Advance understanding and implementation of climate-resilient Best Management Practices (BMPs). Climate Threat(s): Overarching Goal(s): Performance Goal(s): LTPG 1 LTPG 2 LTPG 3 Activity Timeframe: Climate Vulnerability Climate change impacts on air temperature, precipitation volume and intensity, sea-level rise and saltwater inundation, occurrence of extreme weather events, and derivative hydrological responses (e.g., soil moisture, partitioning of surface runoff and subsurface flow) affect BMP performance and resilience, while implementation of "climate smart" BMPs and land-based natural solutions (such as forest restoration) may provide multiple benefits for climate mitigation and adaptation. Action Description: Further data and research are needed to understand the climate change impacts and adaptation options on BMP performance. There is currently limited data on BMP climate resilience (i.e., pollutant removal performance, maintenance, shelf life, siting and design) and adaptation co-benefits for living resources and habitat. Working closely with Chesapeake Bay Program partners, the Chesapeake Bay Program Office will take steps to develop a better understanding of BMP responses, including new and other emerging BMPs, to climate change conditions and support implementation of climate adapted BMPs. Metric(s): The annual implementation of climate adapted BMPs will be tracked with the CBP's CAST database. • Tree plantings (riparian tree buffers, reforestation, etc.) will be tracked annually by new acres planted (Tree Composite). • Wetland BMPs will be tracked annually by new/restored wetlands acres (Wetland Composite). • Climate adapted agricultural BMPs will be tracked annually in acres of agricultural land treated (Agriculture Composite) and, for Livestock Waste Management Systems, in animal units (Livestock Composite). • Stormwater Performance Standard BMPs will be measured by the change in the weighted average performance standard in inches (Stormwater Composite) Project Challenges: The availability of funding and sufficient technical staff to support work; Need to update stormwater design regulations and standards at the municipal, local, and state levels. Co-benefits: Co-benefits of these practices include greenhouse gas mitigation, pollution mitigation, increased ecosystem resilience, protection of living resources and habitat, climate justice, improved agricultural soils, reduced flooding, improved public safety, and property protection. Owner Email: Williams.James(a) eoa.gov New Work? Yes Resources Available? No Science Needs ^mpmve^uantificatior^^h^TTonetize^^^enefit^^h^limat^dapte^BMPs^ 45 ------- Additional Narrative: Description Working closely with Chesapeake Bay Program partners, the Chesapeake Bay Program Office will take steps to develop a better understanding of BMP responses, including new and other emerging BMPs, to climate change conditions and support implementation of climate adapted BMPs by: • Supporting development of a research agenda on climate change impacts on BMP performance and adaptation benefits. • Facilitating partner coordination and alignment of programmatic and research activities related to climate adapted BMPs, stormwater management and natural climate solutions. • Reviewing best management practice design, inspection, and maintenance standards to account for the impacts of climate change in stormwater and nonpoint source management. • Communicating technical climate change assessments and research into implementation by supporting adoption by state and local partners and integration into planning and programs. Co-Benefits Co-benefits of tree planting, cover crops, urban stormwater practices, and tidal marsh restoration include greenhouse gas mitigation, pollution mitigation, increased ecosystem resilience, protection of living resources and habitat, climate justice (e.g., by improving flood resilience and public health protection), and improved agricultural soils. Co-benefits of climate adapted stormwater BMPs include sediment and nutrient reduction, reduced flooding, improved public safety, and property protection. 46 ------- |