Environmental Protections

The University of Massachusetts Amherst campus receives its water by a regulated water supply from the Town of Amherst. The safety of the water is carefully monitored throughout the public distribution system. This is accomplished by routine sampling and analysis by the water authority. The sampling is done to ensure that the delivered water meets quality standards.  EHS and Facilities & Campus Services, in collaboration with the Town of Amherst work closely together.  

Town of Amherst Water Quality Reports 

Sewer System Use Protocol

This protocol applies to any activity or operation on the main campus that discharges wastewater to the UMass Amherst (UMA) sewer lines and, subsequently, the Amherst Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). Included in this protocol is any operation or activity undertaken by UMA personnel, UMA contractors, and contractors working on University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA) or Division of Capital and Asset Management (DCAM) construction projects. 

Non-Standard Discharge

A non-standard discharge includes any discharge associated with an activity or operation not listed as a standard discharge or one that is greater than 1,000 gallons. The University considers the following non-standard discharges:  

1. Any activity not listed in the Standard Discharge Classification  
2. Manually Controlled Discharges  
3. Construction Activities (e.g., Hydro-Static Testing, System Flush, Power Washing)  
4. Discharges greater than 1,000 gallons (any volume if constituents could negatively impact the Amherst POTW)  

• *Discharge of a Non-Standard Discharge requires prior approval from the Amherst POTW and coordination among a number of departments on the UMA campus.  

• A non-standard discharge shall occur during normal business hours, or between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

UMass Storm Water Management Plan  

The Storm Management Program is a plan to help the University handle rainwater runoff that flows into our drainage system. This system is called the “Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System” (MS4), often carries untreated water into streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and eventually the ocean. The main goal of the MS4 system is to prevent flooding of our buildings and infrastructure. However, it can also carry pollutants like silt, chemicals, trash, and other materials from lawns, streets, and parking lots, which can harm our wildlife in our water bodies. This program describes our system as well as prevention activities and measures. Some activities include  

• A public education program to help our students, staff, contractors and visitors understand their role in keeping our storm systems clean 

• Provides opportunities for our public to participate and provide comments and suggestion to our storm water program 

• Procedures to ensure effective storm water infrastructure and controls are included in the design of new and re-development projects and that the maintenance of the newly installed controls are added to our preventive maintenance system 

• A program detailing pollution prevention activities such as proper storage, street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, and maintaining a trained and properly equipped spill cleanup team.

During the 1970’s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) began regulating the use and management of asbestos. Schools, workplaces, and facilities are required to implement stringent protocols regarding safe and effective methods for handling, removing, and disposing of asbestos containing materials. The University's goals are to protect personnel and students from exposure and comply with all state and federal regulations that pertain to asbestos in the workplace.   

Asbestos Health Effects

Yes, exposure to asbestos fibers can be dangerous to your health.  Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, the scarring of the lung tissue, or is linked to lung cancer and Mesothelioma, the cancer of the mesothelial tissue around your internal organs. The risk of adverse health effects is dependent on the amount of asbestos inhaled and the duration of the exposure, typically measured in years.    

Massachusetts Department of Public Health 

When lead is released to the air from industrial sources or spark-ignition engine aircraft, it may travel long distances before settling to the ground, where it usually sticks to soil particles. Lead may move from soil into ground water depending on the type of lead compound and the characteristics of the soil. 

Lead Health Effects 

Adults exposed to lead can suffer from: 

• Cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension; 
• Decreased kidney function; and 
• Reproductive problems (in both men and women)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health 

In 1979, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the commercial production of PCBs, citing health and environmental concerns. PCBs persist in the environment because they are highly unreactive and are largely resistant to breakdown by acids, bases and heat. PCBs are not very soluble in water, but readily soluble in fats. This solubility in fat explains why PCBs can build up in animal fat and along the food chain. Health concerns related to PCB exposure include, but are not limited to, cancer, reproductive effects and neurological effects. 

PCBs are regulated by the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Title 40, Part 761 (enacted in 1976). TSCA requirements include: the manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, use, disposal, storage, marking of PCBs and PCB Items, record keeping and reporting. 

PCB Health Effects 

• Increased levels of some liver enzymes, with possible hepatic damage
• Chloracne and related dermal lesions
• Respiratory problems

Massachusetts Department of Public Health