Section 319 Grant

Section 319 Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Last Updated: June 26, 2025

Summary

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is inviting proposals for projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution in waterbodies across South Carolina. Projects should achieve measurable water quality improvements and align with an approved watershed plan. Administered in consultation with the EPA, these grants support initiatives that incorporate best management practices and require a non-federal match. Eligible projects must focus on on-the-ground implementation to enhance local water quality.

Overview

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking proposals to conduct projects that reduce nonpoint source contributions to South Carolina waterbodies. Projects must be designed to achieve measurable water quality improvements and must implement portions of an SCDES approved watershed plan. The South Carolina Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grants Program is administered by SCDES in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Grants for selected projects will be funded with monies provided to SCDES by EPA under the Federal Clean Water Act, Section 319(h).

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 319 Projects must include best management practices (BMPs) that implement an approved watershed plan which meets EPA's nine elements. Projects may implement a portion of a plan, or a complete plan. SCDES staff review watershed plans to ensure that they are consistent with EPA guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Nonpoint Source Coordinator and/or their basin's Watershed Manager for technical assistance when writing a plan or considering applying for a 319 project.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION CONSIDERATION:Projects must implement an existing watershed plan that addresses EPA's nine elements for watershed planning;On-the-ground BMP implementation must make up a minimum of 75% of the federal funds requested;Projects must include a 40% non-federal cash or in-kind match.

Ineligibility

Grant funds under this RFP may NOT be used:To implement requirements of any draft or final permit (includes MS4)For nonpoint source researchTo undertake, complete, or maintain erosion or stormwater control work otherwise required by existing permits or ordersTo pay for requirements under a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan for a permitted animal operationTo fund monitoring activities (see Section 3.9 for details)Local matching funds are “federalized” upon approval of grant funding. Matching funds may not be used for activities or expenditures that would otherwise not be allowable, allocable, or reasonable for federal grant funds under federal grant regulations or guidelines. For example, land acquisition is not allowable under Section 319(h) grant guidelines; therefore, local matching funds may not be used for land acquisition either.