The U.S. EPA is establishing a national system for tracking hazardous waste shipments electronically. This system, known as “e-Manifest,” will modernize the nation’s cradle-to-grave hazardous waste tracking process while saving valuable time, resources, and dollars for industry and states. The U.S. EPA anticipates launching e-Manifest in June 2018.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management announces the 2018 grant funding round for the Recycling Market Development Program. Eligible candidates may seek a grant starting at $1,000 and up to $500,000, with a 50 percent required match. Projects should focus on reuse, reduction, and recycling methods that result in an increase in recyclable material collection, a reduction in municipal solid waste shipped for final disposal and/or improved partnerships with communities, including not only economic impacts, but increased public awareness of recycling opportunities through tangible outreach and education efforts.

Deadline for submissions has been extended to June 22, 2018, by 5:00 PM (EDT). Projects should focus on increasing collection, as well as economic development, education, and outreach efforts. Detailed proposal requirements are available on the Recycling Market Development Program page.

IDEM is seeking nominations for the 2018 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence. This year the state will be giving out seven awards, one in each category, for the following categories: Energy/Renewable Resources, Greening the Government, Land Use/Conservation, Environmental Education/Outreach, Pollution Prevention, Recycling/Reuse, and Five Year Continuous Improvement.

Nominations are open to all Indiana organizations with projects that were fully implemented/completed in 2016 or 2017 or for long term projects (i.e. those initiated prior to 2016) completed by 2017. All projects that meet the award criteria will be considered.

The public is invited to submit nominations and organizations may also self-nominate. If you know of a particular project, company or organization that deserves recognition, please submit a nomination or share this information. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 PM, Monday May 7, 2018.

IDEM is in contact and working with facilities across the state affected by recent flooding. Public health officials recommend avoiding contact with surface and flood waters during these times. Those who do come in contact with impacted surface and flood waters should shower or bathe with warm, soapy water. Veterinarians recommend not allowing pets and livestock to drink from or swim in waters visibly impacted by sewage overflows.

For additional information regarding health risks, please contact your local health department.

• IDEM Water Quality in Indiana: Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Program
• IDEM Remediation Response: Emergency Debris Fact Sheets: Includes fact sheets on Emergency Debris Management and Sandbag Disposal.