Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program

2021 Annual Report

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

Introduction

Its goals are to identify sources of nonpoint source pollution to surface water and groundwater of the State of Wyoming, and to prevent and reduce nonpoint source pollution such that water quality standards are achieved and maintained. 

The program works through a set of overarching principles that emphasize voluntary and incentive-based participation, locally led projects, partnerships, measurable water quality improvement, and effective and efficient program administration.

This report provides a summary of the activities and accomplishments of the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program for 2021 in order to educate the public about actions being taken by state, local, and federal agencies to address nonpoint source pollution in Wyoming.

A Closer Look at Nonpoint Source Pollution

Did you know that nonpoint sources of pollution cause the majority of Wyoming's (and the nation's) surface water quality impairments? Impaired waterbodies are those streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that are not meeting water quality standards. Standards are established to ensure waters support their designated uses, such as drinking water, recreation, fisheries, agriculture, industry, and others.

What is nonpoint source pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution refers to a broad range of pollution sources that are not regulated or permitted. Typically, nonpoint source pollution occurs when surface water runoff (from rainfall, snowmelt, and human activities like irrigation) picks up contaminants as it travels over or percolates through the ground. These contaminants are deposited into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Nonpoint source pollution can also be caused when stream and river channels become unstable, resulting in erosion and sedimentation. Common nonpoint source pollutants include fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural and residential activity; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff; sediment from construction activity or streambank erosion; and pathogens and nutrients from livestock and pet waste or failing septic systems.

What nonpoint source pollution problems do we have in Wyoming?

The DEQ collects biological, chemical, and physical data on Wyoming's surface waters and analyzes that data to make assessment decisions (i.e., determining if a waterbody is or is not meeting established water quality standards). Other agencies, such as conservation districts, can also submit data that the DEQ may use for assessment decisions. 

DEQ staff collect biological, chemical, and physical data on Wyoming's rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

Most, but not all, of Wyoming's surface water impairments are caused at least in part by nonpoint source pollution. The three nonpoint source pollutants causing the majority of Wyoming’s surface water quality impairments are pathogens, sediment, and selenium. For more information about water quality impairments, please see the "Reports" section of Wyoming's  Water Quality Assessment webpage  to view the 2020 Integrated 303(d) and 305(b) Report.

This map shows surface waters that have been monitored and assessed; waters in Category 4A (orange) and Category 5 (red) are those not meeting water quality standards.

What is the DEQ doing to address nonpoint source pollution in Wyoming?

The DEQ Water Quality Division (WQD) is responsible for administering most of the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA) that are delegated to the State of Wyoming. The Nonpoint Source Program is one of several CWA programs within the Watershed Protection Section of the WQD. Managing nonpoint source pollution is an integrated effort between the multiple programs of the Watershed Protection Program (see graphic to the right). 

Section 319 of the federal CWA provides grant funds to states, tribes, and territories for nonpoint source pollution control. Wyoming uses these grant funds to mitigate nonpoint source pollution through voluntary, incentive-based methods.

Through a competitive proposal process, the Nonpoint Source Program annually awards Section 319 grant funds to locally sponsored projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect the quality of our streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.  

In addition, Sections 205(j) and 604(b) of the Clean Water Act provide grant funds to states for water quality management planning. Cities, towns, counties, and conservation districts are eligible to apply for these funds to sponsor projects related to monitoring, assessment, watershed plan development, or other planning-related projects.

Interested in applying for grant funds? Click the button below and navigate to the "Grant Resources" tab for more information.

The Nonpoint Source Task Force

Wyoming is unique in that the members of its Nonpoint Source Task Force are citizens appointed by the governor to represent various interests within the state. This has provided an additional link between the state program and the general public to ensure that grant funds meet the needs of Wyoming. The Task Force has provided sound input on program directions and helpful insight when selecting projects for funding on an annual basis. Most members have served at least two four-year terms, with several current members serving their third or fourth term. The commitment of members and the amount of time they have volunteered contributes significantly to the success of the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program, and the DEQ wishes to extend its continued appreciation to all current and past Task Force members.

Photo credit: Brenda Schladweiler, NPS Task Force

Program Accomplishments, 1999 - 2021

A total of 223 projects have been sponsored by local, state, or federal partners.

Over $23.1 million in grant funds have been invested in nonpoint source pollution reduction projects. Over $22.3 million in nonfederal funds have matched these projects.

A total of 56 agencies or organizations have sponsored projects. Conservation districts continue to sponsor the majority (57%) of projects.

Out of four broad project types (implementation, education, planning/assessment, and groundwater), the majority of funds ( 78%) continue to be spent toward implementation projects that install on-the-ground best management practices for water quality improvement in Wyoming's streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Water quality monitoring data continue to show positive results. To date, 17 stream and river segments totaling over 200 miles have been restored to meeting water quality standards using technical and financial assistance provided by the DEQ. All of Wyoming's restoration success stories can be viewed on  EPA's Nonpoint Source Success Stories website .

2021 At A Glance

Wyoming received $967,000 with the 2021 Section 319 grant; funds were awarded to nine projects.

Wyoming received $40,000 with the 2021 Section 205(j) grant; funds were awarded to one new project. The project received partial funding from both the Section 319 and Section 205(j) grants.

A total of 36 projects were active in 2021 (33 Section 319 projects and three Section 205(j) projects). Click  here  for a complete list of projects.

Twelve projects were completed in 2021 (10 Section 319 projects and two Section 205(j) projects).

It is estimated that Section 319 projects completed in 2021 reduced:

  • sediment loading by over 1,280 tons/year
  • nitrogen loading by over 1,015 pounds/year
  • phosphorus loading by over 140 pounds/year
  • E. coli loading by over 1.3E+13 MPN*/year
  • (MPN = Most Probable Number)

Numerous best management practices were implemented in 2021, including:

  • 193 acres of cropland converted from flood to sprinkler irrigation
  • nearly 20,000 feet of open irrigation ditch converted to closed pipeline
  • 104 acres of cropland improved with soil health practices
  • 7 off-channel water projects completed
  • nearly 4,450 feet of riparian fencing and cross fencing for grazing management installed
  • over 11,000 feet of stream channel/bank restoration or protection completed
  • 3 push-up dams replaced with natural channel design features
  • 2 riparian revegetation projects completed
  • 1 faulty septic system replaced
  • 1 municipal stormwater treatment unit installed
  • 4 pet waste stations installed

New Projects in 2021

01 / 09
1

Green River Restoration Project

This project will use Natural Channel Design principles to stabilize ~2,000 feet of unstable bank on the Green River within the city limits of Green River, Wyoming. This project will narrow and deepen the river channel and increase the bankfull bench through techniques like installing toe-wood, bank shaping, and bankfull bench construction. Stream monitoring shows that the eroding bank is contributing approximately 1,600 tons of sediment per year to the Green River and Flaming Gorge. The river bank instability also poses threats to existing infrastructure (bridge, hiking trail, power line pole, river access point, parking lot, and electric pole).

PROJECT SPONSOR: Trout Unlimited 319 AWARD: $76,909

Photo credit: Trout Unlimited

2

Partnering to Address Sediment Runoff in the Shoshone River Watershed

Formed by the WDEQ after a sizable sediment release in 2016 at Willwood Dam, Work Group 3 (WG3) is tasked with addressing sediment runoff in the Shoshone River Watershed above the dam. The Cody Conservation District (CCD) is an active participant in the workgroup and will assist WG3 in their efforts in the watershed by: 1) Processing sediment samples and 2) Increasing public awareness about WG3 by providing marketing assistance to re-brand WG3 by developing a logo for the group.

If funds are available after processing sediment samples needed, the CCD will secure additional marketing assistance to develop a short video clip. This video will raise public awareness about WG3 and its efforts to address sediment runoff.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Cody Conservation District 319 AWARD: $2,700 205(j) AWARD: $40,000

Photo Credit: Cody Conservation District

3

Sheridan County Water Quality Improvements #7

This project will continue to reduce bacteria and sediment pollution in the Tongue River, Goose Creek, Prairie Dog Creek, and their tributaries. Improvement projects will address contributions from livestock, septic systems, irrigation diversions, unstable stream channels, and urban/residential runoff. Outreach efforts will increase awareness on water quality impacts and encourage program participation. Continued water quality monitoring will be used to track progress, document water quality changes, and evaluate program effectiveness.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Sheridan County Conservation District 319 AWARD: $297,040

Photo credit: Sheridan County Conservation District

4

Statewide Nonpoint Source Information, Education, and Training Program

This project will continue education efforts through the Watershed Progress report to inform decision makers and the public of activities being undertaken to improve water quality in Wyoming by Conservation Districts and partners.  It will also help provide necessary water quality training for Conservation District employees and other samplers when collecting credible data and assist with audits for quality assurance. This project will continue maintenance of the SuiteWater mapping application that is used for watershed and natural resource planning by Conservation Districts and approved partners. Finally, this project will conduct a Statewide Watershed Conference in 2022 to provide an educational and informational opportunity for statewide partners to learn about a wide range of water quality topics.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts 319 AWARD: $36,269

Photo Credit: Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts

5

Spread Creek Fish Passage and Stabilization Project (Phase 2)

This project is a large partnership effort including Trout Unlimited, Grant Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Teton Conservation District. This project will stabilize a diversion structure, the stream banks, and the stream channel on a stretch of Spread Creek that experiences extremely high vertical and lateral instability, evidenced by downcutting and bank erosion. Project activities are expected to reduce annual sedimet inputs into Spread Creek by 65 percent.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Trout Unlimited 319 AWARD: $31,420

Photo Credit: Trout Unlimited

6

Little Powder River Watershed Implementation Project Phase IV

This project will work to further characterize and reduce E. coli and fecal coliform loading to the Little Powder River through outreach, education, effectiveness monitoring, and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) through the watershed. BMPs will primarily consist of hard-armored low-water crossing, off-channel water development, and riparian fencing to reduce impacts from livestock and wildlife on the river.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Campbell County Conservation District 319 AWARD: $85,844

Photo Credit: Campbell County Conservation District

7

Belle Fourche River Watershed Collaborative: 2021-2024

Conservation districts in Campbell and Crook Counties will collaborate in 2021-2024 to improve water quality in the Upper Belle Fourche River Watershed. Activities include a multi-faceted monitoring strategy to provide greater insight into bacteria/pathogen loading in the Donkey Creek subdrainage and nutrient monitoring to protect human health and recreation at Keyhole Reservoir. Voluntary implementation of best management practices (BMPs) will be promoted, as will outreach efforts to inform the public about water quality concerns.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Crook County Natural Resource District 319 AWARD: $259,030

Photo Credit: Crook County Natural Resource District

8

New Fork Gas Wells Habitat Restoration

This project will continue efforts by Wyoming Game and Fish Department in their overall "New Fork River Restoration" efforts and will support further implementation on the 2-mile "Gas Wells" stretch of the New Fork River that contains degraded stream form and function, many eroding banks, and poor habitat for aquatic life. Objectives include: 1) stabilize erosion of the New Fork River in the "Gas Wells" section, 2) reduce the ~300 tons per year of sediment inputs by 90 percent across the reach, and 3) improve trout habitat by increasing channel diversity and improving stability.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Wyoming Game and Fish Department 319 AWARD: $226,845 (to date)

Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department

9

Bear River Restoration Project III

The goal of this project is to reconstruct one irrigation ditch diversion and restore 6,500 feet of channel on the Bear River north of Evanston, Wyoming. This is the third phase of project work in this water quality limited reach of the stream and will implement the fourth and fifth restoration projects in this area. Projects are being designed and constructed based on restoration principles that promote a more stable, self-maintaining river under the current hydrologic conditions.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Uinta County Conservation District 319 AWARD: $159,333

Photo credit: Uinta County Conservation District

Projects Completed in 2021

01 / 08
1

Sheridan Stormwater Catch Basin

This project sought to reduce sediment contributions to Goose Creek, a perennial stream that runs through the City of Sheridan, by installing multiple catch base stormwater filtration systems to capture sediment and other pollutants before they entered the stream. A secondary goal was to educate the community on the importance of stormwater treatment to improve water quality.

The City of Sheridan initially, and through this grant funding, installed seven Gutter Bins, or catch basin filters designed by Frog Creek Partners, throughout the City. This initial installation and public outreach allowed for 30 additional Gutter Bins to be installed through separate funding sources. It is estimated that each Gutter Bin has an annual load reduction estimate of 100 pounds of sediment per year. These stormwater filters also capture and reduce trash and hydrocarbon loading to receiving waterbodies.

PROJECT SPONSOR: City of Sheridan 319 FUNDS SPENT: $23,623 LOCAL MATCH: $18,770

2

Booth Diversion Restoration Project

The purpose of this project was to  construct a permanent diversion structure in an impaired segment of the Bear River near Lander, WY to reduce sediment loads and stabilize stream banks while still allowing for adequate water delivery to local irrigators. . Over the course of two phases of this project, Trout Unlimited and partners brought the project to successful completion through a collaborative effort. Contractors installed 2,280 feet of toe wood to stabilize the riverbank and 3 rock structures for grade control structures. The contractors also reshaped 4,400 feet of the Bear River to address river function. Through this project bankfull benches to improve stream function. After the completion of Phase I, project partners had an on-site tour with several local stakeholders, which resulted in additional project work in the area to address problems in the Bear River watershed.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Trout Unlimited 319 FUNDS SPENT: $202,256 LOCAL MATCH: $123,115

Photo Credit: Trout Unlimited

3

Slick-Bighorn/Lower Nowater Implementation

The goal of this project was to promote and implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce bacterial load contributions from cropland to Sage Creek, Slick Creek, and Nowater Creek. The Washakie County Conservation District maintained an active, collaborative watershed improvement effort, to provide outreach, technical assistance, and cost share funding to implement seven irrigation BMP projects. These projects replaced open irrigation ditches with almost 17,000 feet of closed pipeline and two irrigation reservoirs, treating approximately 1,800 acres of cropland. Overall, this project had estimated load reductions of: - 1.3E + 13 MPN/year of E. coli - 1,016 lb/year of Nitrogen - 143 lb/year of Phosphorus - 482 T/year of Sediment

PROJECT SPONSOR: Washakie County Conservation District 319 FUNDS SPENT: $198,669 LOCAL MATCH: $141,545

Photo Credit: Washakie County Conservation District

4

Pole Mountain Sediment Reduction

The goal of this project was to reduce sediment/pathogens in streams, wetlands, and water bodies in the Middle Crow Creek Watershed from nonpoint sources (unauthorized routes, unsustainable system roads and poorly placed dispersed campsites), by decommissioning these areas and restoring wetland/riparian function. This has been accomplished by decommissioning and rehabilitating approximately 12 miles of road and routes in the Middle Crow Creek Watershed, and 25 miles of unsustainable roads and travel routes on the Pole Mountain Unit and 80 dispersed campsites on the 700 road corridor, over half of which were within 100 feet of streams and wetlands.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests 319 FUNDS SPENT: $25,000 Local Match: $18,008

Photo Credit: Medicine Bow-Routte National Forests

5

Little Medicine Bow River Sediment Reduction (Phases I & II)

The purpose of these projects was to reduce sediment loading to the Little Medicine Bow River (LMBR) through voluntary, collaborative livestock best management practices. Through this project, over 15 miles of pipeline were installed along with 13 off-channel watering tanks, one storage tank, and livestock exclusion fencing to limit livestock impacts to the riparian area and stream banks. These projects will reduce bank instability and allow riparian revegetation to armor the stream banks.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Medicine Bow Conservation District 319 FUNDS SPENT: $82,205 Local match: $105,519

Photo Credit: Medicine Bow Conservation District

6

Salt Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Restoration

Salt Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Restoration was a collaborative project to address habitat limitations, improve water quality and reduce risks to the Salt Creek watershed. The project started in earnest in 2017 with an assessment and design development to address three objectives: 1) adjust the stream channel and riparian floodplain to minimize negative impacts of a salt mine located in the Salt Creek floodplain; 2) improve hydrologic function and fish passage at an undersized and perched road crossing; and 3) modify existing instream structures to improve stream function. Construction began in September 2020 and included realigning Salt Creek into a single channel away from the footprint of the mine and constructing a vegetated berm around the river channel to prevent interaction between the river and the mine. In-channel work included natural channel designs that maximized stream function and fish habitat. The channelized reach of Salt Creek downstream of the culvert was realigned back into a relict channel and an aluminum box culvert was installed across this channel to improve fish passage and floodplain connectivity. Problematic historical habitat structures upstream of the salt mine were removed and replaced with floodplain benches with transplanted willow clumps.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Wyoming Game and Fish Department 319 FUNDS SPENT: $37,500 Local Match: $37,064

Photo Credit: Wyoming Game and Fish Department

7

Dry Creek Channel Phase II Channel Redesign

The purpose of this project was to create a 100% engineering design to address and ultimately redesign a highly eroded stretch of Dry Creek, a tributary to Crow Creek, to allow for a reduction in the sediment reaching Crow Creek and bring better form and function back to the stream.

The Laramie County Conservation District contracted with the River Design Group who delivered a 100% design, with natural channel design principals employed, that is now presentable for permitting and future implementation.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Laramie County Conservation District 319 FUNDS SPENT: $15,467.50 Local Match: $4,893

Photo Credit: Laramie County Conservation Disstrict

8

Fremont Lake Monitoring

In summer 2019, the Town of Pinedale initiated a watershed study of Fremont Lake (the Town's drinking water source) in response to unusually high coliform bacteria numbers in samples from across Fremont Lake. In this project, the Town continued its enhanced water quality monitoring in Fremont Lake to further establish baseline data and better understand factors influencing the water quality in Fremont Lake. This project incorporated water sampling for bacteria, MST, nutrients, and personal care products (PCPs) in Fremont Lake and Pine & Sylvan Bay Creeks, two tributaries to Fremont Lake. The consultant team that managed the 2019 Watershed Study analyzed the sampling data from the summer of 2020 and provided a report of that analysis. This information will help the Town to effectively manage the Fremont Lake watershed so it can continue to be used as our drinking water source for many years to come. As part of the watershed research and education efforts, the Town piloted 4 pet waste stations at recreational locations around Fremont Lake. These stations were placed to investigate the public’s use of these stations. The Town also coordinated with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the United States Forest Service Pinedale Ranger District to design improved signage around Fremont Lake to educate the public about responsible watershed protection practices.

PROJECT SPONSOR: Town of Pinedale 205(J) FUNDS SPENT: $27,659 Local Match: $9,880

Photo credit: Town of Pinedale

2021 Accomplishments by Program Objective

The Nonpoint Source Program works each year to meet nine objectives established in the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Management Plan (2013 Update). This next section describes those objectives and highlighted accomplishments for 2021.

01 / 10

Objective 1: Identification and Prioritization

The first objective of the Nonpoint Source Program is to identify waterbodies impaired or threatened due to nonpoint source pollution and to prioritize those waterbodies for restoration or protection efforts. Much of this work is conducted by the Standards, Monitoring, and Assessment Programs within the WQD Watershed Protection Section, as well as the WQD Laboratory. Highlighted 2021 accomplishments include the following:

  • Standards Program staff completed the 2021 Year in Review for the Wyoming Nutrient Strategy, shown to the right.
  • Assessment Program staff published a new interactive map for assessed waterbodies and their associated fact sheets.
  • DEQ, the Wyoming Department of Health, and other partners continued to update and implement the  Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom (HCB) Action Plan . Health advisories were posted for 34 lakes and reservoirs. Visit the  HCB Advisories Story Map  to learn more.
  • Watershed programs continued to conduct outreach and education activities with conservation districts, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, and NRCS to discuss implementation of a proactive water quality initiative for Boysen Reservoir, which has been prioritized for nutrient reduction efforts.

2021 harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB) at Woodruff Narrows Reservoir. Photo credit: WY DEQ, HCB Program

Objective 2: Planning

The second objective of the Nonpoint Source Program is to develop plans that outline how water quality impairments caused by nonpoint source pollution can be addressed. The Nonpoint Source Program works extensively with the  Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program  to achieve this objective, as TMDLs provide information about how impaired waterbodies can be restored. Highlighted accomplishments for 2021 include the following:

  • TMDLS for 16 impaired segments are currently in progress for the Tongue River watershed, the Laramie River watershed, the Wheatland/Rock Creek watershed, and the Crow Creek watershed.
  • 87 total nonpoint source impaired segments are addressed by an approved nine-element planning document. This represents 64% of the nonpoint source impaired segments in the FY20 Integrated Report.

Watershed-based plans have been completed or are being developed for over 64% of the waterbodies where nonpoint sources of pollution contribute to a water quality impairment.

Watershed Planning and Willwood Dam

Since 2017, stakeholders on Willwood Work Group #3 have been working collaboratively to develop a watershed plan and to begin implementation of best management practices in the watershed to to reduce sediment loading to the Shoshone River. This work group is one of three that formed as part of the multi-agency response to the 2016 sediment release from behind Willwood Dam.

In 2019, the watershed plan was completed and released to the public. The watershed plan was developed in the format of two Story Maps. The first,  Working Together to Protect the Shoshone River , provides an overview of Work Group #3 and the plan. The second map, available to the right, provides detailed watershed planning information by subwatershed.

Work Group #3 has since worked to pursue financial and technical resources to begin implementing the plan and to continue water quality monitoring activities. Several implementation activities are underway in the watershed.

Objective 3: Implementation

Following development of restoration plans (TMDLs and watershed-based plans), the third objective of the Nonpoint Source Program is to provide financial and technical assistance to local sponsors for projects that implement those plans in order to restore impaired waterbodies. Highlighted 2021 accomplishments include the following:

  • Four new projects were awarded funding to implement restoration activities on impaired waterbodies; these projects were awarded 82% of the total 2021 project grant funding.
  • Three new projects were awarded funding to implement restoration activities on unimpaired waterbodies with documented water quality concerns based on available monitoring data.
  • Seven implementation projects working to reduce nonpoint source pollution to impaired waterbodies were completed in 2021.
  • As of the end of FY21, a total of 67 (49%) nonpoint source impaired segments were being or had been addressed by at least one BMP implementation project in accordance with a nine-element plan.

Photos to the right: Slide photos to see a before and after of a road decommission and rehabilitation project to reduce sediment and pathogen loads in the Middle Crow Creek Watershed. Approximately 12 miles of road and routes in the watershed were decommissioned. Project sponsored by Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, completed in 2021. Left: before restoration, Right: after restoration. Photo credit:  United States Forest Service Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests  

Objective 4: Document Environmental Results

As projects are implemented, it is an objective of the Nonpoint Source Program to collect data or use other methods to evaluate and document environmental benefits. Although data collection is a challenging part of nonpoint source projects,  Wyoming's 16 nationally recognized success stories  would not have been possible without collection of water quality data by DEQ and project sponsors. Highlighted accomplishments in 2021 include the following:

  • Effectiveness monitoring was conducted at the Lower Capitol Basin Sediment Trap Wetland (NPS201C) by DEQ Monitoring Program staff.
  • Monitoring efforts on the Shoshone River related to Willwood Dam work group efforts (including watershed planning and future implementation) continued in 2021. These data will provide a baseline for future NPS projects in the watershed.

Photo to the right provided by Cody Conservation District.

The NPS program continues to emphasize the importance of project effectiveness monitoring, and the majority of BMP implementation projects include an effectiveness monitoring component.

Objective 5: Protection

In addition to restoring waterbodies that are impaired, the Nonpoint Source Program also works to protect waterbodies that are high quality or experiencing degradation. Protection projects can sometimes be the most cost-effective solution to making sure our waters are safe for drinking, recreation, and other uses. Highlighted accomplishments for 2021 include the following:

  • Five Section 319 projects were active in 2021 that either protected high quality waterbodies or sought to reverse water quality degradation.
  • 15% of 2021 Section 319 project funds were awarded to protection projects.
  • The photo to the right shows an example of a protection project sponsored by Trout Unlimited on Lower Swift Creek. The project stabilized approximately 2,800 feet of stream bank through channel realignment, grade control, and other best management practices. Learn more by visiting this  press release  authored by Trout Unlimited.

Photos to the right: Slide photos to see a before (left) and after (right) of a historical structure upstream of a salt mine on Salt Creek, a primary tributary to the Bear River. This was was part of a protection project sponsored by Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Trout Unlimited. At this site, a log and rock revetment eroded to expose a vertical stream bank, causing the stream to have reduced hydrologic function and fish passage. This project restored the natural channel by resloping the vertical bank and replacing the revetment with a 5-foot wide bankfull bench that included willow transplants. Photos provided by Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Objective 6: Groundwater Protection

More than 75% of Wyoming’s population relies on groundwater for part or all of their drinking water supply. This water comes from more than 90,000 wells. In addition, groundwater is an important supply for other uses, such as livestock water. Contaminants from nonpoint sources can affect the water quality in these wells. While surface waters are the highest priority for the Nonpoint Source Program, it is also important to pursue actions that protect Wyoming’s groundwater from nonpoint source pollution. The  DEQ Groundwater Program  is responsible for numerous protection activities in the state.

In 2021, the DEQ worked with the Wyoming Rural Water Association and NRCS to identify priority source water protection areas for Farm Bill funding. Two priority source water protection areas continue to be groundwater systems.

DEQ Groundwater staff members have been involved as national team members with the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council on groups related to emerging contaminants. In addition, in 2019, the DEQ Groundwater Program initiated a statewide survey of potential locations of facilities that may have used per- and polyfluoroaklyl substances (PFOA/PFAS), and in 2020 has followed up with collection of groundwater samples statewide to screen high-priority groundwaters for PFOA/PFAS. WDEQ is developing a PFOA/PFAS informational website regarding the PFOA/PFAS for residents.

Resources are available on the DEQ Know Your Well website to help homeowners test and protect water quality in private drinking water wells.

Objective 7: Information and Education

Raising public awareness of water quality issues and nonpoint sources of pollution through education and outreach activities is important to support restoration and protection efforts. Highlighted 2021 accomplishments include the following:

  • In 2021, most on-the-ground restoration and protection projects included an education component, conducting activities that included, but were not limited to, newsletters, field tours, websites and social media announcements, septic system workshops, soil health and irrigation water management workshops, newspaper articles, and volunteer events.

Photo credit: Campbell County Conservation District

Objective 8: Partnerships and Interagency Cooperation

Addressing nonpoint source pollution is a challenging task that requires efforts at local, state, and federal levels. Numerous other agencies, organizations, and individuals also work to reduce nonpoint source pollution, and the Nonpoint Source Program seeks to form partnerships to share resources, encourage communication, and promote collaboration. The Nonpoint Source Program wishes to thank all of its partners for their efforts to restore and protect Wyoming’s water quality, and in particular would like to acknowledge the following partners:

Photo credit: Cody Conservation District

Wyoming has 16 nationally recognized restoration or protection success stories. Over 45 different local, state, and federal entities are identified as partners in those stories.  

Objective 9: Efficient and Effective Program Administration

It is an objective of the Nonpoint Source Program to make program administration activities as efficient and effective as possible. To this end, the Nonpoint Source Program worked during 2021 to accomplish the following:

  • The 2016 Section 319 grant was closed on schedule with 99 percent of awarded funds expended prior to grant closure. $845,066 in grant funds were expended and $805,222 of nonfederal funds matched the grant at 49% of total costs.
  • Six active Section 319 grants were managed during 2021.
  • The Nonpoint Source Program continued discussing updates to the Wyoming Nonpoint Source Management Plan with the Nonpoint Source Task Force.
  • The Wyoming Nonpoint Source Program helped plan and participated in a regional nonpoint source pollution workshop hosted by EPA to share information and build partnerships.

The Nonpoint Source Program is supported by a team of accountants, legal staff, records managers, and administrative professionals who help make the program successful!

Acknowledgments

Addressing nonpoint source pollution is a team effort, and the Nonpoint Source Program wishes to acknowledge the contributions of all staff in the DEQ/WQD Watershed Section.

The Nonpoint Source Program also wishes to thank the project sponsors and other program partners who contributed information, photos, and visuals for this report.

This report was prepared by Alex Jeffers, Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division. She can be reached at 307-777-6733 or alexandria.jeffers@wyo.gov. Assistance was provided by numerous staff in the WQD Watershed Protection and Groundwater sections.

DEQ staff collect biological, chemical, and physical data on Wyoming's rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.

2021 harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB) at Woodruff Narrows Reservoir. Photo credit: WY DEQ, HCB Program