CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has approximately $800,000 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 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.
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. All proposals must follow the guidelines for application outlined in the Request for Proposals, which is available for download at http://ndep.nv.gov/bwqp/npsgwp.htm.
“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;
• Identified projects from an approved watershed-based plan and/or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plan.
Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 14. 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. For more information, contact Birgit Widegren at 775-687-9550 or via email at bwidegren@ndep.nv.gov.
