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 will reduce pollution, reduce energy consumption

BALTIMORE, MD (July 19, 2018) – 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:

Hagerstown Water Pumping Improvements project – Washington County

A $1 million Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the City of Hagerstown will help fund the Hagerstown Water Pumping Improvements project. The project entails replacement of pumps at the RC Wilson Water Treatment Plant and at a pump station in Hagerstown with more efficient pumps to reduce energy consumption.

Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Refinements project – Montgomery County

A $249,760 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Poolesville will fund the planning and design for construction of de-nitrification filters and related equipment at the Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the plant to consistently reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Seneca Creek 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 Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

Indian Head Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Replacement project – Charles County

A $159,000 Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the Town of Indian Head will help fund the Indian Head Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Replacement project. The project entails replacement of one of three blowers at the plant with one that is more energy efficient.

Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Washington County

A $56,500 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Hancock will fund the planning for construction of a Biological and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facility for the 380,000 gallons per day Town of Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the plant to reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Tonoloway Creek 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 Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

Victor Cullen Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Frederick County

A $24,216 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Maryland Environmental Service will fund the planning for construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal facility for the 50,000 gallons per day Victor Cullent Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the plant to reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to the Upper Monocacy 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. ENR upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan.

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