Lessons from Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts

Understanding the role of nutrient reduction activities in improving

water quality

Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

• Who: UMCES IAN and STAR project• Who: CBP Managers are their audience• What: Literature review of 30+ case studies• Where: Chesapeake Bay and its watershed• When: Anticipated September 2013 release• Why: Synthesize state of knowledge of best management

practices effectiveness at improving water quality • How: – Available via IAN website (perhaps earlier than Sept)– News/blog post at ChesapeakeBay.net (Sept)– Local case studies highlighted in Report to Congress (Oct)

Public Interest?

• Is any of the content worthy of more public attention?• If so, how should we communicate that content?

Lesson 1: Upgrades in both nitrogen and phosphorus wastewater treatment result in rapid local water quality improvements

• Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, MD• Gunston Cove’s Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant, VA• Potomac River’s Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, DC• Mattawoman Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Diversion,

MD• Upper Patuxent River Wastewater Treatment Plants, MD

Lesson 2: Improvements in air quality have led to reductions in atmospheric nitrogen deposition

• Nine mostly forested sub-watersheds in– Maryland– Pennsylvania– Virginia

Lesson 3: Reductions of agricultural nutrient sources result in improved stream quality

• Wye River Farms, MD• Upper Pocomoke River Farms, MD• Brush Run Creek Farms, PA• Big Spring Run Farm, PA• Mill Creek Basin Farm, PA• Spring Creek Farm, PA

Lesson 4: Many practices provide initial water quality improvements in runoff; however, full benefits to stream conditions can be delayed

• Little Conestoga Creek, PA

Lesson 5: Improvements in water quality can be counteracted by other nutrient sources and changes in land-use practices

• MD’s Eastern Shore• Patuxent River, MD

Lesson 6: Observable water quality responses are more likely to occur if A) location specific sources of pollution are identified and B) targeted practices are implemented.

• Corsica River, MD• Anne Arundel County, MD

Lesson 7: An array of practices to promote stormwater infiltration and retention are needed in urban and suburban areas

• Case Studies:– Montgomery County, MD– Fairfax County, VA

Options for Communication to Interested Public

• Planned Already:– News/blog post at ChesapeakeBay.net (Sept)– Local case studies highlighted in Report to Congress (Oct)

• Other Options:– Individual states highlight case studies of particular local

interest• Should CBP do something collaboratively that is more than

the above mentioned News/blog post at ChesapeakeBay.net ?