ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 8, 2008) – The Maryland Board of Public Works today approved over $2 million in grants for capital construction projects to improve water quality and water supply. The Board is comprised of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“We have an obligation to future generations to protect and preserve the ecosystems in our precious Chesapeake Bay and provide a reliable, high quality drinking water supply,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “The State takes pride in keeping up with the evolving infrastructure and needs of community’s to protect human health, water quality and the well-being of aquatic ecosystems.”

George’s Creek WWTP BNR/ENR Upgrade (Allegheny County)

The Board approved a $1,720,629 grant to construct Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 0.6 million gallons per day (MGD) George’s Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to achieve effluent concentrations goal of 3 mg/l for Total Nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l for Total Phosphorous. These improvements will reduce nutrients discharged to George’s Creek, the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay and will help Maryland meet the goals of the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.

Indian Head WWTP BNR/ENR Upgrade (Prince George's County)

The Board approved a $555,928 grant to construct Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) facilities at the existing 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD) Indian Head Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to achieve 3 mg/l total nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l total phosphorus in its effluent water quality. These improvements will reduce nutrients discharged to Mattawoman Creek, the Potomac River, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay and will help Maryland meet the goals of the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.

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