NDEP news release
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has more than $1 million 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.
“Pollution from nonpoint sources is a serious threat to Nevada’s water resources,” said Birgit Widegren, supervisor of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source Program. “We seek to reduce this threat by funding water quality protection projects throughout the state.”
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.
Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on October 14, 2009. 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.
All proposals must follow the guidelines for application outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP), which is available for download http://ndep.nv.gov/bwqp/index.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.
Contact Birgit Widegren at 775-687-9550 or Jason Kuchnicki at 775-687-9450 for more information.
