Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants

RIDEM is seeking proposals from applicants that are ready to commit to initiating and managing their projects in a timely manner. Although there are no required funding limitations (large or small), grant applications would be expected to generally fall between $25,000 and $400,000. Guidance regarding specific project types is outlined below. Within these project types it is possible for one grant to an organization to manage multiple small projects, such as buffer plantings, rain gardens, etc.

Aquatic Habitat Restoration Projects

Buffer Restoration: DEM is seeking projects for buffer restoration along rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and other wetlands, and other aquatic habitat restoration projects. Buffers provide critical wildlife habitat and provide corridors for wildlife movement. Buffers also improve water quality in adjacent waters and wetlands by removing sediment and other pollutants and by minimizing temperature increases. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Expanding the area of naturalized existing buffers through removal of invasive plants and replanting with non-invasives;
• Removing pavement along a stream or lake shoreline and planting with native species to create a suitable buffer;
• Improving habitat in existing riparian buffers with additional plantings, (e.g., planting shade trees along streams to improve habitat for cold water fisheries); or removal of accumulated trash and debris.

The University of New Hampshire’s Stormwater Center in cooperation with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has developed a science-based tool to quantify pollutant reductions from buffers that can be used by applicants for reporting.

Stream Connectivity: Another DEM priority is the improvement of stream connectivity caused by sub-standard stream crossings characterized by constricted or inadequate water flow, perched culverts, blocked crossings or crossings that are in disrepair. These barriers to stream connectivity prevent the free movement of aquatic life up and down a river system, and they are also a common cause of localized flooding. Projects to remove barriers are encouraged. However, please note that construction of fish ladders is not eligible for funding.

Management of Aquatic Invasive Plants: Aquatic invasive species are a stressor to native habitat in many RI waterbodies. Certain lake management activities are eligible for assistance provided the location meets the eligibility requirements outlined earlier. RIDEM is encouraging the following types of projects:

• Installation of boat washing facilities to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species;
• Physical removal of aquatic invasive species in freshwaters with public access or which provide public environmental benefits, e.g., manual pulling of water chestnut in a lake.

Note: In-water herbicide treatments of aquatic invasive species are not eligible for funding.

Construction of Stormwater Green Infrastructure Abatement BMPs

RIDEM is seeking applications for installation of best management practices (BMPs) that mitigate, control, or eliminate the effects of stormwater pollution to the waters of the state using green infrastructure techniques with a focus on infiltrating stormwater wherever practical. The use of such techniques, which often involve vegetation, can deliver important co-benefits including flood mitigation and cooling of urbanized landscapes. Projects funded by RIDEM may include retrofitting existing stormwater BMPs to improve stormwater treatment and management. RIDEM is prioritizing stormwater retrofits that are needed to both improve water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Projects involving stormwater BMPs associated with new development are not eligible. Integration of stormwater BMPs to reduce pollutant loadings into surface waters or groundwaters from brownfield sites in eligible watersheds will be considered. Projects to control and treat stormwater at the end of piped systems prior to discharge into surface waters as a point source are not eligible. All stormwater projects are expected to be planned, designed and constructed in accordance with the RI Stormwater Management, Design and Installation Rules.

Please note, due to federal requirements, the use of Section 319 funds for stormwater management projects is limited in areas of the state regulated under the Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System Program (MS4). Map of the RI MS4 areas and a description of the basis for the map . Projects in MS4 areas must be for infiltration of stormwater prior to it becoming part of the MS4 conveyance system or for projects that remove stormwater from the MS4 conveyance system and then infiltrate the stormwater. Furthermore, Section 319 funds cannot be used to fulfill MS4 permit requirements. The MS4 permit requires that when the MS4 operator is notified that an approved TMDL has identified the MS4 as a source of pollutants contributing to a water quality impairment, the MS4 required Stormwater Management Program Plan must be amended to identify BMPs that will be implemented to address the sources of pollutants of concern. Section 319 funds cannot be used for stormwater BMPs that implement these TMDLs. However, BMPs that address nonpoint sources not identified in the TMDL and that are consistent with the treatment described above may be eligible. Applicants should check with DEM before developing proposals in MS4 areas. As a general rule, in regard to stormwater impaired waters with an approved TMDL in the MS4 areas within the eligible watersheds, Section 319 funds can be used to implement the Statewide Bacteria TMDL which included broad rather than site specific recommendations for abating bacterial sources of pollution. View the Statewide Bacteria TMDL. (Note: Section 319 funds CAN be used to implement a TMDL outside of regulated MS4 areas.)

For a specific stormwater project, RIDEM will fund certain costs associated with final design of the project provided it leads to construction of the project. A specific project means that the site location(s) and design concept of what will be constructed have been identified. Proposals for construction should be based on prior evaluations of site–specific field conditions that are sufficiently thorough and identify any constraints or potentially significant permitting issues that might affect the project. The proposal should describe or reference prior planning and design work as well as an approach to dealing with any site constraints that arise during planning and design. For major BMPs, RIDEM prefers that prior planning or design work will have identified in advance conditions such as high groundwater tables, constraints to soil infiltration, likely presence of ledge, potentially significant soil contamination, general locations of existing utilities and constraints to access or land availability. As noted above, RIDEM will consider funding for expenses related to final design for a site-specific project, provided it leads to the construction of the project.

Projects can range in small scale (single rain garden) to larger scale (i.e. targeting a neighborhood or retrofitting existing infrastructure).

• Small scale projects;
• Single rain garden;
• Tree filters;
• Buffer strips;
• Conversion of impervious cover/paved areas (i.e. alleys/vacant lots) to urban gardens/agriculture;
• Stormwater improvements at large urban gardens;
• Revitalization of public access ways (e.g., alleys, sidewalks) that provide water quality treatment

Updates to Local Ordinances Including Low Impact Development (LID)

Section 319 funds can be used to review and update municipal LID ordinances in eligible communities. RIDEM is encouraging municipalities to review local land use ordinances to incentivize and as needed remove barriers to the use of Low Impact Development design approaches to new and re-development. Funds may be used to hire consulting or legal services needed to develop and advance the ordinances.

Onsite Wastewater Projects

Governmental and non-profit environmental entities may apply for assistance in resolving documented on-site wastewater problems. Projects should result in the replacement of a failing or substandard system, including a cesspool, or enhancements to municipal OWTS programs that build capacity for more effective management including proper maintenance. A system that requires frequent pumping is considered a failed system. Funds cannot be used to:

• Support new development or an expansion of use; or
• Directly assist individual homeowners in replacing or repairing residential OWTS. (Assistance for individuals is made available via other programs administered by the RI Infrastructure Bank. Contact Jon Zwarg of RIDEM for further guidance.)

Agricultural BMP Projects

Although individual farmers are not eligible to directly receive Section 319 funds, agricultural BMP projects can be administered by partnering with a third party (see Applicant Eligibility). Projects to mitigate documented sources of NPS pollution associated with agricultural activities are encouraged. Examples of projects include:

• Construction of BMPs to retain (flow diversions, terracing, etc.) and treat stormwater
• Installation of erosion and sedimentation controls
• Fencing to restrict animal access to streams and wetlands; and
• Construction of other agricultural BMPs to abate potential sources of water pollution (e.g., manure management)

As applicable, agricultural BMP projects must be consistent with state-required farm conservation plans and federal Natural Resource Conservation Service standards.

Erosion Control

Projects that correct situations where erosion and sedimentation impact waterbodies (such as stream banks) are eligible. Some of the locations at which erosion problems are known to develop include on steep slopes, along streambanks, and at public access locations to waterways. Various best management practices are available to address erosion and sedimentation. Example projects include streambank protection and stabilization (including living shorelines) to minimize streambank erosion that is depositing sediment downstream and burying aquatic habitat and impacting wetlands.

Other NPS Water Quality Restoration Actions

In addition to projects described above, RIDEM will consider other projects that implement actions to prevent or abate known nonpoint source pollution or improve aquatic habitat. This may include, but is not limited to, pet waste control projects (e.g., pet waste bag stations).

Project Time Periods

The grant awards will be authorized via grant agreements for a limited period of time. Due to greater emphasis being placed on the timeliness of expenditures by both EPA and the State, NPS implementation projects that will be completed within a one to two-year time period will be favored. With adequate supporting justification RIDEM will consider three-year project time periods for larger, more complex projects.

Projects not promptly initiated or that fall substantially behind schedule once underway may have their grant awards rescinded or reduced. Applicants should reflect adequate time for procurement and obtaining permits or other approvals in their project schedule.