$1M Available for Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Prevention Projects

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has approximately one million dollars in federal funding available to provide grant assistance for projects that prevent or control nonpoint source water pollution, the leading cause of water quality impairment in Nevada.

Nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution occurs when rain, snowmelt and irrigation water flows over developed or disturbed land, carrying with it contaminants including oil, sediment, pesticides, bacteria and nutrients. This contaminated water makes its way into Nevada’s waterways either directly or through storm drains.

All proposals must follow the guidelines for application outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP), which is available for download at http://ndep.nv.gov/bwqp/npsgwp.htm. State, local and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions are eligible to apply. A non-federal match (cash and/or in-kind) of at least 50 percent of the total project cost is required.

“Nonpoint source pollution remains the biggest threat to Nevada’s waterways,” said Birgit Widegren, supervisor of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source Program. “Implementing water quality protection projects throughout Nevada helps to reduce that threat.”

Examples of projects eligible for funding include:

• Water quality improvement projects;
• Implementation of Best Management Practices to protect water quality;
• Public education programs aimed at reducing NPS pollution;
• Implementation of Low Impact Development practices, and,
• Identified projects from an approved watershed implementation plan and/or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plan.

Potential applicants who question the eligibility of their proposal are encouraged to submit a pre-application by August 1, 2014.  Proposals will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. July 18, 2014 and 5:00 p.m. September 5, 2014. Selected proposals will be awarded federal funds available under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, and will be administered by NDEP’s Nonpoint Source Program.

Contact Birgit Widegren at 775-687-9550 or via email at bwidegren@ndep.nv.gov for more information