In addition to the Overview information provided for Water Quality, the Agriculture and Wastewater Workgroups have described their priorities and progress in the tabs below. Other important work is being conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to restore water quality by implementing pollution reduction practices on urban and suburban lands and reducing pollution deposited in the watershed from the air. Additional information on these efforts will be included over time. Progress in implementing the Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and in achieving milestones set at the 2009 Executive Council Meeting is also described below.
The Agriculture Workgroup (AGWG) has described their priorities and progress in the tabs below. Other important work is being conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to restore water quality by implementing pollution reduction practices on urban and suburban lands and reducing pollution deposited in the watershed from the air. Additional information on these efforts will be included over time.
The Wastewater Workgroup has described their priorities and progress in the tabs below. Other important work is being conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to restore water quality by implementing pollution reduction practices on urban and suburban lands and reducing pollution deposited in the watershed from the air. Additional information on these efforts will be included over time.
The Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or “pollution diet” sets pollution limits necessary to meet applicable water quality standards in the Bay and its tidal rivers. The primary elements of the TMDL are “wasteload allocations” for “point sources” like sewage treatment plants, urban stormwater systems and large animal feeding operations, and “load allocations” for “non point sources” such as runoff from agricultural lands and non-regulated stormwater from urban and suburban lands. These pollution limits are further divided by jurisdiction and major river basin based on state-of-the-art modeling tools, extensive monitoring data, peer-reviewed science, and close interaction with jurisdiction partners.
The Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or "pollution diet" sets pollution limits necessary to meet applicable water quality standards in the Bay and its tidal rivers. The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) uses loading estimates to quantify expected amounts of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) or sediment loads to water from specific land uses or point sources and makes adjustments based on an estimate of the effectiveness of a best management practice. Since the definitions and values used for both loading and effectiveness estimates have important implications for the CBP and the various partners, it is critical that they be developed in a process that is consistent, transparent, and scientifically defensible.
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, the Bay watershed jurisdictions set short-term goals or milestones to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Jurisdictions based the 2009-2011 milestones on increasing their historic implementation rates in order to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. In December 2010, EPA finalized the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) which provided jurisdictions with load allocation numbers for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. These allocations created a “pollution diet” which set limits for the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that could enter the Bay from each jurisdiction and ensure the Bay is meeting water quality standards.
The 2009-2011 milestones were developed prior to the limits set by the Bay TMDL. As a result, the information presented here is not directly comparable with the annual reporting by the Bay jurisdictions on progress toward achieving the TMDL allocations. Beginning with the 2012-2013 milestone period, reporting of 2-year milestone progress will be tracked against the Bay TMDL allocations and the level of commitments made in the Phase I and II Watershed Implementation Plans.
In 2008, the Chesapeake Executive Council charged the seven jurisdictions to develop a two-year milestone process for reducing their respective nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment contributions to the Chesapeake Bay and to track the pace of those reductions. Two-year milestones provide short-term objectives and have become part of the overall Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) accountability framework established in 2010 to assess progress on restoration goals. When fully implemented, the seven Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) will ensure that practices are in place by 2017 to reduce the load by 60 percent. By 2025, all practices necessary to meet the target loading levels will be in place. The two-year milestones allow jurisdictions the opportunity to adapt implementation strategies outlined in their WIPs as necessary to meet those goals and ultimately achieve applicable water quality standards and restore the Bay.
Stormwater blurb here.
Background
Bay jurisdictions have reported on the practices they committed to implement in their “2011 Milestones to Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorus” factsheets and provided a calculation of percent completion to date. This interim progress assessment looks at progress for approximately two-thirds of the 2009-2011 milestone period (that is, practices implemented between July 2008 and June 2010). Therefore, jurisdictions who have implemented practices that are approximately two-thirds of the way to meeting their commitments are considered to be “on track.” Progress that was significantly more than two-thirds is reported as “ahead of schedule” while results that were significantly less are noted as “behind schedule.”
An interim assessment of pollution control practices being implemented to achieve these reductions is presented to the right. As of June 2010, the jurisdictions are generally on-track to implement pollution control practices necessary to achieve load reduction commitments. In instances where they are behind, contingencies are being implemented. The collective jurisdictional commitments will result in reducing nitrogen by 15.8 million pounds and phosphorus by 1.05 million pounds during the three-year period 2009-2011 (based on Phase 4.3 Watershed Model simulations for some jurisdictions and estimates made by some jurisdictions using other tools). A final assessment of load reductions achieved during the entire three-year period will be available at the 2012 EC meeting.
Interim Progress Summary
Agriculture
As of June 2010, jurisdictions are generally on track to implement pollution control practices to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reductions expected during the three year period. In instances where they are behind, contingency practices are being implemented.
Urban/Suburban
As of June 2010, jurisdictions are generally on track to implement pollution control practices to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reductions expected during the three year period. In instances where they are behind, contingency practices are being implemented.
Wastewater
As of June 2010, jurisdictions are generally on track to implement pollution control practices to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reductions expected during the three year period.
Air
As of June 2010, jurisdictions are generally on track to implement pollution control practices to achieve nitrogen and phosphorus reductions expected during the three year period.
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, the mayor of the District of Columbia (DC) set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
Most of DC's numeric commitments for 2011 were for total implementation in 2011; the 2011 implementation levels are compared to commitments to calculate percent achievement for all practices except stream restoration.
Progress Highlights
- More than 2,400 homes have been audited through the RiverSmart Homes Program, an innovative program designed to reduce stormwater runoff from residential properties and improve water quality within DC. The program focuses on increasing the use of lot-level stormwater retention/detention practices, such as shade trees and porous paving, and includes fiscal incentives to homeowners to install these types of landscaping features. Due to DC’s Department of the Environment’s successful outreach and education campaign, more than 300 DC homeowners are interested in the RiverSmart Homes Program and are on a waiting list to be audited.
- In 2011, according to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ "Top 10 U.S. Metropolitan Regions Rankings," DC vaulted into first place (surpassing Chicago) for its installation of 800,000 square feet of green roofs, the largest amount in the country. Currently 1.3 million square feet of green roof have been approved for construction on 128 buildings through spring 2012.
Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 Status ENR – Award Contract for design by June 1, 2009 Completed ENR – Award contract for construction by December 31, 2011 Completed CSO reductions – completion of nine minimum control projects in May 2009 Completed Create new tree box standards to allow for better tree growth Completed Develop lot-level residential stormwater detention/retention through RiverSmart Homes incentive program Completed Train federal facilities on new stormwater requirements Completed Implement a program to control discharges from DC and federally owned facilities Completed Strengthen auto repair shop education campaign in Hickey Run (pilot) Completed Inspect all auto repair shops, laundromats and dry cleaners at least once every five years Completed Develop and implement a pet waste strategy Completed Mandate installation and use of pumpout stations at all DC marinas Completed Complete a DPW street sweeping study and implement long-term enhanced street sweeping and fine particle removal Completed Implement and promote new stormwater regulations that require LID construction as a first option and mandate training for site managers Ongoing (carried into 2012-13 goals) Develop an impervious area-based stormwater fee Completed Review and update zoning regulations to encourage green building Ongoing Determine the type of trash control devices that would be the most effective in retaining large debris and sediment in hot-spot areas identified by a trash survey Completed Incorporate LID into 24 percent of all DC DOT projects Completed Shortfalls
- DC fell short on the sanitary sewer replacement and stream restoration milestones. Due to outside circumstances, the stream restoration project on Pope Branch did not begin on schedule. Although this project is expected to go forward and the money for it is still in place, its delay resulted in these milestones not being met since sanitary sewer replacement was tied into the stream restoration goals.
- In 2011, individuals and groups planted more than 13,608 trees across DC resulting in an A+ grade from Casey Trees for plantings. As a result, for the second straight year, collective tree in DC exceeded the minimum number of trees (8,600) needed annually to reach the District's tree canopy goal of 40% by 2035 (Casey Trees Report, 2012). Therefore, DC District of the Environment can only be said to be behind on its 25 year tree canopy expansion goal if its efforts are the only ones considered. However, with full-time support of outside groups such as the DC Department of Transportation and Casey Trees (and many more), DC is not in shortfall.
- While DC has made great strides on green roof installations, the two year milestone date for square feet of green roof coverage was mis-reported. The goal is to have 2.5 million square feet of green roof installed by 2017. Currently, 1.3 million square feet of green roof have been approved for construction on 128 buildings through spring 2012.
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, Delaware set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
All of Delaware’s numeric commitments for 2011 were for total acres on the ground in 2011. For all practices (cumulative and annual), the 2011 implementation level is compared to the commitment to calculate percent achievement.
Progress Highlights
- During the 2009-2011 milestone period, Delaware saw steady decreases in modeled nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads due to increased implementation, improved data tracking and reporting efforts, and improved communication and coordination with partner agencies through the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) development process.
- Several of the specific implementation goals set in 2009 were achieved and surpassed. The total acres of cover crops planted increased more than anticipated, likely due to modified cost share programs and focused funding; data tracking and reporting (species planted, planting date and method, standard/commodity) for this practice also improved. Wetland restoration and tree planting goals were surpassed due to supporting funds from both the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant and a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant and better coordination and reporting of partner efforts due to the creation of a WIP Restoration Subcommittee. The acres of agriculture nutrient management planning were also maintained. Finally, the total nitrogen load from the Invista facility decreased more than projected and that permit will be reissued in 2012.
- Several regulatory revisions got underway during this milestone period. The Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations were revised to be consistent with federal standards and became effective in November 2011. Revisions to both the Sediment and Stormwater Regulations and the Regulations Governing the Design, Installation, and Operation of On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems also went through the regulatory revision process. Both sets of regulations propose actions to reduce nutrient inputs from urban and suburban areas and will likely be finalized in 2012.
- Important improvements have been made to data tracking and reporting systems through the conversion to the National Environmental Information Exchange Network platform. As a result, more data on practices that have routinely been implemented but previously not reported are now captured, and missing and unpopulated fields have been filled. Additionally, several studies or literature reviews to examine the effectiveness of BMPs currently not modeled were initiated and include an assessment of the impacts of irrigation management and heavy use area pads. Delaware’s non-farm fertilizer sales data was also examined and significant decreases in phosphorus are apparent, likely as a result of residential fertilizer phosphorus bans in neighboring states. DNREC and DDA are working with Chesapeake Bay Program committees to determine appropriate credit for these practices.
- Finally, a WIP Communications Subcommittee was formed and this group is preparing a marketing strategy to increase education and outreach to the general public and encourage behavior change.
Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 Status Agriculture Revised Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations (effective November 2011) Completed Hired two Strategic Watershed Action Team (SWAT) planners to increase nutrient management planning capacity Completed Stormwater Created website where stormwater forms and educational material can be accessed Completed Created Access database that tracks all inspections and enforcement actions Completed Wastewater Hired full-time permit writer to help reduce permit backlog Completed Transitioned from Permit Control System to Integrated Compliance Information System to track wastewater facility permitted loads Completed Created a Compliance and Enforcement Response Guide Completed Land Use Produced a build-out analysis of county and local jurisdictions through 2025 Completed Submitted a “Start Action Notice” for development of a Nutrient Offset Regulation Completed Other Update Delaware’s Nonpoint Source Best Management Practice Implementation Data Quality Assurance Project Plan Completed Revised and validated a restoration database to list and prioritize potential restoration projects Completed Developed education and outreach materials in regards to the WIP Completed Shortfalls
While Delaware has met or exceeded its overall load reduction goals, they did not achieve a few specific implementation goals. The exact goals for early/standard/late cover crops were not achieved, but cost share programs have been modified to emphasize early plantings and this acreage is expected to increase in the future. Forest buffer acreage did not increase and members of the agriculture community have indicated that current market prices of crops do not support land conversion for buffers at this time. A collaborative group plans to examine how much of an additional cost share incentive is needed to encourage additional enrollment in buffer programs. The tons of poultry litter transported have decreased in recent years; Delaware believes, in general, that the total volume of litter has decreased as has the nutrient content of the litter and staff are working with the CBP Ag Workgroup to assess the data and make necessary model modifications. Finally, the onsite pump-out goal was not achieved, but regulations have been proposed requiring a pump-out and inspection at the time of property sale or transfer and will also require reporting when inspections occur; both requirements are expected to increase the number of pump-outs reported each year.
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
Maryland reports progress on adapted commitments since more current information is available documented on BayStat.
Progress Highlights
Maryland met its 2009-2011 two-year milestone goals, even after accounting for expected growth (150,000 pounds nitrogen).
Shortfalls/Continued Progress
Maryland continually assessed and adapted the two-year milestone achievements and goals to reflect actual conditions. As an added security, Maryland's contingency plan overshoots reduction goals. This plan included accelerated reductions from Blue Plains WWTP (+125,000 pounds per year nitrogen), cover crop requirements on farmland that the state leases out, and a myriad of incremental goal increases to other Best Management Practices.
| Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 |
|---|
| Established BayStat: For the first time in Maryland Bay Restoration efforts, the Governor and senior staff meet regularly with Cabinet Secretaries from key agencies to review progress and make critical decisions. The BayStat website provides transparent tracking of progress to inform the public and hold agencies accountable. BayStat is now a model for a new federal ChesapeakeStat effort to track restoration actions watershed-wide. |
| Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Trust Fund: This new dedicated fund, authorized for up to $50 million annually, supports projects and programs to reduce non-point source pollution in Maryland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. In its first three years, the Trust Fund targeted more than $34 million in priority watersheds resulting in an estimated total reduction of 1.5 million pounds of nitrogen, 117,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 111 tons of sediment. The Trust Fund also supports key nutrient reduction activities including 16 Soil Conservation District staff positions, new nonpoint source reduction technologies, and the local economies through Maryland's Innovative Technology Fund. |
| Record Cover Crop Implementation: In the fall of 2010 (FY 2011), 1,567 farmers planted 400,331 acres of cover crops on their fields exceeding Maryland’s first 2-year milestone goal of 325,000 acres. In 2011 (FY 2012), 1,585 farmers planted 429,818 acres of cover crops, exceeding the State’s second 2-year milestone goal of 355,000 acres. |
| New CAFO regulations: Maryland issued new regulations for handling 85 percent of the poultry litter generated from its poultry operations. The first state in the region to implement an EPA-approved regulatory program, Maryland went beyond new federal requirements to protect surface waters and implemented a state permit to protect State groundwater as well. |
| New Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permits: There has been significant regulatory focus on stormwater discharge permits issued to Maryland's 10 largest jurisdictions and the State Highway Administration, which require control of stormwater pollution from existing developed land. The first in the next generation of MS4 permits was issued to Montgomery County in February 2010. This and all subsequent permits will accelerate restoration of developed land area through improved stormwater management practices. |
| Septic System Upgrades: Maryland passed a law in 2009 requiring that all new or replacement septic systems in the Critical Area include the best available technology for the removal of nitrogen. Bay Restoration Fund grants are prioritized to help homeowners with failing systems comply with this requirement. In 2007, $17 million in septic upgrade funds were unspent and Marylanders upgraded fewer than 50 systems. Today, Maryland spends revenue as it is collected, resulting in upgrades to more than 3,000 systems. |
| Anacostia Trash TMDL: The EPA, the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland established a new TMDL for trash in the Anacostia River, making it the first interstate river in the nation with this type of Clean Water Act trash limit. |
| Fertilizer Use Act: Because 44 percent of purchased fertilizers are for non-agricultural purposes, Maryland passed a law to reduce the amount of nutrient run-off from lawns, golf courses, parks, recreation areas and other non-agricultural sources. According to the Chesapeake Bay Commission, about 14 percent of the nitrogen and 8 percent of the phosphorus entering the Bay can be traced to non-agricultural urban and suburban sources—mainly lawns. |
| Maryland Trading Program: Maryland passed a law to enable the exchange (buying and selling) of nutrient-reduction credits that have monetary value to help reduce nitrogen and phosphorus in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. |
| P Site Index (PSI): Maryland scientists updated the PSI, an assessment tool that identifies the relative risk for phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural production fields to nearby bodies of water. |
| Environmental Site Design: In 2007, Maryland adopted legislation requiring the use of better site planning techniques, non-structural practices, and small-scale stormwater management facilities to control new development runoff statewide. Practices such as vegetated swales, pervious pavers, green roofs, cisterns, and micro-bioretention and rain gardens are now required to mimic natural hydrology and replicate the runoff characteristics or woods. Many of these practices were previously optional. These state-of-the-arts, cost-efficient stormwater techniques apply to all new development approved after May 2010. |
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, New York set short-term goals to continue implementation of the New York State Tributary Strategy for Chesapeake Bay Restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
Progress Highlights
- Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law: The Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law was signed into law on July 15, 2010. This law will improve water quality in New York by reducing phosphorus runoff into the State's waterbodies.
- Chesapeake Bay Program Forest Conservation Directive: In the 2009 and 2010 calendar years, over 1,400 acres of land within the Upper Susquehanna Watershed were preserved by land trusts and parcels gifted to the State. This included a parcel along Otsego Lake, the source of the Susquehanna River. Also, on December 29, 2010, DEC announced the completion of the Final Strategic Plan for State Forest Management describing how State Forests will be sustainably managed by promoting ecosystem health, enhancing landscape biodiversity, protecting soil productivity and water quality.
- TOGS 1.4.2 Compliance and Enforcement of SPDES Permits: In 2010, the NYSDEC Division of Water finalized the revision and update to the 1988 Technical and Operational Guidance Series (TOGS) 1.4.2. This document strengthens the Department's guidance on compliance and enforcement activities related to the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) program. The 1988 guidance predated New York's current SPDES general permits for Stormwater and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). These programs are now specifically addressed in TOGS 1.4.2.
- Susquehanna-Chemung Action Plan: In 2009, the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board (STCRPDB) received a $285,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act competitive grant from NYSDEC to create an ecosystem-based management plan for the Chemung and Susquehanna River basins. The Susquehanna-Chemung Action Plan outlines steps for protecting and improving the region's water resources. The Action Plan will be complete in February 2012.
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Program: In 2009, New York issued a CAFO permit for all medium- and large-sized farms. New York regulates dairy farms with as few as 200 cows; poultry laying operations with as few as 25,000 hens; swine operations with as few as 750 pigs. This permit supplements New York's Clean Water Act CAFO permit for medium and large facilities, which has been in place since 1999 and remains in full force and effect.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Optimization: New York has included permit language for the 28 Bay-Significant wastewater treatment facilities in the Susquehanna/Chemung watershed to complete nutrient removal optimization and engineering analysis of feasibility and costs for greater levels of treatment and implementation of treatment modifications that would improve nutrient removal without a major capital upgrade. Subsequently, some facilities have implemented treatment modifications, such as chemical addition, to achieve TP load reductions.
- Agricultural Environmental Management Program: AEM funding was provided to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to inventory and assess farms; and to plan, design and evaluated BMP effectiveness on those farms. In 2009 and 2010, Conservation Districts in the Upper Susquehanna Coalition completed AEM work in the watershed with a total of $924,973.50 of state funding.
Shortfalls
- Unexpected Setback: The Binghamton-Johnson City municipal treatment plant experienced a major structural failure. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the failure and to establish a path forward to meet the nutrient and sediment reductions necessary.
- Graze-NY Program: The Graze-NY Program works to help farm families with the adoption of prescribed grazing management systems. Funding for the Graze NY program is uncertain and will likely impact this valuable BMP.
- Contractual Issues: Several projects were postponed because of the fiscal climate in New York State. However, with recent contract completions, New York will be executing contracts and implementing projects from grants awarded through the New York State Non-Point Source Abatement and Control Grant Program, Water Quality Improvement Project Statewide Grant Program and the New York State Chesapeake Bay Program Forest Conservation Directive. These projects will support water quality improvement for New York in the coming years.
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, the governor of Pennsylvania set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
Progress Highlights
- Dirt & Gravel Road Erosion & Sediment Control: 467%. Pennsylvania's milestone was based on early program Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation rates that have shown large increases in BMP implementation over the last four years based on steady funding of this program.
- Forest Harvesting Practices: 7,959%. Pennsylvania's milestone was based on historical BMP reporting levels. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has significantly increased its reporting.
- Manure Transport: 386%. A survey of Manure Brokers was completed that more accurately represents manure transport within and out of the Bay watershed.
- Septic Connections: 105%. The increase resulted from the first time reporting of septic system hook-ups by PennVest and an increase in hook-ups reported by USDA’s Rural Development Program.
- Wastewater: Pennsylvania committed to having 40 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) operating under reduced nutrient limit permits by June 2011. Forty-seven of the 190 significant sewage facilities had cap loads that were effective by June 2011.
- Pasture Grazing BMPs: 365%. Increased reporting of pasture grazing BMPs is attributed to the South Central Project Grass administered by the Capital RC&D Area Council. National Fish and Wildlife Funds supplemented existing cost-share programs including EQIP, CREP and DEP CBIG.
| Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 | Status |
|---|---|
| Manure Management Manual | Published 10/29/2011 |
Agriculture Compliance
| Completed 12/31/2010 |
Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations
| Published 11/19/2010 |
Stormwater MS4
| Published 09/17/2011 |
Legacy Sediment BMP Development and Implementation
| 11/02/2011-Ongoing |
| Phosphate Dishwater Detergent Ban | Effective 7/1/2010 |
Wastewater Treatment Plant Permits
| Status as of 7/2011 |
Nutrient Trading
| 2010-2011 |
Shortfalls
- Conservation Tillage: -55%. USDA/NASS reported that 78% of the tilled land in Pennsylvania during 2009 used either “No-Till”or other conservation tillage. Efforts are underway to better track voluntary conservation tillage activities including a planned 2012 tillage transect study to better characterize this practice.
- Erosion and Sediment Control: 0%. Efforts are underway to better track the implementation of this practice through reporting of data collected from existing state permits.
- Nutrient Management: 59%. Evidence in south-central Pennsylvania counties, and a recent USDA/CEAP study, suggests that implementation levels may range from 50-70%. Efforts are underway to better track voluntary implementation activities.
- Poultry Phytase: 0%. No increase in implementation of this practice has been gauged during this milestone period. The Department of Environmental Protection plans to work with industry groups and stakeholders to characterize the current implementation of phytase feed additive use during the next milestone period.
- Stormwater Management: -74%. Ongoing efforts to better track urban BMPs through existing stormwater management permits will result in a higher level of implementation than is currently reported.
Background
At the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, the governor of Virginia set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
With the exception of "Stream Restoration, agricultural" and "Additional Urban Nutrient Management," VA's 2011 BMP implementation data is the amount reported by VA, not the amount credited in the CBP Watershed Model because of the state's disagreement with CBP methods. All of VA’s numeric commitments for 2011 (both original and adapted) were for total amount on-the-ground in 2011. For all practices (cumulative and annual), the 2011 implementation level is compared to the commitment to calculate percent achievement. For some practices, VA has 2 sets of commitments, Original 2011 Commitment and Adapted 2011 Commitment. With practices that list both sets of commitments, 2011 data is compared to both commitments to determine percent achievement of the original and adapted commitments.
Progress Highlights
Urban Stormwater:
- Revised stormwater management regulations were approved and became effective on September 13, 2011. An extensive education and outreach campaign began by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in 2011 for local governments who are charged with implementing these regulations. These regulations will serve as a cornerstone of Virginia’s efforts to protect the Bay from stormwater runoff.
- In 2011, the Governor signed landmark legislation that, among other things, bans the use of phosphorus in most home use lawn fertilizers. Despite the 2013 implementation date, the new law has prompted fertilizer manufacturers to remove phosphorus in their products now and water quality benefits are already being seen.
Agriculture:
- In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation establishing the framework for agricultural Resource Management Plans (RMPs). The purpose of RMPs is to use a regulatory framework to encourage farm owners and operators to voluntarily implement a high level of BMPs on their farmlands that can protect water quality and offer them "safe harbor” from further regulatory requirements. The program is expected to become active in early 2013 following completion of a regulatory development process through the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.
- In 2011, six Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) began a pilot program tracking voluntary BMPs on agricultural operations. The districts are developing individual tracking protocols and will be gathering BMP data to include in the existing tracking database. As the pilot phase ends June 2012, the six SWCDs will present their findings to DCR and other stakeholders. From these pilot work efforts, DCR will choose the most appropriate path to gather this information.
- The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environmental Quality have begun a cooperative effort to reduce the water quality impacts from animal operations that may be impacting water quality.
Onsite Septic: In 2011, the Governor approved amendments to the Department of Health that require a 50% reduction in nitrogen for all alternative onsite systems in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Sewage Treatment Plants: Virginia continues its aggressive program to upgrade sewage treatment plans. There are currently 57 active grants agreements for nutrient control upgrades that commit $654 million in state cost-share funds. Work has been completed on 29 of these retrofit projects, with the remaining 28 in various stages of construction and many likely to be finished by the end of 2012. Calendar year 2011 was the first compliance period in which wastewater dischargers were to have met river basin-wide nutrient allocations established by Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed general permit. Virginia reissued the permit in 2012 with nutrient allocations and schedules that conform to EPA’s Chesapeake Bay TMDL.
| Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 | Status |
|---|---|
| Adoption of Revised Stormwater Regulations | Completed |
| Issuance of Watershed General Permit with TMDL allocations | Completed |
| Study and Proposed Framework for Expansion of the Use of Nutrient Credits | Completed |
| Improvement in oversight of Erosion and Sediment Control Programs | Ongoing |
| Development of Resource Management Plan Regulations | In Progress |
| Study on the Use of Slow Release Nitrogen in Fertilizer | Completed |
| Adoption of Alternative Septic System regulations | Completed |
| Evaluation of James River chlorophyll standard | In Progress |
| Passage of Household fertilizer control legislation | Completed |
Background
During the 2009 Chesapeake Executive Council (EC) meeting, West Virginia set short-term goals to reduce pollution to the Bay and dramatically accelerate the pace of restoration. Select a sector and practice to view the final progress assessment.
Progress Highlights
West Virginia exceeded its nitrogen and phosphorus reduction goals for the 2009-2011 timeframe.
Shortfalls
While falling short in some areas, such as wetland restoration, grass buffers, manure transfer and septic pumping, West Virginia installed more than predicted on BMPs such as animal waste management systems, cover crops, and forest buffers. These agricultural BMPs are installed on a voluntary basis in West Virginia so some variation was to be expected.
| Programmatic Accomplishments, 2009-2011 |
|---|
| The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has greatly increased its Nutrient Management Planning activities. The Department currently has four certified Nutrient Management Planners on staff. |
| West Virginia’s most recent Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, which regulates stormwater in urbanized areas, became effective on July 22, 2009. This permit requires regulated local governments to develop ordinances requiring all new development and redevelopment of one acre or greater to capture and manage the first one inch of rainfall by utilizing runoff reduction stormwater practices. In addition to adding aesthetic and economic value, these practices will help reduce nutrients in stormwater runoff from regulated urbanized areas. |
| During the 2011 Legislative session, West Virginia passed a bill to provide funding assistance to municipalities and public service districts for wastewater treatment plant upgrades to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus. This funding will be instrumental in moving forward with nutrient upgrades to West Virginia’s wastewater treatment plants. |
| A two day stormwater/sediment and erosion workshop was held in cooperation with DOH in 2011 and focused on construction. Inspectors, engineers and private contractors (90+) were targeted. The focus was on construction NPDES and USACOE permits as well as the upcoming NTU and ELG compliance standards. On-site demos were held along the most recent section of highway construction and showcased newest applications in stormwater management. In addtion, two rain gardens were installed at DOH facilities as demonstations to manage stormwater and educate the public. |
| The Frankfort Public Service District (PSD) wastewater treatment plant was constructed to replace nine smaller wastewater treatment plants and to meet the Chesapeake Bay TMDL wasteload allocation of 5 mg/l Nitrogen and 0.5 mg/l Phosphorus. Performance will be documented in West Virginia's 2012 - 2013 milestones. |
| At this time, a comprehensive offset and trading program has not been demonstrated to be needed in WV to accomplish Watershed Implementation Plan objectives. Nor are resources available long term for program development or implementation. Therefore, WVDEP plans to continue to evaluate offset and trading requests on a case-by-case basis through documentation and controls established in the NPDES permitting process. |
