Penn State University, as a leading research and teaching institution, acquires, like its counterparts, property by purchase or donation. In order to ensure that the University does not purchase properties with environmental liabilities, EHS and OPP have developed a strategy that includes an environmental site assessment (ESA) of properties and a thorough review of this assessment prior to acquisition. In some cases, this means that properties are not purchased.
In those cases where limited environmental liabilities are identified through the ESA process, they are addressed immediately upon purchase. This may include the removal of tanks or other hazardous materials.
Additionally, when we lease our land for others to build on, we have lease requirements that ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and give Penn State the right to inspect the facilities to ascertain that they are in compliance.
