Once each year, DEQ contacts eligible systems to solicit interest in applying for a planning grant. Responses, submitted as a Letter of Interest, are evaluated, rated, and ranked by DEQ for inclusion on the next annual Priority List. Rating criteria focus on potential public health risks and the status of the system's compliance with state and federal regulations. Highest rankings are given to projects that DEQ has determined will most improve the waters of the state and best protect public health. Grant applications must then be submitted for the highest projects that wish to proceed and for which funding exists.

The number of grants offered each year is limited to available funding. Systems selected to receive grants are required to hire a professional engineer to survey the existing condition of the system, develop and screen alternatives to enable the system to meet future needs, select a recommended alternative, and evaluate the potential environmental impacts. An environmental information document is required of all grant recipients, and a system may be required to develop and implement mitigation measures as the project moves into design and construction.

Each year the Department prepares a priority list defining how it intends to allocate resources for wastewater facilities planning. The FY 10 priority list was reviewed and adopted by the Board of Environment Quality in April 2009.

› View Wastewater Planning Grant Priority List for FY 2010
  (DEQ Publication, April 2009: pdf 15 kb, 3 pages)