The Metro East Community Air Quality Project came about as a result of a settlement between Holcim Inc., a cement manufacturer located in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and the American Bottoms Conservancy, the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, the Webster Grove Nature Study Society and the Ozark Chapter of the Sierra Club.  The settlement agreement stipulated that a portion of the funds be used for an educational, monitoring and community engagement air quality project in the Metro East St Louis Area.  With the concurrence of the environmental groups, Holcim Inc. entered into an agreement with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to conduct a three-year project named the Metro East Community Air Project (MECAP). Although the environmental organizations can serve in an advisory role, the University works independently and is solely responsible for the development and implementation of the project.  The University hires staff, establishes goals and objectives and strives to serve the local community as it determines is appropriate.  The long term goal is that upon the completion of the three year period the University will pass responsibility and remaining resources to a third party.  That third party will continue the project as it determines to be the most effective and in the best interests of the Metro East Community.

Metro East Community Air Project
618-514-7854
1 Regency Plaza
Collinsville, IL 62234