Princeton Environmental Reform Committee (PERC) Environmental Audit of Princeton University

Chapter 10 - Other

Air Quality

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Air quality is a pervasive environmental and health concern; poor air quality can have serious adverse impact on one's health. Princeton University, as a research facility, has its share of workplace air quality concerns. The laboratories, the pesticide-treated athletic fields, the art studios, and boiler plant are all sources of local toxic emissions. Of greatest concern is that the air quality of the workplace environment be safe for students and staff. For the most part, the university does not monitor its air emissions. Boiler plant emissions have been monitored in order to apply for an air permit to build the cogeneration plant. Radon and asbestos concerns are treated to meet EPA air quality standards. The university is encouraged to improve the monitoring of emissions of stationery sources of pollution and mitigate emissions where possible. Specifically, improved ventilation is needed in 185 Nassau Street where toxic art materials are used in closed spaces.

INTRODUCTION

Princeton University, like all college campuses, contributes to local air pollution. The following are sources of toxic emissions on the university campus:

ïboiler plant emissions

ïradon

ïasbestos

ïCFC emissions

ïlaboratory fume hoods

ïfleet and private vehicles

ïpesticides

ïart materials: photographic processing, oil paints

ïpaint

ï fueling locations/garages

Data for most of the above is not available.

OVERVIEW

Boiler Plant Emissions

Boiler plant emissions were calculated to apply for an air permit for the cogeneration plant. De Minimis values are not exceeded for any pollutant.

*non-methane

The new cogeneration plant will run on natural gas which will be a significant improvement in air emissions over the current boilers.

Radon Abatement

Every building on campus has been tested for radon. Those that did not meet the EPA limit of 4.0 pCi/L were re-tested. The most recent radon mitigation program was in Dickinson Hall. Several problem areas were identified on the ground floor of this academic building (see chart) in September of 1992. The rooms were in violation of the EPA standard with levels of 46.5, 10.3, 13, 18 pCi/L. They were retested and a fan was installed. Unfortunately, the fan raised the radon levels in other rooms that previously had not been a problem. The next action was the installation of piping to increase ventilation. The university has spent about $50,000 on Dickinson testing and renovations so far. The last set of results from radon tests conducted August 12-15, 1994 show that levels had dropped to the 2.5pCi/L-4.0pCi/L range (permissible with EPA standards) in the problem rooms of G-10, G-04, and G-05. Bob Ortego is still investigating radon levels in a small crawl space in the basement.

Dickinson is not the only problem area. The other areas which have tested too high will be tackled in order of priority.

Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos is the name of a group of naturally occuriring minerals, prized in construction and insulation for their heat-resistant, odorless and durable fibers. Between 1900-1970s asbestos was widely used for thermal and acoustical insulation, fire-proofing, roofing and pipe insulation. Federal regulations require that asbestos be removed only when it is exposed during construction or when old piping becomes exposed. Bob Ortego handles asbestos concerns on a case by case basis: there is no schedule of abatements. It is done on an as needed basis.

There were five asbestos abatement projects in 1994: 2 Dickinson St. (student housing), Wilcox Hall (dining hall), Computer Center, and two in Green Hall (academic building). In 1993 at Forbes College piping was removed from the mechanical rooms. Spreadsheets of cost data available upon request.

Chloroflourocarbon (CFC) Emissions

The university uses freon in a closed-loop system at the Chilled Water Plant. It cools water for the entire university. Freon used to cool waster is recaptured, condensed and reused. Approximately 98% of the freon in the system is conserved. Other sources of CFCís include air conditioners and refrigerators. When these units malfunction or break down completely, they may emit freon to the atmosphere. In accordance with new environmental legislation, maitenance staff have been trained to reclaim freon when servicing equipment.

Laboratory Fume Hoods

No data available.

Art Materials

No data available. Ventilation is a concern for students working with chemicals in the basement of 185 Nassau Street. While students painting in the studios on the third floor may open windows, photography and ceramics students work in the basement and are exposed to toxins in a closed space.

Fueling Locations/Garages

No data available.

RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 Monitor emissions more consistently.

It is recommended the university monitor its emissions of stationery sources of pollution and mitigate its contribution to air pollution where possible.The move to a natural gas cogeneration plant which will emit less NOx and SO2 than the present boiler facility is an example of how the university can contribute to air pollution solutions.

10.2 Use cleaner fuels.

When procuring new university fleet vehicles the university should consider those that run on alternative fuels. Air quality regulations in NJ will only become more strict in the future; the university is urged to start to use natural gas vehicles now.

10.3 Reduce use of toxins where possible.

Use less toxic alternatives when possible. For example, use non-toxic pesticides on the athletic fields. Replace the carcinogenic herbicides currently used.

10.4 Monitor the air quality in the photographic labs of 185 Nassau Street. Increase ventiliation --install a fume hood.

Visual arts students who work in the basement photographic laboratories of 185 Nassau Street find the ventilation inadequate. It is urged that the university install a fume hood or a fan system which would improve the air quality.

REFERENCES

Bob Ortego, Environmental Compliance Manager

Pesticides

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Toxic pesticide use on campus grounds has dramatically dropped since the adoption of IPM, Integrated Pest Management. Some carcinogenic chemicals are still used, especially in the upkeep of the athletic fields. While acknowledging the university's impeccable record of safe grounds management, the university is encouraged to investigate environmentally safe herbicides to replace the carcinogenic ones currently used.

INTRODUCTION

Chemical pesticides are poisons designed to eradicate or repel pests. Not only can they have adverse effects on humans, but also pesticides often damage nontarget organisms: wildlife, birds and honeybees. IPM, Integrated Pest Management, emerged in the 1920's as a cost-effective alternative way of dealing with pests. IPM uses biological, cultural and chemical methods to control pest problems with the least harm to the environment. IPM methods include studying a pest's life cycle and habits and establishing a threshold level above which the number of pests is intolerable. Typically, the least toxic chemical is selected and applied only sparingly.

Regulations governing the use of pesticides on campus are described in N.J.A.C. Title 7, Chapter 30, Subchapters 1-11. There are specific regulations governing pesticide product registration, pesticide use, pesticide exposure management and pesticide disposal.

ïAll pesticide applications must be made by a New Jersey licensed commercial applicator/operator.

ïAll pesticides must be applied according to label instructions.

ïAll pesticides must be applied only to sites permitted by the label.

ïPesticides cannot be allowed to drift to a site not on the label.

ïSigns must be posted on pesticide treated areas(24 hours following application and at the start of the application)

A Building Services crew takes care of dormitory extermination problems (roaches, ants, etc.) The Grounds and Buildings Maitenance crew does minor weedkiller applications on the sidewalks. More involved projects are contracted out to a private firm.

OVERVIEW

Pest Control

The university uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Bartlett Tree Experts has been hired to monitor the main campus, the graduate college, graduate student and staff housing and some PU real estate. Once a week (April-October) someone rides through campus by vehicle and bike to identify pest problems. Bartlett Tree Experts monitor soil conditions: amount of salts, soil organisms, pH, etc. In April or May they take a bioassay and make recommendations about treatment. Recently, the E-quad area was identified as having a problem with andromeda lace bugs. As IPM is pest-specific, treatment in this area of campus only attacked the lace bug.

Other pest problems are best solved by phasing out a plant. Due to problems with birch leaf minor there are plans to phase out birches on campus and plant a different tree species.

Weed and Fungi Control

The Grounds Department does spot treatments for weeds on the greens of the main campus, using a granular herbicide or Casarom. The most difficult problem is heavy pedestrian traffic on the greens between buildings and dormitories. The Grounds staff overseeds lawns 2 or 3 times with new variety of grass. They add fine gypsum and lime fertilizer in pelletized form so as to generate less dust. Gypsum is usually applied early in the morning so as to minimize human exposure to the dust.

To eradicate weeds the Grounds staff applies Dreyfusate, Roundup or Kleenup. Roundup destroys the chlorophyll in a mix with Surflan, an 8-week pre-emergent. This application kills weeds effectively and is applied sparingly to curblines. Once or twice a summer the staff may need to apply Roundup.

For chemical tree maintenance (i.e. Dutch Elm disease) the Grounds staff injects trees with Alamo fungicide (costs$400/gallon). Currently, there are 90 elms on campus; they treat 30/year. Now the university is growing resistant elms at the nursery. In March a pest control service sprays elms, ash, oak on campus with a 2% dormant oil spray. It has a very low viscosity, dries quickly and smothers the egg masses.A 7-4 oil spray treats specific problems, such as the elm leaf beetle larva. A pyrethin insecticide, a synthetic of a natural, is also used on beech and elm.

Athletic Fields

In 1993 no fall or summer pesticides were applied to the athletic fields. In the summer of 1993 the Princeton area experienced a drought. Grounds and Maintenance staff worked on rebuilding the ground with fertilizers. Pendimethalon, a pre-emergent, was used on only 7-8 acres this year (1994).

With Pendimethalon the ground cannot be reseeded for 12 weeks. On perimeter fences the staff applied Round-up 1% and a broad leaf herbicide, Trimec, a post-emergent. The staff has managed to dramatically reduce pesticide use with improved drainage and fertilizers. Sometimes the fungicide, Dacanol, is used. All of these chemicals are used in spot-spraying. They take precautions: chemicals are applied during spring break (when students are not around), and game fields are locked while spraying. All chemicals used are in the "caution" category, which is the least dangerous classification.

Roundup: It controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, tree and woody brush species. The formulated product is moderately toxic. Toxicity ranges from moderately toxic to practically non-toxic. Slightly toxic to birds. The EPA has classified Roundup as a possible human carcinogen.

Pedimethalin: Controls broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds. The formulated product is slightly toxic. The compound is very toxic to fish and slightly toxic to wildlife.

Pyrethin: Used to control indoor/outdoor insects. Formulated products are slightly toxic. Little or no hazard to birds, fish and beneficial insects.

RECOMMENDATIONS

10.5 Find less toxic pesticides.

While recognizing the necessity of uniform ground cover for the athletic fields, it is recommended the university adopt less toxic herbicides, in particular, find a substitute for Round-up. The following state agency may be of aid in finding environmentally safe herbicides:

New Jersey Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NJCAP)

P.O. Box 627

Boonton, NJ 07005

(201) 334-7975

Water Quality

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Drinking water for Princeton University is provided by the Elizabethtown Water Company. Water is routinely tested for a number of parameters at the source. The most serious safety concern regarding drinking water is lead contamination from lead plumbing and solder at the site of use. In accordance with health regulations, neither lead plumbing nor solder are used at the university . Testing done by an independent lab, Princeton Testing Laboratory, Inc., a firm used by the Department of Grounds and Buildings Maintenance, has consistently found lead levels in campus water low and well within EPA drinking standards.

INTRODUCTION

Lead contamination is the greatest drinking water concern: it can cause severe mental retardation and serious physical ailments. According to the Princeton University Department of Grounds and Builidngs Maintenance drinking water is supplied by the Elizabethtown Water Company, and is regularly tested to assure that lead levels are below detectable levels. Research on the testing methods used by the municipal water services is beyond the scope of this audit: the concern was the effect of old plumbing on campus water quality.

The university has been free of lead piping and solder since federal and state regulations required it, although no date was cited in Department of Grounds and Building Maintenance literature. The Department of Grounds and Building Maintenance conducts occasional tests at the request of concerned residents. All such tests have found the water to be within the EPA standards.

OVERVIEW

The following is a chart from the Elizabethtown Water Company at the Raritan-Millstone Plant. Although the sample was taken at the Somerville area, the water analysis site is appropriate because it flows to Princeton from that direction.

RECOMMENDATIONS

10.6 Test water more consistently.

Water should be tested regularly, especially, in facilities where food is prepared and consumed.Students and employees of the university should be informed that water testing for lead is available upon request.

10.7 Educate.

Provide students and employees with information about how to minimize exposure. For example:

1. If lead is a concern, do not drink hot water from the tap. Lead dissolves more easily at

elevated temperatures.

2. Do not drink the "first draw" water of the day. Water has been sitting in the pipes all

night. Flush a toilet or take a shower before drinking water.

REFERENCES

Robert Smart, M.S. Director, Dept. of Grounds and Building Maintenance

Donald G. Robasser, M.P.H. University Sanitarian, Office of Occupational Health and Safety

Chemical Science

Forrestal Campus

Bruce, Nigel, Environmental Chemistry, pp.183-211.

To request a water test, call: Dept. of Grounds and Building Maintenance: 258-4110

Elizabethtown Water Company

P.O. Box 788

Westfield, NJ 07091-0788

Task Force Members

Hans Hull '97

This material may be used for educational and non-profit use. Commercial use of this information is prohibited without written consent. Copyright © 1995, Princeton Environmental Reform Committee, Princeton University.