DEQ Asks for Applications for Watershed Planning from Government Entities, Tribes and Nonprofits
Expanded Funding Opportunity Through Federal Funding
HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is asking for applications to fund watershed planning in communities across Montana. The funding comes from the Environmental Protection Agency’s 319 program. DEQ administers the $1 million annual program to distribute funding to organizations working to reduce nonpoint source pollution in Montana. Recent changes to the EPA guidance for these funds provide a new opportunity for groups to use the funding to plan for nonpoint source pollution prevention or improvement projects.
“Traditionally these funds are used to implement nonpoint source projects that reduce pollution identified in a watershed restoration plan,” said Andy Ulven, water quality planning bureau chief for DEQ. “This new opportunity allows the funds to be used to support planning activities for organizations working to reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution in watersheds without watershed restoration plans. The expanded use of the funds can help Montana be more proactive in our approach to maintaining or improving water quality throughout the state.”
Nonpoint source pollution is the single largest cause of water quality impairment in Montana’s lakes and streams, and typically comes from sources spread out over a large area that are not regulated under a discharge permit. Nonpoint source water pollution is often associated with 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. In lakes, streams and wetlands, these pollutants can cause serious harm to aquatic life and can make the water unsafe for human recreation and consumption.
The funding is available to local, state and federal government entities, tribes and nonprofits. Total available funding is $80,000 with a maximum award of $10,000 per recipient. Projects must address nonpoint source pollution in areas that do not have an existing, DEQ-accepted watershed restoration plan. Example projects could include preliminary data collection of a waterbody that has not been assessed for water quality, development of a watershed restoration plan or a tribal nonpoint source management plan.
Applications are due by close of business on July 10, 2023. Draft applications can be submitted for feedback in advance and DEQ staff is available to discuss ideas. For more information on applying, visit: https://deq.mt.gov/water/Programs/nonpoint#accordion1-collapse2
Tags: Watershed restoration, Nonpoint Source Program and 319 Project