Scientists: Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan a failure

ANNAPOLIS, MD – (AP) Scientists and environmental policy analysts are calling the current program to clean up the polluted Chesapeake Bay a failure.

A group of experts gathered in Annapolis, Md., on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, which was signed in Virginia in 1983. They say new methods are needed to restore the nation's largest estuary.

Several people who attended the agreement's signing 25 years ago attended the event. They include Dr. Walter Boynton, former Maryland legislators and author Tom Horton.

They say a new program of mandatory and enforceable measures is needed to bring about reductions in nutrient and toxic chemicals.

They also say the new restrictions should include precise monitoring and significant sanctions for violations.