The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications through October 1, 2013 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants. In a news release, DENR officials said there will be approximately $2 million available for South Dakota projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) grants require a 40 percent local match. Governmental agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, federally recognized American Indian tribes, and state government subdivisions such as conservation districts, water development districts, counties, and municipalities are eligible to apply for the grant funding.
Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act provides grants to reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources, such as polluted runoff from urban, agricultural, and forest lands. Nonpoint source pollution originates from many sources, including heavily fertilized lawns, urban runoff that carries street and pet wastes, agricultural fields, small livestock operations, and natural sources such as highly erosive soils. The DENR says the primary nonpoint source pollutants in South Dakota are sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and fecal coliform bacteria.
South Dakota entities that are interested in applying for Section 319 grant funds can contact the DENR at 605-773-4254 or obtain application information by clicking here.