Chesapeake Bay Program Released Results Showing PA Achieved Only 22% Of 2025 Nitrogen Reduction Goal, 45% of Sediment, 48% Of Phosphorus

On June 22, the Chesapeake Bay Program released its modeled estimate of pollution reduced in the Bay states which shows Pennsylvania achieved only 22 percent of nitrogen, 45 percent of sediment and 48 percent of the phosphorus 2025 goal.

While the results show progress in reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution, there is much work to be done to meet the 2025 deadline.  

Collectively, the jurisdictions have only achieved 49 percent of their nitrogen reduction goal and 64 percent of their phosphorus reduction goal.

In the two other major Bay states, Virginia has reached 75 percent of the 2025 reduction goal for nitrogen, 68 percent of the reduction goal for phosphorus and 100 percent of the reduction goal for sediment. 

Maryland achieved 58 percent of the 2025 reduction goal for nitrogen, 74 percent of the reduction goal for phosphorus and 100 percent of the reduction goal for sediment. 

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is encouraged by the new data which shows that the Blueprint is working but concerned that we are not on track to meet the 2025 deadline. 

Notably, Pennsylvania is far behind the other states, which is why CBF, other citizens, watermen, and four of the seven bay jurisdictions have sued EPA to require the Commonwealth to do its fair share.  [Read more here.]

Click Here for the complete Chesapeake Bay Program announcement.

Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation director of science and agricultural policy, issued this statement in response to the report--

“While we continue to see reductions in pollution from agriculture, the pace is insufficient to achieve the 2025 goals.  

“In addition, it is troubling that pollution is increasing in other areas like wastewater in Maryland. and polluted runoff from developed land.  Despite this, there is evidence that the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working. 

“Over the long term, monitoring data show that polluted runoff in many areas is decreasing. But the road to finishing the job is steep and climate change is a serious threat to progress.

“Now is not the time to backtrack. While we’re encouraged by recent federal funding commitments, farmers and conservationists working to reduce pollution need more help. 

“The states, especially Pennsylvania through proposed legislations like the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), need to continue increasing investments in clean water too.  [Read more here.]

“Accountability must also accompany financial assistance. EPA must use its authority under the Clean Water Act to hold the states to their clean water commitments. 

“We will not stand by and watch this once-in-a-generation opportunity be lost. The health of our region’s environment, our public health, and our way of life are at stake.”

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here to support their work.

Also visit the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership to learn how you can help clean water grow on trees.

CBF has over 275,000 members in Bay Watershed.

How Clean Is Your Stream?

Check DEP’s 2022 Water Quality Report to find out how clean streams are near you.

Visit DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed webpage to learn more about cleaning up rivers and streams in Pennsylvania's portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Take Action Now!

-- Bipartisan Group Of Lawmakers, Hunters, Anglers, Farm, Environmental, Recreation Groups All Working Together, Down To The Wire, To Bring Home A Win On Growing Greener III Funding [PaEN]

Related Article This Week:

-- Governor's Adult, Youth Advisory Councils For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Urge Lawmakers To Support Growing Greener III Environmental Funding  [PaEN]

[Posted: June 22, 2022]  PA Environment Digest