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NIH Environmental Management System

Take Action to Protect the Future

Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Managed by the Office of Research Facilities, Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)

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Sources Used for Drain Disposal Evaluation

​As an applicant, you will gather information relevant to your processes from various sources, such as Safety Data Sheets, equipment manuals, log records, and other research documents. The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) will assess all information provided by the applicant along with historical information, environmental impacts, RCRA compliance, and wastewater discharge permit limitations.

If unsure, the following sources can be used to evaluate whether your waste qualifies to be poured down the drain.

  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Information
    • Provides chemical ingredients, pH levels, and disposal recommendations.
  • Aquatic Toxicity Information
    • The goal is to prevent negative impacts on receiving waters downstream from wastewater treatment plants.
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Compliance
    • Hazardous waste discharge into the sanitary sewer is prohibited per Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Part 266.
  • Wastewater Discharge Permit Limitations
    • Wastewater permit contains concentration limits and other prohibitions on discharge.

​If you have any questions regarding your chemical waste, contact DEP at 301-496-7990.





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