EPA Latest Developments for July 7 7/7/2004
From: Suzanne Ackerman of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 202-564-7819 or ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov WASHINGTON, July 7 -- Following are the most recent developments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Air Pollution Control Technologies Grants Awarded Contact: Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-7819 or ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov To develop effective pollution control technologies that are economically viable, EPA awarded $700,000 to three companies for development and commercialization of air pollution control technologies through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. ADA Technologies, Inc. of Littleton, Colo. will develop and test new mercury absorption materials derived from silica for use in removing mercury from power plant emissions. This new technology could potentially have a significant cost advantage over currently used activated carbon technology, as the new sorbent is less expensive and it removes mercury while still allowing utilities to sell fly ash as a concrete additive. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. is developing a new fiber optic membrane technology to recover volatile organic compounds from underground gasoline storage tanks. This technology will allow rapid air venting while retaining gasoline and can be used for other applications, such as dry cleaning and offshore oil operations. Sorption Technologies, Inc. of Newark, Del. will investigate new flue-gas purification technologies designed to remove sulfur dioxide, mercury and fine particles from the emissions of coal-burning power plants. This technology removes multiple pollutants from flue gases and may provide a more efficient and cost effective alternative to current technologies. SBIR was created in 1982 to give small businesses a greater role in federal Research and Development and to increase U.S. technical innovation. An SBIR business must have fewer than 500 employees and at least 51 percent of the business must be owned by U.S. citizens. For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir. --- EPA Offers Communities New Tool for Achieving Smart Growth and Water Quality Goals Contact: Enesta Jones, 202-564-7873 or jones.enesta@epa.gov EPA has released a new report that will help communities protect water resources and achieve smart growth. Some of the adverse effects of growth and development include: loss of woodlands, meadowlands, and wetlands, and increased polluted run- off. Smart growth is development that is good for the economy, public health and the environment. The report documents 75 innovative approaches -- including redeveloping abandoned properties, encouraging rooftop gardens, creating shared parking, and promoting tree planting -- that state and local governments and water quality professionals can use to achieve their smart growth and water quality goals. To receive a free copy of the report, send an email to: ncepimal@one.net or call 1-800-490- 9198 and request EPA publication 231-R-04-002. The report and more information about smart growth are also available at: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth. |