The SMART tool​ is an interactive, web-based mapping, tracking and reporting tool that provides a credible and certifiable way to account for 10 small-scale practices can be implemented by property owners and 9 larger-scale that are typically implemented on private properties by a professional.  The tool allows individuals to upload their BMP data to a local website, where the data is tracked and certified by trained individuals. SMART incorporates all approved nutrient and sediment reduction information approved by the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Water Quality Goal Implementation Team to calculate and report out individual and aggregate reductions for each BMP tracked.  This reporting ability allows for the adoption of small-scale BMP’s into the formal accounting of nutrient and sediment reductions of local TMDL/Phase II WIP, NPDES and MS4 permit requirements and could potentially result in considerable quantifiable cost-savings for local governments.

While small-scale stormwater BMPs may only have a small effect on nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution, total pollution reductions can become substantial when these actions are multiplied over hundreds of properties. SMART empowers environmentally conscience private property owners to report stormwater practices and reinforces positive behaviors by providing a forum for their beneficial actions.   When accessed, the web-based dashboard depicts the many stormwater BMPs being installed and the impacts of those practices across states, counties, municipalities and watersheds.  Additionally, it provides the images and information about the installed stormwater practices to educate and inspire property owners without stormwater BMPs on their property take action along with their neighbors.