Environmental Protection
Our Environmental Impact
Environmental protection is important to our campus and our community. At University of Houston-Clear Lake, we focus on minimizing our impact on the environment by strictly adhering to appropriate rules and regulations. We encourage all faculty members to recognize their role in our protection efforts and continuously strive to minimize potentially negative effects.
Air
UHCL currently has no air emission generating processes that require an air permit. Activities at UHCL are covered under exemptions such as those for Emergency Generators, Motor Vehicle refueling under the quantities required for Stage II Vapor Recovery, and Laboratory & Research activities.
Storm Water
UHCL is in the process of implementing a TCEQ mandated Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).
The City of Pasadena, City of Houston, Harris County, and Clear Lake Water Authority all have vested interest in stormwater quality, and have their own stormwater permits encompassing their city or jurisdiction limits.
- Stormwater and Drainage - Clear Lake Water Authority – Clear Lake Water Authority's (CLWA) website. CLWA manages a stormwater plan and flood control plan for the areas they serve.
- CLWA Stormwater Compliance and Planning Guide – Information for land development planning, and stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP's).
- Clean Water Clear Choice – Harris County Task force for management of storm water pollutants. Contains information for residents, kids, and businesses.
- City of Pasadena MS4 with Stormwater Annual Report – The Pasadena Stormwater Annual Report indicates the entities and bayou discharge points within their city limits and inspection area.
Waste Management
Facilities Wastes
Laboratory Wastes
- Lab Waste Stream Handling Summary chart
- Waste Stream Documentation-Information Form
- Lab Waste Training (taken in Canvas or in person)
Waste Labeling
Glassware
- Glass Handling and Disposal - Intact or Broken
- Broken Glass box Sign
- Controlled (Drug) Precursors and related Glassware
High Hazard Waste
- Peroxide Forming Chemicals Testing & Disposal Chart
- Peroxide Forming Chemical Labels
- Peroxide Storage Area Label
All peroxide forming containers should have a peroxide label on them. Labels and test strips are in the stockroom. The storage area sticker should be placed above the shelf where peroxide formers are stored, in a flammable cabinet.
Testing for peroxides is required, often annually, and before distilling or concentrating. Failure to test and manage inventory can lead to a potentially dangerous explosive situation, and require dedicated costly high hazard stabilization waste disposal.
Old, unknown age, poor condition, or crystalized peroxide formers (inside bottle or under cap) should not be opened or moved as they may pose an explosion risk. Notify Hank Grotewold for those high hazard waste pickup needs.
Waste Pickups
Wastes are picked up at least twice a year from designated lab waste storage areas. Lab size (<5 gal) waste containers should be brought to the designated waste storage area when full. Contact Grotewold@uhcl.edu for questions or assistance.