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Effective June 1, 2021, masks are no longer required in state facilities except for anyone inside any of these state government congregate facilities – state prisons, state hospitals, Indiana Veterans Home, and the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Visitors and staff should follow the CDC guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people regarding mask wearing and other protective measures.

• IDEM COVID-19 Actions

Sampling of the DNR’s swimming beaches began May 17 for the 2021 recreation season to prepare for DNR’s opening of these areas on Memorial Day weekend, and will end the week of August 30th in advance of Labor Day weekend.  IDEM samples for blue-green algae and analyzes those samples for the type and quantity of blue-green algae present and for the following toxins which may be produced by certain types of blue-green algae: microcystin, cylindrospermopsin (only done if species that produce it are present), anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin. More information is provided on the Blue-Green Algae site.

To help keep electronics out of landfills, IDEM is partnering with Technology Recyclers to host two E-Waste collection events at the Indiana Government Center. The collection events will be open to all state employees and will be held at Robert Orr Plaza. State employees can drive or walk their unwanted electronic items to Robert Orr Plaza where staff from Technology Recyclers will collect these items. For a contactless delivery, please stay in your vehicle and staff will unload your unwanted electronics. If you choose to walk to the event to drop off materials, please practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others and wearing a mask.

Event Details

• Dates: Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19
• Times: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Friday and 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday
• Location: Robert Orr Plaza (West Street Entrance to the IGC)
• Fee: There is a $20 fee all TVs and CRT monitors of any size. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. (Note: $10 Fee for Indiana State Employees. You must show your employee ID to receive this discount)

A complete listing of items accepted at the event is on the flyer. For additional questions, please contact Indiana E-Cycle.

IDEM has been carefully reviewing Senate Enrolled Act 389 to ensure all changes will be clearly and accurately implemented following the effective date.  Section 1 of the law is retroactively effective to January 1, 2021 while Sections 2-14 are effective on July 1, 2021.  Most permits issued since January 1, 2021 will be unaffected by the new law, and previously approved mitigation plans remain in effect. IDEM will provide guidance prior to the implementation of the new law.  Should you have questions about these changes, please contact IDEM’s wetland section .

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Program Support on behalf of the Recycling Market Development Board (RMDB) is now accepting 2021 proposals. The deadline for submissions is June 23, 2021, at 5:00 PM.

Public/private businesses, local government, schools, and non-profit organizations may seek a grant starting at $50,000 and up to $500,000 with a 50 percent cash match. Projects should focus on increasing collection or consumption, as well as economic development, education, and outreach efforts related to recycling.

The Recycling Market Development Program page offers detailed proposal requirements and can assist with questions about the application process.