ESBD_515675_1778788629514_582-27-00033 - Solicitation - Task Language.docx

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Application Task Language

This document is to be used with the CWA Section 319(h) Grant Application Form. It provides example language for various Tasks commonly associated with NPS projects. Find the appropriate Task in the “Project-Specific Task List” below and click the hyperlink (Ctrl + Click) to go to the Task. Task language should be copied and pasted directly into the Grant Application Form between the “Quality Assurance” and “Final Report” Tasks that are already included in the Application Form.

The examples below are not inclusive of all possible project Tasks. Applicants are encouraged to propose any Tasks that are consistent with CWA Section 319(h) Grant requirements and funding priorities as outlined in the most recent EPA approved Texas NPS Management Program. Many details below, including numbers, frequencies, specifications, etc., are intended for illustrative purposes. Applicants should modify language provided as needed for individual projects.

For projects developing a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) or watershed characterization TCEQ supports a phased approach to developing a WPP that meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) required nine key elements for a watershed-based plan. The development of a WPP may be broken down into two separate projects in different grant years. Existing and collected data must be representative spatially and temporally, of the whole watershed. At a minimum, a watershed characterization will accomplish the following actions:

· Define scope of water quality problem.

· Gather and create an inventory of existing data.

· Identify data gaps and collect additional data if needed.

· Analyze data to characterize the watershed and pollutant sources.

· Estimate pollutant loads from sources.

· Describe and document what reductions in loading are needed to achieve water quality.

· Describe stakeholder involvement.

· Determine the steps needed to develop the full WPP.

REQUIRED TASKS (Already included in Application Form)

· Project Administration

· Quality Assurance (if applicable)

· Final Report

PROJECT-SPECIFIC TASK LIST

· Watershed Characterization or WPP Development

· Watershed Stakeholder Coordination

· Data Acquisition and Source Identification

· Estimate Pollutant Loads and Load Reductions

· Watershed Characterization and Source Report

· WPP Development

· Best Management Practice (BMP) Implementation

· BMP Design and Construction

· Load Reduction Estimate

· Water Quality Monitoring

· Water Quality Monitoring

· BMP Effectiveness Monitoring

· On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Remediation

· Identify, Inspect, and Select Failing OSSFs

· OSSF Repair and Replacement

· OSSF Education and Outreach

· OSSF Inventory and Geodatabase

Italicized instructions should not be included in the actual Task language.

Text in blue font is optional and may or may not be appropriate for your project. Adjust as needed.

Watershed Characterization or WPP Development Task X: Watershed Stakeholder Coordination

Objective: To develop and facilitate stakeholder involvement in the watershed planning process that will enable local decision-making for the project. This Task will also provide educational programs and a plan for media outreach. This Task will partially complete Element E of the EPA’s nine key elements for a watershed-based plan.

Subtask X.1: Public Participation Plan (PPP) — The Performing Party will develop a or update an existing PPP detailing the strategy for engaging the public and stakeholders in the watershed planning process. The PPP will, at a minimum, include 1) stakeholder group ground rules, 2) stakeholder group structure (i.e., steering committee, work groups) and membership, 3) stakeholder meeting topic/purpose and tentative schedule, and 4) a targeted outreach and education plan.

Subtask X.2: Stakeholder Group Development, Coordination, and Facilitation — The Performing Party will seek to engage a diverse group of stakeholders from throughout the watershed that includes citizens, agricultural interests, local businesses, local and governmental entities and elected officials, state and federal agencies, and environmental and special interest groups. The Performing Party will develop and maintain a list of stakeholders and convene and facilitate (Insert meeting frequency, e.g., quarterly) stakeholder meetings. Specifically, the Performing Party will be responsible for:

· Developing and maintaining a stakeholder list;

· Developing agendas, arranging meeting facilities, and sending email notifications for meetings;

· Providing information requested by stakeholders prior to and following meetings.

· Updating stakeholders on project progress; and

· Arranging presentations by guest speakers offering useful information to stakeholders.

Agendas and presentation materials for stakeholder meetings will be submitted to the TCEQ Project Manager for review and approval at least 14 days prior to distribution.

Subtask X.3: Education and Outreach — The Performing Party will implement an outreach campaign (as described in the PPP) by working closely with stakeholders, local river authorities, county extension agents, county Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) agents, applicable state agency staff, local governments, and other interested groups. The Performing Party will:

· (example) Conduct six educational events per year.

Subtask X.4: Media and Public Awareness — The Performing Party will develop a media plan and submit it to the TCEQ Project Manager for review. The Performing Party will develop and distribute to local media personnel press releases regarding educational opportunities. The Performing Party will work with local radio and/or TV stations to air public service announcements (PSAs)/programs about the project efforts, water quality, and/or sources of nonpoint pollution. The Performing Party will develop a project web page and make updates available on the web page for the stakeholders and the general public. The Performing Party will:

· (example) Develop five (one per quarter) press releases regarding the project and associated activities;

· (example) Develop five (one per quarter) PSAs to be aired on local radio and/or television stations; and

· (example) Complete project web page updates with current information, twice per year.

Press releases and PSAs will be submitted to the TCEQ Project Manager for approval at least 14 days prior to distribution or release.

Subtask X.5: Stakeholder Coordination and Public Outreach Report — The Performing Party will develop a report summarizing stakeholder involvement in the watershed planning process, as well as education and outreach activities conducted under this Task. For education and outreach events, the report should include area/group served, date(s), number of people reached, and topics covered.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: Data Acquisition and Source Identification

Objective: To acquire, compile, and evaluate existing relevant data, historical information, and other related information for use in watershed characterization, stakeholder education, and to support development of the WPP. This Task will provide information to partially complete Elements A and B of the EPA’s nine key elements for a watershed-based plan. All water body impairments and concerns (except for toxics, metals, organics, and biological indicators) in the watershed should be addressed by the watershed characterization.

Subtask X.1: Acquire, Compile, and Evaluate Existing Data — The Performing Party will acquire, compile, and evaluate existing data and information pertaining to water quality impairments and issues in the watershed. These data and information will, to the extent possible:

· Describe relevant watershed characteristics and conditions (e.g., watershed boundary, hydrology, climate, soils, land use/cover, water quality standards);

· Support Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis;

· Identify the potential sources of pollution and causes of water quality impairments and issues; and

· Quantify pollutant loadings.

The Performing Party will assess the existing data and information to determine if it allows for determination of sources and quantities of pollutants. If data gaps are identified, the Performing Party will work with stakeholders to determine how to address them. The data and information will be presented to stakeholders in appropriate formats including graphs, tables, and maps.

Subtask X.2: Acquired Data Analysis and Report — The Performing Party will analyze the existing data and information and, to the extent possible, characterize water quality conditions, watershed conditions, and potential sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments and issues. The Performing Party will assess the existing data and information to determine quality and adequacy in defining the pollutant sources. If data gaps are identified, the Performing Party will work with stakeholder to determine how to address them. The analysis will:

· Describe the outcomes of data acquisition and evaluation, including:

· Watershed characteristics,

· Potential sources of pollution and causes of water quality impairments and issues,

· Sources of pollution, and

· Plan for addressing data gaps.

· Identify indicator parameter(s) that can be used to assess conditions and measure progress toward meeting water quality goals;

· Describe trends in the data for the identified indicator parameters;

· Describe conditions when water quality impairments occur and possible sources of pollution; and

· Identify and justify the analytical method that will be used to estimate pollutant loadings from sources that contribute to the water quality impairments (See EPA’s Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters, Chapters 4 and 7).

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: Estimate Pollutant Loads and Reductions This Task is for WPP/WC development, not for reporting load reductions.

Objective: To estimate pollutant loads and reductions for current and future conditions and establish the cause-and-effect relationship between pollutant loads and the response in the water body(ies). This Task will provide information to complete Elements A, B, and C of the EPA’s nine key elements for a watershed-based plan. All water body impairments (except for toxics, metals, organics, and biological indicators) in the watershed should be addressed by this analysis. Parameters of concern do not need load reductions.

Text below describes the general language to be used by the Performing Party. Details should be provided to clarify data, techniques, methods, etc. to be used. Analyses can be performed using techniques that range from a simple spreadsheet tool to a complex watershed model. Simple analyses involve calculating loads based on land use areas and representative loading rates (i.e., load per area of land). Complex analyses involve watershed models. Depending on the complexity of the method chosen to quantify source loadings, and the amount of data needed, the applicant, or TCEQ, may choose to divide the project into two phases in different grant cycles. Phase one would involve Watershed Characterization and Phase two would involve modeling along with the completed nine-element WPP document. These Tasks are shown below with the following italicized text, “Optional for watershed characterization projects.”

Subtask X.1: Quantify Source Loadings and Load Reductions — The Performing Party will quantify source loadings used in the analysis through analysis of existing data, monitoring data from this project, literature values, and existing reports. The Performing Party will estimate pollutant loads and their sources using tools such as GIS analysis and/or the Spatially Explicit Load Enrichment Calculation Tool (SELECT). Potential pollutant loadings using known/estimated human and animal population density information will be used to calculate loadings in the watershed. Such methodology will be used to estimate loads and needed reductions for pollutants. The Performing Party will use a calibrated and validated hydrologic model (e.g. SWAT) to estimate flow rates in the creek to calculate pollutant loads. Flow and Load Duration Curves (FDCs and LDCs) will be used to quantify load reductions. Quantified source loadings will be included in the Watershed Characterization and Source Report.

The following two Subtasks are optional for watershed characterization projects.

Subtask X.2: Identify NPS Management Measures — The Performing Party will describe what measures are needed and available to achieve load reductions and will provide a description of the priority area(s) in which those measures should be implemented to achieve water quality standards. This Task will satisfy Elements B and C of the EPA’s nine key elements for a watershed-based plan.

Subtask X.3: Technical Support Document — The Performing Party will develop a document that will include a discussion of all the data and information used for input, methods of analysis, source references, and all simulations of the pollutant(s) of interest.

The following is an example of what would be required for a complex model. For less complex models or other even simpler techniques, fewer elements would be necessary and list should be adjusted as appropriate.

The following elements will be addressed in the Technical Support Document:

· Hydrological (flow) data and source

· Summary of data used in modeling/calculations

· Hydrologic calibration and key parameters, validation and Goodness of Fit (if using a hydrodynamic model)

· Estimate of pollutant loads by source

· Flow and Load duration curves and needed reductions

· Identification of BMPs to meet water quality standards (if including task to Identify NPS Management Measures)

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: Watershed Characterization and Source Report

Objective: To utilize data previously acquired and/or collected to present the causes of water quality impairments and to quantify the sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments and issues. This characterization will satisfy Element A of the EPA’s nine key elements for a watershed-based plan. All water body impairments and concerns (except for toxics, metals, organics, and biological indicators) in the watershed should be addressed by the watershed characterization.

Subtask X.1: Watershed Characterization and Source Report — The Performing Party will prepare a report summarizing information developed to characterize the watershed and identify potential causes and sources of pollution. The Performing Party will submit the report for approval to the TCEQ Project Manager and present it to stakeholders for feedback. Components of the report will include:

· Identification of the project goal and current/historical water quality.

· Identification, mapping, and description of the potential sources of pollution.

· Summary of data collection (new and/or acquired) and analysis.

· Permit number and location of TCEQ wastewater treatment facilities.

· Quantification of loads from identified sources

· Identification of sources to the sub-watershed level.

· Citation and explanation of data sources, estimates, and all assumptions.

· Cause-and-effect linkage between pollutant sources and water quality standard (endpoint).

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Adjust as needed.

Task X: WPP Development

Objective: To develop a stakeholder driven WPP that will present prioritized strategies for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to restore and protect the water quality of the water bodies.

Subtask X.1: Timeline Development and WPP Review Plan — The Performing Party will develop a timeline and document review plan at the beginning of the project. The review plan will include a timeframe for submittal of the draft WPP to stakeholders and TCEQ for review and a timeframe for TCEQ to submit the draft WPP to EPA for review. The Performing Party will notify stakeholders and TCEQ of any changes to the timeline.

Subtask X.2: WPP Development — The Performing Party, [in collaboration with project partners], will develop a WPP for the [Insert the name of the watershed(s)] watershed(s) that is consistent with and satisfies the nine key elements fundamental to watershed-based plans. The WPP will address the following parameters of impairment and/or concern as listed in the [Insert the year of the Integrated Report most recently approved at the time of the Grant Application approval.] [List parameters with impairments or concerns the WPP will address]. Drafts will be submitted to stakeholders and TCEQ for review, and the Performing Party will respond to all comments. TCEQ will submit the final draft WPP to EPA for review after the Performing Party has addressed TCEQ’s comments. The Performing Party will respond to all EPA comments and produce a final WPP.

Subtask X.3: WPP Distribution — The Performing Party will make the final WPP document available to stakeholders through the project website. The Performing Party will submit an electronic copy of the EPA-approved WPP to the TCEQ Project Manager. Executive summary may not be developed for all WPPs, adjust language and deliverable as necessary. The Performing Party will develop an Executive Summary document based on the WPP and make it available on the project website along with the WPP.

Deliverables: Adjust specific due dates for each item on the list of Deliverables as needed.

BMP Implementation

Task X: Best Management Practice (BMP) Design and Construction The subtasks and deliverables below serve as basic information regarding BMP(s). Details regarding BMP(s) (type, size, treatment area, performance characteristics, etc.) must be included in the Design and Construction Task Report. The Maintenance and Operation subtask language must be included for all BMP construction projects.

Objective: To oversee the design and construction of the structural BMP(s). The Performing Party may obtain the services of a subcontractor to design and construct the identified BMPs. The Performing Party will supervise the work of the subcontractor during all construction activities.

Subtask X.1: BMP Design Contract — The Performing Party will execute a subcontract for the design of the BMP(s) to be constructed. Notification of an executed subcontract will be provided to the TCEQ Project Manager. The Performing Party will submit the proposed designs for each BMP to the TCEQ Project Manager.

Subtask X.2: BMP Construction Contract — The Performing Party will execute a subcontract for the construction of BMP(s) as identified in the design plans. Notification of an executed subcontract will be provided to the TCEQ Project Manager.

Subtask X.3: Construction Progress and Oversight — The Performing Party will work with the subcontractors to oversee the construction project schedule and activities. Any deviations from design plans will be communicated to the TCEQ Project Manager during quarterly calls. The Performing Party will provide a quarterly update on the progress of construction activities, including any delays or budget increases. The Performing Party will submit the as-built design plans for completed BMP(s) to the TCEQ Project Manager.

Subtask X.4: BMP Maintenance and Operation — The Performing Party will ensure the ongoing management and maintenance of the structural BMP installed under this project for a minimum of ten years after construction, or for a time period in accordance with commonly accepted standards for the BMP. The Performing Party will submit an Operation and Maintenance Agreement to the TCEQ Project Manager. The Performing Party will maintain documentation of maintenance and operation activities as provided in the maintenance agreement. Maintenance documentation is subject to request by TCEQ. If the Performing Party awards funds to any subcontractors to perform these activities, this provision must also be included in any related sub-agreement.

Subtask X.5: BMP Design and Construction Task Report — The Performing Party will develop a report summarizing all BMP design and construction activities under this Task.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: Load Reduction Estimate

Objective: To estimate load reductions resulting from project activities to be entered into EPA’s Grants Reporting and Tracking System.

Subtask X.1: Load Reduction Estimate Methodology — The Performing Party will submit their preferred load reduction estimate methodology and input sources to the TCEQ Project Manager. Load reduction estimates will be calculated for sediment (total suspended solids), nitrogen, phosphorus, any parameters causing an impairment in the water body affected by this project, and any parameters for which the WPP [if applicable] set load reduction targets [when known, the specific parameters would be listed]. The TCEQ PM must approve the methodology used to estimate load reductions.

Subtask X.2: Load Reduction Estimates — The Performing Party will calculate load reductions using the approved methodology.

Deliverables:

Water Quality Monitoring

Task X: Water Quality Monitoring

Objective: To collect water quality data for effectiveness monitoring of implementation activities in the water body(ies). Water quality monitoring can also be used to support watershed characterization or other data needs.

More detail should be provided within the above objective to clearly state the purpose of the monitoring. In addition to monitoring for pollutants related to impairments, the NPS Program recommends monitoring for nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids.

Subtask X.1: Monitoring Assessment Requirements — The Performing Party will satisfy the following water quality monitoring assessment requirements described in their approved QAPP:

· Perform a desk readiness review with field staff of field sampling procedures and requirements as outlined in the QAPP and the TCEQ SWQM Procedures Manual. The Performing Party will submit a brief report documenting topics discussed and attendance at this review.

· Submit field notes and instrument calibration sheets from first sampling event within 30 days of first event.

· For data collected under a monitoring-type code with “RT” as the first two characters, the Performing Party will schedule and perform an internal monitoring systems audit. The Performing Party will provide a scheduled date for the audit within the first quarter of the project.

Subtask X.2: Baseflow Monitoring — The Performing Party will collect monthly near-surface grab samples at (Insert number of sampling locations) stream stations in accordance with the project QAPP. Once site selection has been finalized, the Performing Party will submit sites that need a Station Location request (SLOC request) to the TCEQ NPS Data Manager. All analyses will be conducted by a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) accredited lab, per the approved QAPP. Streamflow will be measured in association with baseflow monitoring through direct field measurements or through gauging station data. Add/subtract methods as appropriate; parameters to be collected should not be listed in the Task language, but they should be included in Section 29a: Project Environmental Data Operations.

Subtask X.3: Biased Flow Monitoring — The Performing Party will maintain and operate automated samplers and water level recorders at identified stream stations to conduct biased flow monitoring during elevated flows associated with stormflow events. Streamflow data will be generated from the water level data using site specific stage-discharge relationships. The integration of the continuous streamflow data with the stormwater quality data will allow calculation of pollutant loadings associated with storm events. The automated samplers will be programmed to activate upon a designated rise in water level and will collect discrete samples at set time intervals during selected storm events. Groups of individual storm samples will be collected daily and flow-composited by station into one sample for analysis. Add/subtract methods as appropriate; parameters to be collected should not be listed in the Task language, but they should be included in Section 29a: Project Environmental Data Operations

Due to the unpredictable nature of wet weather monitoring, the Performing Party should try to sample storm events that are representative of conditions during the monitoring period to meet project objectives.

Subtask X.4: Data Submittals — The Performing Party will maintain a master database of collected data. The Performing Party will upload data into the TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Information System (SWQMIS) Test Environment and submit successful data set(s) and Data Validation Reports to the TCEQ Project Manager on a (Insert frequency) basis. Data will be submitted electronically to the TCEQ Project Manager in the Event/Result file format described in the most current version of the Data Management Reference Guide (DMRG) A completed Data Review Checklist and Data Summary will be submitted with each data submittal.

In the rare case that water quality data are not appropriate for submittal to SWQMIS, such as with Texas Stream Team Data, please use the following language:

The Performing Party will maintain a master database of collected data that will be available to TCEQ upon request. The Performing Party will format and submit data to the EPA Water Quality Exchange (WQX) network and/or the EPA STORET Data Warehouse on a (Insert frequency) basis. The Performing Party will email the TCEQ Project Manager a confirmation of each data submittal to EPA.

Subtask X.5: Water Quality Data Collection Task Report — The Performing Party will develop a report summarizing all water quality data collection work performed under this Task. If the TCEQ Project Manager determines that the Draft Task Report requires no edits by the Performing Party, the Draft Task Report will also serve as the Final Task Report.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

If not submitting data to SWQMIS use this deliverable instead:

Task X: Best Management Practice (BMP) Effectiveness Monitoring

Objective: To conduct effectiveness monitoring for installed BMP(s) and analyze for impaired parameter(s) and/or pollutant(s) of concern. All monitoring and analytical activities will be conducted in accordance with the approved QAPP(s) for this project. In addition to monitoring for pollutants related to impairments or parameters of concern, the NPS Program supports monitoring for nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids.

Subtask X.1: Installation of Monitoring Structures and Equipment — The Performing Party, in coordination with the subcontractor, will install all structures and equipment needed to conduct the planned monitoring. This installation will be coordinated with the installation of the BMP.

Subtask X.2: Monitoring Assessment Requirements — The Performing Party will satisfy the following water quality monitoring assessment requirements described in their monitoring QAPP:

· Perform a desk readiness review with field staff of field sampling procedures and requirements as outlined in the QAPP and the TCEQ SWQM Procedures Manual. The Performing Party will submit a brief report documenting topics discussed and attendance at this review.

· Submit field notes and instrument calibration sheets from first sampling event within 30 days of first event.

Subtask X.3: Storm Event Monitoring — The Performing Party will monitor a minimum of (Insert number of sampling events) storm events at each BMP site as described in the approved QAPP. Qualifying storm events will be defined in the QAPP. Rainfall data and flow measurements will be collected with each storm event to calculate pollutant loadings. All analyses will be conducted by a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) accredited lab, per the approved QAPP. Parameters to be collected should not be listed in the Task language, but they should be included in Section 29a: Project Environmental Data Operations.

Subtask X.4: Data Submittals — The Performing Party will maintain a master database of collected data. The Performing Party will upload data into the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Information System (SWQMIS) Test Environment and submit successful data set(s) and Data Validator Reports to the TCEQ Project Manager on a (Insert frequency) basis. Data will be submitted in the Event/Result file format described in the most current version of the Data Management Reference Guide (DMRG). A completed Data Review Checklist and Data Summary will be submitted with each data submittal.

In the rare case that water quality data are not appropriate for submittal to SWQMIS, please use the following language:

The Performing Party will maintain a master list of all collected data that will be available to TCEQ upon request. The Performing Party will format and submit data the EPA Water Quality Exchange WQX network and/or the EPA STORET Data Warehouse on a (Insert frequency) basis. The Performing Party will email the TCEQ Project Manager a confirmation of each data submittal to EPA.

Subtask X.5: BMP Effectiveness Report — The Performing Party will use data collected to develop a report that evaluates the effectiveness of each type of BMP selected for the project area in terms of pollutant load reductions, including annualized load reduction estimates based on average annual rainfall data. The report should:

· Assess individual BMPs and overall project site efficiency in the reduction of total nitrogen (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen plus nitrate/nitrite), phosphorus, total suspended solids, and impaired parameter and/or pollutant(s) of concern, if applicable;

· Compare effluent concentrations and loads from the BMP drainage area(s), including runoff bypassing the BMP(s) with those of one of more equivalent sites (similar size, topography, land use, and impervious cover) without BMPs; and

· Express BMP performance results in percentage and in annual effluent load.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

If not submitting data to SWQMIS use this deliverable instead:

On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Remediation

Task X: Identify, Inspect, and Select Failing OSSFs

Objective: To develop [or update] selection criteria and select participants for OSSF Repair or Replacement Program, to accept and review applications from homeowners for participation in the Program, and to complete OSSF inspections on those OSSF deemed qualified candidates for the Program.

Subtask X.1: Assessment Criteria for OSSF Repair or Replacement — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents will develop [or update] assessment criteria to assess the need for repair or replacement of an OSSF, in accordance with 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 285. The criteria will be used to score applications and may consider factors such as, but not limited to, order of application submission, proximity to water bodies, OSSF location, technology type, functionality, development density, soil type, existing OSSF age, floodplain elevation, depth to groundwater, and compliance history.

Subtask X.2: OSSF Program Application — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents will develop [or update] an application for financial assistance to repair or replace failing OSSFs. The application will request information to quantify the applicant’s level of need, based on the assessment criteria.

Subtask X.3: Identify Potential OSSF Program Participants — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents will compile a list of participants based on available information such as OSSF databases, consultations with local officials, and assessment criteria developed for OSSF replacement. Identified potential participants will be invited to apply. The Performing Party will also review voluntary applications submitted by homeowners in response to distributed program education materials. To incentivize homeowners to participate in the OSSF Program, the Performing Party will notify homeowners that they may have their OSSF pumped for free should they qualify.

Subtask X.4: OSSF Inspection — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents will inspect OSSFs for selected participants, to determine the need for repairs or replacement. The degree of needed repair noted by the service provider will be considered in the final prioritization of applications. The total number of inspections, including their locations within the watershed, will be reported to the TCEQ Project Manager. Inspection of the OSSF may be performed in conjunction with septage removal.

Subtask X.5: Identify OSSFs for Repair or Replacement — The Performing Party will use the needs assessment criteria, information provided in the application, and results from OSSF inspections to select at least (Insert minimum number of systems to be repaired/replaced) OSSFs to repair or replace. A list of selected OSSF Program participants will be developed and submitted to the TCEQ Project Manager with quarterly Progress Reports.

Subtask X.6: OSSF Task Report — The Performing Party will submit a report summarizing all activities under Task X, which will include, the number of potential OSSF program participants, the number of OSSFs inspected, and the number of selected OSSF program participants. For projects in the Coastal Zone include the following additional language: The Performing Party will specify, in the Task Report, the latitude and longitude of each OSSF inspection, repair, or replacement that was completed. For projects NOT located in the Coastal Zone Boundary use the following: The Performing Party will specify, in the Task Report, the general watershed location of each OSSF inspection, repair, or replacement that was completed. At a minimum, the Performing Party will specify the neighborhood’s name, if applicable, and its location relative to a road bordering it.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

X.1 Needs assessment criteria for OSSF repair and replacement (by the end of quarter X) X.2 OSSF Program Application (by the end of quarter X)

X.6 Final OSSF Task Report (within 15 business days of receiving comments)

Task X: OSSF Repair and Replacement

Objective: To repair or replace selected failing OSSFs in the (Insert the applicable watershed(s)) watershed(s) to reduce potential bacteria and nutrient loading into the water body.

Subtask X.1: Solicitation of Bids and Award — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents, will select applicants based upon criteria developed in the previous task. Selected applicants will either request bid(s) for the work deemed necessary during the provided OSSF inspection or will choose to have the Performing Party arrange for an authorized OSSF installer to repair or replace an OSSF. The Performing Party will procure any services in accordance with its internal procedures and state and federal law.

Subtask X.2: Septage Removal — The Performing Party and authorized OSSF professionals will coordinate septage removal with a registered sludge transporter. The registered sludge transporter will provide trip tickets or waste manifests to the Performing Party. The Performing Party will provide the trip tickets or waste manifests to the TCEQ Project Manager.

Subtask X.3: Repair and Replace OSSFs — The Performing Party in coordination with project partners and OSSF authorized agents will oversee the repair or replacement of at least (Insert minimum number of OSSFs to be repaired/replaced) OSSFs in accordance with 30 TAC Chapter 30 Subchapter G. The Performing Party will provide documentation of OSSFs repaired or replaced, including invoices, photographs, OSSF location, description of repairs, and pre and post inspection results. The Performing Party will process invoices and distribute funds to selected installers for work conducted.

Subtask X.4: Load Reduction Estimate and Methodology — The Performing Party will submit their preferred load reduction estimate methodology and input sources to the TCEQ Project Manager for approval. Load reduction estimates will be calculated for Escherichia coli (E. coli), total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and total suspended solids. The Nonpoint Source Program Load Reduction Methodology will be provided to the Performing Party as a suggested load reduction method. The Performing Party will calculate load reductions using an approved methodology.

Subtask X.5: OSSF Repair and Replacement Task Report — The Performing Party will develop a report summarizing all activities completed under Task X, including the initial status of OSSFs selected for repair or replacement.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: OSSF Education and Outreach

Objective: — To provide OSSF outreach and education that promotes the need and environmental benefits of proper OSSF function to OSSF owners across the [Insert name of watershed(s)] watershed(s) and promote the OSSF repair and replacement program.

Subtask X.1: Develop or Update Program Promotional Materials — The Performing Party will Choose from the following as appropriate: develop OSSF outreach and education materials or update existing OSSF outreach and education materials as needed. Existing materials produced by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and others, as appropriate, will be utilized. The materials will include information regarding Choose from the following as appropriate: OSSF design, installation, operation, and maintenance throughout the watershed(s). This includes materials about the need for, and benefits of, proper OSSF function and its connection to water quality, as well as materials describing how to properly maintain OSSFs. The Performing Party will also develop promotional materials for the OSSF Repair and Replacement Program. The Performing Party will develop and publish (Insert minimum number) press release(s) and (Insert minimum number) newsletter article(s). Promotional materials (press releases and/or newsletters) and application forms/instructions must be submitted to the TCEQ Project Manager for approval at least two weeks prior to dissemination.

Subtask X.2: Distribute Promotional and Educational Materials — The Performing Party will distribute the education and outreach materials at least (Insert minimum number) number of public events. The Performing Party will coordinate the events with the TCEQ Project Manager.

Subtask X.3: Deliver OSSF Educational Program(s) — The Performing Party will deliver educational programs regarding proper OSSF operation and maintenance. At least (Insert minimum number) programs will be delivered annually. The Performing Party will consult with the TCEQ Project Manager at least two weeks prior to the start of the program event(s).

Subtask X.4: OSSF Outreach and Education Task Report — The Performing Party will develop a report summarizing all activities under Task X, including documentation of the distribution of promotional and educational materials. For education and outreach events, the report should include area/group served, date(s), number of people reached, and topics covered.

Deliverables: Typical Deliverable due dates have been provided. Insert estimated quarters and adjust as needed.

Task X: OSSF Inventory and Geodatabase

Objective: — To complete an inventory and geodatabase of OSSFs in the [Insert name of watershed(s)] watershed(s). Additional attributes will be incorporated relating to characteristics of the OSSFs and environmental conditions. Summary information will be generated, analysis will be performed, and maps will be produced.

Subtask X.1: OSSF Database — [Modify the following language as necessary to reflect methods being used in project] The Performing Party will generate an inventory of OSSFs in the [Insert name of watershed(s)] watershed(s). This inventory will utilize 911 address points to geolocate properties and service area boundaries and other information used to exclude areas connected to sewer systems. Additionally, 1990 county-level census data, TCEQ On-Site Activity Reporting System (OARS) data, aerial imagery, and information from Authorized Agents (AAs) and Designated Representatives (DRs) will be used to refine and verify the locations and inventory of OSSFs. All data will be incorporated into a geodatabase, which will include appropriate information and metadata compliant with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FDGC) standards. Details regarding methodology will be documented in the approved QAPP. The geodatabase will include, but is not limited to, the following attributes and data layers:

· OSSF location information and other attributes generated by the Performing Party during the development of the [Insert WPP title(s)] WPP(s) or during previous phases of the current project [Insert contract number(s)].

· 911 address points for watershed counties (county-level information used to compare with 1990 county-level census data).

· Identification of non-permitted and permitted OSSFs with a valid or invalid physical address.

· For permitted OSSFs – permit number, permitting authority, type of OSSF, type of property (e.g., single family), etc.

· Identification of primary treatment/secondary treatment OSSFs.

· Date(s) of inspection for OSSFs (when available).

· Age of OSSFs (when…