Environmental Officer Grants

The Environmental Officer Grants aim to combat illegal dumping in Oklahoma by providing funding up to $50,000 for salaries, equipment, and cleanup efforts. Eligible applicants include government units and recognized organizations. The grants support part-time Environmental Officers and cover costs for supplies and labor. Monthly reporting on metrics like dumps identified and trash collected is required. Preference is given to agencies with prior enforcement experience and those not previously funded, promoting sustainable environmental practices.

These grants are given to curtail illegal dumping and are not to exceed $50,000. They typically provide funding for the salary of one part-time Environmental Officer, equipment used in cleaning up dumpsites, labor, and other costs associated with clean-ups. Grant recipients are required to submit monthly invoices, photos, and track certain metrics, such as number of dumps identified, and pounds of trash picked up.

Eligibility

Grants are available to units of government, political subdivisions of Oklahoma, components of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, local and statewide organizations representing municipalities or counties, or sub-state planning districts recognized by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Non-profit organizations that can successfully demonstrate sole-source provisions of services may also be eligible to apply for funding.1st Year ParticipantsThe maximum reimbursable amount of a funding agreement for first year participants is $50,000. Actual award may be less, depending on the needs of participant and amount of funding available to DEQ. Up to $30,000 of the total may be used for officer salary. The remainder may be used for equipment/supplies.Subsequent YearsAfter the first year, funding agreements will be limited to a total of $30,000. Actual award may be less, depending on the needs of participant and amount of funding available to DEQ. Up to $25,000 may be used to pay the officer salary (includes time spent with inmate crews cleaning up dumps). The remainder may be used for equipment/supplies.Equipment/Supplies Eligible for Reimbursement: Vehicle fuel (but not general maintenance)Costs of disposing solid waste at a transfer station or landfill“No-Dumping” signsCameras to post at dump sites and expenses of operating themTrailer equipped to clean up roadside dumpsPersonal protective equipment (gloves, reflective vests, sunscreen, bug spray) for officers or inmate litter collection crewsFree dump day

Ineligibility

DEQ does not reimburse for buildings, vehicles, drones, laptops, or certain types of law enforcement equipment.