Chesapeake Bay Agreement 2014 Goals
2021年12月26日
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important estuaries in the United States. It spans over 200 miles and provides essential habitats for numerous species. Unfortunately, the bay has suffered from pollution and environmental degradation over the years. In response to this, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement was first signed in 1983. This agreement set goals and objectives for protecting and restoring the bay. The agreement has been updated several times since then, and the most recent update was in 2014.
The Chesapeake Bay Agreement is a collaborative effort between six states (Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia, along with federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The agreement sets goals and objectives for reducing pollution and improving water quality in the Bay.
The 2014 agreement set several ambitious goals for the Bay. These goals included reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution in the Bay and its tributaries by 25%, 24%, and 20%, respectively. In addition, the agreement set a goal of restoring 10,000 acres of wetlands and 900 miles of streams by 2025. The agreement also included efforts to improve fisheries and wildlife habitats in the Bay.
To achieve these goals, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Bay. A TMDL is a regulatory tool that sets a maximum level of pollution that can be allowed in a body of water. The TMDL for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries was set in 2010 and was updated in 2020. The TMDL sets limits for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution from point sources (such as sewage treatment plants and factories) and nonpoint sources (such as agricultural runoff and stormwater runoff).
The Chesapeake Bay Program, established under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, is responsible for implementing the TMDL and achieving the goals of the agreement. The program works with federal, state, and local partners to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the Bay. The program also provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers, businesses, and communities implement best management practices that reduce pollution.
Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement 2014 goals are a critical step towards protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. While achieving these goals will be a significant challenge, they represent the combined efforts of many organizations and individuals who are committed to preserving this vital ecosystem. With continued support and collaboration, we can ensure that the Chesapeake Bay remains a healthy and vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.