Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) Control Grant Program - Clean Water Act Section 319(h)

The Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant Program, funded by the California State Water Board through the Clean Water Act Section 319(h), supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. Funded initiatives include livestock management, forest road improvements, stream restoration, and agricultural best practices to protect water quality. Approximately $4 million is awarded annually to enhance impaired waters and safeguard high-quality ecosystems, ensuring sustainable management of California's water resources.

The State Water Board receives grant funding from US EPA under section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act to fund projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution. Examples of projects include:
Installation of fencing and off-stream watering systems to manage livestock grazing operations and prevent livestock from negatively impacting surface watersForest road improvements to upgrade or decommission failing dirt roads and reduce erosion and sedimentation to surface watersStream restoration to address historic hydromodification that is causing erosion and sedimentationAgriculture best management practices such as cover crops, filter strips, pesticide management plans, nutrient management plans, irrigation improvements, and sediment basins to reduce pesticides and nutrients in surface and ground watersImprovements to dairies or equestrian facilities to manage manure and prevent stormwater runoff of pathogens and nutrients to surface waters
Most grant funding is earmarked for projects that improve impaired waters and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads. However, some funding is earmarked for protecting high-quality waters, or waters that are not impaired. The Grant Program typically awards about $4 million per year to eligible projects.