MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• SPDES Compliance and Enforcement Annual Report
• Sustain Our Great Lakes Request for Proposals
• EPA’s Great Lakes Trash-Free Waters RFA
• Engineering Planning Grant Request for Applications
• Green Innovation Grant Program Request for Applications

SPDES Compliance and Enforcement Annual Report

The SPDES Compliance and Enforcement annual report for state fiscal year 2019/2020 is now available. This report details DEC’s compliance and enforcement oversight of facilities permitted under the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) and those activities relating to New York State’s authorizations under the Clean Water Act. The report also provides a summary of sewage releases reported to DEC as required under the Sewage Pollution Right to Know (SPRTK) Act.

Sustain Our Great Lakes Request for Proposals

Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) has posted a Request for Proposals to restore and enhance habitat in the Great Lakes basin. In 2021, grant funding will be awarded in these basin-wide categories:

• Restore and Enhance Stream and Riparian Habitat
• Restore and Enhance Coastal Habitats
• Expand Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Great Lakes Communities
• Maintain and Enhance Benefits of Habitat Restoration through Invasive Species Control
• New in 2021: Accelerate Implementation of Conservation Practices and Regenerative Agriculture on Working Lands

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state, tribal and local governments. Pre-Proposals are due February 16. 

On February 2, 2021 at 11 a.m., the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will host a virtual workshop providing additional information about the SOGL funding opportunity. Register to participate. 

EPA’s Great Lakes Trash-Free Waters RFA

EPA is seeking a second round of applications under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program focused on keeping trash out of the Great Lakes. Approximately $5 million is available through the Trash-Free Waters Great Lakes program to fund approximately 10 large-scale projects to remove trash from Great Lakes harbors, rivermouths, and waterfronts. Applications are due March 5. 

EPA will host a webinar on January 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. CST to provide additional information and answer questions. To learn more about this funding opportunity and register for the webinar, go to EPA's GLRI Trash Free Waters webpage.

Reminder: Engineering Planning Grant Request for Applications

Applications are being accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for the Engineering Planning Grant (EPG) until 4 p.m. on February 12. Up to $2 million has been made available for this round of funding.

The EPG funds production of an engineering report for eligible Clean Water State Revolving Fund water quality projects. For full program details and requirements, view the EPG Round 10 Program Overview (PDF). DEC offers this opportunity in partnership with the Environmental Facilities Corporation.

Reminder: Green Innovation Grant Program Request for Applications

Applications are being accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) until 4 p.m. on February 12 for the Environmental Facilities Corporation's (EFC) Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP). Up to $17 million has been made available for this round of funding.

The GIGP provides grants for projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of green infrastructure, energy efficiency and/or water efficiency practices. For full program requirements, view EFC's GIGP webpage.