Press Release

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 23, 2007) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $200,000 State Supplemental Grant increase for the Town of Indian Head to upgrade the Indian Head Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Board is comprised of Governor Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Upgrading wastewater treatment plants is critical to achieving nutrient reductions discharged into the Chesapeake Bay,” said Shari T. Wilson, secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). “We serve Marylanders to protect and restore the state’s natural resources. These grants are significant in expediting the technological advancements in reducing nutrient flow to the Bay.”

The project entails the planning, design, and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal and Enhanced Nutrient Removal facilities at the existing 0.5 million gallons per day (MGD) Indian Head Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve effluent quality with annual average nutrient goals of 3.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) for Total Nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l Total Phosphorus. These improvements will reduce nutrients to the Mattawoman Creek, the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

“A unique partnership has been forged with MDE and the Town of Indian Head,” said Indian Head Mayor Dennis Scheessele. “Our thanks to MDE for their efforts and their support in foregoing a partnership that accrues to everyone’s benefit and to the protection of the Chesapeake Bay.”

The construction is in progress, and is expected to be complete in June 2008.

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