ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 23, 1998) -- Funds for the construction of two monitoring wells to determine whether phragmites growing along the treatment lagoon of the Church Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant in Queen Anne's County, have penetrated the lagoon's protective liner, received Board of Public Works approval today of a $6,000 grant.

Data from the monitoring wells could indicate that phragmite roots have penetrated the lagoon liner causing wastewater leakage into ground water. If this is confirmed, corrective action will be taken. The Church Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant processes 80,000 gallons of wastewater per day.

"It is important that Church Hill officials determine whether these reeds have penetrated the protective liner of the wastewater treatment lagoon," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "The monitoring wells will determined whether the town has a potential health problem. The sooner we know the facts, the sooner we can implement a solution."

Construction of the wells was started and completed in August 1998.

"We have had a problem with phragmites growth on the berms and in the primary lagoon since we reconstructed one berm in 1992," said John P. Griffin, President of Church Hill Town Commissioners. "The results from this project may help other wastewater treatment plant owners."

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

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