June 25, 2004

Today, the Department of Environmental Quality Director, Steven E. Chester, announced the kick-off for a new environmental recognition program to encourage local businesses and their neighbors to work together on projects that improve environmental awareness and the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The new program is called the Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Program. Participation will initially be offered to businesses that are already recognized by the DEQ’s Clean Corporate Citizens (C3) Program.

“The DEQ has a number of successful environmental recognition programs, but this is the first one to require activities that benefit the surrounding community,” said DEQ Director Chester. “With the introduction of the NEP Program, the DEQ recognizes the importance of building active relationships between businesses and their neighbors to improve the local environment.”

To assist interested participants, the DEQ has developed a Web site that has informational materials on the program requirements, along with ideas and illustrations of community-based environmental activities. The DEQ Web site is www.michigan.gov/deqnep . Initial response to the program has been very enthusiastic.

“Too often we hear stories about the conflicting interests of businesses, and their surrounding neighborhoods,” said Andy Such, Executive Director of the Michigan Chemistry Council. “This program recognizes the fact that these groups can, and do, work together.”

The NEP Program offers business and citizen groups the opportunity to work together to make their neighborhoods cleaner, and more attractive places to live and work. A critical component of the program is the necessary dialogue that must occur between businesses and representatives in their communities to select a project that meets agreed upon environmental needs.

“Experience has shown that when a business engages the local community in its decision-making process – its opportunity for long-term success improves,” said Michigan Environmental Council Policy Director James Clift. “This process -- that encourages open and honest dialogue -- will hopefully lead to better protection of public health and more jobs for Michigan workers.”

The DEQ is now accepting applications from the C3s who are engaged in local environmental projects. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2005, and recognition awards will be given in March of 2005.

While the program is initially limited to C3s, the DEQ hopes that other businesses and communities will still take advantage of the information on the new DEQ Web site. The DEQ Web site has excellent tools on developing community-based environmental projects, and suggestions on potential activities. The DEQ is also interested in hearing about additional ideas and resources as well, and will have an E-mail link on the Web site to provide this opportunity.

The DEQ currently has 101 facilities designated as C3s. To qualify for a designation, program facilities must adopt an environmental management system, maintain an active pollution prevention program, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Designations are valid for one year, and must be renewed annually.

For more information on the program, go to the DEQ Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqnep, or call the Environmental Assistance Center at
1-800-662-9278.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised June 25, 2004 by Pat Watson