The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is sponsoring the Environmental Pollution Prevention Project (EP3) to establish sustainable programs in developing countries, transfer urban and industrial pollution prevention expertise and information, and support efforts to improve environmental quality. These objectives are achieved through technical assistance to industry and urban institutions, development and delivery of training and outreach programs, and operation of an information clearinghouse.

EP3 pollution prevention diagnostic assessments consist of three phases: pre-assessment, assessment, and post-assessment. During pre-assessment, EP3 in-country representatives determine a facility's suitability for a pollution prevention assessment, sign memoranda of agreement with each facility selected, and collect preliminary data. During assessment, a team comprised of US and in-country experts in both pollution prevention and the facility's industrial processes gathers more detailed information on the sources of pollution, reducing this pollution. Finally, the team prepares a report for the facility's management detailing its findings and recommendations (including cost savings, implementation costs, and payback times). During post-assessment, the EP3 in-country representative works with the facility to implement the actions recommended in the report