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

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

Grants will reduce pollution, energy consumption

BALTIMORE (September 4, 2019) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $1.4 million in grants today to reduce pollution and save energy. 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 the environment while saving money and energy in Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Energy efficiency saves money and, along with the use of renewable energy, helps the Chesapeake Bay by reducing nitrogen pollution. Upgrading sewage treatment plants will also 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:

Cumberland Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System Optimization project – Allegany County

A $1 million Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the City of Cumberland will help fund the addition of high efficiency blowers and automatic control valves at the wastewater treatment plant to reduce energy costs and better control dissolved oxygen in the treatment process. This project is consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act’s statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030. Under an agreement between the Maryland Energy Administration and the Maryland Department of the Environment funding will be provided from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund.

Chesapeake City Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Cecil County

A $401,381 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Chesapeake City will fund the planning and design for an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade for the north and south wastewater treatment plants in Chesapeake City. The project will allow the plant to reduce its nitrogen discharge by 79 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 90 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal 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 Chesapeake Bay restoration plan. This project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.

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