NASA Langley is located along the Back River, which flows directly into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, stretches approximately 200 miles from Maryland to Norfolk, Virginia. It is a vital ecological and economic resource but has suffered from significant environmental degradation due to excess nutrients and sediment from various sources such as agricultural operations, urban and suburban stormwater, wastewater, and airborne contaminants.
This quarter’s water quality article discusses the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The TMDL identifies the overall amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment that can be present in the Chesapeake Bay to maintain water quality standards.
