ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
August 3, 2006
EMU Board Room

Attendees: Jim Blick, Ben Farrell, Christine Thompson, Kay Coots, Paula Staight, Karyn Kaplan, Robyn Hathcock, Bob Jones, Anne Forrestel, Tim King, Chuck Kalnbach; Guests: Frances Dyke, Brian Smith

Jim Blick was introduced as the newly elected chairperson. He distributed the committee charge and requested the EIC web site be updated with the latest version (dated 11/03).

Announcement
As an update to past discussions about lighting on campus, Christine said that louvers have been installed in the bollards at the heart of campus to help diffuse the light. Fluorescent bulbs will be installed as well.

Reporting and Recommendation Process

In 2003 the EIC was directed to report to the university senate in addition to the vice president’s office. The senate receives a copy of the annual report for informational purposes only.

Frances introduced Brian E. Smith as the new Assistant to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, effective September 1 st. She has asked him to interface with the committee and assist with the requested feedback mechanism as part of the recommendation process.

Feedback on Recommendation to Reduce the Use of Vinyl Products

Frances provided a brief synopsis of the Office of University Planning response letter. Chris Ramey asked each project manager to review their current projects and those that were recently completed. He referred to the Sustainable Development Plan that does advocate avoiding materials that create ozone depleting chemicals and cited several good examples where sustainability has been a priority, such as Lillis and Moss Street Children’s Center. Alternatives are considered for use in buildings when feasible and available. Facilities Services is presently developing construction standards that will help provide an opportunity to reduce the use of vinyl products and identify preferred non-vinyl materials.

Christine added that that the first round of construction standards was recently distributed, and the planning office has noted areas where they would recommend increasing use of non-vinyl and other sustainable options. Anne commented that the university is reasonably responsive, but could be more proactive in finding alternatives and funding.

Since the Oregon Toxics Alliance is a valuable resource in providing companies with information and assistance, Karyn asked that a copy of this letter be sent to them. Frances will first OK this with Chris Ramey.

Talloires Declaration

In 2001 President Frohnmayer asked the EIC to review the Talloires and provide feedback. The committee has recommended that the university sign the declaration. Frances said that Dan Williams took it to the President’s Small Staff before he left his position. She has since spoken to Linda Brady and briefed her.

Bob and Ben pointed out that, as an institution, we are already accomplishing most of the issues that are outlined in this declaration.

Smoking Policy and Non-Smoking Campus Goals

A subcommittee formed in the early spring and prepared a document titled Smoking and Environmental Tobacco Smoke: UO Campus Issues. Some of the problems with the current smoking policy stem from an outdated OAR, inconsistent practices such as smoking distances that vary from building to building, and enforcement issues.

The discussion is ongoing about the current policy and future goals for a non smoking campus. The committee realizes it needs help with follow through, what steps could or should be taken, and who should be involved. Frances has spoken with Kay about the various individuals and entities that would need to be included in the process. She also plans to contact Russ Tomlin.

CASL

Frances has assigned George Hecht to work on CASL housing concerns. Karyn and Bob pointed out that organizations, such as EWEB, have expressed interest in providing grant dollars once a house is allocated.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Tim King and Mark Maguire attended the February meeting to educate the committee on IPM. One of the committee’s suggestions was to increase the use of manual labor; however, they realize this would require additional funding. Tim commented that there are many things that can be done without extra funding. IPM saves money and cuts down on maintenance costs. He is looking at ways to get more involved, as well as going beyond IPM by increasing sustainable landscape maintenance practices.