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Northland College completes voluntary environmental audit

June 3, 2010

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to waive civil penalties assessed to Northland College following a voluntary audit of the institution’s compliance with federal environmental regulations. The audit, made possible through a specially earmarked gift to the College, reaffirms Northland’s commitment to the protection of the rich natural resources of the Chequamegon Bay.

In a report addressing the results of the audit, the EPA cited several factors that led to the complete mitigation of what could have been a civil penalty of $277,538, including Northland’s voluntary identification of violations, disclosure of identified problem areas, and prompt corrective action taken in response to areas of noncompliance. Additionally, the EPA acknowledged that the violations did not result in serious harm or pose an imminent or substantial endangerment to human health or the environment.

The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU), in cooperation with Turning Bird Associates, worked with the EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to develop the criteria for the peer audit. The criteria included a review of hazardous materials storage, use and disposal practices, policies and documentation, and involved professional auditors from Turning Bird Associates and peer auditors from participating WAICU institutions.

“The peer audit was the first step in ensuring we have the protection of the environment foremost in our minds,” said Rick Waligora, director of facilities at Northland. “Assessing our compliance with environmental regulations was the right thing to do, and we will continue to improve our compliance and develop practices in line with our mission as an environmental liberal arts college.”