MPCA grants are now open for projects
that will reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) at a variety of
Minnesota-based organizations. Potential projects include switching to
water-based or low-VOC solvents, inks, coatings or cleaners, or buying
alternative process equipment or vehicles. These projects not only save money,
but also help protect employee and community health.
Whenever we use paints or
solvents, the fumes are both familiar and often unpleasant. What you’re
smelling are VOCs, chemicals widely used in our homes and commerce. They
have effects on both human health and the environment. Besides the smell, VOCs
are significant air pollutants that help form smog and can harm people who
breathe them.
Because they are so widespread,
VOCs are important to efforts to improve air quality. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers grants to help businesses
upgrade to alternative products or processes that put fewer VOCs into the
air.
|
Eligible applicants include:
- Businesses
with under 500 employees (e.g. manufacturers, printers, industrial
finishers, automotive, metal casting, etc.)
- Non-profits
- Trade
groups or associations
- Government
agencies
- Educational
institutions.
More than 20 Minnesota
organizations have received $660,000 in previous grants to reduce VOCs. These
projects reduced about 18 tons of VOCs annually, equal to more than 72,000 cans
of spray paint. Learn about past projects at www.pca.state.mn.us/voc.
The maximum grant award is
$24,000 with a 50% required match. Deadline for grant applications is May 18,
2018 by 4:30 p.m. The most cost-effective projects will score highest. Special
consideration will be given for innovative projects from targeted applicants in
environmental justice and highly urbanized areas. To review grant materials and
the short application form, visit the MPCA’s
website. If you have application questions, contact Eric David at eric.david@state.mn.us or
651-757-2218.
|
|