On Nov. 8, 2012 EPA released draft Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territoriesfor review and comment by states, territories and interested stakeholders. When final, these guidelines will replace guidelines that have been in effect since FY 2004. These revised guidelines provide states and territories with a framework to use section 319 Clean Water Act grant funds to effectively implement their state nonpoint source management programs. The revised draft guidelines were developed over the past year with an extensive state/EPA work group process.
These revised guidelines provide updated program direction, an increased emphasis on watershed project implementation in watersheds with impaired waters, and increased accountability measures. These guidelines also emphasize the importance of states updating their nonpoint source management programs to ensure that section 319 funds are targeted to the highest priority activities.
The draft guidelines are posted at www.epa.gov/nps/319. EPA is requesting comments from states and territories, and any other interested stakeholders, by Dec. 7, 2012. Comments should be sent to 319grants@epa.gov.
DES will be updating the state Nonpoint Source Management Plan over the coming year. We’ll post more about that in future blog entries.