ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 3, 2003) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced Board of Public Works approval today of a $500,000 grant for Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Plant (Charles County) to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant to a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system.

“These improvements further our commitment toward making sure Maryland achieves the nutrient reduction goals set in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement,” Governor Ehrlich said.

Excess nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, lead to degraded water quality, which negatively impact the ecology of the Bay and its tributaries.

The project upgrade to Mattawoman’s existing wastewater treatment plant includes the planning, design and construction of a full-scale BNR facility so it can achieve a goal of removing total nitrogen to a seasonal average of 8 milligrams per liter (mg/l), using biological treatment. The planning and design approach will also take into account the ability to treat total nitrogen levels lower than 8 mg/l.

“Charles County government desires to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing the amount of nutrients being discharged from sewage treatment plants to the bay and its tributaries,” said Charles County Administrator Eugene T. Lauer. “We look forward to working on this endeavor.”

The total cost of the project is $28.1 million. The state has previously given more than $5.2 million toward the upgrade with future contributions being provided from the state revolving loan fund, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The local share will be $18.1 million. The balance of the cost will be provided through U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state grant contributions.

Construction on the upgrade is expected to begin in early next year with completion by June 2006.

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