Region 6 Provides Funding for Monitoring and Control
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 6 reported that it has awarded several grants to Louisiana and two Pueblos in New Mexico.
EPA has awarded $174,000 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to conduct ambient water quality monitoring in various ecoregions in Louisiana. The state agency will collect continuous water quality monitoring data needed for dissolved oxygen, nutrient and other criteria development and will also collect fish tissue samples and conduct a water quality database implementation needs assessment.
Another $809,652 will go to LDEQ to assist in the implementation of its Nonpoint Source Management Plan, which is designed to meet the goals of the federal Clean Water Act. Funding through this cooperative agreement will support various projects and will help to address water quality problems in the state.
EPA has awarded $291,769 to the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico. The Pueblo will use the funds to provide continued support for its water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Pueblo lands will continue for the purpose of compiling data that may show changes over time to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data obtained after water sampling will determine whether water quality needs of the Pueblo are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Pueblo’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.
The agency has awarded $130,000 to the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico, which will also use the funds to support its water pollution control program.