Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Grants
Nonpoint source pollution
Historically, we dealt primarily with what are known as point source pollution issues, such as pipes discharging effluent directly into a lake from homes or factories. Today, the more common challenge is nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Unlike point sources, NPS pollution comes from diffuse sources of runoff that collectively create larger problems. As runoff moves across the landscape, it picks up and carries both natural and human-made pollutants.
Permit-by-Rule Ch. 305
A Permit-by-Rule (PBR) is needed if there is soil disturbance and other activities occurring within 75′ of the lakeshore or stream.
Following Maine’s approach to lake protection through “319” grants
30 Mile has successfully applied for and received funding through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. These cost-sharing grants assist in the prevention and reduction of nonpoint source pollutant loadings entering water resources so that beneficial uses of the water resources are maintained or restored. We currently have two active 319 Grants*, one on Parker Pond and the other on Androscoggin Lake. Most recent updates on either project can be found here.
*Funding for these projects, in part, was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) or 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. The funding is administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with EPA.
Watershed Survey
Assess erosion sites within waterbody’s direct watershed. Recommended every ten years.
Watershed Survey Report
Organizes, analyzes, and communicates results of the survey.
Watershed Based Protection Plan (WBPP)
Ten year plan to guide protection efforts.
Implement WBPP
Two year projects funded through section 319 of the Clean Water Act for construction, education, and outreach.
Funding is available!
During active grants, funding is available through 30 Mile and is provided through a cost share agreement. Funds can match up to 50% of project costs (up to $1,500) and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested? Contact 30 Mile’s Land Use Coordinator, Ellie Hatt, at gabrielle@30mileriver.org.
Other NPS Grant opportunties
Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fun: $50K in grant funding was awarded to the town of Vienna to conduct scoping, design, and permitting to upgrade three stream crossings on town roads.
Community Action Grant – Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership: Vienna was awarded their first Climate Action Grant — $50k in funding for an engineered design on a fourth high-priority culvert crossing and project management.
