ISSUES 

Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy

 

DEP has released this Strategy for nutrient reductions in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, and eventually the Bay, for nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Implementation is expected between now and 2010. Total capital investment in the next 5 years is estimated at $8 billion from all sources: POTW’s, stormwater management, septic system denitrification, and agricultural practices. Sewer plants (about 186, those over 400,000 gpd) in the watershed (33 counties) will collectively fund $500 million to $1.5 billion in new capital costs to meet limits for nitrogen and phosphorus (8mg/l for N and 1mg/l for P based on 2010 flow).

 

For comparison purposes: POTW’s produce 11% of the N load, 18% of the P load, and 0% of the sediment, while agriculture accounts for 49% N, 63% P, and 72% sediment. Respective costs for removal of N: POTW-$90/lb, agriculture-$20/lb.

 

PMAA has been working with DEP to address many questions and concerns about this, particularly the cost for percentage of contribution to the load. Even though there is no legislative or regulatory initiative, DEP is moving forward to implement the Strategy, particularly for POTW’s. Funding sources will be scarce from the state and federal government. N and P limits will be placed in your NPDES permits with an annual poundage limit (rolling 12 month). DEP says these will not be set until Maryland sets their water quality standards, later this summer. For now they are requiring monitor and report, although we are aware that some permits currently being renewed may receive numeric limits. There may also be challenges from other groups to DEP’s “monitor and report only.” They may seek N & P limits being placed in permits now. This strategy will be very controversial and costly for POTW’s to implement. Please stay as informed as possible as this strategy moves forward.

 

Click here for comparison of the costs for each source and the amount of load each contributes.

 

Click here for the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.

 

 RELATED LINKS

 

www.dep.state.pa.us