BALTIMORE, MD (February 10, 2011) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $20 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants, improving water and sewer infrastructure, and restoring wetlands. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot.
“These projects significantly reduce nutrient pollution, improve our waterways and infrastructure, protect public health, and create jobs for our families,” said Governor O'Malley. “Together, we can ensure that our Bay remains vibrant and healthy for our children and theirs.”
The following projects were approved yesterday in the following locations:
Annapolis Water Reclamation Facility Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade – Anne Arundel County
A $13 million Bay Restoration Fund grant to Anne Arundel County, in addition to a previous $700,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant, will fund the planning, design, and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 13 million gallons per day (mgd) Annapolis Water Reclamation Facility. After the upgrade the Annapolis Water Reclamation Facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and phosphorus discharge by 80 percent, significantly reducing nutrients discharged to the Lower Western Shore and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay.
Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade – Prince George’s County
A $6,324,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant tothe Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission will fund the planning, design and construction of the Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade at the existing 30 million gallons per day (mgd) Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62 percent and phosphorus discharge by 91 percent, significantly reducing nutrients discharged to the Chesapeake Bay.
Tanyard Branch Watershed Improvements – Town of Easton, Talbot County
A $650,000 grant from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund to the Town of Easton will fund the installation of a Best Management Practice facility consisting of a 1.8 acre pond/wetland, to serve a 75-acre drainage area, and additional ponds/wetlands at a natural low point near an existing stormdrain collection system. These improvements will treat previously untreated stormwater runoff, improving the water quality in Tanyard Branch in the Lower Choptank Watershed.
Western Branch Wetlands Restoration – Prince George’s County
A $175,544 grant from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund to Prince George’s County will fund the restoration of in-stream, riparian and wetland habitat at three locations in Upper Marlboro within the Western Branch watershed. This project will restore or improve 16 acres of floodplain wetlands and restore approximately 6 acres of wooded riparian habitat within a 106.3 acre drainage area. The wetland habitat will be restored or improved through the excavation of basins in the floodplain, amendment of soils to impede drainage, and planting with a cover crop to control erosion followed by planting of native vegetation.
Havre de Grace Water Main Replacement Project – City of Havre de Grace, Harford County
Water Supply Financial Assistance Program grants to the City of Havre de Grace totaling $750,000 will be used for a water main replacement project.
Mountain Lake Park Sewer Rehabilitation – Town of Mountain Lake Park, Garrett County
Grants totaling $41,000 from the Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Supplemental Assistance Program to the Town of Mountain Lake Park will fund sewer rehabilitation.
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