Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool

Cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay is about more than science. It's also about the people who are improving their communities by reducing pollution and protecting public health, fragile habitats and the Bay's multibillion-dollar fishery, seafood and recreation industries. These case studies show how local governments, residents and private companies are implementing water quality best management practices (BMPs) to keep waterways healthy, beautiful and economically viable. Decision-makers can use this database to recommend practices based on:

The stories below feature some of the region's best projects, showcasing how communities can solve big problems like polluted runoff while also generating additional benefits, known as co-benefits. These co-benefits extend beyond environmental improvements to include economic and social gains. For example, combining community tree-planting initiatives with economic incentives (e.g., urban greening funds, local stewardship payments, tax relief) can increase participation while creating jobs, improving public health, and increasing property values. This type of approach not only addresses environmental issues but also creates new revenue streams, making sustainability efforts more attractive and economically viable for a wider group of stakeholders.

Fields and Definitions

The column headers also serve as search criteria. These search criteria, defined below, will help you filter, sort and view the case studies contained within this tool.

CAST Topics: Chesapeake Assessment Scenario Tool (CAST) is a suite of modeling tools that replicate conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Users specify a geographical area, and then select best management practices (BMPs) to apply on that area. CAST then builds the scenario and provides estimates of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment load reductions. Planners and property owners can use the list of BMPs in CAST to identity which practices can best reduce pollutant loads in their local area - and by how much. The list of CAST topics in this database and search tool are derived from a list of data sources available on CAST. The CAST and BMP lists are verified by the federal-state Chesapeake Bay partnership, but users should verify their state lists before assuming it will be approved for credit.
Non-CAST Topics: BMPs that are not part of the CAST list of BMPs but still provide nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment load reductions
BMPs Installed: General BMP categories to help you filter, view and sort case studies
State: Location of each case study within the Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions (Delaware; Maryland; New York; Pennsylvania; Virginia; Washington, DC; and West Virginia)
Locality: Lists the town, city or county where the case study project is located
Size: Defined using the MS4 definition (Phase I [large or medium], Phase II [small])
- Large: case study is in a city that has a population of 250,000 or more
- Medium: case study is in a city that has a population of 100,000–249,999
- Small: case study is in a city that has a population of less than 100,000
Community Type:
- Rural: Case study takes place on or within farmland
- Urban: Case study takes place on or within an area with dense population and a large amount of impervious surfaces
- Suburban: Case study takes place within a community or neighborhood that is less densely populated than the cities they surround
Partners/Funders Source: Organizations that either provided funding for the project or partnered by helping to plan, implement and maintain the project
Environmental, Community and Economic Benefits: Multiple benefits can be derived after conservation practices are installed. Benefits are also known as co-benefits or beyond environmental benefits because benefits such as community cohesion, increased property values and improved habitat are benefits beyond the intended purpose of the conservation practice.
Goals: The 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement identified goals and outcomes that the signatories for the six states and the District of Columbia will work on collectively to advance restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and its watershed. The goals articulate the desired high-level aspects of the partners’ vision, and the outcomes related to each goal are specific, time-bound, measurable targets that directly contribute to achieving that goal. Each case study is tagged with one or more Chesapeake Bay goals.

Chesapeake Bay Program
Beyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool

Filter by

Show/Hide
Table Columns

Fields and Definitions

The Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool was developed to help inspire the installation of conservation practices throughout the Bay watershed. The tool identifies projects that have enhanced community and economic benefits, while improving environmental health. The projects are aligned with CAST practices so that scenarios can be used to estimate reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution. Each project also lists partners and funders and links to additional information. Many of the projects contained within the database help the Chesapeake Bay Program's progress toward the goals and outcomes of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. If you would like to include a project in the database or have edits to an existing project, please Send Us Your Feedback. Data is expected to be updated monthly. This is version 2025.12.09.
		Chesapeake Assessment Scenario Tool (CAST)

Chesapeake Bay ProgramBeyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool

Filter by

Show/HideTable Columns

Fields and Definitions

Chesapeake Bay Program
Beyond Environmental Benefits Database and Search Tool

Show/Hide
Table Columns