13(4 



Fortunately, the required expertise does exist araong the many agencies which 

 historically have toeen responsible for certain features of water resource develop- 

 ment. 



The proposed Chesapeake Bay study is a comprehensive estuarine study. It 

 is multidisciplinary in scope, encompassing the engineering as well as the physical, 

 biological, and social sciences. The study is being managed by the district engi- 

 neer, Baltimore, Md., whose staff is experienced in managing resource develop- 

 ment studies of a size comparable to the magnitude of the Chesapeake Bay study. 

 Comprehensive planning experience in many disciplines has been developed and 

 strengthened over time by intense involvement in diverse studies. 



But on the whole, this effort is not moving forward to the degree it should, 

 because of lack of funds. This indicates to me that the importance and survival 

 of this great estuary as a biological, productive entity has not been considered in 

 its relative urgency. 



The specific objectives of this study are to : 



First. Make a complete investigation and study of water utilization of the 

 Chesapeake Bay Basin. 



Second. Formulate a long term sound water-land management plan for the 

 development and use of the Bay area's resources, with special attention to im- 

 proving the economic and social welHbeing of the people of the Chesapeake Bay 

 area. 



Third. Define an early action program, setting forth those elements which re- 

 quire prompt execution in order to : first, prevent deterioration of the Bay's re- 

 sources and environment, and second, meet present needs. 



Fourth. Make recommendations for carrying out the plans and programs, in- 

 cluding institutional arrangements, cost sharing, and management of the Bay's 

 resources. 



It is intended, further, that the study develop a mechanism by which the plan 

 recommended for optimum development of the area can be subject to review and 

 revision as changing conditions require. 



A major difficulty confronting the formulation of a rational plan of management 

 is a serious lack of quantitative data. Never has an adequate inventory of the Bay 

 resource been attempted. Little quantitative data are available concerning the 

 physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Bay and the capacity of 

 the Bay to support its own natural functions as well as the diverse and often 

 destructive activities of man. This serious lack of perspective of the Bay environ- 

 ment in its present uneasy relationship with a rapidly expanding urbanized en- 

 vironment is probably the most dangerous existing threat to the Bay system. 



A logical plan of study directed toward development of a comprehensive plan 

 must include many parameters because, for whatever purpose the Bay is used, 

 such use affects all other purposes. There is a need for a coordinated management 

 approach to developing and preserving the resources of the system. Although the 

 States of the Bay area support a number of progressive agencies which have 

 regulatory and management functions in Chesapeake Bay, there is no single 

 agency that is actively engaged in an overall multistate planning effort directed 

 toward the maintenance, enhancement, and rational utilization of the Bay 

 resources. 



This complete study of water utilization and control, involving the largest 

 estuary in the Nation and its spectrum of complex problems, is expected to yield 

 significant knowledge of many important physical, chemical, biological, and social 

 phenomena of importance not only to Chesapeake Bay, but to other estuarine 

 areas. This study undoubtedly will improve the environmentalist's ability to 

 estimate the effect of man's works on estuarine ecology, based on the development 

 of a methodology to determine realistically the carrying capacity of these im- 

 portant resources. 



As a part of the Chesapeake Bay resource study, a hydraulic model of Chesa- 

 peake Bay, together with a technical center for Bay studies, is planned for con- 

 struction at Matapeake, Md, 



Thus far, the research activities which have been completed and those in prog- 

 ress, have established the Chesapeake Bay region as a world center for estuarine 

 research. However, as work has progressed, it has become readily apparent that 

 a jump in basic and applied engineering research capability is necessary. 



Currently available investigative and analytical techniques have provided 

 imich valuable assistance in determining the gross physical operating character- 

 istics of the Bay system. However, the time is past when unilateral problem solu- 

 tions based on judgment, available but inadequate technology, and reconnaissance 

 type data are of use to the Chesapeake Bay community. 



