Drury uses DNR grant to create sustainability center

The center was started July 21 and provides pollution-prevention assistance and environmental and sustainable awareness to Ozarks businesses, organizations, local governments and the public, according to a news release.

Services through the center include participation in the Ozarks Clean Air Alliance and Blue Skyways Program, development of the Clean Air Action Plan for the alliance, implementing emission-reduction initiatives through the alliance, on-site pollution-prevention assessments, pollution-prevention project implementation, assistance in using environmental management systems, and pollution-prevention internship programs, the release said.

Douglas Neidigh serves as center director. Drury is housing and managing the program as an extension of its environmental science and environmental health programs. A pollution-prevention class has been developed, as well, and is available for the fall semester.

Drury is working on the program with several regional organizations, including Ozarks Clean Air Alliance, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Partnership for Sustainability in Springfield, the Missouri DNR and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, the release said.