What is the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL?
The Total Maximum Daily Load is a "pollution diet" intended to limit the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay from its watershed. The TMDL is a calculation of the maximum amount of pollution the Chesapeake can receive and still meet water quality standards designed to ensure waterways meet national primary goals of being swimmable and fishable. Therefore, all the nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment produced within the watershed must be reduced to meet the allotted amounts under the TMDL.

The TMDL is required under the federal Clean Water Act and responds to consent decrees In Virginia and the District of Columbia from the late 1990's; it also is a commitment to meet Executive Order 13508 to restore and protect the Bay.

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1. What is the Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan?
2. What is the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL?
3. What is the goal of the TMDL?
4. Why was the Chesapeake Bay TMDL developed?
5. What jurisdictions are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed?
6. How many localities in Virginia are within the Watershed?
7. What is a Best Management Practice?