The South Dakota Nonpoint Source Task Force
Next meeting: December 10, 2019
Agenda items: Agenda
Live stream: TBD
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The South Dakota Nonpoint Source Task Force (NPSTF) was formed in 1988 to assist and advise the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SD DENR) with the implementation of the Nonpoint Source (NPS) provisions of the Clean Water Act. Task Force activities are coordinated by the SD DENR Watershed Protection Program Nonpoint Source staff. Final responsibility for the NPS program rests with the department.
To accomplish its mission the Task Force was assigned the seven primary responsibilities listed below:
- Provide a forum for the exchange of information on activities which impact nonpoint source pollution control;
- Prioritize waterbodies for nonpoint source control activities;
- Provide guidance and application procedures for funding of nonpoint source control projects and review and recommend for approval project funding proposals which request funds under sections 604(b) or 319 of the Clean Water Act;
- Serve as the coordinating body for the review and direction of federal, state and local government programs to assure that the programs allow achievement of nonpoint source pollution control in the most efficient manner;
- Serve as a focal point for information, education and public awareness regarding nonpoint source pollution control;
- Provide oversight of nonpoint source control activities and prioritize the activities; and
- Provide a forum for discussion and resolution of program conflicts.
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The current NPSTF chairman is Mr. Jay Gilbertson. Jay is manager of the East Dakota Water Development District, which is located in Brookings, SD.
The Task Force has adopted a program neutral philosophy for planning and implementing NPS pollution strategies needed to meet these responsibilities. Under this philosophy, causes rather than ownership of pollution sources are addressed. All of the resources that might be used to resolve the issues are brought to the table.
Program neutral planning and implementation are fostered through the Task Force's membership policy. All agencies and interest groups in South Dakota with either land management responsibilities or programs that effect the causes or control of NPS pollution are invited to request Task Force membership. More than 20 agencies and interest groups constitute the Task Force membership. In addition to member representatives over 75 individuals from the member agencies and groups and other nonmembers frequently participate in Task Force activities.
The frequency of Task Force meetings is determined by issues that need to be addressed. Committees formed to work with specific NPS priority issues meet throughout the year and report to the Task Force at scheduled meetings.
For more information on the NPS Task Force and scheduled meetings, please contact the SD DENR Watershed Protection Program at (605) 773-4254.