“Protecting Connecticut’s waterways is at the core of our agency’s mission,” said DEEP Commissioner-designee Katie Dykes. “These funds will help to improve water quality by controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution, benefiting flora and fauna throughout our watersheds. Healthy and vibrant watersheds are key to ecotourism, which is a significant driver of economic activity in the state.”

The funding comes from Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act, which is a federal program to control nonpoint sources (NPS) of water pollution.  Common NPS pollutants include:  bacteria, nutrients, sediment, salt, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and debris.  These pollutants are typically carried by stormwater runoff into streams, lakes, and estuaries from diffuse land use and other activities that are not regulated as point source discharges. Previous grants have supported projects for dam removals, conservation practices on farms, and treatments of polluted runoff.

Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization and must be received by April 3, 2019.

Information can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/nps