The Haverhill, Mass.,-based Merrimack Valley Planning Commission was recently awarded a $10,000 grant to host workshops designed to build awareness and educate city officials, community leaders, local emergency planning committee and businesses about toxic chemicals stored, used and transported through the region.
The state announced a total of $68,234 in grants for Massachusetts regional planning agencies, including the MVPC to incorporate chemical safety into their climate change resiliency planning.
"This grant will provide first responders and manufacturers in our region with essential training to mitigate toxic pollution and be prepared to address chemical accidents in our communities," said state Rep. Brian Dempsey. "It is important that we have educated and well-trained local partners prepared to protect our communities from unforeseen disasters."
Money for the workshops comes from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to help first responders, businesses and communities prevent climate change weather-related industrial accidents through emergency preparedness.
The first event will consist of a workshop to educate community leaders on the use, storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals in their communities and the relevant regulatory requirements.
The second event will introduce the assessment of vulnerabilities to climate change and the prevention of industrial accidents triggered by climate change by incorporating these issues in community and local emergency planning and at targeted facilities that use toxic chemicals.
State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell said the Merrimack Valley is home to dynamic and vibrant tourist and manufacturing sectors.
"This grant is important for ensuring this growth by minimizing toxic and devastating chemical pollution,” Campbell said.
State Rep. Diana DiZoglio said the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission has, for more than 50 years, done valuable work to plan, develop and promote sustainable development in the region.
"I am greatly pleased about the awarding of this grant, which will support the MVPC’s efforts to raise awareness around the use, storage and transportation of toxic chemicals in our communities,” DiZoglio said.
Sate Sen. Kathleen O'Connor Ives said Massachusetts is taking practical and responsible steps in anticipation of increased storm events, flooding and other variables related to climate change.
"I'm glad the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission was one of the state's regional planning agencies selected to receive this grant funding to assist our communities in toxic chemical safety practices," O'Connor Ives said. "Reducing the use of toxic chemicals and ensuring their safe transport and storage needs to be a critical priority and this grant advances that goal.''
The Haverhill-based MVPC is a more than 50-year old organization that helps manage growth in 15 communities in the Merrimack Valley "in the planning areas of transportation, the environment, land use, economic development, and GIS mapping," according to its website.
These communities, home to 330,000 residents, include Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.
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