The state Department of Environmental Protection today invited applications for a new round of grants to educate the public about hazardous waste clean-up in the Commonwealth. It’s apt (if coincidental) timing, given that today marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most publicized environmental disasters in recent history: the Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Alaska.
On March 24, 1989, about 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled from the tanker Exxon Valdez into Prince William Sound, devastating the region’s marine life and fishing industries. In a 20th anniversary update, National Geographic reported yesterday that about 20,000 gallons still remain, despite the years and dollars devoted to clean-up efforts. (Exxon’s corporate website says the spill cost the company $3.8 billion, though it does not say how much went to actual oil-removal vs. compensatory payments, fines and settlements.)
Most hazardous waste clean-up occurs on a much smaller scale — and a look at the DEP’s searchable website is a reminder of, well, just how many little messes we’ve got. In downtown Boston alone, there are 1059 waste sites in some stage of the clean-up process. The Technical Assistance Grants, which provide up to $10,000 for individuals or community groups to do public education, must be applied for by May 1.