Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program

Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 CWA § 319(h) Grant Application

Project-Specific Task Language

This document is to be used with the CWA Section 319(h) Grant Application Form. It provides example task language for various tasks associated with common NPS projects. Find the appropriate task in the “Project-Specific Task List” below and click the hyperlink (Ctrl + Click) to go to the task. Task language can be copied and pasted directly into the Grant Application Form. Be sure and paste the selected tasks between the “Quality Assurance” and “Final Report” tasks which are already included in the Application Form. Applicants are encouraged to modify language provided below to fit their needs.

REQUIRED TASKS (Already included in Application Form)

  • Project Administration
  • Quality Assurance
  • Final Report

PROJECT-SPECIFIC TASK LIST

  • Watershed Characterization – Data Acquisition and Source Identification
  • Estimating Pollutant Loads and Reductions for WPP Development
  • Watershed Stakeholder Coordination
  • Outreach and Education
  • WPP Development
  • Bridge Document Development
  • BMP Design and Construction
  • BMP Effectiveness Monitoring
  • Cost Benefit Analysis of BMPs
  • OSSF Decommissioning
  • Water Quality Monitoring of Implementation Activities

For further guidance on WPP Development please visit:

Task: / Watershed Characterization – Data Acquisition and Source Identification
Objective: / Collect data and information in order to identify the causes of water quality impairments in the watershed and to quantify the sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments. This task will provide information in order to accomplish Elements A and B of EPA’s nine minimum elements for a watershed-based plan.
Subtask: / Compile Existing Data and Watershed Information –The Grantee will gather existing data and information pertaining to water quality impairments and issues in the watershed. This data and information will, to the extent possible:
  • Describe relevant watershed characteristics;
  • Support Geographic Information Systems analysis;
  • Identify the potential causes of water quality impairments;
  • Identify sources of pollution; and
  • Quantify pollutant loadings from these sources.
This data and information will be assembled into a data inventory for the watershed. The data and information will be presented in appropriate formats including graphs, tables, and maps. (See EPA Handbook, Chapter 5).
Subtask: / Analyze Existing Data – The Grantee will analyze the existing data and information and, to the extent possible, characterize water quality conditions, watershed conditions, and sources of pollution contributing to water quality impairments and issues. The analysis will:
  • Lead to an understanding of where and when water quality impairments occur and possible sources of pollution,
  • Produce a conceptual model of the linkage (cause and effect relationship) between water quality impairment and sources of pollution in the watershed,
  • Identify indicator parameters that can be used to assess current conditions and measure progress toward meeting water quality goals, and
  • Provide the basis for the selection of the analytical method used to estimate pollutant loadings from sources that contribute to the water quality impairments.
(See EPA Handbook, Chapters 4 and 7).
Subtask: / Data Collection – The Grantee will collect additional data and information needed to support the chosen analytical method for estimating pollutant loadings. Monitoring Plans, QAPPs, and other plans needed to support data and information collection activities will be developed and submitted for approval to the TCEQ Project Manager.
The Grantee should describe the sampling strategy including minimum number of sites, minimum number of sampling events and how the data collection meets DQOs. Avoid a level of detail which is likely to require revision during the QAPP development phase of the project.
Subtask: / Site Selection – The Grantee will conduct sampling site reconnaissance at prospective sample sites previously identified, to determine the suitability of sample collection that will best characterize the watershed(s). Once site selection has been finalized, the Grantee will submit sites needing a Station Location request (SLOC request), to the TCEQ Project Manager.
Subtask: / Data Submittals – The Grantee will review, verify, and validate water quality monitoring data before it is submitted to the TCEQ.
The Grantee will submit a report (two times per year) of water quality data that is consistent with TCEQ formatting requirements for upload into the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Information System (SWQMIS).
If water quality data are not appropriate for submittal to SWQMIS, the Grantee will format and submit data in coordination with the TCEQ to the EPA Water Quality Exchange (WQX) network for housing in WQX and/or the EPA STORET (STOrage and RETrieval) Data Warehouse.
Subtask: / Estimating Pollutant Loads – The Grantee will specify the analytical method that will be used to estimate pollutant loadings from sources in the watershed that contribute to water quality impairments. The method selected will be included in the Watershed Characterization Report.
The selection of the analytical method will be based on data availability, pollutants, water body type, source types, time frames, spatial scale, and available resources. Existing data and information will be evaluated to determine if there is sufficient data and information to support the selected analytical method. Gaps in the existing data will be identified, evaluated, and prioritized. (See EPA Handbook, Chapters 6 and 8).
Subtask: / Watershed Characterization and Source Report – The Grantee will develop a report summarizing information developed to characterize the watershed and identify causes and sources of pollution. The report will satisfy Element A, be submitted for approval to the TCEQ Project Manager, and be presented to stakeholders for feedback. Components of the report will include:
  • Identification, mapping, and description of the potential sources of pollution;
  • Identification of possible sources of the pollution;
  • Quantification of loads from identified sources;
  • Identification of sources to the sub-watershed level;
  • Citation and explanation of data sources, estimates, and assumptions;
  • Data collection and analysis;
  • Cause and effect linkage between pollutant sources and water quality standard (endpoint);
  • Description of Urbanized Area if covered by an MS4 permit.

Deliverables: /
  • SLOC Requests
  • Data Submittals (2 per year, minimum)
  • Draft and Final Watershed Characterization/Source Report

Task / Estimate Pollutant Loads and Load Reductions for WPP development
Objective: / Establish the cause-and-effect relationship between pollutant loads from the sources in the watershed and the response in the water body. Complete Elements B, and C of EPA’s nine minimum elements for a watershed-based plan.
Text below describes the general language to be used by the Grantee. Detail should be provided to clarify data, techniques, methods, etc to be used. Analyses can be performed using techniques that range from a simple spreadsheet tool, to a complex watershed model. Simple analyses involve calculating loads on the basis of land use areas and representative loading rates (i.e., load per area of land). Complex analyses involve watershed models.
Subtask / QuantifySourceLoadings – The Grantee will quantify source loadings used in the analysis which may come from: data collected from this project and/or existing data, literature values, existing Reports, a TMDL, etc. Documentation will be provided in the Support Document.
Subtask / Quantify Load Reductions –The Grantee will calculate the amount of load reductions from watershed sources needed to meet water quality standards, and determine approximate timeframe expected until Water Quality Standards are achieved. This task will satisfy element B(i.e., An estimate of the load reductions expected from managementmeasures) of the nine minimum elements.
Subtask / Identify Nonpoint Source Management Measures – The Grantee will describe what measures areneeded and are available to achieve load reductions, and will provide a description of the areas in which those measures should be implemented to achieve water quality standards. This task will satisfy Element C of the nine minimum elements.
Subtask / Draft and Final Support Document – The Grantee will prepare a Draft and Final Support Document. The report shall include: A discussion of all the data and information used for input and analysis of all Tasks/subtasks, source references, and all simulations of the pollutant(s) of interest.
The following is an example of what would be required for a complex model. For less complex models or other even simpler techniques, fewer components would be necessary.
The following elements will be addressed in the Support Document:
  • Hydrological data
  • Summary of data used in model
  • Hydrologic Calibration and key parameters
  • Water Quality Calibration
  • Flow duration analysis
  • Load reduction results
  • Load reduction scenarios using proposed management measures (BMP’s)
  • Timeframe to meet water Quality standards via BMP scenarios
  • Final input files and compiled executable files for models
  • Land use pollutant loadings (potential)
  • Land based washoff loads to waterbody (potential)

Deliverables /
  • Draft & Final Support Document

Task: / Watershed Stakeholder Coordination
Objective: / Conduct local stakeholder meetings, educational programs, provide media updates, and find funding opportunities. The Watershed Coordinator will be charged with facilitating the watershed Stakeholder Group and its Executive Committee for the development or implementation of a WPP.
Subtask: / Stakeholder Facilitation and Meeting Coordination— The Watershed Coordinator will facilitate bi-annual Stakeholder Group meetings. Specifically, the Watershed Coordinator will be responsible for:
  • Developing agendas, arranging meeting facilities, and sending e-mail notifications for meetings;
  • Providing information requested by stakeholders prior to and following meetings;
  • Updating stakeholders on progress of WPP development and/or implementation; and
  • Arranging presentations by guest speakers offering useful information to stakeholders.

Subtask: / Education and Outreach— The Watershed Coordinator will implement an Outreach Campaign by working closely with Stakeholders, local river authorities, county extension agents, county Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) agent, applicable state agency staff, local governments, and other interested groups. The Watershed Coordinator will:
  • Conduct 3 watershed scale educational events;
  • Conduct 15 educational presentations within the watershed.

Subtask: / Media, Public Awareness, and Social Media— The Watershed Coordinator will develop quarterly press releases regarding educational opportunities and distribute to local media personnel. The Watershed Coordinator will work with local radio and/or TV stations to air PSAs/programs about the WPP efforts, water quality and/or, watershed management. The Watershed Coordinator will:
  • Develop five (one per quarter) press releases regarding the WPP, management measure implementation, and progress of the Education Plan;
  • Develop five (one per quarter) PSAs to be aired on local radio and/or television stations;
  • Utilize social media, such as Facebook, for outreach.

Subtask: / Public Outreach Report— The Watershed Coordinator will produce a quarterly summary table of education and outreach activities including: area/group/event served, date of service, number of people reached, and topics covered. The quarterly summary table will be submitted to TCEQ with the QPRs.
Deliverables: /
  • Agendas for stakeholder facilitation meetings
  • Copy of sign in sheet from meetings
  • Watershed scale educational events (3 total)
  • Educational presentations within the watershed (15 total)
  • Quarterly press releases (5 total)
  • Quarterly newsletter (5 total)
  • Quarterly radio PSA (5 total)
  • Public Outreach Report (quarterly with QPRs)

Task: / Outreach and Education
Objective: / Develop NPS resources to educate individuals about their watershed, the impacts of individual actions, and how they can reduce their impacts. The subtasks and deliverables below are just a few examples of outreach and education activities. This objective should be tailored to the outreach and education activities that are specific to the project.
Subtask: / Pet Waste PSA –The Grantee will develop a 30-second video on the importance of picking up after your pets; post the video as a PSA on local media and on rolling ad monitors in businesses in the Watershed; develop an audio version for use as PSAs on local radio stations.
Subtask: / Stormwater PSA –The Grantee will develop a 1-minute video on the fate and transport of pollutants in stormwater; post the video as a PSA on local media and on rolling ad monitors in businesses in the Watershed; develop an audio version for use as PSAs on radio stations in the watershed.
Subtask: / LID Workshops – The Grantee will organize and conduct two workshops on LID practices, including stormwater controls, aimed at municipal officials and employees, landowners, and developers. Educational assessments and evaluations will be administered at the beginning and end of workshops to gauge the knowledge gained and how effective the workshops were for each participant.
Subtask: / Riparian Walk –The Grantee will develop “riparian walk” along name ofCreek, including an informative kiosk and signage that includes QR codes for smart devices.
Subtask: / Storm Drain Stenciling - The Grantee will work with local Stakeholders, schools, advocacy groups and cities to provide stenciling on (number of) drains leading to impaired creeks in the Watershed. Storm drain stenciling involves placing a clean water message next to a storm drains to make the public “storm drain savvy” and less likely to use storm drains for disposing waste.
Subtask: / Media, Public Awareness, and Social Media— The Grantee will develop press releases regarding educational opportunities and distribute to local media personnel. The Watershed Coordinator will work with local radio and/or TV stations to air PSAs/programs about specific educational topics of this contract. The Grantee will:
  • Develop six (two per year) press releases regarding specific education and outreach subtasks;
  • Develop six (two per year) PSAs to be aired on local radio and/or television stations;
  • Utilize social media, such as Facebook, for outreach.

Deliverables /
  • Two NPS videos and associated audio versions to local radio stations
  • Two workshops on LID practices including summary of educational assessment and evaluation results from participants
  • Riparian Walk kiosk (up to 3 total) and signage
  • Picture of Storm Drain stencil and documentation of placement in watershed
  • Six (two per year) press releases
  • Six (two per year) PSAs aired

Task : / WPP Development
Objective: / Develop a stakeholder driven WPP that will present prioritized strategies for the implementation of watershed best management practices to restore and protect the water quality of name of waterbodies.
Subtask: / WPP Development--The Grantee, in collaboration with project partners, will develop a WPP that is consistent with and satisfies the expectations of the nine elements fundamental to watershed-based plans as described in the latest EPA document, Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for State and Territories. The WPP shall be founded on decisions made by stakeholders through the watershed planning process and incorporate findings from project data, analysis, and reports. The Grantee will facilitate public review and stakeholder approval of the WPP. The WPP will:
A.Identify and quantify existing pollutant loadings that need to be controlled;
B.Determine pollutant load reductions needed to meet water quality standards;
C.Identify management practices to achieve water quality standards;
D.Estimate technical and financial assistance needed to implement plan;
E.Describe information and education component needed to implement plan;
F.Develop an implementation schedule;
G.Describe interim measurable milestones for management measure implementation;
H.Describe water quality evaluation criteria; and,
I.Describe monitoring program to assess water quality conditions.
Subtask: / Review and Approval Process – The Grantee will develop a timeline and stakeholder document review plan at the beginning of the project. The review plan will include submittal of multiple interim section drafts for review by stakeholders and the TCEQ.Stakeholders and TCEQ will approve the WPP before it is submitted to the EPA for review. The Grantee will work with stakeholders and the TCEQ to address any EPA comments. The Grantee will release a draft of the WPP to the public and address any comments that may be received. A Final WPP with all EPA comments addressed will be submitted to EPA by TCEQ.
Subtask: / Executive Summary Creation – The Grantee will develop an “executive summary” style document, based on the WPP, which will serve as a public outreach tool to garner support for the implementation of the WPP and achieve long-term sustainability.