Environmental Programs
About the Programs
The EHRS Department manages environmental programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and achieve optimal control and reduction of hazards and exposures which are detrimental to people, property, and the environment. These programs are in place to comply with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the US Department of Transportation (DOT), the City of Philadelphia 's Department of Health, Air Management Services, and local regulating authorities, for air and water protection, and the controlled use and transport of hazardous materials.
EHRS oversees services and resources necessary for environmental compliance, obtains permits, licenses and registrations, and manages recordkeeping and reporting requirements for several programs concerning air emissions, hazardous and regulated wastes, radiation protection, spill pollution prevention, and chemical emergency response.
Air Emissions Program
The purpose of the Air Emission Program is to ensure that equipment and activities with the potential to create air emissions are properly designed, operated and permitted in accordance with regulatory requirements. Emissions sources are tested, monitored, inspected and maintained, and air emissions (including Greenhouse Gas Emissions) are quantified annually in accordance with the requirements of the Federal EPA, PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the City of Philadelphia Air Management Services.
The University's Hawk Hill and University City campuses maintain Synthetic Minor Operating Permits under the authority of the City of Philadelphia, regulating combustion sources such as boilers, generators, hot water heaters, etc.
Waste Management
Biological and Infectious Waste
SJU departments that generate infectious or biological waste are responsible for the management and disposal of the waste. This includes safe and effective management practices for all waste categorized as "infectious" by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
A contractor approved by EHRS is utilized and disposes of the infectious/biohazardous waste according to EPA and Pennsylvania DEP regulations.
Infectious/biohazardous waste autoclave bags, red bags, sharps containers, biohazard boxes and anything else with the universal biohazard symbol affixed to it DO NOT belong in the general trash or recycling under any circumstance.
Biohazardous waste containers must always remain closed unless actually adding waste to the container. Ensure waste storage areas are secured when no one is present. Prevent unauthorized access to waste.
Link to the Biological Safety Manual for information on procedures.
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS)
We support the Saint Joseph's University mission of excellence in teaching, research and service by providing resources, effective programs and services to continually improve, reduce risk and help assure a safe working environment for all members of the University community.