Book Description

The report summarizes the long-term impact Tropical Storm Agnes had on the Chesapeake Bay Region. The June 1972 storm caused severe lowerings of salinity levels in the Bay, which resulted in high mortalities of immobile estuarine and marine species. Mobile species were less affected. The floodwaters carried large amounts of nutrients and sewage into the Bay, thereby creating a public health hazard. The major geological effect was the deposition of sediment. Storm-related economic costs on the Bay Region totaled $42.7 million. Immediate costs were damages to boats and the clearing of debris. Long-term economic losses occurred to the recreation and fisheries industry.