Board of Public Works Approves Funding for Clean Water and the Chesapeake Bay; Including Poolesville Project

The Maryland Board of Public Works in Annapolis approved more than $10 million in grants and loans today to reduce water pollution and flooding risks, including a project in Poolesville. The board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford chaired the meeting. “These are smart investments to advance our Chesapeake Bay goals, protect public health and reduce flooding risks to Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Horacio Tablada.

The Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Refinement project was one of the projects approved earlier this month. “A $7,065,360 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Poolesville will help fund the planning, design and construction of denitrification filters and related equipment at the Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the plant to consistently reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Seneca Creek and ultimately 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.”