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.
Wastewater Treatment
Agricultural BMPs
Rain Gardens
Streambank Restoration
Watershed Associations
Education & Outreach
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.
- 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.