Wastewater Operator Training Grant Program (Technical Assistance) (66.467)
Program
66.467 Wastewater Operator Training Grant Program (Technical Assistance)
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Authorization
Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended, Section 104(g)(1); 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.
Program Number
66.467
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To substantially enhance the proficiency of personnel engaged in the operations and maintenance of treatment works and related activities by financing pilot programs. Funding Priority: Grant funds are primarily for on-site technical assistance to address the plant's unique performance limiting conditions. Classroom training is also provided to improve the skills of wastewater treatment plant operator.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Assistance supports the allowable direct cost expenditures incidental to program performance and allocable portions of indirect costs in accordance with applicable OMB Circulars.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State agencies or the designated organizations of the States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Marianas, America Samoa, the TrustTerritories, and Native American Indian Tribes. The Indian Health Service has provided technical assistance to the Native American Indian Tribes. Additionally, a "not for profit institution" may also apply for funding if acting as a designated organization of the State.
Beneficiary Eligibility
An activity which contributes to O&M improvements at publicly-owned treatment works, including pollution prevention activities, may be funded. Legislative history supports using appropriations for onsite O&M technical assistance to the small sized publicly owned treatment work (POTWs) of less than 5 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater flow, since many of these POTWs are exhibiting performance problems and do not have readily available consultant's technical assistance like those of the larger POTWs.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with applicable OMB Circular No. A-87 Cost Principles for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Discussion with the applicable Regional Headquarters' wastewater management program offices is advised. The standard EPA application assistance forms must be used for this program. This program is subject to coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102 Uniform Administration Requirements for Grant- in-Aid to State and Local Government. Request for application forms and completed applications must be submitted to the applicable Regional or Headquarters Grants Administration office. Applications must meet the requirements of the grant regulations and must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Regional or Headquarters' waste management program office prior to approval by the Grants office. The review must include an administrative and technical evaluation to determine adequacy, merit, and relevance of the proposal.
Award Procedure
The projects proposed for funding are training programs and therefore are subject to an "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
Deadlines
Historically, annual fiscal year funds have been appropriated by Congress, and are generally available in January to the Headquarters waste water management program office so that the program office can fund applicants before the end of the fiscal year. Applicants should ensure that its application and reviews meet this funding deadline.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Procedures for appeals are outlined in General Grant Regulations, 40 CFR Part 31 Subpart F.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Generally 25 percent in kind service/goods or matching funds is required; however, this provision may be waived in certain cases.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants may be awarded for a project period not to exceed 3 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly progress and final reports, annual expenditure reports, and other reports as specified by the Assistance Agreement must be provided to the appropriate Regional or Headquarters wastewater management program office. Headquarters receives from all Regional Offices, semi-annual status reports and an annual database submission of the Program's progress in that current fiscal year.
Audits
Assistance Agreements are subject to inspections and audit by representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States and EPA or any authorized representative. Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of grants and other agreements in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," or in accordance with the applicable Federal laws and regulations governing the assistance agreement. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires non-federal entities that expend more than $300,000 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records and other records which substantiate the reasonable and allocable charges must be available to personnel authorized to examine EPA grant accounts. All records must be maintained for three years from the date of submission of the annual financial status reports. If questions arise, related records must be retained until the matter is completely resolved.
Program Accomplishments
There are over 15,000 publicly owned treatment works in the nation. In fiscal year 2002, the Program assisted approximately 750 "small" wastewater treatment facilities.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0103-0-1-304.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $1,005,000; FY 03 est $300,000; and FY 04 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
A State receives approximately $35,000 to provide funds to onsite technical assistance providers.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Applicants for technical assistance should review 40 CFR Part 30, the General Grant Regulations and Procedures and the annual guidance produced by the Headquarter's wastewater program office.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Curt Baranowski, Office of Wastewater Management, Municipal Assistance Branch (4204-M), ICC Building, 1201 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Telephone: 202-564- 0636.
Web Site Address
http://www.epa.gov/owm/mab/smcomm/104g/index.htm
Examples of Funded Projects
Approximately 48 states and state environmental training centers will receive grants to provide on-site technical assistance to needy community wastewater treatment plants to assist them in achieving or maintaining compliance, or improving plant performance. The $1,800 Federal expenses per O&M improvements was considered to be more cost-effective than litigating to bring a plant into compliance.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
On-site wastewater O&M technical applications managed by the Regions are evaluated based on the Headquarters wastewater program office's annual guidance. Other pilot program proposals will be considered by the Regional and Headquarters wastewater program offices based on the merits of the proposal. Project objectives and requirements for applicants for other pilot project funding will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
