Chesapeake Bay Oyster Update and Modeling Status Report

1. Oyster Update – Virginia Oysters • Presentation of final results October 2004 • Results accepted by Modeling Subcommittee 2004 • We are waiting for approval by review panel • They are waiting for written report • Report is 75% complete. Expected April 15 2005

2. Oyster Update - Ariakensis • Seven of ten proposed scenarios completed December 2004 • Results sent to Mike Fritz (CBP) and Tom O’Connell (DNR) and forwarded to Jon Volstad (VERSAR) • We can proceed no further without feedback, instructions and inputs for additional runs

3. Oyster Update - Ariakensis • Our modeling is on hold pending results of larval transport modeling and population modeling. • Pick-up in activity in April with finish in autumn 2005. • A meeting of investigators was discussed but never scheduled.

4. Model Status • NAB requested $800,000 from Congress for FY05. • They received $175,000 of which $160,000 has been transferred to ERDC. • The $160,000 has been obligated for sediment erosion measures. There is a $10,000 deficit for this work which must be covered.

5. Model Status • ERDC was scheduled to receive $185,000 in salaries from NAB, over and above EPA contributions. • EPA contribution of $216,000 is in the pipeline. This is “off the books” of the cost-share agreement. • $60,000 intended for menhaden will be diverted to this project. $10,000 will go to field program deficit.

6. Model Status • The “core” of this project will be completed. Incorporation of dynamic suspended solids computation into water quality model with emphasis on Potomac and Upper Bay. • The balance is endangered.

7. Erosion Rates • First year field work completed by VIMS, Horn Point, ERDC • Funding obligated for second year effort by VIMS, Horn Point • First survey completed March 2005. Next scheduled for June

8. Light Attenuation • First year field work completed by Smithsonian • One survey completed March 2005 • No funding identified for second year’s effort. This is a crisis!

9. Estuarine Phosphorus Model • Contracted by MWCOG to LTI and Horn Point. • Major efforts in 2005 will be field work and literature review. • No funding identified for ERDC participation

10. Bank Loads • MDE has contracted with Jeff Halka to add on to existing work in MD. $50,000 • A simplified approach based on existing info will likely be adapted for Virginia.

11. pH Alkalinity • No modeling activity • MWCOG is exploring options for funding • Substantial field work conducted in 2004 by Boynton and Cornwell for ICPRB, MWCOG • Completion of work in this area under this project is endangered

12. Algal Speciation • No activity • MWCOG is exploring potential for funding funding • Completion of work in this area under this project is endangered

13. Linkage to WQM • Additional calibration of HM is halted pending examination of WQM results • Seven years of hydrodynamics have been produced, 1993-1999. The year 2000 is in preparation. • We will initially focus on 1993 and 1994. Compare to results on previous grid

14. Linkage to WQM • We have received Phase 4.3 WSM loads mapped to new grid • We have received point-source loads mapped to new grid • We are in the process of downloading data for 1995-2000 • We are in the process of mapping new grid to current Bay Program segmentation

15. Linkage to WQM • We need to find a better way of inputting direct atmospheric loads • We will have results for July quarterly.