South County Receives 'Clean Water' Funding

The Maryland Board of Public Works (MBPW) approved a $5.4 million grant to Anne Arundel County last week to reduce pollution, improve water quality and protect drinking water in south county.

According to a press release by the MBPW, the money will go towards upgrading the Broadwater Water Reclamation Facility in Churchton, reducing its impact on the environment.

Money will also go towards creating an Enhanced Nutrient Removal Facility in Churchton that will help decrease the facility's phosphorus, nitrogen and nutrient discharge.

Owned and operated by Anne Arundel County and its Department of Public Works (DPW), the facility treats around 2 million gallons of domestic wastewater per day from more than 10,000 people in the county. The facility removes pollutants from wastewater before discharging it into the Chesapeake Bay. 

“Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay,” according to the release.

Once upgraded, the facility will reportedly be able to reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent. 

The MBPW is comprised of Gov. Martin O’Malley, Teasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“Projects such as these are an important part of our effort to improve Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay,” according to O’Malley in the press release. “These projects reduce pollution and protect public health while creating jobs for more Marylanders.”