The Daily Record - On the Record: At MACo, wastewater’s on the table

20080815 The Daily Record - On the Record: At MACo, wastewater’s on the table

It’s an idea whose time has come. It is still a little expensive…

At MACo, wastewater’s on the table

August 15, 2008

Perhaps you’ve heard of some western U.S. municipalities that are recycling water, or purifying their own wastewater for reuse in the community. Sounds a little nauseating, but it’s been an apparent success in many communities.

[…]

Maryland Environment Secretary Shari Wilson said Thursday that Maryland is not working on any regulations for water reuse, but will be interested to discuss the concept with local governments.

ANDY ROSEN, Business Writer

Posted by The Daily Record Filed Under business, government

Read the entire post here At MACo, wastewater’s on the table – and follow the links in the post:

http://blogs.mddailyrecord.com/ontherecord/2008/08/15/at-maco-wastewaters-on-the-table/

Water Sewer, Water Sewer Maryland, Water Sewer recycled water, Water Sewer Westminster, Water Sewer Wster Wastewater Treat Plant

20080516 NYT Los Angeles Eyes Sewage as a Source of Water

20080516 NYT Los Angeles Eyes Sewage as a Source of Water

May 16, 2008

Los Angeles Eyes Sewage as a Source of Water

By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD

LOS ANGELES — Faced with a persistent drought and the threat of tighter water supplies, Los Angeles plans to begin using heavily cleansed sewage to increase drinking water supplies, joining a growing number of cities considering similar measures.

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, who opposed such a plan a decade ago over safety concerns, announced the proposal on Thursday as part of a package of initiatives to put the city, the nation’s second largest, on a stricter water budget…

[…]

Many cities and towns across the country, including Los Angeles, already recycle wastewater for industrial uses and landscaping.

But the idea of using recycled wastewater, after intense filtering and chemical treatment, to replenish aquifers and reservoirs has gotten more notice lately because of technological advances that, industry leaders say, can make the water purer than tap water. San Diego and South Florida are also considering or planning to test the idea, and Orange County, Calif., opened a $481 million plant in January, without much community resistance, that is believed to be the world’s largest such facility.

[…]

It will cost about $1 billion to retool the water works to treat the sewage, capture more rainfall and make other improvements. The money, city officials said, will come in part from state grants and fees on polluters, though they have not ruled out increases in water bills as well. The City Council must approve some of the changes.

Read the entire article here: Los Angeles Eyes Sewage as a Source of Water

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/16water.html?ref=us

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