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There are numerous governmental initiatives that allow organizations to receive grants for monitoring and remediation of impaired water bodies. Applying for such grants is often a solution to lack of funding or insufficient funds, when assembling a project. Knowing the source of contamination, when high fecal bacteria counts are present in the water, is important in order to take the appropriate remediation measures. Microbial Source Tracking could often be included as a component of a larger scale project/study or as a sole purpose project proposal, depending on the circumstances.
Grants that may assist in funding Microbial Source Tracking projects are listed below:
Potential National Microbial Source Tracking Funding
American Water Grants
Chesapeake Bay Grant
EPA Grants
NERRS Grant
NOAA Grants
Sustain Our Great Lakes Grants
USDA Rural Development Grants
Canadian Research Grant
Wells Fargo Grants
RBC Blue Water Project™
Potential State Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
American Water Grants
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water's Environmental Grant Program awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water service areas are located in California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Chesapeake Bay Grant
Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund
DESCRIPTION: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) solicits proposals to restore the habitats and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams. The Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF) issues grants and technical assistance to help local communities restore and protect water quality and vital habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Stewardship Fund awards $8 million to $12 million per year through two competitive grant programs: the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program and the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Program. In addition, technical assistance is available for project planning and design. One of the priority strategies focuses on funding projects that simultaneously strive to achieve water quality and wildlife habitat improvements, and increase populations in targeted fish and wildlife species. Successful projects will support the implementation of existing watershed management plans that have a clear baseline for water quality, habitat and species conditions and specific restoration goals. Another priority strategy is to improve water quality and restore habitat in the Anacostia River watershed and its tributaries in Washington D.C. Microbial source tracking analysis could a be component of projects that need to identify the source of fecal contamination in water systems. Source Molecular is dedicated to the field of microbial source tracking using the most advanced genomic and molecular techniques. It has analyzed thousands of samples making it one of the leaders in the microbial source tracking industry. Eligible applicants for the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund include non-profit 501(c) organizations, local governments and agencies, state government agencies and academic institutions. Major funding for the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service, and Altria.
DEADLINE: The 2012-2013 funding has closed. A copy of the previous RFP is available website. Check the website early 2013 for updates.
EPA Grants
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants
DESCRIPTION: Under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that support a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring, to mitigate nonpoint source pollution. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development.
DEADLINE: State Nonpoint Source Agencies apply with EPA in the spring (April-May), subgrantees/ subawardees may apply with the Regional State Nonpoint Source Agencies according to their deadlines.
NERRS Grant
NERRS Science Collaborative Funding Opportunity
DESCRIPTION: The National Estuarine Research Reserve System -- a network of 28 areas representing different bio-geographic regions of the United States that are protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education and coastal stewardship -- works with local communities and regional groups to address natural resource management issues, such as non-point source pollution. Every year, the NERRS Science Collaborative seeks proposals for projects that incorporate collaboration and applied science to address a coastal management problem that has been identified as a priority for a Reserve and a community that it serves. One of the issues affecting coastal waters is fecal pollution, which may come from urban runoff, leaking sewage pipes, among others. Should a need arise to identify the fecal source, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development, provides support to researchers with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Eligible applicants are NERRS staff working in partnership (if appropriate) with applicants from the United States (U.S.) academic, private, or public sectors. Researchers from institutions outside the U.S. may be included on the project subject to certain requirements.
DEADLINE: The application period for FY 2013 funding is closed.
NOAA Grants
Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION:The Sea Grant programs of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina seek regional scale research pre-proposals that address priorities of the state programs and the Mid-Atlantic region. Eligible projects for funding include water quality management and cross-disciplinary, integrative research that analyzes and synthesizes existing data to address major, large-scale issues of relevance to coastal and marine communities. A copy of the Request for Proposals is available here. Water quality monitoring projects could potentially include microbial source tracking analysis if fecal pollution is suspected. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Proposals must include investigators from at least two participating Mid-Atlantic states. Projects that address the whole of or a large portion of the Mid-Atlantic and that include three or more states are of particular interest.
DEADLINE: Pre-proposals must be submitted by March 15, 2013, 5:00 p.m. EDT.
NOAA Coastal Services Center Grants
DESCRIPTION:The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is soliciting proposals for competitive funding for special projects and programs associated with NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals from institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or foreign organizations or governments, individuals, state, local and Indian tribal governments. Projects must address, among others, pollution problems, pathogen outbreaks and water quality in coastal waters. Fecal pollution in coastal waters, for example, affects not only swimmers but also shellfish farms. Microbial source tracking methods are used to identify the source of fecal pollution. Source Molecular has been providing MST testing services for more than 10 years and its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 different hosts (Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird, and Ruminant). For more information about the FY 2012 - 2013 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), an executive summary of the federal funding opportunity is available here.
DEADLINE: Full applications must be submitted to Grants.gov up to 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time September 30, 2013.
Sustain Our Great Lakes Grants
Sustain Our Great Lakes Grants
DESCRIPTION: The mission of Sustain Our Great Lakes is to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat in the Great Lakes basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues. In past years, Sustain Our Great Lakes offered funding through two grants programs (Stewardship Grants and Community Grants) that differed primarily by grant size. The Community Grants Program awarded competitive grants for in-the-water habitat restoration and enhancement. Funding priority was given to projects that improve the quality and connectivity of tributary, wetland and coastal habitats. This year, Sustain Our Great Lakes is offering funding through a single funding opportunity, and all applicants will submit applications to the same comprehensive program regardless of the size of the funding request. Eligible grant recipients include non-profit organizations, state, provincial, tribal and local governments, and educational institutions. Source Molecular is a team of scientists and business professionals with expertise in genetic and molecular sciences. The company is dedicated to the field of microbial source tracking using the most advanced genomic and molecular techniques. In its microbial source tracking laboratory, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is used to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequence of that organism. MST has been used to identify sources of fecal contamination in water samples. In certain cases, it has been deemed important to know the host source in order to craft effective remediation plans for restoring water quality. The Sustain Our Great Lakes grants programs are administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and funded by ArcelorMittal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.D.A Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
DEADLINE: To be considered for funding, pre-proposals must be submitted online by 5 PM Eastern Time on February 14, 2013. A copy of the 2013 Request for Funding is available here. Between February 15 to March 27, 2013, pre-proposals are reviewed. On March 28, 2013, applicants are notified of pre-proposal decisions and full proposals invited. Full proposals are due April 30, 2013. From May 1, 2013 to June 13, 2013, full proposals are reviewed. Awards will be announced between July 15 to July 31, 2013.
USDA Rural Development Grants
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development awards Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants to assist rural communities that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water due to an emergency, or in which such decline is considered imminent, to obtain or maintain adequate quantities of water that meets the standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act. This emergency is considered an occurrence of an incident such as, but not limited to, a drought, earthquake, flood, tornado, hurricane, disease outbreak or chemical spill, leakage or seepage. In some instances, fecal pollution could make its way to drinking water sources during these emergency situations. For projects that require the identification of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking makes it possible. MST is a set of methods used to determine the host (Human, wildlife, farms, and domestic animals) that contributes fecal pollution to water bodies. Source Molecular uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequence of that organism. Eligible applicants for Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants include public bodies, non-profit corporations and Indian tribes serving rural areas.
DEADLINE: Applications are accepted at any time through the USDA's Rural Development State and Area Offices. To locate an office, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.
Wells Fargo Grants
Environmental Community Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: Financial services company Wells Fargo has a long-term partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have developed a joint process where environmental nonprofits can apply to their grant program and seek funding for large environmental projects. One of the focus areas is water. Conservation grants focus on the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of water. Eligible projects include cleaning up waterways and beach fronts. Fecal pollution in coastal waters, for example, affects not only swimmers but also shellfish farms. Microbial source tracking methods are used to identify the source of fecal pollution. Source Molecular has been providing MST testing services for more than 10 years and its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 different hosts (Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird, and Ruminant). Wells Fargo makes contributions to organizations with tax-exempt status, as well as to qualified tribal and governmental agencies, including public school systems.
DEADLINE: The latest funding cycle has passed. For more information, contact environmental.affairs@wellsfargo.com.
Canadian Research Grant
Strategic Project Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada awards grants to projects that address effective management of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. Under this category, projects must focus on protecting source water; ensuring the quality, quantity and sustainability of water supply; using water efficiently in anthropogenic activities; and optimizing water treatment and distribution. Researchers are encouraged to develop new technologies, methods and analytical tools for treating industrial water and wastewater, and for remediating contaminated water for legacy or new and trace contaminants from industrial processes (such as pharmaceuticals and nanomaterials). For example, one of the projects already funded seeks to identify and evaluate alternative fecal indicator organisms and microbial source tracking tool, such as Bacteroidales genetic markers. Source Molecular fully supports research and development in the microbial source tracking industry.
To be considered, projects must be a collaboration of at least one academic researcher and at least one supporting organization, which must be a government organization or a Canadian-based company. In addition, foreign researchers may also work on the project as NSERC encourages international collaborations. Other acceptable participants include non-governmental organizations, government research laboratories, hospitals and clinics, foreign research institutions, venture capitalists, implementation sites, or potential customers, but these participants do not qualify as supporting organizations.
DEADLINE: April 1 every year
RBC Blue Water Project™
Community Action Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Royal Bank of Canada's Blue Water Project is a wide-ranging, multi-year program that aims to help foster a culture of water stewardship. RBC Blue Water Project offers Community Action Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, which are awarded to local or community-based organizations in Canada, the United States or the Caribbean. In 2013-2014, the RBC Blue Water Project will focus on supporting initiatives that help protect and preserve water in towns, cities and urbanized areas with populations of more than 10,000 people that focus on, among others, protection and restoration of urban waterways; and improved urban water quality. Funded projects are expected to achieve measurable outcomes such as reduced water pollution and improved water quality of beaches. Fecal contamination is a concern with regards to water quality and poses a public health risk. Microbial source tracking plays a crucial role in identifying the source of fecal pollution. Knowing the source of fecal bacteria contaminating the water makes a big difference in crafting plans and policies to improve water quality. Source Molecular has helped many researchers with MST analysis. Only registered charities in Canada, United States and the Caribbean can apply for Community Action Grants.
DEADLINE:The application period for 2013 Community Action Grants is closed. The application deadline for 2014 grants will be announced in late 2013.
Alabama - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Section 319 Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) administers Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Demonstration Grants to implement components of its Nonpoint Source Management Program. Proposals must incorporate significant actions or behaviors that will support progress in improving water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollutants. Funds may also be used to develop and/or implement watershed management plans, mitigate NPS stormwater runoff, or protect groundwater. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. State and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, public institutions, and private sector organizations are eligible to apply for Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Demonstration Grant funding.
DEADLINE: The application period is currently closed.
Alaska - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Alaska Clean Water Actions Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, in awarding grants, gives high priority to projects related to water bodies identified by The Alaska’s Clean Water Actions (ACWA). Eligible projects include projects that address stewardship actions; restoration projects on ACWA high priority waters that carry out identified priority restoration activities; and protection projects on ACWA high priority waters that include data collection and monitoring. Data collection and monitoring could potentially include microbial source tracking analysis if fecal pollution is suspected. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect 11 different fecal pollution host sources.
DEADLINE: The Alaska Clean Water Actions FY14 Grant Application period is now closed.
Alaska Beach Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation awards grants for projects related to monitoring marine water quality at Alaska's high-priority beaches. Grants are given to sample beach water for organisms (fecal coliforms and enterococci bacteria) that indicate the presence of fecal contamination. In controlling fecal pollution, it is important to determine the source of the bacteria. Source Molecular provides microbial source tracking analysis using the latest scientific laboratory equipment and analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. By notifying the public in the event that a sample exceeds the allowable levels, Alaska's Beach Grant Program helps to prevent illnesses that could result from exposure to contaminated beach water. Eligible applicants include local communities, tribal governments, and watershed councils.
DEADLINE: The FY14 Grant Application period is now closed.
Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund
DESCRIPTION: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, together with agency and private donor partners, requests proposals that aim to conserve species and habitats in Alaska and in its near coastal waters. The program is funded with Federal funds provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, non-federal funds contributed by corporate partners, including BP, ConocoPhillips, and Shell, and non-federal funds received as community service payments from court settlements of various federal pollution laws. Among others, funds may be awarded to projects that protect or restore coastal watersheds, estuarine, and nearshore marine habitats. Fecal pollution is a possible problem in these water bodies. Identifying the source of fecal pollution, whether human or animal, is essential in crafting plans that would restore or protect these areas. Source Molecular uses scientifically rigorous genetic and molecular analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible applicants for the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Fund include local, state, federal, and tribal governments and agencies (e.g., counties, townships, cities, boroughs), special districts (e.g., conservation districts, planning districts, utility districts), non-profit 501(c) organizations, schools and universities.
DEADLINE: The 2012 grant round has closed. Check the NFWF website for the next grant round. For more information, please contact Cara Rose, Assistant Director, Western Partnership Office of NFWF via telephone at (503) 417-8700 x 6008 or via e-mail at cara.rose@nfwf.org.
Alaska Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Alaska Sea Grant supports a number of formal, peer-reviewed research projects through a biennial call for proposals. The program seeks creative and innovative research proposals in the natural and social sciences that focus on the environmental and economic viability of Alaska's coastal communities. Alaska has 36,000 miles of coastline and waters offshore of Alaska cover about 75 percent of the U.S. continental shelf, hosting some of the world's most abundant populations of marine life. One of the objectives of the grant is to support healthy marine and coastal ecosystems in Alaska by providing decision makers with science-based information that can be used to craft well-informed policies governing the use and conservation of Alaska's marine and coastal resources. Microbial source tracking has been instrumental in helping decision-makers craft effective remediation plans in relation to fecal contamination. Pollution by waste matter is a valid concern. Microscopic organisms from human and animal waste in coastal waters have been shown to come from various sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage overflows and inadequately treated sewage, agricultural runoff, boating waste, and directly deposited waste from animals and humans. MST analysis can detect the source of fecal pathogens based on the unique genetic sequences between living organisms. Source Molecular has more than 10 years experience in the MST industry. Prior to submitting a request for Alaska Sea Grant funds, researchers are encouraged to discuss ideas with Alaska Sea Grant Director David Christie.
DEADLINE: The next RFP will be issued around the third quarter of 2014.
Arizona - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Water Quality Improvement Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) administers the Water Quality Improvement Grant (WQIG) Program to fund projects that implement on-the-ground water quality improvements to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The WQIG Program is a reimbursement-based grant program, which allocates money from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to interested parties for implementation of nonpoint source management and watershed protection. Nonpoint source pollution remains the nation's largest source of water quality problems. Agriculture, forestry, grazing, septic systems, recreational boating, urban runoff, construction, physical changes to stream channels and habitat degradation are potential sources of nonpoint source pollution. NPS pollution could likely include fecal contamination. In determining the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking has been known to produce accurate results. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 12 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Elk, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. All public and private entities as well as individuals may apply for WQIG funding. Past applicants have included individuals, tribal authorities, universities, government entities, environmental groups, and watershed partnerships.
DEADLINE: The application deadline for Water Quality Improvement Grant Program for Grant Cycle 13 has passed.
Arkansas - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
319 NPS Pollution Management Program Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) funds 319 projects related to nonpoint source pollution management. Projects for implementation, demonstration, and watershed planning to abate NPS pollution get priority. Projects located in priority watersheds and have a high probability of generating measurable results will also be given priority. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Eligible applicants for 319 NPS Pollution Management Program Grants include conservation districts, academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations and groups. 319 grants will not exceed 57% of total project costs. Organizations that propose a project work plan for funding must provide the 43% required match. Match may be cash or in-kind.
DEADLINE: Proposed work plans are accepted October 15th thru November 30th every year.
California - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
California Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The California Sea Grant College Program is now soliciting preliminary proposals for projects to begin February 1, 2014. California Sea Grant (CASG) is one of 33 state programs funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). California Sea Grant is administered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Eligible projects include those that seek to conserve, restore and manage coastal and marine ecosystems to ensure their long-term health and productivity; and those that help reduce water contamination in the coastal and marine environment. The level of activity in California's coastal zone places immense pressure on the state's natural resources. Protecting water quality in the coastal areas is one of the funding priorities. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Faculty and academic staff from universities and scientists from research institutions throughout California are invited to apply under the California Sea Grant College Program.
DEADLINE: Pre-proposals are due March 14, 2013 by 11:59 pm PDT. Full proposals are due June 13, 2013 by 11:59 pm Pacific time. If there are questions regarding the call for proposals, please contact the Grants Specialist at sgproposal@.ucsd.edu or (858) 534-7855.
Clean Beaches Initiative Grant
DESCRIPTION: The CBI Grant Program provides funding for projects that restore and protect the water quality and the environment of coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and near shore waters. The CBI Grant Program was initiated in response to the poor water quality and significant exceedences of bacterial indicators at California’s beaches. Scientific studies have shown that water with high bacteria levels can cause infections, rashes, and gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The primary goal of the CBI Grant Program is to implement projects that will reduce bacterial concentrations at public beaches. Projects must address a CBI Priority to be eligible for funding. The CBI Grant Program has identified priorities for implementation and research projects. Eligible wastewater system improvement projects include those that propose to improve, upgrade, or convert existing sewer collection systems, and projects that propose to eliminate onsite wastewater treatment systems by connecting to nearby collection systems. Feasibility and preliminary design costs are eligible for CBI funding, provided they are tied to an implementation project, and the entire project can be completed within the funding timeframe. Eligible research projects include projects that provide comprehensive capability for monitoring, collecting, and analyzing ambient water quality, including monitoring technology that can be entered into a statewide information base with standardized protocols and sampling, collection, storage and retrieval procedures. However, no applications for research projects are currently being accepted.
DEADLINE: The CBI grant program will re-open from April 16, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. through May 28, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. to accept concept proposals for implementation projects.
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Local Groundwater Assistance (LGA) Grant Program
DESCRIPTION:The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) administers a Local Groundwater Assistance (LGA) Grant Program that awards grants for projects related to groundwater studies or groundwater monitoring and management activities. One of the possible issues that could be tackled by these projects is groundwater contamination associated with human activities. Human groundwater contamination can be related to waste disposal such as leaking septic tanks. Groundwater samples can be analyzed through microbial source tracking to confirm the source of contamination. Source Molecular has four Human tests -- Human Bacteroidetes ID™, Human Enterococcus ID™, Human Urine Virus ID™, and Human Fecal Virus ID™. Its laboratory can also detect 10 other fecal pollution host sources. Local public agencies with authority to manage groundwater resources are eligible to apply for Local Groundwater Assistance Grants. Successful applicants can each get up to $250,000 in funding.
DEADLINE: Grants will depend on availability of funds.
Non-Point Source Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The California NPS Program allocates approximately $4.5 million every year of CWA Section 319(h) funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support implementation and planning projects that address water quality problems in surface and ground water resulting from NPS pollution. Proposals must, among others, conform to U.S. EPA’s “Nine Minimum Elements to be Included in a Watershed Plan for Impaired Waters Funded Using Incremental CWA Section 319 Funds”. For example, the EPA requires watershed plans to include a map of the watershed that locates the major causes and sources of impairment. Eligible projects include water quality improvement efforts in the watershed. A possible cause of impairment is the presence of fecal bacteria in water sources brought by runoff. Microbial Source Tracking is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment. Source Molecular delivers the results of MST tests in 5-10 working days, one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.
DEADLINE: The 2013 grant round has closed. The State Water Board is expected to approve final grant selections in May 2013.
USC Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The University of Southern California Sea Grant Program funds projects that are directed at solving the particular problems associated with urbanization in and adjacent to the coastal zone. One of the focus areas of the USC Sea Grant Strategic Plan for 2014-2017 is healthy coastal ecosystems. Stormwater runoff from streets, channels and rivers remains a contributor to large concentrations of pathogens to the urban coast. Many of the projects USC Sea Grant funds or manages not only try to determine the level of contamination throughout urban watersheds and along the Southern California coast, but also develop faster and less costly ways to measure these levels. USC Sea Grant will continue funding and managing projects that determine responses of marine organisms to contaminants and pathogens and develop effective bio-indicators of contamination. Microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results when it comes to detecting the presence of fecal indicators in water samples and determining the host source. For more than 10 years, Source Molecular has analyzed thousands of samples making it one of the leaders in the microbial source tracking industry. It is anticipated that 4-6 projects will be funded with the biennial Sea Grant College Program funds. Project budgets will range from $10,000 to $65,000, with the average being approximately $50,000 for new research. University faculty and academic staff at USC and at other California institutions are eligible to apply.
DEADLINE: The Request for Preliminary Proposals has concluded. Contact Phyllis Grifman at grifman@usc.edufor more information on the funding.
Colorado - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Water Quality Control Commission established the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund Grant Program in cooperation with the Colorado Watershed Assembly. The Program helps support local watershed organizations in their efforts to provide clean water, protect habitat, and improve recreation and accessibility. Eligible projects for funding include water quality and/or water quantity monitoring; participation in the development and/or implementation of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs); implementation of watershed-related best management practices; data collection and assessment; among others. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts. Eligible applicants for the Healthy Rivers Fund Grants include local watershed protection groups who are committed to a collaborative approach to the restoration and protection of lands and natural resources within Colorado’s watersheds.
DEADLINE: Applications are due April 30 of each year. An Applications Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Designees of the fund by July 31. The Designees approve or deny the recommendations, and Grants are awarded by September 30. Annual progress reports are due by September 30 of the following year.
Water Supply Reserve Account Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Colorado Water Conservation Board administers the Water Supply Reserve Account Grant (WSRA) Program, which provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. Projects eligible for funding can relate to technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance, among others. Detailed guidelines for applications can be found here. Microbial source tracking could be a possible activity as researchers undertake environmental compliance studies. Source Molecular has assisted numerous researchers in MST analysis. The Company provides support with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost. Eligible applicants for Colorado's Water Supply Reserve Account Grants include municipalities, enterprises, counties, State of Colorado agencies; special, water and sanitation, conservancy, conservations, irrigation and water activity enterprises; mutual ditch companies, homeowners associations and non-profit corporations; individuals, partnerships and sole proprietors; and non-governmental organizations.
DEADLINE: Specific deadline depends on account grant applied for. But there are five "review periods" for applications.
Connecticut - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Clean Water Fund Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Clean Water Fund (CWF) provides a combination of grants and loans to municipalities, which undertake water pollution control projects at the direction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Projects eligible for funding include non-point source pollution control projects affecting Long Island Sound. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Municipalities and private water systems eligible for Drinking Water fund may apply for this grant.
DEADLINE: None. Proposals accepted on a continual basis and awarded as funds become available.
Connecticut Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Connecticut Sea Grant supports a broad range of applied research, education, and extension activities aimed at improving understanding, assessment, use, management, conservation, or restoration of marine and coastal resources. Priorities related to water quality include developing and/or assessing mitigation measures, best management practices and innovative site designs to address water quality concerns; and identifying and assessing critical scientific management and restoration needs and develop strategies for improving Long Island Sound water quality. Emphasis has also been made as to a proposal's central research component and ability to produce new knowledge and further the goals of the Connecticut Sea Grant Strategic Plan within the time-frame. Fecal contamination is a possible issue in addressing water quality concerns. There are a lot of ways to detect the source of fecal contamination. Source Molecular specializes in real-time qPCR microbial source tracking and its laboratory can detect and quantify fecal contamination from 12 host sources. Sea Grant support is available to researchers and educators at all non-profit academic institutions, research laboratories, and outreach/education facilities in Connecticut.
DEADLINE: The 2014-2016 grant funding round is closed. Please check back in 2015.
Non-point Source (Section 319) Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection administers the Nonpoint Source (Section 319) Grant Program. Priority projects for funding include development of implementation plans that address water quality impairment, Total Maximum Daily Load analyses, or Section 319 defined watershed-base plans. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts. Thames Basin proposals will also be viewed a high priority for funding because of ongoing state and federal investment in resolving NPS impairments. Any interested public or private organization in Connecticut can apply for Connecticut's Non-point Source (Section 319) Grants.
DEADLINE: Proposals are due August 31 every year.
Long Island Sound Futures Fund
DESCRIPTION: The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is a key implementation tool of the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Every year, the LISS, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), seeks proposals to help accelerate the restoration and protection of Long Island Sound. The LISS, sponsored by the EPA and the states of Connecticut and New York, is a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, universities, national and local environmental groups, businesses, and community groups who are dedicated to protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound. The Sound is one of the largest urban estuaries in the United States. The LISFF focuses its funding in areas such as Water Quality Monitoring and Watershed Plan Implementation Projects. Among others, funds will be available for addressing sources of nonpoint source pollution. NPS pollution could likely include fecal contamination. In determining the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking has been known to produce accurate results. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Eligible applicants for the Long Island Sound Futures Fund include non-profit 501(c) organizations; state, tribal, and local governments; and academic and educational institutions.
DEADLINE: The deadline for online applications closed on April 18, 2013. A copy of the 2013 Request for Proposals is available here.
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Delaware - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Community Water Quality Improvement Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control provides financial assistance every year through the Community Water Quality Improvement Grant (CWQIG). Grants are awarded to projects that focus on how to improve water quality in designated impaired watersheds consistent with specific plans developed for watershed improvements. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In improving water quality, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Any Delaware state or municipal government, agency or program, non-profit organization, educational institution, community organization, and homeowners' association within the State of Delaware may apply for Community Water Quality Improvement Grants.
DEADLINE: Applications for the Fiscal Year 2014 will be accepted in mid-2013.
Delaware Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Delaware Sea Grant College Program supports marine and coastal research and extension, graduate student education, and public outreach and education. It recently completed a four-year strategic plan (2014-2017) that provides an overview of research and outreach priorities and future directions. One of the focus areas is on healthy coastal ecosystems. Emphasis is on ecosystem processes and relationships between coastal stressors and long-term human and ecosystem health. It aims to develop and calibrate new standards, measures, and indicators of ecosystem sustainability including new technologies, methods and policies to address water quality degradation. Delaware's coastal waters are threatened by various forms of pollution including sewage from boaters. Projects requiring confirmation of the host of fecal matter in water samples can make use of microbial source tracking. MST is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment. Source Molecular is dedicated to the field of MST using the most advanced genomic and molecular techniques. Lead Principal Investigators (PIs) applying for Delaware Sea Grant funds must be affiliated with an academic institution or research laboratory in Delaware.
DEADLINE: Only those applicants who have completed the pre-proposal process are eligible to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due Friday, May 3, 2013, 4:00 p.m.
Florida - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Florida Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Florida Sea Grant funds research projects that address these areas of focus: Healthy Oceans and Coasts; Safe and Sustainable Seafood; Sustainable Coastal Communities; and Hazard-Resilient and Climate Ready Coasts. Priorities for funding include development and testing of new methods and best management practices for restoring or enhancing coastal habitat; and development and testing of user-friendly tools with coastal communities to guide interactive decision making for becoming more resilient to storms, rising sea level and changing rainfall and runoff. Fecal contamination in coastal waters is a possible issue that could be included in these projects. Should researchers need to determine the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking analysis is a useful tool. Source Molecular's MST laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Florida Sea Grant functions as a partnership of universities, marine industries, citizens and government. It is hosted by the University of Florida.
DEADLINE: Invited full proposals are due May 27, 2013. Full proposals come from successful Statements of Interest that were submitted by February 15, 2013.
TMDL Water Quality Restoration Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers the TMDL Water Quality Restoration Grant, which provides funding for the implementation of best management practices designed to reduce pollutant loads to impaired waters from urban stormwater discharges. Eligible projects include those that reduce stormwater pollutant loadings from urban areas that discharge to waterbodies on the state’s verified list of impaired waters; and include storm event monitoring to determine the actual load reduction. Nonpoint sources are most apparent after storm events and are the cause of many water system impairments. Microbial source tracking is a set of methods used to determine the host (different animals or Human) that contributes fecal pollution to a variety of water bodies. MST has been applied to total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessment and has been used as a tool for identifying the source of the pollution and allowing for appropriate remediation and preventative measures to be taken. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development and its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 different hosts (Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird, and Ruminant). The TMDL Water Quality Restoration Grant funds are used for construction of best management practices, monitoring to determine pollutant load reductions, or public education activities specifically associated with the project and may only occur after the date of contract.
DEADLINE: Applications are continually accepted and projects are ranked in March, July, and November. Any questions regarding the grant should be directed to Connie Becker at Connie.L.Becker@dep.state.fl.us or at 850-245-8505 or Lee Marchman at 850-245-8682.
Georgia - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is granted by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency a Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant to fund eligible projects, which support the implementation of the Georgia Nonpoint Source Management Program. Projects must relate to the restoration of waters impaired due to nonpoint source pollution and the implementation of watershed-based plans that will result in measurable water quality improvements, among others. Priority will also be given to activities that address specific pollutants, demonstrate benefits in addition to water quality improvement, target priority watersheds, and correct storm water impacts from impervious surfaces, among others. Source Molecular has been involved in many projects involving the identification of the source of water pollution. Through microbial source tracking analysis, its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts. Eligible applicants for Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants include local, regional or state governments; authorities that operate service or delivery programs (e.g. sewer, water); regional development centers; agricultural conservation councils; and school and university systems. Non-governmental organizations can't receive Section 319(h) funds directly, but they can form partnerships with public agencies to develop or implement projects.
DEADLINE: The FY2013 Grant round has closed.
Coastal Incentive Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is requesting proposals for Coastal Incentive Grants. Projects must be related to a pre-announced theme or related to a designated Critical Local Need. Such themes as previously announced could be as follows: Protection, Conservation, Restoration and/or Management of Coastal Water Resources and Coastal Habitats, Disaster-Resilient Communities and Coastal Hazards, Improve and/or Create Public Access to Coastal Natural Resources, Sustainable Community Development, Promotion of Ecological and Heritage Tourism and/or Protection of Ecological and Heritage Resources, Identification of current threats, trends and conditions on the coastal as a foundation for planning by coastal managers and evaluation of the effectiveness of current management practices in addressing them. One of the issues affecting coastal waters is fecal pollution, which may come from urban runoff, leaking sewage pipes, among others. Should a need arise to identify the fecal source, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development, provides support to researchers with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost. Eligible applicants for Coastal Incentive Grants include county and municipal governments in the 11 coastal counties in Georgia, regional and state agencies (other than DNR) and state affiliated educational and research institutions.
DEADLINE: The application period for the Grant Year 2013-2014 has closed.
Georgia Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: For the 2014-2015 funding cycle, Georgia Sea Grant is soliciting two-year research proposals that address goals stated in its strategic plan. Areas of interest in the strategic plan include Sustainable Coastal Development and Healthy Coastal Ecosystems. Among the goals outlined are to assess available options for dealing with human sewage in the coastal zone and to examine the possibilities for mitigating the deleterious effects of runoff into coastal wetlands and tidal waters. Microbial source tracking analysis has been used to confirm the presence of suspected contributors to fecal pollution in water systems. Source Molecular uses scientifically rigorous molecular analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence any contamination. Georgia Sea Grant's outreach partner is the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service.
DEADLINE: Invited full proposals must be submitted by May 17, 2013, 5:00 p.m.
EDT. Invitations for full proposals are based on pre-proposals that were submitted by February 28, 2013. For clarification or other questions, contact David Bryant.
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Hawaii - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
319 Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Clean Water Branch of the Hawaii Department of Health has a Polluted Runoff Control Program that administers grant money it receives from the Environmental Protection Agency through Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act to address Hawaii's polluted runoff. Priority projects for funding are those that relate to the conservation and restoration of the wetlands at He'eia Stream mouth and ensure that pollutants are filtered before entering Kane'ohe Bay. Eligible projects include water quality monitoring and decreasing nonpoint source pollution at priority watersheds. Additional information can be found here. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. State and local entities that are legally considered to be a "governmental institution" may be eligible for 319 funding outside of the RFP submission window to address watershed planning and implementation activities associated with polluted runoff issues if funds are available.
DEADLINE: The Hawaii Department of Health expects to release an RFP in late summer. Check their website for updates.
University Of Hawai'i Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program accepts proposals that integrate physical, biological, and social sciences toward addressing issues that are relevant to living sustainably along coasts will be especially encouraged. One of the focus areas of the program is sustainable coastal development. It aims to provide information for decision-makers and stakeholders to facilitate the development and implementation of new coastal policies, plans, management approaches and conflict resolution strategies related to sustainable coastal development. A healthy coastal ecosystem is a cross-cutting theme that plays a significant role in the selection of goals and objectives in the focus areas. Water quality degradation has been observed as development along the coast intensifies. One of the threats to aquatic-based businesses is fecal contamination. Microbial Source Tracking is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment.
Source Molecular is dedicated to the field of microbial source tracking using the most advanced genomic and molecular techniques. Source Molecular has helped many researchers with MST-related studies. Faculty from universities and colleges, state, local and Indian tribal governments, organizations, and individuals in Hawai‘i and US Pacific territories are encouraged to apply for the Sea Grant.
DEADLINE: The 2014-2016 grant round has closed.
Idaho - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Source Water Protection Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality's Source Water Protection Grants provide funding for projects that focus on protecting sources of public drinking water. Eligible activities include those that lead to the reduction in risk of contamination of a drinking water source such as contaminant source identification. Microbial source tracking has been a widely used method to identify the source of fecal contamination. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) DNA technology to detect specific segments of fecal bacteria DNA, which are associated with anthropogenic fecal pollution. This new method has a higher accuracy rate than older techniques. Eligible applicants for Idaho's Source Water Protection Grants include public water systems, state and local government agencies, special districts (such as soil conservation districts), associations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in Idaho. Federal agencies are not eligible.
DEADLINE: Source water protection grants are awarded annually. For 2013, applications will be accepted in the fall.
Nonpoint Source Management §319 Subgrants
DESCRIPTION: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for administering the Nonpoint Source Management §319 Subgrants program. Projects eligible for funding must focus primarily on improving the water quality of lakes, streams, rivers, and aquifers, and must address a variety of NPS management and prevention activities, including urban stormwater runoff and ground water activities. Idaho passes through the large majority of its §319 funds to the local level for on-the-ground TMDL implementation projects. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts.
DEADLINE: The next open application period for projects seeking funding in 2014 will be in April 2013.
Illinois - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Financial Assistance Program
DESCRIPTION: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) regularly seeks proposals for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control projects. Projects given high priority include those that would develop a Watershed Based Plan to address NPS pollution and develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or TMDL Implementation Plan to address NPS Pollution. Priority will also be given to applications that show that the project is to be designed, implemented and monitored to show measurable environmental results such as quantifying water quality improvements and estimating or modeling pollutant load reductions associated with innovative demonstration projects or programs. Fecal pollution is a prevalent and serious problem occurring in many water systems within the United States. Microbial source tracking plays a crucial role in identifying the source of fecal pollution. Knowing the source of fecal bacteria contaminating the water makes a big difference in crafting plans and policies to improve water quality. Source Molecular has helped many researchers with MST analysis. The Illinois EPA funds approximately 15-25 projects per year under the Section 319(h) Grant Program. This number is dependent upon the grant funds available, the number of applications received and the amount that is requested by the applicants. The maximum Section 319(h) amount is 60% while the minimum local match requirement is 40%. Groups eligible for Section 319(h) Grant Program Funds include state and local government; watershed organizations; citizen and environmental groups; land conservancies or trusts; public and private profit and not-for profit organizations; and universities and colleges. Additional information can be found here.
DEADLINE: Applications are accepted June 1 through August 1 every year.
Indiana - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Section 319(h) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) accepts grant applications for Section 319(h) funds every year. These funds are provided by the U.S. EPA and IDEM sets the grant funding priorities. Projects must aim to reduce documented non-point source water quality impairments. Funds may be available to develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and watershed management plans, provide technical assistance, demonstrate new technology, conduct assessments, and provide education and outreach. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. All projects must include a matching contribution, from non-federal funds, of 40 percent of the total project cost. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies.
DEADLINE: The Fiscal Year 2013 Section 319 Grant round has closed.
Iowa - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Watershed Planning Grants
DESCRIPTION:The Iowa Department of Natural Resources awards grants that aim to develop a Watershed Management Plan (WMP), which identifies problems in the watershed and proposes solutions for better water quality. Eligible grant applicants include local or regional public and private organizations or agencies able to collaborate with other local stakeholders within Iowa watersheds to develop WMPs. Applicants are required to contribute a local cost-share match of at least 50 percent of the grant (a match-to-grant ratio of 1:2). DNR watershed grants are made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through funding provided in Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. Grant funds can be used for water monitoring costs including sampling and laboratory fees. Should a need arise to identify the fecal source in contaminated water bodies, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts.
DEADLINE: Applications are accepted every year. However, due to reduced funding, applications for 2013 Watershed Planning Grants will not be accepted this spring. Please contact the basin coordinators and watershed grant staff for more details.
Watershed Implementation Grants
DESCRIPTION:The Iowa Department of Natural Resources awards Watershed Implementation Grants to give funding and assistance to local groups to put a Watershed Management Plan into action. These plans identify problems in a watershed, develop solutions to improve water quality and create strategies to put the plan into action. Applicants must have a completed Watershed Management Plan (WMP) to apply for a DNR Watershed Implementation Grant. Eligible applicants include Soil and water conservation districts, county conservation boards, resource conservation and development agencies, councils of government, regional planning commissions, city governments, county governments, public utilities, community colleges, colleges or universities, public solid waste agencies, drainage districts, local chambers of commerce, not-for-profit local watershed or community organizations or foundations, and other non-governmental not-for-profit organizations or associations capable of implementing a WMP. Grant funds can be used for water quality improvement activities identified in the WMP including control of agricultural and non-agricultural sources of nonpoint source pollution. Source Molecular has been assisting researchers in various NPS-related projects that have a component for microbial source tracking analysis. Guidelines for application can be found here.
DEADLINE: The current grant round has closed.
Kansas - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
WRAPS Grant Funds
DESCRIPTION:WRAPS grant funds are available to finance projects under the Kansas Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS). WRAPS is a planning and management framework that engages stakeholders within a particular watershed in a process to (a) identify watershed restoration and protection needs and opportunities; (b) establish management goals for the watershed community; (c) create a cost-effective action plan to achieve goals; and (d) implement the action plan. One of the concerns in watershed protection is fecal pollution of the water systems. Microbial source tracking plays a crucial role in identifying the source of fecal pollution. Knowing the source of fecal bacteria contaminating the water makes a big difference in crafting plans and policies to protect Kansas' watersheds. Source Molecular has helped many researchers with MST analysis. Anyone may apply for WRAPS funds, but a framework phase or a combination of phases must be identified, for example Development, Assessment, Planning and Implementation. Applications are completed online via the Kansas Clean Water System (KCW).
DEADLINE: Grant proposals for Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects and services for State Fiscal Years 2014, 2015 and 2016 will be accepted from Monday January 7, 2013 to Monday February 4, 2013. Information regarding the RFP is available on Kansas Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy's website.
Kentucky - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools. Kentucky American Water's 10-county service area cover Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Jessamine, Owen, Scott and Woodford counties.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Kentucky Division of Water administers an NPS Pollution Control Program that seeks projects to compete for funding. Grants are available for watershed-based plan development and implementation, protection of Special Use Waters with identified threats, as well as other nonpoint source pollution control projects to help mitigate or prevent runoff pollution. Priority consideration will be given to applications for watershed-based plan development and implementation in 303(d) listed streams and protection of threatened Special Use Waters. Kentucky's 2010 Integrated Report indicates that siltation, pathogens and other habitat alterations are the primary causes of impairment in Kentucky streams and rivers. These pathogens could include fecal indicator bacteria. In determining the source of fecal contamination in water bodies, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development, has a laboratory that can detect 11 different fecal pollution host sources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the Nonpoint Source Funding through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act to the Kentucky Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Control Program. Funds can be used to pay for 60 percent of the total cost for each project; a 40 percent nonfederal match is required. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection crafted grant guidelines, which can be found here.
DEADLINE: Project Proposals are required and may be submitted at anytime. To be considered for 2013 funding, project proposals have to be submitted by Feb. 15, 2013. Proposals are reviewed and selected between February 16 to March 1, 2013. Applications are developed upon invitation. Applications must be postmarked by midnight April 26, 2013. If delivered by hand, application must be received by 4:30 p.m. ET April 26, 2013, at the Division of Water, NPS Section, 200 Fair Oaks Lane, Fourth Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program is funded by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Water Quality Management Fee (WQMF) and administered by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ). It has been established to assist property owners, businesses, and organizations in the implementation of projects that serve to improve water quality through innovation and education throughout Fayette County. The main goal of the Incentive Grant Program is the improvement of water quality in Fayette County. To accomplish this goal, the program will provide financial assistance for projects that (a) improve water quality in Fayette County's impaired streams through pollutant reduction or other means; (b) address stormwater concerns; (c) reduce stormwater runoff and flooding; or (d) educate and involve the public on these issues. Fecal contamination has been identified as one of the causes of water impairment. Source Molecular provides assistance in identifying sources of fecal contamination. In particular, Source Molecular conducts microbial source tracking analysis using quantitative PCR DNA technology to give clients highly accurate results. All Fayette County neighborhood, community, and homeowner associations that are incorporated with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and have a roster of elected officers are eligible to apply for Class A (Neighborhood) Grants while owners, tenants and organizations that are designated “Class B” fee payers of the Water Quality Management Fee are eligible to apply for Class B Education Projects Grants.
DEADLINE: Applications for Class A (Neighborhood) and Class B Education Projects are due May 10, 2013. The Incentive Grant Program Administrator Christopher Dent can be reached by phone at 859-425-2521 or by email at cdent@lexingtonky.gov.
Louisiana - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
CWA §319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is soliciting proposals for potential Clean Water Act (CWA) 319 funding for implementation projects. The objective for the use of these funds is to improve water quality and/or restore the waterbody in watersheds that are listed as impaired on the State's 303(d) list. The preference is that these funds support efforts that will take less than 2 years to complete, and may include enforceable measures such as assistance with implementation of ordinances, or additional water quality monitoring to verify whether the management measures or best management practices (BMPs) implemented previously are addressing the loadings and reducing impacts and/or restoring the impaired waterbody. Microbial source tracking analysis could be a component in large projects related to water quality, particularly when there's a need to determine the source of fecal contamination. Source Molecular has helped researchers for more than 10 years with MST-related projects. The Company provides support with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost. Eligible applicants for the CWA 319 Grants are state agencies, parishes, and local governments; non-government organizations; non-profit organizations; and federally recognized tribal groups within Louisiana. The 319 Nonpoint Source Program may provide up to 60% of the approved workplan cost in any fiscal year. The non-federal costs (40%) must be provided from non-federal sources. The Request for Proposals is available here.
DEADLINE: Contact NPS Program personnel -- Jan.Boydstun@LA.Gov, Gwendolyn.Berthelot@LA.Gov, Christy.Rando@LA.Gov, Reggie.Coleman@LA.Gov -- for details.
Louisiana Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Louisiana Sea Grant, based at Louisiana State University, is part of the National Sea Grant Program. The program supports two-year coastal research projects. Louisiana has observed some water quality degradation in its coastal wetlands. One of the priority focus areas of the Sea Grant touches on managing coastal water resources and improvement of water quality. If water quality concerns relate to fecal contamination and researchers seek to identify the source of the pathogen, Source Molecular can help microbial source tracking analysis. MST is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in the MST industry. All nonfederal scientists and institutions, both public and private, are eligible to compete for Sea Grant research and education funding. Louisiana Sea Grant gives highest consideration to applicants who are familiar with coastal and marine issues relevant to Louisiana and the northern Gulf of Mexico.
DEADLINE: The application period has closed. The next opportunity to compete for Louisiana Sea Grant omnibus funding will be in 2015 for projects that begin February 1, 2016.
Maine - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Maine Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Maine Sea Grant College Program funds research projects that align with, and are relevant to, the Strategic Priorities for 2014-2015; integrate across Sea Grant's functional areas of research, education, and outreach; and display a strong promise for meaningful societal impact and application. Collaborations with industry, state and regional agencies, and other research institutions are encouraged. One of the Strategic Priorities is Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, in which the goal is for people to understand and value the links between resilient communities and healthy ecosystems, and take action to ensure long-term health of coastal ecosystems. Among others, proposed research projects should result in information that enhances people's understanding of and ability to improve marine and coastal ecosystem services through enhanced health, diversity and abundance of fish, wildlife and plants. Non-point source pollution is a concern in Maine's coastal areas. NPS pollution carries various contaminants including fecal matter. Should projects require identification of the sources of fecal pollution in water samples, Source Molecular provides microbial source tracking analysis. MST is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment. Source Molecular offers MST tests that can identify and quantify fecal contamination from 12 host sources -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Elk, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Maine Sea Grant is administered by the University of Maine, but the research competition is open to faculty and staff at any public or private research or higher education institution in the state.
DEADLINE: The preliminary proposal deadline was February 22, 2013. Applicants who submit the most promising preliminary proposals will be invited to submit full project proposals. Full proposals are to be submitted electronically to Maine Sea Grant by 4:30 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 3, 2013.
Maine Water Resources Research Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Maine - USGS Water Research Resources Institute (a program of the Mitchell Center) administers a grant program as authorized by the federal Water Resources Research Act of 1984 as amended. Funding is uncertain though and is contingent upon inclusion of the Water Resources Research Institute program in the federal budget. Among others, the program supports research projects that respond to high priority state research issues in freshwater or estuarine environments. One research example under the non-point source pollution and watershed management category is sources/magnitudes of pollution to surface and ground waters from agriculture, silviculture, urban-suburban runoff, and atmospheric deposition. A potential pollution source from agriculture is animal feces. To determine the major contributor to animal fecal contamination in water, microbial source tracking analysis should be considered because it provides highly accurate results. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 10 animal hosts -- Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Principal investigators must be faculty or regular staff of a four-year institution of higher education in Maine. Collaboration is encouraged.
DEADLINE: The FY2013 Maine Water Resources Research Grants Program has closed. Please contact John Peckenham at the Mitchell Center jpeck@maine.edu for guidance.
Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through the Nonpoint Source Grants (NPS) Program, funds and administers grant projects to prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollutants from entering Maine's water resources. Projects are funded with grant money provided to Maine DEP by the U.S. EPA under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Annually in April, the NPS Program issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for competitive NPS Water Pollution Control Projects. Project types include watershed implementation (installing BMPs to reduce pollutants), watershed surveys (identifying pollution sources) and watershed-based plans (long-term plans to improve impaired waters). One potential cause of water pollution is fecal contamination. For projects that aim to identify sources of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking analysis can be of great help. MST uses genetic markers to interpret data. Some characteristics associated with feces from a particular source allow that type of feces to be identified. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Maine public organizations such as state agencies, soil and water conservation districts, regional planning agencies, watershed districts, municipalities, and nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organizations are eligible to receive NPS grants.
DEADLINE: The timeframe for submitting project proposals is between late April and early June. Contact: Norm Marcotte (207) 215-6277 for more details.
Maryland - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
319 Nonpoint Source Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) administers the §319(h) Grant Program that provides funds to reduce or eliminate water quality impairments that are associated nonpoint source pollution. The opportunity for §319(h) funding is offered to local and State entities including county and municipal agencies, Soil Conservation Districts, State agencies and State institutions of higher learning. Projects may include subcontracts for private firms and nonprofit organizations for consulting, engineering, construction and other tasks. §319(h) Grant funds can pay for planning, design, construction, monitoring and analysis. However, the majority of §319(h) Grant funding in Maryland is intended for implementation of projects that will: (a) reduce or eliminate water quality impairments listed in the Maryland’s List of Impaired Water (303(d) List), particularly in watersheds where Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have been approved; and (b) result in quantifiable or measurable improvements in water quality and habitat, including, pollutant load reductions for impairments addressed in TMDLs or identified in the 303(d) List. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years experience in MST research and development, uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment.
DEADLINE: Currently there is no plan to release a RFP in the near future. But check the website periodically for any changes. If you have questions, contact Grant Manager Eric Ruby at 410-537-3685 or eruby@mde.state.md.us.
Maryland Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Maryland Sea Grant College (MDSG) funds research projects within Maryland's coasts and watersheds. Projects focused in three areas will be considered: 1) resilient ecosystem process and responses; 2) sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; and 3) resilient communities and economies. Maryland Sea Grant encourages research with emphasis on, among others, rigorous statistical analyses of existing data sets that focus on how coastal ecosystems respond over time to natural forcing, land use changes, and/or specific management actions. These data sets may include time series on ecological properties, water quality, and human activities such as fisheries harvests and loadings from nutrients, sediments, and contaminants. Although MDSG is not focused on efforts to develop new remediation technologies or to support monitoring, MDSG also invites Principal Investigators (PIs) to consider research areas that address developing indicators or models to evaluate and measure ecological or social change/behavior and responses related to Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Beachwater contamination in Maryland has been reported to come mostly from unknown sources while a small percentage comes from sanitary sewer overflow. Source Molecular has been involved with various water quality-related projects through its microbial source tracking analysis services. Source Molecular is dedicated to helping improve water quality and has analyzed thousands of water samples around the U.S. PIs applying for Maryland Sea Grant funds must be affiliated with an academic institution or research laboratory in Maryland or the District of Columbia. Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) on projects can be from institutions outside of Maryland.
DEADLINE: Full proposals are due July 2013. Full proposals will be based on successful pre-proposals that were submitted by February 13, 2013.
Watershed Assistance Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcome requests for technical planning and design assistance associated with protection and restoration programs and projects that lead to improved water quality in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Maryland Coastal Bays. The funding partners invite local governments and non-profit organizations to submit requests for this assistance. Applicants may request funding for watershed restoration planning activities and watershed assessments. One of the possible issues that could be tackled by proposed projects is water pollution. If fecal contamination is detected as one of the causes of water pollution, microbial source tracking should be considered in order to identify the major contributor and to develop effective remediation plans. Source Molecular has been assisting researchers for more than 10 years with MST-related projects. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Trust and/or DNR staff early during project idea development.
DEADLINE: The grant program is currently CLOSED. The RFP is available here.
Massachusetts - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has been focusing 604b grant funds towards watershed or subwatershed based nonpoint source assessment and planning projects. Among others, the DEP seeks to determine the nature, extent and causes of water quality problems and assess impacts and determine pollutant loads reductions necessary to meet water quality standards. Microbial source tracking analysis has been used to support bacteria Total Maximum Daily Load development and implementation. Source Molecular has assisted researchers in MST testing as well as project design. Its laboratory offers one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, providing delivery of its MST analysis results in 5 to 10 working days. Pursuant to Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act, eligible grant applicants must be either Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations or Interstate Organizations. Eligible entities include regional planning agencies, council of governments, counties, conservation districts, cities and towns, and other substate public planning agencies and interstate agencies.
DEADLINE: Funding for the FFY 2013 period has closed. The next round should start in early 2013. Applicants considering development of a proposal for watershed-based plans should contact Jane Peirce at 508-767-2792 or Jane.Peirce@state.ma.us.
Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management administers the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program to help communities identify and improve water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. To improve coastal water quality by reducing or eliminating NPS pollution, specifically from transportation-related sources, the CPR Grant Program funds projects that characterize and treat urban runoff from municipal roadways; improve coastal resources, such as shellfish beds, bathing beaches, and diadromous fish runs; demonstrate traditional and innovative NPS pollution control methods; and educate the public about stormwater runoff problems. One of the issues affecting coastal resources is fecal contamination that could be brought in by stormwater runoff. Stormwater can pick up pathogens released by leaking and poorly maintained septic systems and discharge them into a storm sewer system or directly to coastal waters. Microbial source tracking methods have recently been used to help identify nonpoint sources responsible for the fecal pollution of water systems. Source Molecular has analyzed thousands of samples and helped hundreds of researchers in MST-related studies. The CPR Grant Program is open to municipalities located within the boundaries of the Massachusetts coastal watershed, which encompasses 220 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts.
DEADLINE: The 2013 Request for Responses is now closed. For more information about the CPR Grant Program, please contact Jan Smith via e-mail at jan.smith@state.ma.us or through telephone at (617) 626-1231.
Buzzards Bay Municipal Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), administers a municipal grant program that aids towns in testing and treating stormwater discharges, protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat, improving water supplies and safeguarding open spaces. It is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Eligible projects include stormwater remediation designs and water quality testing in support for establishing priorities for stormwater remediation. Water quality testing projects could have a component related to microbial source tracking if there's a need to identify the source of fecal contamination in water samples. Source Molecular uses only the latest scientific laboratory equipment and has highly trained personnel to perform MST analysis. Eligible municipalities include Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, Middleborough, Carver, Plymouth, Bourne, Falmouth, and Gosnold. However, specific restoration and protection projects must lie principally within the Buzzards Bay watershed.
DEADLINE: Please check the Buzzards Bay website in 2013 for updates of the next round of funding.
Massachusetts Environmental Trust General Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Massachusetts Environmental Trust seeks proposals from communities and non-profit organizations for projects that will restore, protect, and improve water and water-related resources of the Commonwealth. The General Grant program provides funding to support programs, research, and other activities that promote the responsible stewardship of the Commonwealth’s water resources. Innovative projects that address concerns such as point and non-point source pollution (including runoff, bacterial, chemical, and nutrient); and monitoring marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems are eligible for the General Grants Program. Bacteria polluting waters could include those that indicate fecal contamination. One of the methods used to determine the presence and identify the source of fecal indicator bacteria is microbial source tracking. Source Molecular has been active in the MST industry for more than 10 years. Our laboratory also has the ability to detect fecal contamination from 11 host sources, more than other labs are offering. The anticipated budget for the MET General Grants Program is $500,000. Grant size will vary but is generally between $10,000 and $50,000 per year, per award. William Hinkley, MET General Grants Program Coordinator, can be reached through telephone at (617) 626-1177 and via e-mail at william.hinkley@state.ma.us.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
MIT Sea Grant College Program
DESCRIPTION: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was designated as a Sea Grant College in 1970. MIT Sea Grant sponsors a wide variety of marine research, through an annual funding competition open to Massachusetts university-based researchers. The MIT Sea Grant College Program's purpose is to lead in the development of technologies and advances in ocean science in order to contribute to the wise use of marine resources. Coastal issues that are a high priority across Massachusetts include water quality degradation, non-point source pollution, beach closures, etc. Water quality was identified as important for tourism, seafood safety, and aesthetics. The major concerns impacting water quality were run-off and human activities. Fecal matter, most often than not, winds up as part of the contaminants in non-point source pollution. Researchers looking for sources of fecal contamination can look to microbial source tracking for answers. Source Molecular's MST laboratory uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequences. Variations in DNA sequences between living organisms make it possible to distinguish between these organisms through molecular biology techniques.
DEADLINE: Full proposals are due by June 3, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Full proposals are based on successful pre-proposals that were submitted by Feb. 22, 2013.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issues a Request for Responses (RFR) every year for competitive projects to be funded through Section 319 grants. Any Massachusetts public or private organization may submit proposals for projects addressing all major identified nonpoint sources affecting water quality in the watershed or subwatershed. The DEP prioritizes certain watersheds or basins every year. The majority of Section 319 funding is designated for funding implementation projects in impaired waters. If fecal contamination is detected while addressing NPS water pollution, further testing through microbial source tracking can be conducted to identify the host source. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. From fiscal year 1990 through 2012, 319 grant awards have ranged from $10,000 up to $500,000.
DEADLINE: Funding for the FFY 2013 period has closed. The next round should start in early 2013. Please call or e-mail Jane Peirce, 319 Program Coordinator, at 508-767-2792 and Jane.Peirce@state.ma.us for further information.
Woods Hole Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Woods Hole Sea Grant program, based at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), supports research, education, and extension projects that encourage environmental stewardship, long-term economic development, and responsible use of the nation’s coastal and ocean resources. In keeping with the strategic plans of the National Sea Grant College Program (NSGCP) and Woods Hole Sea Grant, the theme areas for 2014 - 2016 are Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Resilient Communities and Economies, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. One of the many issues affecting Massachusetts’ coastal waters is pollution, which comes in various forms. Microbial source tracking analysis could be a component in research that involves detection of the source of fecal contamination in water samples. Source Molecular has been in the MST industry for more than 10 years.
DEADLINE: Full proposals are due June 3, 2013. Full proposals are based on successful pre-proposals that were submitted by Feb. 22, 2013.
Michigan - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Nonpoint Source Program Grants
DESCRIPTION: Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality administers a Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program that assists state, federal, and local partners to restore water bodies impaired by NPS pollution and protect high quality waters from impairments caused by NPS pollution. Eligible activities under the Grant Program include addressing NPS pollutants, causes, and sources at priority watersheds, and developing or updating watershed management plans. Due to the nature of NPS pollution, source identification is important. If fecal contamination is found in water bodies, microbial source tracking analysis has been used to determine the fecal host. The MST approach is considered an important step towards designing and implementing effective best management practices for controlling fecal pollution. Source Molecular has been actively involved in the research and development of MST techniques. Eligible applicants include state agencies, counties, cities, townships, and villages; regional planning agencies; conservation districts; public and private colleges and universities; and incorporated nonprofit organizations. Applicants must submit a notice of intent, which will be used to judge eligibility to submit full proposals. Full proposals will only be accepted from invited entities.
DEADLINE: Watershed management plans must be submitted to the NPS program before 4:00 pm Monday February 25, 2013. The Nonpoint Source Program plans on hosting up to three webinars to share information and answer questions about FY14 funding. The webinars will be free and will also be posted on the NPS website for later viewing. The Request for Proposals for the FY2014 will be released on July 24, 2013. For more information, please contact Robert Sweet by telephone at 517-335-6967 or by e-mail at SWEETR@michigan.gov.
Michigan Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Michigan Sea Grant, a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, is part of the National Sea Grant College Program. It aims to promote better understanding, conservation and use of Michigan’s coastal resources. Michigan Sea Grant funds integrated research projects designed to foster science-based decisions about the use and conservation of Great Lakes resources. Researchers from any accredited University in the state of Michigan are eligible to apply as a Principal Investigator. However, project teams are not limited to university researchers or Michigan residents. Only those investigators who have submitted pre-proposals are eligible to submit full proposals. Michigan Sea Grant supports research teams that follow an Integrated Assessment approach. Michigan Sea Grant works in partnership with local, state, federal and tribal governments to identify a range of research topics. The topics generally change from funding cycle to funding cycle. A research project could include identification of the source of fecal contamination, if that becomes an issue of concern. In that case, microbial source tracking analysis could become a component of the research project. MST has been shown to produce highly accurate results when it comes to detecting the presence of fecal indicators and determining the host source. For more than 10 years, Source Molecular has analyzed thousands of samples making it one of the leaders in the microbial source tracking industry. For reference purposes, a copy of Michigan Sea Grant's Strategic and Implementation Plan for the Fiscal Year 2010 - 2013 is available here.
DEADLINE: Pre-proposals are due Feb. 22, 2013. Invitations for full proposals are sent March 18, 2013, while full proposals are due May 3, 2013. A copy of the latest Request for Proposals is available here.
Michigan Water Center Grants
DESCRIPTION: The University of Michigan Water Center solicits applications for funding to support and enhance restoration efforts within the Great Lakes basin. Projects should emphasize synthesis and assessment of existing data/information, with little support provided for new data collection. Projects should aim at conducting assessments of economic and/or environmental outcomes for existing Canadian and/or U.S. restoration efforts such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI); and/or strengthening Great Lakes restoration projects through enhanced integration of science into restoration efforts that span multiple stressors and/or cover larger geographic areas in the Great Lakes basin; and/or improving restoration and protection science, techniques, and methods for the Great Lakes basin ecosystem. Two tiers of funding are available. Tier I projects will be funded up to $50,000 (USD) over two years. Tier II projects will be funded up to $500,000 (USD) over two years. These projects could potentially include microbial source tracking analysis if fecal pollution is suspected during restoration efforts. Source Molecular uses scientifically rigorous genetic and molecular analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Project teams must be led by a principal investigator (PI) from a U.S. or Canadian academic institution. Individual citizens, federal agency personnel, or individuals from not-for-profit or private for-profit firms may be integrated as team members, but cannot serve as lead principal investigators.
DEADLINE: All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest, due February 22, 2013 by midnight, Eastern Time. Tier I proposal and Tier II pre-proposal submissions are due March 29, 2013, by midnight Eastern Time. Tier II full proposals are due June 3, 2013.
Minnesota - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Clean Water Fund Competitive Grants
DESCRIPTION:The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources provide funding to local units of government to deliver soil and water conservation services to their communities. Under the Clean Water Fund Competitive Grants, projects must relate to the control, reduction, or prevention of chemical or nutrient runoff, soil erosion, sedimentation, or other materials that affect human or aquatic system health. Projects must be consistent with a watershed management plan, county comprehensive local water management plan, soil and water conservation district comprehensive plan, metropolitan local water plan or metropolitan groundwater plan, that has been state approved and locally adopted or an approved total maximum daily load (TMDL) study, surface water intake plan, or well head protection plan. Microbial source tracking analysis could be a potential activity under projects related to TMDL. Source Molecular provides MST analysis using the latest scientific laboratory equipment and analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible applicants are local government units. Partner organizations such as non-profits, watershed groups, school districts or lake associations must work in conjunction with eligible applicants.
DEADLINE: The Fiscal Year 2013 Application Period has ended. Please visit the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources website for updates.
Clean Water Partnership and Section 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides financial and technical assistance to local government and other water resource managers to address nonpoint source water pollution through the State Clean Water Partnership (CWP) and Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 (Section 319) programs. Projects eligible to compete for available funds are those that address a nonpoint source pollution issue. The U.S. EPA has identified NPS pollution as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Eligible applicants for CWP are limited to local units of government units such as tribe, township, city, county, watershed district, watershed management organization or joint powers board whose members are townships, cities or counties. Eligible applicants for Section 319 are all entities except federal agencies. The MPCA anticipates that about $1.1 million of grant funds and about $5 million of loan funds will be available this 2013. There are two types of proposals that will be accepted this round: (1) Resource investigation projects monitor, assess, and develop a diagnostic study on the status of a water body, and also develop an implementation plan to protect or restore the water body; (2) Implementation projects will implement protection or restoration activities, such as best management practices, that are identified by a comprehensive assessment and planning process in the watershed or around the water body of concern. Priority for funding will be given to protection projects.
DEADLINE: The 2013 Federal 319 funding round closed on March 8, 2013.
Minnesota Sea Grants
DESCRIPTION:The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program solicits proposals for projects that match its national and state strategic initiatives. Focus areas related to NOAA Sea Grant priorities are Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Resilient Communities and Economies. The goals of the Program are to create, generate, and disseminate scientific information supporting ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal environment in Minnesota; to assist in generating a sustainable supply of safe foods and other products from aquatic environs for commercial harvest, aquaculture, and recreational fisheries; and to foster sustainable, resilient, and thriving coastal communities that successfully balance economic development and environmental protection while preparing for threats and hazards.
Threats to water quality could include fecal contamination. If there's a need to identify the source of the waste matter, microbial source tracking analysis is a useful tool. Source Molecular specializes in real-time qPCR microbial source tracking and its laboratory can detect and quantify fecal contamination from 12 host sources.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2014-2016 grant round is now closed.
Source Water Protection Grants
DESCRIPTION:The Minnesota Department of Health administers a Source Water Protection Grant Program, which funding comes from the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment Fund. New grants are awarded each fiscal year. Projects must involve activities to protect the drinking water source. One of the possible issues that could be tackled by these projects is groundwater contamination associated with human activities. Human groundwater contamination can be related to waste disposal such as leaking septic tanks. Groundwater samples can be analyzed through microbial source tracking to confirm the source of contamination. Source Molecular has four Human tests -- Human Bacteroidetes ID™, Human Enterococcus ID™, Human Urine Virus ID™, and Human Fecal Virus ID™. Its laboratory can also detect 10 other fecal pollution host sources. Eligible applicants for Source Water Protection Grants are all public water suppliers who plan to initiate activities such as: install a monitoring well, update contaminant source inventory, clean up illicit dumping near well, among others. There are 3 types of SWP grants -- SWP plan implementation grants, SWP competitive grants and SWP transient grants.
DEADLINE: Applications for Plan Implementation Grants will be accepted in February 2013. Applications for Competitive Grants will be accepted in March and September 2013. Applications for Transient Noncommunity Grants will be accepted in October 2013.
Surface Water Assessment Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for monitoring the quality of Minnesota’s waters and determining whether they meet their designated uses, such as swimming and fishing. It awards Surface Water Assessment Grants to projects that monitor the physical, chemical and/or bacteriological water quality parameters of lakes or streams to determine their condition. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Eligible applicants for Surface Water Assessment Grants include local and regional units of government, tribes, nonprofits, educational institutions and watershed management organizations or districts in Minnesota.
DEADLINE: The application period for 2013 Surface Water Assessment Grants has closed.
Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network Sampling Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) awards Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network Sampling Grants to projects specific to monitoring the physical and chemical water quality parameters of streams primarily during events (i.e., snowmelt or rain events) when watershed runoff is high to determine contaminant concentrations from the watershed, with a smaller percentage of sampling to measure base flow conditions. Fecal bacteria are often carried away with runoff. Determining the source of fecal bacteria is important in order to craft plans and policies to successfully address the pollution. Microbial source tracking makes identification of fecal source contamination possible. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts, a capability that comes in very handy since fecal bacteria in runoff can come from multiple sources. Eligible applicants for Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network Sampling Grants include local and regional units of government, tribes, nonprofits, educational institutions and watershed management organizations or districts in Minnesota.
DEADLINE: The 2013 grant round for Watershed Pollutant Load Monitoring Network Sampling has closed.
Mississippi - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC), created in 1972, is one of 33 Sea Grant programs. Consortium members include Auburn University, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Mississippi, The University of Southern Mississippi and the University of South Alabama. The mission of MASGC is to enhance the sustainable use and conservation of ocean and coastal resources to benefit the economy and environment in Alabama and Mississippi. The bi-state resources include nearly 3,200 square miles of inland water and 966 miles of estuarine shoreline, and support more than 7 million residents. One of the research priorities for 2014-2016 is to develop baseline data, standards, methodologies and indicators to assess the health of ecosystems and watersheds. Watershed assessments could include measuring water quality. If water samples are found to be contaminated with fecal matter, microbial source tracking analysis makes it possible to identify the source or sources. Source Molecular's MST laboratory uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequences. MASGC welcomes pre-proposals from individuals, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, tribal, state and local governments in Alabama or Mississippi.
DEADLINE: Full proposals must be received by 4 p.m. Central Time on Friday, June 7, 2013. Only those who were able to submit pre-proposals as of February 22, 2013, are eligible to submit full proposals.
SE-TAC Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi State University, with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, established the Southeastern Regional Small Public Water Systems Technical Assistance Center (SE-TAC) in FY 2000. SE-TAC administers an annual competitive grants program to encourage and support regional and local projects that address pressing small public drinking water system problems. Applicants are encouraged to consult their state primacy agency to determine priority source water threats (i.e., Non-Point Source Pollution, failing septic systems) and/or priority geographic areas for demonstration or outreach projects. In crafting effective plans, it is important to investigate threats to water quality thoroughly including the source of pollution. When it comes to detecting the source of fecal contamination, various microbial source tracking methods have been used. Source Molecular specializes in real-time qPCR microbial source tracking and its laboratory can detect and quantify fecal contamination from 11 host sources. The SE-TAC serves eleven states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Local governments, colleges and universities, public agencies, and non-profit organizations within the eleven-state Southeastern Region that have: 1) knowledge of small public water systems’ responsibilities under the Safe Drinking Water Act and 2) experience with and/or provide training and/or technical assistance to small water systems are eligible for funding.
DEADLINE: There is no open Request for Proposals at the moment.
Stewardship Fund Program Planning Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization provides Stewardship Fund Program Planning Grants for up to $10,000 each annually. Planning Grants are intended to assist organizations to prepare for implementation of a more complex project. The outcome of the Planning Grant is to be “project ready” when applying for an Action Grant or other source of funding for implementation. Resulting projects of a Planning Grant should improve water quality or improve water and natural resource management and build community understanding, knowledge, and initiative related to water and natural resource issues and solutions. About 15% of impaired water bodies in the United States are afflicted by pathogenic contamination, almost entirely resulting from fecal pollution. In addressing fecal pollution, it is important to identify the source of contamination in order to craft effective remediation plans. Microbial source tracking is a method used to detect and quantify fecal contamination. Source Molecular specializes in real-time qPCR microbial source tracking and has been helping researchers with MST-related projects for more than 10 years. Nonprofit organizations, officially recognized neighborhood groups, schools, local units of government, and business and professional associations are eligible to apply for Planning Grants. Individuals, home owners associations and condominium associations, and private businesses may partner with eligible applicants in order to apply.
DEADLINE: The current application period is closed.
Stewardship Fund Program Action Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization provides Stewardship Fund Program Action Grants for up to $50,000 each annually to complete a significant watershed stewardship project. Eligible Action Grant projects may reduce pollution entering surface and groundwater, and should educate and engage people in the watershed regarding its issues, resulting in awareness and changed behaviors. The EPA has observed that a significant portion of monitored surface waters contains fecal bacterial densities that exceed the levels established by state surface water quality standards. Reducing fecal pollution levels in natural water systems is particularly challenging as in most cases non-point sources of pollution are the primary contributors to high fecal bacterial levels. A variety of microbial source tracking methods is used to determine the identification of fecal pollution sources. Many institutions and agencies have relied on Source Molecular's team of scientists and business professionals, who are dedicated to providing the best service and most accurate MST results. Nonprofit organizations, officially recognized neighborhood groups, schools, local units of government, and business and professional associations are eligible to apply for Action Grants. Individuals, home owners associations and condominium associations, and private businesses may partner with eligible applicants in order to apply.
DEADLINE: The 2013 Grant Cycle has closed. For questions or more information, please contact Erica Sniegowski, Education & Outreach Specialist, via e-mail at esniegowski@mwmo.org or telephone at (612) 465-8780, ext. 206.
Section 319 Funding
DESCRIPTION: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's Nonpoint Source Management Program is dedicated to protecting and restoring Mississippi's water resources. The Program supports a wide variety of nonpoint source (NPS) or polluted runoff technical assistance, environmental education and training, technology transfer, demonstration and monitoring projects, and wetland restoration. It provides financial assistance to other state agencies, local governments, universities, and non-profit organizations to implement these NPS projects through the Clean Water Act's Section 319 Grant. NPS pollution has been identified as the primary contributor to high fecal bacteria levels in surface waters. Microbial source tracking methods have been used to help identify nonpoint sources responsible for the fecal pollution of water systems. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in the MST industry. Its laboratory can detect and quantify fecal contamination from 11 host sources -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. The NPS Program receives approximately $4.5 million per grant year and all projects must supply a 60:40 (319:project) dollar match.
DEADLINE: Due to the State's limited funding resources, it is not always able to fund every NPS project. For additional information, NPS Program Coordinator Dahmash, Zoffee can be reached through telephone at 601-961-5137.
Missouri - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Major Subgrants
DESCRIPTION: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has funding available to assist organizations with implementing best management practices and associated activities in their department-accepted watershed management plan. The purpose of the funding is to implement on-the-ground practices that control, reduce or manage nonpoint source pollution as described in the Missouri Nonpoint Source Management Plan and active Request for Proposals. Funding is authorized by Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and provided by the U.S. EPA through the Department of Natural Resources to address nonpoint source water pollution, such as polluted runoff from unregulated or unpermitted sources and in waters needing improvements or protection from further degradation. Priority will be given to projects to be conducted at pilot watersheds including Lower Grand River, Big River, and Spring River basins; and projects that eliminate NPS impairments and/or restore NPS impaired waters identified in TMDL reports and state-accepted watershed based plans. Water quality monitoring is an eligible component. Source Molecular has a vast experience in helping researchers with water quality monitoring projects particularly in the area of microbial source tracking where identification of the source of fecal contamination in water systems is the key for effective remediation plans. Grants are available to public institutions of higher education, units or sub-units of government, and non-profit organizations with demonstrated 501(c)(3) status.
DEADLINE: All applications shall be postmarked by close of business on July 30, 2013. Two conference calls will be hosted to answer questions about the Request for Proposals. The calls will be held May 30, 2013 and June 26, 2013 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Greg Anderson, Nonpoint Source Coordinator of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, via telephone at 573-751-7428 or email at greg.anderson@dnr.mo.gov.
Montana - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
319 Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) solicits project proposals from eligible applicants to further Montana’s NPS Program goals. The DEQ issues a Call for Grant Applications every year under Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 319(h) funds for projects are distributed competitively to support the most effective and highest priority projects. Applicants must be either a governmental entity or a nonprofit organization. Projects must focus, among others, on planning and implementing on-the-ground projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution to surface water. On-the-ground projects may include Watershed Restoration Plan development, project-specific monitoring and load reduction calculation. NPS pollution is widespread and can bring various contaminants in a water body, including fecal matter. Microbial source tracking can determine sources of fecal contamination because this method uses real-time PCR technology, which simultaneously amplifies and detects the DNA of fecal indicator organisms in water. Source Molecular works with individuals involved with surface water run-off, groundwater remediation/protection, surface water quality, bacterial/microbial/fecal source tracking, and causes of water pollution (including point and non-point sources).
DEADLINE: The application process for Fiscal Year 2013 319 Grants has ended. Check the DEQ website in mid-2013 for updates on the next round of funding.
Nebraska - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Source Water Protection Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Funding is authorized through Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the NDEQ and the Nebraska Health and Human Services System. Approximately $100,000 per year is available to finance projects that protect public drinking water sources. Grant supported projects can include those that address drinking water quality, quantity, security, and/or education. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions, in Nebraska, that operate a public water system serving a population of 10,000 or less. Projects will be expected to provide long-term benefits to drinking water quality, quantity, education, and/or security. Types of projects that may be eligible for funding include water quality monitoring at critical points in protection areas. Drinking water sources could be contaminated by fecal pollution through leaking septic tanks and sewage pipes. If this is suspected, microbial source tracking could be needed to determine whether human or animal contaminated the water and whether the level of contamination should be a cause for concern. Source Molecular uses the latest scientific laboratory equipment and has highly trained and degreed personnel to perform MST tests.
DEADLINE: The invitation for proposals is typically released in March or April each year. The deadline for proposal submittal will be approximately three months after the invitation is released. The application for the current fiscal year has ended. For more information, contact Source Water Protection Grants Program at (402) 471-6988.
Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants (Section 319)
DESCRIPTION: The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is inviting proposals for funding under the Nebraska Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program authorized through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The state NPS Management Program seeks to protect public health and existing water uses, prevent water quality degradation caused by NPS pollution, and improve water quality degraded by NPS pollution to the extent feasible. Proposed projects should direct funding toward pollution prevention and watershed or aquifer resource rehabilitation through installation of best management practices, education, demonstration, monitoring, technical assistance, and aquatic habitat improvement. Funding also may be available for planning and assessments that are critical for identifying and evaluating nonpoint source problems in priority watersheds or aquifers. Monitoring may include microbial source tracking should there be a need to determine sources of fecal matter contaminating the water system. Source Molecular uses scientifically rigorous (i.e. published and peer-reviewed) genetic and molecular analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible projects must address an identified state NPS priority watershed, waterbody, or groundwater area, or an identified NPS priority issue or concern.
DEADLINE: The request for proposals (RFP) for the Section 319 NPS management grants generally occurs in the late fall in correspondence with the Nebraska Environmental Trust grant program. More specifically the RFP is posted in late July, and closes in mid September. The NDEQ will be accepting proposals for its competitive grants in July 2013.
Nevada - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
CWA 319(h) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant Program provides funds to qualifying counties, conservation districts, higher education, regional agencies, and nonprofit organizations that conduct projects aiming to improve water quality, to educate Nevada’s citizens about nonpoint source pollution, and to implement watershed improvement plans aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution impacts. Source Molecular has been involved with numerous NPS-related projects. It provides assistance to researchers who need microbial source tracking services. MST is used when there's a need to determine the source of fecal pollution in water bodies. Nonpoint Source Grant Program funds originate from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant pursuant to the Clean Water Act.
DEADLINE: The application process for the 2012 grant round has ended. For any questions or more information, please contact Birgit Widegren, Supervisor, Nonpoint Source Program, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection at 775-687-9550 or bwidegren@ndep.nv.gov.
New Hampshire - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Local Source Water Protection Grants
DESCRIPTION: The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is accepting proposals for Local Source Water Protection Grants. Specifically, grant money is used to develop and implement programs to protect existing sources of public drinking water. Eligible applicants include water suppliers, municipalities, and other local organizations for the purpose of protecting drinking water sources. Projects involving the collection, analysis, or manipulation of environmental (e.g., water quality) data, if selected for funding, will require a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). The QAPP must be approved by DES and the U.S. EPA prior to the commencement of this work. Data analysis could include microbial source tracking tests if fecal contamination is suspected in drinking water sources. Source Molecular uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round has ended. For more information, contact Johnna McKenna at (603) 271-7017 or johnna.mckenna@des.nh.gov.
New Hampshire Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Every two years, New Hampshire Sea Grant issues a request for proposals for those seeking major funding for research projects. Stormwater run-off is a major contributor of a variety of pollutants to New Hampshire's coastal waters. These pollutants, such as human bacterial pathogens, and other changes to aquatic conditions brought on by increasing levels of run-off pose threats to public health and are stressors to coastal ecosystems. Research proposals should address one or more of the program goals identified in the 2014-2017 N.H. Sea Grant Strategic Plan. One of the goals articulated in the Plan is to provide tools and knowledge to communities and their environmental, resource and public health managers that will inform their decisions on how best to restore and maintain the health of the state's coastal ecosystems, and to anticipate adaptation and mitigation strategies needed to address new challenges as they emerge. Among others, eligible research projects must aim to identify and reduce pollutants in coastal waters. Source Molecular has been successful in identifying with high accuracy sources of fecal pollution in water samples through microbial source tracking analysis. Its laboratory uses quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), which is a technique used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule. Faculty and researchers with principal investigator status at any institution of higher education and research in New Hampshire are eligible to apply for funding through N.H. Sea Grant.
DEADLINE: Preliminary proposals are no longer being accepted for the 2014-2015 funding period. Principal investigators who submitted preliminary proposals have been contacted with recommendations regarding development of full proposals. Full proposals are due to N.H. Sea Grant by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2013.
Watershed Assistance Grants
DESCRIPTION: The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is accepting proposals for Watershed Assistance Grants to support local initiatives to restore impaired waters or protect high quality waters. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, state agencies, regional planning commission, and county conservation districts. Watershed Assistance Grants must address specific water quality problems and result in quantifiable water quality improvement. Eligible projects include those that restore specific impaired waters and those that plan or implement measures that prevent, control, or abate nonpoint source. Microbial source tracking has been used in NPS-related studies to identify sources of fecal contamination. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. The Watershed Assistance Grant Proposal Information Package can be found here. Funds for Watershed Assistance Grants are appropriated through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.
DEADLINE: The application process for the 2013 grant round has closed. Please contact Eric Williams at (603) 271-2358 and eric.williams@des.nh.gov or Jeff Marcoux at (603) 271-8862 and jeffrey.marcoux@des.nh.gov for more information.
New Jersey - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
New Jersey Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is one of 34 state Sea Grant Programs within the National Sea Grant College Program. NJSGC's mission is to promote the sustainable use of New Jersey's coastal and marine resources through relevant research and student training, educational excellence, and rapid dissemination of acquired knowledge. NJSGC’s upcoming Strategic Plan 2013-17 aligns with the National Program’s Strategic Plan and concentrates its research priorities in three (3) Focus Areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Resilient Communities and Economies. Among the research priorities are: to determine relationship between coastal stressors such as water contaminants and long-term human and ecosystem health; to assess the impacts of coastal development on water quality and habitats in coastal areas; and to quantify and evaluate the impacts of dynamic stormwater events to water quality in New Jersey coastal lakes, coastal bays, adjacent coastal waters and the Delaware Bay. Fecal contamination is a possible threat to water quality. Microbial source tracking has been used to identify the source(s) of fecal contamination. Source Molecular has been providing MST testing services for more than 10 years and its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 12 different hosts (Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Elk, Horse, Bird, and Ruminant). Researchers from New Jersey's colleges and universities, without regard to academic affiliation, are eligible to apply for grant funding.
DEADLINE: The 2014-16 omnibus funding cycle is closed.
Section 319(h) NPS Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Watershed Restoration Section of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection administers the federal Section 319(h) grant program. Eligible projects funded by this grant should be designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Funding through section 319(h) is extremely competitive in New Jersey. Over most recent years, funding requests have totaled over $10 million each funding cycle, far surpassing the available funding. For the past few years, New Jersey's Nonpoint Source Program has targeted Section 319(h) grant funds on the development of watershed restoration and protection plans. NPS pollution has been identified by the EPA as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Fecal pollution from nonpoint sources is a challenge to address. Microbial source tracking is a useful tool in identifying the fecal source. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse and most recently Bird and Ruminant. The Company has a team of full-time scientists and business professionals with expertise in genetic and molecular sciences to assist researchers. Eligible applicants for the Section 319(h) NPS Grants include municipal planning departments or boards, health departments; county planning departments or boards, health departments; designated water quality management planning agencies; state and regional entities entirely within New Jersey; state government agencies, universities and colleges; interstate agencies of which New Jersey is a member; and watershed and water resource associations and other local nonprofit organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
DEADLINE:There was no Request for Proposals (RfP) posted for 2013 319(h) funding. There will be one for 2014, posting of the RFP should happen early in 2013. Keep an eye on this website for the RFP posting.
Water Quality Management Planning Pass-Through Grant (604 Grants)
DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides grants for conducting wastewater management planning activities and developing management plans for on-site wastewater treatment systems. The State of New Jersey receives funds under Section 604(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (commonly referred to as the federal Clean Water Act), to carry out water quality management planning activities under Sections 205(j) and 303 (e) of the Act. For SFY 2013, projects that continue the development of wastewater management plans will be prioritized. Plan components that will be considered for funding include Septic Management Plans. New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Coastal and Land Use Planning, pointed to failing or poorly maintained individual subsurface sewage disposal systems as possible contributors of various pollutants, including pathogens such as fecal coliform in both surface and ground waters. Microbial source tracking analysis allows researchers to determine the source of fecal pollution in water bodies. In MST analysis, Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. Its laboratory's quality of service has been recognized with its pending ISO 17025 accreditation. Eligible applicants for 604 Grants are water quality management planning agencies and other regional public comprehensive planning organizations (RPCPOs) such as the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, designated areawide water quality management planning agencies, counties and in some cases municipalities.
DEADLINE: Project proposal must be submitted by May 24, 2013 in order to be considered. A copy of the Request for Proposals SFY 2013 Section 604(b)
Water Quality Planning Pass-Through Grant Program is available
here.
New Mexico - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
On-The-Ground (OTG) Surface Water Quality Improvement Projects
DESCRIPTION: The New Mexico Environment Department receives funds under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act and uses these funds to implement on-the-ground projects in the watersheds of priority impaired stream reaches to produce measurable improvements in water quality. Nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water quality degradation in the United States and poses a substantial problem for the health of New Mexico’s streams and rivers. Fecal matter, most often than not, winds up as part of the contaminants in nonpoint source pollution. Researchers looking for sources of fecal contamination can look to microbial source tracking for answers. Source Molecular's MST laboratory uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequences. Variations in DNA sequences between living organisms make it possible to distinguish between these organisms through molecular biology techniques.
Eligible applicants include citizen watershed groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, individuals, and federal, state and local agencies (including those of Indian Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes).
DEADLINE: The current deadline has passed.
Watershed Based Planning (WBP) Projects
DESCRIPTION: The Surface Water Quality Bureau of the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) seeks to develop planning projects within watersheds of specified priority stream reaches to meet the requirements of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories (Fed. Reg., October 23, 2003). These Guidelines require that a watershed-based plan be complete before incremental Clean Water Act Section 319 funds may be used to implement water quality improvement projects within those watersheds. Watershed-based planning projects must focus on development of Watershed Based Plans (WBPs) that characterize watersheds and identify causes and sources of water quality impairments; set goals and identify solutions that include management measures to address the impairments; outline implementation and monitoring programs; and provide estimates of expected reductions in pollutant loading following implementation. Threats to water quality could include fecal contamination. If there's a need to identify the source of the waste matter, microbial source tracking analysis is a useful tool. Source Molecular specializes in real-time qPCR microbial source tracking and its laboratory can detect and quantify fecal contamination from 12 host sources. Eligible applicants include citizen watershed groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, individuals, and federal, state and local agencies (including those of Indian Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes).
DEADLINE: The current deadline has passed.
New York - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Long Island Sound Futures Fund
DESCRIPTION: The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is a key implementation tool of the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Every year, the LISS, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), seeks proposals to help accelerate the restoration and protection of Long Island Sound. The LISS, sponsored by the EPA and the states of Connecticut and New York, is a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, universities, national and local environmental groups, businesses, and community groups who are dedicated to protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound. The Sound is one of the largest urban estuaries in the United States. The LISFF focuses its funding in areas such as Water Quality Monitoring and Watershed Plan Implementation Projects. Among others, funds will be available for addressing sources of nonpoint source pollution. NPS pollution could likely include fecal contamination. In determining the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking has been known to produce accurate results. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Eligible applicants for the Long Island Sound Futures Fund include non-profit 501(c) organizations; state, tribal, and local governments; and academic and educational institutions.
DEADLINE: The deadline for online applications closed on April 18, 2013. A copy of the 2013 Request for Proposals is available here.
New York Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: New York Sea Grant (NYSG) is part of a national Sea Grant network. It is a cooperative program of the State University of New York (SUNY) and Cornell University. NYSG supports hypothesis-based research related to marine, Hudson estuary, and Great Lakes topics and issues. NYSG invites projects that will advance the Goals listed in New York Sea Grant’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2017. One of the goals is to improve coastal water quality through community efforts. In particular, NYSG is looking for research to develop techniques and tools to better assess coastal water quality, water quality impairments (including emerging contaminants). New York Sea Grant also has limited funds each year that are available to support special funding requests. Water quality monitoring projects could potentially include microbial source tracking analysis if fecal pollution is suspected. MST methods are used to identify the source of fecal pollution. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Faculty at academic institutions are the main targets and recipients of NYSG’s research funds. Nevertheless, proposals from other groups may be accepted and approved for funding, too.
DEADLINE: Full proposals for the biennial research grants are due June 7, 2013, 4:30 p.m. Special Funding Requests are considered throughout the year.
North Carolina - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is seeking proposals from government agencies and nonprofit organizations to address nonpoint sources of pollution in the state. In federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, North Carolina anticipates receiving approximately $1.3 million of federal grant monies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will be available on a competitive basis under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. DWQ’s Nonpoint Source Planning Unit will administer funding and oversight of selected proposals. Eligible projects include microbial source tracking for the development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for 303(d)-listed waters or their watersheds in the state. Aside from calculating pollutant loading, a TMDL should include a strategy for limiting pollutants and restoring water quality. All projects must focus on the restoration of waters impaired by NPS pollution and are encouraged to include an education/outreach component. Source Molecular uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking, and has helped numerous researchers with their MST projects. State and local governments (including Councils of Government), interstate and intrastate agencies, and public and private nonprofit organizations and institutions (including academic institutions) can submit proposals for 319(h) Incremental funding to address nonpoint sources of pollution in the state. A copy of the Request for Proposals for Fiscal Year 2013 is available here.
DEADLINE: Applications will be due on May 23, 2013. For questions, please contact Kimberly.Nimmer@ncdenr.gov, or at (919)807-6438, the NC 319 Grant Program Administrator.
North Carolina Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: North Carolina Sea Grant invites preproposals for coastal and marine research projects for the program period of Feb. 1, 2014 through Jan. 31, 2016. The North Carolina Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2014-2017 observed that increasingly rapid coastal development, global overfishing and other human activities are leading to water quality degradation, decline of fisheries, wetlands loss, proliferation of invasive species, and challenges that need to be understood in order to restore and maintain these ecosystems. One of the priority research outcomes includes developing measures, recommendations and protocols for ultimate use as “best management practices” (BMPs) in point source and NPS pollution control. Fecal matter is a very likely contaminant in water systems, such as the coastal areas. Microbial source tracking has been used to determine from which host the fecal bacteria in the water sample came from. Source Molecular can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. The RfP was addressed to deans, directors, department heads and faculty of North Carolina State University.
DEADLINE: Completed preproposals must be submitted by 4 p.m., April 5, 2013. Full proposals will be requested only from investigators who have submitted preproposals.
North Dakota - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Section 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Water Quality administers a Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program Plan. The North Dakota NPS Program mission is to protect or restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the state by promoting locally sponsored, incentive based, voluntary programs where those waters are threatened or impaired due to nonpoint sources of pollution. Given the size of the agricultural industry in North Dakota, a majority of the Section 319 funds awarded to the state have been directed toward locally sponsored projects promoting voluntary NPS pollution control on agricultural lands. These funds have been used to support various educational activities and provide financial and technical assistance to landowners implementing best management practices (BMP). As a foundation for these efforts, a portion of the Section 319 budget is also used to support watershed assessments that are designed to evaluate existing water quality conditions and identify the sources and causes of any NPS pollutants impairing beneficial uses. Fecal matter is a possible pollutant brought about by nonpoint sources. Microbial source tracking is a useful tool in identifying the fecal source. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse and most recently Bird and Ruminant.
DEADLINE: Draft project proposals are usually due every August 1 while final project proposals are usually due every November 1. Awards and issuance of funds usually happen between March and April. For additional information, contact NPS Coordinator Greg Sandness via telephone at (701) 328-5232 or via email at gsandnes@nd.gov.
Ohio - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Ohio Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Ohio Sea Grant College Program, a statewide program based at The Ohio State University, is now requesting pre-proposals for one- to two-year research projects on Great Lakes issues with particular significance to Ohio, Lake Erie, and the Great Lakes region. Ohio Sea Grant’s 2014-2018 Strategic Plan seeks to improve the economy, education, and the environment using research, education, and outreach in partnership with government, academia, and the private sector. Priority in the 2014–18 funding cycle will be given to projects that focus on issues of nutrient loading to Lake Erie and harmful algal blooms or coastal economic development. Lake Erie is Ohio's most valuable natural aquatic resource and is regarded by many as the most important lake in the world. Among others, Ohio Sea Grant intends to support research, education, and outreach focused on habitat protection and restoration. It encourages reduction of nutrient loading from the watershed, increased sustainable land-use planning, and lake-wide monitoring efforts used to evaluate and improve the Lake Erie ecosystem, its fisheries, and water regulations. A copy of the Preproposal Guidelines is available here.
DEADLINE: Pre-proposals are due Thursday, May 16, 2013 by 5 pm. Full proposals will be due Thursday, July 18 by 5pm. Please direct questions to Ohio Sea Grant Assistant Director Dr. Chris Winslow by email or (614) 292-9849.
Surface Water Improvement Fund Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Ohio EPA solicits proposals for grants awarded from the Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF). Grants up to $100,000 each are awarded to various local organizations for the implementation of specific projects that address nonpoint source pollution and/or storm water runoff and result in water quality improvements in Ohio’s streams, rivers and lakes. Grants are awarded for a two year term. Water quality improvement projects eligible for SWIF grant funding include stream restoration and re-naturalization; wetland restoration and protection; inland lake management and restoration, among others. Microbial source tracking could be a useful tool in restoration and protection of water systems if fecal contamination is detected or suspected. The EPA’s newly released 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC) acknowledged that MST may be useful in verifying the results of sanitary surveys by confirming the presumed sources of fecal contamination in the watershed. Source Molecular has a team of scientists and business professionals, who are dedicated to providing the best service and most accurate MST results. Eligible applicants for SWIF Grants include local municipalities, counties and townships; county and municipal park districts; soil & water conservation districts; 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation groups with land management responsibilities; watershed groups (with local government sponsorship); and state agencies with land managing responsibilities.
A watershed-specific supplemental round of SWIF grants has been opened, targeting land and waters within the Buckeye Lake watershed, where nonpoint source pollution from storm water runoff is a significant cause of aquatic life use impairments. Highly visible projects are strongly encouraged.
DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Buckeye Lake Watershed ONLY SWIF grant applications is April 30, 2013.
Oklahoma - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has funds available under its Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grants for cities or towns with a population of 7000 or less. Cities and towns with lesser population or a "relatively weaker fiscal capacity" have higher priority. Projects eligible for REAP grant funding include sewer line construction or repair and related storm or sanitary sewer projects, water line construction or repair, water treatment, and distribution or recovery and related projects. Economic development grants may also include improvements in rural water quality, rural solid waste disposal or treatment, rural sanitary sewer construction or upgrades. Microbial source tracking could be a possible component of a water quality related project. MST can detect fecal contamination in water systems. If human is the source of contamination, leaking sewer pipes might be the cause and might need to be repaired. Source Molecular has performed thousands of MST tests in the past 10 years using the latest scientific laboratory equipment and analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible applicants for the REAP Grants include counties, towns and municipalities, public works authorities, school districts, rural water districts, water conservancy districts, rural sewage districts, and irrigation districts.
DEADLINE: Completed REAP applications must be received by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board by 5:00 p.m. on the first business day of September for potential funding from the following Fiscal Year appropriations.
Oregon - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Nonpoint Source Implementation 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality administers the federal Nonpoint Source Implementation 319 Program in Oregon. This program provides federal grant funds under the Clean Water Act’s Section 319(h) to address nonpoint water pollution issues. Projects given priority include water quality monitoring and pollutant source characterization projects; TMDL implementation monitoring; addressing higher risk non-point source potential contamination within sensitive areas; among others. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Federal, state and local governments; public and private nonprofit organizations and institutions; and tribal nations within Oregon are eligible to apply for 319 Grants to address non-point sources of pollution affecting coastal, river, lake, drinking and ground-water resources of the state.
DEADLINE: The 2013 solicitation process has begun. Pre-proposals were due November 20, 2012. A copy of the 2013 Request For Proposal Guidance Document is available here.
Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment
DESCRIPTION: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Foundation) uses funds from a settlement with an international shipping company that was charged with violating numerous federal pollution laws. The Foundation used the $2,000,000 in community service payments that the courts ordered to establish the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment (the Fund) to receive monies and to administer an annual grant program to finance conservation projects. Eligible projects include those that would develop and implement strategies to eliminate and/or reduce pollution and otherwise restore the quality of Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas; and identify continuing sources of pollution of Oregon rivers, streams and coastal areas. Beginning in 2012, the Fund will be focused on the long-term conservation of the state’s wild salmon strongholds. NFWF is inviting pre-proposals requesting up to $75,000 in grant funds to support, among others, projects that maintain or improve water quality. Funds can also support monitoring components of habitat protection and restoration projects. Researchers have used microbial source tracking to identify the sources that contribute to fecal contamination, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years experience in MST research and development, uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment. Eligible applicants for the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment include 501(c)3 registered non-profit organizations; local, state or federal government agencies; tribes; educational institutions; and watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, and other special districts.
DEADLINE: The application period for the current grant year has closed.
Oregon Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Oregon Sea Grant Program is looking for the best science and an innovative approach to a well-defined coastal or marine problem or opportunity that is important to Oregon, the Pacific Northwest Region, and the nation. Numerous rivers and streams drain nearly all water from Oregon’s 15 major watersheds into the Pacific Ocean. There are 22 major estuaries along the Oregon coast. Oregon Sea Grant seeks, among others, to improve water quality of nearshore and estuarine systems. It will explore opportunities to enhance its activities around contaminants of emerging concern in surface and groundwater. One of the primary concerns in coastal communities is beach contamination. Fecal contamination is a valid issue that needs to be addressed as it can be carried over by non-point sources such as runoff or it can directly come from animals living or loitering near coastal areas. To determine the host of fecal bacteria found in water samples, many researchers have turned to microbial source tracking. MST analysis has been found to produce accurate results. Source Molecular has assisted numerous MST-related projects in its more than 10 years in the industry. Source Molecular provides unlimited assistance to clients in crafting appropriate sampling and MST plans. Proposals for the Oregon Sea Grant may be submitted by faculty of any public or private institution of higher education. While non-academic researchers may be included among the investigators, awards will be made only through colleges and universities.
DEADLINE: Full proposals are due May 13, 2013, before 5:00 p.m. PST. Only those invited can submit full proposals.
Pennsylvania - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
1675 Foundation Grants
DESCRIPTION: The 1675 Foundation is one of four Ware family foundations created in 2004. Its mission is to fortify the key elements of a healthy community, which include the environment. Among the efforts the Foundation supports are land and water conservation and preservation. With regards to projects involving water conservation and preservation, water quality monitoring could be a component and it could potentially include microbial source tracking analysis if fecal pollution is suspected. Source Molecular has been providing MST services for more than 10 years and has helped hundreds of researchers with their MST-related projects. Eligible applicants for 1675 Foundation Grants include organizations that are tax exempt under the IRS Code 501 (c)(3) as well as public charities under IRS Code 509(a). Grants are made to organizations that serve Chester County, Pennsylvania. Grants range from $2,000 to $50,000 and are made twice a year at the discretion of the Trustees. Grants are made on an annual basis: organizations may apply only once within a twelve month period. Multi-year grants are awarded occasionally.
DEADLINE: Complete applications are considered at meetings that are usually scheduled for December and May. Applications must be postmarked by March 1 for consideration at the May distribution meeting or by October 1 for consideration at the December distribution meeting. For more information, please call 610-896-3868 or e-mail Marge Brennan, Grants Manager, at mbrennan@1675foundation.org.
Coastal Resources Management
DESCRIPTION: The Interstate Waters Office in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection administers the Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program. The program is funded by annual grants provided to the DEP by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management (OCRM), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce. Projects funded through the CRM program must be located within or directly affect the Lake Erie or Delaware Estuary Coastal Zones, including Pennsylvania's Coastal Non-point Pollution Program's (CNPP) management area. This area encompasses streams flowing into Pennsylvania's coastal waters within Pennsylvania. Proposals must also support the Coastal Zone Program's mission to protect and enhance coastal resources in this Commonwealth. CZM grants may be applied to a wide variety of studies, plans, designs, research, implementation, acquisition and construction projects. NPS pollution could likely include fecal contamination. In order to craft effective plans to protect coastal waters, determining the source of fecal contamination is important. Microbial source tracking has been used to identify fecal sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Eligible applicants for CRM grants include state agencies, local governments and authorities, schools and universities and incorporated non-profit organizations.
DEADLINE: The FFY 2013 grant award period has passed. To obtain more information concerning Coastal Zone grants, visit the Department website or contact Sabrina Stanwood at the CRM Central Office by phone at (717) 772-5622 or via e-mail at sstanwood@state.pa.us.
Coldwater Conservation Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Coldwater Conservation Grants Program provides two grant opportunities, which help to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. The two grant opportunities are: Planning Grant and Implementation Grant. The Planning Grant is designed to help develop a conservation plan that identifies the values and threats that impact the health of Pennsylvania's coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The collected information can be used as a catalyst for more comprehensive planning or for development of watershed improvements projects. Planning grants average around $6,000. The Implementation Grant is designed to provide funding to projects recommended in a completed conservation plan or report. Potential projects must enhance, conserve or protect the coldwater stream for which the coldwater conservation plan was originally completed. Implementation grants average around $10,000. In identifying potential impacts, threats and problems to Pennsylvania's coldwater streams, microbial source tracking could be useful if fecal contamination is suspected. MST is a set of methods used to determine the host (Human, wildlife, farms, and domestic animals) that contributes fecal pollution to water bodies. Source Molecular is one of the leaders in the MST industry with more than 10 years experience providing MST services to various clients. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply for Coldwater Conservation Grants.
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted through December 14, 2012. For more information, e-mail info@coldwaterheritage.org.
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Growing Greener Watershed Protection Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Nonpoint Source Management Program includes Growing Greener Watershed Protection Grants aimed to support projects that will improve water quality in an impaired watershed including those polluted by agricultural, urban runoff and Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD). It also supports projects in non-impaired watersheds that protect water quality, where the watershed is threatened to become impaired due to nonpoint sources. The Department has prioritized activities and watersheds to focus its efforts on improving water quality. In addition to watershed specific projects, the Department will consider a smaller number of multiple basin or Commonwealth-wide projects for funding. These proposals may include research and development of science and tools that will inform and enhance local watershed restoration and protection efforts from the multiple basin or statewide perspective, and the extent to which they address goals, milestones and implementation steps in Pennsylvania's Nonpoint Source Management Program 2008 Update. In its 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria, the EPA recognized that molecular source tracking tools may be useful in managing recreational waters to better protect public health. MST tools may also be useful in confirming the presumed sources of fecal contamination in the watershed. Source Molecular Corporation has been providing MST services for more than 10 years. Eligible applicants to Growing Greener Watershed Protection Grants include incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, Council of Governments, tax exempt corporations, educational institutions and municipal authorities.
DEADLINE: The 2012 Round of the Growing Greener Watershed Protection Grant Program is CLOSED. For more information, contact Rachel Carson via telephone at 717-705-5400 or via e-mail at GrowingGreener@pa.gov.
Rivers Conservation Program
DESCRIPTION: The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, through its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, administers a Rivers Conservation Program where grants are awarded to municipalities, counties, municipal authorities, educational institutions and non-profit organizations to develop watershed/river-corridor conservation plans; acquire land or develop projects to address the recommendations in those plans; only for sites/locations listed on the PA Rivers Conservation Registry and recommended in a completed Rivers Conservation Plan. The Bureau will consider early implementation development projects for funding in watersheds not linked to a Rivers Conservation Plan if the project can stand on its own merits and presents a significant and unique opportunity that connects communities to their rivers and advances the goals of the Rivers Conservation Program. Surface water bodies like rivers are susceptible to nonpoint source pollution. For example, polluted runoff from agricultural areas would drain into nearby rivers and streams. Microbial source tracking might be necessary if fecal contamination is suspected and there's a need to determine the source in order to craft effective plans for the remediation of the polluted river. In Source Molecular's MST laboratory, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is used to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequence of that organism. The Rivers Conservation Grants require a minimum of a 50% match, which can include a combination of Cash and/or Non-Cash values.
DEADLINE: The application period closed on April 10, 2013. A copy of the guidelines for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Grant Cycle Applications is available here.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection receives Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source grant funds from the EPA each year to implement Pennsylvania's approved Nonpoint Source Management Program. Projects within certain watersheds get priority funding. Remaining funds may be used for applications that implement projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution to restore or improve water quality of impaired water bodies or protect water quality where threatened by impairment from nonpoint sources outside 319 priority watersheds. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular uses a 27-step DNA extraction kit in conducting MST analysis of water samples to avoid false negative results. Eligible applicants for Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants include incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, Council of Governments, tax exempt corporations, educational institutions, and municipal authorities.
DEADLINE: The 2012 Round of the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program is CLOSED. For more information, contact Rachel Carson via telephone at 717-705-5400 or via e-mail at GrowingGreener@pa.gov.
Water Sciences Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center (PA-WRRC) and Pennsylvania Sea Grant invite faculty of all Pennsylvania colleges and universities to submit proposals for research or outreach addressing water resources issues in Pennsylvania. Both organizations fund small grants in the areas of research, education, and outreach to foster science-based decisions about water resources. Highest priority is given to projects that advance understanding of important water resources issues in Pennsylvania. Projects must, among others, address water resources issues of major importance to Pennsylvania. Current areas of research interest include, but are not limited to understanding sources, effects, or remediation of pollutants (e.g., nutrients, pesticides, emerging contaminants); and prevention of pollution. Fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes of water quality impairment in the United States. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses qPCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Academic Faculty at public or private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania may lead proposals. Permanent research personnel (e.g., research professor or extension specialist) may also lead proposals as their colleges and universities allow. Post-docs, graduate students, and other temporary appointees are not eligible to apply.
DEADLINE: The current deadline has passed.
Puerto Rico - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant College Program (UPRSGCP) is seeking proposals for the 2014-2016 biennium. One of the research priorities is Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats. The UPR Sea Grant supports projects that produce sound scientific knowledge related to the dynamics and processes working in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and regional Caribbean tropical insular marine ecosystems and associated habitats. These would include watersheds, beaches, coral reefs, estuaries, wetlands, and the living resources they contain. Research should have outcomes which improve the understanding of coastal ecosystem processes and the influence that anthropogenic activities have on them. This science is expected to aid the development of appropriate technologies and management methods and tools that will support improved, restored, or protected coastal ecosystems and resources. Coastal waters are also affected by fecal pollution through inefficient sewage treatment plants, leaking septic systems, agricultural runoff, among others. Identification of the source of fecal pollution is important in solving problems in coastal ecosystems. Source Molecular specializes in microbial source tracking analysis that uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequence of that organism. The RFP is open to all researchers except those currently employed by Sea Grant. Researchers are encouraged to read the Strategic Plan 2014-2017, available at: http://www.seagrantpr.org.
DEADLINE: Preliminary proposals are due at UPRSGCP on or before March 15, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. After selection by the UPR Sea Grant’s Technical Review Panel (TRP), invitations for submission of full proposals will be sent on or before April 27, 2013. The deadline for the submission of full proposals is July 12, 2013.
Rhode Island - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Nonpoint Source Pollution Program particularly concentrates on the development of innovative pollution management policies and water quality management using the watershed approach while focusing on areas such as septic programs and wetlands policy, marina management, land use planning, soil erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. Grant funds come from the Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program administered by the EPA. Eligible projects include those that control or abate nonpoint source pollution impairments that have been characterized by a water quality restoration plan. Source Molecular has been assisting researchers in various NPS-related projects that have a component for microbial source tracking analysis. MST is used to identify the source of fecal contamination in water samples. Eligible applicants for the Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants include municipal, state, or regional governments; quasi-state agencies; public schools and universities; and nonprofit watershed, environmental, or conservation organizations.
DEADLINE: For more information about the Nonpoint Source Grant Program, contact Betsy Dake by e-mail at Betsy.Dake@dem.ri.gov or by phone at 401-222-4700 x7230 or Ernie Panciera at Ernie.Panciera@dem.ri.gov or 401-222-4700 x7603.
Rhode Island Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Based at the University of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program is a partnership of the University, the National Sea Grant College Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the state of Rhode Island. For 2014-2016, Rhode Island Sea Grant is calling for research in support of shellfish management planning. Specifically, eligible projects should address biological and/or ecological issues such as impacts to water quality from biomass changes due to harvest and/or aquaculture nursery and growout schemes; impacts to shellfish from water quality changes via nutrient reductions and/or from toxic algal blooms; impacts of changing climate/warming waters on disease emergence and impacts to natural/wild populations. If fecal contamination becomes a concern and researchers seek to identify the source of the pathogen, Source Molecular can help with microbial source tracking analysis. MST is a series of scientific methods used to detect the sources that may be contributing to fecal pollution in the environment. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in the MST industry. A copy of the RfP for the 2014-2016 grant round is available here.
DEADLINE: Full proposals must be submitted by June 3, 2013.
South Carolina - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants
DESCRIPTION: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control receives an annual grant allocation from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement nonpoint source abatement strategies as described in the state’s NPS Management Program. Projects must either address NPS pollution with activities and programs that are statewide or target implementation of nonpoint source watershed-based plans in designated priority watersheds. Source Molecular has been involved with numerous projects addressing NPS pollution as researchers saw the need to identify the source of fecal pollution in their water samples. Microbial source tracking analysis is used. In particular, Source Molecular processes water samples using a 27-step DNA extraction kit to avoid false negative results. Eligible applicants for 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants include stakeholder groups, government entities, or other agencies interested in conducting projects that reduce or prevent NPS water pollution through the implementation of an approved TMDL.
DEADLINE: Grant proposals for NPS projects are solicited periodically throughout the year. Please contact Meredith Murphy at murphymb@dhec.sc.gov for more information.
South Carolina Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium is now soliciting proposals for consideration and possible inclusion in the Consortium’s Biennial Program Plan for fiscal years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. The Consortium is requesting Sea Grant Concept Letters on innovative research, education, and extension activities which seek to address major issues, problems, and opportunities and, at the same time, increase the knowledge and understanding of marine and coastal resources by the citizens of the state and region. The Consortium's Strategic Plan for 2014-2017 took note of South Carolina's rapidly changing coastal landscape. Before the effects of this change can be determined, the physical, chemical, geological, biological, and socio-demographic environment along the South Carolina coast must be documented. Delivering information to control non-point source pollution is one of the many strategies identified by the Consortium. NPS pollution carries a number of contaminants that could include pathogens from fecal matter. Microbial source tracking analysis has been used to detect the source of fecal contamination in water samples. Source Molecular's MST laboratory uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequences. The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium members are The Citadel, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the University of South Carolina.
DEADLINE: Concept Letters are due at Consortium by April 8, 2013. Full Proposals are due at Consortium by June 21, 2013. The Sea Grant project year will begin February 1, 2014. Questions may be directed to either rick.devoe@scseagrant.org or susannah.sheldon@scseagrant.org.
South Dakota - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: Clean Water Act Section 319(h) funds are provided to the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the purpose of managing the state's nonpoint source program and funding projects that identify and address NPS pollution problems. Section 319 implementation project funds are awarded to support the most effective and highest priority projects. Projects can be in these general categories -- watershed, ground water, and information and education. Section 319 funds may be used for watershed assessment/planning and implementation, ground water, and information and education projects that control NPS pollution. For projects that aim to identify sources of fecal contamination in water systems, microbial source tracking analysis can be of great help. MST uses genetic markers to interpret data. Some characteristics associated with feces from a particular source allow that type of feces to be identified. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Governmental agencies; subdivisions of state government such as conservation districts, water development districts, counties, and municipalities; universities; certain nonprofit organizations; and recognized American Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for Section 319 funds.
DEADLINE: For more information, contact Peter B. Jahraus at the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources via e-mail at pete.jahraus@state.sd.us for more information.
Tennessee - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Nonpoint Source Section 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Nonpoint Source Program (TDA-NPS) is seeking project proposals for funding with grants provided by the EPA under section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. The highest priority for funding are projects that target waters of the state assessed as impaired from nonpoint source pollution. The project’s objective should be to identify the specific sources of NPS pollution and seek to eliminate them so that the water fully supports its designated uses. Preference is given to projects targeting small watersheds, where measurable water quality improvements are most likely to result after the project is completed. NPS pollution has been identified as the largest source of water quality problems in the country, affecting 40 percent of its surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries. One of the likely contaminants in NPS pollution is fecal bacteria. Microbial source tracking is useful in identifying specific sources of fecal coliform causing high levels of bacteria in water bodies. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Local governments, interstate agencies, nonprofit organizations and institutions, colleges and universities, and agencies of state government are eligible to apply for 319 grants.
DEADLINE: The FY 2013 grant round has ended. For more information, contact Sam Marshall at sam.marshall@tn.gov
Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative is a collaboration of federal, state and nonprofit organizations committed to maintaining and improving water resources in Tennessee watersheds. It supports the implementation of certain projects that are designed to protect and maintain the state's healthy watersheds; prevent watersheds from becoming impaired; and accelerate restoration successes on impaired streams. Eligible projects include restoration projects and scientific research and monitoring. Source Molecular has been involved in various watershed protection and restoration projects through its microbial source tracking services that allow researchers to identify sources of fecal contamination in water systems. Eligible applicants for the Tennessee Healthy Watershed Initiative Grants are federal, state, local and nonprofit agencies.
DEADLINE: 2012 Cycle complete. Next Grant Cycle: TBD
Texas - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Water Research Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Texas Water Development Board offers grants to any person(s) or political subdivision(s) of the State of Texas for water research that addresses one of the Texas Water Development Board's research topics published in a Request For Proposals. The Board defines research to be scientific activities that are undertaken to address practical problems rather than to expand the frontiers of knowledge. Research may include regional water quality assessments performed by river authorities. Identifying the source of fecal contamination could be a component in water quality assessment projects since fecal pollution is a common problem that occurs in many water systems. Microbial source tracking is one of the methods used that yields highly accurate results because it targets and quantifies gene biomarkers specific to certain host sources. Source Molecular has the ability to detect fecal contamination from 11 host sources -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant.
DEADLINE: The Texas Water Development Board publishes a Request for Proposals for the Water Research Grant Program in the Texas Register each fiscal year. The Board may also consider applications at any time, depending on availability of funds and demonstrated need. Unsolicited applications can be filed at anytime but will only be considered for funding if there is an urgency for the research to be done and is dependent upon the availability of funds. For details, call the Texas Water Development Board's Contract Administration Division at (512) 936-6079.
Regional Water Plans/Planning Group Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator administers funds to develop regional water plans. The Texas regional water planning process allows individuals representing at least 12 interest groups to serve as members of Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPG) to prepare regional water plans for their respective areas. These plans make recommendations for strategies to meet future water supply needs, conserve water supplies, and respond to future droughts in the planning areas. Each regional water plan includes information about water supplies and demands, water quality problems affecting water supply, and social and economic characteristics of the region. One of the potential water quality problems is fecal contamination. High concentrations of fecal pollution pose serious health risks to the public. If this problem is detected, it is important to address it right away. Identifying the source of fecal contamination is necessary to craft effective remediation plans. Source Molecular has assisted hundreds of researchers through its microbial source tracking services by providing results that tell which host contributed the most and by how much. The TWDB Executive Administrator publishes notice in the Texas Register advising RWPGs that funds are available and that applications will be accepted to develop regional water plans.
DEADLINE: If you have questions regarding preparation of an application, please contact Temple McKinnon at the Texas Water Development Board through telephone (512) 475-2057 or via e-mail temple.mckinnon@twdb.texas.gov.
319 Nonpoint Source Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board administer federal grants for activities that prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollution. Grants are awarded annually and fund projects for up to three years. The grants are made available through a federal program authorized under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. To be eligible for funding, a project must address the objectives, goals and/or priorities identified in the State of Texas Nonpoint Source Management Program or nonpoint source elements in the Texas Coastal Management Plan. Priority is given to funding development and implementation of watershed protection plans or TMDL Implementation Plans. Microbial source tracking analysis has been used to support bacteria TMDL development and implementation. Source Molecular has been involved in numerous TMDL-related projects in its more than 10 years in the MST industry. All nonprofit organizations, and all state agencies or political subdivisions of the State of Texas -- including cities, counties, school districts, state universities, and special districts -- are eligible for 319 Grants. Private organizations may participate in projects as partners or contractors but may not apply directly for funding. Applicants are encouraged to partner with other local, state, and federal authorities to increase the impact of their activities.
DEADLINE: The 2013 Request for Grant Applications has closed. The TCEQ usually solicits grants in the summer of each year.
Texas Sea Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Texas Sea Grant develops and supports research, education and outreach programs and partnerships and relies on the public for knowledge, advice and guidance. Texas Sea Grant is a unique partnership that unites the resources of the federal government, the State of Texas and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Texas. Later this year the Texas Sea Grant College Program will solicit preliminary proposals for projects to begin February 1, 2014. Faculty and academic staff from universities and scientists from research institutions throughout Texas will be invited to apply. To help the nation understand, manage and use its coastal resources wisely, Sea Grant identified four focus areas central to what Sea Grant does. The focus areas are: healthy coastal ecosystems; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; resilient communities and economies; and environmental literacy and workforce development. Fecal pollution is one of the threats to coastal waters. Microbial source tracking has been shown to produce highly accurate results when it comes to detecting the presence of fecal indicators and determining the host source. For more than 10 years, Source Molecular has analyzed thousands of samples making it one of the leaders in the microbial source tracking industry. A copy of the National Sea Grant College Program’s Strategic Plan 2014-2017 is available here.
DEADLINE: Pre-proposals are due to Texas Sea Grant by February 15, 2013. Full proposals are due by June 3, 2013.
Vermont - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Lake Champlain Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Lake Champlain Sea Grant (LCSG) requests proposals for applied research to improve understanding, use, and management of Lake Champlain and Lake George, the basin’s inland waters and the Great Lakes in general. LCSG is seeking proposals that will provide knowledge to support ecosystem-based management, strategic planning, and decision-making, to reduce the effects of environmental stressors and promote restoration of degraded ecosystems. Stressors of particular concern in the basin include stormwater management. Fecal pollution has been known to wind up in stormwater runoff. Microbial source tracking is a method used to determine the fecal source. Source Molecular is a leader in implementing microbial source tracking projects. Its MST laboratory uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequences. Variations in DNA sequences between living organisms make it possible to distinguish between these organisms through molecular biology techniques.
Investigators from universities, colleges, and other nonprofit institutions in Vermont and New York State are eligible to apply for funding through LCSG.
DEADLINE: Full Proposals are due Friday, June 28, 2013, 5 p.m. Submit by email to Elissa Schuett at elissa.schuett@uvm.edu. Proposals will be evaluated and Principal Investigators (PIs) informed of being recommended for funding on Friday, August 23, 2013.
Watershed Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources awards grants to municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups that aim to promote watershed awareness, reduce water pollution and carry out projects that may involve activities such as monitoring the water quality of swimming holes in town to find out if there are health risks and then holding town forums to report results and decide on problem solutions. Fecal pollution in water bodies is one of the health risks. Microbial source tracking is a method used to determine the fecal source. Source Molecular is a leader in implementing microbial source tracking projects. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Individuals and state and federal agencies are not eligible to receive Watershed Grant funds directly but may be partners of a project. Half of the proceeds derived from the sale of the Vermont Conservation License Plate go towards funding the Vermont Watershed Grants program.
DEADLINE: Grant awards are made on an annual cycle, with applications due in the fall of the year and funding decisions made the following mid-winter. The grant program for 2013 is closed. Please check the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation website for FY2014 grants.
Virginia - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Citizen Water Monitoring Grant
DESCRIPTION: The Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program provides funding for water quality monitoring groups and individuals to monitor the quality of Virginia’s waters. The primary purpose of these grants is to generate scientifically accurate, citizen-collected, water quality data. The grant can be used in a variety of ways, including lab analysis costs and promoting stream monitoring efforts in locations where Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is not currently collecting water quality samples. To be eligible for funding under the regular Citizen Monitoring Grant, a grantee must follow certain guidelines, including developing a quality assurance project plan (QAPP). Collaboration between state agencies, citizen monitors, and other organizations is important in developing monitoring programs that collect data for multiple possible uses. Funded projects may focus on impaired waters, identifying sources of pollution that may help in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development; tracking progress of TMDL or other restoration activities; identifying waters for future monitoring by DEQ. Source Molecular provides microbial source tracking services to researchers who seek to confirm presumed sources of fecal contamination in water systems. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Any community, watershed or conservation organization, Soil & Water Conservation District, secondary school, college, or university using volunteer monitors in Virginia may apply for these funds.
DEADLINE: The current grant round has closed. For more information, contact C. Stuart Torbeck Jr., Water Quality Data Liaison at (804) 698-4461 or by email at charles.torbeck@deq.virginia.gov.
Nonpoint Source Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: Through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, Virginia is awarded grant funds to implement the nonpoint source programs. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation administers the money, in coordination with the advisory committee, to fund watershed projects, demonstration and educational programs, nonpoint source pollution control program development, and technical and program staff. The DCR is soliciting pre-proposals to establish agreements through competitive negotiation for nonpoint source TMDL implementation grants. Funding is available statewide for projects supporting implementation activities that address agricultural, residential septic, pet waste, suburban and urban, and mining NPS pollution. In determining the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking has been known to produce accurate results. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Local governments including counties, cities, towns, county health departments, soil and water conservation districts, and planning district commissions as well as state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education are eligible for TMDL implementation grants to be awarded.
DEADLINE: The application period for the current grant round is closed.
Virginia Mini-Grant
DESCRIPTION: Virginia Environmental Endowment, a nonprofit, independent corporation, administers the Virginia Mini-Grant Program. With grants of $5,000 or less, volunteers have monitored water quality in dozens of local streams and rivers, and communities have developed innovative strategies to ensure environmental quality is improved in their community. The Virginia Mini-Grant Program supports community-based efforts to strengthen environmental education and to promote stewardship of Virginia's waterways. These are intended to be one-time, start-up grants, and preference is given to modest local projects. Aside from Environmental Education, the Program aims to increase public involvement in the restoration and protection of Virginia's water resources through water quality testing and monitoring, pollution prevention, and public education. Mini-Grants may include support research, data collection and analysis. Source Molecular has been involved in helping organizations identify and eliminate fecal pollution in their watersheds through its molecular source tracking services. Its laboratory analyzes water samples and detects the DNA of fecal indicator organisms in water. Public and private schools (K-12) and nongovernmental, nonprofit community organizations in Virginia are eligible to apply for one-year awards up to $5,000. Local, state, and federal government agencies and programs are not eligible.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by June 15 and December 1 each year. For more information, contact Gerald P. McCarthy, Executive Director, by phone: (804) 644-5000 or by e-mail: info@vee.org.
Water Quality Improvement Grants
DESCRIPTION: Virginia's Water Quality Improvement Fund was created with the purpose of restoring and improving the quality of state waters and to protect them from impairment and destruction. The fund provides water quality improvement grants to local governments, soil and water conservation districts and individuals for point and nonpoint source pollution prevention, reduction and control programs. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for administering point source grants, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers nonpoint source grants. Nonpoint source pollution is a significant cause of degradation of state waters. One of the possible NPS contaminants is fecal matter. Should a need arise to identify the fecal source, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development, provides support to researchers with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost.
DEADLINE: For more information about WQIF grants, contact the grant manager via email at swmgrants@dcr.virginia.gov. Those with specific questions about developing nonpoint source water quality improvement grant proposals should contact the regional manager in the appropriate DCR regional office for FY2014 grants.
Washington - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Centennial Clean Water Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Washington Department of Ecology administers the Centennial Clean Water Grant Program, which is funded through the Washington State General Fund, primarily through the State Building Construction Account. Projects eligible for funding must be related to nonpoint source pollution and should be aimed at improving and protecting water quality. Eligible nonpoint projects include stream restoration and buffers, on-site septic repair and replacement, education and outreach, and other eligible nonpoint activities. In protecting water quality, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. In MST analysis, Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Eligible applicants for Centennial Clean Water Grants include local governments and tribes. SFY 2014 Funding Guidelines can be found here.
DEADLINE: State Fiscal Year 2014 applications are no longer accepted. Visit Ecology's website for more details.
Clean Water Act Section 319 Federal Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Washington Department of Ecology uses Centennial funding for nonpoint source projects that meet the Section 319 criteria. Section 319 funds projects including nonpoint source water pollution control activities. All proposed nonpoint source activity projects must implement an element of a state or local plan directed at addressing water quality issues (e.g., watershed management plan, nonpoint source pollution control plan). Ecology may also provide grant funding for water quality monitoring projects. Monitoring is undertaken to characterize the existing conditions of ground waters and surface waters, to identify or quantify pollutant sources or loads, or to establish the effectiveness of Best Management Practices. Monitoring may be the entire project or a component of a larger project. Fecal contamination is one of the sources of water pollution. Microbial source tracking methods have been used to identify the source of fecal contamination. Source Molecular has performed thousands of MST tests in the past 10 years using the latest scientific laboratory equipment and analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible applicants for Section 319 Grants include counties, cities, and towns; water districts, sewer districts, and other special purpose districts; conservation districts; political subdivisions; municipal or quasi-municipal corporations; federally recognized tribes; Washington State institutions of higher education; and not-for-profit organizations. SFY 2014 Funding Guidelines can be found here.
DEADLINE: State Fiscal Year 2014 applications are no longer accepted. Visit Ecology's website for more details.
Washington Sea Grant
DESCRIPTION: Washington Sea Grant is a part of a national network, funded and coordinated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through a state-federal partnership. Under the national program, the primary funding mechanism for Washington Sea Grant is an omnibus grant that integrates research, education, public engagement and administrative activities. Washington Sea Grant-sponsored research maximizes the productive use of marine resources while preserving and, if necessary, helping to restore the essential qualities of a healthy marine environment. Threats to Washington's water quality include failing on-site sewage systems, livestock in or near streams, and contaminated stormwater runoff. Source Molecular is dedicated to helping improve water quality and has analyzed thousands of water samples around the U.S. Its laboratory can identify and quantify fecal contamination from 11 host sources -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. Source Molecular uses Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples.
DEADLINE: The 2014-2018 omnibus research funding round has closed. If you would like to be added to the RFP notification list, please email wsgrfp@uw.edu
West Virginia - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Environmental Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: American Water administers an Environmental Grant Program that awards grants up to $10,000 to support diverse types of environmental sustainability activities. To qualify for Environmental Grant funding, project activities and outcomes should address a watershed or source water protection need in the local community within American Water service areas. Source water protection projects are activities that result in the protection or improvement of the community’s public drinking water supplies. Watershed protection projects should focus on activities that improve, restore or protect one or more watersheds. Roughly 20,000 water bodies in the United States are impaired and fecal pollution has been identified as one of the major causes. In protecting watersheds and water sources, addressing fecal pollution is a potential issue. Microbial source tracking makes identifying the source of fecal contamination possible. Source Molecular uses quantitative PCR DNA technology to get more accurate results. The Company has assisted numerous researchers in its 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. American Water requires at least two partners involved in the project. Examples of partners could be municipalities, local environmental groups, conservation districts and schools.
DEADLINE: The application period for the 2013 grant round is closed.
Nonpoint Source Section 319 Grants
DESCRIPTION: The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has a Nonpoint Source Program that 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; and restoring impaired watersheds with nonpoint abatement projects. The NPS Program offers §319 grants for the development of plans and projects that target nonpoint pollution. These grants are used for NPS Program funds and Watershed project funds. Watershed project grants attempt to restore waters impaired by nonpoint pollution and are driven by the 303(d) list and TMDL development. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Its laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts.
DEADLINE: First draft proposals for Section 319 grants are due June 1. For additional information, contact the NPS Program Coordinator at timothy.d.craddock@wv.gov.
Stream Partners Grant
DESCRIPTION: Stream Partners is a cooperative effort of the West Virginia Conservation Agency, West Virginia's Division of Environmental Protection, Division of Forestry, and the Division of Natural Resources. The program is housed within the DEP's Division of Water and Waste Management. The goal of the Stream Partners Program is to create sustainable organizations for environmental protection and restoration. $5,000 Seed Grants are available to help watershed associations form partnerships to complete sustainable watershed improvement projects. Watershed Improvement Projects funded include water quality monitoring and water quality improvements. Microbial source tracking could be a possible component of a water quality-related project. MST can detect the sources of fecal contamination in water systems. Source Molecular has performed thousands of MST tests in the past 10 years using the latest scientific laboratory equipment and analytical methods that enable it to identify with high confidence sources of microbial contamination. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations comprised of local citizens, industry, environmental groups, sportsmen, local government, and landowners that are interested in improving the quality of life in and around their stream and watershed.
DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2013.
Wellhead and Source Water Protection Grant Programs
DESCRIPTION: The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Environmental Health Services administers the Wellhead and Source Water Protection Grant Programs. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to refining source protection area delineations using additional site specific information; and expanding the inventory of existing and potential sources of contamination. Funds will be available for distribution through a number of individual grants. Eligible applicants are community water systems or County Governments demonstrating a direct association with community water systems. A community water system is a public water system which serves at least fifteen (15) service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least twenty-five (25) year-round residents. Systems primarily utilizing groundwater as a public drinking water source should apply for Wellhead Protection Grants; those primarily utilizing surface water should apply for Source Water Protection Grants. Drinking water sources could be contaminated by fecal pollution through leaking septic tanks and sewage pipes. If this is suspected, microbial source tracking could be needed to determine whether human or animal contaminated the water and whether the level of contamination should be a cause for concern. Source Molecular uses the latest scientific laboratory equipment and has highly trained and degreed personnel to perform MST tests.
DEADLINE: For additional information, contact Scott Rodeheaver at (304) 356-4270 or at Scott.J.Rodeheaver@wv.gov.
Wisconsin - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Dane County Urban Water Quality Grant
DESCRIPTION: Dane County in Wisconsin administers an Urban Water Quality Grant Program, which seeks to improve the quality of urban stormwater runoff entering Dane County lakes, rivers and streams, increase public awareness of urban water quality issues, and provide public education for urban stormwater quality improvement practices. The project goals will be achieved through the construction of best management practices that will provide efficient, cost-effective treatment of urban runoff. Financial assistance is available to municipalities. Runoff may carry fecal matter into Dane County's water systems. Should a need arise to identify the fecal source, microbial source tracking analysis has been shown to produce highly accurate results. Source Molecular, which has more than 10 years of experience in MST research and development, provides support to researchers with project design as well as sampling materials at no cost.
DEADLINE: The 2013 grant round has not yet been announced. For more information, contact the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department by telephone at 608-224-3764 or by e-mail at lakes@countyofdane.com.
Lake Classification & Lake Protection Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers the Lake Classification & Lake Protection Grants Program. Eligible projects for Lake Classification Grants include data collection and analysis necessary for water classification. Counties that have adopted a lake classification system are also eligible for implementation grants. Eligible implementation projects include support programs resulting from lake classification (such as shoreline restoration technical assistance). Eligible projects for Lake Protection Grants include restoration of wetlands and shorelands that will protect a lake's water quality or its natural ecosystem. Too much fecal matter can affect the water quality of a lake and pose a health risk to swimmers. Microbial source tracking can be useful in water quality monitoring. There are numerous MST methods to detect fecal contamination. MST is used specifically to identify the source of fecal contamination. Source Molecular's laboratory can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant. This is an advantage since lakes are susceptible to runoff. Only counties can apply for Lake Classification Grants while counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, qualified non-profit conservation organizations, qualified lake associations, qualified school districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, town sanitary districts and other local governmental units that are established for the purpose of lake management, are eligible to apply for funding to collect and analyze information needed to protect and restore lakes and their watersheds.
DEADLINE: Applications are due in the DNR regional offices by May 1.
Lake Management Planning Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers the Lake Management Planning Grants Program, which aims to collect and analyze information needed to protect and restore lakes and their watersheds. Eligible projects include water quality, aquatic plant or other monitoring activities; gathering and analysis of physical, chemical, and biological information on lakes. If fecal contamination is suspected in lakes, microbial source tracking could be a useful tool if there's also a need to determine the source in order to craft effective plans for the remediation of the polluted lake. Source Molecular is one of the leaders in the MST industry with more than 10 years experience providing MST services to various clients. Counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, qualified non-profit conservation organizations, qualified lake associations, qualified school districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, town sanitary districts and other local governmental units that are established for the purpose of lake management, are eligible to apply for funding to collect and analyze information needed to protect and restore lakes and their watersheds.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in DNR regional offices and postmarked no later than February 1 for the spring grant cycle and August 1 for the fall grant cycle.
River Protection Planning & River Protection Management Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers the River Protection Planning & River Protection Management Grants Program. River planning grants assist in the formation of a qualified river management organization or in strengthening an existing organization; protection or improvement of rivers and their ecosystems; river improvement education projects; assessments and plan development. River management grants are available for purchasing land or conservation easements, local ordinance development, installation of nonpoint source pollution control practices and river restoration activities. They may also be used for education, planning and design activities necessary for completion of a management project. Eligible planning projects include collection and assessment of water quality, water quantity, and biological or environmental data. Surface water bodies like rivers are susceptible to nonpoint source pollution. For example, polluted runoff from agricultural areas would drain into nearby rivers and streams. Microbial source tracking might be necessary if fecal contamination is suspected and there's a need to determine the source in order to craft effective plans for the remediation of the polluted river. In Source Molecular's MST laboratory, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is used to identify the presence of microorganisms in water samples based on the unique genetic sequence of that organism. Counties, cities, towns, villages, tribes, other local governmental units, qualified river management organizations, and qualified nonprofit conservation organizations are eligible to apply for River Protection Planning & River Protection Management Grants.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received in the DNR regional office postmarked no later than May 1.
Sweet Water Mini-Grant Program
DESCRIPTION: The Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc., administers a Water Quality Mini-Grant Program, which provides grants for projects or activities that aims to achieve healthy and sustainable water resources. Eligible projects include water quality-related activities that will improve water quality. Mini-grants may be used for a single project or for an on-going program, but preference will be given to projects with the potential to make a direct impact on water quality and to offer a long-lasting impact to the community. One of the potential water quality problems is fecal contamination. High concentrations of fecal pollution pose serious health risks to the public. Microbial source tracking identifies the source of fecal contamination, which can lead to better remediation plans. Source Molecular has assisted hundreds of researchers with its MST services. Eligible applicants for the Mini Grants include established non-profit organizations, community and civic groups.
DEADLINE:Visit this website http://www.swwtwater.org for updates.
Targeted Runoff Management Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers the Targeted Runoff Management Grants Program, which offers competitive grants for local governments to control nonpoint source pollution. Eligible projects include total daily maximum load (TMDL) projects and agricultural and urban nonpoint source control projects designed to meet EPA-approved TMDL goals. Eligible costs include construction of structural best management practices and implementation of non-structural cropping practices. Microbial source tracking has been widely used in TMDL development and implementation. Specifically, researchers have used MST to identify the sources that contribute to the observed impairment, determine which sources are likely the most dominant in the watershed of interest, and focus management actions through targeting implementation and identifying controls that are appropriate and relevant to the identified sources. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking. Cities, villages, towns, counties, regional planning commissions, tribal governments, and special purpose lake, sewerage and sanitary districts may apply for Targeted Runoff Management Grants.
DEADLINE: The application period for projects beginning in 2014 is closed.
Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grants Program
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant Program, which offers competitive grants to local governments for planning or construction projects controlling urban nonpoint source and storm water runoff pollution. Eligible projects include illicit discharge detection and elimination. Improperly treated sewage can be released as a result of upsets to the treatment process, as a result of infrastructure failure, or as a result of operator error. It can be a significant source of fecal contamination. To confirm if water systems contain harmful levels of fecal bacteria, microbial source tracking can be used because it can also tell from what host the bacteria come form. Source Molecular's laboratory provides MST results in as little as one working day. Eligible applicants for the Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grants Program include cities, villages, towns, counties, regional planning commissions, tribal governments and special purpose lake, sewage, or sanitary districts.
DEADLINE: The application period for projects beginning in 2014 is closed.
Well Abandonment Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides financial assistance for individuals to properly abandon unused private wells. Unused wells are a direct line for contamination into clean ground water. The DNR will cover eligible costs up to the invoice amount, less the 25 percent cost-share requirement. Well abandonment work must be done according to DNR specifications and the unused private well must be properly abandoned and filled by a licensed well driller or pump installer before payment will be made. Other costs may be eligible if deemed necessary and approved by the ground water program manager. Microbial source tracking analysis may be useful if fecal contamination is suspected. Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in microbial source tracking research and development. Low income landowner, landowner's spouse, heir, assignee/legal representative or renter with an unused private well that needs abandoning may apply for Well Abandonment Grants.
DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted at any time.
Wyoming - Potential Microbial Source Tracking Funding
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control (Section 319) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), Water Quality Division (WQD) will implement a Nonpoint Source Program. The program will work with local agencies, communities, watershed groups, and individuals to promote locally-led projects. The program seeks to build new partnerships and to maintain and improve existing partnerships with other state, local and federal agencies, watershed groups, non-profit organizations, and other parties or individuals also seeking to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution and improve water quality. The Nonpoint Source Program promotes a watershed-based approach to planning and implementing nonpoint source pollution management. The goal of the Wyoming NPS Program is “to identify sources of nonpoint source pollution to surface water and ground water of the State of Wyoming and to prevent and reduce nonpoint source pollution such that water quality standards are achieved and maintained.” The NPS Program accepts proposals for projects to be awarded under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Eligible projects under Section 319 Grants are all projects that demonstrate the real potential to improve water quality by reducing nonpoint source pollution. Microbial source tracking might be necessary if fecal contamination is suspected. In Source Molecular's MST laboratory, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is used to identify from which host the fecal bacteria in the water sample came from. Source Molecular can detect fecal contamination from 11 hosts -- Human, Cattle, Swine, Gull, Goose, Chicken, Dog, Deer, Horse, Bird and Ruminant.
DEADLINE: Request for Proposals is issued once per year, usually mid-June, with proposals due in September. For more information, contact Jennifer Zygmunt by telephone at 307-777-6080 or by e-mail at jennifer.zygmunt@wyo.gov.
Water Quality Planning and Assessment Section 205(j) Grants
DESCRIPTION: The Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division (NPS Program) accepts proposals for projects to be awarded under Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act. Under Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act, the State of Wyoming has funds available to local planning agencies for the purpose of water quality planning and assessment. These funds are not intended for construction or implementation of water quality controls, but rather, are to be targeted for water quality planning and assessment. Only cities, counties and conservation districts are eligible to receive these planning funds. However, the local planning agency may subcontract work to other entities. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) and the Nonpoint Source Task Force are particularly interested in directing these funds to water quality improvement planning and assessment efforts for waterbodies on Wyoming’s 2012 Section 303(d) List. The funds will be awarded as reimbursement grants, which means the funds are issued to the recipient only after proof of disbursements for eligible project activities. Monitoring projects are eligible. Fecal contamination might show up in water monitoring activities. Should the planning agencies need to determine the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking analysis might be helpful. MST is a widely used method for this type of purpose and Source Molecular has more than 10 years of experience in this field. The Company uses only the newest and most robust methods and equipment in microbial source tracking.
DEADLINE: Request for Proposals is issued once per year, usually mid-June, with proposals due in September. For more information, contact Jennifer Zygmunt by telephone at 307-777-6080 or by e-mail at jennifer.zygmunt@wyo.gov.
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