November 3, 2017
Reading, November 2, 2017 − Sen. Judy Schwank is hosting a Home Water Workshop for residents who get their drinking water from a private well, spring or cistern on Thursday, Nov. 16, at Penn State Berks, 1800 Broadcasting Road. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Franco Building, Room 109.
The program, presented by Penn State Extension, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, will cover proper well construction and maintenance. That includes factors to consider when siting a well, tips for selecting a well driller, what to test for, maintenance issues, groundwater protection, and treatment options should a contaminate issue arise.
Participants may bring a sample of their drinking water for basic water testing during the session. The testing is for nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH will be provided during the event. Educators will be available to advise participants if their test results suggest further water analysis by an accredited lab is recommended.
For the sample: Empty a fresh, store-purchased plastic bottled-water container and refill it with water from the tap.
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July 29, 2015
READING, July 29, 2015 – Businesses working to save electricity or protect the environment can now apply for a state grant for pollution prevention and energy conservation projects, Sen. Judy Schwank said today.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Advantage Grants offer first-come, first-served matching grants up to $9,500.
“Berks Countians take pride in our natural resources and businesses looking for financial assistance can fund their projects and help all of us enjoy a better quality of life,” Schwank said as she shared the news of the grant’s availability. “Our office has helped several local business secure grant funding through this program over the past few years.”
The Small Business Advantage Grant is a reimbursement program that provides up to half – but no more than $9,500 – of a project’s cost.
Eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses.
Eligible applicants must have no more than 100 employees; be a for-profit, small-business owner; and be taxed as a for-profit business located within Pennsylvania. The project to which the grant will apply must be located within the applicant’s commonwealth-based facility.
DEP began accepting applications July 27. The agency’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage has more information. Berks County businesses may also call Sen. Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151.
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July 10, 2013
Harrisburg, July 10, 2013 – Sen. Judy Schwank today said businesses in Berks County that want to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly now have the opportunity to apply for a state grant to help pay for those improvements.
The Department of Environmental Protection has opened the application window for its Small Business Advantage Grant Program, which reimburses up to half of the project cost (up to $9,500) for pollution prevention and energy efficiency equipment or processes. The deadline to apply is Sept. 6.
“For a business needing to replace high-energy-consuming equipment with more energy-efficient appliances or take steps to reduce runoff or cut back on environmental discharges, DEP’s Advantage Grant Program is a great program to consider,” said Schwank.
All small businesses with fewer than 100 employees are eligible for the program. Small offices owned by large companies are ineligible. Companies that apply for the grant must have a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vendor registration number.
All projects must lead to at least a $500-plus-25 percent annual economic gain or savings through the energy conservation or pollution prevention project.
“There are some things to navigate in applying for Small Business Advantage Grants,” Schwank said. “My office is ready to help any Berks County small business win a grant and leave a greener footprint.”
Judy’s On Cherry, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Reading, won a Small business Advantage Grant in 2011.
For details, an application package and contact info, click HERE.
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More information on Sen. Schwank is available on her website, Facebook and Twitter.
