ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 11, 2008) – The Maryland Board of Public Works today approved over $1 million in grants for capital construction projects to improve water quality and water supply in Harford and Cecil Counties. The Board is comprised of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“These grants to Harford and Cecil Counties will allow these counties to continue to protect the environment in the face of development challenges,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “These projects will help Maryland meet our goals under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.”

"Combined, these projects will reduce nutrient pollution and protect public health,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “These projects are basic yet crucial."

Oaklyn Manor Sewer Phase II – Harford County

The Board approved a new grant of $490,000 to provide better wastewater treatment and reduce nutrient pollution. The project consists of extending the sanitary sewer into the Oaklyn Manor area located in the Joppa area of Harford County. The Oaklyn Manor area is experiencing septic system problems ranging from direct discharges to drain field failure creating public health and safety risks to the community. The wastewater collected from the area will be transported to the Sod Run wastewater treatment plant for treatment and disposal. The proposed project will provide community wastewater collection system to the low-income residences of the area.

Perryville WWTP BNR/ENR Upgrade – Cecil County

The Board approved a grant increase of $546,211 to upgrade the Perryville Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project involves planning, design and construction of the Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing 1.65 million gallon per day Perryville Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve effluent concentrations of 3 mg/l for Total Nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l for Total Phosphorus. This Board action is for the construction phase of the project.

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