EPA
Chesapeake 20(|
Agreement
A Watershed Partners
Draft/or
Public Review
and Comment
c: ii
2000
^M» V-x , V_^rV^
U.S. EPA
Mail ibde 3201 \ If
ia Avenu^NW
P E A K E
j Comments Due by Marcff^ 2000
Return to: Chesapeake 2000 Comments, c/o Chesapeake Bay Program, 410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403;
or respond online at www.chesapeake.net; or fax to (410) 267-5777
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The Chesapeake Bay Program partners welcome your comments on
Chesapeake 20001 Please use the enclosed form to write your comments
and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. For more
information or more copies of this package, call the Bay Program at
1-800-YOUR-BAY.
Comments are being accepted, in writing only, through
March 31,2000. You may send your response in three ways:
• Mail vour comments to the Chesapeake Bay Program Office; 410 Severn Ave.,
Suite 109; Annapolis, Md. 21403
• Fax your comments to (410) 267-5777
• Complete a response form on the Chesapeake Bay Program website at
www.chesapeakebay.net
Due to the volume of comments expected, we will not be able to personally acknowledge receipt
of your response.
Table of Contents
I. Introducing Chesapeake 2000
II. Response Form
III. Draft of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement
IV. A Citizen's Guide to the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement
Chesapeake 2000 Time Line
January - March 31,2000: Public review and comment
April - June 2000: Final drafting process
June 2000: Chesapeake Executive Council Signs the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement
The Chesapeake Bay Program is the unique regional partnership that has been directing and
conducting the Bay's restoration since 1983. The Bay Program includes the states of Virginia,
Pennsylvania and Maryland; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a In-
state legislative body; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, representing the federal
government; and participating advisory groups representing local governments, the scientific
community and the citizens of the watershed.
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Introducing Chesapeake 2000: A Watershed Partnership
You hold in your hands a draft of the document expected to lead Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts into the new
century: Chesapeake 2000: A Watershed Partnership. We hope you will take the time to review it and share your
comments and suggestions with the Chesapeake Bay Program. In addition to the draft text of the renewed Bay
Agreement, this package includes a Citizen's Guide that examines the draft agreement commitment-by-connnitment.
More important, there also is a two-page comment form for you to return to us and a postage paid envelope to
encourage your participation in mis effort.
Chesapeake 2000 will become the third Bay Agreement written by the cooperative, multi-jurisdictional Bay Program.
Previous agreements were signed in 1983 and 1987 with the latter amended hi 1992. For most of 1999, Bay Program
staff and partners have been working with scientists, local officials, conservation leaders and citizens like yourself to
develop the draft agreement.
Chesapeake 2000 is designed to build on the Bay Program's accomplishments and commitments as outlined in previous
Bay Agreements and its own directives. If s written as a long-range commitment to focus restoration efforts hi the new
millennium. The primary goal of the new agreement is to improve water quality sufficiently in order to sustain the
living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries and to maintain that water quality into the future.
This is seen as the most comprehensive and far-reaching goal hi the Bay Program's history. If s projected that in some
areas of the watershed nutrient reductions will need to be increased beyond the current 40% that has served as the
restoration's benchmark. For the first time, comprehensive sediment reduction levels also will be established and
implemented.
These are not the only goals set hi this ambitious game plan. It sets as its objectives cleaner water hi the Bay and its
tributaries, thriving estuarine living resources, improved and increased habitat, better management of our resource lands
and fully engaged local governments and citizens. Specific restoration commitments include:
A goal to increase the number of oysters tenfold by 2010
Improve water quality sufficiently so that the Bay and its tidal rivers will be removed from EPA's list of "impaired
waters" by 2010.
_ A review of current tax policies to create tax incentives that encourage sound land use and eliminate elements mat
discourage sustainable development
_ New wetlands restoration and protection goals
Selected "No Discharge" zones for boat waste
A numerical goal for abandoned industrial site (brownfields) redevelopment — 1,050 sites by 2010
A goal to expand public access points 30 % by 2010
A recommitment to increase underwater grasses to 114,000 acres
_ Enhanced protection for streams and rivers
Dubbed A Watershed Partnership, the new agreement also places a priority on reaching the citizens and communities
of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. According to the new agreement, "...there can be no greater goal in this
recommitment than to engage everyone —individuals, businesses, communities and governments —in our efforts; to
commit all citizens of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in a shared vision." Outreach efforts and education are seen as
important tools to involve citizens throughout the 64,000 square mile watershed.
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Chesapeake 2000
A Watershed Partnership
gamble
I he Chesapeake Bay is North America's
largest and most biologically diverse
estuary, home to more than 3,600 species
of plants, fish and animals. For more than 300
years, the Bay and its tributaries have sustained the
region's economy and defined its traditions and
culture. It is a resource of extraordinary productivi-
ty, worthy of the highest levels of protection and
restoration.
Accordingly, in 1983 and 1987, the states of
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of
Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed
historic agreements that established the
Chesapeake Bay Program partnership to protect
and restore the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem.
For almost two decades, we, the signatories to
these agreements, have worked together as stew-
ards to ensure the public's right to clean water a
a healthy and productive resource. We have sough
to protect the health of the public that uses the Bay
and consumes its bounty. The initiatives we have
pursued have been deliberate and have produced
significant results in the health and productivity of
the Bay's main stem, the tributaries, and the natur-
al land and water ecosystems that compose the
Chesapeake Bay watershed.
While the individual and collective accomplish-
ments of our efforts have been significant, even
greater effort will be required to address the enor-
mous challenges that lie ahead. Increased popula-
tion and expanded development within the water-
shed have created ever-greater challenges for us in
the Bay's restoration. These challenges
complicated by (he dynamic nature of
the ever-changing global ecosystem'v
interacts. ra,
In order to achieve our existing «
the challenges that lie ahead.^Mejnust
partnership and recommit to ' *"*"•- i
responsibility we undertook
ago. We must manage for
a vision for our desired destiny and
into place that will secure it.
To do this, there can be no greater goal in this
recommitment than to engage everyone—individu-
als, businesses, communities and governments—in
our effort; to commit all citizens of the Chesapeake
Bay watershed in a shared vision—a system with
abundant, diverse populations of living resources,
fed by healthy streams and rivers, sustaining strong
local and regional economies, and our unique qual-
ity of life.
In affirming our recommitment through this
new Chesapeake 2000 draft agreement, we recog-
nize the importance of viewing this document in its
entirety with no single pan taken in isolation of the
others. This Agreement reflects the Bay's complexi-
ty in that each action we take, like the elements of
the Bay itself, is connected to all the others. This
Agreement responds to the problems facing this
magnificent ecosystem in a comprehensive, multi-
faceted way.
By this Agreement, we commit ourselves to.
nurture and sustain a Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Partnership and to achieve the goals set forth in
the subsequent sections. Without such a partner-
ship, future challenges will not be met. With it, the
restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay
will be ensured for generations to come.
NG RESOURCE PROTECTION
RESTORATION
health and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay's living
:es provide the ultimate indicator of our success in
restoration and protection effort. The Bay's fisheries
and the other living resources that sustain them and pro-
vide habitat for them are central to the initiatives we
undertake in this Agreement.
We recognize the interconnectedness of the Bay's liv-
ing resources and the importance of protecting the entire
natural system and therefore, commit to identify the
essential elements of habitat and environmental quality
necessary to support the living resources of the Bay. In
protecting commercially valuable species, we will manage
harvest levels through practices that maintain their health
and stability and protect die ecosystem as a whole. We will
restore passage for migratory fish and work to ensure that
suitable water quality conditions exist in the upstream
spawning habitats upon which they depend.
Our actions must be conducted in an integrated and
coordinated manner. They must be continually monitored,
and revised to adjust to the dynamic nature and
of the Chesapeake Bay and changes in global
To advance this ecosystem approach, we will
lagement perspective from single-system
is and will expand our protection
ingle-species to multi-species management.
undertake efforts to determine how future
-changes in the chemical, physical and bic-
of the Bay will affect living resources
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r<32JT>VlIUSTORE, ENHANCE AND PROTECT THE FIN-
NHSH, SHEUBSH AND OTHER LIVING RESOURCES,
THER HABITATS AND ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS TO
SWAIN AU FISHERIES AND PROVIDE FOR A BAL-
ECOSYSTEM.
Oysters
U By 2010, achieve, at a minimum, a tenfold increase
in oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, based upon a 1994
baseline. By 2002, develop and implement a strategy
to achieve this increase by using sanctuaries sufficient
in size and distribution, aquaculture and other man-
agement approaches necessary to achieve this objec-
tive.
Exotic Species
LJ By 2002, identify exotic species which are producing
significant negative impacts to die Bay's aquatic
ecosystem or have the potential to yield such impacts.
By 2004, develop and implement management plans
for those exotic species that are deemed problematic
to the restoration and integrity of the Bay's
ecosystem.
LJ In 2000, establish a Chesapeake Bay Program Task
Force to: (1) work cooperatively with the U.S. Coast
Guard, the ports, the shipping industry and environ-
mental interests at the national level to help establish
and implement a national program designed to sub-
stantially reduce and, where possible, eliminate the
introduction of exotic species carried in ballast water,
and (2) by 2002, develop and implement an interim
voluntary ballast water management program for the
waters of die Bay and its tributaries.
Fish Passage and Migratory Fish and
Resident Fish
LJ By June 2002. identify thermal initiatives necessary
to achieve our existing goal of restoring fish passage
for migratory fish to more than 1,357 miles of
blocked river by 2003.
LJ By 2004, set a new goal with implementation sched-
ules to achieve restoration of additional passage for
migratory and resident fish.
LJ For priority migratory fish species, by 2002, assess
trends in populations, determine tributary-specific
target population sizes based on projected fish pas-
sage and available habitat, and provide recommenda-
tions to achieve those targets.
LJ By 2003, revise fish management plans to include
strategies to achieve tributary-specific migratory fish
target population sizes.
Multi-species Management
LJ By 2005. develop multi-species management plans
for targeted species.
LJ By 2007, revise and implement existing fisheries
management plans to incorporate ecological, social
and economic considerations, multi-species fisheries
management and ecosystem approaches.
Crabs
LJ Manage the blue crab population to restore a healthy
spawning biomass, size and age structure. By 2001,
establish a harvest target and implement state fish-
eries management strategies that are complementary
Baywide.
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VITAL HABITAT PROTECTION AND
RESTORATION . ' ^ S^ f
The Chesapeake Bay's natural infrastructure is an " -. \
intricate system of terrestrial and aquatic habitat*,, Hnkcdv''
to the landscape! and the environmentaUjuaijtv of ihe^ *
watershed. It is composed of the thousands ofimilci/>f *
river and stream habitat that interconnect the land, water,
living resources and human communities of the Bay water-
shed. These vital habitats—including open water, under-
water grasses, marshes, wedands, streams and forests—
support living resource abundance by providing key food
and habitat for a variety of species. Submerged aquatic
vegetation reduces shoreline erosion while forests and wet-
lands protect water quality by naturally processing the pol-
lutants before they enter the water. Long-term protection
of this natural infrastructure is essential.
In managing the Bay as a whole ecosystem, we recog-
nize the need to focus on the individuality of each river,
stream and creek and to secure their protection in concert
with the communities and individuals that reside within
these smal! watersheds. We also recognize that we must
continue to refine and share information regarding the
importance of these vital habitats to the Bay's fish, shell-
fish and waterfowl. Our efforts to preserve the integrity of
this natural infrastructure will protect the Bay's waters and
living resources and will ensure the viability of human
economies and communities that are dependent upon
those resources for sustenance, reverence and posterity.
«33jTI> PRESERVE, PROTECT AND RESTORE THOSE
HABITATS AND NATURAL AREAS VITAL TO THE SUR-
VIVAL AND DIVERSITY OF THE LIVING RESOURCES OF
THE BAY AND ITS RIVERS.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)
Q Recommit to the existing SAV Restoration Coal of
114,000 acres.
Q By 2002, revise SAV restoration goals to reflect his-
toric abundance, measured as acreage and density
from 1930s to present. The revised goals will include
specific levels of water clarity which are to be met in
2010. Strategies to achieve these goals will address
water clarity, water quality and bottom disturbance.
Q By 2002, implement a strategy to accelerate restora-
tion of SAV beds in areas of critical importance to die
Bay's living resources.
Wetlands
Q Achieve a no-net loss of jurisdictional wetlands
acreage and function through regulatory programs.
Q Achieve a net resource gain by restoring 25,000 acres
of tidal and non-tidal wetlands by 2010. To do this,
we commit to achieve and maintain an average
restoration rate of 2,500 acres per year basin wide by
2005 and beyond. We will evaluate our success in 2005.
Q Provide information and assistance to local govern-
ments and communities groups for the development
and implementation of locally generated community
or watershed-based wetlands preservation plans. The
goal is to have such plans implemented in 25 percent
of the land area of each state's Bay watershed by
2010. The plans would preserve key wetlands that are
locally identified and address surrounding land use
so as to preserve wetland functions.
Continue to evaluate the potential impact of climate
change on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly
its wetlands.
Forests
Q By 2003, ensure that measures are in place to meet
our riparian forest buffer restoration goal of 2,010
miles by 2010 and determine the potential to signifi-
cantly expand this goal.
Q Promote the expansion and further linking of con-
tiguous forests through conservation easements,
greenways. fee simple purchase and other land con-
servation mechanisms.
Q Work in partnership with local governments and
communities to encourage the adoption of local
stream corridor protection plans that include provi-
sions for riparian forest conservation and restoration.
with a goal of 50 percent local government and com-
munity participation by 2010.
Stream Corridors
Q By 2001. each jurisdiction will work with local gov-
ernments and communities to select pilot projects
that promote stream corridor protection, restoration
and the maintenance of minimum flows.
Q By 2003. include in the "State of the Bay Report" and
make available to the public, local governments and
communities information concerning the aquatic
health of stream corridors in (he watershed, includ-
ing the minimum freshwater stream flows needed to
maintain or restore aquatic health.
Q Work with watershed organizations and local
governments to develop a watershed management
plan, that addresses, among other things, the protec-
tion of forest buffers and local stream corridors with
a goal of 50 percent local government participation
by 2010.
Q Continually improve monitoring programs for evalu-
ating the aquatic health of stream corridors and the
success of protection and restoration efforts. Ensure
that the monitoring networks address the critical
impact of ground water on surface water flow and
quality.
WATER QUALITY REST
AND PROTECTION
Improving water quality is the most critic
the overall restoration and protection of the (
Bay and its tributaries. In 1987, we committed to achiev-
ing a 40 percent reduction in controllable nutrient loads
to the Bay. In 1992, we committed to tributary-specific
reduction strategies to achieve this reduction and agreed
to stay at or below these nutrient loads once attained. We
have made measurable reductions in pollution loading
despite continuing growth and development. Still, more
will have to be done.
Recent actions taken under the Clean Water Act result-
ed in listing portions of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal
rivers as "impaired waters." These actions have empha-
sized the regulatory framework of the Act along with the
ongoing cooperative efforts of (he Bay Program as the
means to address die nutrient enrichment problems with-
in the Bay and its rivers. In response, we have developed,
and are implementing, a process for integrating the coop-
erative and statutory programs of the Chesapeake Bay and
its tributaries. We have agreed to the goal of improving
water quality in the Bay and its tributaries so that these
waters may be removed from the impaired waters list prior
to the time when regulatory mechanisms under Section
303 ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY
NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THE AQUATIC LIVING
RESOURCES OF THE BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES AND TO
PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH.
Nutrients
Q Continue efforts to achieve and maintain the 40 per-
cent nutrient reduction goal agreed to in 1987, as
well as the goals being adopted for the tributaries
south of the ftotomac River.
Q By 2010, correct all nutrient-related problems in the
Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries sufficient to
remove the Bay and the tidal portions of its tribu-
taries from the list of impaired waters under the
Clean Water Act. In order to achieve this:
1) By 2001, define the water quality conditions neces-
sary to protect aquatic living resources: and then,
assign load reductions for nitrogen and phosphorus
to each major tributary:
2} By 2002. complete a public process to develop and
begin implementation of revised Tributary
Strategies to achieve and maintain the assigned
loading goals: and,
S) By 2003, the jurisdictions with tidal waters will use
their best efforts to adopt new or revised water qual-
ity standards consistent with the defined water quali-
ty conditions. Once adopted by the jurisditions, EPA
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will work expediriously to review the new or revised
standards, which will chen be used as the basis for
removing the Bay and its tidal rivers from the list of
impaired waters.
Sediment
v_J By 2010, correct all sediment-related problems in the
Chesapeake Bay and the tidal portion of its tribu-
taries sufficient to remove the Bay and the tidal por-
tions of its tributaries from the list of impaired waters
under the Clean Water Act. In order achieve this:
1) Using a process parallel to that established for nutri-
ents, determine the load reductions to achieve the
water quality conditions necessary to protect aquatic
living resources and assign load reductions for sedi-
ment to each major tributary by 2001; complete trib-
utary strategies to achieve the reductions by 2002;
integrate sediment reductions in order to develop
water quality standards for tidal waters by 2003,
based upon the denned water quality conditions;
and
2) By 2003, work with the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission and others to adopt and begin imple-
menting strategies that prevent the loss of the sedi-
ment retention capabilities of the lower Susque-
hanna River dams.
Priority Urban Waters
1 Support the restoration of the Anacostia River. Balti-
more Harbor, and Elizabeth River and their water-
sheds as models for urban river restoration in the Bay
basin. jf^ ';
/-'*» x '
1) By 2010, the District of Columbia, workirufwith irs*'*
watershed partners, will reduce pollution bads to ^ (
the Anacostia River in order to elimiraJe public
health concerns and achieve the living roour& ."
water quality and habitat goals of this and past, • •..
Agreements. 'O- '''
poorly planned growth and development or degrade local
habitat. We will advance these policies by creating partner-
ships with local governments to protect our communities
and to discharge our duties as trustees in the stewardship
. of the Chesapeake Bay. Finally, we will report on our
: progress in achieving our commitments to promote sound
land use every two yean.
:v
".'.'• J
Air Pollution
\
By 2003, assess the effects of airborne nitrogen com-*^
pounds and chemical contaminants on the Bay CCOCTV I
tem and develop a plan for strengthening air emis- '
sion pollution prevention programs throughput the .'
airshed. ' '> ' '
i ! <
Boot Discharge - •
Q By 2003, establish appropriate areas within the Chesa-
peake Bay and its tributaries as "no discharge zones"
for human waste from boats. By 2010, expand by 50
percent the number and availability of waste pump-
out facilities.
Q-By 2006, reassess our progress in reducing the impact
/" ." vW boat waste on the Bay and its tributaries.
. >'
Chemical Contaminants
Q We commit to fulfilling the 1994 goal of a Chesa|
Bay free of toxics by reducing or eliminating the
of chemical contaminants from all controllable
to levels that result in no toxic or bioaccumulativc .,.,.,
impact on the living resources that inhabit the Bay
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Chesapeake 2000: A Watershed Partnership
A Citizen's Guide to the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement
Living Resource Protection and Restoration
It is recognized that the health of the Bay watershed's living resources is the ultimate indicator of
the success in all restoration and protection efforts. The focus is on the interconnectedness of the
Bay's living resources and the importance of protecting the entire natural system. Likewise,
restoration actions must be integrated and coordinated.
Goal: Restore, enhance and protect the finfish, shellfish and other living resources, their habitats
and ecological relationships to sustain ail fisheries and provide for a balanced ecosystem.
What the Agreement Says
Increase oysters tenfold by 2010.
Identify invasive (exotic) species that have
potential to harm the Bay. Develop ways to
manage them. Work on national policy
regarding ballast water in ships.
Provide fish passage for migratory fish by
opening areas blocked by dams, etc. Revise fish
management plans to include habitat and target
population sizes for migratory fish.
Develop multi-species management plans for
targeted species. Revise existing fish
management plans to incorporate multi-species
approach.
What it Means
Oysters' ability to filter pollutants from water
plays a role in water quality. This commitment
means that more oyster seeding is needed and
that establishing and expanding protected areas
for oysters also are needed. Creating more and
increasing the size of oyster reefs also are
needed.
Invasive species such as nutria, mute swans
and Rapa Whelks take over habitat from native
species and change the ecosystem. Some exotic
species are carried in ships' ballast water from
other parts of the world. Until a national policy
is established, we will ask ports and shipping
lines to voluntarily help manage this threat to
the Bay.
Many ocean fish species spawn in freshwater
rivers. Providing more habitat for spawning
upstream helps sustain the species. This
commitment means that we need to bypass
barriers, dams, pipes, and other man-made
structures that are barriers to passage.
Fish management plans are expected to lead to
stronger populations of migratory fish and
expanded opportunities for recreational anglers.
Multi-species management means developing
specific plans/actions to keep all species in
balance with one another and with their habitat.
This commitment may lead to stronger
populations and expanded opportunities for
recreational anglers.
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Manage the blue crab fishery to include specific This commitment would set specific harvest
harvest targets in order to restore healthy
populations, including spawning biomass, size
and age structure.
Vital Habitat Protection and Restoration
targets and would strive for balance, taking
proper number of males vs. females, large vs.
small, and young vs. old. It's intended to
produce stronger populations in the future.
The Chesapeake Bay's natural infrastructure is an intricate system of terrestrial and aquatic
habitats linked to the landscapes and the environmental quality of the watershed. The focus is on
preserving the natural infrastructure to protect the Bay's waters and living resources.
Goal; Preserve, protect and restore those habitats and natural areas vital to the survival and
diversity of the living resources of the Bay and its rivers.
What the Agreement Savs
Recommit to the goal of restoring 114,000
acres of Bay grasses (also known as
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation or SAV).
Revise goals to address water clarity, water
quality and bottom disturbance.
Achieve no-net loss of wetlands. Achieve a net
gain by restoring 25,000 acres of tidal and non-
tidal wetlands. Preserve key wetlands
identified by local governments and
community groups with specific wetland
protection plans that cover 25% of all state
lands.
Plant forest (riparian) buffer strips along 2010
miles of waterways in the Bay watershed by
2010. Link contiguous forests. Work with
local governments to adopt local stream
corridor protection plans with forest
conservation and restoration components.
What it Means
Bay grasses provide habitat for living resources
and reduce shore erosion. They also are
indicators of water quality. Enlarging areas
covered by grasses is important to species like
crabs, striped bass, etc. This commitment will
target restoration efforts to levels shown by
aerial photography in the 1930s, focusing on
areas important to living resources.
Wetlands provide habitat for many fish,
shellfish, waterfowl and animals, and they filter
pollutants from the land before they enter
streams, rivers and the Bay. Many store water
during storms to reduce flooding of nearby
lands. This is a commitment to no further loss
of wetlands, increasing the total acreage by
25,000 and insuring that these wetlands
function as they should.
Buffers filter runoff from the land 70% better
than lawns or farmland. Contiguous forest
provides habitat for a variety of animals and
reduces their conflicts with humans. With this
commitment, the Bay Program partners and
local governments will undertake a variety of
actions to achieve the forest goals.
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Work to enlist 50% of the local governments in
the Bay region to write watershed management
plans. Work with local governments and
communities to select pilot projects to promote
stream corridor protection, restoration and
maintenance of minimum flows. Improve
stream monitoring.
Local citizen and government involvement is
critical to improving/maintaining the health of
streams within local communities. Developing
an ethic of stewardship of the local stream is
essential to preserve and enhance water quality.
With this commitment, the Bay Program
partners and local governments would
undertake a variety of actions to achieve the
goals.
Water Quality Restoration and Protection
Improving water quality is the most critical element in the overall restoration and protection
of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The goal to remove the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal
tributaries from the Clean Water Act's "impaired waters" list is the most comprehensive in the
restoration's history.
Goal: Achieve and maintain the water quality necessary to support the aquatic living resources of
the Bay and its tributaries and to protect human health.
What the Agreement Says
Continue efforts to reduce and cap nutrient
loadings to meet the 40% reduction goal of the
1987 Bay Agreement.
Correct all nutrient-related problems in the Bay
to remove the Chesapeake for the "impaired
waters" list (for nutrients).
Reduce the amount of sediment entering the
Bay and its tidal rivers sufficiently to remove
the Bay from the impaired waters list by 2010.
Develop strategies for loss of sediment storage
area behind dams on Susquehanna River.
What it Means
Reducing the amount of nitrogen and
phosphorus in the Bay's waters is critical to
maintaining healthy plants, fish, shellfish, and
waterfowl in the Chesapeake. This reconfirms
the commitment to achieve the 1987
Agreement's 40% reduction and, equally as
important, maintain the reduction or "cap"
loads at the reduced level.
The Clean Water Act sets specific criteria for
declaring water bodies impaired. This
commitment establishes the goal of cleaning up
the Bay sufficiently to get the Chesapeake off
of the EPA list of impaired waters.
While some sedimentation of the Bay is
expected, excess sediment reduces water
clarity, covers Bay grass beds and oyster reefs
with silt, and requires the dredging of channels
for boating and shipping. This commitment
means that for the first time, actions will be
developed to comprehensively address
sediment inputs to the Bay.
Dams along the Susquehanna River trap and
hold sediments. However, they are becoming
filled and losing their capacity, as sediment
traps. This commitment means that a plan to
alleviate this problem would be developed and
implemented.
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Reduce chemical contaminants from all
controllable sources striving for zero release
from point sources through voluntary
measures. Include nonpoint sources in this
strategy.
Focus on the Anacostia River in the District of
Columbia, the Patapsco River and Baltimore
Harbor in Maryland, and Virginia's Elizabeth
River as models for urban river restoration.
Assess the effects of airborne nitrogen and
chemical contaminants and develop a plan for
strengthening air emissions pollution
prevention throughout the airshed.
Establish specific no discharge zones for boat
waste; expand number of boat pumpout
stations.
The current chemical contaminant strategy is
being reevaluated. These commitments
reaffirm that process and add a goal of zero
release and targeting nonpoint sources for
reduction. This would broaden the focus to
many of the decisions made daily by people
that result in water quality degradation.
These identified Regions of Concern (or "hot
spots") for chemical contaminant effects of
living resources have experienced
improvements due to management efforts by
the Bay Program partners. This commitment
means that continued support and new
approaches are needed to address existing
pollution, as well as runoff from developed
land.
Airborne nitrogen and polluting chemicals
enter the waters of the Bay watershed. This
would commit the Bay Program jurisdictions
and urge state in the airshed (larger than the
watershed including states in the Midwest) to
enhance their pollution prevention programs.
Human waste from boats is a human health
hazard and its discharge is illegal. This
commitment would now prohibit discharge of
treated waste from Coast Guard-approved
Marine Sanitation Devices in certain identified
areas of the Bay deemed of critical ecological
importance, fish and shellfish harvest areas,
swimming areas or where boats congregate.
Sound Land Use
We've learned that what happens on the land affects water quality, habitat and living resources.
Future development will be sustainable only if we protect our natural and rural resource land,
limit impervious surfaces and concentrate new growth in existing population centers or suitable
areas served by appropriate infrastructure. The focus is on Bay Program partners working with
local governments and others to develop the tools necessary to lessen the impact of growth and
land development.
Goal: Develop, promote and achieve sound land use practices that protect and restore watershed
resources and water quality, maintain reduced pollutant loadings for the Bay and its tributaries,
and restore and preserve aquatic Hvmg resources.
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What the Agreement Savs
Protect and preserve natural resource lands
through use of easements, purchase of
development rights, etc. Inventory Bay
watershed's resource lands. Provide assistance
to local governments to revise ordinances to
protect forest and agricultural lands. Develop
GIS system for local government use.
Expand public access points to the Bay, its
tributaries and related sites by 30%. Increase
number of water trails. Enhance outreach
materials.
By 2010, reduce the rate of conversion of forest
and agricultural lands to development by 30%.
*Not all of the Bay Program signatories
agree to this commitment being a part of
this agreement.
Remove governmental impediments to low
impact design. Review tax policies that
encourage undesirable growth patterns.
Remove barriers to redevelopment. Provide
analytical tools to local governments.
Develop guidelines to limit impervious cover.
Concentrate new residential development in
areas with infrastructure. Evaluate local
implementation of storm water and erosion
control.
Develop wastewater treatment options.
What it Means
Forest and agricultural lands are resources that
provide economic benefits, sustain agriculture,
provide habitat, provide critical ecological
functions and enhance our quality of life. These
commitments seek to preserve the integrity of
our natural resource lands and, in turn, water
quality through the preservation of that land.
This commitment recognizes that providing
public access is critical to increasing public
support for the Bay, as is providing increased
opportunities for recreation and learning.
This is one indicator of the rate of development
sprawl. This commitment recognizes that by
reducing land conversion, the rate of sprawl
slows. Land use practices will have to change
to meet this goal.
This commitment would give localities
incentive to encourage new development and
redevelopment designed for environmental
protection and for maximum utilization of
existing infrastructure. This should minimize
sprawl and direct growth to redevelopment
opportunities in existing communities.
Too much impervious cover (hard surfaces) in
an area can degrade water quality. This
commitment will help control the amount of
impervious surfaces. Also, concentrating
development in places where sewer, water, and
other services already are found reduces
sprawl, conserves resources and reduces the
cost of building new schools, roads, sewer and
water lines. Improved stormwater and erosion
control ordinances will reduce the impact of
building and farming on streams.
Effluent discharged from wastewater treatment
plants is a prime source of nutrients in the Bay
region. Home septic systems also can pollute
surface and groundwater. This commitment
recognizes that further reductions in impacts
from both will be necessary to offset growth in
loads as a result of population increases.
'Developing and promoting alternative
treatment options also will be necessary.
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Strengthen brownfield redevelopment.
Coordinate transportation and land use
planning. Modify transportation policies to
reduce dependence on cars. Encourage use of
clean vehicle technologies and travel
alternatives such as telecommuting.
Redevelopment of brownfield sites (previously
used areas with some environmental
contamination) into commercial/industrial uses
provides the opportunity for community
revitalization. This commitment maximizes
these opportunities, supports urban
revitalization and reduces sprawl.
This commitment recognizes that planning for
transportation and land use concurrently results
in a more coherent travel pattern, reduced
travel times, and reduced sprawl. Encouraging
use of clean vehicles and travel alternatives
would reduce air pollution.
Individual Responsibility and Community Engagement
The focus is on the Bay being dependent upon the actions of every citizen in the watershed —
today and in the future. Focusing individuals on local resources advances Baywide restoration as
well.
Goal: Promote individual stewardship and assist individuals, community-based organizations,
local governments and schools to undertake initiatives to achieve the goals and commitments of
this agreement.
What the Agreement Says
Make public awareness and personal
involvement through public outreach and
citizen interaction a Bay Program priority. Use
the latest communication techniques. Forge
partnerships with departments of education and
the education community; provide teachers and
students with opportunities to participate in
projects and activities. Expand outreach efforts
to minority populations.
The jurisdictions will identify small watersheds
where community-based actions are essential to
meet Bay restoration goals and work with local
governments to bring additional resources to
these efforts. The Bay Program will establish a
clearinghouse for local watershed restoration
efforts. Each jurisdiction will provide
information to local governments to help
analyze environmental conditions at a small
watershed scale.
What it Means
Alerting individuals to the impacts of their
actions on the Bay's natural system and its
watershed is essential to efforts to restore and
protect the Bay watershed. By involving
citizens, it is hoped they will change their
behavior to adopt more environmentally aware
daily practices. The purpose of this
commitment is to increase awareness and
actions by individuals to promote an ethic of
stewardship of the environment.
Community-based activities are the most
effective method of engaging the public in
watershed restoration activities. Programs that
create ownership/stewardship of local waters
create an environmental awareness that
individual actions matter to local waters and to
the Bay. These commitments focus on bringing
new resources to the local level and enhancing
action in these areas.
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Government by example—ensure that all
properties managed by governments are
utilized in a manner consistent with Bay
Program goals. Expand the use of clean vehicle'
technologies. Build partnerships with .
Delaware, New York and West Virginia: the
other Bay watershed states.
The commitment recognizes that Bay Program
partner governments and agencies should be
the best examples of good environmental
stewardship in all activities they undertake.
Governments should set the example for
effective and efficient environmental action.
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Your comments an
ions:
Chesapeake JOOO Comments
e/» Chesapeake Buy Program Office
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
Annapolis, MD 21403
4IO-Z67-5700
i is also available at ummi.cltfsaptaktbay.net
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•Yow background?
.- '",:• Agriculture Business
Developer Scudent
Government Waterman Educator
General Public Nonprofit Organization
LIVING RESOURCE PROTECTION AND
RESTORATION
This section of the Draft Agreement expands the focus of protecting and restoring
fisheries from single-species to multi-species management. It calls for identifying
essential elements of habitat and environmental quality necessary to support the
fisheries of the Bay, and managing harvest levels and practices to maintain their
health and stability and protect the ecosystem as a whole.
identifies specific actions regarding:
Oysters (fee page 3)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Exotic Species (ut page 3)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Fish Passage and Migratory Fish and Resident Fish (seepage3)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
MuHi
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Identifies specific actions regarding:
Nutrients (see page 1)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows: ,^_______
Public Access (seepage ))
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Sediment (see page })
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Development, Redevelopment and ttevHalixation (seepage 5)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Chemicals Contaminants (seepage })
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows: ± j _ _
Transportation (see page 6)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Priority Urban Waters dee page 5)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Air Pollution (see page f)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
-•••, s: ^
This section of the Draft Agreement catb for engaging bur citizens, promoting a con-
servation ethic, fostering a sense of stewardship, and focusing on individual actions
to advance Baywide restoration goals. '
\ :•:£• :;fl:;,. .; • ';p,: . .. /
Identifies specific actions regarding: /
Public Outreach and Education (seepage 6)
Q OK as written . ' .
Q Change as follow: ' "" ; •'••'•..
Boot Discharge (see pop S)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
SOUND LAND USE PRACTICES
This section of the Draft Agreement emphasizes working with local governments that
make land use decisions, it calls for engaging them in active partnerships with the
states in managing growth and development, and protecting our natural and rural
resource lands. It also calls for limiting impervious surfaces, and concentrating new
growth in existing population centers or suitable areas served by appropriate infra-
structure.
To do this, ii will be necessary to coordinate land-use, transportation and infrastruc-
ture planning so that government funding and policies do not contribute to poorly
planned development or degrade local habitat.
Identifies specific actions regarding:
Land conservation (see page S)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Community Engagement'^*? pagt 6)'i
Q OK as written •''.;.,. •'. , "•;..-.';
Q Change as tbllowt: ' ' '":
Government by Example (see page 6)
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
THE DRAFT AGREEMENT AS A WHOLE
Q OK as written
Q Change as follows:
Return to: Chesapeake 2000 Comments, c/o Chesapeake Bay Program, 410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403, or respond online at www.chesapeakejiet by Match 31, 2000
or fax your response to us at (410) 267-5777.
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U.S. EPA Headquarters Library
Mail code 3201
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington DC 20460
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