EIP examined public data obtained from EPA and states to evaluate progress in meeting “Total Maximum Daily Loads” (TMDLs) goals by the largest municipal and industrial sources of nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, focusing on nitrogen discharges. EIP compared loadings between 2010 and 2011; identified permits that lack numeric limits for TMDL pollutants; assessed rates of violations and failures to report among the most significant dischargers; and estimated the pollution attributable to illegal discharges. EIP also reviewed the Bay states’ performance in inspecting dischargers, assessing penalties, and maintaining current permits.
