BALTIMORE, MD (June 1, 2011) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved more than $29 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, improving sewer systems, and restoring stream banks. 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 today in the following locations:
Upgrade Septic Systems – Statewide
Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling as much as $8,943,000 will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems to significantly reduce the discharge of nitrogen, the most serious pollutant in the Chesapeake Bay. Counties will focus on upgrading septic systems located within the Critical Area. The typical septic system does not remove nitrogen, instead delivering about 30 pounds of nitrogen per year to the groundwater. An upgraded, nitrogen-removing septic system cuts a system’s nitrogen load in half. Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties will benefit from the grants.
La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade – Charles County
An $8,768,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of La Plata, in addition to a previous $610,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant, will fund the planning, design, and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 1.5 million gallons per day (mgd) La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the upgrade the La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent, significantly reducing nutrients discharged to the Port Tobacco Creek, the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
Broadneck Water Reclamation Facility Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade – Anne Arundel County
A $7,511,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Anne Arundel County, in addition to a previous $610,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant, will fund the planning, design, and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 6 million gallons per day (mgd) Broadneck Water Reclamation Facility. After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent, significantly reducing nutrients discharged to the Lower Western Shore and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
Braddock Run Interceptor Rehabilitation, Phase 2 – Allegany County
A $1,257,765 capital construction grant from Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds, Supplemental Assistance Program, to the LaVale Sanitary Commission will fund corrections to the existing wastewater collection system. The project involves relining sewer pipe and rehabilitating manholes. Since much of the sewer line is located close to Braddock Run, the system experiences a serious inflow and infiltration problem that contributes to sewer overflows.
Cumberland combined sewer system improvements – Allegany County
Capital construction grants totaling $918,833 from Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds, Supplemental Assistance Program, to Allegany County will correct a capacity problem in the combined sewer system that is leading to backups in the Cedar Street area. The work involves design and construction. The project is part of the larger Cumberland Combined Sewer Overflow Improvement project, which is required by a Consent Decree.
Essex Sky Park Shoreline Enhancement project – Baltimore County
A $650,234 Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund grant will fund the restoration of three stream sections along the Back River shoreline that have been identified by Baltimore County as being severely eroded. Restoration tactics will include minor regrading or filling, stone breakwaters, removal of phragmites, and planting of tidal wetland vegetation. The project will reduce sediment loads to the waterway by seven tons a year.
Milford Street Two-Million Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank – Wicomico County
Capital construction grants totaling $630,000 from the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan, Water Supply Financial Assistance Program, to the City of Salisbury will fund the design and construction of a two-million gallon elevated water storage tank, along with associated accessories, near Milford Street in Salisbury. The proposed elevated water storage tank will address inadequate pressure in the southern portion of the City’s water distribution system and will provide for fire flow and emergencies.
Greenhill/Hillside Road Stream Restoration project – Prince George’s County
A $284,990 Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Nonpoint Source Fund grant will fund the stabilization and restoration of 623 feet of two unnamed streams that discharge to Greenbelt Lake. Techniques to be used include: grading the stream banks; installing a coastal plain outfall, a series of step pools, and two bed sills; and removing a failed culvert. The project also will include a public education element in which communities will be invited to assist with planting and using the site for workshops on low-impact development. The project will reduce sediment loads on downstream waterways and promote groundwater infiltration.
Oliver Drive Sewer System – St. Mary’s County
A $209,127 capital construction grant from Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project Funds, Supplemental Assistance Program, to St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission will provide public sewer service to houses along Oliver Drive that are experiencing failure of their septic systems. The project area will then be served by the existing Piney Point force main that runs to the Marlay-Taylor wastewater treatment plant.
Snow Hill Water Line Replacement – Worcester County
A $150,000 capital construction grant from the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan, Water Supply Financial Assistance Program, to the Town of Snow Hill, will fund the replacement of water distribution lines in Federal Street and in Ironshire Street in the Town of Snow Hill. This replacement will improve water flow and pressure and improve the system.
East New Market Wells Project – Dorchester County
A $70,000 capital construction grant from the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan, Water Supply Financial Assistance Program, to the Town of East New Market will fund replacement of the water supply source for the Town of New Market. The two wells connected to the water system are inadequate. One is in violation of current EPA water quality standards for arsenic; the other is old, deteriorated, and consequently unreliable. The project involves well installation and the design and construction of associated controls, piping, and structures.
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