Stormwater Retention Credit Program: A Pioneer in Protecting the Chesapeake Bay

DOEE’s Regulatory Review Division

The District of Columbia’s Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program incentivizes the dispersed implementation of green infrastructure (GI), protecting local rivers and offering developers flexibility inmeeting stormwater requirements. Leveraging a market-driven approach to manage stormwater runoff, SRC trading shifts the cost of stormwater management to the private sector. By purchasing SRCs from GI projects built elsewhere in the District, developers help contribute to broader stormwater management goals, helping redirect stormwater retention to areas where it’s needed most. The program has seen 2.9 million credits sold, capturing and treating millions of gallons of stormwater runoff, significantly reducing pollution in underserved areas. The SRC program intentionally promotes new, voluntary GI projects within the Municipal Separate Storm  Sewer System (MS4), generating High-Impact SRCs that mitigate untreated runoff and provide the best water quality outcomes. This focus has spurred the creation of six new SRC-generating businesses responsible for over 32 acres of voluntary GI retrofits in the MS4, with an additional 10 acres in development. This demonstrates the program’s ability to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. The program also helps expand the green economy, creating numerous opportunities in the GI design and maintenance professions. SRC trading enhances stormwater management, strengthens the green economy, and promotes community engagement in environmental stewardship. The District is proud of the market’s ability to impact water quality while stimulating economic development. This success, particularly the creation of new businesses and the expansion of green jobs, showcases the program’s ability to go above and beyondtraditional stormwater management approaches. This innovative marketplace is