MPCA is offering approximately $125,000 in grant funding for small businesses and organizations to reduce the use of ethylene oxide sterilization or products that contain ethylene oxide (EtO) and its derivatives.
See the request for proposals (RFP) for full details on eligibility, grant match amounts, and other information that will help applicants submit a proposal.
- Application deadline: August 28, 2020
- Eligible applicants: Businesses with under 500 employees, governmental agencies, educational institutions, tribes, or nongovernmental organizations (e.g., nonprofit or industry association).
- Total funds: Approximately $125,000
- Awards: Maximum $25,000 per application
- Match requirement: The match requirement is 25% of the project total, meaning a total project cost of $10,000 would require a match of $2,500. Matching funds must be cash.
Grants can be combined with low- to zero-percent interest Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans up to $75,000 for capital equipment purchases that help meet or exceed environmental regulations. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.
Application materials
Ethylene oxide emission reduction grant
Request for proposals (p-f2-49a-fy20)This RFP describes the ethylene oxide (EtO) emission reduction grant, including information on who may apply for funding, match requirements, activities eligible for funding, and other information that will help applicants submit an application. Applications are due no later than 4:00 pm Central Time on Friday, August 28, 2020.
Application form (p-f2-49c-fy20)
Additional references
Sample grant agreement (p-f2-49e-fy20)
Questions and answers
Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “EtO emission reductions grant question”.
Answers to questions will be posted frequently on the MPCA website.
MPCA personnel are not authorized to discuss this RFP with applicants outside of this question and answer forum. Contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Background
The information known about ethylene oxide (EtO) has changed over time. A hazardous air pollutant, the latest updates from EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment shows that ethylene oxide is a more potent carcinogen than originally thought; it is 60 times more toxic to children and 30 times more toxic to adults.
Ethylene oxide emissions can be reduced by removing ethylene oxide sterilization units and replacing sterilization needs with an alternative sterilization method, outsource to a facility using an alternative sterilization method, or to an air permitted facility using ethylene oxide sterilization; increase control of fugitive emissions from ethylene oxide sterilization; or eliminate the use of products that contain ethylene oxide and its derivatives in manufacturing or industrial processes.
Ethylene oxide
Ethylene oxide is a toxic gas that has applications in sterilizing equipment and products and is used in manufacturing.