Scope and Purpose
The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) uses loading estimates to quantify expected amounts of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) or sediment loads to water from specific land uses or point sources and makes adjustments based on an estimate of the effectiveness of a best management practice (BMP). BMP Expert Panels are convened to develop the BMP effectiveness estimates and the Water Quality Goal Implementation Team (WQGIT) is responsible for approving the loading rate reductions, and percentage adjustments to these rates, used in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model (CBWM). Since the definitions and values used for both loading and effectiveness estimates have important implications for the CBP and the various partners, it is critical that they be developed in a process that is consistent, transparent, and scientifically defensible.
The scope and charge of each BMP Expert Panel is unique, but all are convened in accordance with the Protocol for the Development, Review, and Approval of Loading and Effectiveness Estimates for Nutrient and Sediment Controls in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model, which outlines the process for determining the need for a Panel review, the Panel membership criteria, and fundamental elements that all final Panel reports are to include.
Projects and Resources
BMP Expert Panels Actively Underway
- Agricultural Ditch BMPs
- Cropland Irrigation Management
- Nontidal Wetland Rehabilitation, Enhancement and Creation
- Onsite Treatment Systems III
- Boat Pump-Out
The following BMP Expert Panel reports were approved by the Partnership in December 2016. Final versions of the reports are hyperlinked below, and posted on the Water Quality Goal Implementation Team website under Publications.
- Oyster BMP Expert Panel (Phase I)
- Conservation Tillage BMP Expert Panel
- Manure Incorporation/Injection BMP Expert Panel
- Cover Crops BMP Expert Panel
- Wetlands BMP Expert Panel
- Animal Waste Management Systems BMP Expert Panel
BMP Expert Panel Charge Documents and Membership Lists
Approved Expert Panel charge documents and membership lists for approved and ongoing BMP Expert Panels.
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Agricultural Ditch Management P6 Panel - Charge (272.15 KB)
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Agricultural Ditch Management P6 Panel - Membership (600.63 KB)
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Cropland Irrigation Management P6 Panel - Charge (260.85 KB)
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Cropland Irrigation Management P6 Panel - Membership (403.96 KB)
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Nutrient Management P6 Panel - Charge (239.17 KB)
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Nutrient Management P6 Panel - Membership (397.99 KB)
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Manure Injection and Incorporation P6 Panel - Charge (336.33 KB)
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Manure Injection and Incorporation P6 Panel - Membership (399.88 KB)
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Cover Crop P6 Panel - Charge (251.5 KB)
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Cover Crop P6 Panel - Membership (399.59 KB)
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Conservation Tillage P6 Panel - Charge (393.49 KB)
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Conservation Tillage P6 Panel - Membership (400.5 KB)
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Cropland Irrigation Management Panel - Charge (247.88 KB)
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Cropland Irrigation Management Panel - Membership (403.96 KB)
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Onsite Treatment Systems Attenuation Panel - Charge (190.66 KB)
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Onsite Treatment Systems Attenuation Panel - Membership (279.91 KB)
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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Part III - Charge (110.95 KB)
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Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Part III - Membership (226.05 KB)
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Boat Pump Out Panel - Charge (75.74 KB)
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Boat Pump Out Panel - Membership (273.41 KB)
BMP Expert Panel Status Updates
The document below contains the most recent status updates for the BMPs currently undergoing the Expert Panel process.
Publications
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July 01, 2016
Recommendations of the Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Floating Treatment Wetlands in Existing Wet Ponds
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January 01, 2017
Recommendations of the Phase 6 Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Cover Crop Practices
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December 01, 2016
Recommendations of the Phase 6 Expert Panel to Define Removal Rates for Conservation Tillage Practices