Nonpoint source grants support efforts to clean natural waterways by restoring streams to their natural paths, planting trees and shrubs to help filter pollutants and hold soil in place and encourage best management practices to keep chemicals and sediments out of the water.
This project has two distinct components. The first will restore 2,500 linear feet of a channelized agricultural ditch to a headwater stream to create more natural meanders. This will restore natural flow conditions to the ditch and restore a more natural treed riparian corridor. The second component will include the installation of 7,920 linear feet of livestock exclusion fencing, constructing four heavy use livestock feeding pads, 1,000 linear feet of livestock access lanes and converting 200 acres of existing crop land to long-term hay production.
In 1987, Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act amendments created a national program to control nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution can take many forms, including runoff from fields and urban areas as well as acidic drainage from abandoned coal mines. It also includes habitat alteration resulting from ditching streams and other sources. Nonpoint pollution is the leading cause of water quality impairment in the US.
Ohio EPA administers the grant program for US EPA, distributing more than $2 million each year to projects proposed by local governments and community organizations such as watershed groups. To be eligible, grant recipients must contribute at least 40 percent local matching funds. The local match may consist of cash or in-kind contributions or services. Grants are awarded for three year periods for up to $500,000.
Typical projects include stream restoration, removal of lowhead dams, acid mine drainage abatement, riparian area and wetland protection and best management practices.
