Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Samantha Kappalman
samantha.kappalman@maryland.gov
Jay Apperson
jay.apperson@maryland.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
Grants and loans will reduce pollution, improve water quality and wastewater infrastructure
BALTIMORE, MD (June 18, 2014) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $16 million in funding today to upgrade septic systems and sewage and drinking water infrastructure. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.
“Projects such as these are an important part of our effort to improve Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay, and provide quality drinking water to our citizens,” said Governor O’Malley. “These projects reduce pollution and protect the environment and public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders.”
The following projects were approved today:
Upgrade Septic Systems- Statewide
Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $14,999,000 will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems with best available technology 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. All 23 Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.
Town of Federalsburg Railroad Avenue CSO Removal and Water Main Replacement Project – Caroline County
A $550,000 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Supplemental Assistance grant, in addition to previous State funding, to the Town of Federalsburg will help fund the Railroad Avenue Combined Sewer Overflow Removal and Water Main Replacement Project. The project entails the design and construction of sanitary and stormwater sewer lines to separate the combined sanitary-stormwater sewer system, along with replacement of 2,240 feet of water main in the Railroad Avenue area in the Town of Federalsburg. The project is designed to eliminate sewer overflows and reduce peak flows at the Town’s wastewater treatment plant during storms. It will also replace an existing aged and deteriorated water line. The grant is in lieu of a $550,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan approved Jan. 8, 2014, by the Board.
Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant Transite Intake Line and Basin project – Washington County
A $378,435 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant to Washington County will help fund the replacement and upgrade of an existing water line and the installation of a new pre-sedimentation basin at the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant in Washington County. This project is designed to reduce the chance of major water line breaks and remove organic matter to meet the EPA’s Drinking Water Disinfection Byproduct Rule.
Fruitland Crown Sports Center Sewer Extension – Wicomico County
A $122,200 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Supplemental Assistance grant to the City of Fruitland will help fund the design and construction of a wastewater force main that will serve the Crown Sports Center in Fruitland. The wastewater will be collected and brought to the Fruitland Wastewater Treatment Plant to allow the abandonment of the Crown Sports Center Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is not in compliance with an MDE Consent Order.
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