Watershed Implementation Plans - Chesapeake Bay

The EPA has issued a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed spanning six states (New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia) and the District of Columbia. The Bay TMDL is a 'pollution diet' that sets a maximum loading of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sediment that each jurisdiction can release to its waters which reach the Chesapeake Bay. A TMDL was issued because the goals of the previous Chesapeake Bay Agreements aimed at cleaning up the Bay were not met according to the deadlines set in the Agreement.

The District supports the EPA's goals contained in the Bay TMDL, and hopes that this TMDL tool will help curb pollution reaching the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and Rock Creek from upstream jurisdictions. The District's Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) identifies details of actions explaining how DC will achieve and maintain the water quality benefits outlined in the Bay TMDL. The WIP also provides transparency and accountability throughout the Bay TMDL process.

- Phase 1 Watershed Implementation Plan [PDF]

• DC Watershed Implementation Plan, Phase 1 
• 2011 Two Year Milestones
• DC Milestone Progress, June 2011 

- Phase 2 Watershed Implementation Plan

• DC Watershed Implementation Plan - Phase 2

• Phase 2 Watershed Implementation Plan - Public Notice

• Phase 2 Watershed Implementation Plan - Meetings

- Bay TMDL Timeline

Useful Links:

-EPA, Chesapeake Bay TMDL    -Chesapeake Bay Executive Order Strategy

Please direct all comments or questions related to the DC WIP to: Diane Davis; diane.davis2@dc.gov or Sarah Sand; sarah.sand@dc.gov.