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Rehab the Lab

Rehab the Lab ProgramWorking to provide a safe learning environment for Iowa’s children, staff, and communities.

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Rehab the Lab Program History…. Short version!

• Many calls to IDNR requesting help

• Few grants at IDNR

• Developing the network of partners

• High program cost = low participation

• Program turning point was involvement and eventual adoption of program by EMC

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Rehab the Lab

Goals of Rehab the Lab• Assist schools in addressing safety concerns

• Assist schools in proper chemical storage and disposal

• Reduce liability and danger to student, staff and community

• Compliance with federal and state regulations

Partners in the Program

• State Fire Marshal’s Office

• Iowa Dept. of Public Health

• Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources

• Iowa Association of School Boards

• Jester Insurance

• Clean Harbors Environmental

• Iowa Public Television

• Drug Enforcement Administration

• EMC Insurance, Inc.

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Iowa Association of Building and Grounds

• Many Local Emergency Responders

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Rehab the Lab Conditions identified during assessments

50+ year old chemicals

1960’s1950’s

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Rehab the Lab Chemicals identified during assessments

Controlled Substances (DEA) Radioactives

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Rehab the Lab Chemicals identified during assessments

Very scary, little rooms with… more radioactives

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Rehab the Lab Conditions identified during assessments

Broken, leaking, degraded containers

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Rehab the Lab All those explosives…

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Rehab the Lab

Program Progress ReportSince program inception in September 2001:

• Assessed or in process: 293 buildings in 175 districts

• Disposed of more than 131,980 pounds of hazardous waste (1150+ pounds of mercury and mercury compounds. Other PBT analysis underway)

• Identified and properly disposed radioactives, DEA controlled substances in 88 districts

• Identified and detonated potential explosives at 67 schools.

• Educated more than 1676 school personnel in chemical management, risk reduction and hazardous waste regulations

• Awards: 2004 Governor’s Overall Environmental Excellence and Waste Management, 2005 EPA Pollution Prevention Honorable Mention

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Rehab the Lab

Program Progress ReportBenefits of Private Company Partnerships:

• Vested interest financially generally means more investiture of resources and funding

• Non-regulatory “regulation” – they can have significant effect on School’s bottom line

• More personnel, lobbying and influence to help schools adjust future practices: everything from attorney fees to printing costs

Concerns with Private Company Partnerships:

• Appearance of “heavy-handedness” to school personnel

• They own the program = they make the decisions. This includes significant “attorney influence”

• What may at first appear to be altruism and true concern for public health and environmental advocacy is truly based in finances. Less risk = less payout = bigger profits.

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Rehab the Lab Rehab the Lab Future…

• Assisting other states and Tribal Nations in 4 state area with development of RTL programs

•Received EPA grant to develop Rehab the Lab Phase 2 emphasizing pollution prevention, toxics minimization and ongoing management

• Information share with federal EPA, school chemical management nationwide panel and many other states

• DNR administering RTL Phase 2 funding grant from EPA to assist schools with upgrading science safety

• Led to development of partnerships and expanded RCC support to Emergency Response Community throughout Iowa.