-
Period: to
Chesapeake Bay
-
Air Pollution Starts to Become a Problem
Coal-burning industries spew smoke into the air and send pollutants into the region's rivers. -
Oyster Population
A dramatic drop in oyster populations starts to affect Chesapeake Bay health, and state and federal laws move to control the industry. -
First Ever Animal Limits
Six years after Congress passes the Emergency Striped Bass Act, Maryland imposes a moratorium on striped bass fishing. Virginia soon follows suit, in hopes that a closed fishery will help the species recover from harvest and pollution pressures. -
The First Signs of Trying to Fix the Bay
Baltimore installs separate wastewater and stormwater systems to filter water before it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. -
Using the Bay for Clean Energy
The Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station, also known as the Conowingo Dam, is built at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Upon its completion, it is the second largest hydroelectric power plant in the United States. -
Effects of The Great Depression on The Bay
The Great Depression spurs public works projects that repair and expand the region's roads, bridges, parks, and electrical services into rural areas, encouraging population growth. -
Fertilizer Runoff Pollutes The Bay
The Great Depression spurs public works projects that repair and expand the region's roads, bridges, parks, and electrical services into rural areas, encouraging population growth. -
Dermo and Its Affects on Oysters
Dermo, a disease that kills oysters, is discovered in the Chesapeake Bay. -
MSX and Its Affects on Oysters
MSX, a disease that kills oysters, is found in the lower Chesapeake Bay. -
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is formed.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is formed. -
The Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act is passed, establishing water quality standards and limiting the amount and kinds of pollutants that can enter rivers, streams, and other waterways. -
Striped Bass Population is Low
Six years after Congress passes the Emergency Striped Bass Act, Maryland imposes a moratorium on striped bass fishing. Virginia soon follows suit, in hopes that a closed fishery will help the species recover from harvest and pollution pressures. -
Maryland Bans Phosphate Containing Detergents
A Maryland ban on phosphate-containing laundry detergent reduces the amount of phosphorus flowing from wastewater treatment plants into the Chesapeake Bay. -
Striped Bass Recover
Maryland and Virginia lift the ban on striped bass fishing. The fish is declared a recovered species six years later. -
Setting Goals
The 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement set the first-ever numeric goals to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, aiming to lower the nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Bay by 40 percent by the year 2000. -
The Clean Vessel Act
The Clean Vessel Act establishes a grant program to fund the construction of pump-out stations at marinas across the watershed, presenting a viable alternative to the overboard disposal of sewage. -
The Maryland Water Quality Improvement Act
The Maryland Water Quality Improvement Act calls for the addition of a phosphorus-reducing enzyme to poultry feed, lowering nutrient levels in poultry litter. -
Nutrient Management Plans for Farms
A law passed in Pennsylvania requires certain farmers to develop and implement nutrient management plans, limiting the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that can run off of farms and into local waterways. In 1994, Virginia followed suit. In 1998, Maryland enacted similar legislation. -
Large Scale Water Filtration
Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant begins to use nutrient removal technology to lower the amount of nitrogen it sends into the Potomac River and improve water quality. -
Fishing Limits Become More Important
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission closes Atlantic sturgeon fishing along the East Coast. The 40-year ban is the longest fishing moratorium on record. -
Phosphorus is a Big Problem
President Obama signs an executive order that calls on the federal government to renew the effort to protect and restore the watershed. -
The Blue Crab Population is Affected
Maryland records its lowest blue crab harvest: 20.2 million pounds. -
Water Quality Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues water quality criteria for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. -
Blue Crabs Are In Danger
Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission issue emergency regulations on the harvest of blue crabs to help the species recover. The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab fishery is declared a federal disaster. -
The Federal Government Gets Involved
President Obama signs an executive order that calls on the federal government to renew the effort to protect and restore the watershed.
