For Release: October 15, 1999

Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will sponsor a two-day environmental training seminar for students of the West Bay Career and Technical Center of Coventry on Monday, October 18 and Tuesday, October 19.

Staff from DEM's Office of Criminal Investigation and Office of Technical and Customer Assistance, and from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Providence office, will discuss environmental crimes and penalties, pollution prevention, and safety issues with 30 students enrolled in the school's environmental services and automotive tech/autobody programs. Students from the environmental services unit will also learn about environmental career opportunities within DEM, the FBI, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

DEM Director Jan Reitsma called the training seminars an important part of the department's outreach efforts, particularly because many of these students are preparing for careers that call for finding ways to reduce or eliminate pollution. "We need to provide the students with the tools they will need to improve environmental health, show them the consequences of polluting, and make them aware of career opportunities that can make a difference," Reitsma said.

The West Bay Career and Technical Center is a regional school serving junior and senior high school students from Coventry, Exeter, North Kingstown, and West Greenwich. It is located at 9 Foster Drive, in Coventry. Monday's session will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the school; the Tuesday seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street, in Providence.