1988 PPIS Grants

Region 1 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)
Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, VI)
Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)
Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE)
Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA)

RCRA Integrated Training and Technical Assistance (RITTA) grants

REGION 1

Connecticut DEP EPA Funds $320,000

This proposal will develop an institutionalized state program which effectively integrates state training with technical assistance outreach activities. Connecticut is committed to a strong RCRA program with an objective of waste minimization. Its commitment is exemplified in existing state programs. Receipt of RITTA grant monies will further enhance Connecticut's capabilities; will aid in institutionalizing programs dedicated to waste minimization, assuring effective state participation in technical assistance outreach activities; and will aid in improved compliance and environmental management by the industrial/regulated community.

REGION 2

New Jersey DEP EPA Fund $320,000

This grant was awarded to New Jersey to assist in the development of an integrated and institutionalized training and technical assistance program at the state level using the model for operator training developed in the waste water program. The money from this grant was used in part to establish the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

REGION 4

Florida Department of Environmental Protection EPA Funds $320,000

The DER, through TREEO, and with other units of the Florida State University System (FSUS), provides technical assistance and training to State personnel and hazardous waste generators in Florida. The TREEO Center's long term goal is to develop a Statewide training and technical assistance network for environmental issues. This project provides a cornerstone piece toward that goal, one devoted to training and technical assistance on hazardous waste issues. Commitments to a Florida Environmental Training and Technical Assistance Network (FETTA) have been made by the DER, and the concept is incorporated into the State's draft wastewater training action plan. On-site technical assistance and improved training at generator facilities has proven cost effective and essential to compliance. Although the Department provides limited technical assistance as part of its compliance inspections, the DER suggests detailed training services are best provided through the FSUS and private consultants. This project is an element of a larger plant expand training and technical assistance capability, thereby enabling Florida's counties and municipalities, as well as private entities, to meet their environmental responsibilities. This plan involves the expansion of TREEO on-site training services to Florida municipalities, counties and businesses. This project will strengthen and accelerate the hazardous waste training and assistance capability.

Kentucky DEP EPA Funds$ 320,000

Kentucky has demonstrated commitment to the RITTA project through its consortium of public and private entities with existing expertise and resources. A permanent waste reduction center was established, by statute, at the University of Louisville's School of Engineering. It will provide training programs and on-site waste minimization advisory teams. (the RITTA program will focus around the Center). The 1988 session of the Kentucky General Assembly established a legislative task force to study solid and hazardous waste management. DEP has also committed to a more interactive mode of working with public and regulatory entities. The Department has developed continuing training and technical assistance programs. It has also proven a longstanding desire to establish an institutionalized waste reduction/waste minimization program in the State in cooperation with the resources presented by the States' University, the general public and existing industrial waste minimization activities.

Tennessee Department of Health and Environment EPA Funds $ 320,000

The TDHE has overall primacy for environmental regulatory programs in Tennessee. The agency's goals are to protect and enhance human health and the environment in Tennessee. To meet the increasing complexities of operating a coordinated and effective environmental organization, TDHE is committed to continued training of its personnel, providing technical assistance to the regulated community, and maintaining a strong enforcement program. TVA has formalized its commitment to a properly trained work force by including requirements for training hazardous waste and materials workers in its various operating procedures. In so doing, TVA has formed the Waste/Materials Training and Information Center as part of its Waste Management Institute.

REGION 5

Illinois EPA - Division of Land Pollution EPA Funds $320,000

The Illinois EPA and the ENR, through its Hazardous Waste Research and Information Center (HWRIC), will join in a cooperative effort to expand the existing RCRA program in the State and to implement waste reduction training of personnel in the regulatory, technical assistance, and business/industry community. The Division of Land Pollution Control has responsibility for the State’s RCRA program. ENR is a technical/scientific department that, in part, assists IEPA in identifying environmental concerns and in developing solutions. HWRIC is a Center within ENR that is mandated to help the State identify and solve its hazardous waste problems by conducting research, providing technical assistance to industry and others, and by providing informational services. Waste reduction has been a key component of HWRIC's program.

University of Minnesota EPA Funds $320,000

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program will present a training program for EPA personnel which will provide instruction and practice in techniques and information useful for promotion, persuasion, and encouragement in the area of industrial pollution prevention. It will be developed specifically for an audience of regulatory personnel, and piloted for purposes of revision before being presented to each of the EPA regions and the Washington and Cincinnati offices. The project will be coordinated by staff of the Minnesota Technical Assistance Project and an advisory committee consisting of persons experienced in training, regulatory issues, and technical assistance. Preliminary versions of the program were first tested at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Ohio EPA EPA Funds $320,000

Ohio has initiated strategies to limit at the source generation of industrial wastes. Ohio will use RITTA money to enhance existing resources. The Ohio EPA has instituted a statewide Waste Minimization Task Force. OTTO (Ohio Technology Transfer Organization) is Ohio's non-regulatory, confidential, technical assistance provider with a network of 32 trained agents to deliver technology, materials and information to any Ohio company. Other resources for the state include its Waste Information Network at Ohio State University Research/Resource Center; WSOS, a community action agency; and GLRN, Great Lakes Rural Network, a provider of training and technical assistance relating to waste water and environmental concerns. The RITTA project will be a cooperative effort among Ohio EPA, WMTF, OTTO, WSOS, and NETA (National Environmental Training Association).

Wisconsin DNR EPA Funds $320,000

Wisconsin will use the RITTA initiative to launch the fledgling waste reduction and RCRA training programs into comprehensive and institutionalized programs. Wisconsin already has a well-recognized and successful RCRA hazardous waste program, and a proven track record in outreach and assistance to the regulated community, along with strong administrative support for waste reduction in the State. To best utilize the RITTA funds, the DNR will use a phased approach to RCRA training and technical assistance.

REGION 7

Kansas Department of Health and Environment EPA Funds $320,000

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University, have a history of providing environmental training in a variety of areas related to RCRA. KDHE has provided workshops for certification of wastewater plant operators and personnel. KDHE has also been responsible (by statute) for certification approval and training for operators of water-supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities. KU has provided technical assistance courses to business and industry; established a National Asbestos Training Center; and offers courses in environmental engineering (including treatment of industrial waste, activated sludge systems and microcomputer applications in wastewater treatment). Jointly, KDHE and KU have sponsored seminars for small quantity generators and a hazardous waste update program which allows hazardous waste generators to meet with regulators from the state. KSU offers networking capabilities and specialized training and technical assistance to business and industries throughout the state. KSU has also sponsored conferences and satellite workshops on hazardous waste treatment process and hazardous substances in the environment. This demonstrated initiative on the part of the three agencies will ensure the success of the RITTA project.

REGION 10

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation EPA Funds $42,500

In the past, Alaska has worked cooperatively with Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on a regional hazardous waste initiative. The Region 10 states have demonstrated an ongoing commitment and ability to cooperate on environmental issues. The four states, in conjunction with EPA, plan to establish an appropriate hazardous waste management system for the Pacific Northwest. In 1987, two regional hazardous waste management symposia were held for agency, elected, private waste management and public interest leaders in the Pacific Northwest. These resulted in a report of findings and recommendations sent to the four state Governors and legislators and Lee Thomas of EPA. The report recommended 1) development of a regional waste reduction strategy, and 2) the formation of the Pacific Northwest Hazardous Waste Advisory Council. Both recommendations will have a significant impact upon the RITTA project. proposed RITTA project. This proposal was submitted as a joint plan by the four states for 1) developing a hazardous waste training plan for each state; 2) conducting RCRA compliance training for each state's inspection personnel; and 3) developing and implementing waste minimization training for selected hazardous waste generator industries (electroplaters and metal finishers, print shops, dry cleaners, and auto service and repair shops).

Idaho Dept of Health and Welfare-Division of Environmental Quality EPA Funds $42,500

Idaho has been working cooperatively with other states in Region 10 on a regional hazardous waste initiative since 1986. The four states have agreed that a coordinated effort in the Pacific Northwest is essential to ensure strong and efficient hazardous waste management. A team approach allows the states to maximize resources, avoid duplication of programs, and gain from sharing specific knowledge and abilities which transcend state lines and agency direction. The joint grant enables the four states to improve RCRA training and inspections, while conducting comprehensive waste minimization training specifically targeted to four key industrial groups (auto service and repair shops, electroplating, print shops, and dry cleaners), who are representatives of small quantity generators in particular need of waste minimization training.

Oregon DEQ EPA Funds $42,500

Oregon has worked cooperatively with the states of Alaska, Idaho and Washington on a regional waste management effort. This Pacific Northwest initiative has had the support of top level decision makers in the four states and EPA. In 1987, the states held two regional waste management symposia for agency, elected private waste management and public interest leaders in the Pacific Northwest. These symposia focussed attention on the issues confronting the region, identifying areas where policy oriented research is necessary, and outlining the elements of an implementation plan. A report with findings and recommendations was prepared for the four state governors and legislators, and for Lee Thomas of EPA. This report recommended 1) the development of a regional waste reduction strategy; 2) formation of Pacific Northwest Hazardous Waste Advisory Council. These objectives will be pursued with the new RITTA grant.

Washington State Department of Ecology EPA Funds $322,500

The four states in Region 10 have been working cooperatively on a regional hazardous waste initiative for nearly two years. The four states have agreed that a coordinated effort in the Pacific Northwest is essential to ensure strong and efficient hazardous waste management. A team approach allows the states to maximize resources, avoid duplication of programs, and gain from sharing specific knowledge and abilities which transcend state lines and agency direction. The joint grant enables the four states to improve RCRA training and inspections, while conducting comprehensive waste minimization training specifically targeted to four key industrial groups (auto service and repair shops, electroplating, print shops, and dry cleaners), who are representatives of small quantity generators in particular need of waste minimization training. Aspects of the Washington State Integrated Compliance Strategy which need formal recognition and expansion include compliance education and waste reduction technical assistance.

Pollution Prevention Home | OPPT Home