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October 28, 2014 Nicole Sandberg and Liz McKercher 2015 TMDL Implementation Project Request for Applications – Questions and Answers October 28, 2014 Nicole Sandberg and Liz McKercher 2

Highlights of Webinar RFA and Application Summary – 10 minutes Resources available on the Web – 5 minutes Answers given to Questions already received minutes Question and Answers – Opportunity to get your questions answered

2015 TMDL Implementation Project Request for Applications NPS Grant Funding Page 2015 TMDL Implementation Project RFA 2015 TMDL Application

2015 TMDL RFA Process Phase 1 - Request for Pre-Applications: Pre-applications will be accepted from organizations and/or partnerships requesting grant support for initiating a new TMDL implementation project. Phase 2 - Upon review of pre-applications, applicants may be invited to participate in an application review meeting (may be conducted through a telephone call or through an in person meeting and site visit) if it is determined more information is needed before extending an invitation to submit a full application and proposal. Phase 3 – Invitation for Full Proposals/Applications: Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application and project scope of work (proposal).

RFA Funding Targets Directly address goals and milestones of a completed TMDL IP that has been approved by EPA or IPs submitted by DEQ to EPA Region 3 NPS Program by October 6, Have a high likelihood of positively impacting water quality Focus on implementation of high priority best management practices (BMPs) and education and outreach activities listed in Phase I or years 1-5 of a TMDL IP. Concentrate limited resources for BMP implementation and outreach in priority subwatersheds identified in the TMDL IP. Include an engaged and meaningful partnership, especially any that are called for in the TMDL IP. Projects that address both local water quality concerns identified in a TMDL IP and regional or statewide initiatives (e.g. the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Watershed Implementation Plan, Clinch River Initiative, etc.)

Eligible Applicants: Public Bodies (governmental entities): as listed in RFA - Local governments (including counties, cities, and towns), county health departments, soil and water conservation districts, planning district commissions, regional commissions, Virginia institutes of higher education, and Virginia state agencies. Applicants and all sub-recipients must be able to be eligible to receive federal funds to participate in this program. Applicants must be willing to receive a grant on a cost- reimbursement basis; upfront advances will not be available.

Partnerships Residential Septic: All proposals must demonstrate a clearly defined partnership with local/county health department(s) in the project area if residential septic system activities are included in the project scope. Urban/Suburban Stormwater: If urban stormwater management activities are included in an application, the proposal must demonstrate an effective partnership with local government staff and appropriate stormwater professionals. Please note 319(h) does not fund NPDES permitted related activities or BMPs installed pursuant to permit obligations. Agriculture: The local soil and water conservation district(s) must be included as a key partner (technical service provider) in any proposal including agricultural BMP implementation. Funding for agricultural BMPs cost share may only be administered to program participants by SWCDs.

Ineligible Activities Projects located outside of an eligible TMDL IP watershed. Implementation of BMPs that are not included in a listed TMDL IP. Unless otherwise approved by DEQ, BMPs not meeting established specifications (specifications are provided by DEQ TMDL BMP Guidelines, the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, the DEQ and Virginia Tech Stormwater BMP Clearinghouse and DCR’s Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Guidelines). DEQ TMDL BMP GuidelinesVirginia Stormwater Management Handbook Stormwater BMP ClearinghouseVirginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Guidelines Activities completed to satisfy an enforcement action or for NPDES/VPDES permit development, implementation or compliance (this includes BMPs and activities credited under a MS4 permit or an MS4 TMDL Action Plan).

Ineligible Activities - Continued Activities that are required by law (excluding correction of failing septic systems and straight pipes, with the exception of discharging septic systems which are not fundable by 319(h) funds). Septic Tank pump-outs exclusively used to meet Chesapeake Bay Act requirements. Public sanitary sewer system improvements including sewer line extensions. Funding for education and outreach activities that are not directly related to achieving goals and milestones of the TMDL IP, this includes staff time spent on these activities in addition to direct financial support for events.

Match Requirement There is a 25% non federal match requirement for funding (25% total project cost). Project cost includes grant request and match funds. For example, a total project budget of $400,000 would include a grant award of $300,00 and a non federal match of $100,000. Federal funds cannot be used to reach the 25% match requirement.

Funding Restrictions All non BMP funding including personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, and other direct costs should not exceed 40% of the BMP funds requested. Cost-share rates for agricultural and residential septic practices must comply with the DEQ TMDL BMP Cost- share Guidelines. The earliest 319 funding will be made available for a project is July 1, 2015 which is the target date for executing 319 grant agreements. Indirect Costs: A maximum of 10% of 319 funds can be requested for Indirect Costs for applicants with a federally approved Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. Indirect funds can be used towards the applicants match if the applicant has a federally approved indirect rate that is higher than 10%.

Funding Restrictions Administrative Support: Grant funds are not allowed for the development of this application or full application (if requested). A maximum of 10% of the grant funds may be requested for administrative activities. Recipients of federal grant funds must administer these funds according to prevailing federal terms and conditions. Septic pump-out cost-share will be capped at 10% of the residential septic cost-share funding requested in this application.

Application Process Due: 11:59 pm on Monday November 17, Send applications to: Please use the subject line: 2015 TMDL RFA_ 2015 TMDL Pre-Application located at: aterFinancingAssistance/NonpointSourceFunding.asp x aterFinancingAssistance/NonpointSourceFunding.asp x

DEQ RFA Contacts General TMDL IP – Piedmont RO – Tidewater RO – Northern RO – Valley RO – Blue Ridge RO – or Southwest RO –

Tips and Resources DEQ NPS Grants Resources Content related to required and optional forms, templates, reports, and terms and conditions. ces.pdf DEQ NPS Program Webpage Resources _PROGRAM_WEBPAGE_RESOURCES.pdf DEQ NPS Funding webpage Open Funding Opportunities and RFPs, Notices of Intent to Award SourceFunding.aspx DEQ NPS Project Manual webpage Site references for Federal rules, cost principles, etc. SourceFunding/GrantProjectManagementManual.aspx DCR 2011 Grant Project Management Manual Most elements still apply; currently DEQ version is being developed _DCR-DSWC%20Grant%20Management%20Manual.pdf

Answers Given Q1: In trying to determine with whom to share this announcement… do you know if MS4 localities can apply for funding for projects that are not specifically identified/required in their permit? Another MS4 scenario would be to apply for funding for a project that would be implemented sooner if the funding were awarded. For example: a BMP would be installed in 2015 instead of 2019 because of 319 funds. Q2: According to Table 1 in the RFA, my county is not eligible for funding, why is this? Q3: How do we characterize the needs of the IP if work has been done for several years and many BMPs have been accomplished and successful? Non 319 funding was used and now we want 319. How do we reflect all we have accomplished and the momentum we currently have, as advantageous to continued funding?

Answers Given Q4: Why were non-profits excluded from the list of eligible applicants? Or My organization does not appear on the list of eligible applicants in the RFA; how do I determine if my organization meets the definition of eligible? Q5: Can a water quality monitoring component be quantifying the edge of stream and/or delivered loads to the Chesapeake Bay or does it have to be actual water quality samples from the stream? Q6a: Why is a certain Implementation Plan IP not included on Table 1 of the RFA as eligible for funding? Q6b: Why was a certain Implementation Plan IP not submitted to EPA for review and therefore not eligible for funding through this RFA?

Answers Given Q6c: Why was a certain Implementation Plan IP 7not included on Table 1 since it has an EPA approved IP? How does an organization tell if an IP has previously or currently received section 319 funds for TMDL Implementation? Why does previous or current funding exclude an IP from funding under this RFA? Q7: Can you please let me know if the required 25% match can be entirely “in-kind” services? We are thinking of partnering with our local SWCD and they would offer their technical services as the in kind match for livestock exclusion. Q8: If we ask for funding for water quality monitoring, what type of QA/QC plan do we need or have to submit? Q9: What BMPs are eligible for funding and are there any BMP specifications or operation and maintenance requirements?

Answers Given Q10: Is this grant available on an annual basis? If so, could this be something we could work towards for next year’s annual goals? Q11: What happens if one of the key partners identified in the TMDL Implementation Plan is no longer able and/or interested in participating in a TMDL Implementation Project? [or] What happens if the assumed lead of the implementation project can no longer serve as the lead for the project? How can a project move forward and how can an application still be submitted?

O&M Plan, QAPP, Landowner Agreements, and more 21

Question and Answer Session Please Ask ALL Questions online.