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Water quality restoration grants are awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) to fund watershed restoration activities and initiatives around New Jersey that address nonpoint source pollution (NPS). Funding sources include USEPA pass-through grants issued under Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and other federal and State funds that may be available for NPS-related water quality restoration activities. Information about current and previous funding priorities, grant awards, and successful grant projects is provided under the headings below. Generally, grants are focused on restoration of water quality impaired predominantly by NPS pollution for waters located in a priority waterbody or region where the grant will help implement an approved TMDL or Watershed Based Plan (WBP). Approved WBPs contain nine minimum elements required by USEPA under the 319(h) grant program and may serve as an appropriate alternative to TMDL development for NPS-related impairment. Additional information regarding developing a watershed based plan is available from USEPA's Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters. |