U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release

DoD, Maryland Partner to Improve Chesapeake Bay Restoration

             The Department of Defense today entered into an agreement with the State of Maryland outlining DoD’s commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed at DoD installations across Maryland. 

           Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Alex Beehler and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment Donald R. Schregardus signed a memorandum of understanding with Maryland Secretary of the Environment Kendl P. Philbrick, detailing specific actions DoD will take in helping to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

             The agreement specifies that providing DoD continues its watershed improvement projects, such as upgrading wastewater treatment plants, shoreline stabilization, and creating or enhancing stream buffers and wetlands, Maryland will not seek to collect approximately $900,000 in fees associated with the Maryland Bay Restoration Fund.

             DoD has invested more than $15 million over the past three fiscal years in projects improving the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem.  Projects include $1 million for shoreline stabilization at Aberdeen Proving Ground, $980,000 for upgrading sewer lift stations at Andrews Air Force Base, and more than $1 million for creating a living shoreline at Naval Support Facility Solomons Island. 

             “DoD will continue to balance and integrate defense activities with the Chesapeake Bay’s restoration and protection,” said Beehler.  “We will employ new technologies and practices that improve our environmental programs and commitments to the Bay.  The challenge we face and shall meet is to achieve a secure, sustainable future that contributes not only to the success of our armed forces and our nation, but also to the success of restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay.”

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