Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
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Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve drinking water reliability
BALTIMORE, MD (April 4, 2018) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $2.3 million in grants and loans today to reduce pollution and improve public water system reliability. 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,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading the Chesapeake Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and water systems in Hagerstown and Rising Sun 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:
R.C. Willson Water Treatment Plant Traveling Screen Replacement and Water Storage Tank (Phase IV-C) project – Washington County
Funding of $1,788,360 – a $765,960 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan, a $255,320 grant in the form of loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund and a $767,080 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant, all to the City of Hagerstown – will help fund multi-phase improvements to the R.C. Willson Water Treatment Plant.
Town of Rising Sun – Chester Water System Interconnection project – Cecil County
A $500,000 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant to the Town of Rising Sun will help fund the Town of Rising Sun – Chester Water System Interconnection project. The project entails the design and construction of a water main connecting the Chester Water Authority system to the Town of Rising Sun. Rising Sun’s current well system cannot provide flow needed for firefighting to all areas or meet demand during droughts. Connecting to the Chester Water Authority system will ensure a reliable water supply and provide water for fire emergencies.
Chesapeake Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade and Expansion project – Calvert County
A $19,652 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Chesapeake Beach, in addition to previous grants and loans, will provide the final payment for the planning, design and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the 1.18 million gallons per day Chesapeake Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. With 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 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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