STREAM RESTORATION AS A MEANS OF MEETING CHESAPEAKE BAY TMDL GOALS

摘要

The Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Dally Load (TMDL) is the largest 'pollution diet' developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to date, allocating pollutant reductions for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in six states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia), and the District of Columbia. This TMDL sets reduction goals of 25 percent for nitrogen, 24 percent for phosphorus, and a 20 percent reduction in sediment, with 60 percent of the reductions by 2017 and full compliance by 2025. The six Bay states and the District have prepared watershed implementation plans (WIPs) as initial 'roadmaps' identifying how these goals would be met. Mechanisms to meet these reductions include reductions in permitted point source discharges, improved waste water treatment, elimination of failing septic systems, improved stormwater runoff treatment, and increased compliance for a variety of agricultural BMPs including manure treatment systems.