Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service

Project Prologue

Nonpoint Source Pollution Projects

Legislation to Acquire Authority for Funding Nonpoint Source Pollution Projects January 2000 The law went into effect on May 1, 2000 that enabled the WQB to make loans from the State Revolving Fund to individuals, corporations, associations, or other private entities to acquire, construct, or implement nonpoint source (NPS) or underground wastewater disposal system (UWDS) projects.

DWQ worked with soil conservation districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Utah Association of Conservation Districts & local health departments to develop the program. NPS project means ‘any facility, system, practice, or mechanism to abate, prevent or reduce pollution of waters of the state caused by nonpoint sources’.

The NPS objectives included: Abate or reduce untreated or uncontrolled runoff; Abate or reduce untreated raw sewage discharges; Improve critical aquatic habitat resources; Preserve and protect beneficial uses; Reduce the number of water bodies not achieving WQ standards; Improve watershed management; Prepare and implement TMDL assessments; Conserve soil, water, or other natural resources; Protect and improve ground water quality; and wastewater collection and treatment.  The Water Quality Board approved the Executive Secretary to authorize funding for projects under $150,000.  Projects must have a water quality improvement component.

Stormwater Projects Water Quality Improvement must be the main component of the project Stormwater Projects are funded through the state loan program.  Interest rates were based on an index of 60% of the 30-year Treasury bond.  Only political subdivisions are eligible. UWDS Projects UWDS projects are for the purpose of replacement or repair of malfunctioning or non-compliant systems only. The loans are for families that meet the eligibility requirements below 150% of the state median adjusted household income.  All loans carry the same interest rate: 60% of the 30-year Treasury bond.

The local health departments determine the project feasibility and issue a certificate of qualification. Originally, loans were for no more than 10 years and no greater than $15,000. The eligible UWDS activities include: septic tank; sewer line from home; absorption system; alternate UWDS; connection to a public sewer; hookup fees, engineering, construction, permits.

Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service