University of Arizona Wins EPA Grant to Advance Statewide Environmental Education Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including a grant for $96,000 to the University of Arizona.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Arizona,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Arizona. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to the University of Arizona will fund a roving, interactive exhibit on the groundwater system for underserved communities across Arizona and include a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about the groundwater system. The exhibit will travel to 12 underserved communities, one per month, and each location will feature an opening movie night showcasing newly developed videos on the groundwater system combined with a guest speaker who will discuss specific groundwater conditions in their community. Educators will be provided with ready-to-implement lessons on the groundwater system and have an opportunity to use groundwater models with their students while the exhibit is on display.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Arizona,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Arizona. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to the University of Arizona will fund a roving, interactive exhibit on the groundwater system for underserved communities across Arizona and include a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about the groundwater system. The exhibit will travel to 12 underserved communities, one per month, and each location will feature an opening movie night showcasing newly developed videos on the groundwater system combined with a guest speaker who will discuss specific groundwater conditions in their community. Educators will be provided with ready-to-implement lessons on the groundwater system and have an opportunity to use groundwater models with their students while the exhibit is on display.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
La EPA invita al público a opinar sobre el plan de limpieza propuesto para el sitio Superfund de Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico
NUEVA YORK - La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) exhorta al público a comentar sobre su plan de limpieza propuesto para abordar el suelo contaminado con plomo y el agua subterránea en el Sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico. El periodo de comentarios públicos de 30 días para el plan propuesto comienza el 15 de agosto de 2023. La EPA organizará una reunión pública en Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marín #7, Arecibo el martes, 29 de agosto de 2023 entre 5-7 pm para explicar la nueva propuesta de limpieza.
“El plomo es un metal tóxico que puede causar daño a la capacidad de aprendizaje de un niño y una variedad de problemas de salud en los adultos”, señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. “La EPA abordó hace años por primera vez los riesgos más graves planteados por este sitio, y ahora estamos enfocados en finalizar una limpieza a gran escala del sitio para proteger la salud pública en el futuro. El plan propuesto por la EPA para el sitio es eliminar el suelo contaminado restante y monitorear y restringir el acceso a las aguas subterráneas que podrían representar un riesgo a la salud pública. Alentamos al público a unirse a nuestra reunión, hacer preguntas y comunicar sus puntos de vista sobre el plan propuesto”.
La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto hoy atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del sitio. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentran fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del sitio se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.
La propiedad principal en el sitio operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el sitio se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con Battery Recycling Company Inc. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el sitio; sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el sitio a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.
Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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“El plomo es un metal tóxico que puede causar daño a la capacidad de aprendizaje de un niño y una variedad de problemas de salud en los adultos”, señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. “La EPA abordó hace años por primera vez los riesgos más graves planteados por este sitio, y ahora estamos enfocados en finalizar una limpieza a gran escala del sitio para proteger la salud pública en el futuro. El plan propuesto por la EPA para el sitio es eliminar el suelo contaminado restante y monitorear y restringir el acceso a las aguas subterráneas que podrían representar un riesgo a la salud pública. Alentamos al público a unirse a nuestra reunión, hacer preguntas y comunicar sus puntos de vista sobre el plan propuesto”.
La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto hoy atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del sitio. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentran fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del sitio se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.
La propiedad principal en el sitio operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el sitio se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con Battery Recycling Company Inc. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el sitio; sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el sitio a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.
Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.
Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en Twitter y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.
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Educational Organizations in California’s Orange and Tulare Counties Win EPA Grants to Advance Environmental Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including two organizations in California.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in California,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in California. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The California recipients and projects are:
Orange County Coastkeeper (Orange County, $98,492 grant) – This grant will enable Orange County Coastkeeper and Inside the Outdoors to develop and implement a solutions-based climate resilience curriculum for middle and high school students in underserved communities in Orange County. The program will provide students a combination of in-class lessons and field trips to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Participating students will also complete a community action project and attend a symposium where they share their stewardship projects with the members of their community.
Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Tulare County, $100,000 grant) – This grant will support EARTH Academy, a year-long, project-based learning program offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to high school students in Tulare County. Tulare County is one of the top agriculturally productive counties in the country, and has regularly suffered from severe droughts, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and poor air quality. The majority of students in the county come from immigrant or migratory families, live in rural areas, and are low-income. The EARTH Academy program aims to address these issues by increasing awareness and understanding about ecosystem health and management techniques that can improve water quality, air quality, and carbon sequestration.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in California,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in California. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The California recipients and projects are:
Orange County Coastkeeper (Orange County, $98,492 grant) – This grant will enable Orange County Coastkeeper and Inside the Outdoors to develop and implement a solutions-based climate resilience curriculum for middle and high school students in underserved communities in Orange County. The program will provide students a combination of in-class lessons and field trips to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Participating students will also complete a community action project and attend a symposium where they share their stewardship projects with the members of their community.
Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Tulare County, $100,000 grant) – This grant will support EARTH Academy, a year-long, project-based learning program offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to high school students in Tulare County. Tulare County is one of the top agriculturally productive counties in the country, and has regularly suffered from severe droughts, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and poor air quality. The majority of students in the county come from immigrant or migratory families, live in rural areas, and are low-income. The EARTH Academy program aims to address these issues by increasing awareness and understanding about ecosystem health and management techniques that can improve water quality, air quality, and carbon sequestration.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA Invites Public Input on Proposed Cleanup Plan for Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging the pubic to comment on its proposed cleanup plan to address lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A 30-day public comment period for the proposed plan begins August 15, 2023. EPA will host a public meeting at Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marin #7, Arecibo on Tuesday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to explain the cleanup proposal.
“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of health problems in adults,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA first addressed the most serious risks posed by this site years ago, and now we are focused on finalizing a full-scale clean-up of the site to protect public health well into the future. EPA’s proposed plan for the site is to remove the remaining contaminated soil and monitor and restrict groundwater that could pose a risk to public health. We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
The cleanup outlined in today’s proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for on-site treatment and containment. Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.
The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of health problems in adults,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA first addressed the most serious risks posed by this site years ago, and now we are focused on finalizing a full-scale clean-up of the site to protect public health well into the future. EPA’s proposed plan for the site is to remove the remaining contaminated soil and monitor and restrict groundwater that could pose a risk to public health. We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
The cleanup outlined in today’s proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for on-site treatment and containment. Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.
The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater. The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $4.5 million in Grants for Region 6 States to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure
DALLAS, TEXAS (August 15, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $50 million in grants through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program. Approximately $4,526,000 of that funding will be available for the Region 6 states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to help Region 6 communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Thanks to program updates made by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program will also ensure small and financially distressed communities receive grant assistance at no cost.
“Heavy rainfall can flood communities, overload facilities that treat wastewater, and contaminate our waterways with sewage and pollution. Investing in America means investing in managing stormwater and sewer overflows with resilient infrastructure to prevent these serious issues,” said Assistant EPA Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “With $50 million in grant funding and new requirements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping address the threat of stormwater inundation in communities that need it most.”
Stormwater management is a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. The costs to construct, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can strain ratepayers, especially those in small and financially distressed communities. This investment follows changes made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prioritize projects for small and/or financially distressed communities and prevents cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities. Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
The breakdown of each state is below:
Arkansas will receive $343,000
Louisiana will receive $705,000
New Mexico will receive $248,000
Oklahoma will receive $406,000
Texas will receive $2,824,000
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a portion of the costs associated with projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25 percent of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in small and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in small or financially distressed communities.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“Heavy rainfall can flood communities, overload facilities that treat wastewater, and contaminate our waterways with sewage and pollution. Investing in America means investing in managing stormwater and sewer overflows with resilient infrastructure to prevent these serious issues,” said Assistant EPA Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “With $50 million in grant funding and new requirements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping address the threat of stormwater inundation in communities that need it most.”
Stormwater management is a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. The costs to construct, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can strain ratepayers, especially those in small and financially distressed communities. This investment follows changes made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prioritize projects for small and/or financially distressed communities and prevents cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities. Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
The breakdown of each state is below:
Arkansas will receive $343,000
Louisiana will receive $705,000
New Mexico will receive $248,000
Oklahoma will receive $406,000
Texas will receive $2,824,000
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a portion of the costs associated with projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25 percent of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in small and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in small or financially distressed communities.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
Educational Organization in Reno, Nevada Wins EPA Grant to Advance Environmental Efforts
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including a grant for $90,000 to Envirolution in Reno, Nev.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Nevada,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Nevada. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to Envirolution will fund the organization’s Project ReCharge, a hands-on, project-based science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) curriculum and training program committed to educating and preparing students to become future sustainability and environmental leaders. It will provide 50 new Nevada teachers with quality curriculum, training, material resources, and career development opportunities for their students. During the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 3,750 students will engage in hands-on STEAM education that encourages them to pursue careers in related disciplines and take an active role in creating a more sustainable world. This grant will also support the development of the Project ReCharge curriculum by revising and adding three lessons focused on geothermal energy, transportation and electric vehicles, and climate change.
In addition, Project ReCharge will provide Northern Nevada students the opportunity to collaborate with the City of Reno employees and renewable energy industry professionals to develop two educational resources to be integrated into the new community pool, the Moana Aquatic Fitness Center. Once the facility is completed, approximately 50 Washoe County students will have the added benefit of touring the new educational community pool to engage in place-based learning.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Nevada,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Nevada. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
The grant to Envirolution will fund the organization’s Project ReCharge, a hands-on, project-based science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) curriculum and training program committed to educating and preparing students to become future sustainability and environmental leaders. It will provide 50 new Nevada teachers with quality curriculum, training, material resources, and career development opportunities for their students. During the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 3,750 students will engage in hands-on STEAM education that encourages them to pursue careers in related disciplines and take an active role in creating a more sustainable world. This grant will also support the development of the Project ReCharge curriculum by revising and adding three lessons focused on geothermal energy, transportation and electric vehicles, and climate change.
In addition, Project ReCharge will provide Northern Nevada students the opportunity to collaborate with the City of Reno employees and renewable energy industry professionals to develop two educational resources to be integrated into the new community pool, the Moana Aquatic Fitness Center. Once the facility is completed, approximately 50 Washoe County students will have the added benefit of touring the new educational community pool to engage in place-based learning.
The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
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EPA Issues Next Test Order Under National Testing Strategy for PFAS Used in Chemical Manufacturing
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the third Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) test order requiring testing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under EPA’s National PFAS Testing Strategy, the latest action taken under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront contamination from forever chemicals nationwide.
Today’s action orders the Chemours Company FC LLC, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and 3M Company to conduct and submit testing on 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoyl fluoride (HFPO-DAF), a substance used as a reactant in organic chemical manufacturing. HFPO-DAF is known to be used to make the chemical Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO) Dimer Acid (CASRN 13252-13-6), also known by the trade name GenX. HFPO-DA is used in the production of nonstick coatings, stain repellent, and other consumer and industrial products and was widely used to replace PFOA. More than 1 million pounds of HFPO-DAF are manufactured each year, according to TSCA Chemical Data Reporting rule reports.
“We still don’t know enough about the dangers that many PFAS might pose to human health,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We’re using all the tools at our disposal to rapidly gather data about these substances so that we can better understand the potential environmental and human health impacts of PFAS and take any necessary steps to address them.”
After thoroughly examining existing hazard and exposure data, EPA has concluded that HFPO-DAF may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The potential hazards from exposure to this chemical could include organ damage, including to the eyes and skin, as well as cancer. EPA has also concluded that workers may be exposed to HFPO-DAF. Additionally, EPA’s recent proposal to regulate six PFAS in drinking water, including HFPO-DA and its salts, isomers, and derivatives which includes HFPO-DAF, found there was a meaningful opportunity to reduce health risks to people consuming drinking water contaminated by these PFAS. The test order will help EPA better understand the potential hazards and potential exposures associated with HFPO-DAF.
The information EPA receives under this order will not only improve the Agency’s understanding of human health effects of HFPO-DAF, but also the potential effects of dozens of PFAS that are structurally similar to HFPO-DAF and in the same Testing Strategy category of PFAS, improving the agency’s overall data on PFAS.
The companies subject to the test order may either conduct the tests as described in the order, including testing of physical-chemical properties and health effects following inhalation, or provide EPA with existing information they believe EPA did not identify in its search, but which satisfies the order requirements.
EPA encourages companies to jointly conduct testing to avoid unnecessary duplication of tests and will also consider possible combinations of tests that cover all required endpoints to diminish the amount of time, animal subjects and costs required.
The order employs a tiered testing process, as TSCA requires. The results of all the first-tier testing are required to be submitted to EPA within 446 days of the effective date of the order and will inform the decision as to which additional tests are necessary. The order and any data submitted in response to this order will be made publicly available on EPA’s website and in the applicable docket on www.regulations.gov, subject to confidentiality considerations under TSCA section 14.
PFAS National Testing Strategy
In the National Testing Strategy, EPA assigned PFAS into smaller categories based on similarities in structure, physical-chemical properties, and existing toxicity data. EPA is issuing test orders for PFAS in specific categories that lack toxicity data to inform EPA’s understanding of the potential human health effects.
The first test order was for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine, a PFAS used in commercial firefighting foam. The second was for HFPO, a PFAS used to manufacture plastics. As EPA continues to further develop the Strategy, refine its universe and categorization of PFAS, and consider stakeholder feedback, the Agency also plans to increase the weight it places on the potential for exposures when identifying which specific PFAS to require testing on.
Section 4 Test Orders
Developing section 4 test orders is a complex and resource-intensive process involving many scientific and regulatory considerations, as explained in this Overview of Activities Involved in Issuing a TSCA Section 4 Order. Given the complexity of the testing requirements, a broad spectrum of experts across the agency worked to determine testing methodology and needs and address other details of drafting and issuing an order, such as assessing the economic burden of an order.
Additionally, one order often applies to multiple companies. EPA must identify these companies and their associated points of contact. To improve the transparency of the process, EPA also works to resolve confidential business information claims that could prevent EPA from publicly connecting the company to the chemical substance prior to issuing test orders.
View the test order issued today and other section 4 test orders.
Learn more about the PFAS National Testing Strategy.
Today’s action orders the Chemours Company FC LLC, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and 3M Company to conduct and submit testing on 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoyl fluoride (HFPO-DAF), a substance used as a reactant in organic chemical manufacturing. HFPO-DAF is known to be used to make the chemical Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO) Dimer Acid (CASRN 13252-13-6), also known by the trade name GenX. HFPO-DA is used in the production of nonstick coatings, stain repellent, and other consumer and industrial products and was widely used to replace PFOA. More than 1 million pounds of HFPO-DAF are manufactured each year, according to TSCA Chemical Data Reporting rule reports.
“We still don’t know enough about the dangers that many PFAS might pose to human health,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We’re using all the tools at our disposal to rapidly gather data about these substances so that we can better understand the potential environmental and human health impacts of PFAS and take any necessary steps to address them.”
After thoroughly examining existing hazard and exposure data, EPA has concluded that HFPO-DAF may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The potential hazards from exposure to this chemical could include organ damage, including to the eyes and skin, as well as cancer. EPA has also concluded that workers may be exposed to HFPO-DAF. Additionally, EPA’s recent proposal to regulate six PFAS in drinking water, including HFPO-DA and its salts, isomers, and derivatives which includes HFPO-DAF, found there was a meaningful opportunity to reduce health risks to people consuming drinking water contaminated by these PFAS. The test order will help EPA better understand the potential hazards and potential exposures associated with HFPO-DAF.
The information EPA receives under this order will not only improve the Agency’s understanding of human health effects of HFPO-DAF, but also the potential effects of dozens of PFAS that are structurally similar to HFPO-DAF and in the same Testing Strategy category of PFAS, improving the agency’s overall data on PFAS.
The companies subject to the test order may either conduct the tests as described in the order, including testing of physical-chemical properties and health effects following inhalation, or provide EPA with existing information they believe EPA did not identify in its search, but which satisfies the order requirements.
EPA encourages companies to jointly conduct testing to avoid unnecessary duplication of tests and will also consider possible combinations of tests that cover all required endpoints to diminish the amount of time, animal subjects and costs required.
The order employs a tiered testing process, as TSCA requires. The results of all the first-tier testing are required to be submitted to EPA within 446 days of the effective date of the order and will inform the decision as to which additional tests are necessary. The order and any data submitted in response to this order will be made publicly available on EPA’s website and in the applicable docket on www.regulations.gov, subject to confidentiality considerations under TSCA section 14.
PFAS National Testing Strategy
In the National Testing Strategy, EPA assigned PFAS into smaller categories based on similarities in structure, physical-chemical properties, and existing toxicity data. EPA is issuing test orders for PFAS in specific categories that lack toxicity data to inform EPA’s understanding of the potential human health effects.
The first test order was for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine, a PFAS used in commercial firefighting foam. The second was for HFPO, a PFAS used to manufacture plastics. As EPA continues to further develop the Strategy, refine its universe and categorization of PFAS, and consider stakeholder feedback, the Agency also plans to increase the weight it places on the potential for exposures when identifying which specific PFAS to require testing on.
Section 4 Test Orders
Developing section 4 test orders is a complex and resource-intensive process involving many scientific and regulatory considerations, as explained in this Overview of Activities Involved in Issuing a TSCA Section 4 Order. Given the complexity of the testing requirements, a broad spectrum of experts across the agency worked to determine testing methodology and needs and address other details of drafting and issuing an order, such as assessing the economic burden of an order.
Additionally, one order often applies to multiple companies. EPA must identify these companies and their associated points of contact. To improve the transparency of the process, EPA also works to resolve confidential business information claims that could prevent EPA from publicly connecting the company to the chemical substance prior to issuing test orders.
View the test order issued today and other section 4 test orders.
Learn more about the PFAS National Testing Strategy.
EPA Selects Four Educational Organizations in New England to Receive Funding to Support Environmental Projects
BOSTON (Aug. 15, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that four organizations in New England will receive $346,000 in grants to help address career development, water and air quality issues, climate change and environmental justice. They were among 33 organizations across the country that will receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under EPA's Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program
"EPA is proud of the EE Grants Program and our region's grant recipients, all of whom plan programs and activities that will help offer engaging opportunities to students from historically disadvantaged communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W Cash. "We applaud their commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all."
The following New England organizations have been selected to receive this year's EE Grants:
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME
Campus Compact, Lewiston, ME
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
University of Connecticut - $100,000
Nicole Freidenfelds, Storrs, CTSchool Based Green Infrastructure Initiative
Over the past 35 years, Connecticut has experienced a rapid increase in the amount of developed land compared to a relative loss of pervious land cover types, such as forest and agriculture. Developed land comprises impervious surfaces that result in stormwater runoff, a major source of water pollution and cause of localized flooding. To empower educators and students to address stormwater related issues within their communities, the University of Connecticut's School Based Green Infrastructure Initiative will train 20 high school teachers through a professional development workshop focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure.
Also, students with educator support will plan and implement local projects focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure. This project targets low-income areas and communities that contain Title I schools. This program will provide educators from underserved communities with resources and instruction as they carry out customized watershed-based lessons, leveraging Next Generation Science Standards-designed curriculum created by the project team, in their classrooms. Approximately 600 high school students will use a watershed-modeling web app to analyze land use and soil data in their neighborhoods, model stormwater runoff and water-quality impacts, and compare how different conservation or development scenarios could modify runoff and water quality.
Working with undergraduate students from UConn's Stormwater Corps, participating partner school teams will then be guided through planning and implementing local green infrastructure projects either on their school property or in the nearby community. Projects will be 1) site-specific and include tree planting, rainwater harvesting, building and installation of planter boxes, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and/or permeable pavements, and 2) explicitly connected to lessons that introduce students to a variety of green infrastructure career paths, such as landscaping, plumbing, horticulture, construction, and engineering.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $96,000
Maggie Harvey, Portland, MEHemlock Stewards Northeast
This two-year project capitalizes on Gulf of Maine Research Institute's (GMRI) expertise partnering with middle school teachers and students in authentic, place-based, participatory science investigations of Maine's ecosystems. This project will directly support 8 middle schools from a range of communities reaching approximately 800-1,200 students from across Maine. The work will connect those schools with schools across New England engaged in related hemlock investigations and monitoring efforts.
Over the course of two years, the project will: 1) enhance teacher skill engaging students in the full environmental education continuum in the context of a participatory science investigation of hemlock forests and water quality, 2) build student understanding of ecosystem complexity and the implications of that complexity for understanding and stewarding local forests and waterways and managing invasive species, 3) connect participating students, teachers, and scientists and resource managers as they collaborate to monitor and steward forest and aquatic ecosystem health in Maine and across New England, 4) develop student and teacher knowledge about the work of scientists and resource managers and 5) move students from environmental monitors to stewards and community leaders as they participate in and engage their communities in stewardship opportunities.
Participating students will engage in the full environmental education continuum. They will develop their own knowledge and awareness as they engage in investigations in local contexts. They will think critically as they analyze their data and the data contributed by their peers and consider what their findings mean for their communities and for the region. They will leverage that powerful learning experience to bring a deeper understanding to stewardship activities and will work with project advisors to develop long-term stewardship action plans for their schools that include a range of monitoring, research, and management. This work will culminate in student-led events that increase community understanding of the hemlock forests and engage communities in stewardship activities.
Maine Campus Contact – $90,000
Sally Slovenski, Lewiston, MEEnergy Maine Environmental Education Program
The primary goal of Maine Campus Compact's (MCC) Energy Maine project is to support environmental education (EE) efforts that address climate change/air quality and energy efficiency stewardship through problem-based curriculum and activities for Maine elementary school students in underserved communities. This project will award $4,500 sub-grants to five teams throughout Maine, each consisting of a 4th grade teacher from a diverse, low-income area and/or rural community paired with a pre-service college student and faculty advisor to implement the research-based, EE curriculum, Connect Science (CS).
With an extensive network of colleges around the state, MCC will pair higher education students with 4th grade teachers to support the implementation of this EE curriculum. Each team will attend a five-day CS training and implement a 12-week energy unit in their classroom culminating with a student-led service-learning project. Each team will organize and lead at least one EE community event to promote energy efficiency to the broader community.
Finally, teachers and pre-service teachers will lead one professional learning opportunity to share information with their peers and to expand the impacts of the Energy ME model. This grant project will reach a total of over 750 Mainers. Educational methodologies that will be utilized during the project period include: a five-day in-person/virtual training workshop for Energy ME team members, implementation of the CS Curriculum, student impact activities, continuous coaching for teams as they implement CS, community education forums led by team members to educate the public. This curriculum weaves together three key branches: science content learning on par with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), student-driven service learning, and social emotional learning.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - $60,000
Katharine Noiva, Vergennes, VTGiant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project
The Giant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project will use Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's one-of-a-kind 35' x 27' giant floor map of the Lake Champlain watershed to increase the capability of educators to use environmental education (EE) in their own teaching and increase stewardship behaviors in teachers and students. The project has 3 connected components: training for 50 teachers at 5 Title 1 schools on EE and how to use the Giant Map; Giant Map programming for students at 5 Title 1 schools led by museum staff and partners; and Giant Map programming led by teachers at 5 Title 1 schools.
The Museum will work with local partners to connect teachers with resources and provide opportunities for students to meet environmental professionals and increase their interest in careers in environmental fields. Staff from the VT Fish and Wildlife Department and the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will partner on program development and implementation. Experiences with this unique teaching tool of the Giant Map will inspire students and teachers to develop their own sense of place that will result in stewardship behaviors and actions that support the health of the Lake Champlain watershed.
More information:
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques.
Summaries of each project, grant winners, and information on how to apply for future EE grant competitions
Environmental Education at EPA
"EPA is proud of the EE Grants Program and our region's grant recipients, all of whom plan programs and activities that will help offer engaging opportunities to students from historically disadvantaged communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W Cash. "We applaud their commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all."
The following New England organizations have been selected to receive this year's EE Grants:
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME
Campus Compact, Lewiston, ME
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
University of Connecticut - $100,000
Nicole Freidenfelds, Storrs, CTSchool Based Green Infrastructure Initiative
Over the past 35 years, Connecticut has experienced a rapid increase in the amount of developed land compared to a relative loss of pervious land cover types, such as forest and agriculture. Developed land comprises impervious surfaces that result in stormwater runoff, a major source of water pollution and cause of localized flooding. To empower educators and students to address stormwater related issues within their communities, the University of Connecticut's School Based Green Infrastructure Initiative will train 20 high school teachers through a professional development workshop focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure.
Also, students with educator support will plan and implement local projects focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure. This project targets low-income areas and communities that contain Title I schools. This program will provide educators from underserved communities with resources and instruction as they carry out customized watershed-based lessons, leveraging Next Generation Science Standards-designed curriculum created by the project team, in their classrooms. Approximately 600 high school students will use a watershed-modeling web app to analyze land use and soil data in their neighborhoods, model stormwater runoff and water-quality impacts, and compare how different conservation or development scenarios could modify runoff and water quality.
Working with undergraduate students from UConn's Stormwater Corps, participating partner school teams will then be guided through planning and implementing local green infrastructure projects either on their school property or in the nearby community. Projects will be 1) site-specific and include tree planting, rainwater harvesting, building and installation of planter boxes, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and/or permeable pavements, and 2) explicitly connected to lessons that introduce students to a variety of green infrastructure career paths, such as landscaping, plumbing, horticulture, construction, and engineering.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $96,000
Maggie Harvey, Portland, MEHemlock Stewards Northeast
This two-year project capitalizes on Gulf of Maine Research Institute's (GMRI) expertise partnering with middle school teachers and students in authentic, place-based, participatory science investigations of Maine's ecosystems. This project will directly support 8 middle schools from a range of communities reaching approximately 800-1,200 students from across Maine. The work will connect those schools with schools across New England engaged in related hemlock investigations and monitoring efforts.
Over the course of two years, the project will: 1) enhance teacher skill engaging students in the full environmental education continuum in the context of a participatory science investigation of hemlock forests and water quality, 2) build student understanding of ecosystem complexity and the implications of that complexity for understanding and stewarding local forests and waterways and managing invasive species, 3) connect participating students, teachers, and scientists and resource managers as they collaborate to monitor and steward forest and aquatic ecosystem health in Maine and across New England, 4) develop student and teacher knowledge about the work of scientists and resource managers and 5) move students from environmental monitors to stewards and community leaders as they participate in and engage their communities in stewardship opportunities.
Participating students will engage in the full environmental education continuum. They will develop their own knowledge and awareness as they engage in investigations in local contexts. They will think critically as they analyze their data and the data contributed by their peers and consider what their findings mean for their communities and for the region. They will leverage that powerful learning experience to bring a deeper understanding to stewardship activities and will work with project advisors to develop long-term stewardship action plans for their schools that include a range of monitoring, research, and management. This work will culminate in student-led events that increase community understanding of the hemlock forests and engage communities in stewardship activities.
Maine Campus Contact – $90,000
Sally Slovenski, Lewiston, MEEnergy Maine Environmental Education Program
The primary goal of Maine Campus Compact's (MCC) Energy Maine project is to support environmental education (EE) efforts that address climate change/air quality and energy efficiency stewardship through problem-based curriculum and activities for Maine elementary school students in underserved communities. This project will award $4,500 sub-grants to five teams throughout Maine, each consisting of a 4th grade teacher from a diverse, low-income area and/or rural community paired with a pre-service college student and faculty advisor to implement the research-based, EE curriculum, Connect Science (CS).
With an extensive network of colleges around the state, MCC will pair higher education students with 4th grade teachers to support the implementation of this EE curriculum. Each team will attend a five-day CS training and implement a 12-week energy unit in their classroom culminating with a student-led service-learning project. Each team will organize and lead at least one EE community event to promote energy efficiency to the broader community.
Finally, teachers and pre-service teachers will lead one professional learning opportunity to share information with their peers and to expand the impacts of the Energy ME model. This grant project will reach a total of over 750 Mainers. Educational methodologies that will be utilized during the project period include: a five-day in-person/virtual training workshop for Energy ME team members, implementation of the CS Curriculum, student impact activities, continuous coaching for teams as they implement CS, community education forums led by team members to educate the public. This curriculum weaves together three key branches: science content learning on par with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), student-driven service learning, and social emotional learning.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - $60,000
Katharine Noiva, Vergennes, VTGiant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project
The Giant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project will use Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's one-of-a-kind 35' x 27' giant floor map of the Lake Champlain watershed to increase the capability of educators to use environmental education (EE) in their own teaching and increase stewardship behaviors in teachers and students. The project has 3 connected components: training for 50 teachers at 5 Title 1 schools on EE and how to use the Giant Map; Giant Map programming for students at 5 Title 1 schools led by museum staff and partners; and Giant Map programming led by teachers at 5 Title 1 schools.
The Museum will work with local partners to connect teachers with resources and provide opportunities for students to meet environmental professionals and increase their interest in careers in environmental fields. Staff from the VT Fish and Wildlife Department and the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will partner on program development and implementation. Experiences with this unique teaching tool of the Giant Map will inspire students and teachers to develop their own sense of place that will result in stewardship behaviors and actions that support the health of the Lake Champlain watershed.
More information:
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques.
Summaries of each project, grant winners, and information on how to apply for future EE grant competitions
Environmental Education at EPA