EPA Proposes Sediment Limits for Chesapeake Bay Pollution Diet (PA)
(PHILADELPHIA - August 13, 2010) EPA today announced draft sediment
limits as the next step in establishing the Watershed
Implementation Plans (WIPs) for the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL is a rigorous pollution diet for
meeting the water quality standards in the Chesapeake Bay and its
tidal tributaries, and restoring local rivers and streams
throughout the 64,000-square-mile watershed.
The six watershed states and the District of
Columbia are expected to use the limits, along with those
previously issued for nitrogen and phosphorus, as the basis for
completing WIPs detailing how they will further divide these limits
among pollution sources, and what practices will be implemented to
meet water quality standards.
An EPA analysis indicates the likelihood that
measures to control and reduce nutrient pollution as outlined in
these WIPs will also significantly reduce sediment runoff,
achieving the annual sediment limits.
Too much sediment in the water is a major
problem impairing the Chesapeake Bay. Excess floating clay and silt
particles cause clouding of the water, and blocking sunlight from
reaching underwater grasses. These underwater grasses can't grow
without sunlight, and die, harming young fish, blue crabs and other
aquatic life needing bay grasses for shelter to survive. Underwater
grasses are also a critical food source for many of the Bay's key
waterfowl species.
The first drafts of the WIPs are due to EPA by
September 1. On September 24, EPA plans to issue a draft TMDL and
open a 45-day public comment period, including 18 public meetings.
The final WIPs are due November 29, and EPA will establish the
final Bay TMDL by December 31.
For more information about the Chesapeake Bay
TMDL visit: http://www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/