On September 23, 2021, the Association membership unanimously approved to write a Regional Nonpoint Source EPA 9-Element Watershed Plan. On February 23, 2023, the membership approved contracting with RESPEC ($198,470) for developing the Plan, and on April 4, 2023, the Association officially hired RESPEC.

This Nonpoint Source EPA 9-Element Watershed Plan, in conjunction with the Region’s 208 Areawide Water Quality Management Plan, will provide members with the following, amidst others:

• Best management practices or control measures for both point and nonpoint sources
• Provide a framework to address nonpoint sources, including TMDLs
• Focus on impaired waterbodies and minimizing nonpoint source impacts
• Help fill the gaps outside of MS4 permit coverage
• Allow proactive planning for future growth
• Characterize pollution sources
• Create goals to meet water quality
• Deliver specific actions and milestones to help pick projects to restore the water body
• Characterize and identify practices that protect or improve water quality for agriculture
• Explore and determine funding opportunities for identified projects
• Facilitate water quality trading between point and nonpoint sources to restore water quality economically.

Nonpoint Source EPA 9-Element Watershed Plans are required if local communities would like to compete for funding assistance administered by CDPHE’s Nonpoint Source Program to support the implementation of control measures or best management practices that directly address nonpoint source pollution. Creating a regional plan is a significant benefit for members not having to fund it themselves. This Plan creates proactive solutions since CDPHE’s nonpoint source program funding is incentivized and focuses on voluntary, nonregulatory actions.