Republic Services is about to kick-off the process for developing Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs), and we are eager to work with Detroit South community members on identifying and recommending projects that will benefit the local environment and public health.
What is an SEP?
SEPs are innovative programs administered by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The program is sometimes used by EGLE as part of a settlement agreement between the State of Michigan and a facility. Its purpose is to create an environmentally beneficial project that is not required by state or federal law and goes beyond what is required for a facility to return to compliance with applicable laws.
EGLE requires that an SEP must meet one or more of the following
categories:
- • Pollution prevention & reduction
- • Environmental restoration & protection
- • Public health
- • Environmental assessments & awareness
- • Climate change mitigation & preparedness
- • Emergency planning & preparedness
How will it work in my community?
This SEP is a result of the recent settlement agreement between Detroit South and EGLE, and it is specifically intended to benefit the Detroit South community.
In addition, this SEP is the first time that EGLE has not pre-determined a specific environmental project as part of a settlement agreement, thus creating unprecedented opportunity for Detroit South and the community to work together and turn community ideas into real projects with lasting impacts.
Republic Services will be responsible for collaborating with the community to identify, develop and submit eligible SEP proposals to EGLE for consideration. There is no limit on the number of projects that EGLE will consider, as long as the proposals meet EGLE’s required criteria. EGLE will be the sole approver of SEP proposals.
All approved projects will be funded by Republic Services, which has put more than $927,000 into an escrow account to support this specific program.
How and when can I submit my ideas?
Republic Services will be accepting community project ideas from September 27 through November 22. Republic Services will then prepare the SEP idea submissions for EGLE review and depending upon need, may open up a second window for project ideas in early 2025. Republic Services team members will be available to support community members with developing and submitting their ideas, as needed.
Submit your ideas in the submission form on this page. Projects may also be accepted via email at DetroitES@RepublicServices.com.
Community members without internet access are invited to contact the Republic team at (313) 309-9530 for assistance in submitting their ideas.
SEP Idea Submission Timeline
SEP Idea Submission Form
Thank you for submitting your idea. If we have any questions about your submission, please expect someone from our team to contact you based on the information provided.
