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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

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

Baltimore, MD (Dec. 7, 2016) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $21 million in grants and loans today to  reduce pollution, improve water quality and provide safe drinking water. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“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 for his leadership on this environmental priority,” said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading sewage treatment systems in Somerset and Washington counties and improving the water system in the Town of Oakland 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:

Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Washington County

A $19,271,609 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Washington County will help fund the planning, design and construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade at the Conococheague 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 the Upper 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. ENR upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan. This project will also include an increase in plant capacity from 4.1 million gallons per day to 4.5 million gallons per day.

Oakland water distribution system improvements– Garrett County

Funding of $1,972,358 – a $986,179 grant in the form of loan forgiveness and a $986,179 loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund – to the Town of Oakland will help fund the Oakland Water Pressure Correction project. The project includes construction of pumps and replacement of water lines in the town’s water distribution system. Additional funding of $882,103 – a $441,051.50 grant in the form of loan forgiveness and a $441,051.50 loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund– to the town will help fund the Oakland Water System Rehabilitation project. That project entails the planning, design and replacement of the aging water distribution system. The deteriorated condition of the water system has led to excessive amounts of water loss and created potential pathways for the contamination of drinking water. The projects will ensure safe and sustainable supplies of water for drinking and other purposes.

Smith Island Wastewater Facilities Upgrade project – Somerset County

Grants of $575,000 – a $375,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant and a $200,000 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Supplemental Assistance grant – to Somerset County will help fund the planning and design of a new Biological Nutrient Removal/Enhanced Nutrient Removal (BNR/ENR) wastewater treatment plant in Ewell and an upgrade to the wastewater collection and conveyance system. The project includes the decommissioning of the existing Tylerton Wastewater Treatment Plant, an overhaul of three pumping stations and the construction of a new main to convey wastewater from Tylerton to the new plant. The upgrade will lead to an 83 percent reduction in nitrogen discharged and a 90 percent reduction in phosphorus discharged to the Frances Gut 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. ENR upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

 

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