Section 604(b) - Water Quality Management Program (FY 24)

All Section 604(b) Grant Program applications shall be reviewed for completeness, technical merit, cost effectiveness, and adherence to the Clean Water Act, U.S. EPA Section 604(b) program guidance, and the competitive grant evaluation criteria described in this NOFO. Applications found to be complete shall undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review performed in compliance with GATA Legislation 30 ILCS 708 and Uniform Administrative Requirements; 2 CFR § 200. The merit-based review is designed to evaluate applications against the following criteria:

For Watershed-based Plans:

Project Need (0 – 25 points):

The project is for a new watershed-based plan or an update of a watershed-based plan.

• The project is developing a new watershed-based plan (13 points)
• The project is updating an existing watershed plan or watershed-based plan that is more than 10 years old (10 points).
• The project is updating an existing watershed-based plan that is 8-10 years old (8 points).
• The project is developing a watershed-based plan that is less than 8 years old (5 points).

The watershed-based planning area has waterbodies impaired for nonpoint source pollution.

• The watersheds average more than two impaired waterbodies per HUC12 watershed (12 points)
• The watersheds average two or less impaired waterbody per HUC12 watershed (10 points)
• The watersheds do not contain any impaired waterbody at the HUC 12 watershed level (8 points)

Project Readiness (0 – 35 points)

The application identifies a clear strategy to inventory watershed resources

• The application outlines specific strategies to inventory watershed resources (10 points)
• The application outlines a general strategy for inventorying watershed resources (6 points)
• The application does not describe the process for inventorying watershed resources (0 points)

The application identifies a clear strategy for developing the nine key elements into a watershed plan including (a) Causes/Sources of Pollution Identified, (b) Expected Load Reductions for Solutions Identified, (c) Nonpoint Source Management Measures Identified, (d) Technical and Financial Assistance, (e) Education and Outreach, (f) Implementation Schedule, (g) Milestones Identified, (h) Load Reduction Evaluation Criteria, and (i) Monitoring

• The application outlines specific strategies to implement the nine key elements with specific details on the approach for each of the nine elements (15 points)
• The application outlines a general strategy to implement the nine key elements of a watershed plan (6 points)
• The application provides a minimal description of the process to implement the nine key elements of a watershed plan (1 point)

The application includes an inclusive plan for the incorporation of public participation into the planning process

• The application outlines a public participation process that identifies specific partners including local stakeholders and local experts and their roles in the planning process (10 points).
• The application identifies the types of local groups, stakeholders, and experts who would be involved and their roles in the planning process (5 points)
• The application does not identify the types of local groups, stakeholders, and experts who would be involved and their roles in the planning process (0 point)

Sustainability (0 – 10 points)

Project Sustainability

• The project, when completed, includes plan for implementation led by a specific organization or committee of stakeholders after the grant ends (10 points)
• The project, when completed, includes plan for implementation by individual stakeholders without a coordinating organization or committee. (5 points)
• The project, when completed, will no longer have additional activities (0 points)

Nonpoint Source Pollution Activity Coordination (0 – 10 points)

The project continues implementation of other nonpoint source pollution control activities such as BMP construction and/or watershed-based plan implementation

• Applications that document that the project is part of a larger layered effort (ordinances, planning, BMP implementation) to reduce pollutant loads (5 points).
• Applications that link the project only to other project implementation (3 points).
• Applications that document the project as the only work happening within their jurisdiction (2 point).

   

Relationship to Illinois EPA Priority Watersheds 2025 Fiscal Year

• Applications in or directly impacting a Priority Watershed area (5 points).
• Applications that have no relationship to and are not located within a Priority Watershed (0 points).

For BMP Plans

Project Need (0 – 20 points)

The applicant is either a Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organization (RPCPO) or has a State recognized Charter that specifically includes the type of work proposed in the Section 604(b) Grant Program application

• The application is disqualified if not a Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organization (RPCPO) or has a State recognized Charter that specifically includes the type of work proposed in the Section 604(b) Grant Program application

The BMP(s) will address the specific identified polluted runoff need

• The application documents specific pollutant problems that the BMP would address in the location(s) specified (10 points)
• The application does not document a specific need that the BMP would address in the location(s) specified (0 points)

The BMP(s) in the specified location(s) will result in reducing or preventing pollutant loads and/or problems resulting from nonpoint source pollution. 

• 100% of the BMP(s) in their locations will reduce or prevent pollutant loads and/or problems resulting from nonpoint source pollution (10 points).
• The BMP type(s) proposed does not have a specific location(s) but will reduce or prevent pollutant loads and/or problems resulting from nonpoint source pollution in the identified watershed (8 points).
• The BMP(s) in the specified locations will not reduce or prevent pollutant loads and/or problems resulting from nonpoint source pollution (0 points).

Project Readiness (0 – 25 points)

BMP(s) types and location identification

• All sites and BMP(s) identified (13 points).
• The BMP plan(s) are intended as model plans that can be used and customized anywhere in the state (12 points)
• BMP types are identified, but specific locations have not been identified (10 points)
• No sites or BMP types have been identified (0 point).

Site landowners have confirmed permission to implement the project

• BMP(s) owned 100% by applicant or have a legally binding agreements already in place (12 points).
• The BMP plan(s) are intended as model plans that can be used and customized anywhere in the state (11 points)
• BMP(s) with multiple landowners that submitted written confirmation from ALL landowners that they plan to participate (10 points).
• BMP(s) that have some but not all landowner confirmation (8 points).
• BMP(s) without documentation of landowner participation (0 points).

Sustainability (0 – 10 points)

BMPs designed lifespan(s)

• Projects that include 100% of BMPs with lifespan greater than 25 years (5 points).
• Projects that include BMPs with lifespan between 10 and 25 years (4 points).
• Projects that do not exceed the required 10-years of O&M (0 points)

Description of relevant and robust operation and maintenance (O&M) plan, including funds to implement said plan and identification of the entity responsible to implement the O&M plan

• Application specifically outlines the O&M activities necessary for the proposed BMP, source of funding, and responsible entity that has a secured capacity to conduct the required work (5 points).
• Applications provide brief description of required O&M activities, source of funds, and responsible entity (3 points).
• Applications provide no information on O&M activities (0 points).

Nonpoint Source Pollution Activity Coordination (0 – 10 points)

Application continues implementation of other nonpoint source pollution control activities such as BMP construction and/or watershed-based plan implementation

• Applications that document that the project is part of a larger layered effort (ordinances, planning, BMP implementation) to reduce pollutant loads (5 points).
• Applications that link the project only to other individual BMP implementation (3 points).
• Applications that document the project as the only work happening within their jurisdiction (1 point).

Relationship to Illinois EPA Priority Watersheds for Fiscal Year 25

• Applications in or directly impacting a Priority Watershed area (5 points).
• Applications that have no relationship to and are not located within a Priority Watershed (0 points).

For Technical Assistance and Education and Outreach projects, the following criteria will be used:

Project Need (0 – 30 points)

The Outreach and Information or technical assistance project is for a documented issue in the project area.

• The project directly addresses documented nonpoint source pollution issue(s) in the project area (10 points).
• The project is a preventative effort for an issue that is appropriate for the project area (5 points).
• The project is not address documented nonpoint source pollution issue(s) for the project area (0 points).

The Outreach and Information or technical assistance project is a component of an existing Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan.

• The project directly addresses a critical area(s) identified in an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (10 points).
• The project directly addresses a non-critical area(s) identified in an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (5 points).
• The project is not based on an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (0 points)

The applicant documented that they have engaged key stakeholders in participating in the project

• Key stakeholders have documented a willingness to participate in the project (10 points)
• Key stakeholders have been identified, but have not documented their participation in the project (5 points)
• No stakeholders have been identified as participating in the project (0 points).

Project Readiness (0 – 30 points)

The application promotes point and/or nonpoint source pollution control to watershed stakeholders. 

• The application promotes documented point and/or nonpoint source pollution control that is relevant to the project watershed (5 points).
• The application does not promote documented point and/or nonpoint source pollution control (0 point).

The application adequately defines the project’s Goals and Objectives - what the applicant is looking to achieve by engaging the community

• The project clearly defines goals and objectives (5 points).
• The project defines goals and objectives but is not clear (2 points).
• The project does not define goals and objectives (0 point).

The project message or technical assistance is applicable to the NOFO.

• The application has a clear message or technical assistance applicable to the NOFO (5 points).
• The application has a message or technical assistance that is partially applicable to the NOFO (3 points).
• The application has no project message or technical assistance or the message or technical assistance is not applicable (0 point)

The application identifies qualified and appropriate organization(s) to perform outreach and information and/or technical assistance activities.

• The project has qualified and appropriate organization(s) and staff (5 points).
• The project has organization(s) that are qualified and appropriate, but do not have specific staff identified (3 points).
• The project does not have qualified and appropriate organization(s) and staff (0 point).

The application identifies target audience(s)/stakeholders

• The project identifies specific target audience(s) (5 points).
• The project identifies the types of local groups, stakeholders, and experts who are the target audience(s) (3 points).
• The project does not identify the types of local groups, stakeholders, and experts who would be involved and their roles in the process (0 point).

The application identifies delivery mechanisms - the actions that will be taken to engage the target audiences, i.e., meetings, brochures, website, signs, programmatic experiences, educational outreach or technical assistance with partner organizations, tours and/or planting days, displays, newspaper and newsletter articles, etc.

• The application identifies specific delivery mechanisms (5 points)
• The application identifies partial or generic delivery mechanisms (3 points).
• The application does not identify delivery mechanisms (0 points).

Nonpoint Source Pollution Activity Coordination (0 – 10 points)

The project continues implementation of other nonpoint source pollution control activities such as BMP construction and/or watershed-based plan implementation

• The project, when completed, will become part of a continuing monitoring effort after the grant ends (10 points)
• The project, when completed, will no longer have additional activities (5 points)

For monitoring projects, the following criteria will be used:

Project Need (0 – 30 points)

The monitoring project is for a documented nonpoint source pollution issue in the project area.

• The project directly addresses a documented issue in the project area (10 points).
• The project is a preventative effort for an issue that is appropriate for the project area (5 points).
• The project does not address a relevant nonpoint source pollution for the project area (0 points).

The monitoring project is a component of an existing Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan.

• The project directly addresses a critical area(s) identified in an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (10 points).
• The project directly addresses a non-critical area(s) identified in an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (5 points).
• The project is not based on an Illinois EPA Watershed-Based Plan or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (2 points)

The monitoring activity is not being done by other entities

• The monitoring is not being performed by other entities and is documented as a need in the identified waterbodies (10 points)
• The monitoring is being done by other entities, but not at a needed frequency documented in a watershed plan.
• The monitoring is being performed regularly by other entities (0 points)

Project Readiness (0 – 30 points)

The application includes monitoring for point and/or nonpoint source pollution. 

• The application includes monitoring of point and/or nonpoint source pollution that is relevant to the project watershed (6 points).
• The application does not include sufficient monitoring for point and/or nonpoint source pollution (0 points).

The status of the project’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

• Applicant has an Illinois EPA approved QAPP (6 points).
• Applicant has submitted a draft QAPP to Illinois IEPA for review (4 points).
• Applicant does not have a QAPP submitted to Illinois EPA for review (0 points and project is ineligible for scoring).

The application identifies qualified and appropriate organization(s) to lead and/or conduct monitoring activities.

• The application has qualified and appropriate organization(s) and staff (6 points).
• The application has organization(s) that are qualified and appropriate, but do not have specific staff identified (4 points).
• The application does not have qualified and appropriate organization(s) and staff (0 points).

The application identifies a specific delivery mechanism for quality data based on lab accreditation.

• The application identifies specific delivery mechanisms (6 points).
• The application identifies partial or generic delivery mechanisms (3 points).
• The application does not identify delivery mechanisms (0 points)

Environmental monitoring is included in the organization’s state charter.

• The application has monitoring in its state charter (6 points).
• The application does not include monitoring in the organization’s state charter (0 points and project is ineligible for scoring).

Sustainability (0 – 10 points)

Project Sustainability

• The project, when completed, will become part of a continuing monitoring effort after the grant ends (10 points)
• The project, when completed, will no longer have additional activities (5 points)

Nonpoint Source Pollution Activity Coordination (0 – 10 points)

The project continues implementation of other nonpoint source pollution control activities such as BMP construction and/or watershed-based plan implementation.

• Applications that document that the project is part of a larger layered effort (ordinances, planning, BMP implementation) to reduce pollutant loads (5 points).
• Applications that link the project only to other project implementation (3 points).
• Applications that document the project as the only work happening within their jurisdiction (2 point).

  Relationship to Illinois EPA Priority Watersheds for Monitoring for FY 2025

• Applications in or directly impacting a Priority Watershed area (5 points).
• Applications that have no relationship to and are not located within a Priority Watershed (0 points).

Illinois EPA staff will be responsible for evaluating and scoring applications. 

The final individual scores shall be converted into a composite average score for each application. 604(b) funds will be awarded per the NOFO. Program funds will be awarded per the NOFO, starting with the highest ranked project funded first, followed in order by rank and eligibility.

Additional review and selection processes are provided below.

• Illinois EPA will remove ineligible Project components.
• If the amount of available grant funding is not sufficient to fund the application in its entirety, the Evaluation Panel shall review the application to determine if a discrete portion or phase of the project meeting the mission of this NOFO can be funded.
• If the Evaluation Panel determines that an applicant incorrectly calculated or indicated the project cost, match, and/or total funding request based on the applicable cost estimate, required match, or eligible costs, the application shall still be accepted and reviewed. If the applicant is awarded the grant, the Illinois EPA shall contact the applicant and request a decision from the applicant as to whether it will accept the award based on the Illinois EPA’s determination of the project cost, applicant match, and/or total funding requested. If the applicant does not accept the Illinois EPA’s determination, the application shall not be funded.

Based on eligibility and merit criteria, and the Evaluation Panel scoring, the 604(b) Work Plan (Work Plan) Project List will be prepared and submitted to U.S. EPA for approval. The Project List identifies the selected applications (Projects) proposed for funding by Illinois EPA. with a budget spreadsheet, a short narrative summary of each Project, and a copy of the selected Project applications.

Illinois EPA expects to send written notice to each applicant whose Project was not included in the Work Plan informing them that their application was not selected for funding.

Following a decision of intent to award, the Illinois EPA is required by GATA to conduct a programmatic risk assessment of the applicant. Additional information may be required at that time from the successful applicant. To remain eligible for the award, the applicant must provide the requested information within the time specified by the Illinois EPA.

Appeal Process

An appeal process is available to applicants and other interested parties; however, appeals are limited to the Illinois EPA evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the following address: Illinois EPA, Attn: 604(b) Grant Program, Bureau of Water, 1021 N. Grand Avenue, Mail Code #15, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 and must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published by the Illinois EPA on Grants.Illinois.gov. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following: the name and address of the appealing party, identification of the grant, and a statement of reasons for the appeal. Illinois EPA shall acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

When an appeal is received, the execution of the grant in contention that Illinois EPA intends to make under this NOFO shall be stayed until the appeal is resolved, unless the agency head or designee determines that the needs of the State require that the grant program move forward despite the appeal. This determination, and its rationale, must be documented in writing.

Illinois EPA shall respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by Illinois EPA within the time period set in the request. The Director of the Illinois EPA may appoint one or more Appeal Review Officers (ARO) to consider the grant-related appeal and make a recommendation to the Director of the Illinois EPA or designee for resolution. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Director of the Illinois EPA or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the Illinois EPA. The Illinois EPA shall resolve the appeal by means of written determination, which shall include, but not be limited to: review of the appeal, appeal determination, and rationale for the determination.

The anticipated start date for approved projects is April 15, 2026 or the date of the execution of the contract, whichever comes first.