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Update on Chesapeake Bay Program Developments

This briefing provides updates on the Chesapeake Bay Program, including information on the watershed and water quality models, load allocations, TMDL schedule, and WIP development. Key issues such as funding, achievability, and legal constraints are also discussed.

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Update on Chesapeake Bay Program Developments

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  1. Briefing to the Water Resources Technical Committee October 9, 2009 (revised) Update on Chesapeake Bay Program Developments

  2. General CBP Updates • Watershed Model • 5.3 - Not ready yet (Final by Dec. 2009?) • 5.2 – Used for initial targets/allocations • Water Quality Model (significant changes) • Change in Critical Period ’93 – ‘95 (1 in 10 years) • Change Reference Curves • Scenario Builder • Tool for developing local options/scenarios (vs. CBPO model runs) • Status – Not ready for ‘Local use’ for another 2 years WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  3. General CBP Updates • Load Allocations “Preliminary Basin-wide Target Loads” • 200 M lb TN (vs. 175) • 15 M lb TP (vs. 12) • Deemed sufficient to start WIP planning process • SIPS - Now WIPs • More Q’s than A’s – COG working to address these • State public process to start – Nov. 2009 WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  4. General CBP Updates • Bay TMDLs - Schedule • To be issued by EPA • Drafts – Due August 2010 • Finals - Still scheduled to be done by Dec. 2010 • Deadline now embedded in: • Draft Executive Order 202a Water Quality Report • Draft EPA Guidance Document • Draft CWA Reauthorization Bill WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  5. General CBP Updates • WIPs – Schedule • Delays - Updating info. & producing model runs for review/analysis to produce targets & allocations • Reduces available time to develop WIPs • Options being considered: • Reduce public review period to 60 days • Delay date for preliminary WIPs to Aug. 1st • Shorten response to comments turn-around time WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  6. General CBP Updates • WIPs – Schedule • Oct. 23 – PSC agrees on ‘working’ target loads • Nov. 1 – States/DC start development of WIPs, sub-sector target loads, etc. • Nov. 1 – EPA starts first round of public meetings • Nov. 16th – District’s proposed TMDL meeting • June 1 – States/DC submit preliminary WIPs • August 1 – States/DC submit draft WIPs • Nov. 1 – States/DC submit final WIPs • TMDLs • Dec. 21, 2010 - EPA publishes final Bay TMDL WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  7. Key Issues • WIPs • Insufficient time to develop robust/viable plans • Cost/Sufficient funding? • Achievability? • Accelerated implementation (2-3x current – realistic? • TMDL requirements (WLAs vs. LAs) • Potential constraints on local flexibility? • Legal constrains on changes? • Legal implications to locals of ‘consequences’? WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

  8. Next Steps Parallel Tracks • Technical (i.e., COG staff review/analysis) • WIPs – Getting Answers to Questions • TMDL and Allocation Methodology – Identify implications to COG region & potential policy recommendations • TMDL Guidance Document – Review to ensure maximum flexibility for local governments/utilities • Executive Order Draft 202 Reports – Prepare formal comments • Policy • COG Board presentation by Chuck Fox (July 31 Retreat) & to CBPC (Nov. 20th) • Testimony by CBPC Chair on proposed CWA legislation (Sept. 22nd) • COG Board presentation by Senator Cardin (Oct. 14) on proposed CWA legislation • COG staff to develop formal comments on draft legislation WRTC Meeting (10/9/09)

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