Eligible SEPs
A proposed SEP must also satisfy the requirements of at least one of
the categories below in addition to the other requirements established
in this policy. These categories do not apply to the improvements
of the processes within the operations of the facility or source
that are already required to be in compliance with the District’s or
another government agency’s statutory or regulatory requirements.
Public Health
A public health project provides diagnostic, preventative, and/or
remedial components of human health care related to the actual or
potential damage to human health caused by the violation. This may
include epidemiological data collection and analysis, medical
examinations of potentially affected persons, medical monitoring,
medical treatment, health fairs, rehabilitation therapy. Public health
SEPs are acceptable only when the project primarily benefits the
population harmed or put at risk by the violations.
Pollution Prevention
A pollution prevention project reduces the generation of pollution
of any hazardous or toxic substance being released into the
environment. Source reduction may involve modifications to equipment,
technology, processes, or procedures; reformulation of products;
substitution of raw materials; or improvements in housekeeping,
maintenance, training, inventory control, or other operational and
maintenance procedures.
In all cases, for a project to meet the definition of pollution
prevention, there must be an overall decrease in the amount and/or
toxicity of pollution released to the environment, not merely a
transfer of pollution among media.
Pollution Reduction
A pollution reduction project results in a decrease in the amount
and/or toxicity of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant
being released into the environment by an operating business or
facility. This may include increasing the capture or control
efficiency of an existing source.
Environmental Protection
An environmental protection project enhances the condition of the
ecosystem or immediate geographic area adversely affected. These
projects may restore or protect natural environments (such as
ecosystems) and fabricated environments (such as facilities and
buildings). This category also includes any project that protects the
ecosystem from actual or potential damage resulting from the
violation; improves the overall condition of the ecosystem; protects
endangered species; or remediates facilities and buildings by removing
or mitigating contaminated materials, provided such activities are not
otherwise legally required.
Increased Environmental Compliance
Projects to increase environmental compliance may include trainings
or technical support to members of the regulated community or the
public to identify, achieve, or maintain compliance with applicable
statutory and regulatory requirements or to reduce the generation,
release, or disposal of pollutants beyond legal requirements. For example:
1. The facility may consider contracting with an expert to develop
and implement procedures to increase compliance. Potential projects
may include producing a seminar directly related to correcting
widespread or prevalent violations within the industry of the facility
or source; or
2. The facility may consider supporting community-based
environmental compliance projects, which may include support of
community-based violation reporting networks, community task forces,
trainings, forums, or projects that promote community-based
environmental enforcement and reduction of adverse environmental impacts.
Other Projects
This category includes projects determined by the District to have
public health or environmental benefit and that do not fit within one
of the categories above, but otherwise fully follow all other
provisions of this Policy.