The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. They administer regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and also works to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina’s needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment.
The grant program under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act is designed to support states in their efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Specifically, it provides competitive funding, typically around $1 million for North Carolina, to conduct watershed restoration projects. These may include implementing stormwater and agricultural best management practices and restoring impaired streams. The primary goal is to aid in the restoration of water bodies currently impaired by nonpoint source pollution, within areas that have approved watershed restoration plans.