[imageframe class=”acb-img-container float-right-container” ] As the Chesapeake Bay-wide cleanup effort continues with the federally mandated TMDL , states are moving along with their Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP) to decrease pollutant and nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland has recently released their draft Phase II WIP for public review and comment. Public meetings will be scheduled throughout the comment period to provide more information and answer questions on the draft. The comment period is open until March 9th and can be accessed at the MDE website.

This is an important process for the Alliance and our Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). We will be tracking all public comments and changes to the draft and working with regional local governments to ensure they are aware of steps and regulations they can, and may be required to, implement to further the state WIP plan.

To find out more about the role of local governments in state WIP plans, see the recent publication by the Alliance and LGAC.