Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, May 8, 2002

MWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 LulfiarvilU, Morylond 21093 3 1 5 Cannon Houm Office Building Washington, D.C 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, May 8, 2002 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich Introduces Legislation to Improve Regional Wastewater Treatment Plants WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Ehrlich (MD-2) and regional members of Congress introduced landmark legislation this week that will reduce nitrogen discharge from wastewater treatment plants that harm the environment. Nitrogen is currently one of the primary pollutants of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “Water pollution is the single biggest environmental hazard facing the Chesapeake Bay watershed today. My legislation makes critical investments in treatment plant technology upgrades all across the region that will ensure a cleaner watershed for future generations.” Currently, 60 million pounds of nitrogen pollute the Bay from the region’s 288 treatment plants each year. Congressman Ehrlich’s legislation would improve treatment plant output by reducing nitrogen pollution flows by up to 88 percent. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $660 million over the next five years for equipment upgrades at sewage treatment plants, thereby reducing or removing nitrogen that harms the Bay. Congressman Ehrlich joined several regional lawmakers to introduce this important legislation, including Reps. Tom Davis (R-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Connie Morelia (R-MD), and Tim Holden (D-PA). Congressman Ehrlich continued, “Recent sewage plant spills from Perry Hall to Western Maryland remind us that nitrogen discharge can wreak havoc on our local environments without proper safeguards. My legislation takes a big step toward improving our plants and keeping the Bay and its tributaries clean, safe, and protected for our children and grandchildren.” ###