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Lawrence, Mass. Preservation Group Shares in EPA Grant

Release Date: 01/19/2006
Contact Information: David Deegan, 617-918-1017

(Boston, 01/19/06) - A Lawrence, Mass., organization focused on preserving and enhancing the natural environment in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts is among four community groups in New England receiving a total of $100,000 in Environmental Justice Small Grants.

The Lawrence Environmental Action Group received $25,000 for a project researching the effect that the spiritual and cultural use of mercury have on the health and well being of the community.

“These EPA grants will help sow the seeds to protect people who live in areas more vulnerable to environmental challenges," said Robert Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "This grant to the Lawrence Environmental Action Group will result in specific activities that will help educate the community about mercury."

Lawrence Environmental Action Group, founded in 1994, is aimed at fighting pollution, preserving and enhancing green space and improving ecological and public health. The organization holds meeting with community groups and health-related organizations. Partners include the JSI Center for Environmental Health Studies, Casa de Salud and different Lawrence city officials and agencies.

The grant was given out as part of EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants program, which was launched in 1994 as a way to help ensure equal environmental protection and equal enforcement of environmental laws and policies for all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, culture or income.

Under the same program, in New England EPA also provided grants to organizations in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont. More information on this program is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej_smgrants.html .

More information on environmental justice issues in New England is available at: https://www.epa.gov/region1/ej/grants.html .

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