MassDEP

Request for Responses: Cape Cod municipalities and organizations can apply for funding to reduce pollution in nitrogen sensitive areas. MassDEP’s Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Grant Program is offering $825,000 in funding (up to $350,000 per eligible applicant*). Don't miss the RFR Pre-Application Meeting: Pre-Application Meeting (virtual): Date: September 10, 2024 Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Meeting link: Please contact the program's grant administrator for the link * The application deadline is October 4, 2024 To learn more about MassDEP's Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Grant Program, visit: https://lnkd.in/eVmq8Z6Z #nitrogenpollution #nitrogen #pollution #water #capecod #MassDEPgrants #grants #wastewater #requestforresponses

Commissioner Heiple joined other environmental leaders at #ECOSFall24 in Rhode Island, where she moderated a discussion on artificial intelligence. The theme for #ECOSFall24 focused on exploring ways to bring about Environmental Sea Change, as states work to transform environmental protection through innovative programs and technology on water and air quality, PFAS, AI, and more. The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) is the national nonprofit, nonpartisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders. The purpose of ECOS is to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment of the United States of America. For more info, visit: www.ecos.org 📷 Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)

Today we announced $140,126 in microgrants awarded to organizations, municipalities and academic institutions across Massachusetts focused on reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products. The funding, awarded through our Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant Program, is given to projects that provide innovative and impactful ways to curb waste and keep products in use through donation, rescue, reuse and repair. 2024 Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant Recipients: • The Bike Connector — $3,000 • University of Massachusetts Amherst/Sustainable UMass — $8,000 • Food Rescue US, Inc. — $10,000 • City of Cambridge — $6,000.00 • New Life Furniture Bank of MA — $10,000 • Lawrence General Hospital — $10,000 • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth — $3,808 • Hampshire College — $7,500 • Women's Lunch Place — $5,000 • Hens & Chicks Consignment Store — $6,650 • MIT Office of Sustainability in collaboration with MIT Fashion Innovation Hub, Undergraduate Association Committee on Sustainability, and Climate Corps@MIT — $7,000 • Berkshire Environmental Action Team — $9,440 • The Great Exchange Devens/Devens Eco-Efficiency Center — $6,491 • Edwards Public Library (Southampton, MA) — $2,500 • Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity — $9,200 • Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & Southern Vermont — $9,625 • Carey Company Inc. — $3,500 • Town of Westport — $5,000 • Ashby Free Public Library — $5,000 • Colrain Central School and Sanderson Academy — $2,012 • Swanson's Fabrics — $3,650 • Computers 4 People Inc. — $5,000 • Fresh Start Furniture Bank (FSFB) — $1,750 To learn more about the MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant Program and this year's recipients, visit: https://lnkd.in/ezkFKEnA #circulareconomy #wastereduction #reduce #reuse #repair #foodrecovery #textilerecovery #textiles #donations #reusable #clothing #food #sustainability #microgrants #MassDEPgrants #Massachusetts

It's #WorldWaterWeek! 🌍💧 Let's raise awareness about our planet’s urgent water challenges. How? Here are some ideas: • Take shorter showers and don’t let the faucet run while you’re brushing your teeth • Shop sustainably (skip the fast fashion) • Use reusable cups/bottles (instead of single-use disposable ones) • Volunteer to clean up local waterbodies – psst, check out #COASTSWEEP, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM): https://lnkd.in/eeDrwuf8 #cleanwater #cleanwaterforall #waterconservation #conservewater #shopsustainable #sustainability #climatechange

🐾Happy National Dog Day!🐾 Help your pet and the environment, today and every day, with these handy tips: • Take them for a walk, of course – but check MassAir for the daily air quality forecast before you head outside 😉 https://lnkd.in/ewm7mjrQ • Be sure to use biodegradable disposal bags when you #ScoopThePoop! Pet waste contaminates soil and water, posing risks to humans and other animals. • Use washing and styling products that are free from harsh chemicals and are made from sustainable and non-toxic ingredients. Eco-friendly products help protect your pet's health, your health and the health of the environment. • Buy food locally and choose meat proteins that have a lower carbon footprint, such as organic, free-range chicken, or turkey. • Opt for sustainable and non-plastic toys – they help protect your pet's health and contribute to reducing plastic waste in the environment. • Skip the processed treats and make them yourself! Homemade treats are easy to make, help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint and are healthier for your pet. Remember to check with your veterinarian about safe ingredients and possible food allergies. #DogDay #nationaldogday #petcare #environmental #veterinary #pethealth #dog #canine #furfriends #pawrents #doggies

Deputy Commissioner Beling joined Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Undersecretary Cooper, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1, Mystic River Watershed Association, Charles River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association and local leaders in the City of Medford, Medford, MA 02155 today to unveil the latest water quality report cards for the three rivers that flow into Boston Harbor – the Charles, the Mystic and the Neponset. Check out the 2023 EPA Report Cards for: The Mystic River — https://lnkd.in/eyutx8h8 The Charles River — https://lnkd.in/eBJ5bBNe The Neponset River — https://lnkd.in/eNxESbVj #waterquality #ThreeRiversReportCard #Massachusetts #charlesriver #mysticriver #neponsetriver #medford

Was that MassDEP at the recent International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto… in Canada? Yes, it was! An expert in emerging contaminants, Dr.Rama Pulicharla Ph.D. (MassDEP's Watershed Planning Program), co-chaired a workshop discussing innovative strategies to sustainably manage contaminants of emerging concern. The IWA Congress & Exhibition brings together industry leaders and professionals in the water sector and beyond. With a strong representation and contribution from Canada and North America, the conference is a vital opportunity to learn about the North-Atlantic water challenges and solutions. Follow them online for more information. To learn more about MassDEP's Watershed Planning Program visit: https://lnkd.in/giRADZ9N 📷 MassDEP/Dr.Rama Pulicharla Ph.D. #WorldWaterCongress #watershed #waterquality #watercontamination #waterpollution #pollutants #emergingcontaminants #contaminantsofemergingconcern

MassDEP was recently in the City of Springfield, Massachusetts to toast the “Future Water Workforce.” Regional Director Gorski (WERO) joined Mayor Sarno, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC), Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts), Massachusetts Water Works Association and Veolia North America in celebrating the students of SWSC’s work-based learning Pipeline Program and in highlighting rewarding careers awaiting them in the water sector: https://lnkd.in/eVenkDYj 📷 City of Springfield, Massachusetts #SpringfieldMA #pipelineprograms #waterworkforce #workbasedlearning

Only 2 days left to help us win Partnership of the Year!   VOTE for Springfield Partners for Community Action and EEA for the NECEC Partnership of the Year Award for our ongoing work to empower communities by providing FREE home energy conservation services through our weatherization program!   🗳️Vote: bit.ly/3YPULbr

MassDEP had a great time partnering recently with Mass General Brigham Health Plan, the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest and the Framingham Public Library for the American Lung Association’s annual Backpacks for Bright Futures. It was a lively afternoon in the City of Framingham with activities, entertainment and free backpacks filled with school supplies and vape-free resources for students of all grade levels. MassDEP Program Coordinator Kayla Clarke, MPH (NERO) was on hand to connect with students and their families while offering helpful environmental information. #backtoschool #backpacksforbrightfutures