Maryland to invest in water infrastructure upgrades

The state of Maryland, US, will spend in excess of $37m on technology improvements to septic systems and wastewater treatment plants in the state, including two in Baltimore City.

The funding is part of the series of grants from the Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Project.

Maryland Department of the Environment spokesperson Jay Apperson is quoted by bmoremedia.com as saying that funding will not only enhance the plants efficiency but also aid in the creation of about 5,000 jobs.

The projects has designated 67 major plants for improvement with the objective of reducing pollution and improve water quality, with 25 already upgraded and 16 scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.

The Back River plant in Baltimore will receive $13m for reducing nitrogen discharge by 67%, while the Patapsco Plant will garner $3.7m of the funding for reducing nitrogen discharge by 83%.

The plants in Baltimore City are two of the largest in the state.

Carroll County’s New Windsor plant will receive $2m to help pay off its existing $3.8m loan, while the Emmitsburg plant will add $3.7m to its existing $1.7m grant, and an additional $14.8m will be allocated to counties throughout the state for septic system upgrades.