*Hazardous Materials Management*
Mike Dressler - Manager
(763-4619)
Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) is responsible for the collection and proper disposal of chemical, radioactive, and biological waste generated throughout the 27 million square feet of facilities during teaching, research, and clinical operations at the Ann Arbor campus. HM&RS is also responsible for environmental investigation and remediation, property transaction, lease and due diligence assessments, property redevelopment and campus environmental planning issues, the OSEH Emergency Response Team, and the Pollution Prevention (P2) Program. The HMM Program supports the University community by providing professional services and oversight.

Technical Support / Training
HMM provides technical support and training to the University community on proper labeling, packaging, and manifesting of biological, chemical, and radioactive waste in compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Michigan Act 451 regulations. Strict compliance with these regulations ensures the waste is managed, transported, and disposed of properly while reducing potential liability to the University. HMM provides Emergency Response/ Incident Command Training to units within the University.

Emergency Response
HMM staff comprise the core of the UM Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT ensures that hazardous material spills are cleaned up correctly to reduce the potential of personal exposure and environmental contamination. The ERT is on-call 24 hours a day to coordinate the cleanup of accidental spills and releases of chemical, radioactive, and biological materials. HMM also provides technical support to the UM Health System Emergency Room staff during treatment of patients who may have been exposed to hazardous materials.

The proper management of hazardous chemical, biological, radio­active, and non-classified waste is required to comply with state and federal regulations and promote environmental stewardship. HMM collects the waste from thousands of laboratories, Plant Operations maintenance areas, construction sites, and health clinics across campus. HMM staff perform segregation, re-packaging, processing, and other management procedures prior to disposal/recycling.

 

 

 

In-Line Waste Instructions

Special Projects
Innovative research performed throughout the University presents challenging waste management opportunities. Mixtures of chemicals or hazardous materials generated during research experiments must be managed in unique and proficient ways prior to disposal. HMM assists University units in developing waste management programs for projects that unexpectedly encounter potentially hazardous work environments. HMM provides waste disposal evaluations and develops waste management programs for non-research activities at the University that require proper disposal evaluations.

Permits and Reports
HMM maintains University regulatory compliance by updating a myriad of permits and reports each year. The permits and reports demand diligent attention to maintain compliance with changing regulatory requirements. The Biennial Report to the US EPA is a major compliance document that details the University’s extensive variety of hazardous waste streams. HMM also interacts with regulatory agency staff during routine inspections as well as reviewing proposed legislation that could potentially impact the University’s procedures for waste management.