Environmental Management System
An NIH initiative for incorporating environmental considerations into day-to-day operations as a means of continually improving our health and environment.
Emergency Services
Spill Response
A detailed plan that outlines who to notify and proper procedures to prevent substances that are petroleum based, lubricants, and/or oil from entering storm drains and pervious surfaces.
Chemical Cleanup
Details for identifying the type and extent of the spill, containing and controlling the spread of the material, preventing spills from impacting the environment, and cleaning up the affected area.
Decommissioning
The process to properly vacate and survey hazardous substances in building components and equipment in facilities identified for renovation or demolition to remove hazardous materials (i.e. heavy metals, lead-based paint, asbestos, PCBs, fuel oil) for disposal.
Mandatory Notifications
A guide of who to notify if an activity leads to a potential adverse impact to the environment (i.e. air, drinking water, sanitary sewer, storm drain, soil).
Environmental Compliance
Environmental Review – NEPA
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) establishes environmental policy, sets goals, and provides procedures for carrying out the policy. Specifically, NEPA requires all agencies of the federal government to include an environmental statement "in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment".
NIH proactively manages all requirements under the NEPA (42 USC 4321-4370d). The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad and, specifically for the NIH, includes making decisions on construction and renovation projects, new or controversial research, and grants given to non-NIH organizations.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact Mark Radtke @ radtkem2@nih.gov .
Activities Requiring Permits
Contact the Environmental Compliance Branch to confirm if activities or construction projects will require permits before breaking ground. Below are environmental programs which may require a permit.
Air Emissions
Guidelines to follow if a project, or activity, release exhaust from equipment or particulates into the air.
Stormwater
If an activity disturbs 5000 square feet or more, then a permit from Maryland's Department of the Environment (MDE) is required before the activity can commence.
Drinking Water
NIH Bethesda campus utilize drinking water from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) without additional treatment. NIH Animal Center in Poolesville, MD pumps and treat groundwater on campus for consumption by the population working on this campus.
Fuel Tank Management
Installation and/or removal of storage tanks (above and underground) require coordination with Maryland's Department of Environment.
Cleanup of Contaminants - Decommissioning/Remediation
The intent is to provide an overarching roadmap for the research laboratory decommissioning process that can assist an institution in developing its own decommissioning plan. Please use the following link for additional content.
Construction and Renovation Services
Environmental Review
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents to use in analyzing potential impacts of a proposed action.
Decommissioning
The process to properly vacate and survey hazardous substances in building components and equipment in facilities identified for renovation or demolition to remove hazardous materials (i.e. heavy metals, lead-based paint, asbestos, PCBs, fuel oil) for disposal.
Construction Debris Removal/Recycling
Requirements for contractors handling waste from construction and renovation projects on NIH campuses. Please use the following link for additional content.
Stormwater & Sediment Erosion Control Permit
The stormwater program addresses liquid discharges to ground and/or stormwater and soil erosion. The program pursues objectives to meet the comprehensive compliance requirements of the state's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II program.
Sustainability Support
The NIH follows six guiding principles to construct and renovate buildings that meet federal sustainability requirements. Resources for implementing these guiding principles in construction and renovation projects are provided here.
Water Program
The NIH water management program covers drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and water conservation. The goal of the program is to ensure the quality of drinking water meets the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements; wastewater discharged from the campus meets regulatory requirements; reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff and the pollution it causes; reduce the amount of water used across all campuses; and protect the quality of local water sources.
Waste Services
Chemical Waste
Detailed guidelines on the treatment and disposal of chemical waste, proper procedures for the management of chemical waste, and associated chemical waste compliance programs.
Medical Waste Services
Detailed guidelines on the proper management of MPW including pickup, transportation, and disposal.
Solid Waste Services
Detailed guidelines on the proper management of all non-hazardous solid waste generated at interior and exterior containers, including building dumpster services and construction dumpster services.
Recycling
Detailed guidelines on proper management of all recyclable materials.
Making NIH Sustainable
There are many projects and initiatives in place to make the NIH more sustainable. A list of the available resources is included on this webpage. These resources include sustainability programs, green teams, meeting groups, communication outlets, green practices, events, and more! There are resources for NIH staff of all professions, including lab staff, administrative staff, nursing staff and all others.