Three southeastern Indiana organizations have big plans for water quality, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is helping to bring those plans to fruition.
IDEM has distributed two grants totaling over $700,000 to Historic Hoosier Hills Resource Conservation & Development Council for work in the Indiana Creek and South Laughery Creek watersheds. IDEM also has distributed over $200,000 to Dearborn County Soil and Water Conservation District for work in the Tanners Creek watershed.
Both organizations will use the grants to develop and implement a cost-share program for best management practices, which are strategies that address and improve local water quality. The organizations will also perform outreach and education in an effort to reduce nonpoint source pollution, such as fertilizer and road grime in storm water runoff from fields and roads.
With roughly 30 percent of Indiana streams known to be affected by pollution or contaminants, the need for change is great. "The dedication of local water quality groups is admirable," said Bruno Pigott, IDEM assistant commissioner of the Office of Water Quality. "The work these organizations do is vital, and their call for change is inspirational."
The grants come from the "319" water quality program, established in 1994 and named after the subsection of the Clean Water Act that created it. The 319 grants are specifically designed to focus state and local efforts on nonpoint source pollution.
Applications are received and reviewed by each state and submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for approval. The process is competitive for funds that can be used for a multitude of projects, including education, technical assistance and monitoring programs.
Other Indiana organizations receiving 319 grants this year include: Save the Dunes Conservation Fund in Northwest Indiana; Manchester College - Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative in Northeastern Indiana; Wabash River Enhancement Corporation in West Central Indiana; and Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District and Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District in East Central Indiana.
For more information about the 319 grant program, visit the IDEM website at http://www.in.gov/idem/5225.htm
About IDEM
IDEM (http://www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.
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