Watershed Management, Public Policy and Economics

In the Mid-Atlantic, local and state government boundaries are rarely based on watershed boundaries; therefore, it is critical to develop programs and approaches that integrate jurisdictional water quality efforts on a watershed basis. The Chesapeake Bay Program has done this to an extent for a very large watershed, but state programs and policies are usually developed and implemented independently. The commitments of the Chesapeake Bay Agreements and the reality of federal regulatory oversight, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) necessitate integration of watershed plans, and training and policy education on the important issues facing our watersheds today.

Regional Program Activities and Resources

Nutrient Trading

Nutrient Trading is a market-based approach to addressing water quality goals. Nutrient Trading allows one source to meet its regulatory obligations by paying another source to reduce it's emissions beyond their own requirements. Thus, total nutrient emissions are reduced at lower pollution control costs. It is the transfer of nutrient reduction "credits", specifically those for nitrogen and phosphorus, between buyers (entities that purchase nutrient reduction credits) and sellers (entities that offer nutrient credits for sale) (Chesapeake Bay Program, 2001). Although our interests in the Mid-Atlantic are primarily focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrient trading traditionally has been used for sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. Such trading capitalizes on economies of size and the control cost differentials among and between trading sources. This approach potentially can offer better efficiencies in achieving water quality standards in a particular watershed.  

More information on Nutrient Credit Trading

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

The TMDL Program, mandated by the federal Clean Water Act, is a watershed management process that integrates watershed planning with water quality assessment and protection. Pollutant-specific TMDL plans are required for waterbodies that violate state water quality standards. Development of a TMDL requires the identification of pollutants causing water quality impairment, quantification of pollutant loads from sources, and determination of load reductions required of each source to improve water quality. Implementation of TMDLs will require collaborative efforts among federal, state and local governments and public stakeholders within each watershed.

The Mid Atlantic Regional Water Quality program has developed a state-specific regional directory of resources regarding TMDLs. Click Here. The Program is also developing a Toolbox for local governments to ensure adequate public participation in both TMDL development and implementation. Other Extension efforts related to TMDLs include:

Research:

Development of a method to determine sources of fecal pollution in water - research for TMDL development at Virginia Tech http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/cses/1998-09/1998-09-06.html

Extension:

The ABCs of TMDLs - Terms and definitions related to Total Maximum Daily Loads http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-550/442-550.html

Developing TMDLs for benthic impairments - Extension materials developed by Virginia Tech http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-556/442-556.html

Collaborative efforts on result in delisting Potomac River Headwaters http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/Section319III/WV.htm

Regional Resources:

State Water Quality Policies - Implications of Different Approaches

Several major watersheds within the Mid-Atlantic Region cross State boundaries. Differences in state policy responses to a federal policy change or different approaches to common nutrient management and water quality problems can inherently affect watershed-wide water quality, regional economies and equity among stakeholders.

An initial effort of the Mid Atlantic Regional Water Quality Program has focused on state program amendments in response to the Federal CAFO rule change Click Here.

Another effort has focused on comparing the five states' use of State Revolving Funds for agricultural activities Click Here. A regional meeting of state water quality and agricultural agencies, NRCS and EPA was held on May 19, 2004, and fostered on exchange among participants regarding what has worked and where changes may be needed in each state approach.

Conservation Security Program (CSP)

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program authorized by the 2002 federal Farm Bill and administered nationally by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  CSP offers financial payments and technical assistance for maintaining and increasing conservation activities on working farmland

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Program developed Extension publications and held a trianing to encourage enrollment in the program in eligible watersheds within the region.

Research:

Extension:

The Conservation Security Program: Encouraging and Rewarding Good Conservation

The Conservation Security Program: A Guide for Interested Farmers

Regional Resources:

Under the CAFO Radar

On May 2-3, 2005, a workshop was held in Baltimore, MD to share information about water quality concerns related to small and mid-size animal operations; education, incentive, and regulatory initiatives to address them; and to help shape an action agenda for the future.  Fifty-five representatives from 20 states attended to discuss regional issues, concerns and potential strategies to address water quality concerns associated with smaller, unregulated animal operations.

Regional Resources:

http://www.smallfarmwater.aers.psu.edu

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Page Last Updated On: January 4, 2008