Maryland Board Of Public Works Approves $5.6M Grant To WSSC Water To Help Protect The Chesapeake Bay

• Grant Provides Funding for WSSC Water’s Share to Upgrade Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C.
• Upgrade Significantly Reduces Nutrients Entering Bay

The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) today approved a $5.595M Bay Restoration Fund Grant to help fund WSSC Water’s share of major upgrades to the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Washington, D.C. The upgrades significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous, nutrients that contribute to poor water quality, from entering the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.

“These state-of-the-art treatment upgrades underscore our commitment to protecting our beloved Chesapeake Bay,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Carla A. Reid. “We thank BPW members for approving this important grant and appreciate the Maryland Department of the Environment’s ongoing support of our clean-water mission.”

The multi-phased project consists of planning, design and construction of Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrades at the treatment plant. WSSC Water is responsible for funding approximately half of the project - nearly $400M of the total $850M. To date, the state has committed nearly $172M in grants and nearly $100M in low-interest loans to help cover WSSC Water’s share.

Construction on the multi-year program to upgrade the plant began in 2007 and should be completed within the next few years. On average, Blue Plains WWTP treats approximately 60 percent of wastewater flows generated by Montgomery and Prince George’s County residents.

About WSSC Water:
WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.