Developing an Approvable Watershed Management Plan

Under Section 319 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), the USEPA provides funding to Michigan's NPS Program for the implementation of nine-element watershed management plans.  The nine-elements are outlined in the USEPA's 2024 NPS Program and Grant Guidelines for State and Territories Appendix B. Organizations seeking 319 implementation funds must have an approved nine-element watershed management plan. Michigan’s NPS Program established a checklist for approving a nine-element watershed management plan. Guidance for developing a nine-element plan is provided in USEPA’s Handbook for Developing Watershed Management Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters. A checklist and guidance for developing these plans are provided below.

• 319 Checklist for Watershed Plan Approval
• USEPA's Handbook for Developing Watershed Management Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters

Section 8808 of Part 88, Water Pollution and Environmental Protection Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, MCL 324.8808, provides EGLE the authority to establish a NPS pollution prevention and control grants program with CMI funds.  CMI rules establish criteria for approving watershed management plans that address NPS pollutants.  Guidance on developing a CMI approvable watershed management plan is outlined in Developing a Watershed Management Plan for Water Quality A checklist for CMI Watershed Management Plans and guidance for developing these plans are provided below.

• CMI Checklist for Watershed Plan Approval
• Michigan’s Guidance for Developing a Watershed Plan for Water Quality