Gulf Hypoxia Program Priority Watershed Implementation - Round 2

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is seeking proposals for nonpoint source pollution edge-of-field control projects to prevent, eliminate, or reduce nitrate loads to Illinois’ surface waters that serve as public water supply sources. The projects should implement edge-of-field agriculture practices proven to reduce nitrate loads from subsurface tile drainage. Examples of best management practices (BMPs) that could be funded through the GHP Priority Watershed Implementation Program include Denitrifying Bioreactor, Saturated Buffer, and Constructed Wetland. • The applicant must have the financial ability to initiate the project, pay expenses, and then request reimbursement from the Illinois EPA. • The applicant must have the authority and ability to implement the proposed project or propose to subcontract portions of the project to the appropriate entities for implementation. • The grantee must certify that it does and shall comply with all provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code and the Illinois Income Tax Act. • The grantee must submit a "Gulf Hypoxia Program Documentation Form Part I" with designs, maps, and pollutant load calculations for all BMPs. • The grantee must secure applicable State and federal permits for all BMPs prior to the start of their implementation. • The grantee must develop and submit a 10-year O&M Plan for each of the BMPs.