As part of Chesapeake 2000, the CBP has developed a strategy to eliminate the impact of toxics on the living resources that inhabit the Bay or on human health. Some of the technical information needs include (1) documenting the contaminant sources, loads and impacts from animal agriculture, pesticide use, and ground water; and (2) understanding the potential for contaminants to cause toxic impacts on aquatic-dependent wildlife in the Bay and its watershed. The USGS efforts will focus on:

• Understanding the impact of contaminants and other environmental stressors on the health of fish and water birds.
• Improving data on the contaminant concentrations in both surface and ground water associated with different types of land use in areas of the Potomac River Basin and Delmarva Peninsula.