All News Releases By Date

EPA Cites Delaware State University for Environmental Violations

Release Date: 7/15/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Delaware State University in Dover for inadequate measures to prevent oil spills from
on-campus petroleum tanks.

The university has a total storage capacity of 150,000 gallons in above-ground and underground oil storage tanks. The university is located next to Silver Lake, which feeds into the St. Jones River, which flows into the Delaware River. The proposed penalty for these alleged violations is $22,181.

Delaware State was also cited for improperly storing hazardous waste without a permit. The proposed penalty for these alleged violations is $20, 250.

Since 1999 EPA's Region III office has inspected 15 colleges and universities for compliance with environmental regulations following seminars and other outreach initiatives to colleges and universities. EPA continues to provide assistance to colleges and universities to help them comply with environmental regulations. EPA’s compliance assistance website is https://www.epa.gov/clearinghouse.

Through this enforcement initiative, EPA has found that although institutions of higher education are generally subject to the same environmental regulations affecting other institutions, they have not always faced the same scrutiny from federal and state regulators.

“Compliance with environmental regulations is not an academic exercise. We hold colleges and universities to the same high standards governing corporations and government agencies,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh.

Delaware State may request a hearing to contest the alleged violations and the proposed penalties.