Many Maryland farm fields have far higher levels of phosphorus than is needed for successful crop growth, especially on the Lower Eastern Shore. This excess nutrient pollution runs off into local waterways, causing algae blooms that threaten public health; killing underwater grasses; harming aquatic life like blue crabs, oysters and fish; and creating an enormous “dead zone” in the Bay.
After working on the issue for years, MCAC was instrumental in passing the Phosphorus Management Tool regulations in 2015. This rule will give us a much greater ability to manage manure runoff – allowing us to reduce pollution in local waters and the Chesapeake Bay. But the PMT will not be fully implemented until 2022, and we will need to be a watchdog to ensure compliance with this rule that is critical to cleaning up local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
MCAC remains vigilant in holding the line on progress we have made to reduce phosphorus pollution, and will hold the state accountable for properly implementing the PMT moving forward.
Updated: March 2017