Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of the Environment

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 (June 16, 2021) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $20 million in grants today to reduce pollution and improve water quality. 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,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Reducing pollution from septic systems and upgrading a wastewater treatment plant will help us to 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. All 23 Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.


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

A $5,122,434 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Maryland Environmental Service will help fund the planning, design and construction of a Biological and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facility for the Victor Cullen Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83% and its phosphorus discharge by 85%, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients 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. Enhanced Nutrient Removal 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.


# # #