The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) is offering farmers and small businesses grants for pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and natural resource protection. Total funding for this program is $1 million. For the first time, these Small Business Advantage grants are available to farmers and ranchers for projects that reduce and prevent pollution on working lands. These projects can include planting riparian buffers, installing streambank fencing to keep livestock out of streams, and agricultural stormwater management projects. Such projects help improve local water quality and are vital for Pennsylvania to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution impacting the Chesapeake Bay.
Farmers and businesses can apply for 50% matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. DEP will consider applications on a first come, first served basis until the funds are exhausted, or until April 1, 2019, whichever comes first. Applications can be submitted here.
Stock and Leader attorneys are available to advise clients about legal issues related to implementing and maintaining pollution prevention programs and processes. They can also recommend strategies to meet environmental regulatory requirements.