Last week, Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved more than $4 million in grants for four wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects.
“These are smart investments to protect public health and the environment,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Rehabilitating Luke’s aging sewer system, improving the drinking water system in Westernport and upgrading the Lewistown wastewater treatment plant help deliver on our clean and safe water commitments while boosting the economy locally and across the state.”
Each of the projects will be constructed in accordance with coastal and non-coastal resiliency guidelines, in order to reduce climate change risks to the projects.
The following projects were approved:
Lewistown Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade
A $2,466,000 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Frederick County will help fund the construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade at the Lewistown Wastewater Treatment Plant. Upon completion of the upgrade, the new wastewater treatment plant will reduce nutrients to the Upper Monocacy River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration plan.
Westernport Water Distribution Improvements Phase IV
Water Supply Financial Assistance grants totaling $1,141,941 to the Town of Westernport will help fund the replacement of the aging water distribution system throughout the town, including the installation of water meters, storage tanks, and pumps.
Town of Luke Landslide Sewer Line Repair
Grants totaling $488,468 – a $488,000 Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Assistance program and grant and a $468 Bay Restoration Fund grant – to the Town of Luke will fund a rehabilitation of the town’s aging sewer system. A landslide damaged a portion of the collection system, which also needs to be repaired. This project is consistent with Maryland’s climate change adaptation and resiliency objectives through the reduction of runoff that is exacerbated by increased precipitation or flooding events.
New Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Upgrade
A $30,604 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of New Windsor will fund the planning for construction of an Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrade at the New Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant. Upon construction completion the new wastewater treatment plant will reduce nutrients to Dickenson Run and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration plan.
