A recent article in the Bay Journal indicated that nitrogen runoff in the Chesapeake Bay may have been underestimated by as much as 20%.  The underestimation is the result of futher refinement to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model and new scientific evidence indicating that agricultural and urban runoff practices are less effective than previously thought. 

The EPA’s Bay Program Office will take the revised nitrogen numbers into account when it assigns its preliminary nutrient reduction goals for states and rivers in late October.  After state input, final numbers will be assigned next year.  The nutrient reduction goals will play a major role in limiting and directing growth throughout much of Maryland.  While the revised nitrogen figures are unlikely to change the final goal numbers, it will make attaining the goal more difficult.

To view the full Bay Journal article go to: http://www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=3676