AUGUSTA ? The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is seeking applications for the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.

The awards are presented annually to businesses, organizations and individuals whose outstanding efforts exemplify Maine’s goal of preventing pollution at the source, and to recognize outstanding environmental protection efforts in the following categories: pollution prevention, stewardship, smart production, government, individuals, education and ISO certification.

In order to be eligible for the award, projects must be completed or in progress with results achieved. Applicants must agree to have their projects shared with others through a written case study, and must be in compliance with all federal and state environmental requirements.

Applications must be received by the DEP by June 30. The awards will be presented by Gov. Angus King on Sept. 21 as part of the National Pollution Prevention Week activities.

Additional information on the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence can be obtained at the “what’s new” section of the DEP Internet home page at www.state.me.us/dep or by contacting Chris Rushton at 287-7100 or via e-mail at christopher.a.rushton@state.me.us.