Biological Nutrient Removal Program

The Biological Nutrient Program (BNR) funds are targeted to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with design flow of 0.5 mgd or greater and provides funds to retrofit or upgrade WWTPs with biological nitrification/denitrification facilities to achieve a goal of annual average effluent concentration of 8 mg/l total nitrogen.

Project Selection Process:  Projects are rated and ranked based on the Integrated Project Priority System (IPPS).  Projects must conform to Smart Growth Criteria, be located in a Priority Funding Area, and must be consistent with the County Water and Sewer Plan. The costs associated with plant expansion are not eligible.

Funding: The Program provides capital grant funds on a 50/50 cost-share basis to major publicly owned wastewater treatment plant's for biological nutrient removal. Eligible costs include engineering & pilot study, design, and construction costs. Funds are provided on a reimbursable basis after a payment request is made for eligible project costs. MDE also provides low interest loans to local governments to finance the local cost of implementing BNR facilities at WWTPs, as well as to finance the other costs associated with plant upgrade or expansion consistent with Smart Growth. Other State, local, or federal funds, may be used as local match.

Contact:  For more information, please contact Elaine Dietz at (410) 537-3908.