Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement
Name	Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement
Type	Environmental partnership
Date signed	June 16, 2014
Location signed	Annapolis, Maryland
Signatories	Chesapeake Bay Program partners
Parties	Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New York, West Virginia, District of Columbia; U.S. EPA; Chesapeake Bay Commission
Language	English

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement is a collaborative, regional accord signed in 2014 by the member jurisdictions of the Chesapeake Bay Program and federal partners. It establishes a comprehensive framework for restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its vast watershed, which spans over 64,000 square miles. The agreement outlines ten overarching goals and 31 related outcomes designed to guide coordinated restoration and conservation efforts through 2025 and beyond.

Background and History

The agreement builds upon decades of prior restoration efforts, most notably the landmark Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1983, which first established the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. Subsequent agreements in 1987, 1992, and 2000 set incremental goals, but widespread pollution and habitat loss persisted. A critical turning point was the 2010 issuance of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Chesapeake Bay by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which established a legally enforceable "pollution diet." This regulatory driver, combined with an executive order from President Barack Obama, created the impetus for a more robust and accountable partnership, culminating in the signing of the new watershed agreement in Annapolis, Maryland in June 2014.

Goals and Objectives

The agreement is structured around ten distinct but interconnected goals. These include achieving a healthy and sustainable blue crab and oyster fishery, improving water quality to remove the Bay from the Clean Water Act impaired waters list, and restoring vital habitats like submerged aquatic vegetation and wetlands. Additional goals focus on conserving landscapes of special significance, expanding public access, increasing environmental literacy, and fostering citizen stewardship. A central objective is ensuring the watershed's resident species, from brook trout to black duck populations, are sustained by healthy environments.

Key Provisions and Commitments

A cornerstone provision is the commitment by all signatory jurisdictions to implement their respective Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) to meet the pollution reductions mandated by the TMDL. The agreement also includes specific, measurable targets, such as restoring oyster reefs in ten tributaries by 2025 and increasing public access sites. It formally recognizes the importance of addressing climate change impacts and resilience. Furthermore, it establishes a system of two-year milestones to track progress on short-term actions, creating a mechanism for accountability among partners like the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Implementation and Governance

Implementation is coordinated through the existing structure of the Chesapeake Bay Program, which is overseen by the Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council. This council includes the governors of the six watershed states, the mayor of the District of Columbia, the administrator of the EPA, and the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Numerous advisory committees, such as the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Citizens Advisory Committee, provide input. Key federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, contribute resources and expertise to on-the-ground projects.

Progress and Challenges

Progress reports indicate advances in certain areas, such as the expansion of conservation practices on agricultural lands and the reopening of some historic shellfish harvesting areas. However, significant challenges remain. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban stormwater, particularly in jurisdictions like the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, continues to be a major obstacle to meeting nitrogen and phosphorus reduction targets. The recovery of key species like the Eastern oyster has been slow. Furthermore, the pervasive impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and increased water temperature, threaten to undermine restoration gains.

Future Outlook and Revisions

The agreement is designed as a living document, with a formal assessment and potential revision process scheduled for 2025. This "midpoint assessment" will evaluate progress toward the TMDL's 2025 goals and likely inform updates to the Watershed Implementation Plans. Long-term success will depend on sustained political will, increased funding for best management practices, and enhanced adaptation strategies for climate resilience. The partnership continues to emphasize the importance of engaging local governments, organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and millions of watershed residents in the ongoing restoration of this critical national resource.

Category:Environmental treaties Category:Chesapeake Bay Category:2014 in the environment