Microsoft Corp. says it is collaborating with the European Environmental Agency to make information about local air and water pollution levels freely available to consumers through Microsoft Web portals.

EEA spokeswoman Gulcin Karadeniz says no money is changing hands in the 5-year deal. The arrangement is not exclusive.

She said Thursday the project will begin using government data that is now dispersed and difficult to access. It will expand gradually to include feedback and data from environmental groups and individuals.

Frank McCosker, a Microsoft manager, said a 12-person team has been working on the project since February and hopes to launch a first product in June.