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EH&S  >   Environmental Safety  >   Air Quality

ENVIRONMENTAL

AIR QUALITY

Faculty, Staff, Student and Community concerns regarding air quality can be grouped into three areas:

 

1.      Workplace Air Quality

 

2.      Indoor Air Quality

 

3.      Environmental Air Quality

 

 

 

Workplace Air Quality and Indoor Air Quality efforts are covered under Occupational Safety.  Environmental Air Quality is covered as follows:

ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY

Air Quality in Forsyth County is monitored by the Forsyth County Department of Environmental Affairs (FCEAD).  FCEAD is delegated authority to promulgate air quality rules in accordance with North Carolina and Federal Clean Air Act regulations.

Wake Forest University Health Sciences engage in many activities which may potentially impact air quality.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY

The one activity on the Bowman Gray Campus that requires an air quality permit is the Medical Center Power Plant. The North Carolina Baptist Hospital operates the Power Plan on the behalf of both organizations.  FCEAD currently lists the Power Plant in compliance with all applicable emission standards and permit requirements.

Due to the nature of many WFUHS operations, we are exempt from permitting, but not from compliance, with applicable air quality regulations. These operations include:

§          Laboratory Operations which occur at all three campuses

§          Emergency Use Generators located at the Hawthorne Campus, PTCRC and A1.

§          Paint spray booth located at the Friedberg Campus. 

TOXIC AIR POLLUTANTS

Although WFUHS is exempt from Toxic Air Pollutant permitting requirements, we are required to comply with emission rates.  Chemicals covered by these regulations are used in many of the research labs at all campuses.  WFUHS EH&S has implemented a chemical inventory system to verify compliance with these regulations.

EMERGENCY GENERATORS

WFUHS Engineering operates emergency service generators are regulated by [Chapter 3, Air Quality Code, Forsyth County Code 3Q.0807. 

OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES (ODSS)

WFUHS is complying with federal regulations covering the handling and disposal of ODSs.  WFUHS Engineering keeps records of training, operations and maintenance, and inventory as required by the US Environmental Protection Agency regulations.