Environmental Programs

PLU Environmental Health & Safety is responsible for achieving compliance with environmental regulations. Do you have compliance questions about air emissions, discharges to our sewer system, hazardous waste disposal, or underground storage tanks? The Environmental Health & Safety Manager is the person to contact for technical assistance.

EHS Project Checklist

Asbestos in PLU Buildings

Many buildings on the PLU campus are old enough to have building materials that contain asbestos. An asbestos survey was conducted in 1992 to identify the location of asbestos material on campus. The survey is available for review by contacting the Environmental Health & Safety Manager.

Asbestos is only dangerous when released into the air. For this reason, PLU has chosen not to remove all building materials containing asbestos. This decision is consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance.

Contact Safety@plu.edu for more information.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous materials require special disposal. If you work in Rieke Science Center, please contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to dispose of hazardous waste. All other areas of campus must submit a work request to Facilities Management to pick up the material. If you are not sure whether your waste is hazardous or not, please contact the Environmental Health & Safety Manager.

PLU Hazardous Waste Management Plan

Infectious Waste

Waste that contains bodily fluids also requires special handling. PLU operates under a permit from the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department to treat the infectious waste generated by the university. Please submit a work request to Facilities Management to pick up infectious waste materials for treatment and disposal.