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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for weeks ending January 21, and January 28, 2011
SCHOOL DISTRICTS HONORED FOR IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITYThe Baltimore and Fredrick County Public School Districts in Maryland are among national winners of EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools awards for improving their schools’ indoor air quality and protecting student health and well being. The schools successfully used the program’s methods to identify, correct, and prevent exposure to toxic indoor contaminants. For a full list of awardees and how the program improves indoor air quality, go to https://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/symposium.html
TWO REGION 3 LANDFILL METHANE CAPTURE ENERGY PROJECTS EXCEL IN TRANSFORMING TRASH INTO GREEN POWEROn Jan. 19, EPA recognized six winning landfill methane capture projects under EPA’s voluntary Landfill Methane Outreach Program. The winners excelled in developing landfill gas energy projects that provide a clean energy resource, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Winning projects include the Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority Small Engine Project, in Christiansburg, Va.; and the Frederick County Electricity Project, in Winchester,Va. For information on EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program, go to https://www.epa.gov/lmop
EPA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS THAT SUSTAINABLY ADDRESS COMMUNITY HEALTH AND POLLUTION ISSUES
EPA has made available $2 million in Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program grants in the form of cooperative agreements that help communities find solutions to reduce their environmental concerns and protect public health. The agreements come in two levels of funding that will help the communities establish partnerships, facilitate information, training, and technical support. Applications are due March 22. EPA will conduct three webcasts for prospective applicants on Feb. 8, Feb. 23, and March 2. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/care
EPA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS
EPA is awarding $1.2 million in funding for Environmental Justice Small Grants to help communities near polluted sites address and understand their unique local health and environmental issues so that they can create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships to improve their local environments into the future. EPA is accepting grant applications through March 31. For more information about the program, the eligibility requirements and how to apply, go to https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
On Jan. 19, EPA and Chrysler Corp. announced a cooperative agreement to develop and adapt hydraulic hybrid technology for the light duty auto market. The goal of this partnership is to design a Chrysler minivan as a demonstration vehicle, using EPA’s own patented technology that will increase overall fuel efficiency 30-35 percent – 60 percent city driving -- and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent. For more information on this innovative hydraulic hybrid system, go to https://epa.gov/otaq/technology
EPA SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT TO STRENGTHEN ITS HAZARD RANKING SYSTEM (HRS) WHEN EVALUATING SUPERFUND SITES
EPA announced on Jan. 28 that it will accept public input on whether to include vapor intrusion of volatile chemicals from contaminated groundwater or soil when determining if a site should be included on the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Information from the comment period, as well as from three public listening sessions will help EPA decide whether to issue a proposed rulemaking. For listening session dates and other information, go to https://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsaddition.htm
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Oysters: shucking pollution with your help Besides being a delicious food, oysters are also natural filters which help clarify water, allowing more sunlight and the growth of bay grasses. Learn more about this remarkable mollusk, and the efforts to create a clean water environment in which it can thrive. Visit the Healthy Waters website at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/.
Where in the world is EPA? This is a good chance to learn more about what EPA is and does. Learn about EPA’s water work internationally beyond the Mid-Atlantic Region. Visit the Healthy Waters website at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/.
