BALTIMORE, MD (March 28, 2007) - The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental leaders today in recognizing the City of Rockville, Md., for efficiently using federal funding for the planning, design, and restoration of the main stem of Watts Branch.

The Watts Branch restoration project included enhancement of existing wetlands, restoring a stream buffer, stabilizing 4,000 feet of eroding stream bank and upgrading storm drain outfalls. This project helps reduce nonpoint source pollution in area streams and the Chesapeake Bay and enhances aquatic habitat. The project will assist in enhancing existing wetlands, restoring stream buffer, stabilizing eroding stream bank and upgrading storm drain outfalls – critical to reducing non-point source pollution in streams and the Chesapeake Bay

“Maryland has critical nitrogen reduction targets, particularly from nonpoint source pollution and this project exemplifies some of the department’s core goals of collaboration and accountability.” said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “Rockville was the first project in Maryland to benefit.”

The Maryland Department of Environment selected Rockville to receive EPA’s 2006 Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) award. The award is presented to communities that most effectively and efficiently use funding from the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program.

“The City of Rockville has set a marvelous example for communities that have nonpoint source problems that impact key water resources such as the Chesapeake Bay,” said Donald S. Welsh, administrator for EPA’s mid Atlantic region.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program is an innovative method of financing environmental projects that protect public health water quality and support the Clean Water Act. EPA provides a grant to each state, and states use the funds to provide low interest loans for water quality projects. In Maryland, the program is managed by MDE.

For information on EPA’s PISCES award, visit: www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/2006pisces.htm

Editor's Note

A Number Of Digital Images From This Event Are Available. Please Contact MDE’s Office Of Communications.

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