Nonpoint Source Planning
What's New
- December 2024 - Public comments on the Draft Neuse Watershed Model are being accepted until April 1, 2025. Comments may be sent to Pam Behm, DWR Modeling and Assessment Branch Chief, at Pamela.Behm@deq.nc.gov or John Huisman, Neuse Nutrient Strategy Coordinator, at John.Huisman@deq.nc.gov.
- January 2025 - Public comments on proposed amendments to the Tar-Pamlico Wastewater Rule (NCAC 02B .0733) are being accepted until March 3, 2025.
- January 2025 - The Jordan, Falls, Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rules readoption schedules were approved by the Environmental Management Commission and accepted by the Rules Review Commission.
- January 2025 - Award list of Fiscal Year 2024 205j Grants.
- February 2025 - Fiscal Year 2025 319 Grant RFP Coming Soon.
Nonpoint source pollution, often referred to as polluted runoff, describes water that gathers pollutants after coming into contact with rooftops, roads, farm fields and other surfaces. This pollution is carried through groundwater and surface flow to our lakes, rivers and estuaries. Pollutants can be naturally occurring or anthropogenic and include sediments, nutrients and metals. Since Congress began investing heavily in improving wastewater treatment and other point sources of pollution the 1970s, nonpoint source pollution has emerged as the leading cause of water quality degradation in North Carolina and nationwide. Nonpoint source pollution harms the waters we use for fishing, swimming and drinking.
The Nonpoint Source Planning Branch leads the implementation of the State’s nonpoint source pollution management program using two complementary approaches. First, the branch manages federal grant funds that support planning and restoration projects throughout North Carolina. The grants managed by the unit are the 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant and 205(j) Watershed Planning Grant.
Second, the branch leads the development, implementation, and oversight of regulatory nutrient strategies to restore North Carolina’s most strategically and economically valuable waters. Comprehensive nutrient strategies are in place to restore the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse Estuaries as well as Falls and Jordan Lakes.
Beyond these NPS initiatives managed directly by the branch, 319-funded and other staff in a range of units, divisions and departments of state government are engaged in the management of nonpoint source pollution stemming from various sources. The branch carries out USEPA’s charge for states to manage nonpoint source pollution in a planned and coordinated manner. This coordinated approach, involving the work of the branch, its partners and grantees, is guided by and captured in North Carolina’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan (2018).
Staff Contacts
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