DEQ solicits applications for grants to protect sources of drinking water in Idaho
 

BOISE — Applications are now being accepted by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for source water protection grants to protect drinking water sources.

Eligible applicants include public water systems, local governments, special districts such as soil conservation districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in Idaho.

Funds are available for both local and regional protection projects.

Examples of types of eligible projects include
• research on contaminant source identification (such as isotope testing to determine source of contamination)
• removal of contaminant pathways or conduits (such as the closure of abandoned or unused wells
• contaminant removal (such as hazardous waste collection, pollution prevention, and waste reduction)
• contaminant management (such as education and implementation of best management practices or structures to divert contaminated runoff from the source)
• education and information-sharing (such as brochures, workshops, media campaigns)

Grants may not be used for personnel or equipment costs associated with operations and maintenance of drinking water systems.

Approximately $120,000 is available from the State Revolving Fund Capitalization Grant for the source water protection grants this year. The maximum award per grant is $20,000.

Applications are due March 19, 2010.

For more information, visit DEQ's source water protection grant web page or contact DEQ's Source Water Protection Coordinator, Amy Williams, at (208) 373-0115 or amy.williams@deq.idaho.gov