Pennsylvania is one of the Chesapeake Bay watershed states that is required by federal law to reduce pollution entering the bay by 2025. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the state is not on track to meet its reduction goal.

An amended plan submitted in December met 70% of the state’s nitrogen reduction target, leaving it 9.7 million pounds short of EPA standards. There is also a gap in phosphorus and sediment reductions.

In April, the agency stepped up its permit oversight and will conduct more farm and municipal stormwater inspections. The state has 90 days to submit an improved plan.

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This article appeared in the May 2022 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on page 5.

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