Virginia DEQ announces $20M program to reduce Chesapeake Bay pollution

The Virginia DEQ is launching a one-year pilot program to try to reduce nonpoint source pollution impacting the Chesapeake Bay.

The $20 million Pay-For-Outcomes Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction grant program will provide payments based on the number of pounds of pollution actually removed or prevented.

Businesses, nonprofits and government entities can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $7.5 million to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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Details

• Applications are due Feb. 3, 2025.
• An informational webinar will be held on Oct. 1 at 11 a.m.
• Additional information, including a link to register for the webinar, is available on the DEQ website.

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An explainer from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality tells us that the proposals may rely on Best Management Practices already commonly used in Virginia or may offer novel technologies based on sound science.

The applicants will offer a price per pound of pollution reduced, and payments will be based on actual reductions.

The proposals will be reviewed by a panel of scientific experts and ranked primarily on the cost per pound of pollution reduction but will also consider the habitat and resilience benefits, readiness to proceed, and other factors.