Nonpoint Source Management Program
Funding for control of water pollution from nonpoint sources is managed by the Nonpoint Source Management Program. Nonpoint source pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources, including stormwater.
The program administers both the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grants administered through the Environmental Protection Agency (also known as “319 Grants”) and the State Water-quality Assistance Grants (also known as “SWAG”). The goal of these grants is to reduce nonpoint source pollution from land use activities. Total funding amounts available each year in these two grant programs depends on federal and state appropriations, but is approximately $8 million.
Submitting Project Proposals
Complete the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Project Proposal Request on DEP's Protecting Florida Together grants webpage under Water Quality & Supply Grants during the open solicitation period or contact the grant coordinator to get a Word version of the proposal questions outside the solicitation period. Proposals submitted outside of the open solicitation period should be completed and submitted with applicable supporting documents electronically to the grant coordinator.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the grant coordinator.
Eligibility
Financial assistance is available to Florida's local governments, including county and municipal governments, special districts, water management districts, other state agencies, public universities/colleges and national estuary programs located in Florida.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Demonstration and evaluation of best management practices (BMPs).
- Nonpoint pollution reduction in priority watersheds (e.g., areas with water quality restoration plans, etc.).
Example includes treatment of impaired waters. - Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) / low impact development for stormwater.
- Ground water protection from nonpoint sources.
- Public education programs on nonpoint source management ("319 Grant" only).
- Septic to sewer projects ("319 Grant" only).
Examples include laying the lateral for the residence/business to the sewer main, the connection to the sewer, installing a grinder pump/station on residents property and abandonment of the septic system if the septic tank would be a continued source of pollution.
Projects Dashboard
The dashboard below is created to allow users to explore project information associated with the Nonpoint Source Management program.
Program Resources
- EPA Approved 2021 Florida Nonpoint Source Management 5-Year Plan.
- BMP Efficiency Spreadsheet.
- University of Central Florida's BMPTRAINS Model - DEP recommends using this model for consistency.
- EPA's 319 Grant Guidance.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Education
Nonpoint source pollution can affect water quality through runoff from stormwater picking up and carrying natural and human-made pollutants from diffuse agricultural or urban sources and depositing them into lakes, rivers, springs, wetlands, coastal waters and ground water. Funding is eligible for local government and state university projects, with a priority to promote behavior change (rather than informative education) through methods such as community based social marketing. Ongoing education initiatives include the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program and the Green Stormwater Infrastructure website.
- The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program was established in 1993 as a partnership between DEP and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The program provides guidance on low-impact, environmentally friendly landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters through nine science-based principles: 1) Right Plant, Right Place; 2) Water Efficiently; 3) Fertilize Appropriately; 4) Mulch; 5) Attract Wildlife; 6) Manage Yard Pests Responsibly; 7) Recycle; 8) Reduce Storm Water Runoff; and 9) Protect the Waterfront. The program’s overall goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through proper fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide use on residential and commercial landscapes.
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is the use of plants and pervious surfaces to retain and treat stormwater. GSI reduces pollution and treats stormwater by retaining rainfall near its source instead of directing it to a centralized pond or treatment system.
Useful Websites
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) / Low Impact Development.
- EPA's Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Program.
- Protecting Florida Together grants webpage, under Water Quality & Supply Grants.
Contact Us
Please see Nonpoint Source Management Program Contacts webpage for program contact information.
Sign Up
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