The Nebraska Nonpoint Source Management Program is an integrated statewide effort to protect and improve water quality impacted by nonpoint source pollution. (See related article, What Is Nonpoint Source Pollution?)
Nonpoint source pollution is the most prevalent, widespread cause of water quality degradation in Nebraska. Initiated in 1990, the program is largely funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and involves a multitude of federal, state and local agencies and organizations.
The department has initiated major shifts in program activities, including increased emphasis on watershed and groundwater area management planning, targeting of Nonpoint Source Priorities, community participation in project development and implementation, and installation of management practices in smaller areas of manageable size.
Major components of the nonpoint source management program include program administration, nonpoint source monitoring and assessment, and implementation of nonpoint source pollution management projects through Section 319 grant funding. (For more information, go to Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants.or to theInvitation for Nonpoint Source Management Proposals.) Nonpoint source monitoring and assessment is an integral and crucial element for the successful implementation of the program. Water quality information is needed to identify and prioritize nonpoint source problem areas, develop watershed management plans and TMDLs, and evaluate the effectiveness of measures implemented to abate nonpoint source pollution. Currently identified nonpoint source problems and priorities are defined in the primary guidance document of the Nonpoint Source Management program: Strategic Plan and Guidance for Implementing the Nebraska Nonpoint Source Management Program – 2000-2015.