The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will accept applications through Oct. 1, 2016 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.
DENR officials anticipate approximately $2 million will be available for projects in South Dakota. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) grants require 40 percent local match. 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 Native American Tribes.
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. 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 “2014 Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment.”
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 primary nonpoint source pollutants in South Dakota are sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, and fecal coliform bacteria.
Entities interested in applying for Section 319 grant funds are encouraged to contact the SD DENR at 605-773-4254 or you can obtain application guidance by clicking here.