Nonpoint Source Program

The NPS Program is part of WVDEP's Watershed Improvement Branch (WIB). WIBs mission is "To inspire and empower people to value and work for clean water."

West Virginia's Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program coordinates multi-agency and non-government organizations efforts to address nonpoint pollution by:

• Providing assistance in the proper installation and maintenance of (BMPs)
• Supporting citizen based watershed organizations
• Supporting partners whose activities relate to nonpoint issues
• Restoring impaired watersheds with nonpoint abatement projects

§319 grants are used for Nonpoint Program administration and Watershed projects. Watershed projects attempt to restore waters impaired by nonpoint pollution. 303(d) listings, TMDL development and Management Plan priorities determine eligibility. Click here to learn about watershed project grants and here to learn about (AGOs) additional grant opportunities. Note: §319 funds are reimbursable only; advanced payments are not allowed.

To learn more contact your regional Basin Coordinator or Program Managers. Below are activities suppoted by §319; click-on the images to learn more. Click here to learn about projects and here for a calendar of events.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) projects to restore pollution from abandoned mines. Shown here is one of many project sites in the Lamberts Run watershed. This stream is a significant source of AMD to the West Fork River. Click here for more information.

Below are resources and programs provided by, supported or affiliated with WIB.

• Chesapeake Bay Program
• Description: Since 1983, the Chesapeake Bay Program has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Bay Program partners include federal and state agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

• In Lieu Fee Mitigation
• Description: The In Lieu Fee (ILF) Program was initiated by DEP to provide an additional tool for achieving compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts to waters of the United States and state waters, including wetlands, streams and associated buffers.

• Project WET
• Description: Project WET is an international, interdisciplinary water science and education program for educators of all sorts - public and private school teachers, water resource professionals, youth club leaders and many others.

• Save Our Streams
• Description: The mission of WV Save Our Streams (SOS) is to promote the preservation and restoration of our state's waters by providing an understanding of their ecological integrity.

• Stream Partners
• Description: West Virginia's Stream Partners Program (SPP) is a cooperative effort amoung multiple West Virginia Agencies and is housed within the WVDEP's Division of Water and Waste Management.

• Watershed Pilot Program
• Description: The intents of WPP is to assist in managing and implementing §319 projects and improve watershed oganization sustainability.

• Homeowners Packet
• Description: The Streamside Homeowners Packet provides information and tips on various problems affecting streamside homeowners and focuses on practical solutions.

• Streambank Monitoring
• Description: Monitoring is an essential component of stream restoration because it allows stakeholders to see what progress is being made, provides load reduction estimates and provides information on the types of restoration that can best achieve project goals.

• Stormwater Assistance
• Description: WIB's Stormwater Team provides assistance for regulated and unregulated stormwater sites in the Potomac Basin.

• Stream Permit Guidance
• Description: This guide is for informational purposes only and provides a brief overview of the various permits or certifications required before remedial work is conducted in and around West Virginia streams and wetlands.

• Watershed Groups
• Description: Watershed groups (WGs) are dedicated groups of individuals and organizations, usually volunteers, who represent the interest of the community and the environment with a mission, goals, and plan for implementing water quality improvement projects, enhancing habitat, developing recreational activities and informing their neighbors of the importance of natural resource protection.

• NPS Management Plan
• Description: Clean Water Act §319 guidelines require that all State NPS Programs revise their Nonpoint Program management plan every five-years.

• NPS Program Reports
• Description: The NPS annual report provides a summary of program accomplishments.

• NPS Project Information
• Description: Examples of projects support by §319 grant funding.

• O&M Guidance Manual
• Description: The purpose of this manual is to encourage watershed groups to develop plans for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of all their projects and to gather resources to carry out those plans.

• Quality Assurance Project Plans
• Description: The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) integrates all technical and quality aspects of a project, including planning, implementation, and assessment.

To learn more about water quality collected by WVDEP-WAB use this online tool for your queries. Click here to query data from WAB ambient stations and here to access benthic data. Click here for USEPA NPS information.