To reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment reaching the Chesapeake Bay, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) follows Best Management Practices (BMPs). These strategies include structural stormwater controls, nonstructural stormwater controls, source control and land use changes. MDOT SHA right-of-way is being reviewed for possible treatment locations and the most efficient strategies are being implemented for each site. MDOT SHA partners with local jurisdictions to implement BMPs outside of MDOT SHA’s right-of-way. Follow the links below for more information about MDOT SHA Bay restoration strategies.

Land Use Change

Land use change strategies identify right-of-way areas that MDOT SHA can convert into a more natural environment with fewer pollutants carried off in runoff and less pollutant loading.

Nonstructural Stormwater Controls

Nonstructural controls focus on land use management, preserving open space and protecting natural systems. See the types of nonstructural water quality improvement strategies MDOT SHA is employing.

Source Control

Source control strategies prevent pollution at the source by removing trash, sediments and other contaminants from roadway surfaces before they wash into adjacent waterways. Find out about source control strategies implemented by MDOT SHA.

Structural Stormwater Controls

Structural controls are engineered BMPs that capture and filter, infiltrate or retain stormwater runoff from roadways to reduce pollutants discharged to adjacent waterways. Learn more about MDOT SHA structural stormwater control restoration strategies.

Bay Restoration Viewer

This tool lets you view proposed and completed MDOT SHA projects to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s highway system includes over 40,000 acres of impervious surfaces that contribute runoff pollutants to the Bay. These projects follow best management practices (BMPs) that reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff.