EPA Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program Grants

Federal Clean Water Act funding passed through PA DEP to support projects implementing approved watershed plans that reduce nonpoint source pollution.

Section 319 of the Clean Water Act provides federal funding to states to implement nonpoint source pollution control programs. In Pennsylvania, DEP administers the 319 grant program to support on-the-ground restoration projects in impaired watersheds where an EPA-approved watershed plan is in place. Funded activities include stream bank restoration, riparian buffer installation, agricultural BMPs, and stormwater retrofits. Eligible applicants must work within a 9-element watershed plan (or commit to developing one as part of the project). Projects typically run 2-4 years with reimbursement-based funding. Partnerships between watershed groups, conservation districts, and municipalities are common and strongly encouraged by DEP reviewers.