MassDEP announces technical assistance grants to boost public engagement in site cleanups; applications due Sept. 6, 2024

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Site Cleanup on Monday promoted a new round of state-funded technical assistance grants aimed at increasing public involvement in the assessment and cleanup of disposal sites. MassDEP staff said the funds are intended to help community members understand cleanup activities and participate effectively.

"There is a very intentional purpose here, and it really aims to support effective public involvement during the assessment and cleanup of disposal sites," a MassDEP staff member said, adding that "these are state dollars that we truly believe are very impactful dollars." The official said applicants should consult the bureau’s webpage and noted that "the deadline for application is a hard deadline, September 6, 2024."

MassDEP described the grants as flexible support that can address community interest in either entire sites or particular phases of the cleanup process. The bureau said the grants are meant to enhance public education around disposal sites and to broaden participation by community members who want to learn more about a site’s investigation or remedy.

Officials also announced administrative details for upcoming advisory events: office hours on Sept. 19 and the next advisory committee meeting on Nov. 21, 2024, with hybrid attendance possible depending on RSVPs and use of the 100 Cambridge Street conference room. The MassDEP staff member encouraged interested parties to consider attending in person but said virtual capacity would remain available.

The bureau said the recording of the session will be posted soon and invited interested organizations and individuals to apply for the technical assistance grants before the Sept. 6 deadline.

The advisory committee did not take any formal votes on the grants during the session; the presentation was framed as an informational announcement and an invitation to apply.