Adaptive management strategies on the Chesapeake Bay regarding TMDLs
Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
In December 2010, the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) released a cleanup plan for the Chesapeake Bay known as the Total Maximum
Daily Load (Bay TMDL). The Bay TMDL document established nutrient and
sediment allocations with the goal of having practices and controls in place for an
expected. ☐ 60 percent reduction of the nutrient and sediment pollution loads by 2017, with
all practices and controls installed by 2025 to meet water quality standards in the Bay.
The seven Bay watershed jurisdictions within the watershed developed Watershed
Implementation Plans (WIPs) to meet the nutrient and sediment allocations. Though
considerable resources have been committed to the implementation of the Bay TMDL,
there is growing concern that the Bay TMDL is not resulting in improved attainment
of water quality standards in the Bay. ☐ This study will disseminate research results evaluating and assessing adaptive
management strategies for the Bay TMDL based on the effectiveness of existing water
quality initiatives. Adaptive management strategies and practices are essential to
addressing those uncertainties posed by the inefficiencies of current Bay water quality
strategies. ☐ Methods employed are (1) semi-structured interviews of federal and state
government staff members involved in the implementation of the Bay TMDL and of
stakeholders, including NGOs and farmers, who can shed light on the efficacy,
successes, constraints and prioritization of adaptive management strategies in the
context of the Bay TMDL and (2) water quality data analysis. TMDL plan
performance and programs are then measured using program evaluation tools. This
approach facilitates the assessment of different resource sustainability and restoration
programs as well as defined priorities and objectives. ☐ This research will provide information and insight into the decision-making
process as well as highlight the possible reasons behind any ineffectiveness of the
TMDL. The Chesapeake Bay may benefit from the application of suggested adaptive
management strategies, which include integrative, flexible and responsive
management policies.
Description
Keywords
Health and environmental sciences, Earth sciences, Adaptive management, Chesapeake Bay, Regulation, Total maximum daily load, Water policy, Water quality