The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch is soliciting proposals for projects on Kaua‘i and throughout the state to protect and improve water resources by controlling nonpoint source pollution. If unchecked, that type of pollution could pollute drinking water
The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch is soliciting proposals for projects on Kaua‘i and throughout the state to protect and improve water resources by controlling nonpoint source pollution.
If unchecked, that type of pollution could pollute drinking water supplies, recreational areas and land and water-based animals and organism, DOH officials said in a news release.
DOH officials said that type of pollution or polluted runoff is the nation’s largest water quality problem.
Such pollution occurs when rainwater moves over and through places like yards, playgrounds and parking lots, picking up soil, chemicals and animal waste to storm drains, streams and oceans. The polluted water can then enter into drinking water systems.
For the DOH project, organizations that meet state requirements can qualify for up to $200,000 in matching federal grant funds administered by the agency.
The University of Hawaii Office of Research Services received $106,080 in similar DOH grant funds in the past to develop a watershed assessment and protection plan for water sources in the Nawiliwili area.
DOH spokesperson Lawana Collier said it was her understanding that UH staffers looked at existing documents and environmental data to develop a plan for that area.
The researchers also conducted their own monitoring efforts to identify sources of pollution, Collier said. The project started in 2001 and is anticipated to be completed by December of this year, she said.
The project was conducted in a once-rural area that has undergone some urbanization in recent years.
The project area also is home to a wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alekoko Fishpond, which, according to folklore, was built by Menehunes. In later years, the fishpond was used by ancient Hawaiians to store and conserve fish stock.
For the DOH project on Kaua‘i, Dr. Aly El-Kadi of the UH Department of Geology and Physics applied for the federal grant funds.
He worked with Jon Schlegel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service on Kaua‘i in developing the watershed plan for the Nawiliwili area, Collier said.
Those interested in submitting a proposal to the DOH for the latest projects can go to http://www.hawaii.gov/doh/eh/cwb/pubntcs/#fy2004rfp.
Copies also can be requested by calling 1-808-586-4309, or toll free at 1-800-468-4644, ext. 64309.
