Watershed Plan Development
Watershed plans provide the framework for effective implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and education activities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified nine key elements required for plans using Clean Water Act section 319 funds. KDHE works with WRAPS projects statewide to ensure these elements are met in every approved plan.
The 9 Key Elements
Identify Sources & Causes
Identification of causes of impairment and pollutant sources or groups of similar sources that need to be controlled to achieve needed load reductions.
Estimate Load Reductions
An estimate of the load reductions expected from management measures.
Select Best Management Practices (BMPs)
A description of the nonpoint source management measures that will need to be implemented to achieve load reductions and the critical areas in which those measures will be needed.
Estimate Costs & Resources
Estimate of the amounts of technical and financial assistance needed, associated costs, and/or the sources and authorities that will be relied upon to implement the plan.
Information & Education (I&E)
Enhance public understanding of the project and encourage participation in selecting, designing, and implementing management measures.
Implementation Schedule
Schedule for implementing the nonpoint source management measures identified in the plan that is reasonably expeditious.
Set Milestones
A description of the interim measurable milestones for determining whether nonpoint source management measures or other control actions are being implemented.
Success Criteria
A set of criteria that can be used to determine whether loading reductions are being achieved over time and substantial progress is being made toward attaining water quality standards.
Monitoring & Evaluation
A monitoring component to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation efforts over time, measured against the criteria established under the previous element.
Watershed Plan Resources
View the complete library of KDHE-approved 9-Element Watershed Plans currently active across Kansas.
Technical guidance for Project Officers regarding plan deviations, revisions, and aerial assessment SOPs.