U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Annapolis, MD

Protecting the Chesapeake Watershed

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a significant presence in Annapolis through its Region 3 office, specifically housing the Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO). Located on Forest Drive, this facility is the operational heart of a multi-state partnership dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. As a federal agency hub, it coordinates efforts between Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, New York, and the District of Columbia to improve water quality and manage the bay’s living resources.

Scientific Monitoring and Policy

The work conducted here is heavily focused on environmental science and data analysis. Staff members manage the Bay Watershed Model, track nutrient and sediment loads, and assess the health of aquatic habitats. The office oversees the implementation of the ‘Pollution Diet’ (Total Maximum Daily Load) and guides policy decisions that impact millions of residents within the watershed. While primarily an administrative and scientific center, the office is a critical resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking authoritative data on the bay’s ecological status.

Visitor Information

Access to the EPA Annapolis office is controlled. The facility is located on the first floor (Suite 130) and shares a reception area with the National Park Service. Visitors must enter through the main doors, present valid government-issued photo identification, and sign in at the reception desk. Guests must be escorted by an EPA employee at all times. The office is generally open weekdays from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Parking is available in the adjacent lot, and bike racks are provided for those commuting on two wheels.