A Capital Gazette article (2016-04-20) reported that the Chesapeake Bay Program has announced pollutant levels have dropped in the Chesapeake Bay from 2009 to 2015. This includes a Bay-wide 8% drop in nitrogen (7% just in Maryland), 20% drop in phosphorus (15% just in Maryland), and 7% drop in sediment (11% just in Maryland). From the article:

“We’re seeing a combination of indicators that things are moving in a positive direction,” said Nick DiPasquale, director of the program. …

Water quality experts believe the decreased pollution comes from a reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater sector, lower nitrogen levels in the atmosphere because of the Clean Air Act and improved implementation of agricultural conservation practices, according to the program.

Upgrades in the wastewater treatment sector accounted for 41 percent of nitrogen reductions and 38 percent of phosphorus reductions in the bay between 2014 and 2015, according to the program. …

From 2014 to 2015, water quality controls reduced nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment loads by three, three and four percent, the program said.

Useful Links

Chesapeake Bay Program Website

Chesapeake Bay Program News Release on Nutrient & Sediment Drop in Bay (2016-04-18)