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

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 awarded the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) a $2.21 million Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant (CFDA 66.460) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. This cooperative agreement provides full federal funding to support Arizona's implementation of its Section 319 nonpoint source management program, focusing on water quality restoration in impaired watersheds affected by polluted runoff. The award funds on-the-ground implementation of structural and non-structural best management practices (BMPs), watershed planning, monitoring, technology demonstrations, and education/outreach programs targeting priority watersheds identified in the state's five-year nonpoint source plan.

The agreement encompasses three primary implementation projects: two projects addressing abandoned/legacy mine remediation and metals load reduction in the Middle Gila and Santa Cruz watersheds (specifically Lynx Creek and Alum Gulch tributaries), and one project targeting E. coli contamination reduction at Oak Creek in the Verde watershed. ADEQ will deliver quantified load reduction calculations for metals and E. coli at project sites through subawards to monitoring and restoration subrecipients. All state residents and occupants will directly benefit from these water quality improvements. Pre-award costs are approved retroactive to October 1, 2025.

This cooperative agreement provides support to the state of arizona 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. This agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $1,324,000. Pre-award costs are approved back to 10/01/2025. See terms and conditions. Activities:the proposed work in this agreement includes: three (3) projects that will support abandoned/legacy mine remediation and metals load reduction in two water quality-impaired watersheds (the middle gila and santa cruz watersheds and identification and implementation of a project that will lead to E.coli load reduction in OAK creek (verde watershed). Subrecipient:sub-awarded projects in priority watersheds per nonpoint source five year plan.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include implementation of two remediation projects using best management practices at abandoned/legacy mines contributing metals loading into the impaired lynx creek and the impaired alum gulch, which are tributaries to the gila river and santa cruz river, respectively. Expected outcomes also include calculations of metals load reductions resulting from these projects. In addition, anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include implementation of a project using best management practices to decrease E./coli contamination at OAK creek, and calculation of E.coli load reductions. Direct beneficiaries of this program include all state residents and occupants, both permanent and temporary. This assistance agreement includes subawards for monitoring and restoration activities related achieving to load reductions at NPS project sites.