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

Grant will reduce pollution, improve water quality

Baltimore, MD (December 3, 2015) – The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved more than $6 million in funding to improve water quality by reducing pollution from a sewage treatment plant. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“This is a smart investment and great news for citizens of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan for his leadership on this environmental priority,” said Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading this sewage treatment plant in Washington County will help us to green and grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”

 

The following project was approved yesterday:

Maryland Correctional Institution Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Washington County

A $6,186,691 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Maryland Environmental Services will help fund the planning, design and construction of the Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade at the 1.6 million gallons per day Maryland Correctional Institution Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington County. 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 Antietam Creek 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.

 

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