Title: Environmental Management and Sustainability at UConn EBC
1Environmental Management and Sustainability at
UConnEBC CT ChapterMay 16, 2006
- Richard A. Miller
- Director of Environmental Policy
- Email rich.miller_at_uconn.edu
- 860-486-8741
2University of Connecticut
- Established in 1881
- Over 4,000 Acres at Main Campus in Storrs
(Mansfield) - No. 1 Public University in New England (U.S. News
World Report) - Law School in Hartford
- Health Center in Farmington
- Five Regional Campuses
- Enrollment of 28,000
- 74 of students at Storrs live on-campus
3Environmental Policy Organization
4UConns Environmental Policy StatementAdopted
April 2004
Performance The University will
institutionalize best practices and continually
monitor, report on and improve its environmental
performance. Responsible management and growth
The University will endeavor to design, construct
and maintain its buildings, infrastructure and
grounds in a manner that ensures environmental
sustainability and protects public health and
safety. Outreach The University will promote
environmental stewardship in Connecticut and
embrace environmental initiatives in partnership
with its surrounding communities. Academics
The University will advance understanding of the
environment through its curriculum, research and
other academic programs, and will employ an ethic
of environmental stewardship in all intellectual
pursuits. Conservation The University will
conserve natural resources, increase its use of
environmentally sustainable products, materials
and services, including renewable resources, and
prevent pollution and minimize wastes through
reduction, reuse and recycling. Teamwork The
University will encourage teamwork and provide
groups and individuals with support, guidance and
recognition for achieving shared environmental
goals.
52004-06 Sustainability Initiatives
- Sustainable Design Guidelines
- Climate Change - GHG Emissions Reductions
- Alternative Fuels
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Recycling / Waste Paper Reduction
- Environmental Literacy
- Student Environmental Outreach - EcoHusky
6Students Drive Green Campus Initiatives
- Internships
- EPAC Subcommittees
- Class Projects
- Research Projects
- Events Activities
- Outreach
7Construction UConn 2000 / 21st Century19952005
/ 2005-2015
- 2.3 billion capital improvement program to
renew, rebuild and enhance - 130 projects over 2 Million
- 2.9 million GSF new construction
- 600,000 GSF renovation
- Applications, enrollment, diversity, academic
metrics all up since 95
8Beyond Compliance Sustainable Development
- Opportunity ? 2.3 billion capital improvement
program - Rural setting for rapid growth
- Community ? environmentally aware and involved
- Need ? improved environmental performance
- Reflects UConns land grant values
- Environmental sustainability focus area in
Academic Plan - Makes sense! triple bottom line
9Sustainable Design Guidelines (SDGs) Align with
LEED Standards
- 5 Goals
- Minimize Site Disturbance
- Safeguard Water
- Reduce Energy Impacts
- Conserve Materials and Resources
- Create Healthy Indoor Environments
10Green Building at UConnFirst LEED-Registered
Athletic Facility in NCAA
SDGs in Action Conserving Materials - Recycled
Sneakers in Synthetic Turf
11Sustainable Design/LEED Matrix
122003-04 East Campus Master Planof Conservation
and Development
13Environmental Compliance at UConn
Operations / Impacts
- Construction Activities
- Water Supply System
- Cogeneration / Central Utility Plant
- Sewage Plant
14Environmental Management Plan (EMP)Implementation
Process
EMP Element Due Identified gaps Resources needed
Environmental Policy April-06 Water pollution, spill control tanks 1 FTE (OEP)
Legal Requirements Jan-06 Construction-related environmental 1 FTE (OEP)
Objectives Targets July-06 Chemical Inventory Waste Mgmt Software 1 FTE (EHS)
Organization Responsibility May-06 Air pollution control 1 FTE (OEP 3/06)
Training May-06
Communications July-06
Document Control Mar-07
Self Auditing Sept-06
Management Review July-06
EMP Team Director, Construction
Management Director, EHS Asst. Director,
Facilities Operations Director, Environmental
Policy (lead)
15Office of Environmental PolicyEnvironmental
Compliance Staff
16Construction-Related Env Compliance
- Flood Mngmt Certificates (Erosion Sedimentation
Control) - Wetlands Permits
- Stormwater Permits
- Dust Control
- Air Emissions
- Construction Waste Mngmt
- Site Assessment Remediation
- Spill Response Cleanup
- Etc.
17 Larger Construction Projects Subject to
CEPAENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT EVALUATION (EIE)
- Physical
- Air Quality
- Noise Light
- Traffic, Parking Circulation
- Public Utilities
- Potable Water Supply
- Stormwater Drainage
- Solid Hazardous Waste
- Aesthetics
- Cultural Resources
- Natural
- Geology, Topography Soils
- Surface Water
- Groundwater
- Floodplains
- Wetlands
- Fisheries
- Plants Wildlife/State Listed Species
- Specimen Trees
- Socioeconomic
- Land Use Zoning
- State, Local Campus Master Planning
- Open Space Farmland
- Public Health Safety
- Economy, Employment Income
- Environmental Justice
18Landfill Remediation Project
- 10-year, 27 million investigation and cleanup
- 67-acre preservation area gives faculty and
students opportunities for applied research
design projects - Amphibian research, invasive species control
- Trail creation marking, wildlife observation
- Wetland restoration creation
19UConn Water Supply SystemAn Essential
Sustainable Growth Consideration
- 2 Major Wellfields
- Fenton (0.844 MGD)
- 4 wells, installed 1926-59
- Willimantic (2.3 MGD)
- 4 wells, installed 1970-98
- 8 Million Gallons Emergency Storage
- Regulated by DEP, DPH, EPA as Public Water Supply
System - 25,000 Population Served (90 On-Campus)
- 1.35 MGD avg day demand
- 2.1 2.2 MGD peak day demand Sept. 2005
20UConn Water SupplyAverage Daily Demand
UConn 2000 1995-2005 -- Water conservation
achieved by installing low-flow fixtures,
repairing and replacing leaky water supply
distribution infrastructure
21East Campus Fenton Wellfield
Legend Direct Recharge Area Fenton
Forest Special Forest Wetland
Soil Fenton Wellfield Historic District (Natl.
Registry)
22 Stress on the Fenton River
- UConn Study Effects of Pumping Wells on Fenton
River Instream Flow and Aquatic Habitat -- Sept.
2003 to March 2006 - Findings During low-flow (drought) periods,
pumping nearby wells can further reduce river
flow - Water Conservation helps! Voluntary measures
after September 9 reduced campus water
consumption by 100-150,000 GPD UConn ordered
additional reductions
Fenton River September 9-15
Please conserve water!
23UConns Commitment to Restore Protect
- Re-Stock 1,000 Trout
- Promote Public Access for Fishing
- Study Re-Colonization of Invertebrates
- 700K Water Supply System Improvements to
Increase Reliance on Wells Near Larger
Willimantic River (.300 MGD increase) - More Water Conservation! Demand-Side RFP
- Implement Fenton Studys Water System Management
Recommendations
24Fenton River Study Recommendations
- Install Automated Stream Flow Gauge in Fenton
River - Repair or Replace Well D to Maximize Pumping
Capacity - Move Well A Further Away from River, Deeper into
Aquifer - Install/Update/Calibrate Motors, Meters and
Electronic Controls - Reduce or Stop Pumping Based on Low Flow Readings
from Stream Gauge (6 3 cfs)
Fenton River Trout Re-Stocking April 2006
25Striving for Environmental Leadership
In departments throughout the University, from
the College of Agriculture Natural Resources to
Engineering and Liberal Arts, we are developing
conscientious thinkers and citizens by modeling
the behavior that we teach our students to
follow It is the cumulative effect of seemingly
minor events that will change the world. It is
through innovative examples and teamwork that
UConn can be a steward of the Earths future. --
University of Connecticut President Phillip
Austin