North Dakota NPS Section 319 Grant

The North Dakota NPS Section 319 grant aims to combat nonpoint source pollution through voluntary, incentive-based initiatives. By coordinating with local partners, the program assesses priority watersheds, implements restoration plans, and raises public awareness about water quality issues. This funding supports diverse projects, including assessments and educational outreach, to ensure the protection of North Dakota's water resources and promote best management practices among agricultural landowners.

Our Goals
Coordinate with the Total Maximum Daily Load Program (TMDL Program) and local partners to assess 15 priority watersheds to document the beneficial use conditions as well as the sources and causes of NPS pollutants impairing beneficial uses of the waterbodies within the watersheds.In cooperation with local partners, develop and implement watershed restoration or protection plans for 15 priority sub-watersheds. Success of these projects will be defined by restoration of impaired uses; applied best management practices (BMPs) and progress toward pollutant load reductions described in the approved watershed-based plans.Through multiple forms of media at the state and local level, increase public awareness and understanding of water quality and beneficial use impairments associated with NPS pollution as well as the sources and causes of NPS pollution in the state.
Section 319 Grants
What is nonpoint source pollution?
In basic terms, nonpoint source (NPS) pollution can be a variety of contaminants (e.g., sediment, nutrients, E. coli bacteria, pesticides) delivered to surface waters by way of runoff or leached downward into groundwater. Some common sources of NPS pollution include runoff from urban streets and parking lots, construction sites, livestock confinement areas and agricultural lands
Who can sponsor an NPS project?
The success of the NPS Program is dependent on close coordination with many local, state and federal agencies, as well as private organizations. The formation of strong partnerships help provide the financial and technical resources to project sponsors to meet their goals and demonstrate that NPS pollution control and prevention can be accomplished effectively and voluntarily.
Project sponsors may include organizations such as state agencies, soil conservation districts, water resource boards, city councils, universities, agricultural groups, counties, nonprofit organizations and non-government organizations.
Types of Projects
Section 319 funds can be used to support watershed-based or statewide projects that:
Assessment: Assess sources and causes of NPS pollution.Watershed: Implement practices that reduce or prevent NPS pollution.Information/Education: Disseminate NPS pollution management information.Support: Provide technical and financial assistance to address a major NPS pollution issue.
Given the size of the agricultural industry in North Dakota, most of the state’s Section 319 funds are generally directed toward projects promoting voluntary NPS pollution control on agricultural lands. These funds are used to develop education activities and/or provide financial and technical assistance to landowners implementing best management practices (BMPs).

Eligibility

Project sponsors may include organizations such as state agencies, soil conservation districts, water resource boards, city councils, universities, agricultural groups, counties, nonprofit organizations and non-government organizations.The following documents outline the format and information needed to apply for a Section 319 grant.Watershed Projects - Watershed PIP Guide found hereInformation/Education Projects - I/E PIP Guide found hereSupport Projects - Support project plans will be developed according to the current guidance which is available upon request.Assessment Projects - Assessment project plans will be developed according to the current Quality Assurance Project Plan guidance which is available upon request.