Abstract |
Nonpoint source pollution, long overlooked in federal water pollution regulation, has now become a centerpiece of pollution control efforts. Congress added Section 319 -- the nonpoint source management programs section -- to the Clean Water Act in the 1987 Amendments to demonstrate federal commitment to nonpoint source control activities. Section 319(h) grant money, provided by EPA to individual states, forms an integral part of the federal nonpoint source program. EPA national and regional guidance give direction to the Section 319(h) grant program. As an evolving federal program Section 319 must carve out a niche for itself in relation to ongoing statewide nonpoint source control efforts. This paper provides an analysis of the Section 319 program and the effectiveness of Section 319(h)-funded projects in protecting water quality in Region 10 states, which include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The report identifies characteristics of successful Section 319 projects, reviews selected Section 319 projects, highlights several important issues surrounding the Section 319 program, and makes recommendations for program improvement. |