Water Protection Program
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation Program
History of the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program

ImagesCongress amended the Clean Water Act in 1987 to establish the section
319 Nonpoint Source Management Program because it recognized the need
for greater federal leadership to help focus States and local nonpoint
source efforts. Under section 319, State, Territories and Indian
Tribes receive grant money which support a wide variety of activities
including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training,
technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to assess
the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects.
Nonpoint source water pollution refers to contaminants that do not come from specific conveyances, such as pipes or other permitted sources. It includes contaminants carried in runoff from fields, roads, parking lots, etc., as well as more specific sources such as improperly functioning septic systems. In Missouri, agriculture is considered the primary source of this type of pollution, although urban areas represent a very significant source as do abandoned mine lands.
Summary of Section 319 Grants that are offered:
Click on the column headers for additional information regarding the grant programs and requirements.
| Major Subgrants | Minigrants | Watershed Planning Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Acceptance | Annual Announcement | April/October | Feb/June/Sept |
| Federal Dollar Allowance | Up to $300,00* | Up to $10,000 | Up to $30,000 |
| Duration of Project | Up to 2 years* | Up to 2 years | Up to 3 years |
| Require 40 percent Non-Federal Match? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*For most up-to-date information please reference the RFP.
- Non-Federal matching support must be project specific, and can include in-kind contributions, such as use of equipment and volunteers.
- Section 319 nonpoint source projects must include information, education, prevention or correction activities to reduce nonpoint source impacts.
Ineligible Activities:
- Research type projects and activities.
- Activities required under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
Quick Links:
- Missouri's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program Overview and Mission
- Missouri's Nonpoint Source Management Plan
- Annual Nonpoint Source Report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- 319 Watershed Planning and other Project Resources - links to watershed management plans, QAPP information, etc.
- 319 Project Photos
- 319 Project Examples
- EPA Region 7
- EPA Section 319 Success Stories
- National Nonpoint Source Watershed Project Studies
- Section 319 Nonpoint Source National Monitoring Program Successes and Recommendations
