The Better Environment Plan (BEP)

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Develop and implement a shared incident and dust monitoring response system as part of our air quality initiatives. 

Year 1:

Developed a dust sensor plan to guide future monitoring and reporting, which aligns with the goals of the Brooklyn Recycling Group to promote a circular economy.

Year 2:

Install and activate the dust sensor network. Use data to guide dust mitigation actions and enhance air quality. Share regular updates with the community through the Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

Vegetation – Greening Brooklyn and improving air quality initiatives

Develop and implement a vegetation planting and landscaping project to act as a windbreak and, where possible, capture airborne dust while supporting the goals of the Brooklyn Recycling Group and fostering a circular economy.

Year 1:

Developed a vegetation plan using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to identify the best planting locations and density.

Formed a Goat Removal Working Group to report and manage local goat activity affecting revegetation efforts.

Year 2:

Continue goat management and removals.

Expand native plantings — targeting around 5,000 new plants in 2026.

Share planting updates and photos with the community.

In consultation with Local and State Governments, establish a reporting system to expedite cleaning and repair of roads as part of our air quality initiatives. 

Year 1:

Coordinated regular street sweeping to reduce mud tracking and improve amenity, contributing to our circular economy goals. 

Year 2:

Encourage more local businesses, including the Brooklyn Recycling Group, to collaborate in street cleaning.

Advocate for road and drainage improvements with local and state government.

Review and update staff training as part of our air quality initiatives to address dust health impacts and control measures. 

Year 1:

Delivered training for all staff on dust health impacts and mitigation techniques, aligning with the Brooklyn Recycling Group's commitment to the circular economy.

Year 2:

Provide refresher training to maintain awareness and best practices, ensuring ongoing compliance with air quality initiatives.

Appoint a Community Liaison Officer to lead and facilitate the BEP community engagement, focusing on important air quality initiatives. 

Year 1:

Established a CLO role to support communication, engagement, and community participation, particularly with the Brooklyn Recycling Group to enhance awareness of circular economy practices. 

Year 2:

Develop a detailed CLO engagement program with measurable KPIs that track progress on air quality initiatives. Continue attending local meetings, hosting tours, and supporting events.

Develop and implement a Community Engagement Program focused on the circular economy. 

Year 1: 

Promoted recycling and resource recovery through community newsletters, site tours, and local collaborations, while also supporting air quality initiatives within the community. 

Year 2: 

Produce a brochure and video showcasing the work of Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG) members. 

Share regular CLO updates via the BRG website.

Implement a third-party audit program to independently assess BEP Group Actions and individual site practices, aligning with our air quality initiatives and commitment to the circular economy. 

Year 1:

Developed and completed an annual third-party audit program for the Brooklyn Recycling Group. 

Year 2:

Continue independent audits, reviewed and assessed by the EPA.

Explore additional actions as part of an ongoing process of continuous improvement in dust management, focusing on air quality initiatives and General Environmental Duty (GED) compliance. 

Year 1:

Implemented ongoing improvements in line with the General Environmental Duty, contributing to the circular economy through better practices. 

Year 2:

Continue to enhance site practices with Brooklyn Recycling Group, emphasizing dust reduction and improved amenity.