for Local Problem-Solving
\
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
3rd Edition
Office of Environmental Justice
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-------
PREFACE
The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program of the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency (EPA) fosters collaborative and cooperative efforts directed at address-
ing and/or resolving real life environmental justice issues. EPA has provided 1,010
small grants since July 1994 when the program began.
This report describes 60 programs and projects funded under the Small Grants
Program from 2000 to 2005 that have made a difference. These success stories
demonstrate how diverse communities can come together in different ways to solve
local problems. The groups represented in this report encompass the diversity of
problems found in neighborhoods and communities across the country. As with
all recipients of the small grants, the projects described here place a premium on
community and family health. Some of the environmental issues and problems ad-
dressed by these specific projects include:
BrownfieldsThe Chelsea Creek Restoration Partnership developed a how-to
guide for brownfield remediation and recommended ways to overcome policy
barriers that prevent the acquisition, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields.
Lead-based paint in older homesIsles, Inc. worked with community members
and health educators to produce a Healthy Homes briefing paper and informa-
tion sheet, as well as a report analyzing the results of lead-based paint sampling
conducted in local homes.
Water contaminationThe Greenbriar Watershed Association analyzed po-
tential water pollution sources in the area and held educational workshops and
training sessions for local residents about the problems associated with agricul-
tural runoff and leaking septic systems.
Illegal dumping and litteringThe Bond Community Environmental Partner-
ship trained residents to prevent illegal dumping and to protect themselves from
associated health impacts. The project also established valuable connections among
community leaders, churches, businesses, government officials, and schools.
Green cleaningGeneration Green Fund published Green Cleaning Guidance and
The Action and Resource Guide for Healthy Schools. The fund's efforts resulted in
the Chicago Board of Education adopting a district policy that emphasizes green
cleaning goals and the Chicago Public Schools adopting a purchasing initiative to
include "Green Seal" certified products.
Energy efficiencyThe Metropolitan Energy Center established 14 demonstration
homes open to the public that reduced energy use by 25 percent. The center also
held an energy efficiency training program that led to jobs for some participants.
These are just a few examples of some of the emerging tools that communities use to
address local public health and environmental problems. In addition to improving
conditions in the communities described in the report, several of the projects can
serve as models of success that can be applied in similar situations across the coun-
try. We find these programs and projects innovative and inspiring, and we hope that
by highlighting these projects we will help others to find ways to solve their local
problems and to think creatively and collaboratively about environmental justice
issues in their communities.
-------
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Region 1 Projects (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) 5
Region 2 Projects (NJ, NY, PR, VI) 15
Region 3 Projects (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) 21
Region 4 Projects (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN) 25
Region 5 Projects (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) 35
Region 6 Projects (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX) 41
Region 7 Projects (IA, KS, MO, NE) 49
Region 8 Projects (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY) 57
Region 9 Projects (AZ, CA, HI, NV) 71
Region 10 Projects (AK, ID,OR, WA) 75
Table of Contents
-------
Introduction
This publication is a compilation of information
about 60 of the hundreds of grants that have been
awarded through EPA's Small Grants Program from
2000 through 2005. EPA has supported communi-
ties through partnerships, research, communication,
and public participation to help ensure a more just
and fair distribution of environmental benefits and
burdens. This document describes community projects
representing several focus areas, such as air quality,
children's health, farmworker safety, hazardous waste
disposal, lead-based paint and carbon dioxide educa-
tion, contamination, perchloroethylene (perc) educa-
tion, pollution prevention, radon, water quality, and
environmental stewardship.
Our purpose is to: 1) inform communities and show
them how to implement similar projects and programs;
2) reduce duplication of efforts; 3) strengthen the
networking of organizations; 4) improve the quality of
future projects; and 5) provide lessons learned from
completed projects.
What Is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and mean-
ingful involvement of all people regardless of race,
color, national origin, culture, education, or income,
with respect to the development, implementation,
and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations,
and policies. Fair treatment means that no one group
of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic
groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the
negative environmental consequences resulting from
industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or
the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal environ-
mental programs and policies. Meaningful involvement
means that: 1) potentially affected community resi-
dents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in
decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their
environment and/or health; 2) the public's contribu-
tion can influence the regulatory agency's decision;
3) the concerns of all participants involved will be
considered in the decision-making process; and 4) the
decision-makers seek out and facilitate the participa-
tion of those potentially affected.
EPA's Role in Environmental Justice
On February 11,1994, the President issued Executive
Order 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environ-
mental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-In-
come Populations," which identified three goals:
To focus federal agency action on the environment
and human health conditions in minority and low-
income communities.
To promote nondiscrimination in federal programs
that substantially affect human health and the
environment.
To provide minority and low-income communities
greater access to information on, and opportuni-
ties for public participation in, matters relating to
human health and the environment.
The President encouraged federal agencies to reinvent
the way the nation approaches environmental justice
so that our day-to-day efforts would be more effective
in protecting the public health and environment. EPA
has a leadership role in helping federal agencies imple-
ment this executive order.
Introduction
-------
About the Small Grants Program
EPA recognized that community involvement
was critical to environmental decision-making
and made a commitment to invest resources in
projects that would financially benefit affected
communities. In fiscal year 1994, the Office of
Environmental Justice established the Small
Grants Program to provide financial assistance to
eligible community groups (e.g., community-based
grassroots organizations, churches, other nonprofit
organizations, tribal governments) to address local
environmental problems.
Each year, approximately $ 1 million are made
available for the Environmental Justice Small
Grants Program. These funds are divided equally
among the 10 EPA regions, where the actual
grants are awarded and managed. Awards range
from $10,000 to $25,000 each. The amount
awarded in a given year can vary depending on the
availability of funds.
Grant proposals submitted for the Environmen-
tal Justice Small Grants Program are evaluated
within the EPA region where the project is located
through competitive review and evaluation. Award
decisions are made based on established criteria,
which include geographic balance, diversity of
project recipients, and sustainability of benefits of
projects after the grant is completed. The review
criteria also require the applicant to demonstrate
strong community involvement.
Environmental Justice Small
Grants Program Summary
Fiscal Year
$ Amount
500,000
3,000,000
2,800,000
2,700,000
2,500,000
2,000,000
899,000
1,300,000
1,113,000
930,000
423,545
625,000
1,000,000
Introduction
-------
-------
Connecticut (CT), Maine (ME), Massachusetts (MA), New
Hampshire (NH), Rhode Island (RI), and Vermont (VT)
Project Descriptions
CT Harnessing the Power of Student Participation
MA Reducing Truck Traffic to Improve Respiratory Health
Partnering to Restore Chelsea Creek
Promoting Sustainable Urban Agriculture
NH Using Peer Education As a Model for Environmental Justice
RI Building Environmental Education Outreach Capacity
Developing Environmental Policy on School Siting on Brownfields
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye and Sires Rivers
One Congress Street, 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02203-0001
E-mail: kyei-aboagye.kwabena@epa.gov
Phone:(617)918-1609
Fax: (617)918-0020
-------
Harnessing the Power of Student Participation
Target Audience
Students at the New Haven Ecology Project's Common
Ground High School; New Haven residents; the greater
New Haven community, including policymakers, public
health agencies, and environmental organizations. The
New Haven Ecology Project (NHEP) is physically located
in the West Rock neighborhood, one of six environmen-
tally distressed neighborhoods in the city of New Haven.
New Haven County is a nonattainment area for ozone
and particulate matter, two major air pollutants. New
Haven also has the highest asthma hospitalization rate in
the state, with 13 out of every 1000 children hospitalized
for asthma in 1997.
Purpose
New Haven residents are concerned about local air and
water pollution, and they are particularly concerned
about the link between pollution and public health.
Residents fear that poor air quality is responsible for
the high incidence of respiratory illness in their com-
munity, an issue that public health agencies are currently
researching. NHEP was designed to involve local youth
in the investigation of environmental problems in the
New Haven community. The high school students who
participated in the project researched local environmen-
tal problems, conducted environmental monitoring, and
presented the results to local residents and policymakers.
Goals
Engage and educate urban high school students in
the science and social science of local environmental
justice issues related to air and water quality.
Collect data related to air quality, water quality, and
local environmental health engagement levels.
Present findings to community groups, officials, and
area schools, to educate residents and expand the
body of data previously collected on local air and
water quality.
Create a replicable model of community-based
participatory research on local environmental justice
concerns to share with area schools.
Grant Number EQ97129101-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$25,000 | FY2005
Environmental Education,
Water, Pollution, and Air
Quality
Project Coordinator
New Haven Ecology Project, Inc.
358 Springfield Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
www.nhep.com
Methods
Taught the students the scientific context of air and
water issues and helped them to design investiga-
tions, complete mobile particulate and water quality
testing, survey residents on environmental health
engagement, analyze data, and make presentations
on their findings.
Mapped environmental data using Geographic Infor-
mation Systems (GIS) and used the maps in student
presentations to community groups, officials, and
area schools.
Offered a summer workshop for New Haven Public
School teachers to teach them how to replicate the
project.
Products/Results
Students used particulate monitors to gather air quality
data from six local sites. Students also collected water
quality data from seven sites in the West River water-
shed. This water quality data included pH, dissolved
oxygen, air temperature, water temperature, turbidity,
conductivity, phosphate, chloride, mercury, and E.
coli. Students used the air and water quality data they
gathered to create a one-hour PowerPoint presentation
incorporating GIS maps and analysis. They presented
their final product at the Common Ground High
School, City Hall, and the Fair Haven Middle School,
where audiences consisted of other students, community
members, policymakers, academics, and advocates. The
students also recorded their presentation at a Citizens
Television, Inc. studio, and it aired on the local public
access channel eight times.
Region 1 Projects
-------
Successes/Strengths
This project has been successful because it has enabled
New Ecology students to cultivate their scientific and
communication skills. Thirty high school students con-
ducted community-based research and collected envi-
ronmental data. The same students gave presentations
to hundreds of their classmates; community residents;
reporters; and local, state and federal officials. One of
the students won first place at a city-wide science fair
for his part of the research. The students jointly won a
photography contest sponsored by the makers of one of
the monitoring devices they used.
Reducing Truck Traffic to Improve
Respiratory Health
Target Audience
Residents of Chelsea, Massachusetts, one of the most en-
vironmentally overburdened towns in the state. Most of
Chelsea's residents are low-income, and 50 percent are
Latino. The town has a high volume of truck traffic, and
the exhaust from this traffic may be part of the reason
why more than twice as many patients are hospitalized
for asthma in Chelsea than the state average.
Purpose
The Chelsea Green Space and Recreation Committee, a
subgroup of the Chelsea Human Services Collaborative,
engaged residents in an education, outreach, and critical-
thinking campaign to reduce the burden of truck traffic
in Chelsea.
Goals
Involve Chelsea community members and youth in
all stages of the project, including research, analysis,
and action.
Educate community members about the health
hazards of diesel exhaust.
Collect and analyze data to characterize Chelsea's
truck traffic and air quality; present results to stake-
holders.
Involve stakeholders in planning ways to reduce
truck traffic and related emissions; achieve city com-
mitment to implement these plans.
Methods
Conducted door-to-door outreach, distributed fly-
ers, and held neighborhood meetings to educate
residents about the health hazards of diesel exhaust
Grant Number EQ981522010
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Mobile Source Air Pollution
Reduction
Project Coordinator
Roseann Bongiovanni
Chelsea Human Services Collaborative
300 Broadway
Chelsea, MA 02150
www. chelseacollab. org
and to rouse community interest in exploring the
connection between Chelsea's truck traffic and their
respiratory health.
Surveyed traffic, counted trucks, measured black
carbon levels, and inventoried truck needs among
Chelsea businesses. Presented data and analysis at a
community forum.
Brought city planners, elected officials, and com-
munity residents together in several critical-thinking
sessions to begin devising and implementing plans
to reduce truck traffic and related emissions.
Products/Results
In the community meetings Green Space held, the resi-
dents most affected by Chelsea's truck traffic identified
many of their specific concerns. During the collection of
traffic data, Green Space's Youth Environmental Crew
observed a significantly high volume of truck traffic at
several major intersections in Chelsea. The youth also
identified local businesses that draw the bulk of truck traf-
fic and mapped the spread of traffic impacts across area
Region 1 Projects
-------
neighborhoods. In addition to presenting their findings
at a community forum, the youth led a local education
campaign about the health hazards of diesel exhaust.
Successes/Strengths
This project resulted in the formation of diverse, pro-
ductive partnerships. Green Space Chelsea residents
collaborated with EPA and the Worchester Polytechnic
Institute, a local university, to conduct traffic research;
networked with a local environmental justice advocacy
group to train community educators about the health
hazards of diesel exhaust; and met frequently with city
planners and elected officials to develop a viable truck
traffic reduction plan for Chelsea.
This project is also commendable because of the tremen-
dous involvement of local youth. The youths' active role in
research, analysis, and critical thinking provided them with
an invaluable education in environmental stewardship.
Partnering to Restore Chelsea Creek
Target Audience
Chelsea and East Boston, two densely-populated urban
areas located across the Chelsea Creek from each other
in Massachusetts. Chelsea and East Boston share similar
socioeconomic backgroundsboth areas are low-income,
and nearly half of the residents in both communities
are Latino. Chelsea Creek is the region's shipping and
transport hub and as such, the river's banks are lined with
industrial facilities. The two towns combined have 398
state-designated hazardous waste sites, five oil tank farms,
a large salt pile, and a tannery.
Purpose
Chelsea and East Boston both have a shortage of green
open space for residents to participate in recreational
outdoor activities. A number of abandoned commercial
and industrial sites are located along the banks of Chel-
sea Creek in both communities. Many of these sites are
suspected to be contaminated, and might in turn be
contaminating Chelsea Creek. Residents would like to see
some of these sites, known as brownfields, redeveloped
into more open space.
This project provided local youth with an opportunity
to inventory potential contamination at several key sites
along the river in Chelsea and East Boston. These data will
inform the community's efforts to redevelop some of these
sites into open space. The Neighborhood of Affordable
Housing (NOAH), the Chelsea Green Space and Recre-
ation Committee, and the Urban Ecology Institute, formed
the Chelsea Creek Restoration Partnership (CCRP), which
worked on this project. NOAH is a community develop-
ment corporation, and the Chelsea Green Space and
Recreation Committee is a broad-based community organi-
zation focused on increasing open space and public access
to Chelsea Creek. The Urban Ecology Institute, which is
Grant Number EQ97109701-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$25,000 | FY2004
Brownfields, Open Space,
and Water Quality
Project Coordinator
Stacey Chacker
Neighborhood of Affordable Housing
143 Border Street
East Boston, MA 02128
www.noahcdc.org/cbe/ccrp.html
based out of the Boston College Law School, helps commu-
nities build healthy, safe, and vibrant cities by improving sci-
ence and civic education for middle and high school youth.
Goals
Train and involve the two youth groups interested in
the environment to research and categorize poten-
tial contamination levels at several key sites, and to
determine possible liability issues.
Work with the youth to identify best practices for
remediating sites based on likely contamination.
Research the policy barriers in Massachusetts pre-
venting the transfer of control of specific sites to ei-
ther public or nonprofit partners wishing to develop
public open space on previously contaminated land.
Methods
The Urban Ecology Institute trained the youth crews
and other community members to better understand
brownfields cleanup, development, and liability issues.
Region 1 Projects
-------
NOAH and Chelsea Green Space selected four sites to
research contamination and potential cleanup options.
The Urban Ecology Institute developed research
models based on other states' brownfields decisions
and development.
The youth crews researched the site histories.
Community members and the CCRP outlined plans
for future redevelopment of the sites, with increased
open space and water access.
Products/Results
The project resulted in a "how-to" guide for remediat-
ing common pollutants from brownfields, as well as
recommendations for overcoming the policy barriers that
prevent public and nonprofit entities from acquiring,
cleaning up, and redeveloping brownfields. Addition-
ally, the study yielded a law review article on the topic of
brownfields and issues surrounding their redevelopment.
Successes/Strengths
The project is an excellent example of diverse stakeholders
collaborating to research increasing open space, improving
public access to a body of water, and remediating potential
brownfields. Groups came together to help local teens
become leaders by learning and educating their communi-
ties about the clean up and redevelopment of polluted sites,
long-term scientific field studies, and the development of
programs related to ecological, environmental, recreational,
and health issues associated with Chelsea Creek.
Promoting Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Target Audience
Youth from the Dudley Street neighborhood, which is
located in Roxbury and Dorchester, two of Boston's lowest-
income areas; 32 percent of the neighborhood's population
lives below the poverty line. Approximately 40 percent of
the neighborhood's residents are Cape Verdean, 20 percent
are African American, and 20 percent are Hispanic.
Purpose
The Food Project sought to involve minority and low-
income youth in sustainable urban agriculture and to
promote a healthier diet among the members of the
community.
Goals
Build community capacity by teaching youth and other
members of the community how to grow and harvest
produce, prepare food, and plan nutritious meals.
Enhance the community's understanding of environ-
mental systems and pollution.
Methods
Educated peer organizations and participants at lo-
cal and regional conferences about the connections
Grant Number EQ98152101
EPAFunding $15,000 | FY2001
Focus Environmental Stewardship
Project Coordinator
Patricia Gray
The Food Project
10 Lewis Street
P.O. Box 705
Lincoln, MA 01773
www.thefoodproject.org
between healthy food, healthy land, and healthy
communities.
Developed business partnerships to increase aware-
ness of and support for safe local food systems.
Hosted community lunches in which Boston chefs
led youth in preparing meals using organic produce
harvested from city lots.
Increased organic food production at the West
Cottage Street lot.
Implemented site perimeter renovations to increase
productive acreage and prevent vandalism at the
West Cottage Street lot.
Region 1 Projects
-------
Products/Results
The Food Project reached and educated an estimated
1,800 people during the year, and 300 people participated
in information sessions and community tours related to
pesticide reduction, sustainable agriculture methods, lead-
based paint hazards, and the history of abandoned lots.
Signs with site descriptions and lessons about sustain-
able agriculture were also installed in the West Cottage
Street lot, impacting approximately 360 youth, neigh-
bors, and visitors. Increasing food production from
10,000 to 15,000 pounds expanded the organization's
capacity to make fresh organic vegetables available to
people in the Boston area. Additionally, youth and
professionals worked together to prepare five community
lunches from freshly harvested vegetables, attracting
more than 50 people per lunch.
Successes/Strengths
All of the events coordinated through The Food Project
were well-received in the community. Many people, in-
cluding residents, city councilors, and university students,
attended the events. The project empowered youth by
enabling them to run farmers' markets and reclaim vacant
land for food production. The youth also worked with
their communities on issues of environmental justice,
land remediation, and food-related enterprise.
Using Peer Education As a Model for
Environmental Justice
Target Audience
Ethnically and linguistically diverse low-income tenants,
landlords, and city housing code enforcement officials in
Manchester, New Hampshire.
Purpose
The purpose of this project was to use a peer educator
model to facilitate cooperation among landlords, ten-
ants, and officials from the City of Manchester's Health
and Building Departments to protect children from envi-
ronmental health hazards in the home.
Goals
Conduct home visits with families, based on the
peer educator model developed in EPA's Child
Health Champion Pilot Project.
* Use participants from problem-solving sessions on
landlord-tenant communication as peer educators
for other landlords.
Partner Health Department inspectors with Building
Department inspectors as peers, to promote enforce-
ment of housing codes related to environmental
health hazards.
Strengthen participation of tenant and landlord
leaders and Health and Building Department inspec-
tors in Health Department-sponsored community
coalitions on lead.
Grant Number EQ981330-01 -0
EPA Funding $15,000 | FY 2000
Focus
Education and Coalition
Building
Project Coordinator
Mary Sliney
The Way Home
20 Merrimack Street, Suite B
Manchester, NH 03101
www.thewayhomel.homestead.com
Employ CIS mapping to educate tenants, landlords,
city officials, and others on the relationship between
home environmental hazards and children's health.
Methods
Showed tenants how to reduce in-home environmental
health hazards and provided access to cleaning supplies
that can be used to improve the home environment.
Distributed housing safety pamphlets and demon-
strated lead-safe in-house maintenance practices to
landlords.
Met individually with landlords who needed to address
environment-related housing code violations and con-
nected them with pertinent local and public resources.
10
Region 1 Projects
-------
Set up meetings between health and building in-
spectors to discuss enforcement improvements and
involved them in emerging community coalitions.
Sought the participation of more low-income and
minority parents in community coalitions.
Products/Results
Educators conducted 65 home visits, 26 of which tar-
geted non-English-speaking families. Telephone surveys
at the conclusion of the project revealed that five prop-
erty management companies carried out lead reduction
activities, in a total of 1,300 apartments, as a result of
education received from Healthy Home Services. These
companies' lead reduction activities are estimated to
have benefited 350 children under the age of 6 in Man-
chester. Additionally, the team created two GIS maps
to illustrate the landscape of childhood lead poisoning.
These showed the location of Manchester housing built
before 1950 and before 1980, respectively.
Successes/Strengths
Tenant educators visited 15 more homes than expected.
The project manager brought key stakeholders together
in developing a strategic plan to end lead poisoning in
Manchester by 2010. This project also laid the ground-
work for a second project, focused on creating affordable
lead-safe housing.
Building Environmental Education
Outreach Capacity
Target Audience
Residents of the West End neighborhood of Provi-
dence, Rhode Island. One in three West End families
lives below the poverty level. Thirty-three percent of the
neighborhood's residents are Hispanic, 30 percent are
African American, and 14 percent are Asian.
Purpose
To organize and build capacity among West End resi-
dents and community groups by helping them to iden-
tify, understand, and address environmental health risks
within their community.
Goals
Create a forum for residents and community groups
to identify and assess environmental risks and pollu-
tion sources in their community.
Provide education and training on crucial environ-
mental and public health issues.
Facilitate the development of strategies for environ-
mental improvements among residents and commu-
nity groups.
Methods
Established an executive committee with representa-
tives from partner community organizations.
Grant Number EQ98155601-0
EPAFunding $15,000 | FY2001
Focus
Environmental Education
and Empowerment
Project Coordinator
Laura Archambault
Groundwork Providence
69 Washington Street
Providence, RI 02903
www. groundworkprovidence.org
Helped all partners improve the organization of
monthly community meetings and increase resi-
dents' attendance.
Facilitated educational and training workshops and
created corresponding printed brochures on environ-
mental issues.
Helped partners to plan and organize two West End
cleanups.
Offered all partners environmental expertise and the
use of a landscape architect to ensure that neighbor-
hood development projects were completed in an
environmentally sensitive fashion.
Region 1 Projects
11
-------
Products/Results
Residents and staff from four partner community orga-
nizations comprised the executive committee. Ground-
work Providence and the executive committee collabo-
rated to design monthly educational workshops and
printed brochures on the environmental issues of great-
est concern in the West End: recycling, rats, lead, litter,
gardening, brownfields, nutrition, and air quality. The
brochures were translated into Spanish and Cambodian
and distributed to accessible local and public locations.
In addition to these educational efforts, two cleanups
were held in the West End. With advisory support from
Groundwork Providence, one community partner also
initiated plans to turn a vacant lot adjacent to a housing
project into a wildflower garden.
Successes/Strengths
Groundwork Providence was able to help already-estab-
lished community groups identify and respond to envi-
ronmental risks. The partner organizations benefitted
from the direct services of Groundwork Providence staff
as well as the support of each other. For example, when
one partner was unable to adequately publicize project
events to its constituents, another partner stepped in to
provide assistance. One group planned the distribution
and address-tracking of 150 trash receptacles without
assistance from Groundwork Providence, a testament to
its own ability to take initiative and achieve results.
Developing Environmental Policy on School
Siting on Brownfields
Target Audience
The communities comprising Rhode Island's older
urban core, which includes Providence, Pawtucket,
Central Falls, Woonsocket, and West Warwick. These
cities have the highest concentration of low-income and
minority residents in the area, as well as a large number
of brownfields. Because developable land is sparse in
these areas, schools are increasingly located on formerly
contaminated property, giving rise to environmental and
health concerns among residents. Since 1998, a number
of new schools built in Providence have required a site
cleanup plan approved by the state.
Purpose
To give recommendations to improve Rhode Island
environmental policy on school siting by researching and
developing a best practices report.
Goals
Create best practices reports on state environmental
justice policies and school siting policies.
Organize a community stakeholder process.
Methods
Identified the potential neurodevelopment and
reproductive effects that exposure to hazardous sub-
Grant Number EQ98197001
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2003
Community Involvement,
Site Contamination, and
School Siting on Hazardous
Waste Sites
Project Coordinator
Steven Fischbach
Rhode Island Legal Services
56 Pine Street, 4th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
www.rils.org
stances commonly found on formerly contaminated
sites can have on children.
Surveyed exposure standards for commonly found
contaminants such as lead and arsenic.
Developed a school siting policy guide, including rec-
ommendations for remediation and site assessment
exclusion (categorical exclusion) requirements.
Surveyed best practices employed by federal and
state agencies to incorporate environmental justice
assessments in the investigation and remediation of
contaminated sites.
12
Region 1 Projects
-------
Developed guidance for local policymakers for the
assessment of environmental equity issues associated
with contaminated sites.
Engaged residents who are interested in environmen-
tal equity in Providence in the community stake-
holder process through outreach to local commu-
nity-based organizations.
Attended a series of workshops at Brown University
and engaged attendees in the community stakehold-
er process.
Products/Results
The final products of this project were two best prac-
tices reports on state environmental justice policies and
school siting policies. The reports were published as
articles in the Clearinghouse Review (a poverty law journal)
and Humans Rights Magazine. The Clearinghouse article
was titled "School Location Matters: Preventing School
Siting Disasters" and the report in Human Rights Maga-
zine was titled "Schools on Toxic Sites: An Environmen-
tal Injustice for School Children."
Successes/Strengths
One measure of the project's success is the number of
hits on a Web site where the "School Location Matters:
Preventing School Siting Disasters" report was posted;
the Web site, , receives approxi-
mately 1,000 hits per month. This information suggests
that the research is being widely disseminated. The
reports informed a local policy debate, which resulted
in the Rhode Island General Assembly passing a bill to
increase chances for public involvement in cases where
contaminated sites are proposed for school use.
Region 1 Projects
13
-------
-------
NY
PR
vi New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Puerto Rico (PR),
and the Virgin Islands (VI)
Project Descriptions
NJ Educating the Camden Community About Risks. .
Improving Substandard Housing
NY Taking Action in West Harlem
PR Apoyo Empresarial para la Peninsula de Cantera
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Terry Wesley and Tasha Frazier
290 Broadway, Room 2637
NewYork, NY 10007
E-mail: wesley.terry@epa.gov
Phone:(212)637-5027
Fax:(212)637-4943
-------
Educating the Camden Community About Risks
Target Audience
African American and Hispanic residents of the city of
Camden, New Jersey.
Purpose
To increase the awareness of residents in Camden, New
Jersey, concerning potentially harmful environmental
contaminants found in their drinking water, homes, and
air. Additionally, to educate residents about the health
effects associated with contaminant exposure.
Goals
Educate city of Camden residents about drinking
water and lead contamination in their homes, air
and soil, and the health effects of these contami-
nants.
Build new partnerships and collaborations with local
and regional institutions that would improve com-
munication, coordinate efforts, and bring needed
technical resources to community-based groups.
Empower residents and other community organiza-
tions by providing trainings/seminars and leadership
development trainings.
Methods
Educated Camden residents through local seminars
about safe drinking water practices, including appli-
cable regulations and how they are enforced.
Educated residents about the health risks result-
ing from the exposure to contaminants found in
Camden's water (e.g., lead and volatile organic
compounds) and how to protect themselves against
such exposures.
Coordinated with other agencies and partners to
assist with outreach to conduct testing for lead and
other health-related services.
Conducted training seminars, workshops, and
community events to build capacity of other local
community-based organizations.
Grant Number EQ9829101
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2003
Clean Air Act, Clean Water
Act, and Lead
Project Coordinator
Roy Jones
Camden Community Recovery Coalition
Camden, NJ 08102
Products/Results
This project resulted in the production of a CIS map
and a catalog of contaminated sites in Camden, New
Jersey. It also led to the creation of the Camden City
Environmental Action Strategic Plan. Additionally, it
resulted in the Camden Community Recovery Coalition
Photo Report.
Successes/Strengths
The CIS map and catalog of contaminated sites devel-
oped by the Camden Community Recovery Coalition
helped to illuminate potential pollution sources in the
area. The catalog included a list of potential pollution
sources, the types of pollution those sources discharge,
and their history of environmental compliance with the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,
including sanctions, fines, and/or disposition of site
cleanups. The coalition also collaborated with other
local environmental and health organizations to hold a
Neighborhood Environmental Health Fair and Com-
munity Festival. Approximately 400 residents came to
this festival. Festival attendees received fact sheets and
participated in a Q&A session, which enabled them to
better understand the potential effects environmental
contaminants can have on their health.
16
Region 2 Projects
-------
Improving Substandard Housing
Target Audience
Residents located in the community of Canal Banks
Redevelopment Area in Trenton, New Jersey.
Purpose
To improve housing conditions of the housing stock lo-
cated in the city of Trenton, New Jersey, and to educate
the residents of the multiple exposures of contaminants
found in older housing units.
Goals
Improve substandard housing by partnering with the
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Public Health and Environmental and
Occupational Health Sciences Institute to research
and report the extent of multiple exposures and con-
taminants found in Trenton's substandard homes.
Increase community capacity to address problems
by training community members to collect samples
from homes to be analyzed and work with residents
as healthy home counselors.
Methods
Trained community members as Healthy Homes As-
sessors to collect samples.
Worked with experienced health educators to help
Healthy Home Assessors and other staff members
interpret sampling results and to effectively com-
municate results to household members and other
stakeholders.
Conducted outreach meetings with local residents.
Grant Number EQ97284901
EPA Funding
Focus
$25,000 | FY2004
Clean Air Act, Solid Waste
Disposal Act, and Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act
Project Coordinator
Elyse Pivnick
Isles, Inc.
10 Wood Street
Trenton, NJ 08618
www.isles.org
Products/Results
Healthy Homes Briefing Paper on current lead-relat-
ed regulations
Healthy Homes Program Information Sheet
Healthy Homes Program Results Report
Successes/Strengths
As a result of the outreach and partnerships with various
city government agencies, local community members,
and health and faith-based organizations, 74 homes were
tested and analyzed in the Canal Bank area of Trenton.
In addition to the tenant residents, the individual sam-
pling results were disseminated to respective building
owners and to regulatory agencies.
Region 2 Projects
17
-------
Taking Action in West Harlem
Target Audience
Residents located in Northern Manhattan and the
South Bronx.
Purpose
To provide training workshops to Northern Manhattan
and South Bronx residents as well as community leaders
on potentially harmful exposure to indoor air pollutants
and associated environmental health effects on infants
and children.
Goals
Train individuals and organizations in methods to
minimize the exposure of children and infants to
harmful indoor air pollutants.
Create Housing and Health Leadership Council to
identify and pursue needed changes in housing poli-
cies and/or practices.
Methods
Mailed outreach materials to community-based or-
ganizations; local housing, health, and environmen-
tal justice groups; tenant associations; and health
service providers to educate and gather support for
the project.
Trained community-based organizations and com-
munity residents to increase their awareness of envi-
ronmental exposures associated with health risks, as
well as deficiencies in current policies.
Products/Result
The project formed the Health and Housing Leadership
Council, consisting of 20 members from various health,
housing, labor, faith-based, research and environmental
justice organizations. The main goal of the council was
to focus its resources to empower residents, enabling
them to respond to (and take action on) potential health
Grant Number EQ98294201
EPA Funding
Focus
$24,988 | FY2005
Solid Waste Disposal Act,
Clean Air Act, and Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act
Project Coordinator
Yolande Cadore
West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc.
271 West 125th Street, Suite 308
New York, NY 10027
www.weact.org
risks induced by environmental factors. In addition, the
project created a Healthy Homes Street Team, responsi-
ble for documenting poor housing conditions and solid
waste (trash) problems in the community.
Successes/Strengths
The project conducted 20 community workshop sessions
titled "Mold Is Taking Hold: Let's Take Control" and
"Creating Healthier Homes: Safer Ways to Eliminate
Pests," with an average audience size of 20 participants,
at various locations in northern Manhattan and the
South Bronx. In addition, the project conducted a
bilingual training workshop with 75 residents and com-
munity-based organizations of Hispanic origin.
The Street Team met with supervisors of the New York City
Department of Sanitation (DOS). The basis of the meeting
was to learn about the various challenges faced by DOS in
dealing with solid waste issues, to discuss and share investi-
gative findings, and to share the major complaints residents
had about trash in their communities.
18
Region 2 Projects
-------
Apoyo Empresarial para la Peninsula de Cantera
Target Audience
Residents located in the community of Cantera Penin-
sula in Puerto Rico.
Purpose
To educate local residents about the potential health
impacts related to work activities involving a rehabilita-
tion project in the community and to empower residents
in finding solutions to serious problems concerning
the environmental deterioration of the local canal and
lagoons. Residents were educated on economical and
alternative solid waste management practices.
Goals
To increase awareness among residents and educate
families in the Cantera Peninsula regarding the
threats posed by the pollution of the water in the
lagoons.
To educate residents about the threats posed by the
improper disposal of waste and alternatives for waste
disposal.
Methods
Conducted two workshops: "Recycling" and "The
Quality & Consumption of Water," for community
leaders and health promoters.
Educated the community through awareness cam-
paigns and workshops.
Disseminated flyers, fact sheets, and posters.
Conducted a forum to educate the community on
water pollution and improper garbage disposal.
Products/Results
During the project period, project leaders developed and
distributed informational materials (flyers, fact sheets,
and posters) to community residents at workshops and
community events.
Grant Number EQ98294201
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2003
Clean Air Act, Clean Water
Act, Solid Waste Disposal Act
Project Coordinator
Sandra Fuente
Apoyo Empresarial para la Peninsula
de Cantera
P.O. Box 7187
San Juan, PR 00916
Successes/Strengths
This project created the Community Conscience Group,
consisting of members from government organizations,
community groups of the Peninsula de Cantera, and
communities surrounding the Cano Martin Pena. The
Conscience Group established the Cano Theatre of the
Arts Museum of Puerto Rico, where 200 students from
five different elementary schools and middle schools
performed a play about the environment, including top-
ics such as estuaries, swamps, endangered species, and
environmental contamination. Also, in collaboration with
the Town Council of San Juan, project leaders organized
three cleanup activities that resulted in the removal of 7
tons of trash from a parcel of unoccupied land previously
used as an unauthorized dump site.
Region 2 Projects
19
-------
-------
Delaware (DE), District of Columbia (DC), Maryland (MD),
Pennsylvania (PA), Virginia (VA), and West Virginia (WV)
Project Descriptions
PA Educating About Household Hazardous Waste
WV Improving the Greenbrier River Watershed ...
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Reginald Harris and Garth Connor
1650 Arch Street (MC-3ECOO)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
E-mail: harris.reggie@epa.gov
Phone:(215)814-2988
Fax:(215)814-2905
-------
Educating About Household Hazardous Waste
Target Audience
The low-income and/or minority residents of McKees-
port (Allegheny County), Pennsylvania. The grantee
developed an educational program model for household
hazardous waste collections in southwestern Pennsyl-
vania that can be easily replicated in other parts of the
United States. The grantee also created strong lines of
communication among environmental justice stakehold-
ers and community leaders.
Purpose
To educate residents in this environmental justice com-
munity about household hazardous waste in conjunc-
tion with the efforts of the Southwestern Pennsylvania
Household Hazardous Waste Task Force.
Goals
Disseminate information about household haz-
ardous waste including its proper collection and
disposal.
Host demonstrations to illustrate alternatives to
purchasing toxic household items and also perform
presentations that better inform the general public
about household hazardous waste issues.
Identify necessary improvements in communication
and coordination among all local stakeholders and
government officials.
Methods
Held a variety of educational workshops and dem-
onstrations on household hazardous waste for the
public in the targeted community.
Developed and distributed printed materials in the
selected environmental justice community.
Facilitated communication and information ex-
change and created partnerships among local stake-
holders. Completed a number of interviews on both
Grant Number EQ-983843-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$5,030 | FY2003
Household Hazardous
Waste
Project Coordinator
David Mazza
Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc.
64 South 14th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203-1548
www.prc.org
local radio and television stations to supplement
the educational program. Distributed press releases
designed for the print media.
Products/Results
The Pennsylvania Resources Council utilized this grant
to greatly increase the public's awareness and knowledge
about household hazardous waste, especially regarding
its proper disposal. The grantee also developed a presen-
tation model that can be utilized in other communities
that are interested in increasing understanding of house-
hold hazardous waste.
Successes/Strengths
This project enhanced community understanding of the
environmental and health issues associated with house-
hold hazardous waste. It also improved communication
and information exchange between residents of the
targeted community and local officials, which will help
to promote safety, cleanliness, and other civic objectives
in the future.
22
Region 3 Projects
-------
Improving the Greenbrier River Watershed
Target Audience
The residents, farmers, and sewage treatment plant
operators living in the Greenbrier River watershed in
rural West Virginia. This community has historically had
problems with contamination of drinking water wells
from both leaking septic systems and animal feedlots.
The grantee held a number of public seminars and meet-
ings to educate the public about the major sources of
water pollution in their community.
Purpose
To educate all the local residents and farmers about
water pollution sources in order to attempt to improve
the quality of the local water supply.
Goals
Analyze the National Pollutant Discharge Elimina-
tion System (NPDES) permits that significantly
impact the quality of the Greenbrier River and pro-
vide technical assistance to sewage treatment plant
operators in that watershed.
Conduct educational workshops and training ses-
sions for residents with septic systems and/or drink-
ing water wells on their properties.
Develop and deliver presentations to farmers about
the impact of various farming practices on the qual-
ity of ground water and nearby springs.
Reduce the number of farmers who allow cattle to
openly graze in the watershed's rivers and streams.
Methods
Held a variety of educational workshops for the
public in the targeted community.
Conducted research, including NPDES permit
analysis, to investigate the significant sources of
water pollution in this rural watershed.
Provided awards to local residents who participated
in the workshops at a community water celebration.
Grant Number EQ-983841 -01 -0
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2003
Water Quality in a Rural
Community
Project Coordinator
Leslee McCarty
Greenbrier River Watershed Association
P.O.Box 1419
Lewisburg.WV 24901
www. greenbrierriver. org
Products/Results
The Greenbrier River Watershed Association (GRWA)
forwarded press releases about the study's results to local
and regional media outlets. In addition, the GRWA devel-
oped a PowerPoint presentation to use with community,
school, and farm groups to raise awareness of the problem
of contaminated runoff from feedlots and fields.
Successes/Strengths
This project established GRWA as a local group that
can have a positive impact on the water quality of the
Greenbrier watershed. Community stakeholders and
local officials developed a number of new partnerships.
Additionally, the overall knowledge of water pollution
within the community greatly improved as a result of
this project.
Region 3 Projects
23
-------
-------
Alabama (AL), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Kentucky (KY),
Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC),
and Tenness
V
Project Descriptions
Improving Water Quality
Providing Access to Information
Establishing Partnerships and Educating the Community...
Addressing Concerns About the Proctor Creek Watershed.
Making Schools Clean, Green, and Healthy
Educating Residents About Environmental Issues
Addressing Failing Septic Systems
and Lack of Sewer or Safe Water Services
Researching Contaminated Sites
Bringing Youth and Leaders Together to Address Problems
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Cynthia Peurifoy, Elvie Barlow, and Ella MClendon
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
E-mail: peurifoy.cynthia@epa.gov
Phone: (404) 562-9649
Fax: (404) 562-9664
-------
Improving Water Quality
Target Audience
Vulnerable residents (senior citizens, pregnant women,
and sick infants) of Sumter County. Eighty-five percent
of Sumter County's population is African American.
Purpose
To provide up-to-date scientific information and research
on how dioxins affect human health.
Goals
Develop a coordinated, comprehensive, and practi-
cal program to promote awareness of environmental
health issues such as preventing disease and elimi-
nating unsafe drinking water.
Methods
Developed, expanded, and carried out programs to
address the public health aspects of providing safe
drinking water.
Proposed conservation strategies to maximize pol-
lution prevention and created a resource center in
local schools.
Tested surface water and informed citizens about
water quality, content, and health aspects.
Monitored streams and rivers to study the turbidity
Grant Number EQ974032-00-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2000
Water Quality
Project Coordinator
Daisy Carter
Project Awake
Route 2, P.O. Box 282
Coatopa.AL 35470
and quality of the drinking water, and reported find-
ings to citizens.
Held public meetings and forums.
Products/Results
Project Awake involved young minority persons in its
efforts. The project developed task force teams to moni-
tor watersheds and tap water sources in West Alabama.
Local universities and other state departments formed
partnerships for water testing and monitoring.
Successes/Strengths
Project Awake has played a major role in improving
water quality in its community.
Providing Access to Information
Target Audience
Residents of the North Greenwood neighborhood in
Clearwater, Florida. The area of Clearwater in which the
North Greenwood neighborhood is located has been an
EPA Regional Brownfields Pilot site since 1996.
Purpose
To develop communication tools, including workshops,
newsletters, and a Web site, to enable North Greenwood
residents to better understand environmental issues
prevalent in their community, in particular those related
to water quality, solid waste, and health.
Grant Number EQ97423201-1
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Information Access
Project Coordinator
Laron Barber
Le'Azon Technology Institute, Inc.
P.O. Box 4097
Clearwater, FL 33758-4097
www.leazon.com
26
Region 4 Projects
-------
Goals
Compile information about environmental justice,
redevelopment, and public health issues associated
with Stevenson Creek.
Use this information to develop outreach materials,
including a Web site, newsletters, and workshops,
that encourage the exchange of ideas and informa-
tion about environmental issues among residents,
organizations, businesses, developers, and other
interested parties.
Methods
Developed a specialized Web site that presents and
provides access to different perspectives on environ-
mental, community, and public health issues.
Conducted workshops to inform and market the
new Web site to the community.
Installed a computer with Internet access in the
community room of the Greenwood Community
Health Resource Center. Raised funds to place three
additional computers at key sites.
Developed a newsletter for quarterly distribution
to residents, businesses, organizations, and other
interested parties.
Products/Results
The project involved developing and publishing quar-
terly newsletters sharing environmental information.
The newsletters featured comments from residents who
live on Stevenson Creek, highlighted community events,
and included articles from the U.S. Corps of Engineers
about the progress of cleanup plans for Stevenson Creek.
The project also developed a Web site (www.Clearwater-
Environmental.com) that includes information on local
and national environmental issues. Le'Azon Technology
Institute also presented two workshops on environmen-
tal issues, sponsored by the city of Clearwater. Partici-
pants included representatives from the community and
throughout the state.
Successes/Strengths
The project established cooperative relationships be-
tween community groups and federal and state agencies,
up to and including the Governor's office. Le'Azon
Technology Institute, the Clearwater Community-Based
Development Organization, and other partners jointly
established a job training program that will educate
program participants about environmental justice. A
partnership linking several community organizations
continues to address environmental justice issues in the
Greenwood community.
Establishing Partnerships and
Educating the Community
Target Audience
The residents of the Bond Community in Tallahassee, the
capital of Florida. The Bond Community is composed of
several African American neighborhoods, with a combined
population of approximately 10,000. The community is
one of the oldest minority communities in Tallahassee.
Purpose
To develop the Bond Community Environmental Part-
nership to establish a community-based environmental
awareness and education program.
Goals
Educate residents about the health risks associated
with littering and the illegal dumping of trash and
garbage in the community.
Grant Number EQ-97423401
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Pollution Prevention and
Solid Waste Disposal
Project Coordinator
Queen E. Bruton
Smith-Williams Service Center Foundation
2295 Pasco Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
www. talgov. com/dncs/smith. cfm
Region 4 Projects
27
-------
Demonstrate the project's success to encourage local
officials to establish and support community-based en-
vironmental partnerships in other affected communities.
Methods
Fostered and promoted the community's capacity to
address its own environmental concerns, through
the education and training of community members.
Built good working relationships with participating gov-
ernments, enforcement officials, and other key agencies
to develop a strong network in the community.
Developed publications, such as brochures, and con-
ducted project activities, including canvassing and
neighborhood volunteer cleanups.
Conducted training workshops on: 1) the relationship
between pollution and the adverse health effects of
illegal dumping and stormwater runoff; 2) the impor-
tance of various disease prevention approaches; and
3) pollution prevention and the reduction or elimina-
tion of illegal dumping.
Established baseline data for existing dumping prob-
lems; compared these data with data collected at
the end of the grant period to determine the overall
impact and effectiveness of community programs.
Products/Results
Project leaders trained more than 200 adults and children
to spot environmental inequities and to routinely care for
their immediate environment through the eradication of
solid and organic wastes. Additionally, the community
secured promises from the city of Tallahassee that the
city would repair roads, increase code enforcement, place
barriers in high-risk ditches and other areas vulnerable to
illegal dumping, place fixtures around stormwater drains
and other depositors, replace drain covers, and build
sidewalks to place a buffer between residents' front yards
and the street.
Success/Strengths
The Smith-Williams Service Center Foundation was able
to successfully identify, solicit support from, and form
partnerships with community leaders, local churches,
businesses, local government officials, neighboring
schools, and the Florida A&M University to address the
Bond Community's critical environmental needs. As a
result of this project, the community felt empowered and
revitalized with a renewed focus and goal of cleaning up
their community.
Addressing Concerns About the Proctor
Creek Watershed
Target Audience
Citizens, schools, businesses, neighborhood community
groups, and faith-based organizations in the Proctor
Creek Watershed.
Purpose
To address community-identified environmental and
health issues in the Proctor Creek Watershed.
Goals
Build community capacity to identify health and
environmental issues in the watershed.
Facilitate and involve the community in developing
problem-solving strategies to address local concerns.
Train community members to use the Internet and
other computer resources to access information
about industrial pollution and to understand that
information.
Grant Number EQ984983-00
EPA Funding
Focus
$30,030 | FY2000
Health and Environmental
Issues
Project Coordinator
Na'Taki Osborne
National Wildlife Federation
1330 W Peachtree Street, Suite 475
Atlanta, GA 30309
Provide factual information to illustrate how daily
household operations can affect the environment
and health.
28
Region 4 Projects
-------
Methods
Held workshops on watershed issues of concern,
including sewer overflows, industrial stormwater pol-
lution, toxic chemicals, and environmental justice
health issues.
Taught environmental health lessons in the schools.
Developed environmental health fact sheets.
Held forums with environmental health profession-
als and a community environmental health fair.
Products/Results
The project provided technical assistance and tools to
identify and characterize pollution, the effects of
pollution, and possible solutions. Partner school stu-
dents presented activities and demonstrations based on
what they had learned during the school year.
Successes/Strengths
The project established contact with and obtained
resources from a variety of governmental agencies and
private environmental and health organizations. It also
provided awareness training regarding potential pollu-
tion exposure at home and in the community. Addition-
ally, the project provided the attendees of the community
environmental health fair with free health testing services
and information from a variety of health care providers.
Making Schools Clean, Green, and Healthy
Target Audience
Third through fifth grade teachers and students at
participating public schools in Mississippi. Participating
schools are nearly 100 percent African American.
Purpose
To develop an educational process that involves stu-
dents in helping their schools to achieve and maintain
a "clean, green, and healthy" school standard, for their
benefit and the benefit of the greater community.
Goals
Transform participating school campuses into models
of health and safety.
Foster cooperation between students and the low-
income community.
Motivate students to become "organizers" of health
and safety in their homes and neighborhoods.
Methods
Brought Parent Teacher Associations, church lead-
ers, neighborhood associations, and medical profes-
sionals together to address school health and safety.
Researched, designed, and developed a manual
("Clean Green Healthy Schools") to assist schools in
improving environmental health conditions.
Grant Number EQ97423301
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,800 | FY2001
Environmental Stewardship
Project Coordinator
Bob Kochtitzky
Mississippi 2020 Network, Inc.
350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Suite 3140
Jackson, MS 39213
www.mississippi2020.org
Selected pilot schools and conducted a workshop for
teachers.
Products/Results
This project resulted in the creation of the "Clean Green
Healthy Schools" manual. The manual perfectly compli-
ments and is partnered with the Green Flag Awards Pro-
gram administered by the Center for Health, Environ-
ment and Justice. "Clean Green Healthy Schools" has
been distributed to schools throughout Mississippi that
are interested in piloting the program, and the manual
is being implemented in Jackson County public schools.
"Clean Green Healthy Schools" is also being used and
distributed over the Internet.
Region 4 Projects
29
-------
Successes/Strengths
This project helped communities make their schools
healthier places to learn and fostered environmental lead-
ership in the process. Participating students and adults
investigated environmental issues, identified problems, de-
veloped solutions, and promoted positive environmental
programs in their schools. As a result of this project, one
of Jackson County's public schools, French Elementary
School, was the first school in the South to receive the
Green Flag Award. The project's benefits extend beyond
the South, however; for instance, two schools in Wiscon-
sin are participating in the program through the Internet.
They are able to download lesson plans and information
from the "Clean Green Healthy Schools" manual.
Educating Residents About
Environmental Issues
Target Audience
Low-income, minority residents of southeast Raleigh,
North Carolina.
Purpose
To address the disproportionate share of negative envi-
ronmental consequences affecting the southeast Raleigh
community.
Goals
Educate and engage elementary- through college-
level students.
Assist Raleigh residents in understanding the envi-
ronmental issues that affect them.
Methods
Published newsletters to educate residents about
environmental health hazards.
Held a lecture/seminar series every other month
that brought in speakers from across the nation to
train students.
Used the Internet to input data and to search for
health-related data.
Products/Results
Through this project, students researched, assessed, and
evaluated how hazardous substances affect and pose risks
to human health. Students investigated drinking water
quality and the impacts of airborne contaminants in
Grant Number EQ974237-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2001
Environmental Health
Project Coordinator
Dr. Ademola L. Ejire
Environmental Justice Education and Research
Center
Shaw University
118 East South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
the communities. The Center for Environmental Justice
Education and Research disseminated its findings to the
public through a variety of media sources.
Successes/Strengths
The center successfully educated southeast Raleigh
residents about environmental issues that may adversely
affect their health and helped develop collaborative rela-
tionships with community residents and organizations to
identify environmental issues of concern in the commu-
nity. This project also introduced more students to the
field of environmental justice. Additionally, the project
trained 40 high school students to analyze and moni-
tor air, water, and soil quality. These students learned
how to take air, water, and soil samples and to conduct
relevant scientific experiments.
30
Region 4 Projects
-------
Addressing Failing Septic Systems and Lack
of Sewer or Safe Water Services
Target Audience
The residents and homeowners of five low-income, Af-
rican American communities just beyond Mebane's city
limits. These communities were settled by former slaves
shortly after the Civil War. Only a small part of these
communities has been annexed into the city of Mebane.
The rest falls in the city of Mebane's extraterritorial
jurisdiction, in Alamance County, or in Orange County.
As such, many of the communities' needs and concerns
have been overlooked or ignored. Outdated septic sys-
tems, for instance, have not been replaced, making septic
system failures commonplace. Furthermore, residents in
three of the five communitiesWest End, White Level,
and Buckhorn Road/Perry Hilllack access to sewer and
safe water services.
Purpose
To engage all stakeholders (residents of the city of Me-
bane, Alamance County, and Orange County, and pub-
lic health officials) in identifying viable solutions and
remedies to the community's environmental problems.
Goals
Improve the quality of life for low-income and mi-
nority residents by identifying viable ways to upgrade
their communities' water and sewer services.
Conduct educational workshops and training ses-
sions for affected residents.
Obtain the cooperative involvement of federal, state,
and local officials and community stakeholders.
Methods
Held educational workshops for residents in the
targeted communities with assistance from EPA and
the state.
Conducted research, including surveys, to investigate
the effects of leaching septic systems and contami-
nated drinking water sources on human health and
the environment.
Grant Number EQ9974238-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Water Quality
Project Coordinator
Omega Wilson
West End Revitalization Association
206 Moore Street
Mebane, NC 27302-0661
www.wera-nc.org
Conveyed research results to affected communities
and public health officials at the federal, state, and
local levels.
Products/Results
The West End Revitalization Association (WERA)
forwarded press releases about the study's results to local
and regional media outlets. WERA also provided local
libraries in the Alamance and Orange counties with cop-
ies of the study's results and exhibits for public viewing.
WERA will utilize the results of its study as the basis for:
1) urging state and local officials to comply with EPA
guidelines; 2) developing and funding an emergency plan
to eliminate public health risks in affected communities;
and 3) seeking additional financial assistance and techni-
cal support from federal, state, and local governments.
Successes/Strengths
This project established WERA as the primary research
agent, monitor/evaluator, and project coordinator for
fostering dialogue and partnerships between community
stakeholders and local officials. Additionally, as a result
of this project, a series of community leadership training
sessions were developed.
Region 4 Projects
31
-------
Researching Contaminated Sites
Target Audience
Residents of the Arkwright and Forest Park neighbor-
hoods, located on the south side of Spartanburg, South
Carolina. These communities are predominately African
American. Arkwright and Forest Park are located in
close proximity to two Superfund sitesthe Arkwright
Dump (an abandoned municipal landfill) and the
former International Minerals and Chemical Company
(IMC) fertilizer plant. An abandoned textile mill, an
active textile mill, an operating chemical plant, two addi-
tional dumps, and several suspected illegal disposal sites
in the area also plague this area. Arkwright and Forest
Park residents face serious health issues including a high
incidence of cancer and respiratory illnesses, high death
and infant mortality rates, and a prevalence of miscar-
riages and birth defects. Residents are also concerned
about public safety and their economy.
Purpose
To support three research projects, on the Arkwright
Dump and IMC fertilizer plant sites, that will continue
and expand existing research on a health survey of resi-
dents, former employees, and their families.
Goals
Empower residents, through education and capacity
building, to have a greater role in the environmental
and economic decisions that affect their communi-
ties.
Establish relationships with other stakeholders, such
as municipalities, community groups, and other
environmental justice organizations, along with state
and federal environmental agencies.
Raise awareness about policy and advocacy, by help-
ing residents to understand environmental statutes
and the Right-to-Know Act.
Methods
Distribute evaluation forms at every meeting.
Conduct pre-session and post-session personal
assessments to determine participants' knowledge
Grant Number EQ984793-00-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2000
Toxic Chemicals
Project Coordinator
Harold Mitchell
ReGenesis, Inc.
505 North Street
Spartanburg.SC 29306
www.regenesisproject.org
of environmental justice, community organizing,
National Priorities List/Superfund and brownfield
redevelopment environmental statutes, and air and
water concerns.
Products/Results
ReGenesis has become a powerful voice for the com-
munity. ReGenesis was able to organize community
residents and empower them to take an active role in the
clean up of their community. As a result, the abandoned
IMC fertilizer plant facility, landfill, and textile mill were
cleaned up. The brownfield will be redeveloped, and the
landfill will be donated to ReGenesis.
Successes/Strengths
ReGenesis was selected as one of 15 demonstration proj-
ects for the Federal Interagency Work Group on Envi-
ronmental Justice. In 2002, ReGenesis was the first ever
community-based organization to receive the Annual
Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the Spartanburg
Human Relations Commission. In 2000, ReGenesis
received the African American Environmental Justice
Trailblazer Award from the African American Envi-
ronmental Justice Action Network, for state impact on
environmental justice.
32
Region 4 Projects
-------
Bringing Youth and Leaders Together
to Address Problems
Target Audience
Middle-school youth and educators in the Neck area
of Charleston and rural areas of South Carolina's
Lowcountry. The Neck, which encompasses the city of
Charleston's federal Enterprise Community, is a mostly
commercial and industrial area located between the Ash-
ley and Cooper rivers. The Neck's residential communi-
ties are predominately African American. Approximately
40 percent of the residents in this area live at or below
the poverty level. The unemployment rate is also high.
More than 100 brownfields have been identified in the
Neck.
Purpose
To bring middle school youth and adult leaders together
to address local environmental problems, as well as
to strengthen their capacity to improve their commu-
nity, through the Earth Force Community Action and
Problem Solving (CAPS) program. The CAPS process
includes six steps: 1) community environmental inven-
tory; 2) issue selection; 3) policy and community practice
research; 4) options for influencing policy and practice;
5) planning and taking civil action; 6) and looking back
and ahead.
Goals
Train educators about environmental justice con-
cerns, the CAPS process, and how to guide students'
exploration of environmental justice issues in their
communities.
Fund educators to facilitate the CAPS process, and
assist groups of youth in working on environmental
justice issues.
Purchase CAPS materials and expenses for youth
projects.
Methods
Trained educators and adult leaders.
Held an environmental justice seminar through the
Environmental Biosciences Program at the Medical
University of South Carolina.
Grant Number EQ984985-00-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,190 | FY2000
Toxic Chemicals
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Rezeli
Youth Services Charleston, Inc.
P.O. Box 22583
Charleston.SC 29413
www. earthforce. org/section/offices/lowcountry
Conducted follow-up sessions.
Scheduled site visits and planning sessions to occur
three to four times annually.
Products/Results
Participants in the CAPS program learned:
How to access information about their environment,
with a focus on environmental justice issues.
Who makes decisions about environmental and
community issues.
How to have a voice in the future of the community.
Successes/Strengths
Middle school youth became leaders in revitalizing
Charleston. Additionally, by expanding the Earth Force
CAPS program to include low-income and minority
areas, Youth Services Charleston, Inc. increased and
strengthened communication between CAPS sites,
community agencies, environmental organizations, and
neighborhood groups.
Region 4 Projects
33
-------
-------
Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN),
Ohio (OH), and Wisconsin (WI)
IS*
Project Descriptions
Promoting the Healthy Schools Campaign
Involving Tribal and Faith Groups in Environmental Justice
Involving Students in Creating Toxin-Free Homes and Gardens
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Margaret Millard
77 West Jackson Boulevard DM-7J
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
E-mail: millard.margaret@epa.gov
Phone: (312) 353-1440
Fax:(312)353-4788
-------
Promoting the Healthy Schools Campaign
Target Audience
More than 430,000 students from 600 schools from pre-
dominantly low-income families, and more than 2,600
janitorial workers, composed mainly of African Ameri-
can and Hispanic women, many of childbearing age.
Eighty-four percent of students are from families who
are at or below the poverty level. Eighty-seven percent of
students are African American or Latino.
Purpose
To reduce occupational and environmental exposures
for disadvantaged and minority Chicago Public School
janitors and students and to facilitate the adoption
and implementation of a Chicago Board of Education
"Green Cleaning" policy.
Goals
Reduce the exposure of school janitors to toxins and
create healthier school environments for students at
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) through the Chicago
Board of Education's (CBE's) adoption and imple-
mentation of a green cleaning policy.
Empower janitors to have greater control over their
workplace conditions.
Encourage and aid parents and local school councils
to implement policies that promote healthier school
environments.
Methods
Developed a partnership with CPS and CBE to
adopt policies that promote green cleaning.
Worked with the CPS Office of Purchasing to de-
velop and adopt a single-source purchasing initiative
to include Green Seal certified products.
Hosted a Green Flag introductory workshop to
increase community knowledge and support green
cleaning by working with community members to
implement Green Flag in their schools; attendees
included community groups and schools represent-
ing the minority communities of Englewood, Pilsen,
Little Village, Humboldt Park, and West Town.
Developed Green Cleaning Guidance, a document for
principals and building engineers, written by Steve
Ashkin, a nationally recognized leader on green
Grant Number EQ98539101-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$9,901 | 2003
Toxics Reduction, Pollution
Prevention, Environmental
Education, Indoor Air, and
Mercury
Project Coordinator
Rochelle Davis
Generation Green/Healthy Schools Campaign
205 West Monroe Street, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
www.healthyschoolscampaign.org
cleaning, and the Chicago Department of the Envi-
ronment, and distributed to every CPS principal and
building manager.
Developed and published the Action and Resource
Guide for Healthy Schools, which includes a foreword
from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Products/Results
CBE adopted a formal district policy that emphasizes
green cleaning goals. Additionally, the CPS Office of
Purchasing adopted a single-source purchasing initiative
to include Green Seal-certified products. Green Seal-cer-
tified products do not contain carcinogens or reproduc-
tive toxins; are not combustible or corrosive to skin and
eyes; limit ingredients that contribute to photochemical
smog, tropospheric ozone, and poor indoor air quality;
and are readily biodegradable. Cleaners that are Green
Seal certified do not contain mercury, lead, arsenic, cad-
mium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, selenium, alkphenol
ethoxylates, dibutyl phthalate, or ozone-depleting com-
pounds. The project team also published Green Clean-
ing Guidance, a document for principals and building
engineers, and the Action and Resource Guide for Healthy
Schools, which required a second printing due to high
demand. Furthermore, the project led to Green Flag
programs being implemented in the schools. Green Flag
is an environmental leadership program that rewards
schools for taking steps to improve school environments,
such as implementing green cleaning.
36
Region 5 Projects
-------
Successes/Strengths
Generation Green, the Healthy Schools Campaign
(HSC), CPS, and CBE formed strong partnerships for
this project. These partnerships facilitated toxics reduc-
tion for a large, diverse group of workers and students.
The project's success generated interest in other commu-
nities and school districts for adopting similar measures.
HSC has shared knowledge it gained from working
on this project with these parties through community
forums held outside of Chicago. HSC is also working
with the Center for a New American Dream, a national
organization that promotes green cleaning, to share its
experience of working on this project with CPS with
other school districts and nonprofit organizations across
the country. The project's success contributed to HSC
being awarded a grant from the National Institute of En-
vironmental Health Sciences to address high incidences
of asthma and obesity in Latino school populations,
including the CPS and Latino community partners who
participated in this project.
Involving Tribal and Faith Groups
in Environmental Justice
Target Audience
Tribal and economically disadvantaged citizens of the
large rural area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,
dubbed America's "Second Appalachia" by economists.
Household income in this area is the lowest in the state.
Five out of the state's seven Native American Indian
reservations are located here, and unemployment rates
in each of its 15 counties have consistently been twice
those of state and national averages.
Purpose
To involve tribal, economically disadvantaged people
and seven faith congregations in local environmental
justice issues that directly affect air quality, waste reduc-
tion, and health risks.
Goals
Initiate a community burn barrel education program
emphasizing the environmental impacts and human
health risks associated with dioxins and backyard
burning.
Conduct a clean sweep household hazardous waste
collection and increase public education on house-
hold hazardous waste.
Raise awareness about regional mercury impacts
from municipal and commercial coal-fired electric
power facilities, including local impacts from air
emissions trading, long-range transport, and the
Deer Lake Area of Concern.
Provide information about the Lake Superior Bina-
tional Program to stakeholders, including tribal and
Grant Number EQ96539201-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | 2003
Air, Household Hazardous
Waste, Mercury, and Great
Lakes
Project Coordinator
Jon Magnuson
Cedar Tree Institute
403 East Michigan Street
Marquette.MI 49855
www.cedartreeinstitute.com
economically disadvantaged people in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan.
Methods
Built a partnership with representatives of nine dif-
ferent faiths to develop and sign an "Earth Keeper
Covenant," which made a commitment to work in
partnership with tribes, government, and citizen or-
ganizations for the stewardship and protection of the
environment of the Great Lakes Basin. Annual clean
sweep collections are among the commitments made
in the Earth Keeper Covenant. Developed and shared
an electronic directory of cooperating organizations.
Educated stakeholders about the impacts of house-
hold hazardous waste; burn barrels and the airborne
deposition of toxins; and mercury emissions from a
Region 5 Projects
37
-------
local power plant. Also educated stakeholders about
the goals of the Lake Superior Binational Program.
Implemented a household hazardous waste clean
sweep collection event.
Products/Results
A household hazardous waste clean sweep collection
collected more than 47 tons of materials (including
mercury) in one day. This amount exceeded the amount
collected by the Delta County Waste Facility over the
last seven years. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
issued a Certificate of Tribute recognizing the impor-
tant environmental benefits the project provided to the
citizens of Michigan. Nine different faith leaders signed
the Earth Keeper Covenant. This unprecedented agree-
ment commits more than 200 congregations, reaching
approximately 150,000 people (almost two-thirds of
the population of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan),
to educate and incorporate environmental projects
regionally. A newsletter that included an article on the
environmental impacts of burn barrels and airborne
deposition of toxins was sent to 30,000 Upper Peninsula
residents. The project had several press releases, includ-
ing seven newspaper articles, one magazine feature, three
television spots, and several public presentations. It also
raised awareness about the goals and objectives of the
Lake Superior Binational Program and included working
with the Binational Program as one of four pledges on
the Earth Keeper Covenant. The project supported the
new mercury emissions reduction project at the Wis-
consin Electric coal-powered Presque Isle power plant in
Marquette, Michigan. When completed, this project will
reduce airborne mercury emissions by 95 percent.
Successes/Strengths
The project received both local and national acclaim. By
utilizing established faith networks, the project directly
reached more than half of the population of a 15-county
region. The response was tremendous; 47 tons of hazard-
ous waste were collected in one weekend. The Earth Keep-
er Covenant and partnerships built under this project will
continue into the future through concrete environmental
commitments. The Cedar Tree Institute is also planning
to use this growing faith network to relay other environ-
mental and conservation information regarding land use,
invasive species, and other nonpoint source pollution.
Involving Students in Creating Toxin-Free
Homes and Gardens
Target Audience
Youth attending an alternative public school for preg-
nant teens and mothers and the surrounding com-
munity of residents near the west side of Detroit. This
community is located in one of the poorest sections of
Detroit, within the federally designated "empowerment
zone," and is 85 percent African American.
Purpose
To increase public awareness of the hidden toxins in
homes and gardens and to facilitate a community-based
collaborative partnership to facilitate soil reclamation
and reduce exposure to contaminants.
Goals
Increase public awareness of the hidden toxins in
homes and gardens.
Encourage the use of safer waste disposal, cleaning,
and home maintenance methods.
Grant Number EQ97598301
EPA Funding
Focus
$19,300 | 2002
Land Reclamation, Lead,
Education, Home Toxins,
and Children's Health
Project Coordinator
Sharon Howell
Detroit Summer
4605 Cass Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
www. detroitsummer. org
Gave youth experience in neighborhood organizing,
soil testing, and land reclamation.
Taught youth how to create a toxin-free home envi-
ronment for mothers and children.
38
Region 5 Projects
-------
Methods
Trained and educated 40 students through two exist-
ing classes, Earth Science and Geometry, and a new
after-school extra credit class, Soil and Environmental
Science.
Conducted a mapping project to depict the land use
patterns in the area and likely pollutants.
Obtained assistance in assessing the scope of reme-
diation and planting from the University of Michi-
gan's Landscape Architecture class. The Landscape
Architecture class also helped students develop a
community design for a toxin-free neighborhood.
Conducted community outreach. Students created a
flyer and a short letter to their neighbors. They then
went to every house within four blocks of the school
to inform and solicit input from their neighbors on
the project.
Trained students to collect soil samples. Under the
supervision of Detroit Summer, these students then
collected soil samples from all homes within four
blocks of their school.
Students returned to the homes they obtained soil
samples from to share the results of their soil analy-
ses and offered advice to residents' on how to deal
with the problem of lead contaminated soil.
Students planted a garden on school property to
demonstrate lead-safe methods and how to plant to
reduce lead levels already existing in the soil.
Students organized and conducted a media cam-
paign on soil testing and environmental justice,
attracting press coverage for this issue (Detroit Free
Press, May 29, 2003).
Products/Results
Student testing of soil showed high lead levels in yard
soil. Approximately 20 students tested 25 yards for lead
and found lead levels of 670, 1,900, 2,600 and even
3,400 parts per million, the latter being eight times the
EPA guidelines for child safety. Students returned to
the homes they tested and shared advice on how to deal
with the problem of lead contaminated soil.
The students reached beyond their school and neighbor-
hood by conducting a media campaign. This endeavor
involved sharing information about contaminated soil
and how to address this problem in residents' yards with
a wider audience in Detroit. Because of the Detroit Free
Press article, Wayne County Commissioner Kwame Ke-
nyatta asked the students who participated in the project
to give a presentation to the Wayne County Subcommit-
tee on Lead Poisoning.
Additionally, two film students from the University of
Michigan documented the project in a video, teaching
the students a variety of media skills, including video
recording, editing, and interviewing. The students used
these skills to compile oral histories from the neighbor-
hood residents about their lives and experiences in the
community. These oral histories were included in the
video documentary and presented to the county.
This project also resulted in the planting of a garden
that demonstrated the four remediation strategies
learned in the project on school property. This garden
is an ongoing educational tool for the local residents.
Community members were invited to participate in
the garden's design and implementation. The garden is
divided into areas to exhibit permaculture, composting,
phytoremediation, and plants that can detoxify the body.
The composting area of the garden includes a com-
post bin the students built themselves. Workshops on
composting and gardening were held for the community,
and those who wanted to utilize phytoremediation in
their own gardens or lawns were given seedlings.
Collaboration between Detroit Summer and the school
is continuing. Projects planned for the future include re-
building and designating two homes as toxin-free zones.
Successes/Strengths
This project received local acclaim and was featured in
a newspaper article appearing in the Detroit Free Press.
The garden provides an ongoing sustainable environ-
mental education tool for the community. The project
resulted in education on contaminated soil, environmen-
tal justice, and concrete solutions for remediation that
reached a wider audience. A community event, "Teen
Mothers Celebrate Mother Earth," brought more than
100 people from the neighborhood and surrounding
areas together to discuss environmental issues. Wayne
County Commissioner Kwame Kenyatta presented stu-
dents with certificates of honor for their leadership and
dedication to the community. Four graduating seniors
were recognized at their commencement ceremony for
being honored by the county. Students from the project
continued to be interested in environmental science and
environmental justice, conducting additional projects,
including one on lead contamination near playground
structures. Two of the project students also finished first
and second place in the Detroit city-wide science fair.
Region 5 Projects
39
-------
-------
Arkansas (AR), Louisiana (LA), New Mexico (NM),
Oklahoma (OK), and Texas (TX)
Project Descriptions
AR Educating the Community About Hazards of the Poultry Industry.
LA Empowering Residents to Learn about Clean Water
Providing Training to Reduce Lead Poisoning
OK Participating in Refinery Redevelopment
Researching Effects of the Tar Creek Superfund Site
TX Developing Plans of Action to Clean Up Environmental Problems
Fostering Contaminated Ground Water Awareness
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Shirley Quinones
1445 Ross Avenue (6RA-D)
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
E-mail: quinones.shirley@epa.gov
Phone:(214)665-2713
Fax:(214)665-6648
-------
Educating the Community About Hazards of
the Poultry Industry
Target Audience
Latinos, people of color, and rural whites.
Purpose
To educate the target audience on the hazards of the
poultry industry as it relates to water pollution, solid
waste disposal, and health of the workers.
Goals
Educate the poultry workers about their environ-
ment and their own personal health as it relates to
the poultry industry.
Help poultry workers locate resources within their
communities and find methods of civic participation.
Methods
October 2002 to January 2003: Compiled, reviewed,
and selected information. Developed bilingual cur-
riculum and created visual aids. Developed bilingual
surveys. Contacted committed partner organizations
and developed others. Began dialogue for joint tasks
and scheduled presentations at community centers
and with community groups. Advertised presenta-
tions in the community.
February 2002 to April 2003: Conducted presenta-
tionsone in each community center in the towns
of Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers. Gave three
other presentations for smaller community groups.
Gave a presentation to youth at a local rural alterna-
tive school. Handed out surveys at presentations.
May to June 2003: Compiled information received
from surveys. Followed up on calls received from
participants requiring further information. Made
final bilingual report on information obtained
through presentation discussions and surveys and
submitted it to EPA.
July to September 2003: Mailed out reports to all
participants and partner groups. Evaluated benefits/
challenges of the work.
Grant Number EQ97620001-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$10,000 I FY2002
Education
Project Coordinator
Miguela Borges
Arco Iris, Inc.
Ponca, AR 62670
www. arcoirisinc.org
Products/Results
Anticipated 80 people would be reached with the
program. Sixty-two were reached. Made contacts
with other organizations.
Anticipated 50 percent of attendees would be poul-
try workers or relatives of poultry workers, but the
percentage was larger90 percent.
Anticipated 75 percent of participants (43 out of 62
people) would complete surveys, and they did.
Successes/Strengths
The project organized volunteers successfully, advertised
forums in the community using flyers and public service
announcements; got attendees to fill out a three-page
survey; and presented information in an informative and
attractive way.
This project was a first step in a collaborative effort to
address both environmental and human needs. There
is enough interest to continue the work under the right
local leadership. As a result of this project, many people
throughout northwest Arkansas, not just those who at-
tended the sessions, now know that the environmental
justice issue exists and is a concern.
42
Region 6 Projects
-------
Empowering Residents to Learn
About Clean Water
Target Audience
Five low-income African American communities along
the industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New
Orleans, Louisiana, also called "Cancer Alley."
Purpose
To address issues of water quality, information sharing,
and improved communication among these communi-
ties and with government agencies and regional environ-
mental groups.
Goals
Create an organized network of communities work-
ing together on regional water quality issues.
Develop a multi-party information exchange network
to serve as a liaison among all the groups and agen-
cies.
Form partnerships between all stakeholders.
Empower the residents through organization and
education so they can better address water quality
health concerns.
Methods
Partner organizations provided information and as-
sistance to the communities.
Formed coalition of all affected parties to teach
residents in the contaminated communities to use
technical resources in their fight against poor water
quality.
A cartographer taught the project director how to ac-
cess information contained in watershed maps and
to make it accessible to the local residents.
Published a monthly newsletter to provide commu-
nities with information regarding training work-
shops, issues related to water quality.
Held a series of meetings in the communities and
with water experts.
Conducted training sessions to provide up-to-date
information on watershed maps and other water-re-
lated information.
Concluded project with a Clean Water Conference.
Grant Number
EPA Funding
Focus
EQ986603
$15,000 | FY2000
Communication and Infor-
mation Sharing
Project Coordinator
Albertha Hasten
Louisiana Environmental Action Network
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
www.leanweb.org
Products/Results
The monthly newsletters succeeded in providing needed
information to the communities, and in creating a
much-needed sense of joint purpose. Residents of all the
affected communities attended workshops and learned a
great deal about water pollution. Representatives of each
community, EPA, and Louisiana Department of Envi-
ronmental Quality officials attended the Clean Water
Conference.
Successes/Strengths
The Clean Water Conference provided an opportunity
for the residents to ask officials questions and to have
those questions answered.
The participants in this project are now very knowledge-
able about water-related environmental issues, as well as
in techniques to make their voices heard. This project
provided needed training and information to under-
served communities, and it raised Louisiana Environ-
mental Action Network's status in the affected commu-
nities. The residents now know that they have important
advocates in Louisiana and in federal and state agencies.
Region 6 Projects
43
-------
Providing Training to Reduce Lead Poisoning
Target Audience
Members of the Eighth Ward (African American), the
New Orleans' Far East Vietnamese Community, and
the New Orleans' Carrolton/Mid-City neighborhood
(Hispanic).
Purpose
To inform the communities and local government about
the lead poisoning within the targeted communities.
Goals
Identify necessary improvements in communication
by coordinating a coalition of organizations to assist
the community in developing and implementing the
project. The coalition included Louisiana Environ-
mental Justice Project, Louisiana Association of
Community Organizations for Reform Now, New
Orleans Office of Environmental Affairs, the city of
New Orleans Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program, and the Center for Applied Environmen-
tal Public Health at the Tulane University Medical
Center.
Emphasize community input and participation.
Empower residents to evaluate, develop, and present
programs for lead poisoning prevention that reflect
their needs, rather than that of government or aca-
demia, thus building capacity.
Methods
First monthReached out to Eighth Ward of New
Orleans through door-to-door canvassing. Developed a
training team and met twice a month.
Second monthRestructured lead poisoning and preven-
tion information to be culturally relevant to the com-
munity.
Third monthImplemented NO LEAD training teams
in the community.
Fourth monthNO LEAD teams finished community
training and finalized the evaluation process. Consoli-
dated information gathered.
Grant Number EQ97619701-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$17,285 | FY2002
Capacity Building
Project Coordinator
Stephen Bradberry
Louisiana Environmental Justice Project
New Orleans, LA
Months 5 through 8Targeted Vietnamese community
and used procedures for 1 to 4 months.
Months 9 through 12Targeted Hispanic community
and used procedures for 1 to 4 months.
Products/Results
As a result of the education and outreach performed
during the NO LEAD project, the Louisiana Environ-
mental Justice Project has significantly increased the
number of partners who are willing to work toward mak-
ing New Orleans a lead-safe city. Included in the new
partnerships are a local bank and the local carpenter's
union.
Successes/Strengths
This project developed a mechanism for working with
the community on environmental issues. The city of
New Orleans committed $300,000 for remediation and
abatement in one of the target neighborhoods.
The project also raised the awareness of lead poison-
ing hazards in the target communities. Community
residents utilized the information to demand and win
funding from their city council representative to carry
out lead poisoning remediation on their homes.
44
Region 6 Projects
-------
Participating in Refinery Redevelopment
Target Audience
Cherokee and Creek tribal members living near the Ba-
sin Refinery Superfund site. In 1998, Phillips Petroleum
began cleanup of the site, and soon after, some of the
land became available for commercial use. Although Na-
tive Americans would be impacted by the site's redevel-
opment and needed to have a say in the redevelopment
plans, tribal members had not yet attended meetings
where redevelopment was discussed.
Purpose
To facilitate involvement between tribal members and
other citizens in the redevelopment of the refinery site.
Goals
Survey the tribe on environmental concerns, under-
standing of the cleanup process, and concerns about
the redevelopment.
Conduct community outreach to provide the tribe
with access to appropriate information.
Conduct discussion forums to introduce the survey
and, later, to discuss the survey's results.
Methods
Distributed surveys door to door.
Forwarded results to redevelopment personnel.
Held discussion forums to provide input to
decision-makers.
Used additional outreach mechanisms to get the
word out to the residents.
Products/Results
Project leaders conducted surveys of the entire area near
Okmulgee, compiled results, and forwarded them to the
Redevelopment Council and to the media for publica-
tion in the local newspaper. At the end of the project,
the public attended a local meeting to express opinions
and ask questions of redevelopment personnel. An
information booth was set up at the Muscogee (Creek)
Nation festival and at the local rodeo. Approximately 50
people attended two outreach meetings.
Grant Number EQ986629
EPA Funding
Focus
$16,000 | FY2000
Information Sharing and
Capacity Building
Project Coordinator
Randy Gee
Cherokee Nation/Inter-Tribal Environmental
Council
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah.OK 74464
www.itecmembers.org
Successes/Strengths
Project leaders distributed more than 1,000 surveys to
tribal members and other citizens, and more than 70
percent of people replieda success. Attendance var-
ied at the discussion forums, but those who attended
expressed good ideas. The information booths at the
Muscogee Nation festival and at the rodeo were well
attended.
This project allowed all the tribal members to participate
in decisions affecting their future. The project showed
the residents that they could get together to discuss is-
sues affecting their lives. The tribal members and local
citizens became aware of environmental issues as a result
of this project, and they now feel more empowered to
address the issues directly. Many of the ideas for redevel-
opment of the refinery expressed by the participants in
the forums and surveys are seriously being considered by
those in charge of the redevelopment of the area. The
tribal members have made it clear that as many jobs as
possible should be created, provided that the work is
environmentally friendly. They want the environment to
be restored as much as possible.
Region 6 Projects
45
-------
Researching Effects of the Tar Creek
Superfund Site
Target Audience
Low-income Native American and Hispanic residents
of Miami, North Miami, Commerce, Quapaw, Picher
and Cardin, and the nine tribes present by treaty.
The Tar Creek community is in Ottawa County, the
poorest county in the state of Oklahoma (which is the
third poorest state in the nation). As one of the largest
Superfund sites in the nation, this community has a
long history of unfair environmental impacts. Many of
the residents depend on fishing, hunting, and garden-
ing for subsistence. The polluted stream of Tar Creek
runs through five communities before it spills its con-
taminants into the Neosho River. The Spring River and
the Neosho River bring toxic runoff and mine water
discharges, loaded with heavy metals, downstream to the
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Tar Creek residents are
faced with children's blood lead levels significantly high-
er than the national average; countless yards and public
areas contaminated with heavy metals; and high levels
of lead, manganese, cadmium, and arsenic. Determining
the potential health impacts from exposures of heavy
metals that are present at the site, particularly through
air, water, fish, and other local food that are consumed,
is of vital importance.
Local Environmental Action Demanded (LEAD)
Agency, Inc. is a nonprofit environmental organization,
organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The
agency is composed of citizens whose purpose is to meet
the environmental needs of area residents. LEAD has
been at the forefront of environmental issues in north-
east Oklahoma since its origination in 1997, thus lead-
ing the way for progress in environmental justice.
Purpose
To conduct research to identify the prevalent diseases of
the residents of Ottawa County.
Methods
Conducted door-to-door community surveys to de-
termine the prevalence of disease in the community
near the Tar Creek Superfund site. LEAD designed
the surveys with assistance from consultants in the
field of public health.
Grant Number EQ97621501-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2003
Heavy Metals and Capacity
Building
Project Coordinator
Local Environmental Action
Demanded Agency, Inc.
19257 South 4403 Drive
Vinita.OK 74301
www.leadagency.org
Products/Results
Project leaders presented survey results to EPA and the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to
prioritize the research needs in the community. This
project also established a model that other environmen-
tal justice community groups can follow.
Successes/Strengths
This collaborative community effort enhanced resident
involvement in the community and developed aware-
ness of exposure pathways, health issues related to the
site, and remedial activities that will minimize exposure
to maximum extent. In developing, conducting, and ana-
lyzing a survey of the community, local residents gained
experience in gathering health trends data. They learned
the importance of consistency in data collection and
how to word survey questions carefully. The project led
to remediation, followed by buyouts.
46
Region 6 Projects
-------
Developing Plans of Action to Clean Up
Environmental Problems
Target Audience
Low-income, primarily Hispanic communities in El
Paso, a city that is 70 percent Hispanic and has a median
income of $12,000. These communities experience a
variety of environmental challenges.
Purpose
To increase knowledge and capacity in these low-income
communities for effective problem-solving and involvement
in environmental issues impacting their neighborhoods.
Goals
Train 130 residents from 65 grassroots Neighbor-
hood Improvement Associations (NIA) on environ-
mental issues and statutes.
Empower the residents, particularly the young peo-
ple, with the skills to participate in public debates
on environmental issues.
Participate in committees, task forces, and/or boards
overseeing such issues.
Provide residents with the skills to seek redress on
environmental issues concerning their communities.
Methods
Each NIA developed an Environmental Plan of Ac-
tion and identified the issues and solutions to these
problems in their community.
Ensured youth participation by selecting two to
five students from each of the 27 high schools and
middle schools in El Paso County to serve on a
Youth Council on the Environment.
Held four environmental workshops about various
issues.
Invited students to attend the four workshops and to
participate in debate of issues, critical thinking, and
pr oble m-s olving.
Products/Results
Project leaders produced and distributed bilingual fly-
ers to attract the residents of the neighborhoods to the
Grant Number EQ986936
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Capacity Building
and Environmental
Problem-Solving
Project Coordinator
Daniel Lara
Project Bravo, Community Action Agency
4838 Montana Avenue
El Paso, TX 79903
www. pro] ectbravo. org
workshops and mailed out bilingual letters to the various
neighborhood associations regarding the workshops
and the training. The attendees at the workshops filled
out forms detailing the worst environmental problems
in their neighborhoods, in their opinion. This action
enabled them to develop the Environmental Plan of Ac-
tion for each neighborhood.
Successes/Strengths
Two representatives of each of the 65 NIAs attended
the workshops, and 39 students participated. They now
form the Youth Council on the Environment. The
participants in the workshops were somewhat timid at
first, but they gained confidence, along with their new
environmental knowledge and understanding.
The participants in this project are now very knowledge-
able about environmental issues, as well as in techniques
to make their voices heard. The Environmental Plan of
Action that each NIA developed will be beneficial to the
communities in the future and to the city in general. The
experience acquired by the residents in regard to public
participation has given them the incentive to apply these
skills in every aspect of their lives. Improvements in good
citizenship and environmental stewardship can already
be seen. The neighborhoods are cleaner, and people are
conserving more and contaminating less. They are also
now more proactive in neighborhood and city life.
Region 6 Projects
47
-------
Fostering Contaminated Ground Water Awareness
Target Audience
Low-income, primarily Hispanic, residents in the envi-
rons of the newly closed Kelly Air Force Base (KAFB) in
San Antonio, Texas.
Purpose
Studies from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Dis-
ease Registry have shown that households located over a
plume of contaminated ground water near KAFB have
had an increased number of deaths attributed to liver
and kidney cancer and leukemia, as well as an elevated
number of low-birth-weight babies and an excess of
reported cases of heart and circulatory system defects.
Health screenings were offered to those who have worked
at or lived near KAFB to help determine risks for illness
from possible environmental toxins. The people living in
houses over the most contaminated area of the ground
water plume, however, were not seeking these screenings,
yet they tended to be households below the poverty level,
uninsured for medical treatment, and undereducated.
This project seeks to find out more about risks and these
residents. In addition, a community health profile will be
taken of the residents to determine their attitudes about
the relationship between the contaminated ground water
plume and their perceived illnesses.
Goals
Share information about the contaminants at KAFB
and those in the plume, including the environmen-
tal and health effects of these substances.
Research why the most affected households did not
seek the free health screenings offered previously.
Determine residents' attitudes about the relationship
between the contaminated ground water plume and
their perceived illnesses by means of a community
health profile to be taken of the residents at the same
time.
Methods
Volunteers went door to door, distributing bilingual
flyers concerning the free medical screenings.
Discussed with the residents why they had not par-
ticipated in the previous health screenings.
Screened 100 community members for environment-
related health problems.
Grant Number EQ986895
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2001
Environmental Health
Project Coordinator
Tanya Huerta
Wesley Community Center
1406 Fitch Street
San Antonio, TX 78211
Produced a bilingual brochure detailing the health
effects of the contaminants in the underground
plume and the soil near the base.
Conducted workshops on the findings of the
investigation.
Products/Results
Volunteers distributed excellent bilingual flyers advertis-
ing the screenings in the neighborhood. Using the results
of the door-to-door discussions in the neighborhood, the
volunteers of the Wesley Community Centers produced
a bilingual pamphlet to share the information and to
address the reasons the people were not asking for the
screenings. The pamphlet also explained the details of the
screenings and urged the people to be screened.
Successes/Strengths
Rather than screening only 100 residents, the volunteers
were able to attract 700. They were able to compile
heath profiles and determine some of the reasons resi-
dents didn't go to the screenings, such as work sched-
ules, transportation, and childcare issues. Other factors
included lack of knowledge of environmental health
impacts of the contaminants in the plume, and the
impression that such health impacts would affect others
rather than themselves. The community has become
more knowledgeable about contaminants and health
issues. People also appear to be more concerned about
their health now. The volunteers in the community have
inspired the residents to take more interest in their com-
munities and quality of life. They are now more assertive
and proactive, and less fatalistic.
48
Region 6 Projects
-------
Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Missouri (MO), and Nebraska (NE)
Project Descriptions
IA Empower Residents to Take Action and Make a Difference
KS Educating the Community About Toxins and Children
Revitalizing John Garland Park
Educating About Lead Poisoning and Asthma Prevention
MO Encouraging Energy Efficiency Improvements
Controlling Lead Hazards
Mobilizing Community Involvement With Environmental Justice
Training Neighborhoods to Lead Themselves in Medical Waste
Incineration
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Althea Moses and Debbie Bishop
901 North 5th Street (ECORA)
Kansas City, KS 66101
E-mail: moses.althea@epa.gov
Phone: (913) 551-7649
Fax: (913) 551-7941
-------
Empower Residents to Take Action
and Make a Difference
Target Audience
Residents of the low-income portion of the northeast
corner (zip code 50317) of Des Moines, Iowa.
Purpose
To identify and research sources of pollution that po-
tentially threaten the health and quality of life of local
residents and to involve area residents in addressing this
pollution.
Goals
Educate residents about environmental issues that
might impact their health.
Show residents how they can use government poli-
cies to address these environmental concerns.
Cultivate leadership skills in 10 residents. Train
these residents how to hold meetings, write agendas,
and educate other residents.
Recruit 20 residents for the Citizens for Community
Improvement (CCI) Environmental Task Force.
Methods
Conducted a health survey of residents, using mail-
ings and door-to-door contact.
Compiled and analyzed the results of the health
survey, as well as research related to area businesses.
Used these results to create educational materials.
Products/Results
Through this project, CCI and the community devel-
oped health surveys that enabled them to compare
Grant Number EQ987033-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Water and Air Pollution
Project Coordinator
Felipe Gallardo
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
2005 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
www.iowacci.org
residents' symptoms with the symptoms that arise due
to exposure to airborne toxins. CCI also created a chart
of chemicals that the local EMCO Chemical Distribu-
tors, Inc. facility releases to the air, with definitions and
information about the potential health effects of these
chemicals. CCI used this chart as an educational tool for
residents at a public meeting. Finally, CCI held a meet-
ing with EMCO's officials to discuss residents' concerns
about odor and air pollution and potential solutions to
these problems.
Successes/Strengths
As a result of CCI and the community's efforts, EMCO
agreed to stop painting steel doors in its facility, which
had been causing odor and air pollution. The commu-
nity has become more active and aware of environmental
issues in the area. The community's last report indicated
that residents were trying to close a biosolid waste facil-
ity in their area that had failed to comply with state laws
and regulations.
50
Region 7 Projects
-------
Educating the Community About
Toxins and Children
Target Audience
Key community members and their families.
Purpose
To educate key community members about the dangers
environmental toxins pose to their children, as well as
which children are the most likely to acquire develop-
mental difficulties as a result of exposure to environmen-
tal toxins. Armed with this information, key community
members could lead efforts to improve the environment
where their children live, learn, and play.
Goals
Improve communication and coordination efforts
among stakeholders.
Educate key community members about environ-
mental toxins and their potential effects on chil-
dren's health.
Teach key community members to disperse this
information in the community.
Methods
Facilitated workshops on the characteristics and
potential health effects of environmental toxins.
Addressed two key environmental statutes: the Safe
Drinking Water Act and the Clean Air Act.
Grant Number EQ98703401
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,825 | FY2001
Environmental Training
Project Coordinator
Bonnie Garrison
Heart of America Family Services (now
Family Conservancy)
626 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
www.thefamilyconservancy.org
Passed knowledge through basic community infor-
mational chains.
Products/Results
Project leaders held nine workshops, called "Stay Smart,
Stay Safe: Stay Away from Toxins," for parents, childcare
directors, and other key community members. A total of
150 community members participated in the training.
Successes/Strengths
The National Early Head Start Resource Center re-
quested that the group conduct a "Stay Smart, Stay Safe"
training in Washington, D.C.
Revitalizing John Garland Park
Target Audience
The neighborhood area surrounding John Garland Park
in Northeast Kansas City, Kansas, and the Associate
Youth Services (AYS) program.
Purpose
AYS initially planned to locate a greenhouse on the
former John Garland Park landfill site to provide living-
wage jobs and training for urban youth, create a source
of revenue to help sustain the power plant as well as
other AYS programs, and establish a national model for
Grant Number EQ987037-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Community Development
Project Coordinator
Dennis Vanderpool
Associate Youth Services
1620 South 37th Street
Kansas City, KS 66106
Region 7 Projects
51
-------
quality greenhouse employment and training for youth.
However, unforeseen economic burdens and perceived en-
vironmental and human health risks associated with the
former landfill site changed the direction of the project.
The new purpose became to involve the community in
planning the revitalization of John Garland Park.
Goals
Meaningfully involve and engage the community in
planning the redevelopment and reopening of John
Garland Park.
Build partnerships among community stakeholders
through which environmental and other community
issues concerning the former landfill site can be
addressed.
Ultimately, convert John Garland Park back into a
useful community asset.
Methods
Held six community-wide meetings per year, through
which the community learned about landfill and
hazardous substance issues.
Held meetings with individuals, associations, churches,
and others twice per week.
Held a stakeholder committee meeting once per
month.
Employed the expertise and resources of partners
and stakeholders to plan the redevelopment and
reopening of John Garland Park.
Products/Results
AYS, in collaboration with the Oak Grove Neighbor-
hood Association, worked together to form a partner-
ship to establish a foundation from which the revitaliza-
tion and redevelopment of John Garland Park could be
realized. The group is working closely with interested
stakeholders and partners to create and implement the
vision for the park through collaborative mechanisms.
Educating About Lead Poisoning
and Asthma Prevention
Target Audience
Low-income communities and people of color in
Wichita, Kansas.
Purpose
To educate low-income people and their landlords about
the hazards associated with lead-based paint and indoor
air quality problems.
Goals
Enhance the community's understanding of environ-
mental and public health information systems.
Generate information about pollution in the
community.
Build community capacity for identifying local envi-
ronmental justice problems.
Involve the community in designing and implement-
ing activities to address these concerns.
Grant Number EQ987041-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Lead Poisoning
Project Coordinator
Laura Dungan
Sunflower Community Action
1528 North Broadway
Wichita, KS 67214
www. sunfloweract. com
Methods
Identify 20 grassroots leaders and train them to con-
duct public meetings that address neighborhood issues,
including lead hazards and poor indoor air quality.
Connect state and local public health professionals
with public school leadership to educate low-income
parents of kindergarten and preschool children.
52
Region 7 Projects
-------
Teach landlords and building inspectors about lead
hazards and poor indoor air quality.
Products/Results
This project involved holding house meetings, distributing
lead poisoning literature, showing a health department
video to members of the neighborhood, and educating
and testing at two local schools. Through testing, a total
of 350 children learned about the hazards associated with
lead, and 221 children received blood-lead levels testing.
Additionally, the project leaders distributed information
about problems associated with lead paint used in older
houses to five landlords.
Successes/Strengths
Project leaders held three public meetings and reached 467
people. The project was also successful in that two health
stations, a neighborhood resource center, and two schools
forged partnerships. These partnerships will be helpful for
the future organization of low-income areas of Wichita.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency Improvements
Target Audience
Residents in the neighborhoods between Troost and
Prospect in Kansas City, Missouri. These are low-income
communities of color. Housing in these neighborhoods
is so energy inefficient that families often spend more
than 30 percent of their income on utilities.
Purpose
To empower the community to improve the energy ef-
ficiency of their homes.
Goals
Educate and train residents and youth to implement
energy efficiency improvements in their
neighborhoods.
Methods
Designed an energy efficiency training program, re-
cruited trainees, had the trainees complete classroom
course and field work, and placed the trainees in jobs.
Surveyed the neighborhood regarding the levels of
energy use.
Held neighborhood awareness workshops.
Acquired and renovated 14 training houses; docu-
mented a 25 percent reduction of energy use in
those houses.
Opened training houses to the neighborhood.
Held neighborhood promotional meetings, estab-
lished a baseline for level of energy reduction, and
analyzed the energy use of participating homes.
Grant Number EQ98703901
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,954 | FY2001
Energy Efficiency
Project Coordinator
Robert H. Housh
Metropolitan Energy Center
3803 Paseo Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64109
www.kcenergy.org
Products/Results
Target milestones of the project included conducting
neighborhood meetings, establishing a baseline level for
energy reduction, and analyzing the energy use of partici-
pating homes after renovation.
Successes/Strengths
The Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) is centrally
located in the heart of the community, allowing neigh-
borhoods easy access to the services provided through
the project. MEC worked to improve the quality of life
in the Kansas City urban core through energy efficiency
improvements and education.
Region 7 Projects
53
-------
Controlling Lead Hazards
Target Audience
Low-income families in Barton County, Missouri, who
have or are planning to have young children. Special
emphasis was placed on families with children who have
tested positive for lead poisoning. This project also ad-
dresses landlords, realtors, renovation contractors, and
Master Gardeners of Barton County.
Purpose
To educate Barton County residents, especially low-in-
come families, about lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is
most prevalent in low-income families as these families
tend to occupy older homes.
Goals
Facilitate information exchange among those who
are affected by lead poisoning.
Allow for the formation of an important partnership
with Master Gardeners.
Build community capacity to address environmental
justice concerns by enabling community members to
implement solutions to correct a local problem.
Methods
Distributed educational materials to parents in
homes with elevated lead levels, stressing personal
hygiene to prevent lead ingestion.
Provided parents with meal-planning guidelines and
customized cleaning guidelines.
Took soil samples from each yard and analyzed them
for high lead content.
Grant Number EQ987035-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,298 | FY2001
Lead Poisoning Education
Project Coordinator
Gary Hastings
Barton County Health Department
1301 East 12th Street
Lamar, MO 64759
Conducted a public educational campaign that ad-
dresses the hazards associated with lead poisoning.
Held a series of individualized training sessions
targeting different stakeholders.
Products/Results
The Barton County Health Department provided fami-
lies with free do-it-yourself home lead hazard screening
kits. These kits were available at local lumberyards, paint
stores, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clin-
ics. The department distributed a total of 80 kits as well
as 400 lead awareness baby bibs at the WIC clinic.
Successes/Strengths
This project increased Barton County residents' awareness
about lead poisoning, which led to a 44 percent increase
in the number of children tested for lead poisoning.
54
Region 7 Projects
-------
Mobilizing Community Involvement
With Environmental Justice
Target Audience
African American and low-income youth (7 to 17 years
old), as well as adult volunteer advisors and/or parents,
community-based grassroots organizations, and stakehold-
ers.
Purpose
To broaden community focus to work on ways to fully
integrate environmental justice issues in environmental
planning solutions.
Goals
Employ an environmental justice specialist to initiate
community/grassroots/government interaction.
Build capacity among youth to identify environmen-
tal justice problems, enhance problem-solving, and
actively participate in solutions for affected commu-
nities.
Hold the first Environmental Justice Youth Aware-
ness Conference in 2003.
Methods
Worked from within the organization to mobilize
community involvement with environmental justice
issues.
Products/Results
The project employed Erica Garry, who developed a cur-
riculum and tool kit to guide the youth in identifying en-
vironmental justice concerns and solutions. The project
Grant Number EQ98703801
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Environmental Education
Project Coordinator
VelmaA.Bell
Operation SafeStreet, Inc. (now closed)
1200 Market Street, Room 422
St. Louis, MO 63103
also initiated the Team Sweep Model Citizens program,
in which youth led service projects such as cleaning up
the community. The inaugural Environmental Justice
Youth Awareness Conference held three workshops to
teach youth about environmental justice, issues, and
actions. The workshops focused on teaching the youth
how to become active citizens. The workshops also
emphasized that what young people do affects not only
their environment, but others' environments as well.
Successes/Strengths
The inaugural Environmental Justice Youth Awareness
Conference, held at the St. Louis Community College-
Forest Park on May 10, 2003, was attended by slightly
more than 100 youth. Two Missouri State Senators and
a political representative from the Office of the Mayor
also attended the conference.
Region 7 Projects
55
-------
Training Neighborhoods to Lead Themselves
in Medical Waste Incineration
Target Audience
Residents of the second ward of North St. Louis, a lower
income community with less formal education and a
large minority population.
Purpose
To educate the neighborhood surrounding the incinera-
tor on the medical waste process.
Goals
Train a core of neighborhood outreach leaders who
live near the incinerator in the science and law of
medical incineration, environmental networking,
and grassroots organizing.
Through these leaders, create a partnership between
the community and the industry.
Methods
Held community meetings and public hearings to
continue to increase community support and the
database of volunteers.
Trained neighborhood leaders on Clean Air Act and
Solid Waste Disposal Act issues.
Prepared for neighborhood-led community meeting
with door-to-door outreach, phone banks, and more.
Held a meeting with neighborhood leaders, new
community organizations, city government officials,
and health care administration and workers.
Grant Number EQ987040-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,500 | FY2001
Medical Waste Incineration
Project Coordinator
Edy Y. Kim
St. Louis Medical Waste Incinerator Group (now
Health and Environmental Justice)
2717 Ann Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104-2223
Products/Results
Created an Environmental Justice Training Source Book
to use at the Environmental Justice Training workshop,
where 14 leaders received training. Held a Health Care
Provider Roundtable where stakeholders discussed medi-
cal waste management, reduction, recycling, and alterna-
tives to incineration. This event helped to link officials,
regulators, hospitals, and neighborhood activists.
Successes/Strengths
During this project, the number of active citizens listed
in the Medical Waste Incinerator Group database
increased from 300 to 560 citizens. Furthermore, the
members' effectiveness in advocating for incineration
alternatives resulted in Stericycle Inc. announcing the
closure of its St. Louis incinerator.
56
Region 7 Projects
-------
Colorado (CO), Montana (MT), North Dakota (ND), South
Dakota (SD), Utah (UT), and Wyoming (WY)
Project Descriptions
Improving the White Horse Creek Watershed Through Tribal Empowerment...
Researching Effects of Vehicular Exhaust on Human Health
Conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Training
Empowering Low-Income Communities About Environmental Justice Issues
Offering Alternatives to Sewage Ponds
Collecting Samples to Research Air and Water Quality
Alerting Former Students About Asbestos Exposure
Researching Effects of Transporting Hazardous Substances Through
Communities by Rail
Restoring the Jordan River Area
Surveying Communities About Knowledge of Bad Air Quality Days ...
Informing Rural Residents About the Hazards of Storing, Disposing of Waste.
Raising Public Awareness About Indoor Air Pollution
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Nancy Reish and Jean Belille
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
E-mail: reish.nancy@epa.gov
Phone:(303)312-6040
Fax:(303)312-6191
-------
Improving the White Horse Creek Watershed
Through Tribal Empowerment
Target Audience
Tribal members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe in Pine
Ridge, South Dakota, in particular, members of the Wa-
hancaka Yapi tiospaye. A tiospaye is a traditional Indian
family clan, a traditional organizing model. This project
involved both young people and adults and encouraged
interaction between the two sometimes divided groups.
Purpose
The Great Plains Restoration Council's (GPRC's) model
of local people developing positive social health and envi-
ronmental leadership in themselves and their communi-
ties as to make ecological improvements in their landscape
proved to be an effective and exciting new foray into
environmental protection. Through this project, some of
the most impacted people targeted some of the most de-
structive environmental problems. In addition to helping
tribal people bloom with newfound confidence in their
ability to make catalytic changes, the project improved the
ecological health of the White Horse Creek Watershed.
Goals
Clean up trash, refuse, and other impacts to water
quality in the White Horse Creek Watershed.
Identify wildlife and plants that grow in the White
Horse Creek Watershed.
Identify riparian areas and possibly map these areas
in the White Horse Creek Watershed.
Grow and develop relationships with tribal members
and tribal entities such as the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Natural and Water Resource Program, the Oglala
Sioux Tribe Environmental Protection Program,
the Wounded Knee School District, and the Oglala
Tribal Solid Waste Program.
Methods
Held meetings and educational sessions through vari-
ous tribal programs to educate people on the project.
Constructed and disseminated a watershed survey to
gauge community awareness of problems.
Met with local rancher whose cattle were harming
White Horse Creek Watershed to explain the project
and the goals of the project.
Grant Number EQ988922-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2004
Clean Water Act and
Safe Drinking Water Act
Project Coordinator
Jarid Manos, Executive Director
GPRC
P.O. Box 46216
Denver, CO 80201
www.gprc.org
Met with other agencies to find methods to teach
about sustainable living practices for wildlife in the
watershed.
Held a community roundtable on setting cleanup
priorities for the White Horse Creek watershed.
Educated those working on the project on GIS map-
ping tools by working with the local Oglala Lakota
Community College.
Volunteers cleaned up watershed.
Volunteers identified wildlife and plants in the
White Horse Creek Watershed.
Volunteers identified and mapped riparian areas of
the White Horse Creek Watershed.
Products/Results
Twenty youth and adult volunteers cleaned up the
White Horse Creek watershed on an intensive activity
day that coincided with the national Earth Day. The
group collected 25 30-gallon bags of trash, more than
20 abandoned tires, and more than a truck load of
wood and tree limbs that had clogged up the creek.
The wood was recycled or given to those who could
use it for cooking or warmth. A car body abandoned
in the creek will be removed when conditions allow.
Families that are a part of the Wahancaka Yapi
tiospaye completed a survey to create a database of
youth volunteers to collaborate with tribal programs
on the areas of concern with education, cleanup,
58
Region 8 Projects
-------
and protection of watersheds as a cultural issue, as
well as to identify a need for more ecological educa-
tion within the schools and community. The survey
also assisted in raising awareness and engaging action.
The owner of the cattle pen along the banks of the
White Horse Creek that was damaging the Creek
and the watershed took the pen down, voluntarily
ceased operations, and cleaned the area up.
Tribal agencies and schools established relationships
and began collaborating.
Many local youth learned how a watershed works
and the ties that it creates within a community.
Community members learned about the need for a
community recycling program, and the youth involved
are exploring first steps in developing such a program.
Successes/Strengths
GPRC's model of local people producing ecological health
improvements on the landscape while producing positive
social health and environmental leadership in themselves
and their communities has proven to be an effective
method of environmental protection. Through this work,
people become rooted to where they live, and experience a
new awareness and sense of belonging to their ecosystem.
This feeling breeds greater personal responsibility. When
the volunteers worked together to remove trash, learned
how the White Horse Creek Watershed folds down over
the landscape, encompassing them, and worked to educate
others about the watershed, they sought to find solutions to
problems where they start (at the front end, rather than at
the back end). They came to see that the back-end approach
is always reactive, rather than proactive, and root solution
efforts are much more effective.
Researching Effects of Vehicular
Exhaust on Human Health
Target Audience
The communities of Swansea, Elyria, and Globeville
in northeast Denver. The population of these neigh-
borhoods is made up of 10,162 people living in 2,894
households. Of these, 4,000 are children under 18 years
of age. One third of the population lives at or below
the poverty level, 81 percent are Latino, 12 percent are
white, and 4 percent are African American.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant is to conduct research on the
effects of vehicle exhaust on human health and qual-
ity of life. This exhaust includes, but is not limited to,
known toxins such as lead, acetyl benzene, and form-
aldehyde. The communities involved in this grant are
traversed by six state and federal highways.
Goals
Learn more precisely the health and quality of life
issues raised by living near freeways.
Learn about air quality and mechanisms to protect
the community from airborne toxins.
Quantify, translate, and present the knowledge
gained to the public in order to promote increased
participation in environmental decision-making.
Grant Number EQ988923-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$19,600 | FY2003
Air Quality
Project Coordinator
Amanda Champany
Colorado People's Environmental and
Economic Network/Cross Community Coalition
2332 East 46th Avenue
Denver, CO 80216
Evaluate project success based on the breadth of
knowledge attained by the group of stakeholders and
the quality of the dissemination of the results.
Methods
Thoroughly researched the health and quality of
life issues associated with living near freeways, in
peer-reviewed publications and government Web
sites. The project's steering committee ensured that
project participants carried out a comprehensive
evaluation of all of the materials, even including
those with conflicting findings.
Region 8 Projects
59
-------
Researched air quality and mechanisms to protect
the community from airborne toxins. Examined vari-
ous alternatives to highway expansion and encour-
aged community members to put forward creative
solutions to a proposed additional level on top of an
existing freeway.
Produced a bilingual (Spanish and English) educa-
tional flyer highlighting information gathered from
the research effort.
Products/Results
Part of this project involved a stakeholder group meeting
to address the lack of knowledge regarding health hazards
associated with vehicle exhaust. Project participants print-
ed and distributed 2,700 flyers to community members in
three communities. The flyers accompanied newsletters
and the Cross Community Coalition information. The
project also created culturally appropriate material for
dissemination to community members and local agencies,
tailored to the educational levels of each group. Finally,
the project involved 48 home visits to people who were
not involved with neighborhood associations. As com-
munity members' awareness increased, they became more
involved in local environmental issues.
Successes/Strengths
More regular and ongoing communication between
agency officials and community members will result
from this research and dissemination process. Addi-
tionally, more community members are aware of the
technical assistance that this group can offer, and more
community members will come to this group to access
environmental data when they have questions regarding
other environmental problems in their neighborhoods.
Conducting National Environmental
Policy Act Training
Target Audience
All 21 Native American tribes from Wyoming, Montana,
North Dakota, and South Dakota, specifically Native
American tribal council members, environmental profes-
sionals, and concerned tribal members.
Purpose
To increase the capacity of tribes and to empower the tribes
to meaningfully participate in environmental decisions af-
fecting tribal resources on and off reservation lands.
Goals
Establish a working group of Native Americans
familiar with NEPA training needs and challenges
for tribes.
Conduct a NEPA training needs assessment for
tribes in the identified states.
Compile and assess existing NEPA training materials.
Methods
Convened eight to 10 key tribal members from the
target audience, representing at least eight tribes, to
attend a one-and-a-half day working group session.
Grant Number EQ988647-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2002
National Environmental
Policy Act
Project Coordinator
Amy Amoroso
National Wildlife Federation
Tribal National Environmental Policy
Act Training
Boulder, CO 80302
After the first session, compiled educational materi-
als, facilitated interaction, and distributed informa-
tion to working group members.
Convened a second one-and-a-half day working group
session to review the training materials, evaluate the
reports on the needs assessment, establish next steps
of the project, determine who will develop new train-
ing materials, establish deadlines for tribal-based train-
ing materials, and establish funding strategies.
60
Region 8 Projects
-------
Products/Results
In January 2003, the first working group session was
held, with 11 people in attendance. The main product
of this meeting was the development of the needs as-
sessment survey. At the next conference call meeting in
March, tribal members set a goal of 50 surveys to be col-
lected from each reservation. On July 30, a second face-
to-face meeting was held to review the needs assessment
process and evaluate trends in the process or data and to
brainstorm training options. Project leaders received 279
surveys from four reservations representing three states.
Successes/Strengths
The results show that training is needed, and people are
concerned about their environment and participating in
NEPA. Thus, continuing seeking support for the work-
ing group and developing and implementing a training
on reservations for tribal people is essential. This project
shows that customized training and creative presentation
of scenarios is necessary to create understanding and then
gain the input of tribal citizens in the NEPA process.
Empowering Low-Income Communities
About Environmental Justice Issues
Target Audience
Residents in northeast Denver, which includes six of
Denver's 12 enterprise communities and a Superfund
site. The target area has a population that is 28 percent
black and 51 percent Latino or Hispanic.
Purpose
To empower and educate the low-income community of
northeast Denver about the environmental justice issue
of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Goals
Develop a simple resource brochure that covers the
basics of the effects of the indoor environment on
respiratory health, written for low-literacy under-
standing and produced in English and Spanish.
Host a meeting for community leaders to learn
about the environmental justice issues surrounding
asthma and other respiratory illness.
Disseminate information packages to all day care
centers and elementary schools in the target neighbor-
hood. Send packets to 80 pediatricians and respiratory
specialists who might treat patients in the target area.
Methods
Held a community leadership meeting, which was
attended by more than 100 health care and educa-
tion providers. The meeting included a summary
and slide show of the Northeast Denver Housing
Center's (NDHC's) findings of environmental
Grant Number EQ988643-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$9,912 | FY2002
Indoor Air Pollutants
Project Coordinator
Wendy Hawthorne
Asthma Outreach and Education Initiative
Northeast Denver Housing Center
Denver, CO 80206
conditions in low-income homes in Denver, a pre-
sentation on lead and asthma hazards, community
updates regarding other environmental justice issues
in Denver, a tour of an interactive asthma display
bus, and free blood lead testing.
Distributed packages that generated requests for
speaking engagements to get more detailed informa-
tion on the subject. Several referrals of children with
asthma were also made as a result of these packages.
NDHC featured displays, informational tables, and
free blood lead testing at several community events
to raise awareness of the healthy homes initiative.
Products/Results
Almost 50 children received testing for blood lead levels
at one of the community events, and seven were found
to have high blood lead levels. NDHC is working with
the families of the children with elevated blood lead
Region 8 Projects
61
-------
levels to ensure that they receive services to make their
homes lead-safe and that the children receive appropriate
medical care.
The project plan originally envisioned that doctors
would refer families with children with asthma to the
healthy homes program; a few doctors did, but another
approach was needed. Project leaders changed outreach
methods to focus on nurses, day care providers, and di-
rect outreach to families through the community events,
posters, and print media.
Successes/Strengths
This project has improved the lives of low-income chil-
dren with severe asthma. The additional outreach and
education, made possible because of this grant, allowed
NDHC to identify more low-income children living in
homes with environmental hazards. Several of these fami-
lies qualify for the Housing and Urban Development-
funded Healthy Homes home renovation program. This
grant has allowed an increase in inspections and interven-
tions to reduce health and safety problems in the home.
Offering Alternatives to Sewage Ponds
Target Audience
Low-income rural homeowners, including single-wide
trailer homes in the La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan
counties of southwestern Colorado.
Purpose
To adequately treat domestic wastewater on site while
reducing the risk of human and animal disease transmis-
sion, noxious odors, and safety concerns. The project
offered voluntary, alternative choices for rural hom-
eowners that were living with open-body sewage ponds
(lagoons) in their backyards. The efforts made were
proactive and preventative.
Goals
Educate communities about the issues of sewage
lagoons and the impacts these lagoons might have
on the environment and human health.
Participate in a health fair to further disseminate in-
formation to the public about clean water and solid
waste disposal.
Work with the Community Environmental Health
Assessment Team to educate the affected counties
and to demonstrate the benefits of using alternative
solutions to sewage lagoons.
Methods
Conducted monthly meetings with the Community
Environmental Health Assessment Team to priori-
tize household hazardous waste and waste manage-
ment activities.
Grant Number EQ988645-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$7,500 | FY2002
Water and Solid Waste
Project Coordinator
Wano Urbonas
San Juan Basin Health Department
Remedial Sewage Utilization Systems
Durango, CO
Promoted gray water technologies for beneficial use.
Distributed fact sheets and other documents about
onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Publicized the project in the local newspapers, and
distributed information at health fairs and other
public forums.
Products/Results
During eight months of meetings, the Community
Environmental Health Assessment Team came up with
a community prioritization of household hazardous
waste and waste management activities for ground water
protection, ambient air quality, and zoonoses and vector
control. Four existing sewage lagoons were converted to
subsoil technology. Recommendations in the La Plata
County Master Plan call for newly proposed subdivi-
sion wastewater utilization. A health fair presentation
on chemical toxicity and safety of household chemicals
flushed down septic systems educated the community,
62
Region 8 Projects
-------
and experts performed mosquito surveillance activities
at 18 sites, including sewage lagoons, parks, wastewater
treatment facilities, and farmland.
Successes/Strengths
The three stakeholder sessions on water quality protec-
tion and community assessment methodologies were a
success, as is the effort to date of creating a foothold for
alternative sewage utilization systems and technologies.
Public response and feedback has been overwhelmingly
positive, except for those affected by the recent prohibi-
tion on new lagoon installation.
Collecting Samples to Research Air
and Water Quality
Target Audience
Young people, ages 15 to 25, from the Northern Ute
Tribe, also known as the Uintah and Ouray Reservation
of the Ute Tribe, located in northeastern Utah.
Purpose
To uphold the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act by
collecting water samples in the Uintah Wilderness and
reviving air and water quality research on the Ashley Na-
tional Forest to gain more information about nonpoint
pollution issues in the region.
Goals
Revive a lake monitoring database on the Ashley
National Forest and collect more information.
Initiate community-based partnerships between the
U.S. Department of Agriculture/U.S. Forest Service
and the Northern Ute Tribe.
Create opportunities for future collaborative efforts
in protecting surface water and ground water from
polluted runoff.
Utilize data to monitor interstate pollution and to
develop regional strategies for reducing air pollution.
Methods
Established partnerships with the Ashley National
Forest, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Northern
Ute Fish and Game Department.
Recruited and trained youth from the Ute Tribe to
conduct water quality testing and gather air monitor-
ing data from two wilderness areas.
Grant Number EQ988444-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$10,000 I FY2001
Air and Water Quality
Project Coordinator
Angle Krall
Ute Conservation Corps
Air and Water Quality Project
Steamboat Springs, CO
Convened several work sessions made up of indi-
viduals from the various organizations to improve
communications between stakeholders.
Built tribal capacity by training youth in environ-
mental careers.
Products/Results
Analysis of good data can be used to enforce the Clean
Air Act and Clean Water Act and can also be applied
to sound management and protection of air and water
quality in the Uintah Mountains and associated water-
sheds. The partnership formed through this project can
help stakeholders work toward environmental protec-
tion across all political boundaries. The Northern Ute
Tribe will benefit from skilled tribal members who
might move into careers in environmental protection or
might someday hold tribal positions in natural resource
management.
Region 8 Projects
63
-------
Successes/Strengths
The project collected samples using sound protocols
outlined in the Quality Assurance Project Plan, resulting
in a clean sample assemblage. Samples were transported
out of the wilderness in a timely fashion and packed to
maintain cool temperatures.
Forest Service and Northern Lite Tribal personnel have
expressed their enthusiasm at the success, cost-effective-
ness, efficiency, and overall utility of the project and
have agreed to aid in any future efforts to keep it going
on an annual basis.
Alerting Former Students About
Asbestos Exposure
Target Audience
Former students of Libby High School, Libby Junior
High, and Plummer Elementary School, and the families
of former students.
Purpose
To develop a database of names and addresses by
researching the identity and whereabouts of school
children who were exposed to asbestos from the nearby
vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana. The period in
question was from the early 1970s through the 1990s.
Goals
Detect, assess, and evaluate the effects on and risks
to human health related to hazardous substances.
Survey, research, collect, and analyze data, which
will be used to expand scientific knowledge and the
Libby community's understanding of the effects of
exposure to asbestos.
Acquire contact information for as many of the iden-
tified individuals as possible to establish baseline
data on who was potentially exposed to asbestos at
the school and to determine other exposure path-
ways the individuals might have been subjected to as
a result of living and working in Libby.
Methods
Used a project coordinator and developed a volun-
teer committee to help research and gather data.
Worked with stakeholder groups to facilitate infor-
mation exchange to help with the research.
Developed a database of former students from class lists,
personal information, and any other available data.
Grant Number EQ988651-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$14,931 | FY2002
Hazardous Substance
Research
Project Coordinator
Kirby Maki
Libby Public Schools
School Children Exposed to Asbestos
Libby, MT 59923
Developed a questionnaire and distributed it to all
former students and their families who were identi-
fied in the research. Entered data about their expo-
sure to asbestos and any adverse health effects they
might already have been experiencing.
Products/Results
Libby Public Schools did an excellent job getting the
project off the ground. The committee of seven volun-
teers and working subcommittees therein were enthu-
siastic in their efforts. They successfully created an
updateable database of 2,115 students' names. They also
developed a brochure/questionnaire and sent this to
most of the students in the database. Unfortunately, the
available funds ran out before the project research could
be completed.
Successes/Strengths
The project participants developed a questionnaire that
would not conflict with the Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry and the State Medical Officer.
They achieved this goal by soliciting suggestions from
64
Region 8 Projects
-------
knowledgeable individuals and incorporating those sug-
gestions into the final document. Because of the quality
control exercised in developing the database of students
potentially exposed to hazardous substances, only 2 per-
cent of the mailings sent to those students were returned
as undeliverable. The database will continue to expand.
The database's continuing existence and expansion will
enable future communications concerning advancements
in asbestos-related disease treatment, asbestos-related
alerts, and updates about screenings/research activities in
the Libby area to be sent to those potentially exposed.
Researching Effects of Transporting Hazardous
Substances Through Communities by Rail
Target Audience
The residents of the Glendale and Poplar Grove com-
munities, lower income, ethnically diverse neighborhoods
located on the west side of Salt Lake City.
Purpose
To encourage young people from local elementary, mid-
dle, and high schools to become a part of the community
process and to connect them to important community
issues. Additionally, to help young people feel empowered
to learn about environmental justice issues affecting their
community and to find ways to educate their neighbors
regarding the hazardous substances the rail cars are trans-
porting through their neighborhoods.
Goals
Detect, assess, and evaluate the effects on and risks
to human health from hazardous substances being
transported on the 900 South rail line.
Ensure that the research relates to "hazardous sub-
stances," as defined by the Comprehensive Environ-
mental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) 101(14).
Research, collect, and analyze data, which will be
used to expand the scientific knowledge and under-
standing of hazardous substances being transported
on the 900 South rail line.
Expand the Glendale and Poplar Grove communi-
ties' scientific knowledge and understanding of
hazardous substance issues relating to the contents
of train cars on the 900 South rail line.
Train youth in approved research techniques.
Publish a report documenting research results and
outlining appropriate measures the community
Grant Number EQ988919-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2003
Hazardous Substance
Research
Project Coordinator
Troy Bennet
Utah Federation for Youth, Inc.
350 South 400 East, #G4
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
www.ufyi.org
should take in the event of an accident or spill
involving hazardous substances.
Present results at community meetings, in commu-
nity newspapers, and in other appropriate venues.
Create a journal of activities that can serve as a
model for similar research in other communities.
Methods
Developed a Quality Assurance Plan.
Began to develop partnerships, to recruit youth, and
to interview interns for the project.
Conducted volunteer training workshops and began
preliminary research.
Collected and analyzed data and built a computer
database of the hazardous substances by document-
ing the placard numbers on the train cars as they
passed through the neighborhoods.
Reported on the findings of the research.
Region 8 Projects
65
-------
Held a press conference and community meetings
announcing results.
Products/Results
Utah Federation for Youth (UFY) staff and interns con-
tributed more than 1,000 hours gathering data by docu-
menting hazardous material placard numbers on train
cars as they passed by. The staff and interns then entered
these numbers into a computer database and looked them
up to identify which substances were being transported.
The team collected data from 200 trains as they passed
through the low-income neighborhoods of Glendale and
Poplar Grove. Once the interns identified the substances
that were being transported, they began to research what
might happen in the event of an accident or spill, and
what the emergency response plan for such an incident
would be. They focused on substances that appeared
on the CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances
provided by the Agency on Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry. These substances were of specific interest due to
their potential for causing adverse human health effects.
The team observed a total of 59 different substances being
transported on the trains. Of these, five appeared on the
CERCLA priority list. These priority substances include
chlorine, ammonia, aluminum, toluene, and polychlo-
rinated biphenyls. The most abundant substance found
was sulfuric acid. Each of the observed substances has the
potential for causing harm to both the environment and
people in the event of a large spill or leak. Thus, in order
to be prepared and to react correctly in the
case of an accident, it is important for the community to
understand the substances' potential hazards.
The youth presented their findings at community council
meetings. The research results were published in a report
and were announced at a press conference at the conclu-
sion of the project. In addition to research results, the
final report for this project included a step-by-step journal
of how the project was completed so that others could
replicate it, a proposed Emergency Response Plan, and
a case study of a deadly train derailment that resulted in
a chemical spill in rural Bexar County, Texas. The team
included recommendations for proposed actions commu-
nities can take to ensure that they are ready to deal with
similar disasters along with this case study.
Successes/Strengths
The youth participating in this study learned early on that
information and data about issues that can affect commu-
nities such as theirs are sometimes difficult to find. They
decided that since they could not easily gain access to the
specific information they needed, they had to take action
to collect the data themselves. As a result of the project, the
youth involved in the project developed a Youth Action
Guide intended to act as a "journal of activities." The guide
lays out the step-by-step approach taken in the project. The
youth who were involved hope that this guide can assist
young people in other communities facing similar environ-
mental justice issues. This grant demonstrated to EPA and
the environmental justice program that when youth are
involved in a project, they are determined to make it work
and are enthusiastic and dedicated to making it a success.
Restoring the Jordan River Area
Target Audience
Sixty young people (ages 14 to 18) from diverse cultures,
socio-economic backgrounds, and ethnic populations; and
the residents of Salt Lake City's Glendale area.
Purpose
To support environmental justice by facilitating diverse
youth in coming together to complete environmental
activities that would have significant ecological impacts on
the targeted stretch of the Jordan River in Salt Lake City.
Grant Number EQ988630-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2002
Air and Water
Project Coordinator
Kari Cutler
Peace Trees, 2002
Utah Federation for Youth, Inc.
350 South 400 East, #G4
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
www.ufyi.org
66
Region 8 Projects
-------
Goals
Train project participants to make presentations and
assist them in facilitating the delivery of workshops
and demonstrations that illustrate methods and
resources related to healthy air, water, and soil.
Perform hands-on environmental restoration work.
Disseminate relevant information at all project
events and make pertinent information available at
project sites in English, Spanish, and Tongan.
Methods
Brought people together and conducted workshops
on keeping the air, water, and soil healthy.
Completed information dissemination on the subjects
of agricultural/environmental issues in three languages.
Conducted an environmental concerns survey,
which had strong indications of why nonpoint
source pollution is the nation's number one water
quality problem.
Facilitated the Environmental Best Practices model:
set up recycle bins; encouraged reuse of containers,
paper, etc.; and focused on the importance of con-
servation, reduction, and simplicity.
Facilitated youth involvement in national, state,
county, local, business, educational, and nonprofit
organizations to better maximize resources regarding
youth participation in environmental concerns.
Products/Results
The project team held several workshops on topics such
as agricultural literacy; keeping air, water, and soil healthy;
Environmental Best Practices; communication; multicul-
tural success; conflict resolution, and leadership training.
Awareness activities carried out included Adopt-A-Water-
body water testing activities and "Community Day Out,"
which involved demonstrations and activities addressing
the connection to agriculture and other issues.
Successes/Strengths
The project team achieved immediate aesthetic improve-
ments at the "Peace Trees site" along the Jordan River
when volunteers removed thistle and weeds and planted
trees. As a result of the project, young people have ex-
pressed a greater understanding of environmental justice
issues, greater levels of knowledge, and higher motiva-
tion to practice environmentally conscious lifestyles. The
group's overall cohesiveness was very impressive, and the
young people involved worked diligently to achieve the
goals of the year's work plan. Their actions directly trans-
lated to positive impacts for their families, neighborhoods,
and communities.
Surveying Communities About Knowledge of
Bad Air Quality Days
Target Audience
The west side of Salt Lake Valley, where a disproportion-
ate number of low-income and minority communities
are located.
Purpose
To create a methodology to try and understand how air
quality affects the low-income and minority communi-
ties in the target audience.
Goals
Use research to analyze and understand how air quality
affects local low-income and minority communities.
Grant Number EQ988921 -01
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2003
EPA Superfund
Research Grant
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Visitacion
Utah Society for Environmental Education
350 South 400 East, #G4
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
www.usee.org
Region 8 Projects
67
-------
Methods
Identified partners and avenues that could be used
in gathering information on how air quality affects
the target audience.
Developed and conducted a research survey to deter-
mine if the target audience was aware of when bad
air quality days occur.
Analyzed the results of the data gathered in the
survey instrument.
Made the results of the analysis available to the public.
Products/Results
The project team developed contacts and partnerships
with at least 10 individuals and organizations and created
a resource list with potential organizations and individu-
als that could be assets in the research process. Then, the
team developed a survey that examined whether people
in low-income and minority communities know when
bad air quality days occur, what causes the poor air qual-
ity, and what they can do to prevent the problem. The
survey also served to determine the best mechanism to
disseminate this type of information. A minimum of 200
people were surveyed, including at least 50 individuals of
Hispanic origin, and 19 of Tongan origin. Team members
analyzed completed surveys to determine the numbers
of given responses and to determine if differences exist
between the various minority communities, as well as
between the low-income communities. Results from the
project were made available to the public, published on a
Web site and in paper format. The survey analysis re-
vealed many implications for future efforts in information
dissemination and education pertaining to air quality
in this area.
Successes/Strengths
This project has provided valuable insight regarding the
targeted audience's interest, knowledge, and attitudes
toward air quality and air pollution. It serves as a good
base from which to conduct further, more detailed
research into the environmental perspectives of low-in-
come and minority populations. It also provides a cur-
sory feel for where the gaps in knowledge and outreach
efforts are located, and where more work needs to be
done. It has presented a great opportunity for communi-
ty individuals to focus on their concerns about environ-
mental quality, and to voice their opinions, which are
not often solicited.
Informing Rural Residents About the Hazards
of Storing, Disposing of Waste
Target Audience
Low-income residents of the city of Laramie and Albany
County who are more likely to have aging and unkempt
septic systems and limited access to the city landfill and
other essential services that help other citizens facilitate
community pollution prevention and control. Because of
Albany County's rural nature and setting, local residents
do not bear the burden of pollution associated with heavy
manufacturing and other industrial waste. They do, howev-
er, suffer from pollution related to household waste. Many
county residents do not have trash pick-up or free access to
the nearest landfill, and, as a result, have opted to manage
household waste on their own. Most households manage
waste by burning it or stockpiling it on their property. Pri-
vate dumps threaten the ground water quality. Stockpiled
items such as cars, refrigerators, and dangerous chemicals
can easily contaminate the Casper Aquifer, which translates
into health risks for the community.
Grant Number EQ988923-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$8,316 | FY2003
Clean Water Act, Safe
Drinking Water Act, Solid
Waste Disposal
Act, and Toxic Substances
Control Act
Project Coordinator
Jonathon High, Water Outreach Coordinator
City of Laramie Public Works Department
P.O. Box C
Laramie, WY 82073
68
Region 8 Projects
-------
Purpose
Through outreach and education, to address the stockpil-
ing of waste products, such as tires, e-waste, and specific
household chemicals, that collectively pose a health haz-
ard to the community or require additional disposal fees.
Goals
Inform rural residents about the health hazards
associated with the improper management and/or
storage of waste materials on their properties.
Use outreach and education to facilitate the collec-
tion and recycling of waste products in rural parts of
Albany County.
Reduce the negative health impacts associated with
incinerating and stockpiling waste on rural properties.
Methods
Held two Household Hazardous Waste Days at a
county landfill, during which landfill fees for dispos-
ing of tires, paints, solvents, pesticides, and e-waste
were waived for county residents. Outreach, includ-
ing advertisements in the local paper and on local
cable TV, presentations to communities and schools,
and flyers, helped increase participation at these
events. In smaller communities, the 20-member
volunteer committee used word of mouth to create
momentum and increase participation.
Used volunteers to help get the word out about
health hazards associated with disposing of or stor-
ing waste materials on rural properties.
Surveyed residents to determine which environmen-
tal issues were perceived to be the most pressing in
their communities.
Products/Results
During the two Household Hazardous Waste Days, the
project team collected and recycled 18,270 pounds of
electronic waste, 378 passenger/light truck tires, and six
large truck tires. The team also gave away 200 packets
of waste paint hardener, along with recycling guides.
Through this project, community members gained a
greater awareness of the hazards associated with im-
properly disposing of hazardous materials. Community
members also learned how hazardous materials stored
above ground can come in contact with stormwater and
thus contribute to aquifer contamination, as the storm-
water flows through the soil and recharges the underly-
ing aquifer.
Successes/Strengths
The grant for this project enabled the city of Laramie to
collect more hazardous waste and to disseminate more
information to the public than would have been possible
without financial assistance.
Raising Public Awareness About
Indoor Air Pollution
Target Audience
Low-income, elderly residents of Albany and Carbon
counties in Wyoming. The project also worked on the
Wind Reservation with the Eastern Shoshone Tribal
Housing Authority.
Purpose
To raise public awareness about indoor pollutants and
their health consequences while solving specific prob-
lems in individual homes.
Goals
Conduct onsite assessments of qualifying
low-income residents referred by home-care workers
and housing officials.
Grant Number EQ988443-01
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Indoor Air Pollution
Project Coordinator
Bren Lieske
Wyoming Energy Council, Inc.
Albany County Indoor Pollution Project
1482 Commerce Drive, Unit D
Laramie, WY 82070
www. wyoec. org
Region 8 Projects
69
-------
Hold formal, classroom-style presentations featuring lec-
tures, slides, posters, props, brochures, and pamphlets.
Educate residents and the tribal communities about
the correlation between indoor quality and their
health.
Methods
Conducted four formal presentations and one inter-
view in the local newspaper concerning the indoor
air quality program.
Evaluated 50 sites (homes and businesses) on the
Wind River Reservation, plus 29 homes in Albany
and Carbon counties.
Educated the maintenance men and directors of East-
ern Shoshone Tribal Housing about radon and serious
carbon monoxide issues present in many of the homes.
Products/Results
The project team identified numerous primary stake-
holders, all of which have an interest in public and
environmental health and are involved with low-income
individuals. The team enhanced community understand-
ing through presentations and classes sponsored by
some of the stakeholder organizations. The onsite home
evaluations will have lasting value because those whose
homes were visited received valuable information and
were able to see first hand how to improve the indoor air
quality of their homes and their health.
Successes/Strengths
The organization had greater success in scheduling
presentations with organizations that routinely need
guest speakers and trainers or those that required client
attendance. Although audiences often started out indif-
ferent, they soon became engaged in the material being
presented.
Any house, old or new, can be unhealthy. Indoor pol-
lution needs to be better understood, and much more
widely acknowledged, before significant improvement
can occur. This program represents a small yet vigorous
movement in that direction.
70
Region 8 Projects
-------
Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Hawaii (HI), and Nevada (NV)
..
Project Descriptions
CA Establishing Community-Driven Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Research.
Researching Air Emissions in a Former Landfill Site Community
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Lily Lee and Karen Henry
75 Hawthorne Street (CMD-1)
San Francisco, CA 94105
E-mail: lee.lily@epa.gov
Phone:(415) 972-3795
Fax: (415) 947-8026
-------
Establishing Community-Driven Indoor Air
Quality Monitoring Research
Target Audience
The neighborhoods of North Richmond, Parchester Vil-
lage, Iron Triangle, and San Pablo"Inner West Contra
Costa County"in California. This area is surrounded by
highways and is home to two rail yards and a large bulk
petroleum port. About 85 percent of Inner West County
residents are people of color (African American, Latino,
and Asian), compared to 42 percent people of color in
Contra Costa County as a whole. Twenty-two percent of
the residents in this area have incomes below the poverty
level, whereas only 8 percent of residents in all of Contra
Costa live below the poverty level. Health outcomes in
Inner West County also reflect disparities compared with
the county average; for example, asthma hospitalization
rates in Inner West County are nearly twice the county
average.
Purpose
To address community concerns about pollution from
heavy-duty mobile sources; to reduce indoor air quality deg-
radation in impacted areas; and to increase residents' science
and "community-driven" research and data acquisition.
Goals
Estimate particulate matter (PM) emission levels
from heavy-duty mobile sources in the area.
Monitor the concentrations of PM from those sourc-
es present in indoor air to better understand the
levels of pollution to which residents are exposed.
Help residents and environmental community work-
ers to better organize and advocate for environmen-
tal justice rights, to identify sources of diesel pollu-
tion, and to bring together residents and business to
improve environmental conditions.
Methods
Conducted a comprehensive review of existing stud-
ies on diesel pollution, air quality, and health in the
affected local community.
Identified gaps in existing data (i.e., determined
what information was needed but did not then exist
to help understand the scope of the problem and
to identify solutions). For example, no studies of
indoor air quality had been conducted, nor a full
invpntnry nf dipqpl pmissinn^ fnr thp prnjprt
Grant Number EQ96913501-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$25,000 | FY2004
Air Pollution, Asthma,
and Community-Driven
Research
Project Coordinator
Pamela Neyland
Neighborhood House of North Richmond
305 Chesley Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
www.neighborhoodhouse-online.org
Conducted indoor air monitoring and studies to
give the community information on the problem
and to help inform potential solutions.
Using written reports, brochures, and fact sheets, edu-
cated residents about strategies to mitigate indoor air
pollution mitigation and to reduce diesel pollution.
Products/Results
The community developed outreach and educational
materials about indoor air quality, including reports,
fact sheets, and brochures, based on the findings of its
research. The research findings indicated the following:
Average diesel emissions in Inner West Contra Costa
County are 40 times higher per area than the Cali-
fornia average. Furthermore, six times more diesel
pollution is released per square mile in Inner West
Contra Costa County than in Contra Costa County
as a whole, and 40 times more than in California. Per
person, two times more diesel pollution is released in
Inner West County than the county average.
Some Inner West County homes have four times
more soot than a control home in Contra Costa
County. An indoor air study of three Inner West
County homes found levels of black soot that were
four times higher than a home in Lafayette in Con-
tra Costa County. A sizeable portion of this black
soot is from diesel particulate matter emissions.
Diesel particulate matter has been identified as a
cancer-causing chemical.
72
Region 9 Projects
-------
The community also came up with recommendations
for the local and state air districts for diesel emissions
reductions in their community. Example recommenda-
tions included: focus current and future incentives to
fund diesel emission reduction projects in Inner West
County; regulate diesel pollution at rail yards and ports;
enforce the mandated truck and bus idling limit; enforce
truck routes and restrictions on neighborhood streets;
change zoning and land use policies to limit residential
development near sources of diesel pollution; and study
the feasibility and effectiveness of green barriers.
Successes/Strengths
This project generated science-based information on
environmental and social conditions at the neighbor-
hood level. The project also strengthened the capacity
of the North Richmond target area to participate in
environmental health planning and decision-making,
community education, and advocacy to reduce indoor
hazardous substance pollution.
Researching Air Emissions in a Former
Landfill Site Community
Target Audience
The residents of a low-income, racially mixed neighbor-
hood in San Diego called Mid-City Chollas Park. Mid-
City is home to more than 40 different cultural groups.
Twenty-nine percent of residents are Hispanic/Latino,
17 percent are African American, and 14 percent are
Asian or another ethnicity. Half of the households in
Mid-City earn less than $25,000 per year, and 24 percent
of the population lives below the poverty line. Mid-City
has the highest asthma hospitalization rate of any com-
munity in San Diego County (280.4 per 100,000 people,
compared to the 119.4/100,000 county average). Crowd-
ed housing, nearby freeways and high-traffic streets, the
use of older cars and trucks, and the neighborhood's
proximity to a former landfill site have resulted in Mid-
City residents experiencing a disproportionate share of
negative environmental impacts compared to other areas
in San Diego County.
Purpose
To determine if emissions in the Chollas Park area, a for-
mer landfill site, negatively affect the respiratory health
of the local community. The data and analysis will help
determine what steps should be taken to better protect
the health of Mid-City residents.
Goals
Produce a report that reveals new information about
hazardous air pollutant emissions in the Mid-City
Chollas Park area of San Diego.
Grant Number EQ97992701-0
EPA Funding
Focus
$10,000 I FY2000
Air Emissions Testing and
Comparisons
Project Coordinator
Jan H. Cortez
American Lung Association of San Diego and
Imperial County
2750 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
www.lungsandiego.org
In the same report, evaluate the risks exposure to
hazardous air pollutants pose to the respiratory
health of Chollas Park residents.
Methods
Worked with a professional environmental health
consulting firm to develop a strategy and methodol-
ogy to be used for detecting and assessing hazardous
air contaminants emanating from the Chollas Park
area of Mid-City.
Collected hazardous air emissions data from the
Chollas Park area to determine specific levels of
hazardous contaminants present.
Compiled a report that presents the results of haz-
ardous air contaminant levels collected and evaluates
Region 9 Projects
73
-------
the risk potential exposure poses to the respiratory
health of nearby residents.
Products/Results
The project team produced a report that featured the
results of hazardous air contaminant levels collected in
the Chollas Park area. The featured research revealed that
hydrogen chloride levels in the Chollas Park area exceeded
the California chronic Reference Exposure Level, which
means that long-term exposure can have negative health
impacts. The study also found that although the con-
centrations of criteria air pollutants did not exceed the
State Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Chollas Park
area had higher concentrations of these pollutants than
a more affluent area of the countyEl Cajon. Nitrogen
oxide levels in the Chollas Park area exceeded ambient lev-
els found at the El Cajon air quality monitoring station.
The levels of two volatile organic compounds, 1,2,4-trich-
olorobenzene and methylene chloride, also exceeded
ambient levels found at the El Cajon monitoring station.
Additionally, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide levels
at Carver Elementary School in the Chollas Park area
exceeded ambient levels found at the nearby downtown
San Diego air monitoring station.
The report produced also included recommendations
for future research, education, and policy needed to pro-
tect the health of Mid-City's residents. The report rec-
ommended: 1) limiting passenger car and delivery truck
idling at Carver Elementary to reduce student and staff
exposure to carbon monoxide, 2) conducting further
research at Carver Elementary to determine if ambient
concentrations of hydrogen chloride detected there are
ongoing or transitory and if vehicles and/or the former
landfill are potential sources, and 3) conducting further
research at Chollas Lake Park to determine if ambient
concentrations of 1,2,4-tricholorbenzene detected there
are ongoing or transitory and if vehicles and/or the
former landfill are potential sources.
Successes/Strengths
As a result of this project, the community gained new
scientific knowledge and a better understanding of the
levels of hazardous air contaminants in the Chollas Park.
The research has led to more specific research opportu-
nities that might further reveal the sources of the various
pollutants in the community.
74
Region 9 Projects
-------
WA
I
OR
Alaska (AK), Idaho (ID), Oregon (OR), and Washington (WA)
ffflMJ
Project Descriptions
Empowering Alaska Native Communities to Address Oil and Gas
Impacts on Cook Inlet's Natural Resources
Reducing Risks From the Portland Harbor
Increasing Access to Information on Industrial Pollution
Fostering Intergenerational Education in the Asian Pacific
Islander Community
Developing a Clean Air and Recycling Outreach Campaign
Training Quileute Youth in Environmental Awareness
Environmental Justice Small Grant Coordinators
Running Grass
1200 Sixth Avenue (CRE-164)
Seattle, WA 98101
E-mail: grass.running@epa.gov
Phone:(206) 553-2899
Fax:(206)553-7176
-------
Empowering Alaska Native Communities to
Address Oil and Gas Impacts on Cook Inlet's
Natural Resources
Target Audience
Native tribes of Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Purpose
To enhance communication strategies to address ex-
panding oil and gas development, as well as the training
necessary to understand all the issues associated with
industrial development in the Lower Inlet.
Goals
Improve communications among native peoples and
communities on oil and gas issues.
Enhance native community capacity to identify and
address environmental justice issues related to oil
and gas development.
Promote and enhance the native communities'
understanding of information needed to address oil
and gas issues.
Methods
Developed and implemented a strategic communica-
tions plan to improve the frequency and substance
of oil and gas discussions.
Facilitated meetings, teleconferences, and Internet
listservs.
Identified liaisons from each tribe to actively com-
municate oil and gas issues to their respective Village
Councils and to participate in meetings, teleconfer-
ences, and training.
Hosted information clinics using lawyers, marine
scientists, engineers, and other tribal and non-tribal
experts to train the tribal liaisons in the complexities
of oil and gas development.
Grant Number EQ997039001
EPA Funding
Focus
$20,000 | FY2002
Oil and Gas Development
Project Coordinator
Elenore McMullen
Port Graham Village Council
P.O. Box 5510
Port Graham, AK 99603
Products/Results
Seven Cook Inlet tribes participated in implementing
this environmental justice grant. The team developed
a strategic communications plan that included setting
up a toll-free teleconference line, establishing a regular
teleconference line, establishing a regular teleconfer-
ence meeting schedule, holding monthly meetings, and
setting up and managing a Tribal Coalition for Cook
Inlet e-mail listserv. Each tribe identified two liaisons
to implement the strategic communications plan. The
liaisons also participated in two information sessions
and researched additional funding to continue to build
tribal capacity to enhance their awareness of oil and gas
issues in Cook Inlet.
Successes/Strengths
As a result of this project, seven of the 10 Cook Inlet
tribes participated in a newly developed coalition,
"Tribal Coalition for Cook Inlet." This coalition began
the collaborative effort to address issues of concern
regarding oil and gas development in Cook Inlet.
76
Region 10 Projects
-------
Reducing Risks From the Portland Harbor
Target Audience
Low-income, minority, and immigrant communities
(Russian, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and African American)
who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Purpose
To expand the "Clean Water, Safe Fish" project to
educate low-income, minority, and immigrant communi-
ties about the dangers of eating contaminated fish from
Portland Harbor, and to engage these communities in
dialogues about harbor cleanup efforts.
Goals
Promote safe fishing and fish preparation.
Organize community participation in cleanup
initiatives.
Encourage more aggressive actions to limit future
discharge of toxins into the river.
Methods
Engaged outreach workers from target communities.
Updated brochures on fish and warnings about
exposure to certain fish.
Conducted presentations for community groups.
Talked to fishermen one-on-one at fishing sites and
distributed brochures.
Implemented a Community Advisory Group to
provide public oversight of cleanup efforts.
Met with appropriate government representatives to
discuss a more aggressive schedule for implementing
federal standards.
Product/Results
The project team redesigned brochures to include up-
dated information about fish from Portland Harbor and
Grant Number EQ97041601
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2002
Fish Consumption and
Water Pollution
Project Coordinator
Jane Haley
Oregon Center for Environmental Health
819 SE Morrison, Suite 235
Portland, OR 97214
www.oregon-health.org
the latest EPA warnings about exposure to certain ocean-
going fish. Outreach workers reached 6,000 people and
distributed 2,000 brochures. Additionally, the team held
a press conference, resulting in articles in The Orego-
nian and in African American, Hispanic, Russian, and
Vietnamese newspapers. The effort to "adopt a fishing
hole" was also successful, leading to direct interaction
with fishermen. Finally, the team helped implement a
Community Advisory Group to provide public oversight
of cleanup efforts.
Success/Strengths
One of the most positive outcomes of this project was
the establishment of close connections with highly
competent outreach workers from various communities.
Organizing low-income and minority group participa-
tion resulted in the successful implementation of an
EPA-supported Community Advisory Group (CAG),
which meets monthly and has established a Web site to
keep people informed about progress on cleanup efforts.
In addition, the state Department of Environmental
Quality has developed an accelerated cleanup schedule
and reports to the CAG on its progress.
Region 10 Projects
77
-------
Increasing Access to Information
on Industrial Air Pollution
Target Audience
The low-income community, which is primarily com-
posed of people of color, in South Seattle, Washington.
Purpose
To increase the community's access to and understand-
ing of sources of industrial air pollution.
Goals
Increase community awareness about contaminated
sites and sources of industrial air pollution.
Educate the general public and policymakers about
disproportionate environmental health risks.
Increase community involvement in the Community
Coalition for Environmental Justice's (CCEJ's) out-
reach, education, and advocacy efforts on environ-
mental justice issues.
Methods
Involved South Seattle residents in education activi-
ties via door-to-door outreach.
Disseminated fact sheets about contaminated sites
and industrial air pollution sources.
Obtained copies of EPA-generated CIS maps show-
ing pollution sources.
Coordinated monthly workshops for South Seattle
residents.
Coordinated interagency meetings to discuss health
studies, statistics, and reports.
Organized meetings with the media to create public
awareness about pollution sources.
Products/Results
As a result of this project, 23 residents and 58 people
from other communities became actively involved in the
Grant Number EQ98094301
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2000
Industrial Air Pollution
Project Coordinator
Yalona Sinde
Community Coaliton for Environmental Justice
1620 18th Avenue, Suite 10
Seattle, WA 98122
www.ccej.org
CCEJ's activities to address environmental justice issues
in South Seattle. Project participants obtained maps
showing contaminated sites throughout South Seattle,
which were used to help identify major concerns in the
area. Participants also held a meeting, involving state
and local agencies, to focus attention on air pollution
issues. This meeting led to increased agency monitoring
of and attention to the problem. Meetings were held
with City Council members as well, which resulted in
requests for a more in-depth discussion about pollution
issues. Four local newspapers featured articles focusing
attention on CCEJ and environmental justice issues
in South Seattle. Finally, reviewing an Environmental
Impact Statement prepared in association with a permit
request for a pollution source resulted in the decision to
move the facility.
Success/Strengths
CCEJ's commitment to organizing the community im-
pacted by air pollution problems was critical to the success
of this project. Increased community awareness, achieved
through direct outreach, coordination with state and
local agencies, and media coverage, was also instrumental
in drawing attention to environmental justice issues in
South Seattle, as well as in other areas of the city.
78
Region 10 Projects
-------
Fostering Intergenerational Education in the
Asian Pacific Islander Community
Target Audience
The greater Asian Pacific Islander (API) community
in Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington. The API
community in these counties includes Korean, Samoan,
Filipino, Vietnamese, and Cambodian communities.
Purpose
To improve communication and coordination among
concerned communities about environmental justice issues
related to shellfish harvesting and consumption and to
educate the community about human and resource health.
Goals
Transfer oversight responsibilities from government
agencies to community leaders within the API
community.
Foster the framework and relationships necessary to
address environmental justice issues through com-
munity outreach and the recruitment of stakehold-
ers within the API community.
Expand the scope of environmental education.
Assist in integrating API volunteers into the Beach
Rangers Program.
Conduct outreach presentations by API youth to
low-income youth and first generation API families.
Methods
Facilitated meetings and responsibilities associated
with the Marine Resources for Future Generations
Coalition.
Developed relationships with resources agencies
for community education projects, building on the
intergenerational education model.
Grant Number EQ98094501
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2000
Shellfish Consumption and
Pollution Education
Project Coordinator
Faaulaina Pritchard
Korean Women's Association
125 East 96th Street
Tacoma, WA 98445
www.kwaoutreach.org
Designed and delivered multicultural diversity train-
ing to educate about API cultures.
Promoted the Beach Rangers Program within the six
API communities and recruited volunteers (espe-
cially youth) from within the community.
Trained youth, via hands-on shellfish collection and
sampling.
Products/Results
As a result of this project, a video documentary of the
youths' experience and a public service announcement
video were produced.
Successes/Strengths
Project leaders trained API youth in all aspects of the
project, including shellfish collection and sampling. In
turn, they educated API elders about their experience
and about environmental hazards related to shellfish
harvesting. The program is considered a model of inter-
generational education.
Region 10 Projects
79
-------
Developing a Clean Air and Recycling
Outreach Campaign
Target Audience
Spanish-speaking, farm worker, and immigrant commu-
nities in eastern Washington.
Purpose
To educate Spanish-speaking communities about air
quality issues and responsibilities in ensuring compli-
ance with clean air policies, as well as to encourage the
recycling of solid waste, such as tires and oil.
Goals
Increase community understanding about environ-
mental issues related to clean air and recycling.
Conduct a comprehensive outreach campaign via
public radio.
Encourage public participation in protecting the
environment.
Provide printed information in Spanish.
Methods
Developed a comprehensive radio outreach campaign.
Produced and aired information about clean air, re-
cycling, and the proper disposal of hazardous waste.
Translated information into Spanish and distributed
it to the Spanish-speaking community.
Grant Number EQ97107001
EPA Funding
Focus
$15,000 | FY2001
Recycling and
Hazardous Waste
Project Coordinator
Ricardo Garcia
Northwest Communities Education Center
P.O. Box 800
Granger, WA 98932
www.kdna.org
Products/Results
This project resulted in the production of eight informa-
tional radio public service announcements. These an-
nouncements, 30 to 60 seconds in duration, were aired
five times a day, five days per week, for 36 weeks and
burned on a CD. Four hour-long, live call-in programs
were also produced and aired on the radio. Additionally,
project leaders developed and distributed printed infor-
mation in Spanish about clean air and recycling.
Successes/Strengths
One success of this project was using the public educa-
tion radio station, Radio KDNA, to produce and air
relevant information. Another success was developing a
partnership with the Yakima Regional Clean Air Au-
thority. Also notable was the collaboration with local
experts on clean air and recycling.
80
Region 10 Projects
-------
Training Quileute Youth in
Environmental Awareness
Target Audience
The Quileute Indian community in western Washington.
Purpose
To increase the capacity of Quileute youth and their
parents to become better educated and more involved
in environmental justice issues affecting the Quileute
Tribe. The tribe needs future generations to be capable
of making sound planning decisions about their ecologi-
cally significant reservation lands.
Goals
Create a process by which tribal youth and their
parents will become better educated and more in-
volved with the tribe's environmental organizations,
programs, and projects, such as the Quileute Natural
Resource Committee and the tribe's salmon restora-
tion and hatchery programs.
Increase the capacity of tribal youth and their par-
ents to recognize and participate in finding solutions
to the community problems of litter, dumping in the
sea and on land, and improper disposal of house-
hold hazardous waste.
Methods
Tribal youth participated in three of the tribe's ongo-
ing resource management programs.
Tribal youth participated in the Olympic Park
Institute's Field Science Program and the Washing-
ton State Natural Resource Youth Camp.
Tribal youth visited tribal fish hatcheries to under-
stand stages of breeding process and the relationship
between fishery maintenance and water quality issues.
Grant Number EQ97018001
EPA Funding
Focus
$13,075 | FY2001
Water Quality and Natural
Resources
Project Coordinator
Russell Woodruff
Quileute Indian Tribe
P.O.Box 187
LaPush.WA 98350
www.quileutetribe.org
Products/Results
Forty youth participated in the Quileute Youth Program,
which included meeting with the Quileute Natural Re-
source Committee, to better understand water pollution
and fishery issues and the critical role clean water plays
in the future of the tribe. Youth and parent volunteers
also visited fish hatcheries; participated in beach and
stream cleanup projects; and received training in water
safety and the responsible use of fishing nets and equip-
ment, as well as in keeping the waters free and clean
of debris. In addition, the Quileute Natural Resources
Committee provided training on environmental aware-
ness and the protection of fish and wildlife.
Successes/Strengths
Quileute tribal youth were taught the importance of the
tribe's natural resources and how to protect them.
Region 10 Projects
81
-------
-------
-------
-------
-------
------- |