Maryland approves $300,000 in grants for water quality improvement

The Maryland Board of Public Works, which is made up of Gov. Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, approved grants totaling more than $300,000 to improve rivers in Western Maryland affected by abandoned mines.

In Allegany County, the Allegany Soil Conservation District will receive $251,948 for the Winebrenner Run Acid Mine Drainage Remediation project, which previously received $273,000. The project treats the effects of runoff from an abandoned mine that is acidic and contaminated with metals.

Caroline County’s town of Preston will receive $56,000 for upgrades at the Preston Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will aid in biological nutrient and enhanced nutrient removal.

“These are smart investments and great news for Maryland communities and citizens of the Chesapeake Bay region." Ben Grumbles, secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, said. "The Maryland Department of the Environment thanks Governor Hogan for his leadership on this environmental priority. Undoing the effects of drainage from abandoned mines and reducing nutrient pollution to our waterways will help us to green and grow the state’s economy, and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.”