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K-State Pollution Prevention Institute awarded U.S. EPA grant

The institute is a program through the university and has been awarded more than $500,000 over the next five years to be used toward communication and collaboration tools in support of national environmental programs.

MANHATTAN (K Kansas State University) — The Kansas State University Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) has been awarded $550,000 over the next five years to provide communication and collaboration tools, including a website, in support of the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant titled “Support and Management of the Nationalsbeap.org. Website and 507 Program” will be administered by Nancy Larson, director of the institute, with assistance from Allison Crowther, engineering specialist for the institute.

The website serves as an environmental compliance one-stop shop for state SBEAPs and the small business community. The Pollution Prevention Institute is a Carl R. Ice College of Engineering program within the Engineering Extension office that has provided environmental compliance and pollution prevention services to thousands of business clients over the past 30 years.

“Our efforts will support SBEAPs across the nation by providing updates on regulations, compliance tools, technical trainings and an annual conference,” Larson said. “The new grant will enhance the existing nationalsbeap.org website and ultimately improve industry compliance and reduce toxic emissions.”

Recent comments from clients such as “SBEAP is a valuable resource when navigating environmental regulations” and “I would have closed my business if it hadn’t been for the help I received” are just a sampling of the positive feedback the Pollution Prevention Institute has received in administering this program, Larson said.