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On Saturday, June 7, 2014, the Chesapeake Bay will undergo a massive cleaning by thousands of volunteers from all over Virginia. By land and boat, volunteers–from elected officials and churches to large corporations and families–will participate in the 26th annual Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s “Clean the Bay Day.” In 2013, an estimated 6,000 volunteers participated in the event and cleaned up more than 135,000 pounds of toxic debris and litter from more than 200 sites, spanning 500 miles of contaminated waters. The Clean the Bay Day is an annual eco-victory for conserving the environmental integrity of the largest estuary in the U.S.

So, how can you help?

Water Quality Regulations

Despite the triumphant efforts of community service cleanups, the Chesapeake Bay is still an environmental crisis in survival mode. For years, farming, industrial and housing development pollution has severely threatened the Bay’s ecosystem and marine life. Poor oxygen levels can’t support wildlife, and states can’t meet pollution-reduction deadlines, says John Light, a contributor for BillMoyers.com.

In 2000, states surrounding the Bay were required to reduce pollution by 2010 under the Clean Water Act. Seven years later, the Chesapeake Executive Council announced that the states failed to meet these water quality goals. As a result, the Bay remained on the EPA’s impaired waters list. Then in 2009, the EPA established the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a provision of the Clean Water Act enforced by the Obama administration. The Blueprint set a “Total Maximum Daily Load” for how much toxin (nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment pollutants) can pollute the bay per day. If watershed states (including Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as Washington DC) don’t achieve TMDL deadlines by 2025, the states will face actionable consequences by the EPA.

EPA Opposition

If only cleaning up the Bay was so easy and supported. Politically driven groups, such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Association of Home Builders and US Poultry & Egg Association, fought the EPA’s efforts in court and subsequently filed an appeal after a federal judge ruled in favor of the EPA.

Why the opposition? For one, dangerous implications for farmers and agriculture groups, according to Fox News. Keep in mind, farm runoff (when animal waste and fertilizer get swept into streams and rivers by watering or rainfall) is the largest pollution source for the Bay. In fear of future regulations on other watersheds, 21 state attorneys general joined the fight, sharing the sentiments of anti-TMDL groups. The next hearing takes place this July.

What You Can Do

As the battle over the Bay unfolds, surrounding communities don’t have to feel helpless. Register for the 2014 Clean the Bay Day on cbf.org or email ctbd@cbf.org to host a cleanup in your area. Citizens can also become Bay stewards and help save the estuary with these eco-friendly practices.

• Be an environmental activist and spread water pollution awareness. Express your advocacy to your senators and representative, as well as local organizations and community.
• Reduce toxic chemicals in wastewater at home by using natural cleaners free of toxins and phosphate.
• Cut back on excessive fertilizers and pesticides, which can cause nitrogen and phosphorous to contaminate the Bay.
• Prevent polluted water from running down the storm drain. Only rain water should go into a storm drain.
• Avoid disposing of cooking grease and other oils down drains. Freeze animal fats or mix liquid vegetable fats with coffee grounds into cans and throw cans into the trash.
• Wash your car at a professional car washing facility to ensure metal and auto fluids are properly disposed.
• Clean up your pet’s waste to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Create a rain garden to reduce toxic runoff, and landscape with native plants to help prevent chemicals and fertilizers from entering waterways.
• Enjoy the Bay responsibly and learn about the best practices for boating in Virginia by passing a boating safety exam. Tutorials teach about environmental laws and regulations, including waste management plans and toxic substance disposal. (Boaters can even sign the Boaters for the Bay pledge on cbf.org to receive more eco-friendly boating tips and Bay issue updates).
• Ride a bike to reduce vehicle emissions and exhaust. Air pollution is responsible for one-third of nitrogen that pollutes the Bay.