2015 glri rfa - final - for grants[dot]gov 9-17 revision 1.pdf

Dated: July 29, 2015

Modified: August 6, 2015 and September 17, 2015

U.S. EPA GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

2015 Request for Applications

Federal Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency

Funding Opportunity Title: See Categories Below

Announcement Type: Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: See Categories Below

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.469

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits applications from eligible entities for grants and/or cooperative agreements to be awarded pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action

Plan II ( http://greatlakesrestoration.us/actionplan/pdfs/glri-action-plan-2.pdf). This RFA is

EPA’s major competitive grant funding opportunity under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

(“GLRI” or “Initiative”) for FY 2015 and is one of several funding opportunities available through federal agencies under the GLRI. Applications are requested for projects within the five categories listed below, each of which has a separate Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and is separately posted on www.grants.gov. Applicants must apply for the specific funding opportunity they are interested in. The five categories and associated FONs are:

Invasive Species Prevention (EPA-R5-GL2015-ISP)

Invasive Species Control (EPA-R5-GL2015-ISC)

Urban Watershed Management Implementation (EPA-R5-GL2015-UWM)

Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation (EPA-R5-GL2015-AWM)

Maumee River Watershed Nutrient Prevention Pilot Project (EPA-R5-GL2015-MNP)

Funding/Awards: Approximately $13.9 million may be awarded in total as grants and/or cooperative agreements under this RFA for up to about 40 projects in the five categories listed above, contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. However, EPA expressly reserves the right to make no awards under a particular category or to adjust the number of awards originally anticipated under a specific category. Proposed projects must be limited to the project duration identified for the respective categories. Awards may be fully or incrementally funded. All incrementally funded awards will be subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations. Applicants may submit applications under each funding opportunity number listed above and multiple applications per funding opportunity number, provided that each application is for a different project and is submitted separately under the appropriate FON, and each application cannot address more than one category.

http://greatlakesrestoration.us/actionplan/pdfs/glri-action-plan-2.pdf

Authorization for GLRI funding is contained in applicable appropriations acts, including the

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2015, Public Law 113-235. EPA has authority to award grants and cooperative agreements for planning, research, monitoring, outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality

Agreement. Nonfederal governmental entities, including state agencies, interstate agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations, local governments, institutions of higher learning (i.e., colleges and universities), and non-profit organizations as defined in 2

C.F.R. § 200 are eligible to apply for funding under this RFA. Individuals, foreign organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the

Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying, and “for-profit” organizations are not eligible.

Important Dates:

Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time/ 11:00 a.m., Eastern

Daylight Time – A webinar will be held to discuss the RFA. See Section IV for further information.

Monday, September 28, 2015 –Applications must be submitted to EPA through http://www.grants.gov by 10:59 p.m. Central Daylight Time / 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight

Time. See Section IV for further submission information.

October 2015 (tentative) – EPA will begin notifying finalists.

December 2015 (tentative) – EPA will begin making official awards.

Other Application Information: For your convenience, an RFA web page has been created at http://www2.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-2015-request-applications where you will find information relating to the RFA process as well as a link to frequently asked questions (FAQs). We encourage all applicants to sign up for our mailing list and register with us at http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/maillist. Further submittal information is described in Section IV.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www2.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-2015-request-applications http://www2.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-2015-request-applications http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/maillist

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

CONTENTS

I. Application Information

A. Invasive Species Prevention

B. Invasive Species Control

C. Urban Watershed Management Implementation

D. Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation

E. Maumee River Watershed Nutrient Prevention Pilot Project

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

IV. Application and Submission Information

V. Application Review and Selection Process, including Criteria

VI. Award Administration

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

Appendix I – Budget Sample ........................................................................................................ I-1

Appendix II – Easement Pilot Initiative Guidelines ....................................................................II-1

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

I. APPLICATION INFORMATION

Background, Authority, and Funded Activities:

The President, Congress, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with other federal departments and agencies, have made restoring the Great Lakes a national priority. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (“GLRI” or “Initiative”) builds on the prior efforts of federal, state, and local agencies; Indian tribes; businesses; public interest groups;

interested citizens; and others to develop a collaborative and comprehensive approach to restoring the Great Lakes. Information about the Initiative can be found at http://greatlakesrestoration.us/.

This RFA is expected to result in the award of grants and/or cooperative agreements, as appropriate (hereafter collectively referred to as “grants”), to help implement the GLRI.

Authorization for GLRI funding is contained in applicable appropriations acts, including the

Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2015, Public Law 113-235.

EPA has authority to award grants for planning, research, monitoring, outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality

Agreement (GLWQA). (The statutory authority to take action to implement the U.S.

responsibilities under GLWQA is contained in Section 118(c) of the Clean Water Act. The principal goal of GLWQA is the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem.) Funded activities must advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem in support of: (i) the GLRI Action Plan II (see http://glri.us/actionplan/pdfs/glri-action-plan-2.pdf) and (ii) EPA’s Strategic Plan.1 For projects with international aspects, the above statutes are supplemented, as appropriate, by the National

Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F).

This RFA solicits applications from eligible entities for grants to be awarded pursuant to the statutory authorities referenced above and the GLRI Action Plan II. Up to approximately $13.9 million in total may be awarded under this RFA for about 40 projects in the five subject areas described below contingent on the quality of applications received, funding availability and other applicable considerations. Applications are requested for projects within the five categories specified in this RFA.

The anticipated award amounts and the relative allocations for categories of activities are approximations that are subject to change based upon a number of considerations including, but not limited to, EPA’s determination that different amounts or allocations would better advance

1 See EPA’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2014-2018; Goal 2: Protecting Americas Waters; Objective 2: Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems (Protect, restore, and sustain the quality of rivers, lakes, streams, streams, and wetlands on a watershed basis, and sustainably manage and protect coastal and ocean resources and ecosystems). The Plan is available at: http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan .

http://greatlakesrestoration.us/ http://glri.us/actionplan/pdfs/glri-action-plan-2.pdf http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem, funding availability, and other applicable considerations. However, EPA will not consider applications that request EPA funding amounts above the EPA specified maximum individual project amounts identified in

Section I for each category. Applications above these amounts will be rejected.

All projects will be evaluated as described in Section V which also highlights factors that may result in more favorable evaluations, including:

immediacy and timeliness of project implementation (“shovel ready”);

use of a civilian conservation corps model for project implementation; and use of experiential learning opportunities for grades six through twelve.

EPA is also particularly interested in projects that promote environmental justice by helping to address disproportionate environmental impacts on communities (see Section V.A.4) and/or those where the applicant will engage and work with community-based organizations (as defined in this RFA) and other appropriate parties to address the concerns of local communities.

(See Section V.A.4.)

Minority Academic Institutions:

Eligible applicants, as defined in Section III, including Minority Academic Institutions

(MAIs) as described below, are strongly encouraged to apply for funding under this competition. For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MAIs:

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20

U.S.C. Sec. 1061). A list of these schools can be found at:

http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/;

2. Tribal Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec.

1059(c)). A list of these schools can be found at:

http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/;

3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C.

Sec.1101a(a)(5). There is no list of HSIs. HSIs are institutions of higher education that, at the time of application submittal, have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application for this grant; and

4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act [20 U.S.C. Sec. 1059g(a)(2)]. There is no list of

AANAPISIs. AANAPISIs are institutions of higher education that, at the time of application submittal, have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less than 10

% students who are Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander.

Multiple Applications:

Applicants may submit applications under each funding opportunity number listed above, and multiple applications per funding opportunity number, provided that each application is for a different project and is submitted separately under the appropriate FON. Each application must http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ be for only one category or FON and each application cannot address more than one category

Categories of eligible activities are described in Section I.

Subawardees and/or Contractors:

If you name subawardees/subgrantees and/or contractor(s), including individual consultants, in your application as partners to assist you with the proposed project, pay careful attention to the information in Section III regarding "Coalitions" and to the “Contracts and Subawards” provisions at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/solicitation_provisions.htm (incorporated by reference in Section IV.J).

RFA Terms:

For purposes of this RFA:

1. The term “climate change" refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time, including major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, that occur over several decades or longer. Climate changes in the Great Lakes can include increased air and water temperatures, increased storm intensity, and changes in the timing of precipitation. Such changes impact the Great Lakes in many ways, such as increased runoff and erosion, changes in species ranges, and changes in lake stratification and water quality. The long-term results of many GLRI projects may be affected by the degree to which applicants incorporate into their project design an understanding of how the impacts of climate change may influence their project results. Applicants are encouraged to consider their projects' vulnerabilities to climate change impacts and how to address those vulnerabilities. For more information on the human health and environmental effects of climate change, visit:

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/. For more information on climate change adaptation, visit:

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/adaptation.html.

2. The term “community-based organization” means a non-governmental organization that has demonstrated effectiveness as a representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that helps members of that community or segment obtain environmental, educational, or other social services. A community-based organization must be a nonprofit or not for profit corporation in good standing under state or tribal law with authority to enter into binding legal agreements. Such organizations may include, for example, those representing communities with environmental justice concerns. (Environmental justice concerns generally relate to issues that have resulted in some communities being more adversely, disproportionately, and/or historically impacted by environmental issues and problems than other communities because of location, poverty, income levels, etc.) The community-based organization need not be tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code but may use documentation of tax-exempt status to demonstrate that it is a nonprofit. Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section

501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying are not eligible to receive grants or subgrants under this RFA. (See Section V.A.4.)

http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/solicitation_provisions.htm http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/adaptation.html

3. The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product related to an environmental goal and objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative, but must be measurable over the term of the grant funding period. As an example, an output for a Phragmites removal project would be the removal of Phragmites from a specific number of acres.

4. The term “outcome” means the result, effect or consequence that will be achieved by carrying out an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related, or programmatic in nature, must be quantitative, and may not necessarily be achievable within a grant funding period. As an example, an outcome for a Phragmites removal project would be a diversified, more natural ecosystem that sustains a wide variety of native species.

Categories of Funding Opportunities:

Applications are requested for the categories of activities described below, each of which has a different FON. There are five separate FONs for which applicants can apply, and each one is separately posted on Grants.gov. Applicants must apply under the FON they are interested in, and each application must address only one category. If an application addresses more than one category it will be rejected. However, applicants may submit applications under each funding opportunity number described above, and multiple applications per funding opportunity number provided that each application is for a different project and is submitted separately under the appropriate FON.

Category I.A. - Invasive Species Prevention

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2015-ISP

Funding Opportunity Title: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - 2015 Request for Applications –

Invasive Species Prevention

Background: The Great Lakes remain vulnerable to the introduction of new invasive species. A number of pathways, such as ballast water from commercial shipping, are being addressed through regional and national programs. However, innovative approaches are still needed to reduce the risk from a variety of pathways including, but not limited to, movement through canals and waterways; accidental contamination of nursery, water garden, and live bait products;

uninformed use of invasive species in landscaping and water gardens; and internet sales of invasive species.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $2.5 million for approximately 5 to 8 projects in amounts up to a maximum of $500,000 that block pathways of invasive species introductions into the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Projects submitted in this category must implement activities that actively reduce the risk of introduction of invasive species, as opposed to projects that perform basic research or “proof of concept” testing of prevention methodologies/technologies.

Information to Include: Applicants should include the following information in their application: the relevant pathway(s) of introduction that the project addresses; the prevention activities to be implemented; the estimated impact of those prevention activities on the pathway(s); and the methods that will be used to determine the actual impact on the pathway(s).

Note also the provisions of Section IV.C.2.b.i regarding a statement of whether any permits or approvals will be required.

Potential for Higher Score: This category is intended to support innovative approaches to preventing introductions of invasive species and to support the establishment of new prevention programs in the Great Lakes basin. During the evaluation process described in Section V for projects in this category, any of the following elements in a proposal may be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Summary and Approach”:

The implementation of innovative prevention activities that have not previously received

GLRI funding.

The implementation of prevention activities in locations that have not been subjected to

GLRI-funded invasive species prevention projects.

Eligibility: Projects must implement activities that actively reduce the risk of introduction of invasive species. Eligible projects and activities include:

Demonstration of innovative barriers on canals and waterways that prevent new introductions of invasive species while allowing the movement of water and native species.

Development and use of practices that prevent invasive species contamination of landscaping, water garden, and live bait products.

Development and use of tools that inform consumers in the Great Lakes states of alternatives to the use of invasive species in landscaping and water gardens.

Disposal and “take back” programs that prevent the release of pets, aquarium species, and/or live bait.

Implementation of other prevention methodologies/technologies which have already passed the “proof of concept” stage of testing.

Ineligible projects and activities, include:

Projects which consist solely of outreach to recreational users of the Great Lakes and their watersheds. (Note: funding can support outreach as a component of a project that implements eligible prevention activities.)

Projects related to ballast water management or technology development. Under this grant offering, EPA is not requesting and will not consider applications principally pertaining to ballast water management or technology development. Any questions regarding such projects should be directed to the DOT/MARAD and the Great Ships

Initiative (see http://www.greatshipsinitiative.org/).

Projects principally pertaining to Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Silver

(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Black (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and/or Grass

(Ctenopharyngodon idella) Asian Carp species. Under this grant offering, EPA is not requesting and will not consider applications principally pertaining to these four species.

Any questions regarding projects for these species should be directed to Michael Russ

(GLRI-RFA@epa.gov) who can help identify the appropriate federal contact person.

Basic research projects which characterize pathway risks but do not include the active implementation of prevention activities.

Use of methodologies/technologies which have not passed the “proof of concept” stage of testing.

Projects at sites having no or low likelihood of benefitting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Outputs from the projects in this category should include one or more of the following and must link to the GLRI Action Plan II Measures of Progress or goals and objectives:

Pathways through which aquatic invasive species can be introduced to the Great lakes ecosystem are blocked.

Technology and methods that prevent the introduction of invasive species.

Applicants must also demonstrate how their proposed project will achieve the following outcome:

New introductions of invasive species are prevented.

Category I.B. – Invasive Species Control Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2015-ISC

Invasive Species Control

Background: Progress toward restoring the Great Lakes has been significantly undermined by the effects of non-native invasive species. However, many invasive species can be controlled to reduce their impacts on the Great Lakes ecosystem. There is an ongoing need for enhancing the capacity for managing invasive species in the Great. Funding for on-the-ground and in-the-water control projects can greatly assist ecological restoration and help create long-term stewardship programs. Applicants are responsible for the maintenance of these significantly improved project sites after the initial funding period has ended.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $5,200,000 for approximately

8 to 12 projects in amounts up to a maximum of $650,000 that control invasive species and initiate long-term stewardship of project sites.

Projects submitted in this category must implement on-the-ground and/or in-the-water invasive species control actions and result in acres of invasive species controlled, rather than perform basic research or “proof of concept” testing of control methodologies/technologies. Up to 20% of the federal share of the project budget may be used to retreat areas that were previously treated by GLRI-funded projects.

Information to Include: Applicants should include the following information in their application: identification of the project site; the ecological significance of the project site; the mailto:GLRI-RFA@epa.gov control activities to be implemented; the total acres on which control activities will occur; the expected short and long-term ecological benefits of the proposed control effort; the methods used to assess the effectiveness of control activities; and the commitments in place to maintain the project site after the funding period has ended. Applicants should provide a map that delineates the overall project site and identifies the specific areas where control work will be implemented.

Applications that include the retreatment of acres that were previously treated using GLRI funding should clearly identify the percent of the budget that will be used for retreatment.

Projects that control invasive strains of Phragmites should consider the control and management information provided by the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative

(http://greatlakesphragmites.net/). Note also the provisions of Section IV.C.2.b.i regarding a statement of whether any permits or approvals will be required.

Potential for Higher Score: The GLRI Action Plan II established the goal of creating species-specific “collaboratives” that will refine control and management techniques for an invasive species and serve as a resource center for land owners, government agencies, researchers, and other stakeholders. During the evaluation process described in Section V for projects addressing this category, any of the following elements in a proposal may be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Summary and Approach”:

The use of an adaptive management approach that tests variations of an established treatment technique and quantifies performance.

The use of an adaptive management approach that tests a single established treatment technique in different project sites and determines causal factors for the resulting ecosystem response.

The development of a website which compiles scientific information on the management of an invasive species.

The development of a multi-organization collaboration which will develop best management practices for an invasive species.

Eligibility: Projects submitted in this category must implement on-the-ground and/or in-the-water invasive species control actions and result in acres of invasive species controlled. Eligible projects and activities include:

Control of aquatic, coastal, and terrestrial invasive species at specific project sites.

The use of mobile teams to detect small populations of established species and implement control activities over a large geographic area. Note: if the work is expected to mostly involve the control of established species, it should be submitted to this category rather than the “Invasive Species Prevention” category. It is acceptable for these mobile teams to detect and respond to previously-unestablished species, if such species are encountered during project implementation.

The use of barriers that protect tributaries from established invasive species. Note: if the work is expected to mostly prevent new introductions of invasive species to the Great

Lakes, it should be submitted to the “Invasive Species Prevention” category.

Projects that use less than or equal to 20% of the federal share of the budget to repeat control activities on acres that have previously received GLRI-funded treatments.

Ineligible projects and activities include:

http://greatlakesphragmites.net/

Projects that use more than 20% of the federal share of the budget to repeat control activities on acres that have previously received GLRI-funded treatments.

Projects related to ballast water management or technology development. Under this grant offering, EPA is not requesting and will not consider applications principally pertaining to ballast water management or technology development. Any questions regarding such projects should be directed to the DOT/MARAD and the Great Ships

Initiative (see http://www.greatshipsinitiative.org/).

Projects principally pertaining to Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Silver

(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Black (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and/or Grass

(Ctenopharyngodon idella) Asian Carp species. Under this grant offering, EPA is not requesting and will not consider applications principally pertaining to these four species.

Any questions regarding projects for these species should be directed to Michael Russ

(GLRI-RFA@epa.gov) who can help identify the appropriate federal contact person.

Basic research projects that study or develop control methodologies/technologies but which do not include the active implementation of on-the-ground or in-the-water control activities.

Use of methodologies/technologies which have not passed the “proof of concept” stage of testing.

Projects at sites that are not likely to benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Outputs from the projects in this category should include the following and must link to the

GLRI Action Plan II Measures of Progress or goals and objectives:

Acres of invasive species are controlled in aquatic or terrestrial habitat.

Miles of tributaries that are protected by barriers from established invasive species.

Applicants must also demonstrate how their proposed project will achieve the following outcome:

Established invasive species are controlled.

Category I.C. Urban Watershed Management Implementation

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2015-UWM

Urban Watershed Management Implementation

Background: Nearshore water quality has increasingly become degraded, as evidenced by excessive nutrients; harmful algal blooms; mats of Cladophora on beaches; avian botulism; and beach closings. Causes of these problems include excessive nutrient loadings from both point and nonpoint sources, bacteria and other pathogens, development and shoreline hardening, agricultural practices, failing septic systems, improper grey-water discharge, increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change, and invasive species. Nonpoint sources are now the primary contributors of many pollutants to the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

Implementation of best management practices addressing those sources can have multiple benefits, including simultaneous reductions in runoff of soils, nutrients, pesticides, and other nonpoint source pollutants.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $2,700,000 for approximately

6 to 10 projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution from urban areas to the Great Lakes. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this category is

$500,000. For the purposes of this announcement, an eligible urban watershed is defined as including urban and downtown areas, city neighborhoods, suburban municipalities, and exurban communities and unincorporated areas characterized by encroaching urban sprawl where the urban land use has a documented impact on water quality. Proposed project locations must be located within the same HUC12 subwatershed where the documented water quality problem occurs.

Projects submitted in this category must address an urban nonpoint source problem. Proposals are limited to projects implementing an urban component(s) of existing watershed-based plans that are consistent with the components outlined in EPA’s Nine Elements Guidance. Such plans are designed to address documented nonpoint source-related water quality problems and to help prevent future nonpoint source water quality-related problems. The plans are based upon sound science and evaluation techniques; have measurable outcomes; are developed with stakeholder/public involvement; and leverage additional resources. See the following links for approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plans or information about the plans:

Illinois: http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/watershed/reports/biannual-319/ (See the table starting on page 11 of the March 2015 report.)

Indiana: http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm

Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html

(Follow the NPS

Approved and Pending Watershed Plans link.)

Minnesota: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/surface-water/watershed-approach/watershed-management-plans.html and http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html

New York: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/94150.html and http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/73971.html

Ohio: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/Portals/35/nps/319docs/FFY14_Annual_Report.pdf

(navigate to page 86)

Pennsylvania:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=554271&mode=2

Wisconsin: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nonpoint/9keyelementplans.html

Information to Include: Applicants should include in their application, an estimate of the number of gallons of runoff that will be captured/retained in a typical year using EPA’s National

Stormwater Calculator and provide the specific data used to calculate the gallons of runoff (e.g.

Location, Soil Type, Soil Drainage, Topography, Precipitation, Evaporation, Climate Change, Land Cover, impervious/pervious cover). Applicants should also plan to estimate the impact of the implementation of the project through a Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Load

(STEPL), which employs algorithms to calculate the load reductions that would result from implementation of various urban best management practices, as part of their final report.

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/94150.html http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/73971.html

Applicants should provide a map that delineates the project boundaries within the selected watershed and identifies the urban areas where work will be implemented. Proposals should demonstrate that consideration has been given to the effects that the increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change may have on the long-term success of the proposed project. Note also the provisions of Section IV.C.2.b.i regarding a statement of whether any permits or approvals will be required.

Potential for Higher Score: During the evaluation process described in Section V for projects addressing this category, proposals that include the following elements may be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Summary and Approach”:

Water quality impairments have been identified and the causes for those impairments have been clearly established as being from an urban source;

Solutions to addressing the impairments have been identified;

Broadly-supported implementation activities have been designed; and

The project demonstrates that significant measurable improvements in water quality will be achieved.

Eligibility: Projects must address an urban nonpoint source problem. To be eligible in this category, applications must demonstrate that the project will:

Accelerate watershed restoration in one or more watersheds of the Great Lakes basin;

Implement urban best management practices and management measures contained in state- approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plans, TMDL implementation plans, or in other watershed management plans that are consistent with the components outlined in Section 2.6 of EPA’s Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/handbook_index.cfm);

Identify specific components of such a plan that would be implemented within the project period; and

Estimate the expected environmental result for management measures installed and/or contracted for the project period.

A project that includes, or is contingent on, development of a watershed management plan or significant portions of that plan.

Monitoring activities; GLRI-funded watershed projects will be incorporated into the applicable state's ongoing nonpoint source monitoring efforts.

Reduction in nutrient and/or sediment inputs (source reduction and/or loadings) to

Great Lakes tributaries and nearshore waters.

Reduction in concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus in major Great Lakes tributaries during critical spring and summer storm events.

Projected volume of untreated urban runoff captured or treated.

Delisting of Clean Water Act Section 303(d) impairments in the Great Lakes.

Increase in the Urban Management Measures and Best Management Practices installed in the Great Lakes Basin.

Applicants must also demonstrate how their proposed project will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

Loadings of sediments, nutrients, and pollutants into Great Lakes Tributaries are reduced.

Nearshore Great Lakes aquatic resources are protected/enhanced/restored.

Trophic status and/or biotic integrity in the Great Lakes or their tributaries are improved.

Category I.D. Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2015-AWM

Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation

Background: Nearshore water quality has become degraded, as evidenced by excessive nutrients; harmful algal blooms; mats of Cladophora on beaches; avian botulism; and beach closings. Causes of these problems include excessive nutrient loadings from both point and nonpoint sources, bacteria and other pathogens, development and shoreline hardening, agricultural practices, failing septic systems, improper grey-water discharge, increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change, and invasive species. Nonpoint sources are now the primary contributors of nutrients and sediments to the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

Implementation of best management practices addressing those sources can have multiple benefits, including decreasing surface runoff with simultaneous reductions in runoff of soils, nutrients, pesticides, and other nonpoint source pollutants.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $3,000,000 for approximately

6 to 8 projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution to the Great Lakes. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this category is $500,000.

Projects submitted in this category must be projects implementing agricultural best management practices or management measures from watershed-based plans that are consistent with the components outlined in EPA’s Nine Elements Guidance. Such plans are designed to address documented nonpoint source-related water quality problems and to help prevent future agricultural nonpoint source water quality-related problems. The plans are based upon sound science and evaluation techniques; have measurable outcomes; are developed with stakeholder/public involvement; and leverage additional resources. See the following links for approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plans or information about the plans:

Illinois: http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/watershed/reports/biannual-319/ (See the table starting on page 11 of the March 2015 report.)

Indiana: http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm

Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html

(Follow the NPS

Approved and Pending Watershed Plans link.)

Minnesota: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/surface-water/watershed-approach/watershed-management-plans.html and http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html

New York: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/94150.html and http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/73971.html

Ohio: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/Portals/35/nps/319docs/FFY14_Annual_Report.pdf

(navigate to page 86)

Pennsylvania:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=554271&mode=2

Wisconsin: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nonpoint/9keyelementplans.html

Information to include: Applicants should provide a map that delineates the project boundaries within the selected watershed and identifies the critical agricultural areas where work will be implemented. Proposals should demonstrate that consideration has been given to the effects that the increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change may have on the long-term success of the proposed project. Note also the provisions of Section IV.C.2.b.i regarding a statement of whether any permits or approvals will be required. Applicants should plan to estimate the impact of the implementation of the project through a Spreadsheet Tool for

Estimating Pollutant Load (STEPL), which employs algorithms to calculate the load reductions that would result from implementation of various agricultural best management practices.

Potential for higher score: During the evaluation process described in Section V for projects considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Summary and Approach”:

Water quality impairments have been identified and the causes for those impairments have been clearly established as being from an agricultural source;

Solutions to addressing the impairments have been identified;

Broadly-supported implementation activities have been designed; and

The project demonstrates that significant measurable improvements in water quality will be achieved.

Eligibility: Projects must address an agricultural nonpoint source problem. To be eligible in this category, applications must demonstrate that the project will:

Accelerate watershed restoration in one or more watersheds of the Great Lakes basin;

Implement agricultural best management practices and management measures contained in state- approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plans, TMDL implementation plans, or in other watershed management plans that are consistent with the components outlined in Section 2.6 of EPA’s Handbook for Developing Watershed

Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters

(http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/handbook_index.cfm);

Identify specific components of such a plan that would be implemented within the project period; and

Estimate the expected environmental results for management measures installed and/or contracted for the project period.

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/watersheds/watershed-overview-map.html http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/94150.html http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/73971.html

Ineligible projects and activities. See Section III for projects and activities ineligible under the

RFA. The following projects and activities are ineligible under this category:

A project that includes, or is contingent on, development of a watershed management plan or significant portions of that plan.

Monitoring activities; GLRI-funded watershed projects will be incorporated into the applicable state's ongoing nonpoint source monitoring efforts.

Reduced rates of soil erosion and reduced loadings of sediments, nutrients, and pollutants into Great Lakes tributaries.

Reduction in concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus in major Great Lakes tributaries during critical spring and summer storm events.

Reduction in volume of runoff.

Delisting of Clean Water Act Section 303(d) impairments in the Great Lakes.

Increase in the percentage of agricultural lands in the Great Lakes ecosystem comprehensively managed to reduce nutrient export utilizing a CORE 4 approach promoting soil health.

Increase in the Management Measures and Best Management Practices installed in the

Great Lakes basin.

Soil erosion and the loading of sediments, nutrients, and pollutants into Great Lakes

Tributaries are reduced.

Nearshore Great Lakes aquatic resources are protected/enhanced/restored.

Trophic status and/or biotic integrity in the Great Lakes or their tributaries are improved.

Category I.E. Maumee River Watershed Nutrient Prevention Pilot Project

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2015-MNP

Maumee River Watershed Nutrient Prevention Pilot Project

Background: The western basin of Lake Erie continues to show signs of severe stress from nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms. The primary source of these nutrients is the

Maumee River watershed. This pilot initiative seeks to increase the longevity and cost-effectiveness of nutrient discharge reduction measures in the Maumee River watershed by investing in permanent land conservation easements2 and other measures that support long-term nutrient reduction.

2 “Easement” means a conservation easement on qualified land that is designed to conserving water quality or quantity and prohibits the sale of mineral rights of the qualified land

Healthy riparian areas in the Maumee River watershed benefit water quality in many ways. They capture nutrients and other pollutants that otherwise may flow into area waterways and Lake

Erie; reduce flow rates by slowing down and intercepting rainfall runoff; trap sediments; provide stream bank stability; and maintain cooler stream temperatures. Many riparian areas within the

Maumee River watershed have been dramatically altered, drained, diked and channelized to support crop production, resulting in a loss of the water quality benefits that healthy riparian areas provide.

Permanently restoring riparian areas and permanently retiring marginal cropland will lead to sustainable reductions in nutrient loadings to the Maumee River and Lake Erie. Just as state and federal programs provide financial assistance for the preservation of farmland and parklands, this pilot initiative is intended to provide funding and technical assistance which will permanently restore marginal cropland and riparian areas to a natural state.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $1,000,000 for up to 2 projects in this category. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this category is $500,000. Federal funding is limited to the purchase of the easement;

applicant’s costs (legal review, title work, property surveys, etc) to perfect permanent easements for water quality are considered in-kind contributions.

This pilot initiative is intended to generate applications for easement-based projects that combine the capabilities and tools of governmental entities and nongovernmental organizations working in concert as partners. Specifically, EPA seeks applications that will provide for the establishment of permanent conservation easements on riparian land or marginal cropland within the following subwatersheds of the Maumee River watershed: 1) Upper Maumee River basin (8

Digit HUC: 04100005); 2) St. Joseph River Watershed (8-digit HUC: 04100003); and 3) St.

Mary’s River Watershed (8-digit HUC: 04100004). These subwatersheds were identified based on the potential to generate phosphorus loadings under the existing management and were selected as the highest priority for this funding initiative. Future similar funding opportunities could be expanded to include other subwatersheds.

Within these subwatersheds, this initiative intends to target easement acquisition and land protection on, in order of priority, cropland that is: 1) active (i.e., farmed 3 of the last 5 years), 2) of marginal value along drainage ditches, and 3) located in areas where the Soil Hydrologic

Group is either “C” or “D”. Pursuant to this initiative, established easements must be held in perpetuity by a Qualified Easement Holder3 such as a land conservancy organization, local governments and/or local soil and water conservation districts.

EPA, in cooperation with key federal agencies including U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 3 “Qualified Easement Holder” means a holder that is: a state agency or municipality; or an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal

Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code and that is organized for the purpose of preserving agriculture, open space, or natural resources and has the ability to hold the easement in perpetuity. Nonprofit organizations must be accredited by the

Land Trust Alliance to serve as a Qualified Easement Holder.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS), has identified targeted areas that are eligible for project support under this RFA. The following resources may be helpful in developing your proposals:

Great Lakes Observing System - Maumee River Nutrient Tracker

(http://www.limno.com/testing/Maumee_River_Nutrient_Tracker.html)

USGS SPARROW Model (http://wim.usgs.gov/sparrowMRB3/sparrowMRB3mapper.html#)

NRCS – Assessment of Effects of Conservation Practices on Cultivated Cropland in the

Great Lakes Region

(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/technical/nra/ceap/pub/?cid=stelpr db1045403)

USACE Great Lakes Tributary Model (http://projects.glc.org/tributary/helpdesk.pdf)

Information to Include: Applicants may wish to describe phased components of projects, including specific funding associated with each phase. For effective review, easement applications from applicants should provide:

List of any partners with contact information

Identification of the Qualified Easement Holder and mechanism for the Qualified Easement

Holder gaining possession of the property (if not the applicant). Transfer of the easement to a

Qualified Easement Holder is expected to occur within the project period. Sale of the easement to the Qualified Easement holder after the project period is prohibited, and sale of the easement during the project period is covered under the program income requirements outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.307.

Description of the intended action(s) that clearly includes:

o Scope of work [with specific statement of goal/objective(s)] to convert the existing land use to trees and shrubs and native grasses.

o Description of the property involved and identity of landowner(s)4 if available o Procedural approach, including expected easement provisions o Nature and extent of leveraged support applied by partners (cash and in-kind) to cover non-direct easement cost payment such as surveying, title search, etc.

Statement of the water quality benefits, including estimated quantifiable pollutant load reductions, Qualitative Habitat…