Environmental Progress - Fall 2003

Supplemental Environmental Project Idea Bank

Citizens can "deposit" ideas and "withdraw" help for local problems

A new IEPA web page offers help to Illinois communities in identifying environment-related projects important to their residents, and getting help in addressing them. Certain projects funded as a result of environmental enforcement settlements are now part of the newly created Supplemental Environmental Project Idea Bank.

In some situations, when settlements are reached in enforcement cases involving violation of environmental regulations, a requirement to perform environmentally beneficial projects can be negotiated with a defendant, reducing the level of penalties that may be imposed as a result of an environmental violation. The SEP Idea Bank will help the IEPA gather ideas on projects and initiatives needed in local communities.

"I want to tap into the tremendous base of knowledge across the state, and involve Illinois citizens in the decision-making process of protecting our environment," said IEPA Director Renee Cipriano.

The IEPA is asking environmental groups, local government organizations and environmental justice groups for project suggestions. These suggestions will be provided to the defendant financing the SEP and they, along with the state, will agree on the best project.

Among the types of projects that may be eligible to receive SEP funding are environmental restoration and protection efforts, waste collection events and pollution prevention projects. Projects could support studies, such as energy audits; restoration, such as stream bank erosion prevention; or even the purchase of land for parks and natural areas. SEP funds could also be used to sponsor environmental education training or to subsidize recycling efforts.

Successful SEPs in the past have contributed to the purchase of sensitive wetlands, helped fund construction of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and the purchase of equipment for a local Hazmat team. The state's recently announced "Illinois Clean School Bus Program," to significantly reduce emissions from existing diesel-powered school buses, is being funded by a SEP. (See Clean School Bus Program story).

Information on submitting a project idea to the Agency, and a list of the types of possible projects, are available on the Illinois EPA's Supplemental Environmental Project Idea Bank pages.