The Division of Environmental Protection, pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), is accepting proposals for projects that seek to address non-point source (NPS) pollution in the territory. Projects may fall into two categories: management practices, education or outreach to critical audiences, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).
Examples of management practices include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Implementation of watershed management plans, ordinances and farm management plans, etc.
2) Reducing or eliminating the introduction of pollutants to lands through reduced nutrient and pesticide application
3) Implementing soil erosion measures to prevent pollutants from leaving the site during land-disturbance activities (note: activities required by the Department or a Soil Conservation District through regulatory programs are not eligible for funding)
Examples of Education and Outreach to Critical Audiences include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Demonstration and evaluation of innovative Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for activities such as agriculture, storm-water, onsite wastewater systems
2) NPS Pollution awareness and educational activities including community-based educational effort (storm drain stenciling, public service announcements, etc.)
3) Smart Growth and Low Impact Development Demonstration and Education Projects
Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. (EST) by Monday, Feb. 27.
For more information on NPS Pollution Control and Implementation, contact Diana Joshua, MPA, program administrator, at 773-1082, ext. 2286 or at diana.joshua@dpnr.vi.gov.