This agreement provides support to the state of nebraska to implement its nonpoint source management program, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff from…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 awarded the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) $4,063,333 through the Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants program (CFDA 66.460) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. This formula grant supports Nebraska's implementation of its EPA-approved Section 319 nonpoint source management program, which addresses water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and other diffuse pollution. The award funds 15 projects that implement approved 9-element watershed plans and support a comprehensive range of water quality improvement activities, including design and installation of structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), watershed planning and monitoring, technology demonstrations, and education and outreach initiatives.

The grant supports the development and maintenance of strong working partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies through participation in the USDA State Technical Committee, interagency coordination, and support for local citizen advisory groups. Key deliverables include the implementation of nonpoint source pollution management projects, consistency reviews of federally funded programs, and communication strategies to restore and protect Nebraska's water resources. The program emphasizes measurable pollutant load reduction and restoration of impaired waterbodies through collaborative, watershed-based approaches that engage local partners and stakeholders in achieving improved water quality outcomes across the state.

This agreement provides support to the state of nebraska to implement its nonpoint source management program, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff from nonpoint sources. Nonpoint source implementation projects include a variety of structural and non-structural best management practices (bmps), watershed planning, monitoring, technology demonstrations, and a variety of education/outreach programs. Activities:the proposed work in this agreement includes: 15 projects that will support the implementation of approved 9 element watershed plans addressing water quality issues. Objective 2. Strong working partnerships and collaboration among appropriate local, state and federal agencies and organizations will be established and maintained regarding management of nonpoint source pollution. Task 1. Participate in the USDA state technical committee and other inter-organizational advisory committees and work groups to communicate issues regarding management of nonpoint source pollution. Task 2. Develop and support local citizen advisory groups to assist in planning and implementing local nonpoint source pollution management projects and activities. Task 3. Utilize interagency liaisons to facilitate coordination and integration of program activities. Task 4. Conduct consistency reviews of select federally funded programs and activities in accordance with established procedures. Goal 1. The primary goal of the nebraska nonpoint source management program is to reduce nonpoint source water pollution and improve water quality in the state. The nebraska nonpoint source management program will be a comprehensive and collaborative program that efficiently and effectively implements actions to restore and protect water resources from impairment by nonpoint source pollution. Objective 3: comprehensive and systematic strategies will be employed to restore and protect water resources from nonpoint source pollution and to communicate nonpoint source pollution information. Task 1. Develop basin, watershed and groundwater area management plans that meet EPA guidelines for a nine-element or alternative management plan and utilize multiple complementary conservation programs. Task 2. Implement projects at statewide, basin, watershed, groundwater area and local scales that restore and protect water resources, reduce loading of pollutants, and lead to delisting of impaired waters or protection of high quality waters. Task 3. Update at least two existing 9-element watershed management plans or alternative plans over the next five years (2025-2030). Task 4. Develop at least two 9-element (or alternative) drinking water protection management plans over the next five years (2025-2030). Goal 1. The primary goal of the nebraska nonpoint source management program is to reduce nonpoint source water pollution and improve water quality in the state. The nebraska nonpoint source management program will be a comprehensive and collaborative program that efficiently and effectively implements actions to restore and protect water resources from impairment by nonpoint source pollution. Objective 4. The status, effectiveness and accomplishments of programs, projects and activities directed toward management of nonpoint source pollution will be continually assessed and periodically reported to appropriate audiences. Task 1. Conduct progress and financial reviews of clean water act section 319 projects. Task 2. Track and assess implemented projects and activities to assure that restoration and protection of water resources and distribution of nonpoint source information are adequately addressed in a timely manner. Task 3. Summarize program and project accomplishments and recommendations for further actions in annual, periodic and final reports and in project success stories. Task 4. Submit 2 success stories to the EPA over the next five years (2021-2