Michigan DEQ Awards $350K In Grant Money For Scrap Tire Cleanup Projects

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is awarding more than $350,000 in grants for scrap tire cleanup projects.

Seven scrap tire sites will be completely cleaned. Grants also will support 27 community cleanup days to reduce potential health and environmental hazards associated with the tires, including fire and mosquitoes.

Runoff from scrap tire fires can contaminate groundwater and surface water. The sites are a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying disease such as West Nile virus.

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