Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements (or "CBRR") are a unique wrinkle in Maryland’s industrial stormwater permit. But what exactly are they? And how do you know if they apply to you?

What are the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements?

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements place some of the responsibility for restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed on the industrial facilities with a higher potential for polluting it. These larger facilities are required to "implement restoration" for a portion of their untreated impervious area, treating their runoff and minimizing their pollution potential.

"Implementing restoration" can take many forms. Oftentimes, a facility will have existing control measures in place, like a retention pond or a set of bioswales, that will satisfy the requirements. Other times, a new project will need to be completed. That can take many forms, from things like planting trees and conducting regular street sweeping to building a large stormwater retention pond.

Does My Facility Have Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements?

First, note that only 'industrial' facilities - those with a 12-SW industrial stormwater permit - are potentially subject to the Requirements. If your facility has a mineral mines permit (15-MM) or a marina permit (16-MA), you do not have Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements.

To figure out if your facility has been assigned CBRR, check your permit registration letter; it will specify whether your facility is required to restore any land. If you don’t yet have a permit or don’t have access to the registration letter, read the following section from the permit to see if you qualify:

You must comply with the requirements in this section if you meet ALL of these criteria:

• your facility is within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• your facility is 5 acres or greater in size
• any portion of your facility is located within a Phase I or Phase II municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) jurisdiction; and
• your facility is not owned by or leased from an entity that is permitted as an MS4.

That text might seem a little confusing, but the basic gist is this: if your industrial facility is located in Maryland and is over five acres in total size, you’re probably subject to these requirements. If you're under five acres or if your facility is located outside of the I-95 corridor in Western Maryland or on the Eastern Shore, you're likely exempt.

How Grapewell Can Help You Complete Your Chesapeake Bay Restoration Requirements

Calculating how much land to restore, evaluating existing controls, deciding on a type of project to complete, preparing project plans, and certifying the finished project all require expert support.

That’s where Grapewell comes in. Our experienced engineering and stormwater management teams work together with you to prepare a cost-effective course of action to address your restoration requirements.

Contact us today for a free on-site consultation. We’ll walk you through the requirements in greater depth and provide you with a range of options for satisfying them.