The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) announced that it is now accepting applications for funding of water quality improvement projects under the Growing Greener Plus Program. Up to $18 million will be available for eligible projects. DEP is placing a special focus on projects in the 43 counties that make up the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania, particularly projects that implement best management practices (“BMPs”) to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment runoff. Pennsylvania is legally obligated to significantly reduce the amount of these pollutants in order to improve the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality and to meet water quality standards in the Commonwealth.
Examples of eligible Growing Greener projects include streambank fencing, streambank forest buffers, mine land reclamation and reforestation, and other projects designed to reduce non-point sources of water pollution. Grants are available for county and municipal governments, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, and other organizations involved in the protection and restoration of Pennsylvania’s environment. Applications for the Growing Greener Plus Program will be accepted through January 13, 2017. Additional information on the grant program can be found here.
Contact Stock and Leader’s Environmental Law Group for help in completing an application.