What is Indiana’s Nonpoint Source Program?
Congress established the national Nonpoint Source Program in 1987, when it amended the Clean Water Act (CWA) to include Section 319, which also created a state-based grant program. States were given the federally funded mandate to address nonpoint source water pollution by:
- Conducting statewide assessments of their waters,
- Developing nonpoint source management programs to address impaired or threatened waters that have been identified, and
- Implementing approved, federally funded nonpoint source management programs to remediate and prevent nonpoint source pollution.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is charged with the implementation of all aspects of Section 319 of the CWA. IDEM places strong emphasis on assuring that Section 319 funds are directed to on-the-ground projects that reduce, eliminate, or prevent nonpoint source pollution in Indiana’s waters.
What is the NPS Annual Report?
The CWA, Section 319(h), requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to make an annual determination of satisfactory progress in meeting the milestones of each state’s nonpoint source management plan. To assist the U.S. EPA in making this determination, IDEM provides an annual report that assesses the program’s performance and progress toward meeting the goals and milestones in Indiana’s plan.
What is in the Annual Report?
The Annual Report highlights Indiana’s efforts during the reporting period to collect data and assess water quality, implement projects that reduce or prevent nonpoint source pollution, and educate and involve the public to improve and maintain the quality of water resources for current and future generations of Hoosiers. The report provides an overview of nonpoint source pollution and IDEM’s role in leading efforts to address this significant source of water pollution. Information on program goals and achievements is presented, as well as information on how IDEM’s Nonpoint Source Program is evolving to become more effective. Additionally, the report presents information on how IDEM’s key partners play an important role in the work to address nonpoint source pollution. Lastly, the report provides information on projects funded through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.