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

Media contact: Jay Apperson

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BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS APPROVES FUNDING FOR CLEAN WATER AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

Grants will reduce pollution, improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure

BALTIMORE (Feb. 8, 2017) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $540,000 in grants 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 the sewage treatment system in the town of Preston and improving the water system in Charles County 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:

Preston Wastewater Treatment Plant Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrades – Caroline County

A $304,262 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the town of Preston will help fund the design of biological nutrient removal and enhanced nutrient removal upgrades at the Preston Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 90 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Lower Choptank 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. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

Jenkins Lane Water System project – Charles County

A $240,750 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant to Charles County will help fund the Jenkins Lane Water System project. The project includes the design and construction of a new water distribution system to connect the Jenkins Lane community to the Charles County water system. The project is needed to replace the existing, deteriorated water system in the community and ensure safe and sustainable supplies of water for drinking and other purposes.

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