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Maryland Department of the Environment

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

Grants will reduce pollution, energy consumption

 

BALTIMORE, MD (October 3, 2018) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved  $13 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 the Hampstead sewage treatment plant 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:

 

Hampstead Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Carroll County

A $10 million Bay Restoration Fund grant to Carroll County will fund the planning, design and construction of enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) upgrades at the Hampstead 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 Deep Run, Piney Run 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. In addition to the ENR upgrade and under a separate contract, the project will include a new main routed to an outfall on Deep Run.

 

Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Combined Heat and Power System project – Baltimore City, Baltimore County

A $3 million Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to Baltimore City will help fund the installation of an additional combined heat and power system at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The additional energy generated by the two megawatt system will help offset the increase in energy use expected from the ongoing enhanced nutrient removal upgrade at the plant. The system can also be used to provide emergency power.

 

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