The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Regions 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (the Regions) are issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible entities to implement pollution prevention projects through the Source Reduction Assistance grant program. Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) grants can support research, investigation, experiments, surveys, study, demonstration, education, and training using source reduction approaches (also known as “pollution prevention” and herein referred to as “P2”).
How Does EPA Define P2? Pollution prevention is any practice which reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling of discarded material, treatment, or disposal; P2 reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of those substances, pollutants, or contaminants. P2 practices include equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, and substitution of raw materials. EPA has also interpreted P2 as including practices that increase efficient use of water, energy, raw materials, or other resources that may protect natural resources through conservation methods, or in-process recycling (i.e., process improvements to reuse materials within the same business/facility in the production process). Reducing the amount of pollution in the environment means producing less waste to control, treat, or dispose. Less pollution means fewer hazards posed to public health and the environment. For more information about P2 please visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2 .
The Regions are particularly interested in receiving applications for projects that promote practical source reduction practices, tools, and training on P2 approaches to measurably improve human and environmental health by reducing the use of hazardous substances, reducing toxic pollutants, reducing resource use (e.g., water and energy), and reducing expenditures and liability costs to businesses, non-profit organizations and/or communities. Suggested project types are provided below, but they are not an exhaustive list. The Regions welcome innovative, bold strategies designed to accelerate and drive P2 and source reduction.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.