Outdoor Chalk Art - Environment, Health and Safety

All storm drains on campus connect directly to local streams

Chalk goes through storm drain to campus stream

Pre-Event Planning

Draw a map of your event, and make a note of creek and storm drain locations.
Call UNC’s Environment, Health and Safety Department at 919-962-5507 for a pre-event site visit.

Use of more than 3 (three) pounds of chalk at a single event requires the development of a cleanup plan. This will cost $$$. Contact the Student Union or EHS for sidewalk cleanup requirements.
If the event will be held on a small, contained area, cordon off the area to prevent artists from using chalk outside of designated area.
Protect storm drains by covering the drains with tarps.
Keep chalk art at least 50 feet from any stream or storm drain.

Request a copy of the chalk product’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) from the manufacturer or supplier.
Review SDS for potential safety and environmental hazards, and e-mail a copy to EHS at stormwater@ehs.unc.edu.
Biodegradable or “environmentally friendly” does NOT mean that the substance can go into the local streams. The material can harm aquatic organisms by altering water quality and chemistry.

Several weeks before the event, develop a plan for chalk cleanup.
Do NOT use hoses or pressure washers to clean chalk off of sidewalks or paved areas!
If more than 3 (three) pounds of chalk will be used, the most effective cleaning method will be to rent an indoor floor buffer. Dispose of wastewater in housekeeping sinks (inside).
For smaller areas, use brooms or street sweepers to cleaned paved areas. Bag chalk dust and dispose into regular trash container.
Call EHS at 919-962-5507 if you need clarification on allowable cleanup methods.

If any chalk causes discoloration in a stream, call EHS at 919-962-5507 immediately during regular working hours or call UNC Police at 911 after hours.