ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 6, 2002) – Governor Parris N. Glendening announced Board of Public Works approval this week of a $100,000 grant increase for the Town of Delmar to upgrade its existing wastewater treatment plant to utilize biological nutrient removal (BNR).

This is among the first BNR upgrade projects to be funded following Governor Glendening’s Executive Order issued last month to implement enhanced nutrient removal in major wastewater treatment plants across the State.

“This project is consistent with Maryland’s commitment to reduce the amount of nutrients being discharged to the Chesapeake Bay and will improve aquatic habitat” said Governor Glendening. “We are taking aggressive action to protect and preserve our precious Chesapeake Bay while improving the quality of life for all Marylanders.”

The project upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant includes the planning, design and construction of facilities to upgrade the existing 650,000 gallons-per-day plant to achieve BNR.

“We, at the Town of Delmar, are aware of and totally in support of the BNR project,” said Delmar Mayor P. Douglas Niblett. “Good water quality will benefit the town as well as the Bay. In all ways, we are attempting to improve our water quality and this project will enhance our efforts.”

The total cost of the project is more than $1 million of which $415,000 is the local share. Previously the town has been awarded $515,000 in grants for this project. Construction on the upgrade is expected to begin next December and is slated for completion by June 2005.

This is among the first BNR upgrade projects to be funded following Governor Glendening’s Executive Order issued last month to implement enhanced nutrient removal in major wastewater treatment plants across the state. The policy established by the Executive Order will build upon technologies such as those planned for Delmar to enhance Maryland’s region-leading nutrient reduction program.

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