Nature of Activity: Stakeholders in the Tampa Bay region have formed a cooperative consortium for nitrogen management. The consortium is composed of federal, state and local governments, regulatory agencies and several private interests. The participants commit to meeting nitrogen reduction goals set in an action plan that the consortium created for each of the Bay’s five segments. Individual participants’ performance is monitored, but the consortium’s performance is measured collectively. In many regards, the consortium’s efforts are similar to those of a trading program: participants work cooperatively to meet a shared goal of pollution reduction; loading caps were developed and adopted based on studies and negotiations; and the actions are an alternative to traditional regulation. Unlike traditional trading programs, however, no "exchanges" or trades actually take place, no monetary or in-kind payments are made, and neither credits nor debits are made on individual accounts.

Environmental Problem: Eutrophication and reduction of submerged aquatic vegetation (sea grasses) in the Bay.

Pollutant(s) / Pollution Type(s): Nitrogen, several other pollutants.

Trade Types: There is no explicit trading. Allocations and control measures address both point and nonpoint sources.

Stage of Implementation: The Tampa Bay National Estuary Program (TBNEP or TBEP) was established in 1991. The nitrogen management plan was approved in 1997; partners of TBEP pledged commitment to the plan in 1998. Controls are now being implemented consistent with the plan.

Relation to TMDL: A TMDL was developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection based on the loading caps developed under the management plan, but has not yet been implemented. Prior to making a determination that the TMDL be implemented, the FDEP is required to determine if other programs, such as TBEP activities, are sufficient to achieve water quality standards. If other programs are sufficient, full TMDL implementation is not required.

Number of Potential Participants: There are 24 consortium members, including 9 private-sector partners, three counties, three cities and three regulatory agencies.

Trading Ratios: N/A

Estimated Cost Savings: The consortium’s actions may help participants avoid TMDL costs and legal and administrative costs associated with a formal trading program.

Available Written Information: Tampa Bay Estuary Program management plan, TBEP web site, full reports available from TBEP. Apogee/Hagler Bailly paper on the TBEP.

Innovative Aspects: The consortium reached consensus on a set of measures that would be effective in meeting goals. All participation is voluntary and is regarded as a potential way to avoid command and control regulation.

Obstacles: The participants felt that goals could be achieved without having to deal with the legal and administrative obstacles of a formal trading program, thus there are no trades per se.

Web Sites: Tampa Bay: http://www.epa.gov/surf2/hucs/03100206/

Contact: Richard Eckenrod, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, (727) 893-2765, reckenrod@tbep.org