The Rapids:

US EPA's Trash Free Waters Monthly Update

February 2021

https: / / www, epa. gov/trash-free-waters

Introduction

Hello all,

Happy February! This month marks a transition to a new Administration for the EPA. The
new Administration has already signaled that aquatic trash will remain a priority issue for
EPA to address. We are excited to expand our efforts to address the aquatic trash problem and
continue to be inspired by the stories of the great work going on in communities across the
nation.

Clean Virginia Waterways of Longwood University (CVW) recently released a report on the
impact of balloons and plastic ribbons on Virginia's remote beaches. It is an interesting read I
recommend browsing the report here. CVW continues to use community-based social
marketing campaigns to inform citizens of potential alternatives to using balloons and plastic
ribbons for social events.

Please continue to share any upcoming events with Layne Marshall
rmarshall.lavne@epa.gov') so that the Trash Free Waters team can advertise these
opportunities with all of you on the first Monday of each month.

Thanks,

Romell Nandi
US EPA

Trash Free Waters Program Lead

EPA Announcements

Second GLRI Trash Free Waters RFA Posted

In early January, EPA announced that it is seeking a second round of applications under the
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program focused on keeping trash out of the
Great Lakes. Approximately $5 million will be made available through this funding opportunity,
an almost $3 million increase from last year's GLRI TFW RFA. The grant program will fund the
installation of a number of large-scale aquatic trash collection devices within the watershed.
EPA expects to notify finalists this summer. Read the news release here.

Administrator Wheeler Discusses Marine Litter During Visit to Costa Rica

In January, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler traveled to Costa Rica to speak about plastic
pollution and ocean protection. The Administrator met with the Vice Minister for Environment
and Vice Minister for Water and Oceans at the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding
marine litter and solid waste management in particular. He took this time to promote the
recently released U.S. Federal Strategy for Addressing the Global Issue of Marine Litter and
even visited a local plastic processing plant.

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Marine Litter Strategy Mentioned in 2020 Year in Review Report

The EPA recently released the 2020 Year in Review outlining major accomplishments and
environmental progress over the past four years. The U.S. Federal Strategy for Addressing the
Global Issue of Marine Litter publication was referenced in the document as an example of how
the U.S. provides a critical global leadership role in improving waste management and recycling.
Read the full news release about the report here.

Fending Opportunities

Protecting Marinas and Inland Waterways Via Stormwater Tech

Thanks to a new grant program sponsored by Dart Container Corporation and UltraTech
International, Inc. Dart will provide up to $100,000 in grants ($4,000 per qualifying
organization) for the purchase and installation of UltraTech's patented Ultra-Drain Guard
stormwater management products, which prevent litter, oil, and sediment from entering
waterways via storm drains. Apply for this funding opportunity via a form here.

KAITEKI Challenge Program RFA

Greentown Labs requests applications from innovative startups who are reimaging proteins,
plastics, or packaging. They are interested in startups with a post "proof of concept" solutions
in recycling technologies and processes that are more energy and resource-efficient, recycling
design and systems which improve the recyclability of waste plastic and help shift consumer
attitudes, and innovative management systems that help facilitate a circular economy.
Completed applications are due February 10. Learn more about the opportunity here.

Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund

The British Columbia government's Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund is making $9.5
million in grants available for groups and local governments to use for coastal cleanup projects.
The fund is intended to support local governments, coastal First Nations, and non-profit groups
in removing marine debris from B.C.'s coastlines. The Fund will support two types of projects:
marine shoreline clean-up and derelict vessel removal. Applications for the funding close
February 15. Submit your application here.

2021 Pacific Northwest Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program

The Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program is an
environmental education program that supports locally relevant, authentic experiential
learning in the K-12 environment. Funded projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational
Experiences (MWEEs; defined below) for students, related professional development for
teachers, and help to support regional education and environmental priorities in the Pacific
Northwest. Apply by February 15, via Grants.gov here.

2021NOAA California Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program

California B-WET funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences
through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). MWEEs involve learning
both outdoors and in the classroom as students engage in issue definition, outdoor field
experiences, synthesis and conclusions, and action projects. The goal is to increase
understanding and stewardship of the ocean, its local watersheds, and special areas like national
marine sanctuaries. Apply by February 16, via Grants.gov here.

Washington Sea Grant 2021 RFP

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Washington Sea Grant (WSG) requests proposals for one- to two-year research projects from
investigators at academic and research institutions throughout the state of Washington. Funded
projects will contribute to WSG and state priority information needs by advancing knowledge
in one of four focus areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture,
resilient communities and economies, and ocean literacy and workforce development.
Applications are due February 18. Learn more about this funding here.

FY21 NOAA Gulf of Mexico Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET)
Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office (Southeast Regional Office) is
seeking proposals under the Gulf of Mexico Bay Watershed Education and Training (Gulf of
Mexico B-WET) Program. The goal of the Gulf of Mexico B-WET is to increase understanding
and stewardship of the Gulf of Mexico watershed and its local population, geography, culture,
and natural, financial, and human resources. To accomplish this, Gulf of Mexico B-WET funds
locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful
Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in Gulf of Mexico coastal communities. Apply by
February 26, via Grants.gov here.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Grant Program (B-WET)

Chesapeake B-WET is a competitive grant program that supports existing, high-quality
environmental education programs and fosters the growth of new, innovative programs. The
Chesapeake B-WET Program funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12
audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) throughout the
watershed. The goal is to increase understanding and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and
its local watersheds, including the rivers, upland streams, and natural habitats found
throughout the region. Apply by March 1, via Grants.gov here.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program 2021 Partners Grants

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is accepting applications for Sarasota Bay Partners Grants
to support environmental restoration or education projects focused on restoring Sarasota-
Manatee bays and engaging communities. These grants for up to $4,000 are available to groups
that have projects within the NEP study area which focus on restoration, water quality, bay
related environmental education, and community stewardship. The deadline for applications is
March 1. Submit application materials here.

Great Lakes Research Consortium Small Grants RFP

The Great Lakes Research Consortium, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, and the New York Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council have opened this program
to provide seed funding for new, cooperative projects that improve understanding of, and/or
management of, New York's Great Lakes basin. The program supports collaborative projects
and grant awards that can be used for basic or applied research and project planning that will
lead to larger projects. To learn more about funding criteria and to submit a proposal, click
here.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative TFW RFA

EPA announced that it is seeking a second round of applications under the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program focused on keeping trash out of the Great Lakes.
Approximately $5 million is available through the Trash-Free Waters Great Lakes program to
fund approximately 10 large-scale projects to remove trash from Great Lakes harbors,
rivermouths, and waterfronts. The minimum award is $300,000 and the maximum award is
$1,000,000. The deadline for applications is March 5. To learn more about the request for
applications, click here.

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The Recycling Partnership's Polypropylene Recycling Grant Program RFP

The purpose of the Polypropylene Recycling Grant Program is to facilitate Material Recovery
Facility (MRF) processing, sortation, and marketing of polypropylene packaging to ensure the
widest possible access to polypropylene recycling in the community recycling collection
programs in the United States. Publicly, privately and non-profit owned and operated U.S.
MRFs are eligible for funding under this grant program. The next round of grant proposals is
due by March 31. Learn more about this funding here.

Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program 2021

The DOI's Coral Reef and Natural Resources Initiative provides grant funding for the
management and protection of coral reefs and to combat invasive species in the U.S. insular
areas. These funds have been used in previous years to combat land-based pollution and illegal
dumping. Apply by April 1, via Grants.gov here.

BoatUS Foundation and Berkley Recast & Recycle Contest

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and Berkley have teamed up to seek
out new ideas and improvements to the discarded fishing line and soft bait disposal process,
new recycled product ideas, or offer a technology breakthrough for the current process that will
increase the volume of line and soft baits that are recycled. A total of $30,000 in prize money is
at stake for any boater, angler, armchair technologist, team, student, or anyone willing to submit
a contest entry now through May 14. Learn more about this funding here.

Save the Dates/Calendar

February 2°d(iiAM EDT): Circular Economy for Plastics in Canada

To address the challenges of plastic waste proliferation, a circular economy for plastics has been
proposed as a viable pathway to limit or eliminate the waste disposal problem by collecting,
separating, recycling, and reusing plastic products. Hosted by the Canadian Energy Research
Institute, this webinar will discuss plastics materials flow analysis, recycling technologies, and
the economic impacts of plastic circularity. To register, click here.

February 8th- 11th: Coastal GEO Tools

Coastal GeoTools continues to be the place to experience what's new and forward-thinking in
terms of technology and coastal management. In this virtual environment, you will continue to
experience everything this conference has to offer - top-notch sessions, training opportunities,
the tools showcase, plenaries, and the exhibit hall. Read the conference program and register

here.

February 9th (2PM EDT): Building a State Plan to Monitor and Assess Marine
Litter: Lessons Learned

Marine litter monitoring programs are essential to determining and promoting feasible and
effective actions to combat marine litter, but consistent long-term programs are scarce
worldwide. To address this gap, a statewide plan to assess marine litter was developed for Sao
Paulo, Brazil. The plan introduces a set of suggested indicators that can be applied by a wide
group of stakeholders and in a variety of locations and contexts. Speakers include
representatives from the Oceanographic Institute of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. To
register, click here.

February 10th (12PM EDT): Microplastinar 7 - Topic TBD

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Seventh in an interactive webinar series hosted by the EU project LimnoPlast, this series will
take a closer look at the wicked problem of plastic pollution and microplastics. Specific
microplastics topic TBD. Register for the event here.

February ioth-i2th: North Carolina Marine Debris Symposium

Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual North Carolina Marine Debris Symposium at the Duke
University Marine Lab and virtually worldwide. Meeting themes include holistic solutions to
marine debris prevention, new or expanded marine debris research, policy and advocacy
updates, optimizing regional and global solution-based partnerships, and creative virtual
outreach. To learn more about the event, click here.

February 16th (2PM EDT): Marine Plastics- From Local to Global

This lecture will discuss the amounts and sources of plastics reaching the oceans, and (focusing
on microplastics) the processes by which they may be trapped and accumulate in river and
coastal environments, their potential impacts, current knowledge gaps, and methods of
reducing the ocean plastic burden. This webinar will be presented by Dr. John Hardy, a lecturer
in materials chemistry at Lancaster University and Programme Secretary for the Royal Society
of Chemistry Lancaster. Register for the event here.

February 18th (2:30PM EDT): The California Trash Monitoring Playbook

Second in the California Trash Monitoring Webinar Series, this webinar will feature presenters
Tony Hale, Program Director at Information Technology Systems, and Shelly Moore, Executive
Director at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research. The event will introduce the San
Francisco Bay Estuary Institute (SFEI) and Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
(SCCWRP) joint project: The California Trash Monitoring Playbook, which provides info and
comparison of various standard trash monitoring methodologies. Watch the webinar here.

February 24th (12PM EDT): Microplastinar 8 - Topic TBD

Eighth in an interactive webinar series hosted by the EU project LimnoPlast, this series will take
a closer look at the wicked problem of plastic pollution and microplastics. Specific microplastics
topic TBD. Register for the event here.

February 24th (3PM EDT): Salvaging Solutions - Knowing the Ropes

Join for NOAA Marine Debris Program's online webinar series, Salvaging Solutions to
Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar: Knowing the Ropes. Nancy Wallace, Chief of the
NOAA Marine Debris Division, Hilary Wilkinson, Executive Coordinator Support for the
Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force - Veda Environmental, and Paula Gillikin,
Central Site Manager at the North Carolina Coastal Reserves and National Estuarine Research
Reserve will be presenting on common issues arising from abandoned and derelict vessels.

Join the webinar via Adobe Connect here.

Save the dates for future months...

March r-5"1: Eighth Annual World Ocean Summit Virtual Week

This week-long event will feature more than 60 sessions and 130 speakers discussing how to
create a sustainable ocean economy. One industry track will focus on changing the course of
plastic pollution from source to sea, discussing the role of the consumer-goods sector to
minimize plastic use, and covering opportunities for waste collection infrastructure and
management. Register for free here.

March 2°d-4th: International Symposium on Plastics in the Arctic

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Hosted by the government of Iceland, this conference will cover a range of topics including
everything from sources and transport of plastics in the region to insight on research
methodologies and a deep-dive on the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic pollution on Arctic
habitats. Read the agenda and learn more about the event here.

March 4th-5th: Third Annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium

The 3rd Annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium will take place both virtually and on South
Padre Island, TX. The research symposium and poster session will be held on the first day, and
workshops and a beach cleanup will be held the following day. Poster presentations will cover a
wide range of topics, including 1) Monitoring, 2) Policy and Urban Communities, 3) Chemistry
of Plastic Pollution, 4) to Fish and Wildlife, and 5) Solutions. Registration will cap at 150 people,
so remember to register for free here. The call for abstracts is open and closes on February 4,
2021. Submit your abstract here.

March i6th-April 6th: SETAC Virtual Seminars, What We Know and What We Need
to Know — The Analysis, Monitoring, and Effects of Microplastics in Humans and
the Environment

Save the date for the upcoming series of expert seminars on Microplastics in Humans and the
Environment, hosted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Stay
tuned for 7 virtual keynote sessions scheduled from 16 March until 6 April 2021. Be sure to
check back for more information here.

March 24th (3PM EDT): Salvaging Solutions- Weathering Stormy Waters

Join for NOAA Marine Debris Program's online webinar series, Salvaging Solutions to
Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar: Weathering Stormy Waters. Matthew Bethel &Niki
Pace from Louisiana Sea Grant, Michele Jacobi from NOAA's Assessment and Restoration
Division, and Nilda Jimenez, PhD from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources (DNER) will be presenting on common issues arising from
abandoned and derelict vessels. Join the webinar via Adobe Connect here.

April 22nd (2:30PM EDT): NOAA's Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment
Project

Third in the California Trash Monitoring Webinar Series, this webinar will feature presenters
Sherry Lippiatt, California Regional Coordinator at the NOAA Marine Debris Program, and
Hillary Burgess, Monitoring Coordinator at NOAA. The event will cover the Trash Monitoring
and Assessment Protocol (MDMAP), a citizen science initiative engaging citizens to survey and
record the amount and types of marine debris found on shorelines. Watch the webinar here.

Other Opportunities...

EPA Call for Nominations for the 2021 President's Environmental Student and
Teacher Awards

The EPA's Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2021
President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for
Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The program recognizes outstanding students and
educators who have advanced environmental stewardship in a range of environmental topics,
including marine litter and ocean pollution. Applications for both awards programs are due no
later than February 19, 2021. To learn more about the PEYA and PIAEE awards, click here and
here.

Ocean Changemakers Challenge: The Next Wave of Innovators

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The Ocean Changemakers Challenge aims to showcase innovators working to develop business
solutions to ocean-related sustainability challenges. Researchers, early-career professionals,
local change agents, entrepreneurs, and innovators with solutions to tackle some of the ocean's
greatest challenges, including marine pollution, overfishing, and overexploitation of marine
resources, are invited to apply. Entries will close on February 5th, 2021. Learn more about the
opportunity here.

If you'd like to see your posting in this email, please email

Marshall.LaWe@epa.gov with any suggestions!

US EPA - Trash Free Waters | na ridi. rome 11 (a)epa. gciv | hitpsi / /www,epa. gov/1rasfa -free-waters

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