Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of the Environment

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

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jay Apperson

(410) 537-3003
jay.apperson@maryland.gov

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

Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve water quality, save energy

Baltimore, MD (January 6, 2016) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $1.2 million in funding today to improve water quality and conserve energy by upgrading septic systems and a sewage treatment plant and stabilizing a stream. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“These are smart investments 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. “Conserving energy and reducing nutrient pollution to our waterways 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 projects were approved today:

 

Upgrade Septic Systems – 18 counties

Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $750,000 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. Eighteen Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.

 

Yorkville Road Slope Failure and Stream Stabilization Project – Prince George’s County

A $356,800 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund Green Grant to Prince George’s County will help fund the Yorkville Road Slope Failure and Stream Stabilization Project. The project entails the stabilization of approximately 300 linear feet of severely eroded stream channel in a tributary to Henson Creek. The work includes construction of grade controls, installation of rip-rap and fabric-encapsulated soil with vegetation along stream banks, planting of native trees and shrubs and the implementation of other natural features to stabilize the stream and reduce sediment erosion and water pollution.

 

Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant Building Addition and Renovation – Prince George’s County

A $164,800 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan to the City of Bowie will help fund the Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant Building Addition and Renovation project. The project entails the upgrade and renovation of the plant with energy efficient mechanical, electrical and structural building components. The improvements will reduce energy costs and usage by at least 20 percent and reduce the plant’s carbon footprint.

 

# # #