Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant

The Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant is administered by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address nonpoint source pollution affecting water quality across the state. This program is part of a broader federal initiative under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, which provides funding to states to implement projects that prevent, control, and reduce pollution from diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff, failing septic systems, and urban stormwater. The South Carolina program distributes a portion of its federal allocation to eligible organizations to carry out watershed-based projects aligned with the state’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that implement approved watershed plans and achieve measurable improvements in water quality. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities will reduce pollutant loads in targeted waterbodies, particularly those listed as impaired under Section 303(d) or those with established Total Maximum Daily Loads. Projects must focus on implementing best management practices that directly address pollution sources, such as repairing septic systems, installing riparian buffers, or constructing stormwater controls. At least seventy five percent of federal funds must be used for on the ground implementation of these practices. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project costs and then request reimbursement quarterly. There is no specified maximum award amount per application, but all proposed costs must be justified and aligned with project goals. A key requirement is a minimum forty percent non federal match, which may include cash or in kind contributions. Matching funds must meet the same eligibility criteria as federal funds and must be fully documented. Certain activities are explicitly ineligible, including research, monitoring, permit compliance work, and land purchases outside conservation easements. Eligible applicants include South Carolina based public entities such as state agencies, local governments, public universities, soil and water conservation districts, regional planning commissions, watershed organizations, and nonprofit organizations. All applicants must submit a complete application package, including a watershed plan that meets EPA’s nine element criteria, detailed maps, budget documentation, and commitment letters. Applications must be submitted via email and will undergo eligibility screening, followed by project consultations for selected applicants prior to final funding decisions. The application deadline for the current cycle is August 14, 2026 at five PM Eastern Time. Following submission, applications are reviewed within approximately thirty days, and eligible applicants are invited to present their proposals. Final funding decisions are typically made within sixty days after consultations. Selected applicants must then finalize a workplan and sign a grant agreement before beginning project activities. Projects generally have a maximum duration of thirty months, during which recipients must submit quarterly progress reports and maintain detailed financial records. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with watershed plans, feasibility of implementation, expected pollutant load reductions, and organizational capacity. Applications must also include a strong education and outreach component designed to promote behavior change and encourage community participation. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and contribute to long term water quality improvements. Program staff are available to provide guidance, and designated contacts include program coordinators and watershed coordinators across different regions of the state.

Ensure at least seventy five percent of funds are allocated to BMP implementation clearly demonstrate measurable pollutant reduction include strong outreach component and provide detailed watershed data and maps