Grants Available for Stormwater Tech

Marinas and local governments across the U.S. and Canada can stop litter from entering coastal and inland waterways and reduce marine debris thanks to a new grant program sponsored by Dart Container Corporation and UltraTech International, Inc. Dart will provide up to $100,000 in grants ($4,000 per qualifying organization) for the purchase and installation of UltraTech’s patented Ultra-Drain Guard stormwater management products, which prevent litter, oil, and sediment from entering waterways via storm drains.

Dart, a food & beverage packaging manufacturer, partnered with UltraTech as part of their sustainability commitments after a pilot project with Ultra-Guard catch basin devices successfully collected an estimated 1,250 pounds of litter and other contaminants in Southern California.

“Approximately 80 percent of stormwater drains go directly into a body of water without treatment,” explained Michael Westerfield, Dart’s director of Recycling. “We were impressed with the success of UltraTech’s Drain Guards in stopping litter from entering waterways that we joined forces to help communities that might not have the resources to purchase and install the devices.”

As a manufacturer that accepts responsibility for the environmental impacts of its products, Dart has a decades-long record of innovating and investing in sustainability practices to reduce landfill waste, marine debris, and litter.

“As part of our comprehensive sustainability commitments that focus on innovation, investment and inspiration, Dart is tackling the marine debris issue through prevention, education and mitigation strategies,” stated Westerfield.

Marinas and local municipalities that want to learn more about the program or submit applications for grants of up to $4,000 per organization should visit UltraTech at www.keepmarinasclean.com or call (904) 292-1611.