Supplemental Environmental Project Program

The Northern Nevada Public Health Air Quality Management Division's (AQMD) Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Program uses funds from air quality regulation violations handed down by the District Board of Health (DBOH) to support community projects. These projects can improve public health, reduce air pollution, increase compliance, save energy, and bring public awareness to air pollution issues.

Who can apply?

Any authorized representative of a community-based organization, nonprofit organization, public agency, academic institution, or tribal organization may submit a project application. Multiple applications from the same applicant for different projects are acceptable.

Eligible project types:

Projects must accomplish at least one of the following:

• • Reduce emissions targeting:
    • oxides of nitrogen (NOx),
    • volatile organic compounds (VOC), and
    • particulate matter (PM)
  • Support alternative and active transportation
  • Reduce urban heat island (UHI) effects
  • Increase efficiency of buildings
  • Reduce wildland fire fuels through non-fire fuel treatments
  • Provide public health protection from air pollution
  • Expand air quality education, outreach, or compliance training programs
  • Research a local air quality issue

All projects must:

• • Be located in Washoe County.
  • Cost up to $100,000 (partially or fully funded).
    • Projects will be ranked within the following cost ranges:
      • $10,000 and under
      • $10,001 - $25,000
      • $25,001 - $50,000
      • $50,001 - $75,000
      • $75,001 - $100,000

Application Information

Please gather and be prepared to provide the following information: 

• • Tell us about your organization. Include who you are, what you do, and who will be the point of contact.
  • Tell us about your project. Provide a summary for a project that fits into one of the eligible project types. Include why the project is important and how it will be done.
  • How does your project benefit air quality? Be sure to include the air quality issue(s) that will be addressed and any expected air quality benefit(s) or reduced community exposure to air pollution. For emission reduction projects, provide an estimate of emission reductions of either NOx, VOC, or PM.
  • What is your project budget? Provide an accurate estimation of all costs associated with the project expected by the applicant and any project partners.
  • Where is your project located? Provide the project’s location, including street name and number or other locators such as latitude and longitude or parcel number. If located in multiple locations within Washoe County, list all applicable locators.
  • Let us know when you are planning for your project to happen. Provide your project timeline (expected project start date and projected completion dates).

APPLY HERE

Application Review

After submitting your application, there are three possible outcomes: 

• • Your project meets the qualifying criteria and is approved: AQMD will notify you by email that your project is eligible and place it on our Current Eligible SEP List within 30 calendar days after receipt of the application. Projects will remain on this list for up to three years.
  • Your project tentatively meets the qualifying criteria: AQMD needs more information before it can fully approve your project and will reach out for additional information before listing.
  • Your proposal does not meet the qualifying criteria: AQMD will notify you, by email, why the project was not eligible for listing.

Awards & Next Steps

AQMD will contact you if your project is recommended to the District Board of Health for funding. If your project is approved by the DBOH, your project will be included in a settlement agreement between the Violator and AQMD. Completing your project is now one of the conditions to resolve the violation. Updates on the progress of the project must be provided to AQMD quarterly until the project is complete. A final report must be submitted within 30 days upon completion of the project to close out the violation.

Additional Resources

Current Eligible SEP List
SEP Examples
SEP Scoring Worksheet
SEP Program Policy
SEP FAQs