ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 23, 2007) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today Board of Public Works approval of a $575,280 Biological Nutrient Removal Program Grant and a $122,635 State Supplemental Grant to upgrade the Town of Chestertown Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kent County. The Board is comprised of Governor O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Nutrient removal at these wastewater treatment plants is critical to achieving nutrient reductions discharged into the Chesapeake Bay,” said Shari T. Wilson, secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). “We serve Marylanders to protect and restore the state’s natural resources. These grants are significant in expediting the technological advancements in reducing nutrient flow to the Bay.”

The project entails the planning, design, and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing 0.9 million gallons per day (MGD) Chestertown Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve effluent quality with annual average nutrient goals of 3.0 mg/l for Total Nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l Total Phosphorus. These improvements will reduce nutrients discharged to the Chester River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

“The Town of Chestertown is pleased to participate in the Maryland’s Biological Nutrient Removal program and appreciates MDE’s efforts to assist us with grants and loans,” said Town Manager W. S. Ingersoll. “The Chester River is an extraordinary river with a rich Colonial maritime history. It is incumbent upon us to insure that the Chester River is as clean as it can be for future generations.”

Construction began in March 2006, and the project has an estimated August 2007, completion date.

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