Hazardous Waste Specialist
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for development and administration of ECU’s comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety program for the entire University including the East (Main) Campus, Health Sciences Campus (including West Research Campus) and all outlying areas (local and regional locations) owned/operated by East Carolina University. It is the goal of the Environmental Health and Safety Office to provide a campus work environment free from occupational and environmental hazards and to promote safe work practices through training and staff development for our faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors. Activities are geared primarily towards prevention and control of occupational hazards, environmental management and emergency management through safety education and voluntary compliance rather than enforcement activities. Audits and advises departments concerning actions necessary to prevent or abate health, safety, environmental and emergency preparedness deficiencies and maintain compliance with applicable local, state and federal occupational health and safety regulations.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Plans, prioritizes, delegates and monitors tasks/projects to meet mission and deadlines-Works to develop backups during absences
-Hazardous Waste and Universal Waste Management and Minimization
Responsible for weekly collection and storage of chemical and universal waste. Operate both Main Campus and Health Science Campus chemical storage facilities and conditionally exempt sites in accordance with applicable state and federal hazardous waste regulations. Inspect chemical waste storage facilities twice weekly, documenting inspections with appropriate forms. Categorizes chemicals in storage facility properly according to hazard compatibility and treatment options. Proper disposal of chemical waste quarterly by licensed contractor. Maintain and process chemical disposal invoices generated by disposal contractor. Insures all records necessary for compliance are properly stored and up to date. Compiles and completes requested state and federal reports, notifications and other regulatory documentation as needed. Maintains files in an orderly manner with appropriate RCRA information. Facilitates drain disposal authorization with municipal and regulatory authorities.
-Environmental Compliance Management
Responsible for oversight and facilitation of environmental permitting and compliance activities including, but not limited to:
• Tier II reporting – annual submission to maintain compliance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and the North Carolina Hazardous Chemicals Right to Know Act (N.C.G.C 95-191(b)(1).
• Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure – (SPCC) regulations set forth the requirements for the prevention of, preparedness for, and the response to oil discharges at or near navigable waterways.
• Stormwater – Administer the requirements for the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit, Sediment Pollution Control Act and Tar-Pam River Basin Nutrient Management Strategy.
• Air Quality – Regulation of air emissions in compliance with the federal Clean Air Act (i.e. emergency generators and mobile transportation sources)
• Environmental Assessments – Minimize the impact of construction projects and follow up on previously locations where equipment or infrastructure has failed causing a notable release. Monitor these locations in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
-Fume Hood Certification Management
Conducts annual certification of all active chemical fume hoods for Main Campus, Health Science Campuses, Outer Banks Campus and other ECU facilities. Maintains certification spreadsheet and updates weekly. Oversees new fume hood installation and insures new installation is compliant with state and federal regulations. Schedules third party vendor for initial certification of new fume hood. Report any chemical fume hoods that do not meet certification parameters through facilities work order system.
-Other Programs as Assigned-Develop and implement other EHS programs as required-Participate on lab inspection team.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Serve as active member of in-house emergency response team by attending appropriate trainings (i.e. 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher).
Maintain readiness for response. Monitor inventory of spill supplies and submit budget requests as needed to replenish stock.
Respond immediately and appropriately to all emergencies. Insure all spill material collected is properly labeled and placed in chemical storage site for disposal.
Participate in debriefing and improve program as needed and in responsive manner.
TRAINING/EDUCATION
Provide and coordinate effective training programs at required frequency to meet the needs of the audience and minimize risk. (including hazardous waste generator training, fume hood use, SPCC and hazmat response)
Uses recognized and innovative methods of adult education and presents ideas in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
Attends professional development and training opportunities through a variety of outlets (i.e. onsite training, computer-based training, web-based, power point, etc.)
INSPECTIONS/AUDITS/INVESTIGATIONS
Respond to routine service request based on agreed deadlines.
Fume hood inspections 1x/yr.
Chemical waste site inspections 2x/week.
Universal waste site inspections 1x/week.
Satellite Accumulation Areas site inspections quarterly.
Proper documentation of inspections and ensuring correction of deficiencies through appropriate follow up.
Support DOI, DENR, OSHA, OSP and other agencies during external audits/inspections through coordination and deficiency follow-up.