Environmental Programs Available to the Research Community
The Environmental Programs at Stanford support the academic and research mission of Stanford University. It is the responsibility of Stanford's Environmental Health & Safety and Utilities Environmental Quality staff to ensure compliance with the many regulatory requirements for the storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials to prevent adverse human and environmental health effects.
The Wastewater Compliance program focuses on management of chemicals in laboratories known as 'wet labs.' These wet labs usually have bench top or fume hood sinks where the potential exists for inadvertant discharges to the sanitary sewer. Improper disposal or accidental chemical spills to the laboratory sink drains impact wastewater quality. Proper storage and disposal of chemicals safeguard against such occurences.
The Palo Alto Reginal Wastewater Treatment Plant, where Stanford's wastewater ends up eventually, has strict wastewater discharge requirements to protect South San Francisco Bay from pollutants.
1. Store all chemicals and other hazardous materials in proper containers. Place the containers away from sinks, NOT above them.
2. Purchase and store minimal amounts of chemicals. Click here for information about donating or obtaining free surplus chemicals.
3. Contact Evironmental Health & Safety at 5-9999 about:
4. Certain materials such as copper algecides, chromic acid cleaners, spent fixer from photo processors, and mercury cannot be discharged to the sanitary sewer.