BALTIMORE (March 24, 2010)—The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $2.96 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and collection systems, and drinking water systems. $1 million of this amount is destined for two projects in southern Maryland.
LA PLATA ENHANCED NUTRIENT REMOVAL UPGRADE – CHARLES COUNTY: This $500,000 grant from the Bay Restoration Fund, in addition to a previous grant of $110,000, will fund the planning, design, and construction of Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant. After the ENR upgrade, the La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62 percent and phosphorous discharge by 85 percent. These improvements will reduce sanitary sewer overflows and the resulting discharge of nutrients into the Port Tobacco River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
PINEY POINT SEWER REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT – ST. MARY’S COUNTY: This $500,000 Sewer Rehabilitation Grant from the Bay Restoration Fund will fund the rehabilitation of a deteriorated 60-year-old sewage collection system including relining, replacing, and repairing of pipes and manholes and other system components as necessary to improve performance. Once complete, the new, more efficient system will reduce pollution into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
The Board is composed of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot.