Richmond, Va. –  As part of the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the innovative $20 million Pay-For-Outcomes Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction grant program. Nonpoint pollution sources do not usually come from one place like a pipe, but instead runoff from larger areas and are the largest manageable sources of pollution entering the Bay. This one-year pilot program will provide payments based on the number of pounds of pollution actually removed or prevented. DEQ intends the Pay-For-Outcomes program will help identify cost-effective means of reducing nonpoint source pollution and encourage innovation. In doing so, Virginia will continue its commitment to improving the environmental quality of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Any business, non-profit, or government entity may apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $7.5 million to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. The proposals may rely on Best Management Practices already commonly used in Virginia or may offer novel technologies based on sound science. The applicants will offer a price per pound of pollution reduced, and payments will be based on actual reductions. The proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scientific experts and ranked primarily on the cost per pound of pollution reduction but will also consider the habitat and resilience benefits, readiness to proceed, and other factors.  

Applications are due Feb. 3, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. Additional information, including a link to register for the webinar, is available on the DEQ website. 

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