Illinois EPA

November is Native American Heritage Month! The Illinois EPA would like to recognize the history, contributions, and impact of Native Americans and the continued activism of those who strive to better our environments.

🚗 Interested in trying a self-service emissions testing kiosk? Learn more about kiosk locations and the process at: https://illinoisairteam.net/self-service-kiosks

📸 Field Photo Friday!

Our Office of Site Evaluation recently conducted soil gas sampling to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can migrate from groundwater into the soil. This sampling helps evaluate potential v***r intrusion concerns at sites across Illinois.

It’s National Cat Day! 🐱

We’re back with more Illinois EPA employees and their feline companions! Meet the cats, get to know the humans who serve our state, and find out who’s really running the household.

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $100 million in funding to help public school districts lower energy costs and modernize facilities.

The Affordability + Strategic Energy Pathways for Schools (A+STEPS) initiative will support energy upgrades, improve building system reliability, and help create healthier learning environments for K-12 public schools.

Regional hub applications are expected to open in November.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.energy.gov/cmei/articles/energy-department-announces-100-million-lower-school-energy-costs-and-modernize

Illinois EPA’s Office of Emergency Response On Scene Coordinators gathered at Rend Lake for their annual in-service training, earning their 40-hour HAZWOPER refresher certification through hands-on air monitoring exercises, personal protective equipment training and classroom sessions.

The week wrapped up with a tabletop exercise involving nearly 40 participants from local, state and federal agencies, emergency responders and railroad representatives. The scenario focused on a tornado striking a train near Interstate 57 at Rend Lake, giving participants an opportunity to discuss emergency response and coordination.

This annual training helps prepare our team to respond to environmental emergencies across Illinois.

Illinois EPA is partnering with the Prairie Research Institute to strengthen groundwater protection across the state. Researchers will use scientific data, mapping and groundwater modeling to help protect community water supplies.

The project will initially focus on defining wellhead protection areas for three communities, creating a standardized approach that can be used to help safeguard groundwater in other communities in the future.

This collaboration builds on Illinois’ commitment to protecting groundwater as a valuable public resource and ensuring safe, reliable water supplies for communities across the state.

For more information: https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7447/462652674

♻️ Missed the Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collections?
You can still safely dispose of unwanted items at long-term collection sites across Illinois.

Find locations and more info here: https://bit.ly/HHWCollections

Looking for plans this weekend? Come out to the Illinois State Museum for Day of the Dead! We’ll be there providing environmental education and sharing ways to protect Illinois’ environment!