Maryland state leaders could be close to a compromise on Governor Larry Hogan’s proposal to reduce the runoff of phosphorus from farms into the Chesapeake Bay.
WBOC reports that the regulations would divide farms into three tiers based on the amount of phosphorus in the soil.
There would be a 20 member advisory board that could weigh in on whether the farmers are making enough progress or need more time.
The panel would include environmentalists like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as well as agricultural advocates such as the Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc.
The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint requires all elements to be completed by 2025.
Alan Girard, with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, told WBOC that the compromise allows the regulations to go into effect.
A draft of the new rules will be published in early April for public comment.
