Assessing Perchlorate Occurrence in Ambient Waters Following the Usage of Fireworks

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering funding for the research project titled 'Assessing Perchlorate Occurrence in Ambient Waters Following the Usage of Fireworks'. The project aims to provide states and utilities with a better scientific understanding of the behavior of perchlorate after fireworks events to ultimately provide them with information and a construct as to whether management options are needed.

Grant Details
Perchlorate (ClO4-) is an inorganic anion that is a common constituent of rocket propellants, explosives, fireworks, and flares. The research will evaluate perchlorate levels in ambient waters before and after fireworks events, including the spatial and temporal patterns of perchlorate levels, variables that control perchlorate attenuation, characteristics of water bodies leading to attenuation of perchlorate levels, relative contributions from large display fireworks events vs. consumer-grade fireworks usage, amount of perchlorate leaching to groundwater, impact of environmental systems and topography, impact of season, climate, precipitation levels and waterbody type on perchlorate levels.
Additionally, the project will involve the development of a model to estimate perchlorate concentrations in drinking water sources.

Eligibility Requirements
Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs), hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Minority serving institutions (MSIs) are strongly encouraged to apply under this opportunity.

Period of Performance
The total project period requested in an application submitted for this funding opportunity may not exceed 3 years.

Grant Value
It is anticipated that a total of approximately $2.5 million will be awarded under this announcement for 1 award. The total value of the grant will depend on the availability of funds and quality of applications received.

Place of Performance
The research areas covered by this grant opportunity include multiple environments found throughout the United States.