The Department of Environmental Protection announced this week applications are now being accepted from communities, municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts to finance improvements to their existing sewage facilities and drinking water systems using innovative or new water and wastewater technology.

The deadline for submitting applications is July 29.

Grants of up to $500,000 will be available to make physical improvements to existing drinking water and sewage treatment facilities, and sanitary and combined sewer collection/conveyance systems.

Preference will be given to new or innovative projects which treat groundwater under the direct influence of surface water; holistic approaches to treatment of drinking water for nitrates and other mobile contaminants to ensure safety with respect to potential current and future risks; and advanced wastewater treatment for nutrient removal in watersheds where nutrient removal has been identified by DEP as a priority.

New or innovative technology refers to technology that is commercially available, but not yet widely used in Pennsylvania. New or innovative technology should provide one or more significant advantages over conventional technology.

The grant application form is available electronically on DEP’s website. (Note: a login box may appear at this link. Just click on login as a guest.)

5/13/2005