Today the Maryland Board of Public Works, composed Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot approved nearly $9 million in grants and loans today. These loans and grants are to reduce pollution, save energy and improve drinking water systems.
The Town of Rock Hall received a $25,600 Bay Restoration Fund grant. The grant is funding for the planning for an Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrade of the Rock Hall Wastewater Treatment Plant.
After the upgrade, the facility will reduce its nitrogen discharge by 83% and its phosphorus discharge by 70%, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients to Gray’s Inn Creek and ultimately 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.