The EPA on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, just on schedule, released its draft sediment limits as the next step in establishing the Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) for the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The nutrient plans were released in early July this year.

The six watershed states and the District of Columbia are expected to use these limits as the basis for completing WIPs detailing how they will further divide these limits among pollution sources, and what practices will be implemented to meet water quality standards.

An EPA analysis indicates the likelihood that measures to control and reduce nutrient pollution as outlined in these WIPs will also significantly reduce sediment runoff, achieving the annual sediment limits.

The first drafts of the WIPs are due to the EPA by Sept. 1. On Sept. 24, the agency plans to issue a draft TMDL and open a 45-day public comment period, including 18 public meetings. The final WIPs are due Nov. 29, and the EPA will establish the final Bay TMDL by Dec. 31.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay TMDL visit: www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/.

SOURCE: EPA press release