EPA provides funding for pollution prevention solutions for Rochester businesses
Summary
The EPA is providing just over $250,000 in grant funding for the creation of pollution prevention practices at area businesses. (Photo from Depositphotos)The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide just over $250,000 in grants to help businesses develop and adopt pollution prevention practices.The funding will be distributed to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute at Rochester Institute of Technology.The organizations will provide technical assistance to chemical manufacturing, processing and formulation businesses. Using the EPAs Toxics Release Inventory, NYSDEC has identified businesses releasing toxic chemicals such as xylene, toluene, methanol, heavy metals and nitrates. Programs will focus on green chemistry alternatives and worker training.By working collaboratively with NYSDEC and RIT, we are promoting sustainable practices in New Yorks chemical industry, EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia said in a news release. This project not only fosters innovation but also prioritizes the health and well-being of communities that are often most affected by pollution.Included in the project are workshops focused on green chemistry principals and tailored for industry professionals; an industry-specific green chemistry webinar; customized programs at individual companies to effectively implement green chemistry practices.The goal is to reduce the release of toxic chemicals into the air, water and land.The Rochester funding is part of $19 million in grants to be distributed nationally as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.