ggopher posted on July 01, 2009 12:51
The MPCA provides financial and technical assistance to local government and other water resource managers to address nonpoint-source water pollution through the State Clean Water Partnership (CWP) and Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 (Section 319) programs.
During 2009, Section 319 funds will be used for Developmental, Education and Research (DER) projects and total maximum daily load (TMDL) implementation projects. The CWP funds will be used for diagnostic study or implementation projects that protect water bodies currently meeting Minnesota’s water quality standards.
The CWP and Section 319 programs address nonpoint sources of pollution. Nonpoint pollution comes from many individual sources, such as storm sewers, construction sites, animal feedlots, paved surfaces, failing septic systems and over-fertilized lawns. When taken together, these sources contribute huge quantities of phosphorus, bacteria, sediments, nitrates and other pollutants to the environment. They also represent the largest combined threat (an estimated 86 percent) of the state's water pollution.
The MPCA uses the CWP and Section 319 programs to support the leadership efforts of local units of government and citizens to address nonpoint sources of pollution. The programs provide financial and technical assistance to study water bodies with pollution problems, develop action plans to address the problems, and plan implementation to fix the problems.
CWP and Section 319 projects require a large commitment of time and effort on the part of local participants. Participants may include local units of government, tribes, nonprofit organizations, universities and colleges, as well as citizens concerned about local water quality. Both programs require applicants to match grant money with local cash or in-kind services.
The application deadline is July 15, 2009.
Go directly to guidelines and application