Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention

In 2012, close to 74 percent of the tidal water segments of the Chesapeake Bay were fully or partially impaired by toxic contaminants. These contaminants include pesticides, pharmaceuticals, metals and more, and can harm the health of both humans and wildlife. Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, have posed a particular problem: the contaminant can accumulate in fish tissue and limit the amount of regional fish that can be consumed. Reducing the impacts of these contaminants will improve the health and value of living resources.

• Download the 2016-17 Work Plan (PDF)
• Read the Management Strategy (PDF)
• Read the Executive Summary (PDF)
• See the feedback we received on this strategy.

Outcome(s)

Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention Continually improve practices and controls that reduce and prevent the effects of toxic contaminants below levels that harm aquatic systems and humans. Build on existing programs to reduce the amount and effects of PCBs in the Bay and watershed. Use research findings to evaluate the implementation of additional policies, programs and practices for other contaminants that need to be further reduced or eliminated.

Lead Goal Implementation Team(s)

Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (GIT 3)

Lead Workgroup

Toxic Contaminants Workgroup

Participating Partners

State of Delaware
District of Columbia
State of Maryland
State of New York
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Commonwealth of Virginia
State of West Virginia
Chesapeake Bay Commission
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Contact(s)

Upcoming Meetings

Past Meetings

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