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Maryland Department of the Environment

Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay

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Jay Apperson

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jay.apperson@maryland.gov

Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay

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

Baltimore, MD (June 3, 2015) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $15 million in grant funding today to upgrade septic systems throughout Maryland and improve sewage infrastructure. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford represented Governor Hogan at today’s meeting.

“These are smart investments to protect public health and prevent water pollution in Maryland communities and the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan and Lieutenant Governor Rutherford for their leadership on this environmental priority,” said MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading septic systems throughout the state and improving wastewater infrastructure in LaVale will boost environmental protection and economic development locally and regionally.”

 

The following projects were approved today:

 

Upgrade Septic Systems – Statewide

Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $14 million will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems to significantly reduce the discharge of nitrogen, one of the most serious pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay. Counties will focus on upgrading septic systems located within the Critical Area. A typical septic system that does not remove nitrogen delivers about 23 pounds of nitrogen per year to the groundwater. An upgraded, nitrogen-removing septic system cuts a system’s nitrogen load at least in half. All 23 Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.

 

LaVale Manhole Rehabilitation and LaVale Pump Station Rehabilitation projects – Allegany County 

Grants of $1.5 million will help fund the LaVale Manhole Rehabilitation and LaVale Pump Station Rehabilitation projects. A $1,173,400 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds Supplemental Assistance Program grant to the LaVale Sanitary Commission will help fund the project to rehabilitate manholes throughout the LaVale sewage collection system. The purpose of the project is to reduce inflow and infiltration of water to the system, which contributes to sewer overflows, and improve sewer flow capacity. A $326,600 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds Supplemental Assistance Program grant to the LaVale Sanitary Commission will help fund the repair or replacement of the LaVale pump station. Both projects are part of LaVale’s response to a consent decree between MDE and LaVale that requires LaVale to reduce sewer overflows.

 

 

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