FY2001 - 2002 Request for Preproposals

VI. SPECIFIC CRITERIA

A. Contaminated Sediments - $1,400,000^*. GLNPO will provide funding, technical support, and vessel support to assist contaminated sediment work in priority geographic areas in the Great Lakes. GLNPO's emphasis and ultimate objective is to assist in bringing about remediation of contaminated sediments at these sites. GLNPO WILL NOT BE FUNDING BASIC RESEARCH FOCUSING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR TREATING CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS.

We are particularly interested in the following projects:

• sediment assessments (chemical, physical, biological) to better map contamination at a site.
• sediment assessment in areas where subsistence fishing is high.
• data collection to better understand the relationship between contaminated sediments and fish residues.
• data collection to support the development of risk/hazard assessments.
• beneficial re-use of sediments, including associated human and ecological risk.
• assessment of Binational Toxics Strategy Priority Pollutants in Great Lakes sediments.
• assessment projects to determine benefits/impacts of remediation.
• on the ground sediment remediation.

Evaluations will also consider the specific needs and priorities of geographic areas within the Great Lakes, particularly those of Lakewide Management Plans and geographic initiatives such as the Remedial Action Plans for Areas of Concern. Projects dealing with the following topics will receive great consideration:

• Lake Erie and the St. Clair/Lake St. Clair/Detroit River basin. Projects addressing the chemicals associated with the beneficial use impairments as identified by the Lake Erie LaMP (PCBs, mercury, PAHs, lead, chlordane, dioxins, DDE/DDT, mirex), with priority given to projects involving PCBs and mercury.
• Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and Niagara River basins. Projects which address the critical pollutants as identified in the 1998 Stage I Lake Ontario LaMP and/or the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan and projects that protect or restore habitats within these basins.
• Lake Michigan basin. Projects for (i) the possible beneficial reuse of contaminated sediments and (ii) tools and models for public education and involvement in sediment cleanups.
• Lake Superior basin. Projects addressing either of the St. Louis River or St. Mary’s River Areas Of Concern (AOCs) and their directives to remove impairments of beneficial uses.

Project Selection Criteria. GLNPO's Preproposal evaluation will seek a balance among sediments activities; however, Preproposals will be prioritized in the following order: (i) on-the-ground cleanup, (ii) field work and assessment, and (iii) remedial design. All Preproposals submitted under this Section A will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV and the following Specific Criteria:

• Availability and assessment of baseline conditions for remediation proposals.
• Likelihood that remedial measures, including enforcement, will result.
• Public outreach component of activity.

Contact: Marc Tuchman (312) 353-1369

B. Pollution Prevention (Binational Toxics Strategy) - $500,000^*. GLNPO will provide assistance for pollution prevention, reduction or elimination projects, with an emphasis on substances which are persistent and toxic, especially those which bioaccumulate, in the Great Lakes basin.

Priority will be given to those projects that support the goals of the US-Canada Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy. The Strategy establishes reduction challenges for twelve "Level I" persistent toxic substances: alkyl-lead, benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dioxins and furans, mercury, octachlorostyrene (OCS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and five canceled pesticides (aldrin/dieldrin, chlordane, DDT, mirex, and toxaphene). The US has also identified "Level II" substances for pollution prevention activities: 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene; 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene; pentachlorobenzene; hexachlorobutadiene; and hexachlorocyclohexanes.

We are particularly interested in the following projects:

• Foster adoption of green technologies. In this context, green technology involves reducing or eliminating the use or generation of persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances - including feedstocks, reagents, solvents, products and byproducts-during design, manufacture and use of chemical products and processes. (The aim of this project is not technology development. We seek projects which advance a developed technology within society, including identification of public policies which would speed the spread of environmentally kind technologies.)
• Source characterization: Assessment of potential sources of persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances.
• Indicators of progress toward virtual elimination of persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances.
• Proper disposal of persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances.
• Foster adoption of innovative products that would reduce the use and release of persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances and that are consistent with the principles of EPA’s Environmentally-Preferable Purchasing Program .

Project Selection Criteria. All Preproposals submitted under this Section B will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV and the following Specific Criteria for Pollution Prevention and Reduction projects. GLNPO will favor Preproposals for projects which:

• Are listed above.
• Include an evaluation of the potential reductions of pollutants in the environment
• Jointly target common goals under the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy and the LaMPs.

In this solicitation, special consideration is being given to projects in support of the Lakewide Management Plans published in Spring 2000. For that purpose, GLNPO has established a target of about $40,000 per Lake, potentially available to fund projects which will support the pollution prevention/reduction goals of the LaMPs. Because only meritorious, technically qualified projects will be selected, there is no guarantee that the target amount will be realized for each Lake. Lake-specific Preproposals not selected as described in this paragraph will be considered along with the pool of other Preproposals. The Pollution Prevention and Reduction priorities for each Lake are:

• Lake Erie and St.Clair/Lake St. Clair/Detroit River basins. Projects addressing the chemicals associated with the beneficial use impairments as identified by the Lake Erie LaMP (PCBs, mercury, PAHs, lead, chlordane, dioxins, DDE/DDT, mirex) with priority given to projects involving PCBs and mercury or which reduce the release of atrazine to the waters of Lake Erie.
• Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Niagara River basins. Preproposals are requested for projects which:

1. address pollutants identified in the 1998 Stage I Lake Ontario LaMP (PCBs, DDTs, mercury, mirex, dieldrin, dioxins), and emerging toxics such as PBDE as well as projects along the Niagara River which address the priority toxics identified in the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan.
2. reduce mercury or other pollutants by building upon, or initiating projects similar in concept to auto mercury switch/ thermometer replacement; mercury collections from medical situations; electronic equipment and pesticide collections and education; demonstrate innovative technologies for control of pollutant loadings from the watershed..

• Lake Michigan Basin. The Lake Michigan Team is seeking Preproposals for projects which:

1. address dioxin and other pollutants formed from "burning trash in barrels."
2. continue agricultural clean sweep efforts.

• Lake Superior Basin. The Lake Superior Team is seeking Preproposals for projects which:

1. address the chemicals identified as critical pollutants; PCBs, dioxins, DDT and metabolites, toxaphene, chlordane, aldrin/dieldrin, mercury, hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene. Priority will be given to projects involving PCBs and dioxins (with special emphasis on burn barrels as a source).
2. place special emphasis on mercury reduction through the two major sources of environmental release in the Lake Superior basin, energy production (electric utility sector) and mining and ore processing, in order to meet the chemical load reduction schedules set in the Lake Superior LaMP 2000 document.

• Lake Huron basin. The Lake Huron Initiative has identified priority pollutants which should receive special attention for pollution prevention and reduction efforts, including PCBs, Chlordane, Dioxin, Mercury.

Contacts: Rita Cestaric (312) 886-6815 / Danielle Green (312) 886-7594

Further information: Please see http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/p2.html

C. Ecological (Habitat) Protection and Restoration _ $450,000^*. GLNPO will fund projects that demonstrate new and innovative practices and tools for protecting and restoring aquatic, terrestrial, and wetland ecosystems. When developing Preproposals, Applicants should consider concepts from the State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conferences (SOLEC) and from previously funded GLNPO projects. SOLEC and final grant report documents are at http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/solec/indicators2000-e.html and http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/ecopage/. 

Applicants should note that:

• Acquisition projects will not be considered.
• Basinwide projects, projects having large-scale implications for the Great Lakes ecosystem, are encouraged. Preproposals must indicate specific project outcomes as well as identify workplan contents.
• Regional projects must be consistent with Lakewide Management Plan priorities as described below, with Tribal priorities, or with Biodiversity Investment Area development as described in the SOLEC 2000, Shoreline Biodiversity Investment Area Integration paper (http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/solec/indicators2000-e.html ).
• Local or site-specific projects must demonstrate innovative measures to protect or restore, and define expected outcomes.

Project Selection Criteria. All Preproposals submitted under this Section C will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV and the following Specific Criteria for ecological (habitat) protection and restoration projects. GLNPO is requesting Preproposals for projects which will:

• Have biological importance on a regional or global scale.
• Test new techniques or approaches to protection or restoration.
• Identify and report on demonstrated environmental results.
• Incorporate an education or outreach component.
• Create new partnerships.
• Impact a significant number of acres of aquatic, wetland, riverine, and terrestrial habitat.

In this solicitation, special consideration is being given to projects in support of the Lakewide Management Plans published in Spring 2000. For that purpose, GLNPO has established a target of about $50,000 per Lake, potentially available to fund projects which will support the habitat goals of the LaMPs. Because only meritorious, technically qualified projects will be selected, there is no guarantee that the target amount will be realized for each Lake. Lake-specific Preproposals not selected as described in this paragraph will be considered along with the pool of other Preproposals. The Habitat priorities for each Lake are identified in the requests below:

• Lake Erie and St.Clair/Lake St. Clair/Detroit River basins. Preproposals for projects which:

1. Gather information leading to the development of ecosystem indicators and measures for appropriate wildlife species and habitat (particularly coastal wetlands). Projects should consider both LaMP and SOLEC indicator work.
2. Monitor projects listed in the Lake Erie LaMP, following up on completed work for the purpose of measuring results.

• Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Niagara River basins. Preproposals for projects which:

1. Assist the Four Parties to address the loss of fish and wildlife habitat use impairment identified in the 1998 Stage I LakeOntario LaMP such as:

• The implementation of new habitat protection or restoration projects;
• An assessment and mapping of aquatic and/or wildlife habitat in the Lake Ontario basin; mapping of mink populations in the Lake Ontario basin as either a U.S. or a binational (US/Canadian) project;
• Gathering information leading to development of ecosystem indicators and measures for appropriate wildlife species (such as osprey, benthos) and habitat (nearshore or coastal wetlands or other). Projects should consider both LaMP and SOLEC indicator work.

2. In the Niagara River and St. Lawrence River drainage basin, address the loss of fish and wildlife habitat, including an assessment of habitat and on the ground projects to restore/protect/enhance habitat.

• Lake Michigan Basin. The Lake Michigan Team is seeking Preproposals for projects which:

1. Demonstrate, in the coastal area of the Lake or major tributaries, brownfield to habitat restoration, development of local restoration priorities and plans that utilize and/or add to the Lake Michigan Habitat on_line GIS Atlas; and in urban areas, utilize the Chicago Wilderness biodiversity plan model.
2. Protect and/or restore wetlands and other nearshore features important to the health and spawning of Lake Michigan aquatic species.

• Lake Superior Basin. The Lake Superior Team is seeking Preproposals for projects which:

1. Restore stream/tributary habitat so as to produce a stable tributary environment. Restore both the land and water interface, and have a connection to an ongoing monitoring and evaluation project. Promote the achievement of Great Lakes Fisheries Commission fish community objectives.
2. Map the important aquatic habitats of Lake Superior.
3. Demonstrate landscape scale, intergovernmental, planning and coordination efforts, for example, a management plan for habitat restoration across ownership boundaries.
4. Establish representative baseline areas of the ecosystems around the Basin.
5. Manage the pine barrens ecological community for sharptail grouse and other declining wildlife species.

• Lake Huron Basin. Preproposals are requested for projects which:

1. Support the goals and objectives outlined by the International Alvar Initiative.
2. Demonstrate the connection between coastal marshes and the fishery.
3. Investigate the impacts of dams and identifies potential efforts to restore natural flows and increase tributary fish spawning habitat.
4. Enhance the ongoing binational GIS development to include openwater, nearshore, and terrestrial habitats.
5. Develop and implement comprehensive nutrient management plans that address critical pollutants identified in the Lake Huron Initiative Action Plan, including but not limited to phosphorus, soil erosion and pathogens.

Contact: Karen Rodriguez (312) 353-2690

See Appendix IV for a description of other GLNPO Habitat-related funding opportunities, including the Coastal Wetlands Consortium and conference support.

D. Invasive Species - $300,000^*. GLNPO will provide assistance to address invasive (non-indigenous) aquatic and terrestrial species in the Great Lakes Basin with an emphasis on prevention. This priority is proposed to be funded using Congressionally directed funding.

We are particularly interested in the following projects, with the highest priority given to the first three topic areas:

1. Development and demonstration of strong and innovative programs (education and outreach, new technology, or biological) to prevent the introduction of new nuisance invasive species (aquatic or terrestrial) into the Great Lakes Basin.
2. Development and demonstration of strong and innovative programs to control the spread of invasive species within and from the Great Lakes Basin.
3. Projects that allow for the prediction of new invaders into the Great Lakes Basin and the development of contingency plans to address these potential invaders.
4. Documenting ecological impacts of invasive species on the Great Lakes Basin food web.
5. Documenting the economic impacts or potential economic impacts of invasive species already in the Great Lakes Basin.
6. Projects which identify chemical, physical, and biological conditions that promote the establishment of invasive species.

Project Selection Criteria. GLNPO's Preproposal evaluation will consider priorities associated with invasive species for geographic areas within the Great Lakes, particularly those of Lakewide Management Plans; however, as funding for this category is limited, emphasis will be placed on projects of Great Lakes Basin-wide applicability. All Preproposals submitted under this Section D will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV as well as the following Specific Criteria:

• Potential for project to benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem.
• Transferability across the Great Lakes Basin and beyond.
• Potential to advance government and private partnerships and community involvement.

Contact: Marc Tuchman (312) 353-1369

E. Indicator Development - $300,000^*. In order to better fulfill its mission under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement for the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, GLNPO is seeking directed projects which further develop, define, test or otherwise implement the indicators selected for reporting at the biennial State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conferences (SOLEC). These indicators are intended to be easily understood and objectively represent the condition of the Great Lakes ecosystem components. The information generated is targeted toward making better management decisions concerning the restoration and maintenance of Great Lakes ecosystem health. The complete descriptions for the indicators can be found on the web at: http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/solec/indicators2000-e.html.

Eighty indicators are currently on the list. At SOLEC 2000, information was presented on 31 of the 43 indicators. Funded projects are in place for the development and testing of 5 indicators. The remaining 32 indicators require further refinement of the indicator itself, identification and testing of methodology, data collection, establishment of monitoring programs, or other efforts to bring the information forward for reporting at SOLEC. The underdeveloped indicators are associated with all of the SOLEC indicator categories except coastal wetlands, which is being addressed through a Coastal Wetlands Consortium cooperative agreement. Preproposals are now being requested for development of the following SOLEC underdeveloped indicators (as each is fully described at the above URL):

• Nearshore and offshore waters (#6, #120, #8142)
• Nearshore terrestrial (#8132, #8134, #8136, #8137, #8139, #8141, #8149)
• Land use (#7053)
• Societal (#3509, #3510, #3511, #3512, #3513, #7042, #8140)
• Human health (#113, #4088, #4177, #4178, #4179)
• Unbounded (#4519, #4857, #4858, #8150)

While priority will be given to the selection of Preproposals for the underdeveloped indicators, GLNPO will also consider Preproposals for enhancements to the existing 43 SOLEC indicators. Any such Preproposal should assist with full scale implementation of the indicator, perhaps adding to the time period covered by the indicator or expanding its geographic scope.

The purpose of projects funded in this category is to demonstrate the utility of selected indicators across the Great Lakes basin. Applicants seeking funding for indicator development research should pursue funding from USEPA’s Office of Research and Development. Additional information is available at <http://es.epa.gov/ncerqa/rfa>.

Project Selection Criteria. GLNPO expects to award approximately 2/3 of the targeted amount in this category for projects supporting habitat indicators. The targeted amount will not be used to fund routine or long term monitoring activities. All Preproposals submitted under this Section E will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV. In addition, evaluations will consider the following Specific Criteria:

• How well does the project support the SOLEC indicators identified above?
• Strategic importance of the indicator in making management decisions concerning the restoration and maintenance of Great Lakes ecosystem health.
• Degree to which the indicator(s) will be refined and implemented on a basin-wide scale.
• Identification of the environmental measurements to be made: where, how often, by what methodologies?
• Suitability of proposed indicator features and illustrations.
• Feasibility of collecting and analyzing required data, whether obtained from existing sources or by new monitoring efforts.
• Assessment of the applicability of the indicator to the ecosystem component it is supposed to reflect.
• Potential for establishing cost-efficient, standard protocols for continuing or future monitoring efforts.
• Potential to obtain commitments for long term monitoring based on the established protocols. (The Preproposal should identify who would do the necessary monitoring - GLNPO is not likely to do so.)

Contact: Paul Bertram (312) 353-0153

F. Strategic or Emerging Issues - $200,000^*. In order to better fulfill its mission under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement for the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, GLNPO is seeking innovative Great Lakes environmental projects which deal with strategic or emerging issues of basin-wide importance. This priority is proposed to be funded as a result of Congressionally directed funding.

We expect that projects in this area would:

• not fit neatly under other existing GLNPO funding categories (i.e. Contaminated Sediments, Pollution Prevention, Ecological Protections and Restoration, Invasive Species, and Indicator Development) but might contain elements of one or more of those categories;
• address assessment, causes and/or effects of chemical or biological pollutants not in the regulatory "mainstream;"
• cut across or overlap two or more of the foregoing areas; or
• address some other unanticipated area.

We especially encourage projects which identify and propose solutions/mitigation for strategic or emerging issues of Great Lakes Basin-wide applicability, particularly if they are being identified through the Lakewide Management Plans and geographic initiatives (such as the Remedial Action Plans for Areas of Concern). Areas of particular interest include:

• investigating chemicals of potential environmental concern such as polybrominated flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors.
• human health.
• economic issues.
• environmental impacts of lower lake levels.

Project Selection Criteria. As funding for this category is limited, emphasis will be placed on projects of Great Lakes Basin-wide applicability. Evaluations will to some extent depend on the type of projects submitted; however, all Preproposals submitted under this Section F will be evaluated under the General Criteria specified in Part IV as well as the following Specific Criteria:

• Potential to further the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.
• Transferability across the Great Lakes Basin and beyond.
• Strategic importance.

Contacts: Paul Horvatin (312) 353-3612 / Michael Russ (312) 886-4013

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