The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides grant funding through the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) to assist local governments in reducing point source nutrient loads to the Chesapeake Bay. The goal of this funding is “to restore and improve the quality of state waters and to protect them from impairment and destruction for the benefit of current and future citizens of the Commonwealth” (Section 10.1-2118 of the Code of Virginia).
WQIF point source grant funds are available to assist in the costs associated with the design and installation of nutrient removal technology at publicly-owned treatment plants for compliance with the effluent limitations for total nitrogen and total phosphorus as required by the tributary strategy plans or applicable regulatory requirements.
The FY 2019 – FY 2023 Capital Improvement Plan includes $11,000,000 for the upgrade of the Thornburg Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Utilities/Public Works Department is seeking permission to submit a WQIF grant application to DEQ for the design and installation of nutrient removal technology at the Thornburg WWTP. Preliminary estimates indicate that the County would be eligible for approximately $3,234,594 in WQIF funds for costs associated with the design and installation of nutrient removal technology at the Thornburg WWTP.