Maryland's Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan
The Maryland Department of the Environment has initiated the process of developing Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP). As you may recall, the requirement of a WIP stems from the EPA's recent mandates to the six watershed states in response to Federal Executive Order 13508.
The plans will provide a road map for how the states and the District, in partnership with federal and local governments, will achieve and maintain the Bay TMDL nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment allocations necessary to meet Bay water quality standards. To facilitate the process of developing the Phase I WIP, MDE is hosting four, two-hour "regional exchange" meetings which will include the participation of staff from the Maryland Departments of Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Planning.
Additionally, the EPA has recently (April 2010) issued a guidance document to states which details how a state's Phase I WIP will be evaluated; specifically, the document provides clarification on the eight elements expected to be addressed in each Phase I plan. I won't summarize all eight elements (the complete guidance document is available here for your review), but I will touch on a few issues that may prove to be of concern to the building and development industry.
- Element 2 - Current Loading Baseline: Jurisdictions have the opportunity to submit alternative information on current loads to the Bay and nutrient sediment control implementation rates by source. What this means: If you have relevant information on current loads to the Bay that you can back up with documentation, you might want to consider presenting that information to MDE at one of its upcoming regional exchange meetings (see details to follow). (Example: you have a study that demonstrates that pollutant run-off from a non-point source is lower than previously shown and you'd like the MDE to consider this in forming the Phase I WIP).
- Element 3 - Account for Growth: Maryland can make a recommendation to the EPA as to how it wishes to allocate target loads (ie - can set aside target loads to account for loading increases that could result from future growth). What this means: This could have implications on the allocations available for existing point and non-point sources, because by increasing allocations set aside for new projects, this has the effect of reducing allocations available for existing development. Obviously, both sides of the coin here will impact members of the building industry. If you have a strong feeling one way or the other, again, one of the regional exchange meetings might be an opportune time for you to voice your opinion.
If you're interested in getting your voice heard, you should consider attending one of these exchange meetings, which will take place throughout the state this June. The meeting designated for the North-Central part of Maryland will be held in the first floor conference rooms at MDE on Thursday, June 17 from 6:30-8:30 pm.
Details:
- North-Central Maryland
- Date/Time: Thursday, June 17: 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Evening)
- Location: Baltimore, MD
Maryland Department of Environment, 1st Floor Conference Rooms
1800 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21230
More information is available on the EPA's website, www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/
