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1. What is the Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan?

Watershed Implementation plans were established as roadmaps for how and when a state plans to meet pollution reductions under the Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL established by the EPA for the Chesapeake Bay. Each state with waters draining to the Bay is required to submit a Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) which proposes how these pollution reduction goals will be met. The WIP has three phases:

-The Virginia Phase I WIP, submitted to the EPA in November 2010, identified general strategies in each of several sectors (agriculture, urban stormwater, wastewater and septic systems) for reducing pollution the the prescribed levels.

- The Virginia Phase II WIP, submitted in March 2012, provides more specific information that facilitates actions by local partners to control nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment to achieve the pollution reduction goals as well as milestones that will be used to gauge progress and guide plan changes.

- The Virginia Phase III WIP will be submitted in 2017 and will be based on progress made and the success or failure of various planned strategies.

2. What is the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL?

The Total Maximum Daily Load is a "pollution diet" intended to limit the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay from its watershed. The TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of pollution the Chesapeake can receive and still meet water quality standards designed to ensure waterways meet national primary goals of being swimmable and fishable. Therefore, all the nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment produced within the watershed must be reduced to meet the allotted amounts under the TMDL.

The TMDL is required under the federal Clean Water Act and responds to consent decrees In Virginia and the District of Columbia from the late 1990's; it also is a commitment to meet Executive Order 13508 to restore and protect the Bay.

3. What is the goal of the TMDL?

The goal of the TMDL is to improve water quality. The TMDL institutes accountability measures aimed at restoring clean water in the Chesapeake Bay and the region's streams and rivers.

4. Why was the Chesapeake Bay TMDL developed?

The EPA indicates that the TMDL was developed because: "despite extensive restoration efforts during the last 25 years, the Bay TMDL was prompted by insufficient progress and continued poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The TMDL is required under the Federal Clean Water Act and responds to consent decrees in Virginia and the District of Columbia from the late 1990's." (EPA Factsheet: Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load, 12/29/2010).

5. What jurisdictions are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed?

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed consists of DC and large sections of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

6. How many localities in Virginia are within the Watershed?

There are 96 counties and cities within the watershed.

7. What is a Best Management Practice?

The most effective and practical ways to control pollutants and meet environmental quality goals. BMPs exist for forestry, agriculture, stormwater and many other sectors.