BALTIMORE, MD (January 4, 2012) - The Maryland Board of Public​ Works approved more than $19 million in grants today to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading technology at wastewater treatment plants. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lieutenant Governor Anthony G. Brown represented Governor O’Malley at today’s meeting.

"Projects such as these are an important part of our effort to improve Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay," said Lieutenant Governor Brown. “These projects reduce pollution and protect public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders."

The following projects were approved today in the following locations: 

Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Baltimore City

A $10 million Bay Restoration Fund grant and a $5 million Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Projects grant to Baltimore City, in addition to a previous $5 million Bay Restoration Fund grant, will help fund the planning and design of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 180 million gallons per day Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 67 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged into Back River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland City Water Reclamation Facility Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Anne Arundel County

A $2,973,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Anne Arundel County, in addition to a previous $500,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant, will help fund the planning, design and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 2.5 million gallons per day Maryland City Water Reclamation Facility. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 70 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged into the Upper Patuxent River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Carroll County

A $1 million Bay Restoration Fund grant to the City of Westminster, in addition to a previous $20,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant, will help fund the planning, design and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 5 million gallons per day Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged into the Upper Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Gas House Pike Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade – Frederick County

A $758,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the City of Frederick will help fund the design and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) refinements and an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade at the existing 8 million gallons per day Gas House Pike Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrades, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 67 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged into the Monocacy River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

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