BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved more than $16 million in grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality. The board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford chaired Wednesday’s meeting.

“These are smart investments to protect public health and prevent water pollution in Maryland communities while saving money and energy,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Energy efficiency saves money and, along with the use of renewable energy, helps the Chesapeake Bay by reducing nitrogen pollution. Upgrading septic systems will also help us to green and grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”

The following projects were approved on Wednesday:

Upgrade Septic Systems – Statewide

Grants from the Bay Restoration Fund totaling $15 million will provide funding for counties to upgrade on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems and to connect septic systems to public wastewater treatment plants to significantly reduce the discharge of nitrogen, one of the most serious pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay. Counties will focus on upgrading septic systems located within the critical area. All 23 Maryland counties will benefit from the grants.

LED Lights for Montebello Filtration Plant project – Baltimore City

A $685,597 Energy Water Infrastructure Program grant to the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore will fund the replacement of lighting fixtures at the Montebello Filtration Plant with energy efficient LED fixtures. The project will reduce plant operating costs through lower energy use. The project is consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act’s statewide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.

Carroll County Stormwater Management Restoration – Carroll County

A $347,340 Bay Restoration Fund grant to Carroll County will help fund projects to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff in urban areas of Carroll County as part of the county’s efforts to improve water quality in local streams and the Chesapeake Bay and to comply with its municipal stormwater permit. The work consists of the retrofit of existing stormwater management facilities, the creation of new stormwater management facilities and stream restoration. This board action is for the Greens of Westminster subproject. This project is consistent with Maryland’s climate change adaptation and resiliency objectives through the reduction of runoff that is exacerbated by increased precipitation or flooding events.

[Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels]