Watershed Implementation Plan

On December 31, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set limits on the amount of nutrients and sediments that can enter the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to setting these limits, known as total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), EPA required the bay states to develop statewide Phase I Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP).

Phase I

The Phase I WIPs are the 1st phase of a major initiative to create a road map and accountability framework that will lead to the attainment of restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and clean local streams. The WIP allocates the allowable loads among different sources and identifies statewide strategies for reducing nutrients and sediments that impair the Chesapeake Bay.

Phase II

Maryland’s Phase II WIP is the second part of a 3-phased planning process that extends to 2017, with a final implementation target date of 2025. The Phase II WIP is intended to provide more geographic detail to the implementation plans and may result in refinements to the Bay TMDL. EPA guidance for Phase II places a strong emphasis on working with key local partners to ensure that they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in contributing to the planning and implementation process.

Although the Phase II WIP is a State document, required by EPA, it is not a requirement of local governments. However, Maryland has strongly encouraged local partners to participate in developing the plans.

Stakeholders

Agencies and stakeholders within Queen Anne’s County that are working with the State in developing the plan are:

• Chester River Association
• Department of Natural Resources Forestry Service
• Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy
• QAC Department of Planning and Zoning
• QAC Department of Public Works
• QAC Environmental Health Department
• Soil Conservation District
• Town of Centreville
• University of Maryland Extension