Most wastewater discharges from University buildings are discharged under permits issued by the NBC. The University holds permits for the operations including, but not limited to:
- Laundry rooms in residence halls
- Food Service operations
- Photographic darkrooms
- Research buildings
- Ice melt from Meehan Auditorium
- Aquatic Center
- Construction activities
These permits establish specific conditions under which wastewater can be discharged. The NBC requires monitoring or periodic sampling of wastewater discharged by the University to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations.
Wastewaters such as stormwater, non-contact cooling waters and other uncontaminated wastewaters are in some cases discharged directly to surface water through the Providence stormwater system. These discharges are regulated under RI Pollution Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) permits issued by RIDEM.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will review chemical waste streams for drain disposal that may meet the requirements of these permits. Drain disposal of any chemicals is prohibited unless approved by EHS.