The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act of 2021 provided funding to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water or source water. This funding, referred to by the United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA as the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant, is awarded non-competitively to states. DEQ is administering the funding on behalf of the State of Wyoming as the Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water Grant Program. There are no cost share or match requirements associated with the funding.

Wyoming expects to receive a total of $47,285,000 to support the Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water Grant Program. Thus far, DEQ has been awarded $28,371,000, $18,914,0000 of which is Federal Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 funding and $9,457,000 of which is Federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding. Grant funds must be spent within seven years of DEQ’s receipt of the funds. For Federal Fiscal Year 2022-2023 funding, funds must be spent by May 31, 2032. For Federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding, funds must be spent by July 31, 2032. Funding for other fiscal years may have later deadlines.

DEQ is planning to use the initial program funding to:

• Test for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water
• Work with stakeholders to develop a statewide strategy to address PFAS
• Conduct a statewide PFAS source water assessment and implement source water protection activities
• Provide entity-managed assistance awards to eligible entities to conduct eligible projects
• Provide state-managed assistance awards to eligible entities to conduct eligible projects

• Entity-managed assistance awards: Grant funds are awarded directly to the eligible entity to conduct eligible activities
• State-managed assistance awards: Grant funds are managed by DEQ, who works cooperatively with a contractor and the eligible entity to conduct eligible activities

• As an initial step, potential applicants should contact DEQ staff identified in the “Contact” tab above to discuss eligibility.
• Once potential applicants have confirmed eligibility, applications can be submitted using the “Grant Application” button on this webpage on a rolling basis until grant funds are expended.
• Applications will be reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and funding availability. DEQ may request additional information to complete the review.
• Once a complete application has been received, applicants will be notified whether their proposed project is eligible and has been recommended for funding.
• Entities interested in entity-managed assistance awards will be asked to develop a more detailed work plan and budget justification. Entity-managed assistance awards are finalized when a cooperative agreement between the eligible entity and DEQ has been signed by all parties.
• Entities interested in state-managed assistance awards will be asked to work cooperatively with DEQ to develop a more detailed scope of work and budget justification. Awards are finalized when a memorandum of understanding has been signed by all parties.

• PFAS
• Any contaminant on EPA’s Contaminant Candidate Lists 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5

Eligible contaminants that may be a concern in Wyoming include but are not limited to: PFAS, cyanotoxins, cyanobacteria, lithium, manganese, strontium, and disinfection byproducts.

• Community water systems
• Non-profit non-community water systems
• For profit non-community water systems interested in connecting to an existing community water system
• Private well-owners interested in connecting to an existing public water system
• Private well-owners interested in forming a new public water system

• Testing drinking water for PFAS or other emerging contaminants
• Testing source water for PFAS or other emerging contaminants
• Testing potential sources of PFAS or other emerging contaminants
• Developing or updating a source water protection plan to address emerging contaminants
• Source water protection activities to address emerging contaminants
• Planning and designing:
  • Treatment alternatives, including treatment of aquifers that are source water for public water systems
  • A new drinking water source  
  • A new public water system  
  • New connections to an existing public water system
  • Storage projects  
• Pilot testing treatment alternatives
• Public outreach, education, and engagement
• Other types of technical assistance
• Construction projects. However, entities eligible for Wyoming’s State Revolving Fund Programs should apply for assistance for construction projects through these programs.
• Workforce development
• Others – See EPA Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities  (EC-SDC) grant resources.

• Projects whose primary purpose is not to address emerging contaminants
• Operations and maintenance costs
• Lead service line replacement
• Replacement of premise plumbing
• Construction or rehabilitation of dams
• Activities needed primarily for fire protection
• Activities needed primarily to serve future population growth
• Activities that have received assistance from the tribal allotment for Indian Tribes
• Costs that are unallowable (e.g., lobbying and alcoholic beverages) under 2 CFR 200 Subpart E