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​MS4 Chesapeake Bay Protocol 5​

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to study the effectiveness of outfall and gully stabilization projects (OGSP) implemented using the methods outlined in Chesapeake Stormwater Network’s Recommendations for Crediting Outfall and Gully Stabilization Projects in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (referred to as Protocol 5).

The research will include rehabilitation and monitoring of existing outfalls using Protocol 5. The OGSP practices must be performed within urbanized areas that are within the drainage area to an impaired waterway in the Delaware Watershed.

Protocol 5 has not been used in Pennsylvania (PA); it has been used in Maryland and Virginia.
Projects in Maryland yielded high rates in pounds per foot of sediment reduction removal as compared to the default stream restoration rate of 44.88 pounds per foot used in PA.​

However, soil conditions in PA are different than in other states. The purpose of the project is to provide research to PADEP for consideration in future policy updates.

Design - Project No: ITQ 221617

Anticipated Outcomes

The anticipated outcome will be a DEP-approved acceptable range of an MS4 Credit (i.e. pounds of sediment per foot of eroded stream) annual removal rate by soil type and outfall structure type.

Additionally, this project seeks a cost reduction for PennDOT, PTC and municipalities to administer their MS4 Credit Programs if the removal rate is proven to exceed required rate according to methodologies.