CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVES*
SEPTEMBER, 1983
*
1. The attached statements represent summaries of potential
Chesapeake Bay program initiatives under consideration.
2. These proposals represent a compilation of work to date by
the Executive and Legislative Branches of State Government.
3. These proposals represent an effort to address, in a
comprehensive way,water pollution, resource restoration,
and protection of the character of the Bay.
4. The primary focus of these initiatives has been to consider
needed improvements to existing programs as well as to develop
new strategies.
5. These initiatives will be refined during the fall based on:
a. The-final recommendations of the EPA Bay Study;
b. The recommendations of the Work Groups preparing proposals
for the December Bay Conference;
c. The final recommendations of the December Bay Conference;
d. Continued., work with, the Maryland General Assembly and
Congressional Delegation as well as our neighboring
states;
e. A determination as to available funding resources.
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9O3R831O4
INDEX
A. Point Source
1. Construction Funding Assistance for Public Sewage
Treatment Plants
2. Expand and Improve Point Source Control Program
3. Adequate Management of Public.and Private Sewage
Treatment Plants
4. Disinfection
5. Upgrade State-Owned Sewage Treatment Plants
6. Use of Suitable State Lands for Sludge, Sludge
Compost arid Sewage Effluent
B. Nonpoiht
1. State Soil and Water Conservation Programs to
Address Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution
2. Enforcement of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans
3. Stormwater Management
4. Best Management Practices for Existing Urban Areas
5. Natural Erosion
C. Resource Restoration
1. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)
2. Oysters, Finfish, Ducks
Protection of Land Resources
E. Resource Enhancement
1. Recreational Fishing
2. Enhanced Mosquito Control Program to Emphasize
Open Marsh Water Management Techniques
3. Freshwater Conservation
4. Youth Conservation Corps
f. Education
G. Moni tori rig/Man a'gemen't/Research
1. Chesapeake Bay Management Committee
2. Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office/Data Center
3. Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program
4. Chesapeake Bay Research Coordination in Maryland
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THE VALUE OF CHESAPEAKE BAY TO MARYLAND
The Bay's contributions in many areas employment, food
production, recreation, transportation, and climate of pleasant
living make it Maryland's most important natural resource
and economic asset.
Seafood from the Chesapeake Bay has been a traditional
,part of American cuisine. In fact, the traditional New England
clam chowder currently is made almost exclusively with Bay clams
because of the depletion of the New England harvest. The total
Chesapeake Bay area fisheries catch is exceeded only by that of.
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the Maryland Bay in 1980,
900,000 sportsfishermen and 35,715 commercial watermen landed
74,700,000 pounds of seafood valued at dockside at $197,800,000.
When the economic multiplier for secondary economic effects
is applied to the fisheries catch alone, the value to Maryland's
economy is estimated to be $550,000,000. In some regions of the
State, the Bay'Seafood industry is a prime source of income for
entire communities.
Recreational use of the Bay is difficult to estimate, but
a recent National Geographic article suggested that each year
nine million people use the Bay for recreation. Sailing and
pleasure boating on the Bay have become popular pastimes not only
"for Maryland residents but for vacationers from across the Nation..
The gross expenditure for recreation in the Bay region is expected
to reach $960,000,000 in 1990.
One of the major ports on the Atlantic Coast is
located on the Chesapeake Bay. The Port of Baltimore handles
about 23.4 percent of the export commerce leaving U. S. North
Atlantic ports. Since the Chesapeake Bay is located close to the
coal-producing regions of Appalachia,it is expected to become
the major coal export port in North America.
Additionally, because of its protected deep water ports
and its closeness to Washington, D. C., the Chesapeake Bay
historically has been a primary area for military installations
creating significant employment and recreational opportunities.
In summary, the Bay represents billions of dollars in income
and tens of thousands of jobs annually. No single business or
industry in our State approaches the impact of the Chesapeake
Bay on Maryland's economy and money invested in the Bay provides
an excellent, visible rate of return. The Chesapeake Bay defines
the central character of Maryland.
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Al CONSTRUCTION FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR
PUBLIC SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
* The EPA Bay Study found that discharges from sewage treatment
plants are a major source of nutrients contributing to adverse
water quality of the Bay, and recommended significant elimination
of phosphorous from plant discharges.
* While phosphorous removal is important to Bay water quality, the
EPA Bay Study assumed that many other related plant improvements
would be met in order for:
\
Phosphorous removal to be effectively installed;
Secondary treatment to be achieved; and
Sludge to be adequately handled.
* In addition to nutrient removal, secondary treatment capability
and sludge handling, growth and interceptor systems traditionally
have been funded by the existing federal-state sewage construction
grant program.
* A continuation of the existing program at the federal and State
levels would probably meet Maryland's needs over time; however,
the existing program will not continue. The following changes
will occur:
Federal grant funds will be reduced (both annual allotments
and percentage share perproject)
Federal grants will not be available for growth or the
rehabilitation of interceptor systems at the previous level.
* Therefore Maryland needs to consider whether and how to support
all categories of projects.
* In redesigning Maryland's construction grant program as it relates
to the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries,
the following points should be considered:
There are basically five categories of projects which need to
be evaluated for purposes of State financial assistance. These
are: (1) nutrient removal; (2) secondary treatment; (3) the
construction and, in particular, the rehabilitation of inter-
ceptors and related facilities; (4) sludge handling; and (5)
future growth.
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- 2 -
Federal funds have traditionally been available to public
sewage treatment plants in Maryland for all of these categories
on a 75 percent matching basis and at a rate of about $60 million
per year. The State has traditionally provided grants to local
governments for 12% percent of the capital costs, with the local
governments contributing the other 12% percent. As of October
1984, the federal program will change as follows: (1) federal
funds will be available only on a 55 percent matching basis per
project; (2) the only eligible categories will be nutrient
removal, secondary treatment, sludge management, and limited
interceptor work. The federal sewage construction grant
program must be reauthorized in 1985 and, if continued, will
remain so restricted. We assume it will provide $60 million
per year to Maryland for the five year period after 1985. It
must be emphasized that this depends upon Congressional
reauthorization. If that is not forthcoming, an even more
dramatic change in the redesign of Maryland's program will
be required.
Because virtually all sewage flows in Maryland affect the
Chesapeake Bay, a Bay related initiative regarding State
financial assistance should be developed on a Statewide basis.
State financial assistance should be allocated among the five
basic categories of sewage projects in proportion to the degree
each category directly addresses the attainment of federal and
State clean water goals.
If improved levels of treatment are brought on line at plants,
there will be an attendant impact on local user fees due to
increases in plant operating and maintenance costs. This
financial impact will be exacerbated given t'he reduction in
the amount of federal grant participation in the capital
costs of each project (20 percent).
With respect to interceptor systems, the vast majority of
need in Maryland is associated with the repair and rehabilitation
of existing, older systems. The failure to repair these systems
will, in itself, have a significant water quality impact.
There is a State interest in the provision of financial.
assistance to local governments for sewage facilities to
accommodate growth. This is so because such assistance reduces
the local financial burden associated with high levels of
treatment and therefore reduces resistance to the implementation.
In addition, State assistance could allow the State, if it chose,
to guide growth so that adverse secondary water quality impacts
(runoff carrying pollutants from developed land) will be
minimized. Finally, such assistance could contribute to the
achievement of other State policies such as preservation of
prime agricultural land.
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_ 3
* This initiative would establish revised State policy concerning
financial assistance to public sewage treatment plants by
proposing:
To increase the existing levels of State grant assistance
per project to hold local governments harmless for the
decrease in the level of federal grant assistance for
those categories of projects which remain eligible for
federal assistance (secondary treatment, nutrient removal
and sludge handling).
To maintain a level of State financial assistance (preferably
low interest loans on a matching basis) to local governments
for those categories of projects for which federal grant
assistance has been substantially eliminated (interceptor
systems and growth).
To develop new funding sources to support the provision of
financial assistance for some or all of the categories of
projects, including revenue bonds and insurance programs,
possibly as part of an infrastructure bank.
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A2 EXPAND AND IMPROVE POINT SOURCE CONTROL PROGRAMS
* The EPA Study found that both nutrients and toxics from point
sources adversely affect Bay water quality.
* These pollutants come from point sources and discharge directly
into the Bay and its tributaries, especially the Patapsco in the
case of toxics.
* While the point sources are already subject to a level of
government regulation, in many cases the degree of regulation
needs to be made more intense or the effectiveness of inspection
and enforcement needs to be improved to reach the objective of
preventing Bay quality deterioration.
* To increase the effectiveness of inspection and enforcement, this
initiative proposes several new programs based on existing efforts
as well as increased enforcement resources to meet the identified
needs.
* Toxics from both industrial and municipal sources will be more
rigorously regulated through the following:
The existing pre-treatment program will be enhanced to assure
adequate State oversight and control of industrial pollutants
discharged to municipal systems. This will reduce discharges
of toxics to the Bay, protect operation of plants and improve
sludge quality.
A new program providing for the biomonitoring of industrial
and municipal discharges will be implemented which analyzes
effluents to determine their toxicity to Bay aquatic resources.
The biomonitoring data is needed to improve the quality of
State discharge permits.
-- Other proposals will provide that nutrients be controlled more
effectively through initiatives aimed at construction and
maintenance of sewage treatment plants. However, it is also
necessary to increase our enforcement resources to insure that
plants and their support systems are operated in compliance
with applicable permits.
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A3 ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
* The EPA Study found that nutrients from sewage treatment
plants contribute significantly to adverse Bay water quality.
* Plants need to be adequately maintained if discharge limits
are to be met. Unfortunately, public and private operators
frequently do not provide for long-term maintenance and care.
* This initiative would involve State legislation to require,
as part of the existing permitting process, that all plants
demonstrate a capability for long-term adequate management.
Requirements could include:
Adequate fiscal planning;
-- Adequate rate structure;
-- Bonding or escrow accounts.
* The proposal could be implemented immediately for all new plants
and phased in over 3 years for existing plants.
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A3 -- ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC A?\D PRIVATE
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
* The EPA Study found that nutrients from sewage treatment
plants contribute significantly to adverse Bay water quality.
* Plants need to be adequately maintained if discharge limits
are to be met. -Unfortunately, public and private operators
frequently do not provide for long-term maintenance and care.
* This initiative would involve State legislation to require,
as part of the existing permitting process, that all plants
demonstrate a capability for long-term adequate management.
Requirements could include:
Adequate fiscal planning;
-- Adequate rate structure;
-- Bonding or escrow accounts.
* The proposal could be implemented immediately for all new plants
and phased in over 3 years for existing plants.
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A4 SEWAGE DISINFECTION
* There remains the need to retain the public health, economic,
and reliability advantages of disinfection of sewage by
chlorination.
* However, chlorinated wastewater discharges are toxic to aquatic
resources.
* Alternative means of bacteria control have not all proven
effective in protecting human health, nor have they been
completely tested for their environmental impact.
* Approximately two hundred twenty (220) sewage treatment plants
in Maryland are installing dechlorination processes.
* This initiative would:
-- Require dechlorination using sulfur dioxide or by other
means at remaining approximately 130 municipal or private
sewage treatment plants;
-- Provide funding support to municipal plants,to retrofit
dechlorination equipment;
-- Set target of two years for compliance with dechlorination
requirements.
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A5 UPGRADE STATE OWNED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
* The EPA Study found that nutrients from sewage treatment
plants adversely affected Bay water quality.
* The Maryland Environmental Service operates 20 plants which
discharge to the Bay or its tributaries.
* These plants should be immediately upgraded to include
phosphorous removal and land treatment, where possible.
This upgrade would not only achieve rapid water quality
benefits but would provide State leadership by example.
* This initiative would establish an expedited schedule for
the completion of improvements to these plants.
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A6 -- USE OF SUITABLE STATE LANDS FOR SLUDGE,
SLUDGE COMPOST AND SEWAGE EFFLUENT
* As we move to increase the levels of treatment of sewage
treatment plants in response to EPA Study, there will be an
increase in the production of sludge. This will exacerbate
the current problems that local governments are experiencing
in finding solutions for sludge disposal. Current problems
derive from increasing difficulties i'n site selection and
increasing operating costs due to the lack of permanent
disposal options.
* The State is promoting the use of land application of sewage
effluent to reduce nutrient levels in the Bay.
* Maryland Environmental Service (MES) needs to develop new
markets for sludge compost and to assist the public in
understanding the beneficial uses of certain kinds of sludge.
* These problems can be assisted by the creative use of State
lands as disposal areas, particularly as an incentive to local
governments.
* The initiative involves the issuance of a gubernatorial
executive order to:
-- Establish an interdepartmental technical team to produce an
inventory of State lands potentially suitable for sludge
disposal (including"compost') arid land application of sewage
effluent;
Establish MES as a broker to develop and utilize these lands
for use by local governments;
Establish a procurement priority for State agencies to use
compost in lieu of commercial fertilizers on their lands.
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Bl STATE SOIL AND WATER COKSERVATIOK PROGRAMS
TO ADDRESS AGRICULTURAL NONPQINT SOURCE POLLUTION
* Agricultural conservation programs are coordinated by the
Maryland Department of Agriculture through the State Soil
Conservation Committee (SSCC) and implemented by local soil
conservation districts.
* The original focus of districts as they were created during the
late 1930's and 1940's was on the establishment of agricultural
conservation programs.
* This focus was expanded over time to include- responsibilities in
the review and approval of small pond construction plans,
responsibilities in the review and approval of sediment control
plans, designation as a nonpoint source management agency assisting
in the reclamation of strip-mined land and most recently, major
responsibilities in implementing the Maryland Agricultural Cost-
Share Program for the Control of Water Pollution.
* Progress to date at addressing agricultural nonpoint pollution
has been limited.
* In 1979, the Governor certified to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Maryland's Statewide Agriculture Water Quality
Management Program for the Control of Sediment and Animal Wastes,
commonly known as Maryland's "208 Ag Plan."
* This plan establishes procedures for the designation of critical
areas, calls for the implementation of Best Management Practices
(BMP) on farms, and is designed for,use by soil conservation distri<
personnel and individual farmers.
* However, funding shortages and other factors have compromised the
implementation of the plan to assist significantly in the control
of water pollution. Moreover, the determination by the EPA-
Chesapeake Bay Program that nutrients are a major pollutant
contribution from farm land identifies an agricultural problem
not addressed by the existing plan.
* Specifically, the Agricultural Initiative involves:
(1) Upgrading the current program to ensure implementation of
existing conservation plans, inclusion of nutrient control
methods in existing plans, and revision of all outdated plans;
(2) Targeting resources to critical areas for the purpose of
conducting an outreach program which will provide concentrated
awareness and technical assistance to landowners for
accelerated implementation of Best Management Practices;
(3) Providing cost-share funds to assist farmers with implementing
BMPs;
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(4) Providing funds for agricultural monitoring and education
programs;
(5) Phased implementation of the enforcement component of the
"208 Ag Plan"; -
(6) Conducting a program evaluation study five years after
implementation; and
(7) Executive order to implement recently announced effort for
BMPs on all State-owned agricultural land.
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B2 ENFORCEMENT OF EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANS
EPA Study points to sedimentation as one of the major
causes of change in the estuarine environment.
* Experience during the past ten years indicates that the
sediment control plans that have been prepared by devel-
opers and approved by local soil conservation districts
are adequate but the enforcement of plan compliance by
local government is poor.
* Lack of manpower, poor quality of inspection, inadequate
legal support and a general lack of commitment to follow
State standards are cited for poor enforcement.
* Large areas of ground are left disturbed and eroding for
unreasonable periods without proper controls resulting
with sediment pollution of our waterways.
* This is particularly unfortunate because current state-of-
the-art sediment controls-can be efficient 90-95% of
the time in keeping dirt on the construction site if
properly applied in a timely manner.
Options under consideration for remedying this situation are:
-fo-rp-l-a-n- eomplian-ee
from local governments to DNR.
* Transfer direct enforcement authority for plan compliance
from local government to DNR with a provision for delegation
of enforcement responsibility to local government based
on a demonstration of capability, or maintain status .quo
with authority for DNR to exercise enforcement responsibility
upon failure of local government to demonstrate adequacy»
* Provide financial assistance to local governments for
enhancing enforcement effort, retaining enforcement responsi-
bility at the local level.
* Have DNR revise the standards and specifications to improve
control plans and require timely temporary stabilization.
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B4 -- BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR EXISTING URBAN AREAS
* The EPA Study reports that flushing of pollutants (e.g., stormwatei
from rooftops, cars, parking lots, etc.) from existing urban areas
contributes significant amounts of sediments, nutrients and toxics
into Bay. .
* 700,000 acres of State land is now in urban use. By the year 2000,
an estimated 265,000 additional acres will be urbanized.
* The State's sediment and erosion control and stormwater management
programs represent a baseline of protection to address runoff from
developing areas. However, there is no compre-hensive program to
retrofit existing urban areas to reduce runoff and state-of-the-art
best management practice techniques have not been fully developed.
* Initiative would establish a State-sponsored demonstration
program to:
-- Utilize an interdepartmental team to develop and implement
retrofit plans for existing State facilities in urban areas.
Establish a companion State demonstration matching grants
program to local governments in urban areas for installation
of BMPs.
.Through demonstration effort, goal would be to perfect BMPs
technologies leading to more permanent program.
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B3 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
* EPA Study identifies urban runoff and runoff from developing
areas as a major source of nutrients, toxics, and sediment to
the Bay system.
* Pursuant to State law, on July 18, 1983 DNR promulgated rules
and regulations which establish criteria and procedures for
local government to follow in implementing a stormwater
management program by July 1, 1984. A local stormwater
management program must have:
(1) An Administration-approved stormwater
management ordinance in effect;
(2) Stormwater management planning and
approval procedures that provide:
(a) Stormwater management for
every land development
subject to the law, and
(b) The ability and the information
necessary to review adequately
proposed installation and
maintenance measures for
stormwater management, and
(3) Inspection and enforcement procedures
that ensure the proper construction
and maintenance -of approved stormwater
management measures.
* In general, local governments are poorly staffed to handle
all aspects (plan approval, inspection and maintenance) of
implementing a stormwater management program. The new State-
wide program will require a substantial increase in effort
even for those jurisdictions that currently have a stormwater
management program.
* The proposed initiative will require legislation and budgetary
action to authorize a program of financial assistance to local
governments to insure adequate implementation of the new State
program.
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B5 NATURAL EROSION
* EPA study documents erosion of the Bay shoreline resulting
in heavy sediment loadings to the Bay system, destroying
marshes and wetlands, and decreasing habitat for living
resources.
* Of Maryland's 4,360 shoreline miles, about 1,340 are eroding;
376 miles are eroding critically (more than 2 feet per year).
Sediment loads to the Bay from shoreline erosion are equal
to erosion from other sources.
* Continual dredging of channels is underway due to erosion
merely to maintain the channels at passable levels. The
Army Corps of Engineers allocates about $4 million per year
to dredge 1 to 2 million cubic yards and the State expends
$500,000.
* The existing shore erosion control program using structural
methods is designed for critical erosion.
* Initiative:
Triples current structural approach for critical areas.
Establishes a non-structural approach for non-critically
eroding areas through vegetative planting. Two-pronged
approach: financial assistance to private landowers and
State planting in conjunction with dredging projects.
The non-structural approach should help stabilize the
maintenance dredging efforts (i.e., keep the dredged
material from silting back into the channel) and provide
additional benefits in habitat creation and buffer
protection.
In areas of high bank erosion, the experience of the State
Department of Transportation along highways using hydro-
seeding will be explored.
nsion Education
mveraty Of Maryland
College Park, Md. 20742
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Cl SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)
* EPA Study has documented almost total disappearance of SAVs
throughout Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The scientists
have learned that increased nutrients in the upper Bay have
detered the ability of the SAV to regenerate.
* SAV beds enhance the productivity of fish and shellfish, provide
food for wildfowl, and slow down natural shoreline erosion.
* Some planting of SAVs has been carried out piecemeal with little
coordination and often in poor quality waters.
* EPA Study has shown areas where regeneration could be successful
now.
* This initiative will:
Create a 5-year planting and study effort to improve planting
techniques, to assess best species of vegetation for various
areas of the Bay, identify water quality and bottom substrate
needed for yearly emergence.
Initiate effort in Dorchester and Talbot Counties first where
success can be assured. Experience and knowledge will permit
expansion into upper Bay as habitat improves.
Provide seed beds and greenhouses to create the stock of
various species.
Require a resurvey of SAV distribution to confirm reports of
permanent regrowth and provide for analysis of changing
conditions if reports are valid.
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C2 RESOURCES RESTORATION - OYSTERS, FINFISH, DUCKS
* The EPA Study documented the decline in living resources over
the past several decades and generally correlated declines in
water quality with declines in living resources. If our ini-
tiatives were limited strictly to pollution control actions, it
could take 10 to 15 years for natural populations to reproduce
sufficiently to sustain the commercial and sports fishing-
industries and related economies. In the interim, it is important
for the State to support the maintenance of basic stocks.
* These initiatives all have a pay back greater than the public
investments:
1. Oysters
Oyster industry generates about $80 million dockside value
and employs close to 10,000 Marylanders it is an economic
stabilizer of many, if not most, tidewater communities.
-- Available funds have decreased to allow planting and seedinc
less than one-half percent of public bars (215,000 acres)
compared to 2 to 3 percent five years ago.
A stable harvesting and processing oyster industry requires
about 2.5 million bushels annually compared to 1.5 million
in 1982-83.
Private leases about 9,000 acres, with 2,000 to 3,000
productively used.
* The initiative:
-- Permit oyster bar rehabilitation in areas improving in water
quality and clear of MSX. Should produce an additional 1 to
1.5 million bushels annually. Increased and stable supply will
provide incentive to processors to develop new markets. Will
permit new oyster hatchery propagation of seed oysters and
encourage greater aquaculture.
2. Finfish .
Low levels of recruitment of shad and striped bass are now
of serious concern in terms of ultimate survival. Important
to produce millions of fry to release in Bay tributaries
until wild populations increase steadily each year.
--' Present hatchery operations require too much handling and
result in poor survival.
-- Landings by sport and commercial fishermen decreased from
23.6 million pounds to approximately 18.6 million pounds.
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* The initiative:
In concert with Pennsylvania, construct and operate an intercep
hatchery adjacent to Conowingo Dam on current State land where
anadromous fish may be easily captured, spawned, and reared by
modern techniques. Will produce 10,000,000 striped bass and
shad fry. Needed for multi-million dollar recreational
fisheries and provide stock to support wild reproduction.
3. Ducks
-- Duck population has declined more than 80 percent in last
30 years due to decreasing habitat, quantity and quality.
Private landowners are currently creating duck habitats but
ducks, particularly black ducks, are not available for
release. Presently acquiring 18,000 mallards from Wisconsin
Not available after 1986.
Hunters contribute about $10 million per year to economy
if adequate populations maintained.
* The initiatives involves:
-- Construct and operate a duck rearing facility to permit stockin
of available habitats with hand-reared ducks. Hatchery will
produce a minimum of 20,000 ducks per year with emphasis on
non-mallard species. Within 3 years, approximately,60,000 acre
of suitable habitat will be available.
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D PROTECTION OF LAND RESOURCES
* EPA study documents .land use changes over last 30 years
contributing to Bay's ecological stress:
Conversion of agricultural and forested land to
development increased 182%;
-- Rate of population growth in watersheds doubled the
rate elsewhere;
-- Sedimentation rate has tripled since World War II;
-- Sewage effluent into Bay and tributaries has doubled.
* Only 900 miles of forested shoreline remain -- forestland
contributes the least amount of nutrient pollutants to
Bay's waters.
* 14,000 acres of non-tidal wetlands were lost during period
of 1963 to 1973 -- non-tidal wetlands important to water
quality, habitat maintenance, water retention, and flood
control.
* The objectives of this initiative include:
The establishment of a primary management area -- this
area would be defined sensitive land -- area along the
.shoreline of the Bay and its tributaries;
-*- Improve the effectiveness of the State's Critical Areas
Program in general and, in particular, in cooperation
with Coastal Zone Management Program.
* This initiative would establish:
A program for the retention of existing forestland,buffer
along the shoreline of the Bay and its tributaries;
-- A program for the protection of non-tidal wetlands;
A program to address improvements in local comprehensive
planning in such areas as growth centers, water and sewer
planning, agricultural land preservation;
-- Priority in allocation of State funds within primary
management areas for acquisition of land for purposes of
conservation, preservation, and public access, and to
establish a special improvement program for significant
entry points to the Bay.
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El -- RECREATIONAL FISHING
* Recreational and noncommercial harvesting of the Bay's resources
need to be recognized, supported, and encouraged. If reasonable
opportunities and access for a successful fishing experience
exist, thousands of residents and nonresidents will use the Bay
for recreational fishing. Also, many Maryland citizens supplement
their food needs through fishing. State investments to increase
fishing opportunities return ample dividends to the citizens of
Maryland.
* This initiative will:
Provide for platforms on new and existing bridges (15 currently
suitable). Fishing piers and groins will be constructed at
county and State waterfront spaces and at State parks.
Construct underwater fish reefs and fish attracting devices.
Expand production at existing fish hatcheries, those species
attractive to sportsfishermen in tidal waters such as yellow
perch, white perch, largemouth bass, catfish as well as shad
and striped bass.
-- Provide extension services to organized sportsmen's clubs and
civic organizations and help to organize and run fishing fairs
and derbys.
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E2 ENHANCED MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM TO EMPHASIZE
OPEN MARSH WATER MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
* While EPA Program did not explicitly identify a Bay problem
associated with the chemicals used for mosquito control,
there is broad concern over the widespread use of insecti-
cides (toxics) in wetlands.
\
* Maryland's control program utilizes a combination of chemical
spraying and marsh management to reduce rnosquitos.
* This initiative would reduce the reliance on chemicals,
particularly in marshes, by expanding the use of open marsh
management techniques which require increased availability
of equipment and personnel. Where chemicals are used it would
assure that the most effective ones are employed. Specifically
it would:
-- Increase the use of open marsh water management program,
i.e., ditching, pond .construction, or otherwise modifying
salt marshes,to enhance predatory fish movement and
survival, thereby allowing for natural control of
mosquito breeding.
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E3 FRESHWATER CONSERVATION
* EPA Study and Corps Study identify that freshwater in-flow
from Bay tributaries directly affect the Bay's salinity
regime/ a critical habitat component.
* Consumptive losses (i.e., water used that is not available
for subsequent use) will average 2,480 MGD by 2020. Record
low flow in 1964 was 5,230 MGD. Such losses could signifi-
cantly alter Bay's salinity regime.
* Salinity important for distribution and abundance of oysters,
clams, MSX. Freshwater in-flows critical for effective
dilution and for spawning reaches of anadromous fish (e.g.,
rockfish, shad).
* Initiative will require:
State to identify desired amounts and distribution
of freshwater in-flows to the Bay and most bene-
ficial techniques for maintaining in-flow; take
action to require make-up of consumptive losses
by large users.
State to structure and promote a water conservation
ethic and program for all water users, domestic,
commercial and industrial.
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E4 THE MARYLAND YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS (MYCC)
* Habitat rehabilitation and creation are important components
of an effort to enhance the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and
its tributaries.
* As water quality improves, fisheries habitat such as grasses
must be improved, stream blockages removed, and erosion stabilized
to increase fisheries reproduction and survival.
* Work needed for habitat rehabilitation and creation can provide
> productive employment, satisfying experiences, vocational
opportunities, and Bay awareness for inner city and disadvantaged
youth.
* Legislation enabling the establishment of a Maryland Conservation
Corps was enacted in 1981.
* The initiative, if enacted, would permit 800 to 1,000 youths each
summer to:
Work with experienced technical people, State and private, whil
observing and monitoring projects to enhance and restore living
resources;
Obtain meaningful employment and vocation/career planning;
Understand the importance of the Chesapeake .Bay and its
tributaries to all Maryland citizens;
Help increase the reproduction of fisheries and wildlife.
* This initiative involves:
Creating the Maryland Youth Conservation Corps in conjunction
with the Federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA);
Providing State funds for overall management and administration
and using JTPA funds for- salaries and fringe benefits;
Using. Department of Natural Resources staff to provide field
supervisory assistance.
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F ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
* To ensure continuing preservation of the Chesapeake Bay, future
Maryland citizens must be committed to its maintenance. Maryland
students should be taught to appreciate the Chesapeake Bay, to
understand the ecology and complex relationships which impact this
environment, to make informed decisions about environmental issues
and to act responsibly to help preserve this valuable resource.
* A framework exists. For example:
State guidelines exist for environmental education and bylaws <
have been enacted by the State Board of Education for science
and social studies. The curriculum frameworks outlined in
those bylaws indicate how environmental education should be
integrated into the total school program.
Excellent curricular and instructional materials related to the.
study of the Bay have already been developed.
* To build on the framework:
Programs need to be instituted which expose students to the
complexities of the biological, political, social, and economic
factors which are involved in making decisions on issues relate
to the Bay.
Teachers need training to be able to implement these environ-
mental education programs. This training must include both
content background, and new teaching strategies.
-There are outdoor environmental education centers in operation
which allow students direct field experiences on the Bay. Thes
programs need added support to upgrade and expand their progran
There is a .need for more coordination of environmental educatic
efforts among State agencies, local school systems, colleges ar
universities, independent organizations, and the states of
Virginia and Pennsylvania.
* The initiative would establish a major environmental education
effort which could include:
Assistance to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to increase the
number of students and teachers who participate in their
State supported Estuarine Field Studies Program and to expand
their teacher training program.
A State specialist in environmental education who would provide
leadership and coordination for the project.
Curriculum implementation grants for local school systems for
improvement of local environmental education programs,
especially those related to the Chesapeake Bay.
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Statewide inservice efforts that would focus initially on.
training teams of specialists from local school systems to
become leaders in environmental education. Then, grants
would be provided to support local school systems in conducting
their own inservice teacher training.
A Statewide conference program which would bring together
representatives from State agencies, local school systems,
the Maryland State Department of Education, business and
industry, environmental organizations, and colleges and
universities. These conferences would provide a forum for
the exchange of ideas, materials, and expertise.
A much needed regional environmental education conference
which would bring together Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
Maryland to coordinate efforts and exchange materials.
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G MONITORING/MANAGEMEyrr/RES'EARCH
1. Chesapeake Bay Management Coinmitt.ee
* Includes representatives from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania
District of Columbia, EPA, Chesapeake Bay Commission,
Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and the Citizens Program
for the Chesapeake Bay.
* Has met monthly over the last several years to oversee the
EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program effort. It has coordinated
review and finalization of Synthesis Report, Characterization
Report, and Management Report.
* Initiative would recommend the continuation of the Management
Committee:
Meet on monthly basis to ensure proper Federal/interstate
Bay Coordination of Bay restoration efforts.
%_
One vehicle to continue interstate cooperation as a means
of securing federal assistance.
Meet periodically with State elected officials and EPA
Administrator to get guidance, review progress, resolve
any lingering problems.
2. Chesapeake Bay Liaison Office/Data Center
* In a -significant action, EPA together with Maryland, Virginia
and Pennsylvania have agreed to provide a centrally located
and jointly maintained data center.
* The EPA liaison office will be continued and located at the
EPA's Central Regional Laboratory facility (Bestgate Road).
* Liaison office will coordinate Federal/interstate management
system and operate computer database center including historic
and program data generated by the EPA Study.
* Initiative would provide Maryland's share of the funding and
personnel to accomplish operation, maintenance, and utilizati<
of the system.
3. Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program
* The EPA Study has documented the need to expand baseline or
trend monitoring network of collecting physical and chemical
data in the Bay and in major tributaries.
* Living resources must be monitored in more detail, over
shorter periods of time, in selected areas which represent
typical or critical (i.e. spawning) biological habitats.
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* The current consensus of Bay scientists is that an expanded
monitoring program which addresses the entire Chesapeake Bay
watershed is necessary to understand general trends or cause
and effect relationships.
* Building on earlier cooperative decisions, such as focusing
Chesapeake Bay Program on nutrients, toxics, and submerged
aquatic vegetation, the purpose of monitoring program is to
provide a sound technical basis, to:
Assess trends in water quality;
Determine association and potential cause and effect
relationships;
Determine the effectiveness of management decisions;
Provide a framework for directing applied research;
Continue the protection of human and environmental health.
* Initiative would:
Provide that each State would have monitoring responsibility
for its own tributaries and EPA would be responsible for the
main stem of the Bay.
Maryland's portion of the plan would increase number of
baseline monitoring'.stations.
Increase frequency of baseline sampling and number of
parameters covered;
Continue the assessment of biological resources and
habitat relationships in the coastal areas of the
State (which was started with Federal funds in 1983).
Chesapeake Bay Research Coordination in Maryland
* Important management '.actions are being taken to help preserve
and restore Chesapeake Bay. These actions are based on reports
scientific findings of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Yet, the Be
Program does not remove the need for further research.
* In spite of 'numerous existing institutions, managers and
scientists are not interacting as effectively as possible
within the State.
* Research or special studies should:
-- Complement and derive from the water quality and biological
resource monitoring; test hypotheses on cause-effect rela-
tionships that are derived from trend data and correlations.
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Fill in "gaps" identified by EPA at the terminations of
the Chesapeake Bay program.
Contribute to understanding whether management actions are
effective and whether modifications are required.
Advance the technical approaches to studying the
Chesapeake Bay.
* Initiative would:
Create a formal mechanism, the Chesapeake Management/
Science Council, to bring together the leaders of the
appropriate scientific communities in Maryland, particularly
the University of Maryland, with those branches of State
government charged with managing the environment and"
resources of the Chesapeake Bay.
Council would provide forum for environmental managers to
communicate their sense of priorities of research needs to
the scientific community; for scientific community to
communicate technical advances and perceived problems to
agencies regulating the Chesapeake Bay resources.
Council would coordinate scientific program with others
being developed in the State.
Sources of funds for research projects could be general
funds, possibly a portion of Power Plant Siting funds, and
Federal funds.
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