Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today announced that the agency has received a major water industry award at the Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, the largest of its kind in North America. 

DPW, and our consultant KCI Technologies were honored as a “Top Project” winner for Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant.  This $285 million project, along with a similar one at the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant, is another important step in reducing nitrogen and phosphorous pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay. Nutrients contribute to algae blooms and associated fish kills.  

Director Chow stated: “I want to thank our engineers and KCI Technologies for exemplifying professional excellence in the project. Once completed, this project will greatly enhance the health of Back River and the Chesapeake Bay.”  The project is scheduled for completion in May 2017.
 
The award recognizes water and wastewater industry professionals for innovative and remarkable projects.  Winners will be profiled in the December annual reference guide issue of Water and Wastes Digest magazine. Winners were selected as the “best of the best” by the editorial staff of Water and Wastes Digest and the Industrial Water and Wastes Digest magazines. 

The award was received Monday evening, September 26, at the 2016 Top Projects and Industrial Top Projects awards ceremony, during the annual WEFTEC Conference, now being held in New Orleans.