About RTP

Who We Are:

Our campus is one of the largest "green" buildings in the world. It provides numerous examples of how to reduce and even avoid pollution. It was built keeping in mind the impact it may have on the environment:

pollution
water
land
energy use

What We Do:

The major center for air pollution research and regulation is on the RTP campus. The organizations work together to create a cleaner environment by focusing on three major functions:

Administration and Management is responsible for resources and financial management

Regulations of air quality is the responsibility of the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS)

EPA scientists and engineers are at the cutting-edge of environmental research and technology at state-of-the-art laboratories on the Research Triangle Park campus. Their work is providing innovative and sustainable solutions to address the highest priority science needs of the nation to protect public health and the environment. Research and Development is conducted in the following labs:

National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL)
National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL)
National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA)
National Center for Computational Toxicology (NCCT)
National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC)

What is Handled by Other Agencies:

There are a lot of problems that the public may think we handle, but is the responsibility of another Agency. When environmental issues arise, it may be most appropriate for you to contact your city, county, or state environmental or health Agency rather than EPA.

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources [NCDENR] is the Agency to contact (1-877-623-6748) for matters regarding odors, ponds, spills, open burning, and anti-freeze. This Agency also helps with information such as who is responsible for cleaning up stormwater and runoff, mold and mildew, illegal dumping, grease, fat, and oil.

History:

The Agency began planning the RTP campus in the 1990’s, but it wasn’t until 2001 that the "green" building was completed and occupied. Once completed, it became home to one of the worlds largest groups of scientists, engineers, policy makers, and administrative staff with the main goal of solving environmental issues. The campus was designed with the best laboratories and offices in support of the Agency’s mission. In fact, the RTP campus was designed with several environmental-friendly features:

Main Building uses 40 % less energy compared to standard buildings of equal size

The surface area for roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces is minimized, preserving green space, reducing stormwater runoff, and increasing groundwater recharge

The buildings were placed along the natural contours of the land, reducing the need for grading and limiting disruption to existing woodlands and wetlands

Recycle bins and receptacles are placed in individual offices and in common areas to maximize employee recycling

"Green" Building reduces adverse impacts on the environment and health throughout their entire life cycle from the acquisition of materials, transportation, construction, use and eventual disuse. "Green" buildings in RTP include:

US EPA-(Main Campus)
National Computer Center
First Environment Early Learning Center - Child Care
Durham Solid Waste Operations Facility

Energy is based on the amount of energy used on campus. For example, this campus uses 40% less energy for a projected savings of more than one million dollars per year conserving non-renewable fossil fuels and reducing air emissions.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is based on the air you breathe. Asthma and mold fall under IAQ.

Waste Recycling occurs when materials such as bottles, cans, and newspapers are turned into valuable resources. There are a number of benefits to recycling.

Sustainability refers to meeting our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Topics included in Sustainable Design:

Environmental Requirements
Environmental Impact of Materials
Waste Materials Management and Recycling
Sustainable design requirement
Guidance for Construction Waste Management

General Information:

Employment - If you share a passion to safeguard our natural resources and protect human health join our diverse workforce.

USAJobs
Student Programs
Careers and Internships
Veterans' Preference
Retirement

SEE
OPM
USA.gov for Seniors
Re-employed Annuitants receives a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) retirement annuity and, at the same time, earns a paycheck as a Federal employee.

In most cases, they will continue to receive retirement annuity during re-employment
The law requires the pay to be ‘offset' by the amount of the retirement annuity
The offset amount must be remitted to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for credit to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund

Over the years, this facility has received numerous honors related to the efforts of creating various programs that support human health and the planet.

Awards

Complete the Contact Form or use the How to Search feature.

Tours:

The RTP campus is proud to be one of the largest models of "green" building in the world. We are happy to host school, civic, industry and other groups to promote the ideas adapted during the construction of the RTP facility. Groups can request "green" building tours that will educate them on the various research efforts performed at our location.

Schedule a "green" building tour for your group, via (919) 541-3959 or email Sharon Dublin (dublin.sharon@epa.gov); Barbara Monroe (monroe.barbara@epa.gov); Brenda Stevens (stevens.brenda@epa.gov); Linda Lyon (lyon.linda@epa.gov); or Dustin Riego (riego.dustin@epa.gov).

Schedule a Research Program Tour via (919)-541-4577 or email Deborah Janes (janes.deborah@epa.gov)

Check out the EPA-RTP Speakers Bureau

Visitors Information:

The campus map guides you to Alexander Drive (main entrance), Hopson Road (secondary entrance), and displays visitor parking.

Once you enter the building you must present a Photo I.D. and complete the visitor's log. The security guard will issue a visitor's badge which must be worn in plain sight at all times. The guard will phone the employee and inform them of a visitor in the lobby.

Facts:

With more than 2,000 employees and contractors, this is EPA’s largest operation outside of Washington, DC

Agency’s major location for air pollution and health research

Covers nearly 1.2 million square feet housing state-of-the-art Labs (600), and Offices (2000), Café, Library, and Conference Facilities

One of the largest "green" buildings in the world.

While every effort was made to minimize land clearing, many plants would have been lost if not for the rescue effort; volunteers transplanted more than 3,500 native plants to nearby locations

Native grasses, wildflowers, wetlands, and forests allow all storm water runoff to be treated naturally before flowing into local streams

Located near 4 major universities: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, and North Carolina Central University

Other RTP Facilities:

Human Studies Division, Chapel Hill

Reproductive Toxicology Facility (RTF), RTP

About RTP

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