The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced deadlines for applying for Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.
Nonpoint source water pollution is often associated with specific land uses such as agriculture, forestry, urban and suburban development, and runoff from abandoned mine sites. Common pollutants include sediment, nutrients, pathogens, and toxic metals.
Eligible applicants include governmental agencies; State government subdivisions, such as conservation districts, water development districts, counties and municipalities; universities; certain nonprofit organizations; and Federally recognized Indian Tribes. Other groups may participate by applying through one of the eligible entities as a project partner. Local funds must comprise at least 40% of the total project cost to be eligible for the grant funding.
South Dakota DENR will accept applications through October 1, 2020. DENR historically has used the Section 319 funds primarily to develop and implement projects designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution to meet Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). South Dakota water bodies in need of TMDLs are listed in the “2020 Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment.” Entities interested in applying for Section 319 grant funds in South Dakota are encouraged to contact the DENR at 605-773-4254 or obtain application guidance.
The Montana DEQ is seeking applications for approximately $1 million in projects. The DEQ’s recommended range for contracts is $10,000 to $300,000 per project. The DEQ’s deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020.
The DEQ application form and instructions are available at http://deq.mt.gov/Water/SurfaceWater/NonpointSources. All projects must address nonpoint source pollution and implement DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plans, which are locally developed plans for improving water quality.