Using SWAPs to Meet the Chesapeake Bay TMDL

Watershed degradation caused by human development has become an increasing concern in certain areas of the country where clean water is important not only for the economy, but also for maintaining a high standard of living. As a result of environmental degradation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, local, state, and federal agencies have developed regulations aimed to address poor water quality and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. In 2011, the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) assigned nutrient and sediment load reductions to individual states and ultimately local jurisdictions to achieve environmental restoration in the Chesapeake Bay. As a result, local jurisdictions must develop a plan to meet nutrient and sediment load reductions in a number of different watersheds, which vary in size, population, and physical characteristics. Baltimore County, Maryland, consists of 14 major watersheds covering more than 680 square miles. Containing a variety of land uses ranging from highly urban to agricultural, Baltimore County has chosen to focus on Small Watershed Action Plans (SWAPs) to address the watershed restoration. A SWAP identifies strategies including a combination of government capital projects, actions in partnership with local watershed associations, citizen awareness campaigns, and volunteer activities for bringing a small watershed into compliance with water quality criteria. This paper will discuss how the restoration planning process is conducted to address Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) criteria for pollutants of concern in watersheds while also addressing local environmental concerns through the use of field assessments, GIS analysis, and pollutant load reduction planning. Parsons Brinckerhoff has worked with Baltimore County to develop a number of SWAPs, including one completed in 2012 for the Middle River and Tidal Gunpowder (MRTG) watershed. As a case study, this paper will specifically discuss the process for the development of the Middle River and Tidal Gunpowder SWAP, addressing a 19-square-mile watershed surrounding Essex, MD. The planning process includes a characterization of the unique natural and modified characteristics of the watershed, identification and calculation of existing pollutant loadings from uplands areas, and identification of potential projects to reduce pollution from runoff. Potential restoration actions are assigned an implementation schedule that provides cost estimates, sets measurable milestones, and distinguishes watershed partners responsible for completing restoration tasks, serving as a roadmap to restoration. Through focusing on a small, unique watershed, the Middle River and Tidal Gunpowder SWAP outlined 11 major goals with input from the community that defines a local vision for a healthy ecosystem. Highlighted by 71 specific restoration actions with an estimated cost of $18,460,000, Baltimore County can begin implementation of the SWAP to meet mandated pollution reduction milestones by 2017 and 2025.