Environmental Programs

The Environmental Health & Safety Office oversees programs and initiatives that can impact the environment. EH&S handles all hazardous waste generated on campus and oversees the University's Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC). They also manage campus operations for battery recycling, oil recycling, and the recycling of fluorescent lamps. For more information, please visit Waste & Recycling Management.

Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures (SPCC)

SPCC regulations aim to prevent oil from entering navigable waters by preventing, controlling, and mitigating oil spills. The program is managed through the Environmental Protection Agency. Any business that maintains a total above-ground oil storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons or a total underground oil storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons, where there is a reasonable potential for a discharge to reach navigable waters, is subject to SPCC regulatory requirements. Above-ground storage containers with a capacity of 55 gallons or more are included in the calculation of the capacity threshold. Underground storage tanks may also be subject to the SPCC regulations (pdf).

Inspections of above-ground storage containers are conducted every month. Any identified issues are corrected in accordance with requirements outlined in the W&M SPCC Plan.

Annual Training

Any individual who handles oil or any oil-related product is required to complete annual online training that includes a review of the plan, inspection procedures, and spill response procedures. Contact the EH&S Office with questions or for instructions on accessing the training.