The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 8 PA Bulletin it is now accepting applications for for the construction of urban stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) to reduce the discharge of nutrients and sediments delivered to local waters and to the Chesapeake Bay. (formal notice)

Applications are due October 9. 

Counties, cities, boroughs, townships, incorporated towns and municipal authorities within the Chesapeake Bay drainage area are eligible to apply.  Other parties interested in promoting stormwater BMP construction are encouraged to approach local officials and offer to assist in application development and project management.

The maximum funding amount per applicant is $200,000. Construction must be complete within 2 years. Federal requirements will apply to construction procurement. Funding recipients will be selected on a competitive basis.

Projects must be located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and either: Within urbanized areas according to the latest Decennial Census in which National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage is required for the discharge of stormwater from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4); or discharges from combined sewer overflows through combined sewer systems (CSS).

Projects cannot be associated with new development. In addition new detention basins are not eligible.

Projects must result in structural, on-the-ground BMPs that meet the requirements of Pennsylvania's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (363-0300-002), as applicable, and have been demonstrated to reduce the discharge of nutrient or sediment loads, or both, to surface waters.

Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: Bioretention/raingardens; Bioswales; Permeable pavement; Urban nutrient management; Urban stream restoration; Urban tree planting; Vegetated open channels; Vegetated roofs; Wet ponds and wetlands; Other projects that reduce the flow of stormwater into MS4s or CSSs.

The money for these grants is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There is $2,300,000 available for the grant program. The maximum funding amount per applicant is $200,000.

More information and a copy of the application will be posted on DEP’s MS4 Stormwater webpage.  Questions should be directed to Leif Rowles at DEP by calling 717-783-2290 or send email to: lerowles@pa.gov.

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8/10/2015