Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay

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Jay Apperson

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Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay

Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve water quality, improve wastewater infrastructure

Baltimore, MD (May 13, 2015) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $80 million in funding today to upgrade two wastewater treatment plants and improve sewage infrastructure. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“These are smart investments and great news for Maryland communities and citizens of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan for his leadership on this environmental priority,” said MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Enhanced clean water infrastructure at the Salisbury and Leonardtown wastewater treatment plants and in the Town of Snow Hill will help us to green and grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to reduce nutrient pollution to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”

The following projects were approved today:

Salisbury Wastewater Treatment Plant Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Wicomico County

Funding of $60,776,970 – a $34,548,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan, a $1.5 million grant in the form of loan forgiveness from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund, a $13,237,890 Bay Restoration Fund grant and an $11,491,080 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality projects grant to the City of Salisbury — will help fund the design and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrades at the 8.5 million gallons per day Salisbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. After these and other upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83.3 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Wicomico River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan. This project is part of the Corrective Action Plan to achieve ENR discharge levels required under an amended consent order between MDE and the City of Salisbury.

Leonardtown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – St. Mary’s County

Funding of $20,486,527 – a $12 million Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan and an $8,486,527 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Commissioners of Leonardtown — will help fund the design and construction of the Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade at the 680,000 gallons per day Leonardtown Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Breton Bay, the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

Martin Street Utility Improvement project – Worcester County

Funding of $426,890 – a $302,442 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $124,448 Water Supply Financial Assistance Program grant to the Town of Snow Hill –will help fund the Martin Street Utility Improvement project. The project entails the design and construction of water mains, sewer line replacements and associated manholes along a portion of Martin Street, between Bay and Collins streets, in Snow Hill. The project is part of the Town’s effort to restore and replace old and deteriorated underground utilities. The project will reduce inflow and infiltration of water to the lines, which leads to sewer overflows, and improve sewer flow capacity.

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