GLRI RFA FY1920 Final May28 (1).pdf

Dated: May 28, 2019

U.S. EPA GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

2019 Request for Applications

Federal Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency

Funding Opportunity Title: See Below

Announcement Type: Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: See Below

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.469

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

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

Plan II (https://www.glri.us/documents). This RFA is EPA’s major competitive grant funding opportunity under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (“GLRI” or “Initiative”) for FY 2019 and FY 2020 and is one of several funding opportunities available through federal agencies and their funding recipients under the GLRI. EPA is seeking applications for funding to implement projects within the five funding opportunities listed below, each of which has a separate Funding

Opportunity Number (FON) and is separately posted on www.grants.gov. Applicants must apply for the specific funding opportunity they are interested in. The five funding opportunities and associated FONs are:

Funding Opportunity I.A. Riparian Restoration to Reduce Runoff to the Maumee River o EPA-R5-GL2019-RRM o Approximately $4,000,000 available for 5 to 10 projects

Funding Opportunity I.B. Green Infrastructure to Reduce Stormwater Runoff o EPA-R5-GL2019-GIU o Approximately $2,000,000 available for 5 to 8 projects

Funding Opportunity I.C. Manure Management to Reduce Nutrient Runoff from Farms o EPA-R5-GL2019-MMF o Approximately $2,500,000 available for 5 to 8 projects

Funding Opportunity I.D. Accelerating Adoption of Nutrient Management through

Farmer-led Outreach and Education o EPA-R5-GL2019-ANM o Approximately $4,000,000 available for 4 projects

Funding Opportunity I.E. Water Quality Trading and other Market-based Approaches for

Nutrient Reduction https://www.glri.us/documents o EPA-R5-GL2019-WQT o Approximately $1,500,000 available for 4 projects

Funding/Awards: Under this RFA, a total of approximately $14 million may be awarded as grants and/or cooperative agreements for approximately 30 projects in the five funding opportunities listed above, contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. If appropriations are delayed beyond the date for selection of projects or if the appropriation is less than expected, or for other reasons, the number, amount, and timing of awards could be affected. In addition, EPA expressly reserves the right to make no awards under a particular funding opportunity or to adjust the number of awards and the amounts originally anticipated under a specific funding opportunity.

Proposed project durations should be limited to the project durations identified for the respective funding opportunities. Awards may be fully or incrementally funded. Awards will be subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations. Applicants: 1) may submit applications under each FON listed above, and 2) may submit multiple applications under a single FON as long as each application is for a different project. In addition, each individual project for which an applicant seeks funding must be covered by a separate application under the appropriate FON. An application cannot address more than one funding opportunity.

GLRI’s statutory authority to award grants and cooperative agreements is contained in the Clean

Water Act Section 118(c)(7) and includes authority to make awards for outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality

Agreement (GLWQA). Governmental entities, including state agencies, interstate agencies, Indian tribes, local governments, institutions of higher learning (i.e., colleges and universities), and non-profit organizations (as defined at 2 CFR 200) are eligible to apply for funding under this RFA.

Individuals, foreign organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying, and “for-profit” organizations are not eligible.

Important Dates:

Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time/ 2:00 pm, Eastern Time – A webinar will be held to discuss the RFA. See Section IV for further information.

Friday, July 12, 2019 –Applications must be submitted to EPA through http://www.grants.gov by 10:59 p.m. Central Time / 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time. See Section

IV for further submission information.

August 2019 (tentative) – EPA will begin notifying finalists.

September 2019 (tentative) – EPA will begin making official awards.

http://www.grants.gov/

Other Application Information: For your convenience, an RFA web page has been created at https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-2019-rfa where you will find information relating to the RFA process as well as a link to frequently asked questions

(FAQs). We encourage all applicants to sign up for our mailing list and register with us at https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list. Further submittal information is described in Section IV.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-2019-rfa https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

CONTENTS

I. Application Information

A. Riparian Restoration to Reduce Runoff to the Maumee River

B. Green Infrastructure to Reduce Stormwater Runoff

C. Manure Management to Reduce Nutrient Runoff from Farms

D. Accelerating Adoption of Nutrient Management through Farmer-led Outreach and

Education

E. Water Quality Trading for Phosphorus Reduction

II. Award Information

III. Eligibility Information

IV. Application and Submission Information

V. Application Review and Selection Process, including Criteria

VI. Award Administration

VII. Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

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

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

I. APPLICATION INFORMATION

Background, Authority, and Funded Activities:

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (“GLRI” or “Initiative”) builds on the prior efforts of federal, state, and local agencies; Indian tribes; businesses; public interest groups; interested citizens; and others to develop a collaborative and comprehensive approach to restoring the

Great Lakes. Information about the Initiative can be found at http://glri.us/.

This RFA is expected to result in the award of grants and/or cooperative agreements, as appropriate (hereafter collectively referred to as “grants”), to help implement the GLRI. EPA’s authority to make awards includes outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of GLRI and GLWQA. The statutory authority to carry out certain U.S. responsibilities under GLWQA and for GLRI funding is contained in the Clean Water Act Section 118(c)(7). The principal goal of GLWQA is the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Funded activities must advance protection and restoration of the

Great Lakes ecosystem in support of: (i) GLRI Action Plan II (https://www.glri.us/documents) and (ii) EPA’s Strategic Plan.

The activities to be funded under this announcement support EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan.

Awards made under this announcement will support Goal 1: Core Mission, Objective 1.2 of the

EPA Strategic Plan: Provide for Clean and Safe Water

(https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan). All applications must be for projects that support the goals and objectives identified above.

For projects with international aspects, the above statutes are supplemented, as appropriate, by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F).

This RFA solicits applications from eligible entities for grants to be awarded pursuant to the statutory authorities referenced above and in accordance with GLRI Action Plan II. A total of approximately $14 million may be awarded under this RFA for about 30 projects in the five funding opportunities described below contingent on the quality of applications received, funding availability, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations.

The anticipated award amounts and the relative allocations for the five funding opportunities are approximations that are subject to change based upon a number of considerations including, but not limited to, EPA’s determination that different amounts or allocations would better advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem, funding availability, and other http://glri.us/ https://www.glri.us/documents https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan applicable considerations. However, EPA will not consider applications that request EPA funding amounts above the EPA-specified maximum individual project amounts identified in

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

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

immediacy and timeliness of project implementation;

clear and direct benefits to Great Lakes nearshore health;

project sustainability, i.e., project plans and designs that are resilient to the effects of multiple stressors, including ecological change, extreme weather events, invasive species, and other variables;

funding opportunity-specific elements as described in the funding opportunity descriptions in Section I.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations:

As they develop their proposals, applicants are encouraged to work with Metropolitan Planning

Organizations that are working with local communities on site-specific land-use and economic development projects.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs):

EPA recognizes that it is important to engage all available minds to address the environmental challenges the nation faces. At the same time, EPA seeks to expand the environmental conversation by including members of communities which may have not previously participated in such dialogues to participate in EPA programs. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants identified in Section III, including minority serving institutions (MSIs), to apply under this opportunity.

For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MSIs:

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

U.S.C. § 1061). A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and

Universities

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

1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)). A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally

Controlled Colleges and Universities

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

1101a(a)(5)). A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf

4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(a)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; and

5. Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008 , 20

U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6). A list of these schools can be found at Predominantly Black Institutions

Multiple Applications:

Applicants: 1) may submit applications under each FON listed above, and 2) may submit multiple applications under a single FON as long as each application is for a different project. In addition, each individual project for which an applicant seeks funding must be covered by a separate application under the appropriate FON. An application cannot address more than one funding opportunity.

Subawardees and/or Contractors:

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

Section IV).

RFA Terms:

For purposes of this RFA:

1. The term “project sustainability" refers to project plans and designs that are resilient to the effects of multiple stressors, including ecological change, extreme weather events, invasive species, and other variables. The term includes project stewardship to promote the sustainability and long-term benefits of projects.

2. The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product related to an environmental goal and objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative, but must be measurable over the term of the grant funding period. As an example, an output for a nonpoint source implementation project could be the number of best management practices or the number of acres treated by a specific structural or management practice.

3. The term “outcome” means the result, effect or consequence that will be achieved by carrying out an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product that is related to an https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related, or programmatic in nature, must be quantitative, and may not necessarily be achievable within a grant funding period. As an example, an outcome for an agricultural nonpoint source project could be reduction in the risk of nutrient losses during storm events, improvements in soil health, preventing creation of new legacy fields, changes in landowner willingness to adopt a practice, etc.

Funding Opportunities:

Applications are requested for the funding opportunities described below, each of which has a different FON. There are five separate FONs for which applicants can apply, and each one is separately posted on Grants.gov.

Applicants: 1) may submit applications under each FON listed above, and 2) may submit multiple applications under a single FON as long as each application is for a different project. In addition, each individual project for which an applicant seeks funding must be covered by a separate application under the appropriate FON. An application cannot address more than one funding opportunity.

Funding Opportunity I.A. Riparian Restoration to Reduce Runoff to the Maumee River

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-RRM

Funding Opportunity Title: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - 2019 Request for Applications –

Riparian Restoration to Reduce Runoff to the Maumee River

Background: The western basin of Lake Erie continues to show signs of severe stress from nutrients, including harmful or nuisance algal blooms. The primary source of these nutrients is the Maumee River. While many efforts are underway to prevent nutrient losses from farmland that drains to the Maumee, an expansion of streamside conservation practices is also necessary to collect, slow, and filter agricultural runoff before it reaches the river. For this funding opportunity, we seek to restore riparian areas in agricultural, rural, urban, and suburban communities by improving drainage ditches and streams through the implementation of nonpoint source management measures that promote infiltration, stabilize streamflows, and increase the capacity of the watershed to assimilate nutrients.

The Maumee River drains 6,568 sq. mi. in northwestern Ohio, southeastern Michigan and northeastern Indiana. Agricultural production dominates the watershed, which includes the very fertile drained lands of the pre-settlement “Great Black Swamp.” There is a notable shift in land use as the river enters the Toledo metropolitan area downstream of Waterville. Downstream of this point, the proportion of agricultural production reduces from 79 percent to 49 percent.

Healthy riparian areas benefit water quality in many ways. They capture nutrients and other pollutants that otherwise may flow into area waterways and Lake Erie; reduce flow rates by slowing down and intercepting rainfall runoff; provide stream bank stability; and maintain cooler stream temperatures. Many riparian areas within the Maumee River drainage basin have been dramatically altered, drained, diked and channelized to support crop production, resulting in a loss of the water quality benefits that healthy riparian areas provide.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $4,000,000 for 5 to 10 projects in this funding opportunity. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this funding opportunity is $750,000.

Projects should implement nonpoint source management measures and practices to improve water quality consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection or restoration.

Information to include in the description of “Project Design”:

Applicants should provide:

A map that delineates the project boundaries within the Maumee River drainage basin and clearly identifies the areas where work will be implemented.

An explanation of the project’s relevance to improving water quality in the watershed.

Projections of size of the project and area of streambank or riparian zone to be restored.

Ownership status of the land where the project will be implemented and long-term stewardship or maintenance needs.

This funding opportunity is intended to generate applications for riparian-based projects that combine the capabilities and tools of governmental entities and nongovernmental organizations working in concert as partners. An example would be cost sharing to restore headwater streams using natural stream channel design techniques, or restoring drainage ditches to 2-stage channels to allow for more natural stream function. Such projects may also include acquisition and protection of former cropland of marginal value along drainage ditches. If the project involves privately owned property, the land must be held in perpetuity by a Qualified Easement Holder1 such as a land conservancy organization, local governments and/or local soil and water conservation districts.

1 “Qualified Easement Holder” means a holder that is: a state agency or municipality; or an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal

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

Land Trust Alliance to serve as a Qualified Easement Holder.

Potential for higher score: During the evaluation process described in Section V for projects addressing this funding opportunity, applications that include one or more of the following elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Design”:

Projects intercepting agricultural drainage waters or located in “hot spots” (areas of high phosphorus loading).

Projects that are designed for long-term performance under a range of conditions, including intense rainfall or drought.

Projects where construction can begin promptly (“shovel ready”).

Projects that implement a state-approved nonpoint source watershed-based plan:

o Illinois - https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx o Minnesota - https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality o New York - https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html o Ohio - https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is o Pennsylvania -https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/P ages/Plans.aspx o Indiana - http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm o Michigan - http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---

,00.html (Follow the NPS Approved and Pending Watershed Plans link.)

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

Information to include in the description of “Outputs and Outcomes”: Projects will be assessed on the completeness and strength of their outputs and outcomes.

Outputs from the project must include:

Area of streambank or riparian zone stabilized (measured in miles).

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

Achievement of the U.S.-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Annex 4 targets.

Reduced risk of nutrient runoff during spring storm events.

Drawdown of legacy phosphorus levels in streambeds and floodplains.

Nonpoint source pollutant impacts on water quality in the Great Lakes or tributaries minimized.

Trophic status or biotic integrity of nearshore Great Lakes aquatic resources improved.

Reduction in beach closures or algal blooms in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes.

Descriptions of other outputs and outcomes which may be accomplished as a result of project activities should also be included.

https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nonpoint/9keyelementplans.html

As part of the final grant report, selected applicants will be required to estimate the water quality benefits of the project using the Spreadsheet Tool for Estimating Pollutant Load (STEPL):

https://www.epa.gov/nps/spreadsheet-tool-estimating-pollutant-loads-stepl

STEPL employs algorithms to calculate the nutrient and sediment load reductions that would result from implementation of various best management practices.

Additional Eligibility Criteria for projects under this FON (see also the threshold eligibility criteria in Section III): Projects must restore riparian areas in agricultural, rural, urban, or suburban communities, by improving drainage ditches and streams with nonpoint source management measures that promote infiltration, stabilize streamflows, and increase the capacity of the watershed to assimilate nutrients. To be eligible for this funding opportunity, projects also must be within the Maumee River drainage basin in Ohio, Michigan or Indiana, and must contribute to the required output and one or more of the required outcomes.

The Maumee drainage basin encompasses HUC codes 04100003, 04100004, 04100005, 04100006, 04100007, 04100008, and 04100009.

Ineligible projects and activities. The following projects and activities are ineligible under this funding opportunity:

Projects outside of the Maumee River drainage basin.

Purchase of temporary (as opposed to permanent) easements.

Wetland or floodplain creation specified as a required mitigation measure under a state, local, or federal permit for a specific project.

Funding Opportunity I.B. Green Infrastructure to Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-GIU

Green Infrastructure to Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Background: Nonpoint source pollution is a primary contributor of excess nutrients and bacteria to the Great Lakes and their tributaries. In urban areas, polluted runoff can degrade nearshore water quality and result in beach closings. Implementation of green infrastructure practices that infiltrate and intercept runoff can have multiple benefits, including decreasing surface runoff with simultaneous reductions in runoff of soils, nutrients, pesticides, and other nonpoint source pollutants. Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and other elements and practices to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create healthier urban environments.

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

5 to 8 projects to reduce nonpoint source stormwater pollution to the Great Lakes. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this funding https://www.epa.gov/nps/spreadsheet-tool-estimating-pollutant-loads-stepl opportunity is $600,000. As a minimum for consideration in this funding opportunity, projects must be designed to infiltrate or capture at least 100,000 gallons of stormwater runoff.

Projects must implement nonpoint source management measures and practices to improve water quality consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection or restoration.

Information to include in the description of “Project Design”: Applicants should provide:

A map that delineates the project boundaries within the selected watershed. Identify the areas where work will be implemented and the drainage area for the specific management practices.

An explanation of the project’s relevance to improving water quality in the watershed.

Explain how the project is consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection and restoration.

Projections of size of the project and stormwater volume reductions anticipated.

An explanation of how the long term maintenance needs of the project will be addressed.

Applicants must include in their application an estimate of the number of gallons of runoff that will be captured/retained in a typical year using EPA’s National Stormwater Calculator and provide the specific data used to calculate the gallons of runoff. Access the calculator here:

https://www.epa.gov/water-research/national-stormwater-calculator addressing this funding opportunity, applications that include one or more of the following elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Design”:

Projects that are designed for long-term performance under a range of conditions, including intense rainfall or drought.

Projects where construction can begin promptly (“shovel ready”).

Projects that implement a state-approved nonpoint source watershed-based plan:

o Illinois - https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx o Minnesota - https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality o New York - https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html o Ohio - https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is o Pennsylvania -https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/P ages/Plans.aspx o Indiana - http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm o Michigan - http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---

,00.html (Follow the NPS Approved and Pending Watershed Plans link.)

o Wisconsin - http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nonpoint/9keyelementplans.html https://www.epa.gov/water-research/national-stormwater-calculator https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html

Projected volume of untreated stormwater runoff captured or treated (in gallons).

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

Nonpoint source pollutant impacts on water quality in the Great Lakes or tributaries minimized.

Trophic status or biotic integrity of nearshore Great Lakes aquatic resources improved.

Reduction in beach closures or algal blooms in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes.

As part of the final grant report, selected applicants will be required to estimate the water quality

STEPL employs algorithms to calculate the nutrient and sediment load reductions that would result from implementation of various best management practices.

addressing this funding opportunity, applications that include the following elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Outputs and Outcomes”:

Projects that improve water quality at beaches.

Projects that provide ancillary benefits to the community, such as improved pollinator habitat.

Additional Eligibility Criteria for projects under this FON (see also the threshold eligibility criteria in Section III):

Projects submitted for this funding opportunity must implement nonpoint source management measures and practices to improve water quality consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection or restoration.

To be eligible under this funding opportunity, applications must demonstrate that the project will:

Infiltrate or capture at least 100,000 gallons of stormwater runoff; and

Contribute to the required output and one or more of the required outcomes.

Ineligible projects and activities. The following projects and activities are ineligible under this funding opportunity:

A project that includes, or is contingent on, development of a watershed-based plan.

Purchase or distribution of rain barrels.

Funding Opportunity I.C. Manure Management to Reduce Nutrient Runoff from Farms

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-MMF

Manure Management to Reduce Nutrient Runoff from Farms

Background: Excess fertilizer (commercial or manure) applied to crops and fields, soil erosion and runoff from fields make agriculture the largest source of excess nutrients and sediment to the

Great Lakes and their tributaries. Implementation of conservation practice systems addressing agricultural sources can reduce runoff and soil erosion and improve downstream water quality.

The rate of delivery of nitrogen and phosphorus to streams from land-applied fertilizer such as manure is dependent on the amount, timing, and placement of application, as well as conservation practices in place to minimize runoff from fields. When improperly managed, manure runoff from cropland and pastures or barnyards can pose significant environmental risks to surface and groundwater systems. Implementing a manure management plan is critical to optimizing manure application and protecting water quality. However, adequate manure storage and other manure management measures can be cost-prohibitive. Projects in this funding opportunity offer technical and financial assistance to assist livestock operators to improve their manure management. Concentrated animal feeding operations regulated by the National

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or state or county ordinance are not eligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $2,500,000 for approximately

5 to 8 projects to reduce the risk of manure runoff to the Great Lakes or its tributaries. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project in this funding opportunity is $750,000.

Projects must implement nonpoint source management measures and practices to improve water quality consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection or restoration.

Information to include in the description of “Project Design”: Applicants should provide:

An explanation of the project’s relevance to improving water quality in the watershed.

Explain how the project is consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection and restoration.

Demonstration of the level of interest or need from the local farming community.

Projections of volume of manure managed and phosphorus load reductions anticipated.

The applicant should explain the methodology used to estimate the phosphorus load reductions that would result from implementation of agricultural best management practices. A variety of tools may be used to estimate phosphorus load reductions for the proposal.

elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Design”:

Projects that are located within one of the following GLRI Priority Watersheds for

Phosphorus Reduction: Maumee River, Saginaw River, Fox River, or Genesee River

– or within 300 feet of streams that flow directly to Great Lakes beaches.

Projects that emphasize whole farm planning to assure sustainable change over multiple years (including years beyond the grant performance period).

Sites that are prioritized based on factors such as phosphorus loadings, risk of runoff and economic hardship.

Projects wherein technical or financial assistance is directed to help small farms prepare for climatic extremes such as drought and increased frequency and intensity of storm events.

Projects that implement a state-approved nonpoint source watershed-based plan:

o Illinois - https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx o Minnesota - https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality o New York - https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html o Ohio - https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is o Pennsylvania -https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSour ce/Pages/Plans.aspx o Indiana - http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm o Michigan - http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---

,00.html (Follow the NPS Approved and Pending Watershed Plans link.)

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

Outputs from the project must include both of the following:

Projected reduction in phosphorus loads to Great Lakes tributaries and nearshore waters.

Acres receiving technical or financial assistance on manure management.

https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/water-quality/watershed-management/watershed-based-planning/Pages/default.aspx https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/watershed-approach-restoring-and-protecting-water-quality https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/103264.html https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/nps/index#120845160-9-element-nps-is https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/NonpointSource/Pages/Plans.aspx http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3180.htm http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3682_3714---,00.html the following outcomes:

Reduced risk of nutrient losses from farmlands during storm events.

Reduction in algal blooms or beach closures in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes.

Nonpoint source pollutant impacts on water quality in Great Lakes tributaries minimized.

As part of the final grant report, selected applicants will be required to estimate the water quality https://www.epa.gov/nps/spreadsheet-tool-estimating-pollutant-loads-stepl

STEPL employs algorithms to calculate the nutrient and sediment reductions that would result from implementation of various best management practices.

criteria in Section III): Projects must implement nonpoint source management measures and practices to improve water quality consistent with a broader strategy for watershed protection or restoration.

To be eligible under this funding opportunity, applications must demonstrate that the project will:

Implement proven technologies and management measures to minimize phosphorus losses from land application of manure.

Contribute to both of the required outputs and one or more of the required outcomes.

Agricultural conservation practices and management measures must be implemented consistent with USDA or state agricultural standards and specifications. Projects must implement one or more of the following practices:

Minimize P in livestock feed

Test soil and manure to maximize P management

Physically treat manure to separate solids from liquid

Chemically treat manure to reduce P solubility by using, e.g., alum, flyash, and water treatment residuals

Biologically treat manure, e.g., microbial enhancement

Calibrate fertilizer and manure spreaders

Apply proper application rates

Use proper method for application, that is, broadcast, plowed in, injected, subsurface placement, or banding

Carefully time application to avoid imminent heavy rainfalls

Implement remedial management of excess P areas (spray fields and disposal sites)

Compost or pellitize manures and waste products to provide alternate use

Mine P from high-P soils with certain crops and grasses

Fence streambank to keep livestock out of water course

Protect wellhead to minimize bypass flow to ground water

Manage grazing (pasture and range) to minimize erosion and runoff

Restrict animals from certain sites

Install and maintain manure handling systems (houses and lagoons)

Manage barnyard storm water

Other agronomic and soil conservation practices, such as no-till farming and the use of cover crops, play a valuable role in supporting manure management. However, to maintain focus on nutrient management, other agronomic and conservation practices may only be funded if applied in combination with one or more of the above practices as a system.

funding opportunity:

A project that includes, or is contingent on, development of a watershed-based plan.

Funding Opportunity I.D. Accelerating Adoption of Nutrient Management through

Farmer-led Outreach and Education Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-ANM

Accelerating Adoption of Nutrient Management through Farmer-led Outreach and Education

Background: Excess fertilizer (commercial or manure) applied to crops and fields, soil erosion and runoff from fields make agriculture the largest source of excess nutrients and sediment to the

Great Lakes and their tributaries. Implementing conservation practice systems can improve water quality by reducing the runoff of soils, nutrients, pesticides, and other nonpoint source pollutants.

The building block of the system is effective nutrient management, which optimizes nutrient inputs with crop requirements.

Farmer surveys indicate that most producers are following the basics of nutrient management, such as routine soil testing. However, those that do not are likely contributing a higher proportion of the nutrient losses, and farmer surveys indicate additional outreach is needed to accelerate adoption. This funding opportunity solicits innovative proposals to advance the adoption of nutrient management through farmer-led outreach and education networks. A successful project would involve farmers educating and motivating other farmers to improve their nutrient management and would result in greater adoption of nutrient management and related conservation practices on the ground.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $4,000,000 for up to 4 projects under this funding opportunity (one is expected in each priority watershed). The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project for this funding opportunity is $1,000,000. Projects must support farmer-led or farm focused organizations in a

Great Lakes Agricultural Priority Watershed for Phosphorus Reduction (Maumee, Fox, Saginaw, and Genesee River watersheds).

Information to include in the description of “Project Design”:

Projects should include the following:

1. Novel or innovative techniques, methods, or approaches to improve adoption of on-farm nutrient management;

2. Collaboration with and among the farming community; and

3. Communication of the results to inform future farming decisions and to better understand (or ground truth) how nutrient management can affect water quality and quantity, as well as ancillary improvements of yields and farming costs.

elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Design”:

Past experience implementing programs and demonstration projects through collaboration with farmers that demonstrate success with measurable results, including improved water quality and increased farmer-to-farmer education, outreach, and mentorship.

Acres receiving technical or financial assistance on nutrient management.

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

Change in willingness to adopt nutrient management.

Reduced risk of nutrient losses from farmlands during storm events.

Drawdown of soil phosphorus levels in legacy fields.

activities should also be included (e.g. number of farmers participating in field days, focus groups, and the like).

addressing this funding opportunity, applications that include the following elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Outputs and Outcomes”:

Projected reduction in phosphorus loads to Great Lakes tributaries and nearshore waters.

The applicant should explain the methodology used to estimate the phosphorus load reductions that would result from implementation of agricultural best management practices. A variety of tools may be used to estimate phosphorus load reductions for the proposal.

criteria in Section III): Projects must, through outreach and education, increase adoption of nutrient management in one or more of the following GLRI priority watersheds: Maumee, Fox, Saginaw, and Genesee River watersheds and contribute to the required output and one or more of the required outcomes.

Projects outside of the GLRI priority watersheds.

Funding Opportunity I.E. Water Quality Trading and other Market-based Approaches for Nutrient Reduction

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-WQT

Water Quality Trading and other Market-based Approaches for Nutrient Reduction

Background: EPA recently issued a memo that reiterates the agency’s support for water quality trading and other market-based programs to maximize pollutant reduction efforts and improve water quality. Significant investments have been made to date across the U.S. to develop the necessary infrastructure (pollutant reduction models, registries, and trading platforms) to administer market-based programs. A wealth of tools are available to calculate the cost-benefit of potential nonpoint source reduction practices, such as the USDA’s Nutrient Tracking Tool. EPA is working to modernize the agency’s water quality trading policies to leverage emerging technologies and facilitate broader adoption of market-based programs2.

This funding opportunity solicits applications to advance nonpoint source nutrient reduction efforts in the Great Lakes basin through innovative, market-based approaches. In some parts of

2 https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/collaborative-approaches-reducing-excess-nutrients#creating https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/collaborative-approaches-reducing-excess-nutrients#creating https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/collaborative-approaches-reducing-excess-nutrients#creating the Great Lakes, nutrient trading platforms already exist but are seldom used. A successful project would result in implementing nonpoint source phosphorus reductions through water quality trading or other market-based approaches (e.g. pay for performance models, innovative bond structures, reverse auctions, etc.) which maximize cost-effectiveness of phosphorus reductions. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative approaches to identify or improve economic drivers for implementation of conservation practices on the ground.

Request for Applications: EPA expects to provide approximately $1,500,000 for up to 4 projects under this funding opportunity. The maximum amount of federal funds that will be awarded for any project under this funding opportunity is $500,000.

Information to include in the description of “Project Design”: Applications should include:

Identification of regulatory and economic drivers that will spur water quality trades and/or phosphorus reductions from innovative market-based approaches.

Demonstrated understanding of pragmatic and proven examples of some of the successful water quality trading programs or other market-based approaches for reducing nutrients in the U.S., and discussion on how those examples shape the proposed project.

Communication of the results to inform future projects and to better understand what makes market-based programs successful long-term.

The ability to measure, model or otherwise reasonably estimate environmental results using meaningful metrics or indicators.

elements could be more favorably considered under the evaluation criteria for “Project Design”:

Novel or innovative techniques, methods, or approaches to maximize the cost-effectiveness of nutrient reduction practices.

Past experience implementing water quality trading or other market-based approaches.

Projects that will establish new drivers or incentives to participate in the market-based approaches being implemented in the project.

Projects that will advance phosphorus reduction in one or more of the following GLRI priority watersheds: Maumee, Fox, Saginaw, and Genesee River watersheds.

Outputs from the project must include at least one of the following:

Projected reduction in phosphorus loads to Great Lakes tributaries and nearshore waters.

New techniques or approaches for nutrient reduction tested or evaluated.

the following outcomes:

Reduced risk of nutrient losses from farmlands during storm events.

Nonpoint source pollutant impacts on water quality in Great Lakes tributaries minimized.

Reduction in algal blooms or beach closures in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes.

criteria in Section III):Projects must advance nutrient reduction efforts in the Great Lakes through innovative, market-based approaches to water quality trading.

To be eligible in this funding opportunity, applications must also demonstrate that the project will:

Identify and minimize barriers to successful water quality trades, and/or maximize cost-effectiveness of phosphorus reductions through implementation of market-based principles; and

Contribute to one or more of the required outputs and one or more of the required outcomes.

Ineligible projects and activities. The following projects and activities are ineligible under this

Development of new software, web applications, or databases.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

Amounts, Targets, and Number of Projects: Up to approximately $14 million in EPA funding is expected to be awarded under this RFA for approximately 30 projects in the five FONs described in Section I.3 The number of projects EPA will fund as a result of this RFA will be based on the quality of applications received, the availability of funding, and other applicable considerations. These amounts are estimates only (except as noted below), and are being provided solely for application preparation purposes. Please note, however, that the specified maximum amount in Section I that will be awarded for an individual project in any funding opportunity establishes a per-project limit for the EPA funding; applications seeking EPA funding in excess of that amount will be rejected. In addition, an application for a multi-phase project will be treated as a request for the full amount for all phases. If that combined amount exceeds the specified maximum, the application will be rejected.

3 If an applicant submits multiple applications that are selected for award, one award may cover more than one proposed project if appropriate.

The actual award amounts and number of projects awarded under each of the funding opportunities in Section I may differ from what is estimated for many reasons, including the number of meritorious applications received and funding availability. In addition, EPA reserves the right to increase or decrease (including decreasing to zero) the total number and amount of awards under each funding opportunity, or change the ratio of assistance agreements it awards among the funding opportunities.

EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards under any or all of the funding opportunities identified in this RFA or make fewer awards than anticipated.

Anticipated Project Start and End Dates: This Request for Applications instructs applicants to submit certifications and other documentation required for a full and complete funding package so that their…