Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Getting it Done
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Read how the Bay Jurisdictions are Improving Local Waters & the Bay
District of Columbia | Delaware | Maryland | New York | Pennsylvania |
Virginia | West Virginia
The Northern Puffer Fish visits the Chesapeake Bay from spring through autumn. They are more common in the lower Bay, but do travel as far north as Love Point on Kent Island. Puffers are bottom-dwelling fish, common in the Bay's flats and channel margins. In the winter, northern puffers leave the Bay for deep offshore waters. With permission from the Chesapeake Bay Program.
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On May 30, 2013, EPA provided its interim assessments to the seven Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions’ on their progress toward meeting their 2012-2013 Milestones and Watershed Implementation Plan goals. In addition, EPA provided an interim assessment to the federal agencies of progress toward meeting their 2012-2013 water quality milestones set forth under the Chesapeake Bay Executive Order 13508 strategy. These goals and milestones outline steps the Bay jurisdictions and federal agencies are taking toward having all the pollution control measures in place by 2025 to fully restore the Bay. View the Assessments for District of Columbia (PDF) (3pg, 179K), Delaware (PDF) (4pg, 143K), Maryland (PDF) (4pg, 85K), New York (PDF) (3pg, 52K), Pennsylvania (PDF) (4pg, 115K), Virginia (PDF) (5pg, 153K), West Virginia (PDF) (3pg, 178K), Federal Agencies (PDF) (5pp, 234K)
- On May 30, 2012, EPA provided its evaluations of the Final Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia as part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration effort. View the letters and evaluations for Delaware (PDF) (6pg, 305K), District of Columbia (PDF) (6pg, 291K), Maryland (PDF) (6pg, 360), New York (PDF) (7pg, 589K), Pennsylvania (PDF) (8pg, 560K), Virginia (PDF) (8pg, 453K), West Virginia (PDF) (6pg, 364K). Completion of the plans marks a significant stage in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort, and represents the local level planning needed to continue accelerating implementation of the necessary practices to restore the health and economic engine of the Bay watershed's streams and rivers.
- EPA reviewed the jurisdictions’ Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and 2012-2013 two-year milestones and provided feedback on Feb. 15, 2012. The Phase II WIPs and the two-year milestones are important elements in meeting the commitment by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to having all of the needed pollution control measures in place to fully restore the Bay by 2025. View the Letters (PDF Portfolio) (7 documents, 4.6M) and reviews for District of Columbia (PDF) (4pg, 30K), Delaware (PDF) (4pg, 32K), Maryland (PDF) (5pg, 32K), New York (PDF)(5pg, 151K), Pennsylvania (PDF) (6pg, 171K), Virginia (PDF) (5pg, 33K), West Virginia (PDF) (5pg, 33K).
- For their Phase II WIPs, EPA asked jurisdictions to make key stakeholders – local governments, conservations districts, farmers, builders and others – aware of their roles in cleaning up the region's waterways, and to strengthen pollution-reduction strategies for any sectors subject to federal enhanced oversight or backstop actions based on the Phase I WIPs and the Bay TMDL issued in 2010. Visit the jurisdictions' websites to learn more about their Phase II WIPs.
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia.
- Final Phase 1 Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) were submitted to EPA by the six watershed states and the District of Columbia beginning November 29, 2010. The WIPs were designed to provide a roadmap for how and when a jurisdiction intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL. View the Final Phase i WIPS for Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia.
The PDF links on this page can be viewed with the Adobe PDF reader.
About PDF
About PDF
A New Era of Federal Leadership
Executive Order 13508 in 2009, ushered in a new era of federal leadership, action and accountability in protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its watersheds. As required, federal agencies in May 2010 completed development of a comprehensive Executive Order strategy to guide implementation actions.
Examples of Actions in the Bay restoration by Federal Agencies
- View EPA’s interim assessment of the Federal Agencies (PDF) (5pp, 234K) 2012-2013 Water Quality Milestone Progress and WIP Support.
- Department of Defense (DOD) completed the Navy’s first “green” roof construction project at the Legal Services Building.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)worked with states and other partners to identify prime locations for oyster restoration by mapping and characterizing the bottom habitat in some tributaries.
- Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the 2008 Farm Bill’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, helped to provide an unprecedented $33,517,626 in 2010 to assist farmers in implementing conservation practices like cover crops, crop residue management, nutrient management, and vegetative buffers; in addition to assistance provided through other USDA programs.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Chesapeake Bay and the region’s tributaries in December 2010. It was shaped by an extensive two-year-long public and stakeholder involvement process.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), worked with federal partners to prioritize brook trout and black duck habitats for restoration; provided assistance to private landowners who want to restore habitat; identified shared priorities for land conservation, wetland and stream restoration; and encouraged habitat-based practices to help reduce nutrient and sediment runoff.
- U.S Geologic Survey (USGS) helped to improve urban-land cover data; developed new techniques to assess improvements in nutrients and sediment in the watershed; and supplied information on sediment loads. With other federal agencies, it began to develop land-conservation prioritization tools and collaborate on areas for land conservation; continued sampling fish within the Potomac River basin; and studied factors affecting Bay sea-duck populations.
- On January 6, 2012, six federal agencies on the Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay, including EPA, issued two-year water quality milestones to support jurisdictions in meeting their pollution reduction goals. Read the federal agencies' milestones.
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Maryland
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. District of Columbia
Making Progress
District of Columbia
DC Works with Feds to Collect Data -- The District of Columbia coordinated with nine federal agencies to obtain updated mapping and planning data (GIS files) and also developed nutrient and sediment pollution reduction levels for agencies located in the District. Read more...
- Visit the District's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP.
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View EPA’s interim assessment of the District's (PDF) (3pg, 179K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of the District's (PDF) (4pg, 30K) Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (1pg, 645K)
- View the District's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (14pg, 300K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 41K)
- Read about the District's first set of two-year milestones (PDF) (4 pg, 54K) outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
- The District's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how the District intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact the District's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. Delaware
Making Progress
Nanticoke River, Seaford, Delaware
with permission, Delaware State
with permission, Delaware State
Pilot Project Focuses on Ag Structures — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in coordination with local conservation districts, is piloting a project to develop construction site stormwater management plans for conservation district cooperators that are planning to construct agricultural structures. Construction of agricultural structures where the disturbance exceeds 1.0 acre, which is not uncommon in Delaware with the construction of poultry houses and ancillary structures, requires a Sediment and Stormwater Plan to gain coverage under the state’s NPDES Construction General Permit. This pilot project uses the expertise of the conservation districts in both the agricultural and urban programs to assist local landowners in meeting permitting requirements and preventing a discharge of sediment during construction in a cost effective manner.
- Visit Delaware's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP.
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View EPA’s interim assessment of Delaware's (PDF) (4pg, 143K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of Delaware's (PDF) (4pg, 32K) Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 36K)
- View Delaware's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (20pg, 388K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 42K)
- Read about Delaware's first set of two-year milestones outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Delaware's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan --learn how and when Delaware intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact Delaware's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. Maryland
Making Progress
Bridges Havre de Grace, MD
with permission Chesapeake Bay Program
with permission Chesapeake Bay Program
Legislation Approved to Support Environment — Maryland’s water quality was a big winner in the 2012 General Assembly session that ended April 9, 2012. Legislation passed to encourage sustainable communities and reduce pollution. Read more ...
- Visit Maryland's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP.
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View EPA’s interim assessment of Maryland's (PDF) (4pg, 85K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of Maryland's (PDF) (5pg, 32K) Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 773K)
- View Maryland's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (22pg, 435K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 48K)
- Read about Maryland's first set of two-year milestones outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Maryland's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how and when the District intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact Maryland's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. New York
Making Progress
Tioga River, Steuben County, NY photo credit Upper Susquehanna Coalition
Fertilizer Provision Effective Jan. 1 — A provision in New York’s Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law will largely prohibit the use of phosphorus fertilizers for lawns and non-agricultural turf. The provision, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, contains exceptions for new lawns or when a test shows an existing lawn has too little phosphorus. It is part of the broader July 2010 law that prohibited the sale of newly-stocked, phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents for household use. The fertilizer provision does not affect agriculture or gardens.
Read more...
Read more...
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Visit New York's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to view the final Phase II WIP (PDF) (202 pg, 3.6M).
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View EPA’s interim assessment of New York's (PDF) (3pg, 52K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of New York's (PDF) (5pg, 71K) Final Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 534K).
- View EPA's evaluation of New York's Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones (partial submission) (4pg, 644K)
- Read New York's two-year milestones progress updates for the programmatic milestones (PDF) (7pp, 179KB)
- View New York's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (12pg, 257K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 41K)
- New York's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how and when New York intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact New York's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. Pennsylvania
Making Progress
Pennsylvania Waterways
Stormwater Permit Published in October 2011 —The EPA-approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) General Permit (PAG-13) was published on October 17, 2011. The revised permit includes requirements for Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plans. Pennsylvania committed in the final Phase II WIP to issue guidance and provide training for communities on how to develop the Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plans to meet water quality goals. Read more ...
- Visit Pennsylvania's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP
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View EPA’s interim assessment of Pennsylvania's (PDF) (4pg, 115K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of Pennsylvania's (PDF) (6pg, 171K) Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 45K)
- View Pennsylvania's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (38pg, 746K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 46K)
- Read about Pennsylvania's first set of two-year milestones (PDF) 6pg, 61K outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Pennsylvania's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how and when Pennsylvania intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact Pennsylvania's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. Virginia
Making Progress
Agricultural Lands in Virginia
Permit Takes Effect — A revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed General Permit with nitrogen and phosphorus limits in conformance with Virginia’s WIP and the Chesapeake Bay TMDL took effect on Jan. 1, 2012. This action continues Virginia’s significant progress in controlling nutrient from wastewater treatment discharges that began in 2006 when the first general permit was issued establishing loading caps on nutrient discharges in each of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Read more ...
More Highlights
- Visit Virginia's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP.
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View EPA’s interim assessment of Virginia's (PDF) (5pg, 153K) 2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation of Virginia's (PDF) (5pg, 33K) Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 1M)
- View Virginia's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (26pg, 504K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 42K)
- Read about Virginia's first set of two-year milestones (PDF) 10pg, 187K outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. (partial submission)
- Virginia's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how and when Virginia intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact Virginia's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Some links on this page lead to non-EPA sites. West Virginia
Making Progress
Moorefield Wastewater Treatment Plant, West Virginia
Treatment Plant Key to W.V. Pollution Reductions — The $40 million Moorefield Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant now under construction and expected to open in October 2013 represents a major step in West Virginia’s commitment to help restore the Chesapeake Bay and local waters. Lucas Gagnon, Town of Moorefield Public Works Director, stated, “Not only will we be making significant strides in meeting WV’s TMDL, we will also be improving local water quality. At start up, this plant will reduce total nitrogen loading by 90,000 pounds per year and total phosphorus by 93,000 pounds per year” – a healthy percentage of the state’s 2017 and 2025 pollution reduction commitments.
Read more:- West Virginia Conservation Ageny: Collaborative Efforts Solve Wastewater Treatment Challenges for WV and
- Chespeake Bay Program Restoration Spotlight: Wastewater overhaul will cut pollution in West Virginia (with video)
More Highlights
- Visit West Virginia's website to learn more about their Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan activities. Click to read the Final Phase II WIP.
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View EPA’s interim assessment of West Virginia's (PDF) (3pg, 178K).2012-2013 milestone and Watershed Implementation Plan Progress.
- View EPA's evaluation (PDF) (5pg, 33K) of West Virginia's Final Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 1M)
- View West Virginia's Trading and Offsets program report (PDF) (12pg, 265K) and EPA's letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 42K)
- Supporting Documents
- View EPA's evaluation (PDF) (5pg, 33K) of West Virginia's Draft Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan and 2012-2013 milestones. View letter to jurisdiction (PDF) (2pg, 1M)
- Read about West Virginia's first set of two-year milestones outlining upcoming activities to reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay including Wastewater (PDF) (3pg, 72K) and Agriculture (PDF) (3pg, 99K).
- West Virginia's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan -- learn how and when West Virginia intends to meet its pollutant allocations under the Bay TMDL.
- Contact West Virginia's Watershed Implementation Plan Coordinators (PDF) (3pg, 133K).
Local Government Advisory Committee, LGAC
- Our Waters, Our Towns, Local Governments' Role in the WIPs
- Case Studies: Our Waters, Our Towns, final report (12pg , 3.9M)
Green Infrastructure in the Bay Watershed
- G3 Academy Webcasts -The G3 Academy Initiative is designed to bring a town’s Green Vision together with the tools to accelerate local greening efforts with positive results in watershed protection, community livability, and economic vitality. Periodic webcasts are offered and archived in the G3 Academy Studio. Learn more about the G3 Initiative and upcoming webasts here.
Guidance & Resources
Visit Chesapeake Bay.net
Watershed Implementation Plan Support Documents
- Phase II WIP Guide for Jurisdictions (PDF) (6 pg 50K)
- Phase II WIP Guide for Federal Agencies (PDF) (7pg, 250K)
- WIP Evaluation Guide (PDF) (6 pg 50K)
- State contractor support instructions (PDF) (2 pg 25K)
- Nomination instructions for local WIP pilot projects (PDF) (2 pg 22K)
- Local Projects...Summary of Local WIP Pilot Projects (PDF) (6 pg, 59K)
- Who's Who?
More Links
- Clean Rivers, Green District - Green Infrastructure Partnership Agreement (PDF) (7pg, 543K)
- EPA Review of Draft Watershed Implementation Plans (PDF) (7pg ,554K)
- Expectations...Letter to Chesapeake Bay Program Principals Staff Committee Outlining EPA's Expectations for Watershed Implementation Plans (PDF) (37pg, 5.1M)
- Target Loads...Letter to Chesapeake Bay Program Principals Staff Committee with preliminary target loads (PDF) (5pg, 989K)
- Federal Actions...December 29, 2009 letter to the states in the watershed and District of Columbia (PDF). (12pg, 5.1M)
