Success Stories for Conservation Districts Using 319 Nonpoint Source Program Funding. Cyd Curtis Erika Larsen

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1 Success Stories for Conservation Districts Using 319 Nonpoint Source Program Funding Cyd Curtis Erika Larsen

2 What is a Nonpoint Source? Point Sources are defined by the CWA as conveyances that discharge: pipe, ditch, channel, conduit, well, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), etc. (NPDES) Nonpoint Sources NPS ( 319) Not specifically defined under the CWA anything that is not regulated as a point source Includes: agriculture stormwater discharge and irrigation return flows 2

3 NPS pollution Dominates Impaired Waters 215 Million People live within 2 miles of an impaired water

4 Top Sources of Impairment in Assessed Rivers and Streams *NPS shaded in blue Source: Draft CWA 305(b) National Water Quality Inventory 4

5 319 of the Clean Water Act 319(b) State Management Programs (NPS management Programs) 319(h) Grant Program In addition to CWA, states follow grant guidelines in spending 319 funds. grant current guidance

6 Total 319 Federal Funding by FY (Millions) Total

7 Allocation of funds Distributed to states annually based on formula In FY17 it was $167.9M distributed to states (Tribes $8M); ~ $1M to ~ $8.3M per state 40% non federal match required Guidelines Use of funds requires 50/50 split: NPS program work Watershed project funds support on the ground projects

8 Section 319 Funds, cont d Most states run RFP or other competitive processes and award subgrants for watershed projects Check your state s NPS website 8

9 319 is a National Program, influences State Programs, and Powers Local Watershed Projects 9

10 Points of Engagement in the Nonpoint Source Process Update of nonpoint source management plans Watershed plans and project selection Sharing results and success 10

11 The Watershed Approach. 319 watershed projects must be guided by watershed based plans Watershed plans provide the technical basis for project success related to: Pollutant loads, largest sources, critical areas to be treated, and management practices that will have greatest impact on water quality And they provide the roadmap for engagement of affected stakeholders and landowners throughout the project. Without local capacity and landowner engagement, projects don t happen

12 Critical & Priority Areas NPS loads vary widely Critical Areas (Red) Need treatment to improve existing poor water quality Priority Areas (Green) Need protection to protect relatively good water quality Based upon: historic water quality data current water quality data confirmed sources projected future development causes of impairment Watershed plan example Salt Creek, IN 12

13 Section 319 Projects by Type

14 A Snap Shot of 319 of Funded Agricultural Projects Frequent BMPs: Avoid Conservation Easement Cover Crop Nutrient Management Control Fencing Cover Crop Residue Management Pollutants: Trap Cover Crop Riparian Buffer Grassed Waterway Top 3: Nutrient related Sediments Pathogens Others: Pesticide, Temperature, Selenium 14

15 USDA and 319 Agricultural Projects Are complementary with 319 and best deliver water quality results when leveraged: the two programs share goals, rely on local partners and voluntary landowner action 319 funds expand and complement USDA funds: provides planning framework and flexibility to support all aspects of watershed implementation, while USDA mainly funds costshare for on the ground practices and some technical assistance The 319 program has documented >700 waterways restored through NPS projects USDA programs and conservation districts played important roles in about half these successes Growing the partnership with USDA is a top priority for EPA Conservations districts plan an important role 15

16 Nonpoint Source Program Delivers Results 1 6

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18 Elements of success With the right resources and partners It takes a village to clean up a waterway Local partners are key, including Soil & Water Conservation Districts 18

19 Conservation Districts: Vital Partners in Improving Water Quality Of 700+ waterways improved through NPS projects, conservation districts played a role in nearly half (46%) Roles in 319 projects include: Watershed project coordinator (direct or in kind) 319 subgrant sponsor/manager Technical assistance and outreach to landowners Liaison between water quality agency and local CDs Participate in state or local project advisory committees 19

20 The 319 Program: Some Take Home Messages Conservation districts are vital and valued partners for the 319 program Know your state s NPS Management Program priorities and milestones Know your state s RFP processes and timing where applicable You may see changes in state subgrant RFPs We will continue to emphasize focusing 319 funds to maximize water quality outcomes Conservation districts, with their knowledge of local watershed and farm practices, can greatly assist To contact State or EPA Regional NPS staff contacts nps programs 20

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