ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
Georgia State University is committed to maintaining its compliance with local and federal regulations regarding air, water, and land quality. Collaboration between the Office of Research and Environmental Safety (RES) and Georgia State University staff, faculty, and students is critical for Georgia State University to be compliant with these regulations. While regulatory compliance is a top priority, Georgia State also strives to promote a proactive approach to environmental stewardship on campus through environmental education and open communication between the RES and the campus community.
The Georgia State University Environmental Programs Operation and Management Plan provides more details about these efforts on Georgia State’s campus.
“Universal Waste” is a term used by the EPA to identify certain widely generated hazardous wastes, such as batteries, pesticides, light bulbs, etc. These items are not regulated by the full hazardous waste rules that regulate chemical waste. Instead, these items are streamlined management rules with less stringent standards for handling, storage, and transporting the waste. Because universal wastes are still considered hazardous to human health and the environment, Georgia State University strives to be environmentally conscious by keeping these items out of landfills and encouraging recycling and proper disposal of these items. In accordance with federal and state standards, the Office of Research and Environmental Safety (RES) handles the collection of these items. For questions about the collection or to request a pick-up, please contact RES at 404-413-3540.
Additional Information
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is used in construction as a thermal insulator and fire retardant. It can be found in attics and walls, floors, plumbing, and roofing and ceilings. Over the years, the health effects of asbestos have become a topic of great importance and greater measures have been taken to minimize the exposure to asbestos.
Georgia State University strives to maintain a safe, healthy working environment for students, faculty, and staff. To ensure the efficient handling of asbestos-related problems, the Office of Research and Environmental Safety (RES) has established a notification system to allow the RES and the Hazardous Waste Materials Specialist to be aware of all maintenance and repair projects that take place on campus. It also helps ensure that preventative steps are taken to minimize any uncontrolled disturbances to asbestos-containing materials and related exposures. It is the responsibility of all project managers/architects to notify RES of any projects that may involve asbestos prior to the initiation. It is also the responsibility of the general population of the University to notify RES of any asbestos-related incidents on campus.
Additional Information
- To learn more about environmental and occupational regulations regarding asbestos, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website or the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
- To learn more about the potential health effects of asbestos, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
- Georgia’s EPD Asbestos Program
- University System of Georgia Guidelines for Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos Request Form
Use this form to request an inspection or removal of any asbestos materials from any Georgia State campus spaces. Be sure to complete all required(*) spaces on the form for the form to be submitted properly and submit the request form at least one month prior to when you anticipate starting the project. If you have questions about completing this form, contact [email protected]
Many buildings that were constructed before 1978 contain lead-based paints. Georgia State University has a number of these buildings in the Atlanta area. Since 1978, lead has been banned from use in residential and public establishments due to the recognized detrimental effects of lead poisoning. In order to comply with federal and state regulations, Georgia State University must take steps to limit lead exposure during construction projects. Prior to any renovation or demolition work, please notify the Office of Research and Environment Safety at 404-413-3540 to request testing of the affected area(s) prior to renovation or demolition.
For more information on lead-based paints, please visit the University System of Georgia guidelines.
Additional Information
Title 2- Clean Fueled Fleets Program
Title 2 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the establishment of the Clean Fueled Fleets Program (CFFP) to regulate vehicle emissions. All vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds and are in fleets of ten in non-attainment zones must participate in the CFFP. Non-attainment areas are considered as the 13 counties within the metro Atlanta area.
Clean Air Act Title 5
Title 5 of the Clean Air Act requires all facilities that have the potential to emit pollutants into the air to acquire an operating permit. The State of Georgia’s permit program is in accordance with the federal guidelines. Currently, Georgia State University holds a Synthetic Minor permit that sets emissions limitations to keep Georgia State from being considered a major source of emissions. If any new construction projects or fuel burning equipment are on campus, Georgia State must apply for a SIP permit 12 months prior to the start of the project or use of equipment.
Clean Air Act Title 6
Stratospheric ozone depletion has become an increasingly significant environmental issue in recent times. Ozone is a gas that is found in the atmosphere and is useful in blocking harmful UV radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. With the use of products containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, and bromides, stratospheric ozone has gradually been destroyed, resulting in negative consequences for agriculture, marine ecosystems, and human health.
As an answer to the degradation of the ozone layer, the federal government introduced Title 6 of the Clean Air Act. The purpose of this act is to phase out or limit the use and production of ozone depleting substances (ODSs). To do our part to protect the ozone layer, Georgia State has developed procedures to support and adhere to federal and state regulations.
Additional Information
Per USEPA regulations, any institution or facility that either store (a) 42,000 gallons or more of oil in underground tanks or (b) 1,320 gallons or more of oil in above-ground tanks must adhere to Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) Part 112. In accordance with 40 CFR Part 112, Georgia State has implemented an SPCC plan to regulate how oil and hazardous materials are handled and stored. The main goals of the SPCC plan are:
- To identify and assess areas where oil and hazardous materials are handled, stored, or managed
- Prevent spills, leaks, or other releases of oil or hazardous materials that could discharge into navigable water
- Ensure appropriate control and countermeasure equipment or procedures are in place to adequately contain and control inadvertent releases
The Fuel Storage Tank Program is run by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) which manages and monitors all state-owned fuel underground storage tanks. This service includes annual site visits, inspections, and repairs. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for administering the state’s compliance with EPA guidelines.
Georgia State maintains three state-owned underground storage tanks (USTs). These tanks are subject to federal and state UST regulations.
Additional Information
Problems associated with indoor air quality are a result of poor ventilation, high particulate concentration in the air, and temperature and moisture fluctuation, amongst many others. This can cause immediate health effects, such as eye and sinus irritation, headaches, aggravation of existing conditions, and fatigue, as well as some long term effects including the onset of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. At Georgia State University, it is important to maintain to comfortable, healthy work environment to prevent IAQ issues and mitigate the effects of these issues. Please notify the Office of Research and Environment Safety at 404-413-3540 if there are concerns about air quality in a particular area(s).
Additional Information
The Office of Research and Environmental Safety (RES) is responsible for all Due Diligence activities, such as Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs) and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA) evaluations. The purpose of the ESAs is to identify any pre-existing environmental conditions that may create a liability for the Board of Regents. The GEPA evaluation must be completed during the initial planning phases of a construction project to assess potential adverse environmental impacts of the project.
Water quality describes the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the water supply. In order to safeguard against unsafe conditions that could have a negative health impact, federal and state regulations have been established to determine what is considered safe for human consumption. If you have any concerns with water quality issues in your area, please contact Facilities Management at 404-413-0700. For technical advice contact the Office of Research and Environmental Safety at 404-413-3540.
Additional Information
The Hierarchy System of Controls identifies the major methods of accident prevention to maintain a safe working environment. These controls include:
Engineering controls
Administrative controls
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
More Information:
Accidents that take place in the laboratory and involve any hazardous materials should be immediately reported to GSU Police and Research and Environmental Safety. Our office is prepared to assist with hazardous materials clean up. Any incidents involving fire and injury must be reported immediately to local authorities (911 or GSU Police at 404-413-3333).
The GSU Office of Emergency Management also provides guidance on what to do in case of an emergency.
Contact the Department of Safety and Risk Management at 404-413-9547 to report any claims and injuries associated with the laboratory accident.
Feel free to contact our office at 404-413-3540 or the Department of Safety and Risk Management at 404-413-9547 if you have any questions.
Additional Resources
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Environmental Safety
Contact Facilities Management at 404-413-0700
Contact Sy Bates at 404-413-3667 or [email protected].
Each zone has a specific location for universal waste. Contact either Sy Bates at 404-413-3667 or [email protected]. or Facilities Management at 404-413-0700 for more information.
Find Training
Find Resources
Report Compliance Issues
For questions or to report concerns, please contact:
Stephen Johnson
Environmental Programs Officer
(404) 413-3546
[email protected]
Monepha England
Research Safety Specialist
(404) 413-3359
[email protected]