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EPA Recognizes Port Arthur ISD and Veolia ES Technical Solutions, L.L.C., for Creating Safer Schools

Release Date: 07/06/2011
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(DALLAS – July 6, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently partnered with Port Arthur Independent School District and Veolia ES Technical Solutions, L.L.C. to create healthier schools for students and personnel. The partners agreed to address risks posed by chemicals in Port Arthur schools and develop a plan for removal of unnecessary chemicals. This cooperative agreement promotes a district-wide approach for raising awareness for responsible chemical management practices.

“The collaboration between Veolia ES Technical Solutions and Port Arthur ISD will go a long way to ensure chemical safety for students, teachers and others who work in the district,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “We take great pride in continuing our efforts to enhance environmental safety throughout Port Arthur, our Showcase Community.”

EPA regularly provides guidance on safe storage, proper treatment techniques and disposal protocols for chemicals in schools. EPA works with schools, community organizations and industry to help prevent chemical exposures through proper chemical management.

On November 17, 2009, Port Arthur, Texas was selected as an Environmental Justice (EJ) Showcase Community by EPA. The EJ Showcase Community project uses a collaborative community-based approach to improve the area’s public health and the environment.

For more on school clean up visit: https://www.epa.gov/SC3

For more information on Port Arthur EJ endeavors, visit: https://www.epa.gov/region6/6dra/oejta/ej/index.html

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/may2011.html