ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 16, 2005) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced Board of Public Works approval today of a $200,000 grant for the Town of Indian Head’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (Charles County) to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant to an enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) system.

“This upgrade will dramatically reduce the amount of nutrients being discharged into Mattawoman Creek, the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay,” Governor Ehrlich said, “furthering our commitment to achieve reduction goals set in the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.”

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 Indian Head’s existing wastewater treatment plant includes the planning, design and construction of a full-scale ENR facility so it can achieve a goal of removing total nitrogen to a goal of 3 milligrams per liter (mg/l) and total phosphorus to 0.3 mg/l.

Total cost of the project is roughly $8.2 million. The state has previously given more than $1.6 million toward the upgrade with future contributions being provided from the state revolving loan fund, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and others.

“Because of this partnership we will be able to correct age old problems throughout our town,” said Indian Head Town Manager Ronald Young. “Through MDE’s funding and our commitment we will be able to meet new standards. Our thanks to MDE for their efforts and support in forging a partnership that accrues to everyone’s benefit and to the protection of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Planning for this undertaking began in March 2004. Construction on the upgrade is expected to begin in September with completion anticipated roughly a year later.

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