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Current CWA language contains valuable provisions for NPS management embodied 

 in Section 319. Although this NPS section has been historically underfunded and has 

 been hampered by bureaucratic roadblocks, all states now have approved Section 319 

 assessments and approved management programs. Within the CWA, it is the 

 preferable vehicle for management of NfPS pollution, and changes which occur during 

 CWA reauthorization should reinforce these existing NPS provisions. 



• The proper management of NPS pollution lies in state and local efforts. As 

 such, states should continue to identify and resolve their priority NPS water 

 problems through administration of Section 319 funds. With state oversight 

 and approval, local organizations should continue to carry out these NPS 

 programs. Agencies at the federal and state levels should harmonize objectives 

 and coordinate funding for national and regional NPS management programs. 



• State and local programs should provide for a mix of research, development, 

 education and technical and fmancial assistance for both planning and 

 implementing actions aimed at achieving state designated uses. 



Management efforts funded by Section 319 of the CWA should be directed to priority 

 areas based on scientific assessments that identify water bodies with impaired or 

 threatened uses. 



• Priority, as determined by states, should be based on the magnitude of risk to 

 human health, the protection of designated uses, and likelihood of further 

 significant and unreasonable water quality degradation if no action is taken. 



• Strategies should be developed on a hydrologic unit, watershed-wide basis 

 using an approach that includes the consideration of both surface and ground 

 water quality. 



• Programs should focus on cost-effective, site-specific practices for individual 

 operations with flexibility for implementation. 



• In order for Section 319 to work effectively for agriculture, USDA must play a 

 lead role in the delivery of education and technical assistance at the state and 

 local level. 



