Press Release

(BALTIMORE, MD) February 24, 2010 - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $3.17 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and drinking water systems. The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

"These projects significantly reduce nitrogen pollution, provide safe drinking water and put people to work across the state," said Governor Martin O'Malley.

The following projects were approved in the following locations:

Poolesville Enhanced Nutrient Reduction – Montgomery County

This $135,000 grant from the Bay Restoration Fund, in addition to a previous grant of $100,000, will fund the planning, design, and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the ENR upgrade, the Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62 percent and phosphorous discharge by 85 percent. These improvements will reduce nutrients discharged to Seneca Creek and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
Cambridge Combined Sewer Separation – Dorchester County

This $600,000 grant from the State Water Quality Fund will fund the separation of the combined sanitary and storm water sewer system and eliminate the discharges of raw sewage into the Choptank River. The City of Cambridge will construct new sanitary and/or storm drain lines as needed for the area currently served by the combined system. This grant is for Phase V and includes separating the sewer system in and around High, Muir, and Academy streets and Cemetery Avenue.
Braddock Run Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation/Replacement – Allegany County

A $500,000 Bay Restoration Fund Sewer Rehabilitation Grant, in addition to over $1 million in federal grants, will fund the design and construction of the deteriorated Braddock Run Interceptor, including manholes. Improving the structural integrity of the pipeline will reduce inflow and infiltration to the sewage collection system. Once complete, the improvements will reduce the potential for sewer overflows and backups and will lower operational costs.
Westernport Combined Sewer Overflow – Allegany County

A $936,000 Bay Restoration Fund Sewer Rehabilitation Grant, a $500,000 grant increase from the MDE’s Supplemental Assistance Program, and earlier State grants of over $2.8 million and $833,700 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will fund planning, engineering, and construction to eliminate combined sewer overflows in and around the Town of Westernport. The project will separate the combined sewers, rehabilitate and/or replace existing pipelines, and eliminate known overflow points. This project will help to eliminate a public health threat and source of environmental degradation and will assist the Town in complying with a Consent Decree.
Dares Beach / Chesapeake Heights Arsenic Treatment – Calvert County

This $100,000 Water Supply Grant will fund the replacement of the existing wells at both the Dares Beach and Chesapeake Heights water treatment plants with one new well in a deeper aquifer that would supply water to both the Dares Beach and Chesapeake Heights water systems, which serve 1,450 people. This project will provide a reduction in arsenic levels in the water systems to ensure they comply with the new state mandated arsenic water quality standards.
East Prince Frederick Tower and Well Project – Calvert County

A $400,000 Water Supply grant will fund the construction of a new well and elevated water storage tank necessary to meet water requirements for Prince Frederick Town Center. This project will serve 3,250 people and provide a reduction in arsenic levels in the water systems to ensure they comply with the new state mandated arsenic water quality standards.

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