In 2010 and throughout 2011, Chesapeake Bay watershed counties have been creating their own Watershed Implementation Plans, strategies for reducing nutrients and sediments that impact water quality in the Bay.
In the following videos, Tom Fisher, professor at Horn Point Laboratory, at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, describes the following:
- What is a WIP (or watershed implementation plan)?
- Why were the WIPs created?
- What impacts water quality?
- What can we do to make a difference?
Visit our Resources section to access your county WIP plans.
There are two main facets of pollution: existing pollution and future pollution. The first is all of the ways we currently pollute. Homes, schools, businesses all pollute and we as Marylanders need to decide how to reverse decades of unmitigated activities. Some actions being more costly than others in a number of ways. As we grow we need to ensure that all future development is least impactful as possible to ensure we don’t undercut the decisions we’re making now.
The current Nutrient Management Program is a sham. My place imports no manure or chemicals and does not drain into anything. But I am required to have a plan and pay a “lab” fee $50 for “soil testing” every year.
I agree with Tom Fisher – the biggest threat to the Bay is our population and our development – proliferation of impervious surfaces – pollution caused by car exhausts and septic (sewage issues)