Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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11/19/2021

DEEP Accepting Proposals for Grants to Address Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Until Dec. 22

NPS Pollution Comes From Various Sources That Are Not Concentrated Within a Drainage System, or Discharged from a Specific Point/Pipe

(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for grants to address nonpoint sources of pollution to Connecticut’s waterways under DEEP’s 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program.

Many activities associated with various land uses within Connecticut have the potential to contribute NPS pollution to ground and surface water resources. Water pollution that is not concentrated within a drainage system, or discharged from a point, such as a pipe, is called nonpoint source pollution. Potential sources of NPS Pollution include: agriculture, waste from domestic animals and wildlife, malfunctioning septic systems, runoff from impervious surfaces and managed turfgrass, soil erosion, atmospheric deposition, marinas, and boating activity.

NPS pollution has been identified as one of the major forms of pollution and challenges we face to improve waterbody health in Connecticut. Connecticut has over 6,000 miles of streams and rivers, over 2,000 lakes and ponds, and 600 square miles of estuarine water in Long Island Sound and managing these precious resources for today and tomorrow is one of DEEP’s most critical missions.

DEEP receives funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Section 319 grants that can be passed onto communities, local conservation groups, and other organizations for NPS implementation projects, plans, and statewide NPS management efforts.  Proposals may be submitted by any interested public or private organization.

The program had approximately $1 million available in 319 NPS Grant funds last year and expects a similar amount this year.  Applications for the current grant round will be accepted through December 22, 2021.  Grant awards typically range between $30,000 to $500,000 and can pay up to 60% of eligible project costs (there is potential that the 40% match could be waived for the grantee).  

Visit DEEP’s Request for Proposals for Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program webpage for details and applications. For further information contact: DEEP.Watershed@ct.gov
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110