Program Overview and Mission

Huzzah, Madison Co., MO

Overview | Mission Statement

Overview

Point source pollution is generally treated wastewater that is discharged from the pipes of industrial facilities or domestic wastewater treatment plants into a receiving stream or water body. 

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, on the other hand, is untreated pollution that generally cannot be traced back to a single source.  Often, NPS pollution is traced to multiples sources (both natural and manmade) within watershed, such as storm water runoff, agricultural/land disturbance activities, or faulty septic systems.

NPS accounts for a significant amount of the pollution that enters our ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and groundwater. Nonpoint source pollution enters waterways as water flows overland and across the landscape during rainfall, snowmelt and irrigation events. The runoff picks and transports pollutants such as litter, oil and grease, bacteria, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and sediment that can impair a waters beneficial uses (e.g. swimming and fishing). Polluted storm water runoff can harm wildlife, damage aquatic habitat, cause excessive aquatic plant growth, cause odors, devalue property, impact recreational uses and overall damage the landscape. Each one of us, knowingly or unknowingly, contributes to nonpoint source pollution in our daily activities.

The good news is that NPS pollution can be reduced by becoming aware of how land-use relates to the quality of our rivers, lakes and streams. NPS 319 implementation grants have accomplished significant results in the control and mitigation of NPS pollution in Missouri. But fulfilling the water quality protection mission of the Missouri NPS Management Program can be accomplished only with the cooperation of other resource agencies and the citizens of the state.  As administrator of the NPS program, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and its partners continue to make significant progress in the protection of water, as well as air and land resources.

NPS source grant funds are provided from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.  Funds are used to address NPS pollution and are administered from the EPA, Region 7 Office through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to eligible sponsors. Funds can be used to address NPS pollution through information/education, conserve, restore, or improve water quality. Eligible sponsors include state and local agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. 

The overall goal of the grant program is to provide citizens with the knowledge and ability to improve their common land-use practices and to protect water quality. Selection for 319 funding emphasizes projects that restore the quality of waters on the state's 303(d) List of impaired waters due to NPS pollution. However, other high quality NPS projects are encouraged. For priorities that facilitate the selection process, refer to The State of Missouri's Nonpoint Source Management Plan.

Mission Statement

The mission of Missouri's nonpoint source management program is to preserve and protect the quality of the water resources of the state from nonpoint source impairments.

Goal A: Water Quality Assessment, Monitoring and Prioritization

Continue and enhance statewide water quality assessment processes to evaluate water quality and prioritize watersheds affected by nonpoint source pollution.

Goal B: Water Quality Improvement and Protection

Improve water quality by implementing nonpoint source related project and other activities.

Goal C: State Nonpoint Source Program Management

Maintain a viable, relevant, and effective Nonpoint Source Management Program with the flexibility necessary to meet changing environmental conditions and regulations.

Section 319 Program | Major Subgrants | Watershed Planning Grants | Minigrants | Project Examples