US-AEP News

CSG/SEI New Environmental Projects Launched in Asia

In February 2004, the Council of State Governments' State Environmental Initiative (CSG/SEI) worked with the US-AEP field offices in launching the following SEI grant projects in Asia:

"Renewable Energy and Poverty Reduction" (Arizona - Philippines)

An archipelago of 7,000 islands, the Philippines struggles to build an infrastructure that will provide electricity to all of its citizens. CSG/SEI awarded an Immediate Response Grant (IRG) to the Arizona Department of Commerce to develop a pilot program that will produce a sustainable, renewable energy supply in the Philippines. The project launch at the American Business Center in Manila, Philippines included a demonstration of a working model by C Trade, an Arizona-based renewable energy company that will implement the project.

The project would install hybrid renewable energy systems for rural electrification. After site selection and review, a pilot mini-ice making plant will be installed at a rural off-grid fishing village to provide the indigenous community with livelihood opportunities.

"Fuel Testing Facility" (California- India)

Fuel adulteration is one of the most significant contributors to vehicular pollution to the atmosphere and green house gases. The project proposes to address this critical issue by setting up an independent fuel testing facility for the detection and prevention of fuel adulteration.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing this project through an Environmental Partnership Grant (EPG) award from CSG/SEI. CARB launched the project by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Tamil Nadu/India, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), and CONCERT, an active consumer protection agency.

Asia's developing countries are looking for low-cost systems to effectively treat wastewaters. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is addressing this issue through SEI's Immediate Response Grant. This demonstration project was recently launched at the main campus of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) based in Hyderabad City, Andhra Pradesh. The Maryland demonstration project is designed to treat sewage/wastewater generated at the JNTU's main campus in an environmentally friendly way with no chemicals, low energy usage, and least expensive process equipment. Maryland Company S&M Engineering Services is implementing the project.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a serious environmental issue in India's West Bengal state. The in-situ arsenic remediation project was launched in Kolkata, India in the presence of senior officials of the West Bengal Government.

In-situ remediation is considered as an innovative and cost-effective option to replace conventional "pump and treat" system. The Research Foundation of State University of New York (SUNY) is utilizing a CSG/SEI Immediate Response Grant (IRG) for this project. NY company, EnviroAssociates is implementing the project.