BALTIMORE, MD (May 2, 2013) - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $121 million in funding yesterday to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and improving sewage systems. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.
“Projects such as these are an important part of our effort to improve Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor O’Malley. “These projects reduce pollution and protect the environment and public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders.”
The following projects were approved yesterday:
Cox Creek Water Reclamation Facility Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade Phase II project– Anne Arundel County
Grant and loan funding of $97,006,000 (a $72,100,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant and a $24,906,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan), in addition to a previous $16,500,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant and a previous $1,500,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan, to Anne Arundel County will help fund the planning, design and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the 15 million gallons per day Cox Creek Water Reclamation Facility. 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 to Cox 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. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan
Western Run Sanitary Sewer Improvements – Baltimore City
An $8,913,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan to Baltimore City will help fund the Western Run Sanitary Sewer Improvements project. The project entails improvements to the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure in the Jones Falls Sewershed, including pipe lining and manhole repairs. The project is required by the 2002 Consent Decree between Baltimore City, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet Clean Water Act requirements.
Stony Run Sanitary Sewer Improvements – Baltimore City
Grant and loan funding of $8,430,000 (a $6,930,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan and a $1,500,000 grant from Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds) to Baltimore City will help fund the Stony Run Sanitary Sewer Improvements project. The project entails improvements to the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure in the Jones Falls Sewershed, including pipe lining and manhole repairs. The project is required by the 2002 Consent Decree between Baltimore City, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet Clean Water Act requirements.
Maryland Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvements – Baltimore City
Grant and loan funding of $6,777,000 (a $5,277,000 loan and a $1,500,000 grant in the form of loan forgiveness) from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund to Baltimore City will help fund the Maryland Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvements project. The project entails improvements to the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure in the Jones Falls Sewershed, including pipe lining and manhole repairs. The project is required by the 2002 Consent Decree between Baltimore City, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to meet Clean Water Act requirements.
Shangri-La Drive/South Essex Drive Sewer Rehabilitation project – St. Mary’s County
A $394,000 Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund loan to the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission will help fund the Shangri-La Drive/South Essex Drive Sewer Rehabilitation project. The project entails the design and rehabilitation of a portion of the sewer system in the Lexington Park area. The existing sewer system, which was built in the 1940s, has deteriorated, allowing infiltration of water in the wastewater collection system. The work includes rehabilitation and replacement of sewer mains and manholes.
Maryland Correctional Institute Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade project– Washington County
A $270,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Maryland Environmental Services will help fund the design of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the 1.6 million gallons per day Maryland Correctional Institute Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington County. A previous $48,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant has also helped to fund the project. 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 to Antietam 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. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of the state’s major wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan
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