Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Towson University in Towson, Maryland
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
On September 27, 1991, EPA issued a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Permit to Towson University (TU), formerly Towson State University. The permit required Towson University to perform a unit integrity assessment to certain portions of the sewer and sanitary system, to the waste collection trenches associated with the vehicle maintenance shop and two underground fuel oil storage tanks. Also the permit required investigations at an outdoor drum storage area, at the ditches that received discharge from the Storm water Sewer System and characterization of the waste managed at a sandblasting unit. Based on the results of the field activities, no further action was determined from the areas mentioned above, except for the sewer lines. The results of the video camera inspection performed at the sewer lines indicate that structural remediation is needed to restore proper function of the sewer lines and prevent further releases to the soils. There is no risk to human health and the environment from the soils associated with the sewer lines. On April 28, 1998, EPA approved Towson University's plan for repairing of the damaged sewer lines. On July 3, 2000, Towson University submitted to EPA a letter certifying that repair of the damaged sewer lines was completed.
Cleanup Status
On September 27, 1991, EPA issued a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Permit to Towson University (TU), formerly Towson State University. The permit required Towson University to perform a unit integrity assessment to certain portions of the sewer and sanitary system, to the waste collection trenches associated with the vehicle maintenance shop and two underground fuel oil storage tanks. Also the permit required investigations at an outdoor drum storage area, at the ditches that received discharge from the Storm water Sewer System and characterization of the waste managed at a sandblasting unit. Based on the results of the field activities, no further action was determined from the areas mentioned above, except for the sewer lines. The results of the video camera inspection performed at the sewer lines indicate that structural remediation is needed to restore proper function of the sewer lines and prevent further releases to the soils. There is no risk to human health and the environment from the soils associated with the sewer lines. On April 28, 1998, EPA approved Towson University's plan for repairing of the damaged sewer lines. On July 3, 2000, Towson University submitted to EPA a letter certifying that repair of the damaged sewer lines was completed.
Towson University has completed all required corrective action activities. EPA prepared a no further action statement of basis and a notice was published in a local newspaper detailing the proposed agency decision of no further action. A forty five (45) day public comment period was held from August 29, 2001 to October 12, 2001. No comments were received during that time. EPA issued the final agency determination of no further action to TSU on October 22, 2001.
Site Description
Towson University is a four-year institution with approximately 15,000 full-time students. The University utilizes 24 academic and administrative buildings along with 13 residential building, two dining halls, and two parking garages. Towson University is located in Towson, Baltimore County, Maryland, approximately one-half mile north of the city limits of the City of Baltimore. TU is located in a primarily residential area. The residential developments of Southland Hills, Donnybrook, Knollwood, Wiltondale, Yorktown and Yorkleigh are located immediately to the North, East and South. To the west of TU is the Sheppard-Pratt Hospital complex.
Contaminants at this Facility
There is no risk to human health and the environment from the soils associated with sewer lines that were damaged and subsequently repaired.
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
Institutional Controls were not required at the site.
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
The facility is under continued use.
Site Responsibility at this Facility
RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of the EPA Region 3 with assistance from Maryland Department of the Environment.