Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jay Apperson
(410) 537-3003
jay.apperson@maryland.gov
Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay
Funding will improve wastewater infrastructure, reduce pollution
BALTIMORE, MD (June 20, 2018) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $32 million in funding today to reduce pollution and improve drinking water quality. The Board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford represented Governor Hogan at today’s meeting.
“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. “Reducing pollution from septic systems and sewage treatment plants and upgrading drinking water systems 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:
Upgrade Septic Systems – Statewide
Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $15 million will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems 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. Additional Bay Restoration Fund grants totaling $1,495,000 will provide funding for Maryland counties to administer tasks relating to septic system regulations. All 23 Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.
Walkersville Water Treatment Plant project – Frederick County
Funding of $8,771,545 (a $7,271,545 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $1.5 million grant in the form of forgiveness for another Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan) to the Town of Walkersville will fund the replacement of Walkersville’s water treatment plant to prevent future contamination to the town’s drinking water system.
Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Treatment Plants with Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrades – Statewide
Bay Restoration Fund grants totaling $5,327,250 will provide funding for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants with Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrades. Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund equaling up to 10 percent of the annual fee revenue from wastewater treatment plant users can be provided to fund a portion of an ENR facility’s operation and maintenance. MDE recommended an operation and maintenance grant at a rate of up to $30,000 per million gallons per day of a facility’s design capacity, not to exceed $300,000 per year for any individual plant. The board approved grants ranging in amount from $11,250 to $300,000 to a total of 48 facilities across the state. Through ENR upgrades and proper operation, these plants have reduced nitrogen discharged to the Chesapeake Bay by more than 6.43 million pounds per year and have reduced phosphorus discharged to the Bay by more than 549,000 pounds per year. 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 the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.
Bedford Road Sanitary Sewer Rehab Phase 5 project – Allegany County
Funding of $1,139,732 (a $569,866 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $569,866 grant in the form of forgiveness of another Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan) to Allegany County will fund the Bedford Road Sanitary Sewer Rehab Phase 5 project. The project will repair and replace the aging and deteriorated sanitary sewer system in several areas of the sewage district. The purpose of the project is to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration and related sewage overflows.
Funkstown Water Meters Replacement and Leak Repair to Distribution System project – Washington County
Funding of $289,714 (a $144,857 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $144,857 Water Supply Financial Assistance grant) to the Town of Funkstown will help fund a project that entails the replacement of water meters throughout the town with new radio-read meters that will allow real-time leak detection, accurate readings and help in monitoring water conservation. The project also entails the replacement of a segment of the existing water supply line, which is deteriorated and has a history of water loss.
# # #