Minn. tribe, Wis. group among EPA grant recipients

January 8, 2012 (MILWAUKEE) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced $25,000 grants to each of four recipients in the Great Lakes region, including a Minnesota tribe and a Wisconsin nonprofit organization.

The EPA says the grants will help conduct research and develop solutions for communities dealing with pollution problems.

One grant is for the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe Indians in Beltrami, Minn. The money will help the tribe improve wells and septic systems on their reservation. The EPA says failing septic tanks can lead to contamination of ground and well water.

A second grant is going to the Social Development Commission in Milwaukee. The agency works to reduce incidents of lead exposure by helping low-income families assess their homes and eliminate lead dangers.

The other recipients are nonprofits in Indianapolis and Cleveland.