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

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 awarded the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy a $4.1 million Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant under the CFDA 66.460 program. The five-year formula grant will support implementation of 12 watershed restoration and protection projects focused on improving water quality impaired by nonpoint source pollution. Sub-awards were provided to 11 organizations to carry out best management practices including green infrastructure, agricultural nutrient management, drainage strategies, and land conservation. Key outcomes include measurable water quality improvements and adoption of practices to address phosphorus and sediment loads contributing to impairments. The grant funding will allow Michigan to advance its nonpoint source management program goals from October 2021 through September 2026.

This agreement provides support to the state of michigan 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: 12 projects that will support watershed restoration and protection and watershed management plans, nutrient reduction, coordination with partner agencies and targeted watersheds.subrecipient:the eleven proposals were selected following a request for proposals and will implement activities recommended in watershed management plans approved as meeting both state and federal criteria. The proposed activities include implementing a mix of best management practices (BMP) and outreach and education recommendations. Proposed bmps include both traditional and innovative agricultural practices, low impact development, and stream channel restoration. Three of the projects will implement protection practices (water quality based permanent conservation easements) to prevent future nonpoint source impacts. The remaining projects will work to restore waters that are now impaired. The add-on to the existing project in the western lake erie basin will provide $216,000 for outreach efforts and innovative nutrient management to reduce phosphorus loads to the basin.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include implementation of watershed management plans for watersheds on the nonattainment list including watersheds with approved total maximum daily load allocations; projects that yield measurable improvement in water quality; projects that implement methods to address land use changes that threaten or have impacted water quality; watershed projects that implement low impact development practices to protect water quality; projects that take a systematic and comprehensive approach to dealing with agricultural sources; projects that implement drainage water management strategies; projects that yield measurable changes in knowledge or behavior to address NPS pollutants or causes of impairments; and projects to reduce phosphorus loads from the western lake erie basin; implement agricultural best management practices in the upper ST. Joseph of the maumee watershed, innovative nutrient management practices to reduce phosphorus as well as sediment and nitrogen loads from agricultural sources to meet their 20 percent phosphorus reduction goal. Direct beneficiaries of this program include all state residents and occupants, both permanent and temporary.