The application period for Section 319 grant proposals is now open. Visit the Request for Proposals page for more information

DHEC receives an annual grant allocation from EPA under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act to help prevent, control and/or abate nonpoint source pollution (NPS) in support of the state's NPS Management Plan. In addition to regulatory efforts, DHEC passes a portion of these funds to stakeholders through a competitive process to fund eligible projects. These 319 projects implement an approved watershed plan containing EPA’s nine elements, and are intended to reduce pollutant loads, leading to measurable water quality improvements in the target watershed.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

South Carolina public organizations such as state agencies, local governments, public universities, soil and water conservation districts, regional planning commissions, watershed organizations and nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive NPS grants.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:

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. DHEC 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:

1. Projects must implement an existing watershed plan that addresses EPA's nine elements for watershed planning;
2. On-the-ground BMP implementation must make up a minimum of 75% of the federal funds requested;
3. Projects must include a 40% non-federal cash or in-kind match.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:

• FY2024 Section 319 Grant Request for Proposals (pdf)
• Section 319 Grant Flyer (pdf)
• South Carolina's Impaired Waters, Contaminants Limits (303(d) and TMDL Overview)
• SC Watershed Atlas
• DHEC Funded Watershed Plans
• 319 Success Stories - (EPA)
• 319 Nonpoint Source and Clean Water State Revolving Fund Joint Funding Opportunities
• SC Green Infrastructure Plan

RESOURCES FOR CALCULATING LOAD REDUCTIONS:

• EPA's Pollutant Load Estimation Tool (PLET) and Region 5 Model
• Calculating Bacterial Load Reductions (pdf)
• Schueler Simple Method to Calculate Urban Stormwater Loads
• Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2)