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Environmental Assistance Focus

Earth Day 2008 link

Contact Environmental Assistance

Lori Munkeboe, Director
8th Floor L&C Annex
401 Church St. 37243-1533
For programs on this page call:
1-800 734-3619 or (615) 532-0445
For all other environmental questions, call:
1-888-891-TDEC (8332)
E-mail your questions/comments to the Office of Environmental Assistance

TDEC’s Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) program provides information and non-regulatory support to businesses, schools, local governments, industries, organizations and individuals in order to prevent and reduce environmental impacts. The OEA and its staff utilize a range of outreach techniques and partnerships to enhance knowledge and environmental awareness for individuals and organizations. Several annual environmental events are also coordinated through the Office of Environmental Assistance and its various programs.

The OEA is comprised of several major programs: Education and Outreach (EO), Environmental Justice (EJP), the Fleming Training Center (FTC), Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards, the Radon Program (Radon), and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP).

The Education and Outreach Program is available to people from all walks of life. The EOP provides technical information, networking and recognition to schools, businesses, industries, government agencies, organizations and households. By hosting and supporting environmental conferences and forums, EOP encourages community participation and promotes pollution prevention and environmental awareness throughout Tennessee.

The Environmental Justice Program (EJP) emphasizes quality of life and environmental protection improvements in all communities. The EJP seeks to ensure the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the environmental decision-making process. In addition, the EJP also places strong emphasis on rights and responsibilities afforded by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Fleming Training Center serves four primary functions in the areas of water and wastewater treatment: (1) conducting training classes in all areas of treatment plant operation; (2) administering operator certification program; (3) providing technical assistance to operators and plants across the state; and (4) conducting training/certification activities for competency in testing backflow prevention devices.

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards honor individuals, groups and organizations that help create the cleaner, healthier Tennessee we all want to see. The program has been in place for more than 20 years. Each year, the recipients demonstrate a model of environmental stewardship that makes Governor Phil Bredesen excited about our desired future, and all past and future winners reflect the positive vision both the Governor and TDEC have for Tennessee. 

The Radon Program conducts activities that lead to the reduction of levels of radon in buildings such that radon levels in buildings are as free of radon as the ambient air outside of buildings.

The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) provides confidential technical, administrative, and regulatory support on environmental matters for small businesses. The SBEAP staff does not have regulatory enforcement authority and serves as a liaison between environmental regulatory agencies and small businesses.

The Waste Reduction/Special Projects section seeks waste reduction and recycling opportunities for State government as well as promoting best management practices for Universal Wastes across Tennessee. State facility programs include an award winning paper recycling program (State Employee Recycling Program), a recently expanded beverage container recycling program, and green meeting activities at State Parks.

The OEA staff includes the Environmental Coordinators (ECs), who are located in four environmental field offices across Tennessee: Jackson, Nashville, Johnson City, and Knoxville. Environmental Coordinators provide permit coordination, conduct environmental forums, and serve as points of contact for environmental questions and outreach.