Release date: 10/26/2009

Contact Information: David Sternberg (215)814-5548 Sternberg.David@epa.gov

(PHILADELPHIA – October 26, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – a strict “pollution diet” to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its network of local rivers, streams and creeks.

EPA is scheduled to hold 14 public meetings throughout the watershed’s six states – Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, New York – and the District of Columbia from early November through mid-December 2009.

The Bay TMDL will establish the pollution reductions necessary for meeting Bay clean water standards. EPA officials will outline the Bay TMDL and receive public input during the sessions. A draft TMDL will be issued in August 2010, followed by a public comment period. A final TMDL will be established by EPA in December 2010. The meetings are scheduled for:
November 4 Martinsburg, W.Va. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
November 5 Moorefield, W.Va. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
November 16 Washington, D.C. 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
November 17 Wilkes Barre, Pa. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
November 18 Williamsport, Pa. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
November 19 State College, Pa. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
November 23 Lancaster, Pa. 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
December 1 Binghamton, NY 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
December 8 Baltimore, Md. 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
December 10 Laurel, Del. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
December 11 Wye Mills, Md. 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
December 15 Williamsburg, Va. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
December 16 Harrisonburg, Va. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
December 17 Fredericksburg, Va. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

For the specific location of a meeting in your area, visit: www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl