EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) announced it will accept nominations until June 30 for a first-ever set of environmental achievement awards. The agency is encouraging people to nominate individuals and groups making significant contributions to help public health and the environment in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia.

The agency said its Mid-Atlantic Environmental Achievement Awards will be presented in three categories:

• Non-profit or volunteer organization
• Business and industry
• State, local or federal government agency

Selections will be based on the following criteria:

• Significant sustained, measurable and replicable environmental results for a clearly defined environmental issue. These environmental results should relate to reducing pollution and/or protecting public health and the environment.
• Innovative ideas, approaches, techniques and/or technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership and outreach to others.

An EPA panel will review the nominations and select the winners, the agency said. The agency will hold an awards ceremony at its regional office in Philadelphia on September 18.