Site Studies

 

Hazardous Waste Storage Facility Site Study:

The University of Connecticut's Hazardous Waste Storage Facility has been located at its present site since 1989.  The facility provides for centralized interim storage and is the location at which hazardous wastes collected from throughout the campus are prepared for off-site disposal. Several improvements have been incorporated into the facility since its inception to enhance security and provide improved working conditions for the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) personnel who manage the materials and waste stored at the facility.

Prior to investment of capital funds to substantially improve this facility at its present location, the University undertook a Comparative Site Study in late 2003/early 2004 to evaluate options for relocation of the facility to a different on-campus site.  The University sought a site that could adequately meet the operating demands, public health and safety requirements, and environmental protection mission of the EH&S Department in a manner that met or exceeded standards established at the existing facility.

SEA Consultants Inc. was engaged by the University to conduct the Comparative Site Study, with the assistance of a project Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the local community, the campus population, environmental advocacy groups, and the University administration.  The charge given to the Committee was to evaluate a minimum of three sites, including the existing site, and determine the most appropriate location for a new, or substantially renovated facility.  Ultimately, SEA and the Committee evaluated six sites that were identified through a preliminary screening process. 

These six sites were evaluated using a Multi-Attribute Decision Matrix with the following criteria:

• Environmental/Ecological Impact
• Public Health Impact
• Public Water Supplies
• Public Safety/Security and Accessibility
• Consistency with University of Connecticut Master Plans, Local and State Plans of Conservation and Development and Surrounding Land Use
• Operational Efficiency and Cost
• Traffic Safety/Circulation
• Regulatory Requirements

Based on the data available, and the process established, the site that scored the best relative to the others was the parcel west of the WPCF in the vicinity of the existing transfer station. 

• Hazardous Waste Storage Facility Site Study Figures
• Hazardous Waste Storage Facility Site Study Report
• Hazardous Waste Storage Facility Public Scoping Meeting 

Current facility behind Horsebarn Hill:
Proposed potential relocation area --near the Wastewater Treatment Plant:

Current location (bottom center) & proposed relocation area (upper right) based on siting study: