Water Quality Trading Programs
Regional projects offer unique opportunities to demonstrate large-scale approaches to solving our water quality challenges. Regional water quality trading projects result in increased efficiencies through economies of scale by providing access to a larger market, allowing for a greater geographical reach.
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay represents the largest most comprehensive test of water quality markets in the country. The cost of compliance with the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, released by EPA in 2010, will be high, especially for urban areas, creating the demand for water quality credits. Credits for water quality improvements on agriculture and forest land will be a cost-effective alternative to expensive structural pollution control practices.
Ohio River Basin
Ohio River Basin Trading Project
Ohio Water Quality Trading Program
Miami Conservancy District—Great Miami River Water Quality Trading Program
Oregon
Oregon DEQ: Water Quality Trading
South
Florida DEP: Water Quality Credit Trading and the Pollutant Trading Policy Advisory Committee
NC DENR: Tar-Pamlico Nutrient Trading