Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay
Grants will reduce pollution, improve water quality
BALTIMORE (November 18, 2020) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $6.5 million in grants today to reduce water pollution and help restore the Chesapeake Bay. 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,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading wastewater treatment systems in Chesapeake City and Rock Hall will help us to green and grow the state’s economy and continue to be leaders on restoring the Chesapeake Bay.”
The following projects were approved today:
Chesapeake City Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Cecil County
A $6,467,519 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Chesapeake City will help fund the planning, design and construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade of the town’s wastewater treatment system. The work includes the demolition and abandonment of the existing north and south plants, construction of a pump station in place of the south plant and construction of a new, ENR wastewater treatment plant at the north site. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 79% and its phosphorus discharge by 90%, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal 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 Chesapeake Bay restoration plan. This project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.
Rock Hall Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project – Kent County
An $82,971 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Rock Hall will help fund the planning, design and construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade of the town’s wastewater treatment plant. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83% and its phosphorus discharge by 70%, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients to Gray’s Inn 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 Chesapeake Bay restoration plan. This project will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines developed as part of the Coast Smart Program to reduce climate change risks to such projects.
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