The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is urging individuals and community groups across the Virgin Islands to apply for grants that will allow “citizen scientists” to collect information on air and water pollution in their communities and seek solutions to environmental and public health problems.
“Community residents and organizations can provide invaluable insight into pollution problems in their communities and the best ways to reduce air and water pollution,” Judith A. Enck, EPA regional administrator, said in a press release.
Citizen science is a form of research that enlists the public in collecting a wide range of environmental data and is considered a developing tool for expanding scientific knowledge and literacy. The EPA will award a total of $25,000 for one project related to air or water pollution in the Virgin Islands.
EPA spokesman Elias Rodriquez said that, for example, a group will purchase air or water monitoring equipment for sampling. He said the equipment can be basic.
“It’s to collect baseline data. It will give a snapshot of pollution or lack of pollution,” he said.
According to Enck, by providing citizen scientists with the funding needed to advance their knowledge about local air and water pollution, the EPA is expanding its own scientific base and building collaborations with communities that will lead to effective and innovative solutions.
Projects receiving funding through the citizen science grants will be expected to promote a comprehensive understanding of local pollution problems and identify and support activities that address them at the local level. Proposed projects must also consider environmental justice and should engage, educate and empower communities.
All applications are due no later than 5 p.m. April 20.
Additional information on the grants, including guidance on eligibility and procedures for applying, is available at the EPA website or through www.grants.gov.
