ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 15, 1999) – The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $525,790 grant increase today for the construction of a Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at the Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant in Carroll County.

"We have an obligation to future generations to protect and preserve the ecosystems in our precious Chesapeake Bay," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "By funding the Westminster project and controlling nutrients we are moving aggressively to ensure that the water in our Bay and its tributaries is clean and healthy."

The project involves the installation of a BNR system specifically designed to reduce nitrogen discharge at the existing five million gallons-per-day wastewater treatment plant and achieve the state’s 40 percent nutrient reduction goals. A previous grant was for $1.4 million and a matching $1.95 million grant from Carroll County were also awarded to this project, which will improve the environment in existing developed land in a priority funding area and is consistent with the Governor’s Smart Growth Initiative.

"The financial assistance from the Department of the Environment and the State of Maryland is essential to allow the City of Westminster to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant by constructing biological nutrient removal facilities," said Westminster Mayor Kenneth A. Yowan. "This project will enhance water quality in the Little Pipe Creek watershed and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay."

Chaired by Governor Glendening, the Board of Public Works also is comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The Board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

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