EPA awards $149,000 to protect air and water quality in Ohio

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $149,000 in three separate grants to help protect the air and water quality in Ohio, according to a release from Josh Singer.

"EPA funding for Ohio programs to reduce air pollution and protect underground water sources demonstrates our commitment to cooperative federalism," said Cathy Stepp, EPA Region 5 Administrator. "By working together, we can provide better environmental results."

EPA has awarded $68,150 to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). They will use the grant to conduct activities related to protecting underground water sources, such as working with injection wells and maintaining the Underground Injection Control (UIC) enforcement databases. “This funding assists the ODNR in maintaining a robust inspection and monitoring program for injection wells. Ohio is a national leader in regards to injection well inspection frequency and stringent permitting to ensure that underground drinking water sources are protected,” said James Zehringer, ODNR Director.

EPA has also awarded $35,397 to the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA), and office within Dayton & Montgomery County Public Health. They will use this grant to implement a comprehensive air pollution control program in Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Preble counties. They will also improve air quality by implementing measures to reduce stationary, area, and mobile sources of air pollution with the goal of meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and they will address air toxics and support the state’s air quality monitoring, enforcement, and permitting efforts. “The grants we receive from U.S. EPA are vital to our agency’s operation and allow us to carry out our primary mission of protecting the public from the adverse effects of air pollution,” said Jenny Marsee, RAPCA Supervisor.

Lastly, EPA has awarded $45,865 to Hamilton County for air pollution control. They will also use the grant to improve air quality by implementing measures to reduce stationary, area, and mobile sources of air pollution with the goal of meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and they will also address air toxics and support the state’s quality compliance, enforcement, and permitting efforts.

"I am glad to see the EPA is continuing to work with state and local officials to address the challenges of air and water quality in Ohio. Everybody wants clean air and water and I look forward to seeing the positive results of these grants," said Congressman Warren Davidson.

For more information about EPA grants, visit https://www.epa.gov/grants.

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