Cal Poly on Environment

I read with interest Anne C. Roark’s article “UCLA Identifies a Major Source of Pollution--Itself” (Metro, June 15). Cal Poly Pomona shares UCLA’s concern about the degradation of the environment. Furthermore, we are deeply committed to dealing with environmental issues as part of our ongoing university operations.

Cal Poly Pomona has been one of the pioneers in the use of recycled waste water. In the 1960s and 1970s, we used reclaimed water to irrigate about 25% of the campus. Today, we rely on reclaimed water for over 95% of our campus landscape. We also used reclaimed water to grow tree fruits, vegetables, grains and ornamental plants.

Cal Poly has demonstrated its commitment to significant environmental issues in other ways as well. In 1985, the university signed a historic agreement establishing the Spadra Landfill and Resource Conservation Project, a joint project between the California State University, the L.A. County Sanitation Districts, and Los Angeles County. Combined with adjacent campus lands, this agreement authorized the creation of a 339-acre landfill and land resource laboratory which we call “LandLab.”

This sanitary landfill provides opportunities for the university to conduct research on landfill, refuse recycling, and refuse-to-energy processes and their effects.

As an active laboratory for experimenting with and demonstrating ways of using and sustaining resources, LandLab supports a diverse range of activities to serve the educational, research, and leisure needs of the university and the communities we serve.

Universities have a unique role to play in addressing the environmental problems our society faces. Cal Poly Pomona will continue to emphasize its commitment to addressing these critical concerns.

HUGH O. LA BOUNTY

President

Cal Poly Pomona