The goal of the grants program is to assist businesses and industries in identifying better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste at the source. Funds awarded through the grants program are to be used to support State and Tribal P2 programs that address the reduction by businesses of potentially harmful pollutants across all environmental media: air, water, and land. Programs should reflect comprehensive and coordinated pollution prevention planning and implementation efforts within the State or Tribe. Past P2 Grants have demonstrated that facilities have ample opportunities to implement pollution prevention and that source reduction can be a cost-effective way of meeting or exceeding Federal and State regulatory requirements.
For purposes of this grant announcement, pollution prevention/source reduction is defined as 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, treatment or disposal; * Reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants; and * Reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants through: (i) increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources; or (ii) protection of natural resources by conservation.