DEQ Opens Grant Applications for Water Quality Projects
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking applications for approximately $1 million in funding for nonpoint source pollution reduction projects. The deadline for eligible applicants to submit draft applications is March 7, 2025.
Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and government entities for on-the-ground projects and capacity building or education/outreach projects. On-the-ground projects must address nonpoint source pollution and implement activities or practices identified in a locally developed watershed restoration plan or Tribal nonpoint source plan. Capacity building and education/outreach projects should help increase organizational capacity, assist with watershed planning, or address nonpoint source pollution through education and outreach efforts.
Nonpoint source pollution is the largest cause of water quality impairment in Montana’s lakes and streams, and typically comes from diffuse sources that are not regulated under a discharge permit. Nonpoint source 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 harm to aquatic life and can make the water unsafe for human recreation and consumption.
DEQ monitors water quality in Montana's lakes and streams and identifies waters that are impaired. Nonpoint source grant funding is one way that DEQ helps improve impaired waters across Montana. Projects that have received grants in the past include efforts to remove mine waste from streambanks, restore wetlands and native vegetation along streambanks, and collaborate with farmers and ranchers to implement best management practices to improve stream health.
Projects will be funded in the range of $10,000 to $300,000 per project and 40% of the total project costs must be matched with non-federal funds. Each year, DEQ focuses a portion of available funding on specific watersheds. This targeted approach maximizes the cumulative impacts of water quality restoration projects within a watershed. Up to $500,000 of the total available funding may be allocated to projects located in the Lower Gallatin (DEQ’s focus watershed) or Shields River watersheds (Natural Resources Conservation Service’s focus watershed).
DEQ staff will be available to answer questions until Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Draft applications must be received via email by 5 p.m. on March 7, 2025.
During the final solicitation beginning on March 14, all applicants must register with the state’s online eMACS system to post questions, review responses and submit final applications. Potential applicants should register in advance by following DEQ’s step-by-step registration instructions for nonpoint source and wetland program partners.
For more information about eligibility, to download application forms and instructions and to view past applications, review the Nonpoint Source Project Funding information on DEQ’s website at: https://deq.mt.gov/Water/Programs/nonpoint
Tags: Water and Press Release