DEP Awards $4.9 Million to 23 Watershed Restoration Projects Statewide
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today awarded the Bradford County Conservation District with a $65,574 Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grant, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
The funding will help rehabilitate the Johnson Creek Watershed by installing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on five farms in Warren and Orwell Townships.
“Nonpoint source pollution continues to threaten our lakes, streams and watersheds,” Sen. Yaw said. “This investment will enable the Conservation District and local farm owners to further preserve and protect Johnson Creek and surrounding tributaries.
The Watershed is approximately 28.6 square miles in area. The headwaters of Johnson Creek are located inside the eastern portion of Bradford County, a few miles north of LeRaysville. The major tributaries to Johnson Creek include Jerome Creek, South Creek, Beaver Creek, and several unnamed tributaries (UNTs).
Nonpoint source pollution can include:
- Excess fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas;
- Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production;
- Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding streambanks;
- Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines;
- Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes and faulty septic systems;
- Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification.
Senator Yaw noted that approximately $3 million in 2021 grant funding is still available for further project grant applications. DEP is accepting applications for 2021 funding until 5:00 PM on October 23. Incorporated watershed associations, counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, councils of government, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations may apply.
The grant program supports projects that carry out BMPs specified in Watershed Implementation Plans that have been developed for 36 watersheds around the state, with special consideration given to projects in Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It also supports development of Watershed Implementation Plans for other impaired watersheds.
Applicants can find the guidelines booklet, the link to the online grant application portal, and more information at the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants web page. Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the federal Water Pollution Control Act.
For more state-related news and information, visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
(717) 787-3280