COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

WATER RESOURCES DIVISION

P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, VA 23218-1105

SUBJECT: 2027 Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Request for Applications

TO: Interested Parties

FROM: Meighan Wisswell, Water Monitoring Coordinator

DATE: July 1, 2026

COPIES: Bryant Thomas, Sandra Mueller

We are pleased to make available the 2027 Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program Request for Applications (RFA). The primary purpose of these grants is to provide funding for groups and individuals to monitor the quality of Virginia’s waters. The grant can be used in a variety of ways, including purchasing water quality monitoring equipment, training volunteers, lab analysis costs, and promoting stream monitoring efforts in locations where the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is not currently collecting water quality samples. Applications will be accepted no later than August 31, 2026. Please ensure use of the 2027 application package when completing your proposal. Funded activities may begin on Jan 1, 2027, once a contract with the agency is in place. Updates for this cycle can be found summarized on page 2 of the RFA.

Only one grant application per cycle is permitted. Multiple applications by the same organization will be rejected.

The grant options include:

1. Mini-Grant: Maximum award up to $1,000. Open only to applicants who have not received a DEQ Citizen Monitoring Grant in the previous three years.

2. Regular Grant: Maximum award up to $5,000. Open to any applicants who wish to apply but recommended for organizations already familiar with water quality monitoring.

3. Coordination Grant: Maximum award up to $11,000. Open only to applicants who meet at least one of the below tracks:

a. Coordinate at least three monitoring organizations totaling 35 or more volunteers. Monitoring occurs at more than 50 sample sites covering at least three Virginia localities.

OR

b. Monitoring activities generate at least 1000 total Level II & Level III data points1 with a least 500 of those being Level III data.

Please refer to the RFA for complete eligibility information and criteria.

All grantees that generate monitoring data must submit a copy of the data to DEQ following agency guidelines, and a data use authorization form must be included in the completed application package (see RFA for further instructions). All applicants that collect data intended for use in agency business (i.e., Level II or III data) must develop a DEQ approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). The application package can be downloaded from DEQ's Monitoring Partner Resources webpage.

Collaboration between state agencies and volunteer monitors is important in developing monitoring programs that enhance Virginia’s ability to assess, protect and restore the Commonwealth’s water quality. In addition to offering the Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program, DEQ also provides technical assistance with developing water quality monitoring programs and QAPPs. Questions regarding the volunteer monitoring program should be directed to:

citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov or you may call Meighan Wisswell at: 571-866-6494.

1 For the purposes of this grant, a data point is an independent discrete measurement of a water quality parameter.

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/water-quality/monitoring/volunteer-monitoring https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/water-quality/monitoring/volunteer-monitoring mailto:citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov

2027 DEQ Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant

Request for Applications

Deadline August 31, 2026

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 1

Contents click to jump to the desired section

RFA Updates and Process Changes

Purpose

Background

Grant Eligibility

Grant Options

Program Requirements

Eligible Expenses and Activities

Ineligible Expenses and Activities

Data Quality and Data Submittal

Regular Grant Clarifications

Coordination Grant Clarifications

Contractual Agreements

Required Deliverables Timeline

Application Evaluation and Requirements

Application Submission

Project Evaluation

Scoring

Attachment A: Water Quality Data Leveling for External Monitoring Partners

Attachment B: Environmental Data Mapper (EDM) User Guide

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 2

RFA Updates and Process Changes

2027 application cycle

No process updates from the 2026 cycle

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 3

Purpose

The two primary goals of the Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program are:

1. to generate volunteer-collected water quality data that can be used by the agency for water quality assessment, improvement, or preservation

2. to educate stakeholders on water quality monitoring and the environment

To achieve these goals, the grant program provides guidance and support for volunteer water monitoring and stewardship activities that focus on any, or all of the following six general objectives:

1. List and delist impaired waters on the 303(d) Impaired Waters List and assess overall water quality.

2. Identify sources of pollution that may help in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development.

3. Track progress of TMDL’s or other restoration activities.

4. Identify waters for future monitoring by DEQ.

5. Educate the community on water quality monitoring and the effects of human activities on water quality.

6. Provide educational opportunities and water quality monitoring support for underserved and environmental justice communities.

Background

The Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program was established by a budget amendment in the 1999 Virginia General Assembly Session. The General Assembly based this budget amendment on the Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Report submitted by the DEQ regarding the feasibility of a grant to fund citizen monitoring activities. In a typical fiscal year, the General Assembly will appropriate up to $88,000 in grant funds for eligible activities by volunteer monitoring organizations in Virginia.

Grant Eligibility

Funds are available to assist in the development and growth of volunteer-based water quality monitoring activities. Eligibility is open to any individuals, community or watershed-based organizations, secondary schools, colleges, or universities volunteering or coordinating volunteers to monitor Virginia waters (must be able to provide a federal tax identification number).

Typically, the maximum possible grant award is $11,000. Maximum award amounts may vary based on the competitiveness of the grant cycle and the quality of the proposed projects. Because of the limited funds available, partial funding may be awarded to maximize the effectiveness of the program. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. No match is required to receive the grant, but funding from other sources is encouraged.

There are three grant options available to suit the goals and experience of prospective applicants. Please refer to the Grant Options section for more information. Only one grant may be awarded per grantee per grant year.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 4

Funded activities may begin as soon as January 1, 2027 and must be completed by December 31, 2027. Funded activities may not begin until a contract between DEQ and the applicant is in place.

Grant Options

Complete descriptions of basic grant requirements are found in these sections:

Program Requirements Eligible Expenses and Activities Data Quality and Data Submittal

The table below describes the grant options by tier, as well as any requirements specific to each tier

Mini Grant: max award $1,000

Open to those who have not received a DEQ Citizen Water Monitoring Grant in the past 3 years.

Mini grants are primarily to provide groups the ability to gain the basic knowledge and resources to develop a monitoring program. Mini grants can be used to support equipment purchases for groups with no monitoring plan of their own, or those who coordinate with another organization to conduct monitoring.

Regular Grant: max award $5,000

Open to all applicants but recommended for organizations already familiar with water quality monitoring.

Applicants must also meet additional requirements detailed in the section below:

o Regular Grant Clarifications

Coordination Grant: max award $11,000 Open to applicants who typically meet either or both of the tracks below.

Evaluation of individual applicant’s eligibility may vary based on competitiveness of grant cycle and the quality of the proposed projects.

Applicants must also meet additional requirements detailed in the section below:

o Coordination Grant Clarifications

Coordination Driven Track Data Driven Track

At least 3 sub-organizations must be actively engaged in sampling/activities for the grant project.1

Monitoring activities generate at least 1000 total Level II & Level

III data points2 with a least 500 of those being Level III data.

Engagement from sub-organizations must reach at least 35 volunteers.

Monitoring must occur in at least 3 different Virginia localities (cities or counties).

In total, monitoring must occur in at least 50 unique sampling locations.

1 A qualified sub-organization is an independent organization that uses the sampling and testing methods of the applicant organization and submits the data to the applicant organization. Volunteer monitors are non-paid volunteers who will collect water quality samples based on the monitoring plan.

2 For the purposes of this grant, a data point is an independent discrete measurement of a water quality parameter.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 5

Program Requirements

DEQ may reduce an award amount or reject an application entirely if the grant review panel determines that these requirements are not met.

Funded projects must provide equipment, supplies, or training to volunteer monitors who do not receive payment for their work on the project.

Funded projects must monitor at depths and locations that are representative of the sampled water bodies.

Monitoring should occur at safe, publicly accessible locations, or if on private property, with landowner’s permission.

Activities associated with sampling in permitted mixing zones or permitted discharges are ineligible and will not be approved for funding. A mixing zone is an area where wastewater discharged from a permitted facility enters and mixes with a water body. More information on mixing zones is available via the Virginia Administrative Code, 9VAC25-260-20.B, or at this website. Also, in accordance with Virginia law, volunteer monitoring data cannot be used in any enforcement action.

All proposals that include data collection must be accompanied by a DEQ Data Use Authorization Form. (Please refer to Data Quality and Data Submittal section for more information)

Regular and Coordination grant projects:

o Data must be authorized for use for at least the purposes of education and to identify waters for future DEQ monitoring (Data Use Authorization Form options 4 & 5).

o Must generate at least one parameter of Level II or Level III data (see RFA attachment A & Data use Authorization Form), which requires submittal of a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

Eligible Expenses and Activities

(This list is not exhaustive) Purchase, or rental of water monitoring equipment (e.g., field test kits, probes, nets, sample containers and manuals and other supplies as appropriate). Equipment, laboratory, and contractual costs should make up at least 80% of the total request.

Certain administrative costs such as printing of newsletters, educational materials, and related items.

Administrative costs including facilities, fees, and staff time for volunteer coordination/training may be included but must not exceed 20% of the total request.

Contractual services such as laboratory analysis and specialized services. The contractor must not be a paid employee of the organization receiving the grant funds and cannot be counted as a sub-organization for Coordination grant purposes during the same monitoring year.

Mileage reimbursement for volunteer sample collection and sample transport. The IRS rate of $0.14 per mile for charitable organizations must be used. Mileage reimbursement shall not exceed 20% of the total grant request.

Ineligible Expenses and Activities

Activities associated with sampling in permitted mixing zones or permitted discharges are ineligible and will not be approved for funding. A mixing zone is an area where wastewater discharged from a permitted facility enters and mixes with a water body. More information on mixing zones is available via the Virginia Administrative Code, 9VAC25-260-20.B, or at this website. Also, in accordance with https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title9/agency25/chapter260/section20/ https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQ_DataUseForm.pdf https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQ_DataUseForm.pdf https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title9/agency25/chapter260/section20/

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 6

Virginia law, volunteer monitoring data cannot be used in any enforcement action. More information about water permitting at DEQ can be found at this website.

DEQ will review monitoring plans for stations located within 400ft of VPDES authorized outfalls as an initial screening threshold to determine whether proposed station locations fit within the scope of the grant program.

Applications with requests for administrative costs that exceed 20% will be rejected (see budget workbook for more information).

Applications that request funding for rent or purchase of office space will be rejected.

Applications with requests for mileage costs that exceed 20% will be rejected.

Organizations may only apply for one grant per year. If multiple grant applications are made by the same applicant organization, all such applications will be rejected.

Applications that request funding for work conducted entirely by another applicant organization will be rejected.

Data Quality and Data Submittal

All data collected as part of activities funded by this grant must be submitted to DEQ. The Virginia Data Explorer (VDE) is the preferred method for Level II and Level III data submission. The VDE is a data portal that mirrors the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative (CMC) data portal, which is limited to groups within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. New users will need to coordinate with DEQ to create an account by the interim report deadline in order to avoid delays to data submission. Level I data must be sent directly to DEQ following the instructions and format described in the Data Submittal to DEQ Guide. A new Data Use Authorization Form is required each year data will be submitted to DEQ, regardless of whether forms have been submitted previously. DEQ will review each dataset, coordinate with grantees to address data quality issues, and include the data in the Agency’s Integrated Water Quality Report to EPA, or use it for other agency business as appropriate.

Prior to data submission, all grantees should review the Guide for Submitting Water Quality Data to DEQ to ensure adherence to DEQ's data reporting requirements.

All Regular and Coordination grants, as well as all mini grants for projects involving Level II or Level

III data collection (i.e. any data intended for use in agency business) must develop and receive DEQ approval for a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). All projects submitting Level III data must undergo field and laboratory audits by DEQ, as appropriate for the project.

Draft QAPP documents must be submitted with the application and will be reviewed on a rolling basis according to the project start date listed on the application cover page. Return applicants should indicate changes to the QAPP using red font or the “track changes” feature.

If an organization currently has a QAPP on file with DEQ and no changes have occurred to the scope of the project, a draft QAPP should still be submitted with the application. The document date should reflect the new monitoring year, and a note stating that no changes have been made to the previous document should accompany the submission.

The QAPP must include the following information as it pertains to the project for which funds are being requested (the monitoring plan spreadsheet includes fields for many QAPP requirements, and can be used as a table within appropriate sections of the QAPP):

1. Parameters and methodology employed for data collection https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/permits/water https://cmc.vims.edu/data-explorer?variant=va https://cmc.vims.edu/data-explorer?variant=va https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQDataSubmittalGuide2026.pdf

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 7

2. Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures used

3. The scope and general objectives of the project:

i. Unique station IDs

ii. Station location description and coordinates

iii. Collecting organization

4. Field sampling procedures

5. Changes to past QAPPs should be clearly noted

The information included and the level of effort needed for a QAPP is highly project specific. It is recommended that new applicants refer to the DEQ developed QAPP template (found on the program webpage), and contact DEQ for assistance.

Regular Grant Clarifications

Regular grant applicants are expected to have unique sampling regardless of affiliations with other applicant organizations and produce distinct data with at least one parameter at Level II or Level III (requiring a QAPP).

Any duplication in sampling locations with another applicant must clearly list this overlap and provide reasoning for the overlap. Unique sites must be covered by an independent QAPP developed by the applicant. It is the responsibility of the applicants to ensure and submit documentation for QAPP coverage for duplicated sites.

Coordination Grant Clarifications

Sub-organizations must follow protocols from the coordinating organization's (primary applicant's)

QAPP.

Coordinating organization (primary applicant) will be responsible for QA/QC of data, data submission, and all other deliverables.

Any duplication in sampling locations with another applicant must clearly list this overlap and provide reasoning for the overlap. Unique sites must be covered by an independent QAPP developed by the applicant. It is the responsibility of the applicants to submit QAPP documentation and ensure coverage for duplicated sites.

Contractual Agreements

All work to be accomplished through the Citizen Monitoring Grant Program must be legally embodied in a contract between the grantee and DEQ. This contract will serve as a Memorandum of Agreement in accordance with the Code of Virginia §62.1-44.19:11. Upon submission of a signed contract agreement, grant funds will be made available to the grantee. If at any time the grantee organization cannot fulfill the requirements of the contract, the remainder of the grant funds and/or any equipment purchased through the grant must be returned to the DEQ Citizen Monitoring Grant Program for redistribution.

Funded activities may begin as soon as January 1, 2027, and must be completed by December 31, 2027. Funded activities may not begin until a contract between DEQ and the applicant is in place.

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/monitoring/monitoring-partner-resources https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title62.1/chapter3.1/section62.1-44.19:11/

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 8

Required Deliverables Timeline

Deliverables providing updates on the project are required according to the schedule below.

Submittal of deliverables will be part of the consideration process for return applicants, and failure to submit deliverables may result in point deductions or disqualification.

Grant Application due: August 31, 2026

Draft QAPP due: August 31, 2026 (If generating Level II or Level III data) o DEQ will provide initial feedback to grantees by mid-February 2027

Final QAPP due: April 5, 2027 (If generating Level II or Level III data) o Every effort should be made by the grantee to have a DEQ approved, signed QAPP in place by this date

Interim Report & Virginia Data Explorer account creation: July 09, 2027

1. Status of award expenditures

a. General description of timeline for expenditure of remaining funds (if applicable)

2. Summary of project goals completed, to date (please reference the project goals as listed in the application)

a. If a QAPP is in place for water quality monitoring being conducted, please include a numerical figure demonstrating your sampling progress

For example: "We have completed sampling for 15 out of 36 planned events for bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and temperature", or "We have completed 41% of our planned sampling for bacteria, dissolved oxygen, and temperature."

3. Summary of project goals not yet completed

a. Is the planned timeline being met?

b. describe your plan to complete the remaining sampling/project tasks by the project completion date

4. Updated monitoring plan if different from the plan submitted with application (if applicable)

5. Initiation/confirmation of Virginia Data Explorer account must be completed by this date

Final Report & Data Submittal: February 1, 2028

1. Financial Reporting

a. Itemization of expenditures for complete project period with side-by-side comparison to budget proposal

b. Receipts for purchases supporting project activities and affiliated with expenditures

2. Summary of project, observations, activities

a. If a QAPP is in place for water quality monitoring being conducted, was the sample completeness goal set in the QAPP met?

b. Were the project goals as described in the application met? Please describe successes and shortcomings.

c. How might the project be improved in future iterations?

3. Copies of publications, list of workshops, and related material in which the grant funds were utilized (if applicable)

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 9

4. All Level II and Level III monitoring data generated from the project must be uploaded to either the Virginia Data Explorer, or the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Level I data should be submitted directly to DEQ in the format provided in the Data Submittal to DEQ Guide (found on the program webpage). As applicable, further instructions on how to submit data will be provided when grant awards are announced.

5. Optional- photos of grant activities with description and photo credit. These may be posted on the DEQ website, social media, newsletters, etc.

Application Evaluation and Requirements

A complete application submission should include the following:

Completed application

Budget proposal workbook (only tab 2- Proposed Budget is due with the application)

Monitoring plan workbook (where applicable)

Draft QAPP (where applicable)

Data Use Authorization Form (if project will generate data)

COV W9 form: applicants are required to submit an updated COV W9 form. The address on the form will be used to issue payment; applicants should be certain that this address is correct.

o Alternate forms will not be accepted.

o Please include the TIN for the organization that will receive the grant funds. DO NOT include a personal TIN or social security number. The TIN is the Employer Identification Number field on the form.

Additional requirement to be completed upon request:

Awarded-Actual Budget: tentative awardees will be required to submit an updated budget if partial funding is awarded.

o The awarded-actual budget should be submitted as soon as possible upon request and must be submitted before an agreement will be issued.

o The awarded-actual budget must be completed in tab 3 of the budget proposal following the instructions listed.

For additional assistance completing the W9 form, contact DEQ Accounts Payable deqapinvoices@deq.virginia.gov or 804-659-1538.

Application Submission

Electronic Submission: Electronic submission of the application is preferred. Please e-mail a completed application packet to citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov with the applicant organization’s name and requested grant type in the subject line. Electronic submissions are due August 31, 2026.

https://www.chesapeakemonitoringcoop.org/services/chesapeake-data-explorer/ https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/monitoring/monitoring-partner-resources https://www.doa.virginia.gov/forms/CVG/W9_COVSubstitute.pdf mailto:%20deqapinvoices@deq.virginia.gov

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 10

Standard Mail Delivery: If delivering by mail, one (1) original copy and four (4) copies of the application packet and must be post-marked by August 31, 2026. Mail applications to:

Mail Delivery: Street Delivery:

Meighan Wisswell Meighan Wisswell VA Dept. of Environmental Quality VA Dept. of Environmental Quality Water Quality Monitoring Water Quality Monitoring

P.O. Box 1105 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400 Richmond, VA 23218 Richmond, VA 23219

No exceptions can be made to the above deadline. Late applications will be disqualified. Notification of awards will be made in early 2027. Funds will be available when a contract has been signed and returned to DEQ.

Applications should provide all requested information as completely as possible. Incomplete answers and omission of requested information may substantially reduce the opportunity for an award. Project activities should be described as thoroughly as possible. Applications may refer to other documents and information sources, and if deemed appropriate, these will be considered in the evaluation process.

Project Evaluation

High priority will be given to projects that meet multiple agency objectives (see goals in Purpose section).

At all levels of funding, the agency prioritizes projects based on the quality and quantity of monitoring data to be collected.

Preference will be given to data and projects on publicly accessible waterbodies. (Publicly accessible water bodies are those for which direct access is permitted from public land during normal working hours.)

Projects focusing on private waters may be approved if they provide outstanding educational opportunities and/or provide benefit to underserved communities.

Applications that request a substantial amount of funding to be provided to another applicant organization may be given a lower priority for funding compared to those where the applicant group proposes to do most or all the work.

Extensive volunteer engagement is prioritized.

Submission of previous deliverables will be taken into consideration for return applicants.

Exceptional proposals typically include submission of significant amounts of high-quality data collected from a wide geographic area with minimal station overlap/duplicative monitoring across the state.

Scoring

Applications will be evaluated by a DEQ appointed committee using the scoring breakdown below:

Part 1 (170 Points): Project Description (for Mini, Regular, and Coordination Grants) This section asks applicants to provide information on project goals and scope, as well as details about engagement with volunteers and environmental justice/underserved communities. (Mini Grants will be evaluated and scored on Part 1 only, with a maximum score of 170).

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 11

Part 2 (86 points): Site Selection and Quality Assurance (for Regular and Coordination Grants only) This section asks applicants to provide more details about their site locations, as well as QA/QC planning and training. (Regular Grants will be evaluated and scored on Parts 1 and 2 resulting in a maximum score of 256).

Part 3 (79 points): Special Conditions (for Coordination Grants only) This section asks applicants to elaborate on quality assurance practices needed for larger data sets and describe how the organization meets the eligibility for the selected grant track. (Coordination Grants will be evaluated and scored on Parts 1 through 3 resulting in a maximum score of 335).

For more information about the scoring criteria or to request a copy of the scoring rubric, please contact Meighan Wisswell at citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov or 571-866-6494.

mailto:%20citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 12

Attachment A: Water Quality Data Leveling for External Monitoring Partners Guide for understanding how DEQ evaluates physical, chemical, and bacterial water quality data

In Virginia, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed three levels of data quality for volunteer and other non-DEQ water quality data based upon an evaluation of the sampling methodology, quality assurance protocols, and the authorized uses indicated by the data submitter.

DEQ coordinates with a robust network of external monitoring partners across the state to supplement agency-collected water quality data. Any external monitoring partner wishing to submit data to DEQ should consult the Guide for Submitting Water Quality Data to DEQ and complete a Data Use Authorization Form.

Data Leveling Snapshot

There are no numeric criteria in the Virginia Water Quality Standard regulations for the following commonly monitored parameters:

o nitrate (except for waterbodies designated as public water supplies) o nitrite o total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) o orthophosphate o suspended solids o total nitrogen o total phosphorus (except for lakes mentioned in 9VAC25-260-187) o water clarity (turbidity/Secchi depth)

Only level III data can be used to fully support or impair surface waters

Level III data are the highest quality and require the most quality assurance/quality control protocols

Parameters for which there are no numeric water quality criteria are limited to level II and level I https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQDataSubmittalGuide2026.pdf https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQ_DataUseForm.pdf https://covgov.sharepoint.com/sites/DEQ-WaterPlanning/WQM/CitMon/2027CMG/2027CMG_ApplicationPackage/DEQ_DataUseForm.pdf

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 13

In the event that there is no applicable numeric criteria for the parameter of interest, monitors are encouraged to adopt Level II or level III methods (e.g., samples sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis or otherwise follow the QA/QC requirements for level II or level III data in the table below) in the event Virginia adopts such criteria so the data could be used in the future.

General information about Virginia Water Quality Standards is available here. Code of Virginia Water Quality Standards are available here.

The data level evaluation of volunteer and non-agency collected benthic macroinvertebrate data follows a similar process to that for physical, chemical, and bacterial data. Generally, data submitted by external monitoring partners following the VA Save Our Streams protocol with a DEQ approved QAPP will be evaluated at level II.

Monitoring partners who wish to submit level III benthic macroinvertebrate data should reach out to DEQ for more information.

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/water-quality/standards https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title9/agency25/chapter260/section170/

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 14

Table 1 External Data Requirements and Conditions for DEQ Use

Level Eligibility for DEQ Data

Use QA/QC Requirements Additional Leveling Conditions

Level

III

List or delist waters on the 303(d) Impaired waters list

Assess waters for 305(b) Report

Use with DEQ data for TMDL development

All uses listed in Levels I and II

DEQ-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and field or lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Field and/or laboratory audit by DEQ required.

Calibration and quality control information submitted to DEQ. This information must meet the specific criteria stated in the QAPP.

Data must be collected using DEQ-approved methods.

There is a numeric Virginia Water Quality Standard for the parameter.

Level

II

Identify waters for DEQ follow up monitoring

Track performance of

TMDL

implementation

All uses listed in Level I

DEQ-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and field or lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Data must be collected using DEQ-approved methods.

There is a numeric Virginia Water Quality Standard for the parameter.

Deviation from a DEQ approved method if it can be demonstrated that the method collects data of similar quality to an approved method.

There is no applicable numeric Virginia Water Quality Standard for the parameter AND agency use does not require established water quality criteria (for example: tracking TMDL implementation performance or gathering initial data for possible DEQ follow-up monitoring)

Level I

Education

Baseline Conditions

Notification of Possible Pollution Events

Local Land Use Decisions

Special Studies

No Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) or SOP required by DEQ.

Uniform methodology recommended.

QAPP, SOPs and/or lab methods do not meet DEQ quality assurance/quality control requirements.

There is no applicable numeric Virginia Water Quality Standard for the parameter.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 15

Table 2 Rubric for Estimating External Physical, Chemical, & Bacteria Parameter Data Level Based on Commonly Used Sampling Equipment/Methods

Parameter Level I Equipment/Methods Level II Equipment/Methods Level III Equipment/Methods Air temperature Thermometer/Thermistor (unverified)

Weather app Thermometer/Thermistor (verified and calibrated)

Alkalinity Field colorimeter (not standardized) Field colorimeter (standardized) Titration test kit

Ammonia-nitrogen Field colorimeter Lab analysis (uncertified) Lab analysis (certified)

Bacteria (E. coli) Coliscan Easygel R Card (3mL total volume) Coliscan Easygel

IDEXX Colilert Membrane Filtration Lab analysis

Bacteria (enterococci) R Card (3mL total volume) IDEXX Enterolert Membrane filtration Lab analysis

Chlorophyll Lab analysis (uncertified) Lab analysis (certified)

Conductivity Meter/probe (not calibrated) Multiprobe sonde (calibrated) Individual probe (calibrated)

Dissolved Oxygen Meter/probe (not calibrated) Winkler titration (not standardized)

Winkler titration (standardized, no replicate)

Multiprobe sonde (calibrated)

Winkler titration (standardized, replicate)

Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimetric kit Field colorimeter/Spectrophotometer

Lab analysis (uncertified) Lab analysis (certified)

Nitrite-nitrate Field colorimeter/Spectrophotometer Lab analysis (certified)

Orthophosphate Field colorimeter/Spectrophotometer Lab analysis (certified) pH pH test strips Narrow range colorimetric kit Wide range colorimetric kit

Multiprobe sonde (calibrated) Individual probe (calibrated)

Phaeophytin Lab analysis (certified)

Salinity Meter/probe (not calibrated) Hydrometer

Silicate Lab analysis (certified)

Total Dissolved Solids Meter/probe Lab analysis (certified)

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen

Lab analysis (certified)

Total Nitrogen Lab analysis (certified)

Total Phosphorus Lab analysis (uncertified) Lab analysis (certified)

Total Suspended Solids

Lab analysis (certified)

Water Clarity/Turbidity Turbidity tube Turbidity test kit

Multiprobe sonde (calibrated)

Secchi Disk

Water temperature Thermometer/Thermistor (unverified) Thermometer/Thermistor (verified and calibrated) Sonde thermistor (NIST verified and calibrated) Digital thermometer (NIST verified and calibrated) Field thermometer (NIST verified)

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 16

Downgrading Data Levels

Based on DEQ’s evaluation of the quality assurance documentation and equipment/methodology used, external monitoring data may be downgraded to a lower data level prior to being used for water quality assessment decisions. Common reasons for downgrading data are described below.

Level III to level II

Inappropriate fecal indicator used for the salinity regime.

o For more information about bacteria monitoring and selecting the appropriate fecal indicator please visit our webpage.

No applicable numeric criteria in the Virginia Water Quality Standards regulations for the parameter QA requirements not met o Calibration or standardization not sufficient o Glassware not washed o Greater than 10% equipment blank sample frequency not met o Greater than 10% replicate/duplicate sample frequency not met o Greater than 10% field data replicate frequency not met o Lab not certified or DEQ approved o QAPP not DEQ approved/DEQ methods not used o DEQ field audit not completed

Level II to Level I

No applicable numeric criteria in the Virginia Water Quality Standards regulations for the parameter QA requirements not met o QAPP not DEQ approved/DEQ methods not used

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 17

Attachment B: Environmental Data Mapper (EDM) User Guide Guided instructions for finding geospatial and other location-based information required for the DEQ Citizen Water Monitoring Grant

For more instruction on the use of the Environmental Data Mapper, please refer to the EDM help and resources webpage.

1. Open the Environmental Data Mapper (Figure 1).

Navigate to the Virginia Environmental Data Hub https://gisdata.deq.virginia.gov/EDM/. Microsoft Explorer cannot be used to access the link. You must use another browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, which you may need to download before proceeding. Scroll down the page and select the option: “Go to the

Environmental Data Mapper”. Once the Environmental Data Mapper opens read and accept the terms of the data accuracy statement.

Figure 1 Accessing the DEQ Environmental Data Mapper https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/pages/environmental-data-mapper-help https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/pages/environmental-data-mapper-help https://gisdata.deq.virginia.gov/EDM/

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 18

2. Locate your monitoring site or upload your station list (Figures 2 & 3).

Click on the box labeled “Find address or place” and enter a longitude and latitude (in decimal degrees) or address. Enter longitude first, preceded by negative sign. Clicking on the black arrow to the left of the search box will allow for an advanced search, and the left most icon underneath the search box will allow you to upload a shape file or csv of your sites. Your site should appear on the map on, or very close to, the correct waterbody.

Organizations with larger site lists may find it easier to upload their sites to the EDM and then proceed with the remaining steps to explore the information required in the monitoring plan. The below (Figure 3) is an example CSV that would allow a user of the EDM to have all their sites populated on the map. Clicking on each site on the map would generate a pop-up box containing the information from the CSV, as well as any layers actively selected in the EDM.

Figure 2 Locating your monitoring with a longitude/latitude pair.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 19

Figure 3 Uploading your station list with a CSV file.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 20

3. Determine the City/County & VAHU6 code (Figure 4).

On the layers list to the right of the screen, expand the DEQ Layers list and then find and expand the “Watersheds/Hydrology” layer by clicking on the arrow to the left of the green checkbox. A sub-list should populate. Select and check the box for “6th Order NWBD HUC 12 Watersheds”. A series of boundary lines should appear on the map. By clicking on the dot representing your site location on the map, a box will pop up.

The title at the top of the box will indicate what information is being displayed. By using the arrows on the bottom left of the box, you can toggle through the available information cards. One card should show the city/county. Record this information for each station in the “Site Descriptions” tab of the monitoring plan.

Another card will display the title: “6th Order NWBD HUC 12 Watersheds….” ). Record the 4-character

VAHU6 code for each station in the “Site Selections” tab of the monitoring plan (VAHU6 required for Regular and Coordination applicants only).

Figure 4 Locating the VAHU6 code & city/county information.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 21

4. Find designated use and impairment information (Figure 5). Regular & Coordination applicants only

Zoom in to your site using the + symbol in the top left corner of the view. Under “DEQ Layers” expand the

“Water Quality Assessment (WQA)” layer by clicking on the arrow to the left of the green checkbox. A sub-list should populate. Select the most recent “reservoirs”, “rivers”, or “estuaries” layer as appropriate for your sites (you’ll need to zoom in close to make the rivers layer available). Your waterbodies should appear highlighted based on their status. Waterbodies highlighted in green are "fully supporting" for all assessed uses (these may have uses listed as “not assessed” or “insufficient information”. Waterbodies highlighted in blue are "not assessed/insufficient information" and will not have impairment causes listed. Waterbodies with any assessed uses listed as “not supporting” will be highlighted in burgundy and will have impairment causes listed.

To ensure impairment data are visible, make sure you are viewing the appropriate layer in the EDM. Tidally influenced segments of rivers will have information visible under the "estuaries" layer. Click on the

Figure 5 Determining waterbody impairments.

2027 DEQ CMG RFA 22

waterbody to generate the pop-up box to view the assessment information. Use the gray bar on the right of the pop-up box to scroll down through the text until you see the sections “causes” and each applicable designated use for that waterbody segment, e.g., aquatic life, recreation. Note any designated uses that are listed as “not supporting” with the impairments in the “causes” box, or any designated use listed as “not assessed/insufficient information” for each station in the “Site Selections” tab of your monitoring plan

(required only for Regular and Coordination applicants). If the box that appears does not display this information, use the arrows at the bottom left of the box to toggle to it.

5. Locate other monitoring stations (Figure 6). Regular & Coordination applicants only

On the layers list on the right side of the screen, under “DEQ Layers”, expand the “Water Quality

Monitoring (WQM)” layers by clicking on the arrow to the left of the green check box. In the sub-list, select the most recent year’s monitoring plan stations as shown below. Zoom in or out as needed to show nearby monitoring stations. Stations used in previous assessment cycles can also be viewed by expanding the

“Water Quality Assessment (WQA)” layer. For example, selecting “2024 WQA Monitoring Stations” will show stations assessed in the 2024 cycle, “2022 WQA Monitoring Stations” will show stations assessed in the 2022 cycle, and so on. These lists include all monitoring data used by the agency, whereas the

“Monitoring Plan Stations” show stations monitored by DEQ only. Using the scale bar in the bottom left corner of the view, or the measure tool (ruler icon on top right toolbar) to note and report stations within 5 miles on different waterbodies, and those within 2 miles on the same waterbody.

Figure 6 Finding nearby monitoring sites.

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6. Pre-screen your station list for nearby permitted outfalls (Figure 7).

On the layers list on the right side of the screen, under “DEQ Layers”, expand the “Water Permitting” layers by clicking on the gray arrow to the left of the blue check box. In the sub-list, select the “VPDES Outfalls (Daily)” and “Stormwater Permits (Daily)” layers. On the map, colored pentagons represent the location of permitted outfalls and spiked circles represent stormwater permits. Use the measure tool (ruler icon) as above to find the distance between your sites and any permitted outfalls within the vicinity. You can also use the near me tool to examine any points of interest from active layers within a designated radius. DEQ will review monitoring plans for stations located within 400ft of VPDES authorized outfalls as an initial screening threshold to determine whether proposed station locations fit within the scope of the grant program. To avoid delays and requests for monitoring plan revisions, you may elect to re-locate any stations found to be within the 400ft buffer.

Figure 7 Screening your stations for nearby outfalls.

2027 DEQ Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Application

Deadline August 31, 2026

2027 DEQ CMG Application 1

Cover Page

1. Name of applicant organization:

2. Contact information. Please include names and emails for all persons who will be responsible for project activities.

Primary contact name:

Primary contact phone number:

Primary contact email:

Additional contact name & email:

Additional contact name & email:

Mailing address for grant payment and correspondence:

Street Address:

City & State:

Zip Code:

3. Brief description of monitoring activities/project (please limit to 5 sentences):

4. Intended project start and end dates. These dates will be used to review/approve QAPPs, where applicable, on a rolling basis. (Projects cannot start prior to January 1, 2027, or end after December 31, 2027):

_________________________ TO _______________________

2027 DEQ CMG Application 2

5. Grant Type Requested (select only one):

Mini-Grant (up to $1,000): complete application part 1, budget proposal workbook tab 2- Proposed

Budget, monitoring plan workbook tabs 2-3, Data Use Authorization Form (if applicable), COV W9 form

Regular Grant (up to $5,000): complete application parts 1 & 2, budget proposal workbook tab 2-

Proposed Budget, monitoring plan (all tabs), Data Use Authorization Form, COV W9 form

Coordination Grant (up to $11,000): complete application parts 1-3, budget proposal workbook tab

2- Proposed Budget, monitoring plan (all tabs), Data Use Authorization Form, COV W9 form

6. Amount requested (please enter the total request sum from the budget proposal)

7. Are you a returning grantee or applicant?

RETURNING GRANTEE RETURNING APPLICANT NEW APPLICANT

8. If you are a returning grantee, please briefly share any success stories or outcomes from previous DEQ

Citizen Monitoring Grant Program support.

Please refer to the Request for Applications for application submission requirements and guidelines.

Signature of Organization's Chief Officer

Print Name Title Date or By checking this box, and typing my name on the signature line, I approve of this application and serves as my digital signature

2027 DEQ CMG Application 3

Part 1: Project Description

Required for all grant applicants

1. What are the goals and purpose of this project? Returning grantees should provide the purpose and goals for this iteration of the project, i.e., for the monitoring year for which you are applying. (10 points)

2. Please summarize/explain the budget request and how that funding from DEQ would help achieve the vision for this project? (10 points)

2027 DEQ CMG Application 4

3. Is DEQ the primary source of funding for this project? (7 points)

YES NO

a. Please describe how this project would continue in the future without DEQ funding.

4. Will water quality samples be collected for this project? (45 points total)

YES NO (If no, please skip to question 5)

a. Will the water samples be collected on a publicly accessible waterbody1? (4 points)

YES, ALL NO YES, MOST

b. Please list the primary users of data generated in this project and describe how the data will be used by these entities. (4 points)

c. Please complete the Data Use Authorization Form based upon your answers from the questions above. Consult Attachment A: Levels of Volunteer Collected Water Quality Data in Virginia from the RFA for more information. (7 points)

Please keep in mind that Regular and Coordination grant projects must generate at least one parameter of Level II or Level III data, and data must be authorized for use for at least the purposes of options 4 & 5 on the Data Use Form.

1 Please email citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov with any questions about public accessibility.

2027 DEQ CMG Application 5

d. Please complete the Monitoring Plan Workbook tabs 2-3 (Site Descriptions and Parameters &

Methodology). Begin by carefully reading the instructions tab. Only Regular and Coordination grant applicants should complete tab 4, Site Selections. (30 points)

5. If the grant will not be used to collect water quality samples, please explain how your project will improve/impact volunteer water quality monitoring efforts in Virginia. (30 points)

6. Please complete tab 2- Proposed Budget, in the budget proposal workbook. Please carefully read the instructions in the budget workbook, as well as the relevant information in the Program Requirements section of the RFA. (25 points)

7. Will your organization be receiving DEQ grant funds from another applicant organization? If yes, please be sure to document this carefully in the budget proposal. (3 points)

8. Will your organization be requesting DEQ grant funding that will go to another applicant organization? If yes, please be sure to document this carefully in the budget proposal. (3 points)

2027 DEQ CMG Application 6

9. How will this project meet the requirement for volunteers to receive training and access to equipment purchased with grant funds? (Volunteers are project participants who are not paid for their work). (15 points)

10. How many volunteers will be engaged in this project? (3 points)

11. Does this project include partnership or involvement from other organizations/agencies? (5 points)

a. If yes, please describe the nature of the partnership, especially as it pertains to the funded activities in this grant.

12. Is the proposed project new, or a continuation of an existing project? (2 points)

NEW PROJECT CONTINUATION OF EXISTING PROJECT

2027 DEQ CMG Application 7

13. How does your project help realize one or more of the six Citizen Monitoring Grant Program objectives outlined in the RFA? (12 points)

For Questions 14-15 Please provide detailed answers. Applicants may choose to evaluate their project using the VA EJScreen+. The communities of color and low-income communities data layers in the tool reflect the VA Environmental Justice Act definitions for environmental justice. VA EJScreen+ is similar in use to the Environmental Data Mapper and you can reference the EDM guide attached to the RFA, or the VA EJScreen+ Help and Resources website to perform many of the same actions in both applications. Please email citizenwater@deq.virginia.gov for more information.

Please do not rely on screen captures of the results alone to complete these questions.

Pertinent information may include:

descriptions of how project activities will benefit low-income communities, underserved communities, or state or federally recognized tribal areas descriptions of challenges…