the campus while maintaining the quality and quantity of research.
• CU continues to advance pollution prevention programs to reduce the quantity of hazardous material present on campus and to promote a safer working and learning environment.

Progress 2001-2002 and Upcoming Plans

To augment CU Boulder’s current waste minimization and pollution prevention programs, the Blueprint for a Green Campus proposed eight action steps towards minimizing hazardous wastes. For each step, the current status as of March 2002 is described. Also, Environmental Health and Safety has included a few new action steps towards waste minimization and pollution prevention.

Action Step: Based on a feasibility study, institute a central chemical procurement system. Current Status: The EH&S Chemical Management Specialist met with staff from CU’s Procurement Service Center to begin exploring a centralized system. A Request for Proposal was issued, unfortunately, the responses were not encouraging. However, EH&S is currently looking at other alternatives.

Action Step: Further advance ‘Best Management Practices’ already adopted by many laboratories and shops to maximize safety and minimize waste. Current Status: CU-Boulder was asked to serve on a special commission sponsored and facilitated by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The commission is comprised of Federal/State regulators and representatives from each of the 10 EPA regions across the nation and will propose ‘Consensus Best Practices,’ for educational institutions. The Best Practices project has been completed and a report of the findings was issued to Congress and the EPA. CU-Boulder’s Environmental Health and Safety division (representing EPA Region 8) feel the next step in this process is for the EPA to acknowledge the best practices procedures in well defined regulations and guidance documents.

Action Step: Investigate the feasibility of applying an ‘advanced disposal fee’ to discourage bulk purchasing of chemicals. Current Status: No direct progress has been made on this step within the past year. The concept, structure, and applicability of an advanced disposal fee will be discussed in the future.

Action Step: Further advance microscaling efforts. (Microscaling involves conducting experiments on a smaller scale thus reducing the quantity of hazardous substances use in experiments, manufacturing, and routine cleaning.) Current Status: The efforts in this area continue and are ongoing. Many microscale experimentation efforts have proven successful and are in practice within Chemistry and other UCB departments. It is unknown how many labs currently practice microscaling and how many could do so. Efforts should be taken to determine the extent to which microscaling is being practiced and to encourage and promote this practice among teaching labs on campus.

Action Step: Add a waste treatment specialist to the EH&S staff to run the waste treatment process and advise on waste minimization techniques. Current Status: A waste treatment specialist position was established within EH&S and he oversaw the installation of treatment equipment at the Environmental Health and Safety Center. As described below, the environmental and economic impacts of this treatment facility have been significant. Ralph Bogle’s expertise and ingenuity in this area has further enhanced EH&S’ commitment to reducing the amount of hazardous waste leaving the Boulder Campus.

Action Step: Install new treatment options and technology at the new EH&S facility which will significantly decrease hazardous waste volumes. Current Status: A waste treatment area within the EH&S Center has been equipped as a state of the art waste treatment facility. The initial aim has been silver recovery and organic waste ozone/UV oxidation. Between May 2001 and January 2002, the treatment of photo processing chemicals has resulted in 18,600 liters being rendered nonhazardous. This is equal to more than 89 drums and the recovery of 50 troy ounces of silver. In addition, neutralization of acid/base solutions has resulted in the reduction of 900 liters (more than 220 gallons) of potentially hazardous waste. These processes have also resulted in the recovery of 19,500 liters (5,156 gallons) of water, returned to the city wastewater treatment facility. Actual cost savings, after preliminary start-up costs have been approximately $10,400.

Action Step: Reduce photographic chemical waste by utilizing new technologies and procedures. Current Status: In 1997, digital photo labs were established within UCB’s Fine Arts and Publications Departments. These labs have proved a success both academically and environmentally and have significantly reduced the volume of photographic wastes generated on Campus. However, because photographic wastes still represent approximately twenty percent of hazardous waste volumes collected, one of EH&S’ key treatment programs specifically targets the recovery of silver from these wastes.

Action Step: Establish a battery recycling program so that rechargeable and alkaline batteries are recovered for recycling. Current Status: EH&S is planning a pilot program in consultation with Facilities Management, Housing, and the UCSU Environmental Center. The pilot will take place in selected residence halls during the month of April and will assess the volumes, composition of mixed battery waste, and the recovery rate. Based on the findings and effectiveness of the test program, up to thirty potential locations may be selected for a permanent program to collect most battery types (everything except unsealed lead-acid batteries).

Additional Progress by Environmental Health and Safety

• In February 2001, a Chemical Management Specialist position was established within EH&S. This employee has focused on developing a comprehensive chemical inventory and reference resource database. To date, she has inventories for the entire Chemistry Department. She will soon be completing this process in other departments. This database is web-based and will shortly be linked to the EH&S homepage for possible reference by emergency responders on campus. This will assist them in knowing what chemicals are where on campus, providing better knowledge in the event of an emergency. This employee is also assisting the departments in acquiring new chemical storage cabinets to provide additional chemical security as well as bolstering pollution prevention measures.
• The aftermath of September 11 has pushed campus security to the forefront. EH&S staff help in this effort by providing knowledge and training regarding security within labs on campus and encouraging the locking of labs when they are unattended and making lab personnel aware of their surroundings. The Chemistry Store has also strengthened its security procedures.
• Effective July 30, 2001, the definition of Universal Hazardous Waste was expanded to include Electronic Devices and Electronic Components as Universal Hazardous Waste items. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment made this change to address the ongoing disposal of heavy metals and toxic components derived from these items. Historically, these types of items have been processed as main stream waste and were sent to the various landfills throughout the state. Businesses are no longer allowed to do this under the current rule. This new definition will in effect force the increased reclamation and reuse of these types of items and will require a change in the way all University Departments handle, store, and dispose of electronic items and equipment. In accordance with the UCB disposal policy, all UCB departmental equipment and furniture is disposed of through Property Services. Disposal methods include replacement on campus, donation and public auction. Property Services is working closely with EH&S, CU Recycling and others to ensure proper disposal under the new regulations.
• EH&S is working on revising and updating the Generators’ Guide to Hazardous Material/ Waste Management. Updating this booklet is an effort in EH&S’ ongoing goal of providing the Boulder Campus with current, reliable information. March 2002 is the target date of completion.
• EH&S and Facilities Management have completed stenciling interior building storm water drains on the main and east campuses, as well as about 90% of all the hard-scaped exterior storm inlets (161 emblems). The best ways to mark turf and grassy areas are still being discussed.
• EH&S has worked with the campus to complete implementation of most of its Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) for above-ground petroleum tanks and emergency generators. This includes secondary containment, berms and spill prevention equipment. Full campus implementation is expected by June 2002.
• To help improve water and air quality and reduce water consumption, 6 new specialized vacuum pumps were installed in Ekeley and Cristol Chemistry at a cost of more than $30,000, replacing water aspirators that were used to distill solvents. Unlike the aspirators, the new pumps do not use running water (was a wasteful environmental practice), do not use oil (which became hazardous waste), nor do they allow residual solvent vapors to be entrained into the sanitary sewer drains.

Additional Progress by Housing

Housekeeping converted to a new line of cleaning products, which are less toxic and corrosive. This allowed for the department to reduce its inventory of cleaning products from 250 to 75. In 2001-02, this system saved about $16,000 per year.

Housekeeping purchased cleaning rags made by 3M, which, due to the fiber and the weave, clean without any cleaning chemical—just water is needed.

All spent fluorescent lamps containing mercury (those that are not green-tipped) are disposed of by Facilities Management through an EPA-approved lamp recycler.

Housing is assessing the costs of providing a computer/electronic recycling program for its residents with Eco-Cycle, and may offer a program next fall. This type of waste generated in the residence halls is currently exempt from the State’s universal hazardous waste regulations. This means that these items may be disposed of in the trash dumpsters, but Housing is seeking a reuse/recycling alternative.

Working with EH & S, Housing will participate in a pilot household battery recycling program starting in April, 2002. Batteries will be collected in April from selected residence hall main offices. The costs for providing this program in the halls will be assessed to determine if a permanent program is feasible in the residence halls.

All batteries generated by Housing Services—i.e., those from cell phones, palm pilots, handheld tools, smoke detectors in Family Housing—are collected from the Housing Maintenance Service Center by EH &S.

Additional Progress by Facilities Management

• A state-of-the-art membrane filtration waste-water treatment plant was installed at the Mountain Research Station. The $1 million system utilizes a combination of membrane filtration and U.V. decontamination. The plant was commissioned in May 2001 and is currently in operation.
• Facilities Management continues to research and implement use of less toxic paints, finishes, and adhesives for use by the East and West zones as well as the paint and Carpentry Shops. Paint shop employees have been trained to enable them to review current and future painting plans. Campus standards now require “the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) content possible” for each particular application, i.e. paints, stains, urethanes, etc. The paint shop has expanded use of water-based polyurethane and continues to research better products. Environmental Services is currently reviewing and rating all cleaners and disinfectants used by custodians based on toxicity. To date, 158 cleaners have been reviewed and ranked.
• Physical Plant completed a storm water drain assessment and re-routed the worst five illicit storm drain connections to sanitary sewer, including drains in Engineering, Duane Physics, and Chemistry.
• A state-of-the-art membrane filtration waste-water treatment plant was installed at the Mountain Research Station. The $1 million system utilizes a combination of membrane filtration and U.V. decontamination. The plant was commissioned in May 2001 and is currently in operation.
• Facilities Management continues to research and implement use of less toxic paints, finishes, and adhesives for use by the East and West zones as well as the paint and Carpentry Shops. Paint shop employees have been trained to enable them to review current and future painting plans. Campus standards now require “the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) content possible” for each particular application, i.e. paints, stains, urethanes, etc. The paint shop has expanded use of water-based polyurethane and continues to research better products. Environmental Services is currently reviewing and rating all cleaners and disinfectants used by custodians based on toxicity. To date, 158 cleaners have been reviewed and ranked.
• Physical Plant completed a storm water drain assessment and re-routed the worst five illicit storm drain connections to sanitary sewer, including drains in Engineering, Duane Physics, and Chemistry.

Part II: Minimizing Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Pesticides

The Vision

• CU significantly reduces the use of harmful chemicals and volatile pesticides in buildings and grounds management through integrated pest management.
• Campus buildings provide high indoor air quality through improved ventilation and control of indoor air pollution sources.

Progress toward Integrated Pest Management 2001-2002

CU has practiced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the past two years and, as of March of 2002, CU-Boulder adopted a campus-wide pest control policy formalizing the current IPM program and establishing procedures for indoor and outdoor pest control. Key campus individuals representing the administration, Facilities Management, Housing, the Environmental Center, and Environmental Health and Safety were actively involved in developing the pest control policy for over one year. The policy is attached at the end of this section.

Facilities Management has made the following progress in reducing chemical and pesticide use.

• Environmental Services hired a permanent IPM technician in April 2000. The position focuses on least-toxic pest control with the least potential for exposure to humans and the environment.
• Physical Plant is currently pursuing an additional FTE to be split between structural IPM and the Integrated Weed Management (IWM) program.
• Pesticide spraying has been eliminated in all interior general fund spaces as well as in auxiliary spaces by using in-house IPM service.
• The grounds crew discontinued annual spring spraying of Elm trees for Elm Bark Beetle, the vector for Dutch elm disease and moved to sanitation pruning and routine inspections of trees. If chemical treatments are needed, they are applied in the form of soil injections.
• Grounds has experimented with use of Cashmere goats to graze noxious weeds on 12 acres at the Research Park for the control of knapweed and various thistles.
• Additional releases of seed-head and root-feeding insects were conducted on both the Research Park and South Campus properties in the summer of 2001.
• Grounds is currently developing an Integrated Weed Management plan for noxious weeds. Additionally, a GPS hand-held unit was purchased in January 2002 to assist in the mapping of all weed populations.
• Facilities Management took the lead in drafting the newly approved campus IPM Policy.
• Facilities Management co-sponsored the national 19th Annual Beyond Pesticides Conference in May of 2001 which took place at CU-Boulder.

Housing has made the following progress in reducing chemical and pesticide use.

• Housing will experiment with a corn gluten meal (CGM) pre-emergent treatment for dandelion control in the spring of 2002. CGM prevents seeds from germinating, and so, used over a period of several years, will help reduce the number of dandelions. An added benefit of using CGM is that it is 9% nitrogen in a slow-release form, being more available to the grass than quick-release, synthetic fertilizers.
• This summer, Housing will also experiment with a slow-release, alfalfa-based fertilizer to replace the high-nitrogen, quick-release type used in the past. Quick-release fertilizers tend to be lost to evaporation and run-off, making them more expensive and less effective. In addition, the high nitrogen residual gets carried into waterways where it can create a chemical imbalance.
• Housing continues to use the integrated pest management (IPM) services offered through Facilities Management for structural pest control. Additionally, the Assistant Director of Housing Services and the Environmental Coordinator issued a department-wide memo stating Housing’s policy against using or purchasing pesticides.

Progress Toward Improving Indoor Air Quality During 2001-2002

Facilities Management has made the following progress on improving ventilation and controlling indoor air pollution sources.

• Environmental Services has begun the process of phasing out the use of upright vacuum cleaners in lieu of more ergonomically correct canister and backpack vacuums that do not emit as many particulates into the air. Of the 266 total vacuums used, 138 are currently either a canister or backpack type, with 112 having been purchased since May of 2000. 34 of these were purchased since May of 2001.
• Facilities Management Planning and Physical Plant participate on the IAQ Response Team to react to indoor air quality concerns and complaints. Through careful studies and smoke testing, this team was recently able to resolve significant IAQ problems in the Electrical Engineering wing without the need for costly new equipment.
• Facilities Management is performing minor upgrades to campus ventilation systems such as balancing and improving ventilation of fume hoods, removing obstructions, and improving make-up air. $12,000 was funded in FY01/02 for fume hood balancing as needed.
• $35,000 was funded in FY01/02 for significant improvement to Fine Arts duct work and ventilation system including removal of unused fume hoods, improving fans, lowering of exhaust drops to sit directly over emissions sources, and adding exhaust vents to photo lab hazardous waste SAA.
• Facilities Management performed major upgrades to ventilation systems through deferred and controlled maintenance projects. These have included significant improvements in Chemistry (fume hoods), Imig Music (raising of fresh air intakes from street level), the Grounds Building (emissions exhaust system and HVAC improvements), and Environmental Design (raising of air intakes).
• Other projects are in the planning phase. These include: a $2.3 million project in Chemical Engineering currently in Construction Document phase; an additional $1.5 million for improvements to ENVD; improvements to Chemistry/Biochemistry; and $80,000 is funded for improvements to the Ramaley cadaver room ventilation system.
• Environmental Services currently reviewing and rating all cleaners and disinfectants used by custodians based on toxicity. To date, 158 cleaners have been reviewed and ranked.
• Facilities Management purchases and uses of low/no VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives.

Next Steps and Discussion Topics

• Conduct education about campus IPM policy and procedures: To promote preventative measures and awareness of the campus IPM program, the Environmental Center developed and distributed fact sheet fliers for lab, kitchen and office areas. There is a strong need to develop additional materials educating campus users about IPM efforts and procedures. Plans are underway to print a general brochure. Other outreach and education services could include presentations to building users, building displays, and appropriate signage posted in outdoor areas. An IPM education plan should be developed after determining the best outreach means.
• Implement the IPM policy and procedures: As laid out in the policy, duties and responsibilities are to be assigned to and enacted by various campus departments, personnel, and contractors. All departments are to utilize integrated pest management methods.
• Restrict the use of the most harmful pesticides and chemicals: Although the pest control policy outlines IPM criteria, it does not specifically limit the more harmful pesticide applications which include the use of pesticides in aquatic areas, the use of persistent chemicals which pose a long term threat after application or which bio-accumulate in fatty tissue, and the use of compounds in EPA toxicity categories I and II. Initial review of potential chemicals should begin with the least toxic compounds, i.e. chemicals in EPA Toxicity Categories III and IV. The use of compounds in EPA Categories I and II should be avoided if possible or used as baits or soil/trunk injections where exposure to the active ingredient is limited. The Blueprint for a Green Campus Committee could consider strengthening the policy and/or the campus IPM coordinator should review the use of these chemicals and the potential alternatives when reviewing departmental IPM plans.
• Complete the toxicity ranking information on cleaners and disinfectants and consider recommendations to purchase and utilize the products of lesser toxicity where feasible.
• Address future plans for outdoor integrated pest management to safely and effectively control broadleaf weeds.

Appendix

University of Colorado at Boulder
Policy and Procedure

Topic: Pest Control

Reference: EP100

Issue Date: March 12, 2002

Approved by: _________________________________________________

Dave W. Wergin, Director, Environmental Health and Safety

Author(s):

Dave W. Wergin, Director, Environmental Health and Safety

John Bruning, Director, Physical Plant

Distribution:

Deans, Directors, Department Heads and Building Proctors

1. POLICY

   It is the policy of the University of Colorado at Boulder that unwanted pests will be managed by all persons (faculty, students, staff and applicators) utilizing the following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures.

2. DEFINITIONS:

   Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interactions with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM programs take advantage of all pest management options possibly including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.
   Pests – For purposes of this policy, Pests are populations of living organisms (animals, plants, or microorganisms) that cause damage or interfere with the use of UCB facilities and grounds for human purposes. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and whether that species poses a threat to people, property, or the environment.
   Pest Thresholds – Pest tolerance thresholds must be established and may vary by pest, specific location or type of land use. Each department having facility and land use responsibility will establish the pest threshold levels for their area of responsibility. Three distinct levels should be determined: Injury Threshold, at the point some injury begins or is noticed initially; Action Threshold, requires that action be taken to prevent a pest population from causing aesthetic, functional or economic damages; Damage Threshold, the level where unacceptable damages are already occurring. Regular monitoring is essential to determine the pest levels relative to the established thresholds.

3. Operational Responsibility:

   The Executive Director of Facilities Management has been assigned the responsibility of administering the IPM program for the Boulder Campus and shall designate a Campus IPM Coordinator whose duties will include:

   1. Develop, maintain and make available references to best IPM practices.
   2. Serve as the campus resource for IPM techniques and application procedures.
   3. Promote IPM practices and review departmental plans for compliance with campus policy.
   4. Maintain records to meet the requirements of regulatory agencies.

4. Procedure
    
1. Pest management services will be provided for all general fund academic and non-academic departments upon request through the appropriate Building Proctor to the Facilities Management Service Center @ 303.492.5522. Auxiliary departments may also request these services on a rechargeable basis.
2. Auxiliary departments with responsibility for building or land use shall either designate a departmental IPM Liaison, who will be responsible for departmental IPM planning and pest management, or use Facilities Management pest management services.
3. In accordance with this IPM Policy, the use of privately acquired pest control sprays (e.g., Raid, ant killers, etc.) will not be permitted in or on University buildings or properties by non-pest management staff.
4. The following IPM criteria must be applied to all campus pest situations when selecting treatment tactics and developing pest management strategies:
   
 
• Determine pest threshold level.

Based on the pest threshold level, select a treatment that is:

• Least hazardous to human health;
• Least damaging to the environment;
• Effective at controlling the target pest;
• Has minimal negative impacts to non-target organisms;
• Within available resources.
   
5. All University and commercial pesticide applicators must comply with the notification and posting regulations as stated in Colorado Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Title 35 Article 10 (35-10-112 Pesticide Applicators Act and Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pesticide Applicators Act).
6. Each University or commercial pesticide applicator shall provide a legible record of application and related Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all pesticides used on campus to the appropriate departmental IPM liaison(s). These records shall include:
    
• Targeted pest;
• Time, date, location and climatic conditions of the application;
• Type and quantity and concentration of the pesticide used.
   
7. Departmental IPM liaisons shall submit these records on a monthly basis to the Campus IPM Coordinator who will serve as the record keeper of the program. Records will be maintained for a period of five years.
    
5. IPM Procedure and Responsibility Matrix

Responsible Person	Responsibility/Task
All General Fund Departments	The Department of Facilities Management is responsible for managing pest problems for all General Fund Academic and Non- Academic Departments. Contact the appropriate Building Proctor to report pest problems. They shall contact the Facilities Management Service Desk to initiate action.
Non-General Fund Departments (that have responsibilities for building or land management)	Designate a Departmental IPM liaison or use campus in-house services; Each Non-General Fund Department shall identify the types of pest problems specific to their areas and determine the pest threshold level for their properties.
Departmental IPM Liaison	The IPM liaison will be the departmental contact person for pest control; Develop a departmental IPM plan, schedule pest control services as required and review pesticide application plans with the IPM Coordinator prior to any applications (except for baits and gels); Identify and record the targeted pests, types, and quantities, times, dates, climatic conditions and locations of pesticides used. Submit records of application, including MSDS for each pesticide used, to the Campus IPM Coordinator on a monthly basis.
Campus IPM Coordinator	Utilize IPM methods to provide pest control services to all General Fund and other requesting departments in a timely and cost effective manner; Promote and educate Campus Community on the criteria and merits of IPM; Determine the cost of implementing and maintaining the IPM program; Develop funding strategies/resources for the program; Train IPM Liaisons and serve as a campus resource to other departments on IPM techniques, policy and procedures; Create a template for a standard campus IPM plan, maintain and make available, upon request, references to best IPM practices; Collect and review departmental plans, prior to application (except for baits and gels), for compliance with campus policy; Act as the official record keeper for the campus IPM program; Prepare an annual report, for appropriate distribution, on the status of the IPM program. Report non-compliant applications to the Director of Physical Plant and to the Director of Environmental Health & Safety as soon as detected.
All applicators (including Contractors)	Notification and Posting of Pesticide Usage - all University and commercial pesticide applicators must comply with the notification and posting regulations as stated in Colorado Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Title 35 Article 10 (35-10-112 Pesticide Applicators Act and Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pesticide Applicators Act). All applicators shall provide the departmental IPM liaisons a proposed method of treatment and pesticide use plan for review prior to any application. Record Keeping - each University or commercial pesticide applicator shall provide a legible record of application and MSDS for all pesticides used on campus to the departmental IPM liaisons. These records shall include: Targeted pest; Time, date, location and climatic conditions of the application; Type and quantity and concentration of the pesticide used. Departmental IPM liaisons shall submit these records on a monthly basis to the Campus IPM Coordinator, who will serve as the record keeper of the program. Records will be maintained for a period of five years.
Contractors (must be licensed commercial applicators)	All commercial pest control contractors must comply with the University of Colorado at Boulder IPM policy and procedures. All commercial applicators must be properly licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture
Procurement and Storage Personnel	Only qualified Chemical Applicator Supervisors licensed with the Department of Agriculture shall have authority to purchase pesticides. All pesticides shall be stored in compliance with Colorado Department of Agriculture Rules and Regulations, Title 35, Article 10 Part 11.
Design and Construction personnel for ALL UCB facilities	Pest exclusion and prevention shall be a design consideration for all construction, renovations and landscape modifications.