The state Department of Environmental Protection in May awarded two major grants to the MVC to address the impacts of nonpoint-source pollution on Vineyard ponds.

An award of $280,000 will be used to enhance water quality analysis, including by increasing the capacity of the Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory. This will allow for the completion of watershed-based plans for the Island, including an assessment of the challenges each community faces in regard to water quality restoration. An additional $100,000 will be used to develop a communications network for water resource stakeholders, hire a regional nonpoint-source coordinator to help with watershed-based planning, and establish a program to engage Island youth and train volunteers for water sampling. The grants are administered through the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with funding through sections 604(b) and 319 of the federal Clean Water Act.

Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr issued a statement welcoming the first grant in May: “Martha’s Vineyard faces serious water quality challenges – each of the Island’s six towns has at least one compromised pond or estuary. This grant will allow the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to take a major step forward in restoring these ecosystems. Investments like this are critical to protecting the Island’s environment, economy, and public health.”

The MVC is one of seven agencies across the state to receive 604(b) funding and one of ten to receive section 319 funding this year. For more information, contact MVC Water Resource Planner Sheri Caseau at caseau@mvcommission.org.