​Does my location or project require decommissioning?

Facilities owned and operated by NIH can be very old. Materials used during the lifespan of many older buildings have been determined to be hazardous and environmentally inappropriate for disposal using standard solid waste collection practices. The only way to be certain as to the long-term liability to NIH concerning potentially hazardous materials is to complete the decommissioning program (some projects may not include all phases depending on each unique situation). Current draft policy requires that all locations owned/operated by NIH must undergo decommissioning.

Facility Environmental Decommissioning plays a role regarding the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). It is critical that all projects receive review to determine impacts regarding the NEPA standard.