20010829 MDE: Westminster awarded grant to upgrade wastewater treatment plant

20010829 MDE: Westminster awarded grant to upgrade wastewater treatment plant

Press Releases

Maryland Department of the Environment

Richard McIntire (410) 537-3012 (410) 716-8784-Pager

CARROLL COUNTY AWARDED GRANT TO UPGRADE WESTMINSTER'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

http://www.mde.state.md.us/PressReleases/133.html

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 29, 2001) – Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced Maryland Board of Public Works’ approval of a $164,562 grant for Carroll County to upgrade and expand the existing Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant so that it may operate more efficiently.

“We are taking progressive steps to protect our finite natural resources without compromising the high quality of service Marylanders expect,” said Governor Glendening. “This funding will allow Carroll County to serve citizens from the Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant in a more efficient and effective way while at the same time, reducing the amount of nutrients being released into Maryland’s waterways. This grant assists with our on-going efforts to target state funds in Priority Funding Areas consistent with our Smart Growth Initiative.”

The upgrade to the existing Westminster treatment plant will include the construction of a Biological Nutrient Removal facility to improve nitrogen removal to a level of 8 milligrams per liter. The project also includes an expansion to increase the wastewater treatment capacity to 5 million gallons per day.

County officials are hoping this grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Water Quality Infrastructure Program will assist them in helping meet the Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction goal of 40 percent.

“The financial assistance from MDE and the state of Maryland is essential to allow the city to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant,” said Westminster Mayor Kenneth A. Yowan. “This project will enhance water quality in the Little Pipe Creek watershed and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

The total cost of the project is $4.2 million of which $2.1 million is the local share being paid by the city of Westminster. The grant approved today increases the state’s participation in the project to more than $2.1 million.

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Water and Sewer Westminster, Water and Sewer Westminster Wastewater Treatment Plant