June 21, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that applications for the second round of the 2006 Community Pollution Prevention (P2) Grants are available and being accepted through July 10, 2006.

The 2006 Community P2 Grant Program seeks to bring local government, businesses, planning agencies, and residents together to create change through pollution prevention. This second round grant is to provide chemical management training and best management practices to staff of interested K-12 schools. Through proper training and chemical management, the risks of spills and toxic exposures can be reduced; keeping Michigan’s students, teachers, and staff safe, while improving the environment.

The DEQ has a total of $40,000 for this grant funding available to universities, colleges, county governments, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies. Organizations receiving grants must provide at least a 25 percent match in funds, and the maximum grant amount of $40,000 may be awarded in one or two grants.

Examples of training that could qualify for funding under this grant program are:

• Chemical management procedures for reducing toxics purchase and
  usage.

• How to recognize dangerous or toxic chemicals.

• Guidance on purchasing ‘green’ alternatives.

• Curriculums using non- or less-toxic components (virtual, micro,
  green, kitchen). This includes using demonstration stations of some
  experiments rather than having the entire class perform them, and
  producing computer simulations, videos, etc. for actual experiments.

• Chemical inventory tools and methods for ALL chemicals used,
  including those in the arts, automotive, industrial arts, custodial, and
  landscaping areas.

For more information, contact the DEQ, Environmental Assistance Center, at 1 800-662-9278. The grant Request for Proposal is available online at http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-p2-communityrfp-t.pdf.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised June 21, 2006 by Pat Watson