Clean Water Project Scoring

Projects are scored using a project priority score system. In general, State Revolving Fund projects that improve and restore water quality generally receive the highest scores with projects that protect water quality given secondary priority. The scoring criteria also consider factors such as population and financial hardship, and whether the applicant is a non-municipal entity.

EFC scores clean water eligible projects using the following criteria: 

1. Existing Source: Is the project being constructed to address a critical source of pollution in a waterbody, a significant source of pollution, or a potential source of pollution?
2. Water Quality Improvement 
   1. Classified Use: What is the best uses of the impacted waterbody? This is defined by DEC in the Priority Waterbodies List. For example, a waterbody could be identified as a source of drinking water, or as important for trout spawning.
   2. Impairment: Are the best uses of the waterbody impaired, stressed or threatened by a pollutant that the project will address?
   3. Potential Improvement: Will construction of the project eliminate the source of pollution, or significantly reduce it?
3. Management Plans: Will constructing this project help meet the goals of a DEC approved management plan?
4. Intergovernmental Needs: Is the project required by a fully executed Order on Consent, or SPDES Permit Schedule of Compliance?
5. Financial Need: Is the municipality’s Median Household Income (MHI) below the statewide MHI?
6. Economic Need: Does the project serve an identified Empire Zone?