In accordance with EPA expectations, the jurisdictions' Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP) are designed to accomplish a set of allocation goals identified in the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. EPA recognizes that the level of detail the jurisdictions are expected to include in their WIPs will take time to develop. As a result, the WIP development process has been divided into three distinct phases.

Development of the Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan

The initial Phase I Plan is intended to provide information to EPA to consider when it establishes wasteload and load allocations within each of the 92 segments listed as impaired. The Phase I WIP includes a description of the authorities, actions, and to the extent possible, control measures that will be implemented to achieve these point and nonpoint source TMDL allocations. For more information, view the Phase I WIP document or the Phase I WIP Archive.

Development of the Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan

As with the Phase I WIP, the Secretary of Natural Resources convened a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG). The SAG provided guidance and recommendations to the Secretary of Natural Resources during the development of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Phase II WIP.

Additional information regarding the SAG and the Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan is housed on the website of our sister agency, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, at:  http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/vabaytmdl/index.shtml.     

EPA Expectations for Watershed Implementation Plans

Complete information regarding EPA's guidance for the state WIPs is available at:  http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/tmdl/ChesapeakeBay/EnsuringResults.html?tab2=1.