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Commission member questions whether agricultural BMPs are credited in water‑quality inventories
Summary
A commission member raised concerns that agricultural best‑management practices (BMPs) funded through state programs may not be properly credited in water‑quality accounting and that municipalities may be bearing stormwater fees even when BMPs are installed.
During other business, Rob Hess asked for clarification about a notation in the packet labeled "WREP BMP inventory" and raised a broader concern that agricultural BMPs constructed with state support may not be properly credited in regional or state water‑quality accounting.
Staff explained that WREP stands for Water Resource Enhancement Program and described the volunteer, multi‑municipality mapping effort for BMPs used to meet MS4 permit priorities. Hess said he questions whether agricultural BMPs — such as animal heavy‑use areas, stream‑bank fencing and riparian buffers — are being recognized in state accounting for pollution reduction, noting he had direct experience constructing BMPs on his operation and not seeing credit for those practices.
Staff offered to follow up with county contacts and state partners to clarify how agricultural BMPs are tracked and whether they are reflected in Chesapeake Bay accounting or other state inventories. Hess urged staff to investigate whether farmers and municipalities are receiving appropriate recognition and accounting for installed practices.
The commission did not take formal action but staff said they would follow up with subject‑matter contacts.
