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Oklahoma Education Groups Win EPA Awards for Environmental Projects

Release Date: 7/6/1999
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

    Two Oklahoma groups will receive Environmental Education Grants totaling $28,050 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year both projects focus on educating young people about protecting water sources.

     "The creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers will help ensure that our environment is protected for future generations. These projects are powerful examples of what can be accomplished when concerned individuals work together to improve their neighborhoods and communities. Students involved in these projects are shining reminders of the many youth who regularly perform meaningful volunteer activities in neighborhoods throughout our country," Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     Oklahoma State University will receive a $24,950 grant for its Trailer-Mounted Stream Hydrology Models. The models use granulated plastic to show how water   and pollutants   travel through soil and sand. Because this lengthy natural process can be vividly demonstrated in a short time, these models are ideal tools for educating both children and adults about water pollution. The models provide graphic demonstrations of how pollution from non-point sources such as rain runoff and over-watered lawns can damage vital water sources.

     The Latta Public Schools will receive $3,100 for their program to teach elementary students about the health threats from pollution. Students will practice researching on the Internet and conduct hands-on exercises to learn more about the effects of pollution and ways to prevent it. The program will include field trips to laboratories and water treatment plants. Careers in the health and environmental science fields will be explained.

     This year Region 6 received nearly 75 entries from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Fifteen groups were selected to receive nearly $150,000 in Environmental Education grants.

     Since 1992, EPA has received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and  has awarded about 1,700 grants nationwide. More information about Environmental Education Grants and information on applying for grants to be awarded in 2000 is available on EPA's web site at https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html or by calling the Region 6 coordinator at (214) 665-2204 or at 1-800-887-6063.


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